Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last weekend we celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s first Saint. Mary MacKillop was an educator, a pioneer and a leader, someone who had compassion for others regardless of their situation or race.

Mary is a fitting role model for the community of St Pius X and I have a beautiful print of her in my office to reflect our dedication to her. Over the past months I have witnessed many of our students emulate the qualities of Mary in their daily lives, by striving to "Never see a need without doing something about it”. Small acts of kindness, including helping to carry equipment, or including someone that is alone into a game are certainly behaviours we see in our students at St Pius X. I am particularly proud of our senior students who strive to lead by example for their younger peers.

Reflecting on Mary Mackillop, I am also grateful for our very own Josephite  Sister, Sr Kerry Gardiner. Kerry is a real treasure and I hope many of you get to know her through the Sacramental program this year. 

Relief Principal

This Thursday I have the privilege of being part of a panel of educators to review the School Improvement journey at St Joseph’s Bulli. It is always lovely to visit other schools to see their journey of faith and learning and reflect on their strategic plans.  I welcome Mrs Brenda Wilson to our school who will act in the capacity of Relief Principal on Thursday.

From the Parent Handbook

Counselling Catholic Care provides regular counselling services and pastoral support for students who may be experiencing social, emotional or behavioural concerns that may impact their learning. Parents or caregivers should contact the Principal to discuss and arrange counselling or pastoral support if required.

Pupil Free Days

The Catholic Education Office requires staff to undertake four professional development days per year. To enable staff to benefit fully from these days, students do not attend school, hence the term 'Pupil Free Day'. Timely notice will be given in the school newsletter and through school calendars to allow families to make alternative arrangements for their child/ren on these days.

P and F Pie Drive Thank You

A very big thank you to our team of volunteers that so capably distributed pies. The gift of your time and support for the school is appreciated.

Thank you to Kathy Hicks, Danielle Chapman, Helen Meezs, Jane Brejniak, Kirsty Hill and Jennifer Ryan.

Yours Sincerely,

Pauline Chrostowski - Principal

The following students will receive awards for Week 3 and Week 4

Merit Awards                      

When you have 5 Merit Awards, you qualify for a PRINCIPAL AWARD

Baxter T(6R)

When you have 3 Principal's Awards, you will qualify for a Mackillop Award

Mackillop Award 

Matteo N(3B)

Gabriel A(4R)

Harrison C(5B)

Baxter T(6R)

When you have 2 Mackillop Awards, You qualify for a School Medallion

School Medallion 

Baxter (6R)

Congratulations to all of these students.         

Staff Development Day 

The staff will be participating in a STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY on FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER. 

Therefore the last day of Term 3 for students will be on Thursday 24th September. 

Book Week 

It's that time of the year again when the students are asked to write a 'Book of the Year' to enter into our Book Week competition. The students are asked to write a fiction or non-fiction book and add illustrations if necessary. They will be judged by independent judges who will be looking for a creative story, and correct grammar and punctuation. The students can present their book in whatever format they wish including digital books.

Entries close on Friday 18th September (Week 9). This competition is not compulsory but is an opportunity for the students to showcase their talents. There will be a prize awarded per grade and silver and gold awards for the overall infants and primary winners.

If you have any further questions please contact Mrs Poder or Mrs Galea for further details.

More information on our Book Week activities will be provided at a later date. 

National Principal's Day 

Last Friday was National Principal's Day, a time dedicated to celebrating hard working, determined, and visionary principals across the country. Leaders instil in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals. At St Pius X we are blessed to have Mrs Pauline Chrostowski as such a wonderful role model and leader.

Mrs Chrostowski,

Words Cannot begin to describe how thankful we are for the work you do as school principal. You are the glue that holds St Pius X together. Your ability to empathize with our students and constant belief in the staff inspires us all to learn new things.

We are continually impressed with your ability to unite our school community. You have fostered a sense of support and appreciation that allows us as educators to improve our practice daily. Your long hours and hard work make such a difference to ensure the learning and growth of both our students and staff.

Thank you for your compassion and integrity when interacting with all members of our community and your ability to “listen with the ear of your heart”.

Mr Simon Farrugia

RE News 

This week parents of our Sacramental candidates attended a parent information session with Fr Duane and the Sacramental team. We look forward to working in partnership with you in preparing your children for Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary:On Saturday it is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. We celebrate Mary’s passing from this world into the glory of God. Mary was a person of faith and trust who loved her son Jesus, even when he did things she didn’t understand.

We pray that we walk in Mary’s shoes and learn to be people of faith and hope willing to trust in God.

St Pius X's Feast Day:Next Friday the 21^st of August we will celebrate St Pius X’s Feast Day. Students will dress in mufti clothes and will participate in rotational activities linked to our patron saint. We will also be launching the new names for our colour houses, stay tuned for more information on this next Friday.   

Canteen News

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our canteen will remain closed for the forseeable future. 

We would like to thank you for your understanding during these difficult times. 

We will endeavour to keep you updated on the status of the canteen.

Thank you also to all of our valuable volunteers, we look foward to having you back and running our canteen again.

Dear Parishioners and friends, 

It has been wonderful to see more people coming to church each week, even though it has become increasingly difficult to fit everyone into our allowable capacity - a great problem to have! Our registration process presumes that preferences remain the same from week to week, unless we are informed otherwise. As such, it is all the more important now for registered Mass attenders to inform us as early as possible if your plans have changed for a coming weekend. We have worked together beautifully as a community during these times to make it possible for Masses to begin again safely; thanks again to our monitors and secretaries for their wonderful work, and to all parishioners for your co-operation during these times.

Please find attached:

• Parish Bulletin (with thanks to Sue Briscoe) 

Be assured of my ongoing prayers for you all.

Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes
0414 626 357