It has been wonderful to witness the children engaged in their learning throughout the school. The students are clearly able to articulate what they are learning and the areas that they need to focus on. I was particularly impressed with the work of our students in the following areas:

SPLICED

(Stretching Potential through Learning in Interactive Challenging Environments in the Diocese of Wollongong).

Selected students in Years 4-6 have engaged with Mrs Samantha Walker and members of the Catholic Education Office (CEDoW) throughout the year, culminating with a presentation of creative works in the Hall on Monday. Well done to the following students involved in SPLICED 2022:

 Rome G, Sienna G, Hudson O, Joshua S, Mia H, Tiffany T, Eva, Lucas B, John C, Matthew D, Joseph F, Katelyn H, Ruby H, Ike M, Max O, Markian R and Elisabeth S.

Public Speaking 2022

Year Five and Six have taken part in a Public Speaking competition. As a result of this Mason B and Max O were selected to represent our Diocese at St John's Dapto, congratulations to all the students involved.

Night of the Notables

Year Six students have selected a “Notable” person to study and then presented this in an expo style format for parents and the wider community. The standard was high and I congratulate all students on their efforts.

MiniLit ( Years 1-2) Macqlit (Year 3-6)

Mini and Macqlit are literacy intervention programs which aim to consolidate the five literacy skills of Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension. Selected students across Years 1-6 have participated in this program and we are seeing wonderful success.

STEM MAD!

Noah V, Katie H, Sienna C and Addison B have capably led STEM initiatives, this included a presentation in Melbourne and more recently an interview and filming for our Diocese. Congratulations also to Micah P, Mac and Lucas B who won a Diocesan excellence in CAD (Computer Aided Design)  award!

The students at St Pius X continue to amaze me each day, with their energy and effort in learning. As a staff, we collectively take responsibility for engaging all students with quality leaning experiences that optimise every student’s academic potential.

I thank you as parents for your support of your child’s learning.

Formation of Classes for 2023

The process of forming classes for 2023 has commenced. St Pius X, as a result of an upward trend in enrolments will again be in a position to offer 13 classes. This means there will be two classes in each year, with the exception of Year Five 2023 who will remain as a standard size group of twenty-six.

Teachers have a very good understanding of their students, their learning, and their social and academic needs and strengths. They spend significant time considering the placement of each student and their individual needs as they transition to the next year.

Included with this newsletter is the St Pius X  formation of classes policy. Please take time to read the policy as it will provide you with an understanding of the process.

At times, there may be extenuating circumstances where parents may make a request regarding their child transitioning to the next year. Please note that it is not appropriate to make a request for your child to be with their friends or your preferred teacher. Teachers will ensure your child is placed with a friend.  

If you have any concerns regarding 2023 classes, could they kindly be addressed in writing to the Principal by Friday 12 November. 

Whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that they will be granted. Please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding requests that prevent them from being granted.

World Teachers’ Day

On Friday 28 October, Australia celebrated World Teachers' Day. The theme for World Teachers' Day 2022 was, “The transformation of education begins with teachers”. A big thank you to the Parents and Friends association who organised a special lunch for our teachers.

Afternoon Dismissal

Can we kindly ask that if your child is being collected by someone other than a Parent / Guardian or emergency contact that an email is sent to the office. If this is an ongoing arrangement, please state this in the email. The safety of our children is our key priority and we thank you for your understanding in this matter.

SPX Special Event Blazers

We have purchased four SPX BLAZERS to be worn on special occasions when our students are at events representing St Pius X.

How wonderful do they look!!!

 School Disco

Our school disco will be held on THURSDAY 17th November details will be sent out to students in a note.

Grade Mass

Year 1 and Year 5 attended a shared grade mass with Fr Duane and Sr Kerry on Thursday 27th October at the Immaculate Conception church. It was a wonderful occasion to be back in the church with Fr Duane providing a detailed instructional mass for the children.
The next shared grade mass will be on the 8th of November commencing at 9.30 am with Kindergarten and Year 6 in attendance – parents and carers are most welcome to join.

First Holy Communion 2022 Cohort

On Monday 24 th October parents were sent an email from the parish office of Immaculate Conception outlining the steps to take in order to book for the upcoming First Holy Communion RETREAT DAY and CEREMONY.

If you have not already actioned this correspondence, please do so at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
If you are unable to attend ONE of the retreat day sessions please inform the PARISH OFFICE ASAP via email: unanderra@dow.org.au

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Vinnies Christmas Giving Tree 

It is that time of year again.

We are collecting food items to be donated to St Vincent De Paul in December. 

Please see below for items to be brought in for each Year group.

Thank you in advance for your kind donations. 

Kinder: Lollies, chips, chocolates 

Year 1: Biscuits, Tea, Coffee

Year 2: Drinks, cordial, juice, fizzy drink 

Year 3: Christmas pudding/cake, desserts 

Year 4: Tinned fruit, long life custard 

Year 5: Breakfast items eg. Boxed cereal, Long life milk 

Year 6: Pasta, Pasta Sauce