Dear Parents and Carers,

Pauline Chrostowski  - Principal

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

On Saturday 11th November students from St Pius X made their First Holy Communion at Immaculate Conception Parish. In a beautiful ceremony Fr Duane shared the sacrament of Eucharist with each candidate, who were each presented by their surrounding family. We hope that all of the students felt the love and blessings that were showered upon them on their special day.

YEAR 6 CAMP

We are thrilled to share the exciting highlights of our Year 6 camp at "The Tops" in Stanwell Park on Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th November. Our students embarked on a memorable adventure filled with thrilling activities such as the exhilarating big swing, heart-pounding abseiling, and the exciting challenge of orienteering. The camp provided invaluable team-building experiences that will stay with them as they transition to the next chapter of their academic journey in high school.

The fireside night time activities added a touch of magic to the camp, with students roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and engaging in fireside games that fostered camaraderie and lasting memories. As we approach the culmination of their primary school years, we are grateful for the growth and joy this camp has brought to our Year 6 students. It truly was a fantastic way to round out their last term in primary school. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated teachers who selflessly left their families to create this unforgettable experience for our students. 

END OF YEAR MASS

All parents and carers are welcome to join our school community at our End of Year Mass on Wednesday 29th November commencing at 9.30am at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Save the date - FRIDAY 8th DECEMBER 

12.30 pm - 1.15 pm Picnic opportunity on the grounds with the students

1.30 pm SPX Whole School Christmas Concert on site 

Students will receive details about what they need to bring/ wear closer to the date.

Over the past few weeks, our K-6 teachers have dedicated collaborative planning time to unpack the 2022 NSW 3-6 English and Mathematics curriculum. This significant curriculum reform, the largest in three decades, has had our teachers working hard to determine best practices in order to support our children at St Pius X. 

The outcomes and content outlined for Stages 2 and 3 within the NSW English and Mathematics K–10 syllabus (2022) prioritise essential knowledge, understanding, and skills, building upon the foundations developed in K–2.

FOCUS ON ENGLISH

During our staff discussions, two key areas were explored within the English Syllabus: Oral Language and Fluency. The key takeaways are being further unpacked to develop practical and engaging units of work that effectively meet the diverse needs of learners at St Pius X.

ORAL LANGUAGE

The Oral Language component within the 2022 NSW English 3-6 syllabus emphasises the critical development of spoken language skills in children. This component acknowledges the fundamental role that oral language plays in communication, comprehension, and overall literacy. It seeks to develop children’s abilities to articulate thoughts, actively engage in dialogue, comprehend information effectively, and present ideas with clarity and confidence. 

FLUENCY

Developing fluency in reading and writing is an essential component in the NSW English 3-6 syllabus as it allows students to engage with texts more effortlessly and express their ideas more clearly. This component aims to equip students with the skills needed to read with ease and write coherently, enhancing their overall literacy and communication abilities in English.

Our teachers are excited about the possibilities that the new curriculum brings for our students and are eager to further develop their proficiency in working with the syllabus throughout 2024. In the weeks to come and beyond, they will dedicate time to collaborate with the Mathematics syllabus.

Year Three have been focused on their learning about the sacrament of The Eucharist in Religion lessons this Term. First Holy Communion Masses were celebrated over the past two weekends and the students were delighted to be able to fully participate in the Mass.

Year 4 have been exploring ways they can be present with God through prayer. They have experienced various types of Christian mediation, silence and traditional prayer including the Rosary.

Stage 2 Sport has seen Year 3 and Year 4 taking part in mixed teams on Fridays, learning about the skills of batting and catching. Several Gala Days has enabled students to participate and extend their skill levels in various sports and work as a team.

Great learning is happening in English as Year 3 have studied the authors David Walliams and Anthony Browne. Students have really developed their ability to compose Character Descriptions.

Year 4 have been engaged in their learning about Australian author Paul Jennings, exploring his writing techniques and style. They have loved hearing how Jennings uses his own life experiences as a child, to present his ‘quirky’ sense of humour and allowing lots of connections.

 Currently in Geography, Stage 2 have been studying environments, looking at the continents, with a strong focus on Australia. Students have explored the native plants and animals of our country and investigated how the Aboriginal people cared for and used the environment in varying ways. Students have been working independently on a research task about China, to contrast similarities and differences between the two countries.

Experimentation with the element of line in Visual Arts has seen the students develop their skills of precise detail and design.

Message from Fr Duane

Dear Parishioners,

Please find attached this week's bulletin.

Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes