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Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to the many parents, grandparents and special friends that were able to join us for our end of year Christmas Celebration. It was certainly a beautiful occasion, as we were led through the story of the very first Christmas. I would like to acknowledge Ms Katrina Feil, Creative Arts extraordinaire who so capably organised this event. Also to the Parents and Friends Executive who prepared a delicious sausage sizzle and grazing boxes.
As we conclude the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Fr Duane Fernandez and Sr Kerry Gardiner for their outstanding leadership. Their presence and pastoral support has ensured we are an authentic Catholic school, true to our Vision.
I would also like to thank the Parents and Friends Executive led by Jane Brejniak (President). The ongoing support of parents has meant that much needed funds have been raised to support the learning and faith development of the children.
Staffing 2024
Today the children met their new class teachers, at our annual “Promotions Morning”.
It was here that I was able to officially announce the staff for the new school year.
I am proud, as a result of healthy enrolments, that we are able to offer additional programs, including Performing Arts and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), along with support staff and additional teachers across Kindergarten to Year Six.
Next year we welcome the following staff:
Mr Rodney Green, Mr Nik Sajdovski and Ms Maria Shea. These three teachers bring a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to welcoming them to our community.
We also farewell Mrs Nicole Checkly, who was the successful applicant for the Religious Education Coordinator position at St Brigid’s, Gwynneville. Congratulations Nicole, you will be greatly missed.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the following School Support Officers who have been on temporary contracts throughout 2023. They have worked tirelessly to support our children - Massimo Copeta, Emma Bujaroski and Lisa Aramayo.
My hope is that our children have a well deserved rest over the Christmas period and that all of our families have a safe and happy Christmas, remembering the story of the very First Christmas, when our Saviour Jesus Christ was born.
Yours Sincerely
Pauline Chrostowski - Principal
The violet candles represent our journey of renewing our hearts through repentance and turning towards God and the birth of His Son, Jesus.
The rose candle is used on the 3rd Sunday and represents joy. This Sunday is sometimes called ’Rejoice Sunday’. Rose is a mixture of violet, the colour of preparation and purification and white the colour of glory and joy. Thus, the Third Sunday of Advent is a mixture of penance and anticipation of the joy of Christmas.
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” which refers to the Coming of Christ. In the liturgical season of Advent we contemplate the Coming of Jesus at Christmas, the coming of Jesus into our lives everyday and the expectation of the Final Coming of Jesus on the Last Day. The focus of Advent is the waiting for the coming of Christ in the spirit of hope.
2024 SCHOOL YEAR
As we mark the start of the holidays, we might like to consider some practical tips in helping maintain a sense of readiness for the 2024 school year. The following include ideas that you might like to consider for the school holidays:
Reading Time:
- Encourage your child to read regularly. Provide a variety of books that align with their interests. Whether it's a captivating novel, educational magazines, or even online articles, fostering a love for reading enhances their language skills and broadens their knowledge and vocabulary. Remember this does can include reading a book together
Educational Games and Activities:
- Incorporate learning into playtime. Engage in educational games, puzzles, or activities that challenge their critical thinking skills. This could include math games, science experiments, or even visits to educational places like museums or science centres.
Writing Practice:
- Encourage your child to write regularly. This could be in the form of a journal, short stories, or even letters to friends or family members. Writing not only enhances their language skills but also boosts creativity and self-expression.
Math Review:
- Keep math skills sharp with occasional math exercises. Simple activities like cooking together, measuring ingredients, or playing board games that involve counting and strategizing can be both enjoyable and educational.
Outdoor Exploration:
- Foster a love for nature and the world around them. Take nature walks, visit parks, and engage in outdoor activities. This not only promotes physical well-being but also offers opportunities for observation and inquiry.
Technology in Moderation:
- While screen time is inevitable, monitor and limit recreational screen use. Encourage educational apps, online resources, or educational videos that align with their curriculum. This helps strike a balance between technology and traditional learning.
Social Interaction:
- Arrange playdates or participate in group activities. Social interaction is crucial for the development of communication and interpersonal skills. It also eases the transition back into a school environment.
Prepare for Transitions:
- Discuss the upcoming school year positively. Mention exciting aspects of returning to school, such as reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, or exploring different subjects. This can help alleviate any anxiety about the upcoming changes.
Celebrate Achievements:
- Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, both big and small. Positive reinforcement fosters a sense of confidence and motivation, making them more receptive to learning experiences.
Remember, the goal is not to overwhelm your child but to maintain a balance that keeps their minds active and curious throughout the summer break.
As we come to the end of the school year, I take this opportunity to thank the students, parents and the staff of St Pius X for the wonderful year. My hope for you all is that you have a happy and safe Christmas and a restful and joyous holiday.
Christine Nunes
TERM FOUR 9th OCTOBER - 15th DECEMBER |
|
DECEMBER |
|
Friday 15th |
Last Day for students Year Six Final Assembly and rining of the bell 2.30pm |
Monday 18th |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
Tuesday 19th |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
2024 |
|
JANUARY |
|
Tuesday 30th |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
Wednesday 31st |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
FEBRUARY |
|
Thursday 1st |
FIRST DAY STUDENTS |
1st - 6th |
BEST START - KINDERGARTEN |
Wednesday 7th |
FIRST DAY - KINDERGARTEN |
Wednesday 21st |
P&F MEETING 7pm |
CHRISTMAS MESSAGES
YEAR 1
What a wonderful year we have had in Year 1!
Thank you to all our amazing students for working so well and approaching all we have done with such enthusiasm and positivity. It has been our pleasure guiding you as you learn and grow. We wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2024.
Mrs Staples & Mrs Malone
YEAR 2
It has been a fabulous year working with our year 2 students. We thank our parents for their continued support.
This Christmas may your blessings be many, your worries few, and days spent with those who mean the most to you.
Wishing you all the blessings and joys of Christmas! Happy holidays! May 2024 be a bright year full of health and happiness.
Mrs Galea and Mrs Stewart
YEAR 3
We would like to take this opportunity to with you all a Happy and Holy Christmas and thank you all for such a wonderful year of learning and growth.
Mrs Hertsch and Miss Jaklic
YEAR 4
Merry Christmas from the teachers of Year 4, we wish you a Happy, Holy and Safe Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year
YEAR 5
Dear Families,
PERFORMING ARTS
Wishing You a Harmonious and Joyful Christmas!
Dear St Pius X community,
As we approach the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you.
This year has been filled with beautiful melodies, hard work, and incredible progress. I am so proud of the dedication and passion each of you has shown in your creative journey. Your commitment to Dance, Drama, and Music is truly inspiring.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of being your Performing Arts teacher. It's a joy to witness your growth and share in the love of Dance, Drama, and Music with such a talented and dedicated group of students.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Miss Katrina Feil
2024 St Pius X Staff List
Leadership Team |
||
Parish Priest |
Father Duane |
Duane.Fernandez@dow.org.au |
Pastoral Associate |
Sister Kerry |
Kerry.Gardiner@sosj.org.au |
Principal |
Mrs Pauline Chrostowski |
ChrostowskiP01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Assistant Principal |
Mrs Christine Nunes |
NunesC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Religious Education Coordinator |
Ms Louise Sartor |
SartorL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Middle Leader |
Mr Bill Whittle |
WhittleW01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Middle Leader |
Mrs Shay Lindner |
LindnerS01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Middle Leader |
Mrs Kylie Hertsch |
HertschK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Senior School Support Officer |
Mrs Lauren McDonald |
McdonaldL03@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Assistant to the Principal |
Mrs Karen Harley |
HarleyK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Early Stage One |
||
Kindergarten Leader |
Ms Louise Sartor |
SartorL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Kindergarten Red Teacher |
Mrs Kim Norrie |
NorrieK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Kindergarten Blue Teacher |
Mrs Leah Galea |
GaleaL02@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Additional Kindergarten Teachers |
Mrs Joanne Stewart / Ms Louise Sartor |
StewartJ02@dow.catholic.edu.au / SartorL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support officer Kindergarten |
Mrs Rachael Weekes |
WeekeSr01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support officer Kindergarten |
Mrs Dianne Moran |
MoranS01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support officer Kindergarten |
Mrs Nada Bratjanscak |
BratjanscakN01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support officer Kindergarten |
Mrs Kristy Cauduro |
CauduroK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Stage One |
||
Year One Leader |
Ms Louise Sartor |
SartorL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year One Red Teacher |
Mrs Carolyn Malone |
MaloneC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year One Blue Teacher |
Mrs Carlie Staples |
StaplesC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Additional Year One / Two Teacher |
Ms Maria Shea |
SheaM01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year One |
Mrs Jan Poder |
PoderJ01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year One |
Miss Georgia Finlay |
FinlayG02@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Two Leader |
Mrs Kylie Hertsch |
HertschK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Two Red Teacher |
Mr Nik Sajdovski |
SajdovskiN01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Two Blue Teacher |
Mrs Kylie Hertsch |
HertschK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Two |
Mrs Louise Burke |
BurkeL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Two |
Miss Daniella Tugral |
TugrulD03@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Stage Two |
||
Stage Two Leader |
Mr Bill Whittle |
WhittleW01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Three Red Teacher |
Ms Anna Jaklic |
JaklicA01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Three Blue Teacher |
Mrs Amanda Garretty |
GarrettyA01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Three |
Mrs Dianne Moran |
MoranD01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Four Red Teacher |
Mrs Shay Lindner |
LindnerS01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Four Blue Teacher |
Mr Bill Whittle |
WhittleW01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Leadership Release / Special Projects: Literacy |
Mrs Cathy Zamroz |
ZamrozC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Four |
Mrs Lyndal Clancy |
ClancyL02@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Stage Three |
||
Stage Three Leader |
Mrs Shay Lindner |
LindnerS01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Five Red Teacher |
Mr Rodney Green |
GreenR01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Five Blue Teacher |
Mrs Clare Suartama |
SuartamaC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Additional Year Five Teacher |
Miss Steffane Ceccato |
CeccatoS01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Five |
Mrs Yvonne Newton |
NewtonY01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Five |
Mrs Nicole Covington |
CovingtonN01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Six Red Teacher (Mon-Wed) |
Mrs Jeanette Starcic |
StarcicJ01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Year Six Red Teacher (Thu-Fri) |
Mrs Alyssa Frew |
FrewA01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
School Support Officer Year Six |
Mrs Natalie Sanson |
SansonN01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Special Programs / Leadership Release |
||
K to 6 Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Teacher |
Mr Andrew Hales |
HalesA01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
K to 6 Performing Arts Teacher |
Ms Katrina Fiel |
FeilK01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Special Projects: Gifted Education |
Mrs Samantha Walker |
WalkerS07@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Diverse Learning Teacher |
Mrs Chrisine Nunes |
NunesC01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Instructional Coach K to 6 |
Ms Louise Sartor |
SartorL01@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Librarians |
Mrs Jan Poder / Mrs Lyndal Clancy |
ClancyL02@dow.catholic.edu.au |
Other Agencies |
||
Autism Spectrum (ASPECT) Coordinator |
Mrs Haty Fiorani |
Hfiorani@autismspectrum.org.au |
Catholic Care School Counsellor |
Miss Chantel Garcia |
Chantelg@catholiccare.dow.org.au |
Pastoral Support Worker |
Mrs Melanie Jennison |
Melaniej@catholiccare.dow.org.au |
Outside Of School Hours Care (OOSH) |
Miss Katie Bushell |
Unanderraoosh@catholiccare.dow.org.au |
School Canteen - ‘Canteen Kat’ |
Mrs Kat Monk |
canteenkat@outlook.com.au |
ONLINE NEW ENROLMENTS 2024
Starting from the beginning of Term 1, 2024, we will be transitioning to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications.
The online application form will be accessible from the home page of our school website
GIFT BASKETS
We would like to say an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to our UNANDERRA CATHOLIC WOMANS LEAGUE who so gratiously donated some Christmas Hampers to be donated to our families.
VISIT FROM SHING
We had a lovely visit from Shing our Seminarian on Wednesday who spent some special time singing with our students.
FEE INFORMATION
OOSH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS HOURS
Message from Fr Duane
Dear Parishioners,
Please find attached this week's bulletin.
God Bless,
Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes