Dear Parents and Carers,

Term One is nearly over and what a terrific start to the school year we have had. There have been many interesting and engaging learning opportunities that demonstrate how our school vision statement is lived here at St Pius X. Our school vision talks of our community being  “A faith-filled, contemporary learning community that is inclusive and respectful of all. We foster the education and growth of the whole person through academic excellence, genuine relationships, authentically living the Gospel and incorporating the traditions of our past and the value of their contributions to our future.”

Events in our school these last few weeks are a prime example of this. Last week we gathered as a school community to reflect on the most significant period of the church's liturgical calendar - Holy Week. Students, parents and staff came together to engage in a prayer celebration connecting the life of Jesus with our own and how we can use these events to authentically live the Gospel in our relationships with each other. The celebration was a beautiful experience and I would like to personally thank all those that helped to prepare the ceremony and to those that attended.

The day was then followed by our fun and exciting Easter hat parade. It was a joy to witness the children engaging in such an exciting event where the Easter spirit was truly alive in the delight of the children and the wonderful hats they made. Thank you to Mr Hales for emceeing the day and to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a memorable success!

Last week myself, Mrs Chrostowski and Ms Sartor had the privilege of attending a System-wide Strategic Professional Learning day alongside all other principals from the diocese on engaging students in their Catholic spiritual journey at our school. We were given the opportunity to reflect on key church documents, especially focusing on the document by our own Bishop Brian “Bearers of Christ Love”.  This was an invaluable day and learnings from the day will help to drive an explicit school agenda for our school. 

As we approach the first holiday break for the year, my hope for you as parents is that you take some time for yourselves. In this era navigating parenting is no easy feat and often we become so busy with our children that we tend to leave ourselves until last. Remember how much you are appreciated and, along with the rest of the staff of St Pius X I wish you a safe and restful holiday break.

Yours Sincerely,

Christine Nunes  - Acting Principal

To round out our class fundraising efforts for Week 8 - 9 it was the beautiful students of 1 BLUE who came out on top with a total of $56.35. A fantastic achievement, given that it was only a 1 week turn around since the last count.

 

Throughout the Lenten season our school community has been able to raise well over our $1000 target amount.

These funds are going to support the work of Caritas Australia across our own great country and to those who are in most need across the world.

Our school fundraising total for 2024 is a wonderful $1467.85! A big thank you to all those who supported our fundraising efforts this Lenten season.

The Annunciation of the Lord

The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated nine months before the Nativity of the Lord. The Annunciation recalls the day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and revealed God’s will that she become the Mother of the Son of God, and she accepted. At that moment, the “Word became Flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

In 2024, because it would otherwise fall during Holy Week, the Annunciation will be observed on Monday, April 8. Students of St Pius X will be marking this special feast day with a special prayer and in class activities.

Sr Kerry Visits - Term 1

This term students have had the wonderful opportunity to learn about all things St Joseph under the expert tutelage of our very own Sr Kerry.

These in class experiences have brought a rich understanding of who the person of St Joseph was and the importance of his role within the life of Jesus.

Sr Kerry will continue to work with every grade throughout the year, unpacking for students the key figures of the Josephite tradition i.e. St Joseph and Mary MacKillop and then furthermore the order of the Sisters of St Joseph.

We are so lucky to have Sr Kerry be so generous with her time with us at St Pius X and look forward to seeing what she has in store as the year progresses.

Church Visits: Year 1 - 6

Throughout Week 10 and 11 students from Years 1 - 6 will be making a trip down to the church with their grade (weather permitting) to have time to sit within the space and learn more about our sacred traditions.

We are very thankful to the parish for affording our students this opportunity.

Be sure to ask your child about their visit to the church and what they may have experienced during their stay. 

Mother's Day

Condolences

As a catholic community I would like us to keep the Riznyk (Vitaliy - Year 6) family in our thoughts and prayers at this time as they navigate the tragic loss of mother and wife, Yuliya Pashkovska. We offer our deepest condolences, prayers and support to Mr Oleg Riznyk and his family during this most devastating time of grief.

May Yuliya rest in peace.

CEDoW Mental Health Support Services Review

CEDoW are currently engaging in a Mental Health Support Services Review and are asking for parent feedback. The CEDoW Mental Health Support Services Review is an important initiative, aiming to enhance the wellbeing services we provide. With the collaboration of Altum Counseling and Consulting Pty Ltd, we are conducting a thorough evaluation of our current services and support systems. 

This short survey, which takes only 8-15 minutes to complete, will be conducted with the utmost respect for your time and privacy. Your anonymous contributions will play a crucial role in improving the support systems within our schools, which will have lasting benefits for both students and staff. We thank you for your active participation. 

You will find a link to the survey here. The survey will be open until 16 April, 2024 after which the survey will be closed. If you are able, please complete the survey before this end date.

Together, we will strengthen the foundations of support and wellbeing within the CEDoW community.

IMPORTANT AFTERNOON REGARDING DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

At St Pius X, we firmly believe that every minute of teaching and learning time is valuable and plays a crucial role in your child's education. Therefore, we kindly request your support in ensuring a smooth transition during afternoon pick-up.

Parents are kindly requested to gather their children from the designated areas at the conclusion of the school day. We understand the natural excitement children may feel upon seeing their parents through the windows, but this enthusiasm can sometimes disrupt the flow of lessons or dismissal procedures, resulting in valuable teaching time being lost while we refocus the children.

In the interest of our children's safety, we ask parents to provide classes with the necessary space to come out on the playground, so that teachers can visually confirm parents are present BEFORE releasing the children from their classes. Please refer to the designated waiting areas on the playground outlined below.

Bus lines - Under the basketball ring under the cola in three lines.

OOSH - On the silver seats to be picked up at 3:10 by OOSH staff.

Thank you for working with us in following our afternoon procedures so that we are able to maintain the safety of our children.

Message from Fr Duane

Dear Parishioners,

Please find attached this week's bulletin.

Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes