SCHOOL VISION

With faith as a guide, we nurture hearts and empower minds.

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was wonderful to welcome parents on site for our Semester One Parent Teacher interview sessions. These meetings are an important opportunity to gain feedback on your child as a learner and as a member of our Catholic community. Semester Two individual goals have also been collectively set during these sessions. It was a privilege to sign off on the reports and see student growth across the Key Learning Areas.

Father Duane led staff in an engaging meeting on Wednesday afternoon, this meeting was regarding a program known as Alpha that is being facilitated in our Diocese. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning. Please see further information in the attached flyer.

As the term draws to a close, I wish our children a safe and restful holiday. I look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 23^rd July. I will leave you with a beautiful quote that I think so succinctly summarises our work at St Pius X:

 ..the teacher does not write on inanimate material, but on the very spirits of human beings”

 The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium- 19

Yours Sincerely,

Pauline Chrostowski  - Principal

Awards

Our awards system operates on a clear process to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students. Our merit award system works in a multi tiered way. 

Merit Awards - Throughout the school year, students have the opportunity to earn Merit Awards for their outstanding efforts in class. These awards are given by their classroom teachers on Fridays during the term. Each term, students aim to earn one Merit Award.

Principal Awards - When a student has accumulated 5 Merit Awards (or a combination such as 10, 15, etc.),our Compass system will automatically notify parents that their child has received a Principal Award. This award is presented at the next school assembly following an announcement in our newsletter of your child’s name.

MacKillop Awards - Achieving 14 Merit Awards earns a student a MacKillop Award, and achieving 28 Merit Awards earns them a second MacKillop Award. These achievements are also celebrated at our school assemblies and announced in our newsletter.

Medallion - The Medallion, is awarded when a student reaches 30 Merit Awards. This prestigious award is presented during the Year 6 Graduation evening in Term 4.

ACE Award - Additionally, we have the ACE Award (Academic, Citizenship, and Endeavour), which recognises students’ high achievements, kindness towards others, and consistent effort. These awards are given once per semester to two or three students per class and count as one Merit Award towards our recognition system.

Year Six Awards - At the Year Six Graduation, special awards are presented to deserving students. These awards, including Excellence, Good Samaritan, Principal’s Award, and St Pius X Shining Star, celebrate various aspects of school life and are nominated and voted on by our teaching staff and students.

Throughout the school year, the staff leadership team may also award spontaneous “Merit Awards” to students who demonstrate exceptional merit.

For students who join our school after Term One of Kindergarten, they are assigned awards based on their calculated year level, receiving one award per term they missed. This is why someone a new student may receive a Principal Award or MacKillop Award after a short time at St Pius X.

If you would like to see your child’s award level, this can be viewed within Compass and clicking on the Chronical tab. Note, It is a much easier view on the desktop version of Compass. We hope this overview provides clarity on how we recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students at St Pius X. If you have any questions about our awards system, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

NCCD Data Collection

The NCCD is a nationwide initiative that helps schools identify and support students with a learning disorder or disability. It involves collecting information about the adjustments and support our school provides to students who require additional assistance due to disability or a learning disorder. This data helps ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, receive the support necessary to thrive academically and socially.

Personalised plans are tailored strategies designed to meet the specific needs of students identified through the NCCD process. These plans outline the adjustments, support, and goals set for your child to ensure they receive the best possible education. They are developed in consultation with parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in your child's education. Personalised plans are crucial in providing targeted support that enhances learning outcomes and fosters a positive school experience.

Last week, personalised plans for your child were shared via Compass, under the reporting tab. These plans are accessible to you so that you can stay informed about the support your child is receiving and collaborate with teachers to ensure their needs are met effectively. If you have any questions or need further clarification about the personalised plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school administration.