Newsletter Term 4 Week 4 2024
Welcome to Country
In the Spirit of Reconciliation, the St. Pius X school community recognizes the ongoing role of the traditional custodians of this land, the Tubba-Gah peoples of the Wiradjuri nation. It is on their ancestral lands that we continue our learning journey together.
We extend that respect to Elders, past, present and emerging. Furthermore, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our school community. Acknowledging their presence and spiritual connection to Country.
In the light of faith, we work towards a more accepting and humble school environment for all.
Principal's Address
Principal Appointment
I am very pleased to announce that Mr Cant, has been appointed the new Principal of St Pius X. We are fortunate to have a new Principal that truly loves our school and will continue to ensure that all members of our school community grows and thrives.
School Fees for 2025
We have just been advised our school fees for 2025. There has been a slight increase in fees. This may require some parents to adjust their direct debits or regular payment plan to cover this increase. The office staff are able to help you with this next year, when the school fee statement is generated.
A letter from Mrs Christine Trimble (Executive Director of Schools) and the 2025 fee schedule will be sent by compass today.
Stage 3 Excursion
Today our Stage 3 students, headed for Milson Island to enjoy a 3 night camp with Sport and Recreation. The students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that will allow them to gain new skills and have lots of fun. I know our Year 6 students will have an amazing time and will represent our school with pride. A special thanks to Mr Cant, Miss Montague and Mrs Rose who will be attending the excursion.
Cyber safety
On Friday last week, I had the opportunity to listen to Susan McLean, who is considered Australia’s most respected expert on cyber safety. The information and statistics she provided was ‘mind blowing’. Below is an excerpt from her website.
Kids today have access to and are accessible to many millions of people worldwide via the vast array of websites, applications, and online games. The unprecedented amount of personal information available on these sites makes them a perfect place for people who would happily identify their victims and gain their trust. Other identified dangers include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and harassment, exchange of inappropriate images, and identity theft. Teens are often not aware that their words and or photos, which may have been intended for a small audience, sometimes find their way to a larger one, often with both unexpected and undesirable consequences.
Today’s parents grew up in a world devoid of these technologies. They often have little knowledge on how best to assist and guide them and when interest or concern is shown, suspicious kids ‘fob’ them off with the typical responses of ‘You won’t understand…..’ ‘Go away it’s private……’ or ‘You have no idea…..’
Internet and mobile phone technology is fabulous and provides us with the ability to connect with people all around the world. We can explore and learn about the world like never before, however, cyberspace does have its problems, and unfortunately for kids, they are the primary targets for people’s warped ideas and bad behaviours. Young people are often targeted and groomed without the ability to recognise that this is occurring.
Kids’ technical skills are superb. Adults today cannot even aspire to the level of technical knowledge inherent in today’s kids, but we do know that this skill is not matched by cogitative development. Nothing we do can ‘put an old head on young shoulders’ and the ability to perceive risk, and foresee consequences is limited.
Kids need to appreciate and accept that just as in the real world, there are dangers in cyberspace. Parents need to teach kids that cyberspace is permanent. Everything that they write, post and send can be traced and will remain there forever. Do they want that comment, or pic from Saturday night’s party on the desk of the person conducting a job interview in 10 years time? Are you happy for that naked pic, sent trustingly to their boyfriend who loves them dearly and will not share it with anyone (until he has it or you break up or both) on thKids today have access to and are accessible to many millions of people worldwide via the vast array of websites, applications, and online games. The unprecedented amount of personal information available on these sites makes them a perfect place for people who would happily identify their victims and gain their trust. Other identified dangers include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and harassment, exchange of inappropriate images, and identity theft. Teens are often not aware that their words and or photos, which may have been intended for a small audience, sometimes find their way to a larger one, often with both unexpected and undesirable consequences.
Today’s parents grew up in a world devoid of these technologies. They often have little knowledge on how best to assist and guide them and when interest or concern is shown, suspicious kids ‘fob’ them off with the typical responses of ‘You won’t understand…..’ ‘Go away it’s private……’ or ‘You have no idea…..’
Kindergarten Transition
This Wednesday Miss Montague, will continue our transition program with our Kindergarten students for 2025. Our newest students are settling in well and enjoying their time at ‘Big School’. We have limited positions available for Kindergarten 2025, so if you know of anyone that has not enrolled their child for Kindergarten next year, please ask them to contact the school, as soon as possible.
Katrina Isbester
Principal
Assistant Principal's Address
Summer Sports Trials
Next Thursday and Friday we have nine Year Four and Five students trialling for Diocesan Summer Sporting teams.
We ask that parents are prompt with drop off and pick up. The note already sent home has all the details you need for the day.
If you are yet to register your child on the CSNSW website this must be completed by the 7th of November or they can’t attend the trials.
Good luck to these boys and girls.
PSSA SUMMER SPORT (YEARS 4, 5 & 6)
PSSA Summer sports will run from Weeks two to eight, this includes Years Four, Five and Six only. We will be leaving school at 9.00a.m and returning at around 11.00a.m. Assemblies for term four will take place after Peer Support at 2.50pm. Starting Week Five assembly will move to 2.20pm.
Students will need hat, drink bottle, sunscreen and a good sporting attitude.
We have teams representing in:
- Senior Boys Touch – Lady Cutler – Miss Montague
- Senior Girls Touch – Lady Cutler – Mr Cant and Mrs Adams
- Junior Mixed Touch – Apex Oval – Miss Gailey and Mrs Garling
- Senior Mixed Netball - Mrs Rose
In the past St. Pius X has excelled in all areas of PSSA – one of the main areas is our sportsmanship plus our overall results. We would like this trend to continue so all children attending PSSA should remember they are representing St. Pius X and should uphold the school rules at all times.
Any misconduct will result in the student/s being suspended or possibly banned from PSSA.
The support of parents at games would be very much appreciated.
Hot Weather
This week we are expecting some hot weather coming our way. Please ensure your child has a hat and plenty of water. Remind them they are also able to fill their water bottle up at school.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal
RE News
All Saints Day
Last Friday, we celebrated All Saints Day mass with St Mary’s children this was a beautiful mass as we reflected on all the saints who have been wonderful examples for us.
Meet 4 Mass
Thank you to all our families who were able to join St Pius X staff for Meet 4 Mass.
Reconciliation
Our Year 2 children are currently participating in their First Reconciliation preparation sessions. The children will be making their Reconciliation their nominated session from the dates below.
Date | Session | Session |
Monday, 11th November | 4:45pm | 5:30pm |
Wednesday, 13th November | 4:45pm | 5:30pm |
Saturday, 16th November | 10:30am | 11:15am |
Term 4 Dates to Remember…
11th November | Remembrance Day Liturgy 9am - St Pius X (change of time) |
5th December | End of Year Christmas Concert - St Pius X |
12th December | End of Year Graduation Mass - St Brigid’s |
Jo Taylor
Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Student Wellbeing / St Pius Mo Bros 2024!
Not so much ‘Student Wellbeing’ as ‘Everyone’s Wellbeing’ this week! It’s that time of year again where facial hair sprouts above men’s upper lips (often with hideous visual effect- looking firmly at you Mr Schwager!) but it is really for a very good cause. Statistics for men’s mental health and male suicide are still very confronting in our modern society. Movember does a great job of raising money and awareness to help in this area. They also do excellent support work with male cancers that are often not talked about openly- prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
We hope to help with these important causes by raising awareness and funds right here at the best school in Dubbo-St Pius X! We are planning a few fun fundraising activities but, in the meantime, please check out our Movember Page using the link below. You can leave a supportive message or maybe donate to help us reach our goal of $500.
https://movember.com/m/15246828?mc=1
Wishing everyone a good week,
Mr Schwager and Mr Jones (St Pius Mo Bros 2024!)
Merit Awards
Kinder - Shaniah, Nova, Oliver, Reuben, Nate, Eleanor
Year 1 - Ollie, Mia, Jesse, Ollie, Eli, Zack
Year 2 - Desyrae, Eve, Lily, Rori, Milly
Year 3 - Scarlett, Jadzia, Evie, Frankie, Henry, Barli, Isaac, Jax, Lauren, Jackson, Matilda, Solomon, Matilda, Estelle
Year 4 - Lawson, Dustyn, Lucy, Liam
Year 5 - Hope, Ali, Lace
Year 6 - James, Digby, Abraham, Benji
Happy Birthday !
Hugh 1st
Dustyn 1st
Jax 3rd