Newsletter Term1-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

Staff Professional Development

Yesterday our Teachers and Support staff joined staff from other Catholic Schools in the area. We engaged in Professional Development led by Dr Michael McDowell.

A day of learning and networking with school and system colleagues to support classroom practitioners to embed the new syllabuses, develop expert learners and create high levels of learning for all. The day included practical tips and tricks that can be used in the classrooms to create a culture of learning and elevate existing practices centered on feedback, assessment, developing expert learners, and the transfer of core skills and knowledge across every classroom and every school.

Attendance

Attendance is essential for your child to successfully engage in their education and to sustain positive peer relationships.

Here are some tips for supporting your child's attendance.

Develop good routines:

Children NEED routine. These habits are a good foundation that will help kids throughout their school life and into the future;

• Get uniforms, school bag and all school things organised the night before
• Go to bed at the SAME reasonable time each night
• Get up at the SAME time each morning
• Have breakfast at the SAME time each morning
• Leave for school at the SAME time each day (be on time!)

Be positive:

Talk about school in a positive way in front of your child. If you have any concerns, talk to the school about the issue rather than create a negative image about school for your child. You will create problems for yourself and your child if you teach them to be negative about school.

Build your child’s problem solving skills:

Rather than solving all their problems for them, help your child solve problems by asking them what they think is the best thing to do, or what do other kids do if this happens. Discuss ideas together rather than just giving them the answer or criticising the school. You are a role model for your child.

Be firm:

You are the parent and children need to feel secure in knowing that you always mean what you say. Don’t say things if you can’t or won’t do it. Children have plenty of friends, but they only have one mum/dad. Being a parent is more important, more special and much harder than trying to be their friend.

Develop incentive programs:

Encourage and reward the behaviour you want to see. Everyone likes to be rewarded for trying hard and doing their best. Kids respond to small rewards, praise and little treats. Nothing big or expensive, maybe just some time with you kicking a ball, a bike ride or fish and chips! You could also use a chart and put a sticker up for each time the child gets ready for school on time – at the end of the week you could agree on a reward for their efforts. Being positive makes everyone happy.

Important Dates

We continue to have a very busy term. Here are some key dates for next week. There is a link to a live Google calendar that can be accessed at any time.

20th February

AFL workshop after school - 3.30pm - 4.30pm

23rd February

SRC induction Ceremony 2.20pm in School Hall

27th February

Paul Kelly Cup - Years 5 and 6

School Values

Our Values at St Pius X are KIND CONNECT RESPECT. We hope that our school community enacts and experiences these values on a daily basis.

Assistant Principal's Address

Western Region Swimming

Last week we had 36 students travel to Coonamble for the Western Region swimming carnival hosted by St Brigids Coonamble. All the students should be very proud of both the way they swam and behaved.

We have four students going onto the Diocesan level in Dubbo on the 8th March, these students are: Harry Rouse, Phoebe Heckendorf, Frankie Lavelle and Stella Lavelle.

Congratulations to Phoebe Heckendorf who was runner-up junior girls’ champion.

A note will be sent home with these swimmers as soon as we have the Diocese carnival information.

I would like to thank all parents who travelled to Coonamble and their support on the day. Thanks to those parents who volunteered their time to help time keep on the day and for their support.

AFL

The Paul Kelly Cup AFL Gala day for girls and boys in Years Five and Six is being held in Dubbo next Tuesday (27th Feb). We wish all the very best to these students participating.

The day starts with a briefing for all participants at 9.10am. We are asking that students attending be dropped off at 8.45am. Mr Cant, Miss Montague, Miss Carter, Mrs Adams and Mr Jones will be there at this time marking off names and handing out footy jumpers. We ask that you please pick up your child by 2.40pm from the Oval.

Students will need to bring:

1. Sports uniform MUST BE WORN (with SCHOOL HAT). No uniform, No play.  Football boots are allowed to be worn during games.
2. Mouth guards are COMPULSORY.
3. Recess, lunch and drink (bottle). There WILL be a canteen running on the day.
4. Sportsmanship and manners.

AFL After School Clinics

AFL clinics started last week and continue today (Tuesday). The remaining three clinics will run on Tuesday afternoons (20th February  and 5th and 12th March) from 3.30 to 4.30pm. The participants will be fully supervised by both SPX staff and of course AFL staff and parents do not need to be present – prompt pick up at 4.30pm.

Science and Engineering Day

On Thursday 7th of March Year Six will be attending a Science and Engineering day run by the University of Newcastle at the Dubbo showground. The bus will leave school at 9.10am and return around 3.00pm. All students attending will need to wear their sports uniform, drink bottle and bring their own lunch and recess.

Head Lice

Please ensure that you are vigilant in checking your child’s hair regularly for head lice and medicate with an approved solution available from the chemist.

Diocesan Rugby League Trials

Those Year Five and Six boys who have shown interest in trialling for the Diocesan Rugby League teams, the school trial will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) during the lunch break. Students will need a training shirt or jumper, mouthguard and headgear (no boots).

RE News

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION SESSIONS

There will be information sessions for all parents of children who will be making a sacrament this year. For dates of the sessions, see the table below.  You only need to attend one of these sessions.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Thank you to those who were able to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass.  The children shared a reflective and prayerful mass with Fr. Greg as we begin the season of Lent.

PROJECT COMPASSION - LENT

Lent is a time for reflection and thinking of those less fortunate than us.  It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection at Easter.  One way that we can help others is through Project Compassion.  Each child will bring home a Project Compassion money box.  The children are encouraged to do small jobs to earn some money to help someone in need throughout Lent. For more details follow the link…Project Compassion

CLASS MASSES

Each term we have a class mass with Fr. Nam.  These masses allow the children to engage with the mass and learn the parts of the mass in a familiar environment.  The masses are held at school in our Chapel at 1pm (see dates below). Parents or grandparents are most welcome to join us.

MUFTI DAY FUNDRAISER

On the last day of this Term, St Pius X will also have a Mufti Day (wear play clothes to school) for a gold coin donation.  All money raised will go towards the St John’s College Cambodian Immersion Experience, where the Year 11 students will assist with the building of three dwellings to house local families in Cambodia. Our donation will help build these dwellings and support a community that faces numerous challenges regarding education, healthcare and basic amenities.

TERM 1 DATES to Remember

 Jo Taylor

 Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X

Merit Awards

Happy Birthday !

Amelia J

Desyrae

Amelia W

Kimberly

Lucy 

                               Emerson

                         Zach