Newsletter Term 2 Week 8, 2025
Acknowledgement of Country
In the Spirit of Reconciliation, the St. Pius X school community recognises 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
Dear St Pius X School Community
I had the pleasure of supporting the SPX Chess team at St Marys last week, I could not have been prouder of the eight individuals who took part.
Their attitude towards the day was tremendous, when they lost a game they did it with grace and when they won they did it with humility.
Well done to Lawson, Hayden, Grace H, Georgia, Timmy, Nate, Jet and Liam.
Only three weeks to go until the end of Term Two!
Swearing
Could I please ask all parents to talk to their child/ren regarding swearing on the playground. We pride ourselves on behaviour and respect for others at SPX and we definitely do not want behaviours like this creeping in. Older students need to understand the influence they have over the younger students and I have witnessed the positive of this flow on over the many years.
North Street Parking
Last week we had a visit from the council regarding confusion with parking in North Street (Western side). Last year new bus stops were positioned all over Dubbo with one on the opposite side of the road to the school office. We have now been told no parking can take place from the East Street intersection to ten metres the Northern side of the bus stop sign.
Pupil Free Reminder
Friday 4th July will be a school pupil free day. Staff will be spending the day with Educational Consultants focusing on the implementation of the new curriculum.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Attendance
Each day of instruction is an opportunity for students to absorb new knowledge, engage in classroom discussions, and develop critical thinking skills.
Every school day provides a unique opportunity for students to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Consistent attendance ensures that students make the most of these opportunities, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.
Being present in class allows students to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material. Active participation fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It helps to develop a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and contributes to a positive attitude toward education.
RE News
Vinnies Winter Appeal
The Vinnies Winter Appeal is a charity event focused on helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hardship, with a particular focus on those in need during the colder months. This year we will be hosting two events to help support this great cause.
Can Drive - Week 8
Each family/child is asked to bring in a non-perishable can food item that can be donated to St Vincent de Paul to use to support those who are less fortunate.
Suggestions include: soup, spaghetti, baked beans, vegetables.
The theme of the 2025 Vinnies Winter Appeal is ‘No one chooses to be homeless’. To help students understand the importance of dignity for all, we will use the cans we collect to spell out the word ‘DIGNITY’. This symbolic gesture highlights our shared commitment to supporting those in need.
Cozy Day - Tuesday 24th June, Week 9.
For a gold coin donation, children will be invited to wear their coziest attire - PJs, Oodies, Hoodies, Beanies etc. All funds raised will be used to purchase items for St Vincent de Paul to use for those in need.
Year 6 - Confirmation Session
As a part of the Sacrament of Confirmation preparation, children and their parents/guardians need to attend the Preparation Sessions held at St Brigids Hall. The sessions are repeated 3 times in the week to help with managing busy schedules. Only 1 session needs to be attended each week.
- Session 2 - Tuesday 17th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 18th June 4:30pm or Sunday 22nd June 10am.
- Session 3 - Tuesday 24th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 25th June 4:30pm or Sunday 29th June 10am.
Meet for Mass
Please join us this coming Sunday, 22nd June, 9am at St Brigid’s for our Term 2 Meet for Mass. Meet for Mass is a tradition we have to strengthen our connection between our school community and parish community.
Please contact Miss Isbester (k.isbester1@bth.catholic.edu.au) if your child would like to assist with the Prayers of the Faithful. We invite all students in attendance to join us for the Offertory procession.
Year 3 - First Eucharist Enrolment Weekends
Families with children wishing to receive their First Eucharist this year are warmly invited to attend one of the upcoming Enrolment Masses at St Brigid’s. These will be held during the following weekend Mass times:
- Saturday 21st June at 5:00pm
- Sunday 22nd June at 9:00am or 5:00pm
- Saturday 28th June at 5:00pm
- Sunday 29th June at 9:00am or 5:00pm
You only need to attend one of these Masses to complete your child’s enrolment. We look forward to sharing this special step in your child’s faith journey.
Year 6 RE Diocesan Test
Next Wednesday, 18th July, Year 6 students will be completing the Diocesan Religious Education Test. This assessment is similar in style to NAPLAN, with a focus on Religious Education content taught from Kindergarten to Year 6. We wish Year 6 all the best and are looking forward to celebrating their results in the future.
TERM 2 DATES to Remember
- Confirmation Session 2 (Year 6 Confirmation Candidates), Tuesday 17th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 18th June 4:30pm or Sunday 22nd June 10am.
- Vinnies Winter Appeal - Can Drive (Week 8)
- Yr 6 RE Diocesan Test, Wednesday 18th June (Week 8)
- First Eucharist Enroment Weekends - Saturday 21st June (5pm)/Sunday 22nd June (9am or 5pm) or Saturday 28th June (5pm)/Sunday 29th June (9am or 5pm).
- Term 2 Meet for Mass, Sunday 22nd June, 9am (Week 8)
- Vinnies Winter Appeal - Cozy Day, Tuesday 24th June (Week 9)
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
SPX High Jump
High Jump will be completed for the juniors Tuesday the 17th (at SPX) and 11 Years will also do their semi-finals on this day.
Polding Cross Country
Amity and Estelle (Year Five & Four respectively) represented SPX and the Diocese of Bathurst at the Polding Cross Country Carnival at Eastern Creek Sydney last week.
Estelle ran very well, finishing 29th out of 45, her time of 9 minutes 30 would have placed her in the top ten last year!
Amity also ran extremely well and will now represent Polding at the State carnival after finishing a close second placing.
Well done to both girls and best of luck at State Amity.
AFL Afterschool Clinics
This Friday is the last of the AFL clinics. I would like to thank Will and Larrisa from the AFL for the time they have spent here with us and to the students taking part, your respectful and friendly behaviour has been mentioned more than once - well done.
PSSA Sports
A reminder to all students taking part in Friday’s inter-school sports that misbehaviour will not be tolerated. This includes negative behaviours towards the other team, your own team or officials. Behaviours like this may mean you will have to sit out for a week.
St Pius X Athletics Carnival
The school’s athletics carnival is being held Thursday, 26th June, at Barden Park (North Dubbo). Children do not come to school at all. The whole school including staff will be at Barden Park. Parents are responsible for the transport of their children to and from the park.
Regional carnival will take place on the 6th August (Term Three, Week Three)
The children need to arrive at Barden Park at approximately 8.30am and picked up promptly at 2.30pm. The carnival will start at 9am sharp. Kindergarten and Year One’s day finishes at 12.00pm.
As students arrive, they are to have their name marked off by their teachers.
We will not be doing semi-finals for the juniors before the day. Junior field events run on the day will have modified rules due to the large numbers.
High Jump will be completed for the juniors Tuesday, 17th June (at SPX), and 11 Years will also do their semi-finals on this day.
If we need to postpone the carnival, it will be posted on our school facebook page and a Compass message sent out.
What students will need on the day:
- Hat and sunscreen
- Recess, lunch and a drink (if not buying from canteen)
- Warm clothes
- Full sports uniform this includes a school hat.
- Students may wear their house coloured shirts or school sports uniform only.
Our School News
Whats happening in Year 3!
This term, Year 3 have been reading the novel Wandi by Favel Parrett. It tells the story of a young dingo pup and has taught us how important dingoes are to the Australian ecosystem. We’ve learned why it’s so important to protect them - and we’ve fallen in love with them!
To help support dingoes, we’ve decided to sponsor one through the Australian Dingo Foundation. To raise money for the sponsorship, Year 3 will be holding a cake stall at school on Tuesday, July 2nd, during lunch and recess.
All money raised will go straight to the Australian Dingo Foundation to help protect this iconic Australian animal.
Merit Awards
Kindergarden - Myles, Kallie, Aiden, Boonie-Jo
Year 1 - April, Jack, Freya, Lienna, Fairen, Zara
Year 2 - Mia, Willow, Sophie, Jack, Lilly, Aidan
Year 3 - Hugo, Milly, Audrey, Gerry, Georgie, Allegra, Evie, Rori, Allie
Year 4 - Harley, Kinley, Riley, Scarlett, Jadzia, Jax
Year 5 - Olivia Phoebe, Addison, Nate, Keidan
Year 6 - Jamie-Lea, Mason, Stella, Claudia
Happy Birthday !
Philipp 9th Sophie 15th
Oliver 10th
Charlie 11th
Lily 11th
Mason 14th
Community News
St. Brigid's Parish
St. Brigid's Parish is looking for a part-time secretary - days / hours negotiable. Please contact Fr Greg with expressions of interest and for further info. Contact pp.dubbo@cdob.org.au or 6882 4233.
NSW Health Department Information
Call health direct campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the new call health direct Campaign toolkit. The campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions.
When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.
The key links are:
- For more information about health direct: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/healthdirect.aspx
- Campaign launch Ministerial media release: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250521_01.aspx
Thank you for your support to help protect the NSW community.
Vaccination education campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness, support and encourage proactive information-seeking so individuals can make informed decisions about immunisation. These materials are evergreen and can be used throughout winter and beyond.
The key links are:
- For more information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo
- Translated information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo#translations
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Influenza Vaccination campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Influenza Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter, to help increase uptake of the flu vaccine among all of population in NSW, particularly at-risk audiences. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.
The key links are:
- Book a flu vaccine: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine
- For more information about influenza: www.health.nsw.gov.au/flu
- For more information about respiratory illness: www.health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Campaign toolkit. This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:
Eat healthily – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas
Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at-home exercises or connecting with nature
Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits.
The key links are:
- NSW Healthy Eating Active Living website: Healthy Eating Active Living - Getting healthy starts with small steps