June 6th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of a beloved parent in our school community, Kimberley. In this time of sorrow and grief, we seek Your comforting presence and unfailing love.

Lord, we ask You to surround the family and loved ones of Kimberley with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. May they feel Your loving arms holding them close, providing solace and strength during this difficult time.

Grant us, the wisdom and compassion to support the grieving family and each other. Help us to be instruments of Your love and comfort, offering words of hope and acts of kindness.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Kimberley. May she find eternal rest in Your heavenly kingdom, where there is no more pain or suffering, but only joy and peace in Your presence.

Lord, be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Guide us with Your light and fill our hearts with hope, as we trust in Your promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

A Note from our Principal

Ngata Families & Friends,

I have been deeply moved by the incredible outpouring of support for the Nicol family this week. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity have been nothing short of amazing. Each act of support has made a significant difference. It is a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of such a caring and supportive school and wider community.

To everyone who has reached out, offered help, or kept the Nicol family in your thoughts and prayers, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your support is a testament to the values we hold dear and the strong bonds that connect us all. It is in moments like these that we truly see the spirit of our community in action, reminding us that we are never alone.

As we continue to support the Nicol family in the coming weeks and months, let us hold onto this spirit of unity and compassion. Together, we can help them navigate through this difficult time and honor the memory of Kimberley.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for being the heart of this incredible community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Learning Conversations - Next Week

Bookings for our upcoming Learning Conversations are now open via PAM. These important meetings willl take place next Tuesday 11th June, Wednesday 12th June and Thursday 13th June and offer an opportunity for parents and carers to engage with their child/ren and classroom teachers in a focused discussion about their child’s achievements and goals. During the Learning Conversations, students, teachers and parents will review work samples to draw meaningful connections to the student's progress and areas for growth. This collaborative effort ensures that we continue to support each student’s educational journey effectively.

We encourage all parents and carers to book a session and take part in these valuable discussions. Your involvement is key to fostering a supportive learning environment for your child. To book please log in to PAM and follow the links.  'How to' video from Mrs Parkinson below (2nd video) demonstrating how to book your Learning Conversation. 

Please see the informative video below from our school captains, Holly and Vonal, explaining Learning Converstions followed by a 'How to' video from Mrs Parkinson demonstrating how to book your Learning Conversation.  

We look forward to your participation.

"Circus Busking" Performance Tomorrow - All Welcome!

In the Arts this term we have been working really hard on exploring a range of 'Modern Day Circus' performance styles (dance/drama) and the culmination of our efforts is a celebration afternoon to share our talents.  This will take place tomorrow at school and all are welcome to attend.    We are hoping to perform in the Courtyard, but if it is raining the Hall will be used as a backup.

Following is the timetable:

2:35pm - 2:45pm 

Foundation/JP3/MP1/SP1

5 min break change over

2:50pm - 3:00pm 

JP4/MP2/SP2

5 min break change over

3:05pm - 3:15pm

JP5/MP3/SP3/SP4

School TV

In this edition of SchoolTV - GRIEF & LOSS

Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship or even a pet. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be. Children and adults grieve differently due to their developmental stage, and this can prove difficult for parents to understand.

Young children fluctuate in and out of the stages of grief rapidly, as they may not comprehend the permanency of death. They express their grief more physically. Teens on the other hand may not know how to express their grief and will need some space to process their loss. Some may choose to grieve alone, not wanting to stand out or be seen as not coping. Whilst others, who may have a greater understanding, can start to question their own mortality.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents can learn how to acknowledge their child’s feelings and the best way to support them through grief.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Grief & Loss edition of SchoolTV
https://spwarrnambool.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/grief-loss

Learning Walk feedback

On Wednesday this week we hosted our first Learning Walk for 2024. We had an incredible 14 parents and friends of St. Pius X came along for the incredibly valuable experience. We were able to investigate and answers questions like:

How, from foundation level, are the students prepared to transition into other classes and how is this structured/supported?

How engaged are the students?

What is the difference in schooling compared to my culture/county?

How is the day structured to ensure student engagement?.

What is different in the classrooms from when I had helped in the junior classrooms previously?

What is structured learning?

What teaching strategies do the teachers use? 

How does St Pius cater for students who are struggling with their learning?

What makes St Pius so great?

If you would like to know the answers to some or all of these questions - LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT WALK COMING UP SOON!

Those who attended were asked to finish the sentence below, their responses are in dot points underneath.

Learning at St Pius is…

• Exciting
• Engaging
• Structured to ability
• Creative
• In a calming environment 
• Calm
• Flexible
• Best practice led by highly skilled teachers
• Adaptable
  

We thank all of those who were able to come along!

Movie Night - Next Friday, 14th June

This year's school movie night will be held next week on Friday 14/6/24 at 6.30pm.  Please see below for some quick facts about the night.  

Time/Date:  6.30pm on Friday 14th June

Movie title:  Ice Age 5 (PG Rated)

Cost:  $5 per child

Cost includes:  Movie, Popcorn, Lolly bag

Location:  Middle Pod

What to wear:  Pyjamas (or casuals if preferred)

What to bring:  Water bottle, something comfy to lie on (pillow, blanket, bean bag etc)

Supervision: Will be provided by parents and friends of St Pius X who have a valid Working with Children Check and Mr Murrell. 

What not to bring:  Food, mobile devices, extra lollies

Mobile devices are NOT to be brought along:  If bringing a device is deemed essential by a students parent/carer- it is to be handed to Mr Murrell upon arrival. Any devices not presented to Mr Murrell upon arrival will be be confiscated and will need to be collected by a parent or adult at the conclusion of the movie night.

Please note that children will need to be signed in and then out upon collection.

Could the names of those children attending plus payment please be returned to school no later that Thursday, 13th June.

Not getting SZapp push notifications?

Here is some information from Schoolzine to help troubleshoot if you are having this issue.

Does the app notification show for the user in their feed but they did not receive the push notification? – if so, they may have notifications turned off for their Operating System or the App.

Have you got Push notifications turned on WITHIN SZAPP?

When using the app, select the manage tab from the top ribbon and ensure that there is push notifications turned on for the SZapp.

Have you got Push notifications turned on for your OPERATING SYSTEM?

Certain devices will have push notifications turned off by default when installing software. In order to receive notifications for your device you will need to ensure that both the Operating System notifications as well as the App notifications are enabled.

Was SZapp open when the notification was sent?

Sometimes applications will lie dormant or in ‘sleep’ status on your device in order to cache information and decrease load time when you are wishing to use the application again. Once you have finished using SZapp we recommend that you fully close the app in order to avoid push notifications not being received on some devices in this ‘sleep’ state.

Sick Passes via Email / PAM

If your child visits the sick bay, you will receive an email notification through PAM with information such as the time of the visit, the reason, body area of concern, the treatment they received and when your child returned to class. 

Common examples of these notification reasons may be small bumps (to areas of the body other than the head), small cuts/abrasions or small tummy aches etc.  

IMPORTANT TO NOTE - If your child receives a knock to the head, parents/carers will continue to receive a prompt phone call. This practice will not change. Also, as is current practice, if we deem your child needs to be collected from school with more immediate health concerns parents/carers will receive a phone call, this practice will not change. Parents/carers will receive an email notification through PAM in addition to these calls. 

You will not receive email notifications if your child takes a regular daily prescribed medication. 

If you have any questions please contact Nick on principal@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au 

Ready, Set, School! program

Click below to register for our Ready, Set, School! program

Click here to Register

Athlete of the Year Award

Congratulations go to Zarli Best who has been named as one of only five nominees in the Under 14 Athlete of the Year award for 2024.  This nomination is from the Victorian Athletic League/Victorian Runners and Trainers Association and the award will be presented at the Brighton Beach Hotel on Saturday, 29th June. 

What a great achievement Zarli - Well Done and Good Luck from all of us!

The Foundation Files

Hearing Stories in Different Ways

Over the past few weeks we have been listening to and exploring some of the stories that are in the Bible. We know that there are two parts of the Bible - the Old Testament and the New Testament. We heard two stories from the Old Testament - Noah and the Flood and Moses and the Burning Bush. We heard two stories from the New Testament - Jesus in the Temple and  Jesus Feeds the 5000. Ms Lane read the stories from the Bible and Ms Osborne told the stories using figurines through Godly Play. We know that there are so many different stories about Jesus and many other people in the Bible. 

Special Artefact Show and Tell

As part of our History unit this term, we asked all the children to bring in a special artefact to share. An artefact is an object that comes from the past. It may be something old. The children were asked to describe their artefact, tell us how old it was and explain why it was important to them and their families. We saw some teddies, baby clothes, jewellery and toys. The children also got to award their friends with stars to tell them that they were good at speaking to an audience with a clear, strong voice. 

Circus Busking Fun!

Mrs Batistello has been letting us have so much fun in creative arts. We have been doing circus tricks and learning how to be a busker. We can juggle, perform tricks and try to entertain people on the streets. Tomorrow we are going to set up our busking stations around the courtyard (or in the big hall if it is wet!!) and we cannot wait to make our friends and our families smile.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is open each Wednesday morning at 8:20am.   Again, a big thankyou to Foodshare for providing us with breakfast items and Woolies for providing the fruit! Of course, this wouldn't take place without our amazing parent helpers so a big thank you to Sarah & Virginia as well!

St. Vincent De Paul Reading Program

Fee-free after school reading program

 Want your child to improve their reading and academic skills? Make new friends? Be involved in a co-curricular activity? Foster positive relationships with caring adults?

 The Vinnie’s reading program might be for you!

St Vincent de Paul run a reading program which offers children the chance to read with a volunteer each week. The program runs each Wednesday of the school term (3:30 - 4.45pm in the library). It is open to any student at St Pius X  (prep to Year 6). Students of all ages and abilities are welcome, from those who need additional support to those who are confident and avid readers. The program provides students with a safe and welcoming environment where they can experience the magic of books, enhance their skills, make new friends and enjoy the support of caring adults. Vinnie’s would love to welcome some new faces.

Mobile Phones

Our school understands that some families require their child to have a mobile phone for communication and safety needs before and after school. If your child is bringing a mobile phone to school it must be checked in with Karen or Bec at the office as soon as they arrive at school and it can be collected as they exit school in the afternoon. Families in this situation, can you please remind your child of this important school procedure. 

School fee payment plans

St Pius X is a low fee-paying school. Our global operating budget comprises funding from the Federal and State Governments, School fee collection, and fundraising.

School fees are a vital part of providing many aspects of your child's tuition at St Pius X. The 3 main options for paying your school fees are: Direct Debit, Credit Card (at the school office) and Direct Credit Payments.

Please take some time to consider which of these options is best for your family. If you would like to set up a direct debit payment plan please contact Bec Lawlor at the school office or email Bec at rlawlor@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Your support with this, early in the school year, would be greatly appreciated.

A special message just to say.............

The following students will be celebrating their birthday over the coming week....................

Mitchell Payne, Lucas Payne, Maddison McKenzie. Blake Harzmeyer and Benji Miller.

Canteen Roster for next week.

Important Dates.

Friday, 7th June - No Assembly - Circus / Busking Performances at school from 2.35pm.

Monday, 10th June - King's Birthday public holiday (no school)

Tuesday, 11th June - Learning Conversations

Wednesday, 12th June - Learning Conversations

Thursday, 13th June - Learning Conversations

Friday, 14th June - Student Movie Night (TBC)

Friday, 28th June - Last day of Term 2 - 2.30pm finish 

2024 School Closure Days - Updated

Term 1 

Monday 12th Feb - Staff First aid training (COMPLETED)

Wednesday 21st Feb - Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date) (COMPLETED)

Term 2

Friday 31st May - Wellbeing focus (COMPLETED)

Term 3

Tuesday 20th August- Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date)

Term 4

Friday 18th October - Religious Education Staff Professional Development

School Fees and Levies 2024

Uniform Price List

Before & After School Care.

Parish Contact.

Sunday Mass 10.00 @ St Pius X Church. School families are always welcome.

The Parish office can be contacted on 5562 2231

Other information and contact details can be found on the Star of the Sea South West Coast website: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/parish/southwestcoast/