November 7th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

What a fantastic Melbourne Cup Day we had at St. Pius X!

The school was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed parents, siblings, grandparents and other special guests to join us in a wonderful community celebration. From a festive picnic on the school grounds to thrilling hobby horse races, everyone got into the spirit of the day. Our Fashion on the Field competition showcased some stunning outfits and it was heartwarming to see so many creative and enthusiastic participants. Classroom activities brought even more fun, with students engaging in Cup-related learning, while making memories with their families and friends.A big thank you to all who joined us—your presence and energy made this event truly special. It was a perfect reflection of the vibrant, supportive St. Pius X community. We can’t wait to celebrate again next year!

School Closure - Next Monday, November 11th

Monday November 11th is a school closure day. There is no school for students on this day. Staff will be working through data and subsequent professional development in relation to our school's most recent Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey with support from DOBCEL Religious Education consultant Jo-anne van de Voort. 

Warrnambool Show Results

Congratulations to everyone that entered exhibits in this years Warrnambool Show.  Following are the results in each category.

The Foundation Files

Melbourne Cup

On Tuesday we celebrated Melbourne Cup Day as a whole school. We dressed up in our fancy clothes and enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch together in the sunshine. It was so nice to see so many of our families join us too. We loved being part of our very first school fashion parade and used the catwalk to show off our finest threads. After that we were able to gallop in the hobby horse races and Isla-May and Harrison got to run in the St Pius X Cup. We watched the big race together and Jaxon M was the winner. Overall, we had a great day!!

Afternoon Sports Program

Every second Friday, Mrs McDonald and the Grade 6 Leaders help us to have heaps of fun on the oval. We get to spend the afternoon with a group of friends from Prep to Grade 6 playing all sorts of different games like tunnel ball, duck-duck-goose, tail tag, relay races, frisbee throwing and more. We love having fun in the sun and trying to get fit in lots of different ways.

Here are some of the reasons we love the Friday afternoon sports program - 

Eva - We get to play tail tag and we take people’s tails.

Hayley - I like the parachute and when we throw the fox tail because I can throw it really far.

Theo - I love the fox tail because I can practice my throwing.

Matilda S - I like the parachute because it is rainbow and we can go under it and have some fun.

Japanese

Foundation students have been learning to read some Japanese hiragana letters. Hiragana letters are different from our letters because they only make ONE sound. They have been reading mini flip books and then recreating them to take home and read to families. Some students have been looking at letters on cards too. 

Birth Story Reminder & Worksheet to be sent home

Today we have sent home a Birth Story worksheet that we would invite you to fill out. We’d love to find out the joyful way that our Prep students came into this world and we will share them during our prayer time at the beginning of the day as soon as they start arriving at school. Your child can either draw a picture of themselves as a baby or you could add a photo or even email one to us (whatever is easiest for you!). Thanks!

Crazy Hair/Socks Day - Friday, 15th November!

Book Fair - Save the Date!

In the next few weeks, your child/children may bring home a Scholastic ‘Wish List’. The list is an idea of books that students/guardians may like to purchase during the fair. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is happening on the 18th, 19th & 20th of November!

Each learning area will have a buying day:

Monday 18/11- Juniors

Tuesday 19/11 - Middles

Wednesday 20/11 - Seniors

Purchases can be made prior to the day by visiting the website: scholastic.com.au/payment . EFTPOS and cash purchase will be available on the day also. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is our major fundraiser for the library. Any support big or small will be greatly appreciated!

Alanna & Isla

St. Pius X Library

SAVE THE DATE - Bunnings BBQ on Saturday, 7th Dec.

A big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who have pledged their time and effort to work at the St. Pius Fundraiser BBQ to be held at Bunnings on the 7th December.   We are pleased to say that all the shift spots are now filled.   Thank You once again everyone!

Food bank support - Thank You!

We have had a great response to the launch of our weekly community food bank to support families within our school. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered  to help with this great initiative. 

Please text Lara on 0423 453 334 if you wish to participate or need more information. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Text Lara on 0423 453 334

Breakfast Club - Wednesdays

A friendly reminder that Breakfast Club is running on Wednesday mornings from 8:20am. It is open to ALL students before school to enjoy some yummy toast, yogurt, cereal or a piece of fruit and take part in a morning conversation with others. We look forward to seeing everybody there!

Again, a big thankyou to Foodshare for providing us with breakfast items and Woolies Dennington 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!

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

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

Ella Meade, Nikolai De Bono, Lachlan Foreman, Summer Newell, Indie O'Shannassy, Mifzal Mizab Poovankavil, Ashlee Byrne and Zarli Best. 

Canteen Roster for next week.

Important Dates.

Friday, 8th November - Assembly, 3pm in church

Monday, 11th November - School Closure Day 

Tuesday, 12th November - 3/4 Bike Ed 

Tuesday, 12th November - Foundation Information Night 6.30pm

Wednesday, 13th November - 3/4 Bike Ed

Wednesday, 13th November - Gr 5 Emmanuel Experience excursion

 Thursday, 14th November - 3/4 Bike Ed - Big Ride

Friday, 15th November - Crazy Hair/Socks Day & Sausage Sizzle

 Monday, 18th November - 1/2 Swimming commences (two week program)

Monday, 18th November - Scholastic Book Fair commences (one week)

Monday, 18th November - Foundation excursion - The Gruffalo 

Tuesday, 19th November - Parents and Friends meeting, 7.30pm

Friday, 22nd November - Assembly, 3pm in church

Monday, 25th November - 5/6 Beach safety commences  (one week program)

Thursday, 28th November - Foundation 2025 Transition #1

Friday, 29th November - Advent Liturgy 3pm church

Monday, 2nd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Tuesday, 3rd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Wednesday, 4th December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Friday, 6th December - Assembly, 3pm in church

Tuesday, 10th December - Orientation Day

Thursday, 12th December - Gr 6 Graduation

Tuesday, 17th December - Carols and Presentation evening 6pm

Wednesday, 18th December - Final day for students

Before & After School Care.

Parish Contact.

Sunday Mass 9.00am @ 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/