December 6th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

The past couple of weeks at St. Pius X have been filled with excitement and celebration! Our students have enjoyed a range of activities, from fun day excursions and swimming programs to participating in our annual “Carols by the Merri” tonight. It has been a wonderful time for our school community to come together and enjoy the festive spirit.

In addition to these events, our Learning Conversations have provided valuable insights into student progress, while our Transition Sessions and Foundation 2025 visits have allowed future students to experience the welcoming environment of St. Pius X.

Next week is shaping up to be just as action-packed, with our Graduation ceremony, Orientation Day and Hands on Learning Celebrations all on the calendar. It’s an exciting time for our school as we celebrate the achievements of our students and look ahead to the future.

I want to congratulate all of our students for remaining positive, safe and responsible during this busy time of year. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.

Tomorrow, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parent and carer volunteers supporting our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser. Your efforts play a vital role in raising funds for the school and strengthening our community. Thank you for your continued support!

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Christmas Raffle Drawn on 11/12/24 Last Chance to get your tickets in!!

Please remember to return your sold tickets and money to school on MONDAY at the very latest.    

We would also appreciate it if any unsold tickets are returned to school as well.

• Ticket Seller Prize: There will be one lucky ticket seller who receives their family school fee credited in 2025—a fantastic incentive to get involved!
• Raffle Draw Date: The raffle draw will take place on Wednesday, 11th December.

Thank you for supporting this important fundraiser for our school.

Carols by the Merri Tonight!

Tonight our wonderful St Pius Choir will be performing at Payne Reserve in Dennington for the Carols By the Merri.  Entry is a gold coin donation in support of Warrnambool and Community Hospice. Gates open, with food and drink available from 5.30pm, and performances start at 6pm. 

Our choir is expected to perform at approximately 7:10pm. Parents are asked to bring their child to Mrs Keeley who will be waiting by the stage at 6.50pm, so we can warm up and be ready. As soon as the performance is over parents are asked to collect their child and have them signed off.

Choir students are also invited to join the Holiday Actors on stage at the end of the evening to sing an unknown carol. Students will be the responsibility of their parents if they choose to be involved.

We have been rehearsing hard for a number of weeks and look forward to dazzling everyone with our singing and Christmas spirit.  Please come along and support us.

Fingers crossed the weather stays fine, however should the carols need to be cancelled, a message will be posted on SZ App.

P&F Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser- TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is our first ever Parents and Friends Bunnings BBQ!  We have had a fantastic response from some very generous parent volunteers, to help cook and serve on Saturday.  We are truly grateful for their time. Be sure to tell your family and friends to head out and buy a sausage and help support our fabulous school - the more sausages we sell, the more money we raise!!  

Canteen Volunteers for 2025 - Can You Help?

We are seeking parents, carers and other adult family members who can help staff our canteen in 2025. 

The canteen is open between 1.50pm and 2.15pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for the sale of icy poles, frozen fruit etc.  Depending on the number of volunteers, you may only be rostered on once or twice a term.  Please note that a Working With Children Check is required. 

If you are able to help, we would love to hear from you!   Please register your interest by clicking on the following link and answering some simple questions.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Canteen Volunteer 2025 

The Foundation Files

We’re off to Grade 1!!

This week we have had a practice of going into Grade 1. On Monday and today we moved into our new classroom with a new teacher and new classmates. Next year we know some things are going to be different but we are excited to be moving up in the school even though it will be sad to say goodbye to Ms Osborne, Ms Lane and Mrs Walsh. We were all pretty excited to know that Louise is coming into the Grade 1/2 area too! We know that Mrs Brown, Mrs Green and Mrs Sewell will take good care of us, teach us lots of things and we know we will all have lots of fun together. Here are some of the things that we have loved about Grade 1 already:

Lilly - I loved meeting Mrs Brown and colouring in our hands. 

Lincoln - I loved meeting Mrs Green and colouring in my name.

Remi - I loved meeting some new friends and using lots of colours to colour in my hands. 

We have got one more opportunity to have a bit more of a practice in Grade 1 before next year. 

Jingles is back!! 

Jingles the elf has returned from the North Pole and is on a special mission for Santa. He arrived on Monday in a beautiful Christmas box and seemed to be very happy to be back in the Prep room. On Tuesday he wished Majella a HAPPY BIRTHDAY but unfortunately a few things didn’t go to plan and some things got touched and wiped! Uh-oh! On Wednesday we were left a letter from Jingles that explained that he had returned to the North Pole to get his magic back! We know that the teachers and students won’t be making the same mistake again! Stay tuned to see what Jingles does next…

End of Year Celebration..........

Free Uniforms!

If you are looking for some good quality second hand uniforms, we currently have a display set up in the foyer area near the office.  You are welcome to come in anytime and have a look through what we have.   Items include summer dresses, shorts, pants, shirts etc. in various sizes.  All items are FREE to take. 

Do You Have Any Uniforms To Donate?

If you have any uniforms/shoes/bags in good order that are no longer required, you are welcome to drop them into the trolley in the foyer area.  Thank You.

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......

Sophie Mahony, Quinton Lack, Emelia Watson and Mathew Harrison.

Canteen Roster for next week.

Important Dates.

Saturday, 7th December - P&F Bunnings BBQ from 9am to 5pm

Thursday, 12th December - Gr 6 Graduation Ceremony 5.30pm

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

Wednesday, 18th December - Final day for students

Wednesday, 29th January - First Day for students 2025

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/