March 6, 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

Prayer

2025 is the Jubilee Holy Year, the 2,025th anniversary of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The concept of "Jubilee" originates in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. Jubilees are now celebrated every 25 years.  Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope."  Our theme is built on the Jubilee while drawing on the gift of scripture where St Paul writes to the community of believers in Rome.  

The context of the greater passage of St Paul’s letters to the Romans is to provide direction, encouragement, and guidance to the community of believers in Rome, a community that Paul had not met personally.  In the Ballarat Diocese today, as a community of communities from the Murray to the Sea, we are also tasked to uplift and guide those within our Catholic Christian educational community. 

We draw on the inspiration of Pope Francis and the wisdom of St Paul as we strive to bring the peace and joy that God offers to the people of our communities.   

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

I’d like to address some ongoing traffic management and safety concerns that have arisen during drop-off and pick-up times at St Pius X. Recently, there have been some issues regarding the flow of traffic, particularly around the carpark area, which are causing delays and safety risks for both pedestrians and drivers.

To help improve the situation, I kindly ask that you watch the video below, which explains the key messages about traffic safety and the correct flow of traffic around our school. By following these guidelines, we can ensure a safer and more efficient experience for everyone.

We are fortunate to have the fantastic Gerard as our crossing supervisor. He plays an essential role in keeping our students safe, but he cannot do it alone. We need your cooperation in adhering to the traffic flow and being mindful of the parking lot rules to support him and maintain a safe environment for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing support in keeping our school community safe.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Important Notice

A reminder that this coming Monday 10th is a public holiday and that Tuesday 11th is a scheduled school closure day.  We hope you enjoy the extra long weekend and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Wednesday.  

Project Compassion 2025

This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. 

Families should have received a Project Compassion box last week. This is an opportunity to collect change for those less fortunate around the world. The money will be sent to Caritas Australia for use in their projects. Some of these projects will be highlighted on the newsletter in coming weeks. 

Your generous support this Lenten season will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education, and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges. Together, through faith and action, we can bring compassion and opportunity to those most in need.

Thanks for your support. 

Foundation and Gr 6 buddies Picnic

We are excited to invite all Foundation 2025 families and their Grade 6 buddies to a fun and relaxed picnic at Lake Pertobe! This informal gathering will provide the perfect opportunity for our new Foundation students to strengthen their friendships with their peers and Grade 6 buddies, while allowing families to meet and connect in a friendly, low-key setting.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday 18/3/25 (weather dependent) 
• Time: 5:30pm-6.30pm
• Location: Lake Pertobe (area near playground adjacent the surf club carpark) 
• What to Bring: A picnic blanket, dinner to share with your family. 

This picnic is a wonderful chance to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and get to know each other better. Whether you're new to the school community or already familiar with some faces, it's a perfect time to make new connections. It’s also a great opportunity for Foundation students to bond with their Gr 6 buddies, strengthening those valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Introducing the 2025 Parents & Friends Team!

We are excited to introduce the 2025 Parents & Friends (P&F) team, who are dedicated to bringing our school community together through fundraising and fun events. This year’s team is eager to work alongside parents and friends to enhance our school environment and create memorable experiences for all.

The 2025 team members are:
Left to Right:

• Merryn Payne (Vice President)
• Tayla Brown
• Kimberley Lack (President)
• Bronwen Levett
• Mel Steffensen

We’re always looking for new members and volunteers to help out with various events throughout the year, such as our Mother’s, Father’s and Special Persons Day breakfasts, as well as other stand-alone activities. Whether you can spare an hour or a whole event, every bit of help is appreciated!

If you have any questions or ideas about fundraising or community events, feel free to approach any of the team members around the school. We’re here to chat!

As a reminder, all P&F meetings this year will have the option to join via Zoom, making it easier than ever to get involved. We look forward to your support in making this year a fantastic one for our school community!

Let’s make 2025 a year full of exciting moments together!

New Research Highlights Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling

Recent research has revealed compelling evidence of the lifelong benefits for individuals who attended Catholic schools. A study by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University, using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, found that Catholic school graduates enjoy significant advantages in employment, income, health and life satisfaction.

Key findings show that Catholic school graduates are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages—ranging from 4 to 11 percent more than those who attended government schools. They also tend to work in industries that contribute to the public good and are more likely to donate to charitable causes. Beyond financial benefits, the study highlights higher levels of life satisfaction and better personal health outcomes for Catholic school attendees.

The HILDA Survey, which tracks Australians’ wellbeing over time, underscores the long-term value of Catholic education. Led by Mr. Andrew Wade and his team, this research supports the notion that Catholic schools provide students with a foundation for success, both personally and professionally. It reaffirms the positive impact of Catholic education on graduates’ careers, financial security, and overall well-being.

SchoolTV

A Special Report: Wellbeing Barometer Survey - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://spwarrnambool.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

This year the testing window begins on March 12th and takes place over several days. 

Please findbelow some information about NAPLAN. If you have any questions please contact your child's classroom teacher or give Stacey a ring at school. 

Foundation Files

‘Sacred’ Show and Tell

Tomorrow for Show and Tell we would love the children to bring along something from home that is ‘sacred’. Sacred means special. It may be a trophy, medal, baby item, jewellery, a coin, a stamp or a photo of something that is sacred at home. There are so many special things in our lives so think carefully about which ONE thing you would like to share. 

Pancake Tuesday

On Tuesday we celebrated Pancake Day. Catholics know this day as Shrove Tuesday. The tradition began many years ago and people were asked to use up all of the sweet items in their pantry to enjoy some treats before the fasting began on Ash Wednesday.

People began making pancakes. We thought this was a great idea as we enjoyed a pancake or two with our fresh fruit but also a little bit of sugar or syrup. They were delicious! Yum!! Yum!! 

Ash Wednesday

A new season in our church has begun. This season is called ‘Lent’. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. During Lent is a time for us to be good people to all.

Fast - During Lent I might try to limit some of the treats that I love to eat or I might try to eat more of a healthy food that I don’t like very much.

Give - I might try to donate some money to Caritas Australia. We have a money box in our classroom for any spare coins. I also have a small money box at home like the one on our prayer table. I might do some jobs at home and earn some money to give to the poor. I might have some change left over from an Icy Pole and Mum might let me put the change into the money box.

Pray - I might spend some time during the 40 days of Lent to spend some time talking to God or meditating to music or going to Mass.

Do - I will be a good friend to all and help others as much as I can and if I slip up or make a mistake I might try to do something to say ‘sorry’.

Seasons

We know that Australia’s season has changed from Summer to Autumn and we also know that our weather will begin to change, too. The mornings will be cool, the days will begin to shorten. The weather may be sunny but not as hot and the leaves will begin to change colour.

Take a look at the way our prayer table has changed. Can the Prep’s spot the difference?? There are lots of new symbols that remind us of this special season in the church that is stepping towards Easter.

School Closure Days 2025

Tues 11th March – Structured Literacy

Thurs 24th April – Southern Zone Collaboration Day (DOBCEL determined date)

Fri 30th May – School Review 

Mon 2nd June – School Review 

Fri 29th August – School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

Mon 6th October – Structured Literacy 

Fri 7th November  – Religious Education 

Breakfast Club

This week saw the first Breakfast Club for 2025 take place.    We had an estimated 80 students line up to get their share of yummy toast, cereal, fruit and juice.    

Thank you to all involved in the co-ordination, set up and serving of breakfast and to our sponsors Western District Foodshare and Woolworths Dennington who supply all the food items. 

Breakfast Club is on every Wednesday from 8.20am in the Function Room.  

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

The following students are celebrating their birthdays today or over the coming week ........

Jackson Watson, Thomas Aitken, Hayley Wearne & Levi Williamson.

Toy Donations Required!

Canteen Roster for next week.

A big thank you to those Parents who have kindly donated their time to help in our canteen this year. 

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Before & After School Care.

Important Dates.

Friday 7th March - Assembly: 3pm Church

Monday, 10th March - Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday, 11th March - School Closure Day for Structured Literacy

Friday 21st March - Assembly

Monday 24th March - Reconciliation Formation Day - Emmanuel College

Tuesday, 25th March - School Sports Day

Wed-Fri 26th-28th March - 5/6 Swimming Program 

Monday 31st March - 5/6 Swimming Program 

Wednesday 2nd April - 5/6 Swimming Program 

Thursday 3rd April - Reconciliation Sacrament

Friday 4th April - Last Day of Term 1

Friday 4th April - Assembly

Monday 21st April -Easter Monday Public Holiday

Tuesday 22nd April - First Day Term 2

Thursday 24th April - Closure Day - Southern Zone Collaboration Day (DOBCEL determined date)

Friday 25th April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Monday 28th April - Confirmation Parent Meeting (7pm St Joseph's church)

Tuesday 29th April - School Photo Day

Wednesday 30th April - Cross Country

Thursday 1st May - May Races Public Holiday

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.

CAN YOU HELP?   If you have any Winter Tunics in sizes 4, 6 or 8 that are in good order and no longer required, we would be grateful if they could be donated to our 2nd hand uniform stall.   

Tunics can be left at the office.  Thank You.

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/ 

West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House - Calendar of Events