April 23rd, 2025
- Acknowledgement of Country
- A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Pope Francis
- A Note from our Principal
- No school Tomorrow (Thurs 24/4) and Friday (25/4).
- Sacrament of Confirmation
- School Photo Day 29th April!
- School Photo Uniform
- Mothers/Special Person's Breakfast - Save the Date!
- School Closure Days 2025
- Breakfast Club - Back in Week 2, 30th April
- Canteen Roster for next week.
- Toy Donations Required!
- Before & After School Care.
- Important Dates.
- Free Uniforms!
- School Uniform
- Parish Contact.
- West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House - Calendar of Events
Acknowledgement of Country
The St Pius X Parish School Community acknowledges the Gunditjmara / Marr Nation people who have educated children on these lands for thousands of years.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Pope Francis
Loving God,
We thank You for the life and leadership of Pope Francis.
You gave him to the Church as a shepherd full of kindness, wisdom, and compassion.
Thank You for his words that inspired peace, his actions that showed mercy
and his heart that welcomed all people, especially the poor and forgotten.
As we remember his gentle spirit and his deep love for You,
help us to follow his example — to be people of hope, joy and faith.
Bless those who mourn his passing and guide the Church with Your light and love.
May Pope Francis now rest in the fullness of Your peace,
and may his legacy continue to shine in our world and in our hearts.
Amen.
A Note from our Principal
Ngata families,
This week, we join millions around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble and compassionate leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations. As a school community rooted in faith, we give thanks for his life of service, his unwavering dedication to the poor and vulnerable and his powerful message of love, mercy, and inclusion.
Pope Francis reminded us that faith is not just about words, but about action — caring for others, protecting our environment and walking gently with one another. His simplicity, warmth and deep concern for humanity made the teachings of Christ feel close to home for so many, including our young learners.
In classrooms this week and next, we have and will be sharing prayers and reflections on his life and we invite you to continue these conversations at home. May his example encourage us all to live with kindness, humility and hope.
We pray for the Church, for those who loved him dearly and for the future of our shared mission of faith and service.
Kind regards,
Nick Murrell
Principal
No school Tomorrow (Thurs 24/4) and Friday (25/4).
A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday 24/4 is a school closure day and Friday 25/4 is a Public Holiday for ANZAC Day. Our next school day is Monday 28/4.
More info...
Thursday, April 24th: School Closure Day (No school) - Presentation of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035, titled "Pursuing Fullness of Life for All." This comprehensive plan aims to enhance the performance of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ballarat over the next decade. The strategy will be presented to all staff members of DOBCEL schools by Executive Director, Tom Sexton, throughout Term 2. All schools in the Southern Zone will gather at St Joseph's Primary School, Warrnambool, on April 24th to ensure everyone in the Zone has a clear understanding of this strategy and its vision. This day will be a School Closure Day for all schools in the Southern Zone. The full Executive Summary of the DOBCEL 2035 Strategy is available on the DOBCEL website or hard copies can be obtained from the school office.
Friday, April 25th: ANZAC Day (No school)
Sacrament of Confirmation
This term we turn our focus to the Sacrament of Confirmation for Grade 3 students.
Those children in our community who are baptised Catholic are supported through our school, the Star of the Sea Parish and the wider network of Warrnambool and District Catholic schools to prepare for and celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation. The preparation is very gentle and child centered.
Our parent information night is next week (Tuesday 29th April) so please fill in the google form linked below if your child will be participating. If your child is older than Grade 3 and has missed out on this sacrament they are welcome to join in this time.
The key dates for this sacraments in 2025 are:
Confirmation (Grade 3)
- April 29th- Parent information meeting, 7pm at St Joseph's Church. (Children and Parents to attend)
- May 11th- Presentation of candidates at Mass.
- May 12th- Confrimation Formation Day at St John's Primary School (school supported)
- May 27th- Confirmation celebration 6pm
School Photo Day 29th April!
Our school photo day will be held on Tuesday, 29th April. Following is a flyer from Leading Image which explains how you can place orders using an access key. This access key can be used for all student and family orders. (Note: Photo's can only be ordered via this online booking system)
Please remember that the family/sibling orders MUST be ordered by 4.30pm on the day before photo day which is Monday, 28th April. Once this time passes, parents will no longer be able to order a family photo online.
Any and all late orders will not be able to be ordered until photos are returned back to the school and second chance bookmarks are distributed. Late orders are at an increased price and will be subject to a postage fee.
To order - Click the link below, then enter the access code: V2VP6X3K
https://orders.leadingimage.
School Photo Uniform
Students are required to wear winter school uniform including their school jumper (Yr 6 hoodie is OK) for the school photos. Please see the Winter Uniform outline below. If you child/ren has PE on school photo day can they please wear winter school uniform and bring a pair of runners in their bag to school.
Mothers/Special Person's Breakfast - Save the Date!
The CDF Pay App is now open to take orders and payments.
The cost for breakfast is $5.00 per person (including students).
If you are having any issues with accessing or using the CDF PAY App please call Bec in the office.
School Closure Days 2025
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 - Back in Week 2, 30th April
There will be NO BREAKFAST CLUB the first week back due to the short week.
We look forward to seeing everyone back, including our Foundation students, in week 2 of term.
Breakfast club is open from 8:20am - 8:55am
Canteen Roster for next week.
| Tuesday, 29th April | Jessica McKenzie |
| Wednesday, 30th April | Cloe O'Flaherty |
| Thursday, 1st May | Pupil Free Day |
| Friday, 2nd May | Rebecca White |
Toy Donations Required!
Before & After School Care.
Please see below for the end of term newsletter.
We remind everyone about TheirCare, our outside school hours care provider. Bookings can be made at https://theircare.com.au/
Please select St Pius X Warrnambool as the booking location.
Important Dates.
Friday 25th April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 29th April - Confirmation Parent and Child formation 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.
School Uniform
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
