June 12th 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

I would like to inform you that I will be taking three weeks of Long Service Leave and will return to school on the first day of Term 3. During this time, I’ll be travelling through Central Australia and parts of South Australia with my father and family – a special opportunity to spend time together and explore some remarkable parts of our country.

In my absence, Ms Stacey Atkins will step into the role of Acting Principal and Mrs Kate Harzmeyer will be Acting Deputy Principal. I have complete confidence in their leadership and know that the school will continue to run smoothly and positively in                                                                their capable hands.

Celebrating Student Excellence

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our senior students who recently participated in the Warrnambool Eisteddfod. Getting up to perform or speak in front of an audience takes courage, resilience, preparation, confidence and passion. These students demonstrated our core school values through their performances – from commitment and creativity to composure and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the way they represented our school.

A heartfelt thank you must also go to Adele Webster and her husband Damien Webster, who volunteered their time and energy to coordinate the Speech and Drama section of the Eisteddfod. Their efforts ensured this valuable community event could continue, offering our students and others in the region a platform to express themselves and grow.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Learning Conversations - Bookings Open

We are looking forward to our upcoming Learning Conversations, taking place on Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th, and Thursday 26th of June. These valuable conversations provide an opportunity for teachers, parents/carers and students to come together to discuss student strengths, challenges and goals.

Bookings are now open via PAM, and we encourage all families to log in and book a time as soon as possible to ensure a time that best suits your schedule.

Learning Conversations are an important part of our reporting and learning partnership. Teachers will refer to the Semester 1 School Report, along with work samples, to guide discussions. These conversations help us work together to support each child’s growth and learning journey.

This year, please note that same-day bookings will close at 11:00am. This allows our teachers time to prepare for their conversations and ensures all resources required are organised and ready in the hall. Your understanding and cooperation with this change is greatly appreciated.

In preparation for these conversations, we are also asking for family input. As part of the discussion, each family is asked to submit a “Family Goal”  (a goal you have for your child) via Seesaw prior to your scheduled conversation. Keep an eye out for a notification from Mrs Dowling on Seesaw with more information.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to seeing you at the Learning Conversations and continuing to work together to support every student’s success.

Pickleball Update

Our amazing Parents and Friends group raised an impressive $4,953.00 at the Pickleball canteen over the long weekend. It was a weekend full of laughter, hard work, and fun for all the dedicated volunteers who helped run the busy canteen. We sincerely thank everyone who generously donated food, money, or their time to help raise these much-needed and greatly appreciated funds for our wonderful school.

We would love to encourage everyone who would like to participate and join the Parents and Friends of St Pius to let the office know and we can get you in touch.

Reminder: Parent/Guardian/Carers Code of Conduct to be signed

As a DOBCEL school, we are required to have all Parents/Guardians/Carers sign a Code of Conduct as part of the Enrolment Agreement.  This Code of Conduct is a guide to the expected conduct and behaviour of all Parents/Guardians/Carers while in all school environments, engaging in school-related activities or representing the school.   This document has been written in the context of new enrolments, but is to be utilised for all current enrolments as well. 

A copy of this document was sent out electronically through PAM to all Parents/Guardians/Carers.  Please take the time to read and acknowledge your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed.   We would appreciate it if this could be completed as soon as possible. 

Thank You to those who have already signed their Codes of Conduct.

Eisteddfod 2025 Results

Last week, nervous but very excited senior students performed in the Speech and Drama section of the Warrnambool Eisteddfod. For many it was their first time. The school was very proud of each student as they gave their own personal best and displayed wonderful school spirit. They listened quietly to other competitors and gained many tips on how to improve their public speaking. So congratulations to all, for the many hours they put into rehearsing their poems and readings. Hopefully they will go on to many more years of public speaking. Many of the students received awards but they all should receive awards for having a go in such an event, as many adults today are afraid to speak publicly to an audience.

Foundation Files

Long weekend stories!

I went on a holiday to Halls Gap - Olivia

On the weekend, I went to my cousin’s house. It was also Mum’s birthday! - Macsen

I stayed home and watched some TV. I got to stay up late - Sophia 

I went to Melbourne on the weekend. I got to go and see the Bombers play Carlton - Ezra

Caterpillar Match - Maths Game!

We are learning to match numbers to a quantity. Our teen numbers are 1 ten and more. So 13 is one ten and 3 more. 16 is one ten and 6 more. We had to play the caterpillar game and match a picture to a number. We also get to review the teen numbers during our daily review and think about ordering them from the biggest to the smallest.

A new season!

In our Foundation classroom, our prayer table has been updated to reflect the liturgical season of Pentecost. The tablecloth has changed to red, symbolising the Holy Spirit and the flame of God’s love.We’ve also added new symbols to help us learn about this special time in the Church year. A gift box reminds us of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel story from the New Testament helps us reflect on the message of Pentecost, and a picture of Pentecost shows the moment the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. We have enjoyed exploring these symbols and incorporating them into our morning prayer. 

Seaside Community Kitchen

Breakfast Club - Wednesday

Students, please join us for some yummy toast, fruit and cereal each Wednesday morning at Breakfast Club.

Breakfast club is open from 8:20am - 8:55am in the Function Room.

With thanks to our sponsors Western District Foodshare and Woolworths and to our fantastic parent helpers.  

Important Dates.

Friday, 13th June:            Interschool Mixed Netball

                                                Last Ready, Set, School! - 9.30am to 10.30am

                                                Assembly - 3pm Church

Monday, 23rd June:          P&F Meeting at 7.30pm

Tuesday, 24th June:         Learning Conversations 2.30pm to 5.30pm

Wednesday, 25th June:   Learning Conversations 2.30pm to 5.30pm

Thursday, 26th June:      Learning Conversations 2.30pm to 5.30pm

Remaining School Closure Days 2025

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

Mon 6th October – Structured Literacy 

Fri 7th November  – Religious Education 

Canteen Roster for next week.

Before & After School Care.

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/ 

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West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House - Calendar of Events