August 7th 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

It is a true privilege to work closely with our Student Representative Council and School Captains. Their leadership, creativity and commitment to our school community continue to inspire.

This week, we launched a whole-school Gaga and Four Square competition, with grade-level tournaments running across the next fortnight. The initiative was led by our student leaders and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and involvement from all students. Especially our Foundation and Grade 1/2 students, who kicked things off in the Gaga competition today. Their energy and joy were contagious!

What stood out most was the way students supported one another, cheered for their peers and recognised those demonstrating our SWPBS core values of Respect, Safety and Responsibility. It’s moments like these that highlight the strength and spirit of our school community.

I look forward to the rest of the competitions and the continued opportunity to witness our students shine, not just through sport and play, but through their care for one another and pride in our school values.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Book Week Celebrations - Dress Up Day Wednesday, 20th August

Every parent's favourite week is fast approaching!  This year our Book Week celebration will be held on WEDNESDAY, 20th AUGUST.  Students are invited (but are not required) to dress up as their favourite book character.  This year's theme is "Book an Adventure".  There will be a whole school parade followed by some art activities.  We invite all parents/carers/special people to attend this event.  Please do not feel the need to make any special purchases.  There will be some costumes available in the foyer on the morning of the event.

First Eucharist-Presentation at Mass

A reminder that candidates will be presented at Mass this weekend. The times for other churches was included on the FAQ sheet. 

Key dates for First Eucharist

• Presentation of Candidates at Mass

             Sunday 10th August, 9am

• Sacrament of First Eucharist

            Sunday 24th August, 9am

Helpers Needed - St Pius X Feast Day - Sausage Sizzle

Thursday 21st August is our annual St. Pius X Feast Day. We are planning to have a sausage sizzle on this day. Stay tuned for more information about ordering. If you are a parent/carer and you are able to help with cooking sausages on this day can you please email Nick to let him know principal@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Father's Day / Special Person's Day Breakfast

Can you help us with Father's Day Breakfast??

Footy Tipping Update

There are 3 rounds to go of tipping. Our leaderboard is as follows:

1.   Edward Coverdale

2.  Nick Murrell

3. Tip Rat 

4. Joe Cuolahan

5.  Liam

If you haven't played your joker rounds, you have three chances left to push up the ladder!

Foundation Files

This Is Me!

On Friday we had a Pastoral Care Day where we celebrated our gifts, talents and unique qualities. We could see our personalities shine through in what we wore and how we decorated an image of ourselves. We really do have so many super qualities in our classroom!! We then got to work with our Grade 6 Buddies to create movies to show how we want our SWPBS indicators to look in our school. The value that we focussed on was Safety. The best part of our day was the afternoon when we got to perform our dance ‘This Is Me’ with everyone in our school. A BIG thanks to Mr Bacon and Brooke for their work in putting the day together. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the great things about ourselves and our classmates. 

A big birthday - Happy Birthday Kaz!

On Monday we helped Kaz celebrate a very special milestone. She turned 50!!! We were so excited to sing the Birthday Song with her, spoil her with a little present and help her eat her yummy cupcakes. Kaz was so happy to celebrate this event with us and all of her friends in the staffroom, too. Did you know that she loves Sushi, her favourite food is pasta, she loves iguanas and she has a pet onion at home, named Trevor! Kaz you really are 50 and fabulous!!

100 Days Brighter!

On Wednesday 13th August, we will be celebrating how we are 100 DAYS BRIGHTER! So to keep with the theme we would love the Foundation students to come dressed in their brightest clothes. We will be celebrating by participating in a range of different fun learning activities throughout the day. So get hunting in the wardrobe for the some of your brightest clothes - we can’t wait to see everyone’s creative thinking!! 

COMING SOON….WEEK 5 FESTIVITIES!!!!

This will be a fabulous week of fun and there are many opportunities for everyone to get on board and join us!!

How can you help us?? 

We are after supplies of cardboard boxes, tissue boxes, empty rolls (not toilet paper though), foil, string, plastic bottles, drink bottles, milk bottles…..any materials that can be safely reused and recycled.

Your child will bring home a plan of the type of house they want to build (you may have to give some gentle advice about how to go about it!!!)

Mini Vinnie News

Today the Mini Vinnies Crew had an outing to the Vinnies shop on Fairy St, to learn about all the good work Vinnies do in our community.  We sorted clothes, priced some bric a brac and had a scavenger hunt to find various objects around the store.  The store manager Dannii spoke to us about donating goods and introduced us to many of the volunteers that help out in the store. We also met Chris from welfare, and heard his stories about how they help families in need.  It was a very busy hour but very informative. Please get down and support Vinnies.  We saw first hand a few costumes that could be very handy for our Book Week dress up day that is just around the corner.

2026 Enrolments

Do you know someone looking for a great school in 2026? Word of mouth is the best way to let people know about our wonderful school. Please encourage anyone who might be interested to contact the school for a private tour. 

Carpark safety

Parents are reminded that the only place where children are supervised after school is at the entrance to the school (the circle) and the crossing into the carpark. 

This is the safest place for children to wait. 

We are currently unable to supervise children that wait near the church carpark. Children who are near the church passed 3.40pm will need to come and wait at the front of the school. Thanks for your support. 

REMINDER: Parent/Guardian/Carers Code of Conduct to be signed ASAP

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. 

Thank you to those who have already signed their Codes of Conduct.   It is an important part of our school's Compliance regulations that this document is read and signed by all Parents/Carers.  It would be appreciated if this could be attended to as soon as possible.  Please contact the office if you are unable to access the document in PAM.  Thank you for your assistance.

AFL Auskick/Superkick @ St. Pius X

Please see the flyer below. Two sessions have already been held and there are more three sessions to go!  

Teeth on Wheel - At School Friday, August 15th

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, 8th August:         PSG Meetings

Friday, 8th August:         Assembly 3pm in the Church

Sunday, 10th August:   Eucharist Candidate Presentation 9am 

Thursday, 14th August:   PSG Meetings

Friday, 15th August:         PSG Meetings

Wednesday, 20th August:   Book Week Dress Up Day

Thursday, 21st August:   St. Pius  Feast Day - Sausage Sizzle

Friday, 22nd August:         Assembly 3pm

Sunday, 24th August:        Eucharist Sacrament 

Thursday, 28th August:   1/2 Werribee Zoo Excursion

Friday, 29th August:         School Closure Day

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 Week 4

Seaside Community Kitchen Update

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 Prices

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