August 14th 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

The Feast of the Assumption- August 15th

Loving God,
On this Feast of the Assumption, we remember Mary,
who trusted in You completely and walked with courage and hope.

Help us, like Mary, to see Your presence in our everyday lives—
in the beauty of creation, in acts of kindness, and in moments of joy.

May her example inspire us to care for one another,
to work for justice, and to live with open hearts.

We pray that our school community always lifts one another up,
sharing love and light in all we do.
Amen.

Image: 'Our Lady of Refuge' by Michael O'Neil McGrath

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

This week we celebrated a significant milestone in our school’s improvement journey with the culmination of our external school review process. After months of reflection, planning and evidence gathering, we welcomed a panel of reviewers to our school on Monday and Tuesday. Their visit was the final stage of a rigorous process designed to provide independent feedback on our strengths and areas for growth.

It was incredibly pleasing to have so many aspects of our school’s work – including high-quality teaching and learning, wellbeing initiatives and special programs – validated and commended. The panel acknowledged the strong sense of community and the clear focus on student outcomes that underpin everything we do.

Even more affirming was the endorsement of the school’s improvement direction and key priorities identified by our staff. This feedback confirms that we are united in our vision and heading in the right direction for the next phase of school improvement. 

I want to sincerely thank all staff, students and families who contributed to this process. Your involvement, honesty and pride in our school were clearly evident to the review team and played a vital role in shaping their positive and direction informing findings.

Together, we continue to make our school a great place to learn, grow and thrive.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Teeth on Wheels - Tomorrow!

Teeth on Wheels will be visiting St. Pius tomorrow for dental check ups.  It is uncertain whether they will have time to see all the children in one day.  If an extra day is required, that date will be communicated in due course.

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

A big thank you to those who have volunteered to help cook and serve sausages next Thursday 21st August, we appreciate your help.  All positions have now been filled!

Please access the CDFpay (Flexischools) app to place orders for sausages.  For catering purposes, it would be appreciated if any orders could be submitted by next Tuesday.  Thank You.

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 at 9am in the Hall 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

Key dates for First Eucharist

• Sacrament of First Eucharist

            Sunday 24th August, 9am

Father's Day / Special Person's Day Breakfast

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

Footy Tipping Update

There are only 2 rounds of tipping to go! Our leader board 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 two chances left to push up the ladder!

Foundation Files

100 Days Brighter!

On Wednesday the Foundation students and their teachers celebrated 100 DAYS BRIGHTER. We came to school in BRIGHT coloured clothes and had the best day playing, laughing, reminiscing and still learning (of course!). We loved thinking about all the things that we had learnt since beginning school and how we had become 100 DAYS BRIGHTER. We sang songs, danced, coloured in, counted, smiled and played. We even thought about what we would do if we had $100 dollars and if we could wish for 100 things then what would they be! We know we have learnt so much and still have so much more to learn as we look towards the end of the year. What a special and fun day!

Show and Tell

This is one of the most important events on the weekly calendar for the Foundation students. Each Friday, we love sharing a special object with our friends and telling them about what it is, where it came from and why we love it. We have to use our 5L’s and make sure we show respect to all our classmates as we all take turns. At the end we get to have some ‘exploring’ time to get a close look at the things that we have been intrigued by. It’s a great way to extend social connections within the group and have fun together! We can’t wait to see what is on show this week!

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!!!)

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.

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, 15th August:      Teeth on Wheels Visit

                                               PSG Meetings

Wednesday, 20th August:   Book Week Dress Up Day - Parade at 9am in the Hall.

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 5

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