August 21st 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

The Feast of St Pius X

Loving God, we thank You for the life of St Pius X,who showed us how to live with faith, kindness, and courage.
Bless our school community as we follow his example of service and love.
Help us to grow in wisdom, compassion, and hope each day.
May we bring Your light to others, just as St Pius X did.

Amen

St Pius X Feast Day is August 21st.

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

What a joyful and memorable week we’ve had at school!

Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone involved in our Book Week celebration on Wednesday. From all reports, the energy and excitement across the school were truly infectious as students embraced the magic of reading and came dressed as their favourite book characters. A heartfelt thank you to all parents, carers and helpers who supported their children in preparing for the day, your efforts made it so special for them and the creativity on display was incredible!

Today, our school gathered as a community to celebrate the Feast Day of St Pius X. Our Mass was prayerful, reverent and deeply reflective of our school’s Catholic identity. It was beautiful to hear our students were so engaged in this sacred celebration. Following Mass, the children enjoyed a delicious sausage sizzle, which added to the festive spirit of the day. A big thank you to our generous parent helpers who gave their time to make it a fun and smooth-running lunch for everyone.

While I have been away this week attending the 4-yearly ACEC (Australian Catholic Education Conference), I want to express my sincere thanks to Ms Atkins for leading the school in my absence. The conference has been a wonderful opportunity for me to engage with thought leaders in education. I have been able to deepen my understanding of current and future trends in teaching, learning and leadership, particularly around student engagement, effective assessment practices and the vital role of family partnerships in education. 

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Book Week Celebration

Check out just a small sample of the fabulous costumes seen around school yesterday.  Such wonderful imagination, colour and creativity on display!

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First Eucharist- 9am Sunday at St Pius X Church

Congratulations to our first Eucharist candidates who have been preparing to receive the sacrament this weekend. 

Best wishes to the following students as they take the next step in their faith journey.

• Lennox Schrama Willmot
• Maddison McKenzie
• Bailee Woodhams
• Lacey O'Shannassy
• Lucy Sloane
• April Kelly

Teeth on Wheels Update

Teeth on Wheels will return to St. Pius X next week to catch up with those students who have not had their appointment yet. 

They will visit on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

St. Pius Beanies For Sale!!

Mini Vinnies News

On Wednesday September 3rd, Mini Vinnies will be holding a red, yellow and black casual clothes day to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.  Students are encouraged to wear any or all of these colours and bring a gold coin donation.  If they don't have any clothes in those colours at home they can wear their school uniform and we’ll have some ribbons available at the office for anyone who wishes to show their support. 

This money will be forwarded to the ILF. The ILF is a fantastic charity that supports Communities to access books and have their stories published in languages they speak at home.

The Junior school have been learning a song about Indigenous seasons which they would love to share with you at 3:10pm just before school pick up. So, come along to the playground area and join us for Busking for Change.

Foundation Files

Book Week Celebrations

Well what a busy week we have had at school and Book Week was certainly one of the highlights. When the bell rang we had so many little people coming through the door dressed as superheroes, princesses, policemen, animals, villains, sports people and even the teachers came dressed in their pyjamas (or maybe they had just rolled out of bed!). To begin our day we all gathered in the Big Hall for the annual Book Week Parade where each year level showed off their costumes. As this was our first time, we were mesmerised by all the different characters getting around in our school. After the parade we read a book ‘Don’t Worry Felix’ and our friends from SP1 (Mr Blythe’s classroom) helped us make a Breathing Buddy from felt and stuffing. We had a great day and are already planning for next year!

Huff and Puff but can we blow the house down?

We have been learning all about materials and how different objects are made from different things. It reminded us of the Three Little Pigs and how when they were building their houses they used different materials such as straw, sticks and bricks. We decided to plan, design and create our own houses with the hope that the big bad wolf wouldn’t get in. So we invited our special friends and family members to come into the classroom and help us construct. We had stuff everywhere - boxes, cardboard, egg cartons, plastic bottles, cellophane, glue, scissors - you name it, we had it. Our houses turned out to be masterpieces - some big, some small, some tall, some short, some colourful, some plain - no matter what they looked like or what they were made from, we were so proud of our efforts. A BIG thank you to all the families for supporting this activity by sending in materials, putting time into discussing the plan with their child or coming into construct! Here is just a little snapshot of the day!

Happiness, Learning and Safety!

Over the past two Friday’s, we have been spending time with Brooke and Mrs McDonald and learning all about the sensory room, how to play in groups and how our feelings can change in different situations. Last week Brooke showed us so many different activities in the Sensory Room like lego, drawing, trampolining, slime, foot pedals, swings, kinetic sand, playdoh and so much more. We had to be aware of others in the room and share each activity by not staying at the one task for too long. The other activity was looking at different emotions and coming up with a pose that would match the feeling. We then played a game using these and talked about when we might feel those emotions. We look forward to another session tomorrow. 

Lost and Found

We have quite a large quantity of school jumpers that have been handed in to the office without names or names which are illegible.  If your child is missing a jumper, please ask them to enquire at the office.  Jumpers that have not been claimed by the end of next week will be put into the donation pile.  Thank You.

Father's Day / Special Person's Day Breakfast- Friday, 5th September.

WE ARE NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR BREAKFAST!

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS ONLINE USING THE CDF PAY APP (VIA FLEXISCHOOLS) 

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

Footy Tipping Update

1 round to go! Who will take the top spot? Is anyone brave enough to put their spot on the line to try and topple our leaders. 

1. Edward Coverdale

2.  Nick Murrell

3. Tip Rat 

4. Joe Cuolahan

5.  Liam

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. 

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, 22nd August:         Assembly 3pm

                                                   Gr 5/6 Interschool Basketball

Sunday, 24th August:       Eucharist Sacrament 

Monday, 25th August:        Teeth on Wheels

Tuesday, 26th August:        Teeth on Wheels

Wednesday, 27th August:   Teeth on Wheels

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

Friday, 29th August:         School Closure Day

Thursday, 4th September:    SAC Meeting 7.30pm

Friday, 5th September:      Fathers Day / Special Person's Breakfast 7.45am to 8.45am

Monday, 8th September:    District Volleyball

Tuesday, 9th September:      P&F Meeting 7.30pm

Friday, 12th September:      District Table Tennis

Monday, 15th September to Wednesday, 17th September:     5/6 Roses Gap Camp

Friday, 19th September:    Last day of Term 3 - 2.30pm Finish

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/ 

POWER SAVING BONUS

Do you or someone you know need some help to apply for the Victorian Government’s $100 Power Saving Bonus ?

Your local Neighbourhood House can help with the online application.

Please contact Jill for an appointment 0418 944 276

This round of savings is for concession card holders only and will run until March 2026.

West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House - Calendar of Events