February 22nd, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Project Compassion 2024

This year, Project Compassion brings you the stories of three resilient women from three different corners of the world. They are facing vastly different challenges, but are all united by one dream: to create a better tomorrow for all future generations. ​

Meet Ronita from the Philippines. Ronita lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines. She went back to school to finish her education so that she could earn income to support her children.

Meet Leaia from Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water was very difficult for Leaia and her family. But, with the support of Caritas Australia, a water tank was installed at their home, improving their health and living conditions.

Meet Memory from Malawi. Memory, the eldest daughter from a rural Malawian family, trained to become a carpenter and is now a trailblazer for future generations of women in her village.  

Throughout Project Compassion, you will get to know the stories of Ronita, Leaia and Memory. Journey with them as they forge a path to a brighter future for all generations. 

Watch a short film: Introduction to Project Compassion

Please donate to Project Compassion.

You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413.

Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia

A Note from our Principal

Dear parents and carers,

As we embark on an exciting journey at our school, I am thrilled to share with you the implementation of structured literacy and the science of reading into our curriculum, with the support of the DOBCEL Structured Literacy team. This decision has been reaffirmed by the recent Grattan Institute report, further validating our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.

Yesterday's closure day was invaluable as our dedicated teachers and learning support officers immersed themselves in understanding structured literacy. Their enthusiasm and dedication ensure that they are beginning a journey to be well-equipped to support your child's learning effectively.

I am confident that, as we develop our professional understanding further, embracing structured literacy will empower our students with the foundational skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. Together, as a supportive school community, we can look forward to witnessing the positive impact this approach will have on our students' literacy development.

2024, is a year of learning for our teachers and learning support officers which will lead to increased implementation of the practice in our school. We will strive to keep you updated on the progress of this important project, but for now you may wish to watch this short video (below) from the DOBCEL Structured Literacy team to find out more.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

2024 School Closure Days

Term 1 

Monday 12th Feb - Staff First aid training (COMPLETED)

Wednesday 21st Feb - Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date) (COMPLETED)

Term 2

Date TBC - Wellbeing focus - Awaiting time and date confirmation from facilitator

Term 3

Tuesday 20th August- Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date)

Term 4

Friday 18th October - Religious Education Staff Professional Development

Help!

We have had a direct deposit into our bank account on the 21st February which does not have a reference name or account number.   If you processed a payment on either the 20th or 21st could you please contact the office.    Thank You.

Traffic Update

A reminder to new and existing families about safely entering the school carpark from Ross Street.

Can motorists please observe the stop sign at the pedestrian crossing in Ross St. Gerard (our crossing guard) has reported motorists turning into the school drive while he is in the middle of the crossing with children.

By law, once Gerard’s sign is up, no traffic is allowed to move on the crossing or into the driveway.

Thanks for your cooperation as we try to keep everyone in out community safe. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Family Formation Meeting TONIGHT!

The Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2024 will be celebrated on Monday March 18th at 6:00pm.
If your child is baptised, and has already participated in the Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist, please complete the attached form to register for this program. Traditionally, this is for students in year 6.

Important dates for 2024 are:

February 22nd  (Thursday) Family Formation Meeting in the Church at 7pm.

February 25th (Sunday)      Children presented at Mass 10.00am                       

                        Family Group 1

March 3rd (Sunday)    Children’s photo displayed in the Church
                       Family Group 2
                       Family Group 3
                       Family Group 4

March 18th (Monday) Sacrament of Reconciliation 6:00pm.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sara Graham

Google form

Student Medical Information Updates Required.

A reminder that we require all families to login to PAM and update their child's medical information if any details have changed or if you are a new family to St. Pius.   Please ensure that this is completed as soon as possible.

To update a medical profile for your child/children please follow these instructions:

1. Click on the link to PAM (found on SZ App or on the St. Pius website)
2. Click on student. (Remember that each child has their own medical profile)
3. Click on Medical Profile (blue writing to the left of screen)
4. Check all questions and select Edit Details for updates to be made.
5. Once you get to the end of the questions please confirm by clicking on the Green “Update Details” box found at the bottom right of screen.

As a parent/guardian you are able to access your child/rens medical profile on PAM at any time to update as needed.

If you have any queries or require your PAM login details, please do not hesitate to contact the office.  

Acceptable use and cyber safety agreement - PAM

We would appreciate it if this form could be completed as soon as possible.  If you have any problems, please contact the office.  Thank You.

St. Vincent De Paul Reading Program

Fee-free after school reading program

 Want your child to improve their reading and academic skills? Make new friends? Be involved in a co-curricular activity? Foster positive relationships with caring adults?

 The Vinnie’s reading program might be for you!

St Vincent de Paul run a reading program which offers children the chance to read with a volunteer each week. The program runs each Wednesday of the school term (3:30 - 4.45pm in the library). It is open to any student at St Pius X  (prep to Year 6). Students of all ages and abilities are welcome, from those who need additional support to those who are confident and avid readers. The program provides students with a safe and welcoming environment where they can experience the magic of books, enhance their skills, make new friends and enjoy the support of caring adults. Vinnie’s would love to welcome some new faces.

Easter Raffle

Although it seems like we've just had Christmas, we are already looking ahead to Easter and in particular our Easter Raffle.   We would appreciate it if each family could sell a book of tickets.  These have been sent home, but if you did not receive a book or would like another, please contact the office.    Donations of easter eggs, bunnies etc to make up the gift baskets would also be greatly received. The raffle will be drawn on the last day of term, Thursday 28th March.   

Mini Vinnies

Welcome and congratulations to our 2024 Mini Vinnies crew.
We look forward to working together throughout the year fundraising and raising awareness of social justice issues in our community and around the world. Our first action is to promote Project Compassion during Lent.  Students at our school can make a donation now by placing money in the Caritas boxes in their classrooms.  This money goes towards supporting local and international programs, including vital education and advocacy programs in Australia. Last week these students were introduced at assembly and next week they will be presented with badges by Chris Nolan who has a close association with our school and St Vincent de Paul.  He will also give a talk about homelessness in our community.

Back row:  Mathew Harrison, Andin Karnajaya, Ivy Miller, Mrs Julie Keeley.

Middle row: Dylan Scrivenor, Lacey O'Shannassy, Gia Everall, Layla Goldsmith-Watson.

Front row:  Braxton McGregor, Emelia Watson and Letty Parkinson.

Country Buses

Please remember that only students who are registered to travel on specific country buses can use this service; the service is not to be used for sports training/work/social purposes. Parent/Carers are to make their own arrangements in this regard.  Thank You.

Library News

Library books!

If any St Pius X families have a Library book hidden in their bookshelf, can they please be returned to school as soon as possible.

We will be getting the Library ready for its return and would love any outstanding books to be returned!

Thanks in advance for your support

Alanna Dowling.

The Foundation Files

Patterns

This week we are learning about patterns. We know that a pattern needs to have a unit of repeat. We created some two-part patterns using movement and concrete materials.

We can clap, jump! We can sit, stand! Let us show you how to make a pattern at home using our bodies or using some of our toys. Here is Carter, Hayley and Bodhi showing their object patterns - so clever!!

Pastoral Care Day

Last Friday we participated in our very first Pastoral Care Day.

We started off by learning about the 4 Zones of Regulation. We know that there are different feelings for each of the zones and we learnt that being in the green zone makes us happy and helps us to learn. We learnt about our school and Prep safety plan and we tried to use some of the tools to help us to regulate our feelings. Here we all are having fun singing ‘If you’re happy and you know it’. We had a great day!! 

Snip, Snip, Snip! 

This week we have begun learning to use our scissors to support us in building our fine motor skills while we learn our letters and sounds. Building our fine motor skills helps us to be able to hold a pencil using the correct grip as well as have enough strength and stamina to complete writing tasks. We know that we have to use our scissors in the correct way to be able to be successful as well as keeping ourselves and others safe. Here is Jackson, Matilda and Lincoln trying their best using their scissors to make their Letter C cats.

School Fees and Levies 2024

A special message........

The following students will be celebrating their birthdays in the coming week........

Canteen Roster for next week.

Class Awards

Important Dates.

Tuesday, 5th March - F-2 Athletics Carnival

Wednesday, 6th March - 3-6 Athletics Carnival

Thursday, 7th March - F/1/6 Lions Eye Health Testing

Monday, 11th March - Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday, 12th March - PSG meetings

Wednesday, 13th March - PSG meetings

Monday, 18th March - Reconciliation Sacrament 6pm

Thursday, 28th March - Last Day of Term 1

Friday, 29th March - Good Friday Public Holiday

Uniform Price List

Before & After School Care.

Parish Contact.

Sunday Mass 10.00 @ 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/ 

Could you make a difference to a young life?

Could this be what you are looking for? 

Foster carers come from all walks of life. They can be working, not working or retired; married or single; in same-sex relationships; and can own or rent their home. The most essential criteria are that they care, can provide a safe and nurturing home, and have room in their home to support a vulnerable child or sibling group.

If you would like to know more call MacKillop Family Services on 1300 791 677, visit www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare or ring Alana in our Warrnambool office on 5500 2000.

COVID 19 Arrangements

All famililes are asked to familiarise thesmselves with the updated COVID 19 regulations.