March 7th, 2024
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Project Compassion 2024
- A Note from our Principal
- In the Staff Spotlight.
- Parents and Friends meeting
- School TV survey
- E- Scooter Laws
- Please Help - Still looking for an answer....
- Traffic Update
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- 2024 School Closure Days
- Student Medical Information Updates Required.
- Acceptable use and cyber safety agreement - PAM
- Easter Raffle
- Library News
- NAPLAN - Yrs 3 & 5
- The Foundation Files
- Breakfast Club
- Art News - Donation Required Please
- St. Vincent De Paul Reading Program
- School Fees and Levies 2024
- A special message........
- Canteen Roster for next week.
- Important Dates.
- Uniform Price List
- Before & After School Care.
- Parish Contact.
- COVID 19 Arrangements
Acknowledgement of Country
The St Pius X Parish School Community acknowledges the Gunditjmara / Marr Nation people who have educated children on these lands for thousands of years.
Project Compassion 2024
Third Week of Lent Samoa may be a country surrounded by water, but access to clean drinking water is scarce in some areas, with many families facing extreme hardship as a result. Leaia lives with her five children, husband, brother and sister-in-law on the island of Upolu in Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water caused Leaia a lot of worry. Their home is not connected to a piped water system, so they had to rely solely on rainwater collected in old fridges. When their water ran out, Leaia had to walk with her young children to collect water in buckets and containers from a neighbour down the street. With the support of Caritas Australia's local partner, Caritas Samoa, a water tank was installed at Leaia's home. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water at home. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions. “We are very thankful and grateful for the water tank. It has helped us so much and made our daily life easier,” Leaia said. Watch Leaia’s Story Please donate to Project Compassion. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations. You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. |
A Note from our Principal
Dear parents and carers,
I am thrilled to report the resounding success of our school sports days held this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a remarkable showcase of camaraderie, support, and leadership within our school community. Our students exemplified the values of teamwork and sportsmanship, with seniors leading by example and younger students displaying enthusiasm and determination.
The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of parents, carers, grandparents, and visitors, who joined us in celebrating the achievements of our students. It was heartening to see such strong support from our extended community.
Events like these not only promote physical activity and healthy competition but also foster a sense of belonging and unity among all members of our school. I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making these sports days a memorable and rewarding experience, especially Mrs Emma McDonald for her organisation and coordination of days.
Kind regards,
Nick Murrell
Principal
In the Staff Spotlight.
Today we are launching a new initiative whereby we will profile a member of our staff each week as a way of "getting to know you". In the spotlight today is our Digital Technology Teacher Alannah Dowling. Let's get to know her better with some hard hitting questions!
ALANNAH DOWLING
What is your favourite colour? Green.
What football team do you barrack for? Only the best- Collingwood! #flagpies.
What place would you most like to go to for a holiday? Anywhere warm & sunny, but definitely back to Vietnam.
What is your favourite dinner? Slow cooked lamb shoulder from Myrtle Bar.
What's your favourite piece of technology to use at home? Definitely my phone.
Parents and Friends meeting
All parents, carers and friends of St Pius X are invited to join our first Parents and Friends meeting for 2024 on Tuesday March 26th at 7.30pm here at school.
It would be great to see as many people as possible come along and contribute to our plan for 2024 to ensure we can provide some fun, engaging and community uniting events for our school, that can also raise some important funds for school resources and programs.
We will discuss what the key fundraising events for the year will/might be as part of the agenda. We will also discuss the compositon of the parents and friends group, to ensure clarity and understanding for everyone. I apologise for the late nature of this meeting, being so late in Term 1.
School TV survey
Please take a few moments to complete the survey below.
This Wellbeing Barometer survey is a longitudinal study that will assist our school over time. It will help detect any changes that may occur. Ultimately, this information will help support families and provide important information to our school regarding the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best we can support you.
Responses to all survey questions remain anonymous and are only reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.
https://spwarrnambool.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing-barometer-2024-primary
E- Scooter Laws
I draw your attention to the e-Scooter Laws for Victoria which among other things state that e- Scooters can only be ridden legally by people over 16 years of age.
This being the case no children will be able to ride an e-Scooter to school.
See the full suite of e-Scooter laws from the Victorian Police website here.
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/
Please Help - Still looking for an answer....
We have had a direct deposit into our bank account on the 21st February which does not have a reference name or account number. We believe that someone called the office regarding this on or about the 22nd February, but unfortunately the details were misplaced. If this sounds like you and you processed a payment on either February 20th or 21st could you please contact the office. Thank You.
Traffic Update
SCHOOL CARPARK
Yellow school crossing.
You will have noticed that a staff member is now displaying a STOP and SLOW sign at the yellow crossing in the afternoons. Cars that are doing a u turn and exiting back out to Ross Street do not need to STOP with the sign is displayed. We are only asking cars that are going to cross the yellow crossing to exit the carpark on Morris Rd. This practice is designed to help families cross safely to the carpark area.
Car parks.
In an attempt to create a safer situation for students and families at pick up and drop off times, we have asked staff members to not park in the middle row of car parks that have the yellow line across the back of them (see below).
The concept is that these parks can be used by families to minimise reversing out of parks during the busy 8.40-9.00 and 3.30-3.40 periods of pick up, placing children in danger.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the senior Pod, there are 9 students preparing to receive the sacrament of reconciliation on the Monday 18th of March at 6.00pm. Reconciliation is a sacrament of Penance, and is the last sacrament received at primary school. Please remember these students in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this sacrament.
Fynn McInnes, Holly Woodward, Kosta Maglaras, Charlotte van de Camp,
Arlo Sloane, William Carey, Reilly McMahon, Piper Matheson, Mia Kermond.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sara Graham
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
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:
- Click on the link to PAM (found on SZ App or on the St. Pius website)
- Click on student. (Remember that each child has their own medical profile)
- Click on Medical Profile (blue writing to the left of screen)
- Check all questions and select Edit Details for updates to be made.
- 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
There are still a large number of families who have yet to complete this agreement. We would appreciate it if this could be attended to as soon as possible. If you have any problems, please contact the office. Thank You.
Easter Raffle
We would appreciate it if each family could sell a book of tickets for our Easter Raffle. 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. Thank you to those who have already dropped items in.
The raffle will be drawn on the last day of term, Thursday 28th March.
Library News
If any St Pius X families have a Library book hidden in their bookshelf, can they please be returned to school once they have been found. We would appreciate its prompt return. Thank you.
NAPLAN - Yrs 3 & 5
Today your child will bring home some information regarding the upcoming NAPLAN tests. These tests will be conducted from Wednesday 13th-Tuesday 19th with make-up sessions thereafter. More information regarding these tests has been attached to this newsletter.If you have any queries regarding these tests please contact Rebecca Parkinson here at school.
The Foundation Files
We’re off and racing….School Sports
On Tuesday we participated in our very first School Athletics Carnival. The weather was a bit on the warmer side but we all persisted and did our very best. We loved running fast in the sprints, leaping in long jump, throwing the frisbee, hitting the ball with the bats and racquets and jumping in the sacks. Our most favourite thing was the relays especially the water one where we could cool off. It was so nice to see some of our families and friends there to cheer us on!
A big thank you to Mrs McDonald, Bridget and the Senior helpers who made the day so much fun and a big success. We already can’t wait for next year!!
Lenten Liturgy
Tomorrow afternoon the Prep’s will be helping to lead our next liturgy for Lent. We have some symbols to bring forward to the altar, we have a reading about Nicodemus from the Gospel of Matthew, we are learning about how we can help communities in Malawi by giving to Project Compassion and we have learnt a new song called ‘Come Follow Me’ written by Andrew Chinn. We hope that our school and family community can come along and share our prayer for Lent.
Digital Technology
Every week we learn so many things at school with Ms Lane and Ms Osborne but we also learn things from other teachers too. On Monday’s and Thursday’s we have time in our specialist groups. One of our favourite specialist classes is Digital Technology with Mrs Dowling and Isla. We go to the library and learn all things about technology - we can see lots of different technology in our school and what makes it technology. We also know that when we are using technology we need to be safe and protect ourselves and our friends. Technology can be a great tool to help us learn. Thanks Mrs Dowling for making our DT lessons so engaging and exciting!
Breakfast Club
Our Breakfast Club is up and running for 2024! We have already seen over 150 hungry mouths fed over the past 2 weeks! We are so thankful for the support from Foodshare and excited to have Woolies providing fresh fruit for students to enjoy at Breakfast Club and throughout the week! Our wonderful parent helpers have been providing yummy toast, Milo, cereal and lots more!
Breakfast Club runs every Wednesday from 8:20am. All Welcome!
Art News - Donation Required Please
Mrs Keeley is looking for donations of bubble wrap for an activity in two weeks.
If you have any at home and you don't need it, please send it along to the art room. Many thanks.
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.
School Fees and Levies 2024
A special message........
The following students will be celebrating their birthdays in the coming week........
Leo Le, Hayley Wearne & Pippa Dufty.
Canteen Roster for next week.
| Tuesday, 19th February | Samantha Hunt |
| Wednesday, 20th March | Merryn Payne |
| Thursday, 21st March | Cherie Geyer |
| Friday, 22nd March | Alana Gleeson |
We are currently looking for extra volunteers to help in the Canteen for the year, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You would only be rostered on a couple of times a term and your assistance would be greatly appreciated. The only pre-requisite is that you have a Working With Children Check. Please contact the office if you can help. Thank You.
Important Dates.
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
Monday, 15th April - Term 2 Commences
Tuesday, 23rd April - School Photo Day
Uniform Price List
Before & After School Care.
We remind everyone about TheirCare, our outside school hours care provider. Bookings can be made at https://theircare.com.au/
Please select St Pius X Warrnambool as the booking location.
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.
Managing a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19
- It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:
- have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
- are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
- are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
- The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.
- Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.
- Staff or students who are positive are strongly recommended to stay home and isolate for a minimum of five days.
- Symptomatic students or staff should not attend school, even if failing to test positive on a RAT or PCR.
Communication
There is no longer a requirement for schools to inform their communities of positive cases. All health information is held in accordance with the school’s privacy policy.
Masks
Staff and students who wish to wear a mask will continue to be supported to do so. Masks are available from the administration office for anyone wishing to obtain one.
Any staff or students who are close contacts are recommended to wear a mask indoors.
Any staff or students returning from isolation are recommended to wear a mask for 7 days after returning to school.
RAT Kits
RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each household member. People with disability and their carers can get up to four free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability.
The RATs are available at the Civic Centre (25 Liebig Street) and the Archie Graham Community Centre (118 Timor Street).
Vaccination
St Pius X strongly supports vaccination for all in our community who are eligible. There is no requirement for adults entering the school to declare their vaccination status.
All community adults are reminded of the child safety requirement to sign in when attending the school between 9.00am and 3.00pm
Transport
Parents who have tested positive to COVID 19 are permitted to drive children to and from school during their 7 day isolation period. They are required to return home immediately afterwards and not attend other locations.
Medically At Risk Students
Students who have chronic health conditions, especially affecting the respiratory system ie Asthma, must have up to date health support plans. Families who are unsure about the status of their child’s plan should make contact with teh school administration office.