March 14th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Project Compassion 2024

Memory is 26 years old and lives in rural Malawi. As the eldest child in a low-income farming family, Memory had to take on many household chores and farming activities to support her parents. They struggled to pay for Memory’s school fees and school supplies, and Memory often had to walk to school barefooted. 

With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), Memory was able to enrol at a technical college where she learnt technical skills in carpentry. She undertook a three-year carpentry course, with CADECOM supporting part of her tuition and boarding fees.

Memory became the first female carpenter from her village. Today, she works as a carpenter at one of Malawi’s largest hydroelectric power stations. With the income from her job, she can provide financial support to her family and inspire other young women in her community so that they may have the opportunity to succeed in a male-dominated industry.

Watch Memory’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,

The health and wellbeing of everyone at St Pius X is very important. You will have read recently in the newsletter that we are rolling out a new resource School TV.  

In order for us to support families with the wellbeing of your children, and direct our school community to relevant support materials in School TV we are asking families to complete the Wellbeing Barometer survey. Using the link 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 

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

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. 

Please Help - Still looking for an answer....

We have had a payment paid via OSKO 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.

Athletics

In the Staff Spotlight......

EMMA McDONALD

What is your favourite sport?     I would have to say Netball.

What music do you like to listen to?  Love me a little bit of acoustic anything!

What country would you like to visit one day? Why?  I am really looking forward to taking my family to Thailand next year. We can't wait for all the amazing snorkelling, food and hot tropical weather!

What is your favourite fruit or snack to have at school?  Hummus and carrot sticks or crackers.

What's your favourite game to play in PE?  Anything that makes everyone happy and active....everybodies it seems to be a favourite this year.

SchoolTV

In this edition of SchoolTV - SLEEP

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Sleep edition of SchoolTV
https://spwarrnambool.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep

Japan Trip Cancelled

The Warrnambool & District Network of Catholic Schools met last week and unfortunately have decided to cancel the 2024 Japan Trip for students. Principals have met to make a final decision about the trip, and have concluded that it is not viable, given the low uptake of students wishing to attend. This is very disappointing for those students and families  who had made the commitment and would no doubt have been excited for the trip. It is anticipated that we will try again in 2025, and hopefully see a large contingent interested in this terrific trip. We appreciate the interest that students and families have shown in the Japan Trip. 

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.

Ride To School Day..........

Next Friday, 22nd March, is Ride 2 School Day! This day is a chance for students to come to school in a healthy way (Ride, Scoot or Walk) and go into the running for prizes! If families live a long way from school, students can be dropped off a block or so away from the school and that will still count as a walk and will go into the running for a prize! Fingers crossed it is sunny weather and we can see as many students coming to school in a healthy way!

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Nine candidates from the Senior School have been preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the last few weeks.  This Sacrament will be received in the St Pius X Church on Monday March 18th at 6pm. This is also an opportunity for all parishioners to receive individual Reconciliation after the  children have received the sacrament for the first time.  These students are Holly Woodward, Reilly McMahon, Charlotte van de Camp, Kosta Maglaras, Fynn McInnes, Arlo Sloane, Piper Matheson, William Carey and Mia Kermond.  Please remember these children in your prayers.

The way of the Cross

The Senior School Students have been busy practising the 2024 Way of the Cross. This year, the Way of the Cross will be in the Church at 10:30am on Thursday March 28th. The invitation to this event extends to the whole school community - parents, carers, grandparents. Please come along and support our Senior School Students for this prayerful event.

Well Done Ethan and Saxon!

Over the long weekend, two of our students, Ethan and Saxon represented Warrnambool in the U10 boys in the State Victorian Life Saving Competition. The boys gave 100% in flags just missing out on going through to the finals. Ethan made it to the semi final in the swim.  On a side note, Anne Kerr’s grandson Lachie also made it to the final in the swim race, placing 2nd.   

Congratulations Boys!

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

Your child will have brought home some information regarding the NAPLAN tests. These tests are being  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

What did I do on the Long Weekend? 

Here are a few stories that come out after the Long Weekend…

Bodhi - On the long weekend I went to the pool with my family.

Matilda S - On the long weekend we went to Ballarat. We got a new kitten and we got to play in a really big playground.

Isla-May - On the long weekend I stayed at home and we built half a robot that we bought from a shop.

Thomas - On the long weekend my family went to the waterpark in Geelong.

Letters we have learnt…

Every day we practice reading and writing our letters. We know their names and the sounds that they make. We learn how to write them in lowercase and uppercase letters. We then use these letters to help us to spell words and to put words into sentences that make sense. Learning at school is so much fun. Our new letters this week are ‘l’and ‘g’. Here is Izaiah, Remi, Harrison and Emmi doing their very best work during learning time. 

Japanese

Learning Japanese is a lot of fun. Hadley and Matilda help us to take the roll and say ‘Konichiwa’ when we start our lesson. We have been learning to count our numbers in Japanese and Emily Sensei has lots of fun games to help us to practice them. We get to swat the numbers on the mat.

Show and Tell Focus - What makes me Healthy?

On Friday 22nd March we would like the children to bring to show and tell a toy, a game, some sporting equipment, some exercise ideas or even some dance moves. We’d love to see things that make me healthy - a frisbee, a basketball, a skipping rope or even a yoyo.

Breakfast Club

This week we saw 94 hungry tummies filled at Breakfast Club! Going forward, Breakfast Club will be open at 8:20am. Again, a big thankyou to Foodshare for providing us with breakfast items and Woolies for providing the fruit! Of course, this wouldn't take place without our amazing parent helpers so a big thank you to Sarah & Virginia as well!

Art News

Thank you to everyone who has dropped in bubble wrap over the past week, it is most appreciated.  We now have plenty to use for upcoming projects.    Thanks again!

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.

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.

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.  

A special message........

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

Jasper Henry, Indi-Rose Meyer and Zac Brisbane.

Canteen Roster for next week.

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, 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

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

Class Awards Week 5

School Fees and Levies 2024

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.