July 31st 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

Our Prayer Space

Have you seen our prayer table in our school foyer?

Symbols on Our Prayer Table

Each item on our prayer table has been carefully chosen. 

The Cross reminds us of Jesus and his love for all people. It is filled with the prayers and hopes of many of our students.

The Bible holds the stories and teachings that guide how we live and treat one another. It is a sacred book for Catholics.

The Candle represents the light of Christ among us. It reminds us that God is always with us, even in times of challenge. The candle also calls us to be lights for others—spreading goodness, courage and hope in our school and beyond.

The Green Cloth is the colour of Ordinary Time in the Church’s year. It reminds us of growth, life, and the presence of God in the ordinary moments of our lives. In the classroom, it also symbolises our commitment to ongoing learning and flourishing together.

The Plant is a sign of creation, new life and care for our common home. It helps us remember our responsibility to look after the earth and one another. Like the plant, we are growing—in faith, knowledge and love.

Throughout Ordinary Time and the school term we will all, like the plant, grow together. 

 

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

Tomorrow, we come together to celebrate Pastoral Care Day. This is a special occasion where our whole school focuses on nurturing self-confidence, promoting positive body image and celebrating the uniqueness of every child. This day is an important part of our commitment to the wellbeing of each student and supports our Catholic values of love, dignity and respect for self and others.

Students from Foundation to Year 6 will be involved in meaningful activities that encourage self-acceptance and connection. Our younger students will express what makes them special through creative art, while our older students will explore self-esteem and body image through videos, reflection and discussion. In mixed-age groups, students will create short videos to bring to life the core values from our SWPBS matrix—Safety, Respect and Responsibility.

We’ll also enjoy moments of joy and togetherness, including a whole school “This Is Me” dance performance to finish the day, celebrating the unique light each child brings to our St Pius X community. 

We look forward to a day filled with learning, laughter and love, grounded in our mission to support every child’s growth in both heart and mind.

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

Pastoral Care Day Tomorrow - This is Me!

Casual Clothes - Pastoral Care Day

Tomorrow, Friday 1st August, is our termly Pastoral Care Day. The learning intentions for the day are based around students exploring and expressing their own uniqueness and building self confidence. Students will also be working on explaining and modelling the indicators from our SWPBS matrix.

On this day students are asked to wear casual clothes with a focus on wearing something that expresses them. 

Some examples of clothes that expresses yourself could be clothes that:

• are your favourite colour
• reflect a hobby or sport of interest
• reflects your personality - bright bubbly personality = bright clothes. 

There are no rules, other than clothes and footwear that are appropriate for the cold winter weather and that they will be doing some physical activity (dancing).

Book Week Celebrations

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 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.

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. 

First Eucharist Formation Day

The preparation of this Sacrament includes a formation day at school.  Candidates from all of the Network Catholic schools will participate in a Formation Day to be held here at St Pius X - in the Hall and the function room.  This is to occur on Tuesday August 5th.

Children are reminded to bring along a special item that sparks a memory for them. 

Children are invited to wear their sports uniform on this day. Please bring your lunch. 

Best wishes to the following children and their families as they embark on this preparation: 

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

Key dates for First Eucharist

• Network Formation Day

           Tuesday 5th August, St Pius X (school supported)

• Presentation of Candidates at Mass

             Sunday 10th August, 9am

• Sacrament of First Eucharist

            Sunday 24th August, 9am

Footy Tipping Update

As we head into Round 20, here is the current leaderboard:

1.   Edward Coverdale

2.  Nick Murrell

3.  Joe Cuolahan

4.  Tip Rat

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.  We still have about half of our families yet to do so.  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.

Foundation Files

What are things made of?

This term we have been exploring the area of chemical science and what objects can be made of. We have learnt about different types of materials such as wood, fabric, glass, metal and plastic. We used magnifying glasses to search around our classroom to look for different objects that are made out of those materials and we found things like windows, tables, cushions, chairs, door frames and many more. When looking at different materials we know that  we can describe them by using their properties. Test us out at home and ask us what materials or objects are rough, shiny, smooth, heavy or light. We are learning lots and loving every minute!

Subtraction

This week we have flipped the coin and instead of adding things together we are now learning how to take them away. We know that when we are taking things away our number will get smaller. We have been making our own subtraction stories using money, animals, dinosaurs and plenty of other things that we think of. Creating a story can be tricky but we have been practicing as well as using our creativity and imagination. Ms Lane and Ms Osborne think that some of the stories have been amazing. We certainly have been busy during Maths time this term and we can’t wait to see what next week brings. Stay tuned!

Learning Journals

Last term at our Learning Conversations we shared all of our awesome learning with our families by showing our learning journals. It is now that time that they need to come back to school. If you still have your learning journal sitting in a good spot at home then can you please return it to your teachers by the end of next week (8th August) and we will tick you off our list. We need to fill it with more great learning for this semester. Thanks everyone!!

AFL Auskick/Superkick @ St. Pius X

Please see the flyer below. The first session was held last Monday and there are four sessions to go.  

Teeth on Wheels - Term 3

Final Reminder – Teeth On Wheels Visit
Teeth On Wheels will be visiting our School for dental check-ups starting on August 15th 2025. 
We understand that dental visits can feel intimidating for children, which is why Teeth On Wheels makes oral health education both fun and engaging. When children enjoy their experience with the dentist, it sets a foundation for positive oral health habits that last a lifetime. Fun, hands-on activities help children develop good habits like regular brushing, flossing, and understanding the importance of healthy teeth. This enjoyable approach not only reduces fear but empowers children to take ownership of their oral health. By creating a positive experience at an early age, we are setting the stage for healthier smiles and stronger habits throughout their life. 
To ensure your child is part of this visit, please complete the consent form by clicking the link below: 

Complete the consent form HERE!

The final cut-off date for completing your child’s form is August 5th 2025.

Class Awards

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, 1st August:        Pastoral Care Day - Casual Clothes 

Monday, 4th August:    PSG Meetings

Tuesday, 5th August:    PSG Meetings

Tuesday, 5th August:    Eucharist Formation Day 

Tuesday, 5th August:    Parents and Friends Meeting meet.google.com/cxb-znrd-grv 

Thursday, 7th August:   PSG Meetings

Friday, 8th August:         PSG Meetings

Friday, 8th August:         Assembly 3pm

Sunday, 10th August:   Eucharist Candidate Presentation 9am 

Friday, 8th August:         PSG Meetings

Thursday, 14th August:   PSG Meetings

Friday, 15th August:         PSG Meetings

Wednesday, 20th August:   Book Week Dress Up

Thursday, 21st August:   St. Pius  Feast Day

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 3 Term 3

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