October 17th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Social Media Safety

Ngata families, 

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online and on social media. You can help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. You can explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules and boundaries.

Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about online safety.

The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident.

The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe happens online, and where to reach out to for more support.

To access the fact sheets, refer to the Safe Socials webpage. The fact sheets are available in 19 community languages.

The government is also launching public consultation on age limits for social media.

You and your children can share your experiences to inform proposed changes via an online survey, before 5 pm on Friday 1 November 2024. For more information on the survey and to take part, refer to  Proposed changes to social media age limits on the Engage Victoria website.

If you have any queries about this information, you can contact the department by email: bullystoppers@education.vic.gov.au

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

School Closure - Monday November 11th

Monday November 11th is a school closure day. There is no school for students on this day. Staff will be working through data and subsequent professional development in relation to our school's most recent Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey with support from DOBCEL Religious Education consultant Jo-anne van de Voort. 

Class Groupings 2025

In the coming weeks our staff will be drafting class lists for the 2025 school year.  If parents/guardians have information that relates to their child's learning needs and will assist in the placement of their child, they are encouraged to forward this information as soon as possible.

All submissions must be in writing.

Either email:

principal@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

or address a letter marked confidential to "The Principal".

Parents/Guardians are asked to submit this information before Friday, 25th October.

A message from Nick and our Parents and Friends team

This year it has been decided that there will be no Twilight Fair. The reasons for this are a drastically reduced number of volunteers able to support the event over the previous years, effort versus reward with respect to fundraising - the majority share of the funds raised from the Twilight fair have come from the major raffle and a very minimal amount of funds raised from the activities and the final reason being changes to the new Multi-employer agreement relating to staff entitlements. 

It has been widely commented and acknowledged that the Twilight Fair is an amazing community event that encourages and fosters a community feeling, friendship and the school coming together to enjoy and celebrate everything that is amazing about our school. Understanding this, we have provided as many opportunities to do this so far this year with STOMP, Mother's /Special Person's Day breakfast, Father's /Special Person's Day breakfast, Learning Walks, Book Week picnic and parade, Finding Nemo, Movie night, sporting events and more. There will also be further opportunities to come together in Term 4 - namely a family picnic and colour run on the final day of the school year and our Carols and Presentation evening. This will be a free community event with no fundraising attached. 

So far this year, our Parents and Friends team has raised more money than the entire of last year, and they are not finished there!

In light of no Twilight fair there are two fundraising events planned for Term 4.

We are planning a Major Raffle and have booked in for a Bunnings BBQ on Saturday December 7th. 

There will be more information to come about both of these events in the coming weeks. 

I thank Kimberley Lack for chairing our P&F team so far this year, Merryn Payne as Deputy Chair, Mel Steffenson as P&F & SAC liaison and  Bronwen Levett, Tammie Karnajaya and Tayla Brown as committee members. 

Staffing announcement

I am please to announce that our 2025 trainee positions have been filled. 

Next year we will welcome:

Harrison Cram

Theo Kane, and,

Emily Honan. 

We are very excited to have these three people joining the St Pius X team next year. 

Grade Six 2025 Hoodies

Yesterday, our grade 5 students had fittings for their 2025  hoodies.   

The hoodies will cost families $30.   They are $45 to manufacture, but the P&F will kindly subsidise $15.00.   If you would like to order a second hoodie, this will be charged at the full price of $45.    The school order will be placed with the manufacturer next Tuesday, 22nd October.  No further hoodies will be able to be ordered after this date. 

Payment can be made via Flexischools when the hoodies are delivered either later this term or first thing in term 1, 2025.  

Chromebook Letters - Grade 4's

Tomorrow, letters will be sent home to the families of Grade 4 students which will provide information regarding costs etc. associated with their use of Chromebooks in Grade 5, 2025.

Please check school bags tomorrow afternoon for this important letter.

Walk to School - Friday, 25th October!

On Friday October 25th, as part of our healthy moves initiative, students are invited to take part in our walk to school day by joining in with the walking school bus program! Students are invited to meet staff and other students at one of the below meeting points and walk together to school! 

Participants will go into the running for lots of different prizes thanks to SportsPower Warrnambool! Parents and friends are more than welcome to join in!

Crazy Hair/Socks Day - 15th November!

Headlice

There has been a reported case of headlice in the Junior Area.  Could ALL school families please check their child/ren's hair and treat if necessary.  Thank You. 

Volleyball Finals

Yesterday, seven of our senior girls travelled to Horsham to compete in the Greater Western Region Volleyball Finals.  Our team came runners up to the Holy Trinity team from Horsham and as usual conducted themselves with an amazing attitude and great sportsmanship.    Congratulations to Payson, Chelsea, Charlotte, Maggie, Andin, Mia and Zarli on a fantastic effort!

Regional Athletics Ballarat

Last Friday, two of our students travelled to Ballarat to participate in the Regional Athletics which were held at the Llanberris Athletics Reserve.

Victoria Balash competed in the 1500m run where she came home in 15th Place and Zarli Best competed in the 100m and 200m races where she came 6th and 3rd place respectively.

A fantastic effort from both girls - Congratulations to you both!

Japan Trip 2025 Information Meeting

A meeting will be held on Thursday 31st October from 5.30pm - 6.30pm at St. Joseph's Primary School, 70 Botanic Rd, Warrnambool (enter via reception) 

The aim of this meeting is to present information regarding the proposed Japan Trip for students in September 2025.  The trip is open to Year 6 students (with the possibility of Year 5 students -TBC) We are currently gathering details about pricing, and will have more information regarding this at the meeting.

Catherine Lee
Community Development Coordinator
St. Joseph's Primary School

Thunderstorm Asthma – be prepared this pollen season

If we do not already know about your child's asthma can you please contact the school if this is a potential risk for your child. 

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a serious and potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can occur during specific weather conditions. It is common throughout all parts of Victoria, particularly during spring when thunderstorms coincide with high levels of pollen in the air.

This combination can trigger severe asthma symptoms, even in people who have not previously experienced asthma or allergies.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don't occur every year. In south-east Australia they can happen during grass pollen season from October through December.

What Causes Thunderstorm Asthma?

During a thunderstorm, pollen grains can be swept up into the clouds, where they break into smaller particles due to moisture. These tiny particles then get blown down by the winds and spread across a wide area. Because they are so small, they can be easily inhaled, reaching deep into the lungs and triggering asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

National Parent Survey

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) is running a parent survey in partnership with the University of New England on Student Wellbeing and Learning and are seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia.

You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning.

The survey is anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary.    

For more information about the study and to participate go here.

Thank you for your support.

New Uniform Options!

Don't forget that St Pius X now has new options for uniform! "Yoga" pants with a zip pocket as modelled by Chloe and bucket hats that turn inside out as modelled by both Chloe and Alfie.

One side of the hat is the school colour and logo and on the inside is the child’s sports colour!  This will make
Sports Day very colourful and bright.  These hats can be tightened with a toggle and are comfortable
for all head sizes.  The hat sizes range from small, medium, large and up to extra large.   

NOTE:  We currently have some hat colours/sizes on backorder (in particular Red & Green Size Medium), so if your hat order is not in stock, it shouldn't be far away!

The pants are made from Viscose, Nylon and Elastane and are stretchy and comfortable. They have elasticised waists and they range in size from a size 6 up to a women's small (larger sizes can be ordered if needed.)

Both the hats and pants are now available for purchase online (via Flexischools App) and if you need to check sizing please see Bec and Karen in the office.

The hats will be $15.00 and the new pants will be $30.00.

Food bank support - Thank You!

We have had a great response to the launch of our weekly community food bank to support families within our school. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered  to help with this great initiative. 

Please text Lara on 0423 453 334 if you wish to participate or need more information. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Text Lara on 0423 453 334

Breakfast Club - Wednesdays

A friendly reminder that Breakfast Club is running on Wednesday mornings from 8:20am. It is open to ALL students before school to enjoy some yummy toast, yogurt, cereal or a piece of fruit and take part in a morning conversation with others. We look forward to seeing everybody there!

Again, a big thankyou to Foodshare for providing us with breakfast items and Woolies Dennington 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!

A special message just to say.............

The following students will be celebrating their birthday over the coming week......

April Kelly and Ivy McDonald

Canteen Roster for next term.

Important Dates.

Thursday, 24th October - District Cricket

Thursday, 24th October - 3/4 Art Excursion

Friday, 25th October - Walk to School Day

                                                Assembly, 3pm in church

Tuesday, 5th November - Melbourne Cup Day activities 

Friday, 8th November - Assembly, 3pm in church

Monday, 11th November - School Closure Day 

Tuesday, 12th November - 3/4 Bike Ed 

Tuesday, 12th November - Foundation Information Night 6.30pm

Wednesday, 13th November - 3/4 Bike Ed

Wednesday, 13th November - Gr 5 Emmanuel Experience excursion

 Thursday, 14th November - 3/4 Bike Ed - Big Ride

Friday, 15th November - Crazy Hair/Socks Day

 Monday, 18th November - 1/2 Swimming commences (two week program)

Monday, 18th November - Scholastic Book Fair commences (one week)

Monday, 18th November - Foundation excursion - The Gruffalo 

Tuesday, 19th November - Parents and Friends meeting, 7.30pm

Friday, 22nd November - Assembly, 3pm in church

Monday, 25th November - 5/6 Beach safety commences  (one week program)

Thursday, 28th November - Foundation 2025 Transition #1

Friday, 29th November - Advent Liturgy 3pm church

Monday, 2nd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Tuesday, 3rd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Wednesday, 4th December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Friday, 6th December - Assembly, 3pm in church

Tuesday, 10th December - Orientation Day

Thursday, 12th December - Gr 6 Graduation

Tuesday, 17th December - Carols and Presentation evening 6pm

Wednesday, 18th December - Final day for students

Before & After School Care.

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/