October 31st, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

I am thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our students at the recent Warrnambool Show! With over 140 entries, our talented young creators showcased their skills in cooking, horticulture, drawing, painting, 3D art, woodwork, craft, sewing and photography. These entries were produced across various programs, including Hands on Learning, our Alternate Afternoon program, lunchtime program, in classrooms and homes. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by our students is a testament to their hard work and the support of our dedicated staff and families.

Additionally, I am excited to announce the completion of our new Gaga pit, which has quickly become a favorite among students! This fun project, developed in collaboration with our local Men’s Shed and our Hands on Learning team, has provided an engaging space for students to enjoy. Special thanks to John Malin, Ian Brown, Dave Richardson, Graeme Mason and Lou Seater from the Men’s Shed, as well as Mrs. Webster and Xavier for their invaluable support in bringing this project to life.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community. Together, we are fostering an environment where creativity and play thrive!

Just some of the delicious goodies and artistic creations on display at the Warrnambool Show...........

Everyone was hard at work building the "Gaga Pit".  Check out the finished product below!

Bunnings BBQ Update.

A big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who have pledged their time and effort to work at the St. Pius Fundraiser BBQ to be held at Bunnings on the 7th December.   We are pleased to say that all the shift spots are now filled.   Thank You once again everyone!

St. Pius X Cup Day!

Next Tuesday, 5th November we will celebrate our annual St Pius X Cup Day.
Students are invited to dress for the races but this is not compulsory.
We will begin our celebration at 11:30am with a community picnic on the lawn. There will be hobby horse races and an opportunity for students to participate in fashions on the field. Parents, siblings, grandparents and special people are invited to join us!
See you there!

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. 

Crazy Hair/Socks Day - Friday, 15th November!

Book Fair - Save the Date!

In the next few weeks, your child/children may bring home a Scholastic ‘Wish List’. The list is an idea of books that students/guardians may like to purchase during the fair. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is happening on the 18th, 19th & 20th of November!

Each learning area will have a buying day:

Monday 18/11- Juniors

Tuesday 19/11 - Middles

Wednesday 20/11 - Seniors

Purchases can be made prior to the day by visiting the website: scholastic.com.au/payment . EFTPOS and cash purchase will be available on the day also. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is our major fundraiser for the library. Any support big or small will be greatly appreciated!

Alanna & Isla

St. Pius X Library

SchoolTV

A Special Report: Respectful Language

In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for kids who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language filtering into the classroom or the school yard, which is turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://spwarrnambool.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-respectful-language

The Foundation Files

Science Excursion

Vet Clinic

Yesterday we jumped on a bus and explored the Science topic of Living Things.

At the Warrnambool Vet Clinic, Sarah and Dr Sharna showed us how the Vet Clinic is a place where our animals get the care that they need to keep them healthy. We went into an examination room and talked about what the Vet’s do when they give your pet a check up. Harvey the cat came along and was a fantastic model who didn’t mind the attention. We also got to see where the animals rest or sleep when they are admitted into the clinic and there was a cage filled with a mother cat and her gorgeous kittens. We got to see where the x-ray room was and then we had to guess what animals were in the x-ray pictures. Sarah dressed one of us up as she talked about the procedures that a vet goes through when they are in surgery and keeping everything sterile. Finally we got to pet the beautiful old golden retriever, Tyson.  

Cudgee Wildlife Park

We then sat back as the bus driver took us down the road to Cudgee to visit the Wildlife Park.

We sat down and had something to eat because we were really hungry. Ellie and Billy were our Wildlife Guides. They were amazing. They taught us lots of things about Australian Wildlife and how our job is to plant more trees to help lots of different species survive. We learnt about marsupials, reptiles, fish and mammals and how they all have different features like pouches, feathers, teeth, tails and even long, blue tongues. We got to explore the park and feed the very hungry animals. Plenty of our food went on the ground quickly and lots of our buckets were knocked out of our hands by the bossy emus, the rather large deers and Mary, the black and white goat. We were lucky to see the koalas in their enclosure and they were awake and eating and climbing the whole time. We had the best day and when we got back on the bus our teachers could hear some of us singing a song we know - I’m so Happy!! That explains it all!

Playdough Pets

One job we had this week was to complete a mind map about a pet we would love to have at home or one that we already do have to care for at home. A mind map is when we have to explore ideas about a topic. 

Georgia knows that a pet Rabbit needs food, water, sun and shelter.

Bodhi knows that a pet Turtle needs water, food, love and care.

Alice knows that a pet Dog needs bones, food, water and shelter.

We also got to use some playdough to make a model of our pets. Can you guess what pets we have made??

Walk to School Day

Last Friday, staff and students joined together to form some walking school buses for our Walk to School day! It was great to see so many students coming to school in a healthy way and seeing students using some of their prizes they received for taking part! We encourage everyone to come to school in a healthy way as the weather improves, even if it is getting dropped off a block away and walking the rest of the way to school! Thank you to all students who took part in this event!

Congratulations Zarli.

Zarli Best travelled to Ararat last week to accept a 2024 Wannon Sport Award in recognition of her contribution to the sport of athletics this year.  Congratulations on this great achievement Zarli!

Japan Trip 2025 Information Meeting- Tonight.

A meeting will be held tonight, 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

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......

Kiveyth Hendahewa, Kaylee Clarke and Frankie Van Rooy.

Canteen Roster for next week.

Important Dates.

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/