May 12th, 2022

Acknowledgement of Country

Prayer

Loving God,

Fill my heart with the love that you freely give. Make love my first and last thoughts. May I love others and freely give to them. Make my spirit a spirit of joy, happiness, and love for both my friends and my enemies. Help me love as abundantly as you have loved me. 

AMEN

A Note from our Principal

Ngata Families & Friends,

A chill is beginning to settle into our mornings and evenings as we move closer to the beginning of Winter, but I’m sure you agree the weather we have experienced this week has been stunning. Students and staff have been able to absorb some Vitamin D while in the yard. 

We thank families who have downloaded the Schoolzine app and are now receiving alerts, letters and newsletters on this platform. If you know of anyone who has been lost in this process please refer them to the office.

We were thrilled to see so many school community mums, grandmothers and other special women in our church on Monday morning. This was the first opportunity we have had for a Mass in some time and it was a lovely way to give thanks for the wonderful women in our lives. Photos from the Mass and also from our Cross Country events last week are included below.

You may well be experiencing the latest rising in COVID 19 cases. This serves as a reminder to montor closely for symptoms and to keep children home is these are evident. We are waiting on a resupply to distribute the last RAT kits to families. These will be shared as soon as they become available to us.

Joe Ewing

Principal

School Enrolments for 2023

All schools in the Warrnambool Catholic Schools Network are beginning the process of enrolling preps for the 2023 school year. In May we will be inviting new families into our school for formal tours and information sessions on:

May 25th: 10.00am & 6.30pm

May 26th: 10.00am

Prior to receiving any outside enrolments we would like to ensure we have enrolments for any intended Preps of current families.

If your family has a child beginning Prep in 2023 we would like to receive their enrolment form as soon as possible. Hard copies of the form are available from the school office or can be downloaded from the school website:

Please note, the download can be filled in digitally and returned via email, or alternatively can be printed out and filled in by hand. 

Confirmation News

Alfie Parkinson, Annabella McInness. Kate Martin, Mason Halloran, Jimmy Van Rooy, Indie Kermond

Families participated in their first family group sessions this week. Whilst this has been a little difficult owing to illness, we appreciate the efforts of everyone to work through the weekly learning activities together. 

This week our candidates are invited to attend Mass with our Parish community, where they will be called forward at the end to receive a special blessing from the community. Mass begins at 10.30am on Sunday morning.

Mothers Day Celebrations

On Monday we invited Mums, Grandmothers and special women to join us for Mass followed by visits to the classrooms in honour of Mothers Day last Sunday.  Following are some photo's from that day.  Please see "Hot of the Prep Press"for further photos from the Prep Room that day.

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Hot of the Prep Press!

We’re off again!

Just a little reminder to families that the Prep students are off on an excursion to Flagstaff Hill on Monday 16th May. Please make sure you have provided permission for your child to go via PAM (online module). Students need to be dressed in their sports uniform, white polo top and runners. We can’t wait to learn more about how life was in the past or in the words of the children ‘the olden days’. 

Mother’s Day Celebrations

On Monday we were so pleased to welcome the special women in our lives into the Prep room after a lovely mass shared together. We showed them how clever we are since starting school by sharing our readers, playing games and having a nice chat and cuddle with them. Given how the last two years have played out it was so nice to have visitors back in our rooms. Check out some of the wonderful women in our lives! How special!

Story Show and Tell

Next Friday (20th May), we would love each Prep child to bring in their favourite picture storybook for Show and Tell. We have been learning lots about sacred and special stories as well as our own family and personal stories. We love reading stories together in the Prep room and we can’t wait to see if any of the children have the same favourite stories as Ms Lane and Ms Osborne!

Divisional Athletics

The Divisional Athletics were held last week at Brauerander Park.   Our school was ably represented by the following students.

Isaiah Dawson - Shot Put

Luke Harrison - 11 yr 100m Sprint

Holly Woodward - 10yr 1500m Run

Austin Francis - 10 yr Discus

Zoe Everall - 11yr 1500m

Isaiah and Luke finished in the top three of their respective finals and have made it through to the Regionals which will be held in Term 4.

Congratulations to all our participants - We are very proud of you and your efforts!

Lions Eye Tests

Many school families will be familiar with the free eye tests offered by the local Lions Clubs. These tests will again be offered at St Pius X this year on May 23 and 27. Over the year students in Prep, Yr 3 and Yr 6 will be screened. On the initial days the Lions club will screen the Yr 3s and 6s. They will return later in the year for our Preps.

The screening test is intended to detect vision problems but any issues that are encountered will be communicated back to families so that a full assessment can be made by an eye health professional.

These tests are not compulsory and only proceed with parental consent. Today all Yr 3 & 6 students have received a consent form for these screening tests. We ask you to return these by Tuesday so that the Lions team can make arrangements for the following week.

Pupil Free Day: May 30th

We remind families that our Term 2 Pupil Free Day is approaching on Monday May 30th. This day will be dedicated to teachers looking at the curriculum for reading to ensure our planning and teaching processes are completely covering the content from the Victorian Curriculum. 

No classes will be held on this day and families are asked to arrange alternate care for children. TheirCare will be running a full day program on this day. Bookings can be made at https://theircare.com.au/

Dental Health Van Visit

The Australian Dental Health Van (ADHV) is due to visit St. Pius X during the week beginning 18th July.   

This initiative is funded by Australian Dental Health and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and students can receive a full check-up, preventative and general dental care under the Medicare bulk billing system.   This is an entirely optional program.

Forms have been sent home today.  If you would like your child to receive a dental check please return the consent form to school before next Friday, 20th May.

School Cross Country

On Wednesday May 4th our students participated in the school Cross Country.  Our years 3-6 students competed at Deakin University  in the morning, whilst our Juniors raced on the school oval in the afternoon.  The top placegetters are as follows.

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Excursions Consents

We have a number of small excursions occuring over the coming days:

Friday May 13: Yr 3/4 - Tower Hill

Monday May 16: Prep - Flagstaff Hill

Monday May 16: Yr 1/2 - Warrnambool

We ask that all parents please ensure consent has been given through the Parent Access Module (PAM). This can be found on the Schoolzine app.

Bike Week 15-22 May

Thinking of going bike riding with your kids? Want to know the best way to teach them to have fun and be safe? Then the Social Bike Ride is for you. Cycling Safe has trained Bike Ed instructors for the past decade; learn the best way to manage roundabouts for your skill level, how to share the path, and other great “Bike Hacks”. Sunday May 15 join us for an hour long ride and explore Warrnambool by bike. There is a 11.00 and 3.00 sessions: small group ride.

School Advisory Council

Sympathies

We share our community condolences with the Gee family this week on the death of Kayla’s great uncle. We keep Kayla, Knox and the wider family in our thoughts at this time.

Crisis Meals

Thanks to those community members who have put down their name to contribute to the crisis meals bank. If your family would like to participate, please use the form below to register your interest.

When we have received names of more volunteers, a roster will be created with a reminder each week for the rostered family. Ideally meals should be easy to freeze & serve, and should be labelled so that the type meal can be easily identified.

Winter Uniform Term 2

Amother reminder that all students should be wearing their full Winter uniform as we begin Term 2. Please see the link below for further details.

Second Hand Uniforms

Families seeking low cost uniform items are welcome to contact Angela Verspay (mum to Dylan and Finn) who has stock of many donated uniform items. Ph: 0477660119.

Recently we have had a call on  second hand uniforms.  We are desperately in need of larger sizes to replenish our stock.  If you have any school uniform clothing in reasonable condition we would very much appreciate your support.  Please contact Angela if you are in a position to assist.

Breakfast Club

Every Wednesday from 8:15 breakfast will be available in the function room for any students that would like to have some breakfast before the school day starts! Everyone is more than welcome to come along, even if they have already had breakfast at home. It is a great initiative supported by FoodShare who provide fruit, yoghurt, cereal and yummy toast. 

Thanks  to our parent volunteers Maddy and Tracey.

The Arts News

Over the holidays Luca (in the Junior School) entered his shepherd and sheep artwork in the Easter exhibition at Gateway plaza and was very lucky to win a major prize. Congratulations Luca.  Your artwork was starry.  We hope you enjoy your prize.

Mini Vinnies

This week our Mini Vinnies leaders collected the Project Compassion Boxes from each class and counted the proceeds.

I am very happy to announce that as a school we raised nearly $200.  This money is sent to Caritas Australia and used for very worthy actions such as providing annual health checks for people living with disabilities in India, providing 2 computers for artworkers at the Djilpin Arts Centre in the NT and helping families in the Congo establish vegetable gardens. 

The class who raised the most money this year was JP4, and sometime in the near future they will get to celebrate this generosity with some special time organised by our Mini Vinnies Group.

Also, we are asking all families/students to please bring a box of cereal to school.  This will be collected and eventually donated to food share.  But before it all goes…We have grand plans.  If we get enough we would like to organise a giant Domino Cereal Challenge on the basketball court with them!!! It will be lots of fun but we need your help.  Please DONATE but remember it must be in a box!!

Class Awards Week 2

Footy Tipping

Finn the Tiggy is burning brightly in third place this week as he tries to turn the footy tipping marathon into a sprint. I’m still wary of some genuine tipping talent further down the table who have not overspent their joker rounds. Monique Evans is one to watch!

Speaking of Monique, she was equal top tipper this week along with the Seurens and Holcombes on 7 correct tips. Theo Darminan and I were much happier this week after a transformation Saturday night game put the smile back on Bomber fans faces!

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

Bojangles Pizzeria Restaurant

61 Liebig St

Warrnambool

5562 0666

Parish Contact

Sunday Mass 10.30 @ 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/ 

Student Medical Details

At the end of last year we asked parents to use the Parent Access Module (PAM) to add and adjust medical details. This information is vital to the wellbeing of our students and we ask parents to prioritise the maintenance of this information.

Upcoming Dates

Tonight:  SAC Meeting 7.30pm

May 13  Yr 3/4 excursion: Tower Hill

May 15  Confirmation candidates called forward at Mass (10.30am)

May 16 Yr 1/2 excursion: Warrnambool

May 20 Catholic Education Week begins

May 23 Lions eye tests (Yr 3 & 6)

May 25 Prep enrolment tours: 10am & 6.30pm

May 26 Prep enrolment tour: 10am

May 27 Lions eye tests (Yr 3 & 6)

May 30 Pupil Free Day (Teacher professional training)

Jun 6 Sacrament of Confirmation 7.00pm

Jun 7 Parents & Friends Meeting

Jun 9 SAC Meeting 7.30pm

Jun 13 Queen’s Birthday public holiday

Jun 21 Learning Conversations

Jun 22 Learning Conversations

Jun 23 Learning conversations

Jun 24 Final day of Term 2

School Canteen Roster

Showing Love to a Stranger

Some time ago, not long after the invasion of Ukraine, I was watching the news and was struck by a report on Ukrainian families fleeing into neighbouring countries to seek safety. In the story a Polish couple, Marta and Mariuch Andrzejuk had opened their home to a Ukrainian mother and child Lila and Gleb Kalugina. The two families had obviously grown close with the older couple describing  the mother and child like they were family. I’m happy to admit a tear welled in my eye as I considered the generosity of Marta and Mariuch, who had offered their home indefinitely to Lila and Gleb .

In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus gives a new commandment to his disciples. In truth, their society built on commandments and laws. Knowing the laws was as important as was adhering to them. Jesus’ new commandment is simple, ‘Love one another’. 

While simple to say, I think it can be more difficult to carry out. As St Pauls tells us, ‘Love is kind, gentle, not jealous or rude’, but love also gives without a thought of getting something in return. Love is hospitality, generosity and welcoming the stranger.

I’m happy to say that the Ukrainian War is a long way from my house. I don’t have Ukrainian refugees at my door. However, Jesus' commandment and the story of these families prompts me to be on the watchful for those who seek ‘refuge’. Perhaps it's not shelter, food or clothes needed, but perhaps a kind word or a listening ear.

Be on the lookout for the stranger in need in your life this week.

COVID 19 Arrangements

The following settings were communicated with families earlier this week:

Vaccination 

Triple vaccination status will continue to be a requirement for all staff onsite with students and will be required for any volunteers and visiting workers. This will include:

• Parents assisting in classrooms
• Canteen volunteers
• Parents performing tasks on behalf of the Parents and Friends.
• Visiting medical and allied health professionals.
• Visiting speakers, presenters and performers.
• Student teachers.

Parents visiting the school to attend school events (ie sports, performances, classroom visits) will not be required to declare their vaccination status.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Staff and students are invited to continue RATs twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday mornings before attending school. Staff or students who have previously had a positive COVID test are not required to test for 12 weeks after their initial positive result.

Managing a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 

As soon as a staff member or student becomes aware of being a suspected case - that is symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste:

1. The suspected case is required to leave the school site, or be isolated on-site until they are able to leave.
2. The suspected case is required to be tested with a rapid antigen test. A positive test result must be reported to the Department of Health
3. Positive cases must be isolated for 7 days, testing again on day 6.

In the event that school receives notification that a staff member or student was infectious while onsite:

1. All staff must use a rapid antigen test if they have symptoms.
2. All students must use a rapid antigen test if they have symptoms.
3. Staff and students will be strongly encouraged to use rapid antigen tests for the following 5 days if they don’t have symptoms.

Where a positive case is recorded from a staff member or student who has been on site, the school community will be notified. Personal information will not be released in this communication.

If a staff member or student tests positive with a rapid antigen test but does not have symptoms or has not been in contact with a positive case, a PCR test is recommended. If a subsequent PCR shows a negative result the staff member or student can return to school.

Close Contacts

A close contact (a person who has spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID 19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility) is no longer required to quarantine, as long as they follow the additional safety measures:

• Notify the school if returning within the 7 day period.
• Undertake RAT testing on school days within the 7 day period (unless the 12 week exemption applies)
• Wear a mask indoors if an adult or a student Yr 3-6.
• Not visit hospitals or care facilities.
• Avoid contact with people at higher risk of infection.
• If symptomatic take a RAT or PCR test.

Masks

Masks are no longer required to be worn by students, staff or visitors. However the wearing of masks continues to be a recommended practice which will still be required in certain circumstances including bus travel or a period of high levels of prolonged transmission.

Any staff of students who are identified as close contacts must wear a mask indoors.

Warrnambool Table Tennis Association

Invitation for any students and parents to have training / fun time at the Warrnambool Table Tennis Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 5.30pm - 6.30pm.

The invitation is open to all, the cost is free, but for regular attendees we would expect you to join the club as a social member to cover insurance costs.

For more information contact Pat Nicholson 0418 173 854.