April 26th, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

ANZAC Prayer

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Note from our Principal

Ngata Families & Friends,

Update and Support to Indi Pulham and her family

We would like to provide the school community with an update regarding Indiana Pulham’s health and support that is and can be provided to Indi and her family. 

After speaking with Indi’s family we can report that Indi is progressing in the right direction and has made some progress, recently being able to move her toes, legs and arms. Indi has also started some school work with the teachers at the RCH. Go Indi!

Last week, Indi’s class created a video with individual messages from all students in her class and some staff members sending well wishes and letting Indi know that we are thinking of her. 

It was great to hear that this gesture from her classmates put a smile on Indi’s face!

Our school SRC is also planning a school wide art project to be collated and delivered to Indi. The project is planned to incorporate Indi’s favourite colours and art themes. 

If you would like to and are in a financial position to do so, families can give to the GoFundMe page that has been set up to support Indi’s family. This page has been set up external to the school and is coordinated by family friend, Chloe Patison. 

Indi’s family would like to make our school community aware that May is Guillain-Barre syndrome awareness month and information about GBS can be obtained via the link above.  

Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Indi and her family as they face this challenge. 

Nick Murrell

Principal

Carpark entry - Vehicles

Please see the video below for an update and some information about entering and using our carpark safely.

ANZAC Day

Yesterday, our school captains Holly and Vonal represented our school at Warrnambool's ANZAC Day service. I would like to thank Holly and Vonal for carrying out this duty with respect and reverence as they were the face of St Pius X.  Holly and Vonal marched down Liebig St with other school groups and laid a wreath as part of the ceremony. 

Canteen - Come and try days

We are inviting any interested parents,carers or friends of St Pius X to come along to one of our Come and Try days in the school canteen. The event will be short, 20-30mins, and will give those who come along the experience and training required to run the canteen at lunch times. Canteen volunteering, does not involve lunch orders, just sales to students at 2nd lunch. 

Dates: 15th and 16th May

Time: 1.45pm

Duration: 20-30 mins

If you come along and think that you may be able to join the team rostered on to run the canteen, we can also assist you with registering for a Working With Children's Card.

Mother's Day / Special Person's Day Breakfast - Save the Date!

Our school will be hosting a Mother's Day / Special Person's Day breakfast on Friday May 10th between 7.45-8.45am. Students are encouraged to bring their mother or a special person along for a pancake breakfast.  If you are a father / special male / friend of the school who would be able to help with the cooking and preparation on the morning, could you please let Mr Murrell know by calling in to the office or emailing on principal@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au. It would be greatly appreciated. 

Order forms have been sent home today with the oldest child in each family.  Could forms please be returned to school with payment by Monday, 6th May.

Learning Adventure

We have an exciting opportunity coming up in May for any prospective 2025 Foundation families to come and visit St Pius X. We are inviting students and parents to come along and be part of our Learn and Discover mornings. On these mornings kinder students will have the opportunity to join in some learning activities with our 2024 Foundation group, while parents and carers can learn about learning, teaching and school life at St Pius X. There is also a Parent Information session for those parents and carers who are unable to make it during school hours. Please see the flier below for more information. 

Please RSVP via this link.

Mobile Phones

Our school understands that some families require their child to have a mobile phone for communication and safety needs before and after school. If your child is bringing a mobile phone to school it must be checked in with Karen or Bec at the office as soon as they arrive at school and it can be collected as they exit school in the afternoon. Families in this situation, can you please remind your child of this important school procedure. 

Sports Report

Division Athletics

On Wednesday 17th April, St Pius X was represented by 42 students from years 3-6, at the Warrnambool District Athletics Carnival. We were a little hindered by the weather, but we pushed through and had a great day. The St Pius students had some fantastic results throughout the day, but more importantly they conducted themselves in a way that represents our strong school values. They were well mannered, polite and respectful.

A special congratulations to Zarli Best, Sol McInnerney and Victoria Balash who were successful in advancing to the Division Athletics Carnival to be held next Friday May 3rd. We wish you all the best!

School Cross Country

Our Cross Country was held this Wednesday on the St Pius School Grounds. Every student from years Prep to 6 competed, with a great attitude and willingness to have a go.

Congratulations to Blue house who were the overall winners.

Age groups winners were as follows:

5/6 Yr Boys: Theo Wijekoon Mudiyanselage

5/6 Yr Girls: Georgia Woodhams

7 Yr Boys: Carter Searle

7 Yr Girls: Maniah Roads

8 Yr Boys: Reg Parkinson and Mitchell Payne

8 Yr Girls: Minty Dare

9 Yr Boys: Zahery Francis

9 Yr Girls: Lacey O’Shannassy

10 Yr Boys: Sol McInerney

10 Yr Girls: Victoria Balash

11 Yr Boys: Liam Norton

11 Yr Girls: Payson Walker

12/13 Yr Boys: Austin Francis

12/13 Yr Girls: Holly Woodward

Interschool Winter Sports

The District Winter Sports are due to be held on Thursday 23rd May. We will be represented in all of Tee-Ball, Netball, Football and Soccer. More details will be released at a later date.

MIURA MATSURI - Free Community Celebration In The Japanese Garden.

There will be a community event held at the Japanese Friendship Garden on Saturday, May 18 2024, from 10am - 3pm.

This event will blend Japanese and First Nations cultures to reflect the original intention of the garden with lots of interactive fun.

The Miura Friendship Garden is in Albert Park with the entrance off Grafton Road, Warrnambool.

For further information please click on the following link:

https://whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/miura-matsuri-free-community-celebration-japanese-garden

The BIG Library Raffle

During our renovations last year, St Pius students took books home to enjoy whilst the library was out of action. Over the course of the year, library books have been misplaced or added to book shelves at home. 

For the next month, we are running a Library Raffle! Upon the return of any overdue library books, students will receive one raffle ticket per book that is returned. This can even include books from past students who no longer attend St Pius!

On Thursday the 25th May, one lucky winner will be drawn and receive a $20 gift card for their efforts. 

Good luck and get searching!

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is open each Wednesday morning 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!

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.

School fee payment plans

St Pius X is a low fee-paying school. Our global operating budget comprises funding from the Federal and State Governments, School fee collection, and fundraising.

School fees are a vital part of providing many aspects of your child's tuition at St Pius X. The 3 main options for paying your school fees are: Direct Debit, Credit Card (at the school office) and Direct Credit Payments.

Please take some time to consider which of these options is best for your family. If you would like to set up a direct debit payment plan please contact Bec Lawlor at the school office or email Bec at rlawlor@spwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Your support with this, early in the school year, would be greatly appreciated.

A special message........

The following student will be celebrating her birthday over the coming week....................

Luca Stuckey, James Horsten, Sophie Meade & Liam Norton.

Canteen Roster for 1st Week Term 2.

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.

Thursday, 2nd May - Race Day Public Holiday.

Friday, 3rd May - Division Athletics.

Friday, 10th May - Mothers Day Breakfast.

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.  

2024 School Closure Days - Updated

Term 1 

Monday 12th Feb - Staff First aid training (COMPLETED)

Wednesday 21st Feb - Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date) (COMPLETED)

Term 2

Friday 31st May - Wellbeing focus 

Term 3

Tuesday 20th August- Structured Literacy Staff Professional Development (DOBCEL determined date)

Term 4

Friday 18th October - Religious Education Staff Professional Development

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.