I am finding it hard to believe that I am writing my last Newsletter article for 2024.

End of Year Mass
Last Thursday we celebrated our end of Year Mass. At this Mass we gave thanks for the wonderful memories and experiences we created together as a school community in 2024.

I was so proud with how respectfully the children participated in the Mass. The sound of all the children singing in unison together at our whole school masses is always uplifting and our end of year mass was no different.

I would like to thank Father John Sebastian for celebrating mass with us and Rita Campbell for her organisation of the liturgical elements of the mass and coordination of the children who were reading and involved in the processions as part of the Mass.

I would also like to thank Basia Jedrzejczak for the time she put into organising the music for the Mass and for the school choir. We had a choir of over 60 children from Year’s 4 -6 and they sounded absolutely amazing. I would also like to thank Jenny Mittiga for supporting Basia with the choir and Brianna Blias for her work in teaching the Reception to Year 3 children the songs for the Mass.

Finally, I would like to thank all our amazing children who were involved in the Mass. The Mass was a beautiful prayer celebration and a wonderful way to celebrate the year that was 2024.  

Staffing for 2025
Further to my newsletter article where I announced some staffing changes, I am pleased to provide further information.

Kylie McMillan will be returning to the position of Junior Primary Co-ordinator and will be teaching the SPARX Program again.

Laura Baohm will also be returning to St Pius X to work in OSHC and also will run the SPARX and Playgroup program. It will be great to have both Kylie and Laura back as part of our staffing team. 

We have introduced two new positions to support children’s wellbeing and learning in 2025. Ashlee Stanley will take up a 3 day position as Student Wellbeing Key Teacher. This position will have a primary focus on implementing and strengthening student wellbeing initiatives across the school.

Jacqueline Walter will take up the position of Intervention Programs Co-ordinator. As part of this role Jacky will implement, oversee and teach a number of existing and new learning support programs which aim to provide extra assistance to students in Literacy and Numeracy. I will provide further updates on both of these positions next year.

I am pleased to announce that Patricia Deal has been appointed to the permanent position as WHS officer at St Pius X from the beginning of 2025. Patricia has done a wonderful job undertaking this role on a contract basis for a couple of years and it will be great to have her ongoing services in a permanent capacity.

I am also pleased to announce that Jessica Harmer has been appointed to the permanent position of Principal PA and Enrolments officer. Jessica took over this role from Susan Trimboli when she retired last year and will now be undertaking this role on a permanent basis. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate Indu Magesh, Lane Chan, Daisy Figg, Kristen Shirlock, Martin Pascoe, Tessa Colligan, Mehesha Muthukumarana, Eloise Armfield, Amy Lush, Julian Opie and Carena Warnes who have been offered ongoing permanent positions or contracts as classroom Support Education Officers (ESO’s). A full staffing list for 2025 can be found in this newsletter.

Farewell
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all the people who will be leaving our community at the end of 2024.

Firstly, to our Year 6 graduating students, thank you for the energy that you have brought to our school over the last 7 years. You are a fun loving group of children and I wish you all the best when you commence the next chapter of your schooling journey. I have no doubt you are ready to leave the familiar surrounds of Primary School behind and embark of forging new friendships and creating new opportunities as you move into Secondary School.

I would also like to wish the students from other year levels who are leaving at the end of this year, all the best and I hope that you settle well in your new schools.

In addition to the staff mentioned in our last newsletter I would also like to thank the following staff who will not be with us on a full time basis in 2025.     

Rachel Bond has accepted a position at another school for the 2025 school year. Rachel has been a staff member in different contract and relief teaching positions for about 14 years whilst she has been starting her young family.

Rachel will be moving to a school closer to her home. I would like to thank Rachel for all her hard work, dedication and flexibility during her time at St Pius X and I wish her well as she starts at her new school.

I would also like to thank Oliver Parker, Josie Faraonio and Julia Zhong who have been teaching with us for the second half of 2024.  Oliver, Josie and Julia have always been available to support us when needed and we appreciate the work they have done for us this year. I hope that we will continue to see them around at St Pius X in a relief teaching capacity.

Finally, I would like to farewell Harry Nelson, Marissa Boorman and Adrianna Di Sciscio who have all worked with us as classroom support ESO’s. Harry, Marissa and Adrianna are moving due to either changing of life circumstances or to pursue other employment opportunities.

We thank all of our departing staff for their service to our school and wish them all the best with their future endeavours.

Diary Dates
Just a reminder that school finishes for the students on Wednesday 11^th December.  The Office will be open on Thursday 12^th December until 1pm and will be closed on Friday due to staff activities.

Please take note of the following key dates for the beginning of 2025
Tuesday 21^st January: School Office re-opens
Thursday 23^rd January: Meet the Teacher Day – information sent home with class placement letters last week.
Monday 27^th January: Australia Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 28^th January: Students return for 2025

As I reflect on another incredible year at St Pius X School, I extend my deepest gratitude to the many people who make our school such a wonderful community.

To our parents, thank you for your ongoing involvement in your children’s education and for being active partners in our school community. Whether it’s being a member of the School Board or Parents and Friend’s committee, attending events, assisting with homework, helping on excursions or just doing what you can to support your child’s success at school, your dedication makes a world of difference.

To our amazing staff, thank you for your unwavering passion and dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students. Your hard work and care create an environment of happiness and success. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of staff working alongside me to create a positive schooling experience for our children.

Finally, to our incredible students, thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to learning. You are the reason we strive to be the best we can be, and we are so proud of all that you have achieved this year.

Together, we have created a year full of growth, joy, and shared success. Thank you for being part of the St Pius X family in 2024 and for helping make our school a truly special place.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to working with you again in 2025.

God Bless

Ashley Keane

Vinnie's Christmas Appeal
Thank you for your generous contributions to this year's appeal.  2 car boots full of food and gifts were collected by our Dernancourt Conference. This will be distributed to families in our parish.  

Year 6 Reflection Day
Each year we give a day to the students to reflect on the year that was, the relationships they have formed, their faith that has grown and the gratitude they share for the learning they have completed.  This year 10 students from St Paul's College also joined us.  They were from Year 8 and 9 classes.  These students provided great advice about moving to high school and also answered questions from the students about what to prepare for.  Year 6 students also read letters from their parents and worked in groups sharing their reflections and making plans for 2025. A BIG THANKYOU to Mrs Jenny Mittiga for remarkable planning and for facilitating the day.

Year 6 Graduation Mass
St Pius X Church, Avoca St Dernancourt at 5:30pm.  
Our final celebration for the year is to say farewell and thankyou to the families who have called SPX their community.  Out of 62 children, there are 35 families who are leaving us as their youngest children now moves on to high school.  We thank them all for their commitment and we look forward to welcoming new families to Year 6 in 2025.

Kind regards

Rita Campbell

2025 Basketball team registrations are now OPEN - Basketball Registration 2025

If you are unable to register and make payment but still wish to register, please complete and submit the Expression of Interest form by Wednesday 11th December - Basketball 2025 Expression of Interest

Please note that registrations will only be accepted with payment and must be completed by the final registration date.

Sport in 2025 - Details for other After School Sports and Sports Carnivals for 2025 will be available during the holidays. Keep an eye out for updates on SZapp.

On Saturday 26th October over 70 students participated in Drama Day at Walkerville Primary School. 15 plays and 5 monologues were rehearsed during Terms 3 & 4 and then performed!

It takes 1 hour of rehearsal to make 1 minute of theatre – so this is quite an achievement. AMEB certificates, participation ribbons, and Speech and Drama Awards were also presented.

St Pius X students presented the plays: The Dead Bat, Wolf Friend, and Kurtis in the Wild. Angas L was awarded the Spirit of Speech Certificate, and Sienna D was awarded a Brilliant Beginner Prize. Students received their official AMEB certificates.

Congratulations to ALL of our St Pius X Speech and Drama students on their courage and dedication. It was so much fun!!

Bec Pannell
Director, Speech and Drama Studios SA

Music Tuition 2025 Enrolments are now OPEN!
To enrol your child, please click the link to the Music Tutor Enrolment form. Be sure to enter your child's 2025 Class Reference, which can be found with their School Report.

2025 Music Tuition Drums with Daniel

2025 Music Tuition Piano with Jen

2025 Music Tuition Piano with Lucy

2025 Music Tuition - Guitar with David

2025 Music Tuition with Crystal

2025 Music Tuition with Julian

Please note - Speech and Drama enrolments will be opening SOON, Look out for the notification.

Please email Cassandra Figg with any issues cfigg@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au