Dear families,
I must report that the Year 6 Camp (Murraylands) and the Year 5 Camp (Belair) were both a great success and a lot of fun. Having the three days at Murraylands and having time to enjoy all of the watersports was a much better option than the previous two day experience. The Belair camp was very much about activity, team building and problem solving. I’m very proud to say that the children were very well behaved and respectful. The caterer at Belair said to one of the teachers “I don’t have any children but if I did, I’d want to send them to your school. The children are just beautiful."

Could I take the opportunity to thank the parents who offered their time to ensure that the Year 6 Murraylands camp was a great success. These were Shakeel Patras, Carmelina Formato, Jared McGlyn, Ben Harrison and Nic Raspa.

One highlight for me on camp was the opportunity to celebrate Ash Wednesday through a liturgy that James Lloyd prepared and brought to us. It was a fascinating complement to the camp, whilst camp had been about fun, joy and companionship, Lent invites us in to reflect on our Catholic faith and to sense God’s quiet but profound presence in our world. The liturgy provided us with a quiet space and time, providing great contrast to the rest of the busy and noisy time (of course it was also very quiet when the children went to bed, ask Mr Douglass!).

3 Way Conversations
This week the 3 way Conversations got underway. I’d love to hear about your experience of these, please drop in or send an email. A reminder of what we intended to achieve.

“The 3-way conversation is an activity that gives us insight into the needs of your child and how we can best address their needs. This is not a classical interview as it is early in the year, but you will receive assessment information through the reports at the end of each semester and informal interviews that you can book with us later in the year. 

In the 3-way interview, the students will be given a chance to explain how they are feeling about school and their learning. From this they will plan goals for themselves at school before the conversation. This empowering process will be followed by a chance for you to give both your child and us feedback on how their learning has progressed and possible avenues for improvement. Finally, the teacher will share any observations they have made from the first few weeks of school and settle on some goals which we can work on throughout the year. This will set us up for success and makes sure we are all “on the same page” when it comes to your child’s learning. “

Way2Go
As you are aware last year we commenced our work with Way2Go a SA Government program that aims to increase the opportunities for children and families to walk or ride to school when this is possible. Our program continues on Friday week with a Walk to School opportunity (please see in flyer and form distributed yesterday for details.) Those who join the walk will be given a beautiful fresh Adelaide Hills apple, thanks to the donation of the Rawnsley family. We would happily accept and distribute any other donations of fresh foods or drinks. We hope to see you, or your children on the walk, starting near the Windsor Grove Caravan Park.

Reception 2020
We have been disappointing many prospective parents by saying that our three Term 1 Reception classes are ’full’ for 2020. Last week I reviewed our numbers and have decided to start a fourth Reception class to the delight of these parents. Thus we still do have a few vacancies and we would be looking at 4 classes of about 22 children in each. This is a great statement about our school, our children and you, our ambassadors who speak to others and give generous praise for the many wonderful qualities of St Pius X.

Finally .... how has the Term started for you and your children? Now that you’ve met your teacher in the 3-Way interview, if you have any ongoing concerns, please book in a chat with Des, James or myself.