The School Board recently held their final meeting for 2019 and discussed a variety of topics including:

a number of staff movements for next year including the resignation of Paula Maroney who has had an association with the school for over 30 years! 

- reviewed construction milestones and timelines for the first stage of the school development which are all on track, including the completion of the new carpark which adds an additional 20 carparks and will assist with reducing congestion around the school
- reviewed the schools financial position in light of the future construction requirements and endorsed a very modest and considered increase in school fees (1%) together with next years school budget
- approved some minor changes to the OHSC program including supporting an earlier opening time and endorsing next years budget
- determined that the school will replace it's current 'Annual Improvement Plan' (our strategic plan for the school) with a program that utilises a 'Balanced Scorecard' approach. This will allow us to track progress against our own targets and compare our school against similar schools to aim for constant improvement and growth
- reviewed the results of the recent 'School Climate Survey' which collated feedback from staff, students and the community. The results will be further analysed next year and will contribute to components of our new improvement plans
- made final decisions regarding the new uniform changes including determining direction for the transition plan over the next 3 years

On reflection it has been a very busy year for the school and has included some significant changes. With change comes uncertainty and the Board has recognised that an increase in clear communication is paramount to ensure questions are answered and the community is engaged in critical decision making. This will be a constant focus area for us throughout next year.

Some key and significant achievements this year have included:
- Our review of and decision to change the existing uniform, completion of planning for and initiation of the first stages of the school Masterplan, purchase of additional adjacent properties to enable growth of the school, successful new initiatives from the P&F committee including the first Twilight Carols evening.
- The school has been intensively tracking student progress in literacy over 2 years and with this year's intervention programs and whole class phonemic focus, our Assessments in November 2020 showed outstanding growth. We look forward to these successful strategies continuing in 2021. 
- This year the school launched the 'Kids Matter' program focusing on student well being, involvement in Tournament of the Minds as part of the SHIP program (Students of High Intellectual Property), successful STEM showcase evening and great results at the Primary Schools Maths Challenge.

Overall we can be extremely proud of St Pius X and the progress the students have made. Thank you to the dedicated teachers and support staff who ensure the best interests of our kids are considered every day. 

On behalf of the School Board I hope you all enjoy the Summer holidays and look forward to an exciting 2020.