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Dear Parents
Wow I can’t believe that I am writing my last newsletter article for the 2023 school year. This year has definitely flown by very quickly.
As the 2023 school year comes to a close, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for all the support I have received this year from the parent community. Your support of our school staff, our community and your children has been wonderful, and I feel very blessed to be working within such a supportive parent community.
I would like to extend a special thank you to all parents, grand-parents or other community members who have volunteered in any way throughout the year. Whether it has been helping in the classroom, assisting with the library, attending excursions, coaching a sporting team, being a member of the School Board, Finance Committee or Parent Friend’s committee; your support has been greatly appreciated. Without the help of our volunteers, we would not be able to offer some of the experiences that we do for our children. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to provide a positive and productive learning experience for the children this year. St Pius X School is blessed to have so many wonderful teachers who share their unique gifts with the children on a daily basis. The staff at St Pius X School are a wonderful group to work with and I thank them for all of their continued efforts and commitment throughout 2023.
Finally, I would like to thank our wonderful children at St Pius X School. As a staff we feel so blessed to be able to work with such a fun loving, lively and energetic group of children. I enjoy getting up and coming to school each day as I know I will be greeted by the bright smiles of our children. I thank the children for making St Pius such a beautiful school to work at and I feel truly blessed to be part of the St Pius X School community.
End of Year Mass
Last Thursday we celebrated our End of Year Mass. This was a wonderful celebration of our school year, where we gave thanks for all the blessings that 2023 gifted us with.
The children once again made the celebration so special with their wonderful singing. The harmonies and energy that went into each song was amazing. We also had a number of children (some of them in Reception) who sang solo parts, and all of these children were amazing. I can’t believe how many talented musicians we have at St Pius X School.
I would like to thank Basia Jedrzejczak for her fantastic coordination of the music for the mass. Basia spent hours preparing the children for the Mass and is no doubt that she is a very talented and inspired Music teacher. The children’s beautiful singing is truly a testament to her work.
I would also like to thank our APRIM Rita Campbell for her coordination of the Mass and for organising the readers and students involved in the processions as part of the Mass. I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of our Year 5 students who led the readings, prayers and commentary for the Mass. They did a wonderful job. I would like to thank Father John Sebastian for officiating at our end of year mass. Our Mass was a very special and reverent way to celebrate the 2023 school year.
Farewells
As each school year ends, we have to say farewell to people who will not be returning to St Pius in 2024. This year we have a number of staff members who will be either be moving to other schools or taking some leave in 2024.
After 20+ years of service to the St Pius X community, Deb Madgen has decided resign from her full time teaching position and undertake relief work closer to home, however she may return to St Pius X School in a relief teaching capacity at some point in 2024. Thank you Deb for your dedicated service to our community.
Lisa Parletta, Amy Rypstra and Natasha Castelluzo have all accepted teaching positions at St David’s School in 2024 and we thank them for their contribution to our community and I have no doubt they will add value to their new school.
Kelly Spencer, Kylie McMillan, Laura Baohm & Sarah Tirimacco are all taking a year of leave from St Pius X school in 2024 to either attend to family commitments or undertake leadership opportunities. I would like to thank each of these staff members for their varying levels of service to St Pius X community. We wish them all the best with their new adventures in 2024.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say farewell to our Year Six students who will be graduating from St Pius X School. I would like to thank this group of children for their contribution to the school and their leadership in 2023. It is always sad to say goodbye to our graduating students, however I have no doubt that these children are ready for the next step in their life journey and are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in Secondary School. I wish all our Year Six children the best of luck for their future.
Finally, I would like to farewell children and families from other year levels who may be leaving the school community at the end of the year. We hope that you take fond memories of St Pius X School with you and wish you all the very best for 2024 and beyond.
End of 2023 and start of 2024.
Just a reminder that the last day for students is this Wednesday the 13th of December. School will finish on this at the usual finish time of 3:00pm.
Please note that the front office will close at 1pm on Thursday the 14th of December so that our office staff can engage in a whole staff function.
The Office will be open on Friday the 15th of December from 8am – 12pm and then will close for the Christmas holiday period and re-open again on Monday the 22nd of January.
There will still be some Leadership and admin staff onsite periodically up until the 22nd of December and from the 8th January 2024.
The first day for students in 2024 is Tuesday the 30th of January. Please remember that parents can book in for a 15 minute catch up with their child’s 2024 class teacher on Thursday the 25th of January. Details about how to book a meet the teacher chat were included in your child’s class placement letter that was sent home on Friday.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a Merry and Safe Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you again in 2024.
God Bless
Ashley Keane
End of Year Mass
It was a true celebration last week as we acknowledged the work, friendships, learning and fun of 2023. Fr John presided over Mass and spoke to us about those in our lives who continue to be our ‘rock.’ The stable, strong, reliable people who support us in our learning, growing and relationships.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:4)
Thank you to the Year 5 classes who ministered at Mass with the readings and procession. Another thankyou to the choir who practised and prepared lovingly for the Mass and of course to you the community who attended and continue to be a part of our lives too.
Year 6 Graduation Mass
Graduation Mass will be held on Tuesday 12th Dec at 5:30pm. Fr john. Will preside over Mass at St Pius X church at Dernancourt. Our Year 6 students will now say goodbye to St Pius X school and have time to prepare for their new adventures in high school. The 66 children have shown true leadership qualities and skills in a variety of activities at school and in the community. We will miss their energy, smiles, support and humour but all knowing they have the values and skills to make their way in the world showing strength and kindness to others.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
“Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another.” (St Vincent de Paul)
Representatives from SVDP Society joined us for Mass last week. Peter, Margaret and Des from the Dernancourt conference and Rebecca from head office were so thankful for the generous donations of food and gifts for our local families. Year 6 HB also used the proceeds from their mission stall to purchase much needed extras for the hampers. All of these donations were sorted at the parish ready to distribute to those in need. What a difference we have made to the lives of others.
Christmas
“Prepare the way of the Lord.” (Mark 1:3)
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too. We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well.
Mass Times
Office Closing Hours
Please note that the front office will close at 1pm on Thursday the 14th of December so that our office staff can engage in a whole staff function.
The Office will be open on Friday the 15th of December from 8am – 12pm and then will close for the Christmas holiday period and re-open again on Monday the 22nd of January.
Reporting Absences
If your child is absent from school please notify us through SZapp. Use the 'Absences' tab. Additionally, you may like to notify your child's class teacher via Seesaw or email.
If your child/ren will be absent for 5 days or more please complete an Exemption from School Attendance ED175 Form C - https://stpiusx.schoolzineplus.com/form/389
Change of clothes
Please have spare pants and socks in your child's bag incase of wet or dirty clothes. This request is for all children as we have noticed a renewed interest in the nature play space. JP parents please ensure there is always change of clothes in your child's bag.
Labelling reminder
Lots of unnamed lost property is being handed into the office.
Please ensure ALL your children's belongings (uniforms, lunchboxes, drinkbottles, pencil cases etc.) are CLEARLY LABELLED with your child's name.
Labelled property can be easily returned to their owner.
Uniforms
Uniform items are available from JS Sports, 10 Newton Road, Campbelltown and online from their website
A |10 Newton Rd Campbelltown M | 0451 725 600
To book your appointment or access the online store:
https://www.belgraviaapparelschools.com/collections/st-pius-x-school
School hats can be purchased from the JS Sports uniform shop or
via our school QKR! app or in the school office.
Registered Volunteers
Would you like to help out on excursions or listen to reading in your child's/grandchild's class ? You need to be a registered volunteer. To become a registered volunteer please click here https://www.stpiusx.catholic.edu.au/community/volunteers or contact Jess Harmer at the school office on 8266 9400.
A huge thank you also to our PE teacher and Sports Co-ordinator Mr Angelo Zamparelli. His passion and dedication to supporting our students in everything Sport is to be admired!
2024 After School Sports expression of interest
Is your child interested in playing After School Sport in 2024?
If so, please complete the Expression of Interest form here - 2024 After school sports teams expression of interest by midnight tonight, Monday 11th December 2023.
Well done
Congratulations to Ben, who was selected to compete at the National Athletics competition in Tasmania this term. He finished 11th in his high jump event. What an amazing experience for Ben to compete against other athletes from all over Australia.
Our last P&F meeting was held on Friday October 27th. We were able to acknolwedge the great events and activities that were held this year to support the community and the children. We would like to thank all our parent volunteers for their help. If you are interested in joining our P&F committee in 2024 contact us via email pandf@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au Everyone is welcome. Come along to meet other parents and share ideas.
Colour Run 2023
This year's Colour Run raised over $10,000 for our school. We will now be able to purchase brand new library equipment. What A wonderful effort! Thank you to all our students and families who supported our Colour Run with their generous donations.
Stephanie from Yr 6 raised $1200
2024 Parent class representatives
In 2024 we are looking for a parent representatives for each class. The purpose is to increase community involvement - ie supporting your child's class with social activities, organinsing class events such as movie nights or playground catchups or even a gift for the teacher at the end of the year.
If you are interested in becoming a class rep in 2024 please complete and submit this form - https://stpiusx.schoolzineplus.com/form/459
Becoming a Registered volunteer at St Pius X School
To become a registered volunteer please click here https://www.stpiusx.catholic.edu.au/community/volunteers
or contact Jess Harmer at the school office on 8266 9400.
"The services and events contained in this bulletin are in no way connected with the school and are included in this newsletter for your information only. Parents and caregivers need to make their own enquiries and assessments about the suitabilityof these events and services for their needs and those of their children.