Dear Families,

After a request from our wonderful P&F Committee, we are moving towards an online approval of permission forms for excursions for the obvious benefits. You will be able to read details of your childrens excursions, sign your permission on any device and the school will keep a record of this. All you need to do is ensure the SZapp is uploaded to your phone and that you have selected your child’s class tab (located in the 'Manage' section of the app) to receive information relevant to that class. We are hoping to add other groups in the future eg. school sports teams, so that coaches are able to send a message via the app.

Yesterday you would have received news that one of our transportable classrooms was broken into on Monday evening and 19 iPads were stolen. This is such a pity and very distressing for the children in the class. It is frustrating too as these devices are rendered useless once they leave the school site. They cannot be used at all so have no re-sale value. We have the capacity to determine the whereabouts of the devices once someone tries to boot one up  (we get a GPS signal that I will be delivering to SAPOL). I have to say, SAPOL have been fantastic and so helpful. I am also working with our security company to determine why our alarms were not triggered as the school was fully alarmed from 7:51pm to 7:53am the next morning. The indications from one of our iPads is that someone tried to access it here on site at 11:00pm. I am following through with this and will keep the children aware of the replacement timeline.

We are awaiting Council approval of our new development and the good news is that only one neighbour has placed a representation with concerns about the development. I have contacted this person and assured him regarding some concerns around the Nature Play zone and thankfully he has been very understanding and withdrawn his representation. We are getting closer to approval!

I have although, heard again from some neighbours about illegal parking and parking over driveways. Please, not only is this dangerous, this is giving our community a poor reputation, so ensure that you park in appropriate  places, use the 10 minute park or kiss’ n’ drop. We are truly lucky to have these facilities. If you think that parking is difficult here, I’d ask you to try around a city college or on a main road.

As the cold and flu season starts, I do hope that you and your family can maintain good health. However, to avoid spreading the virus, please ensure that unwell children stay at home and get the rest they require.

God Bless

Last Saturday, 28 children from Year 4 celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation at Saint Pius X Church. Fr Philip Marshall presided at this Liturgy and spoke to the children about the infinite love that God has for each of us. I congratulate the children who received this special Sacrament and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide them throughout their lives. I thank our teachers and parents for the support and guidance they offered during the past months.   

Our local Vinnies Conference at Dernancourt have written to ask for our assistance. Their supply of canned food is very low and demand for assistance is high. As such, we are holding a ‘canned food drive’ here at school on Friday 28^th June. Vinnies are looking for a variety of non-perishable foods (generally canned food) which could be given to those in need as part of a food hamper. If you are in a position to donate, please send your canned food to school on Friday 28^th June. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Next week is ‘Catholic Education Week’. On Tuesday 4^th June, all schools have been asked to participate in contemplative prayer at 11:30am. We will be participating in this beautiful experience in classes and I encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of prayer in our daily lives.

I pray the week ahead brings you much joy

Our next Playgroup Session will be on Friday 7^th June in the Activity Room from 9.00am – 10.00am. Please bring a piece of fruit to share. Playgroup is a regular and relaxed meeting for young children who haven’t started school yet. Children participate in organised play activities while parents and caregivers supervise and interact for the hourly session. Playgroup is open to children aged 0 – 5 years. Playgroup is a great way for your child to play and interact with other children and experience many playful learning activities. Come and meet other parents in the community, share parenting ideas and make new friends. We look forward seeing you and your child at our next session. Please contact Vanessa Dibbens or the School Office on (08) 82669400 or vdibbens@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au for more information.  Please put the following playgroup dates in your diary: Friday 7^th June, Friday 21^st June and Friday 5^th July.

Please visit the link to view the draft of this month's Meeting Minutes.

Minutes of 7th May Meeting - draft

A free community tree planting event will be held at Pitman Park, along the River Torrens at Windsor Gardens on Sunday 23rd June from 10:00-2:00pm.  Please RSVP to PAEarborday19.eventbrite.com.au

As there will be no volunteer available next week to process banking please do not send your students bank books until 11th June - thank you.