It feels almost as if school life at least, is approaching near normal excepting of course the drop off and pick up arrangements, split play and social distancing (as much as practicable).

I am pleased to report to you that the children have been wonderful and really enjoying being back with friends and classmates.

From tomorrow, however, due to the builders needing to access the new lift site, the three Reception classes, RW, RM/S and RS will be accessible only through the front entrance, alongside Windsor Grove via the path on the inside of the fencing.  I will be there in the morning to guide these children into class. The front gates will remain closed throughout the school day, accessible via childproof latch. This is to ensure that children exiting the classroom during the day do not wander through the exit gate on their way to the courtyard. We have a plan in place to ensure that children needing to go to the toilet, for example, are escorted and other than that the whole class will move together with their teacher. This change will be in place for about a fortnight, (this message has been sent to all affected families via SeeSaw).

At the School Board meeting on Monday evening I presented a plan to provide comprehensive external assessment data to parents in Years 2-6 bearing in mind that in 2020, there will be no NAPLAN assessment due to COVID-19. In Week 5 all children in Years 2-6 will sit a ‘Progressive Achievement Test’ and whilst we have done this for the past three years, this year we will print a parent friendly report to be presented at our next Three Way Conversations, scheduled for early next term. Prior to this you will also receive your child’s Semester One Report. My aim is to reassure parents that, despite the disruption of COVID-19, we have a plan for each child to ensure that s/he is not left behind; that each child continues to thrive.

For Reception and Year 1 parents, they will receive assessment information relating to the Initial Lit program which will give information about children's knowledge, skills and learning growth over the 6 months leading to their Three Way Conversations.

If, in July, we are still under same restrictions, we will conduct a virtual Three Way Conversation with you using Microsoft Teams. We will be able to use your child’s school account so that you can access a meeting from home. Let’s pray that we are in apposition to hold our Three Way Conversations face to face.

We are excited about the progress of the Nature Play space. Tomorrow I will meet with the Student Leaders to discuss plans for introducing children to the space ‘gently’ so that all of the areas have time to establish. I look forward to discussing next week the ‘butterfly’ garden with the Year 1’s as this was a big part of their STEM inquiry in 2019.

I will keep you posted on these developments!

Our Student's Uniform

It has been great to see so many students wearing our new school uniform.  I have spoken to our Uniform Supplier and I am aware that they have run out of stock in some items.  I believe they should be back in stock in about 4 weeks.  For this reason, I understand that people haven’t been able to purchase some items of uniform.

If you are in a position where you haven’t been able to purchase the School Uniform, we would ask that you purchase an item of plain colour closely matching the school colours for the interim.

Examples of the correct school uniform are available on the JS Sports website where you can order online - https://www.jssportsonline.com.au/collections/st-pius-x-school  You may also purchase in store at JS Sports Uniform Shop 10 Newton Road, Campbelltown or online. 

If your child is out of uniform please notify your child’s teacher.

I trust that all our mums celebrated their special day on Sunday. During the month of May, the Catholic Church traditionally places special importance on our devotion to Mary, the mother of God and mother to us all. As we continue to journey through this uncertain time, I would like to share Pope Francis’ prayer to Mary with you.

Pope Francis’s Prayer to Mary during Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.

You, Salvation of Your People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Many blessings for the week ahead.

Enrolment Interviews for 2022 Reception Students will be held this term and families who have already sumitted an Application Form will be contacted regarding the process next week.

If you have a child born between 1st November 2016 and 31st October 2017 and you would like them to attend Reception at St Pius X School in 2022 please contact Susan Trimboli on 8261 4466 as soon as possible.

Please see the attached booklet - 2020_School_Board.pdf

Enrol Now for Year 7, 2021

At St Paul’s we have been busy finalising our 2021 enrolments and have recently recommenced undertaking enrolment interviews. It has been great to meet many new students and families. We are aware that many families are still interested in St Paul’s, but have understandably delayed visiting the College due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are happy to be accommodating and are still able to guarantee a place in Year 7 in 2021 if you register with us prior to the end of Term 2.  

College Tour Dates

• Saturday 30 May 9.30am
• Saturday 20 June 9.30am
• Thursday 25 June 9.30am
• Saturday 1 August 9.30am

We encourage you to attend one of our upcoming College Tours to experience the College firsthand. Group sizes will be strictly limited to enable responsible social distancing. Alternatively we invite you to join a member of our Leadership Team on a personal tour of St Paul's College at a time convenient to you. Please visit our website stpauls.sa.edu.au or email relgar@stpauls.sa.edu.au to register. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Mr Paul Belton
Principal
St Paul’s College

As a result of social distancing restrictions, the College Tours will be held a little differently for the foreseeable future. They will be offering families the opportunity to take a personalised/ individual tour of the College with a member of their Leadership Team. Families are encouraged to contact the College to book a tour at a day and time which is convenient for you.