Thank you again for continued patience through this period. Each week I am sent an update of advice from Health authorities and Catholic Education SA about easing of restrictions. Whilst observing the rules around not allowing non-essential visitors on site, I have been able to recommence Speech Therapy this week as well as some volunteering in the Canteen. This is only under strict conditions of maintaining social distancing. As with other venues, we hope to extend this in coming weeks.

Building Update

Last week we managed to get our submission for Stage 1D into the first committee for approval and this went well. The building offers 5 new learning spaces at floor level, 3 more at level 1 and includes a large outdoor covered terrace. It also includes new toilet facilities.

This view is from the courts/ gymnasium looking towards the library (current Reception rooms). This stage connects to our current building project situated to the rear left of this.  

Traffic around the school
Parking - We have observed cars stopping on the yellow lines along the curb near the school crossing on Windsor Grove and dropping children off in the morning.  This is extremely dangerous and it puts our students and staff at risk. Council regularly patrol this area and issue fines through the post. If you need to drop your child off, please use legal street parking spaces and walk your child to the office door.

Pick up along Acton Avenue - Thank you to those who wait patiently along Acton Avenue at the end of the day. Please continue to adhere to social distancing and ensuring that the area in front of the double gate is kept clear. Children must be collected from the gate or along the footpath. Students can not cross the road without a parent/caregiver.  

Kiss and Drop - As you would be aware, many families are using the Kiss and Drop and the queue can be considerably lengthy. To assist us in achieving a smooth flow of traffic, please ensure your child is ready to exit the vehicle (from the kerb side) quickly and safely. We ask parents to remain in their vehicles and move off immediately after dropping children off (morning) and once children are safely inside your vehicle (afternoon).

Please continue to be mindful of our neighbour’s driveways and their need for access. The staff and visitor carpark entrance must also be kept clear at all times.

Archbishop Pat’s Installation
On Monday, I was privileged to be present at the Installation of Archbishop Patrick O’Regan as Archbishop of Adelaide. I was the organist for this liturgical celebration and had a wonderful view from up in the choir loft. If you have ever attended an installation Mass for an Archbishop, you would know how symbolic and joyous the celebration is. Monday’s Mass was live-streamed on YouTube, and is now easily accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaG12a-tCw4. Archbishop Pat spoke beautifully about his excitement at being appointed as the leader of our Church in Adelaide, and no doubt, when restrictions are eased, will visit our community.

Thank you Lucy!
Today, a parishioner, Lucy Hensing donated four soutanes for our Altar Servers to wear at school Masses. Our beloved late priest, Fr John O’Doherty, had initiated this process before he passed away, and Lucy fulfilled his wish. We thank Lucy for her impeccable sewing and look forward to welcoming her and showing our appreciation at a whole school Mass when we are able to gather again.

Sacrament Program
In recent weeks, I have written to families in Years 3 and 4 regarding the Sacrament Program for 2020. At this stage, we are awaiting further information regarding when we can celebrate these. If your child is in Year 3 and is a baptised Catholic, they are invited to participate in the Sacrament Program. Please return the enrolment, fee and a copy of your child’s Baptism certificate to me as soon as possible if you wish your child to begin this program. Many thanks to those who have already enrolled.

Entrusting Australia to Mary help of Christians
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the Australian Catholic Bishops have entrusted Australia to the care of Mary Help of Christians on her feast day (which was celebrated on Monday). The prayer can be found below, and you might like to pray this with your family.

O Immaculate Mary, Help of Christians, Queen of heaven and earth, and tender Mother of humanity, at this time when a pandemic threatens all your children, we entrust to you ournation, Australia, and all who live in this country.

We commit to your intercession all the members of our community, beginning with the weakest ones, from the unborn to the sick, the disabled and the elderly.

We commit to you our families, our young and old, and all who are vulnerable, those who are quarantined or anxious.

We entrust to your Immaculate Heart those who have lost their livelihood or employment, our pastors and other essential service workers, and our leaders at this time.

We implore your intercession especially for the protection of doctors and nurses and those who minister to the contagious sick in this crisis.

Reign over us, Mother of God, and teach us how to make the Heart of Jesus reign and triumph in us and around us, as it has reigned and triumphed in you!

May your week be blessed.

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.

Students are required to attend school unless they are:

• Feeling unwell
• Have a chronic medical condition or compromised immune system and are not able to attend school on advice from their medical practitioner
• Live in a household with others that are deemed vulnerable to COVID-19 and are not able to attend school on advice of their medical practitioner
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been required to self-isolate by SA Health

If your child will be not attending school please advise the School Office via the link on your Schoolzine App or call 8266 9495 before 8:30am and leave a voice message.

If you wish to also advise your child's teacher via SeeSaw regarding an absence it is important that you have advised the School Office via the methods above.

Thank you.

Our school uniform shop is now closed and our uniform is available from JS Sports, 10 Newton Road, Campbelltown.  Please note the following information - 

• Online orders will be delivered to the school (delivery date details will be advised as soon as available)
• The shop's opening hours are:-
  • Monday - 8am to 12pm
  • Tuesday - 1pm to 5.30pm
  • Wednesday - 8am to 12pm
  • Friday - 1pm to 5.30pm
  • Saturday - 9am to 12pm

Due to COVID-19 uniforms can be purchased by appointment only - details on how to book a time are available on their online shop.   We encourage families to use online shopping options so orders may be pre-packed and ready for collection.

The online shop web address is -  https://www.jssportsonline.com.au/collections/st-pius-x-school 

The JS Sports Price List and printable Order Form is also available on the school's website.

School hats, smocks, school and reader bags maybe purchased from the school office on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30am-9:00am and 3:00-3:30pm.  You may pre-order these items by completing the Order Form available at the school office or downloading it here - Order_Form_for_School_Uniform_Items_available_from_school_Reception.pdf

A reminder  - All students should be wearing their Winter Uniform for Term 2.