Dates to Remember
Term 1 Week 2
Friday 14 February
- General Assembly 8:45am
- AFL Indigenous All Stars Visiting 9:30am-10:30am
Term 1 Week 3
Monday – Friday 17- 21 February
- Swimming Lessons Yrs. 3-6 :15-1:45pm
Tuesday 18 February
- Kindy Screening
Wednesday 19 February
- Kindy Screening
Thursday 20 February
- Kindy Screening
Week 4
Monday – Friday 24- 28 February
- Swimming Lessons Yrs. 3-6 :15-1:45pm
Friday 28 February
- Year 4 Assembly & Awards
Blessed are you, Lord God,
Creator of body and mind and heart;
you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge
to guide your people in all their ways.
At the beginning of this new school year
we implore your mercy:
bless the students, families, and staff of St Pius X
that together we may grow in faith, hope,
and love as we learn from you and each other
how to follow your Son Jesus.
Expand the horizons of our minds,
that we may grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge;
deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways;
and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.
Glory and praise to you, Lord God,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever.
Amen
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome back! It is so nice to have our school filled with students and families again. To our new families, we hope you feel at home with the beautiful St Pius X School community.
Year 6 leaders
At the conclusion of our whole school Mass on Friday, our Year 6s were commissioned into their leadership roles. Fr Anthony blessed our Year 6 class members who pledged to uphold our SEARCH values and be good role models for younger students.
On Thursday afternoon, Mrs Gregory and I will be meeting with our Prefects to discuss their leadership responsibilities and brainstorm potential initiatives that could benefit all students at St Pius X. The following week, we will meet with our Sports Captains and with the class as a whole to discuss leadership opportunities and growth.
In week five, our Year 6s will be attending the Youth Leadership Conference at the Perth Convention Centre. In week seven, they will be boarding a plane and heading to Canberra to experience leadership in Parliament House and its surrounds.
This final year of primary schooling is primed to be a super exciting and rewarding one for our Year 6s.
Parent Information Night
Thank you to all our parents who attended our parent information sessions last night. These sessions enable parents to gain a greater insight into the curriculum their children will be learning for their year level, the structure and routines for the school days and homework expectations. If you were not able to attend last night, please consult your child’s teacher so you may receive the necessary information and forms that were disseminated.
Parent-teacher Interviews
This year, we are trialling a different approach to our parent-teacher interview schedule. Instead of the meetings being spread across the last two weeks of Term 1, before and after school, we will be holding them on the one day; the last day of this term, Friday 11th April. Keep an eye out for further correspondence from your child’s teacher regarding timeslots available. Please do attend your designated time as teachers will not be expected to reschedule interviews.
Swimming Lessons
Next week our Year 3-6 students will be commencing swimming lessons. If the girls wish to, they may wear their bathers under their uniform. Boys are welcome to do so too, however, if they are planning to wear swim shorts it would be best they get changed in to them at lunch time. All children will have an opportunity to change into their bathers before leaving school. Parents are welcome to come watch their child swim; just be mindful a spectator fee will apply.
Kiss and Drive
Upon our return to school, we have had several instances whereby parents or grandparents have parked their car in the Kiss and Drive area causing a great deal of congestion and endangering others. The parking bays adjacent to the playground near the basketball courts is for parents who are pulling up to collect their children, who are waiting behind the gates, and immediately leaving. No parking or stopping for prolonged periods of time is permitted in this zone. If you have arranged for your children’s grandparents, nanny or someone else to pick your child up can you please inform them where they can and cannot park. This will go a long way to keeping everyone safe and our Kiss and Drive section flowing seamlessly.
Sustainability Committee
Following the success of our ‘Fashion Swap’ which was held at our Parents Breakfast last year, our sustainability committee are organising a ‘Toy Swap’. Over the coming weeks, parents and children are encouraged to scan through their toys and identify those that no longer get played with anymore and, provided they are still in good condition / working order, bring them to school. For each toy the students bring in, they will receive a token. At the Toy Swap, students will hand in their token and choose a new toy to add to their collection at home. As with the leftover clothes from the ‘Fashion Swap’, all leftover toys will be given to St Norbert’s College to deliver to students in Kununurra. The date and time of the Toy Swap will be determined and published soon.
Family holidays during school term time
In recent times there has been an increase in the number of families going on holidays, be they interstate or overseas, during school time. It is imperative that students attend school each and every day during the school term, unless they are ill, as mandated by the School Education Act.
Teachers will not provide work for students who are absent due to family travel unless, of course, that travel is associated with visiting critically ill family members who live abroad.
Wishing all our families a smooth end to the week and a lovely weekend.
God bless,
Melissa
Principal
Term Dates for 2025
Term 1
Wednesday 5 February to Friday 11 April
Term 2
Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July
Term 3
Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September
Term 4
Monday 13 October to Friday 12 December (for students)
Professional Development Days 2025
These dates are subject to change. Parents will be notified in advance, via the school newsletter, if any changes need to be made.
Monday 3 February
Tuesday 4 February
Friday 11 April
Monday 28 April
Tuesday 29 April
Tuesday 3 June – Catholic Day
Friday 22 August
Monday 25 August
Public Holidays During Term Time for 2025
- Monday – 3rd March – Labour Day
- Monday – 2nd June – WA Day
Reminder of School Times
Years Pre-Primary – Year 6
8:30am – School Opens
8:45am – School Commences
10:40-11:00am – Recess
12:30 – 1:10pm Lunch (Yrs. 1-3)
1:00-1:40pm – Lunch (Yrs. 4-6)
3:05pm – Dismissal
Children are NOT supervised prior to 8:30am and should not arrive at school before this time. Teachers finish their duty at 3:25pm. Students are NOT to play on the playground equipment before or after school.
Kindergarten
8:50am-2:55pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Children in Pre-Primary and Kindergarten need to be walked to and picked up from the classroom by an authorised adult. Students and their younger siblings are not permitted to play in the playground before or after school.
Parents & Friends Committee Members 2025
We warmly welcome our 2025 P&F Committee Members:
President: Kim Passmore
Vice-President: Nisha Fay
Secretary: Jessie Choate
Treasurer: Naomi Charlton
General Members: Alishia Trend and Robyn Diggins
Ex-Officio: Principal – Melissa Vranjes
The P&F collaborates with the school Principal to coordinate activities that create opportunities for community engagement between parents, school staff, parish, and students. The P&F also supports the Principal to facilitate fundraising events for the benefit of students that complement the school budget.
Our P&F Committee meets once per term. This meeting is open for class representatives and general members of our parent body to attend.
School Advisory Council Members 2025
I am pleased to share that our SAC members for 2025 are:
Chair: Michael Cain
Vice Chair: Matthew Grogan
Secretary: Jess Rahim
Treasurer: Rob Ierace
General Members: Mark Kruger
P&F Representative: Kim Passmore
Parish Representative: Marie Chaperon
Parish Priest: Fr Anthony Vu
Ex-Officio Members: Principal – Melissa Vranjes; Assistant Principal – Natasha Gregory
The School Advisory Council supports the Principal to fulfil their responsibilities in leading the Catholic Identity, Education, Community and Stewardship functions of the Catholic School in pursuit of CEWA’s vision to be Christ-centred and child-focused.
The SAC meets once per term to review and discuss our school’s progress in the areas outlined above, to review and monitor our budget, to engage in future planning and ensure sustainability of our school.
School News
Uniforms
A gentle reminder to ensure your child is wearing the correct socks and footwear with their uniforms. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students are to wear their sports uniform coupled with St Pius X sport socks and black sneakers. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays students are to wear their formal school uniform with the formal black school shoes and the correct socks. Your support in this area would be greatly appreciated.
Parent Code of Conduct
As we embark on a new year, it is important to take the time to reflect upon our Parent Code of Conduct. It would be beneficial to revisit it in full and familiarise yourselves with all the components. Our Parent Code of Conduct is accessible on our school website.
In line with our Parent Code of Conduct, if you happen to take photos at school events, please remember to only share images of your own child(ren) on social media.
Messages to the Office
Over the past week, we have had a high volume of parents either call or email the office requesting messages be relayed to their child pertaining to school pick up. Please communicate these details to your children in the morning as it is challenging for our admin staff to get these messages to class teachers. Teachers do not check their emails during the course of the day unless their class is with a specialist teacher, and it is disruptive to their teaching and our students learning to call them. Often classes are not in their classrooms which results in our admin staff having to leave the office unattended to find the class to relay the message. We understand that on the odd occasion, such a call is warranted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Before School/After School
School supervision commences at 8.30am when the classroom doors are open. Students should not be dropped off to school before this time unless they are being supervised by a parent or partaking in before school training or the choir.
Student supervision concludes at 3.25pm. Please ensure students are collected from school prior to that time.
If you require before or after school care, please get in touch with Tall Trees who operate from Manning Primary, across the road, or Conon Road Day-care.
Please also be aware that children are not permitted to play on the school playground equipment before or after school. Our insurance policy does not cover injuries sustained on school grounds, out of school hours, unless they occur during events that are initiated by the school.
Teachers EBA
The new WA Catholic Teachers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement came into effect at the end of 2023. This new agreement contains a ‘Right to Disconnect’ Clause which states that teachers are not required to initiate, read or respond to electronic or other communication from school staff, parents or community members outside of working hours or when not on site.
This clause has been introduced to support our educators to achieve a healthy work-life balance by allowing them to disengage from work-related responsibilities and technology outside of their designated working hours.
Our school office hours are from 8.00am to 4.00pm. Our teachers work hours are 8.00-3.30pm.
Administration Email
Please be reminded to use the admin email address admin@stpiusx.wa.edu.au when contacting the office. Margaret, Marni and Cath work different days during the week and if emails are directed to them personally, messages may not get through or picked up until the following day when they return to work. If the message is for them directly, please use their CEWA email.
Gates – Cloister Avenue
Parents are advised that the gates on Cloister Avenue and Ley Street will be closed after 9:00 am each day and opened at 3:00 pm. Parents and visitors to the school are asked to use the single gate at administration on Cloister Ave between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Please press the bell and the ladies in Admin will open the gate for you.
Medical Information
Please notify Admin of any medical conditions that your child may have, including any changes to current diagnoses or action plans. Children with asthma and severe allergies need to have an up-to-date plan, signed by your GP, submitted to the Office.
Student Absenteeism
Parents must inform the school office and class teachers prior to the child being absent if it involves a previously arranged appointment. If parents have forgotten to do so they must inform the school via the office before 9.30am on the day—this can be done by emailing admin@stpiusx.wa.edu.au or filling in the absentee form on our website.
If your child is absent for half a day or more an Absentee Note must be completed and given to the class teachers on the child’s return. These are available from our website or the school office. It is important that we establish this routine immediately and continue to maintain it each day whilst at school. It has always been important for children to arrive to school on time but even more so now.
School Fees 2025
Statements for your annual school fees will go out this week. These are to be paid as follow.
Option 1- Pay in full by 25 February
Option 2 – Pay in 4 instalments, due 25 February, 25 May, 25 August and 25 October
There is no need to return your Option Choice form.
If you would like the school to automatically process your fees on the due dates, please complete the Credit Card Authorisation form and return it to the office.
If you are having difficulties making payment, please make an appointment to speak with the Principal.
We have a Setting and Collection of Fees policy on our website for your information.
Marshall’s Tennis Academy – Term 1 Lessons
Marshall’s Tennis Academy is conducting tennis lessons before school on Mondays 7.45 am to 8.30 am.
Players can enrol through my website at marshallstennis.com.au or follow this link St Pius X before school tennis enrolment link to go straight to the enrolment page.
Look at what's been happening in Kindy
We have had a wonderful start to our journey in Kindy at St Pius X. We have welcomed our new families to our wonderful community and the Kindy children have been exploring their new environment. Kindy is a wonderful year where we use play as the ‘vehicle’ for learning.
We have begun to learn about colours, shapes and syllables. We have been practising to share and be kind to our kindy friends. We have been learning to navigate the junior primary playground and try all the new experiences kindy has to offer. A highlight was the sport lesson with Mrs Matthews and visiting the new library.
Have a look at all the ‘learning through play ‘ we have been doing.
St Pius X Parish Announcements
PERMANENT PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- Parish Secretary, Manning Catholic Parish
The Catholic Parish of Manning has a vacancy for a permanent part time Parish Secretary, 12 hours per week (days negotiable).
Applicants must have proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, the ability to upload Parish Website content, strong organisational and time management skills, attention to detail, accuracy in data entry, and excellent verbal and written skills. Familiarity with MYOB accounting software would be highly advantageous.
An understanding of parish life and support of the ethos and values of the Catholic Church is expected. Applications close 5 March 2025.
A job description is available on request. Please submit your application via email to
Fr. Anthony Vu at – tung.vu@perthcatholic.org.au (mailto:tung.vu@perthcatholic.org.au)
Sustainability Committee
Hello students, parents and caregivers,
Some exciting news from your sustainability committee about our upcoming Toy Swap. Our toy donation days will be on Monday and Wednesday mornings in the undercover area. Although there is no limit on items that can be donated, one – three items should be sufficient. As with the Fashion Swap, the children who donate toys will be given tokens which they can use to select new toys . We are very excited and look forward to another wonderful event.
Sustainability Committee Members
Mrs Sanchez, Miss Lina and Miss Sinclair😀
P & F
A very warm welcome to all of our new families joining us this year, and a big welcome back to our existing families as we kick off Term 1! We hope you’ve had a wonderful break and are ready for another fantastic school year.
The P&F has a lot of exciting events and activities planned for the year ahead, and we can’t wait to share them with you. These will be communicated through your class reps and posted on our P&F Facebook group, so if you haven’t already joined either of these platforms, now is the perfect time to get on board so you don’t miss out!
For Term 1, we have two special events planned:
- The Disco: A much-anticipated event for the students, set for 7th March. Get your dancing shoes ready!
- The Parent Social: A chance for parents to unwind and connect, scheduled for 4th April.
Be sure to mark both of these dates in your diaries! More details about these events, including how to secure your tickets, will be coming your way soon.
A big thank you to all of our parent volunteers on the P&F and Social Committee – these events could not happen without their support and hard work. If you’re interested in joining us and helping make this year even more special, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to have you on board!
Here’s to an exciting and memorable year ahead!
Kim
P & F President
Please scan the QR code below to join the P & F Facebook page.
Scholastic Book Club
Scholastic book club Issue 1 brochures have been sent home. All orders need to be completed online by no later than Monday 17th February.
Australian Girls Choir Open Day
Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. School aged girls are invited to come along to our February Open Day to try our fun and inclusive classes and learn more about being part of the AGC! Please visit our website to register to attend our free Open Day: ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc
