Newsletter – 1st December 2021

Dear Parent and Caregivers,

Staffing

At this time of year, the hot topic of conversation is always staffing. Whilst I’d love to be able to publish our staff list for next year, I am currently not able to do so. At present, we have two positions advertised due to Mr Alex Paljetak and Miss Lauren Sexton recently announcing they will not be returning next year.

Mr Paljetak who has been on a secondment at St Dominic’s, Innaloo, for the past two years has secured a teaching position at Trinity College for 2022 and Miss Sexton has attained a permanent EA position at John Bosco College.

At the conclusion of the year, we also farewell Mr Owen Connolly, Mrs Kirry and Miss Iacopetta. We wish each of these staff members every blessing in the next chapter of their lives and sincerely thank them for their contributions during their time here at St Pius X.

Once staffing is finalised, a list will be emailed to our parent community.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons for our Year 3-6 students will take place in Term 1 2022 from Monday 14^th February – Friday 25^th February. As Aquinas was unable to accommodate us, the swimming lessons will be conducted at Aqualife in Victoria Park.

Please complete the swimming forms and return them to school by Friday 10^th December as they will be collected by a representative from Aqualife on that Friday morning.

Best wishes

Thank you to each and every one of you for an amazing year. As I mentioned at our AGM, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this beautiful community. I am grateful for the warm reception I received upon commencing and cannot believe that my first year at St Pius X is quickly drawing to a close. As I reflect on the year there is much to celebrate, the greatest of these being the vast achievements and growth of our students. I look forward to building upon the fruits of this year and wish all our families and staff a blessed Christmas and a restful break.

Until next time,

God bless and take care.

Melissa Vranjes
Principal

This time of year is one of mixed emotions for our Year 6s. On the one hand they eagerly await the opportunities and challenges that their transition into secondary school will bring. On the other hand, they must be somewhat saddened that their primary education is coming to an end. I hope that this last week and a half of their primary schooling brings them much joy as they reflect on the incredible memories they forged and the array of lessons they learnt during their time here at St Pius X.

Year 6s, we wish you every blessing as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. May you always hold our SEARCH values in your hearts and minds and be receptive to God’s voice and presence in your lives. Thank you for bringing so much light and laughter into our school; we know each of you will continue to shine and achieve great heights in secondary school. Keep in touch as we truly do look forward to hearing how each of you is progressing.

To our parents for whom their child’s graduation brings an end to their affiliation with our school, we thank you for all your contributions over the years and hope that your time with us has been incredibly rewarding and enriching.

Good luck and God bless, Year 6s!

Our Year 5s had the privilege of attending the Zoo Camp on Thursday evening. It was surreal to be at the Zoo after closing hours, to walk around in the dark and see the animals in their enclosures. Our students participated in a number of group activities during which they learnt about the conservation efforts of zoologists in Australia and endangered animals in our country. After a well-deserved slumber, the Year 5s had an interactive session with a zookeeper. Thereafter, they had the opportunity to explore the Zoo in the daylight and witness the various grounds people and zookeepers busy at work.

The camp guides commended our students on their exemplary behaviour, team work and quality questions. Well done to all the Year 5s for displaying our SEARCH values and representing our school so beautifully. Thank you to Miss Iacopetta, Mr Hughes, Mr Connolly, Miss Sexton and Mrs O’Sullivan for giving up your time to accompany our Year 5s and stay overnight. for giving up your time to accompany our Year 5s and stay overnight.

Staff Professional Development

In 2022 the following days will be taken by Staff as Professional Development Days:

These dates could change and the parents will be notified in advance via the school newsletter.

Public Holidays During Term Time for 2022:

Despite some minor challenges with lingering restrictions, the P&F Executive Committee were very active in maintaining all the events that were possible, which included:

Thanks to the P&F executive committee, Class Reps, and all the volunteers that helped out with P&F activities, throughout the year.