Newsletter 2 – 26 February 2026

Dear Families and Caregivers,

A Reflection on Lent

As we journey through the season of Lent, we are invited into a time of reflection, simplicity and renewal. For children, Lent can be a meaningful opportunity to pause and consider how we can follow Jesus example of kindness, generosity and courage.

Some practical, child friendly ways to understand and live out Lent include:

• Doing small acts of kindness each day such as helping a sibling, including someone new in play or offering encouraging words
• Giving up something that might be a distraction and replacing it with something positive such as more time outdoors, reading or prayer
• Showing gratitude, naming one thing each day that reminds us of God’s love
• Making time for prayer, even a short, simple prayer before school or bedtime

Lent reminds us that being Lenten people means choosing love, patience and compassion especially in the small, everyday moments.

Thank you

A heartfelt thank you to all families, caregivers and staff who joined us at the P&F Family Picnic. It was a wonderful way to begin our school year together and the sense of community was felt by all. A special thanks to our dedicated P&F for their organisation, enthusiasm and commitment to creating such a welcoming event for our families.

Upcoming P&F Events

• P &F Meeting – Tuesday 3rd March, 5.45pm (held at school)
• P&F School Disco – Friday 6th March, 5.30pm-7pm

We look forward to seeing many of you there and continuing to build our strong community partnerships.

Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC)

The Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC) plays a vital role in strengthening our school community and we appreciate the time, wisdom and dedication they offer in support of St Pius X. We acknowledge the valuable contributions made by all CSAC members, which helps our school continue to grow and flourish. Our first CSAC meeting for 2026 will be held on Monday 3rd March at 7pm.

Student Safety – a gentle reminder

For the safety of all students, we ask that children do not run on red bricks before or after school. Thank you to families for following up with your children about this expectation and helping us keep everyone safe.

Swimming Lessons and Carnival

Our Year 3 to 6 students have been participating enthusiastically in their swimming lessons over the past fortnight. Their effort, focus and improvement have been wonderful to see.

We look forward to the Swimming Carnival on Thursday 6th March, held at Aquinas College. This event provides students with a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have been developing. A warm thank you to Aquinas College for generously allowing us to use their facilities.

UR Strong March Theme: Courage

In March, our UR Strong focus is courage, following on from February’s theme of self compassion. Together, these themes help students build emotional strength, confidence and healthy friendships.

Helping Children Show Courage

Using UR Strong language, we can support students to use simple, respectful phrases that give them the tools to navigate friendships with confidence, such as:

• “I need some space right now”
• “That didn’t feel kind”
• “Can we talk about what happened?”

These types of statements help children:

• Stand up for themselves using assertive words
• Be brave in friendship fires by communicating honestly and kindly
• Try new things even when they feel uncertain
• Bounce back when things don’t go as planned

Parents and Caregivers Modelling Courage

Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in showing what courage looks like. This might include:

• Admitting mistakes and showing how we move forward
• Having calm, honest conversations when issues arise
• Trying something new as a family
• Encouraging children to step out of their comfort zone while reminding them they are safe and supported

Courage grows when children see it, hear it and practice it.

Parish Family Mass – Sunday 22nd March at 9am

We warmly invite all families and caregivers to join our Parish community for Mass on Sunday, 22^nd March at 9am. This will be a beautiful opportunity for us to gather in faith and to celebrate the meaningful involvement of our students in the liturgy as active members of the parish.

With God’s blessings to you and your families.

Jacki Tucker
Principal

School Fee Reminder – First Instalment Due
A friendly reminder to parents and guardians that the first instalment of school fees is due this Friday 27th February.

Payments can be made via BPAY using the biller code and reference number on your Tuition Statement emailed earlier this month.  Alternatively, payments may be made at the school office by EFTPOS or cash.

If you have already submitted your Credit Card Authority form, no further action is required.  Your nominated payment will be processed on Friday.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your account, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Mrs Cath Clohessy
Finance Officer

Kindy Learning
In Kindy, we have been exploring our outdoor playground. We have enjoyed riding bikes and working together to create a minibeast hotel for the insects we have discovered.

We are learning that all living things are created by God and that they need to be cared for and protected. We have also enjoyed tasting the delicious pears from our pear tree.

We have been learning about Noah and the animals, and how, by working together, we can help care for God’s world.

Mrs Kucan
Kindy Teacher

School Canteen
Our school canteen is a valued part of our community, providing students with convenient, nutritious, and enjoyable food options during the school week.

The canteen operates on Wednesdays and Fridays for both recess and lunch orders.

How to Order
All orders are placed online using the Flexischools system. To get started, families will need to create an account with Flexischools (please refer to the attached brochure for step-by-step instructions).

The full menu, including available items and pricing, can be viewed on the Flexischools app. Orders must be placed by the cut-off time listed in the app to ensure your child’s lunch is prepared on the day.

Calling for Volunteers
Our canteen relies on the generous support of parent volunteers. Even a small amount of your time makes a big difference and is greatly appreciated. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to connect with our school community.

If you are available to help, please see our Canteen Supervisor, Lindi, for more information.

We thank our families for supporting the school canteen and helping us provide this service for our students.

P&F Term 1 Update
The P&F has already met with our Social Coordinator and Class Reps, and together we’ve set dates for all our events for the year. You’ll find everything listed in the school calendar, so please take a moment to pop those dates into your diary early.

School Disco – Friday 6 March
Get ready to dance! Our Term 1 School Disco will be held on Friday 6th March at 5.30-7pm. Tickets are $10 each and available for purchase from Flexischools.

Manning Laneway Festival
St Pius X will be hosting a sausage sizzle at the local Manning Laneway Festival to raise funds for our front playground project, so please keep an eye out for the call‑out coming soon.

Parish Family Mass – Sunday 22 March at 9am
We warmly invite all families and caregivers to join our Parish community for Mass on Sunday, 22^nd March at 9am. 

Divine Mercy Holy Hours for 2026

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy prayers, Rosary and Benediction-every third Sunday of the month at 3pm—Please join us.

18 January
15 February
15 March
19 April
17 May
21 June
19 July
16 August
20 September
18 October
15 November
20 December

Venue: St Pius X Church, 23 Paterson Street; corner of Ley St, Manning.

Thank you, Krystyna Henderson

Edu-Sing
To register click here – Edu-Sing Registration

Volley Ball
Registration Link – https://www.redsvolleyball.com.au/stpiusx/

Tennis
Hot Shots Tennis Coaching is available at School on Thursday afternoons 3.15 p.m. to 4 p.m. for years 3 to 6 in term one.

Players can enrol through the Marshalls Tennis Academy website at marshallstennis.com.au or follow this link St Pius X after school tennis enrolment  to go straight to the enrolment page.

Keyed Up Music
Registration link – Enrolments • Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth – Keyed Up Music – Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth

Head Lice Survey
An invite to parents, caregivers and teachers with experience managing head lice to complete a short online survey.  A head lice study which looks at exploring community views on a potential new oral treatment option for head lice. See the enclosed flyer for further details.

Corpus Christi College – Beyond the Screen – Free Parent Workshop
Corpus Christi College invites parents, carers, and community members to a free workshop, Beyond the Screen with Daniel Principe. Discover practical ways to support young people in a digital world, with insights into online influences, consent, relationships, and fostering empathy and respect.

Reds Hockey Club – Registration is Now Open

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
The programme we offer at the Academy is one of self-development. Our aim is to give children ongoing confidence, self-esteem and skill in verbal communication through the joy of Drama!