Newsletter 3 – 8 March 2023

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and managed to get out in the beautiful sunshine.

Swimming Carnival

We could not have asked for a better start to our school week. How good was it to come back from a long weekend and launch straight into our Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival? Despite the delayed start due to one of our buses arriving a little late, a perfect morning was had by all in attendance. Our students gave their best in the pool and enthusiastically cheered on their faction team-mates whilst spectating from the greens. Congratulations to all our students on a job well done both in and out of the pool. Congratulations to MacKillop, our overall winners on the day, and to Inti and Ethan for giving a heartfelt and gracious speech on behalf of their faction.

We were incredibly fortunate to have so many parent volunteers in various roles on the day. A special thank you to William and Andrew’s grandfather, Peter Millar, for commentating throughout the carnival, keeping everyone informed of the upcoming races, celebrating the achievements of participants and maximising spectator involvement. Thank you also to: Brett Beard for taking on the role of starter and swim coach; Nicole Novak for being our marshal for the day; the mums who stood at the end of the pool, identifying, and handing out place cards – Brooke Lumsden, Josie Wilson, Kasia Hayes, Paula Harry; and to Jodie Draper and Catherine Riordan for recording the place winners and keeping a running tally of each faction’s progress during the day. The parental support we had is testament to the sense of community we enjoy here at St Pius X. It was so lovely to have so many parents and grandparents also show their support by attending the carnival and cheering the students on.

Thank you to Mr Cooper for his preparation in the lead up to the day and Mrs Matthews for facilitating on the day. We wish our interschool swimming team the best of luck tomorrow and look forward to announcing the Champion Girl and Champion Boy recipients at Friday’s Assembly. 

Year 6 Leadership Conference

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 6s and Mr Hughes at the Youth Leadership Academy Australia conference.  A whopping 800+ Year 6 students from schools across our state attended the conference. The day kick started with the vast majority of students making their way onto stage, in the Riverside Theatre at the Perth Convention Centre, to dance and share in the excitement of what the day was to bring. It was such an incredible sight to behold; a stage full of Year 6 leaders, stepping outside their comfort zones, full of energy and zest for life. Throughout the day, students listened to the stories of inspirational leaders ranging from 17-23 years of age; leaders who had a strong sense of self and purpose, who had already overcome adversity and positively contributed to society in their youth.

Powerful key messages were delivered throughout the day. Students learned that each day they have a choice to feed either one of the two lions that inhabit each of us: the lion of ‘courage’ or the lion of ‘fear’. The lion of fear makes us think we are not good enough, focuses on the negative and makes excuses for why we cannot and should not step outside our comfort zones. It holds us back from growing and achieving our God given potential.  The lion of courage, on the other hand, acknowledges that the journey ahead will have some challenges. Instead of focusing on the negative, however, it focuses on the opportunities that lay ahead and promotes growth.

The students learnt that in order to feed the lion of courage we must:

1. Engage in positive self-talk through the use of ‘I am statements’.

e.g. I am enough, I am strong, I am capable, I can do anything I put my mind to.

Students were encouraged to display these ‘I am statements’ in their home as a constant visual reminder.

2. Have a growth mindset.

e.g. Be prepared to make mistakes and realise that it is what we learn from our mistakes and how we respond to them that matters.

3. Take action!

Action builds confidence and confidence builds success.

Throughout the day, students engaged with one another and those of other schools. They learnt about the different leadership styles and how to create change. Our Year 6s are equipped with the knowledge and skillsets to lead with humility and grace, empowering both themselves and others. We look forward to watching their leadership grow and blossom over the year.

Clontarf students visiting St Pius X

Last week we had a number of students from Clontarf Aboriginal College visit St Pius X. We thoroughly enjoyed having them help out in various classrooms and look forward to their next visit.

NAPLAN

Next week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will commence their NAPLAN assessments. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, however, it does provide teachers and parents with additional information about students’ educational progress.

As most of the assessments will be completed online, it is especially important our students come to school with fully charged iPads.

Farewell

At the end of last week, we farewelled Mrs Sarah Dale-Squires. Mrs Dale-Squires served our school community as an Education Assistant over the past nine years. We are grateful for her contributions during that time and wish her every blessing as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.

Wishing all our parents a wonderful end to the week.

God Bless,

Melissa Vranjes
Principal

School Photos

The school has chosen to use the online ordering system to purchase school photos. Students from Kindy – Year 6 have be given an online ordering instruction slip and a unique student Shootkey. Log onto www.msp.com.au and follow the prompts to place your order. If you lose your Shootkey, please contact the school office.

Every student will have there photo taken, whether they are purchasing photos or not.

Please click here for more information about ordering school photos online.

School Fees

School fees for Term 1 are now due.  If you haven’t yet paid yours, please do so asap.

If all Fete Volunteers could please attend the P & F General Meeting on 14^th March at 6pm for an information session on the Fete.

Thanks, Jodie Draper. 

Click here to download an Art Competition Entry Form