Newsletter 9, Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Dear Parents/Caregivers

This week, we celebrate the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, who was called to prepare the way for the Messiah. From before his birth, John recognised Jesus’ presence and later dedicated his life to guiding others toward Him through humility, simplicity and faith. 

St John the Baptist reminds us of the importance of living with humility and putting God at the centre, as shown in his words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In living out our SEARCH values, may we also strive to place others before ourselves and allow God’s presence to guide our words and actions. 

Speak with Confidence Awards 

Last week, 8 students from Years Five and Six presented their speeches to qualify for the Speak with Confidence awards, an initiative of the City of South Perth. With topics ranging from the value of learning a musical instrument to the impact of AI and fishing bans, the students demonstrated their public speaking skills with poise and determination. The eventual winners were Gracie Lumsden and Oliver Rangel. On Wednesday 24th June 2026, Oliver and Gracie will represent St Pius X CPS at the Speak with Confidence competition at the City of South Perth. We wish them luck! 

FreshSnap Incursions 

Last week, the team from ‘FreshSnap!’ came and presented a wonderfully engaging and informative session about healthy eating, nutrition, and all the ways that our food helps us grow, learn, and play. The children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and went away with a new appreciation for how their food makes its way to their dinner table each night. 

Grandparents’ Mass and P&F Grandparents’ Morning Tea 

This Friday, our Year 6 students will lead the Grandparents’ Day mass at St. Pius X Church, starting at 9 am. Grandparents are invited to visit classrooms from 8.30 am and then may accompany their grandchildren to the church and sit with them for the mass.  

Once mass has ended, we invite all Grandparents to join our P&F in the library for a lovely morning tea and a chat with some old and new faces. Thank you to the P&F for this wonderful event. We know that it is the highlight of the calendar for so many of our families! 

Introducing the Parent and Carer Code of Conduct 

We are committed to building a school community where every child can flourish. The new Parent and Carer Code of Conduct articulates our shared expectations for respectful engagement, safety and support. By working together in partnership, families and staff help create a welcoming environment where all students are valued and empowered to succeed.  

Week 11, Term 2 

As we move into the final weeks of term, we kindly remind families that school continues through to Friday, 3 July. These days remain an important part of our learning, and we encourage all students to stay engaged and focused until the end. 

Maintaining high standards in effort and behaviour and living out our SEARCH values ensures a strong and positive finish to the term. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students make the most of every learning opportunity. 

Thank You from Ms Gregory 

Late last year, Miss Eve Cohen (Year 5)  became engaged to the love of her life, Mr Jake Hay. This school holidays, their big day arrives! From the whole St Pius X family of staff, students, parents and our extended community members, I wish Eve and Jake much love and happiness, as they begin married life together! Always remember, love doesn’t make the world go round, rather, it’s what makes the journey worthwhile. Eve and Jake, we wish you a lifetime of laughs together, faith and friendship. We can’t wait to hear all about your big day when you return from your honeymoon!

Finally, a big thank you from me for the support and many kind words over the past few weeks, while Mrs Tucker has been away on leave. I have enjoyed sitting in the “big chair” and have loved chatting with some of you in the mornings and afternoons as you have been on the school grounds. Jacki and her husband, Martin, have had a wonderful trip and have been taking their time, walking in the footsteps of our patron, St Mary MacKillop, across South Australia and Victoria. I look forward to catching up with Jacki during the holidays and hearing all about her travel adventures, and I know she will be just as excited to welcome everyone back on the first day of next term! 

A reminder that students return to school on Tuesday, 21st July for Term Three. 

Have a safe, warm and peaceful winter break! 

Warm regards, 

Ms Natasha Gregory
Short Term Principal

We have been busy learning about numbers in Kindy!

The children have been practising recognising numbers around our school, singing number songs such as Five Little Ducks, and counting backwards from ten as we blast off like rockets.

Each day, we explore a different number using our Number of the Day chart. We learn the number’s name, identify the numbers that come before and after it, and represent it using tallies and ten frames.

Our Number of the Day recently was 10! The children made “towers of 10” and practised counting numbers in sequence.

We are loving exploring numbers and developing our counting skills in Kindy! 😊

Claire L would like to share her experience competing in the Interschool Golf competition.

On the morning of the School Sports Interschool Golf competition, I was so nervous and buzzing with energy. As we started to drive to the competition in Kwinana Golf Club at 6:45 am, it was so dark and I thought I would need a torch,  but when we arrived, I saw many familiar faces.

As I played more holes, I got more comfortable with the girls in my group, Zara and Kaela, and we also became more friendly and talkative. When I found out that I had tied first place, but got the 2nd place medal I was proud of my achievement and how I had played that day.

Claire L, Year 5

Guess who’s getting Married?

Dear St Pius X Community,

The P&F is very much looking forward to hosting our Grandparents Morning Tea this Friday. This is always a wonderful event, enjoyed by all who attend, and provides a great opportunity for students to share their classrooms, learning and work with their grandparents. Please see the attached flyer for further details.

We also have our Quiz Night coming up on 8 August, so be sure to mark the date in your diary. All the information you need can be found on the attached flyer, with tickets going on sale soon.

Finally, a reminder that if you would like to join the P&F, nomination forms must be submitted to the school office by 30 June. We would love to welcome some new faces and encourage anyone interested to get involved.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!

Kim Passmore
P&F President

The Year 5 Canberra Trip Team is hosting a Golden Ravioli Fundraiser—stock your freezer and make dinner easy!