From the Principal

• Prayer
• Return to School Protocols
• P&F AGM - You're Invited!
• Co-curricular Life at the College
• Vaping Detectors
• Student Haircuts and Uniform
• Year 12 Matters
• NAPLAN Results

Prayer 

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Sunday 10 October was World Mental Health Day.  This is a great opportunity for reflection and awareness after the challenging times we have recently endured.

As we start to emerge from our lockdown, it is important to take time to reflect on our mental health and that of our loved ones as we seek to continue our lives in the new 'COVID-normal'.

We pray today for those with a mental illness and those who love and care for them.

We also pray for Mrs Samantha Iwatani, her family, and especially her husband, Masaki, who continues to battle severe illness.

Dear Lord

When evil darkens our world, give us light.

When despair numbs our souls, give us hope.

When we stumble and fall, lift us up.

When doubts assail us, give us faith

When nothing seems sure, give us trust.

When ideals fade, give us vision.

When we lose our way, be our guide.

That we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will.

Blessed Edmund Rice, Pray for Us

St Pius X, Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever.

Amen

Return to School COVID-19 Protocols

The College has developed a very clear set of protocols for the return to face to face teaching commencing Monday 18 October for Year 12 and October 25 for all students according to Level 3 restrictions from the NSW Health Department.

I emphasise the following protocols for your information.

• Students should not attend school if they have any flu like symptoms
• Masks are mandatory for all students in Years 5-12 and all staff
• Sanitise. Wipes are also available throughout the school.
• It is not necessary for students to QR code-in when they arrive. This is only for adults and all staff must register using the QR reader.
• No visitors are permitted at the College, only essential visitors by exemption from the Principal
• There is a day cleaner who cleans all touch points all day as well as the toilets three (3) times per day
• The ventilation of all classrooms has been audited. Where further ventilation is required, purifiers have been purchased and placed in rooms.
• Staff are vaccinated
• Lunch times for Junior and Senior school are staggered
• No full school assemblies
• Year 12 will be in an “Oxford Falls bubble” for their HSC

P & F AGM Meeting - Online - Monday 25 October at 7.00 pm

Co Curricular Life at the College - The Performing Arts and Sport

As we re-open the College, there are efforts to recommence some aspects of the co-curricular life of the school. We are still limited by Level 3 restrictions and we begin slowly. There are a number of things that will not recommence until after December 1 and this effectively means Term 1 2022.

I ask parents and students to be patient and support us. Know that we will do what we are permitted to do and provide as many opportunities as possible for the students.

Vaping Detectors in Toilets

During the break, the College has installed vaping detectors in the student toilets. Vaping and smoking are not permitted on any school sites. Students will face serious consequences for these behaviours.

Student Haircuts and Uniform

I thank parents and students for their efforts to be ready for the return to school. Students return in Summer uniform but we understand if this is not possible due to access to the Uniform Shop, students may wear Winter uniform and I know that this is the case for most of Year 12.

Year 12 Matters

A reminder for Year 12 parents and students of the online Year 12 parent and student information evening on Monday 18 October 6.00 pm - 6.45 pm.

Parents and students are asked to complete the Exit Survey they have been sent by email. We really value your feedback and advice.

Mr John Couani - Principal

NAPLAN Results

In Term 2 this year, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia took part in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). 

This year for St Pius X the NAPLAN was conducted online.

The significant difference between online assessment to the pen and paper version is that it provides open ended assessment of students. This means that there is no cap to how well a student can achieve. When conducting the assessment, the program will continue to challenge students to higher levels until they plateau. With paper-based testing this was not possible as students could only demonstrate achievement up to a specified level that the paper assessment allowed. This meant we never knew the true ability of our higher ability students. Online testing has now removed this limit and we can now better identify and strive to provide for the learning needs of our higher ability students.

The NAPLAN results provide valuable information about student standards in literacy and numeracy. They will be used to develop future teaching and learning strategies with the overall aim of improving students’ learning outcomes. Students’ NAPLAN achievements are also compared to their school based assessments to identify any discrepancies.

It is very pleasing to see that our overall scores are above state averages.

A detailed analysis of the NAPLAN results is now being undertaken to identify focus areas for improvement for each year level. 

Please see the attached for further information.

Mr Alex Damo - Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning