2nd June 2016 - St Pius X Primary School

2nd June 2016
Term 2 Week 8
Dates for your calendar
Date
Day
3rd June
Friday
5th June
Sunday
6th June
8th June
Event
IMPORTANT INFO!
Time
9am
Monday
3/4 Class Mass/Feast of Sacred
Heart Mass
Boite Rehearsal-Melbourne Girls
College
Year 3-6 Excursion to MCG
Wednesday
Marcellin Homework Club
3.30-4.30
Thursday
Closure Day
No School
10th June
Friday
Closure Day
No School
13th June
Monday
Queen’s Bday Public Holiday
No School
15th June
Wednesday
3.30-4.30
9
th
June
11am
9am
17 June
Friday
Marcellin Homework Club
(Last one)
5/6 Class Mass
17th June
Friday
Special Food Day
11am
19th June
Sunday
Junior School(prep/1/2) Mass
10.30am
Term 2 Ends
1pm
Term 3 Begins
8.45pm
th
24th
11th
June
July
Prayer of the Week
We give thanks for the blessing of winter:
Season to cherish the heart.
To make warmth and quiet for the heart.
To make soups and broths for the heart.
To cook for the heart and read for the heart.
To curl up softly and nestle with the heart.
To sleep deeply and gently at one with the heart.
To dream with the heart.
To spend time with the heart.
A long, long time of peace with the heart.
We give thanks for the blessing of winter:
Season to cherish the heart.
Amen
9am
Please complete your Care
Monkey Application Online
Please Note:
there will not be a
newsletter next week
due to it being a short
week
Closure Days:
Thursday 9th &
Friday 10th June
Review Reflection
Day
Birthday Wishes go
to:
Nakita Rowan
Assunta Spina
From the Principal
Gospel Acclamation
Lk 7:16
Alleluia, alleluia!
A great prophet has appeared among us;
God has visited his people.
Alleluia!
Gospel
Lk 7:11-17
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Young man, I say to you, arise.
Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people.
When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for
burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the
townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry,’ he said.
Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young
man, I tell you to get up’. And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his
mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared
among us; God has visited his people.’ And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all
over the countryside.
The Sunday Readings over the next few weeks cover the Miracle stories of Jesus- the presence of
God on Earth doing great things for those who in need. These stories bring to us messages of
God’s love that strengthen and feed the Spirit within us and call us to go forth and be Jesus for
each other.
The children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at this time is very significant as the
Gospel messages give a clear pathway to a faith journey as Spirit filled people of God. Bishop
Mark referred to this life in the Spirit when he said to the children on a number of occasions
throughout the ceremony, ’You are Blessed’
Last weekend the Church celebrated the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also
known as Corpus Christi. In every celebration of the Eucharist we remember the way that Christ
fed the crowds who came to him and how he gave his entire life for us. He feeds us too when we
remember and receive Christ’s self-offering, his body and blood in the form of bread and wine in
the Eucharist.
The story of the Loaves and Fishes
In this gospel story, the people were hungry for food after a
long day. Jesus told the disciples:
‘Give them something to eat yourselves’.
In our world today, there are many people who are hungry
for food. There are also many people we know and meet
each day who are hungry for justice, for friendship, for
words of encouragement, for a smile or an act of kindness.
With this understanding, reflect on how you will respond to
Jesus if he tells you to
‘Give them something to eat yourself’.
What can you do to respond to someone who is lonely or sad?
What can you do to respond to someone who is being bullied or excluded?
During this week the Church also celebrated the Feast of the Visitation- Mary with child visiting
her cousin Elizabeth and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In this gospel story, Mary responds to the meeting with her cousin by proclaiming a song of
praise. This song of praise is known as the Magnificat and contains strong statements about
God's sense of mercy and justice. Mary sings that God will do great things for the earth just as
God has done great things for her. As you listen to the words of the Magnificat, allow yourself to
think about the great things God does in you!
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has
looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done
great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of
their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has
filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the
promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
May we know always and everywhere the protection of Mary and may the blessing of almighty
God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, come down on us and remain with us forever.
Amen.
And finally this week our country celebrated National Reconciliation Week and our world
celebrated International Children’s Day on June 1st.
‘Let the children come to me’- Jesus blesses the children
Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his
hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him. When Jesus
saw this, he became angry and said, ‘Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop
them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God’.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states clearly the rights of all children and young
people under the age of 18. Let us remember children all over our world in our prayers, so that
they may receive the basic rights that they are entitled to.
We pray all children have a right to be cared for.
We pray that all children will receive adequate food, clothing and shelter.
We pray that all children will be protected from violence and abuse.
May they be safe.
May they be nourished and nurtured.
We pray all children have a right to protection.
We pray that all children will receive a good education and that they have time to relax and
enjoy play.
May they learn and have fun.
God of Mercy. hear our prayer.
 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

UNICEF Rights for Every Child

For Every Child (YouTube).
This week our country celebrated National Reconciliation Week. The theme for National
Reconciliation Week 2016 is ‘Our History, Our Story, Our Future’.
As a school the children participated in The Long Walk. The rain stopped us from walking through
the streets but symbolically the children gave respect to all Aboriginal people on National Sorry
Day by walking. (When in pain Aboriginal people walk).
We walked for the pain and shame that has been inflicted on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples, Lord, have mercy.
We walked for the loss experienced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: loss of
language, land, culture, story and beloved family members, Christ, have mercy.
We walked for the misuse of power and the deprivation of human rights, Lord, have mercy.
And may we be merciful to others and show compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and
patience.
Thank you to the Indigenous Culture Club and the Fire Carriers for all their hard work in
preparation for the Long Walk- you are all a great example to your school friends and wider
community.
Let us respond to this call of Mercy this week by giving to the Feast of the Scared
Heart- St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal- donate non-perishable food items and warm
items of clothing to those in need
Confirmation
Congratulations again to all the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
I was immensely proud of the children throughout the entire process of preparation and
culminating in a beautiful celebration. The children were very confident and each spoke very
well, and met every challenge Bishop Mark put to them. Thank you to the parents and extended
family who supported the children and presented them so well. This was a true credit to the love
and support you have for your child. Thank you Bishop Mark Edwards for taking time to ensure
every child felt special and important throughout the ceremony. Bishop Mark is indeed a
generous man and values everyone in the Parish community.
The celebration was very well organised with much attention to detail to make sure the
Sacrament was a very memorable occasion for the children and families. This is entirely due to
the care and support of the St Pius X staff. Thank you to everyone for your help and especially
for your love for the children. A very special thank you to Michelle, Rick and Sally who
sponsored children. A very special thank you Fr Wayne, Julie our Religious Education Leader and
Rick Year 5/6 Teacher who have worked together preparing for the Sacrament over many
months. Thank you to Fiona and the choir children who were delightful in wanting to support
their friends. And finally thank you to the Bell Ringers. It is very unique and special to have 8
Bell Ringers led by Marianne the Team Captain, acknowledge and support our celebration and
ring in the, ‘Coming of the Holy Spirit’ upon our beautiful children.
Cross Country
Congratulations to the children in Year 3-6 who participated in the District Cross Country this
week at Banyule Flats. Cross Country running is always challenging, so well done to our children
who persevered and completed the course. The Year 3 children ran 2 km, Year 4 ran 3 km and
older children Year 5/6 ran 4km. The lesson for our children is firstly the importance of
participation, taking up opportunities offered, and secondly performing to the best of your ability.
All that anyone can do in achieving anything in life is to learn to put in the effort it takes to be
the best you can be.
Cross Country running is one of those events that gives opportunity to test children’s attitudes
and skills when taking on a challenge.
Hoopla Hoopla The Circus is in Town!
The St Pius X Circus is ready to perform! Interesting The Great Moscow
Circus is visiting Heidelberg West at the same time. Many of our children
have attended and enjoyed the performance. Our children are well
practiced and very excited to perform their circus skills and showcase
everything they have learned. They all looked primed to perform wearing
black and awaiting their circus costume add-ons. We look forward to
the performance on Thursday at 3pm-3:30pm. I am not sure whether
Fr. Wayne is performing his clown tricks or making the Fairy Floss?
Montessori Playgroup-Wicker Beds
Our Montessori Playgroups now have two wicker beds to plant and enjoy the produce. The wicker
beds will provide a wonderful learning experience for the little ones and a healthy option for
snacks.
Thank you to Janelle, our friend and local gardener who donated the boxes to the school. Janelle
built wicker beds with support from Transition 3081.
Thank you to The Great Moscow Circus for assisting us in transporting and locating the boxes in
Altona Street. We look forward to smiling and surprised faces of our little ones when the spring
crop emerges.
Reports
The process for reporting will take a different form this year. The reports will be sent home in
Week 10. In Term 3, during Week 2 the children will lead Student-Learning Conversations with
their parents and teachers. This will be similar to the learning conversations the children lead
during Term 2, sharing ‘I can” statements. However, in Term 3 the children will be sharing ‘I can’
statements in reference to their formal report. The changes to reporting formats and process is
in line with the new Victorian Curriculum to be fully implemented in 2017. Schools have been
advised during 2016 to re-design reports and involve children in learning conversations.
Assessment for Learning is an on-going process that directs the teaching. Teachers meet weekly
to monitor student’s progress and use assessment to track student learning and effectiveness of
teaching strategies and programs. Whereas reporting is a twice yearly government requirement
across all sectors of the education system. Schools report directly to the Curriculum Framework
and bench mark children according to Progression Points. This new way forward for Victorian
Schools around reporting is exciting as our children are able to talk directly to their on-going
learning through ’I can’ statements and celebrate their achievements. We are only in the initial
stages of re-designing the reporting process and we look forward to further developments
throughout Semester 2 in readiness for 2017.
Review- Self Reflection Report
We are now well into the process of Review. Next week the Self-Reflection Report will be written,
hence closure days on Thursday and Friday to allow this process to occur. All staff along with the
support of the Eastern Region Catholic Education Office will be in attendance. Parents from
School Advisory Council, Parents & Friends, the Advocacy Team and from across the school have
been invited to participate in the process as well. St Pius X is at an exciting period as this report
will give us direction in planning for School Improvement into the next 4 years. We are a
community school who welcomes parents to partner with us in the learning journey of the
children- Together we can do great things- and this process is certainly an invitation to create a
bright future for all to shine!
Building a Learning Community
We have re-scheduled the next Building a Learning Community meeting until early Term 3, due
to the preparations for the Review- Self Reflection Report Writing.
The children will be explaining Inquiry learning and sharing the process of Knowledge Building,
making connections and planning an inquiry with parents. Currently the children are building
knowledge and making connections around conceptual understandings of Justice within the
context of the Olympic Games. In Term 3 the children will be planning and conducting their own
inquiries on the concept of Justice. Again we are learning and developing together as a
community at St Pius X and celebrating the achievements and success of the children. Specific
information about this evening will be sent to families before the end of Term 2.
Prayers of Thanksgiving for the life of Norm Devanny
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Norm Devanny who passed away on May 24th 2016. I
attended Norm’s funeral at St Pius X Church on Monday. Norm was a member of St Pius X Parish
and had a strong connection to the community. On the passing of his wife Pat,10 years ago,
Norm donated the front doors to the Church in her memory. A plaque sits above the doors on the
inside wall of the Church foyer.
Fred Cullen, President of Ivanhoe RSL honoured Norm’s service as a ‘Rat of Tobruk’ and led the
final farewell to a serviceman and mate. Norm was 96 years old and will be sadly missed.
Bell Ringers from Confirmation Mass
Enjoy your week!
Follow us on Twitter!
St Pius X School @stpiusx3081
Barbara Gomez
Class
Name
PrepCB
Abbey
McFarland
For wonderful computer skills. What a whiz!
1/2EP
Jennifer
Munday
3/4DT
Alexander
Pousderky
5/6RH
James
Liu
Ishveer
Kaur
James excellent dedication to all of your work in class.
Legend!
For creating an amazing vegetable.
Anna
Dao
For excellent creativity and teamwork in art last week.
Fantastic!
Amy
Lei
For playing the glockenspiel with confidence at the
Confirmation Mass. Fantastic!
Art
Performing
Arts
Principal
School Choir
For using great describing words in writing. Well done Jen!
For your positive attitude and your persistence in completing
your course at Cross Country!
What beautiful singing at the Confirmation Mass.
5/6 RH
FLAG RAISING AT IVANHOE TOWN HALL
The 5/6 class went to the Ivanhoe Town Hall last Thursday. When we
got there we witnessed the flag raising ceremony that happens every
year in honour of sorry day. The flags that they raised were the
Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and the mayor of
Banyule was acknowledging the land we live on. He was also speaking
about the past and how the white people took over the Aboriginal land.
After the flag raising we went inside and watched a movie and it was
called BabaKiueria. The movie was about what happens if white people
are taken over by Aboriginal in the past.
By Basil, Branden and Jason.
Confirmation
On the 28th of May 7 grade 5/6 children got confirmed the children were Felicity, Nyalang,
Shani, Jayde, Nakita, Daniel and Liam. On the night the children came in formally dressed with
their families and sponsors. Before the mass began Bishop Mark Edwards wanted to talk to the
candidates and sponsors about not being scared and not to think about what’s going to happen
after the mass.
Then at 7:00 pm the mass began with Jayde reading the introduction. After all the readings
Bishop Mark asked the candidates to do the Homily unexpectedly. Each candidate was invited
to come up and talk about the Saint they had chosen and got asked questions. All candidates
had to explain what their Saint did and what gift of the Holy Spirit they had. And how to spell
auxiliary and archdiocese. After the Homily there was the baptismal promises, the laying of
hands and the anointing of oil. All of the students felt nervous and excited about receiving the
Holy Spirit!
At the end of mass there was a dinner in the church for the newly confirmed students, families and sponsors.
By Felicity Nyalang and Shani!
Long Walk Celebration
Last Thursday 26th of May 2016 we planned to walk around Heidelberg West. But sadly it was
raining so we walked around the school five times or so with our Aboriginal flag and two
canvases that the fire carriers and Indigenous children painted. We were
going to walk around Heidelberg West for Reconciliation Week.
Reconciliation means we are showing respect for another culture,
we also did it to say sorry for taking the aboriginals land and
children which was called the stolen generation. Overall We did
the Long Walk to raise awareness for reconciliation.
Written by Nakita, Liam and Mike
Caritas Leadership Day.
On Monday the 30th of May the year 5/6 were joined by two other different schools that were Our Lady’s
Primary from Ivanhoe and St Gregory’s Primary from Ringwood. Then a lady named Megan introduced herself
to the group and then Megan started talking about her role within Caritas and the organisation.
Caritas is a Catholic organisation that helps people who are poor or if something has happened to their county
and they encourage us to donate money. Another thing they do is they come to teach different schools about
what they do.
We felt really happy that they showed us how we can help people that really need help in the world, and how
we can spread the word to other people so they can help as well. It was fun to meet other kids and talk to them
about how their school is different to ours.
By Bogdana, Zane and Caitlyn From 5 /6RH
What does it mean to be a fire carrier?
What it means to be a fire carrier for me is that I learn about the the aboriginal culture and the aboriginal
land(Immanuel Gini).
It means we learn about aboriginal culture and issues(Daniel Muldowney).
To me being a fire carrier is all about being kind and understanding about aboriginal culture. It also means that we
need to remember if the aboriginal people weren't alive now than we wont be living in this land. It was fun learning
about all the interesting facts about aboriginal and we also sat down in a place that ancient aboriginals sat thousands
of thousands of thousands of years ago. As a fire carrier we also need to show respect to all aboriginals (Immanuel
Gini).
We also learn about respect towards aboriginal culture (Daniel Muldowney).
Circus Training
In Term Two we started a new sports program called Circus Skills. We have been learning
many different types of circus Skills. Our teacher Rebecca choose these three pieces of
equipment for our ⅚ class: Diabolos, Spinning Plates and Juggling balls. For the ¾’s they have
been learning Devil Sticks, Hula Hoops and Poi, ½ class have also been training for the perform,
they have been doing Mini Hoops and Mini Hula Hoops. Do not be amazed,, the Preps are also
doing circus skills they have been learning to use Ribbons to making shooting stars.
We are doing a performance this Thursday at 3:50 in
the St Pius X Hall, we hope all the parent and friends
come along and watch us perform as supporting us.
Thank you
BY year ⅚ leaders
What it means to be a Fire Carrier
Written By Ruby, Batoule and Jayde (Fire Carriers)
We believe being a Fire Carrier is to respect the Aboriginal culture and raise awareness of
their ways. Being a Fire Carrier is an opportunity to say SORRY to Aboriginal people for all
the ways people have mistreated them. We have participated in an Aboriginal art piece at
Parade as well as an introductory day at Amberley at the start of the year with a few other
schools.
3/4 DT
3-6 Cross Country
On Wednesday the 1st of June 2016, students from grades 3-6 participated in Cross
Country. We travelled by bus to Banyule Flats. There were lots of students from
other schools there and we competed against them. We saw lots of students we knew.
Zoe’s friend lent our school some pom-poms to cheer our classmates along. There was
even a playground where we could have some fun.
We did our very best as a team. The track was very long, muddy, slippery and rocky.
For the younger children, the track was 2 kilometres long and for the older children it
was 3 kilometres. It was extremely cold during the run. For many of us, this was our
first experience at Cross Country. For those of us who were competing a second time,
we improved on our performance from last year.
At the end, students who came first, second or third received a medal at a medal
presentation ceremony. Every competitor who finished the race received a place card.
We had a lot of fun and it was a fantastic experience for us, even though we were
exhausted! We are very proud of ourselves.
Written by the students from Grade 3/4DT
Prep CB
On Saturday I went to the park. I went on the swing.
Benjamin
On Saturday I went to the circus. The boy jumped so high.
John
On Saturday we went to the circus.
Ishveer
On Saturday I went to my ballet concert. I did not do any mistakes.
Jonathon
On Saturday I went to the circus.
Janet
On the weekend I saw the circus.
Cidnee
On Saturday I went to the circus. I liked the motorbike.
Liam
On Saturday I went to the circus. The clown was funny.
Abbey
RE News
Just Leadership Day
On Monday the Yr 5 and 6s participated in a Just Leadership Day run by Caritas. 20
students from 2 other schools participated in the day. There were a number of
activities where the students were encouraged to walk in the shoes of those in our
world who live in poverty and hardship. Many were surprised at the statistics and also
became aware of just how fortunate we are in Australia to have access to clean
water, sanitation, food and education. They were also challenged to recognise that
they have the capacity to become Just Leaders in our world. We all can make a
difference so that together we shine. The students began to plan how they can do this
beginning in our local community. So get ready to hear more and see our Just
Leaders rise to the challenge.
Confirmation
Congratulations to the children who were confirmed on the weekend by Bishop Mark
Edwards; Felicity, Liam, Nyalang, Jayde, Shani, Nakita and Daniel. The children were
able to share their knowledge about the saints they had chosen for Confirmation
with confidence and clarity. Bishop Mark reminded them of the words of God at
Jesus’ baptism; “this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him”. The
Bishop reminded them that they were beloved sons and daughters of God and
whatever competing voices might say otherwise they should always remember that
God delights in them.
Thank you to the Bell ringers and our wonderful choir who lead us in singing. The
choir have given up some of their lunchtimes to practice. Thank you to families, staff
and our parish and school community who have supported these children in many
different ways. They are now full members of the our Church community and we
look forward to seeing how they continue to shine with the light of Christ and the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Parent News
School Banking Day Reminder
Don’t forget that Tuesday is School Banking day and students should
bring in their weekly deposit.
For every deposit made at school, no matter how big or small,
students will receive a silver Dollarmites token. Once students have
individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for an
exclusive School Banking reward item in recognition of their regular
savings habits.
Thank you for supporting the School Banking program at St Pius X.
Recipe of the Week
Pumpkin Dip with bread crisps
Ingredients:






butternut pumpkin, seeded, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tablespoons Greek Style Yogurt
Salt and pepper
 Flat bread
Method:
1. Place roughly chopped pumpkin in medium frypan with water. Place over high
heat and bring to the boil. Cook until tender. Remove and drain well.
2. Heat oil in medium frying pan over medium heat. Add cumin and garlic and
cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add pumpkin and cook, stirring,
until pumpkin is coated in spice mixture. Remove from heat into bowl with high
sides.
3. Add yoghurt to pumpkin mixture and use hand blender to blend until smooth.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat sandwich press. Paint bread pieces in olive oil and cook in sandwich press
until crispy. Serve crackers with pumpkin dip.
5. Chop water melon up for eating.
6. Clean up as much as possible.
Confirmation
The Long Walk - Reconciliation
SCHOOL CURRICULUM DAY THURSDAY 9TH & FRIDAY 10TH JUNE
Dear Parents,
There are two upcoming closure days during the month of June the dates are: Thursday 9th June and
Friday 10th June, they fall before the Queen’s birthday long weekend.
If you are looking for a fun place for your children to stay on either of those days please come and
join us at OSHC! There will be a range of activities and games to enjoy 
In order to operate for that day, we do require a minimum number of bookings, so if you are interested
please go online to www.campaustralia.com.au or call 1300 105 343 and register your child.
Booking reservations must be made no later than Monday 5th June.
You are also welcome to come by and visit the program (school hall), meet with myself Olanda
(Coordinator) and see some of the things we do here at OSHC.
*Note if we cannot run the program due to lack of numbers it will be announced and bookings
cancelled. *The program will run from 7am -6pm.
COME AND JOIN US FOR SOME FUN! 
3081 LITERACY
ANGELS
Looking for volunteers…..
We need volunteers who are
qualified (or pre service)
primary and kindergarten
teachers or librarians, speech
pathologists or similar
and prepared to
 donate a few hours each
week to work with a family
 participate in an
If this excites you, please complete
the attached application form and
email it to Christine Batterham
batterham.cml@gmail.com
Do you want to help vulnerable
young children in West Heidelberg be
better prepared for school? Families
with the challenges of English as An
Additional Language or adult literacy
deficits find it difficult to read to their
children. Children from
disadvantaged families have a
severely reduced vocabulary when
they start school, which correlates
with delayed literacy development.
(Hart and Risley 2003)
3081 Literacy Angels has undertaken
to :
Provide new, age appropriate books
for targeted families at their Maternal
and Child Health milestone visits
And
Offer individual and group mentoring
for parents to help them to develop
their child’s pre literacy skills
induction session.