Tena Koutou Katoa
We are having a  fantastic book week so far. At the time of writing this we have launched the Library as the Emerald city, staff have shared their favourite books, we have had our house teams share their love of books and reading with one another and we have come in our comfy PJ's to snuggle up with a good book. I can't wait until book character day. I love the magic of book week where a true passion and love for stories can be explored and unlocked for our children.

I am so appreciative of the opportunity book week has given us to see our children step up as leaders during the house team shared reading on Tuesday. Watching the care and consideration that St Pius X learners have for one another is wonderful. Thank you to our amazing staff team that work tirelessly to bring this magic together. Thanks also goes to the Friends of the school for their organisation and running of the book swap, which will happen this Friday Lunchtime.

“Folklore, legends, myths and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories, fantastic, marvellous and manifestly unreal. The winged fairies of Grimm and Andersen have brought more happiness to childish hearts than all other human creations.” The Wizard of Oz

We will add the photos from book week in next weeks newsletter.

Safe speed around schools
Thanks to everyone for keeping our new speed limit in mind and working together to make our carpark and drive a far safer place for our learners. Please make sure to keep the painted footpath clear in the carpark to allow everyone to walk safely. 

Bikes and Scooters on the Drive
It is wonderful to see more people scootering or riding to school. Just a gentle reminder, before and after school, please make sure to walk your bike in the carpark and down the drive. We have a number of people using the same space at the same time and by walking your bike or scooter you help everyone stay safe at this busy time. Thanks.
 
Ngā mihi nui 
Erin Clayton

Last week, four St Pius X teams competed in the regional EPro8 competition at Marian Catholic School. Our students used the skills they learnt at our school EPro8 week last term. The challenges weren't easy but our teams kept going and had such fun. One team was even planning their team name for next year in the car ride home!
Lisa Hayde

Last week we sent three teams to the CIS Lit Quiz in Morrinsville. The teams acquitted themselves well and
finished in the middle of the final points table. Here is a sample of the type of questions they were faced with;
Name the Cat in the Hats helpers?
Where did the Hunger Games novels take place?
What was Roald Dahl’s favourite food?
Answers on a postcard. Thank you to Teri West and Cameron Green for transporting the teams to the quiz.
Mr. Easto

Mass
Last Friday the school celebrated the opening Mass for Term 2. Mass is such a beautiful way to celebrate our Faith with one another. The Mass is where we remember and experience the presence of Jesus Christ. The word Mass comes from the Latin word Missa meaning mission or sending as we are asked to do with the Good News at the end of each mass, being Jesus Christs presence in the world. 

Over this term the students will be celebrating Mass together and taking responsibility for the prayers and readings during the week. Ask your class teacher about when your child's Mass is. We would love to see you there.

This week is Book week for St Pius X. This week Monday to today (Thursday) the Friends of the school are collecting quality, pre-loved books, so have a hunt around home for any books that you might have. No colouring books/sticker or pre-school books please. On Friday Lunchtime is the book swap which the Friends of the School will run, letting everyone have an opportunity to discover their next favourite book.

Let me introduce

Antony Easto
I am Antony. I have been teaching at St Pius X since 2000. I arrived in NZ in 1972 from England and my family built a house in Glenview in 1975. I have a long association with our part of Hamilton. I attended Glenview Primary school, Melville Intermediate and Melville High school.  I also played football for Melville Utd and cricket for the Melville Cricket club for many years.  I have also attended Waikato University over several stints whilst studying. 

I have taught several year groups during my time at St Pius, though most of my teaching here has been in the senior school. I enjoy teaching English, Maths and social sciences. I also have the privilege of taking the Year 7 and 8s on camp each year. 

I am married and have 2 daughters who both attended St Pius and Sacred Heart. I am too old to play football and cricket now, though I do occasionally play an average game of squash, hack my way around a golf course and go for increasingly slow runs.   

Maree Rutherford
Hi, I’m Maree, (Mrs Maree) to the children. I have been at St Pius X for 6 years and have worked in schools for 24 years. I am from Central Queensland (Yeppoon) and my family and I have lived in NZ for 20 years. We  have three grown sons who all have amazing careers. I love working at St Pius, from applying plasters to buying Friday pies (and lots of other stuff in  between!). Our students are always lovely and polite and make me smile when they come into the office. I love gardening, reading, walking, road trips, kayaking and spending time with my husband and family and our various assortment of pets.

Erin Clayton
Kia ora

I am Erin Clayton and I am the principal here at St Pius X. I grew up in Waiouru, in the central North Island, before moving to Hamilton with my family in 1997. I went to St Josephs Fairfield and then Sacred heart. I have taught at a number of Catholic schools in Auckland and the Hamilton diocese before my big adventure here at St Pius X as principal beginning this year in Term 1.  I love to spend time with our learners and community finding out what is important for them and their vision for our school. It is exciting to get to know everyone. In my spare time I am house hunting and finding my place once more here in Hamilton with my extended family.