Kia ora koutou katoa,
As we look towards the end of 2025, it is a wonderful time to pause and celebrate all that has been achieved this year. What a busy and joy-filled year it has been at St Pius X! Our students have continued to learn, grow and shine in so many different ways – in their faith, their friendships, their learning and their independence.
We are especially proud of the way our tamariki live out our values each and every day. From camps, sports events and cultural celebrations, to classroom learning, liturgies and service projects, our learners have truly shown what it means to be part of a caring Catholic school community.

To our wonderful Year 8 learners and their whānau – thank you for everything you have given to our school. We will miss you greatly, and we are so proud of the amazing young people you have become. As you move on to high school, we pray you continue to grow with confidence and stay connected to the special gifts God has placed within you.

Please remember that St Pius X will always be part of your story, and you will always be welcome here.

We also send our love and blessings to any families and students who may be moving to a new school in 2026. Thank you for being part of our community. We have enjoyed having you as part of the St Pius X whānau and we wish you every success and happiness in the next stage of your journey.

A huge thank you to:

St Pius X is strong because of the people who care so deeply for our tamariki. We are so grateful for everything you do, seen and unseen, big and small.

We are now in the holy season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Advent reminds us to slow down, to notice joy, to bring hope to others and to prepare room in our hearts for the love of Christ.

Soon we will enter the beautiful season of Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Saviour and the promise of peace and love for the world.

May God bless you and your families
 with rest, joy and protection these holidays.
 May you find peace, laughter and time together.
 And may the love of Jesus be close to your hearts
 now and always.

A reminder that school starts back on Monday 2 February 2026.

The school office will be closed during the holidays and will reopen on this date. If you need support over the break, please email and we will get back to you as soon as the office reopens.

Ngā mihi mō te Kirihimete
Merry Christmas!

Thank you again for your partnership and support throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and ready for a wonderful 2026.

Ngā mihi nui,
Erin Clayton

Thank you for the continued support of our Giving tree this shines a light for families having a hard time over the Christmas break.

 

 

We’ve teamed up with OfficeMax MySchool to make your back to school shop super easy. And if you order in December, you’ll go in the draw to WIN 1 of 5 $1000 cash prizes*.

 

Your child’s class list is already loaded. Just go to https://www.myschool.co.nz/spxcmelville. Simply add your details, check that you want everything on the list, then click and confirm - and OfficeMax MySchool will get it underway, with free delivery on orders over $70*.

 

You can pay by internet banking, credit card or debit card. Zip# is also available, so you can pay in 4 interest free payments over 6 weeks and still get your order right away. Plus, you’ll be helping our school earn school rewards* that we use to purchase much needed extra resources for our school.

 

Quotes for WINZ are available by contacting 0800 724 440 or via email enquiry@myschool.co.nz.

 

We encourage you to order early to ensure your child has all their stationery requirements ready to go in plenty of time for the start of Term 1. 

 

So go ahead and beat the back to school rush, order today with OfficeMax MySchool and give them the best start possible.

 

 

Benita the Steps Web Drawing Competition People's Choice Award. This photo was the reaction from her class when they heard the news!   

Evanna won the Age 8-9 category of the Steps Guy drawing competition and this was her prize.

VINNIES’ RESTHOME VISIT

Earlier this month, our Young Vinnies visited Eventhorpe Rest Home to spread a little Christmas cheer. They sang Christmas carols and shared thoughtful gifts, including handmade Christmas cards, mini Christmas trees, lavender bags, and home-baked cookies. The residents and staff were delighted by their kindness.

It was a wonderful experience for our Vinnies and a fitting way to conclude our year of service to others—being the hands, heart, and voice of Jesus in our community.

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Farewell and Thank You to Coach Gerard

This week we say a heartfelt thank you to Gerard, who is stepping down as coach of the St Pius X Blue Beasts. Gerard has been an outstanding coach, leading and supporting our children with dedication, patience, and enthusiasm each week. His commitment to the team has made a huge impact, and he will be greatly missed by players, parents and supporters alike.

A big thank you, Gerard, for everything you have done for our kids and for the Blue Beasts!

The team wrapped up a fantastic season, finishing third in their pool and celebrating a strong 36–8 win in their final game.

We also extend our thanks to Jen, our wonderful team manager, and to everyone who helped behind the scenes—our lolly-jar fillers, strip washers, scorekeepers and all the parents who turned up each week to support the team. Your contributions made the season a great success.

 
Kia ora whānau,
 
As we come to the end of the year, the Friends of the School would like to say a huge thank you to our St Pius X community. From our Cultural Festival in Term 1, to the disco, sausage sizzles, karaoke, quiz night, Raise the Roof Fete and Stay and Play gatherings – what an amazing year of fun and connection!
 
It has been wonderful to see our families coming together, supporting one another and helping to make these events such a success. These moments bring real joy and a sense of belonging to our school and we could not do it without you.
 
A special thank you to our tireless volunteers for giving so much of your time and energy. We are truly grateful for everything you do for our tamariki and our school.
 
Ngā mihi nui and blessings for the holiday season,
 Friends of the School

What’s happening on your Board of Trustees

The BOT had their regular monthly meeting. and here is a short summary of the decisions they made on your behalf.
- received the draft budget for 2026.
- received the RAMs forms for the middle school - outdoor education programme.
- discussed options for dividing the MLE space - into two classrooms.
- approved a cyclical maintenance plan.
- approved the use of the MLE space to host Mass whilst the church is out of action.
- formulated a response to the change of legislation regarding the Treaty.
- extended the goals of the 2024/5 strategic plan until the end of 2026.
- approved principals PLG for next year.
- received and discussed the end of year assessment data report.

December
13th - Rishaan - Tui
15th - Bryan - Tara Iti
17th - Anna - Tara Iti
18th - Jove - Tara Iti
19th - Adam & Maxson - Piwakawaka A
21st - Anna, Sarah & Pypa - Piwakawaka A
24th - Gianna - Kereru
26th - Willow - Kereru
28th - Erick - Ruru & Rhys - Kakapo
29th - Paxton - Kereru

The following link will take you to available school holiday programmes during December and January.

Click HERE

Below are our 2026 term dates