From the Principal

• Reflection
• Prayer for Grandparents
• Important Information from Edmund Rice Education Australia

• Oxford Falls - Educational and Architectural Brief Survey

• Announcing Our 2027 Student Leadership Team
• Be prepared and remain committed to your studies
• Continual upgrade of College facilities
• Cocurricular Program
• Dates for your diary

Reflection 

The Starfish and the Trial HSC

As our Year 12 students prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of study still to be done, the number of subjects to revise, or the challenge that lies ahead.

There is a well-known story, adapted from Loren Eiseley's ‘The Star Thrower’, about a young person walking along a beach covered with stranded starfish. One by one, they picked up the starfish and threw them back into the ocean. An observer remarked that there were thousands of starfish on the beach and questioned how one person could possibly make a difference. The young person picked up another starfish, tossed it into the sea and replied,

'It made a difference to that one.' (mindmapjournal.com)

The lesson for our students is simple but powerful. Success in examinations is rarely achieved through one heroic effort. Rather, it is built through small, consistent actions: completing one practice paper, revising one topic, asking one question, reading one chapter, or spending another focused hour studying. Each step may seem small on its own, but together they make a significant difference. (mindmapjournal.com)

As the Trial HSC Examinations approach, I encourage our Year 12 students to focus on what they can do each day rather than becoming distracted by the enormity of the task ahead. Preparation, commitment and perseverance will always outweigh anxiety and self-doubt.

In the spirit of Edmund Rice, may our students approach this important time with courage and confidence, knowing that every effort they make today is an investment in their future success. Just like the starfish on the beach, every positive action makes a difference.

Prayer for Grandparents

On 26 July we celebrate the Feast Day of Ss Joachim & Anne, the parents of Our Lady and the grandparents of Jesus. So, we pray at this time for all grandparents in our families and in our St Pius X community: 

Lord Jesus you were born of the Virgin Mary, 

the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. 

Look with love on grandparents the world over. 

Protect them. 

Grant that all families may one day be reunited 

in our heavenly homeland, 

where you await all humanity 

for the great embrace of life without end.

Amen

I look forward to celebrating Grandparents Day with our Junior School on Thursday 27 August.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Important Information from Edmund Rice Education Australia

Included in this newsletter is a letter from the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) addressed to parents and carers. The letter outlines the Trustees' moral decision to provide financial support to the Christian Brothers in addressing redress matters for survivors of abuse that occurred in schools that are now governed by EREA.

We encourage all members of our community to read this important correspondence, which reflects EREA's ongoing commitment to justice, accountability, compassion and support for those who have experienced harm. The letter provides further context regarding this decision and its significance within the broader mission and values of Edmund Rice Education Australia.

Oxford Falls - Educational and Architectural Brief Survey

As we continue planning for the future development of our Oxford Falls campus, we are committed to creating learning environments that reflect the needs, aspirations and values of our community. The Educational and Architectural Brief Survey is an important opportunity to help shape the vision for our students' future, ensuring that our facilities support contemporary learning, student wellbeing, faith formation and a strong sense of belonging.

We warmly invite all parents and carers to participate in this survey and share their perspectives. Your insights, ideas and experiences are invaluable in helping us understand what matters most to our families and in guiding future planning decisions. By contributing your voice, you will play an important role in shaping a campus that will serve current and future generations of students.

Together, we can create a learning environment that inspires excellence, fosters connection and reflects the spirit and values of our College community. We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey and thank you in advance for your valued contribution.

The survey closes Monday 10 August, 2026. SURVEY LINK

Announcing Our 2027 Student Leadership Team

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the appointment of our College Captain and two Vice-Captains for 2027.

Following a thoughtful and rigorous selection process, our Year 11 students have chosen the young leaders they believe will best represent and serve our College community in the year ahead. I congratulate the Year 11 cohort for the wisdom, maturity and discernment they demonstrated in making these important decisions. Their choices reflect a genuine commitment to the future of our College and confidence in the students elected to lead.

We are delighted to announce:

College Captain: Mac Hillsdon

Vice-Captains: Simon Ellis and Zach Rapa

These appointments recognise students who have consistently demonstrated character, integrity, service, commitment and a willingness to place the needs of others before themselves. 

Leadership at our College is not about status or prestige; rather, it is about service, responsibility and the ability to positively influence those around us. We are confident that our College Captain and Vice-Captains will lead with humility, courage and compassion as they represent the student body throughout 2027.

In the coming week, we also recognise the broader Student Leadership Team, which includes:

House Captains; Academic Prefects; Cultural Prefects; Mission and Identity Prefects and Wellbeing Prefects.  The voting for these roles will commence on Thursday 30 July.

Together, these students will form a diverse and talented leadership group that will help shape the life of our College and contribute to its ongoing growth and success.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank every student who nominated for a leadership position. Putting oneself forward for student leadership requires courage, confidence and a genuine desire to serve the College community. Every student who participated in the process should be proud of their willingness to step forward and lead.

While not all nominees were able to be appointed to a formal leadership position, leadership is never defined solely by a title or badge. Some of the most influential members of any community are those who lead through their actions, kindness, commitment and example. I congratulate those students who were not appointed and thank them for the maturity, resilience and dignity they have shown throughout the process. Their contribution to the College remains highly valued, and I encourage them to continue seeking opportunities to make a positive difference.

As we look towards 2027, I ask all students to support our newly appointed leaders. Effective leadership is always a partnership between leaders and those they serve. Our student leaders will be most successful when they are encouraged, respected and supported by their peers.

Leadership is a shared responsibility, and every student has a role to play in helping create a community characterised by excellence, respect, inclusion, service and school spirit. By working together, we can ensure that 2027 is a year of growth, achievement and opportunity for all.

On behalf of the entire College community, I congratulate Mac, Simon and Zach and look forward to working alongside them as they lead our students into an exciting new year.

Be prepared and remain committed to your studies

As our Year 12 students approach a significant milestone in their final year, the Trial HSC Examinations, I encourage them to be prepared, remain committed, and stay faithful to their goals.

Since returning from the holidays, our students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and a strong work ethic in their studies. Attendance at the Academic Annexe has been tremendous.  I commend them for their efforts and perseverance during this important period.

My hope and prayer is that each student continues to prepare diligently for these final school-based assessments, remains focused on achieving their personal best, and stays true to the goals they have set for themselves. These examinations represent an important step in their educational journey, and I am confident that their hard work will serve them well.

In the spirit of Edmund Rice, may our Year 12 students approach this challenge with courage, determination, and confidence, knowing that they have the support and encouragement of our entire College community.

A Prayer for Our Year 12 Students

Loving God,

We ask for your guidance and strength for our Year 12 students 

as they prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations. 

Grant them clarity of mind, calmness of heart, and the courage to do their best. 

May their hard work be rewarded, and may they remain faithful to their goals.

In the spirit of Edmund Rice, help them to walk with confidence, 

knowing they are supported by their community 

and surrounded by your love.

Amen.

Continual upgrade  of College facilities

Over the mid-year break, the College began its refurbishment of the College Gym and the amenities connected to the Gym.  These upgrades will be staged over the course of the next six months with Stage One completed.

Stage One included:

•          Removal of old gymnastic equipment

•          Acoustic wall treatment

•          Refurbishment of change rooms

•          Improved amenities

•          Shower facilities for students

Stage Two will commence during Term 3 holidays with the front wall of the Gym and stage area being refurbished with new operable wall and stage curtains and lower final wall cladding completed, new chairs and new basketball rings.

Stage Three will involve the resurfacing of the gym floor.  This will commence at the beginning of the summer holidays as the floor will take six weeks to cure.

The improvements also include upgraded to the data connection and security access.

These upgrades represent a significant investment in the College’s facilities, creating a modern, functional and welcoming environment that will enhance the wellbeing, safety and sporting experiences of students for years to come.

Before and After School Supervision Notice

At the commencement of each term, we would like to remind all families of the school’s supervision arrangements to ensure that all students are safe and appropriately supervised while on school grounds.

Supervision Times:

• Before School: Supervision is provided from 8:15 am each morning.

• After School: Supervision concludes at 4:00 pm (Monday to Friday). 

It is important to note that the after-school supervision will conclude at 4:00 pm, at which point all students will be requested to leave the College grounds. This arrangement is for normal school days Monday to Thursday. 

There will be no supervision of the College grounds (especially the Basketball Court) on a Friday. 

The College will communicate when there will be no additional after school supervision because of a College function.

Students may (and are encouraged to) attend the Academic Annexe if they are waiting to be picked up.

Thank you for your support and helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.

If you have any questions or require further information about before and after school care options, please contact Ms Watson.

As a College community, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every student, which continues to be our foremost priority.

Winter Cocurricular Program

Our first weekend of sport following the holiday break delivered a mix of results across the various codes. Our football teams enjoyed a successful round, with more than 75% recording victories, while our rugby teams faced a strong challenge against St Augustine’s.

While the results in rugby did not fall our way, what stood out most was the resilience, determination and commitment displayed by our players. Regardless of the scoreboard, our students represented the College with pride, continued to compete strongly, and demonstrated admirable sportsmanship throughout the day.

I extend my sincere congratulations to all of our sportsmen for their ongoing dedication, effort and commitment to their teams. Their willingness to train, compete and support one another is a credit to themselves, their families and the College community.

Student Leadership in Action: Mental Health Initiative a Great Success

We extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to Luke Austin, Brayzen Sargent and Sean O'Donnell for their outstanding leadership and commitment in delivering the recent Mental Health Initiative.

The initiative was exceptionally well received by all participating schools and their respective teams, providing a valuable opportunity to promote awareness, encourage meaningful conversations and highlight the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

The students' professionalism, preparation and genuine passion for supporting others were evident throughout the program and contributed significantly to its success.

Luke, Brayzen and Sean should be commended for their willingness to lead in an area of such importance. Their efforts not only facilitated thoughtful discussion and engagement among participants but also demonstrated the impact young people can have when they work together to support the wellbeing of their peers.

As a College community, we are proud of the way these young men represented the values of our school through their service, leadership and care for others. We thank them for their dedication and congratulate them on delivering an initiative that made a positive and lasting impression on all involved.

Well done, Luke, Brayzen and Sean. Your leadership and commitment to fostering positive mental health are a credit to yourselves and our College community.

Good luck to all teams competing this weekend. 

Dates for your diary

Week 3 (HSC Trial Examinations)

Mon 3/8 College Advisory Council Meeting

Tues 4/8 Chapel Mass (Pius) / Year 9 2027 subject selection night (5:00 pm) / Year 11 English Advanced Incursion

Thur 6/8 Staff Meeting (3:15 pm - 4:15 pm) / Snowy Hike Information Evening (6:00 pm)

Sat 8/8  ISA & IPSHA R10

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal