From the Principal

Reflection
Annual Awards Ceremony - Wednesday 4 December
Remembrance Day Commemoration
2025 Year 5 and 7 Information Evenings
Movember campaign update
Appointment of our new Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning - Mr Stephen Davidson
Remaining focused once we complete our assessments
Christmas Twilight Concert - Friday 22 November
Thank you to all parents who attended P&F AGM
Key Dates

Reflection

THE EMMAUS JOURNEY

In the final chapter of the Gospel of Luke, there appears a beautiful story about two men, distraught over the death of Jesus, who find themselves in deep conversation with the Teacher Himself — only they don’t realise it is Him.

There, as they walk the road to Emmaus, these two men learn about

Christ directly from the source. And when they finally realise who they had been talking with the entire time, they rush to tell the 11 apostles the good news:

The Lord had indeed risen!

It’s a powerful tale, one filled with lessons about discernment, hope, and the truth.

A Journey to Remember

That very same day, a group of them were on their way into a common future,

which lay just ahead beyond what, they could see.

As they lived into the future, they talked together about all the happenings among them.

But something kept them from seeing and understanding that it was really happening that ordinarily.

God entered into their hearts and asked, 'what is it you are troubled about? What are you wondering? What questions are unsettling to you?'

The group stopped full of fear and anxiety. And one among them said,

We thought it would be simpler. We thought it would have been clear.

We thought that the choices would be more evident.

We thought we would agree more easily on what decisions to make.

We thought we knew how things would be.

We thought God would lead us more directly

We thought the way would have no conflicts, doubts or confusion.

We had hoped our future would be more uncomplicated.

We had hoped things would not be so messy.

We had hoped the power to choose would be easy.

We had hoped our experience would confirm what we knew, not change it again.

We had hoped that familiar theories would still fit.

We had hoped.

And now some among us are saying that things are not as we first imagined them to be. Now some are saying that future conditions challenge us in different ways.

And God said, 'How slow you are as a group. How hard it is for you to trust.

Have I not promised from the beginning to be with you, to sustain you, and to continually reveal to hearts that are open my plans? Have l not promised you more than you can ask or imagine?'

Luke 24:13-35

Listening For God

The story of the road to Emmaus is a profound encounter that invites us to reflect on how God is revealed to us today. How has God shown Himself to you throughout the year? How would you answer this question? Over the past year, have you taken time to consider your relationship with God? Hopefully, you have nurtured this relationship, recognising that God is by your side even when you might not feel it.

As you walk your own road to Emmaus, especially as we enter the Advent season, what questions are you bringing to God? What challenges are you still facing as we approach the end of the school year? Are you opening yourself to God’s love? God calls each of us by name and is always present for us.

Blessed Edmund Rice - pray for Us

St Pius X - pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Thanksgiving Mass and Annual Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 4 December

A reminder that the final day for all students is Wednesday 4 December which is the college's Thanksgiving Mass and Annual Awards Assembly. This assembly provides the College the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of students from Year 5 to Year 11. More details will be provided in an email early next week.

Remembrance Day Commemoration

On Monday 11 November Mr Petrie and the college student leaders led our commemorative service for Remembrance Day. We were blessed with the attendance of past students who saw active service and representatives from the Di Sisto family. We were also graced with the commemorative address by Mr David Reay, member of our teaching staff, who himself has been involved in active service. Mr Reay reflected on the story of Ted who as we find out was his grandfather. I would like to thank Mr Reay for sharing his story with our community,

In the Beatitudes Jesus refers to 'Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called God’s children' always reminds me of those in serve our community who the sake of peace. This is a responsibility that has been bestowed on all of us. As we reflect on the significance of the day, let us always remind ourselves of the role we currently play in being the peacemakers of our world, today and for future generations. How can you be a peacemaker in our community? This more relevant today than ever before considering the ongoing conflicts in the middle east and in Ukraine.

2025 Year 5 and Year 7 Information Evenings (online)

Over the past two weeks, we have welcomed our new Year 5, Year 6, and Year 7 students at online presentations. During these sessions, key school leaders greeted both students and families, sharing valuable information to support their transition to life at St Pius X College. We look forward to officially welcoming these families and students in 2025 as they begin or continue their journey with us at St Pius X College.

Movember campaign update

The Movember campaign is continuing to gain momentum with both staff and students clearly showing their moustaches. Thank you to all those who have been very generous in donating to a very worthy cause, but we need more people to support our team.

Thank you to all the staff and Year 12 students who are growing a moustache in support of this great cause. This year I will also grow a moustache in support of a close friend and colleague who is fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Please give generously to men’s health.

Please continue to donate via myMo Space, https://movember.com/t/2024-st-pius-x-college?mc=1 is where you can donate to the St Pius X page – for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in your life.

Appointment of our new Assistant Principal - Mr Stephen Davidson

Following Mr Alex Damo's resignation from his position of Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning, the college conducted a recruitment process to find a successor for Mr Damo, who has played a pivotal role in advancing our learning agenda. It is with great pleasure that we announce Mr Stephen Davidson as the successful candidate for the position of Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning.

Mr Davidson brings a wealth of experience in the teaching and learning field, which will serve him well in leading this crucial area of the College. Previously, Mr Davidson served as our Curriculum Coordinator, and we will now begin the process of finding a replacement for him in this important role. On behalf of the College I would like to congratulate Mr Davidson and I look forward to his contribution in transforming the learning environment.

Remaining focused once we complete our assessments

With the end of the school year fast approaching for the young men of St Pius X College, I would like to remind all our students the importance of remaining faithful to the high standards and expectations the College has established. The end of the assessment period is not a time for any student to lower these standards especially within the classroom. Maintaining a positive learning environment is the responsibility of all students. I would kindly ask all families to share the importance on finishing well with their sons as we lead into the end of the school year.

Christmas Twilight Concert – Friday 22 November

Surrounded by the melodies of Christmas, we eagerly embrace the joyful spirit of the festive season. We warmly invite you to join the St Pius X community, next Friday, where our talented bands and ensembles will fill the air with enchanting music, celebrating this special time of year.

Thank you to all the parents who joined us at the P&F AGM

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the P&F for their incredible support and dedication throughout the year. Your commitment has been invaluable to our community, enriching our students' experience and fostering a strong, supportive environment. Thank you for the time, energy, and care you invest in every initiative. We are truly grateful for your partnership and all you do to make our College a better place for everyone.

Key Dates

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal