From the Principal
- Reflection - Year 12 Graduation
- Farewell for now Mrs Greenwood
- Music Encore Nomination
- Safe Travels to our China Tour participants
- Thank you for the term - looking ahead to Term 4
- 2025 Collegian Yearbook - Expressions of Interest
- Dates for your diary
Reflection
Year 12 Graduation
The graduation of our Year 12 students is always a significant and memorable occasion, not only for the College but also for each member of the graduating class.
On Tuesday, 22 September, we had the privilege of commencing our farewell of Year 12 students at the Graduation Mass in Our Lady Of Dolours Church. The Mass was a truly memorable experience, with students participating in the touching Ceremony of Light, surrounding the congregation with their candles. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Fr David for leading such a meaningful service. Every aspect of the Mass enriched the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Fr David, your presence is a continual blessing, and the College is truly fortunate to have you as our spiritual leader.
The following day, Wednesday 23 September, the College had its opportunity to farewell the Year 12 students at the College Farewell Assembly at Oxford Falls. As each student came forward, I was struck by the respect, confidence, and character they displayed. They are a credit to their families, their teachers, and the College, and it was a pleasure to congratulate them on reaching this important milestone.
Adding to the occasion, four talented Year 12 students shared their exceptional musical gifts with the audience. We extend our sincere thanks to Rhys Bourke, Kody Tabalon, Aiden Lindsay and Alexander Tharakan for their wonderful performances and for enriching the celebration with their creativity and talent. A beautiful photo montage by John Medalla showcased this wonderful group of young men.
Following the homeroom presentations, we recognised the recipients of the College's Major Awards. Hearing the citations that highlighted their diverse accomplishments, leadership, service, and commitment to excellence, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride in the outstanding young men graduating this year. Congratulations to all award recipients on their well-deserved recognition.
The speeches by our student leaders were reflective expressing a genuine connection to the school they have called home for the last 8 years. Through their leadership, authenticity, and commitment to ‘For All, With All’, they have enriched College life, strengthened student voice, and left a legacy that will endure for years to come. We thank them and congratulate them on their outstanding contribution to the St Pius X College community. Congratulations to Sean, Luke and Brayzen for their leadership and their commitment to their peers and College.
During my address to the community, I reflected on the many experiences, achievements, and relationships that have shaped the journey of the Class of 2026, and on the significance of this milestone as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
I would like to share a brief extract from that speech:
Why is Graduation Day so important? Graduation Day gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey that has brought us to this moment.
Year 12, today is about much more than finishing school. It is a chance to recognise how far you have come, the challenges you have overcome, and the young gentlemen you have become. As I look at the Class of 2026, I feel an immense sense of pride. Each of you has played a part in shaping this cohort, and each of you leaves a lasting contribution to St Pius X College.
Graduation Day is also important because it reminds us that no one reaches this moment alone. It is an opportunity to reflect on the friendships that have shaped you, the teachers who guided and challenged you, the families who supported you, and the memories that will forever connect you to this place. These relationships and experiences are among the most valuable gifts of your time at St Pius X.
At the same time, Graduation Day marks a transition. It is a moment to celebrate the past while looking confidently towards the future. While the road ahead may not always be clear, you can move forward knowing that you carry with you the values, lessons, and experiences that have been formed during your years here.
As you enter the next chapter of your lives, remember that faith and hard work remain as important as ever. Success is rarely the result of talent alone. It comes through perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning and growing. These qualities have been nurtured in you at St Pius X and will serve you well wherever life takes you.
As the Class of 2026, let Fide et Labore continue to guide you. Have the faith to pursue your ambitions, the courage to embrace new opportunities, and the determination to overcome setbacks. Lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Most importantly, Graduation Day is important because it reminds us that while your time as students may be ending, your connection to St Pius X never will. Wherever your journey takes you, you will always be part of the St Pius X family, and we will always be proud to call you, our sons.
With the introduction of the Farewell walk through a guard of honour by the Junior School, our Year 12 students were able to walk proudly between the future of St Pius X. Their singing of the College war cry at the end of the walk is always very memorable.
The Graduation Luncheon offered the College to recognise the Year 12 cohort with the Major Award Recipients. The atmosphere was filled with positivity, truly reflecting the exceptional character of the graduating class. Highlights of the luncheon included the heartfelt gesture of students presenting letters to their parents and the symbolic changing of their senior ties to the Old Boys' tie. The Valedictory Speech by Mr Steinman was exceptional. It was a memorable and fitting way to conclude the celebrations for Year 12.
In my final address to the Year 12 students, I reflected on the College motto and being a gentleman. Here is a short extract from the address:
Year 12, as you leave St Pius X College, remember this: becoming a man is a rite of passage, but becoming a gentleman is a choice. A man is something you become with age; a gentleman is something you choose to be every day. It is a choice to act with integrity, to show humility, to treat others with respect, to stand up for what is right, and to place the needs of others before yourself.
In a world that often measures success by status, achievement, or wealth, never lose sight of what truly matters. Your character will always be more important than your accomplishments. Long after people have forgotten your marks, your trophies, or your job title, they will remember how you treated others, the values you stood for, and the difference you made in their lives.
At St Pius X, we have not simply sought to educate young men; we have sought to form gentlemen. Gentlemen who live Fide et Labore through faith and hard work, and who embrace the spirit of ‘For All With All’ by using their gifts, talents, and opportunities in service of others.
Throughout your years here, you have also been shaped by our College values of Respect, Excellence, Faith, and Opportunity. Respect reminds us to honour the dignity of every person we encounter. Excellence calls us to give our very best, not just when it is easy, but especially when it is difficult. Faith gives us purpose, hope, and the confidence to know that God walks beside us. Opportunity reminds us that we have been blessed with gifts and experiences that are not only for our own benefit, but to be used in service of others.
These values have guided your journey through the classroom, on the sporting field, in co-curricular activities, and in your relationships with one another. They have helped shape not only successful students, but good young gentlemen with bright futures ahead of them.
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that much has been poured into your bucket by your families, your teachers, your friends, and this College community. Your families have loved and supported you unconditionally. Your teachers have challenged, encouraged, and guided you. Your friends have shared the journey beside you. Together, they have helped shape the gentlemen you are becoming.
But your bucket is not yet full. You still have much to contribute.
The world needs your leadership, your compassion, your courage, and your faith. It needs young gentlemen who lead with humility, who act with integrity, and who are prepared to put others before themselves. It needs young gentlemen who understand that true success is not measured by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you do for others.
As sons of St Pius X College, you have been given many opportunities. Wherever life takes you next, whether it be university, an apprenticeship, the workforce, or a path yet to be discovered, carry with you the spirit of ‘For All With All’. Look for ways to support others, to build stronger communities, and to leave every person and place better because you were there.
Our graduates of 2026 were farewelled in a fitting and memorable manner by both the College and their families. The graduation ceremonies marked the culmination of many months of planning, dedication, and goodwill from a large number of staff and teachers who worked tirelessly to ensure the occasion was worthy of this outstanding cohort.
Special thanks is extended to the Graduation Committee, whose members met weekly from the end of Term 2 to coordinate a truly exceptional series of events, including the Farewell Assembly, the Graduation Mass, and the Graduation Luncheon and Awards Presentation. Their commitment, creativity, and attention to detail played a significant role in making these celebrations such a success.
At the risk of overlooking someone, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staff who contributed to the day in ways both large and small. Graduation celebrations such as these are only possible because of the collective efforts of a dedicated community working together in support of our students.
It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes an entire College community to guide and support young people to graduation. Thank you to every staff member who played a part in ensuring that the Class of 2026 received the recognition, celebration, and farewell they so richly deserved. Their efforts helped create lasting memories for our graduates and their families as they marked this significant milestone in their educational journey.
Please see attached our listing of our award recipients.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Farewell for now, Mrs Greenwood
As we conclude Term 3, the College would like to acknowledge and celebrate Mrs Greenwood as she embarks on an exciting new professional opportunity with ISNSW for the remainder of this year and throughout next year.
During her time at the College, Mrs Greenwood has made a significant contribution to our community through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to supporting students and staff. Her passion for education and her willingness to contribute beyond her role have had a positive impact on many within our College.
While we will certainly miss Mrs Greenwood’s presence and the valuable contribution she has made to College life, we are delighted that she has been recognised with this opportunity to work with ISNSW. We know she will bring the same enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to excellence that have been hallmarks of her work at the College.
On behalf of the entire College community, I thank Mrs Greenwood for her service and contribution, and I wish her every success in this new role. We look forward to hearing about her continued achievements and hope to welcome her back to the College community in the future.
We wish Mrs Greenwood all the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter.
Celebrating Excellence in Music: Encore Nomination
We are delighted to announce that Year 12 student Rhys Bourke has been nominated for ENCORE, the prestigious showcase that celebrates outstanding HSC Music performances and compositions from across New South Wales.
This nomination is a significant achievement and a fitting recognition of Rhys's exceptional musical talent, dedication, and commitment to his craft. Many members of our College community had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable performance at the Year 12 Farewell Assembly, where he captivated the audience with his skill, confidence, and musicianship.
To receive an ENCORE nomination is a testament not only to Rhys's talent, but also to the countless hours of practice, perseverance, and passion he has invested in developing his musical abilities throughout his schooling.
We congratulate Rhys on this outstanding accomplishment and thank him for generously sharing his musical gifts with our community. We wish him every success as he continues to pursue his passion for music.
Wishing Our China Tour Group Safe Travels
As the school holidays begin, we extend our very best wishes to the staff and students participating in the College's tour to China.
This exciting journey provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons, immerse themselves in a rich and vibrant culture, and develop a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Through travel, students gain valuable experiences, build confidence, and create memories that will remain with them for many years to come.
We thank the staff who have generously given their time to accompany and support our students throughout the tour. Their dedication ensures that experiences such as these continue to be an important part of a well-rounded education.
On behalf of the entire College community, we wish all travellers a safe and enjoyable journey. May the tour be filled with meaningful learning opportunities, new friendships, memorable experiences, and many wonderful discoveries.
We look forward to hearing about their adventures and welcoming everyone home safely at the conclusion of the trip.
Thank you for the term – Looking Ahead to Term 4 – School Resumes Monday 12 October
As we conclude the term, I would like to thank our staff and our students for their contribution to the teaching and learning environment of the College. This is a good time for students to reassess their goals and plan for a successful Term 4. A reminder that Term 4 will commence on Monday 12 October.
2025 Collegian Yearbook Order Form
We are seeking expressions of interest from families wishing to purchase a copy of the 2025 Collegian Yearbook. Copies are available for $55.00 each. Please fill in the form below to secure your copy.
Orders will close on Friday 16 October 2026.
Once the orders close, you will be invoiced for the Collegian Yearbook through Sentral.
Dates for your diary
Term 4
Week 1
Mon 12/10 Students and staff resume in full summer uniform
Tues 13/10 HSC Commences / Chapel Mass (Mercy)
Wed 14/10 Year 9 Camp - 16/10 / Year 7 Vaccination Clinic #1
Fri 16/10 Year 11 HMS Excursion / Rugby Golf Day
Sat 17/10 ISA summer R1 (cricket & basketball)/ IPSHA R7 / PAPA Comedy Night
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal