St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Deputy Principal

  • Prayer
  • Welcome back to Term 2
  • A Call to Reflect and Live the St Pius X Values
  • Staffing Changes for Term 2
  • Activities during the Holiday break
  • This week and next at the college

Prayer

Gracious and loving God,

As we begin this new term, we thank You for the gift of learning, the opportunity to grow and walk together in community.

Inspired by the words of Pope Francis, help us to be ‘builders of a better world,’ 

people who care for one another, the poor and the planet.

Teach us to listen more, judge less, and serve others with humility and joy. 

Bless our teachers with wisdom and patience, our classmates with friendship 

and understanding, and our school with unity and purpose.

May this term be a journey of discovery, faith and friendship.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice, Pray for Us

Pope Pius X, Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever

Welcome back to Term 2

I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy some meaningful and joyous time with your loved ones over Easter and the term break. These moments of pause and connection are a valuable chance to rest and renew as we begin a new school term together.

This Easter was marked by significant moments of reflection and loss. On Easter Monday, the world mourned and continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of the Church whose message of compassion, inclusion, and mercy touched millions. His leadership, grounded in simplicity and deep faith, leaves a lasting legacy.

 

In his words: 'Death is not the end. It is the door through which we pass to meet God, who awaits us.'  - Pope Francis

 

Closer to home, it is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of both of Mr Ronchetti’s beloved parents this week. His father, Giovanni, passed away just days after the loss of his mother, Antonietta.

Mr Ronchetti is grateful to have been by their side, offering comfort and peace in their final moments.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Ronchetti and his family. Please keep them, and the memory of Pope Francis, in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss.

 

God Himself will be with them and be their God.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed. (Revelation 21:3-4)

 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

 

May Giovanni and his beloved wife Antonietta now rest together in the peace of Christ.

A Call to Reflect and Live the St Pius X Values

As we begin this term, I encourage every student to reflect on their journey, especially as we carry the weight of recent loss and the hope of new beginnings. Life is precious, and it is in times of challenge that our true values come into focus. Now, more than ever, we must embrace our college values with renewed purpose:

  • Respect for all - recognising the dignity of every person and offering support in times of grief.

  • Excellence in giving your best - striving to honour the memory of those we’ve lost by giving our all in everything we do.

  • Faith in living the Gospel through our actions - showing compassion and empathy through our words and deeds, especially when others are hurting.

  • Opportunity through active participation in all that is on offer - using every opportunity to grow, engage, and build a legacy of kindness and resilience.

Let these values guide your actions and decisions as we move forward together this term, honouring both the past and the opportunities ahead.

Staffing Changes for Term 2

We welcome Mr Keith Thomas and Mr Mark Halsted to the college this term, teaching in the Legal/Business Studies and History Departments, while staff are on extended leave. We also welcome Mr Flynn O'Byrne to our Maintenance team at Oxford Falls.

Activities during the Holiday break

We were pleased to offer a range of opportunities that enriched student learning and engagement over the term break. A sincere thank you to the many staff who generously gave their time to make these experiences possible.

  • Junior School Rugby Tournament in Armidale

  • Oxford Falls hosted both football and rugby clinics

  • The 1st XI Football team had a successful tour to Queensland

  • On ANZAC Day, staff and students:

    Attended the Dawn Service at the Chatswood Garden of Remembrance

    Participated in the Commemoration Service at Club Willoughby

    Marched for the first time in the ANZAC Parade, proudly representing the 2/33 Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF

  • Senior students had the opportunity to attend extra classes at the College during the break

This week and next at the college

Yesterday, we held a moving ceremony to commemorate ANZAC Day - a meaningful moment in the life of our college.

Yesterday’s Matinee and Opening Night of Oliver! were a resounding success, showcasing stellar performances from our exceptionally talented students. Thanks to all involved – students and staff, along with parents who have generously offered their assistance. 

Tickets are still available for tonight’s show -  we encourage you to come along and support our talented students.

Purchase tickets for Oliver

Next week is a busy and exciting one as we celebrate Founder’s Week and honour the wonderful mothers and special women in our lives.

 

Key Events:

  • Monday: Special assembly to mark the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice.

  • Wednesday: Mother’s Day Mass and Biggest Morning Tea at Oxford Falls. Mothers will accompany their sons to the event. Students returning by bus to Chatswood will do so after the event concludes. Please RSVP by 3:00pm tomorrow if you haven’t already.  Click on the image for the link to RSVP.

  • Friday: Annual Founder’s Day at Oxford Falls. This is a compulsory all-school event. All students will travel to and from the venue by bus. Further details are available on the Pastoral Care page in this week’s Woodchatta.

Ms Elizabeth Watson - Deputy Principal