From the Principal

• Reflection
• Learning for Life: A Celebration of Growth and Achievement
• Trial HSC Examinations move into week two
• Appointment of 2027 College Student Leadership Team
• P&F Trivia Night
• University Open Days
• Class of '55, '56 and '57 Seventy-Year Celebration
• Winter Cocurricular Program
• Father's Day Mass and BBQ breakfast invitation
• PAPA Comedy Night
• Dates for your diary

Reflection 

Feast of the Assumption of Mary

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Holy Day of Obligation

15 August

On Saturday 15 August, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most significant feast days in the Church's calendar. This feast commemorates the Church's belief that Mary, having completed her earthly life, was taken body and soul into heaven. For centuries, Christians have honoured Mary as a model of faith, courage, humility and trust in God.

Mary was a great inspiration to Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, and she continues to play a significant role in the life of the Church today. Through her unwavering faith and willingness to say 'Yes' to God's call, Mary shows us what it means to live a life of service, compassion and hope.

For our community, the Feast of the Assumption is an opportunity to reflect on the values Mary embodied and how they can be lived out in everyday life. Her example encourages us to be people of faith, to care for others, to stand up for what is right, and to bring Christ to those around us through our words and actions. As we celebrate this special feast day, let us strive to follow Mary's example and be a source of kindness, love and hope in our school and wider community.

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Father in heaven,

all creation rightly gives you praise,

for all life and all holiness come from you.

In the plan of your wisdom

she who bore the Christ in her womb

was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.

May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness

and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Learning for Life: A Celebration of Growth and Achievement

The Celebration of Learning Assembly was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a College community and recognise the many gifts, achievements and aspirations of our young people. It was a celebration not only of academic growth, but also of the creativity, character and spirit that make our College such a vibrant place of learning.

We were especially blessed by the outstanding contributions of our Year 10 Drama students and our talented Year 9 and 10 Music students, whose performances captivated the audience and showcased the dedication and passion that flourish within our community. A highlight of the assembly was the video presentation, which provided a glimpse into the remarkable creative talents exhibited across the College. From the performing arts to visual expression and innovative learning experiences, it was a powerful reminder of the diverse gifts our students bring to school each day.

In my address to the community, I reflected on the importance of celebrating learning in all its forms and recognising that success is measured not only by outcomes, but also by effort, growth, resilience and a willingness to embrace opportunities.

Address to College Community

Year 7-10 Celebration of Learning Ceremony

10 August 2026

Good morning Staff, Students, Parents and Family Members of St Pius X College.

Today we come together to celebrate the achievements of students who have excelled in their academic endeavours and those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their learning.

To our award recipients, congratulations. Your achievements are a testament to your commitment, discipline, and willingness to engage deeply with your learning. The results we celebrate today are not simply reflections of intelligence or talent. They are evidence of effort, persistence, and a desire to continually improve. Whether you have excelled in Mathematics, English, Science, the Arts, or any other subject, you have demonstrated the habits that lead to success.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, it is important to recognise that we are living through one of the most significant changes in education and learning the world has ever seen: Artificial Intelligence.

AI is transforming how we access information, solve problems, and learn new skills. Today, answers to almost any question can be generated in seconds. Knowledge has never been more accessible.

Pope Leo XIV recently reminded us:

'I have chosen the name Leo because Leo XIII addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. Today we respond to another industrial revolution: that of artificial intelligence.'

His words remind us that we are living through a time of profound change. While technology can provide answers, it cannot replace the distinctly human qualities of wisdom, judgement, compassion, and curiosity.

This raises an important question: if information is available instantly, what becomes most valuable?

The answer is curiosity.

In a world where AI can provide information, curiosity drives us to ask better questions, explore new ideas, and seek deeper understanding. The students who will thrive in the future will not simply be those who know the most facts. They will be those who remain curious, adaptable, creative, and willing to learn throughout their lives.

As Pope Leo XIV has also warned:

'The ability to access vast amounts of data and information should not be confused with the ability to derive meaning and value from it.'

In an age when AI can generate information in seconds, the true challenge is not finding answers but asking meaningful questions.

That is why this ceremony is about much more than academic awards. It is about recognising the qualities that underpin meaningful learning: curiosity, resilience, critical thinking, and a commitment to growth. These are qualities that will remain important regardless of how technology continues to evolve.

It is also important to reflect on why we celebrate academic achievement. Recognition matters. When we acknowledge the effort and excellence of our students, we reinforce the value of continuous learning, persistence, and striving to be better tomorrow than we are today. Celebrating success builds confidence, inspires others, and strengthens a culture where learning is valued and respected.

We were also very fortunate today to have Mr Matthew Buskariol join us as our special guest. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. Your message about perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of remaining curious strongly connects with the world our students are entering. We are grateful for your time, your insights, and the inspiration you have provided to our community.

To those students who are not receiving an award today, please remember that your journey is no less important. Learning is not a competition, and success is never a single moment. Growth happens over time. Every student has the opportunity to improve, develop new skills, and take meaningful steps forward. 

The end-of-year Academic Awards Ceremony provides another opportunity for recognition, and I encourage you to use today as motivation for what lies ahead.

Today, I invite every student to ask themselves three simple questions:

• What can I learn that I do not know today?

• What questions am I curious enough to explore?

• How can I use the tools and opportunities around me to become a better learner?

These questions are the foundation of growth. Progress comes from curiosity, effort, and the willingness to embrace challenges. It comes from learning from mistakes and remaining open to new possibilities.

Teachers, parents, and carers, thank you for the role you play in supporting our students. Your encouragement, guidance, and belief in their potential are critical to their success. Together, we help create an environment where young people can develop the skills, confidence, and character they need to thrive.

And to our students, continue to ask questions, continue to explore, and continue to believe in your capacity to grow. Let your curiosity drive your learning and let your learning prepare you for a future full of opportunity.

Let us make Semester 2 a time of renewed purpose and possibility. Whether you are already achieving at a high level or working towards your next goal, remember that every step forward matters and every effort contributes to your growth.

Congratulations once again to our award recipients. You should be proud of what you have achieved. And to all students, let us look ahead with optimism, curiosity, and determination as we make the second half of the year even more successful.

As we conclude our ceremony, let us always remain faithful to our College motto:

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard Work

In a rapidly changing world, these words remain as relevant as ever. We are challenged to work diligently, embrace lifelong learning, and remain committed to our faith in all that we do.

Thank you for listening, and may Jesus live in your hearts forever.

The assembly was a fitting testament to the extraordinary potential of our students and the strong partnership that exists between staff, students and families in supporting their journey

Trial HSC Examinations move into week two

As our Year 12 students continue their Trial HSC examinations, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this important period of their educational journey. We pray that they have and will continue to approach each examination with confidence and calm, trusting in the knowledge and skills they have developed through their hard work and commitment. As a College community, we encourage our students to continue supporting one another, maintain balance and wellbeing, and remember that their worth is defined not by a result, but by the character, effort and determination they bring to every challenge. May God bless them with wisdom, strength and peace as they strive to achieve their personal best.

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 and sit 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.

Appointment of 2027 College Student Leaders

We are delighted to announce and congratulate our newly elected 2027 College Student Leaders. These students have been chosen by their peers and staff for their outstanding character, commitment to our College values, and willingness to serve our community. As they step into their leadership roles, they will have the opportunity to inspire others, foster school spirit, and make a positive contribution to College life. We are confident that they will lead with integrity, respect, and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have over the coming year. 

The student leaders will be officially inducted at our investiture ceremony in Week 4 of Term 4.  Please join us in celebrating and wishing our 2027 Student Leaders every success in their leadership journey.

P & F Trivia Night

The Annual P&F Trivia Night is scheduled for this Saturday 15 August.  If you have not booked a table or a seat, there is still time to register and enjoy a very delightful evening.  I am hoping to be present to share in the fun and games.  Thank you to Eoin Geaney and the P&F committee for their organisation of this community event.

When should you attend University Open Days?

As universities across New South Wales open their doors to prospective students, now is an ideal time for our young people to begin exploring the exciting possibilities that lie beyond school. University Open Days provide a valuable opportunity to discover a wide range of courses, tour campuses and facilities, and gain first-hand insights into university life. They also offer important information about career pathways, support services, accommodation options, scholarships, fees and financial assistance.

While many families traditionally wait until Year 12 to attend Open Days, there is significant value in students beginning this exploration much earlier. Students in Years 9 and 10 can benefit greatly from gaining an understanding of the diverse study and career opportunities available to them, helping them make more informed decisions about their senior studies and future aspirations.

I encourage parents, older siblings and friends to accompany our students to Open Days and engage in conversations about future pathways and possibilities. These visits can play an important role in helping students identify the universities, courses and career directions that best align with their interests, talents and goals. The journey towards a future career begins long before Year 12, and there is no better time to start than now by visiting university Open Day websites and planning your first campus visit.

Class of '55, '56 and '57 Seventy-Year Celebration

As Principal, I warmly encourage our Old Boys from the Classes of 1955, 1956 and 1957 to attend this very special Seventy-Year Celebration Reunion. To celebrate seventy years since your school days is a truly remarkable milestone and a testament to the lifelong friendships, shared experiences and enduring connection that bind our College community together.

Reunions such as these provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, share memories, reflect on life's journey and celebrate the role that the College has played in shaping generations of young men. They also remind us of the rich history and traditions of our College, and the strong sense of belonging that continues long after graduation.

I encourage all members of these graduating classes to be part this memorable occasion. I have no doubt it will be an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the bonds that have stood the test of time.

Class of 1955, 1956 & 1957 Seventy-Year Celebration:

The Royal Automobile Club of Australia

 69 Macquarie Street, Sydney

 Friday 18 September

 6:00 pm for 7:00 pm

Contact: William Sutton 0409 608 685

Winter Cocurricular Program coming to a close

Congratulations to all of our rugby, tennis and football teams for their commitment, determination and sportsmanship throughout the season. Last week, our rugby teams competed gallantly in their respective semi-finals, displaying tremendous courage, resilience and pride in representing the College. While we were disappointed not to see any of our teams progress to the grand finals, they should be immensely proud of their efforts and the outstanding way they conducted themselves both on and off the field.

At the same time, we congratulate our football teams that have successfully progressed to their semi-finals. This achievement is a reflection of their hard work, teamwork and dedication throughout the season, and we wish them every success as they continue their finals campaigns.

Finally, we offer our very best wishes to the 1st Tennis team as they compete in their grand final this weekend. We wish them every success as they strive to bring home a championship for the College.

I also extend my sincere congratulations to every student who has represented the College in our Senior and Junior Winter Sporting Program this year. Your dedication to training, commitment to competition, and support for your teammates have been exemplary and reflect the values of perseverance, teamwork and respect that we strive to cultivate in our young men. 

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many staff who have generously given their time, energy and expertise to coach, manage and support our teams throughout the season. Their unwavering commitment has played a vital role in providing our students with meaningful opportunities for growth, achievement and enjoyment in sport.

Good luck to all teams competing this weekend. 

Father's Day Mass and Breakfast Invitation

PAPA Comedy Night

Please see the Junior School News or Performing Arts pages of this newsletter or click the link in the image for further details.

Dates for your diary

Week 5 

Mon 17/8 HSC Trial Examinations conclude / Year 12 Retreats week / P&F Meeting

Tues 18/8 Chapel Mass (Pius)

Wed 19/8 Junior School Book Week Parade / ICAS Science Test

Sat 22/8 ISA finals / IPSHA Athletics Invitational #2

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal