From the Principal
- Reflection
- Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
- Celebration of Learning Assembly
- Supporting Year 10 students on the path to success
- Year 9 2026 Subject Selection Evening
- Celebrating Bastille Day at our College Assembly
- Honouring Culture and Connection: NAIDOC Week 2025 at CBHS Lewisham
- Cocurricular Program
- Enrolments for Years 5 & 7 2027
- Key Dates
Reflection
Celebrating Faith, Courage, and Commitment in August
Throughout August, we observe several significant celebrations within the Catholic Church, including the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, it is important that we acknowledge these sacred events, recognising our role as a meaningful voice for the Church and its mission. This week, we especially commemorate the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, celebrating her enduring legacy and inspiration.
Feast Day of Saint Mary Mackillop – 8 August
Australia's first saint.
"Patience and God will reward you all the more in the end."
St Mary of the Cross Mackillop 4.8.1874
Mary Mackillop Prayers
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providenceand through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request……………….
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The Feast Day of Australia’s first saint, celebrated on 8 August, invites us to reflect on the remarkable life and legacy of St Mary MacKillop. Deeply committed to her faith and to God, Mary devoted much of her life to the education of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She courageously challenged the authorities of her time to ensure that those on the margins of society were treated with dignity and compassion.
From her humble beginnings in Penola, Mary’s influence has grown far beyond what she might have imagined. Today, the Sisters of St Joseph continue her mission across Australia, New Zealand, East Timor, Ireland, Peru, and Brazil. Their diverse ministries embody Mary’s spirit and reveal the hospitable heart of God to all they serve.
Saint Mary Mackillop Pray for Us
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
The HSC Trial Examinations have commenced well. Though nervous, the students were quietly confident on Monday and Tuesday as they completed their English papers. Please continue to pray the prayer below for all our HSC students as they complete these important examinations.
Dear Lord, we ask for your blessing for our students
undertaking HSC Trial Examinations over the next two weeks.
Grant them the confidence they deserve from their years of diligent study.
Grant them the ability to comprehend questions and effectively plan
and articulate their responses.
May they be enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom,
Understanding, Fortitude and Knowledge.
May their faith and piety give them the strength to face these examinations and the satisfaction of achieving their personal best.
We ask these things through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Celebration of Learning Assembly
On Monday, 18 August, the College will proudly celebrate the exceptional academic accomplishments of many of our young men. This important assembly honours the dedication, perseverance, and excellence required to succeed in academic pursuits. We are especially looking forward to welcoming our keynote speaker, Dr Rodger Shanahan who will share valuable insights on striving for personal bests and reflect on how St Pius X played a meaningful role in shaping his journey.
Supporting Year 10 Students on the Path to Success
As part of the Year 11 2026 subject selection process, students will soon participate in our new Year 10 Subject Selection Mentor Meetings. These one-on-one sessions with senior staff are designed to guide students in reviewing their proposed course of study and ensure they are on the most suitable academic and vocational pathway.
These conversations are a valuable opportunity for students to receive personalised advice, clarify their goals, and make informed decisions about their senior years. We believe these meetings will give students greater confidence in their subject choices and help set them on a path toward success in their final years of schooling and beyond.
Year 9 2026 Subject Selection Evening
On Tuesday 5 August, it was a pleasure to welcome Year 8 students and their families to the 2026 Year 9 Subject Selection Information Evening. The event provided valuable insights to help students make informed decisions about their subject choices for next year, ensuring they are on a path that aligns with both their interests and strengths.
A sincere thank you to Mr McGeekie (Year 8 Pastoral Leader), Mr Davidson (Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning) and Mr Lee (Curriculum Coordinator) for their clear and informative presentations, which offered important guidance to support families through this process. We are also grateful to our Leaders of Learning, who showcased their subject areas during the pre-session expo. Your enthusiasm and expertise were greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
We understand that choosing subjects can be a challenging decision. We encourage students to consider courses they enjoy and feel confident in, as this is key to both engagement and success in their learning journey.
Celebrating Bastille Day at College Assembly
Although Bastille Day fell during the school holidays this year, we were delighted to hold a belated celebration at yesterday's College Assembly. From the warm musical welcome in the foyer, complete with moustaches and photo opportunities, to the engaging presentation during assembly, the spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity was truly alive.
Led by Ms Rebecca Matthews, our French students delivered a thoughtful and well-articulated presentation, sharing the history and significance of Bastille Day in both French and English. Their confidence and fluency were impressive, and their accents would have made any French speaker proud!
We were honoured to have French exchange student Paul Royer lead us in prayer, beautifully spoken in both English and French. A special thank you to Ms Manga, Ms Matthews and Ms Lee from our Languages Department for their outstanding efforts in promoting language learning and cultural appreciation across the College.
Events like these remind us of the richness that comes from embracing global perspectives and celebrating diversity within our community.
Honouring Culture and Connection: NAIDOC Week 2025 at CBHS Lewisham’s NADOIC assembly
On Wednesday 6 August, a group of students who participated in the 2025 Red Dirt Experience were honoured to attend the NAIDOC Week Assembly at CBHS Lewisham. This special event was a celebration of this year’s NAIDOC theme: 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,' marking 50 years of elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
The assembly was led by students involved in the Aboriginal Education Program and those studying Aboriginal Studies for the HSC. It began with a moving smoking ceremony, followed by a respectful and engaging assembly in the school hall. The Aboriginal dance group performed three powerful dances, beautifully expressing the richness of their culture.
St Pius X students were warmly welcomed to the stage and acknowledged for their ongoing support and partnership in the Red Dirt Experience. Their presence reflected the strong and respectful relationship that has developed between our College and CBHS Lewisham.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr Di Sano and Mr Petrie for their continued commitment to the Red Dirt Experience and for fostering meaningful connections with our partner school. Their leadership and support have helped create opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of culture, community, and reconciliation.
The assembly reminded us of the importance of empowering the next generation grounded in the strength of our Elders, inspired by a shared vision, and committed to building a legacy of unity and respect.
Cocurricular Program
As we enter the final round of the regular season for football, rugby and tennis, there is a strong sense of pride and anticipation across the College. Our teams have shown great determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout the season, and this week presents one last opportunity to finish strong.
We wish all teams the very best as they take to the field and court. May your hard work and preparation be rewarded with success. We also look forward to celebrating the achievements of those teams who progress to the semi-finals. Your efforts continue to inspire our community and reflect the spirit and values of St Pius X.
Go the Blue and Gold!
Enrolments for Years 5 & 7 2027
Enrolment applications for St Pius X College remain available. Please see the College website for details.
Key Dates
Term 3
Week 4 Bullying No Way: Week of Action
Mon 11/8 HSC Trial Examinations continue / P&F Meeting
Tues 12/8 Chapel Mass (Mercy) / Year 10 History & Geography Excursion / Staff Meeting (early finish day for students - 2:30 pm)
Thur 14/8 Junior School Grandparent's Day Liturgy & Walkathon
Fri 15/8 Feast of the Assumption / Year 10 Careers Expo Excursion
Sat 16/8 ISA Football, Tennis & Rugby semi-finals / IPSHA Athletics Invitational #1
Fide et Labore
By Faith and hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal