From the Principal
- Reflection
- Farewell to Seniors Twilight Concert
- Chatswood Fair
- Lights, Camera, Pius! Film Festival
- Celebrating our Year 12 students
- MMG Survey and your voice
- 'Ask RUOK? Any Day'
- Cocurricular Colour Awards
- Senior Invitational Athletics Carnival
- Dates for your diary
Reflection
Feast Day St Teresa of Kolkata
5 September
Happiness
May, today, there be peace within you.
May you trust God, that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities,
that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you
St Teresa of Kolkata …. Pray for us
At this time, we celebrate the Feast Day of St Teresa of Kolkata (Mother Teresa), who died on 5 September 1997 at the age of 87. Born Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu on 27 August 1910 in Skopje, she devoted her life to serving the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Through her unwavering faith, compassion, and commitment to human dignity, she became one of the most influential and admired figures of the twentieth century.
Known as the 'Saint of the Gutters,' St Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a religious congregation dedicated to caring for those most in need. Her extraordinary service was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and she selflessly directed the prize money to support the poor in India. She was beatified by Pope St John Paul II in 2003 and canonised by Pope Francis in 2016.
One of St Teresa's most enduring messages was her belief that true happiness comes not from wealth, success, or status, but from serving others with love and compassion. Her prayer and reflections on happiness remind us that joy is found in kindness, generosity, and seeing the dignity of Christ in every person we encounter.
In today's world, where many people experience loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection despite being more connected than ever through technology, St Teresa's message is perhaps more relevant than ever. Her call to show kindness, build meaningful relationships, and care for those around us challenges us to look beyond ourselves and focus on the needs of others. As a College community, her example reminds us that small acts of compassion can make a profound difference and that genuine happiness is often found in serving and supporting those around us.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Farewell to Seniors Twilight Concert - A Night of Musical Excellence
What an outstanding evening celebrating the remarkable depth and breadth of musical talent within our College community. From the moment the performances began, the professional staging, impressive lighting, and enthusiastic audience created an atmosphere that set the stage for a truly memorable event. Our ensembles, guitarists, bands, percussion groups, and string musicians delivered exceptional performances that captivated and inspired all in attendance.
A particular highlight of the evening was the Senior Concert Band’s powerful medley from Jesus Christ Superstar. Their performance showcased not only their musical excellence but also the depth of talent and dedication that exists within our music program. The addition of the string section and the students from Mercy College added further richness to the performances, creating a truly impressive sound that resonated throughout the venue. Together, our musicians demonstrated outstanding skill, teamwork, and artistry.
The quality, skill, and commitment displayed by every ensemble were a testament to the hard work of both our students and staff. Congratulations to our Music staff, our dedicated Ensemble Directors: Mr Geoff Power, Ms Laura Power, Mr Brendan Jones, Mr Andrew Saar, Mr Alex Butler, Ms Nicole Kim and Dr JB Smith for their efforts in fostering and developing such talented young musicians.
A special thank you and congratulations to Mr Saar, Coordinator of Music Ensembles, whose leadership and preparation brought together such a diverse and engaging program. We also acknowledge Mrs Westhoff, Performing Arts Coordinator, for her unwavering commitment to excellence and her contribution to the success of the evening.
The concert was a wonderful experience for performers and audience members alike, leaving everyone with a deep appreciation for the talent within our College community. Thank you also to Mr Stearn for his heartfelt reflections and for recognising the significant contributions our Year 12 students have made to the College's music program throughout their years at St Pius X College.
All of our musicians should be incredibly proud of what they achieved on the night.
On a side note, I would also like to thank Mr Shane Cranney for his leadership of the Guitar Ensembles at the Father's Day Breakfast.
The Chatswood Fair on Saturday 5 September
The annual Chatswood Fair was another successful opportunity for St Pius X College to connect with the local community and showcase the many strengths of our College. Our Student Representative Council members represented the College with enthusiasm, engaging with the large number of visitors who passed by or stopped to chat at our stall. Together with Mercy Catholic College and Our Lady of Dolours Parish Primary School, we celebrated the vibrant spirit of our local community. The day was topped off by a fantastic performance from our Drumline, which was a standout feature of the parade. Thank you to Ms Barrett, Ms Klammer, Mrs Jennings and Mrs Floridia for their organisation of the event.
Lights, Camera, Pius! Film Festival: Celebrating Creativity and Storytelling
Once again, our annual Pius Film Festival showcased the extraordinary creativity, imagination, and talent of our students. With more than 200 students filling Hoyts Theatre, there was a genuine sense of excitement as the audience gathered to celebrate the work of their peers and the vibrant culture of filmmaking at St Pius X College.
The audience was treated to an impressive collection of short films, each reflecting the originality, dedication, and storytelling abilities of our young filmmakers. From thought-provoking narratives to entertaining and innovative productions, every entry demonstrated the courage to be creative and the willingness to share a unique perspective with the College community.
A special thank you to Ms Doyle and the Pius Film Festival Committee for their hard work in providing such a valuable platform for our aspiring filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers. Opportunities like this encourage students to explore their talents, develop new skills, and express their creativity in meaningful ways.
Congratulations to all students who submitted films and contributed to the success of this year's festival. The quality of entries continues to impress, and the standard of work grows stronger each year.
For students who have not yet been involved, I encourage you to consider participating in next year's festival. Whether your passion lies in acting, directing, filming, editing, writing, or producing, the Pius Film Festival is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a creative and supportive community. We look forward to seeing even more students share their talents as this outstanding College tradition continues to grow from strength to strength.
Celebrating our Year 12 students
As our Year 12 students approach the conclusion of their journey at St Pius X College, preparations for Graduation Week are well underway. In my addresses to Year 12 students, I constantly remind them that Graduation Week is not only a significant milestone in their lives, but also a deeply meaningful and emotional occasion for their families, who have supported and encouraged them throughout their 13 years of schooling.
As they enter their final weeks at the College, it is important that students remain focused on their studies, continue to foster positive relationships with staff and peers, and finish their time at St Pius X with pride, gratitude, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Below is a timeline of events for Tuesday, 22 September, and Wednesday, 23 September.
Families who are unable to attend in person will be able to watch the College Farewell via live stream.
Year 12 Graduation Week 2026
Tuesday 22 September
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Year 12 Graduation Breakfast and Shirt Signing
*
8:35 am – 9:30 am
College Assembly – Year 12 Academic Awards
*
9:45 am – 10:35 am
Year 12 College Graduation Rehearsal in College Gymnasium
*
10:35 am – 11:05 am
Recess at the College
*
11:05 am – 12:30 pm
Rite of Passage
*
1:30 pm
Year 12 Dismissal
*
4:15 pm
Year 12 Arrival for Mass
Collect candle and sash from College Gymnasium
*
5:00 pm
Graduation Mass at OLOD Church
Wednesday 23 September
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Year 12 Arrival at Oxford Falls. Collect buttonhole from MacDonald Centre
*
9:45 am – 11:30 am
Year 12 Graduation Farewell Ceremony (Oxford Falls)
(Farewell Walk through the Junior School Guard of Honour on Walsh Oval)
*
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Year 12 Graduation Lunch and presentation of Awards at
Miramare Gardens
*
3:00 pm
Graduation concludes
Importance of MMG survey and your voice
A reminder to all parents that the MMG Parent Survey recently distributed to families provides an important opportunity for the College to hear your voice. Your feedback, both positive and constructive, is invaluable as we continue to strengthen and improve the educational experience we provide for our students.
We encourage all parents to take the time to complete the survey and share their perspectives. The insights gained help inform our planning and decision-making and ensure that we continue to grow as a thriving and successful College community.
In 2024, St Pius X College achieved an outstanding level of parent participation in the survey. We hope to build on that success this year and once again hear from as many families as possible. Thank you for partnering with us in our ongoing commitment to excellence.
Ask R U OK? Any Day
On Wednesday 9 September the College acknowledged R U OK? Day. I was particularly impressed by our student leaders, who led the College assembly and shared the key messages of this significant day with confidence, maturity, and genuine compassion. Their leadership helped reinforce the importance of fostering a culture of care, connection, and belonging within our community.
But why is it important to recognise this day?
R U OK? Day is an important opportunity for our College community to reinforce the message that genuine conversations can make a positive difference in someone's life. As young people navigate the challenges of adolescence, academic pressures, relationships, social media, and personal growth, it is essential that they know they are supported and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
At St Pius X College, we are committed to fostering a culture of care, connection, and belonging. R U OK? Day encourages our students to look out for one another, to have the confidence to ask a friend if they are okay, and to listen with empathy and understanding. It reminds us that every member of our community has a role to play in supporting the wellbeing of others.
For our students, the day is not simply about asking a question. It is about developing the lifelong skills of compassion, resilience, and respectful communication. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and wellbeing, we help break down stigma and create an environment where students feel safe to seek support when they need it.
As a Catholic school, the values underpinning R U OK? Day align closely with our commitment to dignity, respect, and care for others. By taking the time to check in with a friend, classmate, or family member, our students live out the Gospel call to support one another and strengthen the sense of community that makes St Pius X College such a special place.
R U OK? Day reminds us all that a simple conversation can have a lasting impact, and that no one should face life's challenges alone. Together, we can continue to build a community where every student feels valued, supported, and connected.
A special thank you to Mr Ticli, Mr Gillogly, our Year 12 student leaders and our SRC representatives for their leadership and enthusiasm in marking this significant occasion. Their efforts helped create a positive and engaging experience for all members of the College community.
Thank you also for the delicious icy blocks provided at morning tea, which were greatly appreciated by all the students and added to the spirit of the day.
Celebrating Excellence at the Cocurricular Colour Awards
On Tuesday, 8 September, we proudly celebrated our annual Cocurricular Colour Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements, service, and commitment of students across our co-curricular programs. Over the past 3 weeks, we have also acknowledged our Blue Award recipients, culminating in this special event that honours Silver and Gold Award recipients, as well as our major award winners.
The Cocurricular Colour Awards Ceremony is a significant occasion in the College calendar, celebrating students who have demonstrated sustained dedication to their chosen sport or cocurricular activity. Beyond participation and achievement, recipients of Silver and Gold Awards are recognised for the leadership they display, the positive influence they have on their peers, and the contribution they make to the life of the College.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients. Whether receiving a Silver or Gold Award, your commitment, leadership, and service have enriched the St Pius X College community. We thank you for your outstanding contributions and for the example you set for others to follow.
A special thank you to Mr Stearn for his organisation of this year's ceremony and to Mrs Dodd for her meticulous work in collating the extensive data required for the event. Your dedication and attention to detail played a significant role in the success of the evening. Through your efforts, we are able to continue recognising and celebrating the achievements, commitment, and contributions of our outstanding young men.
Senior Invitational Athletics Carnival
Thank you to the dedicated staff who generously gave their time and expertise to support our athletes at Saturday’s carnival. The St Pius X team did an outstanding job managing the field events, ensuring the day ran smoothly and successfully. Special thanks to Miss Gilbert for her organisation of the carnival. Thanks also go to our staff, student and parent volunteers at the event.
With the ISA Athletics Carnival taking place on Tuesday, 15 September, our athletes are well prepared and ready to strive for personal best performances in their events. We wish all competitors the very best and look forward to seeing them represent St Pius X College with pride and determination.
Dates for your diary
Week 9
Mon 14/9 Year 11 Preliminary Examinations - 25/9
Tues 15/9 Chapel Mass (Pius) / ISA Athletics Carnival / Year 5 Night of the Notables / Upstanders Morning Tea
Wed 16/9 Year 7 Camp - 18/9 / Year 6 Day of the Disasters / Year 9 -11 Drama Excursion
Thur 17/9 Year 12 student/staff basketball games
Sat 19/9 Manly Jazz Festival (Senior Jazz)
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal