Parent & Student Matters 

• Sentral
• High Achievers Assembly and Symposium
• Languages
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
• Kokoda 2024 Trek - Places still available
• Senior Maths Drop In (Years 7 - 12)

Sentral

In 2024, St Pius X College has made the decision to move from the iWise Student Management System and Portal to a new platform known as Sentral. During the year, the College will gradually roll out Sentral modules and decommission elements of iWise.

This week, parents should expect to receive an invitation and instructions on how to login to the Sentral Parent Portal. Once logged in, parents and carers will be able to view student timetable and the College calendar. As the rollout continues, parents will be able to use the Sentral Parent Portal to book parent teacher interviews, view reports and much more.

As the College transitions to Sentral it will continue to maintain access to iWise until the rollout is finalised. More information regarding Sentral can be found at: https://www.sentral.com.au/parents-portal

Mr Stephen Davidson - Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning

High Achiever’s Assembly and Symposium

On Tuesday 6 February, the College welcomed back the graduating Class of 2023 for the High Achiever’s Assembly. This was a wonderful occasion where the hard work and dedication of students was on display for all to see. 2023 College Dux, Darcy Keenlyside spoke eloquently to the current St Pius X students about the work habits required to achieve their goals of success.

Following on from the assembly, Year 11 and 12 students remained for the symposium, where they were able to question the high achievers on what led to their success. To say that the high achievers held themselves to a high standard would be an understatement. They patiently and eloquently explained to the audience about strategies that led to their success; such as utilising study periods effectively, beginning the HSC journey in Year 11 and avoiding the distractions of social media.

Congratulations must go to each of the recipients as well as the parents, carers and teachers who guided them along their journey.

Attached is the High Achievers booklet.  This can also be found on the college website:

Mr Stephen Davidson - Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning

Languages

Chinese Club

Chinese Club will commence in Week 3 and will be held during lunchtime every Wednesday in A4. All students from Year 7 - 12 who are interested in Chinese culture and a variety of fun cultural activities are encouraged to join us.

Each term, we will explore a different aspect of Chinese culture - Arts and Crafts, Food and Drinks, Chinese Games and Chinese Sports and Activities. This program aims to provide a meaningful and fun way to enrich and develop the cultural awareness of individuals living in today’s diverse society.

The program for Term 1 is attached.

Mrs Leanne Lee – Chinese Teacher

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

Students wishing to find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme are invited to attend a short meeting at 8:15 am in B3 on Wednesday 14 February. We will then continue to meet at this time throughout the year.

We will discuss the different award levels as well as the purpose and criteria for each level. Most students consider enrolling around Year 9 when they reach 14 years old.

It is possible to achieve the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award before completing Year 12, however, officially you have until you are 25 years old.

I look forward to current participants joining the meeting to welcome our new recruits.

Mrs Annabel Gunns - Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

Kokoda Track Expedition and Immersion

1 July - 11 July 2024

Places still available

Training has commenced for the 2024 July experience.  We still have some places available if anyone associated with the College who is of a reasonable level of fitness is interested.

The expedition has been conducted every second year from 2014, except for the COVID years. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the famous Kokoda Track on which so many Australians fought in the Second World War. Many parents and old boys have attended with their sons.

If you are interested in attending this year's experience please contact Mr Paul de Silva at the College via email pdesilva@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Paul de Silva - Outdoor Education Coordinator

Senior Maths Drop-In (Years 7 - 12)

Let the fun begin, it is that time when Maths Drop is about to commence. A place to sit and study, a place to seek help and support, a place of reassurance, critical thinking and most importantly a place to develop a love of learning. 

Where: C1

When: Commencing Week 3, Tuesday 13 February & Thursday 15 February

Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am

I'm very much looking forward to seeing many students unlock their mathematical potential.

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher