Pastoral Care
Jersey Day
Healthy Study Habits
Haircuts
Year 7 Vaccination Clinic
School FIFA Cup 2026
Parent Webinars
Jersey Day at St Pius X College - tomorrow
This Friday 4 September St Pius X College will proudly celebrate Jersey Day, with students encouraged to wear their favourite sporting jersey in support of this important national awareness campaign. Jersey Day raises awareness of organ and tissue donation, recognising the life-changing impact that donors and their families have on the lives of others. By wearing a jersey, students can help start conversations about organ donation and show their support for this meaningful cause.
By taking part in Jersey Day, our College community joins thousands of Australians in promoting awareness, encouraging discussion, and supporting those whose lives have been transformed through organ and tissue donation. We look forward to seeing a colourful display of jerseys across the College and thank students and families for getting involved. Together, we can celebrate the spirit of generosity, community, and the gift of life.
Please remember that students should wear full uniform including blazer to and from school and only wear their jersey whilst on school grounds
Healthy Study Habits
In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.
It is essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It is more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.
Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
Haircuts
Recently, we have had an increasing number of conversations with students whose haircuts do not align with the College Hair and Grooming Policy. In particular, some students are receiving haircuts where the hair above the ears is cut very short (shorter than the permitted #2 guard), while the back is left significantly longer, creating what is commonly referred to as a 'mullet; style haircut.
While families and students may have different views on current hair trends, it is important to remember that all hairstyles must meet the standards outlined in the College policy. The College reserves the right to determine whether a hairstyle is appropriate and consistent with these expectations.
I ask parents to please discuss this matter with your child and ensure that any future haircuts comply with College requirements. Students who attend school with hairstyles deemed inconsistent with the policy may be required to have their hair modified to an acceptable standard.
We appreciate your support in maintaining the high standards and presentation expected of all students at our College. If you have any questions regarding the Hair and Grooming Policy, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Year 7 Vaccination Clinic
NSW Health will offer vaccinations to all Year 7 students on Wednesday 14 October 2026
Year 7 – Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (dTpa)
Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) offered 28/10/2026
Also; Year 8 – HPV and dTpa (those who missed it in Year 7)
Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY (if not given at previous clinic)
Australia is currently battling its worst diphtheria outbreak in decades. This dTpa booster protects against diphtheria.
To have your child vaccinated at school, you need to give your permission (consent) either online or by filling out and returning the paper consent form.
To do
To give consent online visit engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage You can consent for both dTpa and HPV at the same time.
Read the school vaccination program information. Translations are available, refer to NSW Health Website
When the online consent is completed, you receive an SMS and email acknowledgment.
Talk to your child about getting vaccinated. Information for students
You will need:
Medicare card details for you and your child.
Your Service NSW login details (same account you can use to renew your driver’s licence)
If you don’t have a Service NSW account, you can create one by visiting here
No Medicare or can’t access the online form?
Use a paper consent form, available from your child’s school.
Vaccines
dTpa vaccine is the adolescent booster dose against whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and diphtheria. It’s recommended at age 11-13 years old even if your child has had whooping cough.
HPV vaccine protects against HPV-related cancers, warts and other illnesses that can affect everyone. These HPV-related cancers include 60% of cancers of the throat, tonsils and tongue, many genital and anal cancers for both men and women and almost all cervical cancers. Only one dose of HPV vaccine is required.
More information
For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please watch the How to Provide Consent Video or refer to NSW Health, online-consent for school vaccination.
If your child is absent from school and misses the clinic we can vaccinate them at school later in the year.
On vaccination day
Children should eat a good breakfast and wear short-sleeved shirts like their sports uniform. After getting the vaccine children can play sport, shower, and do after-school activities as normal.
If you have difficulty completing the online vaccination consent form, please contact our School Vaccination Team. Email nslhd-phuschoolvaccinationprogram@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9485 6971 for assistance.
School FIFA Cup 2026
'R U OK? Day' Competition - Donation
1. Overview
Format: single-elimination knockout, starting at the Round of 16 and running through Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals and the Final.
Entry fee: $5 per player. All money raised is donated to the Mental Muscle Initiative, the school's mental health initiative.
Qualifiers are played at home on players' own Xbox or PlayStation - SRC reps coordinate these matches; they are not played at school.
From the Round of 16 onward, all matches are played at school in the gym during Recess and Lunch.
Two SRC reps from each year group run their year group's qualifier. Year 5 & 6 qualifier is run by an SRC rep from a different year group.
SRC reps announce the competition to their year group during a year meeting.
Prizes to be awarded to the winner and the bragging rights of the best FIFA/EAFC competition in the school.
2. Key Dates
3. Match Rules
Qualifier rounds (at home): 6-minute halves.
Round of 16 onward (in the gym and assorted classrooms): 3-minute halves.
Semi-Final and Final (in the gym): 6-minute halves
Draws at full time go to extra time, then a penalty shootout if still level.
Qualifiers: a player who doesn't play their match by the round deadline set by their rep forfeits. In the gym: a player not present and ready within 5 minutes of their scheduled match forfeits.
Disputes are first handled by the SRC reps for that year group; anything unresolved is escalated to the organisers and respective house patrons and year coordinators.
4. Entry Fee & Payment
Every player pays $5 to enter, with the student name section outlining their full first and second name (Nicknames = Automatic disqualification). All money raised is donated to the Mental Muscle Initiative - let players know this when registering them, as it's a good hook for entries.
How to pay: VIA the link on year group CANVAS pages.
Parent Webinars
Wellio Parent Webinar
Friendship Problems and Social Stress
Date: Thursday 10 September
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
This practical, engaging session is for parents to help kids manage social issues on and offline.
eSafety Commissioner
The office of the eSafety Commissioner offers free webinars for parents and carers.
Please use this link to their website for more details.
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care