St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection
  • Re-evaluating goals for Term 4
  • Nomination for HSC Young Writers' Showcase '24
  • HSC Examinations
  • Safe return of our Pilgrims
  • Term 4 Cocurricular Program commences
  • Key Dates

Reflection

Stumbling Block

You are a stumbling block to me when you are unkind and unjust in the way you

treat me. You make me feel small. 

You damage my self-confidence.

You are a stumbling block to me when you fail to understand my weakness,

mistakes and sins and write me off as a result of them.

You are a stumbling block to me when you condemn me and humiliate me

because I do not live up to your expectations.

You are a stumbling block to me when you keep me down or hold me back.

You are a stumbling block to me when you exclude me or ignore me

You are a stumbling block to me when you make feel like a stranger and an

outsider.

You are a stumbling block to me when you heap criticism on me 

and sour me with your cynicism.

You are a stumbling block to me when you tear down my ideals and destroy my dreams.

 

Stepping Stone

You are a stepping stone to me when you support me in moments of weakness 

and doubt.

You are a stepping stone to me when you give me a belief in myself and boost 

my confidence.

You are a stepping stone to me when I'm feeling inadequate, and you help me to discover the special talents God has given me.

You are a stepping stone to me when you make demands on me, are challenging 

me; not to hurt me, but to help me to grow and to develop my potential.

You are a stepping stone to me when you accept me, though others reject me. 

You are a stepping stone to me when you refuse to join when the mob throw 

stones of accusation at me.

You are a stepping stone to me when you forgive me and give me another 

chance.

You are a stepping stone to me when you listen to me and understand me.

 

The reflection above was shared by Fr Elio Capra during our Staff Formation Day on Monday 14 September. While Fr Elio offered many powerful insights, it was his reflection on ‘Stumbling Blocks’ and ‘Stepping Stones’ that resonated with me the most. He reminded us that we are all called to identify the stumbling blocks in our lives and to work towards creating more stepping stones, allowing us to better connect with the message of the Gospel. As we begin Term 4, may we stumble less and find more stepping stones.

 

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Re-evaluating goals for Term 4

Term 4 is relatively short, so it's crucial for students to reassess their goals as they prepare for final assessments. For Year 11 students, in particular, it is essential that they start their HSC course with enthusiasm and commitment.

During our College assembly on Wednesday, I asked students to reflect on which of three types of individuals they wanted to embody in Term 4: a dragger, a settler, or a climber.

A dragger (or puller) exhibits traits like being a dream stealer, energy killer, judgmental, a complainer, and having a negative outlook. They blame others, distract from learning, and have a closed mindset, failing to add value to the learning environment.

Alternatively, some may feel like a settler, or camper, who never finishes what they start, gives up easily, and is always talking about what they will do but never taking action. Settlers tend to cruise through, lacking determination.

Neither of these types promotes positivity. That brings us to the climber—someone who is goal-oriented, ambitious, and determined. Climbers have a 'can-do' attitude, face challenges head-on, find solutions, and remain optimistic with a glass-half-full mindset.

I encouraged the students to reflect on which of these characteristics they aspire to embody to become the best version of themselves. As we enter Term 4, I know which qualities we would like all our students to work towards.

Nominations for HSC Young Writers' Showcase '24

Over the holidays, NESA notified the College that Michael Krizan was nominated for the Young Writers' Showcase '24.  The HSC Young Writers' Showcase is an annual publication featuring exemplary major works from Year 12 students who have completed the English Extension 2 course as part of their Higher School Certificate. This showcase highlights the best creative writing submissions across various forms, including short stories, poetry, critical responses, scripts, and more.  This nomination follows on from his OnSTAGE nomination.  What a remarkable achievement by a remarkable St Pius X student.  I would like to thank Mr D Quilty and Ms D Emery for their wonderful work supporting Michael and all the Extension 2 English students.

HSC Examinations commence – best wishes to all our students

Please keep all our Year 12 students in your prayers as they commence their HSC Examinations.  This can be a very stressful time for students, but I know your prayers and best wishes will help our students remain calm and focused through this time. 

Safe return of our Pilgrims

Over the past month or so 4 of our staff have had the opportunity to immerse themselves into different communities with Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders.  Mr Petrie and Mr Balboa immerse themselves in Kenya and Uganda, while Mr Di Sano and Mrs Greenwood journeyed to communities in India and Ireland.  They have returned with rich experiences and a greater connection to our Edmund Rice community across the globe.  I thank the Lord for their safe return.

Staffing News 

As we commence Term 4, I would like to welcome Ms S van Jaarsveld to the College. Ms van Jaarsveld is replacing Mrs Iwatani in the Junior School.  We hope that her time at the College is filled with much joy, happiness and professional fulfilment.

Term 4 Cocurricular Program commences

The Cocurricular Program has already commenced with the junior cricket teams playing in the Many-Waringah Cricket Association competition. Our ISA cricket teams had several trials over the holidays with the First XI Cricket team being very successful with three solid wins against St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, Shore College and St Ignatius' College Riverview.

The basketball teams commence their season this week with trial matches.

Next Tuesday 22 October a Year 7 football team will participate in the inaugural EREA Rice Cup at Valentine Sports Park.  This tournament was rescheduled from early this year because of rain.  The team will be coached and managed by Mr Powell and Mr Lacey.  We wish them every success and hope they make some connections with students from our brother EREA schools.

Best wishes also to all our Junior School teams - cricket, softball, basketball, touch and tennis, as they commence their season.

A reminder that is an expectation that all students participate in at least one cocurricular program throughout a year.  It is never too late to join a team so please contact Mr Stearn if you would like to register for any of the competitions.

Key Dates

Cocurricular

 

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal