From the Acting Principal

• Reflection 
• Staffing
• Parent Supporters' Clubs
• Pius In Profile Autumn 2023
• Parking at Oxford Falls

Reflection

BLESSED EDMUND RICE FEAST DAY 

5 MAY

Oh God, we thank you for the life of Blessed Edmund Rice.

He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.

May we follow his example of faith and generosity.

Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund 

as we seek to live lives of love and service.

We ask this though Christ our Lord Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

This Friday, 5 May, celebrates the Feast Day of the Founder of the Christian Brothers – Blessed Edmund Rice.

Edmund was born in Callan, Ireland in 1762 to a relatively prosperous family. He received a good education and went on to become a businessman in Waterford, Ireland. Edmund was always very active in living out his sense of social justice and it is no surprise one of his most profound statements was and still today is, 'to give to the poor in handfuls'.

Edmund sadly lost his wife, Mary, after a tragic accident. He became more aware of the disadvantaged people around him, in particular the young boys living in poverty on the streets of Waterford. In 1802 he set up a free school in New Street, Waterford, for the boys living in poverty. The first thing he did was to provide every student with a brand new suit, so they felt included and proud of themselves.

In 1822 Edmund started the Christian Brothers and by 1825 they were educating over 5,500 boys. 

This legacy grew with the Christian Brothers answering the call of the Catholic Church in Australia when in 1843, Archbishop Polding invited them to Australia, where they remained until 1848.

In 1868 the Christian Brothers returned to Australia with Brother Ambrose Treacy, Br Dominic Bodkin and Br John Lynch being the three pioneer brothers to establish schools in Australia.

Just as the Christian Brothers of Ireland accepted Archbishop Polding’s invitation, so too did the Australian Christian Brothers accept the invitation of Fr Barry, Parish Priest of our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood in 1937, to begin our college. 

In 2007 the Christian Brothers entrusted their mission in education – inherited from Edmund Rice - to the formation of the governing body of all Christian Brothers schools to be known as Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). EREA now has 55 schools across Australia, educating 40,000 students by 4,500 Staff. 

We now continue to be the torch bearers of the Christian Brothers, which all began with the vision and mission of Blessed Edmund Rice.

From these humble beginnings this legacy has been maintained at Pius for over 86 years, with the college continuing to offer a Liberating Education based on our Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity.

Just as Brother Baptist Quirke was our first Principal in 1937, and now in 2023, Mr Michael Ronchetti, our 18th Principal, along with over 130 staff, the college continues to provide a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition. 

We thank all who have come before us, Brothers, our staff of laywomen and laymen, all our families and most importantly, our students, who continue to live out Blessed Edmund Rice's vision and favourite prayer to, 'Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever'.

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

Staffing

I wish to announce that our Assistant Principal – Mission & Identity, Mr Nathan Mulheron, has accepted a senior leadership role in a school in Sydney that is much closer to his home.

Mr Mulheron has made a significant contribution to our college since joining Pius in 2019 where he has ensured the development and growth of our Mission, Identity and Catholic Faith in the college.

Mr Mulheron has enhanced our service and outreach opportunities for students, particularly after the COVID lockdowns, with the reinvigoration of community service in Years 10 & 11 with 'Eddie Rice Hours'. Each of our year groups have a clear initiative and partner that they support, enabling them to live out their faith and develop a genuine social conscience and awareness.

Our liturgies have been enlivened with his leadership, along with his expertise in the enhancement of our formal Religious Education curriculum.

Mr Mulheron will leave these strong legacies in the college and we thank him for all of his contributions. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours in his ongoing senior leadership role in his next school.

Parent Supporters' Clubs

Our supporters clubs are a great help and contribution to the life of our college and benefit our young men greatly. I thank our Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA) and our Football Club for their meetings this week and their ongoing help. All parents are always welcome to join any of our supporters clubs, which provide great support and assistance to the college.

Pius in Profile Autumn 2023

The Autumn 2023 edition of Pius in Profile is out now.  All families should have received a copy in the mail.  It can also be read online at:

If you have not yet received your copy, please contact the college so your contact details can be confirmed.

Important Parking Information at Oxford Falls

I remind parents and carers of being respectful of our neighbours at our Oxford Falls campus.

Please ensure that you follow road and parking rules in and around Dreadnought and Spicer Roads, including parking in appropriate areas and also following advised speed limits.

Northern Beaches Council Rangers have advised that they will be patrolling the area on all Saturdays throughout the winter season and booking any illegal parking.

Mr Mark Casey - Acting Principal