St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal     

  • Prayer:  Trust in God
  • 80th Anniversary Concert:  'A Night of Stars'
  • St Pius X College Federal Funding
  • Parents Taking & Publishing Photographs
  • Annual College Survey:  22nd May to 9th June

Prayer: Trust in God

So often it happens that when I am troubled the daily Gospel readings give comfort that all will be well if I trust in God’s providence and be faithful to his teachings. This week's daily Gospel readings have been from St John.  I share with you some short scripture quotes that spoke to me and may also help you as you meet your challenges.

 

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”  John 14:1-2

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name - will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. John 14:26

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. John 15:1-8

80th Anniversary Concert:  'A Night Full of Stars'

7.00pm on 18th May 2017 at The Concourse

Only one more sleep before the big night!  Best wishes to all members of the cast and crew. It is going to be an amazing night featuring the talents of current and past students, instrumental tutors and teaching staff.  We look forward to seeing you there. There are just a few seats left on sale so please book now via  http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NIGHTFUL17  

St Pius X College Federal Funding

Meeting with Mr Paul FLetcher (MP for Bradfield)

On Tuesday representatives of the College Board and the P&F Executive, along with the College Business Manager Mr Nick Carson and myself, met with Mr Paul Fletcher, the local MP for Bradfield which is the electorate where the Chatswood Campus is located.

 

At the meeting the College’s view was clearly put to Mr Fletcher regarding the extremely challenging funding cuts announced in the Budget and which I have communicated to the College community.

 

Below is a short summary of the issues raised. Next, I will be writing directly to Mr Fletcher who has undertaken to take our position to the Minister for Education, Senator Birmingham. Mr Fletcher has undertaken to represent these views and while he offered no assurances of any changes he certainly understood and empathised with the College and expressed his desire to represent this to the Government. Members of the St Pius X College community may also decide to write to their local member expressing their view on the potential impact of this funding to our school. The local members who are in electorates where the majority of St Pius X families reside are Paul Fletcher - Bradfield; Tony Abbott - Warringah; Trent Zimmerman - North Sydney; John Alexander - Bennelong; Jason Falinski - Mackellar and Julian Leeser – Berowra.

 

MAJOR POINTS RAISED AT THE MEETING

  • Inequities between elite high fee paying school and St Pius X College
  • Funding impact over 10 years on St Pius X College
  • Need for extended phase in period of 15 years
  • Lack of detail from the Government
  • Unclear information about indexation of funding
  • The nature and characteristics of SPX community (not an elite private school)
  • Lack of transparent information about Government and non-government school's SES (Socio Economic status) and SRS (Schooling Resource Standard)
  • Financial capacity of SPX families
  • The inadequacies of SES and SRS as blunt indicators of a school communities capacity to pay
  • Lack of guaranteed funding from State Government
  • Inequities of all school funding sources combined between Federal and State sources

There are many finer points within each of the above points and the College Board and P&F are active in their endeavours to inform our government representatives of our serious concerns.

Parents Taking & Publishing Photographs

I raise with parents the issues regarding privacy when taking photographs of other students at Sports, Performing Arts events and the like. It is of course acceptable to take photos of your own son competing or performing.

 

The College as well as the Parents and Friends Association have very clear Privacy Policies and they are accessible on the College website and on the P&F website.

 

The College has permission from parents to publish photos and where this has been withdrawn, the College respects, accepts and follows this advice from parents.

 

It is not permissible for parents to take photos of other students and publish these unless permission has been sought to do so. I ask parents to be very mindful of any photography and publication and that it does not breach the Privacy Policy.

 

The Policy is based on privacy legislation and our policy is based the principle of respecting the rights of others to their privacy.

Mr John Couani - Principal

Annual College Survey - 22nd May to 9th June

This year’s survey will open next week for all staff, students and parents. We are looking for a high response again this year. One of the key questions is regarding the proposal from the College Old Boys’ Association and some parents regarding the introduction of a new Senior Blazer for students in Years 11 and 12. The question is as follows:

  • Introduce a compulsory Year 11/12 Blazer with Gold Braiding and Piping (cost approximately $200.00.)

I urge all parents, students and staff to have their say through the survey.

Mr John Couani - Principal