From the Principal

• Prayer 
• End of Year Mass
• Staff Changes for 2020
• New Staff for 2020
• Gifts to Staff
• End of Year Semester Two Reports
• Our Christmas Collections
• Christmas Twilight Concert
• Staff Spirituality Day - this Friday
• College Closes Friday 13 December
• Upcoming Events

Prayer: The Second Sunday of Advent

As we wait in anticipation for Christ to humble himself and share in our humanity, our Advent wreath helps us focus on a particular aspect of our preparation.  In Week 2 of Advent, we shift our focus from "Hope" to "Peace".  So we pray:

Lord Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. 

This Advent, as we strive to become the best version of ourselves,

fill us with a deep and abiding peace. 

Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter,

especially those who need it the most.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever

I wish all our St Pius X College families and friends a special Christmas blessing at a time when so many need our prayers and help. I also thank our families for your generous donations to the Toy Christmas Giving Tree. Thanks also for the toiletries for the homeless. I am also grateful for the response to the Christmas Hampers as part of our Christmas Appeal. The last day for all this is tomorrow (Thursday).

End of Year Mass Years 5 - 10

Parents are most welcome to join us for the End of Year Mass which commences at 10.00 am in Our Lady of Dolours Parish Church on Thursday 5 December.

Staff Changes for 2020

There are a small number of staff changes for 2020 and I wish to thank and recognise those staff leaving the College for their contribution and service.

• Dr Katie Meale has accepted a position at Marist College Canberra.
• Mrs Marianne Erickson will retire from her position as Canteen Manager after 22 years.  We have publicly acknowledged and thanked Mrs Erickson at Founder’s Day and again I thank her most sincerely.
• Mr Nick Cook has accepted a position at Barker College.
• Mrs Diane Rogers has accepted a position at St Aloysius College.
• Mr James Quinn has concluded his 12 month position and Mr Stuart Spedding will return from leave next year.
• Mr Paul Donovan has concluded his 12 month position and Mr Richard Lacey will return from leave next year.
• Mr Ross Masters is taking 12 months leave and may return in a part-time capacity in 2021.

New Staff for 2020

The College will welcome Mr Sam Di Sano to the RE teaching team and Mrs Emma Fryar to the English team. Ms Leigha Zervakos will join the HSIE/RE teams. Mr James Hartnett will join the History staff.

Mrs Lisa Guerrera has been appointed as the Religious Education Coordinator.

Gifts to Staff

The St Pius X College parents are very generous and appreciative of the efforts of staff and on occasions staff receive significant gifts. I would like to make known to parents, the EREA Gifts and Hospitality Policy Guidelines. Staff who receive any gift over $100 need to make this known on the College’s Gift Register. I am sure parents would have similar policies in their business and company interests. This is part of our due diligence and compliance.

Please know that cards and Christmas gifts from students and parents are appreciated and I include this note for transparency.

End of Year Semester Two Reports

The Semester 2 reports for Years 5 - 10 will be available on the College portal on Thursday afternoon. Parents who wish to meet with any teachers to discuss their son’s report are welcome to contact the school office or to email teachers to make a time to meet next Monday 9 December.

Our Christmas Collections

Thank you to parents and families who have sent in toys as gifts for the Giving Tree. We are still collecting toiletries and nice non-perishable goods for the Christmas hampers.

Last collection day is Thursday. Please give generously.

Christmas Twilight Concert

Congratulations to the Performing Arts Team led by Mrs Waters for the beautiful Concert last Friday evening and to Mrs Lindley for the Drama Showcase last Thursday evening. Congratulations especially to all the boys who performed. It was a wonderful community event.

At the Twilight Concert I announced and congratulated the 2020 Performing Arts Captain, Will Turner and the Performing Arts Vice captains Luke Galati and Adam Hawthorne.

Staff Spirituality Day - This Friday

The staff will be at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday for our Staff Spirituality Day for the year. The school site will be closed. There will be a staff member on the phones if you wish to leave a message.

College Closes - Friday 13 December

The College Office will close for the year on Friday 13 December.

Mr John Couani - Principal