From the Principal
St Pius X College Chatswood
- Reflection
- World Mission Sunday: One in Christ, United in Mission
- A Fresh Start to the Term: A Time for Reflection, Growth and Opportunity
- Interim Junior School Leadership
- HSC Examinations Commence: Keeping Our Year 12 Students in Our Prayers
- St Pius X students shine on the China Tour
- Before and After School Supervision Notice – termly reminder
- School sports uniform – transition period coming to an end
- Term 4 Cocurricular Program Underway
- 2025 Collegian Yearbook - Expressions of Interest
- Dates for your diary
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 me 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, and 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.
In our daily interactions, we have the power to shape the experiences of those around us. The reflections Stumbling Block and Stepping Stone remind us that our words, attitudes, and actions can either hinder or help the growth of others.
A stumbling block is created when we judge, exclude, criticise, or fail to show understanding. Such actions can diminish confidence, isolate individuals, and prevent them from becoming the person God calls them to be. In contrast, we become stepping stones when we encourage, support, forgive, and believe in others, especially during moments of struggle or self-doubt.
As a Catholic learning community, we are called to build one another up. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every opportunity we give someone to begin again reflects the compassion of Christ. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in the playground, we each have the opportunity to help others discover their gifts and reach their potential.
Let us challenge ourselves to be stepping stones in the lives of those around us, fostering a community where every person feels valued, included, and supported. In doing so, we strengthen the spirit of our College and live out our mission of faith, respect, and service.
World Mission Sunday: One in Christ, United in Mission
On Sunday 18 October, the Church throughout the world will celebrate World Mission Sunday 2026, marking 100 years of prayer, solidarity and support for the Church's mission in communities facing hardship and disadvantage. The theme for this centenary year, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is 'One in Christ, United in Mission.'
At St Pius X, this day reflects our commitment to Faith, Respect, Excellence and Opportunity. It reminds us that we are called not only to believe in the Gospel, but to live it through service to others.
A cornerstone of a St Pius X education has always been the call for our young men to be people for others. World Mission Sunday provides a timely opportunity for students to put their faith into action through prayer, acts of kindness, service, and support for those most in need, both locally and globally.
As a community, let us take this opportunity to reflect on how each of us can make a difference. Small actions, inspired by faith and compassion, can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
As St Teresa of Calcutta freely expressed:
'Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.'
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
A Fresh Start to the Term: A Time for Reflection, Growth and Opportunity
As we begin a new term, we are reminded of the values that lie at the heart of the St Pius X College community: Faith, Respect, Excellence and Opportunity. A new term provides every student with the opportunity to reflect on the term that has passed, celebrate achievements, learn from challenges, and consider how they can continue to grow as learners and as young men.
Through Faith, we encourage our students to approach each day with purpose, resilience and gratitude, recognising that growth often comes through both success and adversity. Reflection allows students to better understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and renew their commitment to becoming the very best version of themselves.
Demonstrating Respect begins with taking ownership of one’s learning. We encourage students in Years 7 to 10 to review their learning habits, revisit their goals and engage positively with the opportunities before them. Respect for self, others and the learning process creates the foundation for meaningful growth and achievement.
As the academic year progresses, there remains significant Opportunity for every student to make the most of their learning journey. Whether through greater organisation, improved study habits, increased classroom engagement or participation in the many aspects of College life, now is the time to act with purpose and determination.
For our Year 10 students, this message is particularly important, with only 3 weeks of teaching and learning remaining before examinations commence in Week 4. Year 11 students have successfully completed their Preliminary HSC courses and now begin the next phase of their journey as HSC students. The challenges ahead will require commitment and perseverance, but they also provide an opportunity to strive for personal and academic Excellence.
As a College community, we encourage all students to embrace the term ahead with confidence and enthusiasm. Guided by our shared values of Faith, Respect, Excellence and Opportunity, may this be a term characterised by growth, achievement and a commitment to becoming the best we can be.
Interim Junior School Leadership
The interim leadership arrangements in the Junior School have now commenced for the beginning of Term 4 and will remain in place while the College continues the recruitment process for an Acting Head of Junior School during Mrs Greenwood’s absence.
During this interim period, Mr Wheatley will serve as Acting Head of Junior School, with responsibility for governance matters, including oversight of student safeguarding. Mrs Williams will undertake the role of Assistant to the Head of Junior School, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Junior School and supporting staff in their ongoing work with students.
We are grateful to both Mr Wheatley and Mrs Williams for their willingness to provide leadership and continuity during this period. Further information regarding these interim responsibilities will be shared with staff at the commencement of the term.
The recruitment process for the Acting Head of Junior School position is currently underway, and it is anticipated that an appointment will be hopefully finalised by the end of Week 2.
We thank our Junior School families and staff for their understanding, support and partnership as we work through this transition and continue to ensure the very best care and learning environment for our students.
HSC Examinations Commence: Keeping Our Year 12 Students in Our Prayers
As our Year 12 students commence their HSC Examinations, we invite the St Pius X community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. This marks the culmination of many years of hard work, commitment and perseverance, and we are immensely proud of the way they have approached their studies and embraced the opportunities before them.
While examinations can bring pressure and uncertainty, they also provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and resilience they have developed throughout their time at the College. The encouragement of family, friends and our wider community can make a significant difference, helping students remain calm, confident and focused during this important period.
Guided by our values of Faith, Respect, Excellence and Opportunity, we wish our Year 12 students every success as they undertake their examinations. May they approach each day with confidence in their preparation, belief in their abilities, and the determination to achieve their personal best.
'Believe you can and you're halfway there.'
Theodore Roosevelt
We assure our graduating class of our prayers and support as they take this significant step towards the next chapter of their journey.
St Pius X students shine on the China Tour
During the school holidays, 24 students and 3 staff members had the privilege of participating in the College’s Language and Cultural Tour to China, an experience that reflects our commitment to providing authentic global learning opportunities.
For our students, the tour offered an invaluable chance to immerse themselves in a culture renowned for its rich history, traditions and global significance. The group visited many of China’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the vibrant cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. These experiences were both memorable and inspiring.
A particular highlight of the tour was the 3 days spent at the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College. During this time, students participated in intensive language classes and hands-on cultural activities such as calligraphy and clay sculpture. Living on a university campus and interacting with students from around the world provided a unique insight into student life in another country and broadened their understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
The tour was a wonderful experience for everyone involved. I would especially like to commend our students for the outstanding behaviour, respect and maturity they demonstrated throughout the trip. Their positive engagement with every opportunity, their interactions with local people, and the courtesy they showed to staff were exemplary. They were outstanding ambassadors for St Pius X College and a credit to both their families and our College community.
Before and After School Supervision Notice – termly reminder
The safety and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority. We would like to remind all families of the school’s supervision arrangements to ensure that all students are safe and appropriately supervised while on school grounds.
Supervision Times:
Before School: Supervision is provided from 8:10 am each morning.
After School: Supervision concludes at 4:00 pm (Monday to Thursday).
It is important to note that the after-school supervision will conclude at 4:00 pm at which point all students will be requested to leave the College grounds. This arrangement is for normal school days Monday to Thursday. There will be no supervision of the College grounds (especially the Basketball Court) on a Friday. The College will communicate when there will be no additional after school supervision because of a College function.
Students may (and are encouraged to) attend the Academic Annexe if they are waiting to be picked up.
Additionally, the College front door will not open until 7:00 am. This will allow those students to enter the college for their before school training or rehearsal.
Thank you for your support and helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.
If you have any questions or require further information about before and after school care options, please contact Ms Watson.
School sports uniform – transition period coming to an end
As communicated in Woodchatta throughout Term 4, 2025, and in line with our agreement with uniform supplier Rainier, 2026 was designated as a transition year for the College PE uniform. The following information was shared with families at that time:
Transition Timeline
There will be a phased transition to the new uniforms.
From the start of 2026: All students (except Year 12) were expected to purchase the new College polo.
From the start of 2027: All students must wear the updated PE uniform. Please refer to the expected College PE attire.
The transition period was designed to provide families with ample time to adapt to the updated PE uniform requirements and to ensure a smooth and consistent implementation of the new uniform standards across the College.
As 2027 is now fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of these expectations. Information has been shared with families this week, and further reminders will be provided throughout Term 4 to assist with planning and purchasing requirements.
The expectations for all students from the commencement of 2027 are outlined below:
Blue College Polo is currently compulsory for all students. It should be worn for excursions, immersion programs, overseas and national tours, certain College functions, and when full uniform is not possible or when representing the College at different functions as specified by the College.
College Tracksuit
Socks
Shorts
The House shirt
The House shirt can be worn when:
attending PE at the Oxford Falls campus
participating in PE at the Chatswood campus
attending College Swimming and Athletics carnival
participating in College House events
Junior School will be able to wear their House shirt to school when they are participating in PE at either the Chatswood or Oxford Falls campus.
Please Note:
The House shirt should be worn to any competition games (home or away). The blue College Polo shirt should be worn to all competition games when representing the College.
Training tops - Guidelines
Training tops can be worn:
• to and from SPX Cocurricular Training
Training tops should be worn:
for SPX Cocurricular training sessions
to and from SPX Cocurricular fixtures (acceptable as a mode of dress when attending Saturday fixtures)
as a match day warm up top and for reserve bench duties
when attending the weights room in the Sarto Gym.
Please note:
Training tops must not be worn to school on regular school days for PDHPE.
They are for training sessions and match days only.
Training tops are not to be worn as part of Chatswood campus PDHPE practical classes.
Included in our correspondence, the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) where provided for greater clarity:
1. What PE uniform should my son wear when attending the Oxford Falls campus
a. When travelling to and from the Oxford Falls, students should wear the College PE uniform
College House Polo
College Navy Sports Shorts
College White Socks
Training shoes/appropriate footwear
College Tracksuit (optional)
Rain jacket (wet weather option)
b. While participating in the Oxford Falls PE Program, students may wear:
Any College crested sports uniform (eg: rugby or football jersey, etc …)
College training top
College rain jacket
College Tracksuit top
College Track Pants
2. What PE uniform can I wear when participating in PE classes at the Chatswood campus?
Students are only permitted to wear their College PE uniform during PE classes. That is:
College House Polo
College Navy Sports Shorts
College White Socks
Training shoes/appropriate footwear
College Tracksuit (optional)
Rain jacket (wet weather option)
3. Will the older sports uniform attire be acceptable to wear?
Please Note
Use of the ‘older’ sports uniform will be phased out by the end of 2026. All students must have the updated PE uniform by the beginning of the 2027 school year.
4. What uniform do I wear if I am unable to wear my full College uniform?
Students who cannot wear their full College uniform, for whatever reason, should wear:
New College Polo
College Navy sport shorts
College White Socks
appropriate training shoes
College Tracksuit (optional)
5. When can students wear the rain jacket?
As stated in the diary, rain jackets:
can be worn as part of the College tracksuit when required.
can be worn in the event of wet weather over full summer or winter uniform.
must not be worn instead of the winter blazer, jumper or the new Tracksuit top.
Please note: The current College Rain Jacket will not available once the current stock has been exhausted. The College is currently investigating alternatives. College umbrellas are available for purchase through the uniform shop.
6. For Saturday games
Students must wear appropriate College Sports uniform (basketball, cricket, rugby, football etc.).
The full College tracksuit is an (optional) extra. Otherwise, either full summer or full winter school uniform should be worn specific to the season.
In the case of cold weather, College scarves can be worn. These can be purchased through canteen at Oxford Falls.
Students are encouraged to wear their sport specific College training tops to games in instances where full school uniform is not required. OR, the blue College polo. The House shirt should not be worn to any of the fixtures.
NO MUFTI is permitted. Students must attend all College fixtures and events in College uniform unless stated otherwise.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that our students wear their uniform proudly and correctly. A consistent and high standard of presentation is an important part of College life, promoting a sense of belonging, school pride and personal responsibility. The partnership between families and the College plays a vital role in upholding these expectations, and we greatly appreciate your ongoing cooperation and support.
Term 4 Cocurricular Program Underway
As we commence the ISA basketball and cricket and NSTA tennis this weekend, I would like to thank our students for the pride they take in representing St Pius X College. Participation in cocurricular activities is a valued part of College life and provides students with opportunities to demonstrate our core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence and Opportunity beyond the classroom.
A reminder to all students that the correct College team uniform must be worn when competing, and students attending as supporters are also expected to be dressed in appropriate College attire. We ask parents and carers for their support in ensuring students are well presented when travelling to and from fixtures. Representing the College with pride and professionalism is an important part of being a member of the St Pius X community.
Good luck to all our teams this weekend.
Go the Blue and Gold!
2025 Collegian Yearbook Order Form
We are seeking expressions of interest from families wishing to purchase a copy of the 2025 Collegian Yearbook. Copies are available for $55.00 each.
Only those families who order a copy will receive a hard copy of the yearbook.
Please fill in the form below to secure your copy.
Orders will close on Friday 16 October 2026.
Once the orders close, you will be invoiced for the Collegian Yearbook through Sentral.
Dates for your diary
Term 4
Week 2
Tues 20/10 Chapel Mass (Mercy) / Year 12 2027 Parent Information Evening (6:00 pm) / Staff Meeting (Early finish for students)
Thur 22/10 Performing Arts Studio Concert #1 / Year 7 2027 Orientation Day
Fri 23/10 Drama Elective Showcase (5:00 pm)
Sat 24/10 ISA cricket & basketball and NSTA tennis R2 / IPSHA R8 / ISA Touch Football R1
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal