From the Principal
- Reflection
- Welcome Mass and Information Evenings
- Key Messages from the first assembly
- Reflecting on the 2025 HSC High Achievers Assembly and Symposium
- Communication with Pastoral Leaders and the Leaders of Learning Teams
- Staffing
- Staff Update
- 2026 Sports Uniform
- Start strong so you can finish strong
- Key Dates
Reflection
Living the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes remind us of Jesus’ invitation to live with kindness, humility, justice, and peace. Rather than measuring success by status or achievement, they challenge us to place compassion, mercy, and care for others at the heart of our daily lives.
At St Pius X College, the Beatitudes connect closely with our mission and our motto, Fide et Labore - Through Faith and Hard Work. They guide us in how we treat one another and encourage us to live for all and with all, building a respectful, inclusive, and hope‑filled community.
Through small, everyday actions, the Beatitudes call us to shape a College culture grounded in faith, service, and shared responsibility.
The Prayer of the Beatitudes
O Christ of the Poor in Spirit,
They possess no light of their own, no riches to call their own.
Yet your glory lives within them, and because of this
they are known in the Kingdom of God.
O Christ of the Poor in Spirit,
create within my crowded heart a dwelling place for God.
O Christ of Those Who Hunger for Justice,
What is this deep ache at the centre of their being?
A hunger that will not settle for anything less than God.
In the depths of their souls burns a fierce longing, a passion for what is right.
O Christ, Sun of Justice,
enter my soul,
and gift me with this same burning desire
for righteousness and truth.
O Christ of the Peacemakers,
Who are these dreamers and bridge‑builders, carrying light into the shadows?
They walk gently where chaos lives,
pitching their tents in fields marked by violence.
They do this because peace has taken root within their hearts.
O Christ of the Peacemakers,
create in me a heart at peace,
a heart that cannot remain still
while the world cries out for healing.
Welcome Mass and Information Evenings
The beginning of the school year can be a daunting time for many students and families, particularly for those who are new to the College. Our Welcome Mass and BBQ provided a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to be warmly embraced and officially welcomed into our inclusive St Pius X community.
There was a very positive and uplifting atmosphere as we celebrated the Eucharist with Fr David, followed by the sharing of food and fellowship at the BBQ. These moments of coming together play an important role in strengthening relationships and building a sense of belonging.
Over the course of the week, we also hosted Information Evenings for parents and students in the Junior School, Year 7, Year 10, and Year 11. The valuable information shared by St Pius X staff was designed to provide clarity, guidance, and inspiration for our students, while offering reassurance and confidence to families.
I look forward to walking alongside our students and their families as we work in partnership throughout 2026, supporting learning, wellbeing, and growth within our community
Key Messages from the first assembly
At our first assembly, I spoke with students about the importance of starting the year well and the impact that early routines and habits have on learning, wellbeing, and relationships. I emphasised that success is built through small, consistent actions such as being organised, punctual, respectful, and engaged in learning.
I reminded students that learning is a shared responsibility. While teachers support and guide them, students play a vital role by participating positively, asking questions, and responding to feedback.
I also introduced our College theme for the year, 'For All, With All' which calls each member of our community to act with inclusion, fairness, and responsibility, and to support one another in all aspects of College life. Students were encouraged to reflect on how their words, actions, and choices contribute to a positive and respectful culture.
As part of this message, I spoke about the ST PIUS X values that guide our community:
Service – putting others first and making a positive difference
Truth – acting with honesty, integrity, and respect
Perseverance – showing resilience, especially when learning is challenging
Inclusion – living our commitment to For All, With All
Unity – working together and building strong relationships
Striving – always aiming to be our best through faith and hard work (Fide et Labore)
X‑Factor (Excellence) – bringing our unique gifts and pursuing excellence in learning and life
Together, by living our values and supporting one another, we look forward to a positive and successful year for all members of the St Pius X College community.
Reflecting on the 2025 HSC High Achievers Assembly and Symposium
Our 2025 High Achievers Assembly was a meaningful opportunity for the St Pius X College community to come together and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our 2025 HSC students. The assembly celebrated not only academic excellence, but also the dedication, perseverance, and commitment shown by these young men throughout their senior years.
Following the assembly, we were pleased to host a student symposium, providing our current Year 12 and Year 11 students with the opportunity to engage directly with our High Achievers. This session allowed students to ask thoughtful questions and gain valuable insight into the study habits, routines, mindset, and strategies that supported such strong outcomes.
The High Achievers generously shared practical and honest advice, reinforcing the importance of consistency, balance, resilience, and seeking support when needed. These conversations offered reassurance and inspiration to our current senior students and highlighted that success is achievable through sustained effort and a positive approach to learning.
We hope that the guidance shared during the symposium will support our Year 11 and Year 12 students as they continue their own academic journeys and strive for success in 2026. Events such as these strengthen our learning culture and reflect the spirit of generosity, encouragement, and aspiration that defines our College community.
Communication with Pastoral Leaders and the Leaders of Learning Teams
Please find listed below our Pastoral and Learning leaders. As we commence the school year, these leaders will be able to support you and your son/s for a smooth start to 2026.
Pastoral Leaders team for 2026
Senior Studies Coordinators
Leaders of Learning Team for 2026
House Patrons for 2026
College Counsellors
Staffing
We warmly welcome the following new staff members to the St Pius X College community as they join us in our shared mission.
Staff Update
During the past week, the College shared correspondence regarding the departure of our much valued Mr Daniel Petrie and the appointment of Mrs Gabrielle Scanlon as Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity. Mrs Scanlon brings a wealth of experience to this role, and I am confident her leadership will build upon and complement the significant contribution made by Mr Petrie.
On Monday 2 February, we were also pleased to welcome Miss Eve Klammer to the College. Miss Klammer joins our Communication and Marketing team, led by Ms Barrett, in the role of Junior Graphics Designer.
On behalf of the College community, I warmly welcome Mrs Scanlon and Miss Klammer to St Pius X College and look forward to the contributions they will make to our inclusive community.
2026 sports uniform
As we commence 2026, I will highlight the expectations regarding the College sports uniform.
Key Changes
New College Polo - The blue College polo will be compulsory from the commencement of 2026 (except Year 12, 2026). It will be worn for excursions, immersion programs, certain College functions, and when full uniform is not possible.
PE Uniform – Students will transition fully by the start of 2027. Below are the items that make up the PE Uniform.
The House shirt
The House shirt is to 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.
FAQ about the sport uniform
To assist families with the sport uniform, below are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that we communicated to the community in 2025.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
The following FAQ may assist you in understanding the changes that are taking place with our uniform.
Q 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
Q 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)
Q 3. Will the older sports uniform attire be acceptable to wear?
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.
Q 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)
Q 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 or jumper
In concluding – start strong so that you can finish strong
As we begin the year together, I encourage all students to start well. The habits, attitudes, and choices you make in these early weeks will shape the year ahead. First impressions last, and the impression you create now - through your effort, behaviour, and commitment to our values - will set the tone for 2026. Make this start count and commit to making the very best impression from day one.
Key Dates
Week 3
Mon 9/2 Performing Arts Information Evening / PAPA AGM
Tues 10/2 Year 7 Formation Day
Wed 11/2 Commencement Mass
Thur 12/2 Year 5, 6 & 7 Swimming Carnival
Fri 13/2 P&F Cocktail Party
Sat 14/2 ISA R9 / IPSHA R1 / NSTA / squash
Sun 15/2 Senior School Football Grading Day (Oxford Falls)
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal