From the Principal

• Reflection
•  St Pius X Feast Day Memorial, 21 August
• Announcement of the 2026 College Leaders
• Celebration of Learning Assembly
• Year 12 Retreats – A Time for Growth and Reflection
• Junior School Book Week Parade – A Celebration of Creativity and Imagination
• SAVE the DATE: Father's Day Celebration Friday 5 September
• Join Us for the Annual P&F Trivia Night – A Night of Fun, Connection & Community Spirit
• ISA Semifinals – Celebrating Effort and Achievement
• Enrolments for Years 5 & 7 2027
• Key Dates 

Reflection

THE EMMAUS JOURNEY

That very same day, a group of them were on their way into a common future, which lay just ahead beyond what, they could see. 

As they lived into the future, they talked together about all the happenings among them. 

But something kept them from seeing and understanding that it was really happening that ordinarily. 

God entered into their hearts and asked, “What is it you are troubled about? What are you wondering? What questions are unsettling to you. 

The group stopped full of fear and anxiety. 

And one among them said,

We thought it would be simpler.  We thought it would have been clear.

We thought that the choices would be more evident. 

We thought we would agree more easily on what decisions to make. 

We thought we knew how things would be. 

We thought God would lead us more directly

We thought the way would have no conflicts, doubts or confusion. 

We had hoped our future would be more uncomplicated. 

We had hoped things would not be so messy. 

We had hoped the power to choose would be easy. 

We had hoped our experience would confirm what we knew, not change it again. 

We had hoped that familiar theories would still fit. 

We had hoped. 

We had hoped.

And now some among us are saying that things are not as we first imagined them to be. Now some are saying that future conditions challenge us in different ways. 

And God said,

'How slow you are as a group.  How hard it is for you to trust. 

Have I not promised from the beginning to be with you, to sustain you, and to continually reveal to hearts that are open my plans? Have l not promised you more than you can ask or imagine?'

Luke 24:13-35

Listening For God

 St Pius X Feast Day :   Memorial 21 August

Honouring Our Patron Saint

Each year, we celebrate the Feast of St Pius X on 21 August, honouring the life and legacy of our College’s patron saint. Known for his deep humility, pastoral care, and commitment to spiritual renewal, St Pius X served as Pope from 1903 to 1914 and is remembered for his efforts to make the sacraments more accessible, especially encouraging frequent communion. 

His motto, 'To restore all things in Christ,' continues to inspire our mission and values as a Catholic learning community. As we mark this special feast day, we reflect on his example of faith, service, and leadership, and pray that his spirit continues to guide and strengthen our College community.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Announcement of the 2026 College Leaders

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our 2026 Student Leaders. After an extensive selection process, this outstanding group of young men has been chosen by both their peers and staff to lead our College into the new year. This is a significant honour and privilege, and we commend them for their dedication and readiness to serve. Their success will rely on the support of the entire College community as they take on this important responsibility.

A special congratulations goes to Sean O’Donnell, who has been appointed as College Captain, and to Luke Austin and Brayzen Sargent, who will serve as Vice-Captains. Their leadership will officially commence in Term 4, following the ceremonial handover of the College’s significant symbols at the upcoming Year 12 Graduation. 

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge and commend all the students who courageously put themselves forward for a leadership role in 2026. While not everyone was successful in being appointed, their willingness to step up and be considered is a powerful testament to their character and the bravery it takes to be vulnerable. Leadership begins with the courage to try, and each applicant has demonstrated a deep commitment to our College and its values. We thank them for their passion, their voice, and their example and we encourage them to continue leading in their own unique ways throughout the year.

LIST OF LEADERS

Sean O'Donnell               College Captain

Luke Austin                      College Vice-Captain

Brayzen Sargent             College Vice Captain

Jonathon Armatas

Isaac Birchall-Molloy

Zach Brown

Michael Cheah

Archer Ferguson

Joshua Floridia

Enzo Gambino

Angus Gibson

Lucas Gleeson

James Kevric

Jack Manning-O'Donnell

Toby Moran

James Patchett

Joshua Sebastian

Viaan Singh

Regan Yun

Thomas Zammit

Attached is Sean O'Donnell's acceptance speech, presented at yesterday's Assembly.

We wish all our 2026 Student Leaders every success as they begin their leadership journey and inspire others through their example.

Celebration of Learning Assembly

On Monday 18 August, the College acknowledged the outstanding academic achievements from Semester One.  Below is my address to the College community at the ceremony:

'Today we celebrate the achievements of students who have excelled in their academic endeavours and those who have demonstrated an excellent commitment towards their learning.  Today is also a moment to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have led to the success we’re recognising.

To our award recipients, congratulations! You’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to your learning, and your results are a reflection of the effort you have put in throughout Semester 1. Whether it was mastering a challenging concept in maths, crafting a thoughtful essay in English, or pushing yourself in science or the arts, you’ve shown what’s possible when you stay focused and determined.

But this ceremony is about more than just awards. It’s about the values that underpin academic success: curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to grow. These are qualities that will serve you, and all learners, well, not just in school, but in life.

It’s also important to take a moment to reflect on why we celebrate academic achievement. Recognition matters. When we acknowledge the effort and excellence of our students, we are not just handing out certificates, we are reinforcing the value of learning, the importance of persistence, and the power of setting goals. Celebrating success helps build confidence, encourages others to strive for their best, and creates a culture where learning is respected and admired.

We are also very fortunate today to have had Dr Shanahan join us as our special guest. Thank you, Dr Shanahan, for your words of wisdom and inspiration. Your message about perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of staying curious has truly resonated with us. 

We hope our students take your advice to heart and use it to guide them in their studies and beyond. Your presence today has added great meaning to this celebration, and we are grateful for your time and insight.

To those students who are not receiving an award today, please know this: your journey is just as important. Academic success isn’t a race, and it certainly isn’t a one-time event. Every student has the opportunity to improve, to set goals, and to strive for personal excellence. The end-of-year Academic Awards Ceremony is another chance to be recognised, and I encourage each of you to use today as motivation.

Today, I invite all students to ask themselves: 

•   What can I do differently? 

•   How can I challenge myself more? 

•   Who can I ask for help when I need it? 

These questions are the starting point for growth. And remember, improvement isn’t always about big leaps, it’s about consistent effort, small wins, and learning from setbacks.

Teachers, parents, and carers, we thank you for your support. Your encouragement and guidance play a vital role in helping our students reach their potential. 

And to our students, keep asking questions, keep trying, and keep believing in your ability to succeed.

Let’s make Semester 2 a time of renewed focus and energy. Whether you’re already on the path to success or just beginning to find your stride, know that every step forward matters.

Congratulations once again to our award recipients. You have earned this moment. And to all students, let’s look ahead with purpose, and make the second half of the year even more remarkable…'

Year 12 Retreats – A Time for Growth and Reflection

The Year 12 Retreats offer a meaningful opportunity for our senior students to pause, reflect, and prepare for life beyond St Pius X College. Each of the three retreat experiences, while unique in format, provides a shared space for students to contemplate their personal growth and formation throughout their time at the College. These retreats invite students to deepen their connection with themselves, with others, and with their faith. We hope that every student embraces this experience with openness and gratitude, recognising it as a valuable moment of reflection and renewal on their journey.

Junior School Book Week Parade – A Celebration of Creativity and Imagination

The Junior School Book Week Parade was once again an outstanding celebration of literature, creativity, and community spirit. Students brought beloved characters to life with an incredible array of costumes, representing stories from across genres and generations. The effort and imagination poured into each outfit - undoubtedly with plenty of help from parents was a standout feature of the day and a testament to the enthusiasm and support within our College community.

The atmosphere was electric as students proudly showcased their characters, and the judging proved to be an exceptionally difficult task due to the consistently high standard of costumes across all year levels. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Martin for her exceptional organisation of the event, and to Mrs Greenwood and all the Junior School teachers for their enthusiastic participation and encouragement. Events like these not only foster a love of reading but also strengthen the bonds of creativity and collaboration that make our College so special.

SAVE the DATE: Father's Day Celebration Friday 5 September

Honouring Fathers and Raising Awareness

Our Father’s Day celebrations have become a much-loved tradition at the College, bringing together families in a spirit of gratitude, community, and support for a meaningful cause. Many attendees proudly wear their favourite jerseys in support of Jersey Day, an initiative that raises awareness about the importance of organ donation in Australia.

This year, the tradition continues with the Junior School Father’s Day Liturgy and Sports Day at Oxford Falls on Thursday 4 September. The following day, Friday 5 September, the College will host its annual Father’s Day Mass at 7:30 am in Our Lady of Dolours Church, followed by a warm and welcoming breakfast back at the Chatswood campus.

We warmly invite all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures to join us for these special events and to wear their favourite jersey alongside their sons in support of Jersey Day. Please note that students must still wear their full winter uniform when travelling to and from school.

Join Us for the Annual P&F Trivia Night – A Night of Fun, Connection & Community Spirit

I hope you have marked your calendars for one of the most anticipated events of the year, our Annual P&F Trivia Night! This much-loved evening promises plenty of laughs, lively competition, and a chance to come together as a College community in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new families, all while enjoying a night filled with energy and camaraderie.

Whether you're a seasoned trivia expert or just coming along for the fun, there’s something for everyone: quirky questions, interactive games, exciting prizes, and a few surprises along the way. So gather your team, bring your best thinking caps, and don’t forget your sense of humour!

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you haven't purchased your ticket yet, the link is attached. 

ISA Semifinals – Celebrating Effort and Achievement

Reaching the ISA semifinals is a tremendous achievement, and we congratulate all our Rugby and Football teams for their hard work, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the season. While not every team was able to progress to the grand final, their commitment and effort could not be faulted. Each player gave their best, and their performances reflected the pride and passion they bring to representing the College. We thank them for their dedication and the way they carried themselves both on and off the field.

We also extend our warmest congratulations to the teams who have successfully advanced to the ISA Grand Finals. This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we wish them every success as they prepare to compete for the championship titles in their respective competitions. The entire College community stands behind them with pride and support.

Go the Blue and Gold!

Enrolments for Years 5 & 7 2027

Enrolment application forms for St Pius X College remain available.  Please see the College website for details.

Key Dates

Term 3

Tues 26/8  Chapel Mass (Mercy) / Science Week lunchtime activities  

Wed 27/8 IPSHA Athletics Carnival / 2026 Student Leaders' Retreat - 29/8 / HSC Showcase: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage & Stories / Science Week lunchtime activities

Thur 28/8 Winter cocurricular and other photos / Snowy Hike Qualifier #1

Fri 29/8 Wear it Purple Day / RAP Network Yarn (online)

Sat 30/8 ISA Senior Invitational Athletics Carnival / P&F Trivia Night / Duke of Ed Bronze Hike - 31/8

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal