From the Acting Principal
- Prayer
- SPX Teaching and Learning Framework
- Year 8 Ski Trip
- Absence from School
- Rugby Gala Dinner
- Drama Trial HSC performances
- CSDA Debating Semi Finalists
- P&F Trivia Night
- Date Claimers
Prayer
HSC Trials
Next week, our Year 12 students and Year 11 Accelerants will commence their HSC trial examinations. We pray they can perform to the best of their abilities, remain calm and focused. We ask for God’s blessing on them and their studies. Our students have shown incredible dedication throughout the year, particularly during the recent holidays and these first two weeks of term, and we are confident in their hard work and commitment.
Lord, as I face the Trial HSC Examinations, send me Your Holy Spirit for guidance,
enlightenment and inspiration.
Grant me CLARITY OF MIND so that I may be able to recall well and apply correctly all of the things that I have learned and studied.
Grant me a PEACEFUL and CALM DISPOSITION before and during the examinations so that I may be able to smartly tackle the exam and use efficiently the time allotted for preparing my answers, not being hindered by any anxiety that may stifle my performance.
Grant me CONFIDENCE to face each question of the exam without any hesitation and fear.
Grant me HUMILITY to accept whatever will be the result of this exam.
Lord, I know that I have reviewed well and prepared for this exam.
Help me, through Your Divine Providence, to do well in these examinations.
I will do my best in this endeavour, mindful of the gifts that You have bestowed upon me and the privilege to study so that I may live a life for your greater glory.
Blessed Edmund Rice, Pray for Us
St Pius X, Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever
Amen
SPX Teaching and Learning Framework
2024 has been an exciting year for teaching and learning at St Pius X College. In our ongoing commitment to providing a holistic education grounded in Gospel values, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the St Pius X Teaching and Learning Framework (click here).
We believe learning experiences underpinned by hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and personal integrity, liberate the learner, and inspire them into action for justice and enable them to actively participate in all aspects of society as informed and ethical citizens.
Our framework is inspired by EREA’s ‘Liberating Practice’ and aligns with Australia’s national goal of developing young people into ‘successful lifelong learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens’ (Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2021).
As educators in the EREA community, we strive for our students to be not only happy at school but also to flourish beyond it. Our mission is to support the holistic formation of our young people so that they 'may have life and have it to the full' (John 10:10). We place our learners at the centre of our approach, focusing on nurturing their diverse talents and capabilities through our educational offerings.
Our framework includes Liberating Achievement, Liberating Potential, and Liberating Pedagogies. It features strategies designed to encourage student voice and agency, foster resilient learners who set goals, embrace a growth mindset, and where success is recognised and celebrated in all its forms.
I would like to acknowledge the expertise and passion of our dedicated staff who have been instrumental in developing this framework. Their tireless efforts over the past two years, guided by our Assistant Principals of Teaching and Learning, Mr Alex Damo and Mr Stephen Davidson, have culminated in a high-quality Teaching and Learning Framework. We eagerly anticipate exploring and implementing this framework throughout the year.
To assist us implement the various aspects of our framework, we are excited to work closely with Ms Bronwyn MacLeod. Bronwyn holds a Certificate of Gifted Education and a Master's in Education from the University of New South Wales, where she also pursued doctoral studies. Bronwyn is a seasoned expert and author in the field. Her passion for gifted education, curriculum differentiation, and leadership development drives her to collaborate with schools and educational systems globally.
This week Bronwyn partnered with our Professional Learning Coordinator, Ms Felicity van Riet and our Gifted Education Team, Mr Paul Cummins to begin delivering high-quality Professional Learning sessions to our Stage 3-6 teachers during PLTs. These sessions began to unpack 'Liberating Potential' practices with a focus on diversity in student learning and evidence-based pedagogy for curriculum differentiation. Teachers are gaining a deeper understanding of the cognitive and affective characteristics of diverse learners and are being equipped with practical tools to cater to this diversity within their classrooms.
Bronwyn is also collaborating with staff in smaller faculty groups, focusing on programming their new syllabuses with curriculum differentiation. I want to thank our English, Science, and RE Departments for commencing this important work with Bronwyn, Felicity and Paul. Our goal is to support teachers in meeting the diverse needs of all students. This ongoing professional learning deepens our understanding of effective pedagogical approaches and ensures we are well-prepared to implement these strategies in the coming semester. The College's commitment to this initiative reflects a dedicated effort to enrich the learning experience for all students, empowering teachers to unlock each student's full potential.
Year 8 Ski Trip
Our Year 8 students are today enjoying their final day on the slopes during their ski trip. By all accounts, they have had a marvellous time, displaying exemplary attitude and behaviour throughout. Organising such a significant camp is no small feat, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Jack Kovacic and the Year 8 Pastoral Team for coordinating this wonderful opportunity and accompanying our students: Mr Paul Formosa, Mr Paul Cummins, Ms Bettina Spanyik, Mr Justin Gates, Mr David Menton, Mr Martin Gillogly, Mr Matt Stearn, Ms Jen Walsh, Mr Stuart Spedding, Mr Phil Stollery and Mr Jonathan Dawson. I also extend my thanks to the staff at school who are covering lessons for their colleagues.
Please see the Pastoral Care page of this Woodchatta for more information and a selection of photos.
Absence from School
This Friday is Census Day for all non-government schools, and this emphasises the need for all absences to be explained by parents and supported by email or letter. Parents are asked to always ensure that absences are advised to the school via either an email to studentmanagement@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or by leaving a phone voicemail on 9411 4733.
Rugby Gala Dinner
Congratulations to the SPX Rugby Committee on the success of the Rugby Gala Dinner on Saturday night, a significant fundraising event for the Rugby Club. It was a delightful evening where guests were thoroughly entertained. The night featured a silent and live auction, music by Dow Jones and the All Ordinaries, as well as an inspiring interview with Nick Farr-Jones. As the first Australian World Cup-winning captain and a newly inducted member of the Waratahs Hall of Fame, Nick shared insights from his career journey, highlighted many memorable moments, and offered valuable advice to our young players. A huge thank you to Mrs Fiona Haldane, the SPX Rugby Committee and the talented MC for the evening, Mr Keith Gleeson, for coordinating and facilitating such a memorable and enjoyable evening.
Drama HSC Trials
Last Sunday, our HSC Drama students of Liam Hartley, Michael Krizan, James Leo, Blake Markulin and Dominic Mitchell, performed their Trial HSC Individual and Group performances at the Sarto Centre for family, friends, staff and external markers. I was delighted to watch these exceptional performances. All students demonstrated impressive talent, with their creativity and passion evident in each performance. Bravo!
Special thanks to Ms Penny Lindley for her dedicated efforts, guidance, and support in preparing the students for this showcase. We wish them, all the best as they approach their HSC Drama performances in the coming months
CSDA Debating Semi-Final
Congratulations to our Year 12B Debating team, who, despite not advancing from last Friday’s semi-final debate, demonstrated exceptional hard work and teamwork in reaching this level of the competition. Their dedication is truly commendable. Congratulations to Jose Monk, James Leo and Harry Feehan along with their coach, Natasha Foley. We also extend our thanks to Mrs Leigha Zervakos, our Debating and Public Speaking Convenor, for her tireless commitment to all our debating teams throughout the season.
Trivia Night 2024: Saturday 17 August
Come and join in the fun at this year’s P&F Trivia Night on Saturday 17 August in the Chatswood gym. Doors will open at 6:45 pm and trivia will start at 7:15 pm.
This year’s trivia night is an Olympic themed night.
All funds raised will directly benefit the Performing Arts, Rugby, Cricket, Football, Basketball, Tennis and Robotics Clubs so please come along and support your son’s club.
More information can be found in the P&F page of the Woodchatta.
Date Claimers
Monday 5 August: Trial HSC Examinations commence
Tuesday 6 August: Year 9 2025 subject selection evening
Friday 9 August: Celebration of Learning
Wednesday 15 August: Junior School Grandparent's Day - Liturgy and Walkathon
Saturday 17 August: P&F Trivia Night
Monday 19 August: P&F Meeting (rescheduled date)
Monday 2 September: St Pius X Feast Day holiday
Please also review the Upcoming Events page of this week’s Woodchatta for information on other events during the coming weeks.
Fide et Labore
By Faith and hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Ms Elizabeth Watson - Acting Principal