From the Principal
- Reflection
- Staff Formation Day – World Environment Day and Laudato Si’
- College Athletics Carnivals – A Celebration of Spirit and Participation
- Cocurricular Program
- Key Dates
Reflection
The Secret of Growth
The gardener was impatient.
The seeds had been sown in the garden beforehand. A short time later, in that very moment, God was taking a stroll through the same garden.
'Lord. Thank heaven you are here! I need your advice,' exclaimed the gardener.
'How can I help you?' asked God.
'Lord, do you know the secret of growth? I have been waiting here so patiently. I have watered the seeds, provided them with the right conditions, yet still they do not sprout.'
The Lord smiled.
'My friend, the secret of growth is not what seed you plant or where you plant it. The secret of growth is ... time.'
There are many secrets about growth.
One of those secrets involves time.
Another part of the secret is to nurture.
One cannot thrive without the other.
One cannot rush growth, no matter who our contacts may be.
Let Us Pray
Lord,
Help us to trust in Your timing.
When we grow impatient, remind us that growth cannot be rushed
and that Your work unfolds in ways we cannot always see.
Teach us to nurture what You have planted with faith and care,
knowing that both time and tending are needed to thrive.
Give us grace to be faithful in the small, unseen moments,
and to continue sowing seeds of hope, love, and obedience.
'Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' (James 1:4)
'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Strengthen our hearts to wait patiently and trust deeply,
even when the garden seems still.
Remind us that beneath the surface, You are at work -
bringing life, shaping roots, and preparing what is to come.
Quiet our striving hearts,
fill us with peace and steady faith,
and help us to rest in the promise
that in Your perfect time, growth will come.
Amen.
As we approach the end of the First Semester, we are invited to pause and reflect on the journey so far. Like the gardener in the story, we may find ourselves looking for visible signs of growth and progress we can measure and celebrate.
Yet we are gently reminded that much of the most important growth happens quietly, over time, often beneath the surface.
May we listen to God’s wisdom and trust in His timing. Our young people are on a journey of formation, growing into happy, good, honest, and peaceful gentlemen. While we may not always see the full fruits of their development, we trust that through care, guidance, and patience, their potential is unfolding.
As teachers and parents, we are called to nurture this growth with understanding and faith offering not only instruction, but also the time, peace, and space each student needs to flourish. In doing so, we participate in God’s work, cultivating lives that will, in time, bear lasting and meaningful fruit.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Staff Formation Day – World Environment Day and Laudato Si’
Our recent Staff Formation Day, centred on World Environment Day, provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to our shared responsibility for the care of our common home. Grounded in the teachings of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, the day invited us to pause and consider both the challenges facing our world and the role each of us can play in responding to them.
At the heart of Laudato Si’ is a powerful call to recognise the deep interconnectedness between humanity, creation, and God. Pope Francis reminds us that care for the environment is not simply a scientific or political issue, but a moral and spiritual one. He challenges us to hear both 'the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,' urging a response that is grounded in compassion, justice, and responsibility. His message calls us to reflect on our lifestyles, our consumption, and the ways in which our choices impact others, particularly the most vulnerable.
A key theme emerging from our formation day was that environmental stewardship begins with a change of heart. Pope Francis speaks of an 'ecological conversion,' encouraging individuals and communities to move towards a more mindful, grateful, and sustainable way of living. This conversion is not about grand gestures alone, but about the small, consistent actions that reflect respect for creation, how we use resources, how we reduce waste, and how we model care for the world entrusted to us.
As a College community, we are uniquely placed to live out the vision of Laudato Si’. Through our curriculum, our practices, and our relationships, we can nurture in our students a deep appreciation for the environment and a strong sense of responsibility for its care. Our role as educators extends beyond the classroom; we are called to model values of stewardship, simplicity, and respect, helping to form young people who will carry these principles into the future.
Individually, each of us is invited to reflect on how we can contribute in practical ways whether through conscious choices, sustainable practices, or fostering awareness within our spheres of influence. Together, as a community, we can amplify this impact by working collaboratively, supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, and embedding these values into the life of the College.
The Staff Formation Day was a timely reminder that caring for our common home is a shared mission. Inspired by the teachings of Laudato Si’, we are called not only to reflect, but to act guided by faith, informed by compassion, and united in our commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
College Athletics Carnivals – A Celebration of Spirit and Participation
This week's Senior and Junior School Athletics Carnivals were outstanding occasions that truly captured the spirit of our College community. Across both events, students demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, resilience, and pride in representing their Houses, contributing to an atmosphere that was both vibrant and inclusive. The Junior School students were amazing.
A defining feature of this year’s carnivals was the strong participation of students at all levels. Whether competing in track and field events, supporting their peers from the sidelines, or stepping outside their comfort zones to try something new, students embraced the opportunity to be involved. It was particularly pleasing to see so many students giving their best effort, regardless of experience or result, embodying the true spirit of participation.
The level of House spirit on display was exceptional, highlighting the sense of belonging and unity within our College. Students encouraged one another, celebrated successes, and showed respect for all competitors, creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.
These carnivals are about much more than competition. They play an important role in the formation of our students, fostering qualities such as perseverance, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. By participating fully and supporting one another, students continue to grow not only as athletes, but as young people of character.
We congratulate all students on their efforts and thank the staff who contributed to the success of both carnivals. It was a wonderful celebration of College life and a powerful reminder of the strength of our community.
Cocurricular Program
Our Cocurricular program returns this week after the King’s Birthday long weekend. Our senior school rugby teams travel to Bathurst to play St Stanislaus'. Hopefully, the weather is not too cold and all our teams play to the best of their abilities.
Football has a full program at Oxford Falls as it plays Round 6. With most teams playing Oakhill College, we know we are in for a challenging day, but I am confident our students will rise to the occasion.
Our tennis and squash teams will continue their competitions on Saturday, with Chess rounds completed on Friday afternoon.
Our Junior School teams continue with their games on Saturday, with rugby playing in the Eastern Suburbs and our junior football teams playing a mix of home and away games.
Best of luck to all our teams this week. May your great efforts be rewarded with a victory.
CIS Cup Semi-Final – First XI Football
On Wednesday evening, 10 June, the First XI Football team competed against St Augustine’s in the CIS Cup semi-final. Both teams took to the field determined to give their best for their schools, making for a highly competitive contest.
The St Pius X players displayed great determination and commitment throughout the match. However, St Augustine’s proved to be the stronger side on the night, ultimately securing a 2–0 victory. While the result was disappointing, the team can be very proud of reaching the semi-final in such a competitive competition.
A sincere thank you to the more than 70 students who travelled to Valentine Park to support the team. We also extend our gratitude to the many teachers and parents whose ongoing support continues to be invaluable.
Go the Blue and Gold!
Key Dates
Week 9
Mon 15/6 Junior School author visit
Tues 16/6 Chapel Mass (Pius) / Year 10 GPs in Schools
Fri 19/6 Elective Music Showcase 5:30 pm
Sat 20/6 ISA & IPSHA R7 / ISA Rugby R5 vs St Gregory's / Chevalier / Oxley College (Home) (Rugby Supporters' Day)
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal