From the Principal

• Reflection
• Feast of Immaculate Conception - Friday 8 December
• Movember campaign update
• Annual Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 4 December
• Staffing Update
• Fees
• Key Dates

Reflection

The Season of Advent

During this Advent season I hope and pray that you and your family find an opportunity to celebrate and rejoice in the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ.

I am always encouraged by the joy and happiness of the season.  However, it also reminds me that this is not always a reality for all our community especially the lonely, the marginalised, the poor, the homeless. I do hope that through our prayers and love all we receive a little of the blessings of Christmas. May we all receive the greatest gift this Christmas, the gift of Christ’s love for all of us.

I BELIEVE that Christmas is more than a time for parties and ornaments; it is a time for remembering Christ and the incarnation of God’s love in human flesh.

I BELIEVE there are gifts more important than the ones under the Christmas tree, the things we teach our children, the way we share ourselves with friends, and the industry with which we set about reshaping the world in our time.

I BELIEVE that the finest carols are often sung by the poorest voices; from hearts made warm by the wonder of the season.

I BELIEVE in the angel’s message that we should not be afraid—that the Child of Bethlehem is able to overcome all anxieties and insecurities.

I BELIEVE in prayer and quietness as a way of appropriating Christmas—that if I wait in silence I will experience the presence of the one born in the manger, for he lives today as surely as he lived then.

I BELIEVE in going away from Christmas as the wise men went: 'another way.' I want to be different when these days are past—more centred, more thoughtful, more caring.

And I believe God will help me. Amen

As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a holy and blessed celebration. May this sacred time bring peace, love, and hope to your hearts and homes as we reflect on the birth of Christ and His message of compassion and unity.

Thank you for the dedication, support, and spirit you have shared throughout the year. May you find time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings, joy, and fulfillment. 

Feast of Immaculate Conception - Friday 8 December

For centuries, it has been widely believed that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, was free from sin. This belief was formally defined as dogma by Pope Pius IX in 1854, following consultation with bishops from around the world. The annual solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on 8 December, exactly nine months before the feast of Mary’s birth on 8 September. In 1858, Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette at Lourdes, identifying herself as the Immaculate Conception, reaffirming the dogma proclaimed four years earlier. 

'O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.'

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

                          Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Movember campaign update

As we compete another Movember, I would like to thank all the students and staff who grew a mo, or tried to, in the name of men’s health. 

Thanksgiving Mass and Annual Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 4 December

On Wednesday, we celebrated our Thanksgiving Mass and Annual Awards Ceremony. The Mass was a beautiful celebration and the Awards Ceremony provided another great opportunity for the College to acknowledge and celebrate the academic success of so many young men.  Considering the students sat through two significant events, all the students were respectful during the eucharistic celebration and the awards ceremony.  I have included below part of my address to the community that includes our thanks and farewell to Mr Simpson and Mrs Guerrera.

Please find attached photos of the Thanksgiving Mass, the Academic Awards ceremony and also the booklet from the awards ceremony.

The College theme for 2024, 'Seek to Serve, Stronger Together,' inspired us all to dedicate ourselves to serving others, particularly those who are marginalized and vulnerable, both within and beyond our community. Through our unity in service, we grew stronger as a community, working together to meet the needs of those we supported throughout the year.

We were called in 2024 to:

•     Seek to be the best version of ourselves

•     Seek to serve with dignity, valuing all members of our community

•     Seek to create a safe, supportive and healthy community

•     Seek to support a positive learning community

•     Seek to empower others in advocating for positive change

If we have truly lived out the College theme in 2024, then we have honoured the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, who devoted his life to serving others, particularly the young men of Waterford, leaving a profound impact on countless lives. Through our commitment to learning and growth this year, we have strengthened our bonds and proven that together, we are stronger.

Today, we bid farewell to several staff members who have made significant contributions to the St Pius community. Some are embarking on new opportunities, while others are taking steps to further develop their leadership in different communities. We also honour the retirement of a cherished member of our community after 21 years of dedicated service to Catholic education.

Today, we say goodbye to a truly exceptional member of our community, Mrs Lisa Guerrera whose unwavering dedication to her students and her leadership within the Religious Education Department have been nothing short of inspiring.

Throughout her time with us, Mrs Guerrera has consistently placed her students at the heart of everything she does. Her genuine care, patience, and commitment to their growth—both academically and spiritually—have made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives.

Mrs Guerrera has guided with sincerity and expertise, fostering an environment that deepens our collective understanding and appreciation of faith. Her thoughtful approach and passion for the mission of Catholic education have been instrumental in shaping our community's spiritual journey.

As Mrs Guerrera embarks on her next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her remarkable contributions and wish her every blessing for the future. She will always remain a cherished part of the St Pius family.

Today, we also have the privilege of farewelling a truly remarkable member of our community, Mr Simpson, who has dedicated many years of his life to enriching the lives of our students and colleagues alike.

Mr Simpson began his teaching journey in the Junior School, where his passion for education and commitment to nurturing young minds, left an enduring mark. Over time, he transitioned to the TAS Department, where he continued to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in his students.

His career reflects not just adaptability and professional growth but also a deep love for teaching and mentoring. Whether in the Junior School or the TAS Department, Mr Simpson has exemplified what it means to be a lifelong learner and an advocate for student success.

As we bid farewell, we thank Mr Simpson for his countless contributions, his dedication to the St Pius community, and the legacy he leaves behind. We wish him every happiness and fulfillment in the next chapter of his journey.

Thank you to each and every one of our departing staff for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the St Pius way. As they move on to the next stage of their journey, may they be richly blessed. May they always remember that they will forever be welcomed here at St Pius X College.

As we come to the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the messages we’ve shared throughout 2024. These messages were not just words but reminders to guide you in your personal growth, both as students and as individuals.

Challenge yourself – We've talked about pushing beyond your limits, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and striving to reach new heights. Have you embraced this challenge? Have you taken risks in your learning and personal development?

Be better, do better – Each day offers an opportunity for improvement. Have you worked towards being the best version of yourself, both in your studies and in your actions? Have you pushed yourself to perform better, both academically and in the way you treat others?

During Lent, we asked you to Be Quiet, Be Still, to find moments of reflection and to reconnect with your inner self. It was a time to pause and listen. We also remember that we are called to be more Christ-like, to live with compassion, humility, and service to others.

We have also emphasised the importance of Perseverance, Persistence, and Performance. Life—and learning—are not always easy. But with perseverance and persistence, you can overcome challenges and continue to grow. It is in those moments when things seem difficult that your true strength shines through.

So, as we reflect on 2024, I ask you:

•     Have you been listening to these messages and advice?

•     Were you truly committed to your studies and your personal growth?

•     Have you maintained the high standards we set for ourselves as a community?

These principles are not just for the classroom but for life. They are about the choices you make, the values you live by, and the person you strive to become.

As we close out this year, take the time to reflect on these questions. Be proud of the progress you’ve made and challenge yourself to keep growing in the years ahead. You have the potential to achieve greatness—never stop striving to be better and do better.

Once again, congratulations to all our award recipients and may each of you experience the joy and peace of the Advent season.

May we live Jesus in our hearts … forever.

Staffing Update

Thank you and Farewell

I would like to thank and farewell the following staff members

• Miss Emma Coughlin 
• Ms Lucie Fernandez
• Mrs Lisa Guerrera
• Ms Samantha van Jaarsveld 
• Mr David Menton
• Mr Antonio Morris 
• Ms Anne-Marie Polidano
• Mr Michael Simpson
• Mrs Jennifer Walsh

We also look forward to welcoming the following new staff to the college, commencing in 2025:

Ms Taylor Bird - Junior School Teacher

Mr Ben Teasdale - PDHPE Teacher

Mr Daniel Burton - Leader of Learning, Diversity and Enrichment

Mr James Lane - English/HSIE Teacher

Mr Christopher Nouragas - Leader of Learning, Year 6 and Junior School Teacher 

Ms Marielle Flores - College Counsellor

Ms Sophie Parkes - College Counsellor

Mr Dominic McGeekie - Year 8 Pastoral Leader

Please find attached the list of staff in positions of responsibility for 2025.

Fees

On Monday, EREA Colleges NSW notified St Pius X that the 2025 fees had been approved. 

As shared earlier this year, and despite the significant increases to our operating costs, the College has committed to increasing only tuition fees, while all other fees will remain unchanged from 2024.

The 2025 tuition fees are as follows:

• Years 5 & 6 – Stage 3: $12,540                   (Weekly increase: $29.61)
• Years 7 & 8 – Stage 4: $14,448                   (Weekly increase: $29.77)
• Years 9 & 10 – Stage 5: $14,577                (Weekly increase: $32.25)
• Years 11 & 12 – Stage 6: $14,706              (Weekly increase: $34.73)

For more information, please visit the College website.

Key Dates for 2025

Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal