Pastoral Care

From the Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

• National Day of action Against Bullying and Violence
• Student Representation

National Day of action Against Bullying and Violence

Last Friday the College, were led by the Student Wellbeing Empowerment Teams in Years 10, 11 and 12 in celebrating the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.  Our guest Speaker was former Australian Champion and Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington who hosted a panel interview with Rory McCallum of Year 5, College Captain Oliver Tysoe, Ms Annabel Gunns, our new Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator who was a professional accountant in a previous career, and Mr James Quinn from our TAS Faculty, who studied and worked in Architecture before transferring to education. Mr Quinn is also a Shute Shield Rugby referee and was able to share his insights on both player management and his transition from Boys School to University education and the work force.

We were a privileged audience in that all speakers, including Matt Shirvington, were able to share some of their story and insights as to how we can best control bullying and violence in our community. Listening to others, and considered tolerance and teamwork, were the common themes for our students to learn from.

It is worth noting Matt Shirvington’s connections to St Pius, in that his father attended the College and was SUO of our Cadet Unit (see the Foyer Honour Board), before embarking on a highly successful teaching career, featuring one stint as a staff member of SPX. Similarly Matt's mum was also an educator and was a long time Deputy Principal of Chatswood’s Our Lady of Dolours Parish school on our shared block in Chatswood. Matt himself spoke eloquently on celebrating difference and diversity throughout his career. He pointed out the challenges of competing against the likes of Usain Bolt whose great stride length and frequency provided him with a significant advantage over the 100m sprint.

The day was a great student led celebration for our students and an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of reducing bullying and violence in our society. It was ironic to reflect later on the tragic events taking place in New Zealand on the same day.

In this context our thoughts and prayers are extended to our Edmund Rice and rugby tour partner communities in St Thomas’ Christchurch, and St Kevin’s Oamaru several hours to the south where our Year 7 RE students have been sending letters of unity and support. Similarly there has been an outreach of support to Amity College students and staff, from the predominantly Muslim faith school in Western Sydney, with whom our students shared a festive meal last Ramadan. Ms Waters' homeroom class and others are writing letters of support to these groups as I write.

Student Representation

We have finalised House Vice Captain appointments for Semester 1 2019, except for Year 7 who will be elected shortly, and it was great to see so many students in attendance at our College Open day last Saturday.

Our student leaders will represent us at the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration at Hyde Park ANZAC memorial on Tuesday 9 April at 11am.  Chatswood and Willoughby Legions RSL Clubs have requested any cadets in the College who may be able assist in forming a Flag and Catafalque party both at the Dawn (Chatswood garden of Remembrance) and 7am (Club Willoughby) Commemorative Services on ANZAC Day Thursday 25 April.

For the first time our students have been invited to attend a commemorative service for Indigenous Service men and women coinciding with Reconciliation Week on Friday 31 May.

Please see/ contact Mr Brannan if you have an interest in representing the College at any of these services.

Fide et Labore

Mr Sean Brannan - Assistant Principal Pastoral Care