From the Principal

• Prayer 
• Opening School Mass - Tuesday 18 February
• P&F Commencement Mass and BBQ - Saturday 22 February commencing at 5.30pm
• College Board
• Vale James Gillespie - Much loved Old Boy of the College
• Bushfire Appeal
• Bees are Beautiful
• Major Upcoming Events in Term 1

Prayer for a Just Climate: 

I share with you this week a beautiful prayer from Caritas Australia For a Just Climate.

It is very timely given our droughts, fires, rains and floods of recent months.

God of Creation

You created night and day.

You separated the sea from the sky.

You gave life to all living creatures and saw that it was good.

Help us to reconnect with the majesty of your creation.

God of Love

Fill us with your love for all creation.

Empty us of apathy, selfishness and fear.

Inspire us to live simply and in harmony with creation.

Help us to be good stewards,

caring for all creation with self-sacrificing and nurturing love.

God of Compassion

Breathe into us solidarity with all who suffer now and the future generations

who will suffer because of our environmental irresponsibility.

Help us to put people before profit and ‘being’ before ‘having’.

God of Justice

Empower us to work together as one global community.

To find creative and just solutions to protect those most vulnerable in our world,

and all of creation for future generations.

Move us into action for climate justice and to restore your creation.

Amen

Opening School Mass - Tuesday, 18 February

Next Tuesday we are delighted that our new Bishop of Broken Bay Diocese, Bishop Anthony Randazzo will preside at our Opening School Mass. Along with our Parish priest and the other priests of the Parish we will over-fill our beautiful Our Lady of Dolours Parish Church. Unfortunately there will not be room for visitors or parents due to space but I ask for your prayerful support.

P&F Commencement Mass and BBQ

Saturday 22 February, 5.30pm at

Our Lady of Dolours Parish Church, Chatswood

College Board

As acknowledged last year, the College Board farewelled a number of members who had concluded their term and we undertook a significant and ongoing process of Information Evenings and recruitment to the Board and its Committees.

I welcome the following new Board members and Board Committee members.

New Board Members

Mrs Yvette Boulos, Mr Rory Lonergan, Mr Scott Larsen

New Board Committee Members

Mr Thomas Lau, Mr Chris O’Donnell

Through 2020, the College Board will undertake further recruitment as there are other current Board members whose term will conclude over the next 2 years.

Vale James Gillespie

The College community was saddened to hear of the recent passing of a prominent Old Boy James Gillespie, aged 91, who passed away on Christmas Day after years of failing health. James was the much-loved grandfather of Anton, Year 9, and Declan, graduate of the class of 2019.

Notably, James was the brother of Old Boy Anthony Gillespie, killed in action flying with the RAAF over Germany in World War II, aged 19. James’ son Anthony, son in law Gerhard, and grandson Anton, plan to hike the Kokoda Track with our expedition in July this year, in what we hope will be a fitting commemoration of all the families who have served our community and suffered loss in conflict.

Bushfire Appeal

The College supports the incredible efforts of the RFS and SES over the terrible bush fire season. As Bishop Randazzo and the Diocese have encouraged we are supporting the St Vincent de Paul Appeal and I urge all families to give generously through SVDP. The College is not conducting a separate collection and fundraising as we fully support what has already been put into place.  Year 12 are planning a number of school activities to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul. Please see the letter attached from Bishop Randazzo and the link to donate direct to St Vincent de Paul below:

https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw

Bees are Beautiful

On Tuesday we experienced and amazing phenomenon when a beehive settled in the Senior School Playground. The area was barricaded off and Mr Casey stood guard for about 3 hours to keep the area safe. He was armed with epipens and kept the boys at a safe distance. There were no problems and it was fascinating. At about 4.00 pm the queen bee decided to move and the bees left St Pius X College! Another wonder of nature. Thanks to Mr Casey for keeping the boys safe.

Major Upcoming Events in Term 1, 2020

• Junior School Parent/Teacher Meetings Monday 17  & Tuesday 18 February
• Opening School Mass Tuesday 18 February
• P & F Commencement Mass 5.30 pm Saturday 22 February
• Ash Wednesday 26 March
• First P & F Meeting Monday 2 March

Please refer to the 'Upcoming Events' page of this Newsletter for the 2020 College Calendar and Term Dates. 

Mr John Couani - Principal