St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection
  • Principal Long Service Leave
  • Refurbishment of old 'Junior School' classrooms
  • P&F Cocktail Evening
  • Cocurricular Program
  • Senior and Junior Swimming Carnivals
  • Open Day
  • Key Dates Week 5

Reflection

As we embark on a new school year, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the value of compassion, inclusivity, and support for those around us, particularly those who are new to the college. Transitioning to a new environment can be both exciting and challenging, and a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in helping someone feel welcomed and valued. Each of us brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences, yet we all share a common desire to belong and contribute to our vibrant and supportive community. By fostering an atmosphere of empathy and connection, we can ensure that everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to thrive.

 

A Wise Old Teacher

Once a wise old teacher was speaking to a group of young and eager students. She gave them an assignment to go out and find by the side of some lonely road a small unnoticed flower. She asked them to study the flower for a long time. 

'Get a magnifying glass and study the delicate veins in the leaves and notice the nuances and shades of colour. Turn the leaf slowly and observe its symmetry. And remember: this flower might have gone unnoticed and unappreciated if you had not found and admired it.'

When the class returned, after carrying out the assignment, the wise old teacher observed: 'People are like that. Each one is different, carefully crafted, uniquely endowed. But you have to spend time with them to know this.  So many people go unnoticed and unappreciated because no one has ever taken time with them and admired their uniqueness.'

ln a true sense, each one of us is a unique masterpiece of God.

 

As we commence the school year and with so many new faces to our college, perhaps we could spare a couple of minutes this week to consider those who might go 'unnoticed and unappreciated’, in our community. 

What can we do to provide the right 'climate' for these unique flowers to grow and develop? 

They are just there waiting for the gentle touch of a helping hand, the soft rain of a kind word and the sunshine of a friendly smile.

 

So, as we commence our 2025 journey, let us try to appreciate a 'flower' this week whether it be at school or on the weekend during our cocurricular commitments.

 

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

 

Principal Long Service Leave

I would like to inform the College community that I will taking some Long Service Leave later this term.  From Monday 17 March until and including Monday 7 April. During my leave Ms Watson will be the Acting Principal.  Over the course of the next two weeks, EREA Colleges NSW will conduct a process to appoint an Acting Deputy Principal during my leave.

Refurbishment of the old ‘Junior School’ classrooms

The refurbishment of our old Junior School classrooms has successfully transformed the space into a contemporary learning environment designed to support high-quality teaching and learning. This revitalised area now features modern facilities, including new lockers, upgraded air conditioning for comfort, and the latest technology to enhance the student experience. The students have truly appreciated these improvements, recognising the benefits of a more engaging and functional space. With these upgrades comes the responsibility to respect and maintain these facilities, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for years to come. 

I would like to extend my gratitude to both staff and students for their patience and cooperation as we completed this transformation within a remarkably short timeframe.  A special thanks to Mr L Skeen (College Business Manager) and Mr D Reay (Resources and Facilities Coordinator) for their coordination of the refurbishment.

Save the Date:  P&F Association Cocktail Evening

On Friday 7 March, the P&F Association will host the annual Cocktail function at the College Gym.

I would encourage all families, especially those new to the College to join us at this event.  I look forward to seeing you all at the cocktail evening.

Cocurricular Program 

When playing competitive sport, we sometimes forget about the reasons why we are playing.  Yes, winning is great but it is not everything.  Playing sports is also about demonstrating good sportsmanship.  So, what is good sportsmanship?

Sportsmanship is essential in fostering respect, integrity, and fairness in both competitive and recreational activities. It promotes a positive environment where athletes, coaches, and spectators uphold values such as teamwork, humility, and resilience. Good sportsmanship encourages players to handle both victory and defeat with grace, reinforcing the idea that effort and respect matter more than the final score. It also helps build strong character, teaching individuals how to cope with challenges, treat opponents with dignity, and maintain self-discipline under pressure. Ultimately, sportsmanship enhances the overall experience of sports, creating a culture of mutual respect and lifelong lessons that extend beyond the game.

When we view sport through this lens, then we can appreciate the importance of good sportsmanship.

Thank you to all the St Pius X community who support our values in making sport fun. 

A reminder to all that there is an ISA Code of Conduct and IPSHA Code of Conduct for both players and spectators.  Please refer to Mr Stearn’s section within Woodchatta.

Junior and Senior Swimming Carnivals

I sincerely appreciate the outstanding participation of both staff and students in the Junior and Senior swimming carnivals. The enthusiasm and engagement from all students were truly commendable. The spirited chants and unwavering support for their Houses exemplified remarkable House Spirit. A special thank you to Mr Stearn for his exceptional organisation of the Senior Carnival and to Mr Bourke for the Junior Carnival.  Congratulations to Ben Hillsdon, House Captain, and Mr D Quilty, House Patron, for leading Rice House to victory and to the Barron House for winning the Junior Carnival. I also extend my congratulations to all our Age Champions and look forward to their performances in the upcoming ISA Swimming Championships.

Open Day

The College Open Day will be held on Saturday 22 March from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Bookings are essential and are now open through the College website.  Please click on the image below to take you to the booking page.

Key Dates

Week 5

Mon 24/2 Staff Meeting / P&F Meeting

Tues 25/2 Chapel Mass (Mercy)

Fri 28/2 CB Swimming Carnival / CSDA Public Speaking R1 / CIS Cup R1

Sat 1/3 ISA R10 / IPSHA R3 / NSTA

 

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal