From the Principal

• Reflection
• Pedagogy of Encounter: A Transformative Experience at the EREBB Congress
• Founder's Day Celebrations
• Twilight Concert - A Celebration of Music and Talent
• Principal's Invitation - Supporting our P&F Community
• Cocurricular Program
• Key Dates 

Reflection - the Season of Easter

Ascension of Jesus: St Pius X community sent to live the Gospel.

Forty days after Easter, the disciples gathered with Jesus one final time. They had walked with Him, learned from Him, and seen the miracle of His Resurrection. As they stood together, Jesus blessed them and reminded them that their mission was just beginning. Then, before their eyes, He ascended to heaven.

At first, the disciples looked up, unsure of what to do next. But they soon realised something important -  Jesus had not left them alone. Instead, He trusted them to continue His work. Filled with hope, they returned to their community, ready to live out His message.

Today, we are like those first disciples. At St Pius X College, the Ascension reminds us that we are called to live with purpose. Through our Gospel Spirituality, we remember that Jesus is still with us in prayer, in the Eucharist, and in each other. As an Inclusive Community, we support and welcome everyone. Through Justice and Solidarity, we care for those in need. 

And in our Liberating Education, we grow to become people of faith and action.

The Ascension is not about Jesus leaving, it is about us being sent. Just like the disciples, we are called to bring hope, kindness, and faith into our world each day.

Prayer:

Loving God,

As we remember the Ascension of your Son,

help us to trust that Jesus is always with us.

Guide us to live as His disciples,

sharing kindness, hope, and compassion with others.

Strengthen our St Pius X community

so that we may live out our faith through our words and actions.

May we follow Your call

to serve, to include, and to stand in solidarity with all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Pedagogy of Encounter: A Transformative Experience at the EREBB Congress

The recent EREBB Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. Centred on the theme Pedagogy of Encounter, the gathering brought together educators from across the world to reflect on the importance of relationships, presence, and authentic connection in education. Drawing deeply on the vision of Pope Francis, the Congress reminded us that education is not simply about the sharing of knowledge, but about forming young people through meaningful encounter.

Throughout the Congress, we were privileged to learn from several remarkable facilitators and animators who brought the theme to life in powerful and memorable ways. We were inspired by Fr Dani Villanueva SJ, whose work with Fe y Alegría highlighted the transformative power of education among the marginalised, and by Cardinal Ángel Rossi, who connected the theme of encounter to the broader mission of the Church.  Particularly moving were the contributions of speakers such as Pedro Algorta and Br Hugo Cáceres, who deepened our understanding of courage, resilience, and the importance of authentic community. 

Pedro Algorta shared his extraordinary personal story as one of the 17 survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash involving a Uruguayan rugby team. His reflection was not simply about survival, but about the profound encounters that sustained life in the face of unimaginable hardship encounters marked by solidarity, sacrifice, and deep human connection. His story challenged us to consider what it truly means to accompany one another, especially in times of vulnerability, and how hope can be sustained through community.

Together, these voices invited us to reflect on how we can build a genuine culture of encounter in our own context, one grounded in compassion, presence, and the shared dignity of every person.

Pope Francis often spoke of this call, reminding us that 'an encounter is not just about seeing, but about looking; it is not just hearing, but listening.' His invitation to build a 'culture of encounter' was at the heart of every experience throughout the Congress. As we walked in the spirit of Pope Francis, particularly meaningful in his homeland of Argentina, we were challenged to move beyond superficial interactions and instead foster genuine, life-giving relationships.

The Congress also reminded us that encounter requires openness. Pope Francis wrote, “The culture of encounter requires us to be ready not only to give, but also to receive.” This mutual exchange was evident as educators from over 22 countries gathered, shared stories, and learned from one another’s experiences.

For our St Pius X community, this experience is both affirming and challenging. It connects deeply with our commitment to the EREA Touchstones. Through Gospel Spirituality, we encounter Christ in one another. As an Inclusive Community, we ensure all feel valued and heard. Through Justice and Solidarity, we respond to those on the margins, inspired by the example of Edmund Rice. And through a Liberating Education, we empower our young people to grow in faith, compassion, and purpose.

Pope Francis reminds us that 'education is an act of hope… by awakening in others a thirst for truth, goodness and beauty.' This message resonated strongly throughout the Congress and continues to inspire us as educators.

As our Edmund Rice community, we carry forward this call to encounter. May we all continue to build a culture where each person is truly seen, each voice is valued, and each relationship becomes an opportunity to reveal the presence of Christ.

‘Dios los bendiga’

God Bless

Founder’s Day celebrations

Last Friday, we gathered at Oxford Falls to celebrate our Founder’s Day Mass, a wonderful occasion centred on the Eucharist. It was particularly pleasing to see all students participate with such reverence throughout the Mass, contributing to a calm and respectful atmosphere. Our musicians and choir, as always, were outstanding, enhancing the celebration and adding to the spirit of the day. A special thank you to Ms Gabby Scanlon for her excellent organisation of her first Founder’s Day Mass.

One of the highlights of the day for me was the outstanding leadership shown by our Year 12 Student Leaders as they hosted the lip-sync competition between the Year 12 House groups. With a wide range of talent on display, the performances provided great entertainment for all. The event generated strong House spirit, with students enthusiastically supporting one another. I congratulate our student leaders for their energy, creativity, and commitment in making this such an enjoyable and memorable part of Founder’s Day.

Join Us for Our Twilight Concert – A Celebration of Music and Talent

I warmly invite all our community to come together this coming Friday evening for a very special event, our Twilight Concert.

This annual concert is always a highlight of the school calendar, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our student musicians. As the sun sets and the evening comes alive, our performers will take to the stage to share the results of many hours of rehearsal, collaboration, and commitment.

From our beginner ensembles to our more experienced groups, the Twilight Concert showcases the rich musical life of our school. It is more than just a performance, it is a celebration of creativity, confidence, and community. Each piece reflects not only musical skill but also the courage of our students to step forward, share their gifts, and connect with others through music.

Principal’s Invitation – Supporting Our P&F Community

As Principal, I am continually inspired by the strength and spirit of our St Pius X community. A vital part of this is the work of our Parents and Friends Association, which plays an important role in helping every family and student feel welcome and genuinely connected to College life.

Our P&F strengthens the partnership between home and school, acting as a bridge between parents and the College leadership. It provides valuable opportunities for families to come together socially and supports the College through events and initiatives that directly benefit our young men.

At this time, we are seeking parents who are willing to contribute their time and talents by taking on a role within the P&F or as a Class Parent. There are several opportunities currently available, including:

• P&F Vice President

• P&F Social Coordinator

• Class Parent Coordinators across various year groups

I understand that stepping into a new role can feel a little daunting. However, our P&F is a very supportive group of parents, many of whom have generously volunteered for many years. There is a strong sense of teamwork, and responsibilities are shared so that individuals can contribute when they are able, while balancing the demands of family and work life.

Being part of the P&F is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to meet other parents and build connections within our community. I warmly encourage you to consider becoming involved. If you are interested or simply curious and would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to Eoin Geaney for a conversation. There is no obligation, just an open invitation.  

Our next P&F Meeting is being held this coming Monday night.  All are welcome to come along - either in person, or online.  Please see the P&F Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support of our College community.

Cocurricular Program 

Our U13 Football team proudly represented the College at the Edmund Rice Cup on Wednesday 13 May. This tournament, bringing together all Edmund Rice schools across NSW, continues to grow as a significant and valued event within our network. The team performed exceptionally well, producing strong efforts against St Edward’s Gosford, Edmund Rice College Wollongong, and St Dominic’s College Penrith. Throughout the day, the players displayed excellent teamwork, determination, and spirit. My thanks go to Mr Lacey and Mr Wheatley for their ongoing commitment to the Rice Cup and the development of our students.

Football across the weekend presented some tough challenges, with most teams facing St Patrick’s Strathfield. While the results may not have been what we had hoped for, our players demonstrated commendable resilience and tenacity in each match. It is important that we continue to recognise the value of teamwork supporting one another and maintaining a positive attitude, particularly when faced with adversity.

Rugby concluded its preseason matches last weekend, and from all reports, our teams are well prepared for the opening round of the ISA competition this weekend against St Patrick’s Strathfield. Despite playing away, I am confident our players will represent the College with pride and give their very best.

Congratulations to all our Junior sports teams who are excelling in their competitions.

Chess and squash continue this week. Our debaters host Christian Brothers Lewisham on Friday.  Our tennis teams will compete against Central Coast Grammar and Chevalier.

May all teams continue to wear the blue and gold with pride.

Go the Blue and Gold!

Key Dates

Week 5

Mon 18/5 Staff meeting (early finish for students - no academic annexe) / P&F Meeting

Tues 19/5 Chapel Mass (Pius)

Wed 20/5 Year 11 mid-course reports issued / ISA Cross Country

Fri 22/5 Year 9 Formation Day / Year 12 Major Works Day #2 / Pius Unplugged - Chamber Concert (Sarto Centre) 

Sat 23/5 ISA & IPSHA R4 / ISA Rugby R1 vs St Patrick's

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal