St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection
  • EREA Charter Renewal and Mission Strategy
  • Reconciliation Week
  • Assessment Time for Year 7 - 10
  • Year 11 Reports and Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews
  • Staffing Update
  • 2025 Enrolment Interviews
  • Year/Homeroom/Individual and other group photos
  • Key Dates
  • Cocurricular

Reflection

 

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ

 

I may have shared with the community that Mr Richard Korkor the father of two of students is a former student of mine back.  On a monthly basis, Richard shares his gospel reflection that he prepares for his parish with me.    In readings his reflection of The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ I thought it appropriate to share with the St Pius X community.  Below is part of his reflection …

 

In our gospel this weekend the disciples ask Jesus where he wants them to go and prepare for him to eat the Passover, a feast that recalls and celebrates the Israelites being freed from slavery. Rather than tell them directly Jesus asks them to go into the city, and in that place, you will meet a man carrying a jar of water.   Follow him, and wherever he enters say to the master of the house the Teacher asks where is my guest room?  He will take you to a large upper room furnished and ready and it is there where you are to prepare for the feast.

 

Now if you are of a younger generation reading this you would think Jesus was an early adopter of iPhone technology, calling ahead and arranging things, perhaps he had a knack for events management. 

 

In some ways we could say the disciples are asking Jesus how do I get to the place where I can celebrate being freed from the things in my life that weigh me down, where I feel trapped or stuck, where I do not feel like there is a way out, or I do not know how this part of my journey will play out. In conversations with many over the years, different stages of life bring with them their own feelings of being enslaved to the situation one finds themself in with no capacity to see a celebration in sight.   

 

Despite what Facebook and Instagram feeds portray, marriages go through such seasons, and sometimes made particularly more difficult when intertwined with our own individual experience of change in ourselves. Raising children or watching grandchildren can at times feel overwhelming or bring with it a sense of helplessness.  Our schooling or working lives can, at times, feel like we are trapped with no end in sight or no clarity as to where this will all lead to, deprived of joy.   Not to mention the disorder our world seemingly finds itself in.

 

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Pentecost. One of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit is that she will remind you of all things and so through the Holy Spirit we are reminded to turn to Jesus and ask him, Lord where do you want me to go, what is the path I need to take to get to the place where I can be freed from the things that weigh me down. 

 

In his answer Jesus asks us to go into the city, not around it, not over it or under it, but into the place where you feel trapped, afraid or uncertain and look for the person carrying a jar of water, the things which bring life which you may have overlooked or not noticed.  Then follow that seed, trusting this gentle process. Because it is this process which will lead you to the upper room.  And just like the disciples who were afraid and hid in the upper room after Jesus’s death, Jesus meets us there and it is in that place where he feeds us.

 

And therein lies the celebration.  A celebration where we are reminded that Jesus is aware of the path we are on and that if we ask, he will guide us. The disciples asked for directions.  Where did it lead them?  To the place where they were fed by Christ himself.  What for? To be reminded that we are loved, seen and worthy to be fed. 

 

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ are you being directed to Christ and continuing in your relationship with him.  Thank you, Richard, for your reflection.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

EREA Charter Renewal and Mission Strategy (CRaMS) Invitation to Online Forums

Members of the St Pius X College community still have the opportunity to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia national community to imagine how our school, and all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, can be the best they can be for our young people and for our world.  We need the help of all our EREA communities to shape the future for over 41,000 young people.

 

If you would like to attend one of these forums, please use the registration links below

Open Forum Online Registration Link

Reconciliation Week

The Reconciliation assembly was a vibrant celebration featuring the Aboriginal Dance group Nulugu Dreaming, led by Jesse, who introduced the students of St Pius X to traditional dances and songs from the coastal district of New South Wales. Jesse expressed appreciation for the students' respectful demeanor towards the performers and the stories they shared. The smoking ceremony and overall presentation were outstanding. We extend our gratitude to all the students, particularly those who wore their reconciliation jerseys, for their respectful acknowledgment of our role in reconciliation. Special thanks go to Mr Petrie, Mr Bourke, and Mr Gillogly for organising such a meaningful ceremony.

This year marks the 10 Year anniversary of our Indigenous Reconciliation Jersey. The inception of the jersey originated from art created by Sean Ryan from the Black Cockatoo people of Far North Queensland - Kuku Byungkal bubu bamanga nyadimunku clan.

 

This artwork has holds great meaning and significance to St Pius X and continues as an integral part of our Reconciliation Action Plan and forms the basis of our Reconciliation Jersey.

  • The four hands represent the founding brothers and create the crown on our college Crest.
  • There are four ‘U’ shapes representing the four school houses around the central circular symbol which represents the faith of the school.
  • The gum leaves are the eucalyptus paniculata or grey ironbark tree which is endemic of the local area thus linking us to the Cammeraygal people, the native custodians of this land. The 48 petals on the flowers represent the 48 schools and ministries that are part of the Edmund Rice Education Australia.
  • The five radiating lines represent the Five Steps to Heaven that also featured in the rays at the foot of the college Crest.
  • The four EREA touchstones represent the school’s ethos and values. They form the crucifix and are connected to the central elements.
  • The college colours are captured throughout the painting in blue and gold pastels.
  • On the reverse of the jersey are depictions of the sulphur-crested cockatoo.  An iconic totem of the Cammeraygal people, drawn by student Sam Bewley.  The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a regular visitor to the college grounds.

The painting acknowledges our reconciliation and connection to our Indigenous people. Reconciliation is about building relationships and reestablishing friendly connections. The St Pius X Reconciliation Jersey symbolises our commitment to fostering understanding and unity. It's an opportunity for dialogue, for experiencing spirituality, and for showcasing the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture that is so special to our country.

Year/Homeroom/Individual and other group photos

Next Friday, 7 June, the college will be holding year and homeroom photos.  Please see the Parent and Student Matters page of this week's Woodchatta for more information.

Assessment time for Year 7 – 10 can be stressful – time management plan and Academic Annexe

During this part of the term, most students in Years 7 to 10 will be completing their final assessments for Semester One. This can be a stressful period for many students for various reasons. It is crucial for students to be well-organised to manage their assessment schedules effectively. I encourage families to develop a time management plan to help their sons manage their time wisely, especially if they have additional co-curricular commitments.

 

A reminder that the Academic Annexe in the Senior Resource Centre is an excellent resource for students. Our ex-students are available to assist with any assessment tasks.  All students are urged to seek support during this busy period in their academic studies.

Year 11 Reports and Parent/Teacher/Student interviews

The Parent/Teacher/Student interviews next Monday offer a valuable opportunity for parents to maintain open communication with the school. This collaboration is essential for the holistic development of the young people at St Pius X College. I encourage Year 11 parents and students to engage with their teachers, working together to support their sons' learning journey and improvement. The feedback received during these interviews will provide students with a roadmap for self-improvement. May these interviews lead to significant learning and progress

Staffing Update

The College is pleased to welcome Ms Brooke Doherty to the English Department. She will be replacing Mr Quilty for the remainder of the term.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the English Department especially Ms Taddio for their support of our English Department during the first 5 weeks of term 2.

 

On Tuesday, Mr Quilty shared some very positive news from his oncologist: his latest scans indicate that he is cancer-free. This is fantastic news! Mr Quilty will continue his current treatment for one more session before undergoing additional scans to confirm he remains cancer-free. Thank you all for your continued prayers for Mr Quilty.

2025 Enrolment Interviews

The 2025 Enrolment Interviews have continued this week. All interviewers have been highly impressed with the calibre of students who have nominated St Pius X as their school of choice.  The interviews will conclude this week with letters of offer being posted by the end of Term 2.

Key Dates

Cocurricular

The Chamber Concert last Friday provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents. Both the musicians and choristers were exceptional. Special thanks to Mrs Annabel Westhoff, Mr Brendan Jones, and Mr Andrew Saar for facilitating these opportunities for our students. We also appreciate our sound and lighting crew for making the evening even more spectacular.

 

This week is a busy time for our performing arts students. The Co-curricular Drama Showcase, featuring the Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles, will take place tonight, Thursday 30 May, at 5:30 pm in the Sarto Centre. Tomorrow, Friday 31 May, the Big Bands Bonanza Concert will feature our Jazz and Concert Bands, along with the Rock and Bass Guitar Ensembles, in the College Gym starting at 5:00 pm. Come and support all our students as they showcase their amazing talent.

 

Reports from last Saturday at Oxford Falls indicate we were excellent hosts to St Aloysius’ College. Despite mixed results in the younger age groups, the First XV were outstanding in their rugby performance and sportsmanship, retaining the annual Ross Fagan Shield. In speaking with the Principal of St Aloysius’ College, he was most grateful for the hospitality shown by St Pius X College.  Congratulations to our entire rugby community, especially those who contributed to the cake stall or made purchases. Your ongoing support of the College is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Mr Justin Gates and the parents for hosting the after-match function with St Aloysius’ College and the First XV teams from both schools.

 

Although students were reminded to wear only school-crested apparel to games, some did not adhere to this guideline. We ask parents to support us in ensuring that students only wear College-crested apparel. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

 

Best wishes to our debaters, tennis players, rugby and football players (both junior and senior), and the Junior School AFL teams as they represent the College this week.

 

Best wishes to all our teams this weekend.

Go the Blue and Gold this week.

 

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal