St Pius X College Newsletter

Mission and Identity

  • All Souls' Day
  • New College Crucifix
  • Our Season of Advent and Our Call to Serve
  • Ecology Symposium

All Souls' Day

Last Friday it was moving to witness many students and staff bring forward candles to lay at the foot of the cross to remember loved ones who have gone home to God, as we commemorated the Feast Days of All Saints and All Souls as a community of faith. The quadrangle was an island of stillness and holiness amidst the bustling Chatswood CBD.

 

Our newly-elected leaders shared with their peers: 

'As we celebrate All Souls' Day tomorrow, we are reminded that death is not the end. 

Today we commemorate all the faithful who have passed on from this earth, and we recognise the great hope we have of resurrection. This first reading reminds us that the souls of those who love God, love their neighbour and love self are in the palm of His hand. 

Today, we remember this reality and have hope for our loved ones who have passed away in faith. We also are reminded that heaven is the goal of all our lives. We are called to live a righteous life through trusting God and living according to God’s Law of Love. It reminds us that our relationship with God needs nourishing and that Death is not the end, but truly a beginning. God desires for all of us to be in union with Him for all of eternity. It is up to us to say yes to this call or not. 

Let us all remember that there is more to life than the here and now. Let us live with eternity in mind and hearts pointed towards our Heavenly Homeland.'

 

'Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.'

New College Crucifix

The Crucifix is the most important symbol in our college community. It represents who we are as a Catholic School in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice, what we believe and the importance of sacrificial love. A crucifix is different to a cross as it has Jesus' body on the cross.

We are creating a new college crucifix which also includes elements that communicate who we are as a St Pius X family. We wish to design a crucifix that tells our story. As a result, we recently requested the help of parents, students and staff in identifying which elements you would like to see included.

Now that these have been collated, we will be creating two designs with the Mission and Identity Prefects. These will then be sent out to staff, students and parents to be voted on. Thank you for taking the time to assist us in creating such an important symbol for our community and we look forward to sharing these with you shortly for your vote.

 

From Mr Balboa

The Season of Advent and Our Call to Serve

As we enter the Season of Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, welcoming Him through acts of love and service. Advent is a time to slow down and reflect on our purpose as stewards of God’s grace, finding ways to share our gifts and time with those in need. Through our actions, we answer the call to be more like Christ, giving generously and with compassion.

In 1 Peter 4:10, we are urged to use our gifts in service to others:

'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.'

These words remind us that our talents, resources, and time are gifts from God, entrusted to us to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are inspired by the example of Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice, who dedicated their lives to supporting those on the margins of society. We are called to live out our faith with a spirit of generosity, meeting the needs of others 'in handfuls' with radical love and compassion.

 

Launching the 2024 St Pius X College Christmas Appeal

As part of this mission, we are excited to announce the launch of our 2024 Christmas Appeal. Through this Appeal, we aim to stand in solidarity with our neighbours experiencing hardship by providing them with much-needed support. Each year group has been assigned a specific community or organisation in need, with each group’s requested items reflecting real needs in our local and broader communities.

 

The communities and organisations we will be supporting this year include:

  • Years 5 and 6 supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society in Woy Woy, with donations of non-perishable snack items in zip lock bags containing three snack items and a can of tuna, soup sachet, or packet of noodles.
  • Year 7 supporting St Mary’s Primary School in Bowraville, with donations of new casual clothing items, sporting items, and primary-aged toys.
  • Year 8 and 9 supporting Mary Mac’s Place inWoy Woy, with donations of non-perishable snack and food items, and toiletries.
  • Year 10 supporting Centacare, with each homeroom creating Christmas present hampers based on specific hobbies for each Centacare employee.
  • Year 11 supporting St Michael’s Meals, with donations of non-perishable snack and food items and toiletries.

The Appeal will run from Week 5 to Week 7, culminating in delivery during Week 8 as part of the Matthew 25:40 Immersion Program, ensuring these items reach the communities and families who will benefit most.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the appeal period, homeroom representatives will collect donations and deliver them to the Edmund Rice Society packing team in the College Foyer.

By participating in the St Pius X College Christmas Appeal, we are offered the gift of a generous heart - a gift that grows when we sacrifice for others. Together, we can embody the spirit of St Peter’s words, responding with courage, faith, and love to serve as the hands and heart of Christ in our world.

We look forward to journeying with you in this season of hope, as we respond to the call of Advent through acts of service that light up the lives of others.

Ecology Symposium

It is always energising to see authentic student voice in action. Days like this really speak to the Edmund Rice Charism and the EREA Touchstones that govern our network of schools.

Congratulations to Waverley College on their Ecology Symposium, which St Pius X College students had a chance to participate in last week.

 

Key takeaways included the following from an amazing lineup of speakers:

  • Walking through Sacredness as we walk through the natural world, through which we live our spirituality - Uncle Dean Kelly;
  • Indigenous Peoples’ use of Constellations to not only tell stories, but to anticipate animal and seasonal movement patterns, and the 'Our Islands, Our Home' Petition - Geoff Lui from James Cook University;
  • The importance of story in Political Advocacy, and the individual’s ability to start a ripple effect - Allegra Spender, MP
  • Individual power against 'Conditioned Consumerism' - Costa Georgiadis, of Gardening Australia fame!
  • The baton has now been passed onto our student leadership groups in attendance - given the quality of ideas and conversation, I am expecting big things from the St Pius X College Student Leaders!

Mr Daniel Petrie - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity