St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection
  • A fresh start to the term
  • HSC Examinations commence
  • UK Football Tour
  • Before and After School Supervision Notice - Reminder
  • Staffing Updates
  • 2026 Student Leaders Roles
  • Key Dates 

Reflection

Prayer for Peace

God of all goodness, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. 

Your will is that peace should shine on all people everywhere. 

With your spirit, guide the efforts of humankind to bring peace and justice to the nations of the earth, and give strength to rulers 

and all who work to establish peace and justice in the world. 

Inspire those who come together in search of ways to bring about peace, and through your word, change the hearts of all people so that we shall strive for: 

Peace, and not war, 

The Common Good, rather than individual wellbeing, 

Your Justice, instead of our own glory. 

You have given us your peace. 

Enable us to share that peace with those around us, 

so that love and harmony may be always present in our lives, 

that all the world may know happiness, 

that we may live with dignity as brothers and sisters, 

and that all may rejoice in your presence. 

United in diversity, we call upon your infinite grace, 

humbly asking you to receive our prayer and make us instruments of your peace. 

Amen. 

 

As we commence the term, let us keep our prayers for all the innocent victims of the middle east whose peace has been totally challenged over the past two years.  Following the recent development in the Middle East, may our lovely God share his peace with all people around the world especially during this difficult time.

 

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

A Fresh Start to the Term: A Time for Reflection and Growth

As we begin a new term, it’s an ideal moment for our students to reflect on their achievements and challenges from the previous term. This reflection is not just about academic performance.  It is also about personal growth and the strategies that can help each student become a better learner and a better person.

Students in Years 7 to 10 are encouraged to revisit their learning habits and goals, and to take proactive steps toward improvement. With the end of the academic year fast approaching, now is the time to act with purpose and focus.

For our Year 10 students, the timeline is particularly pressing: only three weeks of teaching and learning remain before their examinations begin in Week 4. Meanwhile, Year 11 students have completed their Preliminary HSC course and now embark on the more rigorous demands of the HSC program.

 

The Canvas of the Year

Each student has been painting their own canvas throughout the year, layer by layer, stroke by stroke with experiences, learning, and growth. Now, with three-quarters of the academic year complete, that canvas is beginning to take shape. There is still time to refine it, to add depth and colour, and to ensure that the final picture is one they can be proud of.

We encourage all students to approach this term with an open mindset, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in their potential. By doing so, they not only grow as individuals but also contribute to making St Pius X a vibrant and inspiring community.

HSC Examinations commence – Supporting Our Year 12 Students

As our Year 12 students begin their HSC Examinations, we ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. This period can be challenging and stressful, but your encouragement and well wishes play a vital role in helping them stay calm, focused, and confident.

Let us continue to surround them with support as they take this important step toward their future. We are proud of their dedication and resilience, and we know they will approach these exams with the strength and determination that defines the St Pius X spirit.

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”        Marie Forleo

UK Football Tour – A Truly Blessed Experience

I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to attend the UK Football Tour alongside a wonderful group of students. It was an unforgettable journey filled with rich experiences, personal growth, and a deep appreciation for the global football culture.

Throughout the tour, our students visited some of the most iconic football clubs in the UK, immersing themselves in the legacy and passion that defines the sport. They were coached by elite academy coaches who shared their expertise and inspired our players to elevate their game.

Beyond the pitch, the tour offered a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the United Kingdom. From historic landmarks to local traditions, the students gained a broader perspective of the world around them.

Our players were outstanding ambassadors for the College, consistently demonstrating the values we instil in all our students - respect, humility, teamwork, and resilience. Their gratitude was evident, as they recognised the incredible support from their families and the College in making this experience possible.

This tour was more than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of character, opportunity, and community. We are proud of every student who participated and grateful for the memories created along the way.

Special thanks to Mr Lacey and Mr Yue who were instrumental in the organisation of the first ever overseas football tour.

Before and After School Supervision Notice - reminder

Dear Parents and Carers,

The safety and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority. We would like to remind all families of the school’s supervision arrangements to ensure that all students are safe and appropriately supervised while on school grounds.

 

Supervision Times:

  • Before School: Supervision is provided from 8:10 am each morning

  • After School: Supervision concludes at 4:00 pm (Monday to Thursday)

 

It is important to note that the after-school supervision concludes at 4:00 pm, at which time, all students will be requested to leave the College grounds. This arrangement is for normal school days Monday to Thursday.  There will be no after-school supervision of the College grounds (especially the Basketball Court) on a Friday.  The College will communicate when there will be no additional after school supervision because of a College function.

Students may (and are encouraged to) attend the Academic Annexe if they are waiting to be picked up.

Additionally, the College front door will not open until 6:45 am.  This will allow those students to enter the college for their before school training or rehearsal.

Thank you for your support and helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.

If you have any questions or require further information about before and after school care options, please contact Ms Watson.

Staffing Updates

Farewelling Mr Mark Pawlak

It is with heartfelt gratitude and a touch of sadness that we inform the College community of Mr Mark Pawlak’s upcoming retirement at the end of 2025. Mr Pawlak has been a distinguished and deeply valued member of St Pius X for an incredible 48 years.

Throughout his time at the College, Mr Pawlak has educated generations of students, often teaching both father and son, and has been a beloved presence in our community. His dedication, wisdom, and care have left a lasting legacy.

Later this year, we will have the opportunity to farewell Mr Pawlak in a fitting and meaningful way, honouring his remarkable contribution to the life of the College. 

 

Other staffing news:

  • We’re delighted to welcome back Ms Zervakos, who returns from maternity leave. It’s wonderful to have her back in the College community.

 

  • A warm welcome to Mr Nolan, who joins the PDHPE Department, and to Ms Shi, who is stepping in for Ms Janes during her long service leave. We wish them both a rewarding and joyful experience at St Pius X.

 

  • Best wishes to Mr Dawson as he takes on the role of Pastoral Coordinator for Year 7 for the remainder of the year. We know he will lead with care and dedication.

 

  • Congratulations to Mr Lane on his appointment as Treacy House Patron for the remainder of the year. We’re confident he will bring great energy and spirit to the role.

 

I know in the true Pius spirit, we will embrace all our staff as we embark on the final term of 2025.

2026 Student Leaders - roles

Following the 2026 Student Leaders Retreat held last term, the leadership team worked collaboratively to finalise the specific roles they will undertake in the coming year.

We commend all student leaders for their thoughtful engagement and teamwork throughout this process. 

Their commitment to serving the College community is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their roles and make a meaningful impact in 2025/26.  The investiture of our student leaders will be on Thursday 30 October.

Key Dates

Term 4

Week 2:   Performing Arts Festival Week 1

Mon 20/10  HSC continues

Tues 21/10 Chapel Mass (Mercy) / Year 12 2026 parent information evening - College gym (6:00 pm) / Football AGM and Information night - Sarto Centre (6:30 pm)

Sat 25/10 ISA summer R1 / IPSHA R8 / NSTA / MWJCA / Parish in Council

 

Dates for your diary

Mon 3/11 Year 10 Exams (til 9/11 inclusive)

Thur 6/11 Year 7, 8, 9 Exams (til 13/11 inclusive)

Fri 7/11 HSC concludes

Mon 10/11 P&F AGM

 

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal