From the Principal

• Reflection
• Maintaining our high standards as 2025 draws to a close
• Important Update: Changes to Social Media Laws - What parents need to know
• A Night to Remember - The College Formal
• Reminder: Twilight Concert this Friday
• Change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026
• Term 4 Cocurricular Program
• Key Dates 

Reflection

Inclusive Community

The Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition has four Touchstones for authenticity: 

Liberating Education

Gospel Spirituality 

Inclusive Community 

Justice and Solidarity 

At our college, the Touchstone of Inclusive Community reminds us to ask an important question: Who is part of our community and who might feel left out? Inclusivity means ensuring every voice is heard and every person feels welcome, both within our gates and beyond.

True community is built on respect, mutuality, and compassion. It’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs and where hospitality is at the heart of what we do. We are called to see the face of Christ in each person and to open our hearts to all as children of God.

Inclusivity challenges us to reach out to those on the margins. Pope Francis calls this the 'culture of encounter', a way of living that values connection and neighbourliness. As the Christian Brother Br Philip Pinto reminded us, an Edmund Rice community ensures that 'everyone eats at the same table.' This means standing against exclusion and walking together in solidarity.

Our mission is always to make inclusivity real. We do this by shaping structures, programs, and practices that are open and supportive, especially for those who might otherwise be overlooked. We also commit to working with the wider Catholic education community and others who share our vision of building the Kingdom of God.

Together, let’s continue to create a college where belonging is lived, hospitality is offered, and every person is valued. 

Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good

Where does Jesus send us?

There are no borders, no limits; he sends us to everyone. 

Pope Francis, World Youth Day 2013

As we look back on 2025, we pause to consider how well we have lived out the Touchstones of a Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice Tradition, especially the call to Inclusive Community. This Touchstone challenges us to ask: Have we truly embraced inclusivity inviting everyone to the table and building relationships marked by deep respect, mutuality, and compassion?

Inclusivity means seeing each person as a child of God and fostering openness and acceptance, particularly for those on the margins. Blessed Edmund Rice modelled this when he welcomed the youth of Waterford into his life and mission. His example calls us to extend that same hospitality and care within our college community. In the words of St Pius X, 'The greatest work of charity is to lead souls to truth.' Inclusivity is not only about welcoming others but also walking with them in truth and love.

Throughout 2025, have we been open, accessible, supportive, and respectful to all who share in the work of building the Kingdom of God? Have our actions reflected a commitment to the common good, ensuring that no one is left behind? These questions invite us to reflect honestly and to celebrate the ways we have grown together in solidarity.

As we move forward, may our efforts continue to resonate with the spirit of inclusivity creating spaces where every person feels valued and where relationships are nurtured in faith and compassion. In doing so, we contribute to making our world a better place, one encounter at a time.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Maintaining Our High Standards as 2025 Draws to a Close

As we enter the final weeks of 2025, I encourage all students to continue upholding the excellent standards that have defined our college throughout the year. These standards are reflected in many ways wearing the uniform with pride, maintaining grooming expectations, completing set work diligently, contributing to a positive and respectful learning environment, and ensuring that every member of our community feels included and valued. And, of course, consistent attendance remains essential.

These practices, along with countless others, are what make St Pius X College the strong and vibrant community it has been for 88 years. Let’s finish the year as we began committed to excellence, respect, and inclusivity.

Below are the arrangements for Week 8:

Monday 1 December:  

• Year 11 Snowy Hike
• Year 10 Peer Support training
• Years 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5 will attend to normal classes

Tuesday 2 December:

• Year 11 Snowy Hike

• Years 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5 will join the wider community for the celebration of Christmas at our Road to Bethlehem production.

• Following the Road to Bethlehem

  • Year 5 and 6 Academic and Cocurricular Awards in the College Gym 

  •  Year 7 and 8 to Oxford Falls

  • Year 9 to Beauchamp Oval

  • Year 10 students will be involved in two sessions: Immersion Reflections and a presentation on Senior Studies expectations

• Early departure for all students at the conclusion of Period 4   

• Optional parent/teacher interviews if required

Wednesday 3 December:

• Year 11 Snowy Hike

• Year 5 – 10 to attend the Annual Academic Awards Ceremony at Oxford Falls

• Following the ceremony students will be dismissed early to conclude the academic school year

Full details will be communicated next week.

Important Update: Changes to Social Media Laws – What Parents Need to Know

From 10 December 2025, Australia will introduce world-first social media age restrictions. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (Twitter), Threads, Reddit, and Kick will be required to prevent anyone under 16 years of age from creating or keeping an account. This is not a ban on internet use, but a measure designed to protect young people from online risks, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive design features that impact wellbeing. [nowtolove.com.au]

What does this mean for parents and students?

• Existing accounts for under-16s may be removed or suspended by platforms.

• Age verification measures will be introduced, which may involve privacy-friendly technologies.

The responsibility for enforcement lies with social media companies, not families but this is a great opportunity for parents to start conversations about online safety and healthy digital habits.

Why is this important?

Research shows early social media exposure can lead to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and vulnerability to harmful interactions. These changes give families extra time to help young people build resilience and digital skills before engaging with social platforms. [cyberethos.com.au]

Please visit our Pastoral Care page for practical tips and school-based support.  You can explore detailed guidance, FAQs, and tools for families on the eSafety Commissioner website.

A Night to Remember – The College Formal

The College Formal was an outstanding success, bringing together students, parents, and staff for a truly memorable celebration of the partnership between home and school. It was a night filled with joy, laughter, and pride as our Year 12 students marked this significant milestone in their journey at St Pius X College.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and relief, and what made the evening even more special was how incredible everyone looked. Our students arrived in stunning formal attire, radiating confidence and elegance. Parents and staff also embraced the spirit of the evening, adding to the sense of glamour and celebration.

Congratulations to Mr Maloney and Ms Bamber for their exceptional organisation and unwavering support of our Year 12 students. Their dedication ensured that the event ran seamlessly and that every student felt valued and celebrated as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

The College Formal was more than just an event it was a testament to community, inclusivity, and the shared commitment to nurturing young people. It was a night where everyone shone, not only in appearance but in spirit.

Reminder: Twilight Concert This Friday!

The festive spirit is in full swing as we prepare for one of the highlights of our year, the Twilight Concert this Friday evening! Join the St Pius X College community for a magical night of music as our talented bands and ensembles fill the air with the joyful melodies of Christmas.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together as a community and enjoy the incredible talent of our students. Bring your family and friends, and let’s make this a night to remember!

Although I won’t be able to join you this year as I’ll be attending the annual National EREA Principals' Mass and Thanksgiving, I know our community will make the evening truly special especially during the singing of Christmas carols!

Let’s come together this Friday for the Twilight Concert and celebrate the joy of Christmas as a united St Pius X community. 

It promises to be a wonderful evening filled with music, festive spirit, and togetherness.

Change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026

Continuing with our reminders for 2026, the House shirt has been redesigned and it has been great to see some students wearing these new shirts.  2026 will be part of the transition for families to the new shirts therefore by the beginning of 2027 all students have purchased the new version of the house shirt. Below are details on when students are permitted to wear the House shirt.

Transition Timeline

There will be a phased transition to the new uniforms.

• From the start of 2026: All students (except Year 12) must purchase the new College polo.

• From the start of 2027: All students must wear the updated PE uniform.

This transition period allows families time to adjust and ensures all students are aligned with the new uniform standards.

The House shirt

The House shirt is to be worn when: 

• attending PE at the Oxford Falls campus

• participating in PE at the Chatswood campus

• attending College Swimming and Athletics carnival

• participating in College House events

• Junior School will be able to wear their House shirt to school when they are participating in PE at either the Chatswood or Oxford Falls campus.

The full copy of the uniform changes is included below:

Term 4 Cocurricular Program - Two Rounds to Go – Let’s Finish Strong!

As we approach the final two ISA rounds, excitement is building across all our sporting teams. Many of our squads are in a position to secure their current standing on the ladder, while others have the chance to climb even higher. Every game counts, and the next two weeks will be a true test of determination and teamwork.

This is the moment to give your best effort on the field, in training, and in supporting one another. Sport is not just about the scoreboard; it’s about resilience, commitment, and the pride of representing St Pius X College. Whether victory comes individually or as a team, the hard work and dedication you’ve shown all season will shine through.

Let’s finish the season with energy, spirit, and unity. Play hard, play fair, and play for each other. 

Good luck to all teams we’re behind you every step of the way!

Go the Blue and Gold!

Key Dates

Week 7

Mon 24/11 Year 9 Rice Camp - 26/11

Tues 25/11 Chapel Mass (Pius)

Wed 26/11 White Ribbon Day / Year 9 Treacy Camp - 28/11

Fri 28/11 Year 12 2026 final day

Sat 29/11 Snowy Hike departs - 4/12 / ISA R6 (final week of sport for 2025)

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal