From the Principal

• Reflection
• Principal’s address to the College during our assembly
• A Memorable Evening at the Rugby Gala Dinner
• Cocurricular Program
• College Building Fund
• Key Dates 

Reflection

Reflection: THE EMMAUS JOURNEY

In the final chapter of the Gospel of Luke, there appears a beautiful story about two men, distraught over the death of Jesus, who find themselves in deep conversation with the Teacher Himself  -  only they don’t realise it is Him.

There, as they walk the road to Emmaus, these two men learn about 

Christ directly from the source. And when they finally realise who they had been talking with the entire time, they rush to tell the 11 apostles the good news: The Lord had indeed risen!

It’s a powerful tale, one filled with lessons about discernment, hope, and the truth.

A Journey to Remember

That very same day, a group of them were on their way into a common future,

which lay just ahead beyond what, they could see. 

As they lived into the future, they talked together about all the happenings among them. 

But something kept them from seeing and understanding that it was really happening that ordinarily. 

God entered into their hearts and asked, 'what is it you are troubled about? What are you wondering? What questions are unsettling to you?' 

The group stopped full of fear and anxiety. And one among them said,

'We thought it would be simpler.  We thought it would have been clear.

We thought that the choices would be more evident. 

We thought we would agree more easily on what decisions to make. 

We thought we knew how things would be. 

We thought God would lead us more directly

We thought the way would have no conflicts, doubts or confusion. 

We had hoped our future would be more uncomplicated. 

We had hoped things would not be so messy. 

We had hoped the power to choose would be easy. 

We had hoped our experience would confirm what we knew, not change it again. 

We had hoped that familiar theories would still fit. 

We had hoped. 

We had hoped.

And now some among us are saying that things are not as we first imagined them to be. Now some are saying that future conditions challenge us in different ways.' 

And God said, 'How slow you are as a group.  How hard it is for you to trust. 

Have I not promised from the beginning to be with you, to sustain you, and to continually reveal to hearts that are open my plans? Have l not promised you more than you can ask or imagine?'

Luke 24:13-35

Listening For God

The story of the road to Emmaus is a powerful encounter.  The story encourages us to ask the question, how is God revealed to us, today?  How would you answer this question?  Readings from last Sunday connects with this story as they encouraged us to reflect on our relationship with our God.  God reminds us constantly of this relationship, of the commitment we share to our relationship and that God walks with us.  God remains faithful to this relationship, are we able to keep faith to this relationship.  God only invites us, are we able to say ‘yes’.  As you journey the road to Emmaus, what questions are you asking God? What challenges are you facing? Are you submitting yourself to God’s love?  God calls us by our name.  God is always there for us.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

 Principal’s address to the College during our assembly

For one reason or another, our College assembly on Wednesday, was the first time since the passing of my parents, that I was able to address the College community, as a whole.  In addressing the community, I reflected on the some of the values my parents instilled in me that has supported me throughout my life journey. I thought this timely, as we enter the halfway mark for Year 5 – Year 11 while Year 12 enter their final term at the College.  So this provides us with a moment to pause, reflect, and realign.

Core Life Lessons to Live By

1. Commitment

• Stay true to your goals, even when the excitement fades.
• Commitment builds trust and leads to achievement.

2. Dedication

• Always give your best effort.
• Excellence is a habit, not a one-time act.

3. Determination

• Push through challenges with a never-give-up mindset.
• Success often comes to those who simply refuse to quit.

4. Resilience

• Life will knock you down - what matters is how you rise.
• Failure is not the end, but a stepping stone.

5. Gratitude

• Appreciate what and who you have.
• Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

6. Respect (for self and others)

• Speak and act with integrity.
• Treat everyone with dignity and kindness.

7. Service Before Self

• True leadership begins with serving others.
• Help others rise, and you rise with them.

8. Sacrifice

• Greatness often requires giving up comfort for a cause.
• Sacrifice is the price of meaningful impact.

9. Good Character

• Character is who you are when no one is watching.
• Be honest, humble, and dependable.

10. Kindness

• A small act of kindness can change someone’s day - or life.
• Choose kindness, even when it’s not easy.

11. Unconditional Love

• Love without expecting anything in return.
• It’s the most powerful force for healing and unity.

12. Be Happy

• Don’t wait for perfect conditions - choose joy now.
• Happiness is a mindset, not a destination.

13. Lead, Don’t Follow

• Think for yourself. Stand up for what’s right.
• Be a leader by example, not just by title.

A Moment for Reflection

What values define you?

What values have helped shape your journey so far?

Are there changes or improvements you want to make?

Are you an upstander or a bystander - do you lead, or let others decide for you?

These values are not just lessons - they are a way of life.  They are values we treasure at St Pius X College. They are our values - the St Pius X way.

I encouraged staff and students to reflect on these lessons and apply at least one of them each day.  I finished with the following quote:

'Live with purpose. Lead with heart. And never stop growing.'

A Memorable Evening at the Rugby Gala Dinner

What a truly wonderful evening we shared at this year’s Annual Rugby Gala Dinner on Saturday night. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in our Rugby community who attended and contributed to the warm, celebratory atmosphere.

It was a joy to see so many families, friends, and supporters enjoying the evening together. We were especially privileged to welcome two outstanding sporting personalities - Chloe Dalton (Olympic Gold medallist in Rugby 7’s), who graciously served as our MC, and Owen Finegan, former Wallaby, who kept us entertained with his stories and insights. Their sporting achievements and personal journeys were nothing short of inspirational for all aspiring athletes in our community.

A special thank you goes to Ted Webster and his dedicated committee for once again organising such a successful and enjoyable event. Your hard work and attention to detail ensured a night to remember. Thank you.

Cocurricular Program

Playing with Pride: Upholding Our College Values Through Sport

At our College, sport is more than just competition - it’s a reflection of character, teamwork, and integrity. I frequently remind our students that how we play the game matters just as much as the result. Whether on the field or court, we are ambassadors of our College values, and every match is an opportunity to demonstrate respect, resilience, and responsibility.

Our students consistently impress with their commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. They represent our College with pride, and their behaviour often sets a standard that others admire. However, as with any team or community, there are moments when we fall short - when emotions run high or the pressure of the game clouds our judgment.

It’s in these moments that our true character is tested.

I encourage all students to maintain a strict code of behaviour, both in victory and defeat. Playing in the true spirit of sport means showing respect to opponents, officials, teammates, and the game itself. It means accepting decisions gracefully, supporting one another, and never compromising our values for the sake of winning.

Sport teaches us life lessons - discipline, humility, perseverance (lessons we can transfer to the classroom) - and it’s our responsibility to ensure those lessons are lived out in every game we play. Let us continue to be known not just for our skill, but for our sportsmanship. Let us lead by example, and let our actions reflect the values that define us as a College.

Together, let’s play with pride, honour the game, and always uphold the standards that make our College community so special.

Support our First XV

Rugby Update – First XV Gears Up for Top of the Table Clash

After four consecutive victories, our First XV Rugby team is set to face St Augustine’s in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table showdown. At yesterday's assembly, Captains Charlie Wolfe and Kobi Mendel rallied support from the student body, encouraging everyone to come along and cheer for our rugby teams.

We hope to see a strong turnout of students proudly wearing either their full College uniform or College Sports uniform.

Go the Blue and Gold!

College Building Fund

Please see attached a letter from our Business Manager regarding the College Building Fund.

Key Dates

Week 9

Mon 23/6 Year 5 - 10 Semester 1 Reports issued / College Advisory Council Meeting 6:15 pm

Tues 24/6 Chapel Mass (Pius) / Upstanders Morning Tea

Wed 25/6 Reconciliation Assembly

Thur 26/6 Term 2 concludes at 12:30 pm for Year 7 - 12 students / Year 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher/Student interviews 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm  / Year 5 - 6 Parent/Teacher interviews 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Fri 27/6 Year 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher/Student interviews 8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Year 5 - 6 Parent/Teacher interviews 8:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Term 3

Mon 21/7 Staff Professional Learning Day (pupil-free day)

Tues 22/7 Students resume

Fide et Labore

By Faith and hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal