From the Principal
- Reflection
- Annual Awards Ceremony - Wednesday 3 December
- Celebrating Excellence in Writing
- Finishing well in 2025
- Christmas Twilight Concert - Friday 21 November
- Thank you to our P&F Association
- Reminder of the change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026
- Term 4 Cocurricular Program - Striving for Excellence in Sport
- Key Dates
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 reminds us of a profound truth: God often walks with us in ways we don’t immediately recognise. As we look back on this year, take a moment to ask yourself how has God revealed Himself to you? Have you paused to reflect on your relationship with Him? Perhaps you’ve felt His presence in moments of joy, challenge, or quiet stillness. Even when we struggle to sense Him, God remains faithfully by our side.
As we journey into the Advent season, consider the questions you are bringing to God. What hopes or challenges are you carrying as the school year draws to a close? Are you opening your heart to His love and guidance? Remember, God calls each of us by name and is always present walking with us on our own road to Emmaus.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Annual Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 3 December
The final day for students in Years 5 to 10 will be Wednesday, 3 December, coinciding with the College’s prestigious Annual Awards Assembly. This significant occasion provides our community with the opportunity to honour and celebrate the exceptional achievements of students from Years 5 to 11. It is a moment to acknowledge their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence across academic, cultural, and cocurricular pursuits.
We warmly invite parents, carers, and families to join us for this special event as we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and the spirit of our College community. Parents and carers of the award recipients will receive an invitation closer to the date. Your presence will make this occasion even more meaningful as we recognise and applaud the hard work and success of our young people.
More details will be provided in coming weeks.
Celebrating Excellence in Writing
We are delighted to congratulate Anthony Parissis and Lachlan Staber on their nomination for the HSC Young Writers Showcase. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding creativity and skill in writing, and having students from our College nominated is an incredible achievement.
The HSC Young Writers Showcase highlights the very best work from across the state, and these nominations reflect not only the talent and dedication of our students but also the guidance and support of their teachers. In particular, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr Quilty, whose expertise and encouragement have guided these students throughout their HSC year.
Selections for the Young Writers Showcase will be finalised by late November, and we eagerly await the outcome. We are immensely proud of Anthony and Lachlan for their commitment to excellence and for representing our College at such a high level. Please join us in applauding their success and wishing them all the best as their work is considered for inclusion in this distinguished showcase.
Finishing Well in 2025
As the end of the school year approaches for the young men of St Pius X College, I want to remind all students of the importance of remaining committed to the high standards and expectations that define our College. The conclusion of the assessment period is not a time to relax these standards especially in the classroom. Maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment is the responsibility of every student.
There is still time to put the finishing touches on your 2025 canvas. These final weeks matter, and how you finish will leave a lasting impression. I encourage all families to speak with their sons about the value of finishing well and continuing to strive for excellence as we close out the year.
Christmas Twilight Concert – Friday 21 November
Surrounded by the melodies of Christmas, we eagerly embrace the joyful spirit of the festive season. We warmly invite you to join the St Pius X community on Friday week, where our talented bands and ensembles will fill the air with enchanting music, celebrating this special time of year.
Thank You to our P&F Association
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Parents and Friends Association for their incredible support and dedication throughout the year. Your commitment has been invaluable to our College community, enriching the experience of our students and fostering a strong, supportive environment for all.
A special thank you to Mr Geaney, our P&F President, for his outstanding leadership of the Association. His guidance and vision have ensured that every initiative is carried out with care and purpose, making a significant difference in the life of our College.
Thank you to all members for the time, energy, and generosity you invest in every project. We are truly grateful for your partnership and all you do to make our College a better place for everyone.
Reminder of the change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026
Following last week's notice concerning the changes to our sports uniform commencing in 2026, I will highlight some of the key changes over the next two weeks.
Key Changes
College Uniform - Same design, higher-quality materials, and standardised colours.
New College Polo - A blue College polo will be compulsory from 2026 (except Year 12, 2026). It will be worn for excursions, immersion programs, certain College functions, and when full uniform is not possible. Available for purchase from Term 3, 2025.
PE Uniform – New designs to strengthen identity and unity. Students will transition fully by the start of 2027. Below are the items that make up the PE Uniform.
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 full copy of the uniform changes is included below:
Term 4 Cocurricular Program - Striving for Excellence in Sport
Last week, we celebrated some outstanding team and individual successes in our ISA cricket program. Well done to all involved! While our senior basketball teams are still working their way up the ladder, there has been tremendous growth and learning along the way, which is equally important.
As we approach the final rounds of the 2026 season, I encourage every player to continue upholding the high standards that define our College. These last weeks are an opportunity to finish strong, demonstrate resilience, and strive for both individual and team success. Let’s make every game count!
Go the Blue and Gold!
Key Dates
Week 6
Mon 17/11 Year 9 Purton Camp - 19/11
Tues 18/11 Chapel Mass (Mercy)
Wed 19/11 Backflips Against Bullying (Year 7 & 8) / Upstanders Morning TE
Thur 20/11 Senior School Swimming Carnival (Lane Cove Pool) / Drama Showcase 5:00 pm
Fri 21/11 Year 6 Formation Day, Graduation and Afternoon Tea (Oxford Falls) / Christmas Twilight Concert
Sat 22/11 ISA R5 / IPSHA R12 / NSTA / Squash / MWJCA
Sun 23/11 Year 10 Immersions commence - 28/11
Fide et Labore
By Faith and hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal