From the Principal
- Reflection
- Pastoral Letter from Fr David Ranson
- Performing Arts Success for our Intermediate and Senior Concert Bands
- Chatswood Fair - 5 September
- HSC Showcase - tonight
- Father's Day celebration and Jersey Day
- St Pius X Feast Day Holiday - Monday 31 August
- Football teams shine in grand final
- Dates for your diary
Reflection
Two Horses!
Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing . . .
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse’s halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse, with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect, or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way . . .
Good friends are like that . . .
You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours.
This reflection offers some powerful lessons for our students and community about friendship, support, and community such as:
Everyone Needs Help Sometimes: Just as the blind horse relies on the bell, we all face challenges and need support from others at different times in our lives.
Good Friends Guide and Encourage: True friends look out for one another, offer help when needed, and help us stay on the right path.
Trust is Important: The blind horse trusts its companion to lead it safely. Strong relationships are built on trust, reliability, and care.
Be Aware of Others' Needs: Like the horse with the bell that keeps checking back, we should notice when others may be struggling and offer kindness, support, and encouragement.
Everyone Has Something Valuable to Contribute: Sometimes we are the ones receiving help, and other times we are the ones giving it. Being part of a community means both accepting support and helping others.
A strong community is built when people care for one another, listen for each other's 'bells,' and walk alongside those who need support.
Therefore remember . . .
Be kinder than necessary
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly . . .
And leave the rest to God!
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Pastoral letter from Fr David Ranson
Please find attached a pastoral letter from Fr David Ranson on recent events in the Life of the Catholic Church in Australia.
Performing Arts - Success for our Intermediate (3rd) and Senior (2nd) Concert Bands in their divisions
Our Senior and Intermediate Concert Band recently represented the College with distinction at the NSW Concert Band Championships, held at the prestigious Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith.
In what was a highly competitive field, the bands delivered outstanding performances, achieving remarkable results that reflects the dedication, commitment and musical excellence of our students. These achievements is made even more significant by the fact that it marked the first appearance by a St Pius X College Senior Concert Band at the Championships in more than 20 years. To return to this esteemed event after such a long absence and perform so successfully is a credit to every member of the ensemble.
The students' hard work throughout the year, their willingness to strive for excellence, and their support of one another were all evident on the day. They represented the College with great pride and professionalism, both on and off the stage.
Those wishing to relive the performance or experience the exceptional standard of music-making across the competition, can watch the entire grade on the Brassbanned YouTube channel (between 55 mins and 1 hour 10 mins).
My heartfelt thanks go to Mr Geoff Power and Ms Laura Power for their constant support, encouragement and commitment to our music program. Their generosity of time and expertise continue to provide invaluable opportunities for our students and contribute greatly to the success of our ensembles.
Congratulations to all members of the Senior Concert Band on this outstanding achievement. We are immensely proud of your efforts and look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.
Join Us at the Chatswood Fair on Saturday 5 September
Following the tremendous success of last year’s event, we are delighted to once again be participating in the Chatswood Fair next Saturday, 5 September. Our inaugural involvement in 2025 proved to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with local families, celebrate our community spirit, and showcase all that makes our College such a special place. We are excited to return for a second year and build on the strong community engagement established last year.
In partnership with Mercy Catholic College, Our Lady of Dolours Primary School and Our Lady of Dolours Parish, we will proudly represent our shared Catholic community throughout the day. A highlight of the festivities will be our College Drum Line, which will lead the schools and parish in the community parade commencing at 2:00 pm. Their energy, talent and enthusiasm are sure to make for a memorable spectacle.
We warmly invite current families, prospective families and friends of the College to visit our stall, meet members of our community and learn more about the opportunities available to our students. A number of our students will be assisting throughout the day, sharing their experiences and proudly representing the College.
The Chatswood Fair is a wonderful celebration of community, and we are thrilled to continue our involvement following such a positive experience last year. We look forward to catching up with familiar faces, welcoming new families and sharing in what promises to be another fantastic day.
Be sure to stop by our stall, say hello, and join us in celebrating the spirit of our local community.
A celebration of HSC major works: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage and Stories
We look forward to celebrating the creativity and talent of our HSC students at this year’s showcase, Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage and Stories being held tonight at the college.
This special event will feature an exhibition of outstanding HSC major works displayed and performed throughout the College. Showcasing achievements across a range of creative disciplines, the evening provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication, passion and talent of our students.
We warmly encourage all students and families, particularly those in Year 11, to attend this inspiring event and experience the exceptional work being produced within our College.
Father's Day Friday 4 September and
Awareness of Organ Donation – Wear your favourite jersey
A reminder to all members of our community that on Friday 4 September, as part of our Father’s Day celebrations, we will also be supporting Jersey Day.
Jersey Day is a national awareness initiative that encourages students and staff across Australia to wear their favourite sporting jersey and start important conversations with family and friends about the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation. The day was inspired by Nathan Gremmo, an Oakhill College alumnus, whose decision to become an organ donor at the age of 13 gave the gift of life to six people.
Jersey Day is about raising awareness rather than fundraising. It is a simple, fun and meaningful way to promote a cause that has the potential to save lives. By registering as an organ and tissue donor, you could make a lasting difference to someone in need.
Fathers, grandfathers and other special father figures, along with their sons, are encouraged to wear their favourite jersey to the Father’s Day Mass and throughout the school day in support of this very special cause.
Please note that students are still required to wear their full winter uniform when travelling to and from school.
Together, let’s celebrate Father’s Day while supporting a cause that gives hope and the gift of life to others.
Please see the link below to rsvp to the Mass and Breakfast. Please note that the link to rsvp will close on Tuesday 1 September.
Reminder of St Pius X Feast Day – Monday 31 August
A reminder to our community that there will be no classes next Monday as we observe our annual College holiday in honour of the Feast of St Pius X. This special day provides an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of St Pius X, the patron saint whose values continue to inspire our College community.
Football Teams Shine in Grand Final Appearances
Congratulations to 3 of our football teams who earned places in their respective grand finals, a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work, determination and teamwork displayed throughout the season.
While the results did not fall our way for two of our teams, both the 16A's and 16B's should be incredibly proud of their efforts in reaching the final match of the competition. The 16A's fought valiantly in a closely contested game, narrowly going down 2-1, while the 16B's faced a strong opponent and were defeated 4-0. Both teams represented the College with great sportsmanship, resilience and pride throughout their campaigns.
On a brighter note, the 5th XI delivered a thrilling grand final victory, prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim the championship. After an intense and hard-fought contest, the team's composure and determination under pressure proved decisive, making for a memorable and well-deserved victory.
To have 3 teams reach grand finals in the same season is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the strength of our football program. We congratulate all players and coaches on their commitment and dedication, and we thank the families and supporters who have encouraged our teams throughout the year.
Well done to all involved on a fantastic season, and special congratulations to our 5th XI Premiership winners!
Dates for your diary
Week 7
Mon 31/8 St Pius X Feast Day Holiday
Tues 1/9 Chapel Mass (Pius)
Wed 2/9 Year 11 Pius/Mercy Study afternoon
Thur 3/9 Junior School Father and Son Sports Day / Lights, Camera, Pius! competition viewing / Snowy Hike Practice Hike #2
Fri 4/9 Father's Day Mass & Breakfast (7:30 am - 9:00 am) / Farewell to Seniors Twilight Concert
Sat 5/9 Senior Invitational Athletics Carnival / Chatswood Spring Fair
Sun 6/9 Father's Day
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal