Parent and Student Matters

• From the SRC
• SPX Science Week
• Maths Drop-In 

From the SRC

Which famous Australian poet attended St Pius X College?

That's right, Francis Webb. In fact, he was St Pius X College's 255th student and a local resident of Chatswood.

If you’ve never heard of Francis Webb, then join us for a poetry reading next Saturday 28 August at Chatswood Library for the last, annual Francis Webb Poetry Reading.

The event is organised by Dr Toby Davidson, Senior Lecturer in Literature at Macquarie University, poet, and editor of Webb's Collected Poems. Since 2012, Dr Davidson has lovingly curated these annual readings, bringing together contemporary poets to read and reflect on Webb's work. And each year, since 2012, St Pius X College and CBHS Lewisham have been proudly represented by a student to read a poem.

With considerable sadness, Dr Davidson has announced that this year's gathering will be the final Francis Webb Poetry Reading after 16 years. This year, St Pius X College is honoured to be represented fittingly by talented writer,  Dario Leotta (Year 7). I encourage members of our community to attend this special occasion, to support Dario and become acquainted with Webb's remarkable poetry.

A Poet in the Making

Francis Webb (1925-1973) commenced at St Pius X College, then known as Christian Brothers' Chatswood, in 1938 as a First-Year student (Year 7). His literary talent was evident during his school years. Writing in the Collegian in 1949, Brother Cartland recalled that Webb 'had a mania for poetry'.

As the College then offered studies only to the Intermediate level (Year 10), Webb transferred to Christian Brothers' High School Lewisham (Lewo) to complete his Leaving Certificate. Two poems received awards at Lewo. He graduated with First Class Honours and achieved second place in New South Wales in English.

A Lasting Legacy

Webb's ambition was always to become a poet. In 1948, his epic poem A Drum for Ben Boyd was published in The Bulletin. Its critic described it as 'a major effort of creation, requiring a largeness of mind, a largeness of heart and a largeness of vision.'

Webb is often described as 'a poet's poet'. Fellow Australian poet Les Murray observed that 'his verse has been the gold standard by which complex poetic language has been judged.' Further, Sir Herbert Read described him as 'one of the greatest poets of our time . . . the most unjustly neglected poet of this century'. Webb's Catholic upbringing and deep faith provided a rich source of spiritual insight and contemplative purpose throughout his life and poetry.

Yet his literary achievements were accompanied by significant personal challenges. Webb lost his mother when he was just two years old and, due to his father's chronic depression, was raised by his grandparents in Johnson Street, Chatswood. Later in life, Webb himself experienced periods of mental illness, struggles that have become part of the story of his extraordinary resilience and creativity.

As St Pius X College approaches its 90th anniversary celebrations in 2027, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable young men who have walked our corridors and contributed to Australian society. Francis Webb stands among the nation's finest poets and remains an inspiration to today's students. His story reminds us that the talents nurtured within our College community can make a positive difference and lasting mark on the world.

The event starts at 2:00 pm, more details are available on the Willoughby Library website.

Mrs Karen Keighery - Leader of Learning, Library & Information Services

SPX Science Week

Maths Drop-In

Need a little extra help with Maths? Come along to Maths Drop In for friendly, informal support with your questions, tricky topics or homework. Whether you’re stuck on one problem or just want to build your confidence, drop in and get the help you need!

With the fast approaching up-coming assessments, come along, get ahead and be prepared. It is wonderful to see many students striving to reach their goals. Come along in C1.

Where: C1

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 

Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher