From the Principal
- Reflection
- EREBB Congress - Pedagogy of Encounter
- Thank you to Ms Watson and Mr Wheatley
- Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice
- The Spirit of the ANZACs
- Founder's Day Mass
- Month of May
- Reminder of Before and After School Supervision
- Cocurricular Program
- Key Dates
Reflection - The Season of Easter
'Love one another as I have loved you.'
This Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples:
'Love one another as I have loved you.'
This call lies at the heart of our Catholic faith
and shapes who we are as a school community.
Inspired by the example of Jesus, and guided by the charism of Edmund Rice, we are invited to live this love in practical and courageous ways. Edmund Rice believed deeply in the dignity of every person and in the transformative power of education grounded in faith, compassion, and justice. His vision continues to challenge us to stand with those on the margins, to act with integrity, and to build communities where everyone belongs.
I was humbled to have experienced this transformative power
during the recent EREBB Congress.
In our daily life, this Gospel message comes alive when we choose kindness over indifference, inclusion over exclusion, and service over self‑interest. Whether in the classroom, the playground, beyond our school gates, or beyond our borders, we are called to be people who reflect Christ’s love through our actions.
As we continue our Easter journey, may we remain connected to Christ, open to the Spirit, and faithful to the Edmund Rice tradition, learning together to live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
EREBB Congress – Pedagogy of Encounter
Having participated in the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Congress, I can honestly say it was a truly transformative experience. Whether through the humbling opportunity to work alongside the poor in Lima, engaging with marginalised communities in Buenos Aires, or entering into dialogue with leaders from around the world, each encounter drew us beyond our comfort zones and into a deeper encounter with Christ.
As the late Pope Francis reminded us, 'educating in a culture of encounter' has the power to transform hearts and communities. He described this culture as one that invites us to stop, look, listen, touch, and truly engage with others, especially those on the margins, rather than simply passing them by (The Good Samaritan story). It is a deliberate, compassionate, and humble engagement that rejects selfishness, builds bridges, and seeks God’s presence in every person.
This spirit of encounter is what made the experience so powerful. Over the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing some of the encounters and experiences that shaped my time in Peru and Argentina.
‘Dios los bendiga’
God Bless
Thank you Ms Watson and Mr Wheatley
I would like to sincerely thank Ms Watson and Mr Wheatley for their outstanding leadership of the College during my absence. Their calm, thoughtful, and capable stewardship ensured the continued smooth operation of the College and upheld the strong culture and values that define our community. It is deeply reassuring to know that we have such experienced and dedicated leaders who can step in with confidence and continue to guide our great College with care and integrity.
I also extend my sincere thanks to all staff and students for the support they offered Ms Watson and Mr Wheatley during this time. Your professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to our shared mission reflect the strength of our community and the spirit of collaboration that makes this College such a special place.
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice
Next Tuesday, 5 May is the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of a band of men who dedicated their lives to the education of poor and marginalised young people.
Blessed Edmund’s story is somewhat amazing. Edmund himself was fairly privileged for a young person in Ireland of his time. Edmund received an education – albeit at times ‘illegally’ from an Augustinian Monk. Edmund was an intelligent man and in his young adult days learnt the business world quite effectively from his uncle. Edmund soon learnt how to make money catering for the merchant ships that visited the ports of Waterford, and he ended up a very wealthy man. Edmund married and he and his wife had a daughter. Unfortunately, Edmund’s wife Mary died and left Edmund with a sickly child. Through the support of Edmund’s relatives, his daughter was cared for as Edmund continued to work and contemplate life. Always a spiritual man, Edmund contemplated joining an enclosed/monastic order where, cut off from the world, he could pray and dedicate his life to God. Through the counsel of significant women, one being Nano Nagle, Edmund was convinced to stay in the seaside town of Waterford and provide an education for the many poor young boys living in the streets of the city.
Original bakery and tailor shop built by Edmund Rice to feed and clothe the students who came to his school at Mt Sion.
Edmund used his wealth, intelligence and foresight to not only teach the young lads who were unruly and very difficult to educate, but to clothe them (he set up a tailor shop) and to feed them (he established a bakery). Edmund’s life as a Christian Brother was not without its trials and tribulations. He was ‘rejected’ at times by his own community and congregation of brothers and had to work his way through these hard times of rejection and misunderstanding.
In so many ways, Edmund is an ideal role model for the young, particularly young males: a career person, a husband, a father, successful business man, a single parent, a struggler at times with difficult decisions, a visionary, somewhat stubborn in his determination, but other-centred and committed to making a difference in his world whilst always conscious of the God who supported him. In praying to Blessed Edmund, we also remember the Christian Brothers on this their Founder’s Feast Day.
Since 1937, the Christian Brothers have been a source of inspiration and dedication (and probably at times, frustration!) for St Pius X College. The many fine Christian Brothers, followers and Brothers of Edmund Rice, who laboured long and hard hours for our College since 1937 deserve our prayers, recognition and praise. True, not all were loyal to the vows and spirit of Edmund, but that should never diminish from the majority who lived faithfully to the motto of the Brothers, 'To Do and To Teach'.
We, the inheritors of this wonderful legacy and gift given to us by the Christian Brothers, need to endeavour to enable the 'Through faith and hard work' and be worthy contributors to our world in our time as Edmund was to his world in his time.
Founder’s Day Mass
On Friday 8 May, the College will commemorate the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice whose vision and Gospel witness continue to shape the life and mission of St Pius X College. The celebration of the Eucharist offers our community a sacred opportunity to reflect on our past, give thanks for the present, and recommit ourselves to the future grounded in faith and renewed in hope.
Inspired by the Touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity, and Inclusive Community, we honour Edmund Rice’s enduring commitment to nurturing young people through education that is faith‑filled, life‑giving, and oriented toward service of others. His belief in the dignity of every person continues to challenge us to walk alongside the young, especially those on the margins, and to form a community where all are known, valued, and encouraged to flourish.
As a College, we take great pride in our Blessed Edmund Rice heritage and remain committed to living out the charism entrusted to us through our daily interactions, learning, and service.
Following Mass, the College community will enjoy entertainment presented by staff and Year 12 students. I very much look forward to this celebration, which reflects the joy, creativity, and shared spirit that are hallmarks of our community.
The Spirit of the ANZACs: Lessons for Our Students at St Pius X
The spirit of the ANZACs continues to hold deep significance for our nation, reminding us of values that remain just as relevant today as they were over a century ago. Courage, mateship, service, resilience, and sacrifice are not only qualities honoured in remembrance, but virtues to be lived each day.
For our students at St Pius X College, the ANZAC spirit challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to act with integrity and compassion. It calls our young people to stand by one another in times of difficulty, to show loyalty and respect, and to serve the common good values that strongly align with our Catholic faith and Edmund Rice tradition.
Remembering the ANZACs also invites reflection on the cost of peace and the responsibility we share in building a more just and compassionate world. In the spirit of Edmund Rice, we are reminded that true strength is found not in dominance, but in service; not in self‑interest, but in solidarity with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
As a College community, may we honour the legacy of the ANZACs not only through remembrance, but through action by striving to be people of courage, kindness, and commitment, who live out these values in our classrooms, on the sporting field, and in our wider community.
Lest we forget.
Month of May
As we enter the Month of May, a month traditionally dedicated to Mary, our Heavenly Mother, we are invited as a community to honour her life of faith, humility, and loving obedience to God’s call. Throughout the Church, May is a time marked by Marian prayer and devotion especially through the Rosary, moments of quiet reflection, and acts of service inspired by Mary’s example.
Mary’s life reminds us of what it means to welcome Christ into our hearts and to bear Him into the world through our words and actions. As we pray and reflect during this special month, may we be guided by Mary’s trust in God, alongside the example of Blessed Edmund Rice and St Pius X, as we strive to live lives of faith, compassion, and service within our community and beyond.
Reminder: Before and After School Supervision
As we commence Term 2, we would like to remind all families of the school’s supervision arrangements to ensure that all students are safe and appropriately supervised while on school grounds.
Supervision Times:
• Before School: Supervision is provided from 8:15 am each morning.
• After School: Supervision concludes at 4:00 pm (Monday to Thursday).
It is important to note that the after-school supervision will conclude at 4:00 pm at which point all students will be requested to leave the College grounds. This arrangement is for normal school days Monday to Thursday. There will be no supervision of the College grounds (especially the Basketball Court) on a Friday.
The College will communicate when there will be no additional after school supervision because of a College function.
Students may (and are encouraged to) attend the Academic Annexe if they are waiting to be picked up.
Thank you for your support and helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.
If you have any questions or require further information about before and after school care options, please contact Ms Watson.
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.
Cocurricular Program – in full swing
This week we commence the ISA football season. All teams have been training diligently and are well prepared for the season ahead. We remind all players and supporters that sportsmanship and teamwork are more important than the result with winning always a welcome bonus.
We also wish our rugby teams well, having commenced their competition last week against Knox College. While results were mixed, reports indicate that all players competed bravely and displayed great spirit and commitment throughout their matches.
Tennis also commences this Saturday and we wish our players the best as they commence their competition.
Best wishes to our Junior School, who also begin their winter sports season. Like the Senior School, our Junior School students have approached their preparation with enthusiasm and energy, and we look forward to a positive season ahead.
I wish all our sporting teams every success in the 2026 season.
Debating has also commenced, with the College hosting St Patrick's in Round 2 this Friday. Chess also commences this Friday. We wish all our debaters and chess teams the very best as they perform to the best of their ability and represent the College with confidence.
Term 2 is always a busy term for our cocurricular program. I would like to thank all our staff for their commitment and dedication to the program and especially to our students.
Enrolments for Year 5 and 7 2028 open
Key Dates
Week 3 - Founder's Week
Mon 4/5 Founder's Week Assembly / College Advisory Council Meeting
Tues 5/5 Edmund Rice Feast Day / Chapel Mass (Pius)
Wed 6/5 Mother's Day Mass and Morning Tea (Oxford Falls) / Year 12 Reports issued
Fri 8/5 Founder's Day (Oxford Falls)
Sat 9/5 ISA / IPSHA R2
Sun 10/5 Mother's Day
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal