From the Principal

• Reflection
• Appointment of Acting Head of Junior School
• 2027 College Student Leadership Investiture, Year 11 Preliminary HSC Awards and commissioning our Year 11 students with their senior badges
• HSC Examinations Continue into Week 3
• Welcome to St Pius X College as students either start or continue their journey with us.
• Ongoing reminder of the School sports uniform in readiness for 2027
• Christian Brothers Centre Upgrade Update
• ISA Sport Round-Up
• Dates for your diary

Reflection 

All Saints Day – Sunday 1 November

All Saints Day, the day on which Catholics celebrate all the saints, known and unknown, is a surprisingly old feast. It arose out of the Christian tradition of celebrating the martyrdom of saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. When martyrdoms increased during the persecutions of the late Roman Empire, local dioceses instituted a common feast day in order to ensure that all martyrs, known and unknown, were properly honoured.

Question: Is All Saints Day a Holy Day of Obligation?

Answer: All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation. However, when it falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated (temporarily waived).

All Souls Day – Monday 2 November

On All Souls’ Day, Catholics around the world pray for those who have died and remember the important people who have shaped their lives. It is a special time to reflect on God's promise of eternal life and to keep our loved ones close in prayer.

At St Pius X College, All Souls’ Day reminds us of the strength of our faith and the importance of community. As we remember family members, friends, and past members of the College, we give thanks for their lives and pray that they rest in God's peace.

Through prayer and reflection, we are encouraged to live out our College values each day and to remember that we are united in faith, hope, and love.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Appointment of Acting Head of the Junior School

Following a thorough and extensive recruitment process, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Monique Johnston as Acting Head of the Junior School at St Pius X College.

Ms Johnston brings a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep commitment to student learning and wellbeing. Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Mona Vale, where she played a key role in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and community engagement.

Prior to this appointment, Ms Monique Johnston was a member of the Junior School Executive Team at Loreto Kirribilli, where she contributed to a range of strategic initiatives designed to enhance educational outcomes and strengthen community connections. During her time at Loreto, she worked closely with both Junior and Senior School staff to develop and refine transition programs, ensuring students experienced a positive and seamless progression through their schooling journey.

Ms Monique Johnston has also contributed to educational improvement beyond her school communities as a member of the Catholic Schools Broken Bay Curriculum Reform Working Party, supporting system-wide curriculum development and educational innovation. She is currently undertaking a Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University, further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence in leadership.

We warmly welcome Ms Monique Johnston to the St Pius X College community and look forward to the expertise, energy and vision she will bring to the Junior School. We wish her every success as she begins this important leadership role.

2027 College Student Leadership Investiture, Year 11 Preliminary HSC Awards and commissioning our Year 11 students with their senior badges

Monday 26 October marked a significant milestone in the life of the College as we celebrated the 2027 Student Leadership Investiture, recognised the academic achievements of our Year 11 Preliminary HSC Award recipients, and formally welcomed our Year 12 students through the presentation of their senior tie and badge.

This important ceremony acknowledges students who have demonstrated leadership, commitment and excellence, while also marking the commencement of the Year 11 journey for our newest senior cohort. Together, these moments reflect the values, aspirations and traditions that unite our College community and inspire our students to lead with integrity, pursue excellence and embrace the opportunities before them.

Below is an excerpt from my address, reflecting on the significance of these milestones and the important role they play in the ongoing story of our College:

Today is a significant occasion in the life of our College. We gather to recognise academic achievement, commission our Year 12 student leaders, and acknowledge the responsibilities that come with being the most senior students in our community.

At its heart, today is about the values that define who we are as a College: Faith, Excellence, Opportunity and Respect.

These values are more than words. They shape our culture, guide our decisions and challenge us to become the very best version of ourselves. They reflect our identity as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition and remind us that education is not simply about what we know, but about who we become.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we are reminded of our College motto, Fide et Labore - By Faith and Hard Work. This motto has guided generations of Pius gentlemen. It reminds us that success is built not simply on talent, but on faith in God, commitment to our community and the willingness to work hard in pursuit of worthy goals.

Today we acknowledge those students who have demonstrated Excellence through their academic achievements. Our Preliminary HSC Award recipients have shown dedication, resilience and determination. Their success reflects countless hours of effort, the guidance of their teachers, and the support of their families.

At St Pius X College, excellence is not about being better than others. It is about striving to be better than we were yesterday. It is about embracing challenge, learning from setbacks and continually seeking growth.

To our award recipients, congratulations. Your achievements should make you proud, and your example should inspire others to pursue their own personal best.

Today we also entrust leadership to a new generation of student leaders.

Leadership at St Pius X College is also grounded in our values.

It begins with Faith. Great leaders understand that leadership is not about status or recognition. It is about service. It is about placing the needs of others before your own and using your gifts to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you.

Leadership requires Respect. Respect for self, respect for others and respect for the traditions and values of our College. Respect calls us to listen before we speak, to include rather than exclude, and to treat every person with dignity.

Leadership demands Excellence. Not perfection, but a commitment to always giving your best. Our leaders set the standard through their actions, attitude and example.

And leadership creates Opportunity. The best leaders bring others with them. They encourage participation, champion student voice and help others discover their talents and potential.

As Year 12 takes up the mantle of leadership, I want to remind you of three important symbols that connect us to our faith, our history and our future as a College community.

The first is the Gospel.

The Gospel represents the foundation of our Catholic identity. It reminds us that Christ is at the centre of all we do. As leaders and as members of this community, we are called to live the Gospel through our actions, showing compassion, justice, humility and service. The Gospel challenges us to be men of Faith, placing Christ at the centre of our decisions and relationships.

The second symbol is the College Banner.

The Banner represents our rich history, our traditions and our connection to the wider Edmund Rice community. It reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, a legacy built by generations of students, staff and families who have contributed to St Pius X College over the past ninety years. The Banner challenges us to live with Respect for those who came before us, for one another today, and for those who will follow in our footsteps.

The third symbol is the College Candle.

The Candle represents the light of Christ that we are called to carry into the world. It reminds us that each of us has gifts to share and a responsibility to use those gifts in service of others. The Candle calls us to pursue Excellence in all that we do and to create Opportunities for others to flourish. It challenges us to be people who bring hope, encouragement and light wherever we go.

Together, the Gospel, Banner and Candle tell the story of who we are. They remind us of our Faith, inspire us to Excellence, create Opportunity for others and strengthen the Respect that sustains our community.

Today, these responsibilities are entrusted to our Year 12 students and, in a particular way, to our elected student leaders.

Congratulations to our College Captain, Mac Hillsdon, and to our Vice Captains, Simon Ellis and Zachary Rapa. Alongside your fellow student leaders, you have been entrusted with the privilege of leading our community over the coming year.

Your role is not simply to wear a badge or hold a title. Your role is to embody the values of this College every day. Lead with humility. Lead with integrity. Lead with courage. Most importantly, lead through service.

To all of Year 12, I want to remind you that leadership belongs to every one of you. Every interaction, every decision and every example you set will help shape the culture of our College.

As the most senior students, you have the opportunity to leave a legacy.

•    A legacy of Faith that inspires others.

•    A legacy of Excellence that encourages others to strive higher.

•    A legacy of Opportunity that ensures every student feels valued and included.

•    And a legacy of Respect that strengthens our community and reflects the Gospel values we seek to live each day.

To our staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students. Your guidance, encouragement and care help shape the young men we celebrate today.

To our families, thank you for your partnership and trust. Together, we share the privilege and responsibility of forming young men of character, faith and purpose.

As we conclude, let us recommit ourselves to the values that define St Pius X College:

•    Faith to guide us.

•    Excellence to challenge us.

•    Opportunity to inspire us.

•    Respect to unite us.

May the Gospel remain our compass, the Banner our shared identity, and the Candle our abiding light.

Congratulations to Mac, Simon, Zachary and all of our student leaders.

Year 12, may you lead with courage, humility and hope. May you embrace every opportunity that lies ahead, allow your light to shine.

HSC Examinations Continue into Week 3

As we move into the third week of the HSC examinations, many of our Year 12 students are now entering the final phase of this significant chapter in their schooling journey. The months of preparation, dedication and perseverance they have demonstrated are a credit to both themselves and their families.

As a College community, we continue to keep our students in our thoughts and prayers, encouraging them to remain focused, confident and diligent as they complete their remaining examinations. Through faith, determination and hard work, our students are well placed to achieve their personal best and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. We wish them every success as they approach the conclusion of their HSC experience.

Welcome to St Pius X College as students either start or continue their journey with us.

Over the past week, the College has been delighted to welcome our newest students as they begin their journey at St Pius X College. Last week, we hosted our Year 7 Transition Day, providing students with their first opportunity to experience life at the College. Today, we were equally pleased to welcome our Year 5 and Year 6 students for their Transition Day, marking the beginning of their connection with our community.

These transition experiences are an important milestone for students and their families. They provide an opportunity to explore the campus, meet future classmates and teachers, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and values that make St Pius X a unique place of learning and growth. Most importantly, they help students develop a sense of confidence, belonging and excitement as they take their first steps as members of our College community.

At St Pius X College, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels known, valued and supported from the moment they arrive. The friendships formed, connections made and experiences shared during these transition days are the foundation of a successful and rewarding journey through the College.

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new students and their families. We look forward to accompanying them as they begin their St Pius X journey and become part of the rich story and tradition of our College community. Welcome to St Pius X College.

Ongoing reminder of the School sports uniform in readiness for 2027

As previously communicated in Woodchatta, we remind families that from the beginning of the 2027 school year, all students will be required to wear the updated PE uniform. We thank parents and carers for their continued support in upholding the high standards and presentation of St Pius X College.  A reminder also that all students must have a College polo by now.

Blue College Polo 

College Tracksuit 

Socks

Shorts

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What PE uniform should my son wear when attending the Oxford Falls campus

      a.  When travelling to and from the Oxford Falls, students should wear the College PE uniform

• College House Polo

• College Navy Sports Shorts 

• College White Socks

• Training shoes/appropriate footwear

• College Tracksuit (optional)

• Rain jacket (wet weather option)

   

            b. While participating in the Oxford Falls PE Program, students may wear:

• Any College crested sports uniform (eg: rugby or football jersey, etc …)

• College training top

• College rain jacket

• College Tracksuit top

• College Track Pants

2. What PE uniform can I wear when participating in PE classes at the Chatswood campus?

Students are only permitted to wear their College PE uniform during PE classes.  That is:

• College House Polo

• College Navy Sports Shorts

• College White Socks

• Training shoes/appropriate footwear

• College Tracksuit (optional)

• Rain jacket (wet weather option)

3. Will the older sports uniform attire be acceptable to wear? 

Please Note

Use of the ‘older’ sports uniform will be phased out by the end of 2026.  All students must have the updated PE uniform by the beginning of the 2027 school year.

4. What uniform do I wear if I am unable to wear my full College uniform?

Students who cannot wear their full College uniform, for whatever reason, should wear:

• New College Polo

• College Navy sport shorts 

• College White Socks

• appropriate training shoes

• College Tracksuit (optional)

5. When can students wear the rain jacket?

As stated in the diary, rain jackets:

• can be worn as part of the College tracksuit when required.

• can be worn in the event of wet weather over full summer or winter uniform.

• must not be worn instead of the winter blazer, jumper or the new Tracksuit top.

Please note:  The current College Rain Jacket will not available once the current stock has been exhausted. The College is currently investigating alternatives.  College umbrellas are available for purchase through the uniform shop.

6. For Saturday games

• Students must wear appropriate College Sports uniform (basketball, cricket, rugby, football etc.).

• The full College tracksuit is an (optional) extra. Otherwise, either full summer or full winter school uniform should be worn specific to the season. 

• In the case of cold weather, College scarves can be worn. These can be purchased through canteen at Oxford Falls. 

• Students are encouraged to wear their sport specific College training tops to games in instances where full school uniform is not required.  OR, the blue College polo.  The House shirt should not be worn to any of the fixtures.

• NO MUFTI is permitted.  Students must attend all College fixtures and events in College uniform unless stated otherwise.

Christian Brothers Centre Upgrade Update

We would like to sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the ongoing works in the Christian Brothers Centre at Oxford Falls.

These upgrades are part of the final stage of a significant project to enhance the Centre’s sound and visual systems, ensuring a better experience for all members of our community who attend College events, liturgies, assemblies and celebrations at the venue.

We appreciate the patience, understanding and flexibility shown by families, staff and students while this work is being completed. We are pleased to advise that the project remains on track and is expected to be finished by the end of November.

We look forward to welcoming our community back to a fully upgraded facility and thank everyone for their continued support during this important improvement project.

ISA Sport Round-Up

Congratulations to all students who represented St Pius X College on Saturday. While results were mixed across a number of fixtures, what stood out most was the commitment, determination and sportsmanship displayed by our students throughout the day. Every player gave their best, competed with courage and respect, and represented the College with pride, demonstrating the spirit and values that are synonymous with St Pius X.

A special word of encouragement goes to our basketball teams. While the opening rounds of the ISA season have been challenging, it is important to recognise that our teams have faced two of the strongest basketball schools in the competition. Despite the results, our students have continued to compete with resilience, teamwork and a positive attitude, gaining valuable experience that will serve them well throughout the season.

We encourage all players to remain confident and focused as the competition progresses. With continued hard work, commitment and belief in one another, we are confident that success will follow. We look forward to seeing our teams continue to grow in confidence and performance over the coming weeks.

Thank you to our students, coaches, staff and families for their ongoing support of College sport and for proudly showcasing the Pius spirit each week.

Good luck to all our teams this weekend.

Go the Blue and Gold!

Dates for your diary

Term 4 

Week 4

Mon 2/11 Year 10 Exams - 6/11 / College Advisory Council Meeting

Tues 3/11 Chapel Mass (Mercy) / Junior School Information Evening for new students (online)

Fri 6/11 Year 7-9 Exams - 13/11 / Snowy Hike overnight practice at Oxford Falls

Sat 7/11 ISA & NSTA R4 / IPSHA R10 / ISA touch football R3

Sun 8/11 Youth Mass  (OLD Church)

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal