Mission and Identity

Reaching out with love: Parish in Council VII
An evening of interfaith dialogue at the Synagogue
Ignite Catholic Youth Festival
NAIDOC Week Assembly
Red Dirt Immersion
Canonisation Youth Orchestra

Reaching out with love: Parish in Council VII

At the beginning of the holidays, the 7th Parish in Council took place with St Pius X students serving as well as participating in this synodal process. Parish in Council VII explored how we can compassionately and confidently connect with people, wherever they are in their faith journey, offering a safe, joy-filled place to experienced God’s love.

Using the synodal process through conversation in the Spirit, our students enjoyed a platform where their voices and contributions helped to shape the life and future of our vibrant parish. Our students from Year 9 through to Year 11 were exemplary in their conduct, contributions and insights.

An evening of interfaith dialogue at the Synagogue

During the holiday break, Anthony Parissis of Year 12 and Isaac Birchall-Molloy of Year 11 joined the College Mission Team for a night of interfaith dialogue at the North Shore Temple Emanuel. Staff and students were accompanied by the Vicar General of Broken Bay, Rev Dr David Ranson and members of parish. The evening was hosted by Rabbi Nicole Roberts and members of the synagogue. This evening was a powerful opportunity to share stories about our common experience of what it is to be human, and to grow deeper bonds between our faith communities. It was also an opportunity for students to grow a deeper appreciation of our Jewish roots as Christians.

Ignite Catholic Youth Festival: Being the light of the world

The Ignite Conference for 2025 took place over 4 days in the holidays at the Light of Christ Centre in Wahroonga. St Pius X students from Year 8 through to Year 10 joined in this transformative Catholic Youth Festival for our young people, offered by Emmanuel Worship from Brisbane and hosted by our diocese.

Students enjoyed concerts, inspirational speakers, Mass, Adoration, and high energy praise and worship rallies. They revelled in the safety of celebrating being faith-filled in large numbers, and appreciated the practical tips and tools for nurturing their faith between this mountain top experience and the next at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne in December.

NAIDOC Week Assembly

This week, the College held its NAIDOC Week assembly to celebrate the NAIDOC journey that began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we commemorate this 50-year legacy, we also look forward, honouring the next generation who will carry the torch, shaping the future with courage, insight, and deep respect for culture. Guided by the wisdom of Elders and the groundwork laid by their forebears, each NAIDOC Week reinforces a vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

Mr Di Sano bestowed Mr Ronchetti with the Yidaki that was gifted to the College by CBHS Lewisham to recognise our ongoing partnership and commitment to Reconciliation. Mr Bourke gave the following explanation of the cultural significance of the Yidaki:

“The Yidaki is more than just an instrument; it’s a powerful symbol of culture, connection, and healing.

The Yidaki originates from the Yolŋu people of North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It’s one of the oldest wind instruments in the world, traditionally made from eucalyptus trees hollowed out by termites. But its significance goes far beyond sound, it’s deeply woven into ceremony, storytelling, and spiritual life.

Traditionally, the Yidaki is played during ceremonies to accompany songs and dances. Its deep, resonant tones are said to mimic the sounds of nature, like the wind, animals, and the earth itself. It’s used to pass down knowledge, connect with ancestors, and bring people together.

What’s truly special is its healing power. The vibrations of the Yidaki are believed to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Some communities use it in healing rituals, and even in modern therapy, it’s recognised for its calming and grounding effects."

What makes this Yidaki even more meaningful is that it was gifted to us by Christian Brothers Lewisham. This wasn’t just a generous gesture, it’s a symbol of our brotherly connection and the strong bond we share as members of the Christian Brothers community. Being gifted a Yidaki is a sign of trust and respect, and it carries a responsibility to honour its cultural roots and share its story with others.

So, when you hear the Yidaki, listen closely. You’re not just hearing music, you’re hearing history, spirit, healing, and the strength of community.

Red Dirt Immersion

A group of 49 students - 38 from St Pius X College and 11 from Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham - accompanied by 7 staff members, set off on the Red Dirt Immersion on 28 June. Their journey began in Coonabarabran, which served as a base for four days of cultural and community engagement. Activities included visiting local schools, engaging with the Aboriginal Lands Councils, and immersing in both natural beauty and cultural storytelling. Staff from both schools played a crucial role in facilitating this unique and formative experience.

Throughout the 6-day, 1,200km journey across Central and Western NSW, students visited various schools and communities, including Coonabarabran High School, St John’s Parish School in Baradine, and for the first time, St Pius X Primary in Dubbo. Mornings were filled with interactive learning, community service, and performances, while afternoons offered deep engagement with First Nations culture, guided by local elders. A physical highlight was the hike to the summit of The Breadknife, a dramatic volcanic formation in the Warrumbungles. In Dubbo, the group took part in a smoking ceremony and cultural workshops, ending the trip with a shared meal that celebrated multicultural contributions to Australia.

Evenings around the campfire were moments of reflection, journalling, and sharing. The Red Dirt Immersion challenged students to consider Australia’s complex history - its beauty, its injustices, and its hope. Through encounters with land, people, and stories, students were encouraged to treasure the lessons learned, not only about others but about themselves. The immersion aimed to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture, connection to land, and personal growth - the kind of transformation that lingers long after the journey ends.