From the Principal

• Reflection
• Reflection for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – 8 February
• Commencement Mass
• Farewell and thank you, Mr Petrie
• Staff Meeting - early finishing time
• P&F Cocktail Evening
• Open Day - Saturday 14 March
• P&F Association Meeting - Monday 23 February
• Cocurricular Program
• First Day Photos
• Key Dates 

Reflection

Fasting & Feasting

As we approach Lent, we are reminded about many things, especially our need for reflection, our desire for renewal, and the hope that comes from drawing closer to God and to one another. Lent is more than a time of fasting; it is also an invitation to discover a deeper joy. While we often think of Lent as a season of giving things up, it can also be a season of taking things on - of feasting on what nourishes our hearts and strengthens our community.

Lent encourages us to fast from whatever distracts, burdens, or divides us, and to feast on practices that bring life: compassion, gratitude, kindness, patience, prayer, and service. In doing so, the season becomes not just a journey of sacrifice, but a pathway to renewal and transformation.

As we move through these forty days, may our fasting create space for something new, and may our feasting open us to the hope and joy that this sacred season offers.

Fast from judging others

Feast on the Christ dwelling in them

Fast from worry

Feast on Divine Providence

Fast from complaining

Feast on appreciation

Fast from self-concern

Feast on compassion for others

Fast from discouragement

Feast on hope

Fast from problems that overwhelm

Feast on prayer

Fast from thoughts of illness

Feast on the healing power of God

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Reflection for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – 8 February

As we honour the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we are invited to pause and remember the profound message at the heart of Mary’s appearance to young Bernadette in 1858: a message of compassion, healing, and hope. Lourdes has become a place where millions seek comfort, strength, and peace, yet the lessons of this feast day reach far beyond a single location. 

They speak to our everyday lives here in our college community. Mary’s gentle presence at Lourdes reminds us of the importance of seeing one another with kindness. She appeared not to the powerful or privileged, but to a humble young girl, showing us that God meets us in the ordinary moments and through ordinary people. We are reminded that dignity, compassion, and tenderness are values we can choose daily, in the classroom, in the playground, in our families, and in all our relationships.

The spring at Lourdes, known for healing, symbolises something deeper: the healing that comes when we listen, care for one another, and offer patience and understanding. We may not all need physical healing, but each of us carries worries, stresses, or burdens. Inspired by Our Lady of Lourdes, we learn to be sources of comfort, a calm presence, and people who lift others up.

Finally, Mary’s message encourages us to remain hopeful. Even in challenging times, faith invites us to trust that renewal is possible and that grace is always at work in quiet ways.

As a college community, may the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes inspire us to live with greater kindness, to look out for one another, and to bring healing and hope into our everyday interactions. 

Like Bernadette, may we respond with openness, humility, and courage.

Commencement Mass

The Commencement Mass was a beautiful celebration marking the official beginning of our College academic year. Our College Captain, Sean O’Donnell, led the Year 12 students in procession into the Christian Brothers Centre, carrying the College candle - a powerful symbol of Christ’s light guiding us as we embark on the year ahead.

Year 12 students proudly wore their College blazers as they walked down the centre aisle for their final Commencement Mass. This annual procession has become a meaningful rite of passage, honouring our most senior students as they begin their final year at the College.

I would like to acknowledge and thank our special guests for their attendance:

• Ms Maura Manning, EREA NSW Colleges Director and CEO

• Br Michael Hoffman, Christian Brother and former College Principal of St Pius X College between 2004 - 2010. 

• Mr Mark Sullivan, School Advisory Council Member

• Mr Nick Carson, Council Member, former member of staff and former student of the Class of 1982.

On behalf of St Pius X College, I offer our sincere thanks to our celebrant, Father David, for his faithful presence and the care he shows our community. His ongoing support of our mission and values is deeply appreciated, and his encouragement continues to nurture the spiritual life of our College.

Knowing that we are supported by Fr David, and by the wider parish community of Our Lady of Dolours, brings us great comfort and strength. Fr Davis’s guidance, prayerful leadership, and words of wisdom help us to remain grounded in our faith and faithful to the teachings of the Gospel.

We are truly grateful for Fr David’s generosity of spirit and your dedication to our College community.

I also offered my heartfelt thanks to our staff for their commitment to making our Eucharistic celebration both prayerful and memorable.

In particular:

To our musicians, led by Mrs Westhoff and supported by Mr Saar, Mr Balboa, Ms Matthews and Mrs Gan - thank you for encouraging our students and guiding them as they use their musical gifts in service to our community.

To Mr Cummins, Mr Jones and our IT team - Mr Stephen, Mr McGowan, Mr McGaw, Mr Thomas Cummins and Ms Mutch - your expertise in sound, lighting and technical support helps us enter fully into the reverence of today’s celebration.

To our maintenance team - Mr Munday, Mr Williams, Mr Pasatovic, Mr Willoughby, Mr Noort and Mr O’Bryne - and to our student leaders and band helpers - thank you for preparing the Christian Brothers Centre so thoughtfully as our sacred space today.

To our altar servers - thank you for your quiet, respectful service that honours the sacredness of our Eucharist.

To our Mission and Identity team - Mr Di Sano, Mr Balboa, Mr Callow and Miss Zanko - thank you for your tireless effort behind the scenes in bringing this celebration to life.

And to all our staff, thank you for your continued support of our students and for your generosity in helping shape this important celebration.

I would like to share with you some of my speech:

'As we begin the 2026 school year, there is a renewed sense of hope and possibility across our College. This year invites each of us - students and staff alike - to grow, to learn and to become the best version of ourselves. It is a year waiting to be shaped by our choices, our character and our commitment.

Our theme for 2026, “For All, With All,” stands at the heart of this work. It reflects the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice, who believed in walking with others, lifting one another up, and using our gifts in service of the common good. The strength of a community is measured not only by individual achievements but by how we support, encourage and stand with each other.

"For All" calls us to build a community where every person feels valued, respected and supported. Kindness, integrity and courage form the foundation of a strong, connected community - one where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

"With All" reminds us that growth happens when we walk together. To make this year one of real achievement, each of us must take responsibility for our own learning - by being present, embracing challenges and stepping beyond what is comfortable. Growth does not happen by chance; it comes through hard work, perseverance and a willingness to try.

And as a Gospel inspired community, we look outward as well as inward - standing in solidarity with those in need and recognising the dignity of every person. This is not only our theme; it is our calling.

At St Pius X College, education extends beyond knowledge. We strive to form young people of wisdom, compassion and courage - people who understand that faith is lived through action, service and daily choices. It is an education that shapes, not only what we can achieve, but who we are becoming.

As we step into the year ahead, my hope for every student and staff member is simple:

Embrace every opportunity. Lift one another higher. Live this year with purpose, unity and generosity and together – “With All, For All” - let us make 2026 a year where our community grows stronger, our students strive boldly and our shared spirit inspires all who walk through the doors of St Pius X College.'

Farewell and Thank you Mr Petrie

As we farewell Mr Petrie, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering commitment and exceptional service over the past two and a half years. His leadership has profoundly shaped the liturgical life of our College, creating countless opportunities for students and staff to deepen their faith and encounter the Gospel with genuine joy.

While his many initiatives have made a significant impact, it was his ability to ground each one in the Gospel and to bring that Gospel vividly to life that truly inspired our entire community. His presence, guidance, and faith-filled example have been blessings to us all.

As Mr Petrie begins his new role in Parramatta, we wish him every success and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen him in this next chapter of his journey. He will always remain a cherished member of the St Pius X family.

Thank you, Mr Petrie, for everything you have generously offered to our community.

Staff Meeting - a reminder of our finishing time on Monday 23 February

The College will hold its first staff professional learning afternoon meeting of the year on Monday, 23 February. The students will be dismissed at 2:30 pm allowing staff to engage effectively in ongoing professional development and the College’s learning agenda.

The P&F Cocktail Evening

It is still not too late to join us tomorrow evening at the annual P&F Association Cocktail function.

I would encourage all families, especially those new to the College to join us at this event. 

I look forward to seeing you at the Cocktail evening.

Advance Notice: 

OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 14 MARCH

The College OPEN DAY is on Saturday, 14 March.  The Chatswood campus and the Oxford Falls campus will be open to visit.  

Tour bookings are essential. 

The College will continue with online bookings arrangements so that families can book a tour of the College.

Information requesting for student helpers will be communicated in the coming weeks.

More information regarding our Open Day will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Looking forward to seeing many new and existing families at Open Day.

P&F Association Meeting – Monday 23 February

Our first P&F Meeting of the year will be held on Monday, 23 February. We warmly encourage all parents who are willing to support and contribute to the life of our College to come along. Your presence, ideas, and partnership make a meaningful difference, and we would love to see you there.

Cocurricular Program

Best wishes to all our players as they continue with their commitment to our Saturday sports program.  ISA Basketball and Cricket will compete in Round 9, while IPSHA (Junior Sport) and NSTA (Tennis) will compete in Round 1.  May all our students play to the best of their ability and hopefully we will have some victories along the way.  Go the Blue and Gold.

First Day Photos

Please find below the link to view photos taken on the first day of school.

Key Dates

Week 4

Tues 17/2 Shrove Tuesday / Chapel Mass (Pius)

Wed 18/2 Ash Wednesday

Thur 19/2 Junior School Cross Country

Fri 20/2 Year 5 Formation Day

Sat 21/2 ISA R10 / IPSHA R2 / NSTA / squash

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal