From the Principal

• Reflection
• Building a Stronger Community Together
• Reconciliation Week
• Principal’s Morning Tea celebrating students who received ‘Outstanding’ on the average for their Interim and Mid-course Reports
• Importance of Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
• Year 5 and Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews
• Our bands participating in Eisteddfods
• Supporting Students Through Dedicated Learning Time - Year 12 Major Works Day
• Cocurricular Program
• Key Dates 

Reflection - The Season of Easter

Pentecost Sunday – The Spirit Calls Us

Pentecost reminds us of the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, filling them with courage, unity, and purpose. What began as a small and uncertain group was transformed into a community ready to go out and share hope with the world. This same Spirit continues to guide and strengthen us today.

For our College community, Pentecost is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our journey. The Spirit calls each of us to live with courage, to use our gifts generously, and to build a community grounded in respect, compassion, and truth. It invites us to be people who bring others together, who speak words of encouragement, and who act with kindness in all that we do.

Pope Francis reminds us: 

'The Holy Spirit makes the Church a living community, giving us the courage to go out and to be witnesses of hope.'

This message challenges us to think about how we can be active contributors to a positive and faith-filled community both within our College and beyond.

As we celebrate Pentecost this Sunday, may we be open to the Spirit at work in our lives, guiding our actions and inspiring us to make a difference.

Prayer

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit,

who guides us, strengthens us, and unites us.

Help us to be people of courage and hope,

willing to use our gifts in service of others.

May we build a community of kindness, respect, and inclusion,

reflecting Your love in all that we do.

Send Your Spirit upon us,

so that we may grow in faith and live with purpose each day.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Building a Stronger Community Together

My experience in Peru and Argentina offered a powerful reminder that strong communities are built, not given. I witnessed how belonging, respect, and shared responsibility grow through everyday actions and attitudes. The following reflections highlight the importance of inclusion, positivity, and service in shaping a culture where everyone feels valued and connected:

Belonging is Built Through Inclusion:  In both Lima and Argentina, one thing is clear: strong communities are created when people intentionally include others especially those who may feel on the margins. A positive culture grows through simple yet powerful gestures - learning someone’s name, offering a warm welcome, and showing genuine respect. These small actions foster a deep sense of belonging for everyone.

Attitude Shapes Our Environment:  One of the most important lessons is that culture is not defined by buildings or facilities, but by people. A positive, hopeful, and respectful attitude is contagious. Each day, students help shape our environment through their words, their responses to challenges, and how they treat one another.

Service and Solidarity Strengthen Community:  Across communities in Peru and Argentina, there is a strong commitment to looking out for one another. Encouraging students to step beyond themselves - to notice needs, serve others, and act with compassion builds a culture grounded in justice and solidarity rather than self-interest. These are values we proudly share.

Everyone Contributes to Culture:  A strong culture is not created by leaders alone it is shaped by everyone. Each student has both the opportunity and responsibility to contribute positively through their choices, leadership, and commitment to our College values. Culture is something we build, sustain, and protect together.

I shared these reflections with students and staff at our College Assembly this week, encouraging everyone to recognise that we each play an important role in nurturing and strengthening a positive culture, together.

‘Dios los bendiga’

God Bless

Reconciliation Week

Next week, our College community will come together for our annual Reconciliation Assembly an important opportunity for reflection, learning, and unity. The assembly invites us to deepen our understanding of the history, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It also reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, grounded in respect, truth, and meaningful relationships. As a community, we are encouraged to reflect on how our actions each day can contribute to a culture of inclusion, dignity, and respect for all.

We look forward to sharing this important occasion together and reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation within our College and beyond.

Principal’s Morning Tea celebrating students who received ‘Outstanding’ on the average for their Interim and Mid-course Reports

The Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday, 26 May, is a valued opportunity for the College to recognise and celebrate students who make a positive contribution to our learning environment and consistently strive for excellence as evident through the Student Learning Attributes. This occasion acknowledges not only academic achievement, but also the dedication, perseverance, and commitment students demonstrate across all areas of their learning.

Over time, the Morning Tea has become a meaningful tradition within the College, highlighting the importance of effort, attitude, and a genuine commitment to personal growth. It is a wonderful way to honour those students whose quiet determination and consistent hard work set a strong example for others in our community.

Importance of Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Last week, Year 12 students had the opportunity to reflect on their progress and meet with their teachers and parents to discuss strategies for continued improvement. These conversations play a significant role in helping students refine their learning approaches as they prepare for their HSC examinations later this year. Similarly, Year 11 students will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with their teachers about their progress and next steps at next week's interviews.

Meaningful feedback is a vital part of the learning process. It provides students with clear insights into their strengths and areas for growth, guiding them on how to improve. When students actively listen to and act on feedback, they develop greater ownership of their learning and build the skills needed for ongoing success. We encourage all students to approach feedback positively and use it as a tool to maximise their potential.

Year 5 and Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews

Over recent weeks, College staff have been conducting enrolment interviews for prospective Year 5 and Year 7 students for 2028. Throughout this process, parents have consistently shared how impressed they were with our students at Open Day, particularly the pride with which they spoke about their College. This feedback has been especially rewarding, and we are immensely proud of the way our students represent our community.

These interviews will conclude shortly, after which offers will be extended to successful applicants. We have been highly impressed by the quality, character, and enthusiasm of the students we have met, and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort of St Pius X students into our community.

Our bands participating in Eisteddfods

Last week, we were treated to outstanding performances from our various bands and ensembles. Their dedication and talent were clearly evident, and these performances have provided excellent preparation as they head into the upcoming Eisteddfods over the next fortnight.

We thank all students involved for their wonderful contributions at the Twilight Concert and wish them every success as they represent the College in the competitions ahead.  A special thanks to all our staff, led by Mrs Westhoff for their dedication and commitment to our students.

Supporting Students Through Dedicated Learning Time - Year 12 Major Works Day

Providing dedicated time for students to work on their major projects is an important part of supporting deep learning, creativity, and independent thinking. This time allows students to focus, refine their work, and benefit from teacher guidance as they progress. The second Year 12 Major Works Day will be held tomorrow, Friday 22 May.

For students who do not have a major work, this time is equally valuable. It provides an opportunity to study from home and continue preparing for the upcoming Trial HSC Examinations, which will be their next major assessment milestone.  Students can also utilise the SRC for individual study and will be supervised in the Year 12 quiet study space.

Whether completing a major work or preparing for exams, this structured time reinforces the importance of organisation, persistence, and purposeful use of time, skills that are essential for success both now and beyond school.

Cocurricular Program

Our First XI Football team proudly represented the College in the Q/F of the CIS Cup on Wednesday 19 May. Though it was a tight first half, the true spirit of St Pius came through in the second half with a dominant 5 – 1 victory.  Congratulations to all the players for responding positively following recent results., 

Football had a much better weekend with solid performances throughout all grades. It was great to see the enthusiasm and enjoyment the players were having. 

Rugby began their ISA competition against St Patrick’s, Strathfield.  Though we had mixed results, all players should be proud of the attitude and effort that they brought to each game. 

Junior sports teams continue to thrive with great results in both football, rugby and AFL.

Debating hosted our brother EREA school, Christian Brothers Lewisham last Friday.  All teams competed well and should be proud of their efforts.  Though the results were shared between the schools, all debaters should be congratulated for their commitment on a Friday evening.

Our tennis and squash teams fought bravely last weekend with some positive results throughout the grades, with chess continuing their rounds. 

It is always rewarding to hear from the staff of the outstanding application and commitment from all our players.  May all our teams continue to wear the blue and gold with pride.

Go the Blue and Gold!

Key Dates

Week 6  Reconciliation Week

Mon 25/5 Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Tues 26/5 Chapel Mass (Mercy)

Wed 27/5 Reconciliation Day Assembly / Sydney Eisteddfod (Concert Bands)

Thur 28/5 Year 9 English Excursion

Fri 29/5 Year Group/Homeroom/Individual Photos / Sydney Eisteddfod (Jazz Bands)

Sat 30/5 ISA & IPSHA R5 (Indigenous Round)/ ISA Rugby R3 vs KWS (Home) / Rugby Supporters' Day

Fide et Labore

By Faith and Hard work

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal