Mission and Identity

• Boodle Fight

• ACU Forum on Antisemitism in Schools

• Catholic Schools Broken Bay Student Leader Formation Day

• Hub of Hope welcomes Damelys and José Alvera

• Reminder: 1 Peter 4:10 St Pius X 2025 Christmas Appeal

Boodle Fight

Last night we held the Matthew 25:40 Philippine Immersion Boodle Fight as an opportunity to share a meal, one another’s company and an opportunity for the students to share their experiences from the immersion. 

A Boodle Fight is a Filipino tradition for gathering the community around a shared meal, where food is traditionally laid out on banana leaves in the absence of crockery or cutlery.

We were very blessed to be joined by Fr David, Fr Hien, Fr Anselam, Deacon Roberto, members of the parish, Mr Ronchetti, parents and the pilgrims themselves. Each of the students cooked a Filipino dish as part of their learning and contributed it to the communal meal. 

It was a beautiful testament to the power and transformation of immersions in galvanising a community and celebrating our capacity to make a difference in Jesus’ name.

Please find linked a video of teacher testimonials from the immersion: Philippines Immersion Teachers.mp4

ACU Forum on Antisemitism in Schools

by Jack Manning-O'Donnell, Year 12 student

Today we attended the ACU Forum addressing antisemitism in schools, where students from multiple schools came together to discuss key issues surrounding Jewish hatred and discrimination. The forum marked the 60-year anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a significant Church document that sought to heal divisions between Christians and Jews. Nostra Aetate was written to end antisemitism among Christians, acknowledging that for centuries the Catholic Church had wrongly taught that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus.

During the discussion, several key questions were raised, including: Can you be pro-Jewish but anti-Israel? and What does antisemitism look like in Australian schools today? We also explored what student representatives can do to make a difference.

It was insightful to hear about initiatives such as the Australian Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism’s 13-point plan to address Jewish hatred. A recurring theme throughout the day was the growing impact of social media in spreading rumours, stereotypes, and misinformation that fuel hatred.

Overall, the experience was both thought-provoking and eye-opening. It helped us better understand what antisemitism in schools can look like and, importantly, how we can change our behaviour to actively stand against it.

Catholic Schools Broken Bay Student Leader Formation Day

‘And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.' Mark 7.35. It was a humbling experience on Tuesday to watch student leaders engage with the Ephpheta centre as part of their formation into servant leadership at Catholic Schools Broken Bay. Students engaged in learning AUSLAN through games as a means of widening their understanding of inclusivity as servant leaders.

Fr David Ranson’s homily and presentation on authentic servant leadership spoke to the importance of enabling others to grow, and dying to oneself so that others might live.

Hub of Hope Welcomes Damelys and José Alvera

Yesterday afternoon, the Hub of Hope had the great pleasure of welcoming Damelys, and her son José Alvera and their family for a special Afternoon Tea. The Alveras, who have come to Australia from Venezuela through the generous support of Chatswood Parish’s refugee sponsorship program, were warmly received by students and staff in a spirit of friendship and hospitality.

The gathering provided an opportunity for meaningful conversation and connection, reflecting the compassion and welcome that sit at the heart of the Hub of Hope. In previous sessions, members of the group have expressed their faith and creativity through decorating Jenga blocks with Bible verses and creating biblical micrography artworks—activities that symbolise building community and finding hope through Scripture. Special mention must go to Noah MacAndrews (Year 11) who used his Spanish-speaking skills and translated for both our guests.

The afternoon with the Alvera family was a joyful reminder of the power of hospitality, creativity, and shared faith to bring people together and strengthen our community in the spirit of Edmund Rice.

The Hub of Hope Continues on Monday, Week 5, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm in the Magnificat Room, Chatswood Parish

Email Mr Balboa at RBalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au for details. 

Reminder: 1 Peter 4:10 St Pius X 2025 Christmas Appeal:

'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.' 1 PETER 4:10

As Christmas draws near, we are invited to put our faith into hard-working love. 

The 1 Peter 4:10 Christmas Appeal is how our College community shares God’s grace with others - through simple, generous acts that bring hope and dignity to those

in need.

Every student is asked to bring one complete hamper or gift to support this appeal. Together, our small efforts create a big impact.

The appeal will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - Weeks 3 to 7 this term. Students are asked to bring their donations to homeroom where student volunteers will assist in bringing the collections to the collection points in the College foyer.

Below is the Year Group distribution and focus lists for the appeal this year:

Years 5 & 6 — St Vincent de Paul Woy Woy:

Supporting Vinnies Van and Central Coast families who are struggling this Christmas.

Donations Required:

• Vinnies Snack Packs: Non-perishable snack food items (chips,popper juice, tuna etc).
• Christmas treats (biscuits, chocolates, pudding, lollies)
• Toiletries (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo)
• Please ensure the above is packed in a zip-lock bag

Year 7 - St Mary’s Bowraville:

Donations Required: 

• Toys, clothing, sport equipment

• Items suitable for primary-school aged children:

  • Toys, Clothing

  • Sports Equipment

  • Books

  • Items will be wrapped by our Year 10 Bowraville Immersion Pilgrims and distributed while on immersion

Year 8 and Year 9 - Jesuit Refugee Services (Standing with refugees and people seeking asylum who are rebuilding their lives in Sydney):

Donations Required: 

• Nonperishable food items: Staple food items (rice, lentils, cooking oil, pasta, long-life milk, canned meals)

• All donations go toward the JRS Refugee Pantry

Year 10 - Personalised Present for A Centacare Employee:

• A handwritten Christmas Card

• Hampers with items personalised to the employee’s interests.

• These presents will be presented to the employees personally by Year 10 Greater Sydney Immersion Pilgrims

Year 12 - Family Hamper for St Michael’s Meals, Darlington (Providing food and toiletries to those facing food insecurity this festive season)

• Non-perishable meals (tins, soups, stews, beans, pasta, rice)

• Snack foods (biscuits, crackers, muesli bars, chips)

• Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream)

• Reusable grocery or enviro-bags for packing

Mr Daniel Petrie - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity