Pastoral Care
St Pius X College Chatswood
Year 9 Camp
Mental Health Month
NSW School Vaccination Program
Parent Webinars
Year 9 Camp: Camp Somerset
From Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 October, Year 9 travelled to Camp Somerset in Central Colo for three days and two nights. We were split into 10 isolated groups and sent to separate campsites, carrying all our luggage on our backs. Our groups completed a range of activities throughout the camp, including a 5km bushwalk, an 8km canoe journey, a high ropes course and disc golf. Others took on archery, rock climbing, abseiling, crate stacking, the mudslide and river run, and a MyKampsiteRules cooking competition featuring cuisines from around the world. The bushwalks were demanding but called for teamwork and proved rewarding, while the canoe journey tested our endurance and coordination, and was made far more enjoyable by working together to keep a steady rhythm on the water.
The natural setting made the experience even more memorable. Some groups were fortunate to observe a bowerbird and its nest, an arch of twigs with a collection of bright blue objects arranged beneath it. Throughout the camp, wildlife and livestock were a constant presence, from a tame emu wandering near the campsites to cows grazing in the surrounding paddocks, a reminder of how closely the camp sits alongside the natural environment.
A highlight for many was the disc golf competition, in which students competed alongside Mr McGeekie, Mr Saar and Mr Gates. The par 30 nine-hole course was fiercely contested, with penalties and a cut line. Jack Munro took home the win with a score of 26, four under par. The food was also a highlight for many. Some groups prepared and enjoyed souvlaki or pizza, and on the second night a farm to fork dinner of rotisserie chicken, potatoes baked in the fire and fresh bread from a stone oven, followed by apple crumble and marshmallows. Setting up tents, building fires and cooking developed our practical skills, while the cold and cramped conditions of the first night taught us how to dress properly for overnight conditions and make the most of limited space.
Our teachers and camp leaders were encouraging and participated alongside us. Our word for the camp was resilience, and it is exactly what we built. We learnt the importance of being prepared, and that pushing through difficult moments is what makes the experience worthwhile.
by Rory Rapa - Year 9 student
Mental Health Month
October is Mental Health Month, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and encourage meaningful conversations about wellbeing. For young men in particular, recognising the signs that someone may be struggling is vital. Changes in behaviour, withdrawal from friends and family, declining motivation, increased irritability, or risk-taking behaviours can all be indicators that support is needed. By checking in regularly, listening without judgement, and encouraging help-seeking, we can create a culture where young men feel safe to speak openly about their mental health and access the support they need.
Depression & Young People
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect how children and young people think, feel and interact with the world around them. While occasional sadness and mood changes are a normal part of growing up, depression is more persistent and can significantly impact a young person’s relationships, school engagement and overall wellbeing.
Recognising the signs of depression can sometimes be challenging, particularly during adolescence when emotional and behavioural changes are common. Academic pressures, friendship difficulties, social media and challenges around identity and belonging can all contribute to emotional distress. Understanding the warning signs and knowing when to seek help are important steps in ensuring young people receive the support they need.
The edition of SchoolTV linked below explores the signs and causes of depression, offering practical guidance and strategies to help recognise concerns early and provide appropriate support.
Here is the link to this topic:
http://spx.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/depression-au
NSW School Vaccination Program
NSW Health will offer vaccinations to all Year 7 students again on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Year 7 – Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)
Plus catch-up Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (dTpa) if not given previously on 14/10/2026.
Also:- Year 8 – dTpa and HPV (if not given in Year 7)
Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY (if not given at the previous clinic)
Consent (permission) is Required for the vaccines to be provided
- No need to complete another form if you already provided consent
- Previous consent remains valid.
- If you wish to withdraw consent, please do so before the clinic date by:
- Updating the consent online
- Notifying the school, or
- Contacting the Public Health Unit on (02) 9485 6971
How to Provide Consent
- Visit the NSW School Vaccination Portal: https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage
- Log in using your ServiceNSW account details (or create one if required click here).
- Complete the online consent form:
- Enter your child’s details including Medicare
- Read the Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
- Submit your consent
- You will receive an SMS and email when you have successfully submitted the online consent form.
HPV Vaccine
This vaccine protects against HPV-related cancers that include almost all cervical cancers, 60% of cancers of the throat, tonsils and tongue, and many genital and anal cancers for both men and women. Only one dose of HPV vaccine is required.
No Medicare or difficulty with the online form?
A paper consent form is available from the school.
Student absent from school on clinic
Receive the vaccine at a future school clinic, or
Visit a GP or participating pharmacy
Further information
For more information on routine school vaccinations, visit
For translated information, visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
If you have difficulty completing the online vaccination consent form, please email
nslhd-phuschoolvaccinationprogram@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 029485 6971 for assistance.
Parent Webinars
eSafety Commissioner
The office of the eSafety Commissioner offers free webinars for parents and carers.
Please use this link to their website for more details.
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care