From the Principal
- Reflection
- Finishing strong - a message to our gentlemen
- Celebrating the conclusion of the HSC Exams
- Honouring Remembrance Day
- 2024 Collegian has arrived
- Movember
- Year 7 2026 Transition Day
- P&F AGM
- Reminder of the change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026
- Investiture Photos
- Key Dates
Reflection
The struggles of life to find success
A boy watched a butterfly struggle to break out of its cocoon. Finally, the boy could bear to watch no more and, feeling sorry for the butterfly,
he opened the cocoon and set the butterfly free.
However, after spreading its wings and flying for only a few metres, the butterfly fell to the ground and died.
The boy had wanted to help the butterfly by making life easier but I fact, the butterfly needed the struggle to gain strength that would enable it to fly free and live.
Life can sometimes seem like long struggle, especially when we are young. It is frightening to think of all the mistakes we could make as we strive to grow up into confident people, able to love our own lives.
However, without the struggle, with trying hard and making the effort, we can never grow.
Nor can we succeed, because success in everything is based on long hours of hard work.
As the boy and the butterfly found out, there are no short cuts.
Yet in the struggles of life, we can find challenge, enjoyment and wisdom.
In the end we shall value the prize more deeply if we have made the effort, fought the fight and achieved our goals.
Finishing Strong – A Message to Our Gentlemen
As our young men approach the final weeks of the 2025 school year, I encourage all students to take a moment to reflect on their journey so far. This is a time to acknowledge growth, challenges overcome, and the lessons learned along the way.
In these final weeks, may every student strive to be the best version of themselves, approaching their remaining assessments with focus, resilience, and integrity. Success is not only measured in results, but in the effort and character shown throughout the process.
Each student has been painting their own canvas throughout the year, layer by layer, stroke by stroke with moments of learning, leadership, and personal growth. Now is the time to add the finishing touches, to bring together all that they’ve worked towards and complete the picture with pride and purpose.
This journey reminds us of the story of the boy and the butterfly. In trying to ease the butterfly’s struggle, the boy unknowingly prevented it from gaining the strength it needed to fly. The butterfly needed the challenge to grow strong. In the same way, our students must embrace the effort, the mistakes, and the perseverance required to succeed. There are no shortcuts to growth.
True success is born from struggle, effort, and resilience. And just like the butterfly, our students will soar, not because the path was easy, but because they had the courage to face it.
I invite all students to embrace our College motto, ‘fide et labore’, by faith and hard work, as they finish the year. It is through this commitment that true success is experienced, both academically and personally.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Celebrating the Conclusion of the HSC Exams
As we reach the final days of the HSC examination period, it is with great satisfaction that we acknowledge the last exam, with Physics taking place this Friday. This marks the official conclusion of a significant and often demanding journey for our Year 12 students.
I am proud to share a deeply affirming message from our Presiding Officer, who described this group of young men as, yet another, St Pius X College cohort distinguished by their compliance, respect, and gratitude. He noted that they upheld the high standards and expectations we associate with our College, both in conduct and character.
This commendation fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It is a powerful reflection of the values we nurture as a community and a testament to the collective efforts of our staff, families, and students in shaping young gentlemen of integrity and purpose.
As Principal, I am continually inspired by the way our community supports the formation and development of each student. This feedback reaffirms that our mission is not only being fulfilled it is thriving in the lives of those we serve.
Honouring Remembrance Day
On Tuesday 11 November, Mr Petrie, Mr Rodgers and our College student leaders will lead the community in a commemorative service for Remembrance Day. This solemn occasion invites us to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in times of war and conflict.
The sounding of the Reveille played across the College speakers will set a powerful tone for our reflection, reminding us of the lives lost and the enduring legacy of those who paid the ultimate price for peace.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches:
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.'
This verse resonates deeply as we honour those who have served, not only in defence of our nation, but in pursuit of peace a responsibility that now rests with each of us.
As we reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day, let us be mindful of the role we play in being peacemakers in our own time, in our homes, our communities, and our world. This message is especially relevant today, as we witness ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and parts of Africa.
May our remembrance be not only a tribute to the past, but a commitment to peace for future generations.
2024 Collegian
The 2024 St Pius X College Collegian Has Arrived!
The 2024 edition of the St Pius X College Collegian is now available. The eldest student in each family (Years 6–12) will bring a copy home over the coming weeks. Families are kindly asked to check their child’s school bag for their copy.
Movember
The 2025 Movember campaign was officially launched at our College assembly (indoor due to rain) on Wednesday 29 October. Movember is a global initiative held each November to raise awareness and funds for critical men’s health issues, including mental health, suicide. Please support this initiative led by our young men.
Transition Day Year 7 2026
After successfully welcoming Year 5 2026 last week, this week we welcomed our new Year 7 2026 students to the College. Like the Year 5 transition day, the Year 7 transition day assisted those new to the College to blend in with the current Year 6 students who have been part of our Junior School for the past two years. This is an exciting but also nervous time as many new faces will be seeking new friends. One thing St Pius X College does exceptionally well is welcome all new students and families to our inclusive community.
Parents & Friends AGM
A final reminder of the P&F Association Annual General Meeting on Monday 10 November 2025. Please join us at the AGM and consider being part of the P&F moving forward. The meeting is being held in person at the college, or can be joined online:
Reminder of the change to our sports uniform for the start of 2026
Please refer to the communication shared during Term 3 about the expectations regarding our sports uniform for the start of 2026 and the transition period for the remainder of our uniform.
Term 4 Cocurricular Program - Sportsmanship is alive and well at Oxford Falls
It was fantastic to see so many basketballers competing with enthusiasm and determination in their games last week. The energy on the court was matched by a strong sense of teamwork and commitment across all teams.
A particularly proud moment came during one of the First V matches, when our team captain, Joshua Sebastian demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. After a foul was called, he immediately assisted a player from the opposing team to his feet without hesitation, without aggression, but with genuine concern and respect. This simple, yet powerful gesture, reflected the values we strive to uphold at the College: humility, empathy, and integrity.
As we move into Round 3 for ISA basketball, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of accepting the referee’s decisions and continuing to demonstrate positive sportsmanship qualities on and off the court.
It was wonderful to see our young 2nd XI cricket team secure a well-earned victory over St Gregory’s Campbelltown 1st XI last week. The win was built on solid batting, backed up by sharp bowling and outstanding fielding. Some of the catches taken were of representative level quality, and the three stumpings were a testament to the team’s coordination and commitment. Well done also to our 1st XI cricket team who have commenced the season with three straight wins. Once again another young team but performing exceptionally well.
Also, a reminder to all players: please ensure you are wearing the correct uniform for your games. Mr Stearn has repeatedly stated the expectations for all students, both players and spectators, when attending games both at Oxford Falls and when visiting other schools. Let’s continue to represent the College with pride and respect in every aspect of competition.
Go the Blue and Gold!
Investiture Photos
Please see attached photos of last week's Investiture.
Key Dates
Week 5
Mon 10/11 Staff Meeting / P&F AGM / Year 12 sign-out day
Tues 11/11 Remembrance Day / Chapel Mass (Pius) / Remembrance Day Assembly / Year 7 2026 Parent Information Evening (online)
Wed 12/11 Year 9 Barron Camp - 14/11
Thur 13/11 Year 12 Formal
Fri 14/11 UrbnSurf competition
Sat 15/11 ISA R4 / IPSHA R11 / NSTA / Squash / MWJCA
Fide et Labore
By Faith and hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal