Pastoral Care
- Year 7 Transition Day
- Safe Driving Presentation
- 2026 U/15s & 16s Rugby squad Heads to Fiji – Community Donations
- Supporting Student Wellbeing Through Structure During Exam Season
- Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for parents and carers
Year 7 Transition Day: Welcoming Our Future Learners
Yesterday, our College proudly hosted the Year 7 Transition Day, welcoming both current and prospective Year 6 students as they prepare to embark on their high school journey. The day was thoughtfully designed to ease the transition into secondary school, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging within our College community. The morning began with a respectful Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by our senior student leaders, setting a tone of unity and reflection. Students then moved into the GYM for Academic Assessment Services testing, an important step in helping us understand and support each learner’s academic needs.
After completing the assessments, students enjoyed a well-earned lunch break and were treated to a refreshing icy pole, which was a welcome reward on a warm day. The afternoon brought excitement as students were introduced to their homeroom teachers, beginning the process of forming meaningful connections that will support them throughout their high school years.
To conclude the day, students participated in a guided tour of the College, exploring key learning spaces and facilities. They also received a run-through of the student handbook, helping them understand expectations, routines, and the many opportunities available to them.
The Transition Day was a wonderful success, filled with smiles, curiosity, and a growing sense of anticipation. We look forward to welcoming these students officially next year and supporting them as they begin their high school journey.
Mr Anesh Naidoo - Pastoral Leader
Safe Driving Presentation
Yesterday, our school had the privilege of hearing from speaker Paul Turnley, who shared his powerful personal story about a car crash he was involved in. His willingness to own his mistakes and take full responsibility for his actions left a lasting impact on all of us. What resonated most was Paul's message about what it truly means to own our mistakes, having the courage to admit when we're wrong and face the consequences of our choices. His honesty about the decisions he made behind the wheel that led to the crash served as a sobering reminder that our actions have real consequences that can change lives forever. Paul's presentation emphasised how crucial it is to do the right thing when driving. Every time we get behind the wheel, we hold other people's lives in our hands. His story showed us that accountability isn't just about following rules it's about recognising the responsibility we carry and making choices we can stand behind, even when no one is watching.
by Brayzen Sargent - College Vice Captain
2026 U/15s & 16s Rugby squad Heads to Fiji – Community Donations
We are thrilled to announce that our U/15s & 16s Rugby squads will be embarking on an exciting tour to Fiji during the April school holidays in 2026! This trip is more than just rugby as it provides students with cultural exchange, community engagement, and also creating unforgettable memories.
As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to the St Pius X community for support. We are collecting donations of any old technology (such as laptops, tablets, or phones) and sports clothing that can be repurposed and shared with local communities in Fiji. Your generosity will help make a real difference.
How to Donate: Please drop off your items in the morning at the front office or Mr Gates’ office under C Block. Every contribution counts and will go a long way in supporting Fijian communities.
Thank you for helping us make this trip meaningful for both our students and the communities we visit.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this incredible journey!
Mr Justin Gates - Rugby Convenor
Supporting Student Wellbeing Through Structure During Exam Season
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, many students are preparing for exams - a time that can bring both motivation and stress. At St Pius X, we are committed to supporting our students’ wellbeing, and one of the most effective strategies is helping them maintain a structured routine.
Why Structure Matters
Structure creates predictability, which helps reduce anxiety and improve focus. When students know what to expect each day - when they’ll study, sleep, eat, and take breaks - they are better equipped to manage their time and energy.
According to ReachOut Australia:
Nearly 50% of students feel extremely or very stressed about exams.
46% say study stress affects their mental health.
A Mission Australia survey found 31% of students feel overwhelmed by school workloads.
These figures highlight the importance of proactive strategies to support student wellbeing.
How Structure Helps
A consistent routine can:
Improve sleep quality and emotional regulation
Prevent burnout through balanced study blocks
Support healthy habits like regular meals and exercise
Reduce decision fatigue and increase productivity
Tips for Students
Encourage your child to:
Create a weekly planner with study blocks, breaks, and sleep
Use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of study, 5-minute break
Set realistic goals and break subjects into chunks
Prioritise sleep - aim for 8–10 hours per night
Stay connected with friends and family
How Families Can Help
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting structure at home. You can:
Help set up a quiet study space
Encourage regular routines and downtime
Check in on emotional wellbeing
Celebrate effort, not just results
Final Thought
Exams are important, but so is mental health. By encouraging structure, we can help students navigate this season with confidence, balance, and resilience.
For more resources, visit:
Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for parents and carers
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.
What you need to know:
- The age restrictions are likely to apply to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, among other platforms.
Most online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among the types of services that will not be included.
Children under 16 will still be able to see publicly available social media content that doesn’t require logging into an account.
Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub. If you can't join our free webinar, they are also developing video guides for parents and carers about the upcoming social media changes for those under 16.
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care