From the Principal
- Reflection
- Edmund Rice Education Beyone Borders (EREBB) Congress
- 'For All, With All' - Unleashing Our Potential Together
- College Open Day - Saturday 14 March
- Open Day Student Volunteers
- Open Day - Cake Stall
- P&F Association Meeting - Thank You
- Cocurricular Program
- Key Dates
Reflection
The Season of Lent
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel
insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we
consciously give other people permission
to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our
presence automatically liberates others.
1994 Inaugural Speech of Nelson Mandela
As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage into the second week, we are reminded of Nelson Mandela’s words inviting us to open our hearts more generously and let the light within us shine. When we allow God’s light to radiate through us, we help awaken that same light in others. This Lent, may we lay down our fears and make room for the grace of God to be revealed more fully in our lives.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) Congress – Buenos Aires, Argentina (8 April – 16 April)
Our Edmund Rice global community will gather again this year for the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) Congress, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This significant event brings together educational leaders and collaborators from around the world who are committed to the mission of Edmund Rice and the continued growth of our international network.
The theme for the 2026 Congress is:
Pedagogy of Encounter – Walking in the Spirit of Francis… through Edmund Rice Education Today
This theme invites participants to explore how authentic human encounter, central to both St Francis of Assisi and Edmund Rice, continues to shape our mission in contemporary education. We are called to reflect on how our schools can be places of relationship, compassion, justice, and spiritual depth in an increasingly complex world.
Prior to the Congress, a Pre‑Congress gathering for participants from Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay will take place from 8–10 April, followed by the full EREBB Congress from 11–16 April. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our community at this international gathering and contribute to the shared learning and visioning for the future of Edmund Rice education.
Principal Leave
Please note that I will be on Principal Leave from Monday 16 March to Monday 27 March. During this period, Ms Elizabeth Watson will assume the role of Principal. I thank Ms Watson and the College Leadership Team for their leadership and service in supporting the smooth running of the College during my absence.
Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) has commenced the formal process to appoint an Acting Deputy Principal. This process aligns with the commitment of EREA to ensure transparency, equity, and the highest quality of leadership across all schools.
EREA Principals have also strongly advocated for leadership development and mobility opportunities within the network of our seven associated schools. This collaborative approach strengthens leadership capacity and ensures that our schools continue to benefit from a rich diversity of experience, insight, and professional expertise. I will announce our Acting Deputy Principal during my absence in next week’s Woodchatta.
‘For All With All’ - Unleashing Our Potential Together
As we lean into our 2026 theme 'For All With All', students are encouraged to recognise that their potential grows strongest when shared and supported within our community. Every learner has unique strengths and abilities but potential only becomes achievement when we choose to act with courage, effort, and openness to others.
Students who strive for their best do so by:
engaging fully in their learning
valuing feedback from teachers and parents
contributing positively in class
taking up opportunities beyond the classroom
These habits are available to every student.
As you move through the year, ask yourself:
Am I using the opportunities in front of me?
What fears might be holding me back?
How can others around me help me grow?
We learn from the example of our high achievers and award recipients not to compare ourselves, but to be inspired by their dedication, resilience, and belief in themselves.
To grow this year, each learner is encouraged to:
set high standards
build strong relationships with teachers
listen openly and learn collaboratively
believe in themselves and work with purpose
Muhammad Ali reminds us:
'It is a lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges
and I believed in myself.'
Let us move forward with confidence, trusting that in our community ‘For All, With All’ we are supported, encouraged, and capable of becoming the best versions of ourselves.
College Open Day - We look forward to welcoming you
Our College Open Day is fast approaching, and we are delighted to open our doors to families who are considering joining the St Pius X College community.
Chatswood Campus will be open for tours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Oxford Falls Campus will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Our dedicated staff are preparing a vibrant and engaging showcase of College life, highlighting the exceptional learning, cultural, and sporting experiences we offer.
Open Day provides prospective students and their families with the opportunity to explore our dynamic learning environments, meet our passionate teachers, and discover the wide range of opportunities available at St Pius X College. It is a chance for future students to imagine themselves as part of our community, to feel a sense of belonging and excitement for the educational journey ahead.
We warmly encourage you to invite any friends or relatives who may be considering a Pius education. They will be most welcome.
Tour bookings are essential.
Book here to secure a tour of the Chatswood Campus
Book here to secure a tour of the Oxford Falls Campus
Tours are filling fast, so we encourage families to secure their place soon.
I'm looking forward to seeing many new and existing families at Open Day.
Enrolments for Year 5 and 7, 2028 open on 1 March 2026, please see College website for enrolment application information.
Open Day Student Volunteers
Our current students have been invited to participate in this important day by volunteering as tour guides or faculty assistants. This is a great opportunity for students from all years groups to embrace with pride their College. Please click the image below to register for your son to volunteer.
Cake Stall for Open Day
We are preparing for our much-loved cake stall for Open Day. It is always a highlight of the day, thanks to the generosity of our community.
We warmly invite families to bake or cook something for the day - cakes, slices, brownies, biscuits, or any homemade treats are most welcome.
Boxes will be sent home in the week of 9 March for those who register. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled with ingredients.
Your support makes this special tradition possible. Please Register here if you would like to contribute to the cake stall and we will send a box home with your son.
Your treats can be sent to school on the Friday 13 March - please leave at Student Reception. If delivering on the day, please go straight to the Cake stall.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Christine Jennings - cjennings@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
P&F Association Meeting – Thank you
Thank you to all the parents who attended the P&F Association meeting on Monday 23 February. It was great to see an increased number at this meeting. Thank you to Eoin Geaney, the SPX Clubs and all the parents who were able to attend, and I look forward to seeing more parents and friends at our net meeting in Term 2.
Cocurricular Program
Celebrating and Supporting All Our Teams
As we move into the semi‑finals of the ISA basketball and cricket season, we congratulate the teams who have earned their place in this next stage. Compete with confidence, fairness, sportsmanship and the strength that comes from playing together.
While not every team has progressed to the semi‑finals, every player and coach should be proud of the way they have represented St Pius X College with dignity, determination, and genuine sportsmanship. Your commitment enriches our whole community and reflects the spirit of ‘For All, With All’.
Good luck as well to all students competing this weekend in NSTA Tennis, squash, district cricket, and Junior School sport. May you play with enthusiasm, teamwork, and pride in your efforts.
Together, as one community, we celebrate every team, every player, and every effort made in the blue and gold.
Go the Blue and Gold!
Key Dates
Week 6
Tues 3/3 Chapel Mass (Mercy)
Wed 4/3 Year 5 camp / Year 6 Canberra Trip - 6/3
Fri 6/3 Year 8 Formation Day / CSDA Public Speaking Zone Final
Sat 7/3 ISA Finals / IPSHA R4 / NSTA / squash
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal