From the Principal

Reflection
Red Dirt Experience
Staffing Update
Leadership during Principal's leave
Visiting students from Hong Kong
Waterford Learning Centre Update - Junior School facility
Key Dates
Cocurricular

Reflection

Great things grow from small beginnings.

The Mustard Seed

Have you ever seen a mustard seed?

They are the smallest seeds I have ever seen.

A mustard seed is so small that if you were holding one in your hand and dropped it on the ground, you might not be able to find it.

Even though the mustard seed is one of the smallest of all seeds, when it is planted in the ground, it grows into a plant so large that birds can perch on its branches and can even build their nests in it.

I have read that these tiny seeds can produce a plant that grows three metres high or more!

Jesus told a parable comparing the mustard seed to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?

It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

How is that a picture of the Kingdom of God?

Well, when Jesus first began his earthly ministry, he had no followers. The Bible tells us that Jesus was walking along the shore of the sea of Galilee when he saw two fishermen, Peter and his brother Andrew, casting their nets.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said to them.

They immediately followed Jesus. As they continued on their way, they saw two other brothers, James and John, mending their nets. Jesus called them and they immediately left their nets and followed him. One by one, Jesus called his disciples until there were twelve of them.

That is still a pretty small beginning, isn't it?

Jesus sent out the twelve and they brought others to Jesus and the Kingdom of God grew.

From a very small beginning, the Kingdom of God has grown and grown until it has spread over the entire earth.

To get a better understanding of what this story teaches, I took an apple, cut it open, and took out the seeds. There were five seeds in my apple. Now, imagine that we planted these seeds, and each grew into an apple tree.

How many apples do you think each tree might produce? Fifty? A hundred? Two hundred?

I read that an apple tree can produce from 150 to 300 apples each year and that an apple tree will produce apples for about fifty years.

Just think how many apples that is! It isn't hard to see how we have enough apples to feed the entire world, is it?

Jesus started growing the Kingdom of God with a handful of disciples. Every follower of Jesus is a part of the Kingdom and that means that you and I are a part of God's Kingdom. Each time we tell someone about Jesus, we are helping to grow the Kingdom.

Isn't it great to know that we can have a part in growing God's kingdom?

St Pius X College commenced in 1937 with a small group of students and a handful of teachers under the guidance of the Christian Brothers. Since then, the College has grown into a school that welcomes everyone, that cares for everyone, that shelters and nurtures everyone, that educates everyone.

Isn’t it great to know that we are part of an inclusive community that allows each and every student to grow into someone who has the opportunity to add their story to the history of St Pius?

Regardless, of who you are, you all have a role to play in being part of and help in the growth of, not only this great College, but of God’s Kingdom.

Remember, Great things grow from small beginnings.

Amen

As we continue with our insight into Gospel Spirituality, I feel that there are many questions we need to reflect upon to truly experience the Touchstone. Being a Catholic School centred on a Gospel Spirituality we reflect on these questions:

Are we a faith-sharing community that fosters a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
How frequently does our community experience the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through Eucharistic celebrations?
Where do people in our community have opportunities for their own spiritual growth to be nurtured through reflection, prayer, symbols, sacred stories, rituals and sacraments?
When conflicts arise, how is our response based on Gospel values of forgiveness and reconciliation? Would this be people’s experience?
Are we connecting the story of our charism and the inspiration of Edmund into the message of the Gospel that we proclaim?
Do our words, deeds and actions reflect a commitment to the Gospel’s imperative to stand in solidarity with the marginalised?
Are we respectful of and nurtured by the stories of other faiths and communities?
How are our leaders formed to grow in an understanding of leadership that is inspired by the life of Jesus?
Does our use of iconography and image around the college reflect our commitment to a Gospel and charism inspired response to life?
Do we provide prayer and formation opportunities the deepen an understanding of Gospel Spirituality?

These questions are challenging as they delve deep into the fabric of the College. While I am confident that we are addressing many of these issues, there are still areas where we can improve to ensure we are truly engaged in Gospel Spirituality. May we seek inspiration through the lives of Jesus, Blessed Edmund and St Pius X to guide to remaining faithful to the Touchstones.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Red Dirt Experience (29 June – 6 July)

The Red Dirt Experience provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in cultural and spiritual growth. This program allows students to gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage, culture, identity, and spirituality of Aboriginal Peoples. It also offers a better understanding of our shared history and the challenges that have arisen from it. Interacting with local school communities plays a significant role in this formation.

This year, we will once again join students from CBHS Lewisham on this journey. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a pre-immersion gathering at Oxford Falls, which was particularly meaningful for me as a former student and teacher at Lewisham, and now as the leader of the St Pius X community. This combined immersion opportunity highlighted the strong bond between EREA schools and the importance of sharing our stories as we stand in solidarity with Aboriginal Peoples.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr Petrie, Mr DiSano, Mr Westhoff, Mr Stollery, and Mr Naidoo for continuing to provide this exceptional experience for our students.

Staffing Update

Ms Emma Fryar (Senior School English teacher) recently informed me of her decision to resign from her teaching position at the College. Ms Fryar has been a loyal and dedicated member of our staff since 2019, starting as a casual teacher before becoming a permanent member in 2020. This was a difficult decision for Ms Fryar, as she has greatly enjoyed her time at the College. Her exceptional support of the English Department and Drama will be sorely missed. Ms Fryar will conclude her tenure at the end of Term 2.

Ms Lisa O’Hora from the Junior School has also tendered her resignation, as she will be returning to beautiful Ireland at the end of Term 2. We thank Ms O’Hora for her valuable contributions to the Junior School during her time with us. Staff, students, and parents will miss her good nature and positivity.

I would like to thank and wish Ms Laura Barwick all the best as she finishes at St Pius X College at the end of the term. As mentioned a few weeks ago, Ms Barwick is moving to Scotland for two years. We hope her time in Scotland is fruitful and look forward to possibly seeing her again when she returns.

Mr Jim Olson, our archivist and former Deputy Principal, will also conclude his time with the College at the end of the term. We thank Mr Olson for his support of this great community throughout his tenure. We truly value his contribution both as a Deputy Principal and archivist.

Thank you also goes to Mr Greg Bell, who stepped into the role of Curriculum Coordinator when Mr Davidson was appointed Acting Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning.

With the appointment of Mr Dennis Lee to the Acting Curriculum Coordinator role, the Purton House Patron position became available. It is with great pleasure that we announce Mr Glen Carroll has accepted this acting position for the remainder of the year. We wish him every success in this exciting leadership opportunity.

Recently, Mr Daniel Quilty informed me that his doctors have approved his return to work starting in Term 3. This is exciting news, as Mr Quilty is now cancer-free and eagerly anticipating his return to the College. Although he will be returning next term he will have a reduced workload with no leadership responsibilities. Consequently, Ms Stefania Taddio will continue in the role of Acting English Coordinator throughout Term 3.

Leadership during my pending leave

As I shared with you last week, I will be on medical leave from this Monday, 24 June to Tuesday 6 August (inclusive). During this time, Ms Watson will be Acting Principal and Mrs Greenwood will be Acting Deputy Principal. I will keep them in my prayers as they lead the College in my absence.

Visiting students from Hong Kong

On Tuesday, 25 June and Wednesday 26 June, the College will host 15 students from Hong Kong. During their visit, St Pius students will act as guides, taking our visitors to their classes to give them a taste of what it's like to be a student at St Pius X College. Special thanks to Mrs Manga and the Language Department for providing a warm welcome to our guests.

The Waterford Learning Centre Update – Junior School facility

Many people would be driving or walking past the Waterford Learning Centre wondering when our community can use this new and innovative facility. Though most of the top floor and most of the ground floor fittings have finished, the civil works on the outside seem to be holding the completion and thus the finishing date. Over recent weeks, significant inroads have been made to the civil works and we can begin on the finished design. I have incorporated some photos to build the excitement.