From the Principal

• Prayer for Ash Wednesday
• P&F Meeting - 2 March at 7.00 pm
• Building Program Update
• Child Safeguarding
• HSC High Achievers and Academic Awards Semester 2, 2019 Ceremony
• Welcome Mr Anthony Timmins
• New School App
• Major Upcoming Events in Term 1

Prayer for Ash Wednesday

All students took part in Ash Wednesday events today, and were given the ashes.  There was a significant Mission Mass held this morning at Our Lady of Dolours Church with students from St Pius X College, Mercy College and Our Lady of Dolours Primary School combining as part of the launch of Project Compassion across the Diocese and throughout all Catholic schools.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And put a new and right spirit within me.

Psalm 51: 10

Jesus said to his disciples:  "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them..... do not blow a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do...."

Matthew 6:  1 - 2

P&F Meeting next Monday, 2 March in C Wing -

7.00 pm

Mr Couani will present a proposal for DA plans for new classrooms at 39-41 Anderson St.

Please join the P&F meeting in C Wing at 7.00 pm.

Please see the attached Agenda.  It can also be found on the new St Pius X College App.

Building Program Update

Last week I announced that the College has proposed plans for 8 new classrooms to be built as a Learning Hub on the site of the 2 houses that the College owns on 39 - 41 Anderson St Chatswood. The College Board Property Committee is preparing for the lodgement of a proposed Development Application (DA) to Willoughby City Council in the near future.

I now attach the detailed FACILITIES UPDATE outlining this proposal. I will present these plans to the Parents and Friends Meeting on Monday 2 March from 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm.  The meeting will be held in the top floor of our newly refurbished C Wing. All parents are welcome.

Child Safeguarding

I wish to clarify for the College Community our Child Protection Policy and Procedures.  There is a full suite of policies that are followed by all staff, tutors, volunteers, coaches and extra-curricular employees as well as training on this matter.

The College’s Child Safety Officers are listed below.  If you have any matter to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact any one of them through the Office 9411 4733 or by email.

If you have a belief that a child has suffered, is suffering, or is at an unacceptable risk of suffering, harm or abuse contact Family & Community Services (FACS) by phoning the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.

Where you need guidance on making a report or have questions regarding child safety, contact the Principal or the Deputy Principal or one of the College’s appointed Child Safety Officers.  If your concern relates to the Principal or the Deputy Principal, report the matter to the EREA Regional Director via the EREA National Office at (03) 9426 3200.  Whenever there are concerns that a child is in immediate danger the Police should be called on 000.

Attached for your information is:

• Child Safe Code of Conduct
• Child Protection Policy

HSC High Achievers' Assembly and Semester 2, 2019 Academic Awards Ceremony

On Friday 21 February in the Concourse the College was joined by 340 parents in welcoming our brilliant 2019 HSC High Achievers to the College. 2019 Dux John McKinnon delivered an inspirational address to the gathering and expressed his appreciation to his teachers, his parents and his classmates for their support throughout his education at the school and especially through Years 11 and 12. He achieved an ATAR of 99.05 and was First in the State in Chinese Beginners. John shared with the students directly:

“To do well in the HSC, you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently. I have two words for it, “hard work”. Just completing the assigned work isn’t enough, you need to be doing a lot more. Boys, you need to be constantly challenging yourself, formulate exam strategies that fit you, and go above and beyond your abilities.

Having said that, it is also important to find the right work-life balance. Regardless of my countless midnight math marathons and late school finishes, they were always balanced with my involvements in extra-curricular activities. Whether it’s playing sports on a Saturday morning or picking up an instrument - the balance is important to provide relief and an escape from the exam pressures. I found joining the Senior Jazz Band was a great way to de-stress, and get to know fellow students better.

If I may impart some words of wisdom for the current Year 12 students, make your final year count. It may be challenging, but I can assure you it will be rewarding. There may be times you may feel stressed, disappointed, and disheartened- but remember this “Shībài shi chénggōng zhī mǔ”- Failure is the mother of success”.

The full text of John’s speech is attached.

2019 Semester 2 2019 Academic Award Winners

So many students were presented on Friday with outstanding awards and I sincerely congratulate them all. In my address I encouraged the boys - Anyone can achieve and receive these recognitions. Aim to make a personal best this year.  A full copy of my address to the school is attached.  

The program containing all Award Winners names is attached and once again we acclaim their hard work and dedication.  I am especially proud of the Growth in Learning Awards for those students who have shown major improvement in their work.

Welcome Mr Anthony Timmins

The College extends a very warm welcome to Mr Anthony Timmins who joins us as the new Performing Arts Coordinator following our farewell to Mrs Pip Waters last week.  Mr Timmins is a very experienced teacher, musician and coordinator joining us from Oakhill College.

New School App

Download the new College Mobile APP today!

If you haven't already downloaded the new College App, please be sure to do so this week.  Stay up to date with the latest College news and notifications on your mobile device. Download the new College Mobile APP today.

The old APP is being discontinued this week and all key communications will now be placed on the new APP, in addition to the Woodchatta and emails.

Download instructions are attached below.

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/st-pius-x/id1498569584

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fraynework.stpius

Major Upcoming Events in Term 1, 2020

• First P & F Meeting, Monday 2 March in C Wing commencing at 7.00 pm
• Year 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Tuesday 3 March
• Year 10 Reflection Day #1, Friday 6 March

Please refer to the 'Upcoming Events' page of this Newsletter for the 2020 College Calendar and Term Dates. 

Mr John Couani - Principal