From the Principal
- Reflection
- Swimming Carnivals
- Junior School Sport
- Commencement Mass and Academic Awards Assembly
- Mercy College Commencement Mass
- Student Engagement in their Learning
- Open Day - Saturday 18 March
- Enrolments for Years 5, 6 and 7 2025
- Parent Information Evenings
- Invitation to P&F Commencement Mass and Social
- Key Dates
Reflection
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36).
Standing beside those who suffer on a path of charity
On Saturday 11 February, we celebrated the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, Patron Saint of Healing! Our Lady of Lourdes represents the healing power of faith. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrates the Marian apparition who first appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a peasant girl, in Lourdes, France on February 11, 1858.
Saint John Paul II instituted the World Day of the Sick also on 11 February, to encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society to be increasingly attentive to the sick and to those who care for them. Pope Francis shares his reflection on the 30th anniversary of this day. His reflection can be found below:
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy,
you are the refuge of sinners, the health of the sick,
and the comfort of the afflicted.
You know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings.
By your appearance at the Grotto of Lourdes you
made it a privileged sanctuary where your favours are
given to people streaming to it from the whole world.
Over the years countless sufferers have obtained
the cure for their infirmities - whether of soul, mind, or body.
Therefore, I come to you with limitless confidence
to implore your motherly intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests.
Through gratitude for Your favours,
I will endeavour to imitate Your virtues,
that I may one day share in Your glory.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Swimming Carnivals
Despite the drizzling rain throughout the morning, the Senior Swimming Carnival was an outstanding success with all students competing in at least one event. We were able to run all competition events before the heavens opened ending the day's events early, but not before the seniors were able to upstage the staff team and win the final relay event. It was wonderful to see our Year 12 students running the day for their final swimming carnival especially in their colourful costumes. It truly made a spectacular sight seeing the young men enjoy their final carnival. The day also provided me a wonderful opportunity to get to know the students in a relaxed environment for my first carnival at the College. Special thanks to the staff who ensured the event run smoothly and in particular to Mr Stearn for his diligence in making the carnival an outstanding success.
The Junior Swimming Carnival was another successful carnival with all students willing to participate in the activities. It was pleasing to see and hear the excitement that surrounded the pool and the manner in which the students engaged in the activities. I am confident that our new Year 5 students will remember their first swimming carnival at St Pius X. Thank you to Mr Ryan and Ms Greenwood for their organisation of the day. Special thanks to all the staff who assisted in the smooth running of the event along with the Year 10 students who assisted in the officiating.
Please see photos of the senior carnival below:
Junior School Sport
I had the privilege last Saturday to attend the Junior Softball game at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield. Though many members of the team were new to softball, it was pleasing to see how quickly they were able to gain an understating of how to play. Under the expert guidance of Ms Williams, the team was able to slowly play themselves into the game after St Patrick’s scored 12 runs in their first innings, mostly due to one batter who hit a Grand Slam (Home run with bases loaded). After an encouraging talk by Ms Williams, the St Pius X team showed their true character by scoring 8 runs in a quiet but reassuring manner. Though they may have fallen short this time, I am confident that they will continue to develop as a genuine softball players.
Commencement Mass and Academic Awards Assembly
Next Tuesday, 21 February, the College will hold two major events at Oxford Falls. The day will commence with Fr David Ranson celebrating our Commencement College Mass at 10.00 am. Celebrating the Eucharist as a whole College sets the platform for our entire community as we seek guidance and encouragement from Jesus Christ as we officially begin the academic year.
Following the Mass, the College will celebrate the 2022 Academic Achievements of Years 8 to 12 at the Academic Awards Assembly. It is during this ceremony that the College acknowledges and congratulates the high achievers from the HSC Class of 2022. I look forward to celebrating the Eucharist with the whole school, for the first time, and welcoming back to the College our HSC High Achievers for 2022. These are two very significant events in the College calendar, therefore, both events will be live streamed, and the links can be found below.
Please note: Students in Years 5 and 6 will return to the College after the Mass while Year 7 will attend their usual Tuesday afternoon of PDHPE. Mrs Loughman has advised Year 7 parents and students of their requirements for the day.
The Mercy Catholic College Commencement Mass
On Monday 13 February, Eamon Boyle (College Captain), Joshua Bewley (College Vice-Captain), Mitchell McGarth (College Vice-Captain) and I had the privilege of attending the Mercy Catholic College Opening Mass. It was a wonderful celebration to commence the school year for the girls at Mercy College and a fitting acknowledgement for the 2023 leaders from students in Years 8 – 11. Hopefully, we will be able to continue engaging with the girls form Mercy Catholic College over the course of the year. I would like to thank Mrs Brenda Timp, Principal of Mercy Catholic College, for inviting us to this most auspicious occasion.
Student Engagement in their Learning
It has been wonderful to see so many students engaged in their learning during my educational walks. I have been educated about poetry; discussed scandals and cheating in sport; chemical reactions; hydrogen gas explodes; algebraic expressions and gospel values. I have been most impressed with the positive interactions students have had with the teachers and the respectful manner in which students address their teachers within the classroom. Research has shown that developing positive relationships with teachers will support them in their learning gains. I hope that all students can develop these positive relationships so that they successfully engage in their learning throughout 2023.
OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 18 MARCH
We are very excited to announce that we are holding the College OPEN DAY on Saturday, 18 March. The Chatswood campus will be open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. The Treacy Centre at Oxford Falls will be open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm. Tour bookings essential.
One of the learnings from COVID-19 has been the importance of booking a time to tour the College. This year, the College is introducing three separate session times so that families can book to visit the College. At the commencement of each session, there will be a short information presentation before our students guide families on a tour around the College. Session times will be 10.00 am, 11.30 am and 1.00 pm. The link to book for tours will be provided in next week's Woodchatta.
Enrolments for Years 5, 6 & 7 2025
It is that time of the year again where families need to make decisions about their sons’ education. Enrolment application forms for St Pius X College will be available from next Wednesday, 1 March. Please see the College website for details. The closing date for lodgement of 2025 applications is Friday, 28 April 2023.
Parent Information Evenings
The Parent Information Evenings provided parents with a great opportunity to engage with their sons’ Year Coordinator and other significant staff members especially those who will have an important role to play in the development of each student. It was also my first opportunity to meet parents and share some of my vision and hopes for their sons. A special thanks to all our Year Coordinators Ms Loughman, Mr Steinman, Mr Pawlak and Ms Janes for their coordination of these meetings and for the guidance they provide for each member of their year group.
Invitation to P&F Commencement Mass and Social
I look forward to meeting all our families at the P&F Commencement Mass and Social on Saturday 25 February at 5.30 pm. All are welcome to join us.
The event is free, however we do request you advise your attendance for catering purposes.
More information can be found on the P&F News page of this Woodchatta including the Humanitix link to advise your attendance.
Key Dates
Opening Mass and Academic Awards:
Tuesday 21 February at Oxford Falls
Ash Wednesday:
Wednesday 22 February
P & F Commencement Mass and Social:
Saturday 25 February 5.30 pm
P & F Meeting - AGM:
Monday 6 March
Live Jesus in our Hearts
Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal
Important Parking Information at Oxford Falls
As we begin another term of weekend sport at Oxford Falls, I would like to give an important reminder to all parents and caregivers of being respectful of our neighbours at our Oxford Falls campus.
Please ensure that you follow road and parking rules in and around Dreadnought and Spicer Roads, including parking in appropriate areas and also following advised speed limits.
Council Rangers are aware of this situation and have increased their patrols in this area.
Please note that parking in the C3 Church grounds is not permissible. There are multiple signs indicating that it is a one-way road, with 'wrong way' signs up in place. As it has been noted that parents have been breaching this one-way direction on these grounds, the C3 Church are clearly concerned for the safety of their community.
Please respect this expectation and only park in designated areas and follow all directions when parking, for the safety of all our Oxford Falls community.
Mr Mark Casey - Deputy Principal