From the Principal
Commencement Mass at Oxford Falls
- Prayer
- Commencement Mass
- High Achiever's Assembly and Academic Awards Presentation
- P&F Commencement Mass and Social Cancelled
- Year 10 Information Evening Tomorrow night
- Open Day
- Key Dates
Prayer
Lent invites us to consider our relationships:
- With God (prayer)
- With Others (almsgiving)
- With Ourselves (sacrifice)
The word ‘lent’ originates in the northern hemisphere where it means ‘springtime’. It comes from the Old English word 'lencten' (lengthening of days). Here in the Southern Hemisphere Lent moves through autumn.
This has a unique symbolism for us. At this time of year, in the southern hemisphere, the trees are relinquishing their foliage, thus enabling the light of the sun to shine through them more clearly.
As the trees shed their leaves, we are encouraged to let go of our attachments – cleansing our lives by fasting, prayer and almsgiving as we prepare for the light of Christ at Easter.
‘Give to the poor in handfuls’
I face up to what is wrong – in my life and in me
Self-denial helps us find balance, reconciliation and a better life
Blessed Edmund Rice, Pray for Us
St Pius X, Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever
Commencement Mass
The College celebrated an extraordinary Commencement Mass at Oxford Falls yesterday. We are especially grateful to Fr David Ranson for leading our Eucharistic Celebration and sharing the day with us.
Fr David’s homily gave the College great direction for the year ahead with a beautiful Parable of the Ash Tree. He also quoted Pope Francis saying “future lies in doing things together… go forward in solidarity… together we can shape the future.” Fr David also used the metaphor of a choir, “… different people play their parts… only together can we create a better future.”
Please find attached the full text of Fr David’s Homily. I also include the text of my Welcome Address the College where I encouraged all to “Let our actions, yours and mine, exemplify our faith, values and beliefs.
Our theme for 2021 is “Better Together” and we include each other, look after each other and “Motivate your mate”.
We congratulate and especially thank Mr Mulheron for his organisation of this beautiful ceremony.
High Achievers Assembly and Academic Awards Presentation
The 2020 HSC High Achievers joined us in great numbers with 25 of the 35 students who achieved an ATAR over 90 joining us for this occasion. Our special guest was Riad Lahood, the 2020 College Dux. Riad spoke powerfully and humbly to the College about his HSC experience. His advice to students facing the HSC:
“I realised there were 3 vital components to my success in my final year, and through these steps I became self-motivated, self-disciplined and resilient, key ingredients to “take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity.
My first bit of advice is to find your ‘why’, your purpose, a particular goal where you won’t stop till you achieve, allowing you to stay grounded and driven.
Secondly saturate yourself in learning and develop a genuine interest. Lastly, develop a program that works for you because structuring your days can improve your time management and organisation.”
Riad’s full text is attached as well as the St Pius X College High Achievers' publication. I also include the text of my Address to the College in which I congratulate every Year 12 student of 2020. We also congratulated all our Semester 2 students from Years 7-11 2020 for their extraordinary achievements. So many wonderful highlights.
P&F Commencement Mass Cancelled
It has been decided that we will unfortunately need to cancel the P&F Commencement Mass and Social which was scheduled for this Saturday evening.
Year 10 Information Evening Online
The Year 10 Information Evening will be held this Thursday evening, commencing at 6.00 pm. The link for Year 10 parents to view will be sent out tomorrow.
Open Day
The College's Open Day will be held on Saturday 20 March.
Due to COVID restrictions this year's Open Day will only be available to families for enrolments into Years 5, 6 and 7 in 2023. We will be offering small group tours on the day. Please book your place by clicking in the image below which will take you to the Trybooking link. All visitors will need to register for a ticket, including children.
Key Dates
Monday 1 March: P&F Meeting
Sunday 7 March: Old Boys vs Students Gala Day (rescheduled)
Wednesday 10 March: Year 7 Camp to 12 March
Tuesday 16 March: Summer Sports Photos/Basketball Presentation Night/Staff Meeting
Wednesday 17 March: Year 6 Camp to 19 March
Wednesday 24 March: Year 5 Camp to 26 March
Mr John Couani - Principal