From the Counselling Team

A Letter of Inspiration and Hope from Brad Van Dijk on the passing of his son, Tom
Lane Cove Council Youth Programs
Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities at St Pius X College
Counselling Team Information

A letter of inspiration and hope from Brad Van Dijk on the passing of his son, Tom

The last few weeks have probably been the most trying times that the College Community has dealt with in recent memory. The tragic and sudden death of Tom Van Dijk, a much loved, highly regarded and gifted student in Year 12, has sent emotional shock waves throughout the College, in a time when our HSC Class of 2021 were preparing for their Trial HSC.

As we grieve the loss of Tom's passing, and express our love and support for his parents, Karrie and Brad and sister, Isabelle, can I share with you all a letter that I received from Brad. It was read on the occasion of the Prayer Service held last Friday evening particularly for the Year 12 cohort and their families. Brad's letter totally reframes Tom's death and gives us all some insight into the hope, strength and courage of the Van Dijk family. God bless them all.

“We know that Tom would want each of us to try to draw strength from everything that has happened over the past few days. He would want this tragedy to somehow serve as a way to diminish the stress and anxiety we all feel from our everyday challenges. He would want to continue to be a positive influence on everyone. It’s a terrible tragedy but our family hopes it can help in putting things into perspective in terms of what is most important everyday. To try your hardest, to do your best, and to love and be there for each other.

This was the type of person Tom was everyday. At home, at school, at work (Bunnings), at everything he did in life.

We also wish to convey our sincere thanks to Mr Couani, all of Tom’s teachers, the St Pius X staff, students, friends and parents who helped to shape Tom’s character. We extend our thanks to the entire St Pius X community for your love and support. It has served to build our strength by the minute and we are so, so grateful.

One very important message we would like to share with the St Pius X parents and community that gave us so much comfort yesterday was from a call we received from the RNS Donate Life Coordinator to advise us that the organ transplants were a success. Tom saved 1 woman and 1 man. We could not be more proud of Tom for being able to achieve his life’s dream to help others and save lives.”

Regards,

Brad, Karrie, and Isabelle (Izzy)"

May Tom rest in peace.

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services

Lane Cove Council Youth Programs

Lane Cove Council have two new programs for youth. The first is a free mental health and wellbeing fitness program called HIIT Me Up, a group fitness session on Zoom aimed at young people aged 14 - 18. Sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4.30 pm. They will be held on Wednesday 8 September, Monday 13 September and Wednesday 15 September. Use the links below to register.

https://hiitmeup8sept.eventbrite.com.au

https://hiitmeup13sept.eventbrite.com.au

https://hiitmeup15sept.eventbrite.com.au

The second program for youth is called Let's Connect. It is a space where young people can come online to stay connected with other young people and youth workers to reduce isolation and maintain consistent engagement. To join, email youth@lanecove.nsw.gov.au The image below gives further details.

Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities at St Pius X College

Just a reminder that all are welcome to our Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities mornings.

We have three Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing before school activities to consider attending during lock-down:

Mindfulness Monday Mornings at 8.00 am
Boxercise Thursday mornings at 8.00 am
Boxercise Friday mornings at 8.00 am

Mums, Dads and all family members are welcome to join in the Boxercise fun and fitness on Thursday and Friday mornings at 8.00 am

Please email Mr Russo at rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au to be included in the teams.

SPX Well-being Team

College Counselling Team

The College Counselling Team are available to provide confidential emotional and social support and guidance for your son and family. For reference our College Counselling Team contact details are shown below.

Mr Rick Russo

Counsellor (Full time Monday to Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email: rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4359

School Mobile (in case of emergency): 0418 438 325

Ms Joe McCarthy

Psychologist (2 days per week: Tuesday and Thursday) working with students across all year groups.

Email: jmccarthy@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4322

Mrs Judy Gill

Psychologist (2 days per week: Wednesday and Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email: jgill@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4315

The Counselling Team, together with the Diverse Learning Team, look forward to providing CONFIDENTIAL support to assist your son to build his SELF CONFIDENCE / SELF ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE within a caring, supportive Catholic school community. Please do not hesitate to make contact with any of the above team should the need arise.

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services