From the Principal

  • Prayer 
  • Founder's Day
  • P&F Farewell Drinks
  • Staffing Changes
  • Staffing Appointments for 2023
  • Building Program Update for end of 2022
  • Fees for 2023
  • HSC Class of 2022 - Results BBQ - Save the Date
  • Thank you to Mrs Hilary Fromager
  • Vale Old Boy, Ben Castles (Class of 1991)
  • Farewell and Thanks 

Prayer

The end of the school year means different things to each of us. 

Let us take the next few minutes to reflect on the blessings of this year, to give thanks, and to invite our gracious God to continue with us as we journey forth through the changes that summer will bring. 

 

OUR PRAYER:

 

Lord God, as we ponder the blessings and challenges of this past year, grant us the serenity of your Spirit and openness of heart to the wonders you have done in us and will continue to do in faithfulness to us, your children.

 

God of Wisdom, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us throughout this year. We voice our gratitude and praise you for all that we have shared together.

 

We give thanks for the blessings this year that we have learned

For all we loved and lost

And for the quiet way it brought us 

Nearer to our invisible destination.

 

We ask you to bless us in your love with refreshment and peace.

 

We ask God’s blessings on those students, staff and families who leave the College this year and give thanks and praise for the journey that we have shared in your name.

 

Blessed Edmund Rice …… Pray for Us

St Pius X ….. Pray for Us

Live Jesus in Our Hearts …..Forever

Founder's Day

Friday's Founder's Day was once again held in full at Oxford Falls.  Our day included the key note speaker, from the Edmund Rice Foundation, Mr Phil Glendenning, as well as presentations from four refugees who shared their stories of their journeys to Australia. Their moving stories certainly captivated the students and staff alike, and reminded us all how privileged we are to live in a peaceful country such as Australia.  

Our great appreciation goes to the many parents who volunteered to prepare the food for the day, as well as the Year 11 students and teachers for their assistance with serving food.

The day ended with our traditional 'St Pius Has Talent' concert, where once again, students and teachers, with special guest appearance by the St Eddie's singers, had the audience clapping, cheering and singing along.  We even had a special guest appearance from Jon Bon Jovi "Livin' on a Prayer"!  

The last final number of the day saw 'Johnny Be Good' (alias Mr Couani) singing and dancing for his final performance on the CBC stage.

Sincere thanks also to all the St Pius X College community for their generosity.

Farewell Drinks

It is with great appreciation that I thank the parents and friends for last Friday's farewell drinks.  It was a lovely evening with much laughter and enjoyment and reminiscence of some wonderful memories. 

The beautiful farewell gift presented to me was a processional Book of Gospels.  It has been gifted to the College on my behalf for use during both our College Masses in our chapel, and also for our full College Masses at Our Lady of Dolours Church.  I was sincerely touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift; thank you again one and all.

Staffing Changes

As the school year draws to a close, I take the opportunity to advise the College community of staff movements as we look towards 2023. 

This year we have a significant number of changes to staffing for 2023.  There are several retirements from the College and the years of service to the College by these staff is recognised with deep appreciation.  In particular I thank Mrs Melissa King who retires after 29 years at the College. Mrs King has worked as the College Registrar and in other positions throughout her time at the College.  We thank her for her commitment and tireless efforts.

Other staff retiring include Mrs Julie Collings (13 years at the College), Mr Greg Bell (9 years) and Mr David Webster (9 years).  We wish these staff members well as they move to the next stage of their lives and thank them for the many years of service they have given, not only to this school, but to the teaching profession.

I would like to especially thank our Human Resources and Compliance Coordinator, Mr Ed Codsi, who is leaving the College after 6 years. 

We also have the following staff leaving: Mr Chris ten Seldam, Ms Annie Bryant (returned for the year after retiring), Mr Terry Patterson (returned for the last semester after retiring), Mr Johnathon Dobb, Mr Nicolas Parton, Ms Jessica Chen,  Ms Adeline Wang, Ms Nellie Alchikh and Mrs Christine Metlenko.

The following staff are taking 12 months' leave and we wish them well for the coming year: Ms Denise Ramsey, Ms Kara Manga and Mr Greg Virgona.  We look forward to seeing them at the start of 2024.

Staff Appointments 2023

I am very pleased to announce the following appointments for 2023. This is an impressive and dynamic group of highly qualified professionals and I am delighted that the school has attracted such quality staff who will continue the school’s high standard of teaching and learning under Mr Michael Ronchetti’s leadership.

  • Mr Wayne Wheatley will take the role of Human Resources and Compliance Manager and member of the College Leadership Team. Mr Wheatley is currently the Assistant Principal at De La Salle College, Ashfield.
  • Mr Stephen Davidson joins us from Champagnat College Pagewood as Curriculum Administration Coordinator.
  • The College has appointed Mrs Annabelle Westhoff to the role of Performing Arts Coordinator. Mrs Westhoff joins us from a similar role at All Saints Lutheran College on the Qld Gold Coast and formerly at St Ignatius Riverview. 
  • Mr Brendan Jones will join us as a Music teacher from Oakhill College.
  • Ms Stephania Baguley is an experienced senior English teacher from Domremy College Five Dock.
  • Mr Tak Chan is an experienced high level Mathematics teacher from St John XXIII Catholic College.
  • Mr Justin Gates joins the TAS Department having been retrained from industry into teaching.
  • Ms Beryl Li joins the Languages Department as a Chinese language teacher from Conservatorium High School.
  • Mr Phillip Arthur is a talented Physics teacher from SCEGGS Redlands.
  • Mr Anesh Naidoo will join the Science faculty as a Biology teacher from Normanhurst Boys High School.
  • Mrs Jennifer Walsh is a multi-talented Technology teacher and will be our CANVAS Facilitator joining us from St Dominic’s Penrith.
  • Ms Vanessa Burke joins the Junior School teaching staff.
  • Ms Raelene Boyle joins the Junior School teaching staff as an Executive Release position, 1 day per week for Term 1 and also in the Diverse Learning Department, 1 day per week for Term 1.

Building Program Update

I am pleased to present the following Building Program Update as at November.  The attached document details our listing of projects completed throughout the 2022 year, and the Learning Hub works which, while still continuing, are due to be completed early in the new year.

Fees for 2023

Please find attached a letter from the College Advisory Council Chair, Mr Brian Populin, regarding fees for the 2023 school year, and the 2023 Schedule of Fees.

HSC Class of 2022 - Results BBQ - Save the Date

Thursday, 15 December, 10.30 am

Junior School Yard

 

All 2022 HSC students are invited to join with the Leadership Team and teachers to celebrate your hard work.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Any questions please email Donna Janes djanes@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Thanks to Mrs Hilary Fromager

I would especially like to thank Mrs Hilary Fromager for preparing the Woodchatta each week. It is so informative and rich in the detailing of the many and varied activities of College life.

Vale Ben Castles (Class of 1991)

The College was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of one of its former students, Ben Castles from the Class of 1991. After leaving St Pius X Ben studied in London and had a very successful career in Merchant Banking and Stockbroking. He loved skiing and travelled the world in pursuit of his passion. Our prayers go out to his family.  He leaves his wife, Sarah and two sons, Joshua and Leo.  A celebration of his life will be held at our Lady of Dolours Chatswood on Friday 9 November 2022 at 10.30 am. His father Ron said of him that it was 'a life well lived'.

Farewell and Thanks

As this is my final Woodchatta, I wish all families and extended College community a happy and holy Christmas.

I again offer my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the students, parents, staff, ex-students and College community for the privilege of leading this magnificent school. 

I will always carry St Pius X College in my heart – 

Fide et Labore”

Mr John Couani - Principal