St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection 
  • School Assembly - Welcome New Students and Staff
  • Year Meetings with Students
  • Senior School Sport and Cocurricular Program
  • Opening College Mass and Academic Award Assembly
  • Parent Information Evenings
  • Invitation to P&F Commencement Mass and Social
  • Key Dates
  • COVID Update - Reducing the Risk of Illness

Reflection

ONE

One tree can start a forest;

One smile can begin a friendship;

One hand can lift a soul;

One word can frame the goal;

One candle can wipe out darkness;

One laugh can conquer gloom;

One hope can raise your spirits;

One touch can show you care;

One life can make a difference,

be that one today.

 

 

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

 

School Assembly - Welcome New Students and Staff

On Monday 6 February we held our first full school Assembly for the year and welcomed all new students and staff. Experiencing this tradition for the first time, all new students to the College processed from the back of the assembly through the centre aisle to the front of the assembly. While walking through the assembly, the other students clapped as a means of welcome. What a great welcome by the student body!  Following this procession, Mr Casey, who was Master of Ceremonies, introduced all the new staff to the community.  These are wonderful traditions that embrace the EREA Touchstone of Inclusive Community, welcoming everyone to the St Pius family.  This was also my first opportunity to address the whole College. In my address, I thanked everyone for their genuine welcome and how overwhelmed I have been by this most heartfelt welcome.  The key messages I shared with the students and staff were:

  • The importance of maintaining high standards
  • It is the responsibility of all members of the community to maintain these high standards
  • The development of positive relationships to support each other in our learning environment
  • Remaining positive about their learning especially through the challenging times
  • All members of the community, especially Year 12, are the custodians of all that is good at St Pius X.

I went on to state that I pray 2023:

  • brings hope;
  • provides each individual the enthusiasm to be the best version of themselves;
  • allows staff and students to look for the opportunities to contribute in a positive manner to our community;
  • dream of what can be.

It was an exciting morning and in the same spirit as the great start to the 2023 school year we have experienced since the term began. I share with you some photos from the Assembly.

Year Meetings with Students

Over the first two weeks, I will meet with every Year group to outline more specifically my expectations and my vision for the College in 2023.  In the meetings so far, I have been impressed by the reception I have received from the students.  These year meetings provide me with a great opportunity to engage with the students in a more intimate nature and deliver clear messages that are year specific. 

Senior School Sport and Cocurricular Program

St Pius X has an extensive sport and cocurricular program. It was a pleasure to witness so many young men enjoying themselves last Saturday at Oxford Falls as the cricket and basketball competitions resumed. I was most impressed with the quality of sportsmanship demonstrated by all the teams especially the 1st XI cricket and the First V Basketball.  Though we didn’t win all the games it was pleasing to see that the players played with determination and a spirit of positivity. 

We are blessed to have such amazing facilities at Oxford Falls with both cricket and basketball venues the pride of the area.   A special thanks to our Oxford Falls maintenance team of Trent Willoughby and Ron Noort who work tirelessly to ensure our young men can perform at the highest level.  The photo below shows our magnificent fields last weekend.

Congratulations to staff and students for their contribution and commitment to the sporting program.

This weekend sees the first full round of competition for the Junior (IPSHA), Senior (ISA) and NSTA Tennis.  We wish all our representatives and coaches every success for their games ahead.  Have fun!  All details are in the Sports sections of this Woodchatta and don't forget to follow the SPX App.

Opening College Mass / Academic Awards Assembly

On Tuesday 21 February the College will celebrate the Commencement Mass and the 2022 Academic Awards ceremony.  This is our first opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist as a whole community.  We also will acknowledge the 2022 Academic Award recipients especially our HSC high achievers.  I have invited Mr John Couani back to be part of these celebrations especially as he had a significant connection with the 2022 HSC Class. 

Parent Information Evenings

The Year 5, 6 and 7 Parent Information evenings were very well attended.  I would like to thank all parents for their attendance especially as these meetings provide significant guidance for parents as we commence the school academic year.  Special thanks to Mrs Greenwood and the Primary staff for facilitating the Year 5 and 6 online sessions; to Mrs Loughman for coordinating the Year 7 evening and to Mr Damo and Mr Brannan for their valuable input to the meetings.

Tomorrow night, Thursday 9 February, the Years 9, 10 and 11 Parent Information Evenings will be held as follows:

Year 9:  In the Sarto Centre, commencing at 6.00 pm

Year 10:  In the Blue Room, commencing at 7.00 pm

Year 11:  In the College Gym, commencing at 7.00 pm.

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

 

P & F Commencement Mass and Social:

Saturday 25 February 5.30 pm

 

Swimming Carnivals:

Tuesday 14 February - Senior School Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 15 February - Junior School Swimming Carnival

 

P & F Meeting - AGM:

Monday 6 March

COVID update - Reducing the risk of illness

As we continue to live in a world with COVID, we need to be mindful of the ongoing risks and follow the health advice from NSW Health.  From our recent communication from Catholic Schools NSW, the following is the current advice:

All students, staff and their families should follow NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of not only COVID-19, but also other illnesses that may affect schools. Schools should reinforce the following NSW Health messages with their communities:

  • Stay home if unwell or showing even the mildest of symptoms 
  • Keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service 
  • Get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result and are symptom free 
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water 
  • Take a RAT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.

Please email your Year Coordinator and Student Management (studentmanagement@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au)  if your son tests positive to COVID  so that we can provide you with the appropriate advice.  Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our community safe and healthy.

 

Live Jesus in our Hearts

Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal