Parent & Student Matters
- From the Finance Department
- Science
- English
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
- From the Diverse Learning Department
- Maths Drop In and Homework Help
From the Finance Department
We wish to advise that the College now accepts American Express as payment for school fees. It is also now accepted in the Uniform Shop.
Mr Lachlan Skeen - Business Manager
Science
Year 7 Science
Year 7 have been learning about teamwork in Science this week; an important skill when working safely in a Science laboratory. To consolidate their knowledge, students participated in the Marshmallow Tower Challenge. The goal was to build a tower out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, as tall as possible, with a marshmallow at the top. Congratulations to James R, Jake Y, Jason B and Torryn S in Science Class 4 for building the winning tower, standing at over 51cm tall.
Science Club
Science Club will recommence for the year in Week 3 - Thursday (Day 4) at 1.00 pm in S2.
Space Camp USA
Please view the attached link for details if you are interested in applying to attend Space Camp USA.
Mrs Joanne Schuster - Science Coordinator
English
Attention: Year 10 English Students
Are you a Year 10 student looking to extend themselves in English? If so, this announcement is for you!
In 2023, the English Faculty is offering an opportunity for students to extend and broaden their knowledge of the subject through the English Extension Collective. This is an online group facilitated through Canvas that will extend your knowledge and skills in the subject.
Content will be related to the current in-class topics and will be designed to provoke discussion, facilitate deeper thinking and wide reading. This opportunity isn’t driven by a desire to make students complete extra work or prepare solely for an assessment task; instead, it should be viewed as an opportunity to refine student skills to think in a refined, critical and personal manner. These are key descriptors in achieving a Band 6 in English for the HSC!
If you are interested in joining the Collective, please email an explanation of why you would like to join to Mr Quilty at dquilty@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. Invitations will be sent out via Canvas during Week 3.
Mr Daniel Quilty - English Coordinator
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
We continue to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at St Pius X College. Our school is a registered Award Centre and Mrs Gunns and Mr de Silva are the Award Leaders for 2023.
Anyone, globally, between the ages of 14 - 25 may participate in this youth program – there are no barriers to joining.
This program is based on experiential learning. That is, through the experience of active individual goal setting and participation in four domains you:
- Develop practical and social skills
- Provide service to others in the community
- Commit to a regular physical activity for enjoyment and to refresh your health and spirits and
- Discover the spirit of adventure while undertaking a journey in a group.
This is all about individual challenge, giving yourself the opportunity to discover and realise that you may be capable of more than you thought possible.
Weekly Optional meeting
A great start as we had 30 Year 9 students attend a briefing on Monday morning at 8.15 am in B3. We will continue to be available throughout the year every Monday morning. Participation documentation is being prepared for these students as they start to consider their goals for skill, service, and physical activity.
Mrs Annabel Gunns - Duke of Edinburgh Convenor
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys
As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, students need to undertake two Adventurous Journeys. The College is committed to providing two Adventurous Journeys for the Bronze Award.
If demand exists, then occasionally Adventurous Journeys for both Silver and Gold Award participants may be offered.
Can I ask that if your son has signed up to undertake the Silver or Gold Award and would like to be considered for an Adventurous Journey in Term 1 that they please see me ASAP.
Training for these journeys takes place on Monday afternoons from 3.20 pm – 4.30 pm in S1.
Training will be offered for our Bronze participants in Term 2.
Please note that many opportunities to complete Adventurous Journeys exist external to the College.
Mr Paul de Silva - Outdoor Education Coordinator
From the Diverse Learning Department
Welcome to our new Diverse Learning team for 2023. We especially welcome Carolyn, Raelene, Paul and Michael, who start the year with us. We look forward to working with students across the College this year.
Please contact us by email, for example agunns@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or directly by phone on (02) 9414 4382.
We have great number of students with whom we continue to build relationships and we hope for continued growth in supporting our boys academically.
Please remember that we have very highly achieving students who access learning adjustments either in the classroom or for exams and assessments.
Meet the Diverse Learning Team
Teachers
Teachers' Aides
The Diverse Learning Space can be found upstairs in the Main Administration Building.
Mrs Annabel Gunns - Diverse Learning Coordinator
Maths Drop-In
MATHS DROP-IN YEARS 7 - 12
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY MORNINGS 7.40 am - 8.30 am | Starts Thursday 16 February
Maths Drop-In is about to launch, commencing Week Three. The sessions will run each Tuesday and Thursday morning 7.40 am – 8.30 am in C1.
Due to the Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 14 February, the first session will commence on Thursday 16 February.
These sessions are open to all students from Years 7-12 and are an ideal way to receive extra help, to do additional study or to complete homework. It is a great way to study with a friend and get ahead. Just simply turn up with your Maths books. Come along and be a part of the team in C1.
MATHS DROP-IN AND HOMEWORK HELP FOR YEARS 5 - 6
FRIDAYS 8.00 am – 8.40 am | Starts Friday 17 February
Drop-in for help with difficult mathematics concepts or general homework. This is an ideal place where students can come and feel comfortable to ask questions. Students are encouraged to bring along specific queries, tasks, assessments, homework, general revision and problems to work on, with Mrs Fileman on hand, ready to help.
Starting Friday 17 February, with Mrs Fileman in 5 Gold.
Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher