From the Principal

• Prayer
• Adolescent Behaviours in the time of COVID-19
• Semester 1 Year 5 - 10 Reports
• Parent Teacher Meetings
• Protocols for Sport
• Poem by Xavier Hill (Year 6)
• Term 3 Fees

PRAYER 

We continue to pray for our Year 12 students through this difficult year.  I can only support and congratulate their efforts to date.  The vast majority of our HSC students continue their growth in learning and I applaud their efforts.

We also give thanks especially to the students for the many achievements of Semester 1 in times of challenge and difficulty such as fire, flood and COVID-19.  The reports issued today give many stories of the young men of St Pius X College staying at their studies so well, and this is acknowledged by the teachers.

Lord, in times of need I pray to you with the knowledge that 

you will hear and answer my prayers.

Grant that I may see that the achievements I have gained 

have come from my effort and hard work,

Not from you alone. 

It has been a team effort with you by my side.

I know that in times of great difficulty you have carried me,

Help me not to live my life waiting to be carried, 

rather through perseverance I  pray that I may 

continue to labour when difficulties arise.

Father, I pray that in this time of reflection of Semester One,

I may have the courage to accept the feedback 

and constructive comments of my teachers.

May I take this as a challenge to strive for my personal best

And reach the end of the year with the knowledge that I left nothing to chance.

This I pray through Christ our Lord.

Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for Us

St. Pius X – Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts Forever!

ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOURS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Since the students have returned to school in mid-May, I reflect on the various attitudes and behaviours that have surfaced more recently and while some of these may be attributed to normal adolescent behaviours, there are others that may become the basis of greater concern over coming years. These may be the result of being unable to participate in activities other than school lessons as well as limited activity outside of coming to school and being at home. Reduced opportunities in sport, music, social activity. More time at home. The types of behaviours include such things as increased anxiety, lateness, poor attitude to standards of uniform, higher use of social media and the experimentation with risk-taking behaviours. In the school, we have found it necessary to increase the discipline of students.

As parents, we all know that the best approach is always to keep open channels of communication and discussions. If you have concerns about your son, don’t hesitate to raise it with the school and we can work together on these concerns.

SEMESTER 1 YEAR 5-10 REPORTS

The Year 5-10 Reports have been issued today. Parents are asked to check the portal.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

This Friday and the Monday of the first day of Term 3 are important meetings for parents, students and teachers. I recommend that where there needs to be more substantial discussion, please feel free to make a follow-up time with the teacher. Please keep to the times allocated on the day. We will evaluate this new process after it has been conducted and I especially thank Mr Damo and Mr Bell for their preparation of this process.

The interview booking site will remain open until tomorrow (Thursday) at 1.00 pm.  The booking site can be found at www.schoolinterviews.com.au and using the code nyvpr. Please see last week's Woodchatta for further booking information.

PROTOCOLS FOR SPORT

As we begin to move into sport activities during these holidays such as Football and Rugby clinics and trial matches for Open teams, there are some very strict protocols that must be followed. These will be issued to the students and their parents involved. I published these broadly last week.

In Week 1 of Term 3, the Sports Masters and Convenors will issue the protocols to players and spectators. 

I emphasise that no parents are able to attend training or clinics. No parents or spectators are to attend until Round 2 and then only 1 spectator per player.

POEM BY XAVIER HILL 

Congratulations to Xavier Hill (Year 6) for his beautiful poem which I share with you now.

Virus

A notorious entity

Wiping plenty

Multiplying

Entering your veins

Frying your body

Taking your reins

Ruling your right to exist

Your vision covered by a mist

Countries were blamed

People being shamed

The reason why

An ultimate race

Began to die

No one ready to face

The truth

Humanity will come to a halt

TERM 3 FEES

Term 3 fees will be distributed this week. Again I emphasise that where there may be difficulties please contact Mr Carson or myself. All matters are treated with the highest confidentiality.

Mr John Couani - Principal