From the Principal

- Reflection
- Term 1 Reflection
- Lenten Period
- 'The 39 Steps' Production
- Staffing News
- Cocurricular Program
- EREA Football Tournament
- Interim Reports
- Save the Date - Mother's Day Liturgy
- Enrolments
Reflection
Holy Week
The Easter Triduum is one celebration of its nature in the Church’s Liturgical Year. The sign of the cross is made at the beginning of the Mass of the Last Supper and no blessings until the final blessing at the Vigil Mass of the Resurrection.
Holy Thursday begins a tense moment. We celebrate Jesus’ institution of two sacraments – Holy Orders and Holy Eucharist. In washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus commissioned them to a life of service. In instituting the Eucharist, He commissioned them to make these mysteries continually present. During the Mass of Oils in the Cathedral, the priests renew their vows to their bishop and the Mass of the Last Supper is celebrated in parishes.
After supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Olives for intense prayer. Jesus invites us to spend a moment with Him in prayer. It is here that Judas finds and betrays Him with a kiss, meant to be a love gesture. The arrest follows.
Good Friday is ‘good’ because it holds the Hour for which Jesus came. The crown that exalted His entry in Jerusalem now screaming out, “crucify Him!” Jesus submits to the torture because He knows how much debt our sins have caused in God’s love. We draw on this memory in the Stations of the Cross and the celebration of the Lord’s Passion at the ninth hour (3 o’clock).
Holy Saturday is a low tone day, waiting for the vigil celebrations. As we mourn and try to comprehend the reality of Jesus’ death, we join with the entire Church in prayer – Divine Office.
Easter Vigil is the night in which light and life dawns. Light emerges out of darkness, life out of the barrow of death. Victory over sin and death giving us new hope of eternal life. Jesus emerges as a Saviour and Lord in the glory of the Resurrection. Let us all celebrate these events with renewed and invigorated hearts.
Each year we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus and that it was His love for us that is be celebrated on Easter Sunday. Jesus is not just a memory but rather He lives within us and amongst us.
May His love for all of us be experienced during this Easter period and may He live amongst you and your family now and forever.
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Term 1 Reflection
As I reflect upon my first term at St Pius X College, I am reminded how blessed I have been to be to Principal of this great College. Throughout the term, I have been pleased with the engagement the students have had in their learning journey. From the outset, I have encouraged all students to take control of their own learning and continue to be the best version of themselves. As we approach the end of the term, students can reflect of their first 10 weeks and consider whether they have maintained and supported the high standards established by the College. Some students may still need encouragement to take control of their learning and personal development by making better decisions that will assist them in their future endeavours. To take control each student needs to make decisions that will affect their learning and development in a positive manner. I encourage all students and parents to review the term, consider the improvement required and develop goals to support the learning for Term 2.
Lenten Period
At the beginning Lent, we are called to renewal: to remember that we follow Jesus, our way, and our truth. Lent has allowed us to be more reflective and prayerful, recalling the life and passion of Jesus. Hopefully, you have been faithful to the call for renewal this Lent. As we commence Holy Week, let us clear our schedules of unnecessary activities and truly embrace the most important week in the Christian calendar.
Every Tuesday morning during Lent, the College leaders, guided by Mr Ryan Balboa, Mr Anesh Naidoo and Ms Lisa Guerrera have served pancakes and hash browns to the populace. Pancake Tuesday has been so popular that they have raised a significant amount of money for Project Compassion. I would like to thank all the staff who have supported the students in this social outreach activity.
'The 39 Steps' Production
What an amazing production. The performance by the cast was truly remarkable with so many highlights. Ms Penny Lindley has brought to life her vision of the drama production ‘The 39 Steps’ by providing an experience that engages the audience in the journey of the characters. The students have immersed themselves into their role in such a manner that their character has become so believable to the audience. Mr Stephen Cummins’s musical score provided an additional effect that made many of the scenes even more humorous. Thanks to Mercy Catholic College for allowing both Imogen and Isabella to be part of the production. Special thanks to not only the production staff (especially those backstage) and the cast, but to all the musicians, and stage crew who worked together to make this a successful production. This is definitely a show you want to see. It will leave you laughing all the way home.
Staffing News
As we conclude Term 1, I would like to provide the community with some staffing news.
- Mr Mark Pawlak will be on long service leave for all of Term 2. Mr Jack Kovacic will be Acting Year 10 Coordinator during Term 2. We wish Mr Pawlak a restful time during his long service leave and we look forward to his return in Term 3.
- Miss Jessica Hillard commenced at St Pius X College at the beginning of 2023. Unfortunately, for family reasons, Miss Hillard has accepted a position at another EREA school, St Edward's College, Gosford. We wish Miss Hillard every success in her new endeavour. Mrs Hillard’s replacement will commence in Week 5 of Term 2.
Cocurricular Program
The trial games against St Aloysius last Saturday commenced in bright sunshine and ended with rain. Regardless of the conditions, it was great to see the smiling faces of the students and their parents as the winter season had finally commenced. Though the results were mixed between football and rugby, the manner in which the games were played was outstanding and a true recognition of the spirit that is obvious in the College. Thank you to Jeff Clarke and the OLD Boys' Association for the wonderful BBQ (and coffee) they provided for all supporters. Congratulations and a special thanks to all our coaches (teaching staff and volunteers) for their support and commitment to our Cocurricular program. I know the students value your support.
EREA Football Tournament – Brisbane (12 April – 14 April)
The First XI Football will be travelling to Brisbane for the annual EREA Football Tournament. We wish the Mr Lacey, Mr Yue, Ms Proc, Mr Quilty and the players every success at the tournament.
Interim Reports
Interim Reports for students in Year 5 - 10 have been released this afternoon. Year 5 and 6 students will receive a hard copy posted home while Year 7 - 10 reports will be released on the Portal.
Save the Date - Mother's Day at the College
Enrolments for Years 5, 6 & 7 2025 are now open
Enrolment application forms for St Pius X College are now open. Please see the College website or visit the following link for details.
The closing date for lodgement of 2025 applications is Friday 28 April 2023.
May the spirit of the Risen Christ be with you and your families this Easter.
Live Jesus in our Hearts
Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal