From the Principal

• Reflection
• Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
• P&F Association Meeting
• Waterford Learning Centre Update
• Revising Master Building Plan
• Reconciliation Week
• Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
• Our Lady of Dolours Parish Youth Mass
• Staff News
• Co-curricular
• 2025 Enrolment Interviews
• HSC Supervisors - Expressions of Interest

Reflection

Last Sunday, the period of Easter came to its conclusion with Pentecost Sunday.  As a young person, I was always confused about how the tongues of fire helped the disciples to speak in other languages. Since then, I have learnt that the miracle of Pentecost is not about speaking in foreign tongues, but of people of different languages receiving the gift of a common understanding of the mighty works of God in Jesus Christ.  This miracle of understanding was as though the lights suddenly went on for the disciples and they understood what Jesus was talking about so that those who heard the story of Jesus also understood despite the difference in language.

The second reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians:

“There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose.”

It is the Spirit we trust so that we can use our gifts to make this world a better place, bringing the Good news to all.

Blessed Edmund Rice Icon

During the recent Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Congress I attended, I was reminded of our connection to other Edmund Rice schools and services through the icon.  Retelling the story embedded in the icon is important so we can continue the story of Blessed Edmund Rice especially his values and the key people who helped form the person known as Brother Rice.

Presentation of Mary

The top left panel begins with the presentation of Mary. Through Nano Nagle, this mystery influenced Edmund Rice greatly. Mary, the finest flower of the Old Testament, moves toward her destiny within the oval-shaped aureole (symbol of virginity and holiness), the Cross of her Son barely visible at its centre. A text which touched Edmund deeply is the open Scriptures.

Edmund had many scriptural references that provided particular meaning for him. An example is Luke 6:35 that states:

‘But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Edmund constantly looked for the opportunity to support those less fortunate or those who needed support in his community.  As we celebrate Reconciliation Week, let us find those opportunities to assist our students and promote our inclusive community.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

P & F Association Meeting

On Monday 29 May, it was great to engage with parents who were able to attend the P&F Association meeting. Along with my report, we heard reports from the Football and Rugby Clubs and the great work they have been involved with in promoting their sport and St Pius X College.

In my report I provided an update on:

• The Waterford Learning Centre
• The EREBB experience
• Reviewing the College’s Educational Brief
• Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) is a global movement that:
  • provides opportunities for St Pius X to connect with schools from Ireland, UK, North and South America, India and Africa
  • connects us to 20+ nations; 280+ schools and over 200,000 students
  • encourages us to be part of the Global Classroom connecting our students with students from around the world
  • may provide Immersion opportunities
  • may provide Sporting opportunities 
• The appointment of a new Assistant Principal Mission and Identity is well underway with shortlisting and interviews to occur over the next two weeks

The Waterford Learning Centre - Update

There has been no physical progress of the building project however the College is currently in the process to commencing a new tender process with some identified builders.  We are hoping that this process will be completed in a timely fashion with work to recommence on site by mid-August and a completion date for mid-December 2023.  I will keep the community updated on its progress.

Revising our Master Building Plan

We are currently reviewing the Master Building Plan. As part of the process, the College will review its Educational Brief.  The purpose of this brief is to:

• Identify St Pius X College needs, both present and future and consider how the land, buildings and the site can accommodate these needs.
• Inform and support the Architectural Design Brief in the development of the Master Plan and the Staged Development Plan.

Over the course of this term, all stakeholders staff, students, and parents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the key aspects of the Educational Brief.  I look forward to the feedback from the community so that we can develop a revised Master Building Plan.

Reconciliation Week

The Reconciliation assembly was a great celebration with the Aboriginal Dance group Nulungu Dreaming lead by Jessy providing the students of St Pius X with an education to the traditional dances and songs from the coastal district of New South Wales.  The dance group had the whole community captivated by their dance and the stories associated with the dance.  It was great to hear from Jessy how respectful our students were towards the performers and the stories they were telling.  Thank you to all the students and staff for their respectful nature throughout the assembly.

Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student interviews

The Parent/Teacher/Student interviews provide all parents a great opportunity to maintain open communication between home and school especially as we work in partnership to continue the holistic development of the young people of St Pius X College.  I hope that Year 11 parents and students were able to engage with their sons’ teachers as they work together in supporting the learning journey and improvement of their son.  Feedback received during these interviews provides students with a roadmap to self-improvement.  May there be great learning and improvement as a result of these interviews. 

Our Lady of Dolours Parish Youth Mass

On Sunday 29 May, St Pius X and Mercy College students and staff attended the Youth Mass at Our Lady of Dolours.  It was a wonderful Pentecost Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr David and supported by so many of the young people of both schools.  Fr David provided a special Pastoral Letter to the people of Chatswood parish which I would like to share with the St Pius community. 

Co-Curricular

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of witnessing two very exciting games. The First XI Football travelled to Castle Hill to play the well-credentialed Oakhill College who were by all accounts the team to beat.  That was before they encountered our First XI footballers who were outstanding in their commitment and effort throughout the game.  The spirit demonstrated by the team was amazing.  They were under constant pressure throughout the game but a well-constructed goal late in the first half was to become the defining factor.  A well-deserved victory.

After experiencing the highs of the First XI Football, I travelled to Queens Park to watch another well anticipated game between our First XV Rugby and a brother Edmund Rice school, Waverley College.  With numerous injuries and many positional changes, the Pius boys knew that victory would require some gigantic effort to overcome an old rival.  Well, it happened once again, the spirit and determination demonstrated by all the players throughout the match was exceptional.  After an early try, the team regrouped and began their own drive and never looked back. We hit the lead not long after and kept the lead to the end of the match.  A well-earned 31 - 17 victory.

It was an absolute privilege to be a witness to both games not because we were victors but because of the sportsmanship and manner in which the players and staff of both codes performed under difficult circumstances.  Well done to all.

Staffing News

We farewell Mrs Christine Lewis from the Performing Arts Department on Friday as she moves to work at a school closer to home.

On behalf of the College I would like to thank Mrs Lewis for her support of the music program and especially the Junior Chorale and the Music 2 students.  I know this has been a difficult decision for Mrs Lewis, especially as the students and the College have been so much a part of her life.

We wish Mrs Lewis every success in her future endeavours.

2025 Enrolment Interviews

The 2025 Enrolment Interviews have continued this week.  All interviewers have been highly impressed with the calibre of students who have nominated St Pius X as their school of choice.  The interviews will conclude this week with letters of offer being posted by the end of Term 2.

HSC Supervisors

Expressions of Interest

The College is seeking HSC Supervisors.  Please see the role description below.

If you are interested or know of anyone who may be, please contact Mr Alex Damo, Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning at adamo@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

HSC supervisors

The main role of supervisors is to supervise HSC students and ensure all students follow NESA’s exam rules. Supervisors report to the HSC presiding officer and assist them with other duties.

These duties may include:

• checking exam rooms are appropriately equipped and set up
• supervising students in separate exam rooms
• collect completed exam papers
• packing up after the exams.

Supervisors receive a roster from their presiding officer. The number and length of shifts varies depending on the number of exams held at each school. Supervisors may supervise at more than one school.

Essential requirements

Supervisors must:

• have a valid Working With Children Check clearance for employment
• be able to work as part of a team
• have attention to detail
• be able to carry out duties confidentially and discreetly
• be able to stand for long periods of time

Supervisors must not have a friend or close relative sitting the HSC at the same school or be an employee of the school.

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal