Parent & Student Matters  

What's happening in the College? 

• Art students delve into the supernatural
• Breakfast Seminar - Year 10 students
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Information
• Duke of Edinburgh Hikes
• Senior Maths Drop-In

Art Students delve into the supernatural

Last Thursday, the Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students travelled to the Art Gallery of NSW as well as Carriageworks, a contemporary installation-based gallery. We visited the Japan Supernatural exhibition and listened to a talk from one of the curators giving all of us an insight into the rich history and traditions of the Japanese culture. While at the AGNSW we all walked through "Art Express" to see the standard of the Body of Works produced by students from all around NSW for their HSC as well providing inspiration for our own works. At Carriageworks we explored two of the pieces of display to gain an understanding of the cultural importance and magnitude of contemporary installation artworks. Overall the excursion was a very enjoyable and informative day. I am sure that all of us learnt something new that will help us develop our art making practice. Many thanks to Mrs Doyle and Mrs Janes for organising a wonderful excursion.

Nathan Byrne  -  Year 11 Student

Breakfast Seminar - Year 10 students

On Wednesday, 26 February, five Pius boys travelled to Abbotsleigh College before school to participate in a discussion and breakfast. The topic for the morning was ‘Sustainable Futures,’ and along with numerous other schools such as St Leo’s, Barker College, Roseville College, Knox Grammar and Brigidine College, we were fortunate enough to hear a presentation from Jarnae Leslie, a PhD student at the University of Technology, Sydney.

During her presentation, Jarnae discussed how much waste is produced every day, as well as some of the many effects that this can have on our waterways and the rest of our planet. Ms Leslie also touched on the recent Australian bushfires and the severe repercussions of climate change during her speech, urging us to act and encouraging us to start with simple steps that can help us build a more sustainable society.

It was inspiring to be part of such a large group of young people, all of whom understand the urgency and importance of climate change in our global society. As Ms Leslie emphasised, “we are already change makers.”  We hope that discussions like these will drive action in our community and Australia.  After all, ‘it only takes one person to make a world of change.’

Overall, this was an incredibly worthwhile experience and on behalf of all the other boys, we would like to thank Mr Stollery for driving us to and from the event, as well as Ms Janes and Mr Pawlak for facilitating this opportunity. Perhaps, in the future, St Pius X would be able to host a breakfast like this, because it is events like these that not only build connections between schools, but also inspire the young people of today to action.

 Ben Cullen and Ronan Crispe -  Year Ten Students

Duke of Edinburgh's Award with Outward Bound

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is up and running for 2020, with many students in Year 9 seeking forms to join the program. Enrolment forms are available from Mrs Manga or at the Student Office. The enrolment paperwork contains a tick-a-box of all of the paperwork and a guide to help students enrol and map out their planned activities. Initially, the paperwork is a challenge; however, the benefits of involvement in the program are lifelong.

Mr de Silva runs the College Outdoor Education program, which students completing the Duke of Edinburgh program are encouraged to join. Mr de Silva runs Bronze level Practice and Qualifying hikes each year to assist students meet the Adventurous Journey component of the Award requirements.

At times, for personal reasons, some students may not be able to attend the College hikes. Should your son need to make up a hike, or complete a Silver or Gold Hike, there are a number of organisations such as Outward Bound Australia, that offer these opportunities. Opportunities to participate fill fast, so it is important to book in when your child is unable to participate in a College run hike.

Please consider that any involvement in a Hike run externally to the College ones, must be discussed with Mrs Manga and set up and approved on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website, prior to any participation. This is not negotiable and students risk any unendorsed participation not counting towards their Award completion.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award with Outward Bound Australia, please click on the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/outwardbound/last-chance-for-bronze?e=4cba4cc0cb

Mrs Kara  Manga - Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh Hikes

In support of our Duke of Edinburgh Award program, training will begin for our new Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students on Monday 9 March in S1 from 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm. This training is in preparation for their Adventurous Journey. Due to risk minimisation considerations, students who do not complete this pre-training will not be permitted to complete the Adventurous Journey component of their Duke of Edinburgh Award through the College. Many companies external to the College offer these Journeys. A permission note can be collected from Mr de Silva or the Outdoor Education notice board (Outside Mr de Silva’s office). Students are advised to read the school daily notices.

Training has already commenced for our Silver participants in preparation for their Adventurous Journey at the end of Week 9.

A reminder that Co-Curricular commitments always take priority over organised College Adventurous Journeys. Discussion must take place between the student and the coach well in advance of a departure date if there is a clash. Being released from a co-curricular commitment is at the coach’s and sport convenors discretion.

Proposed Dates for your calendar (to be confirmed)

Term 1 Wk9        Silver     Friday 27/3 – Sunday 29/3            Students require 7 hour days over 2 nights

Term 2 Wk3        Bronze   Saturday 16/5 – Sunday 17/5     Students require 6 hour days over 1 night

Term 2 Wk6        Silver     Friday 5/6 – Sunday 7/6                 Students require 7 hour days over 2 nights

Term 3 Wk8        Bronze Saturday 12/9 – Sunday 13/9       Students require 6 hour days over 1 night

Term 4 Wk8        Gold/Silver       Tuesday 3/12 – 9/12           In conjunction with Year 11 Snowy Hike  

Note: Snowy Hike is for Year 11 students only

Mr Paul de Silva - Outdoor Education Coordinator

Senior Maths Drop-In

Senior maths drop in sessions run each Tuesday & Thursday morning 7.40 am - 8.40 am in C1.

With assessments approaching fast, concepts are taught, practice papers are completed and problems are solved all with the company of your mates.

This is the ideal place where students can come and feel comfortable to ask questions and nut out some challenging problems. Rewards are given, laughs are heard and words of encouragement are shared. Come along and be a part of the team in C1.

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics and English Teacher