From the Principal
- PRAYER: The Haunting Poem That Is The Silent Face Of Drought
- DROUGHT RELIEF APPEAL - Raffle Tickets due by this Friday
- Our Lady of Dolours Parish Feast Day
- Year 11 Exams
- RUOK Day
- SPX Old Boys' Dinner
- What to watch this weekend
Prayer: The Haunting Poem That Is The Silent Face Of Drought
At present, many parts of Australia are experiencing a devastating drought. We hear many stories and today I would like us to listen and reflect upon a poem written by a 16 year old young man from Bowral. Darcy Howard describes himself as someone who has a passion for agriculture, enjoys bush ballads and spending time on his grandparents’ farm in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Darcy chose recently to write a poem for an English assignment based upon the many stories he has heard of people on the land.
Let us pray:
God our Father, You created our earth to nourish us and give us life
And Jesus told us to ask and it will be given to us.
We ask now in Faith, Hope and Love that you look with favour on our drought stricken land,
our starving animals and failing produce.
Sustain, strengthen and give new heart to our farmers and all those affected by this drought.
In your loving providence send abundant rain soon
and renew the faith of your people and the face of our land.
We make this prayer with many, through Jesus Christ who gives new life to all living things.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for us
St Pius X – Pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts - Forever
DROUGHT RELIEF APPEAL
Raffle Tickets due by this Friday
The raffle tickets for our Drought Relief Appeal are due for return by this Friday. ALL tickets must be returned – SOLD OR UNSOLD and placed in the Silver Box outside the College Finance Office.
I thank all families for their support and ask that these be given a top priority for return.
Help needed to transport hampers: We have received great support for our many hampers and we are looking to send these up to Coonabarabran in the week of 24th September. I am asking for anyone who may be able in any way to assist in transporting these hampers. Perhaps someone has a connection with a trucking or transport company or maybe someone is prepared to take them up somehow? If you can help please contact Mr Couani through Ann Brady on 9414 4312.
Our Lady of Dolours Parish Feast Day
The Our Lady of Dolours Feast Day Mass and Luncheon held last Sunday were a tremendous success and I thank all families who attended. Following Mass, the BBQ and luncheon was held in the St Pius X College Gymnasium and between those gathered in the Hall and outside there were so many people that the estimated number was close to 500 people.
Congratulations to Fr John and Fr Jim on this Feast Day and thanks to the many Parish volunteers who ran this event. Special mention to Mrs Donna Dempsey and Mr Adrian Brannan for their significant contribution to the day.
Please click below to see a selection of photos taken on the day.
Year 11 Exams
Please keep Year 11 in your prayers. Their exams have started very well this term.
RUOK Day
We had a super day last Friday for RUOK Day. I particularly thank Ms Sophie Allington and the MindMatters Student Leadership Team, led by College Vice-Captain Nikita Papastmatis, for this excellent focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Our special guest at Friday morning's assembly was Mr John Brogden, former NSW politician and Liberal Party Leader of the Opposition. Mr Brogden shared his own personal struggle and his passion for assisting those in need of support. Mr Brogden is an inspirational person and an excellent speaker. His central message was that mental health issues are as real and as important as any visible injury or illness. We need to reach out to those in need, understand and support them, and to that end I commend our Pastoral Team and our Counselling Services.
SPX Old Boys' Dinner
Last Friday evening the annual Old Boys' Dinner was held at the Chatswood Club and the Class of 2017 were the special guests of the evening. Patron of the Old Boys, Br Sherrin, offered a special prayer for Lachlan Ridley who tragically passed away in February, and 2017 captain Joseph Unwin offered a moving tribute to Lachlan.
The Association also recognised the contribution of outgoing President Mr David Bullard and thanked him for his many years of service to the College and the Old Boys' Association.
Full details and a selection of photos can be found on the Pastoral Care page of this newsletter.
What to watch this weekend
- Lachlan Hearne is a current Year 12 student and he will play First Grade Cricket this weekend for Mosman Cricket Club against Sutherland. Lachlan is likely to open the batting and notably Sutherland will have Steve Smith and Shane Watson in their line-up. Best wishes to Lachlan.
- Joshua Rayner is a current Year 12 student also and he is currently playing in the reserve team for the Sydney Swans. Last weekend Josh played in the AFL Reserve Grade Grand Final on Queensland’s Gold Coast for the Swans against Southport. Unfortunately Southport won the day. Joshua has been invited to play in the All Stars Futures game which will take place as the curtain raiser to the 2018 AFL Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday week. Josh has also gained selection into the new AFL National Academy Program. Congratulations to Joshua and best wishes for Grand Final Day.
Mr John Couani - Principal