From the Principal
- Prayer
- A Very Busy Start to the Year
- Commencement Mass and Academic Awards Ceremony
- Our Lady of Dolours Priest joins Assembly
- Visit from Mercy College Principal, Ms Brenda Timp
- Reunion of Class of 1956/1957
- College School Fees Due
- Positions Vacant
- Key Dates
Prayer
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
Prayer for a New Beginning
In out of the way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
A Very Busy Start to the Year
The school year is in full swing this week and I appreciate the many efforts of all students, parents and staff as we started the school year. Just to give a sample of the huge activity in under two weeks of school, below is a list of just some of the activities in 9 days of school:
- Full classroom instruction
- Junior and Senior Swimming Carnivals
- Full rehearsals for music, drama and tuition in the Performing Arts
- Commencement of Senior (ISA) Summer Sports,
- Preparations for commencement of Junior (IPSHA) Sports this coming Saturday
- Football Grading last Sunday
- Year 5, 6, 7 and 11 Parent Information Evenings (Year 10 next week)
- College Advisory Council Committee meetings and Council meeting with the College Leadership Team and Fr David Ranson
- Full Staff Meeting and Faculty Meetings
- Performing Arts Parents Association Meeting (PAPA)
- Year 7 Induction Day, Year 5 & 6 Induction Day
- Student Immunisations, blazer fittings
- Reunion for the Class of 1956/57
These and the many other activities make for the rich and dynamic life of the College. Thank you to all.
Commencement Mass and Academic Awards – Tuesday 16 February
We will celebrate our College Commencement Mass and the Academic Awards at Oxford Falls together on the same day this year.
Unfortunately, no parents will be permitted to join us due to restrictions on numbers and COVID-19 regulations.
We will be live streaming both events. Links will be sent to parents for each event via email on Monday 15 February.
10.00 am College Commencement Mass
12.00 pm Academic Awards and High Achievers Assembly
All students will attend the Commencement Mass.
Students in Years 8 - 12 will attend the Academic Awards Ceremony.
Congratulations to all of these students on their 2020 academic achievements.
The list of award winners Year 8 - 12 is attached.
Year 5 & 6 have a cyber bullying play that afternoon at Oxford Falls. More details from Mr Long on separate communication.
Year 7 have their usual PDHPE lesson that afternoon also at Oxford Falls. They should wear their full summer uniform and bring their PE Uniform to change. More details from Mr Steinman on separate communication.
- All students need to bring their own morning tea and lunch. No canteen will be available.
- Students will be bused to and from Oxford Falls. They will return at approximately 2.45 pm/3.00 pm and be dismissed on their return.
Our Lady of Dolours Parish Priest Joins Assembly
On Monday, the College welcomed our new Parish Priest Fr David Ranson to the College Assembly. Fr David encouraged the students in their faith and welcomed them to join the Parish. He looks forward to being involved in the College and will celebrate our Commencement Mass for us.
Visit from new Mercy College Principal -
Ms Brenda Timp
The new Principal of Mercy College Ms Brenda Timp visited the College last week and spoke with our Senior students about continuing the great relationship and activities across our schools.
Reunion of the Class of 1956-1957
I was delighted to join the class of 1956-57 for their reunion last week. All those in attendance were so grateful for their education at the College and for the Christian Brothers. Special thanks to Mr Bill Sutton who organised and coordinated the event. It was wonderful to welcome Bishop Peter Ingham who was in that class, Mr Michael Flannagan (1956 College Captain) and Mr John Mulally (1957 College Captain). Throughout this group of ex-students there have been significant contributions to the community through Religious life, the Law, Industry, Commerce, Retail and all walks of life.
College School Fees Due
The College school fees were due for payment at the start of Term 1. I thank all those families who have attended to their account and made arrangements for payments on a monthly, term or annual basis.
If you have not been able to arrange payment of fees, I ask that contact be made with the Finance Office as soon as possible. The College will continue to offer support to those families who may be experiencing financial difficulties and we ask you to contact us to privately discuss your situation. For all fee enquiries, assistance or payment arrangements please contact spxfees@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or phone Nick Carson, Joanne Dunwell directly on 9414 4328.
Positions Vacant
We are currently advertising for a Head of Maintenance and Maintenance Officer. For more information please visit the College website: www.spx.nsw.edu.au.
Key Dates
Saturday 13 February: IPSHA Round 1 commences
Monday 15 February: Junior School Parent/Teacher interviews
Tuesday 16 February: Commencement Mass & Academic Awards Ceremony at Oxford Falls
Wednesday 17 February: Ash Wednesday / Junior School Parent/Teacher interviews
Saturday 20 February: P&F Commencement Mass & Social (to be confirmed)
Mr John Couani - Principal