From the Principal

- Reflection
- Many 'lasts' for our Year 12 students and their families
- Prayer for Grandparents
- Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
- Drama HSC Trials
- Rugby Gala Dinner
- Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
- Students continually demonstrating our values
- Tennis players show great sportsmanship
- Positions Vacant - Canteen Assistant and Maintenance Officer
Reflection
The Cracked Pot
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,' the pot said. The bearer said to the pot, 'Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house!'
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each love that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. We’ve just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life.
Many lasts for our Year 12 students and their families
Speaking to Year 12 parents over the past week, it has become very evident to them that there have been and will continue to be many lasts for their sons. Year 12 have had their last swimming carnival, their last athletic carnival, their last commencement mass, their last ISA cricket or basketball game, their last music performance, but to name a few over the first part of the year. Term 3 becomes even more emotional as the number of lasts become even more significant as we prepare and celebrate the St Pius X graduate. I encourage all families to cherish these moments and look to embrace these lasts.
Prayer for Grandparents
On 26 July we celebrate the Feast Day of Saints Joachim & Anne, the parents of Our Lady and the grandparents of Jesus. So, we pray at this time for all grandparents in our families and in our St Pius X community:
Lord Jesus you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them.
Grant that all families may one day we reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end.
Amen
I look forward to celebrating Grandparents Day with our Junior School on Thursday 10 August.
Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
The icon provides all Edmund Rice communities an insight into the person who was Blessed Edmund Rice.
Edmund is here enjoying the fruits of his labours. He has fulfilled his mission and he stands wrapped in symbols of the Trinity, a man of his time, a man of all times, a man placed in the context of the eternal present. Behind him the Divinity spiral, the Sacred Host at its centre, fills the area; on his breast is the Heart of Christ embodying the cross and with inbuilt spirals suggesting the spiritual energy of the risen Christ; the fire of the Holy Spirit swirls around him, and the globe of the world is at his feet.
Blessed Edmund Rice saying: ‘Give to the poor in handfuls’
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Drama HSC Trials
Last Sunday the HSC Drama students performed their Trial HSC Group and Individual Performances at the Sarto Centre in front of family and friends. Though a little nervous, their performances were exceptional. There was some humour, some serious content but most importantly they demonstrated great confidence in their acting ability. Our thanks must go to Ms Penny Lindley for her guidance and support of our students and the drama program of the College. Her passion and enthusiasm of drama is infectious. Thanks also to Mr Alex Damo, Mrs Veronica Bamber and Mr Sean Brannan for their attendance and support.
Rugby Gala Dinner
After supporting their sons at the various sporting games throughout the day, including some who travelled to the Central Coast, a large contingent of parents continued their support by attending the Rugby Gala fundraising dinner at the Kirribilli Club last Saturday evening. There was such a positive vibe throughout the evening with all attendees enjoying each other’s company in the spirit of rugby.
The evening commenced with heads and tails based on some St Pius X historical knowledge. This was followed by a live auction which saw some very generous people donating some wonderful prizes but then we had some just as generous individuals who purchased the prizes. Thank you to everyone for their generosity in supporting this fundraising event. All proceeds will go towards supporting our Rugby program, equipment, and future tours.
There were many highlights throughout the evening, but it was the Q&A with Waratah's coach Darren Coleman that will remain in the memories of all who attended. His honesty and insight to his journey was inspirational and provides hope for all our rugby players. His key message of perseverance regardless of the set backs will resonate with so many of us. Thanks should also go to Keith Gleeson who asked all the right questions for the audience to get an insight into the world of Darren.
Thanks to all the Rugby Club committee but in particular, President Mr Sam Macdonald along with Mrs Fiona Haldane for their organisation of this event but more importantly for their ongoing support of everything Rugby at the College.
Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
Advice for our Year 12 students who are approaching a significant time in their final year, the Trial HSC Examinations. Be prepared, be committed, and remain faithful to your goals. I know the students have been working exceptionally hard and have remained on task since returning from the holidays. I pray that all students continue to prepare themselves for these last school-based assessments; that they remain committed to their overall success and faithful to their personal goals. In the spirit of Edmund Rice, may all students be courageous throughout these examinations.
Students continually demonstrate our values
Maintaining the College values have been consistently communicated throughout the year. The students of St Pius X are very conscious of their responsibility in being the custodians of these values. These values are regularly visible. Whether it be when our students interact with each other in a positive manner; being respectful to the staff and their families or just the good, supportive and caring nature of all students to other students within the College, the St Pius student always aligns with the values. I am always blessed to witness these values in action throughout a school day but it was a very simple action on Saturday during a football game when a senior student who in the heat of battle, about to take throw-in paused because an young opposition player from the other game slipped and fell on the synthetic cricket pitch. Without thinking our senior student, stopped, helped the young person up, ensured they were OK, then, and only then, did he proceed with the game. It all happened in a split second but the care and compassion our senior student demonstrated will remain with me. His action of kindness only reinforces our values and that these values are in good hands.
Tennis players show great sportsmanship
On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of attending our ISA Tennis team at Talus St courts. I was welcomed by warm and happy faces looking forward to playing tennis and representing the College. It became very apparent from the outset that all players displayed a strong sense of sportsmanship by the manner in which they had to officiate their own games. There were many close calls, but this did not deter any player from showing great sportsmanship especially fair play. Congratulations to Mrs Veronica Bamber and Mrs Laura Barwick and the parents for ensuring these values are upheld. Congratulations must also go to the players who also maintain the high standards that are expected of them. Well done to all.
Positions Vacant – Maintenance Officer and Canteen Assistant
The College is currently looking to recruit to the positions of Maintenance Officer and Canteen Assistant. Please see further details below.
Position: Canteen Assistant – Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Reporting to: Canteen Manager
Commencing: As soon as possible
The College requires a Canteen Assistant. This position involves general assistance in the canteen four days per week (Monday – Thursday) working between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Please see the role description for more information.
Please apply by completing the online application form
https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/administration_ict_finance_canteen_maintenance_and_grounds_staff_application and providing the following information by upload as soon as possible.
- Letter of application
- CV
- Copies of qualifications
- The names and contact details of 3 Referees
Please direct any enquiries to:
Mrs Janelle Arena or Mrs Anna Coombs
T: (02) 9411 4733
E: canteen.team@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Position: Maintenance Officer – full time or part time position
Reporting to: Head of Maintenance
Commencing: As soon as possible
The College requires a Maintenance Officer to join its Maintenance team. This position involves general maintenance including the overall maintenance and repair of equipment, rooms and grounds, ensuring that equipment is functional and adhering to WHS guidelines.
Experience in property maintenance and ground keeping are essential. Good communication skills are also required. WHS qualifications, a current CPR/First Aid Certificate, a Heavy Rigid Vehicle driver’s licence and trade qualifications (specifically plumbing) are advantageous. Start date is negotiable.
Please apply by completing the online application form
https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/administration_ict_finance_maintenance_and_grounds_staff_application and providing the following information by upload as soon as possible
- Letter of application
- CV
- Copies of qualifications
- The names and contact details of 3 Referees
Please direct any enquiries to:
Mr David Reay (Facilities and Resources Coordinator)
T: (02) 9411 4733
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal