From the Principal
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
- Prayer - Ash Wednesday
- Our Church Today
- ISA Finals
- Your Building Levy in Action
- Enrolment for 2021 is now open
- Major Upcoming Events
Prayer - Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday marking the commencement of Lent. Lent is a time of personal prayer and renewal in preparation for Easter. It is a time when we examine ourselves and seek to be a better person. We ask for God’s care and forgiveness as we look towards the crucifix and resurrection of Christ. We receive the Ashes and as they are placed on our forehead the Minister says one of two important prayers:
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel
or
Remember that thou art dust and unto dust thou shall return.
This reminds us that our time on earth is a preparation for eternal life.
Loving God,
We ask you to bless us, your children as we receive these ashes.
We are sorry for the times we have turned away from you.
We want to feel the joy of your forgiveness as well as a greater connection
to those members of our community.
Walk with us through the season of Lent and lead us to the new life of Easter.
We ask this through Jesus your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Please click on the gallery of photos taken at the Ash Wednesday Liturgy today.
Our Church Today
At the Diocesan Mass for schools last Thursday evening and over the weekend throughout the Broken Bay Diocese, Fr David Ranson the Diocesan Administrator (Acting Bishop), spoke genuinely and compassionately about the pain and suffering of victims of abuse and the shame, confusion and struggle of members of the Australian Church in trying to comprehend this. I share with you below the letter which Fr Ranson has made public to the Diocese of Broken Bay.
I also share with you an excellent resource which has been provided for us through the link below to an article about ways to support loved ones or engage in good self-care in case of adverse reactions to Cardinal Pell’s conviction and details surrounding this.
I again emphasise our commitment to ensuring the safety of every child in our care. We continue to pray for the victims of abuse. Edmund Rice Education Australia has appointed Mr Michael Horsley as the Director for Safeguarding for all our schools.
“Edmund Rice Education Australia is committed to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing and participation of all children and young people is paramount.” At St Pius X College we are unreservedly committed to this.
If you feel you need support or support for your son, do not hesitate to contact the College Counsellors - Mr Rick Russo, Mrs Joe McCarthy and Mrs Judy Gill - or contact me personally.
ISA Finals
Congratulations to our Semi-Final teams last weekend and although not a great many made it through to the Final I am very proud of the way they played and they should be proud of their season. Best wishes to our Final teams this weekend. Please see the Sports Page for details of the games.
Your Building Levy in Action
During the Christmas break there was much activity in improving the College facilities and I share with you a very brief summary of those activities and some of what is planned in the near 2019 future.
Facility improvements over Christmas:
- Installation of 2.8 × 2.2m LED Screen in Main Yard - a Student Leadership initiative. (Photo above)
- New carpet installed in A, E and S Wing corridors and classrooms as well as Junior Resource Centre (approximately 50% of Chatswood Campus)
- New furniture for Senior and Junior Resource Centres
Upcoming facility improvements in 2019:
- New carpet for B and S Wings
- Replacement of original windows in B Wing
- Renovation of Canteen
- Painting of B Wing and Administration Building
- New carpet and painting of Treacy Building at Oxford Falls
My sincere appreciation to Mr Reay (College Facilities Coordinator) and our wonderful maintenance and grounds staff at both Chatswood and Oxford Falls Campuses.
Enrolment for 2021 is Now Open
Online applications are now available on our website for students to enter the College in Years 5, 6 & 7 in 2021. Applications close 3 May 2019.
Major Upcoming Events in Term 1, 2019
- College Open Day Saturday 16 March - see the flyer below.
- First P & F Meeting Monday 18 March
- 'Great Expectations' Drama Production 2-4 April
Please refer to the 'Upcoming Events' page of this Newsletter for the 2019 College Calendar and Term Dates.
Mr John Couani - Principal