From the Principal

• Prayer:  Feast of Our Lady of Dolours
• 2019 NAPLAN Results - Years 5, 7 and 9
• Mobile Phone Policy Consultation
• National School Chaplaincy Program 2020-2022
• Year 11 Exams and Years 5-10 Assessments
• Year 12 Preparation for HSCT
• HSC Drama Nominations for OnSTAGE
• We need your support please!  Benefit Dinner for ex-Students Liam Knight and Greg Wade on Friday 1 November 2019, 7.00 pm at North Sydney Leagues Club  
• Date Claimers & Upcoming Events

Prayer:  Feast of Our Lady of Dolours

Last weekend we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Dolours. We look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, to comfort us in our difficult times and understand our fears and sorrows.  We pray the traditional prayer “The Memorare” to ask her to intercede for us.

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known

that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help,

or sought thy intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;

to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,

but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

The College joined with the parish last Sunday in celebrating this Feast Day at the 10.30am Mass which was followed by lunch in the St Pius X College gymnasium.

2019 NAPLAN Results - Years 5, 7 and 9

The College has today received the NAPLAN results for Years 5, 7 and 9 students.  These will be distributed to the boys through Year Coordinators/Head of Junior School over the next few days.  The Year Coordinators/Head of Junior School will advise parents by email when these have been sent home and an analysis of the school's results will be in next week's Woodchatta.

Mobile Phone Policy Consultation

Last week I called for feedback on the proposed Mobile Phone Policy and I share with you below the summary of feedback received. I invite further feedback on this policy via feedback@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au The feedback will close on Monday morning 23 September at 9.00am. Your feedback is valued.

Proposed Policy

1. St Pius X is a ‘No Phone Zone’ whereby students must immediately put their phones in their lockers upon arrival at school.
2. This means not in the student’s pockets, not on ‘silent’, switched off and certainly not in any classroom unless directed otherwise by a staff member etc.
3. Any teacher seeing a student with a phone would be allowed to confiscate it and hand it in at the main office or with Mr Casey/Mr Sean Brannan etc. The only way to have it returned is after the student accepts being issued with a detention.

National School Chaplaincy Program 2020-2022

The College has received support from the school community and the Parish for the continuation of the National School Chaplaincy Program led by Mr Rick Russo through his pastoral care support and counselling.

The College would like to acknowledge the support of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments in providing financial support over a number of years and hope that this support continues into the future.  The College is applying to have the Government funding of this program continue for the next three years as we believe it provides a valuable service for the boys.

Year 11 Exams and Years 5-10 Assessments

Currently and through to the end of the term the College is focusing on the students’ academic program in particular and with Year 11 exams underway and assessments throughout the grades Year 5-10, the students are working solidly on their studies.

Year 12 Preparation for HSC

The Year 12 students are continuing their preparations for their HSC and we continue to pray for them.

Next week the College will mark the Year 12 Graduation as follows:

• Year 12 Breakfast             Thursday 26 September from 7.45 am (Students only)
• Internal Graduation       Thursday 26 September at the Chatswood Concourse from 11.00 am                                                            (Students only)
• External Graduation       Friday 27 September (Students and Parents)
•                                                   10.00 am:  Graduation Mass at Our Lady of Dolours Chatswood                                                 12.00 noon:  Lunch at Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills

HSC Drama Nominations for OnSTAGE

I am delighted to advise you and congratulate Mrs Penny Lindley and our HSC Drama students on the wonderful news that our Drama students have been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE which is the showcase of outstanding HSC Drama performances.   Specifically:

• The following Drama students' Group Performance has been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE, a selection of performances and individual projects from Higher School Certificate Drama students:  Lachlan Donlevy, Nicholas McKenzie, Timothy McLachlan, Samuel Schyvens and John-Paul Shahady for East Side Story.
• The following Drama students' Individual Performance has been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE, a selection of performances and individual projects from Higher School Certificate Drama students:  Timothy McLachlan (James from Blackout) and John-Paul Shahady (Henry from Two scoops or one).  

This is an incredible result and a true reflection of the students’ outstanding performances and Mrs Lindley's extraordinary talent as a teacher.  

OnSTAGE will be held at the Seymour Centre, Sydney from 8 February to 14 February 2020. 

Benefit Dinner for Liam Knight & Greg Wade

SPX, Old Boys Rugby and SPX Old Boys are holding a Benefit Evening  for two of our Ex-Students, Liam Knight and Greg Wade, on Friday 1 November 2019, 7pm at North Sydney Leagues Club.  Both men need ongoing care, which will be a further financial burden for them and their families. 

We invite you to attend this evening and if you or your business can support this event with donations of goods or services, please contact Mr Rick Russo on rrusso@stpiusxnsw.edu.au or 0418 438 325 or Ms Bianca Eassey on bianca.e@aabuilding.com.au or 0414 900 606.

Their stories, and booking details, are attached below.

• You can purchase your TICKETS for this event via this updated link to the Try Booking Site 
• If you are unable to attend the dinner but would like to make a DONATION to support these two young men, you can do so via   https://www.trybooking.com/538481
• To stay up to date with the event, please follow our Facebook page  

For further information please contact Bianca Eassey on bianca.e@aabuilding.com.au or 0414 900 606,

OR Rick Russo on rrusso@stpiusxnsw.edu.au  or 0418 438 325

Upcoming Events

Please refer to the 'Upcoming Events' page of this Newsletter for the 2019 College Calendar and Term Dates.   Information on how to download the College App is also included so you can stay up-to-date.

Draft Term Dates for 2020 are also available on this page.

Mr John Couani - Principal