From the Principal
- Prayer
- Students Progress in their Studies
- 2020 Winter Appeal
- Year 10 Subject Selection for Year 11 2021
- Mr Terry Patterson to retire
- 2019 Annual Report
- 2019 Collegian
- Old Boy Receives Queen's Birthday Honour
- Annual College Survey
PRAYER
The following prayer reflection, written by Laura Kelley Fanucci, was presented at our recent Board Meeting. It is about Covid-19 and it certainly brings to mind the many blessings we take for granted in our lives.
When this is over,
may we never again
take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theatre
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine checkup
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
When this ends,
may we find
that we have become
more like the people
we wanted to be
we were called to be
we hoped to be
and may we stay
that way--better
for each other
because of the worst.
Blessed Edmund Rice
St Pius X
Live Jesus in our Hearts
STUDENTS PROGRESS IN THEIR STUDIES
The students have increased their efforts last week with their studies and the College has certainly re-established good learning routines. I encourage parents to check in with their sons regarding their assessment schedules and their homework. We are continuing an excellent month of consistent classroom learning that will culminate with the Semester 1 Reports and Parent/Teacher meetings.
2020 WINTER APPEAL
Our College Winter Appeal commenced last week. This year we are supporting both St Vincent de Paul and also the Jesuit Refugee Service in support of the Parish. The Appeal will run until the end of term, with collections taken from Tuesdays to Thursdays. I encourage families to give generously of the items mentioned in the Mission and Identity page of this Woodchatta.
YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTION FOR YEAR 11 2021
The subject selection process for Year 11 2021 will be a bit different this year.
First of all, due to COVID-19 we cannot hold an information evening for parents, so instead we will conduct a meeting with students and film this. We will then provide a link to parents.
Parents will then have the opportunity to participate in a live chat using TEAMS if they have any general questions. Further details will be provided.
A major change is the information booklet that previously was in hard copy is now all on- line using the brand new CANVAS.
This will be the first introduction of CANVAS for our students and their parents.
All Year 10 students will undertake a ‘course’ in Subject Selection where there is a variety of quizzes to test their understanding.
Parents will be provided a link to observe their son’s progress.
The meeting with Year 10 is scheduled for Period 2 on Tuesday 16 June during their normal Pastoral period.
Various emails will be sent containing links to the recorded information session and to CANVAS.
THE END OF AN ERA –
MR PATTERSON CALLS TIME
Last week Mr Patterson advised the College that he will conclude his time as a classroom teacher at the end of the 2020 school year after 43 years of teaching and his service at St Pius X College since 1978. Mr Patterson is one of the College’s longest serving staff members and is well loved by students, ex-students, parents and his teaching colleagues both past and present.
Many ex-students visit the school to see Mr Patterson and all remark on his great teaching as a storyteller, poetry reader and extraordinary teacher. His passion for teaching and the students in his care is testimony to his dedication and commitment to the teaching profession for over 40 years.
We will certainly celebrate Mr Patterson’s career later in the year but for now, we simply say a heartfelt "thank you".
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2019 Annual Report has now been uploaded onto the College Website. It can be found at
https://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Annual-Report-2019-v1.pdf
2019 COLLEGIAN
The 2019 Collegian has arrived at the College and it is a beautiful production. I thank Mr Tony Cunneen who has been the driving force behind the Collegian again this year.
It will be distributed tomorrow, Thursday 11 June, through Homerooms and given to the eldest child. Only one per family is distributed.
Year 12 2019 will receive these by separate issue.
OLD BOY, PATRICK BOLLEN, AWARDED OAM IN QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2020
Congratulations to College ex-student Patrick Joseph BOLLEN who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Patrick, nicknamed in Sailing Circles “Ten Pin”, attended SPX in the 1960s. He was the Drum Major in the excellent Cadet Marching Band which led many parades around the North Shore.
The award was for service to the community, and to sailing in particular.
Community
- Co-Founder and Director, Friends of Sydney Harbour (formed to preserve the natural foreshore), 2012.
- Co-Founder and Member, Sail for Cancer Research, 1985-2010.
- Volunteer, Rotary Regatta, Rotary Club of Sydney Cove, current.
- Member, Australian Society of Marine Artists, current.
Professional
- Managing Director, Patrick Bollen Marine.
- Sailing Broadcaster and Journalist.
ANNUAL COLLEGE SURVEY - CLOSES 12 JUNE
All parents, students and staff will have received an invitation to complete the Annual Survey and I strongly encourage everyone to complete this. The survey link will close this Friday, 12 June.
It will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes of your time.
If you did not receive an email with a link to the survey please contact the College Registrar, Mrs Christine Jennings cjennings@stpiusx.nsw,edu.au or ring 94114733 and press 3 for Enrolments.
Mr John Couani - Principal