St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Prayer
  • Prayer Vigil for Thomas Van Dijk
  • Funeral Service for Thomas Van Dijk
  • Online Learning Program
  • Plans for Staggered Return to School for Students
  • Inspirational Paralympians
  • Vale Br John May SJ
  • Last Day of Classes for Term 3

Prayer 

We take time to remember and thank all of the male role models in our lives, especially our fathers, whose tireless work has made us into the people that we are today.

 

And so we pray….

 

We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.

This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways--both big and small--

they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.

May you assist us to look towards St Joseph as a role model of a father 

who demonstrated faith, service and humility for the Holy Family.

So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void 

when fathers may not be present; 

grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers and coaches.

For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and 

humility in the face of the task of parenting. 

Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.

In Your Holy name, O God, we pray.

Amen.

 

Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for Us

St Pius X – Pray for Us

St Joseph – Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts – FOREVER!

Prayer Vigil for Thomas Van Dijk

The prayer vigil held last Friday evening was a very powerful and moving service that celebrated Tom’s life and gave us an opportunity to unite in prayer as a community in support and love for Tom and his family.

I thank the many staff involved and in particular, Mr Mulheron, Mr Primrose Heaney, Mr Stephen Cummins, Mr Sean Brannan and the wonderful ICT team of Mr Kane Oostendorp, Mr Daniel McGowan, Mr  Michael Ortega, Mr Nic Parton and Mr Rob Stephens.

Funeral Service for Thomas Van Dijk  – 10.30 am September 8, 2021

On behalf of the Van Dijk family, I advise the community that the Funeral Service for Tom will be held on Wednesday 8 September at 10.30 am in Our Lady of Dolours Parish Church Chatswood. Fr David Ranson will lead this service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is limited to only 10 mourners plus servers and Ministers. 

The funeral service will be live-streamed and the link will be provided next week so that those who wish to attend can join online.

As a result, the Year 12 HSC English Simulated Examination has been postponed until Thursday 9 October at 9.00 am. Year 12 students will receive a separate notice with more details.

Online Learning Program

In response to feedback and discussion with students, staff and parents we will be adopting the following recommendations to cater best for our students learning needs online:

  • Each lesson will be of 40 minutes duration (this allows for a 10 minute break between each lesson and a longer Recess and Lunch Break).
    • Period 5 will be from 1.30 pm – 2.10 pm.  Then we will have a 10 minute break.
    • Period 6 will be from  2.20 pm – 3.00 pm. The school day for all Years will conclude at 3.00pm
  • No Homework will be set to allow a complete break from work and screen at the end of the school day.
  • On Wednesday 8 September, as part of Wellbeing Wednesday, there will be no online classes. Students will need to attend Roll Call as usual at 8.42am but the remainder of the day will be set down for catching up on assigned tasks and work on other activities and limit screen time. Teachers will provide further details to their classes.
  • Week 10: The Term will conclude at 1.00 pm on Thursday, 16 September. This will help add to your wellbeing as you mange the last 3 ½ days of the last week of Term.

Plans for Term 3 and 4 - Staggered Return to School for Classes

Following the NSW Government announcement on Friday 27 August, the following outline provides clarity about the College’s program for Term 3 and 4 and the HSC.

Please see the attachment - as at 1 September 2021.

SPX Draft RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN as at 1 Sept.pdf

Inspirational Paralympians

If you’re in any way short of inspiration in overcoming challenges, I recommend that you watch the Paralympics at present. These athletes are incredible and every one of them has won gold in my eyes.

Congratulations to our Australian Paralympians!

Vale Br John May S.J. 

Last week we received news of the passing, at the age of 92, of Br John May, the first Old Boy, as listed on our Honour Board, (St Pius X, 1942), to take a vocation as a Brother. John joined the Jesuit Order and has the distinction of having operated the Order’s Sevenhill Winery in the Clare Valley, South Australia, as its Chief Winemaker. John died peacefully in Lane Cove last week and will be buried at the Sevenhill Winery where he was very much at home.

“John is the most renowned Brother in the history of the Australian Province.  Formidable, disciplined, hospitable, generous and compassionate, he was known as ‘hefty’ in his prime because of his physical strength and toughness. He was a model of fidelity to his religious duties.  Along with his deep faith, it was his engagement with the local community in the Clare Valley that was most important to him.”  (Justin Glynn SJ and Chris Horvat SJ, 27 August 2021)

RIP Br John May S.J. Old Boy of SPX and Winemaker of the Jesuit Order.

Last Day for Classes for Term 3

The last day of classes for students for Term 3 will be Thursday 16 September.  On that Thursday, normal lessons will be held for Periods 1 - 3, then Period 4 will be an online assembly and dismissal.

Term 4 will commence on Tuesday 5 October for staff and students, with Monday 4 October being the Labour Day long weekend.

Mr John Couani - Principal