From the Principal

Prayer for Peace

It is impossible to imagine the difference that three weeks can make in the world. During our break there has been such devastating violence and loss of life in America, Turkey and France. Although we are so far away, it is not difficult to make connections with those who have suffered injury or loss of life and the impact on their families. It is important therefore that we truly appreciate the lives that we are able to live in Australia, relatively relaxed and confident that we can go about our daily activities feeling a general sense of safety.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. 

John 16:33

We pray for all whose lives 

have been touched by tragedy,

whether by accident

or a deliberate act.

For those who mourn,

immerse them in your love

and lead them through this darkness

into your arms, and light.

For those who comfort,

be in both the words they use

and all that's left unspoken;

fill each heart with love.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,

whose own suffering brought us life,

here and for eternity. Amen

John Birch

Welcome Back to Term 3

A very warm welcome to all for Term 3.  I thank the community for the excellent parent/teacher meetings held yesterday for Years 5-10. These will establish new goals for the learning of our students for Semester 2.

We are certainly looking forward to an exciting term of learning and achievement. In particular we focus on Year 12 completing their formal classroom studies this term and please pray for them as they prepare for their HSC Trials in Week 3.

Year 11 have their final term for the Preliminary Year and will be preparing for their End of Preliminary Year Exams commencing in Week 9.

Best wishes to all for a great term.

New Look Woodchatta

We hope you enjoy the new look Woodchatta and look forward to your feedback via feedback@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Please make sure you look through the newsletter thoroughly as it is our means of conveying important information to you.

Please note that parent email addresses will be uploaded at the beginning of each term for the weekly distribution of Woodchatta.  If your email address changes during the term, please click on 'SUBSCRIBE' on the first page of the newsletter to ensure you continue to receive Woodchatta each week.

Academic Awards Semester 1

Congratulations to so many boys on their outstanding achievements in Semester 1. We will hold our Semester 1 Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday 29th July  in the Chatswood Concourse. Students will be notified of their Awards in the coming days.

Holiday Tours

The College has conducted some very significant opportunities for students during the holidays and I thank the staff who undertook the responsibility for taking students away during their holidays. In this edition of Woodchatta you will find excellent reports of these activities. Our students are indeed fortunate to have these opportunities.

The tours included immersion experiences to PNG and the Kokoda Track, the New Caledonia Cultural Experience, Football and Rugby tours to Queensland and World Youth Day 2016.

News from our World Youth Day Pilgrims

We are all having an amazing time and with just our first full day in Rome we have seen an amazing amount. Highlight for me was the breathtakingly beautiful Sistine Chapel.

Bishop Peter Comensoli and Cardinal Pell con-celebrated Mass for us in St Peter's Basilica this morning. We stumbled upon Pope St Pius X's final resting place at a side altar in the Basilica this afternoon.  (Please click on the photo to view)

We then spent some of the afternoon at the St John Lateran Rome's Cathedral.  We are hopeful of meeting with Br John Henry Thornber at the Trevi Fountain tomorrow.

All are well and the boys are being exemplary. We have received many compliments on their faultless behaviour.

God Bless all at St Pius X and we will be praying for our community.

Mr Adrian Brannan

Mr Tom Pembroke

During the vacation Mr Pembroke was amazing in completing both the Kawi Channel (42km) and Catalina Island (32km) swims. He is truly inspirational. Mr Pembroke thanks all his many contributors. To date $50,000 has been raised.  (Please click on the photo to view.)

Mr John Couani - Principal

From the College Board

Seeking Board Members for St Pius X College Chatswood

The Board of St Pius X College, Chatswood is seeking Expressions of Interest from people willing to take up an appointment to the College Board. People interested will have a commitment to Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition.

An information evening will be held on Thursday 4th August 2016 at 7.00 pm in the College Boardroom.  If you know of someone who you think may be interested in serving as a member of the Board, would you kindly bring this notice to their attention?

Anyone interested in attending to learn more is invited to register by phoning Christine Jennings on 9411 4733 or emailing cjennings@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

The St Pius X College Board