St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Principal

  • Reflection
  • Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
  • Year 11 2024 Subject Selection Information Evening
  • Winter Appeal
  • Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
  • Year 12 Fundraiser
  • Junior Athletics Carnival
  • Debating Success

Reflection

A Prayer of Thanks from Young People to Parents

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, 

and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, 

and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me,

and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, 

and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust God.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, 

and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing,

 and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, 

and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, 

and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it is alright to cry.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, 

I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,

‘Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking’.

 

The repetition of the phrase ‘When you thought I wasn’t looking’ reminds parents and teachers that we are role models for all our students.  Those moments when we do not think they are looking, or listening is sometimes the moments when the greatest learning occurs for our sons to grow.  St Pius X encourages our students to be the best version of themselves, at all times, not just while they are at the College but more importantly as they take their place in our society.  Boys are not always good at telling how they feel but I know they are so appreciative of everything parents and teachers do for them.  On behalf of all the students, thank you.

Blessed Edmund Rice Icon

‘Give to the poor in handfuls’

The Classroom Scene

The man of deep spirituality is also the man of down-to-earth practicality.  Edmund finds Christ in his mission as easily as in the Eucharist.  His vision of the future for his poor boys shines in his eyes and radiates from his posture.  The classroom scene is positioned directly besides Edmund's befriending hand in the centre panel. 

 

Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us

St Pius X - Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!

 

Year 11 2024 Subject Selection Information Evening

The selection of subjects for the last two years of their formal education, is a significant milestone for our Year 10 students. Throughout the presentation at the information evening, it was clear that students were encouraged to study courses that they will enjoy or have an interest in for their HSC years.  This is important as research has shown this to be crucial in supporting students to achieve their personal best.  The evening was not only opportunity for parents and students to ask questions regarding the courses but also for each KLA Coordinator to promote the courses within their faculty.  Thank you to all the teachers and Year 11 students who supported all the faculty leaders in the promotion of their subject.  Thank you to the KLA Coordinators for their diligence in advocating for their faculty.  Thanks also to Mr Kovacic who has guided the students throughout the term.  Special thanks to Mr Damo and Mr Davidson for the organisation of the evening and the valuable information they provided parents and students as they make their final subject choices.

 

Winter Appeal – Continuing in the Footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice

The generosity of the students and families of St Pius X has been amazing with an array of goods piled up in the foyer of the College.  Thank you, thank, thank you.  This is a true testament to our commitment as an Edmund Rice school in supporting those less fortunate than ourselves.  This is also at the heart of our social outreach programme as we follow in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice.  Thank you to Mr R Balboa and the Year 9 team for their efforts and ongoing support of the Winter Appeal for Jesuit Refugee Services and the St Vincent de Paul Distribution Centre in Woy Woy.

 

Year 12 Fundraiser during Trivia Afternoon with Mercy Catholic College

Cancer Council Fundraiser Report by Eamon Boyle – College Captain

 

The Year 12 leadership team organised and ran a trivia afternoon for all Year 12 St Pius and Mercy students. All up, there were roughly 130 participants, and a wonderful time was had by everyone who came.

 

It was decided that a collection for a charity would be a great idea, seeing as students were being catered for during the afternoon. The charity chosen was the Cancer Council.

 

The leadership team from St Pius, namely Xander Buckingham and Eamon Boyle contacted the store located in Chatswood and began a conversation around the collection and donations from our schools. They offered any assistance if needed and supplied us with buckets for collections throughout the week.

 

In collected during the afternoon and the week following, the students from both St Pius and Mercy donated $460.30, with all going towards the foundation.

As a result of this, much support can be given to cancer patients and to the continual development towards a cure. Additionally, Cancer Council has also provided a discount for all St Pius students, as a thank you for their help towards the works of the Cancer Council. This will be a 30% discount for students at the Cancer Council store in the Chatswood Chase, available by presenting one’s student ID card. The discount will be available until the 30th September.  

 

Congratulations to Eamon, Xander and all the Year 12 leadership team for their organisation of this fantastic event and cause.  Thank you also for providing our community with the opportunity to continue supporting the Cancer Council through purchasing items at their Chatswood store.  Below is a copy of the letter from the Cancer Council acknowledging the great efforts of our young people.

Junior Athletics Carnival

The Junior Athletics Carnival was as enjoyable as the Senior carnival the day before.  All the students were active participates in all the events.  It was great to see outstanding performances by not only our elite athletes but those students who strived to do their personal best in each event. Well done to all our Junior School. Congratulations to Mrs Jill Greenwood and all the Junior School staff for their support of all our junior students during the carnival.  A special thanks and congratulations to Mr Ben Ryan (Junior School Sports Coordinator) for the expert organisation of the carnival.  It was super-efficient. Special thanks to all the parents who assisted the Junior School on the exceptional day.

Debating Success

Last Friday the Year 11 B Debating team successfully defeated St Andrews Marayong in the 1st Elimination Round of the CSDA Debating Competition.  This week they are debating against Clancy Catholic College, West Hoxton.  We wish the coach Natasha Foley and the Year students all the success as they represent the College.  St Pius X will be hosting the 2nd Elimination Round this coming Friday.  Congratulations to Ms Leigha Zervakos and the Debating team for all their support of our debaters throughout the term. 

Congratulations

The College offers its warmest congratulations to Peter Shinton and Maureen Rizk, members of its extended community who were recognised with OAMs in the King’s Birthday Honours on Monday 12 June 2023.

 

Peter Shinton, is the grandfather of Nicholas (12) and Harrison (10) Schuster and father of our Science Coordinator, Ms Joanne Schuster. Peter has been recognised for his long service to the community of Coonabarabran in NSW. Among many roles, he has been mayor, a long term councillor and a volunteer for many local clubs and activities. He is a natural leader, a man of great energy and commitment to his community, often through difficult times of bushfire or other challenges. Peter has also given highly valued assistance to members of the College when their excursion such as the Red Dirt Expedition have passed through his area.

 

Also mentioned in the Honours List is Maureen Rizk of Killarney Heights. Maureen has had many associations with the College. Her three sons, Adam, Anthony and Thomas attended the College as did many of their cousins. In addition Maureen was a valued supervisor of our HSCs over a number of years. She has been involved in many local charitable works and organisations. Maureen is a very personable and kind individual who is always welcoming and gracious in her dealing with people here. Her extended family have been and still are much valued members of our community.

 

Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal