Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Monday I had the privilege of attending the Co-Cathedral at Fairy Meadow for a Mass celebrating the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia. It was wonderful to reflect on the unique history of Catholic schooling and the fact that over two hundred years ago the first official Catholic school opened in Australia. Our School Captains, Ethan and Scarlett represented the students of St Pius X at this Mass, which Bishop Brian Mascord presided over. Our own community also celebrated on this day with a Whole School Mass in the Hall. I thank Father Duane and Sr Kerry for leading us in this meaningful celebration.

As I reflect on this Bicentenary Week, I cannot help but to be proud of all that has been achieved at St Pius X Unanderra. I witness wonderful things happening daily that enrich the life experiences and opportunities of our students and am thankful to lead such a committed community.

At St Pius X we are always open to improvement, our students deserve the best that we can give them and that requires rigorous strategic planning and reflection. As a school I am very mindful of our faith and learning responsibilities and our commitment to continuing to be a school of excellence. In Term Three I look forward to a panel led by the Catholic Education Office, reviewing our directions and achievements over the past 5 years. Further details on this consultative process will follow as the date draws closer.

I will leave you with a quote that I reflect on often, in particular during our time of new enrolments for 2022:

 “From the moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. Prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian school climate rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community”.

 The Religious Dimension of Catholic Education in a Catholic School, n25-26

Yours Sincerely,

Pauline Chrostowski - Principal