St Pius X Feast Day Mass

Those who were present at Mass could have only been overwhelmed by the celebration.

We were fortunate to have Andrew Chinn, an acclaimed musician, work with our children and support our choir. Basia Jedrzejczak did an outstanding job of preparing the choir and school for this special occasion. Thank you Basia, your passion, commitment and hard work is demonstrated through the quality of the music and singing. I have never heard a school respond and sing so beautifully. Thank you Basia and James Lloyd for all of your work in making this such an outstanding experience for us all.

Andrew spoke after the final concert at the end of the day. He stated that this was certainly the best and most impressive school that he had worked with across Australia and New Zealand. This is why he chose our Choir to be recorded for his upcoming album. We are all so proud of our children, well done!

Community Service Award
Prior to yesterday’s Mass we were able to announce the 2018 recipient of the St Pius X School Community Service Award. This recognises a past community member who has given up their time to support and build community here.

This year the recipient was the late Fr John O’Doherty OMI. Fr John was a wonderful Priest to us, loved our school and gave so much of his time to our families.  The presentation speech that accompanied the award presentation is included in James Lloyd's APRIM article.  

Thank you to our local Member of Parliament, Dana Wortley who continues to support this Award and takes the time to visit us and present the Award.  

Purchased Property
You may be aware that 15 Hillburn Avenue was auctioned a fortnight ago and I am pleased to inform you that we purchased this property. This is in keeping with our Master Plan goal to, in the future, develop an Early Learning Centre. In the meantime we are looking to rent the house and would be enthusiastic to support one of our families who are looking for a moderately priced rental. Please contact Julie Parsons if you would like to express an interest.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council
Further good news is that our Council has moved the white ‘school zone’ lines to outside our new school entrance and is changing all of the parking signs to reflect how we now drop off, pick up and our kiss'n'drop. We also have some engineers coming out, to once and for all, remedy the flooding situation at our school crossing. I’d like to extend a thanks to our local Member of Parliament, Dana Wortley, for providing support to ensure that these are issues are attended to.

Happy Saint Pius X Feast Day!

We were blessed to have Andrew Chinn spend the day with us yesterday for Saint Pius X Feast Day. Andrew provided beautiful music for our whole school Mass and then worked with each class in workshops. We had a wonderful concert in the afternoon, and I think all would agree that Andrew is a sensational entertainer!

Our whole school Mass began with a fitting tribute to the late Father John who received the Saint Pius X Community Service award. Father Mathew accepted the award and will display the certificate for the parish community to view. The words of tribute for Father John were as follows:

This year, the St Pius X Award for service to our community is particularly special. The person we are bestowing this honour on can not physically be here today, although, we can feel his presence all around us.

Father John O’Doherty, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, worked as assistant Priest in our parish and school community for the last eight years. Father John died on 31^stJuly this year and is watching over us from heaven right now.

Father John loved working with students here at St Pius X. He regularly visited the school and was always keen to hear latest developments.

His energy and enthusiasm knew no bounds. Although 84 years old, Father John still visited parishioners and school families regularly. He carried his big walking stick wherever he went, and found all sorts of places to hang it when he would sit down.  

Father John’s sense of pastoral care and mission was exemplary. He always put the needs of our community above his own. Whether he was unwell or busy, he made time for our school community. He also loved educating parents in the faith formation of their children and was a driving force in the Sacrament Program. 

Father John was integral in establishing an eager group of Altar Servers both here at school and in the parish. He would take them on outings and assist with training. He loved to get people involved in the Mass and liturgical life of the parish.

Father John also loved to sing. We have many fond memories of him singing songs and encouraging the children and parents to sing along at school Masses. 

We are going to miss our beloved Father John, but his spirit lives on through each of those who were blessed to know him.  

This award will enshrine him in the story of our school for years to come. Those who have received this award before him and those who will receive it after him are in good company.

Father John’s prayer sums up his vocation when he said “Lord, give me the strength and energy to be able to continue serving the people of God wherever I might be’.

Father Mathew, please accept this award on behalf of Father John and treasure it. Let it remind you of the wonderful man we all knew and loved, and may it be a comfort in the day and weeks ahead.

I wish you every blessing for the week ahead.

Catch up photos (for students who were absent today) will be taken next Monday, 27th August.

Enrol Now for 2019 and Beyond!

OLSH College is a girls secondary Catholic College from Years 7-12 situated at 496 Regency Road, Enfield. The next college tours will be held on Tuesday 28th August and 25th September, 9:30am and 5:30pm - to book or request a tour, phone 8269 8800 or visit www.olsh.catholic.edu.au