Congratulations to the Year 12 Class for 2011 on their great results. The Dux for the year, with an ATAR of 97.95  was an outstanding student in the Humanities, Ben Shakespear – who will be taking up a scholarship to Minnesota University in the United States to study Political Science as  Pre Law. Also of special note for Ben was his position as being ranked 7th place in New South Wales in Legal Studies.

The results were particularly strong at the top end of the range with 20% of the students at the College achieving ATARs above 90 and 40% in total over 80 - a great result for a non-selective boys’ school. Not all students aspire to the top bands, and the College was pleased to see so many solid results in the middle range. In addition the College had 53 students mentioned in the Honours Lists – a fine achievement. Students at St Pius X can achieve at the highest level while being in an environment that reflects the range of personalities and interests that exists in the wider community. Well done to all involved. Parents have confidence in the College as a place where boys can achieve at the highest level if they wish to put in the effort.

Mr John Couani, at the completion of his first year as College Principal, said: ‘I was well aware of the excellent academic reputation of the College before I came here and my first year at the College has confirmed that reputation. The College regularly gains results that are well above state averages. In addition there are often mentions of its students at the very top end of the prestigious Honour Rolls – Ben Shaespear’s performance in Legal Studies is but one of a string of high successes in recent years.  I am extremely proud of the class of 2011. They gained excellent results in a range of subjects, covering the humanities and the sciences. I want to acknowledge the great professionalism of their teachers in preparing the boys so well. It is a very challenging task to teach boys to perform at their very best which will place them at the top range of the state, while still working with other students of differing abilities and interests. Virtually all subjects had results which were well above state average with Ancient History, Modern History, Mathematics and Legal Studies being stand out performers again. The HSC is a very demanding course to teach and administer and places great strain on students, parents and teachers alike. Congratulations to all concerned. I was particularly pleased to note that so many of the boys balanced their academic achievements with a high level of involvement in the College's extra-curricular program, or were active as student leaders.’

Tony Cunneen Senior Studies Coordinator

Principal John Couani with students who gained ATARs above 90                                           Principal John Couani with Dux for 2011 Ben Shakespear