LEAD WITH LOVE

Dear St. Pius X Family,

A new school year is upon us! To prepare more mindfully for the new year, our administration retreated to the Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center. Father Jim Fleming, who led the retreat, told us to “touch the students’ hearts, and their minds will change.” His advice was a reminder of the important work that we do as Catholic School educators. 

We are here to help our students learn and grow academically, but in a Catholic school, we are also called to touch our students’ hearts. Our challenge is to positively impact their hearts so that when they graduate from St. Pius, they know they have been loved and cared for. This culture of positivity and love is one that our school endeavors to create and pass on for generations to come. 

Our school community will embrace many exciting changes this year, all of which are highlighted in this publication. 

First, we are blessed to have a priest presence on campus this year! The Archdiocese of Atlanta has assigned Father Robbie Cotta, the Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary, as our part-time Chaplain for the 2023-2024 school year. He will not be here every day, as his duties at his Parish take priority, but he will be on campus regularly.

Second, we want our students to lead, but in order to lead, they need opportunities. This year we will revamp our student council and create a new President’s Panel, which brings together seniors from all walks of life at St. Pius to share their ideas and concerns.

Third, our class of 2024 will have two new traditions, “Senior Sunrise Mass” before the first day of school and graduation at the Georgia State Convocation Center. We will be one of the first high schools to graduate in this state-of-the-art facility in May. 

In closing, I ask for your help and support this school year. St. Pius is known around Atlanta and the nation as a close-knit community in which we care for one another. Let’s continue our rich tradition of being a welcoming community for all. Let’s all “lead with love.” Please pray for our students, faculty, and staff as we embark on the journey of this academic year together.

Domini Sumus,



Aaron Parr '06

GRADUATION MOVES TO GEORGIA STATE CAMPUS

Under the direction of President Aaron Parr, the school sought a more appropriate setting than Greater Atlanta Christian for the school’s yearly graduation ceremonies. As a college preparatory school, it is fitting that St. Pius X will be moving to a college campus to celebrate graduation in 2024. This year’s Senior Class will be the first class to graduate from the new Georgia State Convocation Center in May. 

Opened in September 2022 and home to the Georgia State men’s and women’s basketball teams, the state-of-the-art facility boasts comfortable seating, large screens for viewing, and ample parking. With a seating capacity of 8,000, families can invite family and friends to join them in celebrating their students’ accomplishments. A large glass window with clear views of downtown Atlanta looms over the graduation stage. St. Pius X will be one of the first high schools to graduate its students at this facility.

NEW PRESIDENT'S PANEL ENGAGES SENIORS IN STUDENT LIFE

The St. Pius X vision is to form students of strong character and deep faith who complete college, serve others, and participate actively in the life of the Church. Each student is called to lead, and it is up to us to give them those opportunities. President Aaron Parr created a new President’s Panel to unite senior leaders from all walks of life at St. Pius to share their ideas and concerns. The ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality of student life at St. Pius X. 

The President’s Panel will comprise seniors representing Student Council, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, Diverse Student Union, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Lion Leaders. These discussions will give students an excellent opportunity to have more face time with the administration and to have greater influence over and input into the St. Pius X student experience.

President Parr credits Class of 2023 senior Amelia Maloof with presenting this idea last spring. In his words, “Amelia knew this Panel wouldn’t benefit her as she was graduating; however, she knew it would benefit those who came after her. What a great legacy she has left!”

CROSSWALK PROVIDES SAFER ACCESS

TO JOHNSON ROAD LOT

St. Pius X purchased the land on the corner of Johnson Road and Shallowford Road in 2020, giving the school fifty additional parking spaces across the street. Until now, there was no safe way to cross the street without walking up to Shallowford and back. This summer, the City of Chamblee installed a crosswalk system used to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely. The system is activated when a pedestrian presses a button, activating flashing lights. The crosswalk is also elevated, forcing drivers to slow down in the area. This parking lot will be used for student parking as well as overflow parking for events.