Junior School News

Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the Rice House on winning the 2017 Junior School swimming carnival. The cheering and camaraderie was excellent. We did have a few showers but the carnival was a great success because of the positive attitude of the boys and staff plus thank you to all the wonderful parents and grandparents who came out to cheer and support the boys.

Please see a selection of photos in the Sports Section below.

OPAL Card for Excursions

One of the advantages of being in Chatswood is that is a transport hub and we can keep the cost of excursions lower by using the train instead of hiring buses. Boys need to have a youth opal card for these excursions. THE FREE OPAL CARD FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL IS NOT FOR TRANSPORT TO EXCURSIONS. Could you please ensure that your son has an opal card as Year 5 are going on an excursion involving train travel next Wednesday. We also use it for debating and other activities.

Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews

Please return the completed questionnaire about your son to his teacher in a sealed envelope before the interviews on Monday 20 /2 and Tuesday 21/2. Bookings for interviews opened at 1 pm last Sunday. Information on how to book was sent home in a hard copy with your son plus it was also emailed and it is on the portal.

Portal Password

Forgotten your username and password for the College Portal? You may be able to retrieve these by yourself - see attachment below - if your email registered in the College system is correct (i.e. the same as the email where you receive other notifications).

You should receive an automatic email notification from the Portal (Check spam files if not in Inbox). If you do not receive the email or are still having problems logging in contact lmillar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Upcoming Events in the Junior School

Year 5 Peer support Program with Year 11 mentors began today. This should be a good conversation starter around the dining table for tonight.
Tomorrow we have a play incursion at 10am at Oxford Falls; therefore we will be at Oxford Falls all day and the boys need to bring their morning tea and lunch. The play is entitled, Bully No More. It is one play in a trilogy so if your son was here last year, he will be seeing a different play. The aim is to educate the boys in a fun away about bullying.
IPSHA Round 2 Sport - please refer to website for draws.
P&F Commencement Mass and Social on Saturday night. All welcome and a great way to meet other parents and grandparents.
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st February: Junior School Parent Teacher Meetings
Tuesday 21st February: Year 5 Peer Support in Period 3.
Wednesday 22nd February: Year 5 excursion to the Rocks and Observatory Hill- Boys are required to have their own opal card

Mr T Long - Head of Junior School

Junior School Sport

Thursday Sport: Regular sport at Oxford Falls, though all boys will again travel to the venue at 9am as there is an anti-bullying production in the morning. They will therefore require a full packed recess/lunch. Training then continues for Basketball, Cricket, Softball and Tennis. Trials for the Armidale Rugby Tour and Tamworth Football Tour take place at lunch (see below). Pick-up is at 2.20pm in the carpark.

Winter Sport Changes: A reminder that the deadline for changing winter sport preferences falls today. I must enter teams into competitions and complete fixture draws shortly.

AFL, Football (Soccer) and Rugby - Winter Season: Just to clarify ... in the Junior School, we are able to cater for all boys who wish to play AFL, Rugby and Football for the College. As long as boys have elected to play for the school (via their sport choice form) and turn up to trial, they will be guaranteed a place in a team. Trials will begin in Week 7 of this term, during Thursday Sport at Oxford Falls. We use external professional coaches to assist in grading our Rugby and Football players.

Junior Swimming Carnival

What a difference a day makes! After sweltering through 40 degree temperatures in the days leading up to the Carnival and questioning whether we would have enough sunscreen to get through, we were met with record rainfall and the chance of thunderstorms on race day. However, not to be deterred by this inclement weather our boys arrived brimming with newfound school spirit and positivity. The showers came and went but the determination of our students was rock-solid. Unlike at the Senior Carnival the previous day, we avoided the lightning and were thus able to run a full program.

I am always impressed with how quickly our students take ownership of their school and House. They invest from the outset, immediately engaging in the culture of St Pius X College and forming unique bonds with their peer group. I believe this competitive and tribal like participation event is a great ice-breaker for the new school year, especially considering 60% of our Junior cohort are new to the school.

The boys competed with vigour and determination in the water, many at the edge of their comfort zone in pursuit of a ribbon and valuable points. It was so pleasing to see the number of boys entering the 50m races in each stroke, certainly more displaying confidence in their ability and a hunger to compete in the top events. The competition was healthy in the water and the support for those swimmers from the pool deck was magnificent. I particularly acknowledge the newly appointed House Captains who, in their first assignment for 2017, did an amazing job leading their troops, ensuring high participation levels, organising relays and showing the way in the pool. Our boys are our best advertisement for the College and I was extremely impressed with the way this new group has settled into the sporting fabric of the school – they listen, follow directions and effortlessly give of their best.

Please click below to see a selection of photos taken on the day.

In the end Rice’s teamwork and strong participation proved the difference nudging ahead of Barron in the final relays for the overall win. Barron were strong all day and deserve honourable mention for a very close 2nd place. Purton House were not far behind in 3rd and Treacy competed valiantly all-day. Congratulations to Zachary Flynn (C) and Oliver Meulman (VC) for leading Rice to victory.

A big thank-you to the staff, senior students and parental volunteers who ran the carnival so smoothly, especially in at times trying conditions. Thanks also to the many parents and relatives who braved the deluge and supported their boys on the day. The following Age Champions and runners-up deserve mention for their superb individual performances in their respective fields. Most have been selected in the swimming squad and are joined by: Spencer Anderson & Jacob Magner (U11’s), Aaron Lau, Mitchell McGrath and Max Peakman (U12’s). Our swim squad have already begun preparations for their upcoming selection carnival. We wish them the best of luck.

Champion House: RICE

Rugby Tour: We will again be taking a Prep 1st XV Rugby Squad to Armidale for The Armidale School Rugby Carnival. This tour departs on 7th April and returns on 9th April. Selection trials for all Yr 6 players who wish to attend will take place at Oxford Falls Sport this Thursday 16th February and again on a date TBC. Boys require boots, mouthguard and any protective gear.

Football (Soccer) Tour: Trials for the upcoming Tamworth Football Tour will take place on Thursday 16th Feb as part of sport. Yr 6 students playing Football for the College and aspiring to play ‘A’ grade are invited to trial. The tour takes place from 7th – 9th April in Tamworth, NSW. All tour management, including transport, accommodation and meals are organised by The College. Parents and friends can attend in support if they wish to make their own arrangements.

Basketball: Unfortunately most sport across the State was cancelled last weekend but as it turned out, it was a perfect morning for Basketball! Good luck to all players as the season now commences this Saturday.

NB: Please note the time changes from the original draw for the K and L teams.

Mr G Virgona - Junior School Sportsmaster

Softball: Softball Round 2 is at Oxford Falls next Saturday 18th February. Please be there by 7:40am. Looking forward to starting our season!

Mrs J Williams - Softball Convenor

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Tuning Into Teens