Junior School News
- From the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
From the Junior School
REFLECTION
As the world reflects on the life of Her Majesty the Queen, we give thanks for her life of service, faith, and dedication to duty. Whilst we mourn her death, we pray that her example will continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
EREA LEARNING STATEMENT LAUNCH
Last week I was privileged to attend the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Learning Statement Launch in Melbourne with Mr Alex Damo (Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning). The Learning Statement is the foundation for a learning culture of shared sense of purpose, and responsibility for improving the learning outcomes of young people, and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to develop ways to apply the concepts of a liberating education at St Pius X College.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Being surrounded by a sea of 300 Mr Couanis was indeed an experience one had to experience for oneself! Well done to those of you who made the effort to dress up and turn up! What a great night! I always enjoyed the evening as a parent, and I was hoping that being on the staff table might see me have more luck in the competition – alas, we came up short – more from a lack of concentration, than a lack of knowledge! Thank you to everyone who took the time to say “Hello” – it was lovely to catch up with people in a relaxed setting.
YEAR 6 CHINATOWN EXCURSION
Last Wednesday, Year 6 students took part in a language and cultural walk around Chinatown as part of their Geography and Mandarin studies. Using a specially designed booklet, the boys learnt the stories of Chinese individuals and groups, and their experiences in Australia. They also explored cultural aspects such as shops, food, markets, Chinese characters, and language, in addition to identifying significant buildings and landmarks.
Year 6 were welcomed to Chinatown by the City of Sydney Counsellor, Mr Robert Kok and Sydney City Police Area Commander, Superintendent Martin Fileman. Counsellor Robert spoke to the boys about the history of Chinatown and his role within the City of Sydney. As the Deputy Chair of the Cultural and Community Committee he is known for his strong understanding of Asian culture, as well as the city’s diverse Asian communities. He is a passionate advocate for cross-cultural awareness.
Sydney City Police Area Commander, Superintendent Martin Fileman, explained his role as the Area Commander and his connection with the Australian Chinese community in Chinatown.
Thank you to all the parents who came along to help with supervision – excursions would not be possible without your support, so it is much appreciated.
SUMMER UNIFORM – TERM 4
Students return to school in Term 4 in their SUMMER UNIFORM. You can order uniform items using this link below:
https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/uniformshop
DATES FOR THE DIARY:
- Friday 16 September | Taronga Park Zoo Excursion | Year 5
- Tuesday 20 September | NSWCIS Athletics (for participating students)
- Thursday 22 September | National Day of Mourning Public Holiday
- Friday 23 September | Staff Development Day | Pupil free day | School Holidays
- Monday 10 October | Staff and Students return for Term 4
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport
Thursday Sport: Trials/training for Basketball, Touch Football, Cricket, Softball and Tennis continues this week.
Summer Sports: Due to the public holiday in the final week of the term, we aim to finalise all Term 4 Summer Sport teams this Thursday. Information for Basketball, Touch Football, Tennis, Cricket and Softball seasons will be made available before the season officially starts on Saturday, 15 October.
CIS Athletics: Good luck to the following boys who will be heading to the CIS Athletics carnival next Tuesday.
- Parker Ball (5 Gold) – Long Jump
- Cristiano Calcarao (5 Red) – 1500m and 800m
- Zach Fourie (6 Red) – Discus and Shot put
- Lachlan Thompson (5 Red) – Shot put
- Matthew Castorina (6 Green) – Senior Relay
- Max Barnett (6 Green) – Senior Relay
- Patrick Butler (5 Gold) – Senior Relay
- Ryan East (6 Blue) – Senior Relay
Mr Glen Carroll - Junior School Sports Coordinator
Rugby Supporters' Club Golf Day - Save the Date
Date: 11 November 2022
Course: Northbridge Golf Club
Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge
Time: 1.00 pm
Cost: $200 pp including lunch, 18 holes golf with cart, dinner and drinks all day.
Put the date in your diary. Tickets go on sale soon!
Any questions, please contact: Mr Paul O’Neill, President, SPX Rugby Supporters' Club
M: 0418 634 750 E: paoneill21@gmail.com
Mr Paul O'Neill - SPX Rugby Supporters' Club President
From the Junior Resource Centre
This week’s Highlights are: Tuesday 13September - Happy Roald Dahl Day! (1916-1990)
Recognise some of these Year 12 boys in the photo below?
Have a Scrumdiddlyumptious Day!
Here are a few Scrumdiddlyumptious Roald Dahl facts:
- When writing 1982’s The BFG, Dahl created 238 new words for the book’s protagonist.
- Dahl was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during WWI
- Dahl supplied intelligence to an M16 organisation known as the British Security Coordination
- He wrote the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice”.
- He wrote most of his books from his garden shed.
Which is your favourite book by him?#roalddahlday2022
Spotlight on Shakespeare Excursion
On Monday 12 September Mrs Martin’s Year 6 Literacy class visited the NSW State Library where they participated in the ‘Seeking Shakespeare Program’. Here the students discovered one of the greatest writers of all time. They uncovered the little-known, unexplored treasures in their extensive collection. One of the highlights was The Shakespeare Room, showcasing the masterpieces of the renowned author. Thank you to Mrs Safarian for giving up her day to attend the excursion, I know that the boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Premiers Reading Challenge - 2022
PRC Winners in the JRC! A Giant Bookmark, Popcorn and a movie! Congratulations 5 Gold, 6 Blue and 6 Gold.
Mrs Martin's Book Trail - The Queen By Andrew Morton
The Queen’s passing may have sparked your interest in her life and the remarkable story of a quiet young woman crowned at the age of 25 and reigning for 70 years as Britain and the world were transformed.
Like the vast majority of the population, I have no memory of life without The Queen as our Head of State. For nearly everyone, she has simply just always been there. Queen Elizabeth II has been our sovereign for seven decades: a quietly constant and often reassuring presence in the fabric of our life. There will not likely be another monarch like her. What an amazing woman. Rest in peace.
We have a collection of books in the JRC for you to borrow.
#mrsmartinsbooktrail2022
Mrs Elena Martin – Teacher Librarian