Junior School News
WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)
YEAR 6 SCIENCE INCURSION
Air can do amazing things! Our Year 6 students were treated to a show that put them in touch with the weather around them, by exploring some of the intriguing and spectacular things that the atmosphere can do, and the way scientists predict and respond to weather phenomena. The interactive demonstrations included a spinning fire tornado, flaming teabag rocket, vacuum-powered bazooka and more!
IPSHA DEBATING
Well done to the hardworking and diligent debate squad for all their efforts in preparing for IPSHA Round 4. Observers of the fixture wouldn’t have been able to tell that the students had just come back from a three-week break. The students did exceptionally well, winning the negative case and dismissing the notion that ‘project-based assessments should replace traditional tests’. The affirmative team suffered a very narrow loss against the hosts. Preparation has already begun for Round 5. The next topic up for contention is 'that playing video games should be considered to be added to the list of Olympic sports’. We look forward to hosting Oxford Falls Grammar on 7 August at 1:00 pm in the JRC (Junior Library). Families are most welcome to join us!
THE AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
The Australian Mathematics Competition takes place next Tuesday during Periods 1 and 2 in the Year 6 classrooms. It is a 1-hour paper with 30 questions (25 are multiple choice). It is very encouraging to see that more than 90 students in Year 5 and 6 have elected to participate.
Here are some reminders for next Tuesday:
Students must have their own pencil, eraser and sharpener. We will provide scrap paper.
Students are strongly encouraged to have a calculator. They have the choice of using a simple or scientific calculator. Graphing calculators are not permitted.
Students will have their own personalised answer sheets. These have unique QR codes which cannot be tampered with or scribbled over. There are no penalties for incorrect answers and students should attempt to answer all questions.
Students can practice sample papers and questions on the Maths Megaminds Page. Look for these under the Modules tab on CANVAS.
Unlike the Maths Olympiad, this competition cannot be attempted on an alternate day in the event of an absence. Papers will remain at school until the release embargo concludes, at which point they will be sent home.
Every student who participates in the AMC is awarded a hard copy certificate displaying their name, school, year level, competition division and award.
Any questions can be directed to lshaba@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. Best wishes to all students taking part.
GARDEN CLUB
Garden Club students enjoyed the rewards of their hard work this week with a bountiful harvest from the school garden. Thanks to the recent rain and sunny weather, students were able to pick a variety of fresh leafy greens and prepare a delicious salad, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Our thanks to Mr Makhoul and Mrs Doheny for generously giving their time to lead Garden Club and inspire our students. Their enthusiasm and commitment provide wonderful opportunities for our boys to learn, grow and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labour.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Fixtures
Junior School Sport News
Term 4 Summer Sport Intentions Survey
Thank you to all families who completed the Summer Sport Survey. Team nominations have now been submitted to IPSHA, and grading will commence from Week 8 of this term.
Summer Sport registrations via Clipboard open today.
Please refer to the information below regarding registration requirements for each sport.
IPSHA Basketball, Softball and Touch Football: If your son participated in any of these sports in Term 1, his registration will automatically carry over to Term 4 and no further action is required. If your son is joining one of these sports for the first time in Term 4, you will need to register via Clipboard. If your son is transferring between Basketball, Softball and Touch Football, we will process this change in Clipboard using the information provided in the Summer Sport Survey. No further action is required.
NSTA Tennis and MWJCA Cricket: These sports are commencing a new season in Term 4, 2026, which will continue through to Term 1, 2027. As a result, all students wishing to participate must complete a new registration via Clipboard.
Mixed Sport: There is no registration required for students not participating in summer sport. Students will take part in mixed sport activities during our Oxford Falls Thursday sessions.
Please refer to Clipboard for more sport specific information.
Upcoming Events Term 3.
We are excited to announce that the Junior Dance Program will commence next week and run each Thursday from Weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Week 3: Students will participate in a combination of Winter Sport training and Dance, so all students are required to bring their winter training gear as normal.
Weeks 4 and 5: These sessions will be dedicated entirely to Dance as students continue to develop their routines and prepare for the showcase.
Week 6: Students will perform in the Junior Dance Showcase. Further details will be communicated closer to the event, which will align with our Grandparents' Day celebrations.
Looking ahead, our Father and Son Day will take place in Week 7. An invitation and additional details will be distributed shortly.
We look forward to seeing our students embrace this exciting opportunity and showcase their enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork.
Athletics Age Champions and Squad members
Students selected to be part of the training squad have been shared details via email to families. Squad training will commence in Week 3 of Term 3.
Please note that an invitation to attend squad training does not guarantee selection in the IPSHA team. Final team selection will be based on a combination of carnival performances, training attendance, results from invitational meets, and the achievement of IPSHA qualifying standards.
The final IPSHA team will be announced closer to the IPSHA Championships on Wednesday, 27 August.
Term 3 Athletics Training Information
Training will take place at: Dunbar Park, Sobraon Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122
Time: 3:50pm – 4:50pm
Departure: 3.15pm from Anderson Street
Training Schedule (only days with dates)
Students will receive invitation to attend the sessions, any and all junior school students are encouraged to attend if they wish to improve fitness and athletics skills levels.
Term 3 Winter ISPHA Season Dates
- Round 9: 1 August
- Round 10: 8 August
Winter Sport
We have been fortunate to enjoy some fantastic weather so far this term, and hopefully that continues as we finish the season strongly.
Football Club Fundraiser
The Football Club is holding a fundraiser this weekend. Please see the details below and, if possible, take the opportunity to support the event. Donations of cakes, slices, or other treats for the cake stall would be greatly appreciated and will go a long way towards supporting our students and ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the program. I highly recommend the Bacon and Egg on the cold Saturday morning.
Uniform Reminder
All players are expected to wear their SPX-branded uniform to and from matches each Saturday as a proud representation of their school and team.
Team Support Initiative
It was great to see the many teams the tunnelled our teams last week. With 10 games at home this Saturday, again following the 7:30 am matches, all players and coaches are asked to remain and form a guard of honour (tunnel) for the next team taking the field at 8:15 am. This is a great way to support fellow players, strengthen our sporting community, and help create a positive match-day atmosphere.
Thank you to all families for your continued support off this new initiative.
Parent Spectator Reminder
We kindly ask all spectators to remain behind the designated roped-off areas at all venues. This helps provide coaches, players, and referees with the space they need to participate safely and effectively, while ensuring a positive environment for everyone involved.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Oxford Falls BBQ, Bake Sale and Coffee Cart this Saturday!
Come and watch some great football at Oxford Falls this week. While you're at it, come and grab something to eat and drink at the Football Supporters Club BBQ, Bake Sale and Coffee Cart. It is always great fun and if you'd like to contribute any baked goods whatsoever please contact Priscilla at @Priscilla Safarian and bring them along on the day. If you would like to jump on the tongs or serve customers for a while, please sign up at this link -https://signup.com/go/BpgWQHk
End of Season Football Event
We would love for you to join us at our season-end event for St Pius X football parents and carers.
It's a great chance to catch up and celebrate the end to another great season of football.
Tickets include hot snack food and you can buy your own drinks at the bar - come for a little while or stay for a lot!
Saturday 29 August, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Chatswood RSL - Yogi's Sports Bar
Full details and tickets can be found here - https://events.humanitix.com/2026-st-pius-x-football-end-of-season-event
Dress Code: Casual
Note: This is an adults-only event for parents, carers and SPX staff.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Matt Zanello - President SPX Football Supporter's Club
SPX Rugby Supporters Club
🏉 SPX Rugby Club Gala Dinner 2026 – Tickets On Sale Now!
The SPX Rugby Committee is excited to invite you to a special evening that brings together the broader rugby community.
📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
🕡 6:30pm – 11:30pm
📍 Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
🎟️ TICKET SALES NOW OPEN
👉 Tickets for SPX Rugby Club Gala Dinner 2026
$150 per person – includes a three-course meal and drinks package.
🎤We’re delighted to welcome Cameron Shepherd, former Wallaby and the highest try and point scorer in Western Force history, as our MC and Guest Speaker for the evening. Joining Cam for a fireside chat will be Keith Gleeson, SPX Parent, former Ireland, Leinster and Australian U21/U19 representative, renowned for his relentless work rate, rugby intelligence and dry wit. Together, they promise a conversation filled with insight, humour and unforgettable rugby stories.
🎶 Enjoy live music from Dow Jones and the All Ordinaries, and take part in our silent and live auctions, all contributing to fundraising efforts that help us continue delivering quality rugby programs and opportunities for our players.
All SPX parents are warmly welcome to join us in celebration and support.
It was a fantastic weekend of rugby, with all three teams playing on home soil during Mental Health Round. Each team displayed outstanding grit, determination and teamwork, resulting in two well-deserved victories and one very closely contested match.
A special congratulations goes to the 11As, who celebrated their first win of the season. Their commitment and perseverance throughout training and previous fixtures have been excellent, making this achievement especially rewarding.
A reminder to all players to bring the required equipment to every training session, including a mouthguard, boots, training shirt, and shorts. If your son is unable to attend a training session or weekend fixture, please ensure their absence is recorded in Clipboard.
Thank you for your continued support of SPX Rugby. We look forward to finishing the season strongly over the final two fixtures.
Mr Callum Montgomerie - Junior School Rugby Convenor
Cricket Registrations - 2026/27 Season
Registrations for the 2026/27 cricket season are now open. Both registrations must be completed by Friday 7 August for both Junior and Senior School students.
Registration requirements
Each player is required to complete two separate registrations:
School sign-up via Clipboard, indicating your son's intention to play cricket for the College. Please select the dedicated cricket registration form, which is available through the College's Clipboard App and can be accessed via the College website.
MWJCA registration via PlayHQ, which registers your son with the association for team placement.
A player is not considered registered until both registrations have been completed.
PlayHQ registration links
Stage 2 (Year 5 and 6): https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/0fbd05
Stage 3 (Year 7 and above): https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/a5d9ca
Players intending to participate in ISA
Please note: Any student intending to try out for the ISA competition this season needs to register for MWJCA first — upon conclusion of trials and gaining selection, players will be provided with a separate ISA link at a later date to complete a transfer.
Players intending to play ISA should register under Stage 3.
Enquiries
Any questions regarding cricket registration should be directed to Mr Balboa at RBalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor