Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)
YEAR 12 GRADUATION CEREMONY - NEXT WEDNESDAY
Next Wednesday the whole College will gather at Oxford Falls to farewell our Year 12 students. The ceremony is a compulsory whole-school event and there will be no classes on this day.
All students should wear their full winter uniform including blazer. Students will not require their school bags on the day.
After the ceremony students will receive morning tea and lunch at Oxford Falls. They will then be bussed back to Chatswood and will be dismissed at 2:45 pm.
NSW PARLIAMENT VISIT
Last Friday, College Captain Anthony Parissis and our Year 6 Class Captains were special guests at the NSW Parliament, invited by MP Tim James to celebrate student leadership. The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity for our young leaders to connect with peers from schools across the Willoughby electorate and to gain insight into leadership in action. Students also enjoyed a guided tour of both the Upper and Lower Houses, as well as the historic Diamond Room - the Parliament’s library, rich with information about its history and traditions.
UPSTANDERS MORNING TEA
Thank you to Mrs Watson and Mr Ronchetti for hosting the St Pius X College Upstanders Morning Tea on Tuesday. This special event recognises students nominated by their class teachers for doing the right thing, standing up for others, and setting a strong example of what it means to be a St Pius X College student. Congratulations to this term’s recipients: Rocco Guerrera, Archer Richardson, Aiden Rosario, Casper Jean and Ethan Heng – all from 6 Blue!
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES & DAY OF THE DISASTERS
Thank you to the hundreds of parents and friends who joined us for two remarkable showcase events this week: Year 5’s Night of the Notables and Year 6’s Day of the Disasters. Both were resounding successes, made all the more special by you - our parents and friends - who not only supported your own son’s presentation but also showed such generosity, encouragement, and enthusiasm in celebrating the achievements of all our students.
Night of the Notables photos: Night of the Notables
Day of the Disasters photos: Day of the Disasters
GALA DEBATING
We wish our debaters the very best of luck as they take on some tough competition at the Gala Debating event at Pymble Ladies College on Monday. Thank you to Ms Shaba for all the work she does to prepare our debating teams: Joshua Odendaal, Jacob Jose, Cian Sullivan, Dario Leotta, Daniel Tully, Robbie Spurway, Ronan Orr, Jacob Ree, Cameron Librilla, Tristan De Souza.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
PAPA COMEDY NIGHT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER – NEXT SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – PETER BERNER LIVE
The SPX community is invited to see some of the sharpest (and funniest) comedic minds take the stage, including Australian comedy royalty and broadcasting legend, Peter Berner.
🎤 About Peter Berner - You've seen Peter on The B Team with Peter Berner, Einstein Factor, Backberner, The Loaded Brush, Good News Week, Rove, Sunrise and The Footy Show.
🎤 Support new school equipment - PAPA is raising funds to help upgrade sound and stage equipment for the school, so get on board to support this worthy cause.
🎤 $30 per ticket - Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks available to purchase on the night. Donations also welcome.
🎤 Book your tickets today - https://events.humanitix.com/spx-papa-comedy-night-2025
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President
(papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)
Summer Art Lab - Year 5, 6 & 7
Summer Art Lab is an exciting new cocurricular activity that was launched last week for students in Years 5, 6 and 7. Summer Art Lab will run on Wednesdays from 3:05 pm to 5:00 pm and is an opportunity for students to pick up new skills, learn from our ex-student mentors, make friends and explore their creativity. Places are filling up so get in soon via Clipboard to secure a place.
Cost: as per Cocurricular charges
Sign Up: Register through Clipboard
When: Term 4 2025 and Term 1 2026
Time: 3:05 pm to 5:00 pm Wednesday
Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts
Junior School Sport
Term 3 Dates Sport Calendar
Term 4 Sport Calendar
Sport Convenors
- Cricket – Mr Balboa rbalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
- Touch Football – Mr Bourke jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
- Basketball – Mr Bourke jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
- NSTA Tennis – Mr Nouragas cnouragas@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Equipment Reminders:
- Students must bring the correct equipment for their chosen sport.
- Softball – All equipment is provided.
- Tennis – Students may bring their own rackets if preferred.
Unform for the season:
Basketball – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season (Distributed Term 4, Week 1)
Softball – Playing shirt is loaned out for the season (Distributed Term 4, Week 1)
Tennis – Playing shirt and hat is purchased from the College Uniform Shop
Touch Football – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season (Distributed Term 4, Week 1)
Cricket – Playing uniform is purchased from the College Uniform Shop
Link for College Uniform Shop: https://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/uniform-shop/
Student Success
We’re proud to share a wonderful achievement from one of our Junior School students, Connor Huynh of 6 Red, who recently competed in the Voyager Yellow Ball Tennis Tournament.
Connor represented himself and the College with great sportsmanship and determination. His competitive spirit shone through in a tightly contested final, where he secured victory in a thrilling tie-break, winning 10–8.
Congratulations to Connor on this outstanding result! We look forward to seeing his continued growth and success in tennis.
Stay Updated with Clipboard Notifications
To ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fixtures, events, and registrations, please make sure notifications are enabled within the Clipboard App and on your device.
This involves two quick steps:
Approving permissions within the Clipboard app
Allowing notifications through your device settings (Apple or Android)
For iPhone Users:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap Clipboard (you may need to open the app first for it to appear).
Tap Notifications.
Toggle Allow Notifications to ON.
Choose your preferred alert style (Lock Screen, Notification Centre, Banners).
Ensure Sounds and Badges are also enabled if desired.
For Android Users:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Apps or Apps & Notifications.
Find and tap Clipboard.
Tap Notifications.
Toggle notifications ON.
By enabling notifications, you’ll never miss an important update again!
SPX Basketball Camp – Week 2 of the Holidays
Open to all abilities, this is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, learn new drills, and improve their game play with guidance from our First V Coaches, Jack and Danny Garrett.
- Location: Chatswood Gym
- Who: Open to all students
What to Expect: Skill development, game play strategies, and plenty of fun!
Registrations Via Clipboard
(There is a capped number, so if we have a positive take up there may be scope to open sessions in Week 1 of the holidays.)
Schedule:
Tuesday 7 October:
Year 5/6 – 8:00 am –10:30 am
Year 7/8 – 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Year 9/10/11 – 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 October:
Year 5/6 – 8:00 am – 10:30 am
Year 7/8 – 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Year 9/10/11 – 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Don’t miss this chance to train with the best and have a great time on court!
Sydney FC Football Opportunities
Off the back of a fantastic Football season, we’re excited to offer two amazing opportunities through our partnership with Sydney FC:
1. Morning Coaching Program
Train with Sydney FC Academy coaches at Gore Hill Oval (7:00 am – 8:00 am).
Years 5 & 6: Thursdays – 16, 23, 30 October and 5, 13 November
Years 7–9: Tuesdays – 14, 21, 28 October and 4, 11 November
Cost: $75 (includes A-League match ticket)
Register via Clipboard – places are limited!
2. Sydney FC Holiday Clinics
Full-day clinics during the school holidays, including a fun 'World Cup' tournament and the chance to meet Sydney FC players!
Week 1: 29 September – 2 October
Week 2: 7 - 9 October Venues: Cammeray Oval & Macquarie Uni
Book directly: Sydney FC Holiday Clinics https://my.sydneyfc.com/holiday-clinics
These are fantastic experiences for any football-loving student - don’t miss out!
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Cricket - Holiday Camp - Years 5 - 8, Wednesday 1 October
Tennis (NSTA)
Next Grading Session
Our second grading session was a great success, filled with enthusiasm and positivity. The boys demonstrated outstanding commitment, respect for their coaches, and a strong desire to showcase their skills. Well done to all our Pius students!
Looking Ahead
Over the coming week, our dedicated team will be working hard to finalise team placements. Students will be grouped according to their tennis abilities to ensure balanced and competitive teams. We appreciate your patience and support during this process. Once finalised, I will share team allocations along with further information.
Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor
Rugby Golf Day – Tickets On Sale Now!
Join us for a fantastic day of fun, laughs, and friendly competition at the Rugby Golf Day on Friday 17 October. Whether you're a rugby parent or just keen for a great day out, this is an event not to miss!
$150 per person – includes light lunch, 18-hole Ambrose, dinner, and drinks throughout the day.
Awesome prizes up for grabs – including Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, and even a chance to win a Volvo with a Hole in One!
It’s a great way to support the Rugby program, meet other parents, and enjoy a memorable day on the green. Get your tickets now. Don’t miss out!
SPX Rugby Club