Junior School News
ST GABRIEL’S VISIT
Last Thursday we were thrilled to host our St Gabriel’s friends at Oxford Falls. We were blessed with wonderful spring weather, and we were excited to see a few familiar faces back to enjoy a day of sport at our lovely grounds. As a number of our St Gabriel’s friends do not have photo permission, we are unfortunately unable to share photos from the day.
TERM 4
Term 4 begins on Monday 12 October with students returning to school in summer uniform. Please ask your son to ensure his black shoes get a polish over the holidays and we thank you for supporting the college’s hair policy. As you can imagine, when one or two students come to school with a haircut that everyone wants but can’t have, it is difficult to navigate.
Week 1
Week 1 is a quiet week that will enable the students to get straight back into their learning routines. We look forward to welcoming a new student into 5 Gold and wish our Future Problem Solvers (Sam L, Joshua W, Emile R, Tom S, and James R) all the very best for the competition* in Melbourne over the weekend. Saturday sport will resume at the end of the week (Saturday 17 October).
Week 2
Tuesday: Students will finish early at 2:30 pm as staff are engaged in professional learning.
Thursday: Year 7 Transition Day: Our Year 5 students will travel to Oxford Falls for the whole day and Year 6 will spend the day with senior school staff and incoming Year 7s. By the end of this day, our Year 6s will have a greater understanding of the routines of the senior school.
Friday: Year 6 head out on an exciting Sustainability Excursion that sounds a little “fishy”. More details to come from the Year 6 team closer to time.
FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVERS COMPETITION
I am pleased to share that our Future Problem Solving (FPS) Global Issues Primary Team has achieved an outstanding result and has been invited to compete at the Future Problem Solving Australia 2026 National Finals.
The National Finals will be held at Caulfield Grammar School, Victoria, from Friday 16 October to Sunday 19 October. This invitation recognises the team's strong performance in the Global Issues Problem Solving competition and provides an opportunity for our students to represent the College at a national level. The boys began preparing for this competition in 2025 and commenced competing this year. They have met with Mr Cummins twice each week during recess and lunch to develop their problem-solving skills and prepare competition submissions. The team completed three competition booklets, with the final booklet on the topic of Video Games serving as the qualifying submission.
We wish Sam L, Joshua W, Emile R, Tom S, and James R the very best of luck as they compete in Melbourne.
THANK YOU
As many of you know, starting next term, I will be commencing a new role with Independent Schools NSW in their Child Protection and Safeguarding team. I am passionate about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and this role will provide an opportunity to support schools across New South Wales in strengthening their safeguarding practices and ensuring that student wellbeing remains at the centre of all that they do.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the many parents, grandparents, students, staff and past families who have taken the time to send emails, make phone calls or stop me on the footpath to wish me well. Your kindness and encouragement have been greatly appreciated. The generous messages I have received over recent weeks have reminded me just how special the St Pius X community is.
The true joy of working in a Junior School is watching boys discover who they are. Over time, the nervous Year 5 student becomes a confident Year 6 leader, willing to take on challenges, support others and embrace new opportunities. To witness that growth, and to be part of a community that helps make it possible, has been an absolute privilege.
I wish all our students and families every blessing for the holidays and for the remainder of the year.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Accelerated Reader (AR) and STAR Assessments
The Accelerated Reader program has been very successful, with numerous students in Years 5 and 7 already achieving their set reading Target over Terms 2 and 3. Students who have achieved, will be presented with Accelerated Reader Certificates at the beginning of next term. These students are to be congratulated for keeping up with their regular reading whilst improving their literacy skills along the way.
We are currently in the last week of the AR program, although all students are expected to continue their regular reading into Term 4.
Please see the attached for further details.
PAPA COMEDY NIGHT
Buy your ticket today – https://events.humanitix.com/spx-papa-comedy-night-2026
PLEASE NOTE – This event is for attendees aged 18+ and current SPX students are not eligible to attend.
Junior School Sport News
Summer Sport Season Information
The IPSHA Summer Sport season will commence in Term 4, Week 1.
Summer sport grading concludes this week, with team allocations and information beginning to appear on Clipboard during the school holidays.
For basketball, team training sessions will be held before school on Monday and Tuesday mornings in the School Gymnasium, with teams allocated to a specific training day once selections have been finalised.
Families are asked to note the following basketball, touch football and softball fixture dates:
17 October
24 October
31 October
7 November
14 November
21 November
Information regarding the tennis and cricket seasons will be communicated directly to students and families by the respective convenors.
Students should continue to monitor Clipboard throughout the holidays for team announcements, training allocations and season updates. We look forward to an exciting summer season ahead.
Player Commitment and Attendance
Participation in Junior sport is a valued part of the cocurricular program and relies on every player contributing to their team throughout the season. By registering for a sport, students are making a commitment to attend all scheduled matches and represent their team each week.
It is understood that illness and injury can occur during the season. Should a student be unable to attend a match for these reasons, families are asked to record the absence in Clipboard and notify the relevant convenor via email as early as possible. Early communication allows teams to make alternative arrangements and ensures the best experience for all players.
As team sports depend on the availability and commitment of every squad member, families are encouraged to consider the season schedule carefully. Absences for holidays or family events can significantly impact team participation, preparation and competitiveness throughout the season.
Summer Sports Information
Term 4 Calendar
Term 4 Swim Squad Registrations – Now Open
With the summer season fast approaching, Term 4 Swim Squad registrations are now open. Families can register using the form linked below.
Swim Squad is open to students of all abilities and provides an excellent opportunity to improve fitness, develop swimming skills, and prepare for the Representative Swimming Carnival. Whether your son is new to squad training or an experienced swimmer, all are encouraged to get involved.
Training Details
- Venue: Chatswood Fitness FirstTime: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
- Tuesdays: 13 October, 20 October, 27 October, 3 November, 10 November, 17 November, 24 November
- Thursdays: 15 October, 22 October, 29 October, 5 November, 12 November, 19 November, 26 November
- Training will commence in Week 1 of Term 4.
Registration Form:
Please complete the form below to register your son for the program.
Swim Squads Sign-Up Term 4 2026 – Fill out form
We look forward to seeing plenty of students in the pool as we begin preparations for another exciting swimming season.
Basketball Holiday Camp – Registrations Now Open
Clipboard registrations are now open, and places are filling quickly for the upcoming St Pius X Basketball Holiday Camp, led by James Asensi and the AET Basketball coaching team, alongside SPX First V Coach Jack Garrett.
With limited court availability due to the College's major works program, places are capped and families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Elite Camp Invitations
Invitations for the Years 5 & 6, Years 7 & 8 and Year 9 and 10 Elite Camps will be issued following the completion of grading this week. These sessions are designed for students identified through the grading process and will provide an advanced development opportunity in preparation for the upcoming IPSHA and ISA seasons.
For session times, venue details and registrations, please visit Clipboard.
We look forward to seeing plenty of students on court throughout the holidays.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Rugby Golf Day
Link to purchase tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/spx-2026-golf-day
or use the QR code:
Mr Ted Webster - SPX Rugby Supporters' Club President