Junior School News
WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)
DANCE SHOWCASE
Many families are eagerly awaiting the Dance Showcase video. We are currently finalising the editing process and are awaiting a small number of additional music tracks before the video can be completed. Once editing is finalised, the video will be shared with families via Woodchatta. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
FATHER AND SON SPORTS DAY
Last Thursday’s Father and Son Sports Day was another wonderful community occasion, with perfect weather and strong participation from students and their fathers and father figures.
Families enjoyed an afternoon of sport, fun and connection while making the most of the College’s outstanding facilities at Oxford Falls.
The Falls Gift, our Father and Son relay race, once again provided plenty of excitement and friendly competition. Congratulations to Mike and Jack Cross, who successfully defended their 2025 title and proved too strong for the field. With Jack completing his final year in the Junior School, this was a fitting way for the Cross family to conclude their undefeated Falls Gift legacy.
YEAR 6 ENRICHMENT MATHEMATICS with Ms Shaba
Our Year 6 enrichment students have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the fascinating world of chance and probability through the modification of popular games. Throughout the unit, students have been challenged to think creatively about how games can be changed, improved and redesigned while considering how different rules and outcomes can influence the element of chance.
From creating their own Scrabble boards to designing innovative new versions of Rock Paper Scissors, students have relished the opportunity to put their mathematical thinking into practice in engaging and meaningful ways. They have considered concepts such as fairness, likelihood, possible outcomes and strategic decision-making, using these ideas to justify the changes they made to their games.
The collaborative nature of these activities has also encouraged students to communicate their ideas, listen to different perspectives and work effectively alongside their peers. It has been wonderful to see students embracing the opportunity to experiment, take creative risks and learn from one another. Their enthusiasm, imagination, and willingness to challenge themselves have made this a particularly enjoyable and rewarding area of Mathematics.
MMG SURVEY
The College has engaged MMG Education to conduct a confidential survey of staff, parents and students. The survey provides an important opportunity for members of our community to share their views and experiences, with the feedback gathered helping to inform the College’s ongoing improvement and future planning.
Junior School students completed the survey yesterday during Homeroom.
All responses are confidential and managed independently by MMG Education. The College does not have access to individual responses. At the conclusion of the survey, MMG Education provides the College with aggregated findings only. Results are not reported where the number of responses is too small to reliably represent a group or where there is any possibility that an individual could be identified.
Thank you to our students for taking the time to provide their thoughtful and honest feedback.
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.
Thank you for your continuing support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport News
Summer Sport Grading
Summer Sport grading sessions will take place across Weeks 8, 9 and 10.
Students are to wear their House Shirts and bring the below items specific to the sport.
Please note: Basketball grading may take a little longer than usual this year as approximately 10 teams will be selected using one court. Team selections and training information will be communicated once grading has been completed.
External Coach Support for the Summer Season
A sincere thank you to the outstanding coaching partners who continue to support the St Pius X sporting program. These partnerships play a vital role in the growth, development and success of our young athletes, providing expert coaching and valuable learning opportunities throughout the year.
Our students will benefit from the leadership and expertise of:
James Asensi – Basketball (AET Basketball)
Jack Garrett – Basketball (First V Basketball Coach)
Ash Doolan – Cricket (Cricket Appeal)
Chris Horsley – Tennis (Oxford Falls Racquet Club)
Mike Cross – Rugby (Try Time Rugby)
Alan Moore – Softball
These coaches will assist with grading and player development throughout the season, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to their respective sports. Their commitment helps create high-quality sporting experiences for our students while fostering skill development, confidence and a lifelong love of sport.
Father & Son Sports Day
A sincere thank you to all the fathers, grandfathers and special father figures who joined us for this year's Father & Son Sports Day. It was a truly wonderful day filled with connection, laughter, friendly competition and the creation of lasting memories. The incredible support shown by our families helped make the occasion such a special one for all involved.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the mums and dads who generously volunteered their time to cook and prepare lunch for our community.
Please enjoy the photos of the day in Mrs Greenwood's section above as we celebrate a truly memorable Father & Son Sports Day.
Junior Athletics
Congratulations to Tommy Kay, who proudly represented the Junior School at the Senior School Invitational Carnival last Saturday. This is a remarkable achievement and one that has rarely, if ever, been accomplished by a Junior School student in recent years.
Competing against athletes at least 12 months older than himself, Tommy was an outstanding ambassador for the Junior School across the Long Jump, 100m, 200m, Shot Put and Discus events. In particular, he produced excellent performances in both the Shot Put and Discus.
Junior School Basketball Success
Congratulations to our Junior School basketballers Charlie Gove, Ethan Kim, Angus Ly and Sam Maclean who have recently been selected from their respective Sydney regions to compete at the Basketball NSW U12 Metro Jamboree in Penrith from 30 September to 2 October. This prestigious event provides talented young athletes with the opportunity to receive high-level coaching, develop their skills and further their passion for the game.
Having represented St Pius X with distinction throughout the Term 1 season, these selections are a testament to the students' commitment, hard work and dedication, as well as the strength of the College's basketball program. We congratulate the students on this outstanding achievement and look forward to following their progress at the Jamboree. Well done!
Term 4 Calendar (Thursday)
Term 4 IPSHA Summer Sport
The Term 4 IPSHA Summer Sport season commences in Week 1 of Term 4. Families are asked to note the following fixtures dates for Basketball, Touch Football and Softball:
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.
Player Commitment and Attendance
Participation in Junior sport is a valued part of the co-curricular 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 Sport Convenors
Ryan Balboa: MWJCA Cricket Convenor rbalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Paul Cummins: NSTA Tennis Convenor pcummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
James Bourke: Touch Football, Basketball & Softball Convenor jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Merryn Dodd: Cocurricular Administrator mdodd@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Matt Stearn: Assistant Principal, Cocurricular mstearn@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Term 4 Swim Squads
With the summer season approaching, Term 4 Swim Squad registrations will open shortly. Families are encouraged to keep an eye on Clipboard over the coming weeks for registration information and further details.
Swim Squads are open to all students, regardless of experience level, and provide a fantastic opportunity to develop fitness, refine swimming skills and prepare for the Representative Swimming Carnival. We encourage all keen swimmers, from beginners through to experienced competitors, to get involved and make the most of the program.
Basketball Supporters Club
Welcome to the 2026 SPX Basketball Season
On behalf of the SPX Basketball Committee, I'd like to welcome all new and returning players and families to the 2026 season.
With team trials underway, we're looking forward to another great year of basketball at St Pius X.
Exciting News for 2026
We're excited to announce a new partnership with Asensi Elite Team (AET), who will support player development and coaching across the program. This partnership will bring enhanced training opportunities, specialist coaching, holiday camps and development pathways for our players.
Building Our Basketball Community
We're also exploring a SPX Basketball Season Launch Event, providing an opportunity for players, parents, coaches and supporters to come together, connect and celebrate the season ahead.
As a community-driven program, we welcome parent involvement. Whether you'd like to help on the Basketball Committee, support events, assist with fundraising, sponsorship, communications or game-day activities, we'd love to hear from you.
Get Involved
If you would like to:
Receive SPX Basketball updates and communications
Volunteer or support the program
Register interest in the Season Launch Event
For any questions, please contact: milsy45@gmail.com
Thank you for your support. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and continuing to build a strong and connected SPX Basketball community.
Miled Sawakid - President, SPX Basketball
Basketball Holiday Camp - Save the Date
Please save the following dates for our upcoming St Pius X Basketball Holiday Camp, with further details and registration information to be shared with families shortly. The camp with be led by James Asensi and AET coaches.
Please note that due to the major works currently being undertaken at the College during the school holidays, the camp is planned to be held at Oxford Falls. Please note that arrangements remain subject to change as the works progress, and families will be updated accordingly.
Draft Dates (TBC)
Week 1
Monday 28 September
Wednesday 30 September
Thursday 1 October
Week 2
Tuesday 6 October
Wednesday 7 October
We are excited to offer another opportunity for our students to develop their basketball skills, build confidence and enjoy the game in a positive and engaging environment. Further information, including session times, registration details and venue confirmation, will be communicated once final arrangements have been confirmed. We encourage families to save these dates in the meantime.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Rugby Golf Day
