Junior School News
DRAMA IN YEAR 6!
The Year 6 teaching team has thoroughly enjoyed teaching and assessing Drama this semester. Students have shown remarkable growth in confidence and creativity across the two terms. Through impromptu games, team challenges, group skits and Reader's Theatre performances, students developed important skills including vocal projection, expression and staying in character. They were also introduced to dramatic concepts such as status, levels and blocking.
In Term 2, students worked collaboratively to write their own Reader's Theatre scripts and perform them as ensemble pieces. The creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork displayed throughout the process were impressive. The Year 6 team looks forward to continuing to develop the students' dramatic skills after the winter break.
TERM 2 IN REVIEW
As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, it is worth reflecting on the many opportunities our students have embraced and the outstanding achievements they have celebrated throughout Term 2.
Academic excellence continued to be a hallmark of Junior School life. Students represented the College with distinction in the da Vinci Decathlon, competing against more than 80 schools from across New South Wales. Our Year 5 team achieved an outstanding 5th place in the Legacy competition, while our Year 6 team placed 11th in Ideation. Students also participated in the Maths Olympiad, with several students achieving perfect scores in the first competition paper of the year.
Reading has been another significant focus this term. The introduction of the Accelerated Reader program has encouraged students to develop positive reading habits and challenge themselves with increasingly complex texts. In June alone, Year 5 have read 256 books, 8,285,774 words during an average of 62 minutes per day.
Our students also enjoyed a wide range of enriching cocurricular experiences. The Intermediate Concert Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Sydney Eisteddfod, showcasing the talent, dedication and confidence of our young musicians. Our IPSHA Debating teams continued to develop their skills in research, critical thinking and public speaking, while students participating in the World Cup Mathematics activities demonstrated how learning can be both engaging and relevant.
Sporting opportunities were plentiful throughout the term. Students competed enthusiastically in winter sport competitions and enjoyed a highly successful Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. The carnival was characterised by spirited participation, healthy competition and excellent sportsmanship.
A highlight of the term was our Reconciliation Assembly, which provided students with valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions and the importance of honouring Elders. The ceremony encouraged meaningful reflection and reinforced our commitment to respect, inclusion and understanding.
We also celebrated individual and collective achievements across the school community. Several students were recognised by the Principal for their exceptional academic performance and outstanding approach to learning, while our many classroom activities, including hands-on Science investigations and collaborative learning experiences, demonstrated the curiosity and enthusiasm that characterise our Junior School students.
None of these achievements would be possible without the support of our dedicated staff and families. Thank you for your partnership throughout the term.
As we conclude Term 2, we congratulate all students on their efforts and accomplishments and wish our families a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of learning, growth and opportunity.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport News
Summer Sport Confirmations
Communication will be shared shortly inviting families to confirm their sons’ summer sport intentions. There will be an opportunity for students to change sports; however, a strict cut-off date will apply.
If your son did not participate in a Term 1 summer sport, there will also be an option to join for Term 4.
Please stay tuned for further communication.
CIS Football
Oscar Bevinetto recently represented IPSHA and St Pius X at the CIS tournament, a highly competitive event showcasing some of the most promising next-generation talent. Across the tournament, Oscar played significant minutes and made a strong contribution to the IPSHA side and a key defender.
IPSHA progressed through to the final, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a hard-fought 2–0 result. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are extremely proud of Oscar’s efforts and performance throughout the competition.
In recognition of his strong showing, Oscar is now under consideration for selection in the Shadow Players and Barbarians squads for the upcoming NSW PSSA competition.
Athletics Age Champions and Squad members
Athletics data has now been collated, with age champion results proving to be very close. As a result, the final placings will be determined following the 1500m event, which will be conducted next term at Oxford Falls before the official announcement of Age Champions.
Students selected to be part of the training squad will be contacted directly via email. 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: 3:50 pm – 4:50 pm
Departure: 3:15 pm 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.
SPX Basketball – Key Update
There has been significant work happening behind the scenes regarding an exciting new basketball partnership, which we are very close to finalising. While there were initial plans to run a basketball camp these holidays, this has unfortunately not been possible due to major works currently taking place at both Oxford Falls and at Chatswood. Looking ahead, we aim to advertise preseason training opportunities early in Term 3, subject to the progress of these upgrades, so please stay tuned for further details. Grading is scheduled to commence from Week 6, again dependent on available court spaces, and remains to be confirmed. Registrations for basketball will open early in Term 3 via Clipboard, with notifications shared with families through Woodchatta and with students via Canvas.
Winter Sport Results
Football
SPX Holiday Football Camp
A final reminder about the Football holiday camp for our players to further develop their skills through the Coerver Football Camp. This program offers a fantastic environment for boys to build confidence, refine their technical ability, and deepen their understanding of the game, all under the guidance of experienced and engaging coaches.
Programs like this are incredibly valuable in supporting each player’s development, not only improving their skills, but also fostering independence, decision-making, and a genuine enjoyment of football. It’s a great way for boys to challenge themselves in a positive and supportive setting alongside other like-minded players.
We strongly encourage families to consider this opportunity, as it can have a meaningful impact on your son’s growth both on and off the field.
For further information or to register, please see previous Woodchattas.
Save The Date - Saturday 29 August
The Football Supporters' Club has heard you! Parents have expressed a desire to get together for a drink at season's end. We have booked Yogi's Bar at Chatswood RSL - 6:30 pm start on Saturday 29 August. Chatswood RSL have sponsored the boys' football development to the tune of $10,000 pa over the last two years, so this is a great way for us to get together for a fun night AND thank Chatswood RSL for their support.
All the best and see you pitchside.
Matt Zanello - President SPX Football Supporter's Club
SPX Rugby 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
🕡 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
📍 Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
🎟️ TICKET SALES NOW OPEN
$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, it promises 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.
Rugby
A terrific first half of the season has come to an end, highlighted by excellent results and keenly contested matches across all teams. It has been especially pleasing to see the growth in rugby skills, as well as the development of teamwork and friendships among all students involved in SPX Rugby.
Next term, an area of focus for all players will be consistently bringing the required equipment to Tuesday and Thursday training sessions, including their SPX training shirt, boots, and mouthguard.
I look forward to the final three fixtures of the winter season next term. These matches will be even more special, with all three teams playing their remaining fixtures at Oxford Falls.
Thank you for your continued support of SPX Rugby throughout the season.
Trytime Rugby Camp – School Holiday Opportunity
A fantastic opportunity is available for all Junior School students these upcoming school holidays with the Trytime Rugby Camp. This program provides a fun, engaging, and professionally run environment where players of all abilities can develop their skills, build confidence, and grow their love for the game.
The camp is an excellent chance for students to receive high-quality coaching, sharpen core rugby fundamentals, and enjoy playing alongside other enthusiastic young players. Whether new to the game or already involved in a team, every student will benefit from the supportive and energetic atmosphere that Trytime consistently delivers.
For our current SPX rugby players, this is a particularly valuable opportunity to continue building skills and match fitness ahead of the final three rounds of the winter season in Term 3. Maintaining momentum during the break will place players in a strong position to finish the season well and contribute positively to their teams.
All Junior School students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. For further details and registration information, please refer to the link. https://www.trytimerugby.com/camps
Mr Callum Montgomerie - Junior School Rugby Convenor
AFL
Chess
What a fantastic Winter Chess competition it has been! Our A, B and C Teams have worked incredibly hard throughout the season, both at training sessions and during Friday matches. It has been particularly pleasing to see the growth in confidence, strategy, and chess skills across all players.
The final round of the season was a memorable one, with both our A and B Teams finishing on a high by winning all four of their matches.
Congratulations to our A Team: Tom S, Emile R, Lachlan S and Sam W
and our B Team: Bailey S, Otto T, Sam L and Joey H
Our C Team faced strong opposition in their final round and, despite their best efforts, went down in three of their four matches. A special congratulations goes to Cruz C, who secured an excellent win for the team.
We are incredibly proud of the commitment, sportsmanship, and determination shown by all of our chess players throughout the term. Thank you to the boys for representing St Pius so positively and for embracing every challenge with enthusiasm.
Congratulations on a wonderful season, and we look forward to the next competition!
Mrs Bridie Barrett - Junior Chess Convenor
Term 3 Winter ISPHA Season Dates
- Round 8: 25 July
- Round 9: 1 August
- Round 10: 8 August
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
2026/27 Cricket Season
St Pius X College Cricket is beginning to gather interest for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Cricket is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, represent the College, build friendships and enjoy the challenge of team sport. Whether students are experienced players, returning cricketers, or new to the game, we encourage families to start the conversation at home about getting involved.
Further information about MWJCA registrations, training and season details will be shared soon.
Are you ready to represent St Pius X College Cricket in 2026/27?
Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor