From the Head of Junior School

WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)

A Meteorite at the Junior School!

Early on Monday morning, staff arrived at the Junior School to find something extraordinary: a meteorite had crash-landed at the back of the Junior School! It’s not every day students arrive at school to find space debris waiting for them, and the discovery quickly became the talk of the college.

Experts were soon on the scene. Dr Watson examined the meteorite and shared his expertise, while the crew from Willoughby Fire Station ensured the area was safe and answered plenty of curious questions.

Of course, some might quietly suspect that the timing of this meteor strike was a little too perfect. What a coincidence that it landed right at the start of Science Week! For our students, however, the excitement was entirely real (for an hour or two at least!). The event sparked imaginative and factual writing, as well as Mathematics lessons exploring size, weight, and even possible trajectories through space.

It was a stellar start to the week and a reminder that sometimes the best learning comes from a little bit of mystery.

Science in Action – Guest Speaker from Groote Archipelago

This term in Science, Year 5 students are exploring how living things have structural features and adaptations that help them survive in their environments. To support this learning, we were delighted to welcome guest speaker Annabelle Doheny, IPA (Indigenous Protected Areas) Operations Coordinator with the Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers.

Zooming in from the Northern Territory, Annabelle shared her experiences working with the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), which operates across the Groote Archipelago. The ALC partners with the Anindilyakwa people to both embrace modern opportunities and preserve land, language, and culture for future generations.

Annabelle, a Marine Biologist and Environmental Scientist, gave students fascinating insights into how animals in this unique environment have adapted to survive. The Groote Archipelago, located about 640km east-south-east of Darwin, is home to a remarkable range of wildlife. Students learned about endangered species such as the Northern Quoll and the Northern Hopping Mouse, as well as crocodiles, sharks and the impact climate change has on the island. Annabelle also explained how the islands’ pristine land and sea environments provide vital habitats for many species of mammals, reptiles, and birds, including newly discovered species.

Students left the session inspired and with a deeper understanding of how science connects to real-world environmental protection.

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY AND SPORTS DAY

We warmly invite all fathers, father figures, and special friends to join us for our Father and Son Liturgy and Sport Day - always a highlight on the Junior School calendar.

The day will be held next Thursday at Oxford Falls, beginning with a special liturgy at 9:45 am. Please see the Junior School sport section for more information on the day.

Please ensure that you rsvp as soon as possible using this link

https://forms.office.com/Father&SonSportDay

EDMUND RICE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA VISITOR

Yesterday, our Year 6 students welcomed Mr Jason Bongers and Mr Samuel Karanja from the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA). Mr Karanja shared his personal and educational journey in Kenya, offering our students rich insights and inspiring perspectives.

Thank you to Mr Petrie and Mr Balboa for organising this meaningful experience for our Year 6 students.

Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School

Junior School Sport

Father and Son Sports Day

We warmly invite all Junior School fathers and significant others to join us for our Father & Son Sports Day on Thursday 4 September 2025 at the SPX Sports Playing Fields, Oxford Falls.

The day will include a liturgy, morning tea, sport sessions, and a BBQ lunch and it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your son and connect with our SPX community.

RSVP by Friday 29 August using the link in the flyer or use the button below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Athletics

Yesterday, 19 talented SPX students proudly represented our school at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival, competing across both track and field events from the Under 10s through to the Opens (12–13 years). Each athlete gave their all, showcasing determination and school spirit.

Our Junior and Senior Relay teams performed admirably, especially considering it was their first time running together as groups. Several athletes placed in their heat events, demonstrating the depth of talent within our squad.

We’d like to highlight 3 standout performances:

Xander Conner – 2nd place in the 11 Years High Jump
Tommy Kay – 1st place overall in both the U11 Shot Put and Discus, achieving an impressive double victory
Jack Cross – A phenomenal achievement, winning overall U10s in the 100m, 200m, and Long Jump, a rare and remarkable feat

These three athletes have qualified for the CIS Athletics Carnival, to be held at SOPAC on Friday, 5 September. We wish Xander, Tommy, and Jack the very best as they prepare to compete at the next level.

Finally, we would like to congratulate our 2025 Athletics Age Champions, who were announced at Assembly today.

Summer Sports Grading Update

Today with the blessing of sunshine we successfully carried out our first round of Summer Sport grading, following the cancellation earlier this term due to poor weather. Further grading sessions will take place in Week 8, after the Father–Son Day in Week 7. Teams will be finalised by the end of Term 3, and once confirmed, draft fixtures will be uploaded to Clipboard for families to view.

Clipboard Registrations

Reminder: Summer Sports Registrations Close Tomorrow (Friday 29 August)

Registrations for Term 4 Summer Sports are currently open via Clipboard and must be completed by Friday 29 August. This is an important step to ensure students are included in grading and team selections. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Already Registered in Term 1 2025?

If your son participated in Basketball, Touch Football or Softball during Term 1, his registration automatically carries over to Term 4.
There is no need to re-register, even if he is switching between Basketball, Touch Football or Softball.

New to Basketball, Touch Football and Softball?

If your son did not participate in Term 1 and would like to join Basketball, Touch Football or Softball for Term 4, please complete the registration via Clipboard.

Signing Up for NSTA Tennis?

The Tennis season runs from Term 4 2025 through to Term 1 2026. Students wishing to join Tennis must complete their registration as soon as practicably possible to assist with team’s organisation and grading planning.
Grading day information will be shared to all families that register

Signing Up for Cricket?

The Cricket season runs from Term 4 2025 through to Term 1 2026. Students interested in joining must complete their registration via Clipboard. Further information is below.

Tennis (NSTA)

My name is Mr Christopher Nouragas, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the NSTA Tennis Convenor for the 2025/2026 Summer Season. I look forward to working with our students who are passionate about the wonderful sport of tennis.

Registrations Extended

Thank you to those who have already registered. We are pleased to announce that registrations have been extended by one week, with the final intake closing this Friday, 29 August. If you have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible to secure your child’s place.

Grading Day – Save the Date

We are currently coordinating with internal and external staff to finalise details for Grading Day, which will be held on Saturday 13 September (End of Week 8).

Time: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Further information will be shared closer to the date.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me at cnouragas@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to an exciting season ahead!

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor

Cricket

CRICKET SEASON STARTS 13 SEPTEMBER

We are excited to announce that registrations are now open for the upcoming MWJCA cricket season, which begins on Saturday, 13 September. The season will feature 3 rounds before the school holidays, followed by the continuation of the competition in Term 4.

To ensure your son's participation, registration is required on both Clipboard and PlayHQ:

Clipboard – for internal College registration and team coordination. The College fee for cricket is paid via the app.
PlayHQ – for official MWJCA registration. There is a $17.50 fee payable directly to Cricket Australia for player insurance. This will be available via the Clipboard app.

For anyone who is yet to complete either of the registration links, please see the links below.

PlayHQ Registration Links

To streamline competition entry and meet MWJCA’s structure, players must register in the correct stage based on their year level:

Junior School (Stage 2 – Years 5–6): Register here
Senior School (Stage 3 – Years 7–11): Register here

The MWJCA competition is divided into Stage 2 and Stage 3 formats, which reflect Cricket Australia's player development framework.

To streamline the registration process, all Junior School players will be registered in Stage 2, while all Senior School players will register in Stage 3.

Junior School Players – Key Information:

Competitions played in Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association (MWJCA), with matches played on the Northern Beaches every Saturday. Each team bats & bowls for 30 overs.
Under 12s – Matches on Saturday afternoons
Under 13s – Matches on Saturday mornings
We encourage parent volunteers to support teams as coaches, managers, umpires or scorers.

Uniform Update:

A new uniform will be introduced this season for all players. Details on sizing and ordering will be shared soon. The new kit will be required for match days.

If you have any questions about registration, teams, or uniform, please don’t hesitate to contact me at rbalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor

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!

Updated Summer Sport Grading – Week 6 and 8

We’re excited to kick off summer sport grading with a great team of coaches and programs:

Cricket – Led by Cricket Appeal
Touch Football – Run by Try Time
Basketball – Led by Danny Garrett (First V Coach & SPX Player Development)
Softball – Overseen by Mrs Williams
Tennis – Coached by Oxford Falls Racket Club

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
Softball – Playing shirt is loaned out for the season
Tennis – Playing shirt is purchased from the College Uniform Shop
Touch Football – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season
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/

Term 3 Weekly Sport Calendar

SPX Rugby Golf Day

Sponsor a Hole!

Friday, 17 October 2025

The SPX Rugby community invites all families and friends to join us for our Annual Rugby Club Golf Day — a great mix of fun, networking, and fundraising in support of our Rugby program.

This year, you can choose your lucky hole (1–18) to sponsor - but get in quick, as spots will fill fast!

Why Sponsor a Hole?

Your business will enjoy excellent visibility across our rugby community, including:

A professionally printed banner displayed on the course
Advertising in the official Golf Day program
Mentions via WhatsApp, the College newsletter, and direct email

Event Highlights:

Ambrose team format Hole prizes, including a Volvo Hole-in-One challenge!

Sponsorship Packages:

$550 – Hole sponsorship only
$800 – Hole sponsorship + 1 player ticket
$1,050 – Hole sponsorship + 2 player tickets
$1,550 – Hole sponsorship + 4 player tickets

📩 Interested in sponsoring?

Email wibke@iinet.net.au to secure your hole and be part of a fantastic day on the green!

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator

Careers