Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
WOODCHAT
For busy families who want the facts, fast!
YEAR 5 CAMP by Mr Montgomerie
Last week, Year 5 enjoyed their annual school camp at Point Wolstoncroft. Over 3 days, students engaged in a variety of activities, including canoeing, archery and stand up paddleboarding. Students challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones, showing resilience, teamwork and encouragement toward one another. Many memorable moments were shared, from cheering each other on during activities to enjoying time together in the beautiful natural surroundings. The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, develop new skills and friendships and create lasting memories with their peers and teachers. Thank you to all students for representing the school with pride through your positive attitude and behaviour throughout the duration of camp. Thanks also to the staff who took time away from their own families to provide this opportunity for our students and to Mrs Greenwood for all her fantastic photos.
YEAR 6 CANBERRA TOUR
Year 6 students returned from a fantastic educational tour to Canberra, where classroom learning about government, history, science and sport came to life.
A major highlight occurred at Parliament House, where students met the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, his wife Jodie Haydon, visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele.
Students also visited Government House and met the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, gaining insight into her important constitutional role.
At the Australian War Memorial, students reflected on the service and sacrifice of Australians in wartime. The visit to the Australian Institute of Sport gave students a look into the training and dedication behind Australia’s elite athletes.
Students enjoyed an orienteering challenge at the National Arboretum, while visits to the Royal Australian Mint and Geoscience Australia helped them learn about coin production and the science of our planet. Questacon’s interactive exhibits were a clear favourite.
The group also explored Australia’s political history at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
The tour was full of learning, fun and memorable experiences. My sincere thanks go to the teachers who accompanied the students and made this wonderful opportunity possible.
Year 6 Canberra Tour Photos
The College OPEN DAY is on Saturday, 14 March. The Chatswood campus will be open for tours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Oxford Falls Campus will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
This event is a significant moment in the life of our College, offering a welcoming and immersive experience for prospective students and their families. It provides us with a chance to highlight our dynamic learning environment, the dedication of our staff, and the wide range of academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities available at St Pius X College.
OPEN DAY CAKE STALL
Thank you to those who have offered to provide a sweet treat for our Open Day Cake Stall. Your support makes this special tradition possible.
Boxes are being sent home this week with your son. If he has not received a box yet, please ask him to collect one from Student Reception.
Please ensure all items are clearly labelled with ingredients.
Your treats can be sent to school on the Friday 13 March - please leave at Student Reception. If delivering on the day, please go straight to the Cake stall.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Christine Jennings - cjennings@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for your support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport News
Fixtures
Around the Grounds
IPSHA Touch Football Trials
Four Junior School students attended the IPSHA Touch Football Trials, joining more than 70 boys from across IPSHA schools. The standard of competition was extremely high, and our boys did a fantastic job showcasing their skills throughout the day. Although they did not progress to the CIS level on this occasion, they represented SPX with great spirit, resilience, and determination.
IPSHA AFL Trials
Three students took part in the IPSHA AFL Trials at Gore Hill Oval this week. This is the first year that IPSHA has offered this pathway toward CIS selection. Our boys competed strongly in what was a very talented group of players. Of the 65 students who attended, 20 were selected for the CIS squad, including Nate Elsby (Year 5), who was nominated to attend the next stage. We congratulate all boys on their efforts and look forward to seeing them in action throughout the winter season.
Chess – Junior School Update
We currently have one remaining spot available in Chess. If your son enjoys Chess or is keen to learn new skills, this is a great opportunity to get involved. Training will take place one morning per week (day to be confirmed), with games held on Friday afternoons.
Information will be shared to families next week regarding training and games.
Thursday Sport Term 1
Term 1 Summer Season Dates
- Round 5: 14 March
- Round 6: 21 March
Summer Sport Results
Basketball
Touch Football
Softball
Our softball team put in a fantastic performance and came away with a well-deserved victory. From the first inning, the team showed strong energy, great teamwork, and determination to win.
The game started with solid fielding and excellent pitching, keeping the opposition from scoring early. Our batters stepped up with confidence, hitting consistently and bringing runners home. Several key hits helped build our lead and kept the momentum on our side.
Defensively, the team worked together brilliantly. Great catches, quick throws, and smart plays prevented the other team from gaining ground. Everyone contributed, whether it was on the field, at bat, or cheering.
By the final inning, our team had secured the lead and closed out the game with confidence, finishing with a great win. It was a strong team effort and a performance everyone can be proud of.
Overall, it was a fantastic game that showed the team’s skill, effort, and teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved on a great victory!
Mrs Jennifer Williams - Softball Coach
Winter Sport Registration
Clipboard is open for families to access the Winter Sport Activity Selection portal, allowing them to complete the registrations for the nominated sport as indicated in the Sport Survey last year. The portal will remain available until 3:00 pm on Friday 20 March, after which, registrations will close so we can prepare for Winter Sport Grading in Week 9.
Winter Sports Uniform
- AFL
- Students are loaned a playing singlet and shorts
- They need to purchase the SPX socks from the College Shop
- FOOTBALL
- Students need to purchase the shorts, jersey and socks from the College shop
- RUGBY
- Students need to purchase the shorts, jersey and socks from the College shop
Football Club Announcement
Get your tickets NOW!! ... the Football Season Launch & Social is this month
Here's the points you need to know:
- This is THE social to kick things off for football in 2026 - at Willoughby Bowling Club. Come and join us on Sunday afternoon 29 March, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm for some great fun, food and socialising with other football families
- The whole family is welcome - this is an event for parents, carers, staff and players - our boys (and their siblings) can come and have some great food, kick a ball around in Willoughby Park and get to know their teammates
- The First XI squad will be presented with their jerseys for the season - a great honour for these young men and an inspiration for all boys playing football this year
We are aiming for a sell-out event again so PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS NOW using the link or QR code below. Further details are included in the link -
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-st-pius-x-football-season-launch
For families that would like to opt in for updates regarding SPX Football please complete the following link. https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/2026_football_club_opt_in
All the best and look forward to seeing everyone soon,
Matt Zanello - SPX Football Supporters Club President
Holiday Rugby Clinic
The annual Easter Holiday rugby clinic will take place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April. This is a great opportunity for the students to make sure they’re well and truly prepared for the season and will help them put their best foot forward for ISA season.
Coaching staff will be Trytime coaches and special guest coaches. Position specific coaching will be given as well as team play. It will be a great chance for students to work on their skills and confidence before the season.
Please register via Clipboard https://portal.clipboard.app/stpiusx.
2026 U/15s & 16s Fiji Rugby Tour
Community Donations
We are thrilled to announce that our U/15s & 16s Rugby squads will be embarking on an exciting tour to Fiji during the April school holidays in 2026! This trip is more than just rugby as it provides students with cultural exchange, community engagement, and also creating unforgettable memories.
As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to the St Pius X community for support. We are collecting donations of any old technology (such as laptops, tablets, or phones) and sports clothing that can be repurposed and shared with local communities in Fiji. Your generosity will help make a real difference.
How to Donate: Please drop off your items in the morning at Student Reception.
SPX Rugby Club
Rugby Gala Dinner 2026
Save the Date. The date and the venue are now locked in! Mark your calendar for Saturday 1 August at Dockside. The Rugby Committee are excited to once again be hosting a fun filled evening.
Stay tuned for further details, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to spxrugby@gmail.com
Term 1 Rugby Dates for the Diary:
Sunday 8 March - Old Boys Gala Day – Oxford Falls (9:30 am kick off for a game of touch)
10, 12, 17 and 19 March - Year 7 Rugby Taster & Opens Training at Oxford Falls
Thursday 24 March - Rugby Training Commences at Oxford Falls for all students Year 7-12
Thursday 26 March – Fiji Rugby Tour predeparture meeting
Saturday 28 March - SPX vs ST ALOYISIUS'
15 and 16 April – Rugby Holiday Clinic
ST PIUS X APRIL HOLIDAY SOCCER CAMP
Our April Holiday Soccer Camp is back from Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April (no session Easter Monday), running 9:00 am – 12:00 noon each day, with 2, 3, and 4‑day options available.
This is the perfect pre‑season preparation for any keen footballer, all abilities and experience levels are welcome. Each session is delivered by Coerver Coaching, the world‑renowned development program, and includes skills challenges, ball‑mastery training, small‑sided games, and a daily 5v5 tournament. It’s fast‑paced, fun, and a fantastic way to build confidence before the winter season begins.
A bus will be available for the first 60 registered players, departing Chatswood Campus at 8:30 am and returning at 12:40 pm.
For more information and to register please click here: Coerver course | Coerver Coaching
Whether your son is new to the game or looking to sharpen his skills, this is a camp he won’t want to miss.
Clipboard Activity Selection – Cross Country
To ensure we have accurate student rolls and can update parents promptly about any changes to training sessions, we ask all families to please complete the Clipboard Activity Selection for Cross Country (found under Summer Sports).
There is no payment required. Completing the activity simply places your son on the official attendance list, allowing us to notify families of any updates, cancellations, or important information.
We kindly ask that this is completed before next week’s training sessions. This applies to any student who may attend at least one session, even if it is just a one‑off.
Cross Country Training continued this week following our successful event at Oxford Falls. Families have now been sent invitations for their sons to attend upcoming sessions as we work towards nominations for the IPSHA Carnival, which will take place in Week 10 at King’s School.
Any student wishing to improve their fitness, develop stronger running technique, or simply make new friends is warmly encouraged to join the training squad. Students are welcome to attend even one morning per week, every bit of training helps, and all levels of experience are welcome.
Training Details
Where: Beauchamp Oval (meet at the grandstand)
When: 7:10 am – 8:10 am (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Who: Open to all students in Years 5–12
What to wear: PE uniform or SPX athletics singlet, with appropriate running shoes
After training: Students are to return to school to change into their regular school uniform
What to bring: Water bottle
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
Season Recap
As we wrap up the season, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all students for their participation in the NSTA competition.
Our Oxford Falls coaches have shared glowing feedback regarding how respectful and positive the boys have been throughout training this term.
A special congratulations to Teams 21 and 25, who have qualified for the finals in their respective divisions.
This weekend
All game details have been updated on Clipboard. Please review them before your match so you’re fully prepared. While the weather may pose a challenge, this weekend marks our final game of 2025: the Grand Final/Playoffs round.
Best of luck to all our teams!
Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor