St Pius X College Newsletter

Junior School News 

From the Head of Junior School

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

 

TERM 4 DATES FOR THE DIARY

TERM 3 IN REVIEW

It has been an outstanding term in the Junior School, filled with memorable experiences, new initiatives, and opportunities for our students to shine.

 

We launched an exciting new partnership with St Gabriel’s, fostering inclusiveness and connection between our schools through shared activities and visits. Our first exchange was a resounding success and warmly embraced by both communities.

Photos here:  St Gabriel's Visit

 

Science Week captured imaginations with a dramatic meteorite “landing” at the WLC, supported by firefighters and scientists. The event sparked enthusiasm across the Junior School and even made headlines internationally.

Photos here:  Meteor

 

Students also took part in the nationwide ASX Stock Market Game; building real-world financial literacy and problem-solving skills as they navigated the challenges of managing a virtual investment portfolio.  One Year 5 student was overheard asking another:  “What am I going to do now?  My CSL dropped 15% overnight!”

 

Our students proudly showcased their learning last week, with Year 5 presenting their Night of the Notables projects and Year 6 impressing audiences with their Day of the Disasters presentations.

Night of the Notables photos here:  Night of the Notables

Day of the Disasters photos here:  Day of the Disasters

 

Student leadership was also a focus this term. College Captain Anthony Parissis and our Year 6 Class Captains represented the Junior School at NSW Parliament House, where they toured both Houses and the Diamond Room, shared morning tea, and received their leadership certificates. 

Student leaders also engaged in social justice through the annual Social Action Expo at Riverview, strengthening their awareness of service and advocacy.

Photos here:  Parliament House visit

Photos here:  Social Action Expo (Riverview)

 

We also celebrated community through a host of annual events, including the Grandparents’ Day Liturgy, Book Week Parade, and the always-popular Father and Son Sports Day.

Photos here:  Junior School Grandparents' Day AUG2025

Photos here:  Junior School Book Week Parade AUG2025

Photos here:  Junior School Father Son Day SEPT2025

 

This term has certainly been one to celebrate. We are proud of our Junior School students for their achievements, energy, and leadership, and we warmly thank our dedicated staff for the commitment and creativity they bring in making these opportunities possible. 

 

We wish all our families a happy and safe holiday break and look forward to welcoming our students back in full summer uniform for Term 4 on Monday 13 October.  Please keep in mind the hair policy if your son requires a hair cut over the holidays.

 

GALA DEBATING (from Ms Shaba)

Well done to the Year 6 debaters for an excellent performance at the IPSHA Gala earlier this week. The students performed tremendously well, accruing two wins and two very narrow losses, even beating the hosts Pymble Ladies’ College! All attending parents remarked on the fantastic improvements they have made across the season. The adjudicators were unanimous in praising the Pius students for providing their opponents with such tough competition.

 

The results are below:

Topic: All schools should have a four day school week.

Topic: That it should be compulsory for all students to participate in community service.

The many achievements of these hardworking and dedicated students across the debating season will be celebrated at an upcoming Thursday assembly. It has been a joy to coordinate this program with such a lovely group of young men.

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.

Mrs Jill Greenwood -  Head of Junior School

Junior School Sport

As Term 3 wraps up, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to all students and families for your incredible involvement in Junior School Sport. This term has been filled with fantastic events, celebrations, and moments of growth and it’s your active support that helps our students thrive both on and off the field.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we are excited to begin our summer season, with team allocations starting to appear in Clipboard over the school holidays. Fixtures will be visible in draft format as we finalise details. Once you can see the fixture it will show your son’s selected team for Round 1. Please note for Touch Football and Basketball, players may move teams across the season to cover injury, illness, students away or to improve team dynamics positionally. 

Basketball training will run on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 7:15 am –8:15 am before school. Teams will be allocated 1 of those days for their training. 

We are also planning to hold Touch Football training sessions at Beauchamp Oval on Monday afternoons 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, starting Week 2 of Term 4. We are currently awaiting final confirmation from the council regarding ground availability. Once confirmed, training will be added to Clipboard.

 

Unform for the season

  • Basketball – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season. Students to wear their own PE shorts (Distributed Term 4 Week 1)

  • Softball – Playing shirt is loaned out for the season. Students to wear their own PE shorts (Distributed Term 4 Week 1)

  • Tennis – Playing shirt and hat is purchased from the College Uniform Shop. Students to wear their own PE shorts

  • Touch Football – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season. Students to wear their own PE shorts (Distributed Term 4 Week 1)

  • 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/ 

 

Thank you again for your continued support - we’re looking forward to another term of teamwork, development, and sporting success!

 

Term 4 Sport Calendar

Student Success…

Tennis 

We are proud to celebrate a fantastic sporting achievement from two of our Year 6 students. Ethan Heng (6 Blue) and Connor Huynh (6 Red), representing both Lane Cove Tennis Club and St Pius X College, have emerged as champions of the NSTA SJTT Term 3 Sunday Tennis Competition.

The boys delivered a truly dominant performance throughout the season, going undefeated and remarkably not dropping a single set across all matches. Their commitment to training, strong teamwork, and outstanding sportsmanship were evident in every game, culminating in a well-deserved final win.

This achievement reflects not only their talent and determination but also the values we strive to instil in our students, perseverance, humility, and excellence both on and off the court.

Congratulations to Ethan and Connor on this incredible accomplishment. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the years ahead.

 

Golf 

We’re proud to share that Cuba Nicholas is once again representing St Pius X College and CIS at the prestigious NSWPSSA Golf Championships.

This marks Cuba’s second consecutive year competing at this elite level, a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. Heading into the tournament, Cuba is in a strong position and poised to post some impressive scores throughout the week.

We wish him all the best as he takes on this exciting challenge and look forward to sharing his results in Week 1 of Term 4.

Congratulations, Cuba the SPX community is behind you!

Sport Convenors

 

Football News Update

Annual SPX Football Information Night & AGM

After a great 2025 football season, we will look to get out ahead of preparations for next season by conducting the Information Night & AGM in Term 4 (rather than Term 1 next year).

All football parents are welcome and encouraged to attend as  the school's Football and cocurricular leaders discuss the season that was and layout what is planned for 2026.

SPX Football Information Night & AGM

6:30 pm, Tuesday 21 October 2025

Sarto Centre

Mr Matt Zanello - Football Committee 

 

Holiday Camps

SPX Basketball Camp – Week 2 of the Holidays

Open to all abilities, this is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, learn new drills, and improve their game play with guidance from our First V Coaches, Jack and Danny Garrett.

  • Location: Chatswood Gym
  • Who: Open to all students 

  • What to Expect: Skill development, game play strategies, and plenty of fun!

 

Registrations Via Clipboard

(There is a capped number, so if we have a positive take up there may be scope to open sessions in Week 1 of the holidays.)

 

Schedule:

  • Tuesday 7 October:

    • Year 5/6 – 8:00 am –10:30 am

    • Year 7/8 – 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

    • Year 9/10/11 – 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

  • Wednesday 8 October:

    • Year 5/6 – 8:00 am – 10:30 am

    • Year 7/8 – 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

    • Year 9/10/11 – 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Don’t miss this chance to train with the best and have a great time on court!

Sydney FC Football Opportunities

Off the back of a fantastic Football season, we are excited to offer two amazing opportunities through our partnership with Sydney FC.  

 

1. Morning Coaching Program

Train with Sydney FC Academy coaches at Gore Hill Oval (7:00 am – 8:00 am).

  • Years 5 & 6: Thursdays – 16, 23, 30 October and 5, 13 November

  • Years 7–9: Tuesdays – 14, 21, 28 October and 4, 11 November  

  • Cost: $75 (includes A-League match ticket)

  • Register via Clipboard – places are limited!

2. Sydney FC Holiday Clinics

Full-day clinics during the school holidays, including a fun 'World Cup' tournament and the chance to meet Sydney FC players!  Please note, these holiday clinics are not exclusive to Pius students.

These are fantastic experiences for any football-loving student - don’t miss out!

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator

 

Cricket - Holiday Camp - Years 5 - 8, Wednesday 1 October

Junior Cricket Skills Day – Oxford Falls

Date: Wednesday 1 October

Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (arrival from 8:45 am)

Location: Oxford Falls Playing Fields

Who: Junior cricketers (all abilities welcome)

Coaching: Delivered by Cricket Appeal

Lunch: BBQ provided

 

Give your skills a spring tune-up before the season! Across batting, bowling, fielding and match awareness, players will rotate through fun, high-energy drills led by Cricket Appeal coaches. Perfect for building confidence, sharpening technique and enjoying a great day out with mates.

 

What to bring: cricket gear (bat, pads, gloves, helmet if you have one), hat, sunscreen, water bottle, morning tea/snacks.

Registration: via Clipboard

Contact: Mr Balboa - RBalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Convenor

Tennis (NSTA)

Team Allocations

In the coming days, your child will receive their team allocation and the division in which they will be playing via Clipboard. These placements have been thoughtfully determined using a combination of grading day results, prior performance data, and the guidelines set by NSTA regulations.

As I step into this role, I want to express my appreciation for your support and understanding during this transition. While every effort has been made to ensure fair and balanced team placements, there may be instances where a student is placed in a division that is higher or lower than anticipated. If your child’s placement raises any concerns, please rest assured that we will review and make appropriate adjustments when forming teams for Term 1, 2026.

Congratulations to Ethan Heng (6 Blue) and Connor Huynh (6 Red) who, representing both Lane Cove Tennis Club and St Pius X College, have emerged as champions of the NSTA SJTT Term 3 Sunday Tennis Competition. See Mr Bourke's section for more information.

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor

 

Rugby Golf Day – Tickets On Sale Now!

Join us for a fantastic day of fun, laughs, and friendly competition at the Rugby Golf Day on Friday 17 October. Whether you're a rugby parent or just keen for a great day out, this is an event not to miss!

  • $150 per person – includes light lunch, 18-hole Ambrose, dinner, and drinks throughout the day.

  • Awesome prizes up for grabs – including Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, and even a chance to win a Volvo with a Hole in One!

It’s a great way to support the Rugby program, meet other parents, and enjoy a memorable day on the green. Get your tickets now.  Don’t miss out!                                                            

     SPX Rugby Club