Junior School News
- From the Head of the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
- Junior Chess
- IPSHA Junior School Debating
From the Head of the Junior School
PRAYER
FIRST WEEK OF LENT
We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Anatercia, a 12-year-old girl living in a small village in southern Mozambique. She began to take on more and more adult responsibilities as her mother has chronic health issues. She did most of the household chores and had to travel up to five hours every day to collect clean water. Water scarcity also meant that harvests were poor and there was never enough to eat.
With your support, Caritas Australia’s local partner, Caritas Regional Chokwe, was able to help Anatercia’s family to irrigate their farm to improve their food security. They also improved water access for households in the village, delivered sustainable farming training, and provided Anatercia with essential school supplies.
Anatercia’s health, education and quality of life have improved, along with the outlook of her whole community for all future generations.
Watch a short film about Anatercia’s story here.
If you would like to support Project Compassion online: lent.caritas.org.au
P&F MEETING
Thank you to everyone who was able to join our P&F Teams meeting on Tuesday evening. I was very pleased to be able to present all the wonderful teaching and learning that has taken place in the Junior School in Term 1, and to be able to preview what’s ahead for the Junior School over the next few terms. It was encouraging to hear positive feedback from Junior School parents about how well the boys have settled in, and how much they are enjoying all that is on offer in the Junior School, and across the College.
ST PIUS X OPEN DAY | SATURDAY 19 MARCH
The College Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the quality education, and the world-class facilities on offer at St Pius X. No-one is better placed to promote the benefits of a St Pius X education than the boys themselves. I know my son loved Open Day, and the opportunity it gave him to show off his school to potential students.
On Saturday 19 March, both the Chatswood and Oxford Falls campuses will be open for guided tours and we need as many boys as possible to act as guides. Junior School boys will be accompanied by senior students, and will be given a tour, map, and notes, prior to the day.
Please speak to your son/s and encourage them to be an important part of the College’s BIG day by completing the permission note sent home by Mrs Jennings. If you need another note, please contact Mrs Jennings on cjennings@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
YEAR 5 CAMP
The Year 5 Camp has been postponed until June 20 - 22 (Term 2, Week 9). We will be going to Point Wolstoncroft on Lake Macquarie.
https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sport-and-recreation-centres/point-wolstoncroft.
Unfortunately, as we are going to a different venue, we will need to go through the registration process again. I will get all the details to you as soon as I have them.
NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT ABSENCE
Just a reminder to please advise your son’s absence from school via one of the following means:
- The Portal
- Emailing Student Management at studentmanagement@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au,
- Calling the College on 9411 4733 and pressing #1 to leave a message
prior to the start of the school day so that it is reflected in our rolls.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Thank you to Mr Mulheron for organising and leading the Junior School’s Ash Wednesday Liturgy last week. The boys learnt that Blessed Edmund Rice told those around him to always “Give to the poor in handfuls.” The boys committed to think about taking something up, rather than giving something up, during Lent. You might like to ask your son what commitment he has made during the season of Lent.
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHORALE
This term, the focus in Music lessons has been on singing and vocal performance. The boys have shown great enthusiasm in class, and I often hear them continuing to sing and hum as they go past my office on the way to their next class. I encourage any boy who is interested in pursuing their love of vocals, to join the Junior Chorale (it’s like a choir, but cooler!). The Junior Chorale will give the boys an opportunity to explore a wide range of singing styles and genres, as well as the chance to perform at concerts and festivals. Participation in the Chorale also counts towards your extra-curricular requirements. For more information, refer to the application form sent home by the Performing Arts Coordinator, Mr Timmins, or contact Mr Timmins at atimmins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
WEEK 6
Thursday 10 March Junior School Chorale practice 7.30 am - 8.30 am in MR1
WEEK 7
Tuesday 15 March Junior School Bible Liturgy (OLD Church) Time: 11.05 am - 11.50 am
Saturday 19 March St Pius X Open Day (Student volunteers needed)
MATHS DROP-IN CENTRE | FRIDAYS 8.00 am – 8.40 am
Mrs Fileman’s Maths Drop-In Centre continues each Friday. Please encourage your son to come along if he would like some extra help with any mathematical concepts, topics, or homework.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of the Junior School
Chinese New Year in the Junior School
On Friday 4 March the Junior School celebrated Chinese New Year during the Friday afternoon assembly. Year 6 boys, dressed as the New Year Beast, paraded through Junior School classrooms with their drums and tambourines making loud noise to repel evil spirits according to Chinese customs. Year 6 presented an excellent speech about Chinese New Year, followed by Year 5 singing the Gong Xi Gong Xi song to staff and students.
It was a beautiful end to the school week, full of positive vibes and excitement. The boys had great fun.
A special thanks to Mr Stephen Cummins for the audio and Mr Tony Cunneen for the photography.
Mrs Leanne Lee - Language Teacher
Junior School Sport
Wet Weather
With the wet weather of late, it is a good time to ensure you are using the SPX App. All cancellations, as well as any up to date notifications will be communicated via the App.
IPSHA Swimming
As previously mentioned, well done to the squad of boys who represented our College at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival last week. While our swimmers fell short of gaining selection for the IPSHA Team, the boys still had plenty to cheer about (see photos).
IPSHA Football
Congratulations to the following boys who have been selected to attend the IPSHA Football trial next Monday 14 March: Matthew Castorina, Austin Judd, Samuel Carden, Julian Kuang and Jenson Whitby. Best of luck!
IPSHA Cross Country
With a number of boys isolating when the Junior Cross Country was run last Thursday, we will set the course up this Thursday to give them a chance to earn selection to represent Pius at the IPSHA Trial on Saturday 26 March. Selection for the IPSHA Cross Country trial is based primarily on competitors achieving the appropriate qualifying time for their age group. The boys selected to represent St Pius X at the IPSHA Cross Country Trial will be notified early next week.
Cross Country Training
When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
Where: Beauchamp Park, Chatswood
Time: 7.15 am – 8.15 am
Who: All Senior and Junior School students are welcome
The Armidale School Rugby Carnival
It is great to report that the Year 6 Rugby Squad who will head to Armidale in April has been finalised. Mr Morris, Mr Ure and myself will accompany 21 Year 6 students for the duration of the carnival, which has traditionally been an enjoyable event for the St Pius X players and their families who are able to make it. The squad will begin preparing for the tour in the coming weeks, more information to follow.
Basketball
Touch Football
Softball
Players remember to bring, hat, water bottle, mouth guard, shin pads and to eat breakfast.
Parents remember to bring a chair as many venues do not have seating.
Thursday Sport
Mr Glen Carroll - Junior School Sports Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
The courts were still damp but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the players. It was great to get out after a week off last week and play tennis again. Thank you to Ethan Li, Venedict Valerio, Richard Gauci, Cooper Anderson and Spencer Anderson who volunteered to help out with umpiring the early matches. Thank you also to the many students who also played up one or a few divisions: Adrian Yip, Venedict Valerio, Oliver Johnston, Matthew Lee, Justin Lee, Nicholas Kwan, Bradley Ning, Marco Akdagcik and Jonathon Webster. It has been inspiring to see so many of the boys who have played up winning their matches! They have really stepped up.
With only one more round to go before the finals and play offs it is important to check the ladder and see how your team is going. Remember that ALL teams will be involved in the finals and play offs on 19 March.
https://www.xpointsports.com/region/325/currentEvents
It is important to also remember that ALL players must stay until all matches for their team have finished. Please make sure that you are there to support your team members.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - NSTA Convenor
From the Junior Resource Centre
This week's Highlights are:
International Women’s Day
"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all Break The Bias! Happy International Women’s Day 2022."
Celebrating the many amazing women and women authors in the library this International Women’s Day! Come in for some awesome book inspo!
Australian Children’s Laureate 2022 – 23
Congratulations to Gabrielle Wang. Every two years, a leading children’s writer is asked to become an ambassador for the Australian Children’s Laureate Program – spreading the good word about books and reading. Congratulations Gabrielle.
Year 5 Author visit – Tim Harris. Tuesday 8 March, 2022
A big thank you to Tim Harris for braving the inclement weather to share his writing experiences and ideas with our Year 5 students. Mr Bambuckle returned for another adventure for 2022.
Premier's Reading Challenge .
This year's Reading Challenge opened on Monday 28 February 2022. Your son’s username and password has been e-mailed to them. A gentle reminder to check their e-mail under Junior Resource Centre. Remember you can include any books you have finished since the 2021 challenge CLOSED, so if you read anything great over the school holidays, be sure to add it to your reading log!
Mrs Martin’s Book Trail – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.
‘A wonderful work of art and a wonderful window into the human heart’ Richard Curtis.
A lyrical, sensory, uplifting experience, with wisdom that speaks to us all, young and old, and it comes with beautiful art. One of the best books I have read again and again.
Charlie, the artist with a good heart uses his talents to benefit and help others. The world needs Charlie’s art right now. #charliemackesy.
Check out his t-shirt, with all profits going to @chooselove. Funds raised will provide vital aid and services to those still in the fleeing Ukraine, including: emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, legal and mental health support. I bought one and cannot wait for it to arrive. #charliemackesy. Link in bio.
Mrs Elena Martin – Teacher Librarian
Junior School Chess Club
Training begins Week 8, Tuesday 22 March, 2022 at 7.30 am in the Junior Resource Centre.
Mrs Elena Martin - Junior School Chess Convenor
IPSHA Junior School Debating - Selection Trials
Boys in the Junior School have the opportunity to become involved in Debating. The College enters two teams in the IPSHA Junior Debating Competition. Twelve boys from the Junior School form the two teams and these are selected to compete. The teams debate fortnightly on a Friday afternoon (during school hours Periods 4-6) during Terms 2, 3 and 4 on a rotational basis. The emphasis is on learning the skills of debating and workshops will be held during lunchtimes leading up to the competitions. Training begins every Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes beginning Week 8 Term 1.
Boys are invited to present a short two minute speech to assist in selection of these teams. These speeches are to be presented during the set trial sessions on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes:
The topic for the speech is THAT PETS ARE A PEST. Further details will be given to the boys at the Junior School Assembly.
Mrs Bettina Spanyik - Learning Enrichment Teacher