Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)
FATHER’S DAY LITURGY AND SPORTS DAY
Thank you to all those dads and father figures who were able to join us last Thursday for our annual Father and Son Liturgy and Sport Day. We were grateful that the rain held off and we were able to share and enjoy our wonderful facilities at Oxford Falls.
Well done to those dads who were able to stay and compete in the inaugural Falls Gift – the Junior School Father and Son relay. Congratulations to Mike and Jack Cross who went into the race as hot favourites and didn’t disappoint! A bucketload of House points heading Treacy’s way.
MARKET DAY
Tomorrow, the college is holding its annual Market Day. Students can purchase food and drink from the many stalls at recess and lunch. The event is cashless, so food and other items need to be purchased using a voucher system. All vouchers are valued at $2 and combinations of these can be used to purchase items on the day. There will be very limited ability to purchase vouchers using card on the day.
A reminder that there will be no canteen facilities tomorrow.
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES – CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
We are delighted to invite Year 5 families and friends to our Night of the Notables, a special evening where our students will bring history to life by honouring the stories of Notable Indigenous Australians.
Over recent weeks, students have researched the lives of remarkable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, artists, activists, and changemakers who have made a lasting impact on our nation. Through this inquiry, they have developed not only their skills in research and critical thinking, but also a deeper understanding of the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of First Nations peoples.
On the night, students will share their research through creative displays, and engaging visitors in conversations about their historical figure. Families and guests will have the opportunity to meet these inspiring 'notables' and learn from their stories in an interactive, memorable way.
Date: Tuesday 16 September
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Junior School (Waterford Learning Centre)
Students will remain at school until 6:00 pm. Please send them with some afternoon tea.
YEAR 6 DAY OF THE DISASTERS – YOU’RE INVITED!
Our Year 6 students warmly invite you to join them for the Day of the Disasters on Wednesday 17 September from 4:00 pm – 6:00pm.
This exciting event is the culmination of an inquiry unit exploring the science, history, and human stories behind some of the world’s most powerful natural disasters. Students have investigated earthquakes, cyclones, floods, volcanic eruptions and more, developing their skills in research, critical thinking, and problem-solving along the way.
Students will showcase their learning through interactive displays, creative models, and engaging presentations. Visitors will have the chance to explore disaster zones, hear first-hand 'survivor accounts,' and discover how communities respond and rebuild in the face of such challenges.
It promises to be an afternoon of curiosity, creativity, and discovery as our Year 6 students bring science and history to life.
Date: Wednesday 17 September
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Junior School (Waterford Learning Centre)
Students will remain at school until 6:00 pm. Please send them with some afternoon tea.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT THE DA VINCI DECATHLON
Congratulations to all our students who participated in this year’s da Vinci Decathlon. Their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills were on full display, and we were incredibly proud of their efforts.
A special congratulations to our Year 5 students for achieving third place in the 'Ideation' category. Ideation challenges students to think creatively and generate innovative solutions to complex problems, encouraging originality and lateral thinking. Securing a top-three finish in this category is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the ingenuity and collaboration of our students. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mr Makhoul for facilitating this wonderful opportunity. His guidance and support were invaluable in helping our students prepare and excel in the competition.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
PAPA COMEDY NIGHT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER – NEXT SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – PETER BERNER LIVE
The SPX community is invited to see some of the sharpest (and funniest) comedic minds take the stage, including Australian comedy royalty and broadcasting legend, Peter Berner.
🎤 About Peter Berner - You've seen Peter on The B Team with Peter Berner, Einstein Factor, Backberner, The Loaded Brush, Good News Week, Rove, Sunrise and The Footy Show.
🎤 Support new school equipment - PAPA is raising funds to help upgrade sound and stage equipment for the school, so get on board to support this worthy cause.
🎤 $30 per ticket - Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks available to purchase on the night. Donations also welcome.
🎤 Book your tickets today - https://events.humanitix.com/spx-papa-comedy-night-2025
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President
(papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)
Summer Art Lab
We are excited to announce the commencement of Summer Art Lab for students in Years 5 - 7. Please see the Senior School Cocurricular page for more information.
Registrations are now open in Clipboard - get in quick!
Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts
Junior School Sport
Term 3 Sport Calendar
Term 4 Sport Calendar
Primary CIS Athletics Carnival at SOPAC
Last Friday was a fantastic day for our SPX Junior School athletes as they proudly represented IPSHA at the CIS Athletics Carnival held at SOPAC, a venue buzzing with talent and future Olympians in the making.
Xander Conner (Year 5) soared to 10th place in the U11 High Jump, showing great determination and composure.
Tommy Kay dominated the field, taking gold in both the U11 Discus and Shot Put.
Jack Cross sprinted to victory in the U10 100m and Long Jump and added a bronze in the 200m.
Both Tommy and Jack have now qualified for the NSWPSSA Championships to be held in late October. An incredible achievement and a proud moment for the SPX community.
A huge congratulations to all three athletes for their grit, determination, and standout performances at such a high-level competition. The future of SPX Athletics is looking very bright!
Summer Sports Grading Update
Today, summer sport grading continued across all Junior School sports. We thank all students for their enthusiasm and involvement throughout the trial process so far, it’s been fantastic to see such strong engagement and energy.
Please note that Basketball and Touch Football teams may still undergo further adjustments as we lead into the season. These changes are part of ensuring the best fit for each team and giving every student the opportunity to grow and contribute.
Team allocations will be available on Clipboard prior to the holidays, and Cricket and Tennis team announcements will be communicated directly by the respective Sport Convenors.
Draft fixtures will also be uploaded to Clipboard once available teams are finalised.
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/
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!
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Tennis (NSTA)
Next Grading Session
Due to today's weather conditions, Junior School tennis had an alternative session today. Our next grading session will continue next week. We appreciate the students’ understanding and flexibility.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming weeks, our dedicated coaches will be working hard to finalise team placements. Students will be grouped based on their tennis abilities to ensure balanced and competitive teams. We appreciate your patience and support during this process.
Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor
Cricket
Cricket Season Kick-off - MWJCA Cricket
The MWJCA season begins this Saturday, 13 September. Best of luck to all our SPX cricketers for Round 1!
Match-day reminder: please arrive at grounds by 7:30 am for warm-ups and ground set up. First ball at 8:00 am.
Training days by age group
With teams now out/being finalised, here’s a quick reminder of weekly training slots. Please check PlayHQ for any late changes due to ground availability or weather. Please note that buses leave from Archer St at around 3:15 pm, with training running at Oxford Falls from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Buses are scheduled to arrive back at the Chatswood Campus by 5:30 pm.
U12/13, U14s: Tuesday Afternoons
U15/16s: Wednesday Afternoons
Uniform - what to wear
All players should be in the new SPX blue playing strip:
Blue shirt (comes with a pre-allocated number)
Blue pants
Blue sports cap or white wide-brimmed hat
If you are still yet to purchase the playing strip for your son, please visit the Uniform Shop as soon as possible. Limited sizes are in stock with replenishments on the way.
Thanks in advance to our parents/carers for scoring, umpiring and lifts - your support makes Saturdays run smoothly!
Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor