Junior School News 

From the Head of Junior School

FOUNDER'S WEEK

Students from 5 Red joined Mr Westhoff on Monday morning to present a short play retelling the beginning of the Edmund Rice story. Thank you to these students for so willingly stepping in at short notice, and to everyone involved in making Monday’s presentation such a memorable occasion for our community.

MOTHER’S DAY MASS AND MORNING TEA

It was lovely to catch up with all our mums, grandmas and aunts who were able to make it along to our Mother’s Day Mass and Morning Tea at Oxford Falls yesterday. 

YEAR 5 SCIENCE

Students in Year 5 have been enthusiastically exploring models of the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems to deepen their understanding of how the human body works.

Last week, students collaborated in groups to trace and retell the journey food takes through the digestive system.  I enjoyed hearing some very descriptive stories drifting into my office!  Students were able to explain the role of key organs and discussed how each part works together to keep the body healthy and functioning effectively.

GARDENING CLUB

Last week, students in Garden Club planted our winter crop seedlings. This included a collection of edible greens, herbs, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Rich soil, along with some extra care from the students will help these plants produce a great harvest in only a few weeks’ time.

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.

Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School

FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

We are very excited to offer an Instrumental Training Band for students who are new to learning an instrument and therefore not yet ready to perform in one of our existing ensembles. This initiative will provide a supportive environment for students to build fundamental skills, confidence, and ensemble experience. 

In addition, we are also aiming to strengthen our ensembles by addressing instrumentation gaps through our Endangered Instrument Program. This includes offering small-group tuition during Training Band rehearsals for students new to learning the following instruments from Term 2:

• Flute 
• Oboe 
• Clarinet
• French Horn
• Trombone
• Bass Guitar - (allocation exhausted, no longer available)

This is also an excellent opportunity for students to explore a second instrument.

Students learning to play one of the above endangered instruments in the Training Band will also receive free instrument hire for the remainder of 2026 on any of the above instruments. The Performing Arts Levy ($400) will need to be paid via Clipboard for anyone not already part of the PA ensemble program to assist with covering associated costs. The Training Band will be run by our experienced Woodwind and Brass tutors and band conductors, Ms Laura Power and Mr David Sismey and rehearse on Wednesdays at lunchtime in the Band Room. 

Training Band students will be determined by private tutors and ensemble directors. However, if your son is new to learning a band instrument outside of school, he is welcome to take part. 

Here is an informative video from the Police Band that can assist you with deciding which instrument interests your son:

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/police_band/meet_the_band

How to join?

Should your son want to take advantage of this incredible opportunity, either through joining the Training Band and/or learning an Endangered Instrument please email Mr Andrew Saar, Ensembles Coordinator: asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Annabel Westhoff, Head of Performing Arts

Junior School Sport News

Fixtures

Around the Grounds

Round 1 of the Winter Season was a fantastic start across all codes. AFL opened the season with a strong first match against St Patrick’s, setting a positive tone moving forward. Football enjoyed an outstanding round, recording 10 wins from 10 matches, an achievement that, from what we can find in the records, is a first in St Pius X College history. Rugby faced some tough and closely contested matches, with all three teams showing encouraging signs and great promise for a positive season ahead. A reminder to all families of the importance of arriving on time to training and matches, as this ensures a quality warm‑up and best prepares all players to perform and stay safe.

Winter Sport Results

Football

Our Junior School football teams made a fantastic start to the IPSHA season, with all teams putting in strong performances.

Across all teams, the students played with great energy and teamwork. It was especially pleasing to see the positive spirit shown across all matches, supporting their teammates, respecting opponents and officials, and embracing the challenge of Round One.

A big thank you to our families for their support, particularly to those who ensured students arrived on time and to the parents who kindly provided oranges and snacks at half time. Your support makes a big difference on game day and is greatly appreciated. A reminder to please stay within the parent assigned areas and give the coaches and players space during the games. 

The players conducted themselves as wonderful representatives of the College, showing enthusiasm and a genuine love of the game. We look forward to building on this strong platform as the season progresses.

Thank you also to our staff and coaches for their time, organisation and guidance throughout the round.

This week at training Mr Lacey and his Football PASS students will be leading the Thursday sessions as part of their Assessment in Coaching. The players will take plenty away from the experience and will be ready for Round 2 on Saturday.

Rugby

AFL

Term 2 Thursday Sport Dates and Events

Term 2 Winter ISPHA Season Dates 

• Round 2: 9 May
• Round 3: 16 May
• Round 4: 23 May
• Round 5: 30 May
• Round 6: 13 June
• Round 7: 20 June
• Round 8: 25 July
• Round 9: 1 August
• Round 10: 8 August

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.

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator