Junior School News 

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 4

It has been a pleasure welcoming our students back from the holidays this week. We have thoroughly enjoyed hearing their vibrant stories about overseas travels, sporting matches, and relaxing times spent at home.

We trust you were able to enjoy some quality, restful time with your son, and that he returns to school feeling refreshed and well-prepared for the busy and rewarding term ahead.

Term 4 brings a number of important events, so please ensure you take note of those that apply to your son.

WOODCHAT – For busy families who want the facts – fast!

QUICK REMINDERS

Summer uniform

Students should now be wearing their full summer uniform: grey short-sleeved shirt, shorts, long socks, tie, black belt, and polished black school shoes. Haircuts are to follow the College Hair Policy,  be neatly blended and no shorter than a number 2 (including sideburns). 

School time appointments

Students in the Junior School who need to leave the college early for an appointment must be collected from the Junior School.  For their safety, they are not permitted to make their own way home or their own way to an appointment. Please log all absences on Sentral.

WELCOME 2027 STUDENTS

On Thursday 29 October, the Junior School will welcome our 2027 Year 5 cohort and a small number of new Year 6 students to the College for an orientation and assessment day.  The new Year 5s will start their day with an assessment that will provide teachers with valuable information to assist teaching and learning in 2027.  Due to the number of students who will be on-site, current students will leave for Oxford Falls at 8:35 am.

NEW PARENT 2027 INFORMATION NIGHT

We are excited to highlight everything St Pius X Junior School has to offer during our 2027 New Parent Information Night on Tuesday 3 November. The event will begin at 6:00 pm and will be held online. I’m reaching out to see if there’s a courageous Year 5 parent who might be willing to share their experiences as a new family at St Pius X. It would be fantastic for our new parents to hear from someone who has experienced it all!  If you’re interested, please let me know by emailing Mrs Hawthorne

bhawthorne@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. 

SURF/SWIM PROGRAM

Our four-week Surf Education and Swim programs begin on Thursday 5 November with the Year 5s headed to the Macquarie Aquatic Centre for swimming lessons and Year 6 headed to Dee Why Beach.

PERFORMING ARTS

Our Junior School students are preparing to share their creativity and passion for performance in two special events:

Junior School Concert | FRIDAY 6 November | 1:30 pm

We look forward to the Junior School Concert in the College Gym at 1:30 pm on Friday 6 November. Every Year 5 and 6 student will take part, highlighting their musical learning from the semester. Performances by the Junior Concert Band, Chorale, and Guitar Ensemble will add to an afternoon of energy, creativity, and community spirit.

Junior Drama Ensemble | FRIDAY 13 November | 2:00 pm

The celebrations continue on Friday 13 November, as the Junior Drama Ensemble will present their work to Year 5 (2:00 pm) and Year 6 (2:30 pm) in the Drama Cocurricular Showcase at the Sarto Centre. 

Families and friends are warmly invited to celebrate the talent and joy of our young performers as we conclude another vibrant year in the Performing Arts.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION LITURGY AND AFTERNOON TEA

Friday 27 November at Oxford Falls, further details to follow.

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School

Mrs Jennifer Williams and Mr Wayne Wheatley

PAPA COMEDY NIGHT

Buy your ticket today –  https://events.humanitix.com/spx-papa-comedy-night-2026

PLEASE NOTE – This event is for attendees aged 18+ and current SPX students are not eligible to attend.

Fixtures

Junior School Sport News

Summer Sport Season Information

Fixtures are now live on Clipboard. Please note that fixtures will initially appear as 'Unconfirmed'. Once they have been confirmed by our opposition schools, their status will change to 'Confirmed'. On rare occasions, adjustments may need to be made after confirmation, and families will be notified of any significant changes.

IPSHA Basketball, Touch Football and Softball fixture dates:

• 17 October

• 24 October

• 31 October

• 7 November

• 14 November

• 21 November

Information regarding the tennis and cricket seasons will be communicated directly to students and families by the respective convenors.

Player Commitment and Attendance

Participation in Junior Sport is a commitment to your team and the College. Attendance at both training sessions and games is an essential part of our sporting program and contributes significantly to individual and team success. Training and match attendance are expected and are not optional.

If a student is unable to attend due to illness or injury, families should record the absence in Clipboard and notify the relevant convenor as soon as possible.

Where other St Pius X cocurricular commitments clash with Junior Sport training, such as music ensembles or rehearsals, students should prioritise these commitments and communicate with their coach or convenor in advance.

Families are encouraged to consider season commitments carefully, as regular attendance and reliability are vital to ensuring a positive experience for all players and teams.

Summer Sports Information

Game Day Expectations

As we head into another season of summer sport, all students are reminded of the importance of representing SPX with pride, both in how we present ourselves and how we conduct ourselves.

• Arrive on time and ready to warm up and play (20 - 30 minutes before your game).

• Wear the correct SPX playing uniform for your sport as listed above. 

• No casual clothing or crocs/slides should be worn to or from games

• Bring all required equipment, including appropriate footwear, a hat where required and a water bottle.

• Give your best effort from the first whistle to the last.

• Listen to and show respect towards coaches and teammates.

• Always demonstrate respect towards officials, opposition players and spectators.

• Support and encourage your teammates, regardless of the score.

Every opportunity to represent SPX is something to be thankful for. While we always compete to the best of our ability, how we conduct ourselves matters just as much as the result.

We are humble in victory, gracious in defeat, and proud to represent SPX.

Term 4 Calendar 

Term 4 Swim Squad Registrations – Now Open

Training has already commenced this week, with strong numbers in attendance. Swim Squad is open to all students who would like to improve their swimming skills, fitness and confidence in the water, regardless of experience level.

Students are welcome to attend throughout the term, and any families wishing to join the squad can do so via the registration link below.

Training Details

• Venue: Chatswood Fitness First
• Time: 7:00 am - 8:00 am
• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout Term 4

Swim Squad provides an excellent opportunity for students to maintain fitness, develop their technique and prepare for representative swimming opportunities. We encourage all interested students to get involved.

To register and be added to the squad, please complete the registration form below.

Swim Squads Sign-Up Term 4 2026 – Fill out form

Basketball Holiday Camp 

It was a very successful holiday break for the SPX Basketball Program, with two Junior School camps providing a great opportunity for our students to get back on court ahead of the season.

Numbers were strong, the intensity was there, and most importantly, the students all walked away with smiles on their faces.

A big thank you to AET Basketball for leading the sessions and continuing to support the development of our players.

Following the success of these camps, more SPX Basketball Holiday Camps will be held during the upcoming Christmas break. Clipboard registrations will open later this term. 

Summer Sport Photos

Summer Sport Photos will take place on Thursday 29 October - Week 3 this term.

Photos will include:

• Athletics

• Swimming

• Cross Country

• IPSHA Representative teams

• Debating

• Chess

• All summer sport teams

Further information will be shared next week outlining what students are required to wear or bring for their respective photos.

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator

Basketball Supporters Club

Welcome to Term 4. To kick off the Basketball season the St Pius X College Basketball Committee will be holding a fundraising BBQ and bake sale this coming Saturday, 17 October at Oxford Falls to support our basketball program, and we would greatly appreciate the support of our school community.

We are seeking donations of baked goods such as cakes, slices, biscuits and other treats for the bake sale. Donations can be dropped off at Oxford Falls in the morning on the day of the BBQ. If you are able to donate baked goods but are unable to drop them off that morning, please email us to arrange an alternative at bbstpiusx@gmail.com.

Please ensure that all baked goods are nut-free and, where possible, include a list of ingredients with your donation.

We also welcome parent volunteers to help out on the day. Please click on the below to sign up for a volunteer shift.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M71xSQvJR7M9Nk_Nxts2he7CQoFyK_uJaLV8OjGDVNw/edit?usp=sharing

We are also running a raffle with some amazing prizes:

1. BASKETBALL LEGENDS & FAMILY FUN HAMPER

A fantastic prize for basketball fans and families! Featuring framed, signed Shaquille O’Neal memorabilia, a family pass to a Sydney Kings game, a brand-new basketball and the LEGO® Nike Dunk Trickshot set.

The ultimate combination of basketball legends, live action and family fun!

ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $450

2. FITNESS BOOST HAMPER

A fantastic prize for fitness lovers and athletes! Featuring a 3-month Fitness First Platinum membership (Chatswood), Dukes sports hydration, athlete physio spray, recovery wrap and wellness essentials to help you train, recover and perform at your best.

ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $350

3. RECOVERY & GROOMING HAMPER

A great mix of grooming, recovery and wellness essentials, featuring a Tooletries grooming set, Epzen bath salts, Musashi creatine, muscle and joint support, magnesium, hydration essentials and an Escape Bathhouse voucher.

The perfect package for recovery, relaxation and self-care!

ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $250

4. SNEAKER HEADS DREAM PACK

A fantastic prize for sneaker lovers and sports fans! Featuring the exclusive Nike Dunk x LEGO® set, kids magnesium supplements, Hydralyte, a drink bottle and sweat towel.

The perfect mix of sneaker style, fun and sporting essentials!

ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $175

5. SPOILT SPORTS PACKS – 6 TO WIN!

Treat yourself or your favourite child with a $25 Rebel voucher, Hydralyte electrolytes, a sweat towel and recovery wrap.

ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $60 EACH 

https://www.trybooking.com/DQTMQ

Thank you for your support. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and continuing to build a strong and connected SPX Basketball community.

Miled Sawakid - President, SPX Basketball