Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)
Grandparent Liturgy and Walk-a-thon
I wish I could bottle the joy of Grandparent's Day - it is my favourite day in the Junior School calendar. Even though the rain washed away our Walk-a-thon plans, our special guests were so gracious and understanding. A special thank you to Mrs Sumpton for accepting a very late call up to read our Gospel on behalf of our grandparents.
Thank you to Mrs Hawthorne for organising morning tea and Mr Petrie for organising yet another moving liturgy for our grandparents, grandfriends and their grandsons.
Thank you also to those guests who donated to our fundraiser. We are thrilled to be able to take nearly $3,000 to Vinnies to help them support families and children who are experiencing homelessness.
Photos from our Grandparent’s Day morning tea and liturgy can be found here:
Migration Stories
As part of their HSIE unit on Migration, Year 6 students recently had the privilege of hearing first-hand accounts from St Pius X College staff and Year 5 parent, Mr Amith, who generously shared their personal journeys of migrating to Australia.
Students listened to a wide range of stories, each reflecting the different reasons why people leave their home countries and begin again in a new place: social, economic, political and environmental.
These real-life experiences brought classroom learning to life, helping students to see the human stories behind the historical and geographical concepts they are exploring. A special thank you goes to Mr Ronchetti, Mr Callow, Mrs Doyle, Mr Wheatley, Ms Bird and Mr Amith who shared so openly and honestly with the boys.
The afternoon was a rich and memorable learning experience that left Year 6 with a deeper appreciation of the courage, resilience, and hope at the heart of the migration story and of the diverse cultural heritage that continues to shape Australia today.
Thank you to Mr Nouragas and the Year 6 team for facilitating this wonderful afternoon of learning.
Photos: Migration
Year 5 – Aboriginal Connection to Country
Last Friday, Year 5 had the privilege of learning about Aboriginal Connection to Country with Mr Bourke. The students were fascinated to discover the many Aboriginal language groups, to try out cultural instruments, and to compare the activities Aboriginal children enjoy with their own. They were especially interested in learning about the important transition to manhood in Aboriginal culture.
These lessons connect with Year 5’s HSIE unit, 'Caring for Places – From Local to Country,' and have given the students a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture, practices, and the significance of caring for Country.
Book Week Parade 2025
Yesterday’s Book Week Parade was a joyful celebration of reading and imagination! The 'Book an Adventure' theme inspired a spectacular array of costumes, from much-loved storybook characters to bold explorers.
Thank you to Mrs Martin for her wonderful organisation, to our emcee, Mr Montgomerie, photographer Ms Barrett, and DJ Mr Cummins for helping bring the event to life. We are also most grateful to our parents for the creativity and effort that went into every costume. Congratulations to our prize winners and to every student and staff member whose enthusiasm made the parade such a fun and memorable occasion.
ASX Share Market Game
It has been an exciting start to the ASX Schools Share Market Game, with our Junior School students busy researching companies, buying stocks, and learning the art of investing. Using $50,000 in virtual dollars, students experience how the real Australian share market works as they plan, diversify, and try to grow their portfolios. Each evening, many are eagerly checking their investments and making adjustments before the market reopens the next day.
The competition runs for 10 weeks, with daily rankings updated each morning. We are thrilled to share that, as of Tuesday, St Pius X College currently ranks 13th in the country! Special congratulations go to Nicolas S, James Y, and Ms Boyle, who are placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd within our school. At the end of the game, the six students with the largest portfolios will each win a gift pack from Ord Minnett.
This fantastic initiative, organised by Mr Makhoul, is giving our boys valuable insight into how markets work and encouraging critical thinking and strategic planning. Daily updates, tips, and lessons are available on the ASX Canvas page. If you’d like to learn more, please ask your son or contact his teacher or Mr Makhoul at mmakhoul@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Science Week
Next week we celebrate Science Week, and our Junior School is buzzing with anticipation for a program filled with discovery, curiosity, and hands-on learning. The 2025 theme, “Infinite Possibilities,” will encourage our boys to think like scientists, engineers, and explorers as they investigate just how far imagination - and Science - can take them.
Throughout the week, students will take part in experiments, challenges, and activities designed to inspire wonder and creative problem-solving. We’ve even heard whispers that something a little out of the ordinary might make an appearance on campus, sparking plenty of excitement along the way.
We look forward to an engaging and memorable week of learning as Science takes centre stage at the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Fixtures
Junior School Sport
Athletics Season
Despite challenging weather conditions this season, our Athletics program has shown great resilience. Training has been heavily impacted, limiting our ability to build and strengthen the squad. However, our junior athletes have continued their preparation independently and made the most of a brief sunny window last Saturday, delivering an outstanding performance at the Barker Invitational Carnival.
There were impressive results across both track and field events, with a standout moment being our two relay teams claiming victory against strong competition from Knox, Barker, Sydney Grammar, and St Aloysius'.
Unfortunately, this week’s Riverview Carnival has been cancelled due to weather, but the Shore/Newington Carnival is still scheduled for Saturday at SOPAC (weather permitting). Next week, selected athletes will compete at the IPSHA Carnival, with invitations sent to families. We wish all our athletes the very best of luck!
Junior Athletics Carnivals
Shore/Newington Athletics Invitational 23 August, SOPAC
IPSHA Athletics Carnival 27 August, SOPAC
Father and Son Sports Day
We warmly invite all Junior School fathers and significant others to join us for our Father & Son Sports Day on Thursday 4 September 2025 at the SPX Sports Playing Fields, Oxford Falls.
The day will include a liturgy, morning tea, sport sessions, and a BBQ lunch and it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your son and connect with our SPX community.
RSVP by Friday 29 August using the link in the flyer or use the button below
We look forward to seeing you there!
Cocurricular Photos – Thursday 28 August.
A reminder that Cocurricular Photos will be taking place next week. All students listed for photos must arrive at school in their Full Winter School Uniform and will then change into the appropriate activity-specific uniform for their scheduled photo in Period 1 or 2. Students are required to bring their student ID card to the photos.
For students involved in Summer Sports grading at Oxford Falls on the same day, please ensure they bring the correct uniform and gear for their chosen sport to participate in grading sessions.
For full details and the photo schedule, please refer to the document linked below.
Summer Sports Grading Update
Unfortunately, our first grading day was cancelled this week due to poor weather. We plan to resume grading next Thursday and continue in Week 8 following the Father-Son Day in Week 7. Teams will be finalised by the end of Term 3, and once confirmed, draft fixtures will be uploaded to Clipboard.
Key Events Coming Up
Summer Sport Session Grading Week 6 and 8
Father-Son Day Week 7
Clipboard Registrations
Reminder: Summer Sports Registrations Close Tomorrow (Friday 22 August)
Registrations for Term 4 Summer Sports are currently open via Clipboard and must be completed by Friday 22 August. This is an important step to ensure students are included in grading and team selections. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Already Registered in Term 1 2025?
If your son participated in Basketball, Touch Football or Softball during Term 1, his registration automatically carries over to Term 4.
There is no need to re-register, even if he is switching between Basketball, Touch Football or Softball.
New to Basketball, Touch Football and Softball?
If your son did not participate in Term 1 and would like to join Basketball, Touch Football or Softball for Term 4, please complete the registration via Clipboard.
Signing Up for NSTA Tennis?
The Tennis season runs from Term 4 2025 through to Term 1 2026. Students wishing to join Tennis must complete their registration as soon as practicably possible to assist with team’s organisation and grading planning.
Grading day information will be shared to all families that register
Signing Up for Cricket?
The Cricket season runs from Term 4 2025 through to Term 1 2026. Students interested in joining must complete their registration via Clipboard. Further information is below.
Cricket Season Starts 13 September
We are excited to announce that registrations are now open for the upcoming MWJCA cricket season, which begins on Saturday, 13 September. The season will feature three rounds before the school holidays, followed by the continuation of the competition in Term 4.
To ensure your son's participation, registration is required on both Clipboard and PlayHQ:
Clipboard – for internal College registration and team coordination. The College fee for cricket is paid via the app.
PlayHQ – for official MWJCA registration. There is a $17.50 fee payable directly to Cricket Australia for player insurance. This will be available via the Clipboard app.
Please ensure both registrations are completed by Friday, 22 August to secure a place in a team.
Ryan Balboa MWJCA Cricket Convenor
Sydney FC Training Program – Expression of Interest
We’re excited to offer a Sydney FC Training Program in Term 4, held on Thursday mornings at Gore Hill Oval, conveniently located next to St Leonards Train Station.
This high-quality development opportunity is open to students who can make their own way to and from the field, as no teacher or coach supervision will be provided for travel.
The program will run for 5 weeks on the following dates: Thursday 16/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11
Cost: $75
Important Notes:
Students must arrange their own transport to Gore Hill and from the field to school.
There are 40 places available, and registration will be open to the first 40 families who complete the expression of interest form.
If we reach the required expressions numbers, registrations will then open via Clipboard.
Expressions of Interest will close Wednesday 27 August.
Expression of Interest Form: https://forms.office.com/r/nHTggSsxYS
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!
Updated Summer Sport Grading – Week 6 and 8
We’re excited to kick off summer sport grading with a great team of coaches and programs:
Cricket – Led by Cricket Appeal
Touch Football – Run by Try Time
Basketball – Led by Danny Garrett (First V Coach & SPX Player Development)
Softball – Overseen by Mrs Williams
Tennis – Coached by Oxford Falls Racket Club
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/
Term 3 Weekly Sport Calendar
SPX Rugby Golf Day
Sponsor a Hole!
Friday, 17 October 2025
The SPX Rugby community invites all families and friends to join us for our Annual Rugby Club Golf Day — a great mix of fun, networking, and fundraising in support of our Rugby program.
This year, you can choose your lucky hole (1–18) to sponsor - but get in quick, as spots will fill fast!
Why Sponsor a Hole?
Your business will enjoy excellent visibility across our rugby community, including:
A professionally printed banner displayed on the course
Advertising in the official Golf Day program
Mentions via WhatsApp, the College newsletter, and direct email
Event Highlights:
Ambrose team format Hole prizes, including a Volvo Hole-in-One challenge!
Sponsorship Packages:
$550 – Hole sponsorship only
$800 – Hole sponsorship + 1 player ticket
$1,050 – Hole sponsorship + 2 player tickets
$1,550 – Hole sponsorship + 4 player tickets
📩 Interested in sponsoring?Email wibke@iinet.net.au to secure your hole and be part of a fantastic day on the green!
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator