Junior School News
- From the Acting Head of the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
- Junior School Chess
From the Acting Head of the Junior School
IMPORTANT DATES
CURRICULUM NEWS – THIS TERM IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
YEAR 5
In English, our students are deeply immersed in the world of poetry and are eagerly anticipating their upcoming visit from Solli Raphael, the acclaimed author of Spotlight, the book they are currently exploring.
In Science, the students are delving into the mysteries of the Solar System and expanding their knowledge of our celestial neighbours.
Their Geography studies are equally engaging, as they investigate the ways in which Indigenous Australians have shaped the natural environment. They are also examining the interplay between the environment and the human characteristics of various places, including how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have influenced these characteristics and managed spaces throughout history.
In Religion, our focus will be on key events and influential figures that have shaped the identity and growth of the Catholic Church in Australia. Students will explore the significant contributions and milestones that have defined the Church’s development within the Australian context.
YEAR 6
This term, our students are honing their persuasive writing skills through engaging with a diverse array of texts. Their focus will be on refining their ability to craft compelling arguments and effectively communicate their ideas.
In Science, students will deepen their understanding of the Earth's dynamic structure and its position within the universe. They will investigate processes that shape the Earth's surface, examining both gradual changes over time and more sudden transformations.
In Geography, the curriculum includes an exploration of countries within the Asia region, alongside an examination of Australia’s global connections. This will provide students with insights into international relationships and the geographical interconnections that shape our world.
In Religion, students will explore the Scriptural foundations of Christian servant leadership, focusing on the actions of Moses and the teachings and example of Jesus. As leaders in the Junior School, the students will be encouraged to embody these Christian principles of leadership in their interactions within their families, their school, and the broader community.
NAPLAN
Last week, students in Year 5 took home their NAPLAN reports. The teachers made sure that reports were placed into bags, so if yours hasn’t surfaced, that’s where I’d check first.
NAPLAN assesses aspects of literacy, including reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation as well as numeracy. The assessments are designed to provide you, your son, and their teachers with information about how your child’s literacy and numeracy skills and understanding compare to national standards.
NAPLAN results should be considered together with school-based assessments and reports. Your son’s teacher will have the best insight into your child’s educational progress.
NESA, 2023
If you have any questions about your son’s NAPLAN results, please contact your son's classroom teacher.
JUNIOR SCHOOL WALKATHON & GRANDPARENTS' DAY LITURGY (Oxford Falls)
Each year, Junior School students and staff participate in a walk-a-thon, raising money for our two partner schools, St Joseph’s Walgett and St Mary’s Bowraville as well as for our World Vision child, Gloria from Zambia. We also invite grandparents to join us for the day on Thursday 15 August at Oxford Falls starting with a special liturgy at 10:45 am.
We would also appreciate it if you could share a photo of these special Grandparents that we could use in our liturgy on the day.
Please drop your photos into this folder: Grandparents' Day
Please share this invitation with grandparents, and for catering purposes please RSVP using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Pauw10QtrH
BOOK WEEK PARADE
This year's Book Week theme is 'Reading is Magic', and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Join us for a spectacular showcase where each class will have the chance to parade in their imaginative costumes. From wizards to mythical creatures, come and enjoy the magical transformations inspired by your favourite books. Don’t miss this enchanting event—it's sure to be a highlight of our Book Week festivities! The parade will start at 1:30 pm in the College Gym.
FATHER AND SON SPORTS DAY & LITURGY (Oxford Falls)
Please note in your dairies that Thursday 29 August, our dads are warmly invited to join us for a special liturgy (at 10:45 am) in the Christian Brothers Centre at Oxford Falls before putting on the sports gear for a fun day of sport with their son. Keep an eye out for an invitation.
EXIT PASSES
We understand that there are times in the year when the students may have to leave school early for one reason or another. In this case, could you please notify the College with at least 48 hour’s notice. Please ensure that you are emailing the Attendance Roll Manager: studentmanagement@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au so that an exit pass can be issued in advance.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - Acting Head of the Junior School
Junior School Sport
Fixtures
Thursday Sport: Winter Sport training will continue this week for Australian Rules Football, Football and Rugby.
Term 3 program is as follows: A reminder again that parents/carers picking their son up from Oxford Falls need to do so by 2:20 pm please.
Junior Football:
After a well-deserved winter holiday break, SPX Football saw some good results and displays of outstanding sportsmanship across all teams. Despite the challenging weather conditions, our players showed resilience and determination on the field. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the players and families who once again braved the rain to support our teams. Your dedication and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated and continue to be a driving force behind our success this season.
Last Saturday, our mighty 11A football team pulled off a marvellous win against St Patrick’s at Oxford Falls. Although the heavens opened up for our game once again, that did not deter our fearless team, who wiped the water from their faces as they ran the ball down the field. Their enthusiasm, from the warm-up all the way to the final whistle, was a testament to their commitment.
The St Pius X players worked tirelessly to get past St Patrick’s defence, and as a result, our team was the first to put points on the board. A special mention goes to our goalie, Shawn, who was magnificent in running, catching, and diving to save the strong St Patrick’s attempts to score. Shawn's agility and quick reflexes kept the opposition at bay and inspired his teammates to keep pushing forward.
A big congratulations to the entire team; they should be extremely proud of their individual and collective efforts. Their teamwork and sportsmanship were truly commendable. We look forward to the two remaining games of the season, where we hope to carry this momentum and enthusiasm forward. Let's continue to support our team and cheer them on as they strive for even greater success!
11A Football Coach
Mary Doheny
Junior AFL
SPX Football Supporters' Club
Great Spirit at SPX Football Supporter's Day
The 2nd Football Supporter's Day was held at Oxford Falls last Saturday.
We were happy to hear a group from another school tell us that they like coming to St Pius X to play football as we have good food and a great community spirit.
Thank you to everyone in our football community who donated baked and BBQ goods, volunteered on the day and bought the delicious food and coffee. Your efforts are raising funds for the future football program. A reminder that the 3rd and final BBQ Bake sale will be this Saturday 3 August.
SPX Football Social Night, 14 September - Save the Date!!
We’re excited to welcome ex-Socceroo legends Robbie Slater and Dave Mitchell to our annual football club social night! Join us to hear these remarkable athletes share their captivating stories and experiences from football local and abroad.
Prepare for an evening of engaging conversations and unforgettable moments. It’s a fantastic opportunity to mingle, enjoy great company, and support the SPX football program.
Watch this space .... Tickets available this coming week!
SPX Football Supporters Committee
Athletics - Training:
Training officially commenced this week for all athletes. It is crucial that all boys chosen in the extended squad are able to commit to the training days, especially once the winter season of Junior sport concludes. Training takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at Rotary Athletics Field, Mowbray Rd West, Lane Cove. We will leave via Anderson Street no later than 3:30 pm. After school dismissal, the College will transport the students to the venue by private bus, and the sessions will run until 4:55 pm where a bus will return the students to Chatswood. If you wish to collect your son from the venue, please be there no later than 4:50 pm. Thank you to the families that have contacted me regarding clashes with their sons’ external commitments. I will continue work and create arrangements where possible for these athletes.
Athletics - 1500m Event: Anyone wishing to join the athletics squad in the 1500m event can attend training where a time trial will be held. Please consider the following minimum standards used for qualifying:
10’s: 5m 37s
11’s: 5m 22s
12’s: 5m 14s
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sports Coordinator
Junior Rugby
I am thrilled to announce that the rugby season has resumed with great enthusiasm following the school holidays. The boys have been training with purpose, showing commendable dedication and teamwork, which has reflected in their overall performance during the matches.
The Prep firsts resumed their season with a match against Cranbrook. The lightning and rain could not dampen the spirits of the boys and they put in a solid second half effort against a strong Cranbrook team. Strong carries, led by Paddy M and Oliver W provided momentum in attack.
The U11s resumed their season with a great win against Newington in front of a home crowd. Mr Montgomerie reports: 'It was a terrific performance which saw St Pius dominate possession as well as the ruck. Man of the match went to Billy for his work in the ruck and with and without ball. All boys should be proud of their effort today, bouncing back from 3 defeats in a row.'
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the parents for their unwavering support, especially on Saturday, 27 July, at the Rugby Gala Dinner. Your attendance and participation made the event a huge success. The Junior School was well represented on the night. We look forward to finishing off this wonderful season with the same spirit and enthusiasm!
SPX Rugby Club
Rugby Gala Dinner
Thank you to those who attended the SPX Rugby Gala Dinner last Saturday night. It was great to see everyone support the fundraising activities, have a dance, catchup with friends and celebrate our boys on the big screen. Nick Farr-Jones happily interacted with guests and signed many of the rugby balls for a special keepsake.
Thank you to all attendees and non-attendees who got involved and made purchases via the Galabid Silent auction – it was a SUCCESS! Items that could not be taken home are available for pickup from the school office. Those that bought the firepits will be contacted directly to make alternate arrangements.
Stay tuned for the evening results which will be updated via the SPX Rugby WhatsApp chat.
Check out some of the photos captured during the evening.
Please direct any enquiries to spxrugby@gmail.com.
Mr Antonio Morris - Junior School Rugby Convenor
Summer Tennis
Enrolments for the NSTA Summer Term 4, 2024/Term 1, 2025 season will take place on Clipboard. The enrolments window will be open from tomorrow, Friday 2 August. All Junior and Senior students must enrol via Clipboard.
Please note the changes to the competition and training below:
Enrolment in tennis means that you will be available to:
- play all matches
- attend all training sessions
- attend the grading session
YEAR 5 STUDENTS – you will be enrolling for only the Term 4, 2024 competition and Thursday trainings. If these students wish to continue playing tennis for the College in Term 1, 2025 they will need to re-enrol at a later date.
YEAR 6 - 12 STUDENTS – you will be enrolling for BOTH Term 4, 2024 and Term 1, 2025.
COMPETITION TIMES: Please note also that from Term 4, the GREEN BALL competition will take place on Saturdays at the Queenwood Tennis Centre from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. All other games will either be played 8:00 am – 10:00 am or 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, depending on which team your son is placed. These matches will be played at various North Shore locations.
GRADING DAY FOR SENIOR STUDENTS: For the SENIOR STUDENTS you MUST be available to attend the grading day being held on 31 August at Queenwood Tennis Centre, Oxford Falls. The students in the lower levels will be graded in the first session and those in the upper levels will be graded in the second session. If any of the students do very well in the early group - they could stay on and trial with the stronger second group.
Group 1 : 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Group 2 : 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
TRAINING FOR SENIOR STUDENTS: Starting from Week 1, Term 4, all SENIOR SCHOOL SUMMER TENNIS players will be required to attend training one afternoon a week, either a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, this will be dependent on your level of play. The training will take place at Queenwood Tennis Centre and a bus will be provided there and back to the College.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - Summer Tennis Convenor
From the Junior Resource Centre
This week’s Highlights are:
SAVE THE DATE BOOK WEEK PARADE WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST.
Preparations have started in the JRC for CBCA (Children’s Book Council Australia) Book Week 2024, ‘READING IS MAGIC'. I am underway with my first of many displays for shortlisted books and our author visit. My favourite event in the library calendar!
Olympics - Paris 2024
Enjoy more of the Paris Olympics with all our amazing books in the JRC.
Why not come and have your photo taken at the Olympic photo booth?
NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
Have you checked out the new books added to the NSW PRC booklist? Don't forget to finish your student reading record before 23 August.
https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
Mrs Martin’s Book Trail: The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart by Samera Kamaleddine
I’ve taken on the fun task of collectively reading and reviewing every single book on the 2024 CBCA book of the Year shortlist prior to the winners being announced in August. I enjoyed this Younger Reader's nominee. A story of change intertwined with the journey of a classroom studying the galaxy, some heart melting moments. Recommended for fans of Peter Carnavas, Alexa Moses and Shirley Marr. #MrsMartinsbooktrail2024
Mrs Elena Martin - Teacher Librarian
Junior School Chess Club
Chess Competition continues this Friday, 2 August – AWAY game for all players. This will be the last game for the season. A big thank you to all the Chess participants for their amazing efforts this term. A big shout out to all parents for their help with transportation during the season. Thank you to the Canteen for providing afternoon tea for the boys at their home games and to Ms Boyle for supervising the Friday Chess games.
Mrs Elena Martin - Junior Chess Convenor