Pastoral Care 

• GPs in Schools - Year 10 students

• Year 7 Wellbeing Performance

• Year 8 Ski Trip

• Push up Challenge

• Parent webinars and workshops

GPs in Schools - Year 10 students

On Tuesday 16 June, local Northern Sydney General Practitioners and Nurses will be facilitating a 'GPs in Schools' workshop for Year 10 students at Oxford Falls.  Students will then stay at Oxford Falls for their PE program. 

GPs in Schools is a 2.5-hour workshop that is delivered by Sydney North Primary Health Network which is funded and guided by the Australian Department of Health. The GPs in Schools program has been running for 28 years in over 50 Northern Sydney high schools. 

This evidence-informed program brings registered General Practitioners and Nurses into their local schools to build confidence and health literacy in areas such as access to free healthcare, specific youth health issues, confidentiality, Medicare, bulk billing, and their healthcare rights.

GPs in Schools includes:

• What is health? 

• How to use the Australian healthcare system 

• Health services available, where they are, how to use them, and what they cost

• Student anonymous health questions 

GPs in Schools empowers students to ask questions that matter to them in a safe environment, in their school with their self-selected friendship groups of approximately 15 students per GP or Nurse. Utilising a peer-centred health promotion model that allows students to ask questions anonymously invests in students to take an active and informed role in their healthcare as they transition to adulthood.

Year 7 Wellbeing Performance

The Hurting Game

Yesterday two actors from Brainstorm Productions performed a play for Year 7, in the gym. The storyline follows the journey of two friends, Maddie and Tom. The play represented how they faced growing difficulties and stresses as they progressed through their school life. 

The performance covered various topics, including bullying, body image, gaming, and anxiety, which are all important wellbeing topics. During the play, the actors enacted each year of school, starting from Kindergarten through to Year 11. The play showcased how you can build respectful, authentic friendships, which helps us as we start high school. 

In the play, we observed that Tom and Maddie are concerned about their body image. One of the memorable scenes, was when Tom was bullied on a call with his friends when they were gaming, and they were talking about him and Maddie. This demonstrated the hardships that students face online. The show used humour and real student experiences, to engage us, and was an amazing experience. Special thank you to Mr Naidoo, for making this humorous and engaging show possible.

Mark D'Mello - Year 7 student

Year 8 Ski Trip

Please see below for more details on the ski trip, or contact Ms Robertson.  For those still to complete to give their permission, the link is found below.

Kim Robertson krobertson@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Depart: Monday 27 July, meet at Chatswood at 7:00 am for a 7:30 am departure

Return: Friday 31 July, approx. 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm in Chatswood

Accommodation: The Adventist Alpine Village (AAV) in Jindabyne

Attending: Year 8 students and 12 staff members

Key activity: 3 days skiing at Perisher Blue Resort

Purpose: Build new connections, develop friendships, overcome adversity, build resilience, work in a team, learn or develop a skill, develop independence, and have fun

Parent Permission Form to complete ASAP: Year 8 Ski Trip 2026 - Permission

Push up Challenge

The Push-Up Challenge 2026

We are excited to once again take part in The Push-Up Challenge - now in our sixth year as a school community!

The Push-Up Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students, parents, carers, and staff to focus on mental fitness, encourage healthy physical activity, and start important conversations about mental health. It is also a great way to build resilience, connection, and a strong sense of achievement.

This year, we warmly encourage parents and carers to join the challenge alongside their sons and take part as a family.

How it works at SPX

From 3–26 June 2026, participants will work towards completing a set number of push-ups across 24 days. The target number of push-ups reflects an important mental health statistic connected to lives lost to suicide in Australia, helping raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations around mental health.

Participants can:

• Complete the full challenge target or choose a half-target option 

• Substitute push-ups with squats, sit-ups, or other approved exercises 

• Log their progress daily using the app or online platform 

Each day also features a Mental Health Fact, designed to educate participants, improve awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage positive discussions within our community.

Important reminders

• The challenge is focused on awareness, wellbeing, and participation 

• Fundraising is optional, although donations are welcomed 

• Students are encouraged to participate safely and consistently 

How to log your push-ups

Download the official Push for Better app:

Push for Better App (Apple App Store)

How to join the SPX Community Team

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/stpiusxcollege

So start preparing those shoulders and get a few practice push-ups in before June - we look forward to seeing our SPX community get involved once again!

Mr Paul Ticli - Wellbeing Coordinator

Supporting young people around alcohol and other drugs

Sydney Drug Education and Counselling Centre presents a free webinar covering:

• Current trends and pressures affecting young people
• Recognising signs that may indicate concern
• How to start open, supportive conversations
• Harm minimisation and practical safety strategies
• Where parents and carers can access support

When: Tuesday 23 June

Time: 7:00 pm

Webinars empowering parents and carers to support teen mental health

The Black Dog Institute are offering free mental health webinars designed to provide practical tools, strategies and insights to help them support the young people in their lives.

Thursday 25 June @ 7:00 pm (AEST) Register here

Screens and Brains

This free webinar with neuroscientist, Dr Mark Williams, helps parents learn how screen use influences children and young people's:

• Brain development
• Learning and academic performance
• Behaviour and regulation
• Social connection, wellbeing and mental health

When:  Tuesday 11 August

Who: For parents and carers of children and young people from 5 - 16 years.

Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care