Junior School News
- From the Head of the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
- Junior School Chess
From the Head of the Junior School
Welcome back to Term 2 in the Junior School. We hope everyone had a wonderful break and enjoyed some well-deserved time off with their loved ones.
It was lovely to see the boys arriving at school on Tuesday, resplendent - and looking very grownup - in their winter uniform. Wonderful, also, to see so many students complying with the College’s hair policy. Our hair and uniform guidelines aid in cultivating a culture of discipline, respect and pride – thank you for supporting the high standards of the College.
TEACHING AND LEARNING IN TERM 2
This term, we have an exciting and diverse range of topics for our students to explore. In Year 5, students will be developing their skills in persuasive writing and poetry, learning how to craft engaging speeches and expressive poems that captivate their readers. In History, students will study migration, the Gold Rush, and significant people of the post-colonisation era, giving students a fascinating insight into the challenges and triumphs of Australia's past. In Science, students will be exploring what it would be like to be an astronaut as they embark on a mission to Mars. PDHPE will focus on nutrition and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. In Mathematics, students will be building upon their existing skills to solve more complex problems. Finally, in Religious Education, Year 5 will be exploring the stories of the Bible.
Students in Year 6 will spend Term 2 exploring electricity, circuits, and energy transfer and transformation. In PDH, they will focus on mental health and well-being. Mathematics will provide opportunities for problem-solving and logical thinking. In History, students will be exploring the life of a significant Australian, post-Federation, in preparation for our Night of the Notables. In Religious Education, students will also learn about the Bible. In English, students will also be examining the language, form, and structure of informative texts.
We are excited to see our students engage with these topics and look forward to seeing their growth and development throughout the term.
MATHEMATICS
When there is a lot of mess on the floor in 5 Red, you can be sure that Mr Makhoul’s students have been having fun with their learning! In Mathematics today, students were busy applying what they know about fractions to a fun task that involved creating a snowflake out of a square template. They used their knowledge of fractions to calculate the amount that had been cut out, the amount that was remaining and also practised identifying equivalent fractions.
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL COMMENDATION
I was thrilled and proud to receive a “Certificate of Appreciation”, awarded to our Year 6 students for their “exemplary behaviour and conduct during their visit to the Australian War Memorial on 6 March 2024.” The commendation continued, “The level of respect for the commemorative role of the Memorial and your involvement in the Education Program deserve our congratulations.” Well done to our Year 6 students for representing St Pius X, themselves, and their families, so maturely.
JUNIOR SCHOOL DEBATING
Last year, Year 6 teacher, Ms Shaba, won the Toastmasters International District 70, Humorous Speech Contest Final. Ms Shaba competed against other Division champions from NSW and the ACT. This annual contest has taken place since 1972 and often includes professional speakers as contestants. Ms Shaba was the first female champion in 12 years. Ms Shaba initially joined Toastmasters to improve her impromptu speaking skills and ability to deliver prepared presentations without notes. She has gone on to compete very successfully and was named ACU National Oratory Champion and was asked to deliver the graduate address at her University Graduation.
What a thrill it is for us to have Ms Shaba working with this year’s Junior School Debating Team. The team are participating in their first debate tomorrow at Oxford Falls Grammar from 1:00 pm. We wish them every success and also wish Ms Shaba all the very best as she competes this weekend at the District 70 Conference.
FOUNDER’S DAY – FRIDAY 10 MAY
Students are permitted to wear mufti (plain clothes) in their House colours on Friday 10 May as we celebrate our Founder’s Day at Oxford Falls campus. Students will travel to and from Oxford Falls by bus.
Please also note that students will have early dismissal upon return to the college on this day. Students will commence the return trip from Oxford Falls to the college from 1:30 pm and dismissal will occur upon return to the college.
Please see the schedule for the day below:
COLLEGE COMMUNICATION
Please refer to the article from Mr Davidson, Assistant Principal, Teaching & Learning in the Parent and Student Matters page of today's Woodchatta for an important update on streamlining college communication and the College App.
RUGBY TOUR TO ARMIDALE
Over the first weekend of the holidays Mr Bourke, Mr Morris, Mr Montgomerie, and I enjoyed watching our Junior Rugby players participate in The Armidale School (TAS) Rugby Carnival. The students did themselves and St Pius X proud with their enthusiasm and sportsmanship as well as their post-match interactions with the other teams and their exemplary behaviour off the field. Thank you to all the families who travelled to Armidale to support the team and to Mr Bourke, Mr Morris, and Mr Montgomerie for all their hard work in organising this memorable experience for our students.
MOTHER’S DAY
We are looking forward to a beautiful day for our Mother's Day Mass next Wednesday. After Mass we will be holding a morning tea to raise money for the Cancer Council through the Biggest Morning Tea. Please see the links below to RSVP to the Mass and also to donate to the Biggest Morning Tea.
Guests are invited to RSVP via the link below.
https://forms.gle/CHUQD9BD2sQGTaEr6
Fundraising page for St Pius X Biggest Morning Tea:
https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/StPiusX/biggest-morning-tea-nsw
STATIONERY SUPPLIES
If you didn’t get a chance over the holidays, can you please speak with your son and ask if he needs to replenish any of the following:
- Glue Stick
- Sharpener
- Ruler
- Pencils
- Eraser
- Pens
IPSHA WINTER SPORT | ROUND 1 THIS SATURDAY 4 MAY
Teachers and students are looking forward to the start of the winter sport season this Saturday. We wish our AFL, Rugby and Football teams all the very best for an enjoyable and successful season. More details – and some sporting success stories - in Mr Bourke’s Sport section below – please ensure you check it each week and if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Bourke at jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or just check Clipboard.
BOXERCISE
Students in the Junior School are warmly invited to join our whole-school Boxercise classes on Thursday and/or Friday mornings from 7:30 am to 8:00 am in the Junior School playground. Run by Mr Naidoo and Senior School students, Boxercise is a safe, fun way to make new friends and get fit. All equipment is supplied. If you have any questions, please email Mr Naidoo: anaidoo@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
DATES FOR THE DIARY IN TERM 2
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of the Junior School
Junior School Sport
Armidale Rugby Tour 2024
From 12 to 14 April, our Prep Firsts rugby squad embarked on an exciting journey to compete in the largest U12 rugby tournament in Australia. With 60 teams from across NSW and QLD, the competition was fierce, but our students rose to the challenge with remarkable spirit and sportsmanship.
More than just a showcase of rugby skills, the tournament emphasised the 'Spirit of Rugby' – values like sportsmanship, camaraderie, and support. Throughout the weekend, our students exemplified these qualities both on and off the field, demonstrating perseverance, sportsmanship, and unwavering effort.
Their actions and words reflected the essence of rugby, earning recognition from the competition organisers for their respectful and positive behaviour. Representing St Pius X with pride, our students left a lasting impression, showcasing the best of our school community.
This tour was not only a success but also a memorable experience for everyone involved – students, staff, and parents alike. It serves as a positive sign for the upcoming rugby season, filled with promise and excitement.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr Bourke, Mr Montgomerie, Mrs Greenwood and all of the parents for their dedication and support throughout the weekend. Without their efforts, this journey wouldn't have been possible.
As we reflect on this unforgettable experience, let us carry the lessons learned and the camaraderie shared into our future endeavours, both on and off the field.
Mr Antonio Morris - Rugby Convenor (Junior School)
IPSHA Winter Season
Round 1 of the IPSHA Winter Season kicks off this Saturday, 4 May. This is off the back of the winter trials held late last term. I want to assure families that coaches and managers will continue to monitor team selections throughout the season and any changes will be in a fair and considered manner.
In preparation for our first games this weekend, please ensure your son:
- has the correct uniform for his chosen sport (SPX Uniform Shop can assist)
- has all the appropriate safety equipment needed to play (e.g. mouthguard, shin guards, etc)
- arrives at the venue at least 20 minutes before their game for warm-ups.
- brings their own water bottle.
Fixtures and Training
As explained by Mr Stearn, our Assistant Principal, Cocurricular, we have transitioned to using CLIPBOARD as our Cocurricular Management Platform. All relevant information regarding training sessions and fixtures will now be available in real-time through the CLIPBOARD App or the web-based CLIPBOARD platform. In instances where fixture times are unavailable, they will be marked as "UNCONFIRMED" and may a default to a kick-off time of 12:00 am. Additionally, details regarding the opposition and venue will be provided alongside your son's allocated team within CLIPBOARD. Fixtures may also have entered times as a guide. These will be confirmed each Thursday via Clipboard and display at ‘’CONFIRMED”.
We have reached a point in our CLIPBOARD implementation where we can grant students limited access to the platform, starting next Monday, 6 May. Students will receive setup guidelines to facilitate logging in through Single Sign-On (SSO) using their College Login credentials. This decision is aimed at empowering students to take ownership of their organisation within this domain. It is important to note that students will not have any financial access within CLIPBOARD, ensuring that parents and carers maintain control and consent over their son's activity choices.
Please note that students will not be able to access CLIPBOARD through the College App, as this portal is exclusively for parents.
We are also developing a new “whole school” Cocurricular 5-12 fixture card which will appear in both the Senior and Junior sections of Woodchatta and contain information about all fixtures for the week.
We are mindful that Thursday is late notice in posting fixtures. This Woodchatta-based document will be a snapshot of times and venues and there may be changes to the information after it has been posted. Please use the information in CLIPBOARD as the most accurate reflection of times and venues at any point in time.
The link to the fixtures can be found below:
Wet Weather
In the case that weather impacts Junior School fixtures, a notification will be posted via Clipboard and/or the College App. Please ensure you are checking for updated information on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Updates could include venue changes, times changes or cancellations.
Best of luck to all our teams and I look forward to seeing all our Junior School St Pius X teams in action this weekend.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sports Coordinator
From the Junior Resource Centre
Literature Promotion in the JRC
This term in Literature promotion we will be discovering new PICTURE BOOKS based on the theme of WW1 and ANZACS.
The JRC has an engaging display for the students to help them understand and commemorate ANZAC Day. #anzacday2024 #lestweforget
This week Year 6 and 6 have been reading and discussing the picture books Meet The ANZACS and Memorial.
Meet The ANZACS – Written by Claire Saxby, Illustrated by Max Berry.
PRC ID – 11852
Memorial – By Gary Crew, Illustrated by Shaun Tan
PRC ID - 254
Exciting Events happening this week:
Thursday 2 May is International Harry Potter Day
Harry Potter started making his mark on the world more than a dozen years ago through the magical series of fiction books created by author JK Rowling. So, get on board the Hogwart’s Express in the JRC and show your appreciation by reading and enjoying one of these magical books.
How to Celebrate International Harry Potter Day
- Read the Harry Potter Book Series
- As Ron Weasley says in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “When in doubt, go to the library”
- Host an International Harry Potter Day Party
- Watch the Harry Potter Film Series
- Catch the Harry Potter Spinoffs
- Get Sorted into Your Harry Potter House.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU! In a galaxy far far away.., the force is very strong in the Junior Resource Centre! Revenge of the Sixth, watch this space on Monday!
Mrs Martin’s Book Trail: Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found – Jordan Lees
This middle grade read is magical, funny and pacy. “A deep breath and down he went. The stairs groaned, the nightjar fluttering about like a wraith.” Discover a world of magic and secrets, friendship and unimaginable quests in this spectacular new fantasy series from an exciting new voice in children’s books. Ages 10 and up.
#mrsmartinsbooktrail2024
Mrs Elena Martin - Teacher Librarian
Junior School Chess Club
Thank you to all the students who attended Chess training on Tuesday 30 April. A reminder that the NSW Junior Chess Competition begins Week 2 Friday 10 May. The draw can be found here: https://www.nswjcl.org.au/
Alternatively, the draw is attached.
Mrs Elena Martin and Ms Raelene Boyle - Junior Chess Convenors