Pastoral Care 

• Year 8 Ski Trip

• Push up Challenge

• Parent webinars and workshops

Year 8 Ski Trip

Thank you to those Year 8 parents who have completed the permission form for the upcoming 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

Free Webinar - Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part 2)

School TV is presenting Part 2 of a free webinar series on understanding anxiety and depression to foster resilience.

Topics in this session include:

• Staying Calm and Connected

• Building Daily Routines

• Meeting the Needs of Neurodivergent Learners

When:  Wednesday 10 June

Time: 7:30 pm

See the attached flyer for more information and to register:

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