Junior School News
- From the Head of the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
From the Head of the Junior School
IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER
At the beginning of each year, Junior School teachers accompany new students to their designated bus and train stations, guiding them along the safest route via the Victoria Avenue Mall. We also communicate clearly to students and their families that they should not aim to catch a bus or train before 3:10 pm given that school finishes at 3:00 pm.
Recently, however, we have noticed that some students are choosing to run—often bolting—along Help and Endeavour Streets. This behaviour raises significant safety concerns, particularly as these routes involve crossing driveways. Additionally, some students have begun to request permission to leave early in order to catch trains or buses departing shortly after 3:00 pm, which disrupts the learning environment for others.
We kindly ask that you discuss with your son:
- the importance of using the Victoria Avenue Mall route to reach their transportation hub
- that it is not practical to aim for a bus or train that leaves prior to 3:10 pm
- that they must not run along the footpaths or through the mall due to the hazard it presents to other pedestrians
- that mobile phones should not be used when crossing the road
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to ensure the safety and well-being of your sons.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Our enthusiastic Years 5 and 6 mathematicians recently took part in the Junior Division Maths Olympiad, a challenging program designed to enhance their problem-solving abilities and mathematical intuition. Over four rounds, held every few weeks, students tackled complex questions under exam conditions, showcasing their skills and creativity. This competition not only fosters a love for mathematics but also builds confidence and teamwork among participants.
Congratulations to all the students who participated, in particular the following students who achieved a result in the top 10% across NSW: Michael Capra, Oliver Willems, Ash Hilton, Frankie Bevinetto, Brandon Abram (Year 6) and Chatzden Ng (Year 5). We look forward to presenting these students with their certificates at a whole-school assembly soon.
Special thanks to Mr Makhoul who runs the Junior School Maths Megaminds Club, organises our participation in the Maths Olympiad, and continues to foster a love of mathematics in our students.
DOROTHEA MACKELLAR POETRY AWARDS
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards aim to ignite the imaginations of school students throughout Australia, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts and emotions through poetry as they strive for literary excellence. This year, five students from the Junior School’s Creative Quills Writing Skills club participated in the 2024 competition, and their hard work has been recognised. Congratulations to Coby Ching, Alexander Nunes, Angus Rands, and Isaac Roth, with a special shout-out to Michael Capra for receiving a Commendation for his poem, 'The Grand Marvel of Questacon.'
WORLD TEACHER'S DAY
Tomorrow is World Teacher's Day. This day is an opportunity to thank teachers for all the hard work they do to educate, inspire and empower learners.
Thank you to members of the Creative Quills Writing Skills club who came together on Tuesday at lunchtime to write letters of appreciation to our dedicated Junior School staff. The letters are sealed until we present them to teachers tomorrow, but I’ve had a sneak peek, and I can’t wait for the teachers to see what the students have written about, and to, them. I look forward to sharing selected excerpts with you next week, as I believe they will highlight the profound impact our teachers have on their students.
INAUGURAL YEAR 5 SINGING PERFORMANCE
Parents and special guests are welcome to join us in the College Gymnasium for a singing concert performed by our Year 5 students, with support from some of our talented Year 6 musicians tomorrow from 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm. Please note – this is not a performance by the choir, it is a performance by all of Year 5 of the skills they have learnt as part of the Performing Arts curriculum.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
During the week I attended a workshop run by KYDS – a youth mental health service operating out of several offices across northern Sydney. If your son is experiencing difficult times in his life, KYDS offers free, confidential counselling for young people aged 10-18 with no Medicare card, GP referral or mental health plan required. You can find KYDS at: https://www.kyds.org.au/
NEW PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
We’re excited to highlight everything St Pius X Junior School has to offer during our New Parent Information Night on Wednesday 6 November. The event will begin at 6:00 pm and will be held online. I’m reaching out to see if there’s a courageous Year 5 or Year 6 parent who might be willing to share their experiences as a new family at St Pius X. It would be fantastic for our new parents to hear from someone who has experienced it all! If you’re interested, please let me know by emailing Mrs Hawthorne
WELCOME 2025 STUDENTS
On Thursday of Week 3, the Junior School will welcome 112 new students (our 2025 Year 5 cohort) and, for the final time, our new Year 6 students to the College for an orientation and assessment day. The new Year 5s will start their day with an assessment that will provide teachers with valuable information to assist teaching and learning in 2025. The new Year 6s will spend the morning with the current Year 5s, engaging in a range of 'Getting to Know You' activities in the College gym. The afternoon will be spent getting to know the College through an adventure-filled Scavenger Hunt. Because of the number of students who will be on-site, current students will leave for Oxford Falls at the end of Period 2.
SURF/SWIM PROGRAM
Our four-week Surf Education and Swim programs begin on Thursday in Week 4 with the Year 5s headed to the Macquarie Aquatic Centre for swimming lessons and Year 6 headed to Dee Why Beach.
YEAR 6 GRADUATION LITURGY AND AFTERNOON TEA
Save the date for one of the biggest events in the Junior School calendar! Join us, on the docks of Waterford (faithfully recreated at Oxford Falls) for a very special graduation ceremony that will mark the transition from primary to senior school for our Year 6s.
Monday 25 November | 12:45 pm at Oxford Falls
Please register your attendance – and upload a photo of your son when he was in Kindy photo for the liturgy presentation – via this form:
DATES FOR THE DIARY
FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER | World Teacher’s Day
THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER | New Student Orientation Day
THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER | Start of 4-week Surf (Year 6) and Swimming (Year 5) program
MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER | Year 6 Graduation and Afternoon Tea at Oxford Falls at 12:45 pm
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of the Junior School
Junior School Sport
Fixtures
IPSHA Code of Conduct
I draw your attention again to the IPSHA Code of Conduct which forms the basis for our expected behaviours during sporting events.
Please make yourselves familiar with this code of conduct as it is an important document, not only for players, but also for coaches and parents/spectators.
Term 4 Program- 2025 Sport Choice Form
Just a reminder to Year 5 parents that the 2025 Sports Choice form needs to be completed by Monday 28 October. If you haven’t received the link, please contact me via email.
Training expectations (Basketball)
I have been really pleased with the energy and enthusiasm being displayed by the boys at training last week and this week. I know the coaches have been impressed with the commitment. Unfortunately, there have been several boys who have missed at least 1 training session already this term. It is important that all boys are able to make their specified training morning unless they have a clash with another Cocurricular commitment at the College. I understand that there may be other factors that impact on training before school. Naturally any boy who simply does not turn up without prior communication may jeopardise their place in his team. Of course, this will be a last resort and treated on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out if there are any concerns.
Basketball Training
Just a reminder of the training details for the remainder of the season:
- A, B, C, D teams: Monday 7:30 am – 8:30 am (Rotation of Indoor and Outdoor Court)
- E, F, G, H teams: Tuesday mornings: 7:30 am – 8:30 am (Rotation of Indoor and Outdoor Court)
- Blue 1, Blue 2, Gold 1, Gold 2 teams: 7:30 am – 8:30 am (Rotation of Indoor and Outdoor Court)
In the event of bad weather, we will do our best to run multiple groups on the indoor court. However, this is not always possible. Please keep an eye out for notification via Clipboard.
Thursday Sport: Summer training continues for Basketball, Cricket, Softball, Tennis and Touch Football.
Term 4 Swim Program
All students will take part in a specialised program, as per the schedule above in lieu of regular Thursday Sport. Year 5 will attend Macquarie Uni Aquatic Centre for a pool-based program and Year 6 will attend Dee Why Beach for a Surf Skills program. Students are required to complete the respective forms that will be issued next week. A grading and waiver form will be share shortly, thank you to the parents/carers for completing these promptly.
- Macquarie Uni Grading Form (Year 5 students) – form will be electronically distributed to students and families.
- SEA Australia Waiver (Year 6 students) – Year 6 parents only, will be distributed electronically.
Swimming Squad Training – Term 4, 2024
It was great to see several junior swimmers attend training this week. Those who were part of swimming squads that attended carnivals are strongly encouraged to register for training. Where boys have basketball training before school, they need to make this a priority unless they have seen me in the first instance to make alternative arrangements. Students wishing to take part are expected to attend majority of the 10 sessions, as we strive to build a strong squad culture. Either Ms Proc (Senior Swimming Convenor) or myself will be in attendance during each session.
Training details:
- 7:10 am at Fitness First, Chatswood (24 Endeavour St, Chatswood)
- Suitable swimwear, goggles and swim cap are all essential (no cap, no swim)
- Students wear PE/ Pius Sports Uniform to the sessions. At 8:15 am the students are walked back to school by staff. They then change into school uniform. A snack/breakfast is also recommended at this point.
- Training days/dates:
Registration for the Term 4 squad program can be found below.
SPX Term 4 Swim Squad Registration
Any questions please email, Mr Bourke jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
IPSHA Sport Results
SPX Cricket U13s
St Pius X batted first at Kierle Park against the Seaforth Stars. We registered 81 runs on a slow outfield against very tight bowling. We started our defense brightly with excellent fielding and tight bowling putting Seaforth under pressure at 4/20. Once Seaforth were able to weather that pressure their better batsman took the game away from us with Seaforth prevailing by four wickets. Man of the match went to Brodie Robertson for valuable runs at the tail and straight, full bowling up front. The students have much to be proud of as they played the game with great spirit.
Andrew Ward
SPX Cricket U12s
Last week, the SPX U12s faced a tough challenge, experiencing their first collapse of the season with a score of 32. While the result wasn't what we hoped for, the team has shown great determination in training, working hard to improve and refine their skills.
It's all about learning from these moments, and we're confident the students will come back stronger in the games ahead. Let’s keep cheering them on and celebrating the effort they put in every week!
Therese Tully
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Summer Tennis
If you have not yet received a email from me regarding your team, please get in contact with me as soon as possible:
With the start of tennis this weekend you should have all received a copy of your teams. Those of you playing in the NSTA competition would have also accessed the draw.
Green ball players will be told on Saturday which teams they will be playing.
Please ensure that you are at your matches at least 15 minutes before the start of play to find out which court you are on and to have a warm up.
See you on Saturday, dressed in College sports shorts, tennis shirt and College or tennis cap.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - Summer Tennis Convenor
From the Junior Resource Centre
This week’s highlights are:
Spooky Season
As the leaves rustle and moonlight spills through ancient branches, I present my curated list of bewitching reads for Spooky Season. From eerie witches’brews to forbidden romances, these pages hold secrets darken than midnight. So grab your coziest blanket, light a candle, and let’s explore the realms where shadows dance whisper.
Where’s Wally Spooky Spotlight Search
Name that villain!
Competition closes on Monday 4 November, 2024.
Fill out a guessing sheet with the name of the book that each villain can be found in. For an extra bonus, name the character. Drop you answers into Mrs Martin for a CHANCE to win a prize! Remember to keep the answers TOP SECRET
Halloween Nonfiction Titles
Books about crows, bats, toads, snakes, and spiders from the 500s this week, more to come next week come. Check them out in the JRC.
100 Most Disgusting Things On The Planet by Anna Claybourne
This wouldn't have been my first choice to read right before eating lunch 🤣🤮🤢.
Mrs Martin’s Book Trail – Percy Jackson – Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan
Get a taste of the next instalment in Percy’s senior year adventures right now. Percy needs three recommendation letters from the gods before his final year in high school comes to an end. And one thing Percy knows, the gods on Mount Olympus don't do anything for free. To secure his second letter, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover agree to a new quest - pet-sitting for the goddess Hecate while she's away over Halloween. They just need to follow her simple rules. Pop into the JRC and read the book to find out what happens. Great reading for Halloween! #MrsMartinsBookTrail2024
Ms Elena Martin – Teacher Librarian