St Pius X College Newsletter

Junior School News 

From the Head of Junior School

WOODCHAT (For busy families who just want the facts, fast!)

HAIR POLICY

The College’s Hair Policy can be viewed here:  Hair Policy – April 2025

We appreciate your support in helping your son meet these expectations. Students are coming to school and saying, ‘The barber just did it.’  To avoid any confusion at the barber, we recommend that haircut instructions come directly from parents, rather than students or being left to the barber. While some current styles, such as the mullet, may be popular, they do not meet College standards.  Hair cannot be shaved down the sides/over the ears – it must be blended in with the rest of the hair.

If a student’s haircut does not comply with the policy, he may be asked to wear a hat until it is corrected. In cases of repeated breaches, students may be asked to return home until their haircut is in line with expectations.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping things consistent and fair for all students.

 

COMPUTER USE

Can you please speak with your son to remind him of the commitment he made when he was given his school computer.  We do our very best to ensure that students make good choices when using their school computer and your support with this is appreciated. 

 

MARKET DAY

Next Friday, 12 September, the college is holding its annual Market Day.  Students are able to purchase food and drink from the many stalls at Recess and Lunch.  

The event is cashless, so food and other items need to be purchased using a voucher system.  All vouchers are valued at $2 and combinations of these can be used to purchase items on the day.  

There will be very limited ability to purchase vouchers using card on the day.  

Vouchers can be prepurchased using the following trybooking link:

https://www.trybooking.com/DFAUN and will be distributed to students prior to Market Day. 

Prepurchase of vouchers closes, Monday 8 September at 2:00 pm.

Please note that there will be no Canteen facilities available on Friday 12 September.

 

OUR LITTLE METEORITE THAT COULD (MAKE THE NEWS!)

Our meteorite landing made international headlines this week, picked up by both the Daily Mail UK and Indian news outlet WION. From Chatswood to Chennai, people were reading about our space rock. It seems our meteor travelled much further than we ever imagined!

Most importantly, last week’s 'impact' inspired some stellar learning in Science, Mathematics and English. Students wrote news reports, calculated trajectories, and conducted hands-on experiments. Some were still convinced the meteorite was real right up to Friday afternoon, especially after a very convenient screenshot of 'security footage' appeared, showing the meteorite hurtling towards our back patio!

 

The illusion was made all the more convincing thanks to some very special helpers:  A big thank you to Mrs Doheny and Sergeant Terry from Cowra Police for sourcing the most realistic meteor this side of the asteroid belt.  Our local Willoughby Fire Crew arrived in full force - fire truck included - to check the rock for gas, radiation, and magnetic disturbances. When one student asked, “What is it?”, the firefighter’s Oscar-worthy reply was: “I’m not sure. But I can tell you, it’s not from THIS planet!” Cue jaws dropping.  Special thanks also to Mr Greenwood, who spent the weekend helping me put the plan in place and then bravely took on the role of space expert for the morning replying “It’s very suspicious,” to almost every question. Thanks also to the Junior School teachers for playing along brilliantly, ensuring the students turned curiosity into discovery.

Who knew that with some ash, creativity, and a crash-landing we could inspire a week of learning, capture imaginations and end up in the international press? Not bad for a burnt tree stump from Cowra!

SOCIAL ACTION EXPO

On Wednesday, Mrs Doheny and I joined our Year 5 Class Captains and special guest Kent Sobey at the Social Action Expo hosted by St Ignatius' College, Riverview. We missed our other special guest, Will Greenland, who was away.

Over 180 students from 20 independent schools came together to learn, share, and celebrate the difference they are making in the world.

The morning featured talks from three inspiring charities – SchoolAid, Cana Communities, and the B Kinder Foundation. By afternoon, the hall had been transformed into a buzzing Social Action Expo, with schools showcasing photos, projects, and stories of how they are making a positive impact.  We are hoping to be an exhibitor next year.

For privacy reasons, I am not allowed share photos that have students from other schools in them, however, here are some other photos from the day:

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY AND SPORTS DAY

As you are receiving this edition of Woodchatta, we will have come to the end of our Father’s Day Liturgy and Sports Day. It is always our biggest event of the year, and I look forward to reporting on it next week. Hopefully, everyone has arrived home safe and sound without any injuries!

 

AUSTRALIAN STOCK EXCHANGE GAME

It wasn’t the best day for our Junior Stockbrokers (or their participating teachers) on Wednesday, with the Australian share market suffering its worst day in five months.

Despite stronger-than-expected GDP figures, nervous investors sold off more than $50 billion in stocks, spooked by global concerns about bonds, higher interest rates, and losses on Wall Street. Hopes of a September rate cut quickly vanished.

It seems the September stock market “hoodoo” is alive and well, but our young traders took it all in their stride, learning the important lesson that sometimes the market gives, and sometimes it takes away!

Mrs Jill Greenwood -  Head of Junior School

Junior School Sport

Father and Son Sports Day

Today, the Junior School community came together for a truly special event, our annual Father & Son Sports Day at Oxford Falls. The day was filled with energy, laughter, and meaningful moments as students and their father figures shared in the joy of sport and togetherness.

From the opening Liturgy in the Gym to the spirited sports sessions across the grounds, it was heartwarming to see dads and sons engaging side by side. Whether competing, cheering, or simply enjoying each other's company. The Oxford Falls buzzed with excitement and laughter, and the lunch provided a perfect opportunity to relax and connect.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the father figures who attended and helped create lasting memories with their sons. Your presence and participation made the day truly memorable, and we hope you enjoyed every moment.

As we reflect on the significance of this day, we’re reminded of the powerful role fathers play in the lives of their children. Not just as supporters, but as role models, mentors, and companions.

'A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.'

Thank you once again for being part of this special celebration. We look forward to many more moments of connection and community in the future.

Athletics

We wish Xander Conner, Tommy Kay, and Jack Cross the very best of luck as they compete at the CIS Athletics Carnival at SOPAC tomorrow. May they jump high, run fast and throw far!

A reminder to all squad members: please return your singlets to Mr Bourke on Monday, or hand them to your classroom teacher.

 

Summer Sports Grading Reminder

Thank you to all students for their enthusiasm during our first round of summer sports trials last week. With grading now underway, we’ll continue trials next week as we begin forming teams for Term 4. Please note that teams, particularly in Basketball and Touch Football may continue to adjust as we lead into the season. Team announcements for Cricket and Tennis will come via the Sport Convenors.

Teams will be confirmed by the end of Term 3, and draft fixtures will be uploaded to Clipboard once available.

 

NSWPSSA Football Championship

Last week, Joshua Hallett (Year 6) proudly represented CIS Football and St Pius X Junior School at the NSWPSSA Football Championship, showcasing his talent and dedication on a state level.

Despite a challenging final day, where Josh was first stung by a bee and later suffered a fractured wrist while making a courageous double save, his commitment to the team and the tournament was truly admirable. Although he’s disappointed not to finish the championship, his efforts and sportsmanship throughout the event were outstanding.

We congratulate Josh on this incredible achievement and thank him for representing SPX with pride. We wish him a smooth and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the field soon.

Stay Updated with Clipboard Notifications

To ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fixtures, events, and registrations, please make sure notifications are enabled within the Clipboard App and on your device.

 

This involves two quick steps:

  1. Approving permissions within the Clipboard app

  2. Allowing notifications through your device settings (Apple or Android)

 

For iPhone Users:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Scroll down and tap Clipboard (you may need to open the app first for it to appear).

  3. Tap Notifications.

  4. Toggle Allow Notifications to ON.

  5. Choose your preferred alert style (Lock Screen, Notification Centre, Banners).

  6. Ensure Sounds and Badges are also enabled if desired.

 

For Android Users:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Apps & Notifications.

  3. Find and tap Clipboard.

  4. Tap Notifications.

  5. Toggle notifications ON.

By enabling notifications, you’ll never miss an important update again!

 

Updated Summer Sport Grading – Week 6 and 8

We’re excited to kick off summer sport grading with a great team of coaches and programs:

  • Cricket – Led by Cricket Appeal

  • Touch Football – Run by Try Time

  • Basketball – Led by Danny Garrett (First V Coach & SPX Player Development)

  • Softball – Overseen by Mrs Williams

  • Tennis – Coached by Oxford Falls Racket Club 

 

Sport Convenors

 

Equipment Reminders:

  • Students must bring the correct equipment for their chosen sport.

  • Softball – All equipment is provided.

  • Tennis – Students may bring their own rackets if preferred.

 

Unform for the season:

  • Basketball – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season

  • Softball – Playing shirt is loaned out for the season

  • Tennis – Playing shirt is purchased from the College Shop

  • Touch Football – Playing singlet is loaned out for the season

  • Cricket – Playing uniform is purchased from the College Shop

 

Link for College Uniform shop: https://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/uniform-shop/

 

Term 3 Weekly Sport Calendar

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator

Tennis (NSTA)

First Grading Session

The first Junior School grading session was a fantastic start to the season. Our coaches were genuinely impressed by the students’ skill levels, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn new techniques.

Registration Reminder

Thank you to all families who have registered for the upcoming 2025/2026 NSTA season via Clipboard. If you haven’t yet completed the registration, we kindly ask that you do so as soon as possible to ensure your son is correctly placed in a team and receives all relevant information.

Next Grading Session

Our second grading session will take place next Thursday, 11 September, during school hours. Please remind your son to bring his tennis racquet and hat for training.

Uniforms

If your son does not yet have the official tennis uniform, please arrange for it to be purchased from the Uniform Shop ahead of the next session.

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor

 

Cricket

CRICKET SEASON STARTS 13 SEPTEMBER

Registrations continue to remain open for the upcoming MWJCA cricket season, which begins on Saturday, 13 September. The season will feature 3 rounds before the school holidays, followed by the continuation of the competition in Term 4.

To ensure your son's participation, registration is required on both Clipboard and PlayHQ:

  • Clipboard – for internal College registration and team coordination. The College fee for cricket is paid via the app.

  • PlayHQ – for official MWJCA registration. There is a $17.50 fee payable directly to Cricket Australia for player insurance. This will be available via the Clipboard app. 

For anyone who is yet to complete either of the registration links, please see the links below.

 

PlayHQ Registration Links

To streamline competition entry and meet MWJCA’s structure, players must register in the correct stage based on their year level:

 

The MWJCA competition is divided into Stage 2 and Stage 3 formats, which reflect Cricket Australia's player development framework.

To streamline the registration process, all Junior School players will be registered in Stage 2, while all Senior School players will register in Stage 3. 

 

Junior School Players – Key Information:

  • Competitions played in Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association (MWJCA), with matches played on the Northern Beaches every Saturday. Each team bats & bowls for 30 overs. 

  • Under 12s – Matches on Saturday afternoons

  • Under 13s – Matches on Saturday mornings

  • We encourage parent volunteers to support teams as coaches, managers, umpires or scorers.

 

Uniform Update:

A new uniform will be introduced this season for all players. Details on sizing and ordering will be shared soon. The new kit will be required for match days.

If you have any questions about registration, teams, or uniform, please don’t hesitate to contact me at rbalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor