Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
WOODCHAT
For busy families who want the facts, fast!
YEAR 6 SCIENCE
Year 6 headed to Oxford Falls early last Thursday for a hands-on Science experience focused on developing their understanding of fair testing. It was wonderful to see our beautiful Oxford Falls facilities being used so purposefully for teaching and learning. The boys were engaged and eager to share what they were discovering through their experiments. Thank you to Mr Nouragas and the Year 6 team for the time, planning and care they put into facilitating such a valuable learning experience for our Junior School students.
JUNIOR SCHOOL BIBLE LITURGY
Parents, families and friends are warmly invited to join us for our Junior School Bible Liturgy, a special celebration of faith and community. During the liturgy, our Year 5 students and students new to Year 6 will be formally gifted a Bible by the College, marking an important milestone in their spiritual journey. The liturgy will take place on Tuesday 24 March at 9:40 am in the College Gymnasium, and we would be delighted to welcome family and friends to share in this meaningful occasion with us.
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS LAUNCH
Junior School families are encouraged to come along and support our community at the Football Supporters Launch, celebrating the start of the 2026 Football Season. This relaxed and social afternoon is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, connect with other Junior School parents, and show their support for our students and football program. The launch will be held on Sunday 29 March 2026, from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Willoughby Bowling Club, and we would love to see as many Junior School families there as possible. Please see the Junior School sport section below to purchase tickets.
LENTEN LITURGY
As we journey through the season of Lent, families are invited to join our Junior School community for the Junior School Lenten Liturgy, to be held at Our Lady of Dolours Church on Tuesday 31 March at 11:00 am. This liturgy will focus on the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday and will invite students to reflect on themes of service, sacrifice and hope. Through the washing of the feet and a pledge of our Easter intentions, students will be encouraged to consider how they can live the values of compassion and service in their daily lives. We look forward to sharing this reflective and prayerful experience with our families.
AI CONFERENCE
Last Friday, I attended an AI conference with school leaders from across NSW, where the strongest message was not about new technology, but about good educational practice. Our speaker, Leon Furze (pictured), challenged the idea that schools need a separate 'AI policy', arguing instead that artificial intelligence should be treated much like the internet was decades ago - not as a standalone issue, but as something that touches everything we already do. The focus, therefore, is not on banning or fearing AI, but on using it thoughtfully and safely within our existing frameworks for learning, wellbeing, academic integrity and digital citizenship. Used well, AI has the potential to reduce administrative load for teachers, personalise learning, and support creativity and critical thinking, while teachers remain central as guides, mentors and role models. The key takeaway was reassuring; schools don’t need to chase every new tool, but rather stay grounded in strong values, clear expectations, and a continued focus on what matters most: quality teaching, student learning and wellbeing.
MATHS MEGAMINDS WITH MR MAKHOUL
This week in Maths Megaminds, Year 6 experimented with fractions, percentages and ratios to find the perfect ratio of water and air for bottle flipping. A golden ratio of 3 parts water to 7 parts air gave the highest success rate with one group landing over 75% of bottle flips in that category!
MOTHER'S DAY MASS INVITATION
ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 5 & 7 2028 NOW OPEN
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport News
Fixtures
Summer Season Wrap
As we wrap up our Summer Sports season, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Junior School families for your outstanding support throughout the term.
To the parents who generously coached teams, ran the benches, kept the scores, assisted at training, and encouraged the boys each week, your contribution has been invaluable. We simply could not run such a successful and positive program without your energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering support. Thank you for everything you do to make sport at St Pius X such a strong and vibrant part of school life.
Following our final games this Saturday, the students will enjoy a couple of weekends off before we begin our Winter Sport competitions in Term 2.
Thank you again, and we look forward to another fantastic season ahead.
Chess – Junior School Update
We currently have one remaining spot available in Chess. If your son enjoys Chess or is keen to learn new skills, this is a great opportunity to get involved. Training will take place one morning per week (day to be confirmed), with games held on Friday afternoons.
Information will be shared to families shortly regarding games and training.
Sailing Success – Sabot NSW Southern Zone Championships
Over the weekend, the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club hosted the Sabot NSW Southern Zone Championships, where one of our Junior School students, Aiden, competed in the Two‑Up regatta alongside a teammate.
We are delighted to share that the pair finished in 1st place, a fantastic achievement!
Adding to this success, Aiden and his crew also won the Junior Two‑Up Australia Day Sabot Regatta on Sunday, earning them an invitation to Sydney Town Hall in November to receive their trophies.
The boys competed in Boat 7045: Firebolter
Congratulations to Aiden on his outstanding results and for representing the College so proudly.
Thursday Sport Term 1
Term 1 Summer Season Dates
- Round 6: 21 March
Summer Sport Results
Basketball
Touch Football
Softball
Our team showed great improvement in this game, holding the opposition to a much tighter contest compared to the last meeting. In our previous game they ran away with a 12–2 win, but this time we kept them within reach right from the first pitch.
Defensively we were solid through the opening innings, making the routine plays and limiting baserunners. Both sides traded runs early and the scoreboard sat at 2–2 through the second inning. Our pitcher kept the hitters honest, mixing locations well and forcing a number of ground balls that the infield handled cleanly.
The turning point came in the third inning when the opposition strung together a couple of timely hits and managed to push two runners across the plate.
While the result didn’t fall our way, the team showed clear progress from the previous match. Holding a team that previously beat us by ten runs to a two-run game is a strong step forward, and the effort in the field and at the plate showed great determination.
Mrs Jennifer Williams - Softball Coach
Winter Sport Registration - Final reminder
A reminder that Clipboard registrations for Winter Sport close tomorrow at 3:00 pm. Families must finalise their son’s selection for Football, AFL, or Rugby.
There are still available spots in AFL for any students wishing to join.
Winter Sport Grading will begin next week.
Winter Sports Uniform
- AFL
Students are loaned a playing singlet and shorts
They need to purchase the SPX socks from the College Uniform Shop
FOOTBALL
Students need to purchase the shorts, jersey and socks from the College Uniform Shop
RUGBY
Students need to purchase the shorts, jersey and socks from the College Uniform Shop
Football Club Announcement
Get your tickets NOW!! ... the Football Season Launch & Social is this month
Here's the points you need to know:
- This is THE social to kick things off for football in 2026 - at Willoughby Bowling Club. Come and join us on Sunday afternoon 29 March, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm for some great fun, food and socialising with other football families
- The whole family is welcome - this is an event for parents, carers, staff and players - our boys (and their siblings) can come and have some great food, kick a ball around in Willoughby Park and get to know their teammates
- The First XI squad will be presented with their jerseys for the season - a great honour for these young men and an inspiration for all boys playing football this year
We are aiming for a sell-out event again so PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS NOW using the link or QR code below. Further details are included in the link -
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-st-pius-x-football-season-launch
For families that would like to opt in for updates regarding SPX Football please complete the following link. https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/2026_football_club_opt_in
All the best and look forward to seeing everyone soon,
Matt Zanello - SPX Football Supporters Club President
Holiday Rugby Clinic
The annual Easter Holiday rugby clinic will take place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April. This is a great opportunity for the students to make sure they’re well and truly prepared for the season and will help them put their best foot forward for ISA season.
Coaching staff will be Trytime coaches and special guest coaches. Position specific coaching will be given as well as team play. It will be a great chance for students to work on their skills and confidence before the season.
Please register via Clipboard https://portal.clipboard.app/stpiusx.
2026 U/15s & 16s Fiji Rugby Tour
Community Donations
We are thrilled to announce that our U/15s & 16s Rugby squads will be embarking on an exciting tour to Fiji during the April school holidays in 2026! This trip is more than just rugby as it provides students with cultural exchange, community engagement, and also creating unforgettable memories.
As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to the St Pius X community for support. We are collecting donations of any old technology (such as laptops, tablets, or phones) and sports clothing that can be repurposed and shared with local communities in Fiji. Your generosity will help make a real difference.
How to Donate: Please drop off your items in the morning at Student Reception.
SPX Rugby Club
Rugby Gala Dinner 2026
Save the Date. The date and the venue are now locked in! Mark your calendar for Saturday 1 August at Dockside. The Rugby Committee are excited to once again be hosting a fun filled evening.
Stay tuned for further details, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to spxrugby@gmail.com
Term 1 Rugby Dates for the Diary:
Thursday 24 March - Rugby Training Commences at Oxford Falls for all students Year 7-12
Thursday 26 March – Fiji Rugby Tour predeparture meeting
Saturday 28 March - SPX vs ST ALOYISIUS'
15 and 16 April – Rugby Holiday Clinic
ST PIUS X APRIL HOLIDAY SOCCER CAMP - TWO WEEKS TO GO
Tues 7th -Friday 10th April (Please note no session on Easter Monday)
9:00 am - 12:00 pm each day.
2, 3 and 4 day options (Please email to indicate which days you would like to attend if choose the 2 or 3 day option)
5v5 Tournament running each day!
The Perfect Pre Season Preparation!
A bus will be available for the first 60 registered players, departing Chatswood Campus at 8:30 am and returning at 12:40 pm.
For more information and to register please click here: Coerver course | Coerver Coaching
Please email to request a seat on the bus for the duration of the camp.
Coerver Coaching holiday camps offer a fun filled soccer experience for children aged 4-16 years. Each day will include Coerver® SKILLS competitions and challenges, Ball Mastery, Coaching sessions focusing on developing effective use of skill, small sided Coerver® Games, and mini Coerver Cup Tournament to keep players active.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
Our final game was met with perfect weather; a fitting way to conclude the Term 1 the Term 1 season. Congratulations to all our St Pius X students for displaying spirit, enthusiasm, and exceptional teamwork throughout the term.
A special thank you extends to our parents for your ongoing support and for ensuring students arrived on time each week. Your collaboration and commitment are truly appreciated.
Finals Results
It is my pleasure to announce the winners and runners-up for the 2026 season:
On behalf of all St Pius X tennis staff, thank you for another successful season. The sportsmanship and resilience our students show each week continue to reflect the very best of what it means to be a St Pius X student. Your energy and commitment helped make this season such a success.
Unfortunately, this will be my final season as NSTA Convenor as I embark on new adventures. I look forward to hearing about students returning to the tennis courts in Term 4!
Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor