Junior School News
From the Head of the Junior School
Thank you for visiting the Junior School section of the newsletter. For those of you who are new to our College, I'd like to introduce you to Woodchat. This section is designed as a quick summary of all the key news and updates that follow—perfect for busy parents who just need the facts without the extra details. Enjoy the streamlined updates, and feel free to dive into more detailed articles if you have time.
WOODCHAT
Please ensure your son brings his spray jacket to school everyday or preferably, buy him a raincoat (clearly labelled with his name).
Year 6 Camp is now leaving at 6:45 am sharp (buses will start loading at 6:30 am)
Year 5 Camp is leaving at 8:00 am sharp (Please don’t arrive before 7:30 am)
Monday 10 March is summer sport photo day (more details below)
WOODCHATTA
A REFRESHING MOVEMENT BREAK - RAIN OR SHINE!
As our students have settled into the Waterford Learning Centre, one of the unexpected benefits of the transition has been the daily walks to and from the main campus. This movement break provides a fantastic opportunity for students to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and reset their focus before their next activity. Research consistently highlights the benefits of movement on learning, and we’ve seen firsthand how this brief outdoor transition helps students stay engaged and energised.
Of course, with the changing seasons, this also means that we occasionally have to walk in the rain. To assist students to remain dry and comfortable, we kindly ask parents to ensure your child has a rain coat at school each day. A good option would be investing in a long, hooded raincoat similar to the one pictured, which will provide full coverage and keep students warm and dry during wet weather.
Thank you for your support in helping our students embrace the outdoors while staying prepared for all conditions!
Please ensure that the spray jacket or raincoat has your son’s name clearly marked.
COUNTDOWN TO CAMP
IMPORTANT:
Both tours will leave from the Junior School playground at the main campus.
Year 6 leave for Canberra at 6:45 am sharp!
Year 5 leave for Point Wolstoncroft at 8:00 am sharp!
If you are in Year 5, please don’t come to school until 7:30 am so that we can focus on getting the Year 6s away on time.
YEAR 5 CLICK HERE:
YEAR 6 CLICK HERE:
With just 6 sleeps to go until our students head off on their exciting camp and tour, now is the perfect time to build their enthusiasm.
Parents play an important role in shaping their child’s outlook on new experiences. Speaking positively about camp and focusing on the fun ahead will help your son feel confident and excited. Your encouragement can make all the difference in helping him embrace the adventure.
Year 5 students will take part in an action-packed program, including rock climbing, rogaining, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming pool games, an initiatives course, archery, and canoeing.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 students will embark on an educational and inspiring journey to Canberra, where they will visit Parliament House, the Royal Australian Mint, the National Museum of Australia, the National Arboretum, the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, ANZAC Parade, Questacon, the Electoral Education Centre, and Embassy Drive. Orienteering will also be part of their adventure.
By reinforcing excitement and confidence, you’ll help set the stage for an unforgettable experience!
Just a reminder about rooming:
In Year 5, I successfully matched every student with a nominated friend. However, the process for Year 6 is proving more complex for several reasons. For example, if your son has selected three friends, but none of those friends have reciprocated the selection, I am unable to create a match. While we will continue to make every effort to ensure suitable pairings, I kindly ask that you remind your son that one of the key objectives of these trips is to foster the opportunity to make new friendships.
Please click on the link to the Year 5 Camp or Year 6 Canberra trip for all the information you need, including what to pack (and what not to pack):
If you have any questions regarding Camp/Canberra, please email your classroom teacher.
A MEANINGFUL DAY OF LEARNING ABOUT EDMUND RICE
Year 5 students recently enjoyed a meaningful day dedicated to deepening their understanding of the charism that shapes our school community. Through engaging discussions and reflective activities, they explored the life and mission of Blessed Edmund Rice, gaining valuable insight into his vision and the values that continue to inspire us today.
By drawing connections between Jesus’s teachings and Edmund’s ministry, students developed a stronger sense of belonging and purpose, recognizing the importance of compassion, service, and faith in their own lives. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to reflect on how they can carry forward Edmund’s legacy in their everyday actions.
ENRICHMENT MATHEMATICS TAKES OFF!
Students in Mr Makhoul’s Enrichment Mathematics class had an exciting hands-on learning experience as they designed and launched rockets, exploring the mathematical and scientific principles behind flight. Through their investigations, they analysed how different aspects of their rocket’s construction influenced its flight distance, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.
With the fantastic space available in our new Junior School, students have the freedom to take their learning beyond the classroom, bringing mathematical concepts to life through interactive and practical activities. We look forward to seeing what other exciting challenges they will tackle next!
CREATIVE QUILLS: IGNITING A PASSION FOR WRITING
The enthusiasm for storytelling and creative expression was on full display this week as we met with students eager to take part in our Tuesday lunchtime Creative Quills workshops. With an incredible turnout of over 30 keen writers, it’s clear that a love for writing is alive and well in our school community.
Throughout the year, these students will have the opportunity to refine their writing skills, experiment with different styles, and take on exciting challenges—including entering various writing competitions. Whether they enjoy crafting short stories, poetry, or persuasive pieces, Creative Quills will provide a supportive space to nurture their creativity.
Workshops will officially begin next week (Week 6), and students are reminded to bring their own lunch. We look forward to seeing their ideas take flight!
SUMMER SPORT PHOTOS
On Monday 10 March, the College will be taking Summer Sport Photos. The sports involved are Swimming, Squash, Tennis, Touch Football, Basketball and Cricket. All students must wear their school uniform to school and get changed before their photo.
Uniforms required:
- Squash – squash shirt
- Swimming – school uniform
- Softball – softball uniform
- Cross Country (Junior) – school uniform
- Touch Football – touch uniform
- Basketball – basketball shorts and shirt
- Cricket – cricket whites and sports shoes
More details will be given in coming weeks with an agenda of when throughout the day specific photos will be taken.
Ms Leisa Proc - General Coordinator
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior School
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport
Fixtures
Thursday Sport
Sport Choice 2025:
The summer sports have now closed, if you did not make the deadline, this will impact on your son’s participation for summer sport. Please reach out if you wish to complete a registration.
Winter Sport is Open and will close Friday 7 March, 9:00 am. These sports include Football, AFL, Rugby.
If you need assistance with your Clipboard please reach out to myself,
jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or Merryn Dodd mdodd@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Summer Sports
Please be aware there may be some movement of players across teams in Basketball and Touch Football over the next few weeks to accommodate injures and to ensure all teams have enough players play their match.
Players are required to wear SPX sport and/or their playing uniform, to and from the Saturday fixtures. They also need to ensure they have enclosed shoes. The following clothing items are not permitted.
Crocs
Casual clothes
Hoodies
Arrival Time - Players are expected to arrive at their fixture 20 minutes before games to ensure a warmup can be conducted. It also allows families to find a parking spot at away games with there may be limited parking
Accessing Fixture Information via Clipboard
To stay up to date with training schedules and game fixtures, please ensure you regularly check the Clipboard app. Training and Fixtures are accessible directly within the app, and any changes will be updated there as well.
Important Reminder:
To receive timely updates and notifications regarding changes to fixtures or training sessions, please ensure:
Notifications are enabled both within the Clipboard app settings and on your mobile device. The have the option to receive push notifications and/or email prompts.
Please regularly review the app for any schedule updates.
Fixtures will be initially entered as UNCONFIRMED. By Thursday each week they will be CONFIRMED by opposition schools and a notification will be sent to families.
Please check clipboard regularly for any changes to the schedule.
Some fixtures are subject to weather, on occasion this can lead to cancellations. This will occur via the Clipboard app, you should receive a notification if a fixture is cancelled, but please check the app on the morning before leave to ensure you are up to date with any changes.
Logging an Absence for Cocurricular and weekend activities
If your son is unable to attend a Saturday Fixture due to sickness or injury, you can log his absence directly through Clipboard by following these steps:
Log in to Clipboard using your parent account.
Navigate to the Calendar page.
Click on “Log an Absence” and follow the prompts to submit.
As a courtesy, please email Mr Bourke at Jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au prior to the fixture, if possible, by Thursday. For all other absences a request needs to be sent to Mr Bourke for approval.
For normal school day absences, please continue to follow the standard school process.
SPX App
If you haven’t already, please download and familiarise yourself with the SPX App.
SPX Swimming
The IPSHA Carnival will take place on Tuesday, 4 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. This week, students and their families will receive detailed information about the event. We have explained to the students that qualification is based on set qualifying times, which may differ from previous schools where a fixed number of swimmers per age group progressed.
Last week, several Junior School swimmers competed at the BPSSA Carnival at St Ignatius' College, Riverview. The students put in a fantastic effort, going up against some very strong swimming schools and demonstrating great determination and skill.
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the IPSHA Carnival. We wish them all the best as they continue their hard work and strive for success in the pool!
Harrison Ng, Lucas Lee, Emilio Calcarao, Tommy Kay, Harry Kerr, Andrew He, Marc Lafontaine and Christian Tully.
Swimming Squad Training – Term 1, 2025:
Our swim squads are up and running again for 2025. Squads are open to any keen swimmer in the Junior School that is aspiring to qualify for the IPSHA carnival later this term. Students wishing to take part are expected to attend the majority of the 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.
For any new student wishing to join the swim squad training and for those wishing to continue, please complete the following form via the link.
https://forms.office.com/SwimSquadTraining
Those students that have achieved strong times at the Junior Carnival will be sent a formal invite to attend.
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:
Week 6
| Tuesday | 4/3 |
| Thursday | 6/3 | |
Week 7
| Tuesday | 11/3 |
| Thursday | 13/3 |
Junior School Cross Country
Last week, we held the Junior School Cross Country at OXF, and what a fantastic event it was! Congratulations to all runners for their effort and determination. The races were highly competitive, showcasing the depth of talent and enthusiasm among our students. It was great to see so many students pushing themselves and supporting their peers, which bodes well for our IPSHA Carnival on Wednesday, April 2nd. With this strong foundation, we’re looking forward to an exciting lead-up to the event and a great performance on the day. Well done, everyone!
Age Champions
Morning squad training with the Senior School has now started. Details below:
When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
Where: Beauchamp Park, Chatswood
Time: 7:15 am – 8:15 am
Who: All Senior and Junior School students are welcome
A formal invitation will be sent to those that ran well today at the Cross Country.
Note: Meet at the Beauchamp Oval Grandstand in comfortable running gear and with a water bottle. Bring your school uniform to change into afterwards back at The College.
You don’t have to aspire to run in the IPSHA Carnival - all students and abilities are welcome.
If you son plans to join the sessions, please send me an email.
Sydney Grammar Cup – Expression of Interest
For the first time in several years, SPX Junior School will be entering the Grammar Football Cup, taking place on Saturday, 29 March at St Ives. This is an exciting opportunity for our young footballers to compete against top Prep A teams and represent the College in a high-level tournament.
We are inviting keen and committed footballers from Years 5 and 6 to trial for selection in two weeks' time at Oxford Falls. There will be only one team of 10 players, so selection will be based on skill, game awareness, teamwork, and attitude.
Trial Details:
Thursday, 13 March
Oxford Falls (during sport)
Players must bring football boots and shin pads
If selected, there will be a player fee of $50.00 per player to cover tournament entry costs
Coaches: Mr Buda & Mr Bourke
While we would love to include all players, this is a high-level tournament with limited places. We encourage all interested students to sign up via the link below:
https://forms.office.com/GrammarFootballCup
Holiday Rugby Clinic
The holiday rugby clinic is an opportunity to prepare players to ensure a safe and confident commencement or return to rugby.
Summer Sport Results
Why Do We Play and What Are We Trying to Teach the Students?
At St Pius X, our Junior School sports program is about far more than just winning and losing. As members of IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia), we align with a philosophy that prioritises skill development, game awareness, teamwork, and mateship. While competition is a valuable aspect of sport, our focus is on developing the whole student, helping each student grow in confidence, resilience, and respect for others, both on and off the field.
Different schools may take different approaches to sport, but at SPX, we are committed to teaching lifelong lessons through sport. With the importance of perseverance, playing with integrity, and supporting teammates. The IPSHA Code of Conduct reinforces these values, encouraging players, coaches, and parents to uphold a positive sporting culture built on respect and enjoyment of the game.
A huge thank you to our parents for your ongoing support, your encouragement from the sidelines and commitment to the students' development is invaluable. Let’s continue to foster a love for sport that will stay with them well beyond their school years!
Basketball
Touch Football
Softball
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
We had a cooler start to the games last weekend; the skies were a little overcast but that certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the players. Nathan Hon and Eric Park (SPX 24) had an amazing weekend winning all 3 sets against SPX 22. Kairav Singh and Wesley Lum played an outstanding doubles that came down to an exciting tie break, where the students showed their teamwork and won the match! Kai Stephen, Sam Lam and Andrew He, (SPX 31) are all Year 5 students and although they didn’t win any sets, should be congratulated on the way they faced their opponents, all Year 12 students from Redlands. Thank you to Lachlan and Jake Yu who, once again, gave up their Saturday morning to come down and help the younger players, mentoring and umpiring our lower divisions. Your help is always appreciated.
At 10:00 am, thank you to both Ben Shoudra and Lucas Korth who both rose to the occasion to play up in divisions. Ben played an excellent singles, and only just lost out on a win in an exciting tie break. Lucas pulled out an amazing win in his singles with some excellent rallies and shots. Patrick Hu and Noah Safarian (SPX 6) were out to impress, taking out all 3 sets in their match against SPX 8. Ben Crichton and James Stapleton (SPX 10) also played an impressive doubles also coming down to a tie break winning it 7-4. Tyson Liu and Lachlan McGrath (SPX 12) are to be congratulated on winning 18 games to 5 against SPX 13.
NSTA TRAINING TEAMS
A great afternoon of tennis was had. There was a lot of chatter and laughs on the court. It is obvious that all the students are learning from this experience, and with the coaches there it is an excellent opportunity for all. In Division 1, Nicholas, Javien and Seth (Team 1) showed their skills against Team 4, winning all 3 sets. Josh, Patrick and Nicholas (Team 2) also came together as a team to pull out 3 amazing wins, losing only 4 games! Division 2 was no exception, with one of the longest doubles matches I have ever seen 1.5 hours between Teams 6 and 7, with Team 7 securing the victory! Team 7 (Coby and Archer) went on to also win both of their singles.
Allocation of points: One point will be awarded for each set won, half a point for each set unplayed or unfinished and 2 points for the winning team.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - NSTA Covenor