Junior School News 

Our Year 6 students took an exciting step towards the future as they participated in their Year 7 Transition Day. The experience provided students with the opportunity to become familiar with their new environment, meet staff and peers, and begin preparing for the next stage of their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

At school, students completed their Term 4 goals, focusing on areas for growth academically, socially, and personally. This process encouraged students to consider their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals that will support their continued development as learners and young people. We look forward to supporting them as they work towards achieving these goals throughout the term and during their transition to high school.

Year 6 Drama Incursion – SOS: Students Observing Sustainability

Year 6 students recently took part in an engaging drama incursion, SOS – Students Observing Sustainability, facilitated by an instructor from Drama Toolbox. Using props, costumes and their performance skills, students worked to create dramatic narratives exploring environmental issues and the challenges facing our planet.

The activities encouraged students to think creatively about sustainability, including the impact of landfill in Paraguay and the threats of deforestation, palm oil production, poaching and logging in the jungles of Sumatra. Through dramatic storytelling and role-play, students brought these issues to life, exploring different perspectives and communicating important environmental messages to an audience.

The incursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to extend their performance skills while making connections between their creative work and the environmental issues explored in class. It was wonderful to see their imagination and enthusiasm as they used drama to communicate ideas about sustainability and our responsibility to protect the natural world.

Ms Lana Shaba -  Leader of Learning, Year 6

Year 6 Excursion to Balmoral Beach

Year 6 enjoyed a beautiful day at Balmoral Beach, participating in an immersive learning experience that connected our HSIE and Science and Technology units. The excursion provided students with the opportunity to explore sustainable fishing practices, learn about Indigenous Knowledges and Practices, and investigate the health of local marine and coastal ecosystems.

Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on activities, including water quality testing, litter surveys and habitat investigations. These experiences encouraged them to think critically about the impact of human activity on the environment and consider practical ways to reduce pollution and protect our waterways. Students also explored the deep cultural connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with waterways and the importance of caring for Country.

Developed in response to student interest, this new excursion provided a valuable opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. It was wonderful to see students so enthusiastic and engaged as they applied their knowledge in a real-world setting, deepened their understanding of environmental sustainability and developed a greater appreciation for the natural environment around them. Thank you to Mr Buda who has been our resident fishing expert, sharing valuable tips and tricks with the students.

Ms Lana Shaba - Leader of Learning, Year 6

Year 5 Maths Megaminds

This week in Maths Megaminds, Year 5 explored how to plot coordinates in all 4 quadrants of the Cartesian Plane.  This ended with a real life treasure hunt on a life size Cartesian Plane!

Mr Matthew Makhoul - Year 5 Teacher

Junior School Concert – Friday 6 November, 1:30 pm

Our Years 5 and 6 students will take centre stage in the College Gym, presenting a lively celebration of their musical learning and achievements throughout the semester. The afternoon will also feature performances by our Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale and Junior Guitar Ensemble, showcasing the enthusiasm, developing skills and musical talents of our youngest performers.

Junior School Drama – Friday 13 November

The spotlight then shifts to our budding actors as the Junior School Drama Ensemble presents The Missing Masterpiece in the Sarto Centre. The boys will perform for their Junior School peers and teachers, with parents warmly invited to attend either the 2:00 pm (Year 5) or 2:30 pm (Year 6) performance, or both! This entertaining production promises to highlight the creativity, teamwork and growing confidence of our young actors. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School

Mrs Jennifer Williams and Mr Wayne Wheatley

Fixtures

Junior School Sport News

NSWPSSA Athletics Championships

We are incredibly proud of our Junior School athletes, who created history for the St Pius X Junior School at the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC).

Representing both SPX and CIS, Jack Cross, Tommy Kay, Oliver Thatcher and Flynn Scrivener competed against the state's best school-aged athletes with outstanding success.

The boys' relay team delivered a remarkable performance, winning their heat to qualify for the final. In an exceptionally competitive field, they went on to finish 5th in New South Wales, an incredible achievement and one of the strongest athletics results in Junior School history.

Individually, the students also excelled:

• Jack Cross finished 5th in the Long Jump.

• Tommy Kay finished 4th in Shot Put and 5th in Discus.

These results are a reflection of their talent and the high level of this competition. Congratulations to Jack, Tommy, Oliver and Flynn on their outstanding achievements and for representing SPX with such pride and distinction.

Junior School Swim and Surf Programs

Families should now have received information regarding the Year 5 Swim Program and Year 6 Surf Program, which will take place during Weeks 4-7.

• Year 5 students will attend the Swim Program at Macquarie Pool.

• Year 6 students will participate in the Surf Program at Dee Why Beach.

Please ensure all required forms and waivers are completed by Monday 2 November.

As these programs form a compulsory part of the Junior School curriculum, all students are expected to attend. Families are also asked to carefully review the clothing and equipment requirements outlined in the information provided. In particular, Year 5 students are required to wear a rash shirt while participating in water-based activities and will not be permitted to enter the water without one. For any families that wish to collect their son directly from the venues, please email their classroom teachers. 

Junior School Swimming Carnival

The Junior School Swimming Carnival will be held in Week 6 on Tuesday 17 November at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. This term's event will be a House Carnival, aligning with the Senior School Swimming Carnival later that week and providing a great opportunity to finish the school year with plenty of House spirit.

For students aspiring to represent SPX at IPSHA Swimming in 2027, times recorded at the carnival will form the basis of initial qualification and selection. Additional time trial opportunities will be available through our Term 1 Swim Squad Program, allowing current students to improve their times and providing incoming Year 5 students with the same representative pathway opportunity.

This approach reflects the practice adopted by a number of IPSHA schools and ensures our carnival remains both a meaningful House event and an important part of our representative sport program.

Further information regarding events and carnival procedures will be shared closer to the date. Please note for the success of the carnival we will require the support of our amazing parents to help on the day. 

Summer Sport Season Information

Fixtures are now live on Clipboard. Please note that fixtures will initially appear as 'Unconfirmed'. Once they have been confirmed by our opposition schools, their status will change to 'Confirmed'. On rare occasions, adjustments may need to be made after confirmation, and families will be notified of any significant changes.

IPSHA Basketball, Touch Football and Softball fixture dates:

• 31 October Round 9

• 7 November Round 10

• 14 November Round 11

• 21 November Round 12 

Information regarding the Tennis and Cricket seasons will be communicated directly to students and families by the respective convenors.

Term 4 Calendar 

Term 4 Swim Squad  

Training continued this week. Swim Squad is open to all students who would like to improve their swimming skills, fitness and confidence in the water, regardless of experience level.

Students are welcome to attend throughout the term, and any families wishing to join the squad can do so via the registration link below.

Training Details

• Venue: Chatswood Fitness First
• Time: 7:00 am - 8:00 am
• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout Term 4

To register and be added to the squad, please complete the registration form below.

Swim Squads Sign-Up Term 4 2026 – Fill out form

2027 Football and Rugby Tour

Planning is well underway for our 2027 Football and Rugby Tour, with an Expression of Interest to be distributed to families shortly. This communication will provide preliminary details regarding the tour itinerary, estimated costs, and selection process.

Depending on player registrations, trials may be required and are expected to take place in late Term 4. Families are encouraged to consider the commitment carefully and look out for further information in the coming weeks.

Please note that the tour is currently scheduled to take place in April 2027 and will provide students with an exciting opportunity to represent SPX, develop their skills, and create lasting memories alongside their teammates.

Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator

Softball

St Pius X College vs Grammar St Ives A team

We were sent in to bat first and made a positive start, applying pressure early and taking the lead after the opening innings. Grammar responded strongly in the second innings, capitalising on their opportunities to level the scores, with the game finishing in an exciting 11-all draw.

The players continued to demonstrate their growing understanding of the game, combining strong teamwork with excellent communication across the field. There were several outstanding defensive plays, with precision throwing and smart decision-making helping to execute runners out at base and limit scoring opportunities. At bat, the team showed confidence and determination, working hard to keep the scoreboard moving in a closely contested match.

Most pleasing was the way the players supported one another and maintained a positive attitude throughout the game. Their effort, sportsmanship, and willingness to put training strategies into practice were evident from the first pitch to the final out.

Congratulations to all players on another strong performance. A special mention goes to our Players of the Match, Will Valentine and Lucas Jie, who both made valuable contributions to the team's success. Their commitment, teamwork, and positive approach throughout the game set an excellent example for their teammates and played an important role in securing the hard-fought draw.

Mrs Jenny Williams - Softball Coach and Manager

Basketball Supporters Club

We Need You!

The SPX Basketball Club needs your help.

To continue improving our program, raising standards, and creating greater opportunities for our students, the Basketball Club is working hard to fundraise throughout the season. Our BBQ fundraiser in Week 1 was a fantastic success, and we will be back again on Saturday 31 October.

With your support, we can make a real impact. Every dollar raised helps strengthen our program and contribute to future success for our players and teams. We encourage families to stop by, grab a sausage sandwich, and support the club where possible.

We are also seeking parent volunteers to assist on the day. If you can spare 30 minutes to an hour, it would be greatly appreciated and will go a long way towards making the event a success.

Volunteer Sign-Up:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M71xSQvJR7M9Nk_Nxts2he7CQoFyK_uJaLV8OjGDVNw/edit?usp=sharing

There are plenty of spots needed between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Many hands make light work!

RAFFLES CONTINUE 

Our SPX Basketball Club Raffle is now underway, with a fantastic range of prizes on offer. Every ticket purchased helps support the growth of our basketball program, providing opportunities for our players and contributing to the continued success of SPX Basketball.

Prize 1: Basketball Legends & Family Fun Hamper

Featuring framed, signed Shaquille O'Neal memorabilia, a family pass to a Sydney Kings game, a brand-new basketball, and the LEGO® Nike Dunk Trickshot Set.

Value: Approximately $450

Prize 2: Fitness Boost Hamper

Includes a 3-month Fitness First Platinum Membership (Chatswood), sports hydration products, recovery items, and wellness essentials.

Value: Approximately $350

Prize 3: Recovery & Grooming Hamper

A premium package featuring a Tooletries grooming set, Escape Bathhouse voucher, recovery supplements, hydration products, and wellness essentials.

Value: Approximately $250

Prize 4: Sneaker Head's Dream Pack

Featuring the exclusive Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set, sporting accessories, hydration products, and recovery essentials.

Value: Approximately $175

Prize 5: Spoilt Sports Packs (6 to be won!)

Each pack includes a $25 Rebel Sport voucher, Hydralyte, a sweat towel, and recovery products.

Value: Approximately $60 per pack

Purchase Your Tickets Today

Support the club and go into the draw to win one of these fantastic prizes:

https://www.trybooking.com/DQTMQ

Thank you for your continued support of SPX Basketball. Together, we can continue to build a stronger and more successful program for all players.

Miled Sawakid - President, SPX Basketball