Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
IT'S A BOY!
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Buda on the safe and happy arrival of Sebastian Orso Buda on Monday afternoon. Sebastian arrived weighing 3.75kg and was 52cm in length. Everyone is doing well. Mr Buda will be spending the rest of Term 2 at home on nappy duties, and we look forward to welcoming him back in Term 3. We are thrilled to have Dr Molloy filling in on 6 Red for the remainder of the term.
Congratulations to the students who represented the College at this year’s da Vinci Decathlon. They were outstanding ambassadors, travelling responsibly to and from Knox College and demonstrating teamwork, collaboration and perseverance throughout a series of demanding challenges.
The competition was highly challenging, with our students competing against more than 80 schools from across New South Wales.
Congratulations to our Year 5 team who placed 5th in the Legacy (General Knowledge) competition and to our Year 6 team who placed 11th in the Ideation competition.
Thank you to Mr Cummins for his work with our teams. The da Vinci Club will take a short break and resume later in the year.
IPSHA DEBATING
Our teams were narrowly defeated in both home debates against John Colet last Friday. The topic proved challenging, particularly for students debating for the first time, but they approached it with enthusiasm and enjoyed the research involved in arguing that Space Exploration Is Worth the Cost.
Our debaters face another challenging topic when they compete against Riverview at home next Friday: It Is Better to Examine the Past Than to Worry About the Future.
We wish Liam C, Isaac H, Sebastian F, Max Y, Lachlan B, Aedan T, Tom, S and Harry K the very best of luck!
Thank you to Ms Shaba for all the work she is doing is preparing our debaters.
ACCELERATED READER (AR) AND STAR ASSESSMENTS (YEARS 5 AND 7)
St Pius X College, Chatswood is committed to helping every student develop strong reading skills and a genuine love of reading. As you know, Year 5 and Year 7 have commenced the Accelerated Reader program and have completed STAR Reading Assessments.
Your son should now have a Reading Log which has his Terms 2 and 3 Reading Range and AR Target. The Reading Log should be kept within the plastic sleeve in his school diary. The AR Target needs to be achieved by the end of Term 3 and is dependent on your son reading texts that fall within his Reading Range and to be reading regularly (at least 20 minutes per day as homework).
Please see the attached letter for more information. If you have any questions about the Accelerated Reader or STAR Reading Assessment, please contact the college to discuss.
HOMEROOM AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTO DAY - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
On Friday 29 May the College will be having school photos from Periods 1 - 6. Year 5 - 11 will have group photos in homerooms while Year 12 will have a full year group photo.
Please note that the procedure to order photos is different from previous years.
You will need to order your photos ONLINE prior to Friday 29 May.
Please follow the instructions below to order the packages of photos you would like:
Go to Melba website: www.melbastudios.com.au
Select: Schools option
Password: anderson
Please remember to order online before Friday 29 May.
You will receive a receipt for your order.
Please print this out or write down the reference number and give it to your son to hand to the photographers on the day.
You will NOT be charged until after the photo is taken.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport News
Athletics Carnival - Date for your diary
Fixtures
Around the Grounds
A strong theme across all Junior Sport this week has been the way our teams are playing the game. While results are always a part of sport, what continues to stand out is the spirit in which our students are competing, showing respect for referees, opposition teams and match officials, and demonstrating integrity in how they approach each contest.
Winning is something we all enjoy, but at SPX, how we play the game is just as important. It has been fantastic to see our program go from strength to strength in this space, and I could not be more impressed with the positive attitude shown across all teams.
A special mention to our Prep Rugby team for their fixture against Nudgee College, a wonderful experience and a great step forward for the group and SPX Rugby. There are also encouraging signs across Junior Football, with all teams developing well and playing some excellent football, while our AFL players continue to show strong improvement week to week.
A reminder that our Football Supporters’ Day will take place this Saturday. Please see details below. Rugby Supporters' Day is on 30 May.
Information regarding the upcoming Athletics Carnival will be shared next week.
Finally, a quick note regarding fixtures on Clipboard. If you see a time listed as 2:33am, this is simply a placeholder indicating that a match time has not yet been finalised. Once confirmed, fixtures will be updated accordingly. Further details can be found below under “Information via Clipboard.”
Well done to all students on another excellent week of sport.
College Uniform Shop
XL Sports Bags – Limited Offer
The College Uniform Shop currently has limited stock (approx. 40 units) of XL sports bags available at a discounted price of $33.00.
These bags are ideal for tours, camps, and weekend sport, or for general training use.
Available while stocks last, families can purchase in-store or online via the College Uniform Shop.
Winter Sport Results
Football
The Junior Football program continues to build strong momentum, with the undefeated streak remaining intact after three rounds of competition.
It was another excellent weekend of football, highlighted by some strong team performances across the all teams. The Year 5 teams were particularly impressive in their fixtures against Sydney Grammar, recording convincing wins while playing positive, team-focused football. There are also encouraging signs emerging from our Year 5 teams, who continue to develop their skills, understanding of the game and team cohesion each week. Their progress and attitude have been a real highlight of the season so far.
In the Preps, there were some tightly contested matches, with both Prep A and Prep B securing narrow one-goal victories. These close results are a great sign of the students’ resilience and ability to compete under pressure.
Across all teams, the focus on playing in the right spirit, supporting one another and continuing to improve has been clearly evident. We look forward to building on this strong start as the season progresses.
SPX Football Supporter's Club Update
BBQ & Bake Sale this Saturday at Oxford Falls
We are looking forward to seeing as many of you at Oxford Falls this Saturday for the season's first BBQ & Bake Sale. With plenty of teams playing at home, it's a great way to come and socialise with other families as we watch the students play.
If you would like to get involved, please come and volunteer at the Bake Sale table or on the bbq via this link - https://signup.com/go/uwcDTuf
... or if you have an opportunity, please do contribute any baked goods in support of the stall. You can drop them off at the basketball (lower) canteen on Saturday. If there are any questions, please reach out to Priscilla Safarian at pleasepris@hotmail.com
Save The Date - Saturday 29 August
The Football Supporters' Club has heard you! Parents have expressed a desire to get together for a drink at season's end. We have booked Yogi's Bar at Chatswood RSL - 6:30 pm start on Saturday 29 August. Chatswood RSL have sponsored the boys' football development to the tune of $10,000 pa over the last two years, so this is a great way for us to get together for a fun night AND thank Chatswood RSL for their support.
All the best and see you pitchside.
Matt Zanello - President SPX Football Supporter's Club
ST PIUS X JULY HOLIDAY FOOTBALL CAMP
- Monday June 29th -Thursday July 2nd
- Oxford falls Campus
- 9am-12pm each day.
- 2, 3 and 4 day options
- 5v5 Tournament running each day!
For more information and to register please click here: Coerver course | Coerver Coaching
Ages : Year 5 to Year 10
A bus is available for the first 60 players to register leaving the Chatswood Campus at 8.30am each day and returning at 12.40pm
Please email sydneyns@coerver.com.au upon registering to secure a seat on the bus
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.
Rugby
Last weekend, the Prep A’s were privileged to be able to compete in a triple header against Waverley and Nudgee College, touring from Brisbane. Having to play back-to-back matches, the squad demonstrated grit, resilience and teamwork. A big congratulations to Noah and Tommy who were given man-of-the-match honours by the opposition coaches in both games.
The 11A’s continue to show improvement, competing in a very close match against Shore, while the 11B’s played in a very tough match but kept fighting until the end. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of all rugby players.
This weekend, we look forward to a fun weekend of playing 7’s Rugby at Koola Park.
I wish the best of luck to the 7 students' competition in the IPSHA Rugby Trials on Thursday: Jack C, Lachie D, Noah F, Nate F, Tommy K, Lachie S and Ollie T.
Mr Callum Montgomerie - Junior School Rugby Convenor
SPX Rugby Club
🏉 SPX Rugby Club Gala Dinner 2026 – Tickets On Sale Now!
The SPX Rugby Committee is excited to invite you to a special evening that brings together the broader rugby community.
📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
🕡 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
📍 Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
🎟️ TICKET SALES NOW OPEN
$150 per person – includes a three-course meal and drinks package.
🎤We’re delighted to welcome Cameron Shepherd, former Wallaby and the highest try and point scorer in Western Force history, as our MC and Guest Speaker for the evening. Joining Cam for a fireside chat will be Keith Gleeson, SPX Parent, former Ireland, Leinster and Australian U21/U19 representative, renowned for his relentless work rate, rugby intelligence and dry wit. Together, it promises a conversation filled with insight, humour and unforgettable rugby stories.
🎶 Enjoy live music from Dow Jones and the All Ordinaries, and take part in our silent and live auctions, all contributing to fundraising efforts that help us continue delivering quality rugby programs and opportunities for our players.
All SPX parents are warmly welcome to join us in celebration and support.
AFL
Despite challenging, foggy conditions, our students produced a strong team performance to record a convincing win over Barker, 18.10 (118) to 3.2 (20). While the result was pleasing, what stood out most was the way the group approached the game, playing in the right spirit, supporting one another, and using the opportunity to focus on key skills and team structures that will serve them well in future matches.
A big thank you to our parent volunteers who stepped in to support the team on the day, particularly with coaching, running the scoreboard and goal umpiring, your support is greatly appreciated.
Chess
Round 3 of the chess competition proved to be a challenging away round for St Pius X.
The A Team faced a strong Artarmon side and unfortunately went down in all matches.
The B Team had an outstanding performance against Beauty Point, winning all four matches in a dominant display.
The C Team also faced tough competition against Lane Cove and were unable to secure a win this week.
Congratulations to all players for their persistence, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the round. We look forward to bouncing back strongly next week!
This week’s fixtures are as follows:
The A Team has a bye.
The B Team will host Neutral Bay at SPX.
The C Team will host Cammeray at SPX.
Mrs Bridie Barrett - Junior Chess Convenor
Term 2 Thursday Sport Dates and Events
Term 2 Winter ISPHA Season Dates
- Round 4: 23 May
- Round 5: 30 May
- Round 6: 13 June
- Round 7: 20 June
- Round 8: 25 July
- Round 9: 1 August
- Round 10: 8 August
Wet Weather
In the case that weather impacts Junior School fixtures, a notification will be posted via Clipboard and/or the College App. Please ensure you are checking for updated information on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Updates could include venue changes, times changes or cancellations.
SPX App
Families are encouraged to download and familiarise themselves with the SPX App if they have not already done so.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator