Junior School News
From the Head of the Junior School
WOODCHAT – for busy families who just want the facts, fast!
REMINDERS
- Please label all clothing (especially blazers and tracksuit tops)
Please purchase a (preferably navy) raincoat for your son to wear to and from school and to and from the WLC. Examples below:
Kmart https://www.kmart.com.au/product/spray-jacket-s167332/
Target https://www.target.com.au/p/school-microfibre-spray-jacket/67936120
DATES FOR THE DIARY
WOODCHATTA
JAMES MORRISON TO PERFORM AT ST PIUS X!
Excitement is building across the College as we prepare to welcome legendary musician James Morrison for a special performance tomorrow night. A huge congratulations to the talented students who will have the incredible opportunity to workshop with James during the day and take the stage with him in the evening: Kris Bentrott, Philip Brady, Lachlan Centofanti, Josh Craig, Robbie Spurway, and Jake Wilson.
FUN WITH FRACTIONS IN 5 GOLD!
This week, students in 5 Gold engaged in a hands-on and engaging exploration of fractions through the creation of their own chatterboxes. This creative and interactive activity provided an opportunity to reinforce key mathematical concepts such as halves, quarters, and eighths. As students folded, labelled, and manipulated their chatterboxes, they developed a deeper understanding of how fractions function in a practical context.
LANGUAGE COMPETITION
Congratulations to Hayden Tam on his achievement of a Bronze Award in the Education Perfect Language competition. A Bronze Award means that Hayden has completed over 1,000 correct answers.
STUDENT WELLBEING SURVEY
As part of the College’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, we recently conducted a Wellbeing Survey, inviting students to share their experiences across a range of areas, including any incidents of bullying.
We are pleased to report that feedback from the Junior School reflects a very low number of bullying incidents. While the data is reassuring overall, we know that even a small number of negative experiences deserve our attention.
Our approach remains proactive and student-centred. Teachers and I are currently following up with the small number of students who were impacted to ensure they feel heard, supported, and safe. These conversations also provide an important opportunity to reinforce the values we hold as a school community - kindness, respect, and personal responsibility.
We are proud of the positive culture our students contribute to each day and remain committed to helping each child grow into the best version of themselves. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering a caring and respectful environment for all.
A NOTE FROM THE CANTEEN
Making purchases using a student's Flexischools Account
When students wish to make a purchase at the Canteen using their Flexischools account they must now use their student ID card as canteen staff can no longer type in a student's ID code. Students should therefore remember to carry their student ID card with them at Recess and Lunch if they wish to purchase items using their Flexischools account.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentoring officially started on Tuesday with a group of approximately 70 Year 11 and Year 5/6 students. The first session is a get to know you session where a connection is formed and built on over the next two terms.
Mentoring is an important program which the college greatly values, whereby senior students provide emotional support and friendship towards our younger students. Junior students are also given advice and guidance from our senior students in a one-on-one connection. This can help the junior students build their self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
Part of this program involves senior mentors meeting with their mentee once a week during lunch, over Terms 2 and 3. At the end of each term there will be an offsite activity.
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
Fixtures
Junior School Sport
Junior Sport Update
Thank you to all players and families for another great weekend of sport. A special shout-out to the boys who are stepping up and playing in two teams to help cover absences. Your commitment and willingness are truly appreciated.
Log an absence: A reminder that if your son is unavailable for a game, please email me and log the absence in Clipboard with as much notice as possible. This helps our coaches plan effectively.
Clipboard fixtures: If you see a time entered in Clipboard of ‘11:00 pm’ this is a placeholder time until we have confirmation from the opposition. Even once the game is confirmed please note that players may move team to cover, injuries, illness, etc. Please check Clipboard on Thursday night and again on Friday for any changes.
Game Day: On game day, players are expected to arrive 20 minutes prior to kick-off so teams can warm up properly and coaches can confirm numbers, this is essential for a smooth start to each match. Student must be in their Pius Uniform to and from games. Crocs, hoodies, etc are not permitted as part of the uniform.
Supporter's Gear: Don't forget, there’s a great range of SPX Supporter's Gear available at the Oxford Falls canteen every Saturday, including hats, scarves, beanies, and jackets, perfect for these cooler mornings!
Weather: If games are cancelled or venues are changed due to weather, please check Clipboard for notifications and updates.
IPSHA: Congratulations to the students who represented SPX at the IPSHA Rugby Trials today. They were fantastic ambassadors for the College, and we look forward to sharing any CIS selections in next week’s Woodchatta.
Rugby Dinner: A reminder that the SPX Rugby Gala Dinner is fast approaching, details are below. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with the wider Rugby community.
Supporter's Day: There is also information below regarding a Football Supporter's Day taking place this Saturday 24 May. With over 100 Junior School families involved registered this season, it would be fantastic to give back and strengthen our SPX football supporter community.
Junior School Athletics Carnival: Lastly, our Junior Athletics Carnival is coming up in Week 7 on Wednesday 11 June. We’re looking for parent helpers to assist on the day, all support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for all you do to support Junior Sport at SPX.
Term 2 Weekly Sport Calendar
Winter Sport Team Photos - Saturday 31 May
Team photos for Winter Sports teams playing at Oxford Falls will take place next Saturday, 31 May. Please ensure your son arrives in full and correct playing uniform and arrives at least 30 minutes before his scheduled game time. The schedule for photos is below. Teams playing away will be provided an alternate timeslot for their photos later this term.
Winter Sport Results
Football
Rugby
AFL
SPX Junior Football – Round 3 Wrap-Up
While last weekend's results may not have gone our way on the scoreboard, what truly stood out was the determination, growth, and team spirit shown across all our Junior Football teams. Every match was a valuable opportunity for our players to develop their skills, build resilience, and learn more about working together as a team.
Our Year 5 teams continued to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm, with moments of strong defensive effort, clever passing play, and growing confidence on the ball. Many students are stepping into new roles, and it’s been fantastic to see them take on these challenges with such positivity.
The Prep teams also showed great heart throughout their games. Despite facing some tough opposition, the boys gave it their all and supported each other right to the final whistle. Each game has helped lay the foundation for what’s to come this season, stronger teamwork, sharper decision-making, and a shared love of the game.
Wins and losses aside, our focus remains firmly on building skills, character, and enjoyment in sport. Well done to all teams for their sportsmanship and effort!
Important Reminder - Players are expected to be at the game 20 minutes prior to the kick off to see their coach and allow enough time for a warmup. There have been a larger number of teams that have been starting the game short. Could I please ask this be a priority in coming weeks where we expect students away due to illness or injury. Please allow extra time for parking at all away venues as there could be limited parking and it may be some distance from the field.
PHOTOS: If there are any parents who capture some action shots or a team photo on Saturdays and would like to see them in Woodchatta, please feel free to email them through.
*Welcome Back to Football Season*
Join us for our first Football Supporter's BBQ & Bake Sale - Saturday 24 May @ Oxford Falls
Come along and enjoy:
Fresh Coffee
Bacon & Egg Rolls
Classic Sausage Sizzles
Sweet Treats for the Whole Family
We'd love your support!
Donate baked goods – Please label clearly (e.g. nuts, GF) and drop them off at Oxford Falls.
Volunteer to cook or serve – Sign up here: signup.com/go/FootballClubVolunteerSignUp
Thank you for your ongoing support – we can't wait to see you there!
Mr James Bouke- Junior School Football Convenor
SPX Junior AFL – Round 3 Summary
Game was washed out last weekend.
Notice regarding the Swans visit. We are working with AFL NSW and the Sydney Swans development officers to find another date for their visit. Please stay posted for more information.
Mr James Bourke - Junior Sports Coordinator
SPX Junior Rugby Third Round Report
The Prep 1st XV had a tough match against a well-structured St Patrick's over the weekend. It was pleasing to see all students play their hardest until the final whistle, with St Pius X scoring the final try of the game and ending the match on a high. Some standout performances came from Angus, Haarlem and Harvey, who carried hard all game.
It was great to see the Year 5 7's teams in action, playing some terrific rugby and displaying some great teamwork. Shoutout performances went to Alex M, who carried hard and scored multiple times, and Ollie S, who tackled hard and allowed the team to have plenty of ball.
Round 4 - Year 5A are away to Waverley, Year 5 7’s are at Koola Park and Year 6 Prep A are playing 7’s this week at Koola Park.
Upcoming rugby events:
🎉 SPX Rugby Club – Rugby Gala Dinner
📅 Saturday, 14 June
📍 Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
🕡 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
This special evening brings together the entire SPX rugby community - from Year 5 to Year 12 - to celebrate, connect, and support our players. It’s a highlight on the rugby calendar and not to be missed.
🎟️ TICKET SALES NOW OPEN 👉 BUY TICKETS HERE
To keep in touch with our rugby community, we invite you to 👉 Join the 2025 Rugby WhatsApp Group
Mr Callum Montgomerie - Junior School Rugby Convenor
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
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.
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Junior School Chess
Thank you to all the students who attended Chess training on Tuesday 20 May. A reminder that the NSW Junior Chess Competition continues this Friday 23 May.
Teams A and B will be playing AWAY this week, while Team C is HOME.
Division LN1 - Team A vs St Aloysius’ A
29 Burton Street, Milsons Point.
Division LN2 – Team B vs St Aloysius’ B
29 Burton Street, Milsons Point.
Division LN2 – Team C vs Mosman Prep B
Home: Waterford Learning Centre (Junior School)
Mrs Elena Martin - Junior Chess Convenor