Junior School News
St Pius X College Chatswood
As Term 4 gathers momentum, students have continued to demonstrate a positive approach to both their learning and cocurricular commitments. Many students have commenced their Saturday sport commitments, displaying enthusiasm, teamwork, and school spirit both on and off the field.
Students have also been encouraged to reflect on and set personal goals for the term ahead. By identifying areas for growth and achievement, students are taking ownership of their learning and striving to make the most of their final term of the year.
This week, we revisit our school theme for 2026, ‘For All With All.’ A theme serves as a guiding message that shapes our actions, attitudes, and interactions within the school community. Our theme reminds us of the importance of inclusion, service, and collaboration, encouraging students to support one another and recognise that everyone has a valuable contribution to make. By living out this message each day, we continue to strengthen our sense of community and belonging.
We look forward to another successful week as students continue working towards their goals and embracing the opportunities that Term 4 has to offer.
WOODCHAT – For busy families who want the facts – fast!
Student Leadership Program
Yesterday marked my first experience with the Junior School Student Leadership Program. It was rewarding to see students engage thoughtfully in discussions and develop their leadership skills through collaboration and reflection. The session provided a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence and take ownership of their roles within the school community.
Year 5 Science
Students in Year 5 experienced state of matter first hand this week as they created slime. They enjoyed making this non-Newtonian fluid and observing its properties.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School
Mrs Jennifer Williams and Mr Wayne Wheatley
Future Problem Solving
Over the weekend, 4 Year 6 students, Emile R, Josh W, Sam L and Tom S, proudly represented the College at the Future Problem Solving National Finals in the Global Issues Problem Solving Team event. Held at Caulfield Grammar School, Melbourne, the competition saw the students spend the day completing their booklet and presenting their Action Plan. They were outstanding ambassadors for the College and should be commended for their effort, teamwork and commitment.
The students began their Future Problem Solving journey around this time last year and successfully progressed through the qualifying rounds to earn a place at the National Final, competing against teams from across Australia.
This year’s topic for the National Final was was Surveillance. Teams were presented with a two-page scenario set in the future and given 2 hours to analyse it and identify key challenges. From a list of 16 challenges, they selected one underlying problem to investigate and then developed 16 futuristic solutions. Their strongest solution was expanded into a detailed Action Plan, which they presented to a panel of judges in the afternoon.
Although the team was not successful in securing an invitation to the International Finals in Indiana, USA, they gained invaluable experience and performed admirably against strong national competition. The students are already keen to continue competing next year and are looking forward to mentoring and supporting other students interested in the program.
Any students in Years 5–9 who would like to learn more about Future Problem Solving is invited to attend an information session this Friday at recess. All interested students are welcome.
Da Vinci Club
It’s back! Da Vinci Club is open to all students in Years 5–10 who enjoy tackling challenging, abstract problems and working with other like-minded students.
Join us in C4 every Thursday morning from 7:30 am, commencing this week.
Areas explored throughout the year include:
English
Mathematics
Science
Engineering
Poetry and Visual Arts
Cartography
Ideation
Drama
Code Breaking
General Knowledge
Each fortnight, the club focuses on a different area of the da Vinci program. Working in small groups, students collaborate to solve problems, answer questions, create, write, design, construct and illustrate.
New members are always welcome. Students who have not previously participated in da Vinci Club are encouraged to come along and give it a try. Our 2027 Learning Prefects will also be on hand to support and mentor younger students.
There is no cost to participate.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Mr Paul Cummins - HPGE Coordinator
Fixtures
Junior School Sport News
NSWPSSA Athletics Championships
This week, Jack Cross, Tommy Kay, Oliver Thatcher and Flynn Scrivener will proudly represent SPX and CIS at the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC).
We wish all these students the very best of luck as they compete against the state's best school-aged athletes.
We look forward to sharing an update on their results and achievements in next week's Woodchatta.
Swim Program
Families will shortly receive information regarding the Surf and Swim Programs, which will run during Weeks 4-7. Please keep an eye on your inbox, with details expected to be distributed tomorrow or early next week.
Junior School Swimming Carnival
We will hold a Junior School Swimming Carnival in Week 6 on Tuesday 17 November at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.
This term's carnival has been scheduled to align closely with the Senior School Swimming Carnival, which will take place on Thursday 19 November.
Further information regarding the carnival, including events, carnival procedures and spectator arrangements, will be shared later this term. As in previous carnivals, we will be seeking parent volunteers to assist on the day and greatly appreciate the support our families provide in helping make this event a success.
Summer Sport Photos - Thursday 29 October (Week 3)
Summer Sport Photos will take place on Thursday 29 October. To ensure the day runs smoothly, please check the table below and ensure your son brings the correct uniform(s).
Students should wear their normal PE uniform to school and bring any required representative or team uniforms with them. If your son is involved in multiple photos (e.g. athletics and basketball), he must bring all required uniforms.
Important Notes
Students participating in multiple photos must bring all required uniforms.
Students that require a photo in their school uniform should wear their summer school uniform to school and then change into sports gear following their group photo.
Students without the correct uniform will not be able to be in the photo.
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:
17 October
24 October
31 October
7 November
14 November
21 November
Information regarding the tennis and cricket seasons will be communicated directly to students and families by the respective convenors.
Player Commitment and Attendance
Participation in Junior Sport is a commitment to your team and the College. Attendance at both training sessions and games is an essential part of our sporting program and contributes significantly to individual and team success. Training and match attendance are expected and are not optional.
If a student is unable to attend due to illness or injury, families should record the absence in Clipboard and notify the relevant convenor as soon as possible.
Where other St Pius X cocurricular commitments clash with Junior Sport training, such as music ensembles or rehearsals, students should prioritise these commitments and communicate with their coach or convenor in advance.
Families are encouraged to consider season commitments carefully, as regular attendance and reliability are vital to ensuring a positive experience for all players and teams.
Game Day Expectations
As we head into another season of summer sport, all students are reminded of the importance of representing SPX with pride, both in how we present ourselves and how we conduct ourselves.
Arrive on time and ready to warm up and play (20-30minutes before you game).
Wear the correct SPX playing uniform for your sport as listed above.
No casual clothing or crocs/slides should be worn to or from games
Bring all required equipment, including appropriate footwear, a hat where required and a water bottle.
Give your best effort from the first whistle to the last.
Listen to and show respect towards coaches and teammates.
Always demonstrate respect towards officials, opposition players and spectators.
Support and encourage your teammates, regardless of the score.
Every opportunity to represent SPX is something to be thankful for. While we always compete to the best of our ability, how we conduct ourselves matters just as much as the result.
We are humble in victory, gracious in defeat, and proud to represent SPX.
Term 4 Calendar
Term 4 Swim Squad
Training commenced this week, with strong numbers in attendance. 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
Swim Squad provides an excellent opportunity for students to maintain fitness, develop their technique and prepare for representative swimming opportunities. We encourage all interested students to get involved.
To register and be added to the squad, please complete the registration form below.
Swim Squads Sign-Up Term 4 2026 – Fill out form
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sport Coordinator
Softball
St Pius X College vs Grammar St Ives
Saturday marked an excellent start to the softball season, with the team recording a well-deserved win in their opening match. Throughout the game, the players demonstrated enthusiasm, teamwork, and a strong willingness to apply the skills and strategies introduced during training.
It was particularly pleasing to see the players listening carefully to their coach and making a conscious effort to implement the tactics discussed at practice. The team communicated effectively in the field, backed up throws well, and worked together to limit scoring opportunities for the opposition. At bat, the players showed increasing confidence and discipline, while smart base running helped create valuable scoring chances.
Most importantly, the players displayed excellent sportsmanship and a positive attitude throughout the match. Their commitment to learning and applying new skills was evident across the game and contributed significantly to the team's success.
Congratulations to all players on a fantastic first performance and an encouraging start to the season. A special mention goes to our Players of the Match, Liam Tham and Hayden Keenan, who both made valuable contributions to the team's success through their effort, skill, and positive attitude. We look forward to continuing to develop our skills, teamwork, and game awareness as the season progresses.
Mrs Jenny Williams - Softball Coach
Basketball Supporters Club
A huge thank you to everyone in the St Pius X community who volunteered their time and supported our Basketball BBQ on Saturday.
Whether you helped set up, cooked on the BBQ, served, packed up or stopped by to support us, every contribution was greatly appreciated. In particular, thank you to those who generously gave up part of their weekend to volunteer on the day. Your support, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved helped make the event a great success.
It was fantastic to see the St Pius X community come together and get behind our basketball program. The results and the money raised for the program far exceeded our expectations. The feedback from everyone including the visiting schools was a pleasant surprise, Following the success of the weekend, we’re looking forward to creating more opportunities throughout the term to bring our basketball community together.
Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our families and volunteers.
Thank you again for getting behind St Pius X Basketball. 🏀💙
RAFFLES CONTINUE
We are also running our raffle with some amazing prizes,
1. BASKETBALL LEGENDS & FAMILY FUN HAMPER
A fantastic prize for basketball fans and families! 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.
The ultimate combination of basketball legends, live action and family fun!
ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $450
2. FITNESS BOOST HAMPER
A fantastic prize for fitness lovers and athletes! Featuring a 3-month Fitness First Platinum membership (Chatswood), Dukes sports hydration, athlete physio spray, recovery wrap and wellness essentials to help you train, recover and perform at your best.
ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $350
3. RECOVERY & GROOMING HAMPER
A great mix of grooming, recovery and wellness essentials, featuring a Tooletries grooming set, Epzen bath salts, Musashi creatine, muscle and joint support, magnesium, hydration essentials and an Escape Bathhouse voucher.
The perfect package for recovery, relaxation and self-care!
ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $250
4. SNEAKER HEADS DREAM PACK
A fantastic prize for sneaker lovers and sports fans! Featuring the exclusive Nike Dunk x LEGO® set, kids magnesium supplements, Hydralyte, a drink bottle and sweat towel.
The perfect mix of sneaker style, fun and sporting essentials!
ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $175
5. SPOILT SPORTS PACKS – 6 TO WIN!
Treat yourself or your favourite child with a $25 Rebel voucher, Hydralyte electrolytes, a sweat towel and recovery wrap.
ESTIMATED PRIZE VALUE: $60 EACH
https://www.trybooking.com/DQTMQ
Thank you for your support. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and continuing to build a strong and connected SPX Basketball community.
Miled Sawakid - President, SPX Basketball