Junior School News
- From the Head of the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
- From the Junior Resource Centre
- Junior School Chess
From the Head of the Junior School
TEACHING AND LEARNING
THE TERM IN REVIEW
Although teaching and learning has continued in earnest in the Junior School this week, the end of term is, nevertheless, upon us, and I have been reflecting on our experiences over the last eleven weeks. From sporting trials to cultural celebrations, the boys have been busy learning, growing, and making new memories.
On the sports field, they have demonstrated their skills and teamwork while competing in various competitions. Rain or shine, the boys have given it their all, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. At school, the handball courts have been a hub of activity, where new friendships have been forged, and lessons in patience and sportsmanship have been learned.
Our students have also engaged in a wide range of educational, cultural, and musical activities. They’ve made new best friends at Broken Bay camp, met two Prime Ministers in Canberra, celebrated Chinese New Year, and have participated in Maths Megaminds and Creative Quills clubs. They’ve taken part in religious observances such as the Commencement Mass, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Bible Liturgy, and Holy Thursday Liturgy while Year 5 learnt more about our founder Edmund Rice at their annual Reflection Day. They’ve been spellbound by authors, met a federal politician, sang in the chorale, and played in the bands. They’ve made wild robots and turned up early for Boxercise.
At the beginning of the year, I challenged the boys to take every opportunity that came their way and to make the most of it – I am so proud of the way they have done exactly that.
Thank you to you, our families, for your ongoing support. It is important that we continue to work in partnership and keep the boys at the heart of all we do.
We wish you all a safe and restful holiday break.
Mandarin
The Junior School hallway was buzzing last week, with many excited Year 5 students recording their Term 1 Class assessment, speaking Mandarin. The students have been learning how to greet others and introduce themselves in Chinese so, it has been wonderful to hear and watch them use Flip* to make their first simple introductions in the language.
This week, students are writing simple Chinese characters to show their understanding of the Chinese writing system. You might like to ask your son to write a Chinese character that they have learned and explain what is means to you.
*Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a free web and mobile app from Microsoft that students around the world use to record, edit, and share video assignments.
Religious Education
In Year 5 Red students used the graphic design program CANVA to design a tri-fold brochure promoting Project Compassion and the positive impact Caritas has had on overseas communities. I am not surprised, but always impressed, by how easily our students pick up new technologies.
MRS GREENWOOD’S CREATIVE QUILLS WRITING SKILLS GROUP
Students in my Writing group have been working on their submissions to the Nan Manefield Writing Competition. We have met for one period per week across Term 1 and, with their permission, over the next few Woodchattas I’d like to share some of the students’ extraordinary writing:
THE WILD ROBOT STEM ACTIVITY
Students in 5 Blue were happily engaged in a STEM activity related to their English novel study of The Wild Robot. We are looking forward to seeing the finished products this week!
JUNIOR SCHOOL BIBLE LITURGY
On Tuesday, we celebrated the Junior School Bible Liturgy where our Year 5 and new Year 6 students were presented with a Bible as a gift to guide their formation journey at St Pius X College. Each student received a Bible from their spiritual big brothers from Year 11. The atmosphere was lifted even higher by the beautiful voices of the junior choristers.
Thank you to Mr Petrie for creating and leading our moving liturgy. Thank you also to Mrs Westoff, Mr Jones, Mrs Gan and the Junior School chorale for their unforgettable performance. To the students from the Sarto Collective, thank you for your participation and for the authentic faith you model to the Junior School students. Well done and thank you also to our Junior School readers Ryan D, Hugh S, and Frankie B.
DEBATING
Our Year 5 and Year 6 debating teams have been hard at work every Monday at lunchtime, preparing for their first debate against Oxford Falls Grammar – at Oxford Falls Grammar – on Friday 5 May (Term 2, Week 3). Parents are welcome to attend our debates – they are either away, or at home in the Junior School Resource Centre (Library).
Year 5 team: Chatzden N, Harvey M, Darcy G, Archer L, Xavier K.
Year 6 team: Ashworth H, Alexander Z, Jeremy G, Maverick S, Brandon A.
INTERIM REPORTS
Yesterday, interim reports were posted to all families. This report focuses on how your son is progressing in relation to the St Pius X Learning Attributes. You will receive feedback on your son’s Self-Management Skills, Application, Independent Learning Skills, Homework, and Cooperative Behaviour. If you have any questions, please contact your son’s classroom teacher.
PLAYGROUND
We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of our students in the Junior School playground. Recently, we were given access to the College’s Prayer Garden and students can now use this as a quiet escape from the playground. Our recent purchase of Connect 4 has also been a big hit! We are looking to purchase additional items in the future and would also be very happy to accept appropriate (in good working order) donations (eg we’d love some cornhole boards).
MOTHERS’ DAY AND BIGGEST MORNING TEA
A reminder of the warm invitation to all mothers and all who maternally care for young people to join us for the St Pius X Mother’s Day Mass at Oxford Falls on Wednesday 8 May at 9:00 am.
This celebration of the vital role that mother figures play in the holistic development of young people, will be followed by The Biggest Morning Tea as a fundraiser to support the Cancer Council. Please share this appeal with family and friends as we seek to make a significant contribution to cancer research.
Guests are invited to RSVP via the link below:
https://forms.gle/CHUQD9BD2sQGTaEr6
Fundraising page for St Pius X Biggest Morning Tea:
https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/StPiusX/biggest-morning-tea-nsw
SPORT
It has been a big few weeks for some of the Junior School’s sporting stars. Congratulations to Felix K, Oliver M, Ben C, Ryan V, Ethan S, Emilio C, Haarlem F, George T, Dylan F, Alexander R, Christian F, Philip B, Brandon A, Christian C, Matthew K, Zac H, Sebastian P, Alexander T and Cuba N. Please see Mr Bourke’s news below for all the details and photos.
RUGBY TOUR TO ARMIDALE
Mr Morris, Mr Montgomerie, Mr Bourke, and I are all looking forward to spending the first weekend of the holidays watching our Junior School rugby players participate in the largest Under 12s rugby carnival held in Australia – The Armidale School (TAS) Rugby Carnival. Each year this event attracts over 1,000 young rugby enthusiasts & their coaches, along with committed families and supporters, who make the journey to Armidale. Armidale’s beautiful autumn colours provide the backdrop to the event, which utilises The Armidale School’s outstanding ovals & facilities. We wish all our players and their families a safe trip and an enjoyable weekend.
DATES FOR THE DIARY:
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior School and I hope everyone has an enjoyable term break.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of the Junior School
PAPA Comedy Night - May the 4th
Please use the link or QR code below to get your tickets and join us for a night of laughter to raise funds that will support our boys in their performing arts endeavours.
Seat numbers are strictly limited, so get in quickly!!!
This event is open to all adult members of the SPX community (not just families of students in Performing Arts).
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Junior School Sport
Thank you
There has been a tremendous amount of dedication by your sons to Term 1 Sport. I thank them all, and yourselves, for providing the support (and transport) to get your sons to his trainings and games. Whilst results are often referred to as a measure of success within a season, I am certainly more interested in your son’s reflection of how he improved over the course of the term and indeed how involved he was within his activity, both at training, at Thursday Sport and on Saturdays. As I reflect on a full term of sport, the two main aspects that keep returning to my mind are:
- St Pius X students win humbly and lose gracefully and
- There is a genuine mateship that St Pius X students develop for one another.
The challenge I now set for the Junior School into the start of the winter season is to maintain their focus and indeed increase their capacity to work with each other in the various activities they will take part in.
Once again thank you, and I wish you all a safe and relaxing term break.
Thursday Sport
This week we continue with our final official trial session for winter sports. Whilst we have been blessed with amazing conditions this term (excluding last Thursday), I would encourage families to continue to monitor conditions in Term 2 as the cooler weather sets in. Of course, if it looks like rain or is raining, I would recommend that your son brings an extra Rugby/Soccer jersey to train in.
Please ensure that your son has the correct safety equipment organised and ready e.g. mouth guards, football boots, shin guards, etc. Students without the correct safety gear will not be able to fully participate in the trials.
Winter Season
As was announced in last week’s report our winter season commences in Week 1 of Term 2. Teams for Round 1 (4 May) will be finalised and shared during the holiday break. There are a variety of home and away games over the course of the season. The draft fixtures will be posted via Clipboard prior to the first matches. Each Thursday evening team lists will be finalised, and fixtures will be confirmed. Please be aware that there may be changes to draft fixtures. To ensure you have access to the most accurate information each week I highly recommend adding the ‘Portal’ to your mobile device. For instructions on how to complete this, please see below A Guide to Logging in for Parents and Guardians.
Please note that ‘Notifications’ need to be activated for the account as well for your personal device.
Clipboard Registration
There are a number of students that have attended trials over the last few weeks but they are not registered to play in the winter season for Football, AFL and Rugby. To ensure you son is able to be selected in a team for the winter season the Clipboard registration needs to be completed. If you need access to your account please email Mr James Bourke
Winter Uniform Purchase
The winter season uniform can be purchased through the SPX Uniform Shop.
The uniform for the Rugby and Football includes St Pius X Jersey, Shorts and Socks.
The uniform for AFL is provided as a loan to registered players.
https://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/uniform-shop/
CIS AFL
On Monday 8 April, Felix Keeler, Oliver Mackinlay and Ben Costain successfully trialled for CIS selection. We congratulate Oliver for being chosen to represent CIS in the 22-man squad. Their team will compete at the NSWPSSA AFL championships in mid-May 2024. We congratulate Oliver and wish him the best of luck as he progresses to the next level.
CIS Football
Congratulations to Ryan Volpato and Ethan Suleman who represented IPSHA at the recent CIS Football Tournament. The football played was of a very high standard and IPSHA was successful in taking out Championship. Ryan secured the winning goal in the final. Both boys were selected in the CIS Football team to compete at the NSWPSSA Football Championships to be held later this year. We congratulate the boys and wish them luck.
IPSHA Cross-Country
Last Saturday the IPSHA Cross Country was scheduled to run at The Kings School in North Paramatta. Due to the intense weather on Thursday and Friday, it was postponed and was rescheduled to yesterday. Close to a thousand boys and girls from ages 8 to 12 competed across age group events. Thankfully the weather was positive, ensuring that all competitors ran a dry course. This made for some very quick times and strong individual performances. In the 12 years age group Matthew Krizan did extremely well and qualified for the CIS Championship which will be held in June. We wish him well as he represents not only the College but also IPSHA at the next level. I thank all boys who competed and particularly for their dedication to the training program. My thanks extend also to Mr Ryan for his assistance and support on the day.
Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship
As mentioned in last week's report, Cuba Nicholas of Year 5 is competing in the Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship on the Gold Coast. To kick off the week there was a warmup day at the range and the putting green. There were even a few mini competitions that players were able to enter. Cuba was clinical from the outset, winning closest to the pin chipping competition and walking away with a few handy golf prizes. Following the first round of the competition Cuba was sitting in 4th place, after shooting -2 and sitting 3 strokes behind the leader. With a few rounds still to go, he is well placed to achieve his goal of finishing in the top 10. A final summary of his results will be shared at a later date.
COERVER Football Camps
In preparation for the Football season, the College is offering St Pius X student only COERVER Camps.
ST PIUS X APRIL HOLIDAY CAMPS
Monday - Thursday 15 to 18 April
9:00 am - 12:00 noon each day
Bus transport to and from is available, with details provided in link prior to registration.
Active Kids Vouchers accepted.
Age : 9 - 16
Coerver Coaching holiday camps offer a fun-filled soccer experience for children aged 9-16 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.
TECHNIQUE
The cornerstone of our curriculum is technical development. We utilize the Coerver® Method of ball mastery and graduated pressure to build technical competence and play carefully selected games to build functional success.
PLAYER CONFIDENCE
We foster creativity by providing the players technical building blocks & encouraging creative actions in developmentally appropriate games. Our games are designed to be fun, challenging and to reward success and risk-taking.
TEAMWORK
Small group tactics and principles of play are taught in attack and defence by utilizing the structure of the many small sided games, which have made the Coerver® Curriculum so unique and recognised as the world’s leading technical football program.
SPORTSMANSHIP
We value winning but not more than character and effort. We encourage paying respect to players, parents, coaches and referees. Sportsmanship is emphasized to develop the whole person and not just the player.
With 2, 3 and 4 day options available, this is the perfect pre and early season preparation for St Pius X students looking towards a successful season. It is also a huge amount of footballing fun!
Bookings can be made using the following link: Coerver course | Coerver Coaching
Mr James Bourke - Junior School Sports Coordinator
Rugby Holiday Clinic
A final reminder for annual Holiday Rugby Clinic which will take place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April, during the school holidays. This is a great opportunity for students to make sure they’re well and truly prepared for the season and will help them put their best foot forward during trials.
The camp will be coordinated by the experienced Trytime coaches and professional special guest coaches. During the camp, position specific coaching will be given to players as well as team play combinations also being a focus. It will be a great chance for students to work on their skills and confidence before the season commences next term.
Thank you to the families that have already registered their sons. I’m confident they will gain plenty from the experience.
There a still a few places remaining. To register for the clinic please see the attached flyer or use the below link.
https://events.humanitix.com/st-pius-holiday-rugby-clinic
We would love to have more students participate in our great Rugby Program. If your son is interested in playing rugby for St Pius X, please email Mr Antonio Morris at: AMorris@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au for further information about getting involved.
Mr Antonio Morris - Junior School Rugby Convenor
From the Junior Resource Centre
This week’s Highlights:
Autumn Reads – A great week to come and browse and borrow for the School Autumn Holidays. Lots of surprises in the JRC.
Library Monitor
Introducing our new library monitor for this semester, Charlie Southern. Welcome to the team.
Year 6 Author visit – Unlocking Creativity with Joel Slack-Smith - ROARSOME
On Tuesday the boys had a visit from an amazing Australian Author Joel Slack-Smith. His entertaining presentation was filled with high-energy. Joel spoke about the book Roarsome and answered questions about writing. He also brainstormed ideas with the students for a new book character. Joel facilitated so many creative ideas from the boys and inspired them to create stories of their own. The stand-up cutout of Roar was a huge hit with the students. What a great way to jump start a lifelong love of reading.
Reading in the JRC at Lunchtime
Mrs Martin’s Book Trail: Frog Squad by Kate and Joel Temple, Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon.
A toadaliy awesome new series from Kate and Joel Temple, illustrated by Shiloh Gordon. A fun frog-filled adventure that is part reality TV, part documentary with added advertisements. Here’s hopping for more frog puns throughout the series. Love the cool facts about frogs/toads and environmental awareness. It is fun, and full of blockbuster action.#mrsmartinsbooktrail2024
Mrs Elena Martin - Teacher Librarian
Junior School Chess Club
Thank you to all the students who attended Chess training on Tuesday. See you all again in Term 2, Tuesday 30 April at 7:30 am in the Junior Resource Centre.
Looking for something extra or chess? Chess Squad Academy is an exciting new chess program where children can play together, do lessons and solve challenges. Chess Squad Academy has been created by Sydney Academy of Chess and Skoolbo.
Click on the link below to find out more information and to join up.
Mrs Elena Martin and Ms Raelene Boyle - Junior Chess Convenors