Junior School News & Sport

• New College App
• Junior School News and Information
• Highlights from the Junior Resource Centre
• Learning Enrichment Notices
• Junior School Sport

New College App

Download the new College Mobile APP today!

Please ensure you have downloaded the new school app.  It is run by a different company to the old app so you do need to download the new app.  Push notifications will be forwarded through the new app.Stay up to date with the latest College news and notifications on your mobile device. 

The old APP is being discontinued and all key communications will now be placed on the new APP, in addition to the Woodchatta and emails.

Download instructions are attached below.

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/st-pius-x/id1498569584

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fraynework.stpius

Prayer/Reflection:  

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.  Maybe you enjoyed pancakes yesterday on Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Tuesday, with origins going back to the preparation for the Jewish Passover.  During Lent we give to Project Compassion which goes to Caritas.  The theme for this Year is "Go Further Together".

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. The marking of the

Ashes on Ash Wednesday is an expression of our faith and a sign that we are asking God for

forgiveness.

It is a time of prayer, fasting and giving to others. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we

are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in

solidarity with the poor who often have no choice but to go without basic needs such as food, water

and shelter. Giving to the poor or ‘alms giving’ is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.

Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. By

praying, fasting and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Jesus brought

the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10), so

that with our neighbours, we can go further, together.

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

The Bully Play was a great success and gave the boys some good strategies on how to handle a bully in a very amusing and fun way.  The karate expert, the Sensei, who was teaching about bullying had the boys laughing quite often and some boys got involved in the audience participation.  The bully play is one in a trilogy so we will start next year with a different bully play.  It is good to name it and discuss it as we do have zero tolerance WHEN we know about it.  It is also important to remember that the bully has a problem, otherwise would a person bully someone.  This was also mentioned in the play.  The bully play is a good conversation starter for the dinner table.

At Friday's Merit assembly we had a Chinese New Year theme, run by Mrs Lee.  The Year 6 boys sang a song in Chinese to the Year 5 boys who responded by standing up and showing us their lanterns. The assembly began with a prayer led by the 6 Red Class Captain and a friend.  Congratulations to our merit award winners.

The next photo is a conspiracy theory - do Mrs Martin and Mr Simpson call each other to work out matching outfits?

Thank you to all the parents who came and supported the P & F Mass last Saturday night.  It was a lovely social occasion after the Mass.

On Monday we had the Carly Ryan Foundation talk to the boys about ‘Cyber Safety’ which is a growing parenting challenge.  The Carly Ryan story is incredibly sad, revolving around online grooming, which led to a terrible outcome.  The foundation certified online safety program provider under the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and delivers online safety and healthy relationship seminars to students.  This is definitely a conversation starter.  In the past we have had boys with so called friends on the internet and asked them how do they know that internet friend is actually 12 years old.  We have alerted their parents at these times. I realise that some of the information was above Year 5 but they will take in the information at their level. The presenters did promote the  concept to the boys of being internet savvy and wary.

I would recommend that you have strategies at home so that the boys are safe.  Work on open communication and look at the safety commissioner or Carly Ryan website for helpful information and support services. 

On Tuesday 25/2 – 6 Blue and 6 Green received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Thank  you to Father Jim for his support.

Year 5 went to an Ash Wednesday Mass at Our Lady of Dolours Church today.  When they get  the ashes the words that are spoken are, ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.’  A good message for us all. Year 6 will have a service on camp.

THIS COMING WEEK:-

6 Camp. Wednesday - Friday

A big thank you to all the staff who are going on this camp.  They are leaving their families so your sons can have a great experience which I trust the boys will appreciate.  Thankyou to Mr Simpson, Mr Carroll, Mr Ure, Mrs Doheny, Mrs Spanyik, Mrs Barrett, Mrs Martin and Mrs Iwatani who organised the whole camp.  I will also be on the camp and I would appreciate it if you are punctual in collecting your son as everyone will be exhausted when we return.

Thursday 27/2 –  Sports day – Yr 5 will have their sporting day at Oxford Falls, leaving after 11 am and returning before 3 pm.

Friday 28/2 – Brother’s Swimming carnival- Riverview

Saturday 22/2 – IPSHA  sport Rd 3  

Monday 2/3- Yr 5 Peer support Period 4.

Maths drop in

Mrs Barrett holds a Maths drop in service every Friday from 8.10 am onwards where your son can come and seek extra assistance and clarification regarding his Mathematics.  The location is the LSE room at the end of the corridor on the left, opposite Mr Carroll’s 6 Red classroom.

P & F EVENTS

Please see the P&F page for upcoming P&F events.

TERM 1 DATES

I attach the calendar for this term below.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Following on from the bully play last week.  Below is a thought to ponder and possibly a good lesson to teach your child. 

THE SOCRATES TRIPLE FILTER TEST

The filter of truth …. have you made sure that what you are about to say is true?

The filter of goodness… is what you are about to say about someone good?

The filter of usefulness… is what you are about to say going to be useful?

Thanking you for your support.

Mr Tim Long - Head of Junior School

Highlights from the Junior Resource Centre

CBCA – Night Of The Notables  - February 25, 2020 Dymocks Building Sydney

WOW! What an evening! Very excited to attend the CBCA Night of Notables, listening to guest speakers, Scholastic Creator and Claire Stuckey. Looking forward to reading the notable books to the students of St Pius X Junior School.     https://www.cbca.org.au/notables-2020        

Kate and Jol Temple discussing their Picture Book "Room on our Rock"

at the CBCA Night of Notables 2020

Premier's Reading Challenge

Opens Monday March 2, 2020.  Your son's username and password will be emailed to them shortly.

Library Monitor

Introducing another new Library Monitor for Semester One 2020.  James Lineen. Congratulations and welcome to a fun filled year in the Junior Resource Centre.          

Author Visit

We are very fortunate to have the Author Alison Croggon visit St Pius X Junior School – Friday 6 March, 2020.

ALISON CROGGON is the acclaimed author of the high fantasy series The Books of Pellinor.

She is also the author of Black Spring, a fantasy reworking of Wuthering Heights; and The River and the Book, which was endorsed by Amnesty International.

Alison is an award-winning poet whose work has been published extensively, and she has written widely for theatre, with her plays and opera libretti having been produced all around Australia. Alison is also an editor and critic. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

The Threads Of Magic

An atmospheric and riveting fantasy adventure. Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object – a heart in a silver casket. What’s more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back. Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching consequences for the whole city. As the ancient war between the Spectres and witches of Clarel reignites, the heart prepares to seek revenge for all it has suffered… Alison Croggon conjures a rich, immersive world with brilliant and memorable characters in this captivating story of loyalty, courage and friendship.

Look forward to seeing you in the JRC for this event. Please find attached an order form to purchase the book if your son is interested.

Mrs Martin’s Book Trail – :

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals by Sami Bayly. I love love love this book that was published late last year. Sixty animals that one might regard as ugly. By the end of the book, however, our perceptions of beauty are challenged. An amazing book. #MrsMartinsbooktrail2020

Fangirling with the author of The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals, Sami Bayly, at the CBCA Night of Notables 2020.

Mrs Elena Martin - Junior Librarian

Learning Enrichment Notices

Competition Reminders

da Vinci Decathlon Competition  -  enrich, excite, challenge – held at Knox Grammar School on Thursday 28 May.   NB compulsory training sessions are held during Compass Club. This competition is aimed at students celebrating their academic gifts. (Register your interest - Weeks 4 & 6 - see below).

Entry into this competition is based on demonstrated academic ability and an ability test.  The competition will be run in Term 2 with compulsory training beginning Week 1, Term 2 on Wednesday lunchtimes during Compass Club.  Further details will be given at the next Junior School Assembly and link:  http://www.davincidecathlon.com/davinci/index

IPSHA Junior School Debating – Selection Trials

Boys in the Junior School have the opportunity to become involved in Debating. The College enters two teams in the IPSHA Debating Competition. Twelve boys from the Junior School form the two teams and these are selected to compete. The teams debate fortnightly on a Friday afternoon (during school hours Periods 4-6) during Terms 2, 3 and 4 on a rotational basis. The emphasis is on learning the skills of debating and workshops will be held during lunchtimes leading up to the competitions. Training begins every Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes beginning Week 10 Term 1.

Boys are invited to present a short two minute speech to assist in selection of these teams. These speeches are to be presented during the set trial sessions on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes:

The topic for the speech is "THAT PETS ARE A PEST". Further details will be given to the boys at the Junior School assembly. 

Mrs Bettina Spanyik - Learning Enrichment Teacher

Junior Sport

Thursday Sport: With Year 6 away on Camp, the Year 5’s will take part in the School Cross-Country (10’s 2km, 11’s 3km).  Normal Sport after cross-country. Training for Basketball, Cricket, Softball, Tennis and Touch Football.  

School App:  If you have the old school app, please delete it. Instructions for downloading the new app: 1. Search and Download: Search for “St Pius X” on the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the new School App.

2. Stay Connected and Up to Date: Once you’ve downloaded the App, you’ll be asked to receive notifications. Ensure you allow these so that you can receive important and direct updates from the College in relation to Junior Sport.

Twitter / Wet Weather Procedure: Follow @SPXJuniorSport for instant updates regarding late sporting changes, cancellations etc. Full details here.

Basketball: Congratulations to Henry Hecimovic, who was selected as an IPSHA representative at attend the CIS trial with Ethan Fajemisin selected as a shadow player. At the CIS Trial Henry made it through to the second stage and just missed out on a spot. Well done to both boys for representing the college so well.

Rugby: An IPSHA Gala Grading Day has been scheduled for all schools to determine divisions for traditional sides. Saturday 28 March –All 11’s will be at Shore Northbridge 8.00 am – 10.30 am. All 12’rs will be at Kings 8.00 am – 10.30am. All players will be required to attend. There will be amble game time for all.

Touch Football: A huge effort by all in the rain. A fighting spirit and good skills were on display from the Blue teams against Waverley Gold, both teams going down narrowly. While Gold teams came up against some tough opponents.

Mr  Benn McBrearty - Junior School Sports Master

NSTA Tennis:  Please check under NSTA Tennis in the Senior School Sport and Co-curricular section for future correspondence.

IPSHA Tennis:  Please note the draw for the games for this weekend. We would expect that all boys are at their respective venues at least 15 minutes before the start of their games.

Samantha Iwatani - IPSHA Tennis Convenor

Softball: 

Unfortunately, our game was washed out.

Next week’s game has a change of venue.

Breen Oval (St Patrick’s College) - Edgar Street Strathfield

Players remember to bring, hat, water bottle, mouth guard and shin pads.

Also eat breakfast to increase your energy levels.

Parents please remember to bring a chair as many venues do not have seating.

Mrs Jennifer Williams - Softball Convenor

SPX Rugby Supporters Club Golf Day - from 1pm Friday 6 March - Roseville Golf Club

Our second, and now annual, SPX Rugby Supporters' Club Fundraising Golf Day will take place at the Roseville Golf Club from 1pm on Friday, 6 March.

Some 120 players will take part in an 'Ambrose Foursome' 18 hole golf tournament.

On the day each of the players will have the opportunity to win a $65,000 Volvo XC60 (provided by Volvo Cars Lindfield) in our Hole in One Competion on the Par 3, 134 meter, 15th hole. 

There are a limited number of player's tickets still available. If you would like to join us in a game of golf on the day the below link will take you direct to the specific TryBooking site where you can book your ticket(s).

https://www.trybooking.com/557805 

We would like to thank each of our below-mentioned hole sponsors and advertisers for their generous support of this event.  Perhaps you might like to consider engaging the service of these businesses who support your son's rugby and the on-going development of the SPX rugby program.

SPX Rugby Supporters' Club - Annual Dinner - from 7pm Friday, 1 May - Roseville Golf Club

We have decided to start the 2020 SPX Rugby season off with a bang bringing our annual fundraising dinner forward to 'kick the ball off' for the season.

The dinner will be held from 7pm to midnight on Friday, 1 May at the Roseville Golf Club.

We are delighted to have SPX Old Boy Luke Jones as our Special Guest Speaker for the evening. Whilst at SPX Luke captained the Australian Schoolboys side; is an Australian Wallaby representative; 2019 World Barbarians Squad Member; current Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby player; who has also played for Bordeaux in France's Top 14 Super Rugby Competition and the Western Force in Super Rugby. 

Our MC for the evening will be former Wallaby and current Fox Sports Personality Mr Rod Kafer.

The evening will include great entertainment, raffles, live and silent auction items, quality lucky door prizes, a live band, and much more. 

Tickets are $160 per head which includes - champagne, wine, beer and canapes on arrival; entree; main course; deserts; wine and beer; tea and coffee.

Book your ticket now via this direct link;       https://www.trybooking.com/606546  

If you book your tickets before 21 April you will go in the draw for a chance to win a $250 Merivale voucher which can be used at all Merivale venues (bars, restaurants, bottle shops and even at the Establishment Hotel).

This is our principal fund raising event for the year, so come along and support your son's rugby.  See you there on the night.

Mr Paul O'Neill - President, SPX Rugby Supporters' Club

Junior School Chess Club

A big welcome to the boys who have returned their registration slips to participate in the Junior Chess Competition for 2020. A gentle reminder that training begins Week 8, Tuesday 19 March, 2020 at 7.30 am in the Junior Resource Centre.

Mrs Elena Martin - Junior School Chess Convenor