Junior School News 

• From the Head of the Junior School 
• Junior School Sport
• From the Junior Resource Centre
• Junior Debating
• Junior Chess

From the Head of the Junior School 

PRAYER

Today is the Feast Day of St Patrick and with Edmund Rice being an Irishman; I have included an Irish prayer. Plus This year we are celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia and the Irish orders had a huge influence on the spread of Catholicism in Australia.

Blessing.

Christ be with me, Christ be within me,         

Christ behind me, Christ before me, 

Christ beside me, Christ to win me, 

Christ to comfort me, Christ above me, 

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger

Christ in hearts of all that love me 

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

From the Breastplate of Saint Patrick

MERIT AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to our Merit Award Winners from Friday's Assembly!  Well done gentlemen.

NAPLAN Online 2021

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online on between 11 and 21 May 2021. 

In preparation for NAPLAN Online, our school will also be participating in practice tests between 22 March and 1 April. The practice test is a trial-run and key preparation activity for NAPLAN Online in May. It is not an assessment of student ability and the tests will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in the NAPLAN Online tests.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.

SPX P&F COCKTAIL PARTY - BOOK YOUR TICKETS AND YOUR BABYSITTER!

This is a social event, not a fundraiser and it is a good night. There is a raffle and you have to be in it to win it but that is not the main purpose of the night. One of the main aims is for new parents to come, meet other parents and have a great time. I hope to see you there!  After I get back from Year 5 camp that afternoon you may find me sitting down.  If you can’t make the night, why not buy a raffle ticket!

From the P & F:-

Tickets are selling fast for this year's SPX P&F Cocktail Party on Friday 26 March at 7.00 pm. The caterers are in prep mode, the playlist is being compiled and the drinks are getting cold!

Please follow this link to book your tickets - https://www.trybooking.com/GZEQ

The SPX P&F Cocktail Party is always a great night and we're really looking forward to once again getting together to socialise, catch up with old friends and make new ones! So don't miss out - get booking!

BUY YOUR TICKETS IN THE MEGA LUXURY RAFFLE AND SUPPORT OUR FABULOUS SPX CLUBS!

To make this year even more exciting our wonderful SPX Supporter Clubs (Basketball, Cricket, Football, PAPA and Rugby) have organised a MEGA LUXURY RAFFLE to raise funds for your boys for coaching, equipment, kit and much much more! 

This is the raffle of all raffles! Not only will you be supporting your boys but also our local tourism locations who have been struggling through COVID. What are the prizes you ask? Well...

First Prize:  A $1,500 gift voucher from View Retreat which entitles the winner to choose from a range of luxury hotel and boutique holiday destinations on offer Australia wide and in New Zealand. The gift voucher is valid for use until March 2024.

Second Prize: A $600 gift voucher from Flight Centre Lindfield. The winner can visit Flight Centre Lindfield and select from their preferred monthly holiday offers and take advantage of the Government tourism promotions. The gift voucher is valid for use until March 2024.

Third Prize: A $300 voucher to Annata Wine Bar and Restaurant in Crows Nest. Choose an aperitif or a bottle of wine to accompany your selection from the Abondante A La Carte Menu or indulge in the set four course Sensory Degustation Menu - the 'pinnacle of Annata cuisine' with matching wines.

Fourth Prize: A $300 Indulgence High Tea for 4 People including Moet Piccolo at the gorgeous Hills Lodge Hotel Grand Mercure Castle Hill for a Friday or Saturday lunch time event.

Fifth Prize: A $300 Restaurant voucher for a local Willoughby restaurant and bar. Braci celebrates the elegant simplicity of Italy and Australia in a pizza-inspired restaurant accompanied by world class wines and cocktails.

Tickets are now on sale online www.trybooking.com/BPURQ and can also be purchased at the P&F Cocktail party event.

If you are unable to join us at the P&F Cocktail Party, please contribute by supporting the SPX Clubs Raffle and have a chance to win a fabulous prize.  For those purchasing online we will have someone writing your tickets out and putting them into the draw, same as all the tickets purchased on the night.

1 Ticket for $20

4 Tickets for $50

12 Tickets for $100

Buy more tickets and in supporting SPX Clubs for your son you also increase your chances of being a prize winner!!  

Prizes will be drawn at the P&F Cocktail Party on Friday 26 March 2021 and the winners will also be notified in Woodchatta Week 10 issued on 31 March 2021.

CAMPS

As you read this Year 6 are currently on camp.  A few prayers regarding the weather might assist but we will still have a good time.  Your son will come home exhausted so if you are collecting him please ensure you are on time as the teachers will also be tired and I’m one of those teachers!

The discount deal with Kathmandu runs for another week.

Thank you to Year 5 parents as we have everybody registered.  Some people are very keen for their child to go on camp as they registered them twice. If you have one child don’t forget to book the restaurant! Please ensure your son can carry or roll his bag and lift it up a stair or onto a boat.   Next Wednesday morning ensure that your son knows how he is getting home on Friday.

Reminder : AFTER SCHOOL STUDY

All Year 5 - 11 students are invited to After School Study from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm in the enrichment classroom in the Junior School (the one at the end of the corridor- opposite 6 red). During Term 1 this opportunity is available on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and concludes on Thursday 25 March. Students must sign in on arrival and have sufficient work or reading material for an hour. Students are not permitted mobile phones or food in the study space. Individual guidance with tasks is provided by Mrs Gunns.

Reminder : MATHS DROP IN EVERY FRIDAY MORNING FROM 8.00 AM

With assessments coming up, a reminder that Maths Drop In is available for any boy in Years 5 or 6 who has a question, needs assistance or guidance with studying for maths.

All students are welcome at attend.

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THE UPCOMING WEEK 

Thursday 18 March – Yr 5 Sport

Saturday 20 March - Sport  - Check Woodchatta for any late changes. Open Day on Saturday. If you have friends who are interested in the College for 2023 then tell them to register for the Open Day.

Monday 22 March – Period 5 Peer Support

Tuesday 23 March – Year 5 NAPLAN trial exam

Wednesday 24 March - Year 5 Camp - Staffing - Mrs Williams, Mr Cummins, Mr Carroll, Mrs Martin and Mr Long

Friday 26 March – Cocktail Party – See you there!

BIRTHDAYS

Congratulations to the following boys who celebrate or celebrated their birthdays in January:

Marco Akdagcik, Brandon Ang, Ilan Avila, Lucas Chong, Patrick Cornes, Mason Dabile, Jake Desertine, Loughlan Diver, Samuel Ford, James Hocking, William McKechnie, Alexander Moores, Zachary Rapa, Cooper Thomason, Sebastian van Vuuren, Joshua Wang, Blake Waterman and Jake Yu.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything – Irish Proverb

Thanking you for your support.

Mr Tim Long - Head of the Junior School 

Junior School Sport

Thursday Sport: Saturday fixtures for this weekend are listed below.

Bus Protocol:

Whilst on Chartered buses all boys MUST always wear a face mask. Please ensure your son has one to comply with this.

Oxford Falls Pick-up between 2.10 pm - 2.20 pm:

• Location: Outside the Caretakers House as you pull into the car park on the left-hand side. Please join the queue or if first one here please stop outside and start a queue.
• Please remain in your car at all times.
• As you approach the front of the queue, the teacher on duty will identify you and your son will be dismissed.
• Any boy not picked up by 2.20 pm will be available for collection from Chatswood at 3.00 pm.

Basketball:

Cross Country Training:

Join our Senior leaders and top athletes, Matthew North and Dominic Panozzo, alongside our distance coach, Izzy Thornton-Bott for fun, varied and challenging sessions.

Beauchamp Park, Chatswood from 7.30 am – 8.15 am on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Meet at the Grandstand in comfortable running gear and with a water bottle. You don’t have to aspire to run in the IPSHA Carnival - all students and abilities welcome.

Rugby:

With the Rugby season just around the corner there is a 2 day Holiday Clinic being run in the upcoming school holidays.  Please use the link below to sign up for the clinic (no need to register for the season, just sign up to the holiday clinic).

Touch Football: 

Try-Time Rugby Holiday Camps

Trytime Rugby will be holding camps across Sydney these school holidays, including Beauchamp Oval Chatswood and at Oxford Falls. These camps are in addition to the holiday clinic run by the school and requires a separate sign up and registration. 

The extra camps are always such a great and fun way to kick off the rugby season. It’s the perfect time to get ready for the season, get fitness levels up and continue to practice and develop skills and understanding of the game. There is also a focus on decision making and technical aspects required for safe tackling.

For more information head to : http://www.trytimerugby.com/camps or see the attached flyer.

 Mr Benn McBrearty - Junior School Sports Master

Softball

Last Saturday our game was against Trinity Juniors. It was full of excitement with both teams determined to win.

The first innings was short. Within 10 minutes both teams had been run out with 1 run each. The second innings was just as quick, and we now were 2 runs each. The third innings however, tested the strategies which the teams employed to gain the upper hand. So to the third innings...Trinity was batting, and their first 2 runners had successfully made their bases. The third batter comes in, hits a fantastic fly ball which is caught by Aidan Floridia, quick thinking the ball was thrown to first base to successfully catch the player out. Then Pius had the chance of a hat trick! However, due to over excitement we mis-fielded the ball and the runner safely returned to his base. It caused great excitement. 

We played a fourth innings, which is rare in our Saturday games. This innings Logan Van Katwyk, Benjamin Meares, Luca Della Franca, Michael Yee made runs home. Alex Arena scored a home run.

Aaron Klarich, Lachlan McGrath, Marc Floridia, Owen Gleeson, Liam Spatola, and Christopher Yastreboff were excellent on the field staying focussed.  

Both coaches were excited with the play this week, as both teams played so well against each other. St Pius showed grit and I am looking forward to our next game.

Thank you to Mr Klarich for keeping score and Mr Yee for the action shots.

All Players please remember to bring:  helmet, school hat, water bottle, mouth guard, shin pads and to eat breakfast before arriving.

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

Mrs Jennifer Williams - Softball Convenor

NSTA Tennis

Excitement was in the air on Saturday morning as the boys took to the courts to play in their finals & play-offs. Congratulations to all players but especially those teams who made the finals. We had 8 teams who made the finals at 8.00 am:

Thank you once again to our umpires: Alex Vaccher, Tom Fong, Aiden Parsons and Richard Gauci. The umpiring assistance given by all the senior boys with throughout the term has been much appreciated by all. 

At 10.00 am, SPX 6 and SPX 9 definitely played the matches of the day. SPX 6 took both their singles matches to a tiebreak, they were both exciting matches. SPX 9 saw Junior boys face off against senior boys from Redlands. The size difference didn’t deter the Pius boys, they fought a tough battle to win the final. We had 4 teams make the finals in the 10.00 am session:

Thanks must also be given to Mr Garvey, Mr Webster and Mrs Keighery for their help throughout the season. 

Mrs Samantha Iwatani - NSTA Convenor

From the Junior Resource Centre

Harmony Week 2021

Books are “windows, mirrors and sliding doors” (to quote Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop) that allow readers to see into the life experiences of others, see themselves reflected and build and understanding of different world views – a powerful way to build a sense of belonging, respect and understanding.

This week we are celebrating Harmony Week in the JRC to recognise diversity and inclusion. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and maintain it.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of its people.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Why orange?

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Wear something orange during Harmony Week to show your support for cultural diversity and an inclusive community at St Pius X Chatswood.

Here are some fascinating statistics about Australia’s diversity.

Books in our JRC 

Looking for your next read? Pop into the JRC and see our selection (pictured are just a few) of the  books we have for Harmony Week 2021.

Lunch Time Activities – Return of the JIGSAW Puzzle!

Avid Year 5 students are enjoying the Jigsaw Puzzle in the JRC at lunch times! #BetterTogether

Mrs Martin’s Book Trail – A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer. I absolutely adored Colfer’s A Tale of Magic, so much so, that I just could not wait to dive back into the world of fairies and all things magic. One of the great things about a Tale of Witchcraft is that it takes off directly after the adventures from Book 1. The story, through the triple points of views, also creates a more detailed narrative through Colfer’s need to give everyone depth and a clear voice. The storyline was also particularly engaging – I love a good battle between good and evil. All my expectations were reached (and exceeded!) by this mystical adventure! I am so excited for A Tale of Sorcery, which should hopefully be released sometime later this year!  #MrsMartinsBooktrail2021 #juniorresourcecentre

Mrs Elena Martin – Teacher Librarian

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 Junior 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 WHICH IS BETTER TELEVISION OR BOOKS?  Further details will be given to the boys at the Junior School Assembly. 

Mrs Bettina Spanyik - Learning Enrichment Teacher

JUNIOR SCHOOL CHESS CLUB

Junior School Chess training began on Tuesday 16 March 2021 at 7:30 am, in the Junior Resource Centre.  Lots of keen Chess players getting ready for the Competition. 

Mrs Elena Martin - Junior School Chess Convenor