Junior School News
- From the Junior School
- Junior School Sport
From the Junior School
REFLECTION
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings. We pray for all those who were victims of the events of that day. We ask God to grant peace to those who continue to mourn their loved ones so that they may find acceptance, comfort, and hope.
TERM 1 START
Welcome back to Term 4! I can’t believe there are only 39 days of school left in 2022.
Students have returned to school refreshed and revitalised – it has been wonderful to listen to stories of their holidays and to hear the excitement and laughter as they reconnect with friends. They hit the ground running on Monday and have settled back into the routine of learning.
Mrs Martin has taken long service leave in Term 4, and we are thrilled to welcome Ms Alchikh to the Junior School. Ms Alchikh will be teaching library and literacy lessons as well as keeping the library open for those students who wish to have some quiet time in the mornings or at lunch.
Our summer sport season starts this Saturday. Please ensure your son attends any scheduled training sessions and is at the game well in advance of the start time. Any questions regarding Saturday sport can be directed to your son’s coach, or Mr Carroll (mcarroll@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au).
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Year 6 have started their English unit and are exploring the theme of ‘discrimination’ through the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This is a true story about a boy named August who has Treacher Collins syndrome. He doesn’t start mainstream school until Year 5 as his parents are afraid he will be bullied and discriminated against. The book takes us on a journey through the eyes of August, and what he experiences. It puts us in his shoes and explores his rollercoaster of feelings and emotions. The boys will develop their understanding of empathy, compassion, and kindness.
AUTHOR VISIT
Reece Carter - author of “A Girl Called Corpse”, a new spooky fantasy novel for kids aged 8-12 - will be visiting Year 6 students in the Junior Resource Centre on Monday.
ABSENCES
If your son is away from school for any reason, please send an email to studentmanagement@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au explaining the nature of the absence (eg “sick”, “holiday”, “appointment”). Thank you!
NSW PSSA ATHLETICS
We wish Cristiano C and Zach F all the very best as they compete in the NSW PSSA Athletics carnival at Sydney Olympic Park next week.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Friday 21 October – Debating Gala Day at Ravenswood
Thursday 27 October - New Year 6 students' Orientation Day
Tuesday 8 November – Kokoda Memorial Walk (Year 5)
Thursday 10 November – Swim/Surf program begins
Tuesday 15 November – Year 7 Transition Day (current and new Year 6s)
Tuesday 22 November – Year 7 Information Evening via TEAMS (for current and new Year 6)
Friday 25 November – Founder's Day at Oxford Falls
Tuesday 29 November – Year 6 Reflection Day at Oxford Falls
Tuesday 6 December – Closing Mass, Junior School Sport and Academic Awards, Semester 2 Reports issued, last day of school year for students.
Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of Junior School
Junior School Sport
Thursday Sport: at Oxford Falls. Summer training continues for Basketball, Cricket, Softball, Tennis and Touch Football.
Term 4 Swim Program: All students will take part in a specialised program, as per the schedule above in lieu of regular Thursday Sport. Year 5 will attend Macquarie Uni Aquatic Centre for a pool-based program and Year 6 will attend Dee Why Beach for a Surf Skills program. Students are required to complete the respective forms that will be issued this week:
- Macquarie Uni Grading Form (Year 5 students) – a hardcopy form to be returned to home class teachers
- SEA Australia Waiver (Year 6 students) – Year 6 parents only, please click on the link… www.seaaustralia.live/school-waiver-form
Basketball: The first game of the 6 week, Term 4 season begins this Saturday, 15 October. Please ensure boys are correctly attired in College-only uniform and at their venue 20 mins prior to tip-off. Boys new to Basketball will receive a singlet this Thursday.
Softball: The first game of the 6 week, Term 4 season begins this Saturday, 15 October. Wet weather procedures will be in place. Please ensure boys are correctly attired in College-only uniform, have protective equipment and are at the venue 20 mins prior to commencement time.
Touch Football: The first game of the 6 week, Term 4 season begins this Saturday, 15 October. Wet weather procedures will be in place. Please ensure boys are correctly attired in College-only uniform and at their venue 20 mins prior to game commencement.
Swimming Squad Training – Term 4, 2022: Those that were part of Swimming Squad in Term 1 are invited to resume training starting Week 2, Term 4. Either Ms Proc (Senior Swimming Coordinator) or myself will be in attendance during each session.
Training details:
- 7.10 am at Fitness First, Chatswood (24 Endeavour St, Chatswood)
- Suitable swimwear, goggles and swim cap are all essential (no cap, no swim)
- Students wear PE/ Pius Sports Uniform to the sessions. At 8.15 am the boys are walked back to school by staff. They then change into school uniform. A snack/breakfast is also recommended at this point.
- Training days/dates:
Mr Glen Carroll - Junior School Sports Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
The dates of the NSTA Term 4 tennis competition have now been set - Saturday 22 October 22 to 26 Saturday November (inclusive). Everyone will be required to be at ALL matches.
Could you please ensure that your son has the correct uniform for the start of the competition. Students must wear the blue College sports shorts, with the SPX Tennis shirt and the College (Tennis) cap. No cap, no play! These items are available at the School Uniform Shop.
I will be attending a meeting with the other coaches this coming Friday to discuss teams and divisions. I will update you with a team list after that meeting.
Mrs Sam Iwatani - NSTA Convenor