Junior School News & Sport
Welome Assembly for new students and new staff
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
- Welcome Assembly
- Parent/Teacher Evening
- College Commencement Mass/P&F Commencement Mass
- Class Parent Representatives
- Sports Captains
- Sport: Swimming Carnival/Thursday Sport/Saturday Sport
- Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT
Junior School News
Welcome Assembly
At our first school assembly on Monday we welcomed all the new boys and staff to the College. The boys all processed into the assembly to a round of applause.
Parent/Teacher Evening
Thank you to all the parents who turned up to our Parent/Teacher Evening last Monday. It was great to see so many interested parents attend. Please remember that there are many ways to get involved and one of them is to become a Class Parent Representative (see below).
College Commencement Mass/P&F Commencement Mass
On Tuesday 14th February the College Commencement Mass will be held at Our Lady of Dolours Church at 10.00am. Due to the large number of students and lack of space in the Church we will not have room for parents to join us for this Mass.
However, all parents and their families are invited to the P&F Commencement Mass and Social on Saturday 18th February at 5.30pm in OLD Church followed by a BBQ in the College grounds.
Class Parent Representatives
Another way to be involved is as a class parent. Thank you to all the volunteers - we have all classes covered except 6 Gold. If somebody would like to be the parent liaison for 6 Gold that would be appreciated.
If you would like to be a class parent you can still volunteer as we can have more than one per class.
Sports Captains
Congratulations to the following boys on being elected to the position of sports captains:
Sport
Thankfully the swimming carnival went ahead today despite having four seasons in one day! Well done to the staff on conducting the carnival in these conditions. Congratulations to the boys on their wonderful enthusiasm, participation and behaviour. Thanks also to all the parents who came and to those who helped with the carnival. A special congratulations to Rice House for winning the Carnival. More information and photos will be in the Junior School Newsletter next week.
We have a full day at Oxford Falls on Thursday and we can run an alternative program if it is wet so please ensure your son has his morning tea and lunch.
Our Saturday sport will commence this week and it is another great way to meet other people. I hope to see you there.
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
You will shortly receive a questionnaire to complete about your son which we would like you to send in to the teacher in a sealed envelope before the interviews on Monday 20th February and Tuesday 21st February. Information about how to book an interview will be attached to this sheet which will also be on the portal and emailed.
Mr T Long - Head of Junior School
Learning Enrichment
“Compass Club”
What is Compass Club?
Compass Club offers a range of competitions and is open to any boy wishing to register for a competition they are interested in. At Compass Club you can find out if you are eligible to register or enter competitions, obtain an entry form, seek assistance with your entry or work on your entry. Most competitions require you to submit your entry during Compass Club sessions.
When is Compass Club?
Compass Club is held Wednesday lunchtime.
Where is Compass Club?
Compass Club is held in the Junior Computer Room. (JCR)
Do I attend every week?
Attend compass club if you are interested in participating in a particular competition. You can choose to work on your entry during Wednesday lunch or work on your entry at home and submit it when you have finished.
Who can I see about joining Compass Club?
If you have any questions about Compass Club please see Mrs Spanyik.
Competition Reminders
- Say No to Bullying Poster Competition: Draw a picture of how you could help someone who is being bullied. Entries close next Friday 24th February. Details on the website www.interrelate.org.au/postercompetition
- Da Vinci Decathlon Competition - enrich, excite, challenge! Held at Knox Grammar School on Thursday 25th May. NB: compulsory training sessions in Compass Club. (Registrations of interest - Week 5 & 6)
Year 5 (Week 5)
Lunchtimes (JCR): Wednesday 1st March & Friday 3rd March
Year 6 (Week 6)
Lunchtimes (JCR): Wednesday 8th March & Friday 10th March
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 late Term 1 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
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) 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 from late 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:
Year 5 (Week 7)
Lunchtimes (Room opposite 6R): Wednesday 15th March & Friday 17th March
Year 6 (Week 8)
Lunchtimes (Room opposite 6R): Wednesday 22nd March & Friday 24th March
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.
Ms B Spanyik - Learning Enrichment Teacher
Junior School Chess
Please see the letter below for information on the NSW Junior Chess League Competition. Applications close Friday 17th February.
Ms E Martin - Junior School Chess Convenor
Junior School Sport
Thursday Sport: All day Sport again as we finish our summer sport trials. A full packed recess/lunch are required. Boys may be collected at 2.20pm from the car-park at the conclusion of Sport.
Twitter / Wet Weather Procedure: Please follow @SPXJuniorSport for instant updates regarding late sporting changes, cancellations etc. Click on the letter below for full details:
House Captains: Congratulations to the following students voted by their peers and staff as leaders for 2017.
Basketball: The first game of the 6 week, Term 1 season begins this Saturday. Boys will be notified of their team and issued a singlet on Friday morning. All relevant information is on the College website (http://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/beyond-classroom/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=139). Please ensure boys are correctly attired in College-only uniform and at their venue 20 mins prior to tip-off.
Softball: The first game of the 6 week, Term 1 season is against Trinity this Saturday. Wet weather procedures will be in place (as per the season draw and information letter). All relevant information is also on the College website (http://www.spx.nsw.edu.au/beyond-classroom/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=139). Please ensure boys are correctly attired in College-only uniform, have protective equipment and are at the venue 20 mins prior to commencement time.
NSTA Tennis: Rd 1 is this Saturday the 11th Feb. Boys will be notified of their team and will be given further team, draw and venue details once the Competition grading has been released. The summer competition is graded and run in conjunction with the Senior School. Boys are graded in ability groups and grading may transcend year groups. Please check under NSTA Tennis in the Senior School Sport section for future correspondence.
Rugby: Trials for the upcoming Armidale Rugby Tour will take place on Thur 16th Feb as part of sport. Yr 6 students playing Rugby for the College are invited to trial. The tour takes place from 7th – 9th April in Armidale, NSW. All tour management, including transport, accommodation and meals are organised by The College. Parents and friends can attend in support if they wish to make their own arrangements. Accommodation books out very early.
Football (Soccer): Trials for the upcoming Tamworth Football Tour will take place on Thur 16th Feb as part of sport. Yr 6 students playing Football for the College are invited to trial. The tour takes place from 7th – 9th April in Tamworth, NSW. All tour management, including transport, accommodation and meals are organised by The College. Parents and friends can attend in support if they wish to make their own arrangements.
Mr G Virgona - Junior School Sportsmaster