Junior School News 

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

From the Head of the Junior School

MERIT AWARDS

Congratulations to these students who made an impression last week:

'THE 39 STEPS' AT THE ZENITH THEATRE

On Tuesday afternoon, students in the Junior School were lucky enough to be the first audience to watch the college production of 'The 39 Steps'.  This thrilling play held the boys’ attention from the first act to the last with its comedy and intrigue!  Thanks for inviting us Ms Lindley!

EASTER LITURGY

This afternoon, students in the Junior School joined students in Years 7 and 8 to celebrate Easter in Our Lady of Dolours’ Church.  The liturgy was a beautiful and meaningful experience for students and teachers alike and involved prayer, singing, and readings from the Bible that told the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Our liturgy gave students the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Easter, to deepen their understanding of the importance of this season, and to connect with their faith and with each other. It is a time to pause, reflect, and renew one's commitment to living a life of love, compassion, and service.

Special thanks to Mr Mulheron, Mr Di Sano and our readers, Levi A, Rory R, Jaydon K and Ryan D.

RUGBY TOUR TO ARMIDALE

Mr Morris, Mr Ure, Mr Ryan, and I are looking forward to packing our beanies and travelling to Armidale on the last weekend of the school holidays for a weekend of exciting rugby action.  We wish all our players and their families a safe trip and an enjoyable weekend.

ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICES

ANZAC Day is on Tuesday of Week 1 (25 April).  If any Junior School student would like to represent St Pius X College (in full winter school uniform) at a Dawn Service, there are two opportunities:

• 5:30 am at the Chatswood Garden of Remembrance
• 6:45 am at Willoughby Park

Please contact Mr Brannan for more details, or if your son is interested in participating in the laying of the wreath:   sbrannan@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

PACER

Year 6 students recently undertook an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. 

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and has been factored into costs to parents.

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 ten 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 on Milson Island, watched a division in the Senate, celebrated Chinese New Year, and participated in an anti-bullying play. They’ve taken part in religious observances such as the Commencement Mass, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Bible Liturgy, and Easter 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 solar ovens 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.

LOOKING AHEAD …

Thursday 6 April | Last day of Term 1

Friday 21 – Sunday 23 April | Armidale Rugby Carnival

Wednesday 26 April | School resumes for Term 2

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School. 

Mrs Jill Greenwood - Head of the Junior School

Year 5 Park Play

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 son 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:

1. Pius boys win humbly and lose gracefully and
2. There is a genuine mateship that Pius boys develop for one another

The challenge I set for the Junior School as we head 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 Easter 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, 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 send your son into school with 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.

CIS AFL

On Monday 3 April, Leo Barnett (6 Green) and Patrick Butler (6 Gold) successfully trialled for CIS selection. We congratulate both boys for being chosen to represent CIS in the 22-man squad. Their team will compete at the NSWPSSA AFL championships in mid-May at Bateman’s Bay.

CIS Football

Congratulations to Ryan Volpato (5 Red) who, the day prior to competing at IPSHA Cross-Country, was selected in the CIS Football team to compete at the NSWPSSA Football Championships to be held later this year. Ryan’s selection is particularly impressive given the fact he is also competing against boys in the year above.

IPSHA Cross-Country

Last Saturday, close to a thousand boys and girls from ages 8 to 12 competed across age group events at the IPSHA Cross-Country Carnival held at The King’s School. Thankfully the rain held off until after the last event, ensuring that all competitors ran a dry course. This made for some very quick times, including that of Cristiano Calcarao (6 Red) who led from the start, stopping the clock at 10:37.36 after 3000m, with second place not far behind. In the 11 years age group Ryan Volpato (5 Red) managed a time of 11:43.54, and 11th place over the same course distance. Both boys are now in the IPSHA team to compete at the CIS Cross Country championships in early June. We wish both boys well as they represent not only the College but also IPSHA at the next level. 

Special mention must go to all the parents who supported their sons throughout the morning and providing some much needed cheering as they approached the finish line up a challenging and seemingly never ending incline. I thank all boys who competed and particularly for their dedication to the training program. My thanks extends also to Ms Leanne Lee, Mr Dom Panozzo (Class of 2021) and Mr Matt North (Class of 2021) for their commitment in preparing the boys at training and on the day of competition.

Mr Ben Ryan - Junior School Sports Coordinator

Junior School Rugby

The Armidale Rugby Tour Squad have been in full swing and are excited about the carnival which will take place during the holidays; Friday 21st April - Sunday 23rd April. We wish all of these boys the best of luck as they proudly represent St Pius X College. Mr Ryan, Mr Ure and Mr Morris will accompany the boys on the tour. Mrs Greenwood will be there showing her support throughout the weekend as well. Further details on the tour will be distributed in the coming days.

Rugby Holiday Clinic

A great way to start your son’s Rugby journey is with a 2-day Holiday Clinic being run in the upcoming school holidays. Please use the link below to sign up for the clinic.

https://www.trybooking.com/CFXMC   

We would love to have more boys participate in our great Rugby Program. If your son is interested in playing Rugby for St Pius, please email Mr Antonio Morris at: AMorris@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au for further information about getting involved. 

Mr Antonio Morris - Junior School Rugby Convenor

Football

Holiday Camp registrations are open; and in great news you can use your Active Kids Vouchers!

Please see the details below and register via the following link: https://coerver.com.au/courses 

Please note limited transport is available and is on a first come first served basis.

From the Football Supporters' Club

Please see attached this week's update from the Football Supporters' Club.

Mrs Lorna Hammond - Football Supporters' Club President

From the Junior Resource Centre

Easter Scavenger Hunt in the Junior Resource Centre    

Look around the library to find pictures of famous bunnies! Write down on the list the name of the rabbit, and the story/movie it comes from.

Prizes on offer.

Boys entering the Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt.

Easter Reads in the JRC

Pop into the JRC to get your Easter reads for the school holidays.

Hearts in a Jar WINNER.

Congratulations to Isaac Requin. Winner of the Hearts in a Jar competition 2023.

My Dead Bunny by Sigi Cohen and illustrated by James Foley

Year 5 and 6 have been enjoying the picture book My Dead Bunny. Written by Sigi Cohen and illustrated by James Foley. We have some amazing illustrators in the making here at St Pius X Junior School. 

Mrs Martin’s Book Trail: Lightfall by Tim Probert

Dive into these visually stunning graphic novels in the JRC! Graphic novels offer a unique reading experience that can transport you to new worlds and perspectives. So, what are you waiting for? Come check out the graphic novel section in the JRC today!

Lightfall – A young girl named Bea sets out on a dangerous journey through a mystical world to uncover the secrets and save her city from eternal darkness. #mrsmartinsbooktrail

Ms Elena Martin - Teacher Librarian

Junior Chess

Thank you to all the students who attended chess training yesterday in the JRC. A letter was sent home with the students outlining Chess payment for the competition. You will find the Trybooking link below to register with the letter also attached below.

https://www.trybooking.com/1041041

Due to the ANZAC Day holiday at the beginning of Term 2 Chess training will resume on Wednesday 26 April at 7:30 am in the Junior Resource Centre.

See you all next term.

Mrs Elena Martin - Junior School Chess Convenor