Parent & Student Matters

Year 11 Biology Excursion

What's happening in the College?

Science Alumni News

Year 11 Study Day

Old Boy visits Year 11 Form Meeting

Year 11 Biology Excursion

Debating

Chess

Maths Daily Drop-In Sessions

Science: The ConocoPhillips Science Experience - STEM Outreach Program for Students

'Lost & Found' at Oxford Falls

Run2Cure Fun Run - THIS SUNDAY

Science Alumni News

On Tuesday 21 May I was honoured to be invited to attend at the Dalyell Showcase at the University of Sydney by ex-student Jake Watts (Class of 2018). Jake was invited to be part of the Dalyell Scholars stream as part of the Faculty of Science, a program only offered to high-achieving students. The program offers a unique opportunity for 1st year students to take part in cutting edge research in small groups led by a senior undergraduate mentor and supported by an academic expert.

At the Dalyell Showcase, each of the groups presented their research findings in a simulated scientific conference. Jake presented his group’s research in the area of Embryonic Stem Cells and showed how they can be manipulated in many areas of research. Despite illness on the night, Jake spoke very well and clearly enjoyed and learnt a lot from the experience. Like many before him Jake is a great example of a student taking advantage of the opportunities offered to him in the field of Science and has a bright future. Congratulations Jake Watts.

Mrs Joanne Schuster - Science Coordinator

Year 11 Study Day

Last week Year 11 attended their second Study Day for 2019 at the Oxford Falls Campus. Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) was the keynote speaker and presented on various topics such as working effectively in the evenings, dealing with distractions, planning for assessments, making brain-friendly study notes on a regular basis, using a wide variety of active study techniques to suit individual learning styles and time management strategies in order to maximise their results in their final years of school.

Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/. All secondary students and parents at our school also have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills. Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter the username: spx and the password: 25success. There are lots of useful handouts on the THINGS TO PRINT page on this site and students can work through the units where they need additional help.Dr Salter’s presentation was very engaging and she challenged the boys to really step up to the demands of senior study.

Mrs Joe McCarthy, one of our College Counsellors, ran a session on being resilient and coping with the stresses of the HSC, emphasising the need for balance and healthy living.

The students were also given a Student Action Plan for Terms 2 and 3. This is part of our ongoing Senior Learning Partnership Program with students, parents and teachers. Hopefully this booklet will promote a discussion about approaches to study and recognise areas that could be improved. It was encouraging to see so many senior students taking responsibility for their learning and really engaging in the sessions on the day.

Ms Donna Janes - Year 11 Coordinator and Careers Adviser

Old Boy visits Year 11 Form Meeting

This week we had the pleasure of hosting a presentation by SPX Old Boy Alan Djizmedjian (HSC 2015) at the Year 11 Form Meeting. Alan shared the journey about his life post SPX. He had struggled to find a career pathway that motivated him whilst at school and went into university not really knowing what he wanted to achieve. Alan then decided to explore his passion of cars and now has a very successful and fulfilling career in this industry, doing something he loves.

Alan offered great advice on how to stay motivated and to be patient when making career choices. His advice is to follow and utilise your strengths to find the job you love. We wish Alan every success for the future.

Ms Donna Janes - Year 11 Coordinator and Careers Adviser

Year 11 Biology Excursion

On Thursday 23 May both Biology classes made the trip out to Bicentennial Park at Homebush to study the wetlands as part of their Biology course. They learnt about the history of the area and how drastic remediation was needed before the 2000 Olympic games. Students were instructed on the correct use of equipment to conduct their own abiotic tests such as pH, salinity, humidity and wind speed. We learnt about the value of mangroves and how they survive in marine tidal zones.

Mr Varjavandi and Ms Ramsey were pleased with the efforts of the Year 11 Biologists, who benefitted greatly from the experience.

Mr Justin Varjavandi - Biology Teacher

Debating

Please see the information from Ms Waterson below.

Debating Information.docx.pdf

Ms M Waterson - Public Speaking & Debating Convenor

Chess

Senior Chess Draw for this Friday 31 May.

Ms Denise Ramsay and Ms Janelle Dewmpsey - Chess Convenors

Maths Drop-In Sessions

With upcoming assessments, just a gentle reminder that Maths Drop-In sessions are available from 7.30am - 8.30am each day in C1 for consolidation of classroom content and assistance.

STEM Outreach Program for Students

Please click on the flyer below for details or see Mrs Schuster for further information.

STEM program for Students.pdf

Mrs Joanne Schuster - Science Coordinator

'Lost & Found' at Oxford Falls

We are accumulating a number of items left at Oxford Falls after the various activities held in this excellent facility. The best option to enquire about any lost and found items is to call The Treacy Centre at Oxford Falls directly on 9452-7158 between 7.00am and 6.00pm or send an email to OMaintenance@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Items that have been gathered over the week are returned to the Chatswood Campus Student Reception each Thursday afternoon for collection.

Mr Mark Casey - Deputy Principal

Run 2 Cure - THIS SUNDAY 2 June

Run2Cure is being held THIS SUNDAY 2 June in The Domain. Register today and run for the SPX College team!

Get fit, have fun and support vital research into a cure for the childhood cancer - neuroblastoma. To run for the St Pius X Team, primary boys would enter the 3k primary school challenge upon registration. High school boys would register for the 5k high school challenge. Parents of course can register to run too as it’s a fabulous family morning out!

Why run? Because all children deserve the chance to grow up.

We must find better treatments for this children’s cancer, as currently only half of the children diagnosed with neuroblastoma survive. Run2Cure is your chance to make a real difference, as funds raised go toward research into this aggressive childhood cancer.

Years 5 & 6:

Add this registrant to a team, created by someone else.
Team Category - 3k Primary School Challenge
Select Team - St Pius X College Junior

Years 7-12:

Add this registrant to a team, created by someone else.
Team Category - 5k High School Challenge
Select Team - St Pius X College

For more information please contact Jody Mullen jody.mullen@nb.org.au (Mother of a Year 8 St Pius student)