Junior School – Year 5 and 6
At St Pius X College, the Junior School includes Years 5 and 6, providing a supportive introduction to College life. The purpose-built Waterford Learning Centre is designed for contemporary teaching and learning, with flexible spaces that encourage collaboration, engagement and creativity. Its open design connects indoor and outdoor learning areas, creating an inspiring environment where students can thrive.
The Junior School offers a holistic education in all Key Learning Areas as well as Religious Education and specialist lessons in Music, Art and Physical Education.
The day begins with the first bell at 8:30 am. Supervision is provided from 8:10 am. Students move to Homeroom for Roll Call at 8:35 am. It is a 6-period day over a 10-day cycle with recess at 10:35 am and lunch at 12:55 pm. The day concludes at 3:05 pm at which time students make their way home via the bus and train terminals that are within a five-minute walk of the College.
A Confident Start in a Purpose-Built Environment
Starting in Year 5 gives students the advantage of a junior school designed especially for their needs. Modern, flexible learning spaces foster curiosity, confidence and a love of learning in a safe and supportive setting.
Belonging from the Very Beginning
In a close-knit cohort, every student is known, valued and supported. Strong pastoral care and an inclusive culture help students build friendships, feel secure and develop a strong sense of belonging.
A Gentle, Supported Transition to Senior School
Beginning in Year 5 allows students to gradually build confidence and independence before entering the senior years. Dedicated transition programs and a focus on wellbeing ensure a positive and seamless journey through the College.
Strong Foundations for a Hopeful Future
The Junior School years focus on developing strong literacy and numeracy skills while nurturing character, resilience and self-belief. Students are well prepared for future academic success and life beyond school.
Opportunities That Build Confidence and Character
Students enjoy a wide range of cocurricular opportunities, including sport, music, STEM, and the creative and performing arts. Service activities and leadership opportunities encourage students to discover their strengths, contribute to their community and grow into confident, capable young men.
START YOUR ENROLMEMT JOURNEY TODAY
COCURRICULAR ACTIVITES
Click here to find out more about the Cocurricular Activities for the Junior School
Homework Help
Homework help is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons between 3:10 pm and 5:10 pm in the Academic Annexe in the Senior Resource Centre.
Maths Megaminds
Junior School students who have demonstrated an outstanding aptitude for Mathematics will be invited to join Mr Makhoul’s club on Wednesdays at lunchtime to develop flexibility in problem-solving and to participate in the Maths Olympiad competition.
Debating
Junior School debating teams train on a Monday at lunchtime and compete in the Independent Primary School Heads Association (IPSHA) Debating Competition on Friday afternoons during school hours. Parents are welcome to attend the debates.
Leadership Opportunities
The Junior School has a comprehensive Leadership Program for students elected to the role of Class Captain or House Captain. Elected captains play a role in leading Junior School assemblies and in sporting events. They engage in a fortnightly leadership workshop and participate in initiatives that promote the values of service in the Junior School.
SPORT
On Thursdays at 10:35 am, students in the Junior School travel to the College Oxford Falls Campus for an afternoon of sport training with teaching staff and professional coaches. Students represent the College at Saturday morning sporting fixtures against other schools in the Independent Primary School Heads Association (IPSHA) competition. Students are expected to represent the College for two terms (one season) of sport.
Sports offered include basketball, cricket, tennis, softball, touch football, football (soccer), rugby union, AFL, athletics, and swimming.
Click here to learn more about the Junior School Sports on offer at the College.
JUNIOR RESOURCE CENTRE (JUNIOR LIBRARY)
The Junior Resource Centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and is a haven for students who love to read or who just want a quiet place to play board games or to enjoy Ms Dalton’s latest book display. Ms Dalton is always available to recommend books and to inspire even our most reluctant readers.
PERSONAL LEARNING DEVICES
The College has a 1:1 Personal Learning Device (PLD) program. All Year 5 students and new Year 6 students receive a PLD (laptop) at the beginning of the year. Maintenance of the PLDs is provided by the College’s I.T. Department.
CANTEEN
The College canteen is open at recess and lunch. The canteen is cash-free, and orders can be placed before 9:30 am using Flexischools https://flexischools.com.au/
OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS
Both Year 5 and Year 6 go away for 3 days and 2 nights, usually early in the year. Year 5 participate in an outdoor education camp while Year 6 visit Canberra as part of their studies of Australian history. These trips are an essential part of our educational program and are compulsory.
PERFORMING ARTS
Private music lessons are available during school hours and there is an opportunity to join the College’s many bands, ensembles, chorales, choirs and drama clubs.
Click here to learn more about the Performing Arts Programs on offer at the College.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
There are a number of ways in which parents can be involved with the College: as a class parent, as a canteen volunteer, as a member of one of our supporter groups or as a contributor to our Parents and Friends Association.