Senior School Cocurricular Program

• From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
• ArtLab 
• Athletics
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Public Speaking and Debating 2027
• Rugby
• Squash
• Swimming
• Touch Football

From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

ISA summer pre-season preparations are well underway, and will continue during the holidays. Week 1 next term will see Round 1 of the ISA cricket and basketball and NSTA competitions commence.  The exception being our touch football teams, who will play their first competition game on Saturday 24 October.

We have internally-run holiday camps for basketball and cricket.  There is also an externally-run squash holiday camp.  These camps are a great way for your son to learn new skills and get them ready for the coming season. Please see details in the respective sports sections below for further details.

A reminder that all students playing summer sport should ensure they have the correct uniform for their sports.  This should be obtained from the College Uniform Shop prior to the competition starting.

I thank, in advance, our sport convenors and coaches for their time and efforts in training and preparing our summer teams for the season.  

Please see information in the football section below on the Football Club's AGM and Information Night, which is being held on Wednesday 21 October at 5:30 pm in the Sarto Centre.

We head into the spring break this weekend and I wish everyone a restful and relaxing holiday.

Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

ArtLab Exhibition

As the season drew to a close, the Winter ArtLab Exhibition proudly showcased the creativity and dedication of students from Years 8 to 11. The exhibition featured a diverse range of artworks across a variety of mediums and genres, including graphite drawings, painted landscapes, and ceramic sculptures.

It was wonderful to see such strong support from parents, students, and staff, who came together to celebrate the impressive talent and artistic achievements on display. Staff and students also had the opportunity to participate in the People's Choice Award, voting for their favourite artwork from the exhibition.

A huge congratulations goes to all our artists for their stunning and inspiring work throughout the semester. 

Special recognition is extended to:

• Henry Bourke – Best Overall Artist Award

• Benjamin Daza Kashimura – People's Choice Award

• Quintus Liu – Best Portrait Award

• Lucas Korth – Best Landscape Award

• Charlie Southan – Junior Diligence and Effort Award

• Emilio Circosta – Senior Diligence and Effort Award

• Samuel Hopkins – Most Improved Artist Award

The growth, confidence, and artistic development demonstrated by our students throughout the semester have been inspiring to witness. It has been particularly rewarding to see students refine their technical skills, explore new artistic approaches, and develop their own unique visual voices.

We look forward to another exciting semester of ArtLab and to continuing to nurture the creativity, passion, and talent of our young artists.

Fergus Fung - ArtLab Tutor

Athletics

On Tuesday, 15 September, our Athletics Squad competed at the ISA Athletics Carnival held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC).

We achieved some excellent results, with our Juniors finishing in 1st place, our Intermediates in 3rd place, and our Seniors in 4th place, resulting in an outstanding 3rd place overall.

A special mention goes to Tadhg Crowley, who broke the ISA records for the 12 Years 100m, running an impressive 12.27 seconds, and 200m, finishing in 24.42 seconds. James Mikan also broke the ISA record for the 15 Years Long Jump with a fantastic 6.39m, while Hunter Austin broke the ISA record for the 15 Years Shot Put with an outstanding throw of 16.32m.

Well done to all our athletes who competed and represented St Pius X College with great sportsmanship, determination and pride. Your commitment and efforts throughout the season have been outstanding.

The following athletes achieved Top 3 placings in their respective age groups, making them eligible to compete at the CIS Athletics Championships, representing ISA.

My thanks go to our staff Mr Stearn, Mr Steinman and Ms Gilbert for their contributions at ISA.  Thanks also to our coaches Chris Zilifian and Ethan Li for their ongoing support in warming up our students prior to their event. A special thanks to Mrs Sally Richardson for offering her time and supporting our school with the role of marshalling at the carnival. Finally, thank you to Archie Turner for being our photographer for the day.  Here are some of the highlights captured from the day. 

2026 Athletics Captain and Vice-Captain

Congratulations to James Patchett on his appointment as Athletics Captain and to Hugo Hart on his appointment as Athletics Vice Captain. 

Athletics Age Champions

Congratulations to the 2026 Athletics Age Champions. Athletes who demonstrated consistent talent and dedicated across various events and earning the highest points within their age group. 

12 Years: Tadhg Crowley

13 Years:  Jasper Weidner

14 Years:  Oliver Ward

15 Years:  James Mikan

16 Years:  Liam Zoncape

17 Years:  Xavier Davidson

18 Years: Hugo Hart

ISA Colour Award 

Well done to Tyler Jago on his ISA Colour Award for excellence in Cross Country.

Ms Leanne Lee – Athletics Convenor 

Basketball

Summer Basketball Season Update

With grading now complete, team allocations are beginning to come together and will start appearing in Clipboard.

Training schedules will also begin appearing in Clipboard, with some available as early as tomorrow, with others added during Week 1 of the school holidays. Basketball training will commence from Monday of Week 1, Term 4.

Please note:

• Team allocations remain fluid during the first two weeks of the season. Students may move up or down between teams during this period. This allows us to accommodate students who were unavailable during grading and ensures we achieve the best balance across all age groups and teams. This is not a reflection of ability or commitment.

• A coaches list will be shared during Week 1 of Term 4 once all coaching appointments have been finalised.

• Teams will not be visible in Clipboard until all coaches have been allocated and team lists have been signed off.

ISA Fixtures

We are still awaiting final confirmation of the ISA draw. Once released, fixtures will begin appearing in Clipboard.

Please be aware that all fixtures are subject to change. Initially, games may appear with a time of 2:35 am. This is simply a placeholder time used by the system and does not represent the actual game time.

Final game times, venues and any fixture updates are typically confirmed during the week leading into each round and will be updated in Clipboard as information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience throughout the grading process. We are looking forward to another exciting basketball season ahead.

First V Sydney School Shootout

Our First V Basketball team has been working tirelessly throughout the term in preparation for the upcoming Sydney Schools Shootout, to be held on 8 and 9 October at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre.

After being unable to participate in the tournament last year, it is exciting to see St Pius X return to this highly regarded preseason event. Under the guidance of Jack and Danny Garrett, the squad has embraced a demanding training schedule, focusing on skill development, team cohesion and game preparation ahead of the challenge.

Competing in the Open Boys Division against quality opposition from across Sydney will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to test themselves and continue their development as they build towards the summer season. We wish the players and coaches all the best and look forward to following their progress at the tournament.

They will be training hard next week Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm at Oxford Falls in preparation. 

Basketball Holiday Camp – Registrations Now Open

Clipboard registrations are now open, and places are filling quickly for the upcoming St Pius X Basketball Holiday Camp, led by James Asensi and the AET Basketball coaching team, alongside SPX First V Coach Jack Garrett.

With limited court availability due to the College's major works program, places are capped and families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Elite Camp Invitations

Invitations for the Years 5 & 6, Years 7 & 8 and Year 9 & 10 Elite Camps will be issued following the completion of grading this week. These sessions are designed for students identified through the grading process and will provide an advanced development opportunity in preparation for the upcoming IPSHA and ISA seasons.

For session times, venue details and registrations, please visit Clipboard.

We look forward to seeing plenty of students on court throughout the holidays.

ISA Basketball Travel Requirements

ISA Basketball is a home-and-away competition, providing students with the opportunity to represent SPX against schools across the wider ISA network. While many fixtures are played locally, some teams may be scheduled to travel to venues such as Bowral, Bathurst, Orange, the Central Coast and Penrith throughout the season.

At this stage, it is anticipated that several teams may travel to Bathurst in Round 1. Families and teams affected will be contacted directly with further details. To assist with logistics, the College is planning to provide an SPX team bus for this round.

Students selected in an ISA team are expected to travel with their team as part of their commitment to the program. We understand that away fixtures require additional planning and will communicate draws, travel arrangements and venue information as early as possible once confirmed by the ISA.

Thank you for your support. These away games are often a highlight of the season and provide students with a fantastic opportunity to build team spirit while representing the College.

Mr  James Bourke - Basketball Convenor

Cricket

MWJCA CRICKET SKILLS DAY

Cricket Skills Day, run by Cricket Appeal — Friday 2 October, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Oxford Falls Campus

The College, in conjunction with Cricket Appeal, will host a Cricket Skills Day on Friday 2 October, in the first week of the Term 3 holidays. The day runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Oxford Falls Campus.

The program is open to all students in Years 5–10. Selection in an SPX Cricket side is not a prerequisite, nor is prior participation in trials. A BBQ lunch will be provided.

Families are asked to complete the RSVP form below by Friday 18 September. As catering and staffing are arranged on the basis of confirmed numbers, late responses may not be accommodated.

MWJCA Cricket Skills Day – RSVP.

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor

Football

Term 4 2026  Sydney FC Morning Football Coaching

Coached by Sydney FC Academy coaches

At Gore Hill Oval, 209 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards

Arrive 6:50 am

Time: 7:00 am to 8:00 am

Cost:  $140.00

Mr Lacey will supervise Junior School students travel back to school on the train from St Leonards to Chatswood.

Year 7, 8, 9 and 10

Dates: Tuesday 13 October, 20 October, 27 October, 3 November, 10 November, 17 November, 24 November

Year 5 and 6

Dates: Thursday 15 October, 22 October, 29 October, 5 November, 12 November, 19 November, 26 November

Sign up through Clipboard.  Registration includes a free ticket to watch a Sydney FC A League game.  Limited places so sign up ASAP.

Mr Richard Lacey - Football Development Coach

AGM - Save the date

Please hold 5:30 pm on 21 October (Week 2 of Term 4) at the Sarto Centre for the SPX Football AGM.

It is a chance to hear what the school has planned for football, to express your views and hear from school & football leadership and to potentially get involved as a volunteer or join the Football Supporters Club Committee.

The meeting is completed within an hour and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Matt Zanello - SPX Football Supporters' Club President

Public Speaking and Debating 2027

Please see below the dates for public speaking and debating for the 2027 season. Information about trials and training will be provided in Term 4.

Dr Lesley Gissane - Public and Speaking Convenor

Rugby Golf Day

Link to purchase tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/spx-2026-golf-day

or use the QR code:

Mr Ted Webster - SPX Rugby Supporters' Club President

Squash

Enrol for Summer Squash

Enrolments are now open in Clipboard for students who wish to play in the summer squash competition (2026/27).

Holiday Squash Camps

Our Senior Professional Squash Coach, Jacob Robinson, will be running a junior holiday camp through East Coast Squash Academy.  Please note that this is a private coaching opportunity and is not a Pius-run activity.  No Pius staff will be in attendance.  

All information regarding the Camps are in the link: Junior Holiday Camps.

Please refer all enquiries to Jacob - jacob@eastcoastsquashacademy.com.au at East Coast Squash Academy.

Mr Stuart Spedding - Squash Convenor

Senior Swimming

Training commences on Tuesday 13 October at Fitness First Chatswood from 7:00 am – 8:00 am and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays each week till the end of November. Senior swimming squad are invited to attend if they do not train three or more times outside of school. Students must wear a swimming cap otherwise they will not be able to enter the pool. Students will not be changing at the pool. Students will dry off and walk back to the College and get changed in the GYM.

More information about carnivals in Term 4 for the squad will be given at the beginning of next term. We look forward to competing at the St Patrick’s College Invitational in early November.

Ms Leisa Proc – Swimming Convenor

Touch Football

Our Touch Football season got underway in excellent fashion last Saturday, with all teams taking part in a successful round of trial matches at Macquarie University Sports Fields.

The day provided a valuable opportunity for players to put their training into practice, develop combinations, and continue building team connections ahead of the upcoming season. It was fantastic to see players enjoying the sunshine and competing with great energy throughout the day.

A reminder to all players and families that Clipboard remains the primary platform for all Touch Football communication. Training updates, team lists, match information, and season notices will continue to be shared via Clipboard, so please ensure notifications are enabled and checked regularly.

Touch Football Dates for the Diary:

• 14 October – Training resumes at Oxford Falls 
• 24 October -   Round 1 ISA 
• 25 November – Last training for the year
• 28 November - Last game for 2026 (Round 6) 

Mr Justin Gates - Touch Football Convenor