From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
Fixtures
Basketball
Chess
Cricket - ISA
Cross Country
Football - Registration and Grading, Sydney FC training and Referees
Public Speaking and Debating
Squash
Swimming
Tennis

From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Welcome back to a new year of sport and the resumption of the summer season across the ISA, NSTA, MWJCA and NSW Pennants competitions.

Over the holiday break our 1st XI cricketers toured Queensland, playing in the Australian Schools Cricket Challenge, details of which can be found below. We thank Mr Reay, Mr Rodgers, Mr Maloney and Mr Willoughby for their care of the team. We also thank Mr Ronchetti for his support.

During the break, a significant amount of training has been put in by our 1st V basketballers under the supervision of coach, Mr Jack Garrett, along with our 1st XV Rugby who made excellent use of the Sarto Gym facilities, along with some pre-season field sessions run by Mr Mike Cross and Mr Dominic McGeekie.

We also had summer camps for basketball which gave players the opportunity to sharpen their skills, improve technique and build confidence and have fun before the new year. Thank you to Mr Bourke for organising these camps.

Clipboard

My thanks to all our new families who have been so diligent in setting up your Clipboard accounts. Registration for those cocurricular activities that commence in Term 1 along with the winter sport activities in Terms 2 and 3 are now open.

Please note that all registrations for senior school football must be entered into Clipboard before Wednesday 11 February.

Details regarding registration will appear in various sections of the Cocurricular page of Woodchatta over the coming weeks.

Uniform

A reminder that all players need to ensure they have the correct uniform for their respective sport. Sport uniforms can be purchased from the College Uniform Shop. Students should wear the correct uniform to and from all fixtures. Please remember that no casual clothing or crocs are permitted to be worn.

Summer sports photos

We will begin our summer sports photo schedule this weekend at Oxford Falls when we will take photos of 1st XI Cricket, 2nd XI Cricket and the Queensland Cricket Tour Squad. All players must ensure they are onsite by 8:30 am, in full whites, blazers, baggies and caps.

A schedule for all other summer sports will be posted next week.

Upcoming Events

Saturday 7 February: NSTA Tennis commences

Saturday 14 February: IPSHA and Pennants Squash commences

Thursday 12 February: Year 5, 6, 7 Swimming Carnival at Macquarie University Pool

Date to be confirmed: Christian Brothers Swimming Carnival

In closing, I look forward to seeing all of you at some point throughout the year.

Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Fixtures

Basketball

Our SPX Basketball teams returned to competition over the weekend with strong spirit and determination. It was a round filled with hard‑fought contests, excellent individual efforts, and promising signs as teams continue to build combinations as we head towards the ISA Finals.

Match Performances & MVP Highlights

Across our ISA and development teams, players demonstrated resilience and commitment despite several challenging matchups. Close contests, including narrow results such as the 17B’s tight 29–30 finish, showed the group’s ability to stay composed under pressure. There were strong wins from 15D, 17C, 17E, and 5th V, with each of these teams displaying disciplined structures and a willingness to share the ball.

Many squads continued to show positive growth even in defeat, with commendable efforts from players who earned MVP recognition, including: Tom McSweeney, Will Crosby, James Whitby, Jonas Legg, Luca Maio, Ryan De Fina, Dylan Gleeson, Alfred Avila, Liam O’Donnell, Zareh Zarzavatjian, Jarrod Wong, Nate Riley, Jasper Wetherill, and Nickolas Cheung. Their performances reflected both consistency and effort on both ends of the floor.

Team Numbers & Player Availability

While it was an encouraging weekend across most courts, it was slightly disappointing to see several teams short of players, with one team even having to forfeit due to only having three available. We understand weekends can be busy and unexpected circumstances arise, but ensuring full teams helps all players and their teammates experience a competitive and positive match environment. Communication via Clipboard Absence and a courtesy email to Mr Bourke is required.

Round 8 – Arrival Expectations

As we move into this Round 8, we kindly ask that all players aim to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled game. This allows time for parking, a proper warm‑up, and any unexpected delays - helping each team start games prepared, focused, and ready to perform at their best.

Overall, it was a weekend that showcased improvement, teamwork, and strong college spirit. Congratulations to all teams who secured victories, and well done to those who fought hard and continued to develop their game. We look forward to building on these performances as the season progresses.

Uniform Reminder

All ISA players need to ensure they have the correct singlet and shorts.
No casual clothing or crocs are permitted to be worn to and from games. Only SPX‑branded clothing and/or playing uniform.

Absences

If your son is unable to attend a game or training session, please:

Log the absence in Clipboard, and
Send a courtesy email to help us manage team numbers.

Early notice is essential to ensure teams are properly staffed.

Year 7 Basketball – Clipboard Selections Open

A reminder that Year 7 Basketball Registration is Open in Clipboard.

This registration is for any Year 7 student wishing to represent SPX in Basketball for the 2026/27 Summer ISA Season, which begins in Term 4, 2026. Please note that registration also includes compulsory participation in our pre‑season competition held at Oxford Falls throughout March 2026.

Before submitting your son’s selection, please ensure you read all information provided in Clipboard carefully.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor

Chess

Senior Chess

All students interested in participating in Chess this year are encouraged to attend training sessions, which commence next Monday, Week 3 (9 February 2026).

Time: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: D Block rooms (students will meet in the Blue Room)
Schedule: Training will run every Monday afternoon during Terms 1 and 2

Chess Tournaments will begin in Term 2 and will be held on Friday afternoons from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

More information will be distributed at training over the coming weeks.

Ms Denise Ramsey and Ms Janelle Dempsey - Chess Convenors

Cricket

SPX ISA CRICKET

1ST XI Cricket Tour

The College 1st XI travelled to Brisbane from 5-12 January to play in the Australian Schools Cricket Challenge which featured 20 schools’ teams hosted by St Joseph’s College Nudgee. The team played four matches and came away with two wins against Brisbane Boys College and St Peters College Auckland, and two losses against Padua College and the eventual tournament winners St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe.

Best performers with the bat were Rohan Chang (56) and Oliver Freeman (50 retired and 37) and Viaan Singh (38); while with the ball spinners Lucas Gleeson (3 for 29, 2 for 8 and 2 for 23), Tom Costain (3 for 19 and 3 for 25) and Alex Burke (3 for 22 and 2 for 24) were the stand outs. The touring party were tremendous ambassadors for the College on and off the field.

Saturday 31 January 2026 – ISA Round 7

1st XI 10/81 (Charlie Chippendale 28, Rohan Chang 17) defeated by St Patrick’s College 10/105 (Charlie Chippendale 5 for 6, Lucas Gleeson 2 for 30)

The ISA competition restarted on Saturday for the 1st XI at Oxford Falls which looked superb and sported an impressive new boundary rope. Having lost the toss, the team were in the field on a hot and steamy morning. Early wickets to Jack English and Charlie Chippendale were taken before the opposition reached 2 for 60. 20 consecutive overs of spin from Lucas Gleeson and Brody Mendel (1 for 21) restricted the scoring and laid the foundation for Charlie Chippendale to clean up the tail in a devastating spell of fast bowling. In good conditions the 1st XI batsmen looked in control at 0 for 20 and 3 for 62; before a collapse took place that the home team, apart from a run a ball innings from Chippendale, could not counter. The team will be looking to bounce back against St Augustine’s at home this coming weekend.

Representative Cricket

During the Christmas holidays Charlie Chippendale was selected to play in the NSW Metropolitan Under 17 team and played in the National Championships in Brisbane. Charlie performed very well with the ball, taking 8 wickets at an average of 15.00. This was an outstanding achievement from Charlie who is eligible for the team again next summer.

Archie Wragge was selected in the NSW Under 15 Schoolboys team to play in Perth at the National All Schools Championships in February. Again, this is a very impressive achievement and reward for Archie’s performances at the ISA and CIS trials. In the AW Green Shield Under 16 NSW Premier Cricket competition over the holidays Archie ended with the highest average of all batsmen in the competition with 73.33 and 220 runs in four innings which included a century in his first match.

We wish our three Opens ISA representatives Oliver Freeman, Rohan Chang, and Archie Wragge all the best for the upcoming matches which begin with the fixture against GPS at Oxford Falls this coming Sunday. All are welcome to support.

Mr David Reay - ISA Cricket Convenor

Cross Country

Welcome back to Cross Country 2026!

Cross Country training will commence in Week 4 and will run every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We are pleased to welcome back our coaches Chris Zilifian and Ethan Li, who are keen to work with our students this season.

This year, we plan to participate in two 5k fun runs - Run2Cure and the Sydney10 - giving students the opportunity to support worthwhile causes while preparing for the upcoming ISA competition (for those selected).

Training Details

Where: Beauchamp Oval (meet at the grandstand)

When: 7:10 am – 8:10 am

Who: Open to all students in Years 5–12

What to wear: PE uniform or SPX athletics singlet, with appropriate running shoes

After training: Students are to return to school to change into their regular school uniform

What to bring: Water bottle

Run2Cure 5k Fun Run

The Run2Cure Fun Run, in support of neuroblastoma cancer research, will take place on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

An early bird discount of 25% on registration fees is currently available and closes on 13 February. We encourage families to take advantage of this offer.

Please note that registrations completed by 10 March will also receive free bib postage.

Join our SPX Runners team upon registration:
https://sydney.run2cure.org.au/signup?parentId=spx-runners
Pricing details can be found here:
https://sydney.run2cure.org.au/event-info#sydneyeventpricing

Further information will be shared closer to the event. Please notify me via email once you have registered.

We look forward to seeing you all and kicking off a great season together!

Ms Leanne Lee - Cross Country Convenor

Football

Registration and Grading

Football (soccer) grading trials for all Year 7 to 12 students will be held on Sunday 15 February 2026 at Oxford Falls Campus. Students must attend grading day at their allocated time (see below). If you have any issues with this please contact Mr Simon Yue, Senior Football Convenor syue@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Year 7 students please note: A second compulsory trial for registered Year 7 students will be held on Sunday 1st March from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm.

The 2026 SPX Football Program includes the Winter ISA Football competition and the SPX Internal Football Development Program. All students wishing to play SPX football for the 2025 season will be graded in a SPX football team.

There are limited ISA teams, typically 2 or 3 per age group. All students who do not make an ISA side are able to partake in our internal development competition run by COERVER Football.

There is an expectation that students who participate in Football at SPX attend trainings on both Monday and Wednesday afternoon as well as a Saturday game.

All students wishing to participate in the 2026 football season, must be electronically registered via Clipboard link by Wednesday 11 February 2026. The Clipboard registration assists the grading process run by the COERVER professional football coaches. The following link can will direct you to clipboard:

https://portal.clipboard.app/stpiusx .

Please note that payment for the season needs to be made upon registration.

Grading times for Sunday 15 February 2026 at Oxford Falls Campus, Dreadnought Road, Oxford Falls:

Year Registration Desk Check in Time Grading Time Oxford Falls Sporting Grounds:

U13 (Year 7) Arrival: 7:45 am, on field 8:00 am - 9:15 am

U14 (Year 8) Arrival: 9:15 am, on field 9:30 am-- 10:45 am

U15 (Year 9) Arrival: 10:45 am, on field 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

U16 (Year 10) Arrival: 12:15 pm, on field 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Opens (Y11 + Y12) Arrival: 1:45 pm, on field 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Students must be collected promptly by 3:00 pm)

What to Wear and Bring To be able to play football at the SPX grading day: It is compulsory to wear sports clothes, football shin pads and football boots. Please also bring a water bottle. Any wet weather notifications are notified on the SPX College App. Please download the SPX College App and you can check any wet weather notifications by tapping on the sports icon.

We are looking forward seeing everyone at SPX Football Grading Day 2026

Mr Simon Yue - Senior Football Convenor

Sydney FC Morning Coaching Sessions

Please see the attached document for more information.

Mr Richard Lacey - Football Development Coach

Football Referees

If you are interested in refereeing for the College this year, here are some courses for you to attend, depending on your local association. This will allow you to referee at school or be Assistant referees for the Opens games. These are paid appointments and you will be able to earn money for weekend and evening games in your association.

If you are going to sign up, please let Mr Callow know so he can assist you and will be aware that you are available for school fixtures.

NSFRA Level 4 Referee Course

Go to https://nsfa.asn.au/nsfra/referee-courses/

Follow the instructions to register for a course.

The dates of the courses are:

1. Sunday 15 February @ Warrimoo Oval (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

2. Sunday 22 February @ Warrimoo Oval (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

3. Sunday 8 March @ Montview Oval (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

4. Saturday 21 March @ Berowra Oval (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

MWFRA Entry Level Referee Courses

Go to https://mwfra.org.au/courses/entry/juniors/

Follow the steps to apply.

You will need to sign up for the two compulsory MWFRA in-person sessions.

Course 1: Monday 23 February (theory @ The Tramshed, Narrabeen) and Sunday 1 March (practical – venue TBC)

Course 2: Tuesday 24 February (theory @ Lionel Watts Community and Sports Centre) and Saturday 7 March (practical – venue TBC)

Course 3: Monday 9 March (theory @ The Tramshed, Narrabeen) and Sunday 15 March (practical – venue TBC)

Course 4: Tuesday 10 March (theory @ Lionel Watts Community and Sports Centre) and Sunday 22 March (practical -– venue TBC)

If you are already qualified, please see Mr Callow.

Mr Steven Callow - Football Referees Convenor

Public Speaking and Debating

Trials and training for Public Speaking, open to all year levels, will begin on Friday 7 February. Details are announced in the weekly assembly.

Details about Debating trials will be available in coming weeks in the Woodchatta and on Canvas (for those students who participated last year).

For any questions, please email lgissane@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Dr Lesley Gissane - Debating and Public Speaking Convenor

Squash

Welcome back to squash, and a special welcome to all our new players!

I will be taking over the coordination of squash for the remainder of the Summer Squash 2026 season. I would like to sincerely thank Mr Madani for his expertise and guidance in squash and wish him a well-deserved break as he commences his long service leave from the College.

I would also like to thank Mrs Hood for her continued commitment to the development of our players, and I look forward to a successful conclusion to the 2025/2026 season.

Please ensure you check your access to the Squash Canvas page and accept any new invitations so you can stay up to date with all squash-related news and updates.

Just a reminder that squash is a representative Saturday sport, and your son will be required to attend training, starting on Thursday 5 February, held in the afternoons and continuing weekly throughout the season. Students will be transported by bus from the College, departing from the Sarto, to Willoughby Squash Courts (our home courts), and then returned to the College. Training begins immediately after school and concludes at 5:00 pm. If it is more convenient, students may make their own way home, or parents are welcome to collect their son directly from the courts. Please notify me via email if this is your intention for your child.

Competition matches will take place on Saturday mornings, commencing 14 February, at various locations including Willoughby and Thornleigh.

Players are required to wear the full SPX Sports uniform and non-marking sports shoes during training. Protective eyewear must be worn at all times when playing squash.

While some students prefer to use their own equipment, racquets, balls, protective goggles, and even shoes are available for use at Willoughby Squash Courts. However, it is recommended that students have their own equipment for Saturday competition matches.

Please note that fixtures are likely to be updated soon, as Squash Australia will be implementing their own timelines for distributing fixtures. I will communicate any updates as soon as they come to my attention.

If more information is required, don't hesitate to get in touch with me on my email: sspedding@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Mr Stuart Spedding - Squash Convenor

Senior Swimming

Training has commenced on Tuesday and Thursday morning at Fitness First Chatswood from 7:00 am – 8:00 am. Students must wear a cap when training for hygiene purposes. All swimmers are welcome.

We have our first carnival for 2026 which is the Christian Brothers Carnival. The confirmed date will be advised in coming weeks. All swimming members are expected to attend. More information will follow in the next week after the Junior swimming has occurred and a full team can be determined. Any students who wish to swim for the College please express your interest to Miss Proc as soon as possible.

Ms Leisa Proc – Swimming Convenor

NSTA Tennis

Welcome back to the NSTA season! We are looking forward to a positive and successful start for all teams.

Training

Training commenced this week, and I would like to thank all students who attended the first grading session. A gentle reminder to parents and students that regular attendance at training is an expectation under college policy.If a student misses more than two sessions without explanation, I will follow up directly to ensure they are supported and aware of training commitments.

First Game

Our first round begins this weekend for both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am matches. Please ensure your son arrives at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. It has been greatly appreciated to see Pius students consistently arriving on time and showing readiness to play. If your son is unable to attend due to illness, please inform me as early as possible so a substitute player can be organised.

Communications

All fixtures and game details will be uploaded to Clipboard. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the platform if you haven’t already. Fixtures will be available in the coming days. Thank you for your patience as we receive information from NSTA and update it promptly.

Wishing all our teams the very best for the start of the season.

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor

Careers