Senior School Cocurricular Program
- From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
- Fixtures
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Summer Tennis
- Squash
- Swimming
- Rugby Supporters' Club AGM
From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
As we close the first half of the ISA summer season, whilst noting district cricket continues, I would like to thank you all for your efforts in making sure the College has had such a successful start to the season in both cricket and basketball. Congratulations also go to our NSTA summer tennis players and our Pennants squash teams for their efforts in Term 4.
The ISA summer season will resume on Saturday 8 February 2025 and conclude mid-March. NSTA summer tennis and Pennants squash will resume in early February - dates to be confirmed. Our Junior School IPSHA competition will commence on Saturday 15 February.
On our return in 2025, the Senior School Swimming Carnival will be our first major event, to be held on Thursday 13 February at Macquarie University Aquatic Centre.
Please take the summer holidays to replenish any worn out sports uniforms, ready for the recommencement of the summer season.
I take this opportunity to wish all our families a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
See you again in 2025.
Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
Fixtures
Basketball
SPX Basketball Round-up
Round 5 showcased some fantastic basketball across all grades, with St Pius X teams securing 11 wins. The 13As and 13Bs led the charge, both securing close victories over tough opponents. The 14As delivered a standout performance, defeating Redlands 54-41, while the 15Ds dominated Oakhill College with an impressive 57-7 win.
In the Opens, the 2nd V shone with a commanding 85-41 victory over Oakhill, and the 17Bs fought hard to secure a 48-38 win. Despite a narrow 71-73 loss, the 1st V demonstrated skill and determination in a thrilling contest against Redlands.
Across the board, all players showed resilience and a commitment to improving their game. Congratulations to our winning teams, and well done to everyone for their effort and sportsmanship. Keep striving for success in the rounds ahead!
First V Tribute
Last Saturday, a small but moving liturgy was held at Oxford Falls to honour the memory of Tom Cleary. Mrs. Jo Schuster orchestrated this heartfelt tribute, which was delivered beautifully by First V Captain, Julian Johnson. The tribute provided a moment of reflection and unity, allowing players, families, and staff to come together in prayer and remembrance. It was a poignant reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of supporting one another in times of loss. Thank you to all who gathered and offered their respects.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
Team of the Week
The 13Cs were the standout team of the round, triumphing 48-45 in a top-of-the-table clash against Chevalier’s previously undefeated 13A team. Trailing by six points multiple times, the boys showed incredible determination, with Alfred Avila hitting a crucial three-pointer to narrow the gap late in the game. Lucas Bruce came through with pivotal defensive plays, and Patrick Butler (20 points) scored the go-ahead basket with three minutes left. The entire team contributed, with Noah van Santvoort (8 points), Hunter Austin (6 points), and Hugo Jegat (4 points) playing key supporting roles. A gutsy and memorable win—well done, boys!
Congratulations to all players and teams for their effort and sportsmanship. Keep up the hard work as we head into the next round!
Reminder of the ISA Code of Conduct
It has come to our attention that following a match last week, a member of our community approached an opposition player to address events that occurred during the game. While we understand the passion and emotions that sport can evoke, it is essential that we uphold the values of respect, sportsmanship, and integrity that define St Pius X College and the ISA Code of Conduct.
We kindly remind all players, families, and supporters that any concerns arising during or after a match should be directed to the court supervisors or communicated directly to me at jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. Approaching opposition players or engaging in confrontational behavior is not acceptable and goes against the spirit of fair play that we strive to uphold.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation in ensuring that our community continues to represent the College with pride and respect.
Training and Game Attendance
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable, and we greatly appreciate the families who have been proactive in logging absences via Clipboard and sending a courtesy email to notify us. This communication is invaluable, especially for teams traveling or those relying on a full roster.
Unfortunately, last weekend we had several teams with only five players, which placed unnecessary strain on the boys and their coaches. To help avoid these situations, please ensure any absences from training or games are logged in advance through Clipboard. This allows coaches to adjust their plans and ensure teams are prepared for match day. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in making the season a success for everyone!
Uniform Expectations
Thank you to the students for maintaining our uniform standards. With the final round of the year this weekend, a reminder that full SPX branded attire must be worn on game days, including travel to and from games. Non-uniform items like Crocs, white t-shirts, hoodies, or track pants are not permitted.
Travelling teams
Good luck to all the teams heading to the Blue Mountains this weekend. We know the journey adds an extra challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase your grit and teamwork on the court. Play hard, represent the College with pride, and travel safely.
Quote of the Week
"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. Finish strong and trust the work you’ve put in."
Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor
Cricket
SPX 6 for 202 (Oliver Freeman 87, Zachary Rapa 42 not out, Toby Moran 27) defeated Oakhill 162 (Brody Mendel 3-26, Alex Burke 2-24)
St Pius 1st XI was sent in beautiful conditions at Oxford Falls. Toby Moran and captain Ollie Freeman put on 42 after the loss of an early wicket. The skipper batted with great temperament as he put away the loose balls and turned over the strike. He received great support from Zac Rapa who found gaps and batted positively in a crucial innings. The targets of batting out the 50 overs and reaching 200 were both achieved. Oakhill’s openers were hard to dislodge as 62 was put together before Alex Burke took two deserved wickets which changed the game, along with Lucas Gleeson’s combination with his wicketkeeper Freeman saw the score at 3-73. A particularly good fielding effort helped maintain pressure with a fine low catch to Zac Rapa, two catches to Luke Austin, a run out and a catch by Toby Moran, followed by a direct hit run out from close to the boundary by Jared Fernades. Flynn Mansbridge and Charlie Chippendale took a wicket each. Debutant Brody Mendel bowled a tight spell of 9 overs and gained three wickets in an impressive display of left arm spin bowling. This was very good all round performance that resulted in a 40 run victory.
Mr Pat Rodgers - 1st XI Cricket Coach
Summer Tennis
A perfect day for the spectators last Saturday, but a hot day out on the courts for all players. Ethan Heng and Connor Huynh SPX 19 played amazing singles matches to secure the win against SPX 20. Aren Mamigonian, James Hanna and Jayden Beltran SPX 27 played some great tennis to take the win over SPX 25. Luca Hellmich SPX 22 and Ethan Roman SPX 21 showed their skills in their singles matches to win 6-2 and 6-1 respectively.
The 10:00 am games were all heated, in more ways than one. Aiden Chan and Alex Dal Molin SPX3 showed their strength in their singles both winning 6-0 securing their place in the finals next week. SPX 7 v Reddam 2 drew in games sadly, Pius lost in sets 1-2. Noah Safarian and Alfred Hu SPX 6 made a great team winning their doubles 6-3 but Justin Lee SPX 5 showed his strength in the singles winning 6-5.
NSTA REMINDERS
We have one more match to go this weekend where ALL boys will take part in either a finals match or a play off. The draw should be released by Wednesday so please make sure that you check where you are playing and who you are playing against next week:
https://www.xpointsports.com/region/325/currentEvents
GREEN BALL
Thomas Shoudra continued to shine in his singles match winning 6-1. William Graham and Nicholas Keung proved to be an excellent doubles team, winning their match 6-1. Nicholas Halim and Logan Schweinsberg paired for the first time today and together they dominated the court winning all three sets.
Don’t forget that this Saturday is the last week for this term before we resume in Term 1. Game time has been changed for next Saturday to 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Below is the draw for the weekend.
Mrs Samantha Iwatani - Summer Tennis Convenor
Squash
Last weekend, SPX 1 and 2 won their first matches of the season but the biggest highlight was Lance Meng (SPX 3) of Year 7 winning his first ever game of squash. Well done, Lance!
Mr Joe Madani - Squash Convenor
Rugby Supporters' Club AGM
The Rugby Supporters’ Club held their Annual General Meeting on Monday night 25 November 2024 at the Sarto Centre at the College.
The new Officers elected were:
President: Ted Webster
Vice President: Sam Macdonald
Secretary: Tania Moran and
Treasurer: Stephen D’Emilio
I would like to thank the outgoing members, Clive Johnston and Adam Sullivan who were members of the Golf Day subcommittee and a big thank you to Fee Haldane who led the Gala Dinner subcommittee over the past two years.
The Club is looking to fill these positions as soon as possible as these fundraisers are the backbone of the Club’s income which allows us to support the Rugby Program.
The year in review demonstrated the Club’s commitment to supporting the Rugby program at the College and it was agreed to continue with the same funding regime as in previous years.
Just some of the funding measures the Club provides are:
- Annual training tops for each player
- Supporting the tours to Armidale and the Gold Coast
- Extra training sessions specialised by position
- New Gilbert rugby balls each year
- New gear as identified such as tackle mats and hit shields
The Club will be hosting a Gala Dinner and a Golf Day again in 2025, so watch out for the 'Save the Dates' in the first few Woodchatta editions next year.
Thank you to all the parents for their continued support over the past year.
President - Mr Ted Webster