Old Boys in Action
We are grateful to the College old boys in their continued support of the St Pius X College community. During the year we had many old boys support the College at various events. We were delighted to have one of the College's first ever students Mr Edward Brick, Class of 1937, join us for Remembrance Day (photo above) .
Over twenty guests came to the College ceremony on Friday 10 November at 11.00 am including ex-students, Bill James, Rod White AM, Dr Rodger Shanahan, Jim Fitzgerald, Edward Brick (a first day student from 1937) and Lieutenant Colonel Peter Hukins (who read the Ode). The Commemorative address was delivered by Rear Admiral the Honourable Justice Michael Slattery AM. Rear Admiral Slattery is an ex-student of the College from the 1960s and is currently on the Supreme Court Bench. Michael was Judge Advocate General from 2014 until 2021.
Also amongst the guests were members of the family of former student Jacob de Sisto who was killed in action on Bougainville in December 1944. Jacob’s sister, Maria, presented Jacob’s replica medals to the College for display. The College already holds the medals of Anthony Gillespie who was killed in action over Germany in 1945. Jacob and Anthony form a particular focus of the College’s Remembrance activities.
The guests processed to the sound of the bagpipes. Wreaths were laid. Included amongst the wreath layers were boys from Year 5 at the College, followed by the Act of Remembrance. It was a very solemn and well-received occasion.
Edward Brick, Class of 1937
Billy Johnson (Class of 2013) was the keynote speaker at the College's Celebration of Learning Awards Ceremony held at the Concourse Chatswood. He was College Captain in 2013 and instrumental in leading the cohort during a difficult year after the unexpected injury of fellow classmate Liam Knight.
Billy is an avid lawn bowler and currently works for Bowls NSW.
He represented Australia in 2017 winning Gold at the World Under-25 Lawn Bowls Championships.
At the Celebration of Learning he shared with the SPX community how the values he learnt during his time at the College of resilience and compassion have stayed with him. It was an inspirational address and we thank Billy for taking the time to come back to the College and share his story. Billy's address can be viewed here:
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/851530270
During November the St Pius X College Old Boys Association launched its Business Network Group with around 30 Old Boys from a range of fields of industry.
The group is the brainchild of former SPX OBA President David Bullard (Class of 82) and Sam Loricco (Class of 86) and aims to provide advice, support and mentorship for students and recent Old Boys as they move into the careers around which their predecessors will have learned invaluable lessons.
The group will meet twice yearly and provide details through the college’s career support networks and affiliated structures. OBA President Mr Barry Wong, Principal Michael Ronchetti, Business Manager Mr Lachlan Skeen and Careers Advisor Mr Joe Madani were all in attendance to support a great initiative from which the college’s students and community can benefit greatly.
Speechcraft courses, empowering students to find their voices and communicate effectively, preparing them for success in various aspects of life.
David Bullard and Sam Loricco attended the Class of 2023 HSC results BBQ on Thursday 14 December to congratulate the young men and promote the Old Boys Association and networking opportunities.
Mr Bill James, Class of 1968, spoke to Year 10 Elective History students during November on his study and writings from the Kokoda Campaign in WWII. He referenced his book "Field Guide to the Kokoda Track, a Historical Guide to the Lost Battlefields". Bill has been a great friend of the College over many years attending Remembrance Day ceremonies and has been a generous supporter, donating the James Fellowship for staff professional development and supporting the College Kokoda Track Expeditions in many ways. Thanks Bill for your continued support of the College.
The Annual Old Boys vs Open students Gala Day was held on Sunday 26 March at Oxford Falls. The Old Boys won the trophy over the 2023 Open students 2 rubbers to 1 tie!
The 1st XI football took on the star-studded Old Boys XI of Mr Quilty’s past captains led by Sevan Hanimyan (Class of 1995). The Old Boys prevailed 3-0 courtesy of 2 goals to Claudio Rossano, and 1 goal to Oscar Martin whom, Mr Quilty reports, are the two highest SPX goal scorers ever.
In Basketball, the newly appointed SPX Convenor, Danny Garrett, led his Old Boys’ team to an 86-62 point win over the students in which Liam Calleja, Nick Biefeld, Matt Watts, James Shahinian and James Brannan showed their experience and class and shared the court with Billy Sykes, Isaac Byrne, Tom Dixon, Nick Schuster, Jake Brown and Charlie Arena.
The points were shared (a tie) in the Rugby as both teams were unable to play on the day. The Open Rugby Squad 1st XV were at a pre-season camp at Workul Koo on the Central Coast while the Brothers Rugby Old Boy Club were on a country tour in preparation for their NSW Suburban Rugby season.
The day culminated with a shared BBQ hosted by SPX Old Boys’ Association President Jeff Clarke (Class of 1986). At the following College sports assembly the trophies were officially presented to College Principal, Mr Ronchetti, who accepted them on behalf of the Old Boy Champions.
Spearheaded by the dedicated efforts of Jeffrey Clarke and a group of enthusiastic alumni, this event not only brings the Old Boys community together, but also serves as a powerful fundraiser for various initiatives at St Pius X College. Thanks to the collective support and contributions, the Old Boys Association has been able to make a substantial impact on the college community. Here are some highlights of the initiatives funded by the Old Boys Association.
Thanks to all those who have contributed this year!