Senior School Cocurricular Program 

• From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
• Fixtures
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Summer Squash
• Summer Tennis
• Swimming
• Rugby

From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

As we commence the summer season fixtures, I draw your attention to the ISA and IPSHA codes of conduct and the St Pius X Risk Warning.  In particular, please refer to the guidelines for our coaches.  These are strict guidelines, and form the basis under which our coaches operate at ISA and IPSHA sporting events.

Everyone's conduct on sidelines, touchlines, boundaries and at venues reflects on the College as much as the behaviour of the players. 

Please help us to make our sports program a safe and welcoming environment for all involved by familiarising yourselves with the ISA Code of Conduct below. 

Could I also ask that you ensure that all players have the correct uniform as detailed in last week's Woodchatta.

Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Fixtures

Basketball

Training Highlights: Weeks 1 & 2

The first two weeks of training have been a fantastic start to the season! Across all teams, we've been focusing on building a strong foundation by honing the fundamentals. Our sessions have emphasised essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning. Coaches have been working closely with players to develop consistency, improve teamwork, and instil good habits that will serve as the backbone for more advanced play as the season progresses.

It’s been encouraging to see the enthusiasm and commitment from all players, with each session bringing increased energy and focus. These early weeks are about ensuring that every player, regardless of their team level, is mastering the basics so they can grow individually and contribute effectively to their teams. We’re excited to continue building on this solid groundwork as we move further into the season!

Training and Commitment

Thank you to all the players who have shown dedication by attending training sessions over the first 2 weeks. A reminder to please log an absence on Clipboard if a player is unable to attend a training session or game, as this helps us manage the program more effectively. This includes clashes with other Cocurricular Activities. Communication will be sent to families over the coming weeks if your son does not attend a training or fixture and no ‘genuine’ explanation has been logged. 

Team Selections and Moving Forward

Following the weekends matches, there have been several boys across all age groups that have moved teams for Round 1. Please check Clipboard to see if this effects your son. Across the season there may be opportunities for player movement, based on performance, attitude and commitment. 

Fixtures and Communication

The fixtures for Saturday 26 October are attached above for your reference. A reminder that fixtures are entered in Clipboard as DRAFT fixture. This will be displayed as UNCONFIRMED and may or may not include details such as time, venue, and opposition. As information is shared from opposition schools, fixtures will be CONFIRMED during the week. This can vary from week to week. If your notifications are activated, you should receive a prompt when this occurs. Please be aware that we work closely with several schools, and changes can occur as late as Friday before the match. If you need assistance with accessing Clipboard, please reach out to Mrs Walsh Jwalsh@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au  or Mrs Dodds mdodds@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. 

Home and Away Calendar

The HOME and AWAY Calendar (attached below) provides a snapshot of the current schedule for upcoming games. Please note that this is a DRAFT and subject to changes as we receive updates from opposition convenors. All confirmed game details, including any adjustments, will be communicated through Clipboard. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as the season progresses!

Code of Conduct 

Please be reminded that all players and their families are expected to uphold the ISA Code of Conduct throughout the season. This includes demonstrating respect towards teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents, as well as maintaining good sportsmanship at all times. The Code of Conduct emphasises the importance of fair play, positive behaviour, and supporting the spirit of the game. We kindly ask families to familiarise themselves with these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The full ISA Code of Conduct is attached to this report above for your reference.

Game Day Protocols

A reminder, players should arrive at their venue at least 15 minutes before their game to ensure adequate preparation time. Additionally, please note that no guards, sleeves, or undershirts are permitted to be worn during the ISA season unless a doctor’s certificate is provided on the day. Any medical documentation should be submitted to Mr Bourke or Mrs Schuster prior to Saturday, so we can request medical exceptions where necessary. These guidelines align with the ISA Code of Conduct to ensure consistency and fair play.

Game Day and Training Uniform

Thank you to all the families who purchased the official Basketball uniform for the upcoming season. This is a reminder that all players must travel to and from games in the SPX-approved uniform. Casual clothing is not permitted.

For training sessions, students are allowed to wear shirts featuring the SPX crest. Maintaining a consistent and professional appearance, both during games and training, reflects the pride we take in representing our College and reinforces a sense of unity within our teams. These guidelines also help create a focused and disciplined environment, preparing the boys for both the competitive and cooperative aspects of the season.

Thank you for your cooperation in upholding these standards!

SPX Basketball Committee

Thank you for your incredible support during last weekend’s successful internal round of games! It was a fantastic start to the season, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going.

We also want to extend our gratitude for your contributions to the recent BBQ fundraiser. Your involvement plays a crucial role in the success of the largest sporting program at our school, and we truly appreciate the support. All money raised goes back into the SPX Basketball program to support the further development of our players. We will be sharing details about further events and fundraising opportunities throughout the year, so please stay tuned!

Looking forward to another great season ahead, and thank you once again for your ongoing support!

We look forward to an exciting season of basketball and wish everyone the best of luck this weekend!

'Champions are made not by the games they win, but by the effort they put in every day. Let's give it our all from the start!'

Fide et Labore - Faith and Hard Work

Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor

Cricket

ISA Cricket

Pre-season trial matches: 1st XI Cricket trial matches

Four trial matches have been played by the 1st XI cricket team in preparation for the 2024-25 ISA cricket competition. The commitment and skills shown by the squad have been excellent and four wins resulted. Details of each match follow:

• SPX 8/264 ( D Horstead 69, T Moran 68, C Chippendale 65 N.O. F Mansbridge 22) defeated St Joseph’s College 2nd XI 8/203 (F Mansbridge 2-26, L Austin 2-28, L Gleeson 2-31)
• SPX 292 (R Chang 57, L Austin 49, T Moran 48, J Fernandes 30, D Horstead 30, F Mansbridge 22) defeated Shore 2nd XI 127 (J Fernandes 2-7, L Gleeson 2-16, A Burke 2-19)
• SPX 9/168 (O Freeman 47, R Chang 38) defeated Riverview 1st XI 167 (L Gleeson 5-23, L Austin 2-34)
• SPX 9/211 ( D Horstead 71, T Moran 38, O Freeman 32) defeated St Stanislaus' Bathurst 1st XI 7/59 (L Gleeson 3-12, L Austin 2-11) in a rain reduced match

ISA Round 1 is this Saturday (Saturday 26 October 2024) with the following fixtures:

• 1st XI v Oxley College @ Oxford Falls #1
• 2nd XI v Central Coast Grammar School @ Central Coast Grammar School, East Gosford

Mr David Reay - ISA Cricket Convenor

MWJCA

Match Report

SPX U14 Green

SPX Green 8/105 (Rory Rapa 32*, Oscar Clubbe 21) def. Seaforth Panthers 90 (Felix Keeler 4/19)

On a wet morning, we lost the toss and were sent into bat. Seaforth bowled & fielded well, and with the long, wet grass not giving any value for shots, we struggled to get going. After 15 overs we were 4/31 and talked about needing to give ourselves something to bowl at. Unfortunately, we lost 3 wickets in the 2 overs after drinks to fall to 7/39. Oscar Clubbe (21) and Rory Rapa (32*) then rescued the innings with an excellent 41 run partnership, before Alastair Fernandes (14*) and Rory added a further 25 runs in the last 3 overs. 105 gave us a chance.

When Seaforth went into bat, it was clear that the grass had dried out and sped up significantly, so our bowling and fielding needed to be exceptional. Our opening bowlers started well with a wicket each in their opening spells, but a couple of lucky edges saw Seaforth at 2/26 after 6. Felix Keeler (4/19) and Rory Rapa (2/2) then bowled an outstanding 8 overs, reducing Seaforth to 8/39 after 14. Our fielding was excellent, with Oscar Clubbe & James Sykes taking very sharp catches, and our boys had their tails up. However in another twist Seaforth dug in and got the equation down to 19 needed off overs with 2 wickets remaining. Captain Ben Costain rotated his bowlers well and brought back James Sykes (2/16) and Alastair Fernandes (2/11), who finally took the last 2 wickets to give us the win by 15 runs.

As a team, we talk about always competing, and I was extremely proud of the students to come back from 7/39 to win a tight game. Kudos to Oscar & Rory for giving us a competitive total, to Felix for his 4 wickets, and to the whole team for a very strong bowling & fielding performance.                               James Keeler

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Convenor

Summer Tennis

If you have not yet received a email from me regarding your team, please get in contact with me as soon as possible:

Siwatani@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

With the start of tennis this weekend you should have all received a copy of your teams. Those of you playing in the NSTA competition would have also accessed the draw. 

Green ball players will be told on Saturday which teams they will be playing. 

Please ensure that you are at your matches at least 15 minutes before the start of play to find out which court you are on and to have a warm up. 

See you on Saturday, dressed in College sports shorts, tennis shirt and College or tennis cap.

Mrs Samantha Iwatani - Summer Tennis  Convenor

Swimming

School Swimming Squad Training – Term 4, 2024

Students who were part of the Swimming Squads and participated in carnivals earlier this year are invited to train in the swimming squad. I also encourage any students looking to improve their fitness or aiming to represent at the ISA level in 2025 to join the squad. To build a strong squad culture, participants are expected to attend the majority of the 10 training sessions. Either Ms Proc (Senior Swimming Convenor) or Mr Bourke will be present at each session.

Training Details:

• Time and Location: 7:10 am at Fitness First, Chatswood (24 Endeavour St, Chatswood)
• Requirements: Suitable swimwear, goggles, and a swim cap are essential (no cap, no swim)
• Attire: Students should wear the PE/Pius Sports Uniform to the sessions. At 8:15 am, staff will walk the boys back to school, where they can change into their school uniform. A snack or breakfast is also recommended after the session.
• Training Days/Dates:

Registration for the Term 4 Swim Squad program can be found below, please complete asap. Swimming Squad Term 4 Registration 

Please note the St Patrick’s Invitational Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 8 November at Ryde Aquatic Centre.  All swimmers are expected to attend.  Details will be available in the coming week.

Ms Leisa Proc - Senior Swimming Convenor

Rugby

Annual General Meeting - Rugby Club

The Rugby Club AGM will be conducted on 25 November from 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend the meeting as we plan for the future of SPX rugby.

Please do not hesitate to reach out via email (jgates@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au) if you have any questions. 

Term 3 Rugby Dates for the Diary:

• Monday 25 November - RUGBY CLUB AGM - 6:00 pm – Sarto Centre

Mr Justin Gates - Rugby Convenor