Sport

2026 Swimming Carnival

Last Friday, the atmosphere at the pool was electric as our students dove headfirst into our annual Swimming Carnival. It was a day defined not just by fast times, but by incredible participation and the true spirit of sportsmanship.

While every house brought their A-game, Maria Goretti proved to be the powerhouse of the day, by securing both the Participation and Championship trophies.

A huge shout-out to all our amazing parent helpers who helped on the day. It was also great to see so many parents attending to support the students.

We have plenty of photos to share over the coming week, thanks to the talented Haley Hausfeld!

Our staff also did a wonderful job, keeping the day running smoothly. The highlight of the day was possibly Mr Frend singing a sunsreen reminder song over the PA. It is such a shame we don't have it on camera! Mrs Jaeger was also very pleased that her House, Maria Goretti, were the winners for her very last swimming carnival after ??? years.

Congratulations to our 2026 age champions:

St Xavier's has 28 swimmers who have qualified for the ACS Swimming Carnival in Inverell on Friday 27th February.

Polding  Tennis Trials

Last Friday, 6th February, three of our talented athletes—Zac Tunbridge, Millie Lyle and Belle Nichols—headed to the courts to represent our school at the ACS Tennis Trials.

The level of competition was exceptionally high this year. Both Zac and Belle faced the number one seeds.

While Zac was unfortunately knocked out after a hard-fought effort, we are incredibly proud of the determination and sportsmanship he displayed.

A massive congratulations to Belle and Millie, who both navigated their matches successfully to qualify for the next level! They have earned the honor of representing the Polding at the NSWPSSA Championships in Parramatta this coming May.

We wish Belle and Millie the very best of luck as they prepare for the state stage.

NSWPSSA Cricket Trials

Best of luck to Emma Gander who qualified for the NSWPSSA Cricket Trials. The trials will be held in Armidale from 17th - 20th February.

Golf, AFL, Girls Rugby 7's Softball & Diving Nominations

As these sports historically have had limited nominations, we do not host trials for them. We gather all expressions of interest, and then information is directed to parents and schools when EOIs are completed. 

Expressions of interest are now open for the following sports:

2026 Sport Nomination Form for Girls Rugby League, Golf, AFL, Rugby 7's, Softball and Diving.

GIRLS & 11 YRS  RUGBY LEAGUE 

Changes have been made to the sporting pathway opportunities offered to our students in 2026. 

The 11 years League will no longer be offered as a pathway in 2026. This pathway has been cancelled by NSWPSSA School Sports Unit due to its inability to become a School Sport Australia pathway sport, like all other offered sports. As a Diocese, we will continue to offer opportunities for our younger league players to participate in a non-trial format, in days such as the Toni Palmer Memorial Shield. 

Girls Rugby League has become a separate pathway opportunity. It will now have its own separate trial date. This trial will be a Polding trial and therefore as a Diocese we will not hold a trial. Students can nominate to attend this trial directly through the Google form provided. 

Girls will no longer be permitted to trial with the 12 year boys Rugby League as they have done previously. 

For further information please do not hesitate to get in contact. 

2026 Sport Nomination Form for Girls Rugby League, Golf, AFL, Rugby 7's, Softball and Diving.