Senior School Cocurricular Program

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

From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Wishing our students well as they approach the pointy end of the summer season, with only two rounds to go in the regular season, prior to semi-finals and finals.

Could I ask everyone to ensure that students are in the correct attire for their sports.  Any students attending fixtures as spectators must be in full summer uniform or SPX sport uniform.

We wish our footballers good luck on Sunday as they attend grading at Oxford Falls.  See below for schedule.  Please note that students in Year 7 will be required to attend a second grading session on Sunday 1 March.

Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Fixtures

Sarto Gym Bookings

Gym times for casual bookings

Casual bookings for the Sarto gym are bookings made by students outside of sport-specific programs (eg rugby, basketball etc).

All students who attend casual booking sessions are expected to follow school prescribed programs.

When: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday morning 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Spots are strictly limited to 20 students per session. Years 7 to 12.

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 must go through the Levels Program which will teach them correct movement patterns, proper technique, and gym safety. This also applies to students in Years 9 -12 with no gym experience.

Bookings are made via the TeamBuildr OS app.

Once downloaded, an account in the student's name (not parent name) needs to be created. 

Step1: Download App – Team Buildr OS 

Step 2: Find your gym : St Pius X College

Step 3: Create an account: Student Details

Step 4: Home page :

Step 5: Select 'Book your first class'

Step 6:  View of Timetable > select day > tap on Casual Gym Class and follow the prompts 

Basketball

Weekend Wrap

A strong week of basketball across the College, with several impressive wins and encouraging performances. Our teams showed great teamwork, improved defensive effort, and plenty of determination in close contests.

Team Highlights

• Internal Development: Green had a big 71–24 win, while Red edged Blue in a close 36–33 match.

• Strong wins from 13A (48–18), 13C (33–3), and 13F (24–17).

• 14C dominated 40–10, led by a standout performance from Jamie Mathews.

• 14D and 14F also secured solid wins.

• 15C claimed a tight 34–32 victory.

• 17A took an impressive 30–25 win, and 5th V were excellent in a 34–22 victory.

Across many age groups, teams showed improved defensive intensity - forcing turnovers, limiting opponents’ scoring, and staying composed during tight finishes. This consistent effort was a major factor in our competitive results.

This week’s MVPs had a clear impact on their teams:

• 13E: James Whitby, Jonas Legg & Sam Martinez – key contributors in a narrow finish. 

• 13F: Ryan De Fina, Joshua McCarry – lifted the team in their win. 

• 14B: Hunter Austin, James Pratt – strong efforts in a close contest. 

• 14C: Jamie Mathews, Oliver Henderson – central to a dominant win. 

• 14F: Joseph Wilson, Hamish Farquhar – drove the team’s strong performance. 

• 15D: James Hocking, Chase King – positive contributors throughout. 

• 15F: Julian Bloem, Joshua Bu – great effort despite the result. 

• 17A: Alex Moores, Nickolas Cheung – instrumental in a tight win. 

• 17C: Elijah De Fina, Lukas Vivot – excellent energy in a close game. 

• 17D: Brandon Setiawan Gow, Isaac Sharpe – strong defensive focus. 

• 5th V: Sam Millar, John Medalla – key to the team’s victory. 

• 6th V: Marcus Cheung, Archie Turner – strong contributions throughout.

17F Basketball – Parent Match Report

The 17F boys put in an outstanding performance over the weekend, leading confidently for the majority of the match before a tough final two minutes saw them go down by just three points. The team showed impressive grit and determination throughout.

A challenging moment came with seven minutes remaining, when Jerome, our key player in the middle, fouled out after a very tight call, leaving the boys to finish the game with only four players. Despite this setback, they fought hard right to the end, with Oxley scoring some late buckets to close the gap.

Although the boys were understandably disappointed on the quiet trip home, they should be incredibly proud of the effort, teamwork and spirit they displayed. Their commitment and resilience were a credit to themselves and to the College.

A big thank you to the parents who stepped in to support the team, your help is always appreciated. One parent shared how excited his younger son Isaac is for the Year 5 basketball season ahead after attending the recent trials, which is wonderful to hear as we look to the year ahead.

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:

1. Log the absence in Clipboard, and

2. 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 Reminder

Thank you to all the families who have already completed the Year 7 Basketball registration in Clipboard, your prompt action is greatly appreciated.

For any families still yet to register, a reminder that Year 7 Basketball selections remain open in Clipboard.

This registration is for any Year 7 student wishing to represent SPX in the 2026/27 Summer ISA Season, beginning 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 nomination, please ensure you read all information in Clipboard carefully.

Final message of the week. 

With two rounds remaining before finals, it would be fantastic to see our College community creating a strong atmosphere by arriving a little earlier and staying a little longer to support other teams. That extra encouragement from the sidelines can make a real difference in those tightly contested matches.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor

Chess

All Senior School students interested in Chess are reminded that training has now begun. Students who are curious but unsure about signing up are warmly encouraged to come along to a training session and give it a try

• Time: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
• Location: D Wing, Rooms 1-4
• 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.

All welcome

Ms Denise Ramsey and Ms Janelle Dempsey - Chess Convenors

Cricket

SPX ISA CRICKET

1st and 2nd XI had two great wins last Saturday. The 1st XI remains in first place in the ISA Division 1 Competition, and the 2nd XI are firmly second in Division 2. With only two rounds remaining both the 1st XI and 2nd XI are looking to continue their winning ways and secure home finals.

Saturday 7 February 2026 – ISA Round 8

1st XI  0/66 (Rohan Chang 35*, Archie Wragge 27*) defeated St Augustine’s College 10/105 (Alex Burke 3 for 4, Dan Carroll 2 for 7, Charlie Chippendale 2 for 11)

Losing the toss and being asked to bowl suited the 1st XI in a top of the table clash against St Augustine’s College at Oxford Falls. A very determined 1st XI took the field and then proceed to take wickets consistently with tight accurate bowling and outstanding fielding. Charlie Chippendale (2 for 11), Jack English (1 for 11), Lucas Gleeson (0 for 19 off 10), Brody Mendel (1 for 9) and Alex Burke (3 for 4) tied down the St Augustine’s batters forcing errors. Archie Wragge effected a good run out. 1st XI bowling the opposition out for 64. 1st XI opening batters Archie Wragge (27*) and Rohan Chang (35*) negotiated a difficult short session before lunch and then following lunch quickly reached the required total. An impressive performance all round.

Saturday 14 February 2026 – ISA Round 9

1st XI v Oxley College @ Oxford Falls #1

2nd XI v St Patrick’s College @ Breen Oval, Strathfield

Mr David Reay - ISA Cricket Convenor

MWJCA Cricket

SPX Cricket Photos & MWJCA Pink Stumps Round

Saturday 21 February

Cricket Photos

Cricket photos will be taken for all SPX Under 12–16 teams on Saturday 21 February. Families are asked to note the schedule below and ensure players arrive on time for their allocated photo.

Uniform Requirement

All players must be in the Blue SPX Strip.

11:30 am – 12:00 noon  SPX Under 12/13 Black – Team Photo

1:00 pm  SPX Under 12/13 Black – Match Start

1:00 pm– 1:30 pm  Sausage sandwich break (All U13–U16 teams)

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Team Photos (in order)  Teams are asked to arrive 5 minutes early and be ready in full Blue SPX strip.

Please note that the photo schedule is tight and late arrival might result in your son missing his photo.

MWJCA Pink Stumps Round

Saturday 21 February also coincides with the MWJCA Pink Stumps Round, supporting the work of the Jane McGrath Foundation.

On the day, SPX Cricket will be running a sausage sizzle, with all donations collected directed to the Jane McGrath Foundation, helping to support breast cancer patients and their families through vital nursing care and support services.

Families are warmly encouraged to support this important cause by purchasing a sausage sandwich and making a donation on the day.

Thank you for your continued support of SPX Cricket.

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA 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 

Registrations for Senior Football have now closed.

A reminder that 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) any issues with this please contact Mr Simon Yue, Senior Football Convenor syue@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. 

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

The 2026 SPX Football Program includes the Winter ISA Football competition, 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 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.

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 (Year 11 & Year 12) 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

Morning coaching sessions commence next week.

Please see the attached document for more information.

Mr Richard Lacey - Football Development Coach

Squash

It was great to meet the players at training last week. Our coach Lee put the team through some good skill developments, and we are lucky to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable coach. We have a talented team of players at St Pius X Squash and I look forward to the season.

Here are some key dates for the year ahead. 

I am still awaiting the draw for the summer season, but will let you know via Canvas when I receive it.

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 continues on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 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

Round 1 Recap

What a wonderful start to the season! Despite the warm weather, it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm on court. A sincere thank you to all parents for ensuring students arrived on time and ready to play!

Rounds 2-3 have been uploaded to Clipboard. Please make sure to check this regularly for updates on match times and locations. 

Teams

As I have been finalising teams this week, a few minor adjustments have been made. These changes should be reflected on Clipboard. Thank you for your understanding and patience as I work to ensure balanced and enjoyable teams for all players.

Arrival Time & Warm-Up

To support prompt starts and allow for a proper warm-up, we kindly ask all players to arrive 15–30 minutes before their scheduled match. This time is important for helping students prepare for their games.

Submitting Scores

A friendly reminder to all students: please report your scores to me immediately after each match. This allows me to enter results into Xpoint accurately, with signatures from both teams.

Order of Play

• Teams of 2: Each player will play one doubles and one singles match.

• Teams of 3: Players will rotate each week to ensure equal game time. Each round will include one doubles and two singles matches, with a rotation system in place to balance participation. See below for the rotation structure:

Wishing all players the very best for Round 2. I’m looking forward to another great day of tennis!

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor