From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
Fixtures
Basketball
Cricket - ISA
Public Speaking
Rugby Club AGM
Squash
Swimming
NSTA Tennis

From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Cricket Helmet Safety

After the recent death of a young Victorian cricketer, the 1st XI and St Stanislaus’ College 1st XI started ISA Round 3 last Saturday with a minute’s silence and prayer to remember the tragedy of a life lost playing sport.

It is therefore timely to reinforce our shared commitment to player safety.

Cricket Australia’s head and neck protector policy (link attached) provides clear guidelines in the use of approved protective equipment for batters and wicket keepers, particularly when facing fast bowling.

The College strongly encourages all cricket families to review this policy and ensure your son’s active compliance.

Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular

Fixtures

Basketball

Weekend Fixtures Summary

Round 2 brought plenty of action across all teams, with some strong wins and hard-fought contests. Congratulations to the teams that secured victories:

Internal Blue (33–15) and Internal Red (57–23) showed great teamwork in their internal fixtures.
13C delivered a solid win over Oakhill (36–25).
14D edged out St Andrew’s in a close contest (26–23).
14F impressed with a convincing 33–17 victory.
15D dominated St Andrew’s (52–34).
17C, 17D, and 17E all recorded strong wins, continuing their momentum.
3rd V and 5th V also secured important victories in the senior division.

For teams that fell short, your effort and commitment were outstanding. These games are valuable opportunities to grow, refine skills, and build resilience. Every player contributed to the spirit of SPX Basketball, and that’s something to be proud of.

Special mention to players who earned MVP votes and made a big impact:

13B: Delane Weerasekera & Joshua Zhao
13C: James Carswell, Mitchell Lin & Lucas Macri
14D: Oliver Delilkhan & Harry Adams
14F: Jon Bast & Ethan Gadaleta
15D: James Hocking
17D: Daniel Papastamatis & Harry Moran
17E: Cooper Elsby & Patrick Kisso
5th V: Sam Millar & Brayzen Sargent

Your leadership and determination on the court set a great example for your teams.

Focus of the Week

Training Attendance & Preparation

It’s clear that the teams consistently attending training and making the most of these sessions are seeing results on the court. Keep up the commitment - preparation is the foundation of success.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

A huge thank you to the parents who have stepped up to run the bench each week. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated by players and coaches alike.

Link to ISA results/Table

https://isa.nsw.edu.au/fixtures/

Looking Ahead – Round 3

Round 3 is coming up this weekend. Please check Clipboard regularly, as there have been fixture changes. Below you’ll find a home and away fixture card for planning purposes. Please note:

Fixtures are subject to ISA adjustments.
Times and venues will be uploaded to Clipboard once confirmed with opposition schools.
We’re working hard to get all unconfirmed fixtures into Clipboard as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to provide the best experience for all players.

Commitment to Regional Fixtures – A Key to Team Success

As we move deeper into the season, commitment to your team is absolutely essential, especially for our regional fixtures. These games are not just another round - they represent our dedication to the ISA program and directly impact our team’s performance, success, and overall standing in the competition.

This week, we wish the teams travelling to Bowral the very best of luck. Your effort and presence make a huge difference. Please remember: non-attendance at these away fixtures affects team dynamics and can compromise our competitive position. Every player matters.

We understand that regional travel can be challenging and that timing isn’t always perfect for families. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we simply ask for consistent commitment to ensure the best experience for all players.

Round 4 – Bathurst Travel

For Round 4, all A teams will be travelling to Bathurst and communicated in previous weeks a bus has been secured. Official sign-up is now live via Clipboard Activity Selection, with 50 seats available. This is a fantastic opportunity for the boys to travel together, build team spirit, and represent SPX with pride. Let’s aim to have as many players as possible using this service, it will make the trip memorable and strengthen our unity as a program.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. Together, we can make these experiences positive and successful for everyone involved.

Uniform Reminder

All ISA players need to ensure that have the correct SPX singlet and shorts. These can be purchased from the College Shop.
Coaches will not allow players on the court if they are in the incorrect uniform.
No casual clothing or crocs are permitted to be worn to and from games. Only SPX branded clothing and/or playing uniform.
Internal Squad players will be issued a coloured shirt for the season.
If you’ve purchased a Yellow singlet and your son is now in a development team, you’re entitled to a refund via the College shop. However, please note that player movements into ISA teams may occur throughout the season.

Holiday Camps

We are working on dates and times for the Christmas break. Please stay tuned for details.

Absences

If your son is unable to attend a game or training session, please:

Log theabsence in Clipboard, and
Send a courtesy email to help us manage team numbers. jbourke@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au. Early notice is essential to ensure teams are properly staffed.
Please consider holidays during the season as this impacts the team dynamic and overall success.

SPX Basketball AGM

Basketball committee AGM will be held online on Thursday 6 November at 7:30 pm.

This is an important opportunity to help shape the future of our basketball program. Whether you’d like to share ideas, learn what the committee has planned for the season, or simply show your support, your involvement matters.

We are also seeking to elect a new committee president, and we welcome anyone interested in contributing to the growth of SPX Basketball. Every voice counts, and even a small amount of your time can make a big difference.

If you are interested in joining the committee, or have any questions, please contact Chris Hillsdon by email at chrisandbrooke@gmail.com

Meeting link:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 445 952 552 916 1

Passcode: SJ9Hp9Tr

Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor

Cricket

Archie Wragge (Year 9) selected in the NSW Combined Independent Schools U15 Cricket.

Congratulations to Archie Wragge (1st XI and Year 9) on his selection in the NSW CIS U15s. Well done!

Saturday 1 November 2025 – ISA Round 2

1st XI 5/295 (Archie Wragge 120, Oliver Freeman 80, Rohan Chang 72) defeated St Stanislaus’ College 9/193 (Charlie Chippendale 2-41, Tom Costain 2-32) at St Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst

A trip over the Blue Mountains was made for Round 3 of the ISA competition. Overnight rain and a morning storm reduced the match to just 3 overs before an early lunch was taken with the 1st XI 0/18.

The weather cleared for a 40 over a side match and Archie Wragge and Rohan Chang took full advantage of the short boundaries in a 115-run partnership when Chang was dismissed for a brilliant 72 from 41 balls including two 4s and 9 sixes! Oliver Freeman timed the ball well in his run a ball 80 containing 2 fours and 7 sixes put on 159 runs with Wragge, who reached his century in fine style. He was dismissed from the last ball of the innings for 120 including 7 fours and 9 sixes. This was a continuation of his excellent form with the bat as he has combined sound defence with shots all around the wicket.

After an aggressive opening stand, the 1st XI bowlers were disciplined with their line and length to restrict the run chase once Charlie Chippendale clean bowled the opening batsman; Brody Mendel and Dan Carroll again bowled in partnership maintaining pressure; Oliver Costain’s 5 overs cost just 8 runs and contained the key wicket of the opposition captain; Oliver Freeman took a catch off Jack English’s bowling and effected two stumpings; Viaan Singh was involved in a good run out; Tom Costain’s off spinners produced two wickets as he deceived the batsmen. Overall, a very solid effort in the field capped off a very pleasing performance.

Saturday 8 November 2025 – ISA Round 3

1st XI v Oakhill College at Oxford Falls #1

2nd XI v Oakhill College at Damien Oval, Oakhill College

Mr David Reay - ISA Cricket Convenor

MWJCA Game of the Week

U13 Gold (2/80) def Seaforth Suns (7/75) - D Tully 2/5, H Fallowfield 2/0

On a drizzly Saturday morning, U13 Gold faced a determined Seaforth side but delivered an outstanding all-round performance with both bat and ball. Harvey starred in the field with three brilliant catches and retired not out after a commanding opening innings. Daniel impressed with a sharp direct hit, also claiming two wickets with the ball. Haarlem produced a superb two-wicket maiden from his one over and top-scored with the bat, also unbeaten. Charlie and Kent were rock solid as always, both unbeaten at the crease for the second consecutive week. Most impressive was the team’s patience and composure, keeping the scoreboard ticking over steadily to cruise to a well-deserved victory, losing only two wickets in the process. Woodchatta was sung loud and proud! Well done boys.

Mr Ryan Balboa - MWJCA Cricket Convenor

Public Speaking

The CSDA Public Speaking competition will begin in Term 1 next year and is open to students in Years 7 to 12. No previous experience is necessary.

Competition dates are:

Public Speaking:

o Round 1: Friday 27 February

o Zone Final: Friday 6 March

o Grand Final: Friday 13 March

Registration and training will begin in Week 5 of this term. The cut-off for registration is Thursday 13 November.

If your son is interested in joining Public Speaking, please complete the registration form available from Reception and return it to school.

Information about Debating for 2026 will be available soon. Please note that the debating day will be Friday (not Wednesday as it was this year).

Dr Lesley Gissane - Public Speaking and Debating Convenor

Rugby

2026 U/15s & 16s Rugby squad Heads to Fiji – Community Donations

We are thrilled to announce that our U/15s & 16s Rugby squads will be embarking on an exciting tour to Fiji during the April school holidays in 2026! This trip is more than just rugby as it provides students with cultural exchange, community engagement, and also creating unforgettable memories.

As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to the St Pius X community for support. We are collecting donations of any old technology (such as laptops, tablets, or phones) and sports clothing that can be repurposed and shared with local communities in Fiji. Your generosity will help make a real difference.

How to Donate: Please drop off your items in the morning at the front office or Mr Gates’ office under C Block. Every contribution counts and will go a long way in supporting Fijian communities.

Thank you for helping us make this trip meaningful for both our students and the communities we visit.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this incredible journey!

Mr Justin Gates - Rugby Convenor

From the Rugby Club

St Pius X Rugby Club – Annual General Meeting & Committee Member Invitation

We warmly invite all parents of SPX Rugby players to attend our Annual General Meeting on Monday, 17 November at 6:30 pm in the Sarto Centre.

This meeting is an important opportunity to reflect on the season and help shape the future of our rugby program. Your support and involvement are vital to the continued success of SPX Rugby, and we value your input as we plan for the year ahead.

As we prepare for the 2026 season, we’re seeking new committee members to help lead our club into another successful year. Volunteers are the backbone of our community and parent involvement is vital to keeping the club strong. We’d love to see you at the AGM and welcome your interest in joining the committee.

For any questions please contact us at spxrugby@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Mr Ted Webster - SPX Rugby Club President

Squash

Last weekend saw St Pius X come away with two wins. Squash captain, Cameron Giang, once again dominated both matches in his fixture dropping only one game while SPX Team 4 just made it through their second-round matches. Hunter Bois of SPX Team 6 had his baptism of fire, representing his team on his own in his very first competition game and I’m sure he will take the lessons he has learnt to develop as the season progresses.

Mr Joe Madani - Squash Convenor

Swimming

This Friday night the Senior Swimming squad will be competing at the St Patrick’s Invitational Carnival at Ryde Aquatic Centre. All swimmers have been notified of what events they are swimming in via email sent on Tuesday. Swimmers are to be there by 7:00 pm with warm-up starting at 7:15 pm. Students are to wear their swimming shirt and closed-toed shoes. If they don’t have a swimming shirt, their PE polo will be fine.

School caps are to be worn in each race with dark coloured swimming costumes.

Training continues both Tuesday and Wednesdays over at Fitness First Chatswood from 7:00 am – 8:00 am. All swimmers welcome.

Ms Leisa Proc – Swimming Convenor

NSTA Tennis

Round 3 Recap

What a weekend! The weather definitely kept us on our toes, with a few of our 8am teams unfortunately getting caught out by the rain and some late changes. A huge thank you to all the parents for your patience and for making sure our Pius students arrived on time. It really means a lot to the coaching team.

XpointA few students have noticed that some doubles players weren’t listed in the results. That’s because the Xpoint system currently only allows us to log scores for two players per match. While we can’t change this right now, we’re aware of the input system and are looking into ways to improve it moving forward. Thanks for your understanding

The forecast is looking much better for Round 4, and we’re keen for all teams to get back into it this weekend!

Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor

Teaching and Learning

Year 10 Step-Up Program update