Senior School Cocurricular Program
- From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
- Fixtures
- Basketball
- Cricket - ISA
- Cross Country
- CSDA Debating
- Football
- Rugby
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
From the Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
Well done to all teams on their final games of the regular ISA season last weekend. Congratulations to our 1st and 2nd XI ISA cricket teams who finished the regular season as minor premiers. This is a notable achievement for the cricket community as it is the first time in many years that this has occurred. The cricketers are joined by the 5th V and 14D basketballers who also gained minor premierships.
Congratulations also to our 8 other basketball teams who have made it to the semi finals.
As we head into the finals weeks, I remind everyone that our conduct, both on and off the sporting fields and arenas, reflects on everyone. To this end, I have included the ISA Code of Conduct that players, coaches and spectators are expected to abide by. Please familiarise yourselves with this document to ensure your sons' weekend activities are a positive experience.
CIS Cup Football
Congratulations to our 1st XI football team who had a resounding victory last week against St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, with a 9-0 victory.
Mr Matt Stearn - Assistant Principal, Cocurricular
Fixtures
Basketball
Weekend Wrap
ISA Basketball – Semi Finals Information
As we prepare for the ISA Semi Finals this weekend, please see the important information below, provided directly by ISA.
Key Information
All schools are required to supply bench officials for their fixtures. This is where we ask for parent assistance from each team.
No speakers or musical instruments are permitted at any venue.
Referees have been appointed through Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, with a referee supervisor present on-site.
Important Reminders from ISA
Code of Conduct
As we move into finals, emotions can run high. Coaches, students, and supporters are reminded to uphold the ISA Code of Conduct at all times. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive and respectful sporting environment.
Player Eligibility
Please note that:
Players may only participate in one game per day during Semi Finals and Finals.
Students must play for the team in which they have met the season eligibility requirements, as outlined in the ISA Playing Guidelines.
We wish all teams the very best for the weekend ahead and thank our families, coaches, and players for their continued support.
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.
Updated Year 7 Basketball Information
Registrations for Year 7 Basketball have now closed, and teams will begin to be formed in Clipboard during Week 6.
Our first games will take place at Oxford Falls on 14 March (Open Day) and 21 March. At this stage, these will be internal matches and will form part of the grading process for the Term 4 season. We are still awaiting confirmation from St Augustine’s as to whether they are able to put forward teams.
For games on 14 March, players will be placed into random teams. Based on coach feedback, teams will then be reshuffled for Week 2 to assist with grading and future team placement.
Players may be issued a Blue Loan SPX singlet to wear on the day.
The Yellow Basketball Singlet needs to be purchased from the College Uniform Shop. Please take this opportunity to secure a singlet now and avoid the last‑minute rush in Week 7. A list of students has been supplied to them with the information completed in the Registration process. A sizing will take place next week; students will be notified directly of the day and time.
For fixtures, times and teams will begin appearing in Clipboard shortly.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Final Message of the Week
Last Saturday marked the final round of the regular season, and I want to sincerely thank all families for your involvement, commitment, and support throughout the term.
We wish all teams competing this week out at Penrith the very best of luck.
A special congratulations to the SPX 5th V and 14D who have progressed straight through to the Grand Finals on 7 March, a fantastic achievement.
All teams that make the grand final will train at Chatswood next week. Thank you to the teams that adjusted this week to accommodate the reduced training numbers.
ISA Semi-Final Fixtures - Penrith
Thank you once again for your continued support of SPX Basketball, and best of luck to all teams this Saturday.
Mr James Bourke - Basketball Convenor
Cricket
ISA Cricket
Congratulations to the 1st and 2nd XI on being Minor Premiers in ISA Division 1 and 2. This is a great achievement, but both teams understand the job isn’t finished and good cricket needs to played next week.
Saturday 21 February 2026 – ISA Round 10
1st XI 9-177 (Brody Mendel 35, Rohan Chang 34, Charlie Chippendale 32, Jack English 21 not out, Toby Moran 18)
Defeated St Augustine’s College 147 (Brody Mendel 4-38, Lucas Gleeson 2-21, Alex Burke 2-29)
In the final round of the competition, 1st XI hosted St Augustine’s and were sent into bat. A solid opening partnership from the experienced Toby Moran and Rohan Chang was a strong foundation but the loss of four quick wickets changed the game and left the home team at 5 for 72. An aggressive innings from Charlie Chippendale led the counter-attack and he was given great support from debutant Oli Battersby (1st XI player number 695). Jack English and Brody Mendel provided more resistance as the 50 overs were seen out with a competitive total reached. The 1st XI bowlers maintained their consistent form from previous weeks and were made to fight hard to take wickets. The three left arm spinners Lucas Gleeson, Alex Burke and Brody Mendel put a break on the run rate and were rewarded with wickets. Mendel completed an excellent all-round performance, while Charlie Chippendale bowled a crucial six over second spell. Oliver Costain took two fantastic outfield catches and while Viaan Singh took a fine running catch off Dan Carroll to help ensure a hard-fought win by the team; led by Oliver Freeman who kept well in the steamy conditions. The team looks forward to the challenge of St Stanislaus’ College next Saturday in the semi-final at Oxford Falls.
Saturday 28 February 2026 – ISA Semi-finals
1st XI v St Stanislaus’ College @ Oxford Falls #1
2nd XI v St Augustine’s College @ Hudson Park, Homebush
ISA representative cricket
On Sunday the second of the two ISA Cricket representative matches was completed. Despite two losses to GPS and CAS, the St Pius X cricketers acquitted themselves well. The ISA team was captained by Oliver Freeman who was the wicket keeper. He top scored with 55 off 73 balls. Archie Wragge opened the batting in the first match and made a well complied 25, while Rohan Chang opened in both matches and took three excellent catches in the field.
Mr David Reay - ISA Cricket Convenor
Cross Country
Cross Country training continues every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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
The Run2Cure 5km Fun Run will take place on Sunday, 29 March. We will run Wave A together. As this is an external event, students will need to organise their own way to and from the venue. Mr Steinman and I will be there to support and supervise any bags and belongings during the duration of this run.
Students receive a 10% off the registration fee using code SPX26 at checkout. Please note that registrations completed by 10 March will also receive free bib postage.
Join our SPX Runners team upon registration:
Pricing details can be found here:
https://sydney.run2cure.org.au/event-info#sydneyeventpricing
Who: Year 7-12 (though juniors are welcome to join)
When: Sunday, 29 March. Race starts 9:30 am.
Where: The Domain, in the centre of Sydney. Event village is the grassy area in between Hospital Road and Art Gallery Road. Mr Steinman and Ms Lee will meet everyone at 9:00 am near the registration area.
What to wear: Blue and yellow cross-country singlet, available for purchase at the uniform shop, can be used for training and ISA. Option to borrow a singlet is available with limited sizes. Please let Ms Lee know if you need to borrow a singlet.
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
CSDA Debating
The 2026 debating season is now open.
Students of any year and at any level of experience are invited to attend the training and trials which will begin in Week 7 and continue to Week 9. Details of times and venues will be announced in assembly.
We expect to enter two teams for each of Years 7 to 10 and for the Senior teams (Year 11 or Year 12).
Only those students selected for the representative team will be entered into the CSDA competition. The dates are below. Only these students will be required to register on Clipboard and to complete the CSDA registration form. The draw will be released when available.
Teams will be announced at the end of Week 8.
Dr Lesley Gissane - Debating Convenor
Football
A reminder that Year 7 students have their second grading day with Mr Lacey, Head of Football Development, this Sunday 1 March from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Oxford Falls. Students must be collected by 1:30 pm.
Draft teams will be published around the College in coming weeks. Please note that these are draft teams and that there will be changes to teams during preseason training and early rounds of the season.
There will be one trial game this term against St Aloysius' College on Saturday 28 March, with the season proper commencing in Term 2.
Please see details below regarding the SPX Football camp in the April Holidays and messages from the Football Supporters Club.
Mr Simon Yue - Senior Football Convenor
From the Football Supporters Club
The 2026 Season Launch and Social is coming
Once again, we will kick-off the season with a social for parents/carers, our sons and staff at Willoughby Bowling Club. Come and join us on Sunday afternoon 29 March. It's a great way to get to know everyone and watch the presentation of jerseys to the First XI.
Word to the wise... last year's Season Launch & Social was a sell-out so please get your tickets early using the link or QR code below. Further details are included in the link -
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-st-pius-x-football-season-launch
Holiday Camps
ST PIUS X APRIL SOCCER HOLIDAY CAMPS
Tuesday 7 - Friday 10 April (Please note no session on Easter Monday)
9:00 am - 12 noon each day.
2, 3 and 4 day options
5v5 tournament running each day!
The Perfect Pre Season Preparation for the players!
For more information and to register please click here: Coerver course | Coerver Coaching
Age : Year 5 to Year 10
A bus is available for the first 60 players to register leaving the Chatswood Campus at 8:30 am each day and returning at 12:40 pm.
Coerver Coaching holiday camps offer a fun filled soccer experience for children aged 4-16 years. Each day will include Coerver® SKILLS competitions and challenges, Ball Mastery, Coaching sessions focusing on developing effective use of skill, small sided Coerver® Games, and mini Coerver Cup Tournament to keep players active.
TECHNIQUE
The cornerstone of our curriculum is technical development. We utilize the Coerver® Method of ball mastery and graduated pressure to build technical competence and play carefully selected games to build functional success.
PLAYER CONFIDENCE
We foster creativity by providing the players technical building blocks & encouraging creative actions in developmentally appropriate games. Our games are designed to be fun, challenging and to reward success and risk-taking.
TEAMWORK
Small group tactics and principles of play are taught in attack and defence by utilizing the structure of the many small sided games, which have made the Coerver® Curriculum so unique and recognised as the world’s leading technical football program.
SPORTSMANSHIP
We value winning but not more than character and effort. We encourage paying respect to players, parents, coaches and referees. Sportsmanship is emphasized to develop the whole person and not just the player.
With 2, 3 and 4 day options available, this is the perfect pre and early season preparation for St Pius students looking towards a successful season. It is also a huge amount of footballing fun!
Mr Matt Zanello - SPX Football Supporters Club President
Rugby
Rugby Registration are OPEN
All Year 5-12 students wishing to play rugby are required to be registered via Clipboard. This allows the school rugby administrators and coaches to best prepare for the coming season, plus allows your SPX Rugby Club to best support and communicate with you! There are no trials or grading days, all students are encouraged to get involved.
The following link will direct you to clipboard: https://portal.clipboard.app/stpiusx. Please note that payment for the season will need to be made upon registration.
If you have any issues pleases contact Mr Justin Gates, Senior Rugby Convenor jgates@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Year 7 Rugby Taster Program
The College, along with Mr Mike Cross and the Rugby Committee, are offering 4 free fun after school coaching sessions to all of Year 7 before the rugby season starts. If you are interested, please enrol via Clipboard.
Session Dates: 10, 12, 17 & 19 March
Time: 3:20 pm (buses leave from Archer Street) and return to the college at approximately 5:30 pm
Location: Oxford Falls (students will be bused to and from Chatswood)
The Opens and Year 7 students will start the session as a squad then split onto the two fields to continue the session with our experienced Try Time staff. Across the program, Year 7 students will develop core skills including passing, running, attack, defence, and tackle technique (Week 2). Sessions will also include fun games, and all participants will receive a training shirt. All Year 7 students are welcome.
2026 U/15s & 16s Fiji Rugby Tour
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 Student Reception Office.
Predeparture meeting
We will be holding a short departure meeting on Thursday, 26 March, beginning at 5:30 pm in the Blue Room. This meeting will cover final tour reminders, travel procedures, expectations, and a brief overview of the departure day schedule. All students and at least one parent or guardian are asked to attend so that everyone is fully prepared before we fly out.
SPX Rugby Club
Rugby Gala Dinner 2026
Save the Date. The date and the venue are now locked in! Mark your calendar for Saturday, 1 August at Dockside. The Rugby Committee are excited to once again be hosting a fun filled evening.
Stay tuned for further details, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to spxrugby@gmail.com
Term 1 Rugby Dates for the Diary:
Sunday 8 March - Old Boys Gala Day – Oxford Falls (9.30 am kick off for a game of touch)
10, 12, 17 and 19 March - Year 7 Rugby Taster & Opens Training at Oxford Falls
Thursday 24 March - Rugby Training Commences at Oxford Falls for all students Year 7-12
Saturday 28 March - SPX vs St Aloysius'
Mr Justin Gates - Rugby Convenor
Squash
Thank you to all players and families who supported Round 2 of the Sydney Junior Pennant. It was another strong showing from our boys, with great effort across all divisions and several closely contested matches that demonstrated both resilience and growth.
At Willoughby, Cameron Giang faced a quality opponents from JETS. While the result in his first match didn’t go his way it was a close encounter. Cameron competed strongly in his second match knowing he had to win in straight sets and showed composure against a very polished player, out-skilling him to take the overall win, what an effort! His willingness to take on the challenge of Division 1 solo each week speaks highly of his leadership and commitment to representing the College at the highest level.
Division 3 provided excellent viewing. It was a contest between our own SPX teams. Liam Spatola and Lucas Tubman combined effectively for SPX 2, securing a 2–0 match win overall. Liam was composed and consistent in his shot selection, while Lucas was involved in an impressive five-game battle, showing grit to take three games in a hard-fought encounter.
For SPX 3, Thomas Kneeshaw and Chris Simpson both battled strongly. Chris was particularly competitive, pushing his opponent across five tight games and showing excellent determination.
SPX 5 played SPX 6 and delivered an even performance, Pat Buono was clinical in his straight-games win, playing with control and confidence. Lance Meng fought well and took the third set down to the wire. In the second match Jaxson Stanley produced a strong performance against Hunter Bois who hit some great shots, yet Jaxson built momentum through his match and contributing valuable points to the teams result.
At Thornleigh, a big thank you to Mrs Hood for her guidance of the players at the venue. She mentioned Max Sunjaya and Jayden Beltran had some challenging games and played really well with just a few points in it.
The all-Pius fixtures were played in terrific spirit and is a great reflection of the depth developing and comradery within our Squash team.
If you have an queries or can’t make the game don't hesitate to get in touch with me on my email: sspedding@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Stuart Spedding - Squash Convenor
Swimming
The Senior Swimming squad will be competing at The Christian Brothers carnival next Friday night 6 March at The Cranbrook School Pool. All swimmers have been notified, and the list of events they are swimming in will be out tomorrow.
If there are any U16 or U17 students who wish to come and participate in any races please see Ms Proc.
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 am - 8:15 am at Fitness First Chatswood.
Ms Leisa Proc - General Coordinator
NSTA Tennis
Round 3 Recap
It was another excellent weekend of tennis from our Pius students. We are now officially halfway through the season, and I want to thank all our families for your continued support and encouragement.
Reminders
We have recently noticed an increase in students missing Tuesday and Wednesday training sessions without explanation. These sessions are a vital component of the NSTA season, ensuring players are well-prepared, improving, and supported by their coaches. Please prioritise attendance. Continued unexplained absences will be passed on to Mr Stearn and reviewed as we move towards Term 4.
We also ask that students remain with their team until all matches have concluded. While I understand weekends can be busy, this expectation applies to all players - home and away - even if your child has only played doubles. Staying until the end supports team unity and ensures students are present if needed.
If you have a genuine need to leave early on a particular day, please contact me in advance and I will work with you to accommodate the situation.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we enter the final three weeks of competition.
With rain forecast, please be prepared for possible last‑minute changes heading into Round 4 this weekend. Any cancellations will be updated on Clipboard as soon as possible, which may be as close as 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Mr Christopher Nouragas - NSTA Tennis Convenor