From the Senior Sports Master
NSW CIS and Combined Schools Triathlon
Senior Swimming
Cricket
Basketball
From the Basketball Committee
NSTA Tennis
Squash
Debating and Public Speaking
Cross Country
Chess
Football
ISA Tennis - Closing Soon
Winter Squash
Rugby Registration - NOW OPEN
From the Rugby Supporters' Club - Golf Day 2023
Brothers' Colts Rugby

From the Senior Sports Master

As we are now in the 'Finals' stages of the ISA competition, can I take this opportunity to remind all parents and boys of the need for correct sports uniform in addition to our observance of the ISA Codes of Conduct with regards to players and spectators.

The Code of Conduct is included for your reference.

Mr Matt Stearn, Senior Sports Master

NSW CIS and All-Schools Combined Triathlon

Last Friday at Sydney International Regatta Centre the SPX Senior 1 Triathlon team beat Knox Grammar and Riverview to take 1st Place in the NSW CIS Schools Triathlon Team Relay event and 2nd overall to Trinity Catholic College - Goulburn in the NSW All-Schools Event. The team including Nicholas Gladen (Swim), Jacob Magner (Run) and lead by Cavan Ryan (Bike) were outstanding in their pursuit of excellence but also spent the day encouraging the younger members of the largest contingent of SPX Triathletes to enter the event. The College owes a debt of gratitude to parent, Anthony Ryan who has been a driver of the sport within the College for many years.

Mr Matt Stearn, Senior Sports Master

Senior Swimming

On Saturday night the Pius Senior Swimming Squad competed at the 38th Annual Christian Brothers' Carnival. It was a very successful evening with the Seniors coming away with the Shield and the squad coming 2nd overall. We had many PB’s achieved and a very happy squad. A special mention goes out to Nicholas Gladen who broke three long standing records going right back to 1996. Thank you to Mr Ronchetti, Mr Stearn, Mr Reay and Mrs McCarthy for their support on the night. The support from parents was outstanding. It was a very successful evening.

Our next carnival is the ISA Carnival on 15 March out at SOPAC. I will be taking a reduced squad as there are only 2 Divisions of Freestyle and 1 Division of other strokes. This is a day carnival. The swimmers will be on a bus very early in the morning. More details to follow.

Training continues Monday, Tuesday and Fridays till 14 March.

Ms Leisa Proc – Swimming Convenor

Cricket

2023 Term 1 - Team Training Days

Monday – 1st and 2nd XI (until 5.30 pm)

Tuesday – U15/17 (until 5.00 pm)

Wednesday – 1st and 2nd XI (until 5.30 pm)

Thursday – U13 and U14 (Senior school students – until 5.00 pm), U12 and U13 (during Junior School Sport)

All training is at Oxford Falls and conducted by Cricket Appeal.

PE uniform or SPX Cricket uniform to be worn.

Buses depart from OLD Church at 3.20 pm and return to Anderson St at approx. 5.30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6.00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Upcoming Fixtures

MWJCA Round 18 Fixtures – Saturday 4 March 2023

SPX Blue v St Augustine’s Gold @ TBA please check PlayHQ (1.00 pm start)

SPX Gold v Wakehurst Black @ TBA please check PlayHQ (8.00 am Start)

SPX Red v St Augustine’s White @ TBA please check Play HQ (8.00 am start)

SPX Green v Wakehurst Red @ TBA please check PlayHQ (8.00 am start)

SPX Orange v Wakehurst Green @ TBA please check PlayHQ (8.00 am start)

SPX Purple v Harbord Howzats @ TBA please check Play HQ (8.00 am start)

ISA Semi-final Fixtures – Saturday 4 March 2023

1st XI v St Augustine’s College @ Oxford Falls #1 (10.00 am start)

2nd XI v St Augustine’s College @ Frank Grey Oval (10.00 am start)

Latest Results

MWJCA Round 17 Fixtures – Saturday 25 February 2023

SPX Blue 8/49 defeated by Wakehurst Black 8/141

SPX Gold 8/44 defeated by Harbord Hitters 6/100

SPX Red 5/107 defeated by Beacon Hill Breakers 8/120

SPX Green v Forest Falcons - abandoned

SPX Orange 8/85 defeated by Harbord Grasshoppers 5/87

SPX Purple 9/789 defeated by Peninsula Pacers 3/80

ISA Round 10 Fixtures – Saturday 25 February 2023

1st XI 10/82 defeated by St Patrick’s College 10/199

2nd XI 10/169 defeated by Oxley College 7/170

1st XI 10/82 (Manas Bansal 25, Jesse Mansbridge 22 not out) defeated by St Patrick’s College 10/199

(Andrew May 4-30, Jesse Mansbridge 2-28)

We welcomed St Patrick’s to Oxford Falls for the final round of the competition in a top of the table clash. Flynn Pavely took the first wicket with a catch by Lachlan Jurcevic. After this, the team maintained its effort in the field despite a very good knock from the opposition captain. Oliver Freeman’s catch to dismiss him just short of a century was one of four taken by the wicket keeper in a fine display. Andrew May finished the innings with four wickets, while Jesse Mansbridge kept a tight line and length at the start and end of the innings. Manas Bansal’s consecutive 10 overs for just 25 runs were very disciplined against some aggressive batting. The 1st XI did well to dismiss the opposition for under 200.

Early wickets set the hopes of a strong chase back and only Manas Bansal and Will Pavely remained resolute under pressure. It was not until a 29 run last wicket partnership by Jesse Mansbridge and Andrew May that any more resistance was provided. A disappointing result that the 1st XI will look to learn from as the semi-finals begin this week.

Congratulations to Joel Austin for his selection in the ISA Representative team who were washed out against GPS on Wednesday but played CAS at Oxford Falls on Sunday. Thanks to our ground staff Trent Willoughby and Ronnie Noort for preparing the pitch and ground so superbly after a difficult week with the weather. All who attended the fixtures on the weekend were impressed with the condition of the Oval.

Mr Pat Rodgers - 1st XI Cricket Coach

Please see the 2nd XI Report attached.

Mr David Reay - Cricket Convenor

Basketball

All results can be found each week on the ISA Sport App. Filter by both School (SPX) and Sport (Basketball Boys) using the icon next to the whistle in the top right corner.

First V Basketball

Last Saturday was the final game of the season for the SPX 1st V basketball team. After a difficult season plagued with injury, it was a bittersweet occasion as the boys played a fast-paced game but were defeated by Oakhill on their home court, in front of a large crowd complete with drums and horns. The St Pius X players gave it everything they had and were gracious in defeat and should be very proud of their game and their season. Thank you to their amazing coach Danny Garrett on his persistence, wisdom, and dedication to the team. Congratulations to the Year 12 players Stefan Senicic, Billy Sykes, Tom Dixon, Isaac Byrne, Matt Moore and Nick Schuster on their last game in the blue and gold and good luck to Stefan and Billy in their upcoming ISA games. Finally, all the best to the remaining players for the 2023/2024 season.

Semi Finals

Semi-Finals are 2 vs 3, with the 1st place team following Round 10 going straight through to the Final.

Semi Finals are held at Penrith Stadium this Saturday, 4 March.

Finals will then be held at Penrith Stadium on 11 March between the winner of the semi finals and the 1st place team.

Timings for these games will be confirmed once all team places are locked in. They will be posted in next weeks newsletter.

Semi Finals Fixtures

Year 7 Basketball trials

This Saturday we will commence the grading games for Year 7 students who have registered for Term 4 basketball. Games will take place over 3 weeks and will be used to finalise teams for the Term 4 season.

Year 7 students will be loaned a basketball singlet for the duration of the trials, which they will then need to wash and return.

Below is the schedule for this weekend’s games and a link to the teams for Round 1.

Year 7 Basketball Fixtures

Training: Training continues this week for all teams that make Finals.

Mr Daniel Garrett - Basketball Convenor

From the Basketball Committee

Annual General Meeting

The Basketball Committee is in a phase of rebuilding due to the approaching exit of current President, Simon Dixon. Simon’s son is in Year 12 and has now played his last game of basketball for Pius. Simon has led the committee strongly for many years and kept the committee afloat throughout the pandemic. Thank you Simon!!

The incoming committee is excited about developing basketball at St Pius and has the full support of the wonderful staff at the College.

The core purpose of the committee is to fundraise and direct those funds towards enhancing basketball for all teams. The main source of fundraising is running the canteen at Oxford Falls during the basketball season. This is a fun and easy way to raise the much-needed funds for our basketball teams. Please watch this space for more information about the canteen for the 2023/24 season.

The AGM has been called for Thursday 9 March and will be held online (link below). The positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary will be appointed at this meeting. We invite all basketball parents to join the meeting at 6.30 pm on Thursday 9 March using the following link:

Mrs Brooke Hillsdon, Basketball Committee

NSTA Tennis

No breeze and blue skies, perfect tennis weather! Thanks to our umpires this week who helped to mentor and umpire the younger players for the 8.00 am session: Cooper Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Aidan Seifert, Lucas Youngman, Izaac Tan and Lucas Halim. It is fantastic to see so many young men who are volunteering their time to help our younger players.

SPX 20, Brenda Marr, Angus Gibson and Nicholas Kwan worked hard to win their matches against Cammeraygal 7. Brendan Marr’s match in particular was a tough one but it was great to see Brendan fight his way to a win 6-5. SPX 23: Aiden Chan, Noah Marshall and Jamie Stapleton showed their skills on the court winning 18 games to 7 against SPX 22. It is wonderful to see our green ball teams SPX 27 – SPX 32 flourishing under the guidance of Mrs Keighery. Each week you can see their skills and knowledge of the game improve.

Once again, it started to heat up for the 10.00 am matches. SPX 13: Esteban Leon Curran and Matari Webster worked well together to win 18 games to 5. Ben Shoudra, Layton Chan and Martin Chan SPX 15 showed their strength and team work on the court winning all 3 sets against Reddam 4. Lucas Korth and Lachlan Yu, SPX 12 continue to amaze, being our top junior team and they haven’t lost a match yet. Congratulations also to our top team SPX 1: Izaac Tan and Lucas Halim who won their match 3 sets to 0 against Redlands 2.

Mrs Sam Iwatani - NSTA Convenor

Squash

Summer Junior Pennant Results

Div 1 SPX 1 V BRIARS 3 loss by matches 2-0

Div 2 SPX 2 V JETTS 1 loss by matches 2-0

Div 4 SPX 3 V KNOX 8 loss by games 4-3

Div 4 SPX 5 V St Andrews 3 loss by matches 2-0

Div 6 SPX 6 V BRIARS 9 loss by points 89-87

Div 6 SPX 7 V Barker 5 loss by points 73-70

Mr Joe Madani - Squash Convenor

Debating and Public Speaking

CSDA Public Speaking Registration

The CSDA Public Speaking Competition begins THIS FRIDAY and runs on the following Friday evenings:

3 March Public Speaking Round 1 (this Friday)
10 March Public Speaking Zone Finals
17 March Public Speaking Finals

Registrations have now closed. Public Speakers have been given the topics and speaking times. Training is on every Monday at Lunchtime in B8. Students must come to all training and rounds to progress through to the Grand Final.

CSDA Debating Competition

Registrations for debating have now closed. The CSDA Debating season kicks off this term with the following:

Week 7 – training Friday 17 March 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Week 8 – training Friday 24 March 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Week 9 – training & ‘Friendly’ Debate (to be confirmed) Friday 31 March 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm.

The CSDA Debating Competition runs through Term 2 on the following evenings:

If you want to be a part of St Pius X College debating, it is essential that you meet at the clock after our Sports Assembly every Friday, attend all training and the first six rounds. If your team makes it through to the Elimination Round (and beyond) you will also need to keep all of the above dates free.

We are lucky enough to have ex-students to work with the junior teams as the younger students really enjoy contact with our ex-debating 'champions'. The fee for the CSDA extra-curricular activity is $150 which will be included on your son's Term 2 Fees.

Mrs Leigha Zervakos - Debating & Public Speaking Convenor

Cross Country

Cross Country training continues all term. Join our coaches, Matthew North and Dominic Panozzo, for fun, varied and challenging sessions.

When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings

Where: Beauchamp Park, Chatswood

Time: 7.15 am – 8.15 am

Who: All Senior and Junior School students welcome

Meet at the Beauchamp Oval Grandstand in comfortable running gear and with a water bottle. Bring your school uniform to change into afterwards back at The College. All students are encouraged to join training, whether it is to prepare for the ISA or IPSHA Cross Country competition taking place in Term 2 or to get in shape for winter sports. Please email Mr Scott Steinman ssteinman@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or Ms Leanne Lee llee@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au to sign up or just turn up in the morning.

Ms Leanne Lee - Cross Country Convenor

Senior School Chess Training

When: Monday afternoons 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm

Where: D Block – Blue Room

Enrolment: Students interested in playing Chess will be provided with an online application at training on Monday

Ms Janelle Dempsey - Chess Convenor

Football

DRAFT teams for Years 7 - 10 have now been posted around the school. Preseason training will commence in Week 8, Monday 20 March. Training will be every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at Oxford Falls. Students are transported by bus which departs at 3.20 pm outside OLD Church and will return to the College at approximately 5.30 pm.

Mr Simon Yue, Senior Football Convenor

ISA Tennis - Applications close this Friday

ISA Tennis applications close this Friday at 3.30 pm

ISA Tennis is a senior school sport for boys in Years 7 to 12. St Pius X teams compete against other ISA schools on Saturday mornings. If boys are selected and commit themselves to a team, they must be available for all weeks of the competition and to travel regularly for games.

This competition runs through Term 2 & 3 with three training sessions late in Term 1 to select the Division your son will be placed in.

All students intending to play in the 2023 season must attend all allocated grading/training afternoons, running in Term 1, Weeks 7, 8, 9 with Queenwood Tennis and Sporting Centre (Oxford Falls).

Students will be advised whether they are required to attend the Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon sessions once registrations are closed.

Please click here for more information regarding ISA Tennis: ISA Tennis Enrolment information

Please click here to apply for ISA Tennis: https://forms.office.com/r/1GJuRK5xey

Mrs Veronica Bamber - ISA Tennis Convenor

Winter Squash Registration NOW OPEN

Winter Squash is held during Terms 2 and 3. Registration is now open.

Commitment: Attend all training sessions (Wednesday 3.45 pm - 5.00 pm at Willoughby) and pennant matches (Saturday morning at various venues).

Transport: Will be provided to Willoughby on Wednesday afternoons from school and return. Transport to and from Saturday matches at various locations is not provided.

Clothing: SPX squash shirt with sports uniform shorts and non-marking shoes must be worn.

Equipment: Eye wear is compulsory, and players are strongly encouraged to have their own. Rackets can be borrowed, however it is better for the players to use their own. Balls are provided.

Winter squash is available to all students (Year 7 – 12) and of all standards on a first come, first served basis.

Please note that this year all enrolments are through Try Booking using the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/1026151

Any enquiries to Mr Justin Varjavandi (Winter Squash Convenor)

jvarjavandi@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Mr Justin Varjavandi - Winter Squash Convenor

Rugby Registration NOW OPEN

All Year 5 - 12 students wishing to play rugby are required to be registered to be included in a team, allowing the school rugby administrators & coaches to best prepare for the coming season, plus allow your P&F Rugby Club to best support and communicate with you! There are no trials or grading days, all students of different shapes, sizes and abilities can find a home within the SPX Rugby Program.

You have three options when registering:

2023 Rugby Season Registration + Two Day April School Holiday Clinic: $280 (cost includes season registration & access to rugby specific physio during the season + specialist coaching, transport and lunch at the April Holiday clinic held on 19 and 20 April).
2023 Rugby Season Registration Only: $180 (cost includes season registration & access to rugby specific physio during the season)
Clinic only - The third option for holiday clinic only is for junior school students.

To register simply follow the trybooking link below: https://www.trybooking.com/1017694

Term 1 Rugby Dates for the Diary:

Training starts Tuesday 14 March – Rugby Training Commences at Oxford Falls for all students Year 7-12
Training days are Tuesday and Thursday
Friday 24 March – Sunday 26 March - Opens Rugby Camp and TRIAL VS CCGS – Central Coast.
Saturday 1 April – SPX vs ST ALOYISIUS – HOME- TBC
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 April - School Holiday Clinic – Oxford Falls – TRYTIME RUGBY

Year 7 Rugby Taster

Year 7 boys had the opportunity to join in at Rugby training with some of the senior students. The boys spent their time learning new skills and having fun with the senior students. What a great initiative that was brought about by Mike Cross (St Pius X First XV coach) and the SPX Rugby Club. There are still 4 sessions to go before the main rugby training starts, so if you missed this one, please feel free to join any of the upcoming sessions on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. The bus leaves Archer Street at 3.25 pm and returns to Anderson Street at 5.30 pm. Its free and no experience needed. Any sport clothes are ok and no boots required. If you have any questions please email Mr Martin Gillogly at mgillogly@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Martin Gillogly - Rugby Convenor

From the Rugby Supporters' Club - Rugby Club 2023 Golf Day

For Bookings please use the QR Code attached or go to:

Contact St Pius X Rugby Supporters' Committee:

Brothers Colts 2023 Rugby Team

Scholarships available to Pius Ex-Students

Founded in 1947, the club fields teams in Seniors, Colts (U/21) and in 2023 we are looking to add a Women’s Sevens team.
All abilities are welcome. Come down with your friends to enjoy the playing and social side of rugby. Training Thursday nights @ 7 pm at Roseville Chase Oval, followed by a free BBQ.
Colts receive free playing gear, free registration get fed and watered at home games. How good is that ?
A short season (around 8 weeks so you can play Colts then travel).
A small number of education scholarships are available, (including some solely for ex-students of St Pius X College) for men and women who are U/21 as at 1 January of the year they are playing.

Clicking on the following link: http://www.brothersrugby.com.au/. You can also follow the club on Facebook: Brothers Rugby Club Sydney

Or feel free to contact the Development Officer - Rodger Shanahan: rugby@brothersrugby.com.au or 0447 440 366

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