Senior School Sport  & Extra-Curricula Activities 

• From the Senior School Sportsmaster
• Rugby
• Senior Football
• ISA Tennis
• Winter Squash
• Cross Country
• Strength and Conditioning 
• Senior Swimming
• CSDA Debating 

From the Senior School Sportsmaster

Welcome Back!

We hit the ground running with a full program of winter sport this weekend.  It is expected that all boys are in the correct playing uniform for each respective sport.  All sports uniform is available from the Uniform Shop.  Any boys attending Oxford Falls, either playing or spectating, must be in SPX attire.

All winter sports training has started.  Attendance is compulsory.  A parental note is needed if your son is absent from training.

During the holidays our 1st XI Footballers had a very successful tour to Queensland and came away as Plate winners in the EREA Cup.  It is notable that this is the first interstate venture since COVID protocols were relaxed.  

In addition, our Rugby players attended an excellent development camp at Oxford Falls run by Mike Cross and his TryTime team.  The camp concluded with a strong pre-season win for the 1st XV against Redfield College.  

We also received some exciting news about recent Old Boy (Class of 2021) and current Cross Country and Athletics coach, Dominic Panozzo. Dominic has been named in the Australian team for the 400m hurdles for the U20's World Junior Championships in Colombia in August.  He will also compete in the Oceania Games in Queensland in June.

The college is extremely proud of Dominic and congratulates him wholeheartedly on this achievement. 

Below, for your information, are the SPX Risk Warning, the ISA Concussion Policy and the ISA Code of Conduct.  Please familiarise yourselves with these documents. 

Our COVID sports protocols continue.  In summary, do not attend sports fixtures if you have a positive COVID test and please continue to use hand sanitiser.  Regular cleaning of all facilities will continue at Oxford Falls.

I look forward to seeing each and every one of you throughout the winter season.

Mr Matt Stearn - Senior School Sportsmaster

Rugby 

Rugby Training

Rugby Training has re-commenced each Tuesday and Thursday, with the U14s,15s,16s and Opens training at Oxford Falls, while the U13s will now train at Beauchamp Oval. All players are expected to train at both sessions so they are best prepared for the season.

Rugby Registration – NOW OPEN!!

All Year 7-12 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.

2022 Rugby Season Registration Only: $150 (cost includes season registration & access to rugby specific physio during the season).

To register, simply follow the Trybooking link below:

Dates to remember:

• Saturday 30 April – Trial No. 1 – SPX vs Sydney Grammar School - HOME
• Saturday 7 May – Trial No.2 – SPX vs Cranbrook School – HOME
• Saturday 14 May – Trial No. 3 – SPX vs Trinity Grammar School – AWAY
• Saturday 21 May – Trial No. 4 – Ross Fagan Shield – SPX vs St Aloysius – HOME
• Saturday 28 May – Trial No. 5 – SPX/STAG vs The King's School – AWAY
• Saturday 4 June – ISA Round 1 – SPX vs St Patrick's  – AWAY
• Saturday 11 June – JUNE LONG WEEKEND – NO GAMES

Mr Martin Gillogly - Senior Rugby Convenor

SPX Rugby Supporters' Club

To welcome in the commencement of the SPX Rugby Season the SPX Rugby Supporters’ Club will be offering for sale SPX Supporters Clothing at Oxford Falls on Saturday.

# High quality Basecamp Sideline Jackets - normally $85 - this Saturday only - reduced to $70. 

# Polo Shirts – both men’s and women's - normally $40 - this Saturday only - reduced to $20.

Limited stock on hand – be quick to purchase or you will miss out!

We will also have the ever-popular SPX Supporters’ Caps for sale for $20 - (both the navy and the pink).

Mr Paul O’Neill - President SPX Rugby Supporters’ Club

Tel: 0418 634 750     Email: paoneill21@gmail.com

Rugby Referees wanted

Any existing referees who are Smart Rugby compliant and hold a current Level 1 accreditation who wish to assist with officiating home games this season, please contact me.  I am also happy to hear from any parents or older old boy siblings who may be interested in becoming referees and I can commence you on a pathway towards your accreditation.  Our first home game is next term on Saturday 30 April vs Sydney Grammar. Please contact me via email (sdisano@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au).  

Mr Sam Di Sano - Rugby Referees Coordinator

Senior Football 

This weekend we see Round 1 of the ISA Competition.  Players are required to attend 30 minutes prior to scheduled kick off.

This weekend we see predominantly home fixtures. 

Grounds can be found at the following locations:

Walsh, Watkins and Chaplin 2: 1 Dreadnought Rd, Oxford Falls

Oakhill College's Lawrence Oval: 423/513 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill 

As it is the commencement of the season, I would like to draw to all players, coaches and spectators attention the ISA Code of Conduct which can be accessed at the following link; https://www.isa.nsw.edu.au/fitness-skill-ideas/code-of-conduct/

Congratulations also to the College 1st XI who won the Plate final at the EREA National tournament.  They also came 2nd in the Sydney Independent Invitational, only losing to eventual winners Barker College. The team performed admirably both on and off the pitch.

Good luck to all teams this weekend.

Mr Simon Yue - Senior Football Convenor

ISA Tennis 

ISA Tennis competitions begin this week with students playing against St Patrick's College, Strathfield. All information about Divisions & Draws can be found on the ISA Tennis CANVAS page. 

Please note that Division 7 will be playing AWAY at St Patrick's College.  The handbook on CANVAS has been updated to reflect this change.

If your son is unavailable to play this weekend, please contact me on vbamber@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Looking forward to a fantastic season!

Mrs Veronica Bamber - ISA Tennis Convenor

Winter Squash

SPX Winter Squash 2022 Important Dates

All players are expected to attend all training sessions and pennant matches. SPX Squash shirts (uniform shop) sports shorts and eye protection to be worn.

Mr Justin Varjavandi - Winter Squash Convenor

Cross Country

Cross-Country training continues this term. Join coaches Matthew North and Dominic Panozzo, for fun, varied and challenging sessions. Great to see healthy numbers from across the whole school in attendance, getting fit and honing their race skills.

When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings

Where: Beauchamp Park, Chatswood 

Time: 7.15 am – 8.15 am 

Who: All Senior and Junior School students in Yrs 5-12

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 and abilities welcome.

Mr Greg Virgona - Athletics and Cross Country Convenor

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning training sessions in the Sarto Gym is now open to all students (no senior / junior training split).

A reminder that the St Pius X Strength and Conditioning program strives to provide:

• A holistic program, individual development program and a high-performance environment that balances personal achievement and sporting performance. 
• Strength and conditioning coaches (minimum Level 1 ASCA and/or Certificate III in Fitness)
• Strength and conditioning programs, physical preparation, equipment and facilities. 
• Physical testing to determine progress at the end of each term.

To use the facilities and to participate effectively, students must adhere to the terms:

Students are required to;

• Fully engage in Strength and Conditioning programs and apply themselves to assigned S and C program by their coach. 
• Comply with the rules, gym etiquette and expectations of St Pius X and all staff, coaches and mentors. (3 strike policy).
• Wear the appropriate uniform during S and C training sessions and on all occasions and bring a sweat towel (NO TOWEL - NO TRAIN).
• Not to use phone during training.

Please be aware morning sessions start at 7.15 am sharp and conclude at 8.05 am, allowing students time to change into school uniform at the end of the session and to further ensure coaches have adequate time to lock up the facility by 8:15 am. The after-school evening session starts at 3.30 pm sharp and concludes at 4.30 pm. Students must be in their school uniform or full sports uniform when leaving the gym.

A reminder students must book their training time slot through the Mind Body App which can be found on the school's intranet page. If students are unable to reserve a position on the Mind Body App, it means the time slot is full and they will be placed on a waiting list. If students have reserved a spot and are unable to make their booked session, they MUST cancel on the App to allow the wait-listed students an opportunity to train.  The program operates on the a three strike policy, students are required to attend all the sessions they register for. If students demonstrate unfavourable behaviour or achieve 3 missed sessions they will not be able to use the facilities for the remainder of the term.

Any questions please contact Ms Coombe.

Ms Laura Coombe - Strength and Conditioning Convenor

Senior Swimming

Over the holiday period Nicholas Gladen (Year 10) travelled to Adelaide to compete in the 2022 National Australian Age Swimming Championships. He achieved two Silver medals in his pet events of 50m and 100m Backstroke. He also swam the 200m Backstroke and was only just beaten for the Bronze.

These results qualify him for the 2022 Australian Open Nationals and Australian Trials to be held in Adelaide later in May.

This is an outstanding achievement from Nicholas and we wish him well for the upcoming events in his schedule.

Next Monday evening (May 2) and Tuesday (May 3) Nicholas Gladen, Andre Johnson, Bohan Johnson, Derek Jung, Aaron Lau, Luca McCarthy and Jonathan Yang will all be representing the ISA at the CIS Swimming Championship. We wish them well for a successful meet and further representation in Senior Swimming

Ms Leisa Proc – Swimming Convenor

CSDA Debating Competition 

The CSDA Debating Competition runs through Term 2 on the following evenings (Please note the dates in Term 2 have shifted back one week). 

All debaters will need to meet at the clock after our Sports Assembly every Friday.

THIS FRIDAY IS A DEBATE PRACTICE EVENT.  PLEASE SEE THE ALTERED CSDA ROSTER BELOW. 

Names are marked off at each training session and attendance will contribute to team selection.

NO STUDENTS can leave the school site before 5.30 pm when training concludes.

Our senior students act as coaches/supporters for our junior teams.  We are also lucky enough to have ex-students to work with the junior teams as the younger students really enjoy contact with our ex-debating “champions”.

Our coaches for 2022 are:

Year 12:  Mr Ryan Balboa

Year 11:  Mr Luke McManus

Year 10:  Ms Natasha Foley

Year 9:  Ms Leigha Zervakos

Year 8:  Mr Angelo Fernando

Year 7:  Mr Joshua Jones

Mrs Michele Waterson - Debating and Public Speaking Convenor