Cricket fever has struck at Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE). From educators hitting it out of the park, to student success and school based programs, cricket is inspiring students to learn new skills. St Pius’ School, Banyo Not only does she have her Year 4 students hooked on learning at St Pius’ Primary School, Banyo, but she also led the Australian Women’s Cricket (indoor) team to victory in Sri Lanka in 2025. The Australian Women’s Cricket (indoor) Captain and BCE educator Meagan Dixon said being a cricketer and an educator go hand in hand. “I use my passion for cricket to inspire my students to develop a love for sport,” she said. “It’s important we keep students active and model a healthy lifestyle from the early years. “My students enjoy playing cricket, and I love sharing my love for cricket with them.” St Pius’ Primary School Principal Peter Gordon said it was “truly incredible to have someone of Meagan’s elite sporting level teaching our students at our school”. “Meagan is a wonderful role model for our students,” he said. “She inspires our students every day with her love of cricket and sport in general, encouraging our students to pursue their sporting dreams. “I know with Meagan’s influence, we will see a few sporting champions from our school at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.” St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, Wishart Also hitting cricketing success is former St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School student Aya Stafford, who has been named in the Under 19’s Australian Cricket team, which visited Sri Lanka in the 2025 Tour. St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School Principal Paul Mitchell said, “we are incredibly proud to see our students go on to achieve sporting success”. “We wish Aya all the best when she pads up for the Brisbane Heat in the coming weeks,” he said. “We know our school community will be cheering you on from the sidelines. Kazuma Stafford, Aya’s brother, has also seen his own cricketing success playing for Japan in 2025.
Aya attended St Catherine’s from 2015 to 2021, while Kazuma attended St Catherine’s from 2012 to 2018.
Former St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School student Aya Stafford. Photo used with permission.
St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains
With cricket season in full swing, students from St Ann’s School have been taking part in a 4-week Cricket Blast Program in Term 4.
The program offers students the opportunity to try a new sport, have fun, and learn new skills.
St Ann’s School Principal Julie Rey said, “it’s important we provide opportunities to our students to broaden their sporting skills and foster a healthy lifestyle”.
“By providing a wide range of sporting opportunities on our school site, we make it easier for families to access team sports,” she said.
©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ann's School, Redbank Plains (2025).