College Principal

Every year, from 27 May to 3 June, Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme was, ‘Now More Than Ever’. Our student leaders’ Address at our Reconciliation Assembly reminded us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will – and must – continue. 

Community Service Prefect Aditi Kamath emphasised to students that our school motto ‘Veritas‘ is a core part of our learning and our sense of humanity. Translated to ‘Truth’, it means that at Santa Sabina, we are truth-seekers who hope to achieve justice for all those overlooked by society, and as we celebrate Reconciliation Week, to acknowledge the role we play when it comes to reconciliation. She stressed that it is crucial that we play our part in collectively building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. As we move forward, we wish to seek truth in creating a nation that is strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

At Santa Sabina, we aim to create opportunities for students to contribute to closing the gap by deepening our understanding about our First Nations People. Some of the ways we do this to foster connection, respect, action and change include:

• Participation in immersions that may involve visiting Uluru, Alice Springs, Wiradjuri country and Mutti Mutti country, where there are opportunities to meet Indigenous people and visit sacred sites to develop an understanding and appreciation of our Indigenous peoples’ culture and heritage. 
• Participation in a Salamanca Project focused on specific Indigenous issues where students are able to create awareness, advocacy and take action.
• Participation in the student ministry formation program where students work closely with Baabayn and Ignite Food Store. Baabayn was founded by Aboriginal elders from Western Sydney and provides a range of facilities for Indigenous communities such as ‘speak up sis’, a program for indigenous women and girls to nurture self-esteem and pride in identity and culture.
• Access to a wide range of literature written by Indigenous peoples from our school library where they can understand the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, including those about tradition and culture. 
• Participation in student advocacy groups including Student Action Teams, The Principal’s Youth Advisory Board and other platforms such as Council Youth Advisory Boards and other groups. 
• Calling out racism and actively reinforcing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the county.

On Friday 31 May, the College welcomed back our Golden Girls and Boys. This year they came from the Class of 1974 and beyond signifying 50 years or more since they graduated from the College. It was wonderful to hear them reminisce about their school days and their obvious love for Santa Sabina. I was able to share news about our students and their successes in a wide range of areas as well as the exciting plans we have in place for the future. 

Congratulations to our Representative Dance teams who showcased their routines for the College community at their concert on Sunday evening. Performances were spectacular – filled with high energy, joy and precision dance moves which kept the audience thoroughly entertained. Dance is an activity that teaches teamwork, confidence and discipline while at the same time keeping students physically and mentally active and off their devices. These are important skills and habits for life that are transferable across any kind of study or work that they might pursue. Students receive instant feedback on their progress and adjust accordingly to get it right – it takes stamina, patience and perseverance. All credit goes to Ms Bryony Williams and her Dance teachers who ensure our students are performing at a very high standard. I wish them all the very best as they embark on their competition season. 

We wish our Primary students well as they compete in their Athletics Carnival this week. My thanks to Mr Dunlop who organises and oversees the carnival in collaboration with Mr Ramalho, our Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities and all staff involved. 

Finally, the Senior girls have participated in two out of the three rounds of the Saint of Origin competition against St Patrick’s College. We are pleased to report that our girls won their Debating round and last week triumphed in their Netball competition making them the ultimate winners of this fun rivalry with the boys. This is the first time in five years that Santa has prevailed. There is still a Volleyball competition to go in coming weeks to close off the competition and we hope they might take home the trifecta! 

Paulina Skerman
College Principal