Head of Primary P-6
As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see how confidently and positively our students have settled into the school year. Classrooms are filled with purposeful learning, joyful engagement and growing independence as routines become embedded.
Last week, our students participated reverently in our Ash Wednesday liturgies, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. It was a prayerful time of reflection, reminding us of the call to live with compassion, gratitude and a spirit of renewal as we journey together in faith.
As we are reminded in Micah 6:8: Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
Lent is not simply about giving something up; it is about making space – space for prayer, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude. As a school community, we encourage our students to embrace small but meaningful acts each day: showing compassion to a classmate, offering help without being asked or taking quiet moments for reflection. Through these simple actions, we grow in love, humility and hope.
P-6 MEETING STUDENTS AT THE STARTING POINT
Over the past weeks, our teachers have intentionally focused on building strong rapport with their students while gathering valuable academic and pastoral data to determine each child’s starting point for learning. This information is critical in informing our teaching practice, ensuring that learning experiences are responsive, targeted and designed to support growth for every student. Through careful assessment and observation, we are able to personalise learning pathways, extend students who require enrichment and provide additional support where needed.
Our Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program continues to provide rich extension opportunities for students demonstrating high potential, fostering critical thinking, creativity and intellectual curiosity. At the same time, our Diverse Education Program ensures that students who require additional support receive tailored interventions and adjustments that enable them to thrive academically and socially. This balanced approach reflects our deep commitment to knowing every learner and nurturing their unique strengths.
EARLY YEARS PROGRAM
As we implement our Kindergarten Connect and Grow Program, we provide young learners with a strong, developmentally aligned foundation for early school success. Grounded in contemporary early childhood research and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our child-centred, inquiry-driven pedagogy thoughtfully balances explicit instruction, structured play and meaningful opportunities for exploration. This approach intentionally builds social and emotional readiness; strengthens early literacy and numeracy foundations; supports independence and positive school routines; and fosters critical thinking, creativity and curiosity.
Programs such as Zones of Regulation and Friendology further enhance students’ emotional literacy, co-regulation skills and the development of positive peer relationships, equipping our youngest learners with practical language and strategies to navigate social situations. To support early identification and timely intervention, we also conducted Occupational Therapy and Speech screenings in Prep and Kindergarten. These screenings allow us to better understand each child’s individual needs and implement targeted supports early, laying the groundwork for confident, capable and resilient learners.
YEAR 6 CHARACTER BUILDING
Our Year 6 students recently participated in a Character Building Day, engaging in a range of practical, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen relationships and deepen their understanding of leadership. The workshop provided valuable opportunities for students to build new and stronger connections across the grade while participating in diverse character-building activities that required collaboration, resilience and trust. A key focus of the day was exploring different leadership styles, recognising that true leadership is not always about standing at the front. Students reflected on the importance of sometimes leading from behind, encouraging others to step into the spotlight and shine, and at other times confidently leading from the front by drawing on their own strengths and the collective strengths of their peers. It was a meaningful day of growth and self-discovery.
K-6 WELCOME MASS
Our Welcome Mass was a beautiful and reverent celebration, as we gathered as a Primary community to commission our student leaders for 2026 in the Santa Sabina Chapel. Because of the wet weather, we postponed the traditional Kindergarten dancing on Dom’s Plot to Thursday 5 March at 2:15pm.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2026
We congratulate all students who put themselves forward for student leadership roles this year. It takes courage to step outside one’s comfort zone, to prepare a speech, share personal aspirations and offer oneself in service of others. We were thrilled to see such a large number of students apply for these positions, which is a true reflection of how deeply our students value leadership, community and the opportunity to take responsibility as positive role models within our school.
We are immensely proud of the way our newly elected leaders have stepped forward with enthusiasm and humility. Their appointment reflects the confidence their peers have in their character and capacity to lead with courage and compassion. At Santa Sabina, leadership is not simply about wearing a badge; it is about service, modelling our Dominican values, nurturing a love of learning and contributing positively to our community each day.
To all families, thank you for the support, guidance and values you nurture at home.
Congratulations to the 2026 student leaders and we wish them a great year ahead. Embrace every opportunity and enjoy your journey.
Santa Maria Del Monte Student Leadership Team – 2026
| NAME | POSITION |
| Aria Serafin | DEL MONTE CAPTAIN |
| Alessandro Pace | DEL MONTE CAPTAIN |
| Camilla Sleiman | FAITH AND IDENTITY LEADER |
| Tammy Duong | ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY LEADER |
| Adeline Tudehope | SOCIAL JUSTICE LEADER |
| Brooklyn Maralit | SPORTS LEADER |
| Frank Magri | WELLBEING LEADER |
| Ophelia Song | ARTS LEADER |
Gioia House Student Leadership Team – 2026
| NAME | POSITION |
| Lina D’Arrigo | GIOIA HOUSE CAPTAIN |
| Jessica Princi | GIOIA HOUSE CAPTAIN |
| Alana Boumelhem | FAITH AND IDENTITY LEADER |
| Audrey Ishac | ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY LEADER |
| Laura Touma | SOCIAL JUSTICE LEADER |
| Khalessi Staveris | SPORTS LEADER |
| Karena Thompson | WELLBEING LEADER |
| Soopia Chang | ARTS LEADER |
Santa Maria Del Monte House Leaders – 2026
| NAME | HOUSE |
| Ollie Bezzina Alannah Mousu | GUNAGULLA |
| Chloe Awit Sabrina Commisso | KURRAWA |
| Samuel Van Hore Samantha Wu | MUNDAWORA |
| Grace Ordakji Ethan Fahmy | TEANGI |
| Josephine Bucca Mika Wang | WEELYA |
| Isla Thompson Shreya Panyam | YETINGA |
Gioia House House Leaders – 2026
| NAME | HOUSE |
| Olivia Bijjani | GUNAGULLA |
| Sienna Machaalani | KURRAWA |
| Sophia Gomesis | MUNDAWORA |
| Olivia Gan | TEANGI |
| Isabella Lahood | WEELYA |
| Florence Khoury | YETINGA |
Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6
CALENDAR EVENTS
For detailed information about upcoming College events, there are some links to information here. Please also refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
Term 1 Important Calendar Events
- Tuesday 3 March SCS AFL Trials
- Wednesday 4 March SCS Softball Trials
- Wednesday 4 March SCS Hockey Trials
- Thursday 5 March International Women’s Day event
- Tuesday 10 March SCS Rugby League Trials
- Wednesday 11 March – Monday 23 March NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5) test window
- Friday 13 March P&F Mums/Dads Night out Years 5, 7, Kindergarten and Prep
- Tuesday 17 March Harmony Day
- Friday 20 March Primary Cross Country Trials (Years 2-6)
- Friday 20 March P-6 Disco
- Monday 23 March SCS Swimming Championships
- Monday 30 March SCS Touch Football Trials
- Wednesday 1 April CSNSW Mackillop Swimming Championships
- Wednesday 1 April Holy Week Liturgy
- Wednesday 1 April Term 1 concludes