College Principal

Individuals and societies thirst for a full and free life, one that is worthy of their humanity, in which they can harness for their own welfare the abundant resources of the modern world.         

Gaudium et Spes, #9, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Vatican II, 1965.

One of my favourite prophets is Micah, through whom God challenged Israel ‘to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). This scripture calls us to work for justice and peace – ‘the state of wellbeing that God wants for us and the means of promoting it’. Our deep thirst for a ‘full and free life’ – for ourselves and others – ‘is indeed God’s own desire for human flourishing!’ 

Kelly, G., & Saunders, K. (Eds.). (2014). Dominican approaches in education. ATF Press.

Last week students across Primary and Secondary acknowledged the National Week of Action against Bullying with the theme Small Acts, Big Impact. A small act can be a word to describe another, a look of friendliness, a gesture of moving books to invite someone to take a seat. In classes and Homeroom groups, students reflected upon the everyday ways we collectively shape an environment of justice and peace.

This week we have had cause in our broader community to reflect upon the power of solidarity that comes when we choose to pursue justice and peace. We ask ourselves how it is that our world continues to demand conversations about respect for women. We must ensure our children hear, unambiguously, that nothing justifies violence. Our girls must know they matter, and they should always feel safe, seen and supported. Our boys must know their voice and influence matters, as active advocates for girls and women, and in learning respect, grow into good men.

Sunday’s AFL Women’s game set a new record for a women’s football crowd in Sydney. This wasn’t just a game of sport; it was an act of solidarity to stand alongside all women. Both Swans and Essenden players left the field receiving high-fives from a crowd that came out in support. We have also noticed a respectful shift in language. Analyses of media reporting suggest that coverage of violence against women can sometimes employ framing that obscures perpetrator accountability. Over this past week, we are hearing discussions that challenge this as language itself has been dissected and qualified. As a society, we are being invited to stand alongside one another in our commitment to protecting environments and dialogue that fundamentally respect the dignity of women, and the inherent ‘thirst for a full and free life … worthy of their humanity’.

Here at Santa we have a particular opportunity to nurture that solidarity every day. At Assembly on Tuesday I asked students in Years 5-12 to consider the impact we have when we listen to, empathise with and care for one another as sisters. If in their adolescence we do not create an environment of trust, protection, and dignity, we take away from young girls’ confidence. We diminish the hope that they shall be supported in life beyond our school gates. Santa offers a unique chance to create a sisterhood that respects the fundamental dignity of each person. Our motto, Veritas, invites us to pursue truth by listening, engaging in respectful dialogue and actively proclaiming what is good and just. Students are asked to accept the invitation to those small acts – a word, a look, a gesture – that nurture a community of solidarity. 

A Santa Sabina education strives to nurture students to grow as people of goodness for this world. It transforms classrooms into spaces that cultivate empathy, integrity, civic responsibility and a desire to contribute positively to society. Students learn to trust their own voices, making it far more likely they will assert boundaries, speak out against abuse and care for the dignity of others. It empowers young people to recognise their value, confront injustice and lead boldly.

My hope is that Santa Sabina graduates – both our boys and girls – will be our future policy makers and leaders across legislative, corporate and community sectors – in STEM, health, law, media, sports and politics – who will advocate for a world of justice and compassion. That leadership starts in our students’ everyday lives at home and school, because they are already becoming the people they will be. 

The readiness to say yes to serve, to welcome, to lead is a joy to witness each day. With only a few weeks of Year 12 schooling remaining, I am enjoying having lunch conversations with each House group. The resounding message that these young women say about themselves is their sense of cohesion that has grown from an appreciation for their collective diversity. Together they wish to treasure these last weeks and celebrate with peers, staff and families. Yesterday we had many students from Kindergarten through to Year 12 act as hosts and tour guides in welcoming prospective families on Discovery Tours. The feedback from these guests expressed an appreciation for the authenticity and warmth of students in sharing stories that spoke of their valuing of community. And finally this week we have had the great honour in announcing the incoming Student Leadership Team whose early dialogue has identified the capability and commitment of their many peers and staff who they hope to engage alongside them in nurturing a culture of love, justice and kindness. We will be presenting the 2026/2027 Student Leadership Team to the community on Tuesday 1 September.

And let me not forget you the parents and carers who contribute so much goodness in shaping a community that flourishes. There have been many events where your welcome and hospitality have turned gatherings into lasting memories. Thank you to those parents and carers who attended the Threads of Connection Gala Dinner – with particular appreciation to the P&F who co-ordinated the evening alongside staff and Ex-students. It was a night of much joy! It was also wonderful to have parents and alumni share their expertise in the fields of STEM as inspiration at last week’s Science Week Showcase; such generosity reflecting a community who cares deeply about shaping our children’s future. 

As I shared in my first Veritas Voice newsletter at the beginning of this term, I want to listen deeply to our community as I take up the privilege and responsibility of leading Santa Sabina. There is much that we should be proud of and much that we hold dear. As custodians of our College, we also have a responsibility to consider what should endure, where there are opportunities to grow and how we remain faithful to our mission while being bold for the future.

While I have enjoyed the many conversations I have already had, I want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. I therefore invite you to share what you value most about Santa Sabina and your hopes and aspirations for our future. This is not intended to be a detailed survey. It is a short opportunity for me to hear from as many families as possible and to better understand the values, experiences and hopes we share for the children in our care. Please see link here.

I continue to enjoy meeting many of you at assemblies, recitals and showcases or on the sporting sidelines. Next week’s Father’s Day promises to be a wonderful community event. Sincere thanks to the Parents and Friends for the enormous time and energy given to the organisation of the gift stalls and breakfast, and to the staff in shaping our Mass of Thanksgiving for fathers and father-figures.  

Being Book Week this week I shall end with a couple of literary quotes for our Dads.

From Australian poet Pam Brown:
‘Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of songs.‘

From writer and humourist Mark Twain: 

‘When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.’

Whilst the expression of admiration may be dependent on the age of the child, I truly hope that all Dads feel very loved on this special day. And to those in our community who will remember fathers no longer with us, may their memory fill our hearts with their love.  

Finally I acknowledge with gratitude the work of Deputy Principal Operations Mr John Gilmore for his service to the College having finished his tenure at the College last week. Mr Gilmore led significant improvements across technology, facilities, compliance, risk management, workplace safety and organisational effectiveness. He worked with humility and a commitment to enhancing the school experience for students, staff and families. We wish John well as he returns to his home state of Queensland to take up the position of Deputy Principal Middle and Senior School Operations at St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
College Principal