Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Student Ambassadors at Eucharist28 Mass

This week, our four Student Ambassadors proudly represented Santa Sabina at the IEC Student Ambassador Commissioning and Two Years Out to Eucharist28 Mass held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Marrickville.

This special celebration brought together student ambassadors from Sydney Catholic Schools and Congregational Schools as part of the growing journey towards Eucharist28. The students joined with fellow ambassadors, teachers, clergy and members of the wider Catholic community for a meaningful Mass that marked an important milestone in the lead-up to this significant event.

We are incredibly proud of our Student Ambassadors for representing our school with such maturity and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing them continue to share the message of Eucharist28 and inspire others within the College community.

Ms Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6 

Reflections from our ambassadors

We had the privilege of being commissioned at the Eucharist28 Two Years Out Mass. As the representatives of Santa Sabina College, we were blessed by Bishop Umbers along with all of the Sydney Catholic School and Congregational Schools student ambassadors in both primary and secondary schools and in front of a congregation of a thousand people. Our Del Monte Ambassadors Rose Taouk and Adeline Tudehope were also selected for the offertory procession, as well as having Alicia process in with the St Mary of the Cross Mackillop banner.

It was wonderful to see so many students engaged and assisting with this mass, in preparation for their leadership in their own schools towards Eucharist 28. It was a profound experience, seeing all present embracing the gift that is the mass. The Gospel told of the 12 Apostles being selected from amongst all the disciples that had started to gather around Jesus. Like the selected Apostles, each of the school ambassadors are called to bring Christ’s light to every corner of the diocese, and having been blessed, we are enlivened and strengthened to live this calling as we approach the Eucharist 28 congress. We are very grateful and proud to lead our College community towards this once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be held here in Sydney in 2028.
Alicia Bouantoun and Verona Di Santo
Year 9

The Eucharistic Congress is a commitment to God and to us. When I was given the opportunity to be part of this role, I was very excited. I look forward to representing our school as an ambassador, attending special events, and hopefully having the opportunity to meet Pope Leo.

When Adeline and I had the opportunity to meet the Bishop at the IEC Student Ambassador Commissioning Mass, we felt very honoured to be part of the program. We are committed to following God and sharing His message with others.
Adeline Tudehope and Rose Taouk
Year 4

Dominican Sisters from the Solomon Islands visit Santa Sabina

The visit of the Solomon Islands Sisters on 20 October was a joyful celebration of our shared Dominican heritage and global community. Throughout the day, students and staff had the privilege of learning about their lives, ministries, culture and faith. The Sisters visited classrooms in Gioia House, Mary Bailey House and Del Monte, engaging students in meaningful conversations about education, vocation, service and life in the Solomon Islands. They also attended Year 7-11 House Meetings, where students welcomed them warmly and participated in panel discussions, asking thoughtful questions about their culture, faith journeys, ministries and the challenges faced by young people in their communities.

The interactions provided a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the wider Dominican family and to see firsthand the impact of the College’s ongoing support for Dominican ministries in the Solomon Islands. A highlight of the day was the shared lunch with students, where friendships were formed, stories exchanged and connections strengthened. The Sisters’ warmth, faith and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on our community, reminding us of the importance of compassion, service, gratitude and our responsibility to stand in solidarity with others across the world.

Mrs Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care