College Principal

The College joins with the rest of the world in wishing our new Pope, Leo XIV, strength, courage and love as he begins his new role as the leader of the Catholic Church. A champion defender of human dignity and justice, he shares Pope Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment. At his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, he spoke these words: 

‘Peace be with you all!

Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!‘

It was wonderful to begin the term with our whole school Parent-Teacher interviews. The College was alive with conversations about learning and progress; and feedback about our return to face-to-face interviews has been extremely positive. This term we have so very many opportunities for our community to come together and these special moments of connection are so uplifting and important. Mother’s Day Masses and Breakfast were extremely well attended last week and it was really special to give thanks for our mums and significant carers who love us unconditionally. We also had a wonderful Mother’s Day lunch hosted by the P&F Association. This year it was held at Ecco Restaurant and the whole event had a lovely vibe. 

Congratulations to our students who received top honours for their diligent approach to learning on their Term 1 Interim Reports. An outstanding number of students were awarded a Pro Summa Diligentia which reflects an excellent and consistent effort in the way they approached every single subject studied in Term 1. We were thrilled to see so many parents attend the Diligence Assembly to celebrate their child’s commitment to working hard and behaving with utmost respect in all classes. 

Planning is well underway for our new Winter Academy which will be held for Year 9 students at Tallong in 2026. We have set the dates for the beginning of Term 3 so as not to impact those students who participate in the Gala Concert performance in Term 2. The dates for 2026 are Tuesday 21 July until Sunday 9 August. This new initiative will be trialled next year following strong support by parents and students when we recently asked for expressions of interest. Current Year 8 parents will have the opportunity to hear the details of what is on offer at our Information Night and Year 9 Subject Selection Evening which will be held on Wednesday 11 June. Students who opt to attend the Winter Academy will study an academic program with English and Maths lessons taught online with students at the Santa Sabina campus. Electives will be integrated and students will undertake field projects in these areas. Outdoor and experiential learning activities will also feature as part of the program with treks to Kangaroo Valley and other outdoor adventures on offer. We are very excited by the interest and if all goes well, we hope to add this program to our yearly list of opportunities for students in Year 9. 

I would like to let you all know that a memorial plaque has been placed on the grounds to honour our student, Charlotte O’Brien, who passed away last year. Charlotte’s family has been able to visit the site which was blessed on the weekend. 

Our Santa Sabina University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Introduction Program is well underway with more than 60 students from Years 10-12 meeting every Wednesday evening. The course is designed by our very own teachers and they have created workshops and engaged guest presenters from the medical field as well as universities to provide our students with an understanding of what this Medical and Dental Admissions Test entails. My thanks to Mrs Imber and Miss Guirguis for developing and facilitating this opportunity for our girls. 

Finally, the P&F is hosting its annual Trivia Night on Friday 13 June. This is a really fun night so start thinking about gathering a table. Further details will be published in the next few days, it would be great to see you join in on all the Freaky Friday fun!

Paulina Skerman
College Principal