College Principal

We have well and truly passed the midpoint of this term and this newsletter will be my last one as the next time you hear from me will be my farewell message which will be published on my final edition of The Lamp Post. I am hopeful that Mrs Brooks will join me on the Lamp Post so that I can introduce her to you toward the end of this term. She will be here for some time before I leave to ensure a smooth handover and meet staff and students to allow for a seamless transition. 

National Reconciliation Week provided one of the most significant moments of the term. At our Reconciliation Week Assembly, students and staff paused together to reflect on ‘one of the most important responsibilities we share as Australians; the responsibility to seek truth, listen deeply and walk together with respect and hope.’

In speaking to students, I reflected on how reconciliation is not simply about acknowledging the past, but about ‘building relationships grounded in dignity, understanding and justice’ and how, as a Catholic Dominican school, this work sits naturally within our mission to seek truth courageously and stand beside those whose voices have too often been overlooked.

Personally, I shared reflections from my years working alongside Indigenous students and families across rural and remote communities in North Queensland and the Torres Strait. I spoke about the privilege of travelling to Lockhart River, Palm Island, Cape York communities and Mer; standing at Eddie Koiki Mabo’s grave and listening to the stories, resilience and wisdom of families across Thursday, Badu, Moa, Saibai and Boigu Islands. These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership, justice and education.

Most importantly, our students were reminded that reconciliation belongs especially to their generation. ‘The future of this country will be shaped by young people who are thoughtful enough to listen, courageous enough to challenge injustice and compassionate enough to care deeply about the experiences of others.’

Across the College, students have continued to excel in every sphere of school life. Our recent Career Women’s Network Breakfast was another inspiring occasion, with distinguished journalist and Ex-Student Rahni Sadler returning to Santa Sabina to share insights from her extraordinary career in journalism and international reporting. Rahni spoke candidly about courage, resilience and the importance of remaining curious and principled in a rapidly changing world. Her reflections on pursuing opportunities, backing oneself and maintaining integrity in high-pressure environments resonated deeply with students and staff alike.

Our Senior Drama students also deserve heartfelt congratulations for their outstanding production of Hyper Realism. The production showcased not only exceptional talent and creativity, but also the confidence, discipline and collaboration that lie at the heart of great theatre. Students brought remarkable energy and maturity to the stage, captivating audiences with a performance that was both thoughtful and highly entertaining. Thank you to our dedicated Drama staff whose expertise and care made the production possible.

Our Year 4 students recently returned from their Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong, and it was wonderful to hear of the enthusiasm, courage and growing independence shown throughout the camp. Tallong continues to provide our students with extraordinary opportunities to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and deepen their connection with the natural environment. Whether participating in outdoor activities, working collaboratively with peers or simply embracing life away from familiar routines, students demonstrated resilience, kindness and a genuine willingness to step beyond their comfort zones. Experiences such as these remain an important part of a Santa Sabina education, helping young people grow in confidence, gratitude and community spirit.

We also welcomed our Golden Girls and Boys to the annual Mass and Luncheon held in their honour, one of the most treasured gatherings in the life of our College community. There is something deeply joyful and profoundly grounding about welcoming back ex-students who graduated more than 50 years ago and hearing their memories of Santa Sabina across generations. These occasions remind us so powerfully that a school is not simply a place of learning for a moment in time, but a lifelong community of connection, friendship and shared experience. 

Another special occasion this term was our Year 13 Reunion, where we warmly welcomed back members of the Class of 2025. It was a genuine delight to see last year’s graduates reconnecting with one another and with their teachers as they reflected on their first months beyond school. Conversations about university courses, new opportunities, challenges and aspirations filled the room, alongside much laughter and storytelling. A particular highlight was watching the graduates immerse themselves in our newly published Veritas 2025 (the yearbook); revisiting memories, photographs and milestones from their final year together. The evening was a beautiful reminder that while students may leave Santa Sabina physically, they remain very much part of the fabric of our community.

The Senior Athletics Carnival was another highlight of the term and a wonderful celebration of House spirit, determination and camaraderie. Congratulations to every student who participated with such enthusiasm, competitive spirit and encouragement of one another throughout the day. Whether competing on the track, in field events or cheering passionately from the sidelines, students embodied the very best of Santa Sabina. The atmosphere was vibrant, joyful and spirited; a reminder of the importance of participation, perseverance and community.

Finally, I encourage families to listen to the latest episode of our Santa Dialogues podcast on Spotify: In the Driver’s Seat: Redefining Who Belongs in Sport. This timely and spirited conversation explored the changing landscape for women in traditionally male-dominated sports and industries, with a particular focus on motorsport and the growing global momentum surrounding the F1 Academy.

We were privileged to welcome Ex-Student Lynne Anderson, one of Australia’s most respected sports administrators, whose extensive leadership across Rugby League and professional sport brought enormous depth to the discussion. Lynne spoke powerfully about the realities women continue to face in sporting leadership, the importance of visibility and advocacy, and the responsibility organisations have to create pathways for girls and women not only to participate, but to lead. Her reflections on resilience, courage and persistence offered invaluable insights for our students.

A particular highlight of the discussion was the enthusiasm and expertise brought by students Christiane Nikolaou and Zara Pritchard, whose passion for motorsport and deep knowledge of Formula One and the F1 Academy elevated the conversation significantly. Their thoughtful contributions opened up important discussions around representation, opportunity and the future of women in motorsport at both elite and grassroots levels. They spoke with confidence and insight about the growing visibility of female drivers and the cultural shift taking place across international racing.

The episode captures exactly what Santa Dialogues seeks to achieve: thoughtful, contemporary conversations that encourage young women to challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives and imagine new possibilities for themselves and others. I strongly encourage families and students to listen to this engaging and inspiring discussion.

Go gently

Paulina Skerman
College Principal