Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

The quality of life is determined by its activities.

Aristotle

This week, as we have seen on our social media and in Ms Skerman’s article, our 2023/2024 Student Leadership Team has been finalised and announced. It has been apparent to the staff and students at the College that each of the 60 or more students who put themselves forward for a position has been actively involved in a range of activities – both school-based and community-based. The benefits of involvement in co-curricular activities are well documented and a vital element of the holistic education offered at Santa Sabina. The impact of co-curricular activities leads to improved academic performance, multicultural awareness, cognitive development, psychological wellbeing, and leadership development.

Co-curricular activities are not just a great way to make friends and to have fun. They also play an important role in developing life skills. These are the skills that cannot be taught in a classroom but must be learned through experience. A report by the Australian Council for Educational Research has found that those students who participated in co-curricular activities have improved life skills over those who didn’t. 

The large majority of our students are involved in at least one school-based co-curricular activity over the school year. There is an enormous range of activities that all our students can access and be involved with. The large number of students who put themselves forward for a leadership position this term is a testament to the confidence, resilience and maturity that a full involvement in College life can produce. 

I encourage all families to speak with their children about their activities and interests and to give consideration to how their child’s holistic development is being complemented by their involvement in the co-curricular life at the College. 

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care