From the P&F Association

Dear Parents and Friends

More than halfway through the year already and we are gearing up to another major event – Father’s Day stall and Breakfast! The presents are wrapped and the food is ordered. We cannot wait for a great week next week!

Father’s Day Breakfast

We are looking for more volunteers to help with the Father’s Day breakfast. If you can spare some time in the morning for setup, manning the breakfast tables and/or with the pack down, we would greatly appreciate any assistance. These events can only be successful with the help and contributions from the community. If you can assist, please contact Ben Middleton on 0421 146 351.

Father’s Day Stall

The Father’s Day stall will be held for Del Monte on Tuesday 2 September 2025 and Gioia House on Monday 1 September. There are some lovely gifts for dad, grandpa or uncle. All gifts are $20.

Please purchase your tickets no later than Saturday 30 August 2025.

Purchase Father’s Day gifts here

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Warm regards

The P&F Association

Upcoming Events

🎉 Save the Date: Prep to Year 6 Disco

Get ready to dance the night away at our annual school disco. This year we are going Back to the 80’s! Think neon, scrunchies, sequins, and glow sticks!  It’s time to light up the dance floor!

 Parents are welcome! Feel free to stay, eat, and socialise while your kids are dancing the night away!

  🗓 Date:                12 September 2025

📍 Location: Del Monte Hall


 Disco times:
 St Lucy’s, Prep, Kindy and Year 1: 5:00pm to 5:45pm
 Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
 Gioia House: 7:15pm to 8:30pm

 Price list:
 $15.00 – Kid’s Ticket
 Includes: Disco entry, sausage sizzle, juice popper, and a small ice cream.

$10.00 – Adult Ticket
 Includes: Sausage sizzle or steak sandwich + drink (can or bottle of water).
 Vegetarian option available, must be pre-booked due to limited availability on the night.

 RSVP by Tuesday 9 September

Just a reminder that no parents are to be in the hall during your child’s session time. This is to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for the children.

SAVE THE DATE – Year 4 Farwell Dinner

SAVE THE DATE – YEAR 6 GRADUATION

WHEN: 14 November 2025

Details to be circulated in due course.

Year Group Catchups

Year 6 – Paint & Sip

The Year 6 mums had a fabulous time at their recent Paint & Sip. Their paintings speak for themselves and a great way for the parents to mingle in a relaxed environment.

Year 12 Lunch

Year 12 had a lunch at the Concord after the crowning at St Dom’s Day. There was over 30 parents and daughters who attended the lunch. This was a beautiful afternoon as the Year 12 students reflected on their time at Santa Sabina and taking in the fact that this is their last St Dom’s celebrations.

Parent Education – Debra Brodowski

Teens, AI and mental health: what parents need to know

In recent months, there has been a significant increase in discussions about (Artificial Intelligence) AI in our worlds. For our young people, mainly teens, this may involve talk of AI tools – whether for homework, creative projects, or even advice about their feelings. AI is changing the way our young people access information and support, and while it can be a helpful tool, it is not a replacement for human connection.

For young people and their social-emotional wellbeing, AI can feel like a safe and non-judgemental space. It is available any time of day or night, our young people may use it to:

  • learn coping strategies for stress, anxiety or low mood.
  • access information on mental health topics, when the AI is drawing on accurate sources
  • reduce perceived isolation, by feeling that their struggles are being ‘heard.’

AI can be a helpful first step, however it is important to understand that AI isn’t always accurate and is based on an operating algorithm to function. Some considerations for AI in relation to wellbeing include:

  • The accuracy varies. While AI can sound confident, it may give information that is out of date, overly simplistic or misleading.
  • There is a lack of personalisation. Unlike a trained mental health professional, AI cannot truly understand your young person’s history, values or unique context.
  • It is not crisis support. AI cannot respond effectively if a young person is in immediate distress or at risk of harm.
  • There may become an over-reliance. Some young people may come to rely on AI as their main ‘listener,’ which can discourage them from seeking real human help.

If your young person is experimenting with AI for mental health advice, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Stay curious, not critical. Listen without judgment. Ask them what they find helpful about it. This builds trust and keeps conversations open.
  • Guide them toward balance. AI might be a tool, but it is not a substitute for professional care or family support.
  • Check the sources. Encourage your young person to treat AI advice the way they would any information online: worth considering, but best verified.

The strongest protective factor for mental health remains human connection. Our young people need trusted relationships where they feel seen, safe, and valued. You can support them by:

  • Listening without rushing to fix. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful relief.
  • Encouraging trusted adults. Coaches, teachers, relatives or family friends can all provide extra layers of support.
  • Normalising professional help. If your young person is struggling, let them know that seeing a GP, counsellor or psychologist is just like getting help for a physical health issue.
  • Modelling healthy coping. Share how you manage stress, setbacks and big emotions.

AI can be a helpful starting point for our young people exploring their feelings, but it cannot replace the safety and richness of human connection. As parents and caregivers, our role is to remain open, supportive and proactive in guiding our young people toward real relationships and professional help when needed.