Head of Primary P-6
As we enter Week 6 of Term 4, the energy and excitement across the Del Monte and Gioia House are unmistakable. This term has already been filled with enriching and meaningful experiences for our students, from exploring new learning opportunities to celebrating achievements and building connections with peers. As we approach the final weeks of the academic year, we look forward to the joyful celebrations that mark the end of 2024, including our much-anticipated end of the year events. These moments are not only an opportunity to reflect on the growth and accomplishments of our students but also a time to come together as a community to celebrate the spirit of Santa Sabina College.
Experience Days
In the last few weeks, we had the pleasure of hosting successful Prep, Kindergarten and Year 5 Experience Days, alongside a Parent Information Session for families of our 2025 Prep, Kindergarten, and Year 5 cohorts. These events provided an invaluable opportunity to welcome new students and their families into the Santa Sabina community. During the Experience Days, students met their peers and teachers, engaging in a variety of activities designed to help them build initial connections, explore their new learning environments, and gain an understanding of daily school routines. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children as they participated in these sessions, forming the foundation for their exciting journey ahead. The Parent Information Session complemented these events, offering insights into our educational programs and fostering a sense of partnership with families as we prepare for a successful 2025 school year.
Burwood Rotary Club Award
Congratulations to Mariam Fajloun and Alexandra Nakhle for being honoured with the prestigious Burwood Rotary Club Citizenship Award. This recognition celebrates their outstanding leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to fostering a positive school community. Mariam and Alexandra have exemplified the values of kindness, responsibility, and active citizenship, making a meaningful impact on their peers and the broader Santa Sabina community.
Year 3 Outdoor Education Experience
The Year 3 OEE at Tallong marked a significant milestone as the students embarked on their first camp away from home, and it was a resounding success. Our rich outdoor program offered meaningful opportunities for students to build connections with their peers, learn new skills, and challenge themselves in ways that fostered resilience and independence. While some students were initially nervous about being so far from their families, our dedicated staff ensured that everything ran smoothly, providing exceptional care and support to every child. Highlights of the experience included the joy of trying new activities, with some students learning to ride a bike for the first time. To top it off, the students were treated to restaurant-quality meals prepared by Chief Geoff, adding an extra layer of comfort to their adventure. The students returned happy and enriched, having gained valuable skills and confidence to carry forward into their learning journey.
Co-curricular Awards
Congratulations to all our Del Monte and Gioia House students who participated in co-curricular programs throughout the year! These activities play a vital role in developing important skills, fostering teamwork, and most importantly, connecting students through fun and shared experiences. Last Friday, we celebrated the achievements of our senior students at the Co-curricular Awards presentation, and today, we proudly acknowledged our Years 3 and 4 award recipients during the Del Monte Assembly. Well done to all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm.
Final weeks of term
Class lists and Semester 2 Academic Reports will be released to parents in the final week of the term. I sincerely thank you for your understanding of the significant time, thought, and effort that go into carefully crafting class lists and preparing detailed reports to reflect each student’s progress and needs.
As we approach the final weeks of the term, there are many exciting events to look forward to at Santa Sabina College. This Friday, we will celebrate the much-anticipated Fra Angelico Festival, a vibrant evening showcasing children’s creative work, delicious cultural food, and a variety of fun activities. The event will culminate with a spectacular light show, promising something special for everyone in the community. On Thursday 28 November, we will gather for our final assembly, featuring a heartwarming retelling of the Christmas story by our Kindergarten and Year 1 students. Additionally, our Year 4 students will participate in the Big Day In—a memorable day filled with activities to celebrate their transition as boys conclude their time at Santa Sabina and girls prepare to move across the Boulevard to Gioia House.
Santa Maria del Monte Thanksgiving Mass
Gioia House Liturgy
Years 3-6 BYO Device
If you are thinking of purchasing a computer as a Christmas gift for your child, here are the specifications for BYODD.
Term 4 key events
Calendar events
For detailed information about upcoming college events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
Important dates for Del Monte:
- Thursday 21 November – Years 3-4 Sport and Co-curricular Awards Assembly
- Friday 22 November – Fra Angelico
- Tuesday 26 November – Dominican Awards K-2 Assembly (9:30am-10:15am)
- Wednesday 27 November – Years 3-11 Speech Night Rehearsal Day (8:30am-5:00pm, State Theatre)
- Wednesday 27 November – College Speech Night 2024 Years 3-11 (6:30pm-8:30pm, State Theatre)
- Thursday 28 November – Final Year Assembly (Hall)
- Friday 29 November – Splash & Dash Carnival (9:30am-1:30pm, Kindergarten – Year 2)
- Monday 2 December – Year 4 Big Day In
Monday 2 December – Advent Carols (Senior Campus – Santa Sabina Chapel, 6:30pm-8:00pm) - Wednesday 4 December – K-4 Thanksgiving & Graduation Mass, Year 4 Boys dancing on Dom’s Plot (9:15am-10:15am)
- Wednesday 4 December – Year 4 Farewell and Guard of Honour (2:50pm-3:00pm)
- Wednesday 4 December – Term 4 concludes
Important dates for Gioia House:
- Friday 22 November 5:00pm-9:00pm – Fra Angelico Festival
- Wednesday 27 November 8:30am-5:00pm – Year 3-11 Speech Night Rehearsal Day Award Recipients
- Wednesday 27 November 6:30pm-8:30pm – Years 3-11 Speech Night
- Wednesday 4 December 12:00 noon-2:00pm – GH Thanksgiving Liturgy and Picnic
Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6