Head of Primary P-6

Launching into a year of learning and friendships

Our school year began with a spiritually uplifting Welcome Mass, setting a reflective and joyful tone for the year ahead. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, as proclaimed by Pope Francis, we are called to embrace faith, renewal, and new beginnings. It was a beautiful way to welcome new and returning community members.

Adding to the celebrations, our Kindergarten students joyfully marked their school journey with dancing on Dom’s Plot, symbolising excitement and new opportunities.

We were also delighted to see so many families at our recent Information Evening and Welcome Drinks. This event provided a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with teachers, gain insights into the year ahead, and engage with our school community. 

It has been wonderful to see our students settle in smoothly and begin forming strong connections with their peers and teachers. The energy and enthusiasm across our classrooms and playgrounds are truly uplifting as students embrace new friendships, routines, and learning experiences with excitement and confidence.

This year, we are committed to strengthening and expanding our Enrichment Program, the Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program and the Diverse Education Program in Del Monte and Gioia House. These initiatives will provide students with enriched learning opportunities tailored to their strengths and needs. Additionally, we continue to implement the new English and Mathematics syllabus, ensuring our teaching aligns with the latest curriculum developments to support student growth and achievement.

AIS Numeracy Project

We are pleased to share our partnership with the Australian Independent Schools Association in implementing the AIS Numeracy Project. This initiative is focused on enhancing students’ outcomes in Mathematics by identifying learning gaps and providing targeted support. Our P-6 staff have participated in the first module of the project and have commenced conducting screeners to assess students’ mathematical understanding. The collected data will be thoroughly analysed to inform teaching and monitor student progress, ensuring a strong foundation in numeracy for all learners.

Knowing our learners

At the beginning of Term 1, our teachers have been actively gathering initial academic and pastoral data to understand our learners and inform our teaching. Through diagnostic assessments, observations, and discussions, we gain valuable insights into the strengths and needs of each student.

Del Monte teachers conducted initial meetings with parents before the school year commenced, while Gioia House teachers are currently making phone calls to connect with families. This collaborative approach ensures we provide tailored support and guidance for every child’s learning journey.

Interaction Day

Last week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in a range of engaging activities designed to foster connections and teamwork. These experiences provided opportunities for students to develop friendships, collaborate with peers, and establish a strong sense of belonging within our school community. We look forward to more interaction opportunities throughout the year to strengthen these bonds.

Del Monte and Gioia House Student Leadership

Our Year 4 students have been introduced to a new and improved leadership structure, providing them with more leadership roles and opportunities to develop their leadership skills and foster a sense of responsibility, collaboration, and community among Year 4 students. 

Additionally, our Year 6 students were inspired by insights shared by our Senior Leaders, encouraging them to step forward and take on leadership roles.

This week, students will present their speeches, and voting will take place in Week 4. It is truly heartwarming to see so many students having the courage and enthusiasm to nominate themselves for leadership positions. We commend their commitment and look forward to commissioning our new student leaders in Week 5.

We are excited about the term ahead and all the learning, growth, and experiences it will bring. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to foster a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our students.

Naplan

Parents of Year 3 and Year 5 students will soon receive a letter outlining key details about NAPLAN 2025, which will take place from 12 March to 24 March. To support students, teachers integrate literacy and numeracy skill development into daily learning, provide opportunities for mock assessments, and equip students with test-taking strategies to help them approach NAPLAN with a positive mindset.

Parents can also support their child at home by encouraging a balanced routine, ensuring they get adequate rest, and fostering a calm and positive approach to the assessments. Reinforcing a growth mindset by reminding students that NAPLAN is just one measure of their learning journey can help them feel more at ease and confident in their abilities. 

Weekly Homeroom Gatherings

Years 3 and 4 students come together every Tuesday at 8:30am for their Homeroom Gathering, while Gioia House students meet every Monday at 8:30am. These gatherings set a positive tone for the week ahead, providing a time for prayer, important announcements, and messages of encouragement. They also serve as a valuable opportunity to foster school spirit, unity, and a sense of belonging within our community.

To ensure students fully benefit from these meaningful gatherings, we kindly remind parents of the importance of arriving at school on time. Punctuality not only helps students start the day calmly and with focus but also ensures they don’t miss out on these important moments of connection and inspiration. Thank you for your support in helping students develop strong routines that enrich their school experience.

Year 4 Outdoor Education Experience 5-7 March

To ensure a smooth outdoor education experience for our students, please ensure that all medical forms are updated by the due date. Refer to the letter set from Mr Walker for details.

Parent helpers 2025

If you would like to be a parent helper at the Primary Campus in 2025, please complete the Google form below.

We will then contact new parent helper nominees for an induction and share information about the sessions.

If you have any questions, please contact Neda via email: n.korman@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Co-curricular Program

Gioia House Co-curricular Activities include: 

Creative Experience Club – Mondays at lunchtime with Ms Trees. 
Writers’ Club – Mondays at lunchtime with Ms Anetter. 
Ethics Olympiad – Mondays at lunchtime with Ms Azizian. 
Performing Arts Club – Tuesdays at lunchtime with Ms Watkins. 
IPSHA Debating – Tuesdays after school 3:30pm – 4:10pm on with Ms Milicic and Ms Di Ciaccio.
Homework Club –Tuesdays after school in the SSC Library from 3:30pm – 4:15pm with Ms Kostakis. Kitchen Garden Club – Wednesdays at lunchtime with Mr Dunphy. 
Coding & Robotics – Wednesdays after school 3:30pm – 4:15pm with Ms Maks. 
Crochet Club – Thursdays at lunchtime with Ms Tierney. 

Teachers will conduct introductory lessons this week and the official start will be Week 4.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,
‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
 Jeremiah 29:11

This verse beautifully aligns with our Jubilee Year of Hope, reminding us to embrace new beginnings with faith, courage, and optimism for the journey ahead.

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

Important calendar dates

Del Monte

Thursday 20 February – 3-6 Swimming Carnival
Monday 3 March – Commissioning of Leaders Liturgy 
Tuesday 4 March – Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 5 March – Ash Wednesday 
Wednesday 5 March – 7 March Year 4 OEE at Tallong
Thursday 6 March – Discovery Tour
Wednesday 12 March – Monday 24 March – NAPLAN
Tuesday 18 March – Harmony Day celebrations
Friday 21 March – Harmony Day

Gioia House

Thursday 20 February – 3-6 Swimming Carnival
Tuesday 25 February – K-6 SCS Conference 2 Swimming Carnival
Monday 3 March – Commissioning of Leaders Liturgy 
Tuesday 4 March – International Women’s Day Assembly
Tuesday 4 March – Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 5 March – Ash Wednesday
Thursday 6 March – Discovery Tour
Thursday 6 March – International Women’s Day Supper
Wednesday 12 March – Monday 24 March – NAPLAN
Tuesday 18 March – Harmony Day events
Friday 21 March – Harmony Day