Head of Primary P-6
As we draw Term 1 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a rich and rewarding start to the school year. This term, our journey through Lent has offered our students and staff a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow in kindness and compassion. As we now look ahead to Holy Week, we are reminded of the deep significance of this season, and we look forward to marking it with reverence and joy through our upcoming celebrations and reflections within the school community.
Throughout the term, it has been a joy to see our children bring their unique selves into every space – each personality and story adding colour and life to our school. As they form connections, face challenges, learn and grow, they not only deepen their understanding of the world but also gently teach us important lessons of patience and the beauty of seeing things through their eyes.
GRIP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025
Last week, our Gioia House and Del Monte student leaders proudly represented Santa Sabina College at the GRIP Student Leadership Conference. This dynamic event brought together student leaders from across Sydney to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, creativity and purpose.
Throughout the day, our leaders were challenged to think outside the box, generating innovative ideas and learning from the experiences of others. Through a range of engaging activities, including interactive games, group discussions, and role-play scenarios, students explored what it means to be a leader who serves, listens, and makes a positive impact in their community.
The conference also featured inspiring guest speakers who encouraged students to lead with courage, kindness, and humility. They reminded our young leaders that leadership is not about titles but about being a voice for others, standing up for what is right, and helping create a community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Our students left the conference energised, with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of practical strategies to bring back to our school community. They are already exploring ways to put their learning into action through service, teamwork, and inclusive initiatives that reflect our Dominican values.
LITERACY PRO ONLINE READING PROGRAM
We are excited to share that from Term 2, students in Years 3 and 4 will be engaging with Literacy Pro, an evidence-based online reading program designed to support and motivate independent reading.
Throughout Term 1, teachers spent time familiarising themselves with the program and the Literacy Pro digital platform. As part of this preparation, students have also completed a placement assessment to establish their Lexile levels, which serve as a starting point for their reading journey. This valuable data enables teachers to monitor and support each student’s progress throughout the year.
Literacy Pro uses a Lexile framework to match students with books that are both appropriately challenging and aligned to their interests. The platform provides opportunities for students to track their own progress, complete reading quizzes, and earn certificates, fostering independence, motivation, and a love of reading.
We will be sharing more information in Term 2 on how students can access the Literacy Pro platform and track their reading progress.
We will be extending this program to our Gioia House students later in Term 2.
PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS
As previously communicated, Parent–Student–Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 April, between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Please note that this is a pupil-free day. Interviews will be take place as follows:
Prep: Prep classrooms. Students are NOT required at the interview.
K-4: Del Monte Hall. Students are required to attend the interview.
Gioia House: Gioia House Classrooms. Students are required to attend the interview.
These meetings offer a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s learning and pastoral goals and reflect on their progress, exploring both strengths and areas for growth.
TERM 2 CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
At Santa Sabina College, we are committed to providing a rich variety of co-curricular opportunities that support the holistic development of our Del Monte and Gioia House students. These programs are designed to nurture students’ interests and foster teamwork.
Gioia House students will continue with their selected co-curricular activities from Term 1.
Gioia House Co-curricular activities include:
Creative Experience Club – Monday at lunchtime with Ms Trees.
Writers’ Club – Monday at lunchtime with Ms Anetter.
Ethics Olympiad – Monday lunchtime with Ms Azizian.
Performing Arts Club – Tuesday lunchtime with Ms Watkins.
IPSHA Debating – Tuesdays after school 3:30pm – 4:10pm with Ms Milicic and Ms Di Ciaccio.
Homework Club – Tuesday after school in the SSC Library from 3:30pm – 4:15pm with Ms Kostakis.
Kitchen Garden Club – Wednesday at lunchtime with Mr Dunphy.
Crochet Club – Thursday lunchtime with Ms Tierney.
A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR NEW PLAYGROUND
There has been a buzz of excitement in the Del Monte playground over the past few weeks as students eagerly anticipate the completion of our new play space. On Wednesday, students were taken on a very special visit to the construction site to see the progress firsthand. Wearing their protective gear, including hard hats and safety vests, they stepped into the world of builders and engineers, getting a close-up look at the structures they’ve been watching grow from behind the fence.
There was plenty of excitement as students explored the emerging features of the space, including the beautiful rotunda structure and the surrounding play area, both now nearing completion. Their eyes lit up with curiosity and joy as they imagined the adventures they would soon have in their new outdoor environment.
Unfortunately, the recent heavy rains have impacted the construction schedule, causing a slight delay in the opening of the playground. We will be in a better position to provide a confirmed opening date closer to Term 2.
OOSH HOLIDAY UPDATE
Please note that OOSH will continue to operate from the Del Monte Seminar Room during the upcoming school holidays and throughout the first week of Term 2. We look forward to relocating OOSH to its newly refurbished rooms early in Term 2, and we will share further information with families regarding the move at the beginning of the term. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this transitional period.
P-6 EASTER ART COMPETITION
A friendly reminder that the Easter Art Competition, organised by the P&F, is now open to all Prep to Year 6 students as a creative alternative to the traditional Easter egg hunt. This optional initiative encourages students to reflect on the Easter story and express their creativity while supporting Caritas Australia – Project Compassion. Prep to Year 1 students will complete a colouring activity at home, while Years 2–6 students are invited to create Easter artwork with a short written reflection. Entries are due by Wednesday 30 April. For more information, refer to the letter shared in the previous VV newsletter.
CANTEEN ORDERS
Please ensure to pre-order your child’s lunch online through Flexischools by 9:00am on the day. Orders after 9:00am will not be accepted as canteen staff requires time to prepare the food. Click here for further information.
Providing a nutritious lunchbox is essential for keeping your child energised and focused throughout the school day. To make packing lunches easier and healthier, consider using the SWAP IT resource, which offers practical ideas and tips for balanced meals. Visit SWAP IT Parent Resources.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their commitment and care in guiding our students through the first term. Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership, trust, and support, as it is through this shared journey that we are able to nurture and grow a strong, joyful learning community.
As we enter the holiday break, I wish each of you a safe, restful time with your loved ones, and a joyful Easter filled with peace and hope.
Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of this term and for all we have learned, shared, and become.
As we rest and prepare for the joy of Easter, fill our hearts with gratitude, our homes with peace, and our days with kindness.
Amen.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 2
Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6
CALENDAR EVENTS
For detailed information about upcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
- Thursday 3 April – 9:00am-12:00 noon Cross Country Trials
- Thursday 3 April – 2:30pm Primary Assembly
- Tuesday 8 April – Years 5-12 Holy Week Liturgy
- Tuesday 8 April 9:00am-2:30pm – P&F Mother’s Day Stall Wrapping
- Wednesday 9 April 9:00am-12:15pm – Year 3 & 4 Sydney Catholic Schools Stage 2 Netball Gala Day
- Thursday 10 April 2:00pm-3:00pm – K-4 Holy Week Liturgy
- Friday 11 April – Term 1 concludes
- Tuesday 29 April 10:00am-6:00pm – K-11 Parent Teacher Interviews
- Wednesday 30 April – Term 2 commences
- Wednesday 30 April – Easter Art Competition closes
- Thursday 1 May 2:30pm-3:00pm – K-4 Anzac Day Assembly
- Friday 2 May 9:00am-11:30am – Discovery Tour
- Monday 5 May – P&F Mothers’ Day stall at Gioia House