Head of Primary P-6

As we settle into the new term, we reflect on the vibrant and meaningful events that have brought our school community together over the past three weeks. At the heart of all that we do are our students – curious and full of energy. It has been a joy to witness students’ enthusiasm for learning, connection with their peers and teachers after the holiday. 

In a world that often encourages us to seek what makes us happy, it’s important to pause and consider a deeper truth: not everything that brings immediate happiness is necessarily good for us. Sometimes, the pursuit of short–term pleasure or ease can steer us away from what truly nourishes the heart and mind. As educators and parents, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to guide our children towards something more lasting and meaningful – joy.

At Santa Sabina, we are intentional in forming not only minds, but hearts. We guide our students to recognise that true fulfilment comes not from always doing what feels good, but from choosing what is right and just. Through service-learning, daily acts of kindness and our commitment to Gospel values, we help our children understand that joy is cultivated through generosity, humility and faith in action.

In the classroom and in the playgrounds, we encourage our students to reflect not just on what makes them feel good, but on what makes them grow. We celebrate their academic progress, of course, but equally, we honour the times they show empathy, include others, take responsibility, and stand up for what is fair. We remind them that joy can be found in the giving of oneself, in the effort we put into our learning and in the positive impact we have on our community.

Grounded in Gospel values and the Dominican tradition, we remain committed to nurturing young people who are not only successful in their learning, but who live with hope, integrity, and compassion.

Jesus speaks of a joy that is lasting and complete – rooted in His love and truth.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
– John 15:11

The term began with our teachers engaging in professional development, deepening their understanding of curriculum and pedagogy and participating in rich professional dialogue. These opportunities ensure that our teaching is intentional, informed and responsive to the needs of every learner. Our Parent–Teacher–Student meetings provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. These conversations celebrated each student’s growth while setting meaningful goals for the term ahead.

Gioia House Semester 1 Academic Awards

In Week 1, we acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of our Semester 1 Academic Award recipients at our Awards Assembly. These students have demonstrated consistent effort, curiosity, and a love of learning across a range of disciplines. Their commitment to personal excellence, perseverance, and growth is a credit to their character and a reflection of the supportive learning environment fostered by our dedicated staff. We are incredibly proud of each recipient and look forward to seeing all our students continue to strive, learn, and flourish in the semester ahead.

Year 5 Academic Awards

Maggie Anderson – PDHPE
Olivia Bijjani – Action Girl
Mia Bogovic – Religious Education, English, Maths, Interdisciplinary 1 and Interdisciplinary 2
Alana Boumelhem – Visual Arts
Ariane Cutrupi – PDHPE
Lina D’Arrigo – Music
Alexis Djordjevic – Action Girl
Olivia Gan – English, Interdisciplinary 1 and Interdisciplinary 2
Scarlett Ghossein – Interdisciplinary 1
Riha Han – Music
Amara Jeyaganesh – Maths and Interdisciplinary 2
Florence Khoury – Action Girl
Stefania Lazanja – Languages
Helaina Lazari – Languages
Eleanor Cheong – Action Girl and Visual Arts
Mia Li – Music
Angela Li – Religious Education and English
Sienna Machaalani – PDHPE
Marie Metledge – English, Interdisciplinary 1 and PDHPE
Ariti Politou – Music
Niamh Quinn – Visual Arts
Marley Seeto – Languages
Soopia Son Chang – Visual Arts
Jennifer Stanton – Religious Education
Laura Touma – Religious Education, English and Languages
Lydia Wang – Maths and Interdisciplinary 2

Year 6 Academic Awards

Zara Bakhos – English, Interdisciplinary 1 and Drama
Phoebe Clarke – English, Interdisciplinary 1, Interdisciplinary 2 and Drama
Emma Cooper – English
Amelia Coscarella – Action Girl
Aiden Curran – Music
Alyssa D’Agostino – Languages and Action Girl
Abby Deng – Mathematics
Alana Dib – Music
Harper Doueihi – PDHPE
Zara Hraiki – Mathematics and Interdisciplinary 2
Analicia Jayaseelan – Action Girl
Emily Korb-Wells – Drama and Music
Eloise Lai – Mathematics and Languages
Genevieve Lloyd-Jones – PDHPE
Grace Mackey – Interdisciplinary 1
Bianca McLeod – Drama and Languages
Lucy Middleton – Interdisciplinary 2
Gabriella Mikhael – Religious Education
Tiana Nahas – Interdisciplinary 1
Scarlett Nehme – Religious Education
Celine Nguyen – English
Evangeline Notaras – PDHPE
Liz Ong – Mathematics
Marla Samaan – Religious Education
Sydney Truong – Religious Education, Interdisciplinary 2, Music and Action Girl
Elizabeth Van Hore – PDHPE
Arianthe Vrastaminos – Languages

Feast of St Dominic

Last Friday, the entire college gathered to celebrate St Dominic’s Feast Day. A sense of unity and reverence marked this special occasion as we honoured St Dominic’s legacy and his enduring influence on our values and education. Central to the celebration was the Dominican mosaic, a powerful symbol of our community – each piece representing the unique gifts, stories, challenges and contributions of every individual. Together, the mosaic reflects the richness of our shared purpose and the lasting influence of St Dominic’s vision for truth, compassion and service in the world.

100 Days of Kindergarten – 100 days brighter

On Tuesday, our Kindergarten students marked a joyful and meaningful milestone – 100 days of school – surrounded by bright colours, laughter, and a strong sense of pride. The theme – 100 Days Brighter – could not be more fitting. Over the past 100 days, our youngest learners have not only grown in knowledge but have truly begun to shine – in their curiosity, character, and connection to our Santa Sabina community. From tentative first steps into the classroom to becoming confident, capable learners, our Kindergarten students have embraced new routines, formed friendships, and met challenges with resilience and joy. Each day, they have brought light into our school with their questions, creativity, and boundless energy.

Celebrating 100 Days Brighter far more than just numbers, it is a reflection of the remarkable journey these children have taken in such a short time. It speaks to their growth not just academically, but in the way they show kindness, wonder, and courage as they explore the world around them.

As we look ahead, we know that the light our Kindergarten students bring today is only the beginning of the brightness they will continue to share in the years to come.

Del Monte Grandparents Day

Blessed are those who have not lost hope

Today, Del Monte was filled with warmth and joy as we welcomed almost 300 grandparents to celebrate Grandparents Day – a cherished tradition that honours the deep connection between generations. Guided by the beautiful theme, ‘Blessed are those who have not lost hope’ (Sirach), we reflected on the quiet strength and unwavering love that grandparents so often embody. In their presence, our students are reminded of stories that shaped families, of resilience passed down through time and of the enduring hope that lights the way forward. The day was brought to life through music, movement and heartfelt performances. Our choir, string ensemble and dance groups offered a beautiful tribute, while Kindergarten students charmed the crowd with their joyful singing. Smiles, laughter, and a few happy tears filled the hall as children and grandparents shared this special moment.

Grandparents’ Day is more than an event – it is a celebration of love that bridges generations, and a reminder that within our school community, hope is alive and well in the bonds we cherish most.

Book Week Parade – 22 August

The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure! Students and families are invited to dress as their favourite characters and bring their stories to life in a colourful and joy-filled celebration. While we love creative costumes, we kindly ask that children choose book–based characters rather than those from movies of franchises like Disney. 

P-4 Book Parade

Time: Book Parade will commence at around 9:00am
Where: Del Monte Playground
To celebrate the day, students from Kindergarten to Year 4 will participate in Author talk with Anna Fienberg — author of many popular and award–winning books for children of all ages, including the Tashi series..

Prep 3-Day students are welcome to join the parade with their parents on Friday 22 August and wear their character costumes on Monday 18 August.

Gioia House Book Parade

Gioia House students will participate in a dress-up book character parade on the senior campus during school lunchtime (12:50pm-1:30pm). Families are welcome to watch the parade.

Important dates in Term 3

Santa Maria Del Monte

Monday 4 August – Friday 8 August – Book Week
Thursday 7 – 20 August – Healthy Harold Incursions
Wednesday 13 August – Science Week Showcase 5:30pm – 7:30pm – Decoding the Universe
Thursday 21 August – Discovery Tour (for prospective families)
Friday 22 August – Book Week Parade 9:00am
Thursday 28 August – Sport and Co-curricular photos
Thursday 28 August – Primary Assembly 2:30pm–3:00pm
Tuesday 2 September – P&F Father’s Day Stall 
Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Breakfast – 8:30am-9:15am
Thursday 4 September – Primary Father’s Day Mass (P-6) 9:15–10:15am
Thursday 11 September – Primary Assembly 2:30pm–3:00pm
Thursday 18 September – Years 1– 4 Public Speaking Finals
Wednesday 24 September – CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships (K-6)
Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes

Gioia House

Thursday 7 – 20 August – Healthy Harold Incursions
Wednesday 13 August – Science Week Showcase 5:30pm – 7:30pm Decoding the Universe 
Thursday 21 August – Discovery Tour (for prospective families)
Friday 22 August – Book Week Parade 12:50pm – 1:30pm
Monday 25 August – Sport and Co-curricular photos 
Wednesday 27 August – STEM Day
Thursday 29 August – Father’s Day Mass/Breakfast
Monday 1 September – Father’s Day Stall
Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Breakfast – 8:30am-9:15am
Thursday 4 September – Primary Father’s Day Mass (P-6) 9:15–10:15am
Thursday 11 September – Junior Ethics Olympiad 8:30am-2:30pm
Tuesday 16 September – SCS Stage 3 Netball Gala Day
Wednesday 17 – Friday 19 September – Year 6 OEE & Canberra Visit
Wednesday 24 September – CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships (K-6)
Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6