Head of Primary P-6

The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a time for us to reflect on the life of Jesus and the love of Mary. As we pray the Rosary, we are invited to slow down, to find peace in God’s presence, and to open our hearts to His grace. It is a prayer of hope, reminding us that through faith and love, we are never alone.

‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.’
— Luke 1:28

It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to school for the start of Term 4. The playground and classrooms have been filled with enthusiasm and happy chatter as students reconnected with their friends. It has been a joy to engage with our students and hear about their family adventures and the special moments that made their holidays memorable.

On Monday, our staff gathered for a Spirituality Day, taking time to reflect, pray and strengthen our shared sense of purpose as educators in a Dominican community. 

This Thursday, our teachers engaged in professional learning focused on the new HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) Syllabus, exploring its structure, learning outcomes and teaching content. This marks an exciting phase in education as we continue to work through one of the most significant curriculum reforms in Australia’s history. Over the past few years, we have successfully implemented the new English and Mathematics syllabuses. Next year, we will begin implementing the HSIE and Science syllabuses, followed by PDHPE and Creative Arts. Each of these has been informed by rigorous research and designed to ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for a rapidly changing world. Throughout this term, teachers will continue developing scope and sequences and planning curriculum-rich units of work that foster curiosity and critical thinking. I look forward to sharing further updates with families as we continue this important journey.

As we settle into the term, I remind families to ensure that students adhere to our uniform guidelines, including hairstyles and accessories, so that we continue to take pride in our presentation as a community. Please also ensure your child applies sunscreen in the morning, brings a hat and a drink bottle each day, as we encourage sun safety and hydration during the warmer months.

I ask all families to continue following traffic and parking rules during drop-off and pick-up times. Your cooperation ensures the safety of our children and helps our mornings and afternoons run smoothly.

Term 4 is always a busy and joyful one, filled with learning, celebration and community events. I look forward to sharing these moments with you all as we move toward the end of the school year.

Del Monte Learning Walks

You are warmly invited to join us for a Classroom Learning Walk this term. This is a special opportunity to step into your child’s learning space and experience the wonderful work that has been happening in Terms 3 and 4.

During your visit, students will proudly share their learning and guide you through some of the highlights of their classroom experiences. These moments celebrate each child’s growth and curiosity, providing a valuable window into the joyful and purposeful learning that takes place every day at Del Monte.

Prep 2 & 5 Day Friday 31 October 8:45 – 9:15am
Prep 3 Day Monday 3 November 2:35 – 3:00pm
Kindergarten Wednesday 12 November 2:30 – 3:00pm
Year 1 Thursday 13 November 2:30 – 3:00pm
Year 2 Friday 21st November 2:00 -–2:30pm
Year 3 Thursday 20 November 1:45 – 2:15pm
Year 4 Friday 21st November 2:30 – 3:00pm

Please note that families attending the Classroom Learning Walk are kindly asked not to park in the Kiss and Ride zone on Carrington Avenue, as this area must remain clear for Prep parents collecting their children from 2:55pm. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping this space safe and accessible for our youngest students and their families.

Year 5 2026 Parent Information Evening

Date: Wednesday 5 November
Time: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Santa Sabina College Lecture Theatre

Our Year 5 Parent Information Session will provide an introduction for current Year 4 families and new entrants to Gioia House in 2026. This session is an opportunity to learn more about our programs, routines and the supportive environment that awaits our students as they transition into the Gioia House.

Year 5 2026 Experience Day

On Friday 7 November, we look forward to welcoming our Year 5 2026 students to Gioia House for their Experience Day. Students will meet their peers, participate in team-building activities and learn about life on the senior campus. The day will provide a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, ask questions and build confidence for the year ahead.

What to wear: College sports uniform and a hat
What to bring:  recess, lunch and a water bottle. 

Students will arrive at Del Monte as usual and be escorted to Gioia House by their teachers. At the end of the day, they will return to Del Monte for their regular dismissal.

Our current Year 5 students are eager to welcome the new cohort and step into their Year 6 leadership roles, while our Year 6 girls preparing for Year 7 look forward to meeting new peers and building friendships as they begin their secondary school journey.

2026 Class Lists

Class lists for 2026 will be released to families in the final week of Term 4. We understand the anticipation that comes with the start of a new school year, particularly for students joining Santa Sabina for the first time.

While we strive to consider parent requests, class placement is a complex process that takes into account each child’s academic progress, social and emotional wellbeing, peer relationships and overall class balance. Our teachers invest great care, thought and collaboration in these decisions. Fostering new relationships is a key part of our educational process, helping students expand their social circles and understand that friendships can evolve. We appreciate your understanding of the complexities involved in class placement and remain committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment for all our students.

Years 3 & 4 BYO Device

If you are thinking of purchasing a computer as a Christmas gift for your child, here are the specifications:

Birthday treats

Due to various student allergies, we kindly ask families that no food products containing nuts are brought to school. Birthday treats should be individually wrapped, nut-free and should not require freezing (such as ice cream). Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

K-2 Swim program timetable

This year, the program will take place at Enfield Aquatic Centre for two weeks from Monday 27 October to Friday 7 November (Weeks 3 and 4). The students will participate in ten 30-minute swimming lessons daily and travel to and from Enfield Aquatic Centre by bus. Please see the schedule below.

Colour Fun Run

A reminder the Colour Fun Run will take place this Friday 24 October on the Del Monte Field. Students will commence the run after lunch. All students from Prep 3 are invited to come along and join in on the fun from 1:30pm. If you would like for your child to have a sausage sizzle for lunch, please ensure to place your order by Thursday 23 October.

Please note that Friday is a mufti day. Students are asked to wear white or light-coloured clothing, old runners, and bring an old towel to use for the car ride home. Thank you to P&F for organising fun event for our students.

Loving God,
As we pray the Rosary this month, may our hearts be filled with peace and gratitude.
Through the intercession of Mary, help us to follow Jesus with faith and courage,
and to share Your love with those around us.
Amen

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

Calendar events

For detailed information about forthcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.

Important dates for Del Monte:

• Thursday 23 October – Assembly
• Friday 24 October – Colour Fun Run 
• Saturday 25 October – St Dominic the Adventurer Badge Presentation at Tallong
• Monday 27 October – K-2 Swim Program commences
• Tuesday 4 November – Year 5 2026 Student Experience Day at Gioia House
• Thursday 6 November – Assembly
• Friday 7 November – K-2 Swim concludes
• Friday 7 November – Parent Orientation Year 5 2026
• Friday 21 November – Fra Angelico Festival
• Tuesday 25 November – Dominican Awards & Year 4 Graduation Assembly 2:00-3:00pm
• Thursday 27 November – Speech Night at The State Theatre 6:30pm-8:30pm
• Friday 28 November – K-2 Splash and Dash Swimming Carnival
• Monday 1 December – Year 4 Big Day In
• Monday 1 December – Advent Carols 
• Tuesday 2 December – Del Monte Carols 1:30pm-3:00pm
• Wednesday 3 December – K-4 Thanksgiving Mass 
• Wednesday 3 December – Term 4 concludes

Important dates for Gioia House:

• Tuesday 28 October – SCS Conference 2 Oztag Championships
• Monday 3 November – IPSHA Debating Gala Day
• Friday 21 November – Fra Angelico Festival
• Thursday 27 November – Speech Night at The State Theatre 6:30-8:30pm (Years 3-11)
• Monday 1 December – Advent Carols
• Wednesday 3 December – Thanksgiving Liturgy and Picnic