Head of Primary P-6

As another term edges towards its end, moments of gratitude become prominent in our minds. Indeed, there have been many moments to be thankful for this term. I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the warm reception I’ve received since my recent appointment as the Head of P-6. I appreciate not just your support, but also the questions and concerns you’ve raised during the Meet and Greet meeting on Tuesday night. Your active involvement shows your deep commitment to our school. As I’ve often said, education is a partnership, and your feedback helps us all move closer to our common goals.

My interactions with the Del Monte students have been nothing short of enlightening. 

This week gave me a chance to visit classrooms and become better familiarised with both our teachers and students. Each smile I encountered along the way touched my heart, reinforcing my belief in the specialness of Del Monte campus.

Our Year 2s have shown remarkable courage and resilience with their Tallong experience at school. It’s a significant milestone for them, marking their growth and independence.

In another exciting development, our Year 4 students enjoyed a tour of Gioia House with Ms Skerman. The tour included secret passages and a trip to Ms Skerman’s office. They are eagerly awaiting their 2024 journey across the bridge to the senior campus.

Today, our campus was awash in yellow for R U OK? Day, an initiative close to our hearts. The activities organised served a dual purpose: fostering a sense of community while emphasising the importance of emotional wellbeing. Witnessing our Community Leadership Team take charge during the assembly was indeed a proud moment.

I’m thrilled to say the anticipation for the P-5 Crazy Colour Day on the Senior campus this Friday is building up. It promises to be an exciting and colourful end to an incredible term.

Gioia House has been a hub of activity. Our Monday Homeroom gatherings continue, as these occasions are pivotal in setting the tone for our week. These meetings allow us to celebrate our achievements and provide necessary updates to our students. 

The buzz of excitement from our recently held STEM Gala Day is still in the air. Hosting the Year 6 boys from St Patrick’s College, we witnessed a delightful blend of young minds. With zest for innovation and collaboration, our Gioia students showcased exemplary teamwork, joining forces with the boys from St Patrick’s to brainstorm and tackle real-world challenges. The day was not just a testament to their intellectual capabilities, but also their ability to work cohesively and respectfully. The feedback from staff, visitors, and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are already brimming with ideas for the next gala in 2024.

Yet, the spirit of competition was not only limited to Science and Mathematics. Our eloquent Gioia Public Speaking finalists journeyed to St Patrick’s College, showcasing their oratory prowess in the inter-school public speaking finals. Their articulate and confident delivery was a joy to witness.

Congratulations to the Year 6 leaders who represented us at the IPSHA Social Action Expo. Their presentation on Action Girl community service initiatives not only shed light on our school’s efforts but also gathered insights from other schools and charitable organisations. Here are the students’ reflections on the event.

While at the Social Action Expo, I was inspired by how many schools participate in making the world a better place. I observed all the different and interesting programs schools had set up.

The B Kinder program amazed me with how the mother, while suffering greatly from the death of her daughter, was able to use her daughter’s energy to inspire others and bring happiness and joy. Thinking about this, I understood that being courageous meant using a weakness to your advantage, meaning turning a weakness into a strength or something more powerful. Doing this makes you feel appreciative and happier than before since you are able to assist others. From this experience, I learnt how we can take part in social action in our daily lives and schools. This skill is very useful and I strongly believe that more people should take social action more seriously. – Audrey Williams

During my time at The King’s School, I felt that I had learned a lot about other charities and easy ways to help our local community. One thing that inspired me greatly was the ‘B Kinder’ foundation. This was inspiring because it showed people that when this mother was going through a devastating time, she found hope in the situation. This small spark of hope is now a foundation for many people and children to learn from and be inspired by. Something that I have learned a lot from this experience is how to help my local community. This can be shown through other schools, charities, or foundations that are set up to help anyone and everyone who is in need. A great example of this is Cana Farms, which helps people restart their lives by giving them shelter, food, and a job. – Alegra Cencigh

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit The King’s School. I really enjoyed the experience because I could also meet some new people. The thing I enjoyed the most was the Cana Farm Presentation because it taught me to be grateful for what I have in life and to try and help the homeless through our school fundraisers. Every time I go to the city I feel so sad because in every street there is always somebody sitting on the side path alone with no money, no food and no shelter. I know for a fact that if most of the homeless people knew about Cana they would go there because they would know that they would feel supported for who they are and what kind of person they are. I really felt bad about the B Kinder presentation because I know what it feels like to lose a loved one and it is a heartbreaking situation. This presentation really inspired me to keep going in life because if you stop in a hard situation it will just keep building up and get harder each time.  – Chloe Wahbe

On 6 September, seven of the Gioia house girls went to The King’s School for a Social Action Expo to represent our school. We showed everyone what charities, fundraisers, events we hold and how much money we raised for each event. I learned a lot about what other people do for their school. I listened to all of the guest speakers like B Kinder – unfortunately her daughter Billie Kinder passed away so her mother made a foundation called B Kinder and something so sad became something where you can make all children happy and positive. Another guest speaker was Cana foundation – Cana is when they are giving the homeless who are less fortunate a second chance. The last guest speaker was School Aid – they focus on young children experiencing the power of giving and empowering everyone to be courageous and kind. – Verona Di Santo

At the The King’s School Social Action Expo Day. We had the opportunity to display all the wonderful charities and initiatives Santa Sabina College participates in. Collectively, we were able to give insightful information about the activities we partake in to benefit the less fortunate, all in the topic of Action Girl. A total of 18 schools were there to showcase and learn about many fundraisers and events students and their schools engage in. I had a very enjoyable and informative experience representing our school, all while listening to guest speakers, other schools and valuing this enlightening chance. – Sienna Pirina

Sport is often seen as a physical activity, a means of staying fit and active. But there’s a depth to it that goes beyond just the physical; it encapsulates teamwork, determination, resilience, and a camaraderie that’s hard to find elsewhere. Last Saturday, I attended the finals where our Year 5 and 6 girls showcased their skills in Netball. As I stood on the sidelines, I was in awe. It wasn’t just the refined skills or the strategic play that captivated me, but the intangible essence of teamwork and unity. Each pass, each strategy, each defensive move echoed the countless hours of training, the dedication, and most importantly, the trust they placed in one another. Congratulations to our girls on a fantastic season. Your efforts on the court have been a testament to what young individuals can achieve when they work together with a shared purpose.

As I write this, our Year 6 students are engrossed in their Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong. Away from the digital screens and immersed in nature, they’re not only learning outdoor skills but also discovering more about themselves. And rest assured parents, they’re relishing the meals and are in safe hands. 

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to staff for their hard work and parents for your ongoing support and partnership. Congratulations to all our students for their commitment to school work and co-curricular programs. 

In the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6 which says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,’ I stand before You, deeply thankful for the privilege to guide and nurture the young minds entrusted to our school.

For every lesson taught and every discovery made, for the joys shared in success and the lessons learned in setbacks, Lord, we give You thanks. As Paul expressed in Philippians 4:6, ‘In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,’ I bring forward our school community in gratitude.

I thank You for our dedicated staff, our passionate students, and our supportive parents. May we continue to be a beacon of light and knowledge, reflecting Your eternal love and wisdom.

May we remain forever grateful.

Amen

Calendar dates – Del Monte

  • Friday 15 September – 2:05pm  Colour Fun Run  Senior Campus
  • Monday 18 September – Year 1 Excursion – Sydney Olympic Park 10:00am–2:00pm
  • Tuesday 19 September – 9:30am Public Speaking Competition DM Hall
  • Thursday 21 September – 4:45pm–5:45pm Prep – Year 1 Disco, 6:00pm–7:30pm Y2-4 Disco
  • Friday 22 September – Term 3 concludes
  • Tuesday 10 October – Term 4 commences

Prep 5-day Experience Days

  • Thursday 23 November 9:15am–10:30am – Day 1
  • Tuesday 31 January 9:15am–12:30pm – Day 2
  • Wednesday 31 January – 1st Day

Prep 3-day Experience Days

  • Tuesday 21 November 9:15am–10:30am – Day 1
  • Tuesday 30 January 9:15am-12:30pm – Day 2
  • Wednesday 31 January – 1st Day

 Prep 2 days Experience Days

  • Thursday 23 November 9:15am – 10:30am – Day 1
  • Thursday 1 February 9:15am – 12:30pm – Day 2
  • Friday 2 February – 1st Day

 Prep 2 days Experience Days

  • Tuesday 24 October 9:15am–12:00 midday – Day 1
  • Thursday 2 November 9:15am–12:00 midday – Day 2
  • Thursday 2 November 9:30am–10:00am – Parent session
  • Wednesday 31 January – 1st Day

Year 5

  • Wednesday 1 November 6:00pm – Parent session
  • Friday 3 November 9:00am–3:00pm – Student day

Calendar dates – Gioia House

  • 13-15 September – Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong
  • Monday 18 September 7:20am–8:20am – Gioia House & Sinfonietta & Open Rehearsal for Parents
  • Friday 22 September – Term 3 concludes

Term 4

  • Tuesday 10 October – Term 4 commences
  • Wednesday 1 November 6:00pm 18 September 7:20am–8:20am
  • Friday 3 November 9:00am–3:00pm – Student day
  • Wednesday 6 December – Gioia House Thanksgiving Liturgy, followed by Picnic

We have fun while learning.

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6