College Principal

It was so wonderful to welcome so many dads, grandfathers and carers to our Father’s Day Masses and Breakfasts recently. Another ‘first’ for me. I was so delighted to witness the men in our community taking time out to come to the College to show their love for their children by sharing mass and then a meal together. Parenting is by far one of the most challenging jobs we do – knowing when to get involved, when to step back, when to be disappointed and when to be pleased is a fine art and most of us learn this along the way. I always say we can’t go wrong if there is love at the heart of our decision-making and our parenting. As some of you may know, I was recently in an accident and I sustained lacerations to my face and hands after a fall. At the time, we had just arrived in Canberra to celebrate my eldest son’s engagement and it didn’t quite end up the happy weekend we had all anticipated. Nonetheless, there is always a silver lining: I didn’t lose my eye, I have lost a few kilos because I cannot eat properly and my son was by my side the whole weekend, looking after his mother. How quickly the roles reverse and how quickly our children grow up. We can only love them, set boundaries, keep the lines of communication open, be interested in their lives and give them room to grow and think for themselves; then sit back and trust that this is enough to ground them as good, selfless and compassionate people. 

Recently, Mrs Azizian, Ms van der Meer and I met with Dr Lavoratto, Principal of St Patrick’s College and her Senior staff to discuss ways that we can plan for our students to interact more fully with each other. Providing opportunities for our girls and boys to develop respectful relationships is at the heart of this initiative. While we currently have a range of activities in place for our students across both schools to interact, we are hoping to introduce some more purposeful activities from Year 5 which may see our students come together for added academic, sporting and cultural events. While we teach consent education and respectful relationships in our Health and Physical Education curriculum as well as in Pastoral Care classes, we believe we can do more to build respectful relationships between our young men and women by providing opportunities for genuine friendships to develop. We know that violence against women is a major concern in our society and the two Colleges are committed to working together to continue to educate our students about sexual discrimination and respectful behaviours to eradicate violence against women. 

This week we held the student leadership handover ceremony where our Senior Prefects passed on the light of leadership to the incoming leaders. It was wonderful to welcome parents to join us for this special event. As part of the induction process, students will attend a weekend workshop at Tallong next term and we will run sessions with them to support them in stepping into their new roles. They will be involved in planning for the coming year and focussing on setting up projects in each of their ministries so that they will leave a legacy for years to come. I thank the outgoing leaders, and College Captains, Clare Moses and Siena Ters, for their strong leadership, dedication to the College and work in connecting our community, especially in a post lockdown environment. 

After nearly 13 years of education, our Year 12 students are approaching their final lessons and end of school time. After the setbacks of the last two years, this group of girls has made a positive and lasting impression on all of us and they have worked well and contributed to the College in a broad range of areas from sports to the arts, to community service and social justice advocacy. We look forward to walking with them as they complete this milestone and to farewelling them in various ways at the end of this term. As always, our expectation is that they will demonstrate dignity and respect in their final days. Their safety is paramount and we pray that they make decisions in celebrating their end-of-school journey that reflect grace and responsibility. 

I am pleased to announce that Mr George Ayoub, who is known to you as our Director of Sport, will take on a new role in the College in 2023 as he steps onto the College Leadership Team as our new Director of Development. Mr Ayoub has held this role previously in a big independent boys’ school and I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity. As the College embarks on a significant master planning and capital works phase, Mr Ayoub will play an important role in fundraising and philanthropy. The College Foundation Board will work closely with us to build our giving program so that we are able to ensure the sustainability of our beautiful school, honouring the traditional buildings and innovating for the future. 

With all good wishes

Go gently.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Director of Mission and Pastoral Care P-12

This week I would like to place on record the outstanding achievement of one of our students: Vivienne Pham of Year 12 has been awarded this year’s Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence. Vivienne’s positive contribution to the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church and her local community has earned her this award.

We join Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP in congratulating Vivienne on her wonderful achievement. 

Melanie van der Meer
Director of Mission and Pastoral Care

Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

The end of Term 3 has come around very quickly, and is now shortened due to the official Day of Mourning for the Queen’s passing. The Year 12 students have received feedback from their Trial Examinations and are now hopefully using this in preparation for the HSC and IB examinations. Their teachers continue to support them with practice papers, course completion and revision. This will continue into the holidays with workshops in both weeks. I am looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the graduation ceremony next week.  

The Year 12 Art and Design Technology Exhibition was held this week and was well attended by current and past students and parents. In Design and Technology, students started their projects in Term 4 last year and have now completed a product, system or environment and an 80-page portfolio documenting the process. These projects varied with products such as furniture, architecture and wellbeing product designs to name a few. Visual Art students also started their Body of Work in Term 4 last year and have worked on their conceptual and material practice over time. The students have used different forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture, digital media and photography to communicate their ideas. 

As this goes to press, four Extension English students are presenting their work in a showcase to students, parents and staff. One student wrote a creative nonfiction piece and the other three students wrote short stories. I am looking forward to hearing about these projects and their journey. 

The skills the students in Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Extension English have developed while working on these projects will be used throughout their life. They have problem-solved, collaborated, drafted, received feedback and resolved a final product. A significant amount of work has gone into these projects and all students and their teachers should be congratulated.  

Year 11 students have now completed their end of Preliminary and IB Examinations. We will have a moving-up day for the HSC girls and an Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge Day early next term as they progress in both courses. 

Jacqueline Pugh
Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

Director of Operations

Next week is the final week of Term 3 and we ask you to note that, because of the National Day of Mourning, the final day for students will be Wednesday 21 September. As Year 12 families know, the final day for Year 12 will now be Tuesday 20 September.

There are several projects that will commence over the coming months that will have an impact on students and the operations of the College over the coming months.

The College pool will undergo essential repair works over the coming weeks which will involve modification of the pool edges, retiling and repair to the pool concourse. These repair works are to commence this week, with works scheduled to be completed by Week 1 of Term 4. Mr Ayoub and the Physical Education staff are briefed on the progress and should wet weather extend the project; contingency plans will be put in place.

Stage 4 of the Siena Centre upgrade will commence after HSC examinations are completed. This exciting project will see the Hall upgraded with improved acoustics, additional seating, heating, and cooling installed and a makeover of the external façade of the building. These works will have a major impact on classes in the Siena Centre with classrooms and the Hall being unavailable during Semester 1 2023. Plans have been put in place to ensure that the College will run as normal while this project is being completed.

Since my previous article in Veritas Voice there have been two near miss incidents reported to me, where students have been extremely fortunate not to have been seriously injured while using the designated crossings near the College. I would like to implore all parents driving near the College during the drop off and pick up times to take extra care while in these areas to avert a potential fatality.

Work has started on the change to School Management System from Synergetic to TASS. College staff are currently receiving training to ensure that the rollout is a success. For parents, there will be some minor changes to how you access the parent portal to update personal contact and medical details, approve excursions and pay fees. There will be a short period of time over the Christmas break where the system will be down, however parents will receive communication when this occurs. It is anticipated that the move to TASS will have minor impacts on the parent experience but will provide the College with improved reporting capabilities, data tracking and record keeping.

John Gilmore
Director of Strategic and Educational Operations

Director of Community Relations P-12

As Term 3 closes we wish to acknowledge and thank our wonderful Parents and Friends’ Association for the enormous amount of energy they have brought to our community this term.

The Association has hosted the fabulously successful Trivia Night and Father’s Golf Day. They have worked behind the scenes obtaining and wrapping gifts for the Father’s Day stall and raffle and providing the community with breakfast before and after our Father’s Day Masses in the Santa Sabina Chapel.

Tomorrow is our Colour Run – a major fundraising event and an exciting and fun way to end a busy term.

We thank the P&F for their dedication and support of the College community and we look forward to more events in Term 4.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations

Head of Gioia House

As we come closer to the end of Term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their continued support. We congratulate the girls on their commitment to and engagement with academic, pastoral and co-curricular activities throughout the term. I extend my gratitude to all the Gioia teachers and support staff for their dedication and care for all students.

The last day of the Term 3 is 21 September. Term 4 commences on Monday 10 October. Students are to return to school in summer uniform, including the College hat.

Year 5 NAPLAN results

NAPLAN results are in and preliminary analysis of the data is certainly positive. After two years of COVID and extensive lockdowns, our Year 5 students were participating in NAPLAN for the first time and should be so proud of their efforts in these assessments. 

One of the main benefits of NAPLAN Online is that it is tailored (or adaptive) testing; the test presents questions of higher or lower complexity depending on a student’s performance. Tailored (or adaptive) testing is designed to assess a wider range of student abilities and to measure student achievement more precisely. It takes students on different test pathways, depending on their answers. A student’s overall NAPLAN score is based on the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly. 

At Santa Sabina College, teachers analyse the NAPLAN results to celebrate success, inform our planning and address areas requiring improvement by incorporating future goals into students’ Individual Learning Plans and across the school. By now, you should have received your daughter’s NAPLAN results. Your daughter’s class teacher should be your first point of contact for any concerns you might have about your child’s results. 

You may have heard through the media that, due to low participation rates, there is a delay in the release of comparative state and national analysis data. We continue to work through our analysis of our individual school data and will share more results in the coming weeks. 

As always, there’s plenty going on in the classrooms, some of which you may or may not hear about at home. Here is a snapshot of a few highlights of the last couple of weeks in Gioia House.

Learning about Mary

In Year 6 Religious Education classes, students are learning about Mary – the faithful disciple. To enhance their understanding of Mary, students were challenged to answer the following questions and explain their thinking.

• How was Mary a model of faith and discipleship?
• How is Mary a model for the Church? Complete the sentences:
• Mary is a model disciple for me as a believer because….
• Mary demonstrates faith and trust by….. 

Here are some of the students’ responses 

Mary is a model disciple for me because she sets a standard of what we want to be. She has many qualities, but most of all, she was always humble, kind, courageous, faithful, peaceful, and patient. Hail Mary was full of Grace, just like Hail Mary says. She devoted her life to helping the poor, she recognised the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, and her wish was to take us by the hand to his throne. Mary wanted what was best for us which is a truly authentic relationship we share with God. She is a faithful disciple and is the one I look up to most.
Alessia Mastroianni

Mary is a model disciple for me as a believer because she was faithful to God. As a disciple, she demonstrated faith by agreeing to have Jesus. She was very humble and never showed off what she had. Olivia He

Mary stuck by Jesus even when times were tough and she is a resilient, kind and protective mother. She loves all humans unconditionally and values our love for her. Mary demonstrates faith and trust by trusting God, and being faithful that everything will be OK in the end. Also, knowing that God or Jesus will take her into heaven.
Rose Khoury

Mary is a model of the church because she trusts god and follows her heart she suffered for God, lived for God and cared for the gift of Jesus.
Ella Mackie

I believe that Mary is a model for the Christian Church as she harnesses many fruits and powerful qualities that can inspire and encourage others. She devoted her life to her son God and was by his side all the way, even after his death. Mary is a model disciple for me as a believer because she was filled with such love, faithfulness and devotion. Mary demonstrates faith and trust as she agreed to carry the King in her womb. Mary was a great advocate and a leader for all.
Tiana Charbel

Mary is a model disciple for me as a believer because she loves and trusts God wholeheartedly and sets an example for us all as Christians as a faithful woman and mother.
Niamh Back

Mary inspires me to be trusting and have faith in God. She followed her son throughout his life, she was strong and brave when she had to witness her son being killed without being able to do anything. Mary always had faith and trust in God to keep his word. She encourages me always to stay strong and faithful to God.
Ever Melvin

Year 5 Outdoor Education experience

Finally, the day has arrived for our Year 5 students to embark on an outdoor adventure. Tallong welcomed the students with famous scones and sunshine. You could hear the excitement everywhere. The students appreciated nature, learnt a lot about themselves, developed new skills and formed new friendships.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Stella Azizian
Head of Gioia House

Head of Primary P-4 Del Monte

Mathematics in Primary

On the Primary Campus, we are beginning to implement the new K-2 Mathematics syllabus. This syllabus will be fully implemented by Term 1, 2023. Numeracy foundation skills will be explicitly taught, and then students will have the opportunity to apply these mathematical skills in real-life problem-solving experiences that involve critical thinking.

 The new Mathematics K–2 syllabus includes: 

• a new structure that highlights foundational numeracy skills 
• new outcomes and content that are informed by evidence and identify skills needed by all students to develop competence in Mathematics 
• a greater emphasis on the development of reasoning for students to support a deep understanding of mathematical concepts

The NSW Mathematics K-2 syllabus recognises the critical importance of early Mathematics skills in the early years of school. Through the study of Mathematics, students develop essential concepts and skills and apply them to deepen their understanding of the world. In Mathematics K-2, students:

• develop essential numeracy skills and mathematical fluency
• identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships
• develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills
• apply their knowledge and understanding in practical situations and make informed decisions.

Learning Walks in Term 4 will focus on demonstrating this new syllabus in action in our K-2 classes. 

MANSW COMPETITION – CONGRATULATIONS, MRS YIORKAS AND 1 WRIGHTSON! IST PLACE IN THE NSW CLASS COMPETITION!

A huge congratulations to Mrs Yiorkas and 1 Wrightson, who participated in the MANSW competition and came first in the NSW Class Competition! We are so very proud of you! The National judging will take place this week (12 September-19 September).

The Primary campus participated in the Mathematical Association of New South Wales Incorporated (MANSW) competition. It involves students formulating their own questions about a given situation. Investigating with Mathematics tasks meet new syllabus outcomes allowing for a deep understanding of their world by applying the concepts and skills explicitly taught to solve student questions.

Year 1 Wrightson used the Primary Campus service initiative from earlier reaching out in service to assist St Joseph’s Primary School Woodburn in the Lismore Diocese. 

The students chose to respond to the devastation of the 2022 floods which caused major damage to various areas of NSW. Year 1 Wrightson took on the responsibility to collect and sort the items through their Mathematics investigation.

The Mathematics investigation began with the students exploring the height of the flood waters. Following this, the students began analysing the number of students and donations collected by our school. Once the donations were counted, the students used their mathematical skills to examine the different properties and masses of the donations. 

Finally, the students took on the role of the courier driver and used their digital technology skills to code the Bee-Bots to follow the route from Santa Sabina College to St Joseph’s Woodburn.

Throughout the investigation, the students engaged in a variety of mathematical concepts and skills that further enhanced a hands-on, purposeful, real-world approach to Mathematics. 

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary (P-4)

Director of Mary Bailey House

Out of School Hours Care Centre (OOSH)

Our next vacation care program commences on Friday 23 September. It will run for just over two weeks ending on Friday 7 October. Children aged from 5 to 12 years of age can attend vacation care. OOSH opens at 7:00am and closes at 6:00pm while vacation care operates. Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided; children just need to bring a healthy morning tea (recess) and lunch.

Vacation care has an incursion and excursion program and an activity program. Together, they are planned to provide children with a fun experience while they’re on holidays. The incursion and excursion program contains workshops and shows that are intended to amuse, amaze and educate children. The upcoming program has a STEM focus and includes the shows Big Chemistry and Is it Science or Is it Magic? and the workshops Master Builders and Brick Worx. The entire program is displayed below.

This vacation care activity program outlines the art and craft and leisure experiences that will be on offer to children each day. The program is planned with the children during after school care. Our educators ask the children what they would like to create and do during their holidays and we provide the time and resources to make it possible.

Aside from being able to participate in exciting activities, vacation care is also a time for children to make new friends and catch up with old ones. During vacation care, we accept participants from schools other than Santa Sabina. So, if your child has a sibling or friend who would like to join them they are most welcome to attend.

If you would like your child to attend a day or days during vacation care, please contact OOSH Coordinator Jessica Azzi or Administrator Frances Windon via ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au to book them in.

At present, the NSW government is offering families a $500 per child Before and After School Care Voucher that can be used to pay for vacation care fees. If you haven’t yet claimed the voucher, go to Service NSW.

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House

Director of Tallong Campus

IBDP updates

The Group 4 Project

This year it was wonderful to be able to run the Group 4 Project again after a two-year hiatus. All of the IB students were actively involved from the moment the project was launched until its completion as they keenly sought a unique perspective from which to address the broad theme of ‘Water’. Each group comprised at least one student from each of the Group 4 subjects who brought expertise from their subject area to the group discussions. Together the members in each group collaboratively devised a focus question and set about developing a potential solution. The broad scope of the final presentations is a testament to the high level of creativity and ingenuity that typified the execution of this project within the prescribed 10-hour time limit.

Natasha Kempers
Acting Head of Science

Student reflection

The Group Four Project was an engaging, thought-provoking experience run by the science department giving the Year 11 IB students the invaluable opportunity to appreciate the ways in which different branches of science complement one another. While the four disciplines offered at Santa – Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Sports Science – are taught separately, this project demonstrated their intrinsic interconnectedness, coupled with the way that science can connect us to our planet, to culture and to each other.

The theme of the program was water – a substance so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted, yet has a variety of properties that make it truly outstanding in the scientific realm. Its unique characteristics have allowed complex forms of life to survive and evolve over billions of years and bodies of water like oceans have been objects of fascination in myths and legends for millennia. We were challenged to design and present our own research question connecting to water and create an experiment or solution in small groups to address this. 

The broad theme enabled us to interpret it in a number of unorthodox ways – from groups finding innovative solutions to gender inequality relating to the prevalence of water-borne disease, to exploring the conditions required for humans to walk on water. The vast range of ideas we envisaged within the short time frame of a day was truly a testament to the hard work of our lovely science department and the dedication and ingenuity of our cohort.

Rory Blue
IB Diploma student of Chemistry

Young minds shaping the future of the BIOtech Industry

The BIOTech Futures Challenge is an innovation and mentorship program that aims to empower the brightest young minds. This initiative allowed the students to work with world-class university academics to think creatively about scientific inspired solutions to challenges in the fields of Health, Medicine, Sustainability, Humanitarian aid and the Environment.

During this Challenge students Isabella Huang, Aditi Kamath, Jayden Xie , Kate Fernandez and Anna Maria Sulukojian researched a current problem in Health and Medicine and developed an innovative solution to tackle this problem with the support of a university mentor. They submitted a research project report and poster as part of this challenge.

The projects were:

Their innovation and research findings were presented at a Symposium and Science Fair in August at The University of Sydney. At this symposium all student posters were on display. The Santa Sabina ‘Heart Connect’ team was selected to give live presentation at the Symposium. They were asked questions by the judges and audience and given the chance to defend their pitch. Thank you to Ms Natasha Kempers (Acting Head of Science) for accompanying the students to this event.

The projects that stood out were those that were able to clearly identify and articulate the problem and present a solution that was both innovative and practical.

Congratulations to all students for their innovative ideas, creativity and commitment to this challenge

Rachele Rugiero
Dean of Gifted Education

Semester 2 Stage 4 History Site Study

On Friday 9 September, the Year 7 and 8 History students attended a Site Study at The Rocks. They investigated historical artefacts at The Big Dig Archaeology Site. They also visited The Rocks Discovery Museum and participated in a walking tour led by an Indigenous Guide, Jamarni Tompkins. Through inquiry learning, the students engaged with significant historical concepts including cause and effect, change and continuity, significance, empathy and contestability.

Here are some of the students’ reflections:

We visited The Rocks (Tallawoladah) in the city. It was a great experience as we got to learn about all the different rituals and initiation ceremonies as well as the way they lived. An interesting fact that we learnt was that there were different rituals for welcoming girls and boys into the tribe. For girls, a piece of rope or string was wrapped around her pinky finger when she was about 0-3 months old and it was left on for at least a week. In that time period, her finger would have changed to black and at the end of this process, her mother flicked her pinky out into the ocean. For the boys, a man holds him up and knocks out one of his front teeth. If he is brave then he is classified as a man. We had a great time learning about different cultures and understanding the way they survived as well as the different tools used by Aboriginal people for different purposes. 

Sarah S and Davina R

We learnt about the plants that Aboriginal people relied on to survive when they were thirsty, hungry or even to keep snakes away. When it was time to go to the second half of the excursion we went to the archeological site of the Big Dig. The site was very interesting because we saw artefacts that I thought wouldn’t preserve till today. 

Amelia O’C

I enjoyed learning about how people used to live in the Rocks area. I enjoyed learning the terms for different places around the harbour like the Sydney Botanical Gardens. The most interesting artefact that I encountered was a bottle that I thought was possibly a vase, but the instructor told us that it was used as a fizzy drink bottle and was kept lopsided on the table to keep the cork wet.

Tara M

The most fascinating thing that I learned was that people put animal skeletons and baby shoes between bricks to keep the evil spirits out.

Mischa Z

It was really interesting talking about people who lived in the houses that we can still see the structure of. The most fascinating thing I learnt was probably the way the houses were once standing there.

Ivy E

I enjoyed learning the history about the Rocks and what the original names were. I also liked how we wrote down what we thought those artifacts were. 

Charlotte R

The most interesting thing I learnt is the boomerangs don’t always come back unless they are symmetrical, and also the ceremonies the Indigenous Australians and Europeans held. 

Natalie N

I enjoyed looking at the different tools that Indigenous people used to make music such as the sticks. The most interesting thing I learnt was the tools that the Aboriginal people used to make music.

Bluebelle H

Overall, it was an engaging experience where I was able to learn about this country’s history and the past. It was extremely educational and I had a great time with my friends. It was very hands-on, meaning we actually got to participate in most of the activities. 

Gabby N

Scary Santa Sabina – Historical Walking Tour

Santa Sabina is an important historical site to the heritage of our College community. The buildings, symbols and material culture reflect the legacy of the Dominican Sisters, our Catholic Dominican charism, and the major historical events within our community and in Australia from 1894. The theme for History Week in 2022 was ‘Hands on History. All students studying History in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 had the opportunity during a History class to experience a Scary Santa Sabina Historical Walking Tour. The tour was scary as the students investigated how Santa Sabina students lived through major historical events such as the Spanish Flu Pandemic and the invasion of Sydney Harbour in wartime. Students were also able to access restricted areas of the College, view restricted items of material culture and grow to understand the major events in our College history. I would like to thank Ms Yvette Graniero and Ms Jane Sulis who led these tours with creativity and good humour. As alumni both have the historical insight and understanding from the perspective of former students and present College staff to be able to interpret the College site to answer student questions.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (History)

Student Reflection

To celebrate History Week 2022, our History class had the pleasure of exploring the robust history of the school with our tour guide Ms Graniero. We started by discussing how the school was affected by dates in history and events such as the Spanish Flu Pandemic, and World Wars One and Two. Interestingly just behind the Chapel and adjacent to the LER room is the school’s very own air raid shelter just buried underneath the ground. It was used by Santa students when sirens warned that Sydney Harbour was attacked in 1942.

We explored the significance of our school’s Chapel, specifically the secret sacred relics that it preserves. We were able to view tiny fragments that are considered first-hand relics of St Dominic, St Catherine of Siena and St Thomas Aquinas. The whole class was in awe!

This tour opened our eyes to the minuscule details around our school that are often overlooked at first glance but have a large significance to the history of the school. This is evident in the 1894 and 1927 buildings, especially as we analysed the meaning of the numerous carvings on the walls, viewed the intricate details of the stained-glass windows, were shown the school bell and wandered various staircases and corridors of the school that normally students didn’t have access to see.

As students of Santa Sabina College we are immensely proud of our heritage and history that our school holds within its walls and across the whole site. 

Isabel Aunedi
Year 10

Hands on History Dino Dig

Years 1 and 10 Archaeological Dino Dig

Students studying Year 10 History Elective visited the Del Monte Campus to work with students from Year 1 on an archaeological Dino Dig as part of Santa Sabina ‘Hands on History’ week. The aim of the Dino Dig was to undertake inquiry learning to explain to Year 1 students how and why archaeologists excavate to understand the past. The focus of the excavation was dinosaur discovery. A very big thank you to Ms Jo Giannini for welcoming Year 10 History Elective students to work with Year 1 students and the use of the Del Monte Campus sandpit.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (History)

Student Reflection

On Wednesday 7 September, my Year 10 History Elective class had the opportunity to visit the Year 1 Del Monte students. Whilst on the junior campus, we led the students through a Dinosaur Archaeological Excavation as a part of History Week.

A few of the girls in my class performed a short play explaining the difference between an Archaeologist and a Palaeontologist and how they uncover the past. We buried small dinosaur figurines in the sand pit to replicate dinosaur bones found by archaeologists and studied by palaeontologists. The Del Monte students were commissioned to work as archaeologist by carefully using paint brushes to excavate the dinosaurs out of the sand pit.

This was quite an enjoyable and entertaining experience for myself, my peers and the Del Monte students. I really valued seeing the joy and satisfaction that this activity brought to the students and hope they learnt about History from the experience. I would also like to thank my teacher, Ms Zagora, for organising this activity.  

Grace Touma
Year 10

History Club – Hands on History – Critical Thinking Event

On Monday 12 September, Santa Sabina History Club hosted the Hands on History Historical Puzzles Event. This was a critical thinking experience for students in Years 5-12 to use their imagination and creativity and work collaboratively with their friends or in inter-year groups. A group of Gioia House students chose the challenge of a complex Lego puzzle and aspired to recreate the wonder of the ancient world through the Great Pyramid of Giza. Senior Year 11 students chose to build the extinct prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex. Other students worked in inter-year groups to solve jigsaw puzzles of differentiated visual spatial reasoning levels to recreate either the Colosseum, Jurassic Park or a Mediaeval castle. The event was a success with many students trying to negotiate a longer lunchtime to complete their puzzle!

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (History)

Student Reflections

We thought that Hands on History was a great way for everyone to express their creativity through history-related puzzles and games. We enjoyed it and would definitely spend another lunch this way again.

Vivi Pilarinos, Melania Pangallo and Gabriella Gatto, Year 11

Hands on History was really amazing for students of all ages to engage with History through activities such as puzzles and lego building. I really enjoyed the creative aspect of this activity by incorporating learning through interactive group activities.

Sofia Sarkis, Year 11

This lunchtime activity was lots of fun and was very rewarding. I was able to collaborate with my friends and interact with students from different Years and the history teachers. It challenged my thinking and collaboration skills. I really enjoyed participating in these activities to solve History puzzles with my friends. 

Gabriella Lennox, Year 11

Italian Excursion

On 26 August, Year 9 Italian students were able to have an interaction day with Year 9 Italian students at St Patrick’s College. We began the day with ice breaking activities including matching questions with answers, sorting ourselves into birthday order and asking questions to get to know each other; all in Italian. We were then split into groups and played scattergories, Italian card games, transcribing Italian sentences and translating Italian phrases. We finished off the day by watching part of an Italian movie and playing a few rounds of Kahoot and Blooket. 

Through this experience, we were able to gain new knowledge and learn from our classmates. We were also able to meet new people and participate in fun interactive activities. Additionally, we learnt how important it is to understand and communicate with one another, even if we don’t all speak the same language.

Isabel Marturia and Michelle Indra
Year 9 Italian

Pastoral Care

R U OK Day

The Gioia House students gathered together with their House Colour buddies to take part in R U OK activities throughout the week. Students were able to identify the four steps to looking out for each other and asking if you’re okay? The students created a ‘Grateful Chain’ and watched a short video. Our Year 10 leaders also visited each classroom to share some strategies to identify ways we can look out for each other and support each other. We reflected on the importance of looking out for one another each day and the impact small gestures can have on someone’s day.

R U OK Day Del Monte Assembly

Our Gioia House Year 6 leaders were invited to attend Del Monte Assembly to discuss the importance of R U OK day and narrated some role plays to demonstrate to the Del Monte students how they can deal with different situations and make sure we look out for each other and ask if our friends are okay.

Action Girls

It has been a pleasure seeing many students displaying Action Girl qualities. We continue to encourage the students to be action girls in the classroom, at specialist subjects, during break times and throughout their daily interactions with others.

Congratulations to our following Action Girls:

Eva Taouk
Ciara Darlow
Alicia Bouantoun
Ashley Duigenan
Asha Millward
Alessia Mastroianni
Allegra Parisi
Amelia Abi Abdallah

Pastoral Program

This term we continue to focus on the Pastoral needs of the students. We had a ‘Secret Acts of Kindness’ initiative, the students have identified different ways we can focus on our wellbeing during our Action Girl program and developed strategies to deal with different situations that may arise through our Rock and Water program.

We also shared our pastoral programs at the College professional development afternoon. We provided some Del Monte and Senior campus staff an insight into the Rock and Water program, the principles the program is based on and the staff were also involved in a practical session. We focused on the Rock and Water breathing techniques, Rock and Water salute and what it symbolises and identified times when we can have a rock attitude and other times when we take on a water attitude, having a more fluid approach in different situations. This was a great opportunity for the college staff to also share some of the pastoral programs they are implementing within the different stages.

With only one week left of Term 3, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday break.

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Year 5 Mathematics

Throughout Year 5 Mathematics, students explore a range of activities which develop their knowledge and understanding of real-world situations. This week, 5 Williams recorded, calculated and converted measurements and found the perimeter of a range of shapes. They even put on their ‘architect’ hats and created measurements and calculated perimeters of their dream homes. The students also had fun with measuring tapes by measuring their arms, legs and heads. The students thoroughly enjoy relating their mathematical topics to real-world situations.

Gioia House Kitchen Garden Club

Spring has sprung at the Kitchen Garden Club! The girls have been busy planting seeds and transplanting seedlings ready for the warmer weather. They have also extended their gardening domain to now include the Hockey Field planter box. 

Thank you to Mr Dunphy for running the club and for teaching the girls about sustainable living.

Speak Up

On Friday 9 September, 12 students from Gioia House represented Santa Sabina at the St Ignatius versus Santa Sabina Speak Up public speaking competition. The students had a choice of six topics to choose from and had to develop a speech to present for between two-three minutes. All the students did an outstanding job in presenting their speeches and should be proud of their efforts. We congratulate Chiara Nguyen for winning the competition and Emilia Srdanovic for being named runner-up. Well done to all the students who were committed to the afternoon sessions and at the competition.

BEBRAS

Between 22 August and 11 September all the students at Gioia House were given the opportunity to participate in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge Round 2. Lots of students were excited to work either on their own or in groups of two or three to complete the Challenge. They had 45 minutes to answer the questions and there were lots of discussions and drawing as they worked out the best answer for the questions. There are five easy, five medium and five hard questions. You can see an example of a hard question from last year’s challenge here.

YEAR 5 INTERDISCIPLINARY UNIT

This term in the interdisciplinary unit, students have been inquiring into migration from the European Settlement, through the 19th century. They participated in learning experiences based on the Eureka Stockade, exploring the consequences of this event on the migration of people to Australia. Throughout this unit, students analysed and engaged with a variety of sources, both primary and secondary, and built their skills in locating and using relevant information. They also developed their understanding of the origins and purposes of different historical texts and identified the perspectives of different individuals and groups communicated through them.

IPSHA GALA DEBATING DAY 2022 

On Tuesday 13 September, eight students from Gioia House participated in the IPSHA 2022 Gala Debating Day held at PLC Sydney. The topics were ‘That online learning is better than face-to-face learning’ and ‘That all Year 5 and Year 6 students should be forced to do compulsory community service.’ The students worked collaboratively to create their arguments and rebuttals prior to the debate and enthusiastically competed against other schools, further building on their debating skills. We congratulate all students for proudly representing the College and demonstrating courage, respect and curiosity.

Monday Maths Mystery Puzzle

This term in our class we have completed a maths mystery puzzle activity each Monday morning allowing us to collaborate and use our mathematical thinking and skills.  We have had to use logical reasoning and mathematical understanding to tackle a range of puzzles. Our class is enjoying these puzzles as it is a fun way to work with others in our class.   

I enjoy being able to test my knowledge and thinking skills and being able to collaborate with others who may have different approaches to me. I believe that these tasks link to maths because we are developing our ability to analyse problems and work collaboratively with others.

Annie Cordony – Jones   

I enjoy being able to use different strategies and be more open-minded while being challenged. You need to use all these different maths strategies to figure out the answer and it’s very similar to word problems

 Emilia Fara 

I enjoy the puzzles because they challenge me and get my brain working at the start of the week. It also helps with my problem-solving skills when finding different solutions to problems. 

Anya Brodowski  

I enjoy the hard riddles and mysteries in them. It links to maths because you have to work out numbers and look at tactics.

Bella Loibner   

I am enjoying working with others in our class that I might not usually work with.

I like that it links to maths because we stretch our thinking to become more open-minded in solving riddles in different ways. I also like solving and working out different patterns.

Ilaria Musca  

Pi MATHS IN GIOIA HOUSE

Once a week, all students across Years 5 and 6 participate in a Pi Maths enrichment session. The aim of this program is to provide all students with enrichment opportunities at their working level. The activities are carefully designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge of mathematical concepts and engage them in real-life solutions. This year, 70 students competed in Maths Olympiad and Maths Challenge Games. The contests are unique in that they focus on the students’ ability to solve mathematical problems in a creative manner – as opposed to simply reaching a solution using a prescribed method. We congratulate all students on their hard work and we look forward to sharing the final results with you in our next newsletter.

I like how our thinking is challenged during Pi Maths sessions. Maths Olympiad was a great way to stretch my brain.

Sienna Kim

I enjoy working with my peers from other classes and learn from each other. Also, it’s rewarding to see your progress from the beginning of the year until now.

Olivia He and Anya Brodowski

We are pushed out of our comfort zone to try new strategies to solve mathematical problems. Also, being able to reflect on our thinking and reasoning.

Alessia Mastroianni

In Pi Maths there’s always something  new to learn and a different way of approaching mathematical problems to come up with strategie. It’s also fun to teach others once you grasped the concept and hear your own thoughts.

Annie Cordony-Jones

Learning in the Library

Blackout Poetry

Year 6 students continue to develop their creativity and passion for reading through engaging with books in a range of ways in the Library. This week the students connected to their poetry curriculum unit. Beginning by drawing on the inspiration behind writing poetry and the language features and poetic devices that they had learned in English, the girls chose a book they had recently enjoyed reading as inspiration for their Blackout Poetry.

Starting with scanning the book to find a section they felt used language in an engaging way, the girls then selected words that resonated with them with which to create their poem. They then demonstrated their creativity, choosing an appropriate and interesting way to decorate their poems. The girls brought great enthusiasm and passion for learning to create their Blackout poems and were excited to share and discuss their poetry.  

Here are some of their poems:

Susan Lombardo
Teacher

Verona qualifies for NSW gymnastics competition

Congratulations to Verona Di Santo of Year 5 on her selection into the NSW State regional competition in gymnastics. In her recent trials against other gymnasts in the Inner West she was awarded Gold and Silver. We wish her all the best in the state competition coming up on the weekend of 29-30 October. Verona has worked diligently to get to this level, training nine hours a week.

Victoria Harper
Publicaitons and Marketing Officer

Learning Walks

It was wonderful to see all of our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles on Campus throughout this week for our learning walks. Please see below some of the pictures of our visit.

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Religious Education

First Holy Communion

Over the last couple of weekend students in Year 3 and 4 made their First Holy Communion. Their special celebration is just one step in their faith journey and we would encourage you to provide further opportunities for them to attend Mass and continue to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Congratulations to

Elena Magri
Dominique Portelli
Isabel Boustani 
Frederick La
Elizabeth Collins
Sophia Mastoris
Natalia Seely
Deon Aldrigde Chow
James Khawaja
Ramzi Nakhl
Joella Calandra
William Kategiannis
Celine Nguyen
Catalina Nader
Melania Sara
Aaron Duigenan
Victoria Akkawi
Zahra Sleiman
Sienna El-Agha
Josh Sarkis
Genevieve Lloyd-Jones
Victoria Khoury
Rafqa Chidiac
Tia Jabbour
Charlotte Tarabay
Julian D’Angelo
Lucy Middleton

Our classroom prayer spaces

Every classroom has a prayer corner or table. This is a special place used exclusively for prayer and reflection. A classroom prayer corner or table is a place of beauty in a classroom and serves as a sacred space where the class can come together and grow closer to God, the Church, and one another. This space is a constant reminder of Christ’s presence in the classroom and creates an environment that encourages and draws children to prayer. Children respond to and need concrete images to assist them in learning to pray. The prayer spaces have a thematic approach and are based on the Liturgical Year. For example, at the moment we are in Ordinary time and the cloth colour is Green.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6 Pastoral Care Coordinator P-4

PYP Updates

Our current units of inquiry:

The PYP Exhibition

Our Year 4 students are currently working through their Exhibition unit. In this unit, students design their own inquiry. This is an opportunity for them to showcase the skills and attributes that they have developed throughout their years in the PYP, skills and attributes that will set them up to be successful learners for life.

They have composed their lines of inquiry and started formulating questions to guide their research. Each Exhibition team has a mentor and we are fortunate that so many people from across our College have made time to support our students.

With inquiries ranging from nuclear energy to the protection of animals, technology to climate change and natural disasters, we are looking for a wide range of experts that our teams can interview in order to broaden their research.

We are specifically looking for experts in the following areas:

-clean energy

-sustainable architecture

-fast fashion

-animal welfare and protection

-helping people who are living in poverty or who are homeless

-physical and mental health

-natural disaster responses

If you, or someone you know, is an expert in any of the following fields, we would love to hear from you.

Karen Campbell

Curriculum (PYP) Coordinator

Speech and Drama

Congratulations to all students who recently participated in the Speech and Drama Showcase. Students from K- 4 prepared an evening of dramatic scenes and poetry to share with family and friends. After a fantastic term of classes it was wonderful to see students put their communication skills into practice and to entertain with confidence, power and poise.  This term, some students had also participated in the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod. Del Monte returned impressive results with all participants receiving an award in their category. 

Raymond Nahkel (Year 4):
9 Years Open Verse – 2nd Place
9 Years Restricted Verse – 2nd Place
9 Years Impromptu Reading – 3rd Place

Audrey Tita (Year 1):
6 Years Open Verse – 2nd Place
6 Years Prepared Reading – 3rd Place
6 Years Nursery Rhyme in Costume – 2nd Place

Sofia Brodowski (Year 2):
Impromptu Reading 7 years – 2nd place
Open verse 7 years – 2nd place

Eve Vastas (Year 2):
Restricted Verse 7 years – Highly Commended
Open verse 7 years – 3rd place

As students head into Term 4 they are busy preparing for Speech and Drama Exams through the Australian Speech and Communication Association. These exams give broad exposure to a variety of communication styles and help develop oral communication and listening skills in educational and social spheres. It has been an inspiring term witnessing the growth and development of all students and as we head into our final term for the year it is important to remember:

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Christopher Robin

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Year 2 excursion

On Tuesday 6 September, Year 2 went on their first-ever excursion to the Quarantine Station at North Head. This excursion aligned with our Unit of Inquiry which has a strong history focus – Personal narratives inform us about the past. During the excursion, the students engaged in immersive learning experiences to hunt for clues in the present to reveal stories from the past. 

The students heard stories and learnt about the significance of this historical heritage site as a doorway for people arriving in Australia. We learnt about the processes that were in place to ensure the safety and health of our beautiful country. Some of our Year 2 students have reflected on this exciting day below:

The excursion assisted the students in meeting the History syllabus outcomes, in particular, in exploring how a historical site has changed over time. The excursion also allowed the students to develop their capacity for empathy and understanding, very important social and emotional skills. 

It was fun learning about history and how we live differently today from the past.

Sara Porfida

I found it so interesting and sad when I found out that some children used to die before they turned 5 because of diseases, and that the average life expectancy was 40 years old.

Gabriel El-Khoury

I learned about artefacts. An artefact is something that is old that people used a long time ago. Some of the artefacts we saw were a candle holder, a phone and a typewriter.

Romee Lee

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Kids Giving Back

During the Term 2 break, Pheodora (Year 4 Daintree) and Analicia Jayaseelan (Year 3 Snowy) attended the Kids Giving Back volunteer program. They were among 500 young people who produced over 13,500 meals and packs which were distributed to 13 charities around Sydney, giving to people in need. We are very proud of our students taking action and making a big difference in our community!

When I went to Kids Giving Back I helped those who are less privileged by cooking. We are very privileged with all the food we have. These people have little or no food. I helped 325 homeless people. I gave back to needy people delivered by Ozharvest, a company which delivers food. Giving back to those in need. I am grateful that I made a difference for 325 homeless people. I can commit to giving more often by donating unused, unwanted and  under-sized clothes to the needy. 
Pheodora Jayaseelan 

I am very happy that my parents gave me an opportunity to attend the Kids Giving Back school holiday program on 15 July 2022 with my sister. I was able to volunteer by grating and peeling vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and potatoes to cook for homeless people. Helping for a worthy cause made me feel good and happy. It also made me appreciate all the comforts I have in my daily life. These programs happen during every school holiday and I would love to go back another time if I get the opportunity. I would like to encourage you all to try out at least one program and feel the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping the needy.

Analicia Jayaseelan

Kate Bakhos
Year 3 Teacher

Year 4 Service Team Initiative – Night Patrol

What is the Sydney Night Patrol?

Sydney Night Patrol is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and a part of the Sydney Vinnies Van Services. There are two vans, operating seven nights per week providing a meal, blankets, toiletries, snacks, hot beverages to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness within the inner city of Sydney. Last year 84,000 light meals were prepared and distributed by the teams.

How can we help Sydney Night Patrol?

We can donate the above items to be made up into light meal packs for the homeless people who visit the vans each night.

The Year 4 Service Team will then pack the food into the snack packs ready to be collected by St Vincent de Paul for Night Patrol.

Please bring any of the items on the poster over the next two weeks and someone from the Service Team will come around each morning to collect them.

Year 4 Service Team

R U Ok?

Last Friday Del Monte celebrated R U Okay Day – a reminder we need to stay connected and make asking ‘are you OK?’ a part of our every day. If someone we know is struggling with something big or small they’ll know we care. R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone going through a difficult time. You can learn more at ruok.org.au.

Our Gioia House leaders joined us for our assembly and shared some scenarios and ideas on how we can make sure we always ask ‘Are You Okay?’ The students and teachers were encouraged to wear a splash or dash of yellow on that day and were engaged in lessons led by our Year 10 leaders.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6
Pastoral Care Coordinator P-4

Book Week

Recently, there has been much written in the media about Book Week and how the dress-up parades appear to be taking away from the true meaning of why we celebrate Book Week. If this is the case, it is certainly not happening at Del Monte. Yes, we do have a book parade but Book Week at Del Monte is much more than the parade. 

Throughout the year, there is always a focus on quality children’s literature in the library and in the classrooms at Del Monte. Leading up to Book Week, there is even more focus on highlighting the importance of reading. In the library and in the classrooms, the students are introduced to the books on the CBCA shortlist. Students in grades 2, 3 & 4 are then given the opportunity to vote for their favourite books on the shortlist. 

Andrew Mcdonald and Ben Wood, author and illustrator of the Pigeon series visited Del Monte. During their presentations, Andrew spoke about his writing and where he gets his ideas from and Ben talked about his illustrations and encouraged the students to draw their own pigeons.  

The theme for Book Week 2022 was Dreaming with Eyes Open. This theme was about stepping into your own story, dreaming with your eyes open, listening to Country as the first storyteller and learning from friends who help you on their way. The students and teachers were invited to dress up in a costume that was theme related or as a character from a storybook. This provided the children with an opportunity to escape into another world where they could choose characters that resonated with them. 

Book Week is always a fantastic week and it is great to see young learners getting excited about books.

Christina Higgins
Teacher

Operation Art 2022

In Term 3, students from Kindergarten to Year 10 were able to participate in the art competition ‘Operation Art 2022’. This competition is an initiative of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in association with the NSW Department of Education. Operation Art exhibits the achievements of visual arts students at Sydney Olympic Park, the Art Gallery of NSW and regional galleries.

Del Monte students Bella Chia (Year 1), Irene Jung (Year 1), Romee Lee (Year 2) and Natalie Likoudis (Year 4) participated in this competition presenting artworks that they created to bring smiles to the faces of sick children and their families at the Hospital of Westmead. All entries submitted this year will be on display at Sydney Olympic Park Armory Gallery from 17 September to 30 October 2022.

Our community is proud of these students for participating in this noble cause and were presented, on Monday, with a certificate of participation. Well done young artists!

Ana Nebauer
Visual Arts Teacher (P-4)
Year 2 Classroom Teacher

Enrichment ‘Little Big Idea’

Students in enrichment from Kindergarten to Year 4 have been working very hard this term and have been learning about inventions. Inspired by the ‘Little Big Idea’ by Origin energy, students have been learning about: what an inventor does, the process of inventing and have been exploring various inventions. Students were asked to think about real-world problems that either: they, their family, communities or society on a global level experience, that could be solved by an invention. Their invention could assist the problem by making it more efficient, faster, stronger or safer. 

Students were encouraged to believe in their imagination and to think creatively. To help facilitate their invention process students drew diagrams of their inventions and have explained why they created it and how it works. One little idea is all it takes! Students’ work will be on display in the library during the last week of the term. 

Caddie Ruster
Gifted Education Coordinator P-4

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Last Thursday night the College came together to celebrate the achievements of our representative sports boys and girls in a ceremony held in the College Hall. The event was organised to recognise the achievements of those students who represented the College in their chosen sports at CGSSSA level or above. It has been three years since we have been able to hold this event with many of our young students there, along with their parents, not knowing what to expect. The turn out from both the students and their parents was spectacular, to say the least. Our night began with parents and students being entertained by our music students around the Siena Centre, followed by an opening piece by our infant’s dance team who brought the house down with their western-style dance. That set the scene for a truly wonderful night culminating in awarding our Santa Sabina College sportspersons of the year awards, both Junior and Senior. A highlight of the evening was listening to our guest speaker, Ms Bridget Clarke (Class of 2020), who inspired our students with her story of playing sport for the College, and now pursuing her passion as a Rugby Sevens player selected to represent Australia in the Oceania games in New Zealand recently. Thank you to all staff and students as well as our parent body who supported what is an important event in our sporting calendar at Santa Sabina College.

This week on Tuesday morning our Dance students along with their parents got together for an end-of-season breakfast. Thank you to those parents who organised the amazing food, to the students who assisted both before and after the event and a special thanks to Ms Bryony Williams and her Dance Coaches who organised the breakfast. Our students are especially lucky to have someone who is so dedicated and professional ensuring our Dance program is going from strength to strength. After two years of not much dancing our girls showcased throughout the year their amazing talent winning many awards in Eisteddfods. Thank you once again to the parents and students for your continued support of the program, your commitment to making Dance at the College the best it can be and your positive contribution to Santa Sabina College.

On Monday this week I attended the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Athletics Championships at SOPAC. Ten of our students were selected to compete for CGSSSA at the Championships having qualified at earlier representative events. Congratulations to all of these students who were competing against the best in the state in their age groups. To Lily Stewart who placed first in both long jump and hurdles in the U15, Rosanna Cartwright who placed third in the U17+ Javelin and to Emma Wheadon who placed fourth in both the 800 and 400m U17+ age group. To all the other students who may not have placed we congratulate you on your achievement. Amelie McKee, Amariah Kakala, Verona Gerges, Mira Nguyen, Charlotte Rudd, Janice Leelapatra, Gabriella Morkos.

There are also many students who have been selected in other representative events which you can read about in the representative page of this Veritas Voice.

Thank you to all those students who have played sport for the College this term. For those students who have played Basketball, Football, Water Polo, Hockey, Netball and Primary Touch Football, thank you for representing the College this term. For our remaining teams in this weekend’s Finals, SSC 5 & SSC 2 Basketball and SSC 1 Football we wish you all the best no matter what the result.

George Ayoub
Director of Sport and Co-Curricular

Holiday Tennis Camps at College

Netball

It was exciting for all 22 Netball teams to play a full season in 2022.

We had 10 teams through to the semi-finals, seven teams progressed through to the Preliminary Finals and four teams played in the Grand Final, three of whom won their Grand Final.

Congratulations to Santa 16 – Year 6, Santa 10 – Year 8 and Santa 3 – Year 10 on winning their Grand Final and to Santa 12 – Year 7 who had a great season but unfortunately lost their Grand Final.

To all teams, congratulations on a great season where I hope that you enjoyed your Netball, learnt new skills, improved throughout the season and had fun.

Coaches play an important part in the development of our teams and I wish to thank all our coaches who are current students, ex-students, parents or friends of the College who give up their time for training and a Saturday game.

All teams require an umpire to take the court and I would like to thank all our umpires who have umpired this season, many umpiring up to three games a day at times. We look forward to your continued support in 2023. We welcome new umpires who are 14 in 2023 to consider umpiring and working through the umpire development program. When your register your expression of interest for 2023 to play you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest to umpire.

As Netball Coordinator for the past four seasons, I say farewell and thank you to all students, coaches, umpires and parents who have supported Santa Sabina Netball and me over this time. I am excited about my new role as the Assistant Coach at the NSW Swifts and I look forward to you cheering on the Swifts in 2023 and continuing with Netball in 2023 at Santa Sabina.

Natalie Avellino
Netball Coordinator

Term 4 Invitational Basketball and Volleyball

The final information for the Term 4 Invitational for Volleyball and Basketball will be placed on VO under the Volleyball and Basketball tile in the sports section. This will include the season draw, teams and training days and times. Training will start the first week of Term 4. We encourage all parents and students to download the school app and select sport as a subscription to ensure you are notified of any cancellations or updates to the draws. Any queries regarding the Term 4 invitational can be directed to sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Natalie Avellino
Sports Coordinator

Moving Forward Together Harmony Day Song Writing Competition – National Winner

Congratulation to Abigail Middleton, of Year 8, who was presented with her award at NSW Parliament yesterday by the Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, Mark Coure, MP. Abigail was awarded equal First Place (Secondary) for her original song, Celebrating Harmony. 

The competition’s theme was ‘celebrating harmony’, and the competition was open to all Primary and Secondary School students in Australia. 

Tim Chung
Artistic Director

Representative Sport

A large number of students continue to be selected in representative teams, both through the College sporting pathway and through external pathways.

We congratulate those who represented CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships this week: Amariah Kakala, Amelie McKee, Verena Gerges, Gabriella Morkos, Mira Nguyen, Charlotte Rudd, Lily Stewart, Janice Leelapatra, Emma Wheadon and Rosanna Cartwright. Lily Stewart came away with gold medals in the Hurdles and Long Jump and Rosanna Cartwright won a Bronze medal in the Javelin. Lily was also awarded the 15 years age champion.

Claudia Cicco was selected in the U18 girls NSW All Schools team, one of just three students selected from the NSWCCC team. Claudia will play in the School Sport Australia Football Championships this month.

Lucia Pappalardo was also selected in the NSW All Schools team for diving and will continue training for the School Sport Australia Diving Championships held in November.

A number of our Junior Volleyballers have been selected in the NSW U14 girls Volleyball team. Emily Morgan, Mackenzie Bedford and Violet Addabbo will represent NSW at the Australian National Junior Championships in Bendigo in the holidays. Senior player Jennifer Yang has been selected in the Senior NSW Phoenix side, representing NSW in the Australian Volleyball League (AVL). The AVL is the highest level of indoor Volleyball in Australia.

The Santa 3, 4 and 5 Volleyball teams recently competed at the NSW Schools Volleyball Championships at Sydney Olympic Park, with all 3 teams receiving a silver medal in their divisions.

Santa’s resident Primary Rugby star Faith Ata, was selected for the NSW Rugby Sevens Merit Team last week whilst she was representing the MacKillop team in Maitland. Faith and her MacKillop team made it through to the Grand Final, where they narrowly went down to Hunter by one try.

We also wish the best of luck to our Primary athletics representatives Stefania Lazanja, Scarlett Chidiac and Mikayla Tadros, who will represent Sydney Catholic Schools at the MacKillop Athletics Championships on Wednesday 21 September.

Congratulations to all of our students who have been selected in the representative pathway for their chosen sports and to all students, please keep notifying the sports office of your selection.

Rachael Simmons
Representative Sports Coordinator

IGSA Basketball and Football

Last weekend saw the semi-finals for Term 3 IGSA sport. 

In Basketball, Santa had three teams represented. Santa 1, Santa 2 and Santa 5. Santa 2 and Santa 5 were successful in their matches and will play in the grand finals this weekend. 

In Football, there were two teams in the semi-finals, Santa 1 and Santa 2. Santa 2 was successful and will play in the grand final this weekend. We wish our teams all the best!

Details for the grand final matches this weekend are still TBC.

Helen Page
Sports Administrator

French Tennis Tournament

During the winter break Peter Domingo travelled to France with his family and competed in various French Tennis Tournaments in Nice. He competed only on clay courts and had to adjust to the surface given the limited clay courts Australia has to practise on. He loved playing on clay and fought hard in each u12 tournament to get through the draw. This was a great experience and helped him develop his game whilst competing over there with the European competitors. He is looking forward to future tennis tournaments. Congratulations Peter!

Caddie Ruster
Gifted Education Coordinator P-4/ Year 4 Classroom Teacher

Artistic Director

Chamber Music Recital

Congratulations to the students from Primary Years to Year 12 who performed in Wednesday night’s Chamber Music Recital at 6:00pm in the Chapel. These students devoted extra rehearsals at lunchtime to perfect their small ensemble skills.

Primary Years Learning Walks

Parents enjoyed observing the music staff and tutors in the Years 3 and 4 Instrumental program this week. They were thoroughly impressed with how our students performed and the expertise of the staff in working with this critical age group.

AMEB success

Congratulations to the following girls and to their teacher Ms Victoria Jacono (Head of Strings 5-12), who attained excellent results in their recent Australian Music Examination Board exams:
Eryll Pacquing Year 6 – Preliminary Grade Honours, violin
Michelle Gasparini Year 7 – 4th Grade Honours, viola
Cary Yeung Year 9 – Preliminary Grade Credit, violin
Alessia Mastroianni Year 6 – Preliminary Grade High Distinction, violin

Timothy Chung
Artistic Director

Introducing Joshua Saltos, Learning Support Officer, Prep to Year 4

Staff Story

One of the most popular adults on the Primary Years campus is our Learning Support Officer Joshua Saltos. He only started working with us at the beginning of this term, but Josh is well known to all the students, widely loved and respected.

Immense energy and joy surrounds this man as he goes about his day at Del Monte. Students flock to him, he brings support and assurance to their daily classroom activities. He loves his work, he loves kids, his energy is infectious. His support of children’s learning is helping many find those pivotal moments when their lessons suddenly make sense.

The NSW Department of Education states that Learning Support Officers (LSOs) ‘work under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher. They provide assistance to students with disability and additional learning and support needs and support classes in mainstream schools and mainstream classes.’ (https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/disability-learning-and-support/personalised-support-for-learning/roles-and-responsibilities#Classroom0)

Josh describes his role as ‘ helping out with the kids who really need it, those with anxiety or other mental health issues, kids with dyslexia or kids in need’.

Although every day is different when you’re an LSO there is a similar daily structure to his work with students. Each morning Josh visits students known to need his particular help in their various learning spaces. He checks that they have all arrived and have settled into class and helps individually where needed. He then spends the day visiting classrooms for an hour each, supporting teachers more generally in each class and with specific students if and when a need arises. At recess and lunchtime and at Kiss and Ride before and after school, Josh is there, getting to know all the Del Monte students.

When Josh left school he didn’t know where life would take him. He ended up in retail, selling cars. But Josh soon left the corporate world, realising he had something to offer in the classroom, and remembering how he himself had sometimes struggled in school. The real world experience of sales – convincing and negotiating – encompasses skills he employs in the classroom, to encourage focus and learning in students.

The secret to his success is in building relationships, another skill honed in car sales as well as in his TAFE LSO training.

‘My biggest thing is getting to know the person. I find out what footy teams they support, what games they like, what movies they are watching’.

From there he reaches his students in the way that gets a positive response. For some he sketches a drawing for them, knowing only then will they fully cooperate. For others he is their scribe, their reader, a guide who breaks down tasks into little sections to tackle bit by bit.

Outside of work, Josh is very busy. He is mad about cars and has owned no less than 20 – he spends much of his time off on long drives with friends. He also plays indoor soccer or OzTag, makes art (sculpture and painting) and reads, especially biographies. He is the son of two teachers, the brother of teachers, the partner of a teacher and is filled with awe and respect for their work, and the way they juggle many roles within and beyond the classroom. He is strongly considering future studies in education so that he can become a teacher too.

In the meantime, he adores working with Santa Sabina students.

‘I love it, it’s good fun. I’m just a big kid at heart and that’s what sums me up’.

Victoria Harper
Publications and Marketing Officer

Uniform Shop updates

The Santa Sabina College Uniform Shop will close for the school holidays on Wednesday 21 September at 4:00pm.

Holiday trading hours

Towards the end of the holiday period the shop will open for appointments only and online order collection.

For appointments and online orders please go to www.midford.com.au and select Santa Sabina College. Pass Phrase is SS1894. Online orders are packed daily during opening hours. 

Thursday 6 October 9:00am-4:00pm 
Friday 7 October 9:00am-4:00pm 

Term 4 extended trading hours

The Uniform Shop will reopen for Term 4 on Monday 10 October – no appointment required. 

Monday 10 October 8:00am-4:00pm 
Tuesday 11 October 8:00am-5:00pm 
Wednesday 12 October 8:00am-4:00pm 
Thursday 13 October 8:00am-5:00pm 
Friday 14 October 8:00am-4:00pm 

The Santa Sabina College Uniform Shop will return to normal trading hours from Monday 17 October 2022.

Normal trading hours

Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm 
Tuesday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm 
Thursday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 
Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm 

Contact information

Phone: 9745 7045
Email: santa.sabina@midford.com.au

P & F Association

All about the fathers…

Over the last two weeks we were blessed to be able to celebrate and give thanks for the fathers in our lives. The P&F helped the community celebrate by hosting a number of activities including the Father’s Day stall for Prep to Year 6, Father’s Day breakfasts on both campuses and Father’s Golf day. We were so thankful to be able to host these events again this year. These events were a huge success predominantly due to the number of very generous volunteers. We would like to thank the following for their time at the Breakfast. 

Primary Years Campus:

Sia Zanon, Charlene Porfida, Mati Jurado, Kathleen Magri and Nicola Bertram

Senior Years Campus:

Kim Dunlop, Trish Cencighm, Daniela Sicurella, Fiona McGrath (Millward), Michelle Martin, Elizabeth Giungi, Yolanda Hasrouny, Fiona Tchan, Katherine Trilucio, Toula Cassimatis, Corrine Mansour, Daniella Di Santo, Alex Cantali and Caitlyn Catalano.

What’s coming up…

• This Friday, 16 September: Colour Fun Run This event is open to the whole College Prep to Year 12 students. So far we have raised over $10k! If your child would like to fundraise or run, go to schoolfunrun.com.au, create a student profile page and share your online fundraising link via SMS, email and social media. Select your school – Santa Sabina College – and Your Class or Year Group.  If you are currently fundraising, THANK YOU! We hope you will continue to share your link and fundraising for the school. Students in Primary Years will run during school hours. Parents are welcome, there will be a designated area to watch the fun and excitement. Students in Gioia House and Seniors Years will run between 3:30 – 4:30pm. Please note that Year 5 will be returning from camp, but are welcome to join the fun. The Colour Fun Run will take place on the Hockey Field on the Senior Campus. If you have any questions please contact vpsecondary@ssc.nsw.edu.au

• 28 November: P&F Annual General meeting I look forward to seeing you all at the next Annual General Meeting with elections being held.

As Term 3 wraps up we want to wish everyone a safe and restful term break. We especially have the Year 12 students and their families in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for their final exams in a few short weeks.  

Keep up to date

If you haven’t signed up to WhatsApp for your year group and want to please click here to be added. If you are having issues with signing up please reach out to pnfcomms@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Yours in friendship,

Parents & Friends’ Committee

Primary Years

We are very grateful to the Santa Sabina community and its events like the Father’s Day stall where we see first-hand the dedication and generosity of our families. Over 65 members of the community from Del Monte and Gioia House gave up their time, energy and love to make the Father’s Day Stall memorable for 571 children from Mary Bailey House to Gioia House. The absolute joy on the children’s faces made all the hard work worth it. The generosity to make sure no child was left without a gift was truly heartwarming. We are also extremely appreciative to all the families who supported the stall through purchasing gifts and hope that their Father’s Day was that much better knowing their gifts were hand-picked by their children. We are filled with gratitude and thank the many volunteers including parents and grandparents who gave their time wrapping presents and manning the stall.

Lisa McGhee-Dann
Primary Years VP

Parent Education – Debra Brodowski

R U OK? Day 2022 – No Qualifications Required

In my day job, I work in mental health… It’s been a busy few years with pandemics, fires, floods… change, change, and more change. Mental health support has been in more demand than ever before. This year’s R U OK? Day theme, ‘No Qualifications Required’ raises a theme that is close to my heart… every one of us can make a powerful and positive impact in the lives of others – you don’t need to have qualifications in mental health to support others. 

YOU have the expertise needed:

• YOU care
• YOU listen
• YOU are available
• YOU want to help

You are the expert to support your child, another young person in your life, your friends, your family, your colleagues at work.

Your expertise allows you to:

• Notice subtle changes in the wellbeing of someone you care about. Do they seem a little different, a little unhappy, a bit withdrawn
• Ask: R U OK?
• Listen: Allow them to talk
• Encourage action: What’s a step they can do to help their situation. Be a connector of support (to the GP, a mental health professional, school counsellor)
• Check-in: Keep checking in to see how they are travelling to stay on track

Your care, support, and desire to be helpful allows you to have the expertise to ask R U OK? any day of the year; because a conversation can change a life. A conversation can save a life.

Ask R U OK? every day.

Ex-Students’ Association

Melbourne Cup Lunch

The Ex-Students’ Association is holding its annual Melbourne Cup Lunch at Angelo’s restaurant, Prince Edward Park, Phillips St, Cabarita.

Please email your name, contact number, number of tickets required and dietary requirements to exstudents@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Payment is to be made via EFT BSB: 012245 Account: 833361118

Please contact Elizabeth Mulcahy on 0417 484 072 if you have any questions.

Annual General Meeting

Notice is given of the Santa Sabina Ex-Students’ Association Annual General Meeting to be held on 11 October 2022 commencing at 7:30pm.

What we are up to: One of our new initiatives this year was the International Women’s Day Dinner which we co-hosted with the Parents and Friends and the College. We also launched our podcast series, Exceptional, stories and conversations about ex-students. To celebrate our centenary we offered a scholarship to the daughter of an ex-student. We are also raising funds for our fellowships for younger ex-students to assist with undertaking research, educational travel, professional development or humanitarian or aid work. Our Melbourne Cup lunch will be held at Angelo’s Cabarita.

If you would love to be more involved please consider joining our committee.

Attendance: The meeting will be held via zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact the Association Secretary (santaexstudents@gmail.com) to enable meeting details to be emailed to you.

Nominations for General Committee:

• Nominations for positions on the general committee are now being called for and all members of the Association are entitled to nominate for a position. There are 14 positions on the general committee plus two country members living in a rural location – If you have questions about the responsibilities of the general committee, please contact the Secretary at santaexstudents@gmail.com.
• This is an excellent opportunity to give back to your community. We welcome those with skills across the spectrum from administration to communications and beyond.
• No former committee experience is needed, just a willingness to make a difference for ex-students and the College community.
• Please submit your nomination information at this link or write to the Secretary (santaexstudents@gmail.com) to request a nomination form.
• Nominations will close on Tuesday 4 October.
• Nominations will not be accepted at the Annual General Meeting.

All successful members of the ballot must be prepared to sign the Santa Sabina College Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Membership of the Ex-students’ Association: All ex-students are members of the Ex-Students’ Association. ‘Graduation’ from the College is not required. The joining fee was waived in May 2019 and all prior students were deemed eligible members at that time. There is no action necessary to join.

Podcast series on Exceptional

Have you listened to our latest podcast on Exceptional?

Ann Maree Mulders is an ovarian cancer survivor. She listened to her body when no one else did and became her own advocate in what was a hard journey through surgery, treatment and healing. She now advocates for others as an Ovarian Cancer Australia ambassador. This is her story, through cancer and out the other side. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please click here to listen.

To learn more about the Ex-Students’ Association please visit us here.

Elizabeth Pooley
President

Tech girls holiday workshop (free)

Princess Fiona

North Sydney Kids Musical Theatre Company has informed us that Nina Tchan of Year 7 has been selected to play Princess Fiona in the Junior Cast of their production of Dreamworks Shrek the Musical Jr. The show’s season opens this weekend at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney.

Book here: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/north-sydney-kids-musical-theatre-company