College Principal

Welcome to Term 4. As I write this newsletter, our Year 12 HSC students are sitting their HSC examinations and our IB students are preparing for theirs. While this group of students comes to the end of their 13 years of schooling, our Year 11 girls have ‘Stepped Up’ as our incoming Seniors. The Stepping Up Day held recently was all about preparing our girls for what is to come, with workshops on careers, study and self care. The day ended with a beautiful Liturgy and it was a privilege for me to be able to give every girl her Senior’s badge. Our Dominican Sisters joined us and they gave the girls a beautiful prayer card. When I addressed our students I told them that Year 12 is about so much more than an ATAR, for many they will sit for their driver’s licence, they will prepare university applications, they will make important life decisions, they will cherish time with their friends, they will reach voting age and amidst the challenges, they must seek to laugh and have fun. I finished with the words of Pope Francis, ‘The world tells us to seek success, power and money. God tells us to seek humility, service and love.’

Congratulations to our Year 4 students who prepared intelligent and creative projects shared with us at their PYP Exhibition founded on the central idea, ‘Our actions reflect our beliefs’. Their works reflected a strong ability to ask important and relevant questions and carry out research to find answers to these questions. The children focused on a variety of areas including nuclear physics, technology in healthcare, poverty and environmental concerns which are all important issues for them and for our world. Thank you to the many teachers who worked with the children both in class and as mentors. It was wonderful to see so many families join us for this event and a huge thank you to the musicians who performed entertaining pieces for us to enjoy. 

We are really pleased to announce that we will be inviting girls in Years 9, 10 and 11 who are 15 years and above to attend World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal next year, departing Sydney Friday 21 July, and returning Friday 11 August, 2023.  This pilgrimage takes place every three years in a different country in the world and it is an opportunity for those who attend to experience the universality of the Catholic Church, deepen their faith and grow closer to Christ through prayer and the sacraments together with hundreds of thousands of other young people. Girls will travel to Venice, Rome and Lisbon, encountering spiritual treasures of Italy while visiting sacred sites of religious significance, specifically holy sites of our Dominican saints, St Dominic and St Catherine of Siena. The WYD week culminates with pilgrims coming together for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Mr Reyes, our Dean of Mission will be hosting an Information Evening for parents and their daughters on Wednesday 9 November, beginning at 6:00pm in the Lecture Theatre. We would love to gauge the level of interest for our families so that we can start preparations for this fabulous experience. We would need to limit the number of students attending to 14 as the College is not subsidised like systemic Catholic schools when it comes to paying for supervising staff to attend.

I would like to congratulate Miss Caddie Ruster, our Primary Gifted Education Coordinator (below left), and Mrs Mirela Crnogora, our Secondary Library Technician and Systems Administrator (below right), who are recipients of a Board Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to provide an opportunity for the Board to affirm and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the teaching and support staff at the College to improve outcomes for our students. Recognising the importance of professional learning, they generously support two of our staff to reflect on their practice and its impact upon students and colleagues. Both Caddie and Mirela will undertake their respective projects next year and we look forward to implementing their evidence-based learnings across the College to benefit our students. 

Finally I would like to share with you our latest video series: The Lamp Post – Principal’s Update. The series is named after the Lamp Post that has stood outside the Principal’s Office of the 1894 Building for more than 100 years. From its vantage point, this lamp post has watched the comings and goings of the College. Term after term, year after year. The series will provide the opportunity for me to share a wrap up of the term, any significant news and exciting new initiatives to share with our community. I hope you enjoy the first episode.

Until next time, 

Go gently.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Director of Mission and Pastoral Care P-12

Our academic resilience journey at Santa Sabina

In Semester 2 we have continued to work with students across the College, with a focus on students from Years 7-12,  on improving academic resilience. A number of opportunities have been made available to students this term that will help prepare them for the challenges of Year 12. We have also continued our participation in the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Project with our Year 9 students as well as conducting our own surveys to ensure that we have a data-driven, evidence base for the programs we will put in place for 2023 and beyond.

Taking charge of Senior Study Stress – UTS workshop

Year 11 students took part in a workshop presented by The Kidman Centre at UTS on Tuesday 11 October. This session was appropriately timed to capture students at the end of their Year 11 Courses or at a midway point for IB students. This workshop provided strategies for students to handle some of the normal feelings of anxiousness and stress that come with the final year of their studies at school. Students walked away from this workshop with the capacity to create their own ‘recipe card’ for dealing with study induced stress.

Stepping Up to Year 12 Day 2022

On Wednesday 18 October all Year 12 students were involved in a Stepping up to Year 12 Day where they had the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with our Academic and Pastoral Care Staff Leaders that covered areas of challenge and achievement from their Year 11 studies thus far and collaborative goal setting for Year 12. Students also spent time with their Pastoral Care teachers with a follow up to the Managing Stress workshop they completed the previous week. We were then joined by some of our Dominican Sisters to celebrate a Liturgy together where students were presented with their Year 12 badges and an inspiring prayer card created by the Dominican Sisters. This day was a sound combination of academic, pastoral and spiritual care that has allowed Year 11 to launch into their final year of schooling at Santa Sabina.

Study Without Stress Program

Ms Janine Barr and Ms Monica Bentivoglio are currently facilitating The Study Without Stress Program for selected students to help with their stress management as they prepare for their final HSC and IB studies. Study Without Stress (SWoS) is a program for students in Years 10 to 12 that equips them with knowledge and practical tips on how to approach and overcome the stress associated with heavy workloads and exams in the final years of high school. The program uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques to help participants get the most out of their final years at school whilst keeping stress to a manageable level. We will continue to run this program with small groups of students in 2023. 

Black Dog Institute Future Proofing Survey Year 9 2022

Our Year 9 students are currently participating in a five-year mental health study involving more than 6300 teenagers and facilitated by the Black Dog Institute. The aim of this Future Proofing Study is to devise preventative initiatives and to improve the overall situation of teen mental health. This study has already shown an increase in distress levels experienced by the students involved (6300 across Australia) over the past three years from 22% to 33%, with females experiencing higher levels than males. These data trends continue to be used by the Pastoral team to inform our planning and approach to the Pastoral care of all our students. 

Student surveys in Years 5-11

All students from Years 5-11 have recently participated in school-generated surveying regarding their wellbeing. These results will help to ensure staff knowledge of students is as wide-ranging as possible and that the College uses the data from such surveys to inform future plans in relation to Pastoral Care programs and all aspects of our wellbeing programs at the College.

Student Ministry Formation and World Youth Day

Our Dean of Mission invites students to become more involved in our faith tradition in this important article in this edition of Veritas Voice. Please have a look:

Melanie van der Meer
Director of Mission and Identity

Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

Stepping Up Day 

Our Year 11 students have now transitioned into Year 12. The day started with a welcome from Ms Skerman. She spoke to the students about the importance of focusing on your learning, not just the assessments and the marks. She reminded the students that learning is a journey not a destination ending with the HSC and IBDP examinations. Following this, she highlighted the need to keep up their co-curricular involvement and exercise. 

The middle of the day involved meetings led by the Year 11 students and their mentor teacher. The students articulated the successes and challenges they faced throughout 2022 and the Year 11 course. Together they set goals for the final year, in regard to learning, participation and motivation. The day concluded with a liturgy service where the students received their Year 12 badge and prayer card from the Dominican sisters. 

Year 11 Italian Study Day

On Tuesday 11 October Sonia Ramundi-Di Bella, Acting Head of Languages, invited the Year 11 Italian students from St Patrick’s College Strathfield to join the Italian Continuers students for a language enrichment day. The day involved revision and practice of all four language areas (listening, reading, speaking, writing). This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet other students and teachers and to engage with strategies as they start their HSC program.

Jacqueline Pugh
Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

Director of Strategic and Educational Operations P-12

Term 4 moves very quickly, with a range of important events coming up. The Celebration of Music concert will be held on Saturday 5 November at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and will showcase the music of ensemble groups of students from Kindergarten to Year 12, if you haven’t purchased tickets already, they are nearly sold out. The major academic event of the year, the College Speech Night, will be held at the State Theatre this year on Thursday 24 November. Tickets will be released in the coming days – please book early to avoid disappointment.

The Santa Sabina Pool has been refurbished over the holiday break and we are waiting for some fine weather for the finishing touches to be applied. It is hoped that as the warmer temperatures set in, the pool will be operational in Week 4 for classes and sport. Unfortunately, the project has been delayed due to the continued wet weather, but we are hoping that we can have a run of dry days so the finishing touches to the job can be completed.

Some exciting changes to how students are onboarding their computers to the school network are coming. Previously, for new students and students with new devices, a trip to the IT help desk was required. In readiness for next year, students will now be able to onboard their device to the Santa Sabina network from home. This will allow students with new devices to be able to immediately connect to the College network on the first day without needing to visit IT to get set up. More information will be communicated to parents as the term progresses.

I would like to remind families to ensure that family and student information can be updated on the Community Portal when changes occur. It is essential for the College to have the most recent details to enable quick contact with families if the need arises. Furthermore, should a student’s medical details need changing, it can also be completed using the Portal and if any plans need to be enacted for a student, the College Nurse will be in contact with families to work through the process.

John Gilmore
Director of Strategic and Educational Operations

Director of Community Relations P-12

Celebrations

Term 4 sees many exciting events for our community and has also been a busy time with 600 visitors booked in to visit us this week for our Twilight Discovery Tour – an event which introduces all that the College has to offer to prospective school families. A number of students volunteered to stay late after school to lead tours and our student dancers and musicians showed the visitors their brilliant performances.

We welcome families and friends to celebrate the end of a wonderful year in the coming weeks. Please join us at the following events:

Speech Night (for Gioia House and Secondary Years families)
Thursday 24 November 6:30pm at the State Theatre, Market St, Sydney
Tickets (free of charge) will be available to book from 9:00am Friday 28 October:

Advent Festival of Readings and Carols (for everyone)
Wednesday 30 November 6:00pm, Santa Sabina Chapel

Speech Day (for families of Kindergarten to Year 4)
Friday 2 December 9:15am, Secondary Campus Hall
More information to come.

Santa in the news

College students and staff have been interviewed in a couple of interesting mainstream media articles in recent days:

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations

Head of Gioia House

It is hard to believe we are at the end of Week 3 of Term 4, and very soon, we will be celebrating the conclusion of another productive year at Gioia House. Despite Term 4 being short, we continue learning, assessing, reviewing our teaching, participating in transitioning activities and celebrating the end of the year. 

This term, teachers are conducting a number of assessments to determine the extent to which students are achieving and how they have progressed. This will provide fantastic affirmation of the learning that has occurred this year. Teachers are working hard on writing the Semester 2 reports which will be released to parents later this term. We are interested in providing your child with a good education; that is, a holistic approach, teaching the skills students need in order to be committed, courageous, resilient and inclusive young people who exercise respect for themselves, others and their world.

Next week, we will welcome Year 5 2023 students to Gioia House. They will meet their peers and Year 6 buddies, participate in team-building activities and learn about the senior campus. The experience will provide opportunities to make new friends, ask questions and become confident about starting school in 2023. Our current Year 5 students are excited to welcome new students to Gioia House and step into Year 6 on the day.

The Year 6 girls are ready to move to Year 7, meet their peers, and establish new connections. We are confident that they will welcome and look after our new students.

As we prepare to mark the end of Year 6 students’ time in Gioia House, we have put together several events to celebrate their learning journey. We welcome families to witness this significant rite of passage by joining us at the Year 6 Showcase, Gioia House Liturgy, followed by a picnic.

Swimming Carnival

We will come together as a community to take part in the Swimming Carnival on Friday 4 November. We look forward to a day of celebration. I want to stress the importance of participating in College community events such as this one. It not only brings students together but provides extremely valuable experience for social and emotional growth. No matter the skill level of your daughter’s swimming, her participation will contribute to our communal spirit and help her to connect with other students across Gioia House. For more details about the logistics of the day please refer to the letter sent to families earlier this term.

Children’s Week – 30 October 2022

The Children’s Week National Theme for 2022 is based on UNCRC Article 27.

Children have the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs. The government should help families who cannot afford to provide this.

We take time to celebrate our children, listen to their voices, take action in working together to ensure that the needs of all children are met, and we pray.

• We pray that all children, who are among the most vulnerable in society, receive the love and support they need to grow and flourish.
• We pray that all people recognise children as a gift and blessing from God, and find in our little ones a source of joy and thanksgiving.
• We pray that children receive the guidance and instruction they need to help them grow in the ways of righteousness and virtue.
• We pray that we may see in our children an example of faith and that through their joyful witness, we may grow in wonder and awe at the gift of creation.
• We pray for those who have lost a child, that God may meet them in the hurt and suffering and bring healing, peace and comfort.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Stella Azizian
Head of Gioia House

Head of Primary P-4 Del Monte

Co-curricular

This year, we expanded the co-curricular offerings for the students to be involved in before, during and after school activities. We are so excited to hear how much the children are enjoying the after-school activities run by our external providers. Below I would like to highlight some of the activities that we have on Campus organised by our fabulous staff members.

Term 1

Art Club – Year 4 – Mrs Nebauer

The Art Club co-curricular during Term 1 was guided by Mrs. Nebauer. The Art Club focused on promoting student expression and experimenting with new techniques and mediums. Students created artworks using watercolour paint, ink and gelli plates. Our young artists were provided with opportunities to manipulate and experiment with these to create original and individual artworks. Below are some of the children’s works.

Term 2

Basketball – Year 4 – Ms Perivolarellis

In Term 2, the Year 4 students were provided with the opportunity to engage in a basketball competition. This basketball competition began in Week 2 and ran until Week 8. All four teams collaborated together each week, discussing game tactics and positions on the court and, most importantly, demonstrating how to be respectful and have fun. Throughout this co-curricular activity, these basketballers also learnt a lot about teamwork and fair play, congratulating the other team after every game and cheering their peers on each week.

Fine Motor Club – Kindergarten and Year 1 – Ms Evans, Ms Napper and Ms Saba

During Term 2 and 3 a group of students in Kindergarten and Year 1 met each week to participate in a Fine Motor Club.

Did you know that hand and finger strength is very important to perform everyday tasks such as opening a packet of chips, cutting, writing and manipulating materials?

The best way to improve overall strength is through meaningful and motivating activities…especially everyday play! The students who participated in this club all had lots of fun while strengthening their hands and fingers.

Term 3

Crystal Growing Club – Year 3 – Ms Ruster

Students had fun with Science and developed an interest in Chemistry whilst trying to grow crystals. We used alum and distilled water to try and create our crystals. Making crystals was a tricky process, involved many steps and took a while. Throughout this process, students developed their working scientific skills, learned the importance of patience and came to understand that mistakes or failure leads to learning. Whilst we were not successful in growing a large single crystal, students were successful in growing many ‘seed’ crystals that looked like diamonds!

Robotics & Coding Club – Kindergarten to Year 2 – Mrs Ivancsik

During Term 3 Robotics & Coding Club was offered to our students in Kindergarten to Year 2. Students became familiar with Lego Robotics as they explored how they could bring their creativity to life! There were many creations built such as robots, sharks, insects and many more. Students enjoyed bringing their creations to life by connecting their Lego to the iPads and using block coding to code their Lego to move, make noises and carry out tasks.

Mathematics Challenge

The Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians is a problem-solving challenge organised by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT), which is aimed at stimulating mathematically interested and capable students. Students worked through a set of challenging problems that required time and persistence. The open-ended nature of the tasks developed their ability to become effective communicators in mathematics. Students embraced a variety of problem-solving strategies and learned how to represent their thinking clearly.

Term 4

Parent Reading Program

This term, we will be continuing our Parent Helper Reading Program in Kindergarten to Year 2.

New parents to the program are required to attend a brief information session prior to volunteering. The program will again involve volunteering to assist with individual students or small groups for 30 minutes per week from 9:00-9:30am Monday-Thursday. Please note that parent helpers for this particular program are not guaranteed to be allocated to their child/ren’s class. Please also be advised that, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate toddlers whilst you are volunteering for the program.

To ensure the smooth running of the Reading Program, all parents who are new to volunteering in this program will need to attend an information session. The Parent Information session will be in the Hall.

If you would like to express an interest in being involved in the program and are able to attend the Information Session on Monday 31 October 2022 at 9:30 am, please complete the Expression of Interest google form.

Those amazing parents who volunteered already this year and would like to volunteer again this term, please also complete the Expression of Interest form. Please note that you will not be required to attend the information session.

Thank you in advance for your support by volunteering for this initiative.

Primary Campus Works

Over the holidays, the Property team has worked hard to complete two upgrades on the Campus. The first is handball courts for the students in the Piazza! I know the children are going to love these! Here is a sneak peek

The second upgrade is the parent/visitor bathroom near the Hall. I know that parents that were on site Monday evening for our Year 3 Camp meeting were very impressed with the upgrade.

eSafety

In today’s ever-changing world, make sure you are up to date with your child’s online safety and well-being. Click on the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page and sign up for the eSafety Commissioners newsletter. There are so many excellent resources and webinars to help you navigate your children’s online world.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Upcoming events

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Director of Mary Bailey House

Vacation Care

With only six weeks until the end of term, we’re getting OOSH ready for vacation care that will operate from Thursday 8 December to Friday 16 December 2022. To ensure that we’re getting into the Christmas spirit we’ve planned an incursion and activity program that is full of Christmas shows and craft activities that are certain to bring fun and laughter. Our Christmas program will be the perfect opportunity for children to catch up and play with friends after a busy year at school.

OOSH will then close from Monday 19 December 2022 to Friday 6 January 2023. When OOSH re-opens on Monday 9 January 2023, the second half of the summer vacation care program will be delivered. The focus of this portion of the program is on having fun with friends in summer with plenty of activities with water and sports to get children active outdoors. The incursion and activity program during this portion of vacation care will also include a couple of excursions to local venues. When choosing incursions and excursions, we always undertake a risk assessment on the experience and/or venue to identify potential hazards and the control measures that can be used to protect children from harm. Parents and carers can read incursions and excursions risk assessments prior to making a decision about their child’s participation in them, they’re available at OOSH.

The vacation care program is below for you and your child to read. If you would like your children to participate in a vacation care activity, they need to be enrolled in OOSH prior to their attendance. To enrol your child please call Jessica Azzi between 2:00pm and 6:00pm Monday to Wednesday or email Jessica or Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to seeing your child in vacation care.

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House

Director of Tallong Campus

Dean of Pastoral Care

Welcome to the final Term of 2022. Students in Years 7 -11 are continuing to positively engage in our holistic Pastoral Care program, Santa Strong. An outline for the Term 4 Program can be found below. Discussing learnings and experiences from Pastoral Care lessons can form great discussion between family members, so I encourage you to speak with your child about their fortnightly Pastoral Care lesson. 

Elise Whiley
Dean of Pastoral Care

Student Ministry Formation Course and World Youth Day 2023

We have some exciting faith and mission opportunities available to our senior students.

Santa Student Ministry Two-Day Formation Course

Offered to Years 9-12, the Santa Student Ministry Two-Day Formation Course, themed ‘Be the Light’ (Mt 5: 14-16), provides students with experiential workshops on Catholic mission and school and church ministry training. The course dates are Week 4, Friday 11 November and Week 5, Monday 14 November.

Day 1 will have workshops on Dominican spirituality, liturgy training, and the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of an immersion. On Day 2, the group will participate in a service immersion at the Ignite Food Store and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Mt Druitt.

To apply:

• Students will receive an application form by email.
• Students must complete the application form by Week 3, Thursday 27 October.

Please note:

• Mr Reyes and Sr Sheila Flynn will review the applications and select suitable students.
• Successful applicants will be notified by Week 3, Friday 28 October.

World Youth Day 2023 Lisbon, Portugal

In 2023, Santa is sending a group to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal themed ‘Mary arose and went with haste’ (Lk 1:39).

World Youth Day is a spiritual pilgrimage whereby Catholics worldwide come together to share, celebrate and foster their Christian faith. This spiritual pilgrimage is an opportunity for students 15 years of age in 2023 to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, deepen their faith and grow closer to Christ through prayer and the sacraments together with hundreds of thousands of other young people.

During World Youth Day week, the host city organises a series of expos, concerts, Catechesis talks, and special large gatherings which involve the Pope, and opportunities for Daily Mass, reconciliation and Adoration. On the official World Youth Day (Sunday 6 August), pilgrims will gather together for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, which will occur on the Our Lady of Fatima sacred site.       

Before World Youth Day week, students visit historical sites of religious significance in Italy, including the holy places of our Dominican saints St Dominic and St Catherine of Siena. Post World Youth Day week, the group will leave Lisbon for the tranquillity and relaxation of a retreat in the Fatima area.

For more information about World Youth Day 2023 or for students to express their interest, please view the Expression of Interest Form sent to students. Expressions of interest are due by Week 4, Monday 31 October.

An information night for parents will occur within the next few weeks. Students who express interest will be notified of the date and time.

Please note:

• The pilgrimage is available to students who are in Years 9, 10 and 11, including accelerants in 2023.
• Applicants must be 15 years and older.
• Sydney Catholic Schools to confirm applicants can participate if they turn 15 years old during the World Youth Day pilgrimage.
• Pilgrimage dates – Term 3 Week 1 Friday 21 July to Week 4 Friday 11 August.
• The pilgrimage cost is $7990 twin share.

For more information:

• View the Expression of Interest Google Form sent to student emails in Years 8, 9 and 10. You will find World Youth Day promotion videos created by Sydney Catholic Schools, the pilgrimage itinerary and a detailed list of requirements for suitable students.

Visit https://reonline.sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.au/wyd-2023/families-and-students or email Mr Reyes r.reyes@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Ryan Reyes
Dean of Mission

Learning assistance

Learning Hub

Time: Monday and Wednesday (3:20pm- 4:20pm)
Location: Seminar Room, Library
Who should attend: Any Year 7-10 student who would like assistance
Purpose: To assist the girls with homework, breaking down assessment tasks, etc.

Learning to Learn

Time: Thursdays (lunchtime)
Location: Seminar Room, Library
Who should attend: All girls are welcome especially those progressing slowly with assessment tasks 
Purpose: To assist the girls with planning, backtracking, chunking tasks into manageable components, time management – helping to establish good working routines.

Janine Barr
Dean of Inclusive Education P-12

Year 12 Graduation Mass

Dominican Sisters morning tea

At the end of Term 3, our Year 12 students gathered for morning tea with Dominican Sisters who have been their prayer companions throughout the year. This special tradition provides an ongoing living connection with our Dominican charism.

Year 12 Graduation Assembly

Crepes in French

To mark a close to Term 3, Years 7 and 8 French classes celebrated by making crêpes. We first translated a French recipe which allowed us to learn new vocabulary that we then put into practical use in the activity. In the food tech room we were split into groups and followed the French recipe with the help of Ms Tomaulska and our French teachers. After we had cooked our crêpes, we decorated them with all kinds of toppings such as sugar and lemon and enjoyed them! Not only was this activity fun and delicious but we picked up so many new cooking and language skills which we can show off at home. I really enjoyed this activity as it taught me a lot about French culture and challenged me with new French vocabulary. 

Charlize Cencigh 
Year 8

Business Breakfast

The HSIE Department held a very successful ‘business breakfast’ with visitors from Nestlé at the end of Term 3. Business Studies students gained practical insights into the operations of a leading international business.

This is what the students said afterwards:

I really enjoyed the Nestlé breakfast. From the presentation, I was surprised with the acquisition by Nestlé and learnt the importance of CSR and how it needs processes. I thought it was a good activity for making relationships between business function as it was visually represented which helped me understand better.
Reyo Conlan

The Business Breakfast was an amazing opportunity that provided me with an insight into the many business operations and how they all interconnect. The interactivity aspect of the breakfast allowed us all to collaborate, communicate and gain a deeper understanding of the multinational company Nestlé! 
Sophie Alexandra Ferko

I found this Nestlé breakfast extremely helpful and interesting as it gave me an insight into the relationships and interdependence of all of the different aspects of a business including finance, marketing, communications, supply chain and legislation, to name a few.
Emma Heanly

I learnt a lot through the challenges they set and questions they asked. It showed the theory that we have been learning in practice at Nestlé.  
Lydia Kelly

Rewarding to gain an insight of how the theory we learn in class is applied to a real life situation.
Nicola Gilmore

The Business Breakfast was incredibly enjoyable, it was a fantastic opportunity to learn about Nestlé as a company and how different business functions interact with one another.
Bianca Hernandez Castellanos

Vikki Cummins
Social Science Teacher

Pastoral Program

BE ACTIVE 

Every fortnight the Gioia House students get together to participate in ‘Be Active’. The students complete a variety of physical team activities to provide students with the opportunity to connect with others, enjoy being active outdoors and an opportunity to have a laugh with friends. Many students have expressed how much they look forward to our Gioia House Be Active sessions. It has also been wonderful to see our Year 6 students demonstrate their leadership skills by volunteering to lead and explain the different activities. Last week the students started the session with a couple of warm-up Basketball drills followed by a friendly Volleyball game with the students in their House colours playing against each other. It was great to see the girls encourage each other and work as a team to try and win each point. There have been a number of students who have been taking advantage of the Volleyball nets that are on our field during their lunchtime breaks too. 

Years 5 and 6 Action Girl Pastoral Programs

This term the Years 5 and Year 6 Pastoral Action Girl programs will focus on managing changes. The Year 5 unit will provide opportunities for students to identify different emotional zones and ways we can deal with real life scenarios when they arise. The students will also look at the strategies they have developed from joining Gioia House this year and how they can continue to develop positive relationships, be inclusive and have a positive mindset in all aspects of their lives.

The Year 6 Pastoral Action Girl program this term, will focus on managing the transition to high school. The students will discuss different emotional regulation zones and identify ways they can be aware of how they’re feeling and the tools they can use for their wellbeing. The students will also focus on identifying ways they can continue to develop their organisational skills and continue to look for opportunities to maintain friendships while also looking for opportunities to form new friendships.

Action Girls

Congratulations to the following Gioia House students who were awarded Action Girl Awards for being kind and respectful students. They display a positive attitude in all areas of school life and are inclusive and supportive of others.

Year 5:
Mia Bonanno
Aria Guild
Isla The
Cadence Wong

Year 6:
Mary Bakhos
Georgia David
Sienna Kim
Mikayla Tadros

It is wonderful to see so many Gioia House students being nominated for an Action Girl award. 

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Learning in the Library

Thursday 20 October saw Year 5 and 6 students visited by the YA author Sue Whiting to hear about her new book Tilda. Ms Whiting shared how she draws inspiration from her family and her process of research to develop her stories. This was a great opportunity for students to expand their thinking about their reading and understand the author’s creative process. It was exciting to see how our students thoroughly engaged with this presentation. Christiane in Year 6 described the experience:

‘I enjoyed Sue Whiting’s presentation because she can write for older readers (adults), picture books (little kids) and novels (for teens). She has great meaning for all of the stories she writes. She is really fun because she was giving out bookmarks and had a 1901 quiz which was quite funny with some of the questions and answers. It was heartwarming when we found out that she was only 50 when she knew about her grandma. 

I would love to read Tilda because of the way the author described it. It has a really nice meaning behind it and I recently read a book that has a couple of similarities that make me want to read it more.’

Some other thoughts from the students included:

‘Sue Whiting was an amazing person to listen to. She was positive and when she read, it took all my attention.’
Isabelle L

‘I really liked Sue Whiting’s presentation, because if I wanted to become an author when I grow she gave a really good explanation on how to start creating a book.’
Mia 

‘I really like how nice she was and how she answered all of our questions. I also liked how she chose some people to do a quiz because that was fun even if you weren’t chosen. Overall I really enjoyed it.’
Natalie

‘I loved that we could ask questions and she would answer them. I was so happy that we had the opportunity to answer questions and participate in a 1901 quiz. We learnt so much about why she wrote her books and where she gets all her research from.’
Ever

‘Relating her book to her family history and learning about her Grandma.’
Sienna. R & Claire

Students were given the opportunity to purchase their own signed copy of Tilda. Orders can be placed using this link and will be delivered to the Library for collection.

Susan Lombardo
Head of Library and Information Services (Acting)

Author visit

We know that there are many educational and personal development benefits of reading, and as educators, we create engaging opportunities to instil a love for reading in our students. Last Thursday, Sue Whiting, an award-winning children’s author, visited Gioia House students, talking about her latest books and what inspires her to write stories. Please read the Library article for more information.

Year 6 Science

YEAR 6 SCIENCE LESSON

Year 6 students are learning about the structure of the Earth – crust, mantle, outer core and inner core. In our practical lesson, we created the layers of the Earth, using different coloured play dough to represent each layer. We worked in groups of four with our friends and were excited and enjoyed this lesson.

Olympia Russo
Year 6 McLaren

Year 5 Camp

YEAR 5 TALLONG OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

In September, Year 5 was lucky enough to enjoy all Tallong has to offer. We participated in a range of activities varying from orienteering to the flying fox. The activities were amazing, but to me, the highlight was when we enjoyed the campfire. The instructors talked to us about the stars, we got to see our friends in other cabins, and we got to enjoy what was both a breath of fresh air and an experience to remember. We were also lucky enough to hear Ms Sulius read The Lorax to us as we watched the campfire under the moonlight. It was also really nice to bond with the Year 10 Leaders and learn about their own camp experiences. We were also lucky enough to enjoy some of the best food ever! All in all, the camp was an amazing experience and certainly one that we will never forget. Thank you to our teachers for making our Year 5 camp super special. We had a great time, and it could not have been more perfect.
Emilia Srdanovic 

My experience at camp was very fun! I made so many new friendships and LOTS of memories. One of my favourite activities was the campfire. Sitting with all of my friends and watching the fire crackle, made me very happy. There were activities such as scavenger hunts and learning how the Tallong water system works, and so much more. There were a lot of funny moments in our cabin. Entering Tallong made me feel so excited but saying goodbye was hard. I hope when the new Year 5s next year have as much fun as I did.
Charlotte Stanhope 

My experience at camp was amazing! The best thing about camp was the food. At camp, I made new friends and met new people, and I think camp is a great way to make friends and communicate with new people. Also, talking with the Year 10 leaders, it helped me realise it’s not that hard to make new friends and now I feel more confident. At camp, we participated in really fun activities with really nice instructors to help us. My favourite one was probably the Flying Fox. It was fun and scary at the same time! I really appreciate all the people who took the time to spend three days with us.
Sienna Braun

Year 5 Excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm

As part of the Year 5 Interdisciplinary Unit ‘Food and Fibre,’ the Year 5 students attended an excursion on Tuesday, 18 October, to Calmsley Hill City Farm. This learning experience enabled the students to understand the processes involved in the production and distribution of food as well as sustainable practices. The students took part in a guided farm tour and also enjoyed watching the Sheep Shearing Show, Whipping Show and watched the farm sheep dog ‘Trigger’ round up the sheep.

50 WORDS

Our learning intention in writing last week was to think creatively and to compose coherent and concise short stories. The students achieved the success criteria by producing engaging stories. Below are some of the students’ writings for you to enjoy.
Leonie McLaren
Year 6 Teacher

50 Word Stories

The babysitter chases the kids around the house. CRASH! BANG! THUMP! The kids laughing, shouting and all the loud playing of the instruments is driving the babysitter MAD. She tries to call the parents to come back home but obviously, there was no answer. So the babysitter left the house.
Daniela Bowden

Guy wakes up, just like yesterday, slowly opening his eyes. Everything looks wrong. Everything looks like an artists’ dream, except it’s his nightmare. Scrubbing his eyes. He’s desperate. Opening his eyes again in fear. Tears gush from his unbelieving eyes, he couldn’t believe he was trapped in his own masterpiece. 
Josie Chui

Evening swept around the corner and took daylight with it. Chains guarding the doorway making sure no one gets in. Lights shining brightly onto the street, lighting up the cobwebs. You look around. You find nothing. Nobody is here with you. Or so you thought… You can see him now…
Madeleine Mirachi

I stepped out of my window, frost covering my body. I jumped down to my roof, the slates slowly slipping. The fog covers my eyes, coldness changing them from blue to green. I jump down. A frog sitting there like it’s waiting for me. It leads me, into the unknown.
Stella King

Again, I fell upon the cool, stony rocks surrounded by colourful flowers. It was so tedious. Everyday was a repeating nightmare. The staircase above me, waited for me to move, leading me to nothingness. I had taken two steps, expecting to get pushed back, but I knew something was different. 
Sienna Kim

Sally was walking along the winding road appearing at a staircase. She didn’t belong on earth, but maybe in the world beyond the never ending staircase. Sally would belong? She started walking, it felt like days until she finally reached the top. Sally saw people, humans, with wings. ‘What on earth!’
Mia Bouantoun

Kitchen Garden Initiative

Message from the Kitchen Garden Club. We invite students in Gioia House to purchase a tomato seedling for their home garden to support the disadvantaged within St Pauli’s Church community.

Public Speaking Competition

Yesterday at our Primary assembly our Public Speaking finalists were announced and received their trophies from our College Principal.

After being successful in their classroom competitions, students delivered their prepared speeches in front of an adjudicator and an audience made up of their peers. The students spoke confidently and assertively and should be very proud of themselves!

A huge congratulations to our winners are:

Kindergarten Winners
Alessandro Pace
Aria Serafin

Year 1 Winners
Ella Wong
William Lu

Year 2
1st Place: Isabel Karam
2nd Place: Rory Toal

Year 3
1st Place: Esther Chiew
2nd Place: Eloise Lai

Year 4
1st Place: Pheodora Jayaseelan
2nd Place: Elizabeth Saade

Swimming Lessons

This week on the Primary Campus we began our swimming program.

Five reasons your children should learn to swim:

• Lessons provide your children with confidence, which is beneficial for self-esteem.
• Your child will learn about water safety in and around water.
• Swimming is a great way to exercise.
• Earlier development of physical skills including hand-eye coordination and muscle tone.
• Enhances social and personal skills.

Swimming lessons are also extremely beneficial for children as they enhance their knowledge of safety around water as well as further their skills and stroke development. Above all swimming is fun!

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Religious Education

A Short School Prayer

Almighty God We give you our school.

We give you all the teachers and staff who work here,

We give you all the children who study here.

We pray our school would be place of great discovery, adventure and creativity.

May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love,

A place where everyone is respected and all are deeply valued.

We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 (A modern prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Welcome back to Term 4! We begin our term in the month of the Rosary. October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. The month begins with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary celebrated on 7 October. The Rosary is a devotion in honour of the Virgin Mary. The Rosary is a sequence of prayers intended to help us grow in our faith as we come to understand more and more about the life, the death, the resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus Christ, and about the Church and who we are in the Lord. The Rosary can be prayed in its entirety or just one decade at a time. Take time to pray the Rosary this month.

Our students have been praying the rosary every Tuesday and Wednesday in October.

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

PYP Exhibition

Last week, we witnessed a wonderful celebration of learning presented by our Year 4 students as the outcome of their Exhibition process. The students carried out their own inquiry into the central idea ‘Our actions reflect our beliefs’ and they designed an inquiry around an area of personal interest for them. They worked in collaborative teams to research questions about this area of interest, using primary and secondary sources. Each team was supported by a mentor throughout the process. Mentors were staff members from across the College. The students composed their information in an essay and used creative products and displays to share their learning with the community.

Our Year 4 students are to be commended on their engagement with the Exhibition and on the very impressive way that they were able to articulate their knowledge and understanding of significant issues. A special thank you must be extended to all who worked with the students throughout the Exhibition process, most particularly our mentors and our Year 4 teachers who worked extremely hard to ensure that every student had the opportunity to be successful.

It was so joyful to have an event like this onsite, after two years of presenting this as a recorded event. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to Year 4!

Here are some thoughts from our Year 4 students:

I learnt that you have to get your research from a reliable source if you want it to be correct. I also think that my team have worked really hard together and our teamwork was really good and I have learnt that their are only 76 Javan Rhinos left in the world! 
Keira

I use to think that women’s rights were not a problem. When I researched the subject I found out that it was a very big thing in Australia and it really inspired me to keep on researching. What I now know is that women’s equality impacts a lots of women’s life and now I am glad I research it for my Exhibition.
Emiie

My team researched poverty and we had a blast during the Exhibition. We loved mentor meetings because our mentor gave us a lot of ideas. Our team loved working on our videos and our creative products like our clay sculpture even if it was hard. Now we know what poverty is and how to cope with other people and we loved interviewing Mrs Sulis across the road.
Serena

I learned a lot of interesting things i didn’t know before, like why certain sports are better for you and how much sport can change your wellbeing. I also learned a lot about teamwork. I thought the Exhibition would be very hard and I wouldn’t be able to think of something, I learned a lot about well-being and how to be a good teammate. Now I think that the Exhibition is fun and a good way to make friends.
Dimi

I have learned so much about nuclear physics, energy and weaponry. I have learned how to get all the information by researching. My friends and I had so much fun together in my group. We also have made a great team, helping each other and supporting each other. i have learned about fusion and fission with nuclear energy.
Peter

I learnt how to properly structure an essay. I researched nuclear physics and weapon facts using Kiddle and Britannica. My team had awesome teamwork and we all worked together to finish the exhibition.
Rohan

Current Units of Inquiry

Our students in all grade levels are now working on their final unit of inquiry for the year. They are inquiring into the following central ideas:

Prep: Communities work together
Kindergarten: Guardianship of the planet is a shared responsibility
Year 1: Humans can communicate in verbal and non-verbal ways with others
Year 2: Games connect people
Year 3: Cultural understanding is built through aesthetic appreciation
Year 4: Commemoration and celebration connects to identity

If you have any resources or expertise connected with these ideas, we would love to hear from you!

Karen Campbell
Curriculum (PYP) Coordinator

Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities

Last weekend we completed the second round of the Santa Sabina Volleyball/Basketball invitational competition. We were very blessed with the weather and the many hundreds of students from schools across Sydney enjoyed playing without any interruptions. Along with Volleyball, Basketball, Touch Football and Tennis at Santa Sabina, Water Polo, Basketball and Tennis at other venues to complete a full round of sport. We are crossing our fingers for the next few weeks to ensure we can get through all matches and allow our boys and girls the opportunity to compete in their sport.

Again, over the past month or so we have had students selected at representative levels in their chosen discipline. The following boys and girls can be very proud of their achievements as we are of them, so I would like to congratulate them on challenging themselves at higher honours.

Congratulations to our students who competed at the Festival of Speech at Pymble Ladies College last Friday and Saturday. A full report can be read elsewhere in this edition of Veritas Voice.

We are once again requiring from you all registrations for Term 1 sports. I realise that we are only in Week 3 of Term 4 but as I had explained in previous correspondence, we have shared with you the sports that are on offer in Term 1 and we have to meet IGSA and IPSHA registration deadlines for those sports that are on offer. Please refer to the Term 1 sports page in this VV publication to register your son or daughter for sport.

Representative opportunities this term include:

NSWCCC Waterpolo championships 26 October at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
IPSHA Gymnastics at Rooty Hill
IGSA Gymnastics 28 October
CGSSSA Aquathon at Merrylands on 2 November
CGSSSA Tennis at Parramatta on 11 November
CGSSSA Touch Football Trials 15 & 17 November
Australian Volleyball Schools Cup 3-11 December Gold Coast

Other sporting highlights include

Claudia Cicco was selected in the Australian All Schools Football team. She is now contracted with the Wellington Phoenix A league Team for 2023. This is an amazing achievement for an 18 year old. Lily Stewart (Year 10) was awarded joint 15 years age champion in Athletics, while Janice Leelapatra (Year 11) and Caitlin Brennan (Year 9) competed at the NSW All schools with Janice placing second in Pole Vault qualifying for the Australian All schools in December. Emma Wheadon (Year 11) represented NSW in the Australian Cross Country championships in Adelaide.

In Volleyball, Year 7 students Emily Morgan, Mackenzie Bedford and Violet Addabbo were selected in the NSW U14 Volleyball Team. Elizabeth Buckley (U16), Jennifer Yang (U19), and Isabella Simurina (U19), were also selected to represent NSW in their respective age groups. In addition, Isabella, Jennifer and Isabella Cook were selected to represent NSW in Beach Volleyball this year.

Faith Ata (Year 5) was selected in the Mackillop Rugby Sevens team and then selected in the NSW merit team. Honey Kim (Year 6) won the Mackillop Golf Championship qualifying her for the NSW PSSSA championships. In Water Polo, Armani Jamison and Abbie Crakanthorp were selected in teams in their respective age groups to compete at the Junior National Championships. Peter Domingo was crowned runner-up in the U12 Tennis ACT junior championships.

As you can see another packed representative calendar for our students and staff but one that is very worthwhile allowing our students to compete against other students at a higher level. I wish all our students the very best in their pursuit of medals at these events.

George Ayoub
Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Gymnastics medallist

Congratulations Tara Mackie on her great results in the National Club Gymnastics Competition. Tara won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze. Her ‘level 6’ team (with two other girls) won gold in the individual team event. 

George Ayoub
Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Netball

Hello fellow netballers, my name is Ms Jo Gocher and I am Santa’s new Netball Coordinator and Sport Administrator. I am honoured to be stepping into Ms Avellino’s shoes and can’t wait to meet you all on court.

It feels like the 2022 winter season just finished but we are already preparing for the year ahead. As you know we rely heavily on our volunteers to ensure that every team has a coach and that we have enough umpires to cover all of our games.

I would therefore, like to promote the Pathway for Coaches and Umpires and encourage you all to consider developing your skills and knowledge and volunteering for these sometimes challenging but rewarding roles. Note: Umpires are paid, once accredited.

Information regarding registrations for 2023 will be distributed when available from ERNA and trials for Year groups will occur in Term 1 2023. However, we will be sending out an Expression of Interest to all players turning 14, 15, 16, 17  or 18 next year to trial for the College’s first team. The team will most likely be placed in the senior division of the ERNA competition as this is a requirement for any player turning 18 in the year of play.

Depending on the level of interest, we may consider selecting our top cadet team at the same time.  Cadets can be a maximum of 17 years of age, in the year of play. 

Remaining teams will be selected in their respective Year groups.

I will hold a netball shooting clinic towards the end of term which will be open to any student wanting to give shooting a go or if they would like to improve their technique. These sessions will be held at lunchtime in Year groups, so keep an eye out for the flyer.

Go Nat, Go Swifts

Joanne Gocher
Netball Coordinator

IGSA sports wrap for Terms 2 & 3 Basketball and Football

Thank you to all of the coaches, parents and students for your commitment and participation in the Term 2 and Term 3 IGSA Saturday sport competitions.

Basketball Term 2: There were no finals for this competition. Teams were placed based on their position in their division at the end of the round games. Santa 2 and Santa 3 were placed first in their pool and are to be congratulated on their efforts for this season. Santa 2 and Santa 5 were placed 2nd, and  Santa 1 was placed 4th.

Basketball Term 3: Santa 2 and Santa 5 are to be congratulated on making it to the finals.

They both finished in second place after playing in the grand finals. Santa 1 made the semi-finals, however, did not progress to the grand final. Santa 4 finished in 5th place, whilst Santa 3 finished the season in 6th place.

Football: Term 2: There were no finals for this competition. Teams were placed based on their position in their division at the end of the round games.

Santa 2 was placed 2nd, Santa 3 was 6th and Santa 1 was placed 8th in their divisions.

Football Term 3: Santa 1 were victorious in their grand final match. Well done to all of the players and coach Riley on a fantastic season. Santa 2 made the semis, however did not progress to the grand final.

In Term 3, my teammates and I participated in the IGSA football competition. This was held every Saturday against other schools within the region. It was a new and challenging experience for us, as we were required to step up and play in the senior competition with a predominantly Year 9 team. Yet, this was made easier under the coaching of Mr Tran-Huynh and the dedication of the players who showed up week in and week out. This had a direct impact on the results of our season. Despite playing in the senior competition, we were able to come out of the season with a winning streak and 1st place ribbons. We had some memorable moments and the grand final was definitely a notable one. We came in knowing it would be a challenging grand final considering, it was a tight match when we played Kambala earlier in the season, but in the end we managed to come out with a much-deserved 2-0 win. The teams’ encouraging and upbeat persona made it extremely easy for us to not only have a successful season but one that was fun and established many friendships.

Alexia Mavraidis
Year 9

2023 TERM 1 SPORTS YEAR 3-6

The following information relates to Registrations for TERM 1 sports.  Please read carefully and if you register for a sport it is your intention that your son or daughter will play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as is attending matches that you are committing to.

Please read carefully and Register for a sport if you are in years 3-6:

IPSHA Boys Basketball (Years 3-4)– Students have an opportunity to play Basketball for the College each Saturday in Term 1. Matches may be scheduled between 8:00am – 12:pm. The IPSHA competition is played against other independent schools. If you register for this sport it is your intention to commit to training and matches each week. Training days and times are to be communicated once we have registrations.

Boys Basketball – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

IPSHA GIRLS FOOTBALL (Years 3-6)-  Students have an opportunity to play Football for the College each Saturday in Term 1. Matches may be scheduled between 8:00am – 12:pm. The IPSHA competition is played against other independent schools. If you register for this sport it is your intention to commit to training and matches each week. Training days and times are to be communicated once we have registrations.

IPSHA Girls FOOTBALL – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Run Club (YRS 5-6 ONLY)- Years 5-12 are provided with an opportunity to be part of Fit club on Wednesday before school in term 1. This sport requires a minimum number of students.

Run Club – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Representative Dance (Years 1-6)– Students have an opportunity to audition to be selected for the College Representative Dance program in 2023. Training times will be organised with the assistance of the head of the Dance program, Ms. Williams, and students will be notified. Please read carefully and complete the expression of interest form in the link below

Representative Dance – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Waterpolo/Flipperball Years 3-6 (GIRLS) Students have an opportunity to compete in Waterpolo/Flipperball for the College each Saturday in Term 1. Matches may be scheduled between 8:00am – 12:pm. The IPSHA competition is played against other independent schools. If you register for this sport it is your intention to commit to training and matches each week. Training days and times are to be communicated once we have registrations.

Waterpolo/Flipperball – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

If you require further information please contact the sports staff

Sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Sports Department

2023 TERM 1 SPORTS YEAR 7-12

The following information relates to Registrations for TERM 1 sports.  Please read carefully and if you register for a sport it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Team entries are due to our external organising bodies in week 7 this term therefore we need registrations to be completed asap.

Please read carefully and Register for a sport if you are in years 7-12 in 2023:

Invitational Volleyball at SSC – Students have an opportunity to play with friends in this competition which is played at Santa Sabina College each Saturday in Term 1. Matches may be scheduled between 7:45 am to 1:00 pm. Teams will play at the same time slot each week and it is a great opportunity to try this sport with an eye on selection into the Representative Volleyball Program in 2023. 

Volleyball – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  

IGSA Tennis – During Term 1 students will be playing Tennis against other Independent schools in Sydney. Students will be expected to train each week either before or after school on the College Tennis courts and play on Saturday mornings between 7:30am – 12:00pm. Mr. Magee, Head of SSC Tennis, and his coaches organise training and team selections which will be dependent on the number of students who register to play. Please read carefully and if you register for Tennis it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Tennis – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

IGSA Touch Football – During Term 1 students will be playing Touch Football against other Independent schools in Sydney. Students will be expected to train each week either before or after school on the College’s main field and play on Saturday mornings between 7:30am – 12:00pm. Training and team selections which will be dependent on the number of students who register to play. Please read carefully and if you register for Touch Football it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Touch Football – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

IGSA Waterpolo – During Term 1 students will be playing Waterpolo against other Independent schools in Sydney. Students will be expected to train each week either before or after school in the College pool and play on Saturday mornings between 7:30am – 12:00pm.  Training and team selections will be dependent on the number of students who register to play. Please read carefully and if you register for Waterpolo it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Waterpolo – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Representative Dance Program

Students from year 1 through to year 12 have the opportunity to audition for the Santa Sabina College Representative Dance Program for 2023. Please click on the link to register your expression of interest and further information you require

Dance: Click here for Expression of Interest

Rugby 7’s – During Term 1 Students compete at the Barker Invitational 7’s rugby competition against other independent and club teams. Students will be expected to train at the College either before or after school, play matches on Monday afternoon/evening at Barker College and attend a number of gala days throughout the term. Please read carefully and if you register for Rugby 7’s it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Rugby 7’s – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Swimming Club – Students have an opportunity to be involved in the College swimming club which will train twice a week in the College pool. These times will be organised with the assistance of the Swimming Coach and students will be notified. The proposed times are Monday after school and Thursday morning before school but this may change depending on coaching. Please read carefully and if you register for swim clubs it is your intention to play that sport for the entire season. Training will be compulsory as are attending matches that you are committing to.

Swimming – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Boxing for Senior Years – Years 10, 11 & 12 are provided with an opportunity to be part of Boxing fitness on Friday morning before school in Term 1. If there are not enough students that register for this, we will not be able to provide this service.

Boxing Fitness – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Fit Club – Years 5-12 are provided with an opportunity to be part of Fit club on Wednesday after school in Term 1. If there are not enough students that register for this, we will not be able to provide this service.

Fit club – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Run Club – Years 5-12 are provided with an opportunity to be part of Fit club on Wednesday before school in Term 1. If there are not enough students that register for this, we will not be able to provide this service.

Run Club – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NETBALL 2023

Santa Sabina College competes in the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) Saturday Netball Competition that will run from Saturday 29 April through to Saturday 9 September 2023 (Finals). The competition is open to students turning 8 years of age or older in 2023. Games are played at Brush Farm Park, Eastwood (8-10 years) and Meadowbank Park (11+ years) from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the same allocated time each week. Training is held either before school from 7.00am-8.00am or after school from 3.30-4.30pm on the College Netball courts.

Netball Expression of Interest – PLEASE CLICK HERE

Please contact the Sports office if you require further information relating to the sports on offer in Term 1

Sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Sports Department

Challenging but successful DofE hike

During the recent holidays, 16 Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students participated in their Adventurous Journey in some challenging conditions in Brisbane Waters National Park. While the rain was around, the group learnt to be comfortable in the wet and how to deal with changing plans and conditions on trail. A highlight of the trip was camping in Pindar Cave, a large cave that was the ideal shelter and campsite for this group. Well done to those who have finished their Adventurous Journey for the Silver Award!

Chris Walker
Outdoor Education Coordinator

Congratulations Bella Merlino

Big congratulations to Bella Merlino of Year 12 on winning the National Council of Women NSW Dame Marie Bashir Peace Award at Parliament House recently. Continuing to inspire us, Bella is also a finalist for the Western Sydney Young Woman of the Year.

Artistic Director

Celebration of Music Concert

Saturday 5 November 6:00pm-8:00pm

Preparations are underway for the Celebration of Music Concert. This concert will be held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Macquarie St. The following ensembles will be performing:

– College Choir
– Chamber Choir
– Sinfonietta
– Symphony Orchestra
– Chamber Orchestra
– Wind Ensemble
– Stage Band
– Combined 5-12 Taiko
– Senior Percussion Ensemble
– Gioia House Strings
– Year 4 Strings Instrumental Group
– Year 4 Recorder Instrumental Group
– Primary Chamber Strings Ensemble
– Siena Singers

The venue has a seating capacity of only 470, so tickets will be capped at a MAXIMUM OF 2 PER FAMILY because seating is limited. Booking is compulsory for this free concert. Tickets will not be available at the door as seating is strictly limited.

Without a ticket, you will not be able to watch the performance. Allocated ticketed seating can be pre-booked via this link:  https://www.trybooking.com/CDJSX

There are only a handful of seats still available.

Advent Festival of Readings and Carols

ALL WELCOME

Date: Wednesday 30 November
Venue: Santa Sabina Chapel
Performance Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Rehearsals: 2:30pm–5:30pm

Performers:
College Choir
Chamber Choir
Chamber Orchestra
Brass Ensemble
Siena Singers 
Laudare Singers
Year 4 

Years 5-12 Speech Night

Date: Thursday 24 November 
Performance Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue: State Theatre, Market St, City
Rehearsal: during the day at the venue

Performers:
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Choir
Stage Band
Brass Ensemble
Rep Dancers

Kindergarten to Year 4 Speech Day

Date: Friday 2 December 
Venue: Santa Sabina Chapel
Performance Time: 9:15am – 10:15am
Rehearsal: TBA
Performers:
Siena Singers
PY Chamber Strings
PY Taiko

Chamber Choir performs with Consort 8

ALL WELCOME

Date: Saturday 3 December
Venue: St Paul’s Anglican Church, Burwood 
Performance Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Tickets: available online (or at the door) from Tuesday 1 November, via https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/christmas-lullaby/pre-sale 

Introducing Michelle Nosworthy, Science Teacher

Staff Story

Michelle Nosworthy loves change. Which is just as well because this year has meant many big changes for her – a new job, a move from one side of the world to the other and marriage just weeks ago.

Only three days before her wedding day, Michele was on a zoom call being interviewed for the position of Science Teacher. On her honeymoon she had another zoom interview – for the position of Assistant Head of Kurrawa House, a position she takes up in January. It’s been a whirlwind time with the marriage, the new country and the new job, but as an experienced teacher and pastoral leader in the UK, Michele takes it all in her stride.

In fact, her love of change is also the reason she chose teaching as her career. “I like to be busy and I like to be changing all the time’, she says.

‘I don’t like doing the same thing. Becoming a teacher lent itself to all the things I like doing.’

Since the beginning of Term 4, Michelle has been teaching Science to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. She is British and grew up on Jersey in the Channel Islands. She attended an all girls school which she says was very similar to Santa Sabina. At school she loved the sciences as well as creative subjects including Drama and Art but she had no idea of what her career would be. Encouraged to continue with science which came easily to her and was enjoyable, it was not until close to the end of her degree that she realised teaching would be her path.

‘I’ve ended up where I want to be’, she says.

Michelle studied Pharmacology at the University of Bath followed by teacher training at the University of Reading.

Most recently, Michelle was a Chemistry Teacher at Langley Grammar School in Slough, one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the UK. Chemistry is her specialty, although at Santa Sabina she also teaches all the school sciences – Chemistry, Physics and Biology. With her background in the pastoral role of Phase Leader (a similar role to Year Coordinator at Australian schools) at Langley, she is looking forward to using her experience in pastoral care to assist Tia O’Carroll in running Kurrawa House from 2023.

Outside of work, Michelle’s main hobby is running. She runs with her Australian husband, as well as on her own, although she’s finding Sydney’s topography is a lot more challenging compared to the flat paths of Maidenhead, Berkshire, her most recent address. Michelle also loves socialising with friends and cooking for family in her down time.

After only four weeks in Australia, the British Chemistry specialist is adjusting well, with a routine of walking to work, running up and down our hills in her spare time and already planning on running next year’s City to Surf. And in five years’ time, all being well, we hope to welcome her to Australian Citizenship.

Victoria Harper
Publications and Marketing Officer

Uniform shop trading hours

We have extended our trading Hours for the end of Term 4 and the beginning of Term 1, including the school holidays.

Term 4 extended trading hours

Monday 5 December 8:00am-4:00pm 
Tuesday 6 December 8:00am-5:00pm 
Wednesday 7 December 8:00am-4:00pm 
Thursday 8 December (appointment required) 9:00am-4:00pm 
Friday 9 December (appointment required) 9:00am-3:00pm 

We will close for the school holidays at 3:00pm on Friday 9 December. We will re-open for appointments only and online order pickups from Monday 9 January 2023 at 9:00am. Please use the following link to book your appointment https://midford.as.me/SantaSabinaCollege Online pass phrase SS189

 Term 1 School Holiday Trading Hours – appointment and Online order pickups only 

Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 9:00am to 4:00pm 
Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 9:00am to 4:00pm 
Monday 23 January to Wednesday 25 January 9:00am to 4:00pm 
Thursday 26 January Closed – Australia Day

Term 1 Extended Trading Hours – no appointments required 

Friday 27 January 8:00am-4:00pm 
Monday 30 January 8:00am-4:00pm 
Tuesday 31 January 8:00am-5:00pm 
Wednesday 1 February 8:00am-4:00pm 
Thursday 2 February 8:00am-5:00pm 
Friday 3 February 8:00am-4:00pm 
Monday 6 February 8:00am-4:00pm 
Tuesday 7 February 8:00am-5:00pm 
Wednesday 8 February 8:00am-4:00pm 
Thursday 9 February 8:00am-5:00pm 
Friday 10 February 8:00am-4:00pm 

Normal trading hours resume Monday 13 February 2023

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 

Kopanang Christmas Market

It’s that time of year so please support the wonderful women of the Kopanang Community Trust at this year’s Christmas market: Friday 18 November 3:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday 19 November 10:00am to 3:00pm at Rosary Lodge – Santa Sabina College.

Night Patrol is back!

Night Patrol has been part of the College’s commitment to work towards a more just society for several decades. After three years off the road, Night Patrol is back and there are several different ways that your family could be involved in this outreach program. You do not need to commit to a regular roster, but help out when asked, if it suits you. There is something for everyone. 

You could 

• Make a few loaves of sandwiches (if you involve your children, they can put the activity in their service record).
• Donate some of the snack foods (such as muesli bars, chips, popper juices) 

or cash to buy fresh fruit on the day we go out.

• Be part of the seven-person crew.
• Drive the Night Patrol truck.

Here are a few things that will give you an idea of what Night Patrol involves, to help you decide how you want to go out in the truck… 

• Pre-COVID we visited rough sleepers in the CBD, but now the focus has changed to supporting people on the margins of the city: Waterloo, Surrey Hills, Balmain, Glebe. 
• We go out on Saturday and Sunday nights, from 6:00-9:00pm, approximately once a month.
• Spending time chatting is an important part of the night for people who are isolated and lonely. One lady in Ward Park calls her visitors ‘the family’.
• Night Patrol is once again open to students 16 years and over, parents, and staff. It has been wonderful in past years to see a parent and daughter working together. Many enjoy it so much they come back as ex-students and ex-parents. 

For more information or to register your interest please contact me: j.sulis@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 9745 7034.

Jane Sulis
Outreach Coordinator

P & F Association

Colour Fun Run September 2022

P&F Annual General Meeting  – Save the Date 28 November 2022

Gingerbread House Drive – orders close 30 November 2022

Term 4 is well underway and Christmas is definitely on our radar. Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with a wonderful family activity bringing joy, creativity and merriment. You can build magical gingerbread houses AND help us fundraise at the same time! The  P&F Gingerbread House Kit Drive will earn the College $15.00 for every Gingerbread House Kit you purchase (before November 30) through the link below.

For gingerbread house making joy, head over to Gingerbread Folk (via the below exclusive link) and choose from Original, Gluten free or Chocolate gingerbread kits. Don’t delay – sales close 30 November to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. Here’s the link: https://share.gingerbreadfolk.com.au/6mfW7r

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

Year Group Events

Parent Education – Debra Brodowski

Perfectionism. How to support your child to be imperfectly perfect in life

If any of the above statements sound familiar, the need for perfectionism in your young person may be presenting. Helping your child to learn, grow, achieve their goals is a wonderful journey that parents are able to support and navigate through the stages of growing up. As adults, we have learned that ‘being perfect’, ‘looking perfect’, ‘achieving perfection’ is unrealistic and can lead to a downward spiral of stress and anxiety in striving to reach the pinnacle of ‘being perfect’.

Perfectionism is different from wanting to achieve and being goal oriented in nature. Perfectionism stems from having high unrealistic standards coupled with a fear of being harshly judged, be it by others or even being self judgemental when those standards are not met. Over time, perfectionism can lead to the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

How do I spot signs of perfectionism in my young person?

Perfectionism can be seen in different ways:

• Black and white/all or nothing thought processes: ‘It’s not perfect so what’s the point?!’
• Harsh self-judgement: ‘It’s not perfect and so I’m useless/worthless/nothing/inadequate!’
• Unrealistically high standards of everyone else: Hearing harsh criticisms of friends/ school/activities because they have ‘fallen short of expectations’
• Taking excessive amounts of time to get tasks completed because of the finished product needing to be perfect
• Avoiding tasks where it will be hard to be perfect
• Being highly sensitive to feedback
• Being emotional/stressed/reactive when perfectionism has not been obtained.

How can I help support my young person in managing perfectionism?

There is a real opportunity to help create a positive mindset for our young people, rather than reinforcing a perfectionistic mindset. We can do this in a few ways:

• Focus on the positives: your young person already possesses many wonderful strengths that make them uniquely human. Emphasising, cultivating, celebrating these strengths help build efficacy beliefs in our young people. Efficacy beliefs reinforce to people that if they are met with a challenge, they have the skills, resources, support, and coping abilities to overcome the challenge.
• Help your young person learn and become aware of what situations arise where perfectionism emerges: are there any particular situations where signs of needing to be perfect emerge? Is it during homework where a piece of work needs to be perfect? Is it learning a new skill and being frustrated that it’s not perfect at the first attempt? Is it trying to look a certain way and never being satisfied?
• Be accepting and allow mistakes to be made. Efficacy beliefs are developed when challenges are overcome. This means that mistakes are made along the way. Making mistakes, and learning from them, is the best way to learn and build resilience. It helps build our confidence so that we can attempt new things. Mistakes are a part of life. Mistakes help us learn and grow. Mistakes help counter perfectionistic beliefs.
• Learn how to receive feedback. A fear for perfectionists is that ‘feedback = failure’. Help your young person to create the belief ‘feedback = learning and growth’. Feedback does not mean failure; it shows potential to grow and learn and help one step closer to achieving. Teaching your young person to receive feedback is done through encouragement and support. It is positive in nature and helps our young person understand ‘what can I learn from this situation’, ‘what can I do differently next time’.
• Help set more reasonable goals. Perfectionists can have BIG goals. Stretch goals are great; they help our young person to learn and grow. However, unrealistic goals can lead to anxiety and depression; they are impossible to achieve and therefore set our young person up for failure. When setting goals, if they seem unrealistic in nature, try reframing and suggesting ‘what is a goal we can look to achieve now? Maybe what you want, we can look at it down the track, however let’s look at what can be achieved now.’

Supporting our young people to identify and shift perfectionistic beliefs can have powerful and positive impacts overall for wellbeing; shifting feelings of anxiety and depression to feelings of confidence, positivity and growth.