College Principal

Welcome to Term 2 and already our school is abuzz with activity. 

We started the term commemorating our Anzacs and I spoke to the girls at our Secondary Assembly about those qualities that the Anzac spirit embodies such as courage, mateship and a fair go for all. Scholars trace the onset of wars to human nature, biological instincts, frustration, fear, greed. Sadly, these same aspects lead to conflicts and tensions in many communities, even in schools. I particularly spoke about fear as it is a powerful force and it can play a role in how we respond to those around us who are different from us, and who may threaten our identity and who we are. At our school, we celebrate our differences and we strive to leave peacefully. We aim to create a school environment which is a safe place where everyone will flourish. As a Catholic, Dominican school, we uphold the tradition of ‘Disputatio’ which guides us in developing relationships with one another. The tradition of Disputatio calls us to listen to another’s position that may be different from our own and respond through dialogue, to understand another’s perspective with respect. Not to pretend there are no differences, but to build unity. We are called to respond to one another with love, kindness, compassion and respect. 

Our teachers began the term working with UTS undertaking their own collaborative Action Research projects to review pedagogical practice and measure success outcomes. There is a wide variety of projects being undertaken ranging from ‘developing academic resilience in Maths’, to ‘using digital feedback for academic growth in the Social Sciences’. In all research projects our teachers collect baseline data, determine and implement interventions to improve outcomes. Then, they measure the success of the intervention through collecting new data, before drawing conclusions. Finally, they showcase their research presenting their findings to their peers, sharing their learnings to improve teaching and learning for everyone. 

Our new Food Technology rooms have been well received and our young chefs have been cooking up a storm. It is wonderful for them to have state-of-the-art facilities to use for their lessons. We are also almost ready to share our College Master Plan with our community, we are just waiting for it to be approved by Dominican Education Australia, before we unveil the exciting developments we hope to see over the coming years. 

This is an event-filled term and today we came together to celebrate Mother’s Day with masses, breakfasts and lunch where we took time to honour the women who care for us. The Health and Harmony Mother and Daughter retreat which will be held at Tallong will be another lovely way to strengthen connections between mothers and daughters. Our stage production of Peter Pan begins on 17 May and I know there has been a huge commitment from our young actors and stage crew since Term 1 to bring this play to life. My thanks to our Head of Drama and Visual Arts, Ms Nicole Ellis-Windsor, and her team for directing this performance. I can’t wait to see it! 

Last week I wrote and published an article on our approach to wellbeing at Santa Sabina College. Learning is closely linked to wellness and if we want our students to flourish at school then we need to create the optimum environment for that to occur. Strong relationships are the foundation of good mental health, and physical fitness and good nutrition also play a key role in setting us up to live well.

Today we are joyously celebrating Mother’s Day on campus with Masses and breakfasts for our families – my warmest wishes to all mothers and mother figures for a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

May is Mental Health Month: How are we promoting healthy students physically, emotionally and online

Many members of our community will have seen Ms Skerman’s recently published article ‘Wellbeing Matters’ and after reading this should have a very clear idea about the comprehensive and ‘wrap around care’ approach we take for the wellbeing of our students at Santa Sabina. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate wellbeing at the College and to consider some of our practices and to ensure that these are best practice in their structures and applications.

Student Leaders have been instrumental in ensuring that Mental Health Awareness Month remains front and centre during May and beyond. Wellbeing Wednesday activities are happening weekly in Homeroom across Years 5-12  and have included wellbeing discussions, creation of self-love walls, relaxation strategies and physical fun. The House Sporting Competition that took place for Year 7-12 students on Tuesday 9 May was also another strategy employed by our student leaders. On Our P-4 campus the rollout of the Friendology Program has also been a fantastic element to see in practice during May. This program is a friendship curriculum that inspires kids to feel empowered, develop a strong sense of self, and love themselves while learning to manage the most important thing to them…their friendships.

This lead up to May has also seen us as a College consider the efficacy of our digital safety and citizenship programs across the College. We have a comprehensive scope and sequenced digital curriculum in place for all students from Prep to Year 12. Resources from the eSafety commissioner website have been very useful in informing a number of elements of this curriculum. For this reason, we have put together a working party of relevant and skilled staff to undertake a review of our digital use and safety curriculum using the eSafety commissioner’s best practice framework for online safety education as our guiding tool. This work will involve looking at the five components of the framework and asking of ourselves:

• What do we already do to address this component?
• What gaps exist and how can we address these?
• What students and staff practices will help to reinforce this component within our digital culture? How can these be encouraged and supported?

We will work on the review for the remainder of 2023 and provide a comprehensive report on this process for the community to consider at the conclusion of this process. We look forward to finding ways to celebrate what we do well and to find ways that we can become a best practice school in all areas of digital safety and citizenship. 

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Welcome back. I hope your family had a restful break. Our teachers had a productive day of professional learning on 24 April. A majority of the time was set aside to work on their Action Research projects in collaboration with the experts from UTS  Professor Nick Hopwood and Dr Tracey-Ann Palmer. We also currently have six teachers studying for their Master’s in Education through various universities, and they had time to research and prepare a presentation to staff. Please see Kate Corcoran’s report below.

From an academic perspective, so much has already occurred for the students this term. The Year 7 and 8 students attended a Mathematics Day on Friday of Week 2. The students rotated through three activities from problem-solving to maths games and challenges, such as the mathematics behind barcodes. Gioia House had a visit from the author Jacqueline Harvey. Year 8 Geography students explored Strathfield for their project on Place and Livability. A select group of Year 10 and 11 Enrichment Students participated in the first round of the Ethics Olympiad. Year 9 and 10 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences have taken place. We held an HSC Information Evening for students in Year 11, 2024 and their parents. The Year 12 Biology students visited the Museum of Human Diseases at Sydney University, and the Year 10 Career interviews continue. 

Last week the NSW Government announced changes to the Curriculum Reform timeline. Schools must implement 100 new syllabi over the coming years, and the timeline is very tight. The government has reevaluated the dates, which is welcome news. Priority has been placed on implementing the K-10 English and Mathematics Syllabus.

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Action Research Professional Learning Day – time to make some changes

For the first day back this term, teachers involved in our action research projects spent the day working in their teams to move their projects forward to the intervention stage. The day started out with a presentation by our UTS project partners, Professor Nick Hopwood and Dr Tracy-Ann Palmer, to illustrate the many forms that changes of practice can take as well as the ways to measure the impact of these changes based on the success criteria. 

Groups then gathered in the senior school library to complete the planning phase and begin developing strategies to respond to the problems of practice they have identified. Whether it was through further analysis of the baseline data or another look at the relevant research literature, the professional conversations that came out of the creative thinking and critical analysis that followed allowed all groups to get to the point where they were ready to design and plan for their intervention. 

With a wealth of experience and expertise amongst the teachers and academics in the room, the peer collaboration activity provided an opportunity for all involved to view and provide feedback on other groups’ ideas (see examples below). From this process, teachers now have a better sense of the various topics their colleagues are working on and will hopefully continue to share ideas across groups and faculties to further add to the success of individual projects.

By the end of the day, most groups came away with a detailed plan of what changes they will make to their practice to address their identified problem and the methods they will use to observe and measure the impact of these changes. Given the reflective nature of action research, teachers will be constantly on the lookout for any signs that new strategies are not having the desired effect and will be ready to adjust these strategies accordingly. 

While this will be a busy term of moving through the trial-measure-adjust-measure cycle of improvement, it will be the breakthroughs, professional learning and ultimately the improvements in student outcomes achieved from this process that will make it all worthwhile.

Kate Corcoran
Action Research Coordinator

Deputy Principal Operations

In the event of an unexpected incident at school, it is vital that the College has the most up-to-date medical details for all students. Medical details can be updated on the Parent Lounge at any time and are reviewed by the College Nurse, Ms Peeters. If one of your children has any medical conditions that require specific care, please contact Ms Peeters at k.peeters@ssc.nsw.edu.au

All permission notes for excursions and incursions are distributed through Parent Lounge. The quick link to Parent Lounge is available on the Veritas Online dashboard. If you are unable to access either Veritas Online or Parent Lounge, please contact our IT team at itsupport@ssc.nsw.edu.au and they will assist you in accessing these portals.

The College is a busy place across all campuses throughout the day, but especially between 8:00 and 8:30am and 3:15 and 3:45pm. During these periods over 1300 students and staff are entering or exiting the grounds. In order to keep our students safe, can I please ask that families do not use the visitors’ car parking and chapel car parking at these times. 

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Head of Gioia House

Welcome to the Term 2 school newsletter. We had a very busy start to the term and it has been pleasing to see our students quickly settling back into the school routine.  

We celebrated the Feast of St Catherine of Siena. Our students engaged in a range of activities to learn about Catherine’s life and legacy and were inspired by her courage and determination to seek and speak the truth. Through this celebration, we hope to instil in our students the values of courage, integrity, and perseverance, which are all essential for success in life.

We welcomed Jacqueline Harvey to our school in Week 1. Jacqueline is an Australian author best known for her children’s book series Alice Miranda and Clementine Rose. Students were captivated by her engaging stories and infectious enthusiasm for reading and writing. During her visit, Jacqueline shared snippets of her upcoming books and answered students’ questions. Students were inspired by Jacqueline’s passion for storytelling and left the author’s visit with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for reading and writing.

This week, Ms Maks and I met with Mr Stephenson, The Head of St Patrick’s Junior School, to start planning for the upcoming Gioia House and St Pat’s Year 6 STEM Gala Day. We are excited about the event which aims to build friendships between our girls and the boys at St Pat’s. The Gala Day will be a fantastic opportunity for students to come together and participate in a day of STEM-focused activities and work together. It promises to be fun and educational with a range of age-appropriate exciting challenges planned. As educators, we understand the importance of developing these relationships early on in life, and we are committed to providing opportunities for our students to learn how to play and work together in a collaborative and supportive environment.

In Term 3, our students will come together to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup through mixed-team soccer games. This event will provide a unique opportunity for our students to have fun and work together as a team while celebrating the success and achievements of women in sport.

In addition to the soccer games, we will also host the Festival of Speech in Term 3, where students will have the chance to showcase their public speaking skills.

We are also excited about the Teacher Meet event later in the year which will bring teachers from Gioia House and St Pat’s to exchange teaching practices and share innovative ideas.

As always, we will keep you updated on any further development and details regarding the upcoming events, so be sure to stay tuned to the school newsletter and other communication channels.

As we move into the month of May, we take time to remember and honour a woman of profound humility – Mother Mary. Mary is an inspiring figure, and her devotion to her faith and her family serves as an example to us all. We will be celebrating Mary’s life and legacy through a range of activities and events throughout the month. 

With Mother’s Day this Sunday, I would like to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all the mothers and those who are like mothers. I wish you a wonderful and joyous Mother’s Day. May your day be filled with love, happiness and the appreciation you deserve.

CALENDAR DATES

• 24 – 26 May – Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong
• 1 June – K-6 Athletics Carnival
• 14-15 June – Parent-Teacher-Student Online Interviews
• 19 June – Gala Concert
• 13-15 September – Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong

We have fun while learning.

Stella Azizian
Head of Gioia House

Head of Primary P-4

Friendology Friendship Skills Program P-4

Research shows that relationships are the heart of wellbeing and learning. When we get friendships right in schools, children flourish! The URSTRONG Friendology program that is being implemented in Primary this term is a friendship skills curriculum, Friendology 101. This curriculum assists students to establish, manage and maintain healthy relationships. It teaches the children the important life skills of managing conflict with kindness and increases their overall resilience.

We have introduced a section on each of the grade pages to help you to learn the language that is used in the classroom. The tile looks like this on your child’s grade page:

Each fortnight the teachers will update this page to share with you what the children have been learning about. Also, in each Veritas Voice Issue this term each of our Stages will share what they have been learning in the classroom. This Issue Stage 2 will be sharing their learning.

Below is an example of a Friendology activity:

Communication

Veritas Online is our main form of communication with families. It contains the most up-to-date and detailed information, such as calendar and events, forms and documents including policies. Please note that Whatsapp is not official College communication. 

These pages have been upgraded and we will continue to upgrade them to meet the communication needs. The class teacher is always the first port of call if you have any questions or concerns about your child. Communication with teachers is via the school diary and/or via emails. While teachers will be unable to respond immediately (in most cases) as they are teaching your beautiful children, emails will be responded to in a timely manner as per College guidelines. For time-sensitive matters e.g. change to pick-up arrangements please kindly contact the Office. We have a new Office email address:  delmonte@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Grade Veritas Online homepages

Last term our grade pages were upgraded. The grade pages are the main point of information for each grade level. This is where families can find information on the following:

• Specialist activities e.g. day to wear PE uniform, bring Library bag, instrument, etc
• Curriculum overviews – up-to-date information about what is being taught in the classroom
• Homework
• Grade photos
• Friendology- fortnightly updates on what is happening in the classroom with the implementation of our new friendship and Social and Emotional Learning program 
• Music Ensemble groups- including homework/practise information (thank you to our class Mums for the suggestion of adding this tile)

P-4 Campus page

• The College calendar
• OOSH information
• Flexi schools information
• Co-curricular information
• Link to the P&F page
• Upcoming Parent helper activities
• Link to previously sent College emails
• Attendance information including the application form for extended leave
• Link to Grade pages
• Link to the Uniform Shop

If there is something else that you think would be helpful for the community to have on either of these pages we would love to hear from you! Please contact n.korman@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Please note that Whatsapp is not College communication.

Easter Egg Hunt

On Friday 28 April, we concluded the first week of Term with an Easter Egg hunt for students in Kindergarten to Year 2. Unfortunately, the P&F Kindergarten and Year 2 Easter Egg hunts had to be cancelled due to the weather but so that the children didn’t miss their hunt our parent helpers arranged the hunt on the Del Monte field. Photos of the hunt are on each K-2 Grade VO page.

A huge thank you to our fabulous parent helpers who organised the afternoon! It is a fabulous way to celebrate the Easter season and end our first week of Term 2. 

Mother’s Day

Wishing all of our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and special family friends a very happy Mother’s Day for Sunday!

I would like to sincerely thank all of the community, in particular the P&F representatives that were involved in the organisation of the Mother’s Day stall and breakfast. The piazza was filled with lots of smiles and laughter! Below are some activities that you may like to complete with your family.

Mother’s Day is for mothers and special women who mother you. It is not a holy day but remember these women are gifts from God! As a family, you may choose one of these activities to do for them.

THINGS TO CREATE …

A special Mother’s Day card

A colourful drawing of you with your mum or something of your choice, with a message underneath explaining all the reasons why you love your mum. ‘I love you, mum, because…’

Make a High Five Card!

https://tiffkeetch.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-much-card-and-kid-canvas.html

THINGS TO SING AND RECITE …

 We are in the Easter Season of Joy and Celebration after all! 

Write or find a special message, poem, or song, with words you feel best describes your mum, Nana etc.

Record it on your iPad/iPhone/tablet with music and effects. Maybe ask older members of your family to be in it too. Show it to her and watch her joy! 

You could also load it onto this padlet link that will be shared with the school community so we can all see it https://padlet.com/jgiannini7/made-for-our-mothers-and-special-women-of-the-del-monte-comm-coxivpxof83xlpn

TREATS TO MAKE …

With adult or parent assistance you could make mum …

Shortbread Biscuits with three ingredients.

A tasty treat! Easy 3-Ingredient Shortbread recipe

Lemon Hand Scrub Recipe

A MARY PRAYER TO PRAY TOGETHER…

Mary is Jesus’ mother and also our special mother. She loves and cares about us just like our mother and grandmothers do. Mary’s special prayer is The Hail Mary. 

Create a special prayer to Mary focusing on all the special things Mary did for Jesus.

Remember to ask Mary to ask God to help your Mum be the best Mum she can be. Pray the prayer on Mothers’ Day.

 SHOW YOUR LOVE

 through ‘Deeds, not Words’. 

Celebrate our campus theme of Kindness: 

Create an Acts of Kindness book of coupons that your Mum or special person can tear off and have you do for her e.g.

• clean around the house without being asked 
• sort the washing
• prepare breakfast for her on Mother’s Day to share together. (even toast and tea is enough!)
• Give out special extra hugs and kisses  
• Set the table in an extra special way for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Mother’s Day. 
• give her a foot massage or a head massage after a long day in the house with all the family!
• unpack the dishwasher

Dates to remember

Tuesday 9 May 2023 – Mother’s Day Stall
Thursday 11 May 2023 – Mother’s Day breakfast from 8:00am in the Piazza
Thursday 11 May 2023 – Mother’s Day Mass 9:30 am in the Santa Sabina Chapel
Wednesday 24 May 2023 – Years 3 and 4 Excursion to the Writers Festival in Town Hall
Wednesday 24 May 2023 – P-2 participate in National Simultaneous Reading Day on Campus

Joanne Gianinni
Head of Primary P-4

Director of Mary Bailey House

The Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher program will end on 30 June 2023. If you have not yet used the $500 voucher for your child/ren, please do so by this date. If you are unsure about whether you have used the BASC funds for your child/ren please contact the OOSH Administrator Carmela Famularo at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au

BASC funds can be used to pay for Before School Care (BSC), After School Care (ASC) and the first week of the next Vacation Care program (26 – 30 June). To book your child into any of these OOSH programs, please contact the OOSH Coordinator Jessica Azzi at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au

ASC operates daily from 3:00-6:00pm. If your child is booked into an after-school activity on the primary school campus, they can attend ASC follow the activity. We ask that you inform us when booking your child into ASC so that we know they will arrive later in the afternoon.

Eligible families can also claim Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to subsidise OOSH fees. The government provides Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to families to assist them with the payment of childcare fees. CCS is paid directly to education and care services.

To receive CCS, families need to meet the following requirements:

• residency – one or either parent must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or be exempt from the government residency requirements
• immunisation – children under seven must meet the government’s immunisation requirement
• have a myGov account
• undertake the CCS activity test
• supply the government with family income details
• confirms their child’s enrolment at the Centre
• sign a Complying Written Agreement.

The percentage of CCS received by each family depends:

• the results of the activity test
• family income
• the type of care used.

Families are responsible for creating a MyGov account and registering for CCS by going to https://my.gov.au

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House

Director of Tallong Campus

Well, Term 2 has started in a very unusual manner…snow at Tallong in early May! Some 60 students across Years 9-11 arrived at Tallong on Sunday afternoon for a curriculum studies program and were greeted with icy winds and low temperatures. As evening set in the snow began to fall. This Santa Sabina Textiles camp is most likely one of the very few student groups to see snow at Tallong in the history of the campus. A very strange start to Term 2 indeed. 

The Textiles camp at Tallong is a wonderful example of how the campus is utilised across a range of educational experiences. Not only is the campus the venue for a sequential outdoor education program but it is also very well resourced to play host to curriculum studies programs, retreats and numerous other creative endeavours.

This term we welcome the following clients to the Tallong campus: IInternational Grammar School, SCEGGS Redlands, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, St. Paul’s International School and, for the first time later this month, the inaugural Santa Sabina Health and Harmony retreat on the weekend of 27 and 28 May. I believe there are a few spots left for this weekend so please book here if you would like to attend.

Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus Manager

Director of Community Relations P-12

Last call for Career Women’s Network Mentors

Almost 100 members of our College community have offered to mentor our senior students and join us at our annual Career Women’s Network Breakfast on Friday 2 June – thank you all so much!

They have taken up an amazing opportunity to play an active and supportive role for our current senior students as well as recent graduates. Mentors have been invited to our annual Career Women’s Network breakfast – our initiative connecting Year 11, Year 12 and recent College graduates with like-minded peers, career mentors and industry partner companies from the College community. This mentor program allows for ongoing support and networking opportunities and aims to create a path to success for our students as they become future ready. We will give them the opportunity to make connections with male and female mentors in their chosen industry, gain career development advice and encourage professional behaviour.

If you would like to become a mentor, please complete this form.

For any enquiries please contact me – y.graniero@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Bookings open for students to attend the CWN Breakfast

As well as having the opportunity to connect with mentors from their chosen field, students will also hear from our special guest, award winning TV journalist Monica Attard (Class of 1976) at the Career Women’s Breakfast on Friday 2 June. Bookings are essential for students.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations

Director of Development

Veritas Annual Giving Appeal

One of Sydney’s leading Catholic schools, Santa Sabina College has a long and proud history of educating, developing and shaping Australia’s future. Santa Sabina College has shaped the lives of thousands of young students over many generations – a legacy that is carried with them for many years.

We invite you to continue this great tradition and contribute to a brighter future. By contributing to the 2023 Veritas Annual Appeal, you will be leaving a lasting legacy that will truly make a difference to all members of our community.

• Santa Sabina College Scholarship Fund
• Santa Sabina College Building Fund

Please support Santa Sabina College via the Annual Appeal by clicking on the button below and completing the online donation page.

Save the date

On Friday 12 October, the Santa Sabina College Golf Day is scheduled to be played at Strathfield Golf Club. The day will begin with a breakfast starting at 6:45am, followed by a round of golf, (Shotgun tee off at 7:30am) and then lunch and prize giving at the club house.

Pleasesee below for further information.

Business Directory

I am pleased to announce that the Santa Sabina Business Directory is up and running on both the Parent Lounge and on our College website. There is plenty of room if you would like to advertise your business on our sites and I encourage you to support the College while taking advantage of this advertising opportunity.

Please register your intent to advertise with us.

Please visit the Santa Sabina College website to view the Business Directory.

George Ayoub
Director of Development

Insights into genetics and diseases through hands-on learning at UNSW

Year 12 Biology students extended their learning beyond the classroom by visiting the Museum of Human Disease at UNSW. While here they participated in workshops which explored case studies of common infectious and non-infectious diseases. The workshops also outlined the inheritance of characteristics resulting in genetic conditions, such as common vision disorders. The students were able to directly observe the impacts and consequences of disease on the human body as they viewed the vast collection of specimens, infographics and hands-on activities in the museum. This provided them with a tremendous opportunity to apply the content covered in class as well as investigate diseases of interest to them. Overall, the students found this a very valuable experience which helped them make meaningful connections between their learning and the broader context.

Here are some reflections from the students about the excursion:

‘Such an enlightening experience… I was able to see first-hand infectious/non-infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, melanoma and cancer and how they affect the human body.‘

‘Really enjoyed the activities as I was able to get a more in-depth understanding of diseases and epidemiology.‘

‘Great opportunity to deepen our understanding of the content learnt already and it also provided a foundation for the content we are going to learn about heredity and genetic mutations. The hands-on activities and presentations made it a very enjoyable and informative experience.‘

‘Allowed me to improve my problem-solving skills…allowing me to think deeper.‘

‘Great in helping us apply our knowledge from class to real life as we were looking at specimens that had diseases we have studied and we could see the effect of the diseases up close.‘

‘Allowed us to participate in interactive workshops and presentations on disease, heredity genetics, and look at the range of diseased specimens that the museum had to offer.‘

‘Gave us a unique, hands-on experience with the content we have been learning in Year 12 Biology.‘

Natasha Kempers
Head of Science

HSIE Industry Partnership Event – Nestle Business Breakfast

On 31 March, 82 students studying Year 10 Commerce and Year 12 Business Studies and Year 12 IB Business Management accepted an invitation to attend the HSIE Business Breakfast. This industry partnership learning initiative provided students with authentic learning experiences of the application of Business Studies theory with practice. Ms Emma Horvat, (Santa Sabina parent) who works for Nestlé Diversity, as the Inclusion & Talent Manager, guided Santa Sabina students through an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ look at how a preeminent multinational food and drink processing conglomerate like Nestlé organises itself for success. This interactive presentation and workshop was engaging and focused on the topics of Operations and Marketing to develop a student understanding of the Nestlé end-to-end value chain. Students participated enthusiastically and it was highly beneficial for all Business Students as it connects directly with a number of components of the HSC Course. I would like to thank Ms Cummins for developing this industry partnership.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

Student Reflection

On 31 March a group of Year 11-12 IB and HSC Business students as well as Year 10 Commerce students were lucky enough to have Emma Horvat the Nestlé Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Manager as well as Lauren and Zara speak to us from the human resources (HR) branch at Nestlé. While at the breakfast we were able to put into practice what we have been learning in the classroom, as well as learn new concepts. We were able to win a range of prizes including Milo travel cups, Nespresso books and tins of Milo through answering questions based on class work knowledge and Nestlé trivia. We participated in a range of activities which have helped us all develop our understanding of businesses in the real world. We would like to thank Ms Cummins and Ms Zagora for arranging this experience for us as well as Emma, Lauren and Zara from Nestle who gave up their morning to provide us with this incredible learning opportunity.

Daniella Scarcella, Lucia Juarez and Sofia Kearns
Year 11

Debating and Public Speaking

CSDA Public Speaking

Santa Sabina Public Speakers continued a strong tradition of success at the CSDA Public Speaking Competition throughout Term 1.

The competition is run over three rounds with heats, zone finals and the Grand Final. Eleven students represented the College, with a number of students speaking up in older divisions.

Santa Sabina CSDA Public Speaking Competitors:

Jessica Caristo – Zone Finalist                                  
Nicole Wong
Sofia Prevezanos                                                      
Matilda Stephens
Abigail Dawson – Zone Finalist                                  
Olivia Radford – Grand Finalist
Vanessa Cassimatis                                                  
Benedicta Darkwa
Mia Bek – Zone Finalist                                              
Remi Apostolopoulos
Evie Ash

Congratulations to Olivia Radford, who made the Senior Grand Final for a second year running and finished the 2023 competition with 4th place. Congratulations Olivia!

Rostrum Public Speaking

Six Santa Sabina students spoke in the Rotary Rostrum speaking competition in the Strathfield heat, hosted at the College in Term 1. Over 140 speakers from schools in the area chose Santa Sabina for their heats across three time slots.

Santa Sabina speakers included:

Davina Rajkumar                   
Nicole Wong
Mia Bek                                  
Aditi Kamath
Caitlin Kang                           
Tanisha Chari

Congratulations to Mia Bek and Aditi Kamath who won their heats and have progressed to the Regional Finals at PLC Sydney on Tuesday 9 May.

NSW Plain English Speaking Award

On Wednesday 3 May, Molly Hoogland spoke in the NSW Plain English Speaking Award, a competition run by the Arts Unit of the NSW Government.

This competition involves students delivering a speech on a topic of their choosing and also delivering an impromptu speech with a very short preparation time. Molly won her heat and will progress to the next round to be held later this Term.

CSDA Debating

Every Friday evening in Term 2, 12 Santa Sabina debating teams compete in the CSDA debating competition. The first two rounds have seen some great results with 11 of 12 wins against St Gregory’s Campbelltown and another six wins against Rosebank College. Keep an eye out for details regarding Round 6, the hotly contested match up between St Pat’s Strathfield and Santa Sabina, which will be hosted at the College on 2 June.

If you would like to volunteer to assist on this evening or at any other debate evenings, please contact sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Archdale Debating

The Independent Girls Schools Association (IGSA), Archdale debating competition will commence on Tuesday 16 May against Danebank, with another eight Santa Sabina teams debating in a different style to the CSDA competition. We wish all of our debaters the best of luck in both competitions.

World of Maths

Year 7 and 8 Day of Maths

On Friday 5 May, Years 7 and 8 students were involved in a fun Maths incursion.

Students enjoyed putting maths skills into practice through fun, hands-on group-work activities and practical problem solving run by World of Maths.

They also attended The Maths Show which was an interactive presentation full of mathematical history, puzzles, magic and fun designed to entertain and engage students whilst increasing their interest in mathematics.

Maths teachers also ran an activity which involved students analysing barcodes of products from ‘The Maths Shop’ to understand how barcodes work. Who knew so much maths was involved in every item we purchase? Students discovered the patterns and rules involved in creating a valid barcode.

Some feedback from students:

Something that I found interesting was how much we use maths in real life and we don’t even notice.

I really liked the Maths show, it was very entertaining and gave people an opportunity to be interactive.

I found the world of maths activities interesting and using different strategies and working together in a group to find the answers.

I found that most of the challenges in the hall (World of Maths) were very interesting and forced me to look at them in a different unfamiliar perspective.

The maths show was very humorous, and l found the World of Maths activities really intrigued me to stretch my ability of problem solving.

Something I found interesting was finding out if the barcodes were real or not, I would have never known how to do that.

I found the Investigation of Barcodes interesting because I never knew that the numbers on barcodes meant anything.

I really liked learning about the history of Maths.

I loved doing maths outside of the classroom.

Sharon Fajou
Head of Mathematics

Years 7-12 Pastoral Care Program

Students in Years 7 – 12 have commenced their Pastoral Care program for Term 2. 

A snapshot of Term 2 focus areas can be found below. I have indicated when lessons for each year group take place throughout the fortnightly timetable, so that families can routinely take the time to discuss Pastoral Care and its offerings with their child. 

Year 7, Thursday Week A
2023 Theme: Strong Relationships
Term 2 Focus: Developing the skill set to sustain positive, respectful and meaningful friendships.

Year 8, Wednesday Week A
2023 Theme: Strong Choices
Term 2 Focus: Developing skills to effectively regulate emotions.

Year 9, Thursday Week B
2023 Theme: Strong Community
Term 2 Focus: Navigating the digital world safely, supported by resources from the eSafety Commissioner.

Year 10, Friday Week B
2023 Theme: Strong Voices
Term 2 Focus: Advocating for the marginalised.

Year 11, Friday Week A
2023 Theme: Strong Self
Term 2 Focus: Developing skills to be effective learners, both inside and outside of the classroom. Year 11 will again be joined by Psychologists from UTS to enhance motivation and set personal goals (see information below).

Year 12, Thursday Week B
2023 Theme: Santa Strong
Term 2 Focus: How to be strong in different environments, setting students up for life outside of Santa Sabina College.

Year 7 – Homeroom

After a gradual transition period at the end of Term 1, Year 7 students have now fully transitioned into their Vertical Homerooms, providing them with increased opportunities to socialise with students in Year 8 – 12. Further benefits of having your daughter in a Vertical Homeroom includes an increased sense of belonging to their House group and greater opportunities for peer mentoring, particularly through the Year 11 Buddy program. In the coming weeks, you will receive a welcome email from your daughter’s Vertical Homeroom teacher. 

Year 11 – Coming Back Stronger, UTS

Following on from their Term 1 workshop Senior School Stress Management, Year 11 students will again engage with UTS and undertake a follow-up workshop: Coming Back Stronger. Coming Back Stronger aims to help students stay on track with their studies and other personal goals, through the provision of evidence-based psychological strategies to improve motivation, energy, focus, and optimism for the future. Further information about the workshop, which will be delivered through the Pastoral Care program, will be provided to families in the coming weeks. 

Elise Whiley
Dean of Pastoral Care and Head of Year 7

Anzac Commemoration Services

Santa Sabina College was invited to attend the Burwood Anzac Day Commemoration Dawn Service to lay a wreath at the War Memorial Arch, known as Victory Arch, in Burwood Park as a sign of respect for the fallen Anzac soldiers from our local community. It was confronting to find out that many of the family names listed were those of brothers who died at war. The Year 12 Student Leadership Team represented Santa Sabina College at this Anzac Day Dawn Service with high levels of empathy, grace and respect.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflection

This service was significant as it is the 100-year anniversary of the Anzac War Memorial – Victory Arch in Burwood Park. The service gave us the chance to reflect on the meaning of Anzac Day as well as commemorate all soldiers who risked their lives fighting for our country, and also pay our respects and thanks to all of the people who currently represent our country in the Armed Forces. At the invitation of Burwood Council we laid a wreath on behalf of the College, showing our collective respect for all soldiers, past and present. Thank you to Ms Kempers and Ms Zagora who accompanied the Student Leadership Team to the service.

Ruby Bron
College Captain
Year 12

The College Prefects had the privilege to reflect on the service soldiers, past and present, make for this country. It was truly humbling seeing the veterans and service people at the ceremony who make daily sacrifices for us on the frontlines and here in Australia. We laid a wreath to pay our respects to the fallen soldiers and sung the New Zealand and Australian national anthem to honour all Anzac soldiers. 

Olivia Nakhle
Social Justice Prefect
Year 12

Santa Sabina College Commemoration Service

The purpose of an Anzac Day Commemoration Service is not to glorify war but rather to come together in an act of remembrance of those who have given all for their country and for others. Anzac Day is a significant national day and the College community was led by students studying IB History. The formal Commemoration Service was observed by our community through the College Assembly and included the Ode led by Molly Hoogland, The Last Post, one minute of silence for the fallen and Rouse played by Cordelia Highfield. As an inter-campus collaborative learning initiative, Year 11 IB History students worked with students from Gioia House to develop war poetry for an Anzac War Poetry Community Competition. Isla Choi’s poem was voted as outstanding and was included by Year 11 into the College commemoration. The Anzac Day Commemoration Service was reflective and a very big congratulations to all the History students who contributed to designing the commemoration.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student reflection of inter-campus collaborative learning

Working with Gioia House students on their Anzac War poetry competition submissions was a great activity to explore the ways in which we can commemorate the service of men and women of Australia. Using our historical knowledge as senior History students, we talked with and gave advice to the Gioia House students. We all thought their poems were very impressive and reflected the spirit of the Anzacs effectively, and we incorporated Isla’s into our Senior Anzac Commemoration Assembly.

Molly Hoogland
Year 11

This year Anzac Day commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. As a class we decided it was important to include a video reflection from a former Australian nurse who shared with the school her experiences and her display of the Anzac spirit, determination and resilience. International conflict and aggressive foreign policy are prominent in the Year 11 IB History course. Our historical studies helped us to understand the importance of remembrance without the glorification of war. The commemoration of Anzac Day is an act of remembrance of those Anzac soldiers who have lost their lives during the over 100 years of involvement in international conflict. We included a procession of integral Anzac artefacts, such as Rosemary, the Australian Flag, the slouch hat, the symbolic Poppy. It was an honour as a class to arrange the Anzac commemoration service for 2023.

Isabel Aunedi
Year 11

Mother’s Day Mass

Early this morning we welcomed Secondary and Gioia House families to Mass and breakfast in celebration of mothers and mother figures ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday.

Crowning Mother Mary

To acknowledge May as the month of Mary, students from 6 Azizian/Dunphy crowned our own statue of Mary in the grotto. A number of the girls crafted the crown from fresh flowers. The occasion was marked with prayer and quiet reflection.

Feast Day of St Catherine of Siena

Last week we acknowledged the Feast Day of St Catherine of Siena. This was symbolic for the Gioia House girls because Gioia House was named after St Catherine of Siena. The word ‘gioia’ is joy in Italian, which links to Catherine of Siena and the joyfulness she exuded during her childhood and adolescence. Students in 6 Taylor decorated our Gioia House prayer space with quotes and symbols of St Catherine of Siena, such as a heart, ring, lily, or a cross.

Action Girls

It has been a wonderful start to the term, seeing many students displaying Action Girl qualities with their positivity, being inclusive, persisting with their learning, being friendly and supporting their peers and teachers. 

At our Gioia House Assembly we were honoured to have Ms Skerman join us and present the Action Girl Awards and Action Girl badges to this week’s Action Girl recipients.

Congratulations to the following students who received an Action Girl Award:

Year 5:
Chloe Charbel
Harriet Irwin
Rachel Michael
Lily Mikhael

Year 6:
Charlotte Ho
Annabel Mason
Eva Taouk
Chloe Wahbe

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Science Experiment Making Crystals

Year 5 have been studying states of matter and the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. 

The students were given sugar syrup which was made from mixing solid sugar crystals with water and heated before the lesson by their wonderful Science teacher Mrs Brigham. The sugar crystals dissolved into the liquid. The cooled mixture was placed in containers and food colouring and a sugar-coated toothpick added. Daily observations were made and recorded. As the water evaporated the sugar stuck to the sugar-coated toothpick and the sugar returned to its solid state. There was lots of excitement watching the crystals form.

Pastoral and Wellbeing in Gioia House

Service Learning – Outreach

Last term, the students were actively involved in raising money for Caritas – Project Compassion. The leaders organised a variety of fundraising events to raise money for people and communities in need. Thank you to all the students and staff who generously donated Easter eggs, easter craft kits, bought raffle tickets, participated in the colouring in competition or egg guessing jar competition and provided treats for the bake sale. 

Congratulations to the Gioia House students who raised just over $3,100 to Caritas - Project Compassion. What an amazing effort from all the students!

This term as part of our Gioia House Service Learning Initiative we will be asking students and families to generously donate snacks and warm accessories for the St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol.

Throughout the term we are asking families to donate from the following items for students to create ‘snack packs’ for the Night Patrol van, which feeds and looks after many homeless people each week.

Please generously donate some of the following items:

• Juice poppers
• Le Snak/Cheese Dippits
• Canned tuna                            
• Packet of chips
• Cuppa soup/sachet soup         
• Packet of sultanas
• Noodle cups                             
• Packet of biscuits (e.g. single serve Tiny Teddies)
• Fruit cup                                   
• Muesli bar (nut-free) Please note: muesli bars must be chewy e.g. Uncle Toby’s Choc Chip Bars.

E-Safety Webinar

The e-safety commissioner provides useful information and free webinars for parents to access key information and strategies to support young people and their use of technology.

A 30-minute webinar titled ‘Getting started with social media: Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram’ will include practical tech tips, conversation starters and digital parenting advice.  

The eSafety webinar will cover:

• creating a positive digital identity
• privacy and sharing online
• managing what you see online
• good practices in group chats
• help-seeking.

Register for the free eSafety webinar on one of the following dates:

22 May 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
8 June 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Action Girl Rock and Water Pastoral Program

The Year 5 and Year 6 students have continued to develop their understanding of different ways we can work towards resolving conflict. We practised taking on a ‘Rock attitude’, when our muscles are strained and our breathing is lowered and our feet are firmly grounded. We then compared this to the ‘Water attitude’ where our muscles are relaxed, we focus on our calm breathing, our knees are slightly bent and we feel greater flexibility’. Students were asked to do the Rock and Water ‘respect’ salute and take on the Rock and the Water attitudes with a partner. Students discussed different scenarios where we should choose a Rock attitude and other times when we should take on a Water attitude, discussing making the right choice when in groups, sticking with what we know is right and sometimes having more of a fluid approach and letting things go. The students were able to demonstrate standing strong with their Rock attitude and posture as well as their Water and fluid response. After each Rock and Water session, the students are provided with the opportunity to reflect on the session and how they can apply these strategies as part of their everyday interactions and situations. We have been impressed with the reflective responses the students are sharing and their ability to identify personal situations where they have used these approaches in a positive way.

We are looking forward to another exciting term of learning, growth, compassion and new opportunities.

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Anzac Day Poem Competition

Last term, a group of Gioia House students entered the Strathfield Anzac Day Competition to commemorate our soldiers. The Strathfield Council judging panel was impressed at the submissions received from the College. We were honoured to have The Mayor, Karen Pensabene, at the College to present the girls with certificates acknowledging their participation. We are very proud of the following students and congratulate them on their creativity and commitment to honouring Anzac soldiers.

First Runner Up

Sybella El-Haddad – Early In The Morning

Participation Award

Ana Kerekovic – The Hearts That Rose

Alegra Cencigh – Lest We Forget The Poppies

Claire D’Souza – They Fought For Our Lives

Ruby Polifroni – We Remember Them

Lily Dunlop & Charlotte Ho – Foolish To Think That (backwards poem)      

Stella Azizian
Head of Gioia House

Learning in the Library and Gioia House

Award-winning Australian author Jacqueline Harvey visited Gioia House on Friday 28 April. Ms Harvey is best known for her popular Alice-Miranda book series, which was adapted into a television show. The students were eagerly anticipating her arrival, with many bringing their own copies of her books and requesting autographs.

During her visit, she shared entertaining tales from her youth that inspired characters in her books. She also gave the students updates on her upcoming releases and answered many insightful questions from them. Overall, her talk was engaging and inspiring, and the visit was a fantastic opportunity for the students to meet and learn from a talented and accomplished author. Here are some of their thoughts:

I enjoyed the author visit because it was really interesting getting all of her information about the planning and her inspiration. She also explained everything in a way children will find funny and entertaining. I think the author visit was a great experience.

Eloise Hall

I enjoyed the Author visit a lot, it was enjoyable to learn about all her exciting stories.  I now want to read more of her books after hearing about some of the exciting adventures in the book.

Jaime Kordian

Jacqueline Harvey is an incredible author because she has lots of funny memories and stories that I think helps her with writing. In my personal opinion I think that Jacqueline writes the best books. I love the Alice-Miranda books because they make you feel very hooked and intrigued by the book. It also makes you feel like you are with the characters experiencing what is happening.

Lillian Scott

Gioia House had the pleasure of hosting Jacqueline Harvey. We learnt about her books and why she became an author. She spoke about the process of writing and publishing a book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jacqueline shared information about where she finds inspiration and gave us an insight into her upcoming books.

Aria Guild

Jacqueline Harvey’s visit was an exciting and comedic experience where she spoke about how her books relate to her everyday experiences, and who some of the characters are inspired by. She talked about how she started writing, which was heartfelt and encouraged us to go with our hearts. Her many years as a primary school teacher inspired her to write novels for younger ages. It is easy to see how her funny stories with her kindergarten children soon turned into a light-hearted and meaningful book.

Madison Taouk

I thoroughly enjoyed learning the backstories and ideas that have gone into Jacqueline Harvey’s books. It was a great opportunity to learn new things and engage in reading and writing, especially if your future career path is in literature.

Sienna Pirina

Susan Lombardo
Head of Library Services

IPSHA Debating

Our excited debaters began their IPSHA Debating season on Friday 5 May at Meriden School with the topic: That YouTube is better than TV. They were challenged by Meriden’s solid arguments and demonstrated confidence and enthusiasm. Working as a team, they rebutted Meriden’s ideas, showing flexible thinking. It was wonderful to see our students engaged and making connections with other debaters. We look forward to the remaining debates, learning and developing many skills.

St Dominic the Aventurer

 Our Dominican Difference means our young people are formed with the 800-year old Dominican commitment to justice, truth, reconciliation and compassion. Students are always encouraged to be responsible for making the world a better place and embracing the future with hope. 

Last week our St Dominic the Adventure Years 3 and 4 students participated in creating artworks using natural materials. The inspiration for the session was based on the artwork by sculptor and photographer, Andy Goldsworthy. Mr Walker led this engaging session with the support of some Year 10 students, various teachers across the campuses and learning support staff. 

Here are some reflections from our Year 3 and Year 4 Adventurers:

I liked building with sticks because it was interesting and fun. We got to see how the sticks connected to make things like a campfire.

Eilbron Jajoo
Year 3

I worked with Angela and Claire to make a wreath from autumn leaves and sticks. It was fun collecting the materials and making the artwork together from natural materials.

April Serna
Year 3

I thought this activity was fun because we got to make our own artwork as a group. We worked together to decide who did different things and then we made an artwork together.

Aria Leung
Year 3

I liked making a sculpture with my group. We made a spiral with the sticks and we made fireworks with the leaves. We were happy with the way it turned out because it looked good and I enjoyed working with different people.

Vijayan Jayaseelan
Year 3

I really enjoyed playing with other students to create different sculptures using natural and sustainable products such as leaves.  

I really enjoyed playing with other students to create different sculptures using natural and sustainable products such as leaves. 

Natalie Wong
Year 3

It was fantastic to create artwork with sticks and leaves to make different patterns and sculptures.

Josh Stack
Year 3

My favourite part was making different mazes with the sticks we came up with lots of different designs which were easier and harder.

Sofia Brodowska-Nidelkos
Year 3

I really enjoyed scavenging for natural resources and thinking about how we were going to use them in our artworks.

Deon Aldridge Chow
Year 4

It was a lot of fun making a wreath using sticks with my friends.

Lam Phan
Year 4

My group and I made a spiral using sticks and leaves as it made us think of never-ending life.

William Kategiannis
Year 4

I really enjoyed making different designs with my group. It made me realise that there are a lot more things to do than just staying indoors.

Esther Chiew
Year 4

I really enjoyed making leaf art because there were a lot of variations of leaves to make something creative and interesting. 

Aiden Park (Year 4)

Renee Andrews 
Instructional Leader

Year 4 Friendology

Friendships are a complex issue for young children to navigate and learning to overcome, respond and take responsibility in friendship issues is something children need to continually develop and practice. This term Year 4 has been implementing the URStrong Program ‘Friendology’ in their PDH lessons. This program is designed to enhance the social-emotional wellbeing of students through friendship skills.  It aims to support students to maintain healthy relationships, manage conflict with kindness and increase their overall resilience.

Over the past two weeks, students in Year 4 have been exploring and discussing the characteristics of a good friend. In small groups, the students brainstormed a range of qualities that enhance positive relationships. Following this, students role played these characteristics and discussed how these friendships were supported in everyday life situations.

Year 4 team

Mother’s Day photo gallery

We welcomed our families on campus today for Mass and breakfast in celebration of our mothers. Wishing all families a happy Mother’s Day this Sunday!

Religious Education news

The Easter Season is a great reminder that Christ died and rose once and for all and for each one of us. His death and resurrection can transform our lives as we endeavour to live lives that know the freedom of goodness – lives that have love for our neighbour, lives that respect all creation, lives that restore hope and mercy.

Prayer

Lord, help us to accept the grace of Christ’s resurrection.
Let us be renewed by God’s mercy.
Let us know the love of Jesus.
Let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives.
Let us become agents of his mercy, channels through which God can protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish.

Amen

Please return all Project Compassion boxes and envelopes to the school office by Friday 12 May or donate online via the Caritas website at lent.caritas.org.au

May the spirit of the Risen Christ be always with you. May you be blessed with the gift of love, the presence of hope and the promise of peace in your lives.

Mother’s Day

This Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day – a very special day when we say thank you to our mothers for everything which they have done for us. For some of us, it is a time to remember the past and for others, it is a time to celebrate the future. I am sure that each of us has a very special memory of our mum and some are still creating those memories. For some, we remember with love the memories and special times that our mums shared with us. For all our mums on their special day we honour them. Mothers are the precious treasure troves which remain an important part of one’s life. There are times when we just sit back and think about the times we learnt from our mother, or suddenly after tasting a dish you prepared, you think of how your mother used to prepare it. These are some precious moments that we are reminded of, even after many years. Such reflections never fail to bring a smile to our face. Mothers are such that they become a part of your psyche, as cherished memories.

I wish all our mums a very happy Mother’s Day for Sunday 14 May.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6 and Year 3 Teacher

Parent Christian Meditation Session

Here at Santa Sabina we share a devotion to the practice of Christian Meditation. Combining this ancient prayer form with a desire to reach out and help others, many students find Christian meditation at school a helpful prayer form. Students develop discipline and control over themselves during this practice, where they are able to reflect on their day and can centre themselves, ready for learning. During meditation, students learn to pray in a way that can bring peace and inner calm through connection with God.

On the Del Monte Campus our students are invited to Meditation every Friday with Sister Jill in the Del Monte Chapel at 8:30am.

I would like to extend an invitation to parents to a meditation session on Friday 19 May at 8:45am in the Del Monte Chapel. Looking forward to parents and carers joining the session.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6, Pastoral Care Coordinator P-4, Year 3 teacher

Anzac Day Liturgy led by Year 2

On Thursday 27 April, our Year 2 students and teachers led the school in a special whole school assembly commemorating Anazac Day (Sunday 25 April).

This liturgy gave students an opportunity to experience the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by Australians during times of war.

Special mention goes to Cordelia Highfield in Year 12, who again this year performed The Last Post during the liturgy. We appreciate her taking time out of her busy study schedule to play for us.

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you…

John 15:13 12

Tina Nicotina and Year 2 Team

Year 3 Friendology

Friendships are a complex issue for young children to navigate. Learning to overcome, respond and take responsibility in friendship issues is something children need to continually develop and practise. This term, Year 3 has been implementing the URStrong Program ‘Friendology’ in their PDH lessons. This program is designed to enhance the social-emotional wellbeing of students through friendship skills. It aims to support students to maintain healthy relationships, manage conflict with kindness and increase their overall resilience.

Over the past two weeks students in 3 Thiele have been learning about their ‘Inner-Ninja’ – how to recognise their feelings and tame their butterflies when they are experiencing large emotions. Students have learned how to reflect on uncomfortable emotions, sort their butterflies into worries they can control versus ones they cannot control and learned strategies to calm negative feelings and catastrophic thinking. 

The students of 3 Paterson and 3 Lawson have focused on the Friendology terms of Friendship – Fire (Incidents that occur with no direct intent to upset or hurt anyone) and Mean On Purpose Behaviours (intentional hurtful acts). Students explored the meanings of these words, their differences and how they occur in everyday play and interactions with friends. After exploring a range of different scenarios and discussing how the students would deal with each situation appropriately students were placed into small groups to create a role play of their own friendship fire or mean on purpose behaviour. After creating the role play students explained the situation and defined it as a friendship fire or mean on purpose scenario. They described how quick comebacks and appropriate reporting to an adult or teacher were used to resolve the conflict. The students were encouraged to use these strategies in their daily play and learning.

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4

Artistic Director

Gala Concert 2023

Sounds from Santa – A Celebration of Women Composers

Sydney Town Hall Monday 19 June 7:00pm 

This unique concert celebrating female composers will include 14 world premières of original compositions by Year 9-12 Elective Music students, former students, and music staff. The original works consist of various styles of music for choirs, symphony orchestras, string orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber ensembles, dance, percussion ensembles, brass ensembles, stage bands, music technology and, of course, the magnificent Town Hall organ.

A rehearsal schedule for Friday 16 June (at Santa) and Monday 19 June (at the Town Hall) will be emailed to parents and carers of all performers ASAP.

Performers

All students in Years 4 – 7 (combined singing items)
Gioia House Choir (all students in Years 5 – 6)
Gioia House Strings
Primary Years Laudare Singers
Primary Years Siena Singers
Primary Years Camerata String Ensemble
Primary Years Chamber String Ensemble
College Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Sinfonietta
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Choir
Stage Band
Brass Ensemble
Senior Taiko

Tickets

$40
Trybooking: on sale soon 
NB: performers do not need to purchase a ticket

2022 Gala Concert Extended Highlights Video – NEW

We were very pleased with the fantastic efforts of students and staff, given that live music ceased in the second half of 2021 due to Covid restrictions and remote learning. Please share this video with your family and friends!

Timothy Chung
Artistic Director P-12

Term 2 Sport

Sport is well and truly underway for Term 2, with our IPSHA and IGSA Hockey teams, Representative Volleyball Teams, IGSA Football teams, IGSA Basketball teams and ERNA Netball teams taking to the court and field representing the College to a very high standard.

A friendly reminder to communicate any training or game absences to both the team coach where possible, and to the College sport email sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Term 3 Sport and Co-curricular Activities – Registration now open

The time to register for Term 3 sport and co-curricular activities has arrived! Below is a list of sport and co-curricular activities available for students in Years 3-12. Registrations will close Friday 19 May for IGSA and IPSHA sports. Any late registrations will incur a 10% late fee.

IPSHA Sport (Years 3-6 girls)

• Touch Football

IGSA Sport (Years 7-12)

• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey

Co-curricular Activities – closing 23 June

• Fit Club (Years 5-12)
• Run Club (Years 5-12)
• Senior Boxing (Years 10-12)
• Arabic Lessons (Years 4-12)
• Dance Development Program (Years 7-10)

These activities must have a minimum of 10 registrations to go ahead.

Representative Sport Update

CGSSSA Basketball (Years 7-12)

If your child is interested in representing the College at the CGSSSA tournament in Term 3 (25 July) could you please fill in this form by Friday 19 May. Please note further information regarding trials will follow.

CGSSSA Cross Country

Any students wishing to participate in the CGSSSA Cross Country Championships on Friday 19 May, must complete the Expression of Interest form by Sunday 13 May.

NSWCCC

• Congratulations to Lila Ferko who was selected to represent the Intermediate CGSSSA team at the NSWCCC trials on 3 May 2023 at Menai Indoor Sports Centre. Well done Lila!
• Armani Jamieson has been selected for the NSWCCC Water Polo team to play in the All Schools Water Polo Exchange in Woy Woy in July.

MacKillop Conference 2 Cross Country

The Primary Cross Country Team will run in the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Championships at Eastern Creek on Wednesday 24 May.

Best of luck to:

Eve Vastas                            
Genevieve Lloyd-Jones           
Ola Kochman
Charlotte Tarabay                  
Lillian Ayoub                             
Abbey Schutt          
Sienna Machaalani                
Deanna Deligiannis                   
Emma Elphick
Vera Zhang                            
Deon Aldridge–Chow                
Stella Shin
Raphael Pinniger                   
Eden Wong                                
Isla The
Joshua Stack                         
Joshua Sarkis                            
Ramzi Nakhl
Agustin Medina                      
Freya Ingwersen                       
Flynn Lee    

ERNA Netball update

Congratulations to all our Santa netball families who withstood the rain during Round 1 with all but one time slot proceeding. The playing conditions were not ideal but the girls had fun and most importantly, came away injury free. Good luck to the four teams that drew a bye in round 1 and will be taking the court for the first time in round 2, hopefully in the sunshine.

The draws for week 1-6 have been uploaded into VO and Weeks 7-14 will be uploaded after ERNA consider requests for team regrading after Week 5.

Volleyball update

Santa Sabina Volleyball beginning of the season preparations are now complete. All teams look to get started on the Sydney Volleyball League this weekend. Teams have been working hard to be able to showcase their skills against other clubs from all of the NSW. The league is a great place for our teams to compete and develop their skills as they look to play also in schools cups, the NSW competitions throughout the year, and of course the Australian Schools Cup at the end of the year, which is the largest event on the volleyball calendar for our representative teams.

Interschools Snow Sports (K-12)

Registrations for Interschools Snowsports are open. Please contact the Sports Office (sport@ssc.nsw.edu)  for entry information, events are listed below. Please note this is for skiers/snowboarders with over 12 months of snow experience. Snow Australia advises that students must be able to execute link turns and t-bar riding confidently to enter in events.

Interschool events

• Alpine
• Ski Cross
• Moguls
• Snowboard GS
• Snowboard Cross
• Ski Slopestyle (Div 1-3 only)
• Snow Slopestyle (Div 1-3 only).

Senior School Athletics Carnival Program

Please view the Program of Events for the Senior School Athletics Carnival tomorrow 12 May at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC).

For the event general information please refer to previous communication by the Community Relations Department.

Rachael Simmons
Assistant Director of Sports and Co-curricular Activities 
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

Royal Family Dance Crew Workshop

Our SSC Representative dancers have been working hard in their rehearsals with their teams and coaches in preparation for their upcoming showcase and competitions. In addition to this, some of our dancers took part in an amazing workshop held at the college on Tuesday 3 May. This workshop was with international dance sensations ‘Royal Family Dance Crew’. The Royal Family Dance Crew is a hip hop mega dance crew from New Zealand that has won countless worldwide championships and danced for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo and Justin Bieber, all led by leading choreographer Parris Goebel. Our dancers were part of workshops for three hours and loved every single second. When speaking with Aria D’Amico (Year 8) about the workshop she said ‘It was amazing and the choreographers were so lovely, I didn’t want to leave!’. This was such an amazing experience for our dancers.

Bryony Williams
Dance Coordinator & Year 5 Teacher

Introducing Melina Marchetta, Teacher Librarian

Staff Story

Santa Sabina College has always been a haven for those in the creative arts, including musicians, artists and writers. In the 1930s and 1940s, students benefitted from the visits and teaching of poets Dame Mary Gilmore, Christopher Brennan, Poet Laureate John Masefield, best-selling author Ion Idriess and the great novelist Patrick White.

But we have had to wait until 2023 to host an author of young adult fiction – and we now have the incredible gift of Melina Marchetta in our midst, author of the award-winning and international best seller Looking for Alibrandi (and many other prize-winning novels). Melina is not just a visitor but on the staff as our newest Teacher Librarian and she is also a Santa Sabina parent.

An avid reader as well as a prolific writer, Melina says she has always loved libraries and often goes to them to write her award-wining books and film scripts. Growing up not far from Santa Sabina, she often retreated to Concord Library.

But, ‘walking into the Santa Sabina library on my first day before school it was just buzzing with girls and I thought this is just what a library should look like’, Melina said.

‘With its natural light and the way the books are laid out in genres it’s almost like the perfect library – it’s such an inviting space, it’s big but it’s also cozy and functional. A library is not just about books, it’s about space – it’s about a safe space where you can escape and it’s about so much more than just reading and research.’

Melina is a firm believer of the power of books to bring people together and is working hard with individual students, especially reluctant readers, to find the pivotal book which will strike a chord and lead to the lifelong joy of reading which many of us experience.

‘I do want to put the right book into someone’s hands,’ she says.

And Melina’s thoughts on the importance of books also feature in Ms Skerman’s first Santa Dialogues podcast, The Joy of Reading.

Much has been written about Melina’s immense success as a young author 30 years ago when her influential novel was published at age 27. Writing it began at age 19 and several publishers’ rejections and a few re-writes followed. It has now been read by perhaps a million people around the world, translated into several languages, awarded more prizes than we have room to list and sold half a million copies. Melina wrote the screenplay for the film of the same name which can still be viewed on SBS On Demand. Looking for Alibrandi, the book, is still on the Australian curriculum and anyone – generations in fact – who read it in their teens will tell you how formative it was and how much understanding of the human condition it brought them.

Melina went on to write many more award-winning novels and feels her writing developed and matured in the intervening decades as it now extends to fantasy, children’s books, podcasts and newspaper articles. She is regularly invited to speak at writers’ festivals and at schools and last year gave valuable advice to our HSC Extension English students in an after-school workshop covering the nuances of dialogue, descriptive writing, the importance of failure in leading to success, research and drafting.

Although Looking for Alibrandi was the first published work of a young writer whose style was still evolving, ‘I don’t ever underestimate the book because I know the impact it’s had – I have heard so often from so many people about the first time they read it, about how they felt. This shared experience [between author and reader] brings a sense of solace. It’s beautiful to have that connection with people.’

When not working in our inspirational library Melina is currently working on two film scripts, one is called Kangaroo and is at casting stage. ‘It’s a beautiful story based very loosely on a kangaroo sanctuary in the Northern Territory and once again there is a flawed character who goes on a journey and the community he ends up with – thematically the kind of story I love working on.’

Another novel might be on the cards: Melina feels ‘niggling’ characters wanting to grow into a story – ‘it always starts with a character’ – and she says schools ‘are good places for triggering major creativity’.

‘Now I’m surrounded by books and kids so another novel is surely going to come. It’s fantastic to still be doing this after so many years,’ she says.

Melina says she loves food and she loves culture and she loves reading the books our students are reading in their courses. Last Christmas she set up a bookclub with her daughter, Bianca, in another example of books bringing people together.

Our library features copies of many of Melina’s books (as you can see in the photo) and our vintage copy of Alibrandi reveals this hand-written inscription:

For the community of Santa Sabina I know there is an essence of Josie in all of you.

Best

Melina Marchetta (Santa Sabina parent)

Victoria Harper
Publications and Marketing Officer

From the P&F Association

This week we celebrate our mums…

What a wonderful week celebrating all our mums. On Tuesday we had our Prep to Year 6 Mother’s Day Stall where students had the opportunity to buy their mums a gift for Mother’s Day. Thank you to our Mother’s Day Stall committee Marie Gabrael, Houda Taouk, Meaghan Aldridge-Chow and Sia Zanon for all their hard work in organising everything.

Our Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast were a hit followed by a beautiful lunch at Aqua Luna.

Thank you to all the fathers who helped with the breakfast and to our Mother’s Day committee members Alissa Hunter, Corinne Mansour, Sia Zanon, Tatiana Rafaele, and Joseph Gittani for organising the Mother’s Day events.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank all our donors for donating all the wonderful gifts and prizes for our Mother’s Day stall, raffle and lunch.

Thank you…

Kife & Barrel
Nadar Jewellers
Pharmacy 4 Less Five Dock      
Boss Fitness Official     
Deemah Stone 
Sweet Fingers                                                                           
Terry White Chemist Marrickville
Evolution Laser Clinic                                                               
Stacey D’amico
Carlton Railway Pharmacy        
Passions4art    
Kingsgrove Optometrist
A-List Entertainment     
Catherine Saad
Violette Ghobrial
Heidi Curran
Remona Akkawi
Marie Gabriel
Houda Taouk
Sally Tadros
Cyndi Khawaja
Sia Zanon
Meaghan Aldridge Chow

Alexandria Cantali
Vice President – Secondary Year 7 – 12

Year 2 Parent catchup

Mother’s Day Stall

Peter Pan on stage next week

A glimpse into recent rehearsals:

Don’t miss out on tickets – bookings are filling fast. Performances take place next week:

Wednesday 17 May 7:00pm
Thursday 18 May 7:00pm
Friday 19 May 7:00pm (sold out)
Saturday 20 May 7:00pm (sold out)

Safety Around School

A message from our local Council

Schools have resumed for Term 3.

Please support our schools by:

• Slowing down
• Always parking legally
• Observing all signposting
• Driving to local conditions
• Giving way to pedestrians
• Not queuing across children’s crossings.

Fines and demerits apply for traffic and parking violations.

Visit: https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Road-Safety-Around-Our-Schools

Or refer to the traffic flyers below for school zone specific information.

Children crossing – know the rules

Pick Up Drop Off Zone

School Zone Know the Rules

Why kids need hand in traffic

Usha Arvind
Road Safety Officer
T: 02 9911 9912 E: Usha.Arvind@burwood.nsw.gov.au
2 Conder Street, Burwood, NSW, 2134

National Walk Safely to School Day

A number of local schools in Burwood LGA have organised special events for National Walk Safely To School Day on Friday 19 May.

A big thank you to Burwood Police Area Command and Woolworths @ Burwood Plaza for supporting this initiative.

Walking to school reduces congestion on our local roads, allows children to build road resilience and learn how to navigate complex traffic environments in a safe and proactive way.

If you have primary school aged children, please encourage them to walk to school (or at least part of the way).

And please don’t forget to:

• Hold hands and supervise children near intersections and busy roads (particularly under age of 8).
• Always look out before you step out (and hand signal or make eye contact with rider/driver).
• Only cross where it is safe to do so (such as signalised and/or pedestrian crossings).
• Discuss safe strategies and good choices (such as judging speed and distance)

Let Us Always Use Our Roads Responsibly

Usha Arvind
Road Safety Officer
Burwood Council

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found here or on on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.