I begin my newsletter with an excerpt of a Prayer for Peace in Israel and Palestine released by the National Council of Churches in Australia.
God of Comfort, send your Spirit to encompass all those whose lives are torn apart by violence and death in Israel and Palestine. You are the Advocate of the oppressed and the One whose eye is on the sparrow. Let arms reach out in healing, rather than aggression. Let hearts mourn rather than militarise.
God of the Nations, let not one more child or elder be sacrificed on altars of political expediency. Keep safe all people from unjust leaders who would exploit vulnerability for their own distorted ends. Give wise discernment to those making decisions to pursue peace. Provide them insight into fostering well-being, freedom, and thriving for all. Teach all of us to resolve injustices with righteousness, not rockets. Guard our hearts against retaliation, and give us hearts for love alone.
Strengthen our faith in you, O God of All Flesh, even when we don’t have clear answers, so that we may still offer ourselves non-violently for the cause of peace. Amen.
Term 4 is well and truly underway and it will be a very full and fast-paced race to the end of the year. Our Year 12 students are currently sitting their HSC and IB Examinations and we are very proud of the way that they have approached these major examinations. Students have been well prepared, calm and mature in their outlook, showing us that they are ready to move towards the next part of their journey beyond school. Huge congratulations are in order for our Design and Technology students, 16 of whom have been nominated by NESA for SHAPE 2024, the NSW showcase for exemplary Major Works in the HSC! We also congratulate Eva Whitbread who has also been nominated for the HSC Encore showcase for her Music Performance.
Last week our Year 11 students received their Senior badges and they were formally recognised as Year 12 students. For the first time, we were joined by parents who were able to be present for our liturgy. This occasion gave me the opportunity to talk to the girls about ways they might set themselves up for success which includes striving for the best academic results possible, while also building character and integrity which are equally important life and career attributes. Like anything in life, most times achievement comes with a commitment to hard work and I reminded them that while we are all here to offer support, the hard work and determination to be organised and disciplined in their approach must come from within. I reminded them that social media is not their friend and that they need to regulate themselves in giving up the short term gratification of checking their feeds for ‘likes’ or watching the next episode of Netflix to instead delay gratification for a longer term reward. We wish them well as they step into their final school year.
Last weekend students represented Santa Sabina in the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) Festival of Speech. Coached by Ms Sulis, they competed in sections including Poetry, Reading, Current Affairs, Religious and Ethical Questions and the new section Soapbox where they could choose a topic and start ‘ranting’ about it! At the same time, 23 Year 4 students embarked on a journey to Tallong for the culmination of their Dominic The Adventurer Award Program. Throughout the day, they tackled various challenges that honed their outdoor skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience, fostering character development in line with our Dominican Pillars: Community, Learning, Prayer, and Service. With their parents in attendance, our students built a raft, set up a shelter and completed activities on the High Ropes and of course, built a fire. The adventure concluded with an Award Presentation set against the backdrop of our serene outdoor chapel, marking a memorable day of achievement and personal growth. We congratulate the students and thank Mr Walker for leading this unique program at Del Monte.
Thank you to the men and women who attended our annual Golf Day recently. This was a joint venture organised by Mr Ayoub, our Director of Development, and the P&F Association. By all accounts, it was a great day and a fundraising event which provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships in our community.
Preparations are well underway for our new twilight event, the Fra Angelico Festival which will kick off at 5:00pm on Friday 17 November. We can’t wait to showcase our student work in the creative and performing arts; there will be a fashion parade, international eat street, our virtual reality Lumination Labs will be open –
– and there will be a fabulous light show with lots of activities for the children and a Champagne Lawn for their parents. Bring your family and friends along to have a great night together while we celebrate the wonderful work of our students. Find more information here.
Go gently.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
eSafety during this time of world conflict and turmoil
As we watch the unfolding despair and violence in Israel and the Gaza strip as parents and as educators our concern naturally goes to those on the front line of such conflicts. However, in this age of constant news feeds and citizen reporting it is important for us all to consider the sSafety of our children at this time.
We were recently contacted by the eSafety Commissioner who informed the College that they have contacted social media companies about distressing content that is circulating regarding events happening overseas. They will continue working with these companies to identify and remove illegal and restricted material wherever possible. They have created a website and factsheet that can assist families in navigating distressing online content if it has impacted your child in any way. We encourage families to make themselves aware of the procedures for reporting disturbing content and for strategies to support children who may be distressed by any online content they have seen.
Student Leadership Retreat
On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October our newly elected senior student leaders will head to Tallong for their Leadership Retreat. Here they will partake in sessions on leadership and teamwork led by Ms Skerman and Sr Sheila Flynn OP, put their teamwork skills into practice with outdoor challenge activities led by Ms Whiley, as well planning for the year ahead with Ms Kempers and learning about how to promote our school in an effective manner guided by Ms Graniero. This vital input plus the peace and serenity of Tallong and Geoff’s great food will ensure that our leaders return ready to launch into their leadership year. A huge thank you to Mr Ayoub who will make sure all our students arrive safely on the school bus.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Moving Up Day
Year 11 students had a moving up to Year 12 day on Wednesday18 October. The day started with a liturgy where students received prayer cards from the Dominican Sisters and a Year 12 badge. Following this, each student met with their academic advisor to discuss their HSC pattern of study and set goals for the year ahead. The IB Diploma students have a one-on-one session scheduled in the coming weeks with Ms Harris, Dean of IB. The day concluded with a careers session with Ms Guiguis and a wellbeing session with their pastoral care teacher. The students have responded well to the feedback and the guidance as they plan for the next 12 months.
Year 10 exams
The Year 10 students are currently sitting their end-of-year examinations. Our students often sit assessments, in-class tests or end-of-topic quizzes throughout the year. These assessments are essential measurement tools for teachers to track learning. These are only some of the ways we track student progress. We need to get our students match fit for examinations at some stage as this is how students are currently assessed for the Higher School Certificate or IB Diploma. This year, we have introduced the end-of-year examination block to train our students to sit in a room under examination conditions and extended quiet study periods. They also need to prepare for multiple examinations in one day as the HSC and IB schedule is out of our control. For example, the IB examination started this week for our Year 12 students and some of our students have had two or, on a rare occasion, three exams within one day.
Nerves going into assessments are OK. The Year 10 students had a study and examination preparation session with Tiffany from Elevate Education at the end of the last term. She taught the students to recognise the signs of anxiety and nerves, such as butterflies and sweaty palms, as communication tools. She also taught the students breathing techniques for when the body starts to tense before or during an examination.
Elevate Education also run free parent webinars for our families in Term 4:
How To Help Your Child Alleviate Stress – 8 November, 6:30pm How You Can Build Resilience in Your Child – 22 November, 6:30pm How You Can Set Your Child Up for Success – 6 December, 6:30pm
Year 9 students leave for their Outdoor Education Experience next week. This is a time for practising resilience, learning new skills, logistics, relationships and experiencing new regions, landscapes and terrain. If we were to map this against learning outcomes, these would include subjects like Geography, PDHPE, Mathematics, Food and Agriculture Technology, History of the region and Science.
Year 8 subject choices for Stage 5 learning
Year 8 students have now been given their elective choices for stage 5. Students need to be aware this is a two-year program. We have now timetabled and staffed these courses and students will not be permitted to change subjects.
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Deputy Principal Operations
I would like to thank all families using Carrington Road for their care and attention while the College works with Transport for NSW to source a new Traffic Controller. We have been informed that the selection process is underway and that this crossing should be supervised in both the morning and afternoon in the not-too-distant future.
Visitors to College for Saturday sport may have seen the signs advising of no dogs on campus. We ask all families to abide by our request as dog owners will be asked to leave the grounds with their dog.
A reminder to families that the fence project will commence from the 13 November and will see a secured perimeter around the Santa Sabina campus. Temporary fencing will be erected near the work site, but we do not envisage any impact on pedestrian access to the College while these works are being completed. Families are reminded not to use the car parks in these areas while the works are happening and normal drop-off and pickup procedures will continue at Jersey Road.
If there are any changes to your student’s medical or family contact details, these changes can be completed using Parent Lounge. It is essential that the College has the most up-to-date details to ensure that families can be contacted in the event of an emergency.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Head of Primary (P-6)
It is hard to believe we are at the end of Week 3 of Term 4, and soon, we’ll be marking the close of another eventful year at Del Monte and Gioia House.
Though Term 4 is always on the shorter side, our dedication to fostering growth never wanes. Our mission is consistent in promoting continuous learning, assessing, refining our teaching practices, preparing our students for the next grade, and celebrating year-end achievements. Teachers are working hard on writing the Semester 2 reports, which will be released to parents in Week 9 this term. We are committed to providing your child with a holistic education, teaching them the skills that are needed in order to be committed, courageous, resilient and inclusive young people who exercise respect for themselves, others and their world.
Year 4 and the St Dominic the Adventurer Award
On Saturday 21 October, Ms Nicotina and I travelled to Tallong for the conclusion of the St Dominic the Adventurer program. We watched with pride as 23 Year 4 students successfully navigated their way through the course. Throughout the day, they faced various challenges, enhancing their outdoor and problem-solving skills, and building resilience. These experiences aligned beautifully with our Dominican Pillars: Community, Learning, Prayer, and Service. The day’s highlight was the Award Presentation at our beautiful outdoor Chapel, commemorating a significant day of accomplishment and personal growth. Read more and watch the highlights video in Chris Walker’s report in this issue of Veritas Voice.
Del Monte Grandparents Day
Pope Francis has chosen ‘His mercy is from age to age,’ a passage from the Gospel of Luke, as the theme for the 2023 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Join us on 16 November as we celebrate Grandparents Day with an open invitation to explore our classrooms. Coinciding with this special day, our annual Scholastic Adopt-A-Book Program will be hosted in the Del Monte Library throughout the week. Here’s your chance to purchase enriching reads for your homes or donate to our school’s library. In appreciation, every book donated will carry a special acknowledgement with the student’s and family’s name. Furthermore, Scholastic is generously matching our total sales, enhancing our library’s offerings. Payment options include cash, MasterCard, Visa, or QR code. Our library tends to become quite crowded during recess, given our grandparents’ enthusiasm. For a smoother experience, consider visiting us either before school, starting at 8:00am or after school until 4:00pm throughout Grandparents Week. More details will be communicated in due course.
Kindergarten Experience Day
This Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new group of 2024 Kindergarten students. Their excitement and smooth transition to the new environment was a sight to behold. The day was filled with activities geared towards fostering connections. We eagerly anticipate our second experience day next week, which will also include a parent information session.
Year 4 Showcase
This event serves as a testament to the students’ evolution during their time at Del Monte. This year, the theme revolves around ‘Communities are an integral part of our life.’ The presentation promises a blend of visual arts, music, and dance, with students bringing concepts such as kindness, connection, and joy to life. Families are invited to join the celebration at 9:15am in the Del Monte Hall and then view the students’ work displayed in their classrooms.
Years 2-4 ICAS Assessment
Forty-eight students completed ICAS assessments in Mathematics and/or English. The assessments provide an objective ranking of our students’ performance against their classmates, school and the country. Congratulations to all these participants. A special mention to the following students who achieved distinctions and credits:
English
Distinction Award – top 10%
Annabelle Chang, Ashton Chung, Hannah Lue, Xinyue Lu, Jay Park
Credit Award – top 25%
Sofia Brodowska-Nidelkos, Kingsley Cheung, Esther Chiew, Andre Jayaseelan, Alfred Jin, Frederick La, Angela Li, Michaela Nguyen, Natalie Sun, Sophia Tadros, Grace Welsh, Audrey Wong, Alicia Wu
Kingsley Cheung, Esther Chiew, Andre Jayaseelan, Frederick La, Flynn Lee, Michaela Nguyen, Jay Park, Micah Sarayar, Natalie Sun, Sophia Tadros, Grace Welsh, Audrey Wong, Alicia Wu
2024 Years 5 & 7 Experience Day and Information Evening
The Parent Information Session scheduled for 1 November will serve as an introduction for current Year 4 families and new entrants to Gioia House in 2024.
On 3 November, we will welcome Year 5 2024 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 2024. Our current Year 5 students are excited to welcome new students to Gioia House and step into Year 6 on the day. Students should wear their College sports uniform, complete with the College hat. They should bring along their recess, lunch, and a water bottle. The girls are to arrive at Del Monte as per their regular timing and will then be escorted to Gioia House by our teachers. Post the day’s activities, the teachers will accompany the girls back to Del Monte for their usual dismissal.
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.
Year 6 Allwell Testing
Year 6 students will be involved in the online Allwell testing on the morning of Thursday 2 November. There is no special preparation needed for the test as it is not likely to improve student’s results. The best preparation is to be relaxed and refreshed on the testing day. A good night’s sleep is very important. If your child is sick on the day please let us know via the usual procedure in Parent Lounge. There will be a catch-up day in Term 1 next year.
Gioia House Maths Olympiad and Challenge Games
This year 60 students from Years 5 and 6 entered the Junior Maths Olympiad and Maths Challenge program. The program is specifically designed to stimulate and challenge students, teaching them major problem-solving strategies. Furthermore, it strengthens students’ mathematical intuition prior to starting high school.
The main aims of the program are to:
introduce students to important mathematical concepts
teach major strategies and develop flexibility for problem-solving
foster creativity and ingenuity and strengthen intuition
stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics
provide for the satisfaction, joy and thrill of meeting challenges.
We congratulate all students for their hard work and commitment to the program. The following students are commended on their excellent results in the competition.
Maths Olympiad Top 10% Kyra Gomes (absent in photo) Julie Zhu
Maths Olympiad Top 25% Chloe To Cadence Wong Madison Taouk Wynn Hu Emilia Srdanovic Alicia Bouantoun
Calendar dates – Del Monte
A detailed letter regarding important events will be sent to families in due course.
27 October Postponed Prep and MBH Athletics 9:30am – 10:30am
1 November Year 5 2024 Parent Information Session 6:00pm – 7:30pm
2 November Week 4 Assembly (Year 2)
2 November Kindergarten 2024 Experience Day 2 and Parent Info session
3 November Year 5 Experience Day
7 November Year 3-4 Sydney Catholic Schools Oztag Gala Day
9 November Remembrance Day Gathering Liturgy (Year 1)
9 – 10 November Year 3 Outdoor Education Experience
15 November Year 4 Showcase
16 November Grandparents Day Assembly and Open Classrooms
21 November Prep 3 day Experience Day
23 November Prep 2 & 5 day Experience Day
24 November K-2 Splash & Dash Carnival
28 November K-2 Dominican Awards
29 November K-4 Mass of Thanksgiving and Graduation Mass
30 November Years 3-11 College Speech Night
4 December Year 4 Big Day In
5 December Community Carols
6 December Term 4 concludes
Calendar dates – Gioia House
A detailed letter regarding important events will be sent to families in due course.
10 October Term 4 commences
3 November Year 5, 6 and 7 2024 Experience Day
17 November Fra Angelico Festival
30 November Years 3-11 College Speech Night
6 December Gioia House Liturgy of Thanksgiving followed by a picnic
6 December Term 4 concludes
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Enrichment
This term Ms Ruster will be supporting students in Year 4 with ‘Showcase’. Students in Year 4 will be learning and researching about communities and will have creative choices with their final product. They may choose to produce an artwork as part of their final product. Ms Ruster will be guiding students who are focusing on environmental communities – specifically those in water to create an artwork that connects to sustainability, responsibility or conservation of the ocean. We are aiming for these artworks to also be entered into the Litterarty Competition for 2024.
We know that social and emotional learning has an interconnected importance with academic learning and is equally important in a child’s overall development. This term Ms Ruster will also be working with some gifted and high potential students in groups to support them in an area of need. The area of need will be determined through teacher and student input. This area of need does not necessarily link to one particular Key Learning Area, it may be a social or emotional need such as ‘learning from mistakes’, ‘working collaboratively with others’, ‘ organisational skills’ or ‘research skills’. From the information collected, some students will be grouped according to a similar need and activities will be created to support students to develop their skills. These sessions will take place on a Monday and will begin in Week 4. If your child is to be included in these sessions you will be notified via email.
Caddie Ruster Gifted Education Coordinator P-4
STEM at Gioia
The girls were involved in creating digital content for their online game with professional film crew, which was then viewed by the audience at the Awards evening. Guests included companies such as Microsoft and Questacon as well as professors and scientists from UNSW. On numerous occasions throughout the night, our girls held themselves with pride as they attempted to convince the guests to vote for their game.
While they did not ‘win’, the Santa Sabina community is so proud of them for taking a great leap in their learning and confidently shaking the world, one step at a time.
Religious Education News
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 October 7. 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 1 decade at a time. Take time to pray the Rosary this month.
Sacramental Program of First Communion
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal, Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way. When we receive Communion, we believe that we receive the person of Jesus into our very beings. We become one with him, and we become one with each other. As a community, we become ‘the body of Christ’
We pray for our students who have received the Sacrament of First Communion during the last few months.
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P-6 Acting Co-assistant to the Head of Primary Campus P-4 Year 3 teacher
Year 3 Outdoor Education Experience
Year 3 Students have met with Mr Chris Walker (Coordinator of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning K-12) and Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders in preparation for their Outdoor Education Experience. The sessions were focused on sharing information about the activities and program. Students had the opportunity to ask any questions. Everyone is extremely excited to undertake this outdoor experience.
We invite families to review Year 3 Outdoor Education Experience slides and reach out if you have any queries.
Reneé Andrews Instructional Leader Acting Co-assistant to the Head of Primary Campus P-4
Director of Mary Bailey House
Vacation Care
OOSH was abuzz during the September-October vacation care program. We planned incursions and excursions with the children that got them moving, learning and playing. Our incursions included sports sessions with Little Boomers and Exergames, Ultra-Vet taught us about how to interact with animals and the Ultra-gaming van engaged our competitive spirit. Our excursions to Kingpin Bowling and Strathfield Park kept us active and involved.
The OOSH team is currently preparing for our next period of vacation care that will operate from Thursday 7 to Friday 15 December 2023. During this time, we will be preparing for Christmas. We’re planning an incursion and activity program that will be full of Christmas shows and craft activities. It will be the perfect opportunity for children to catch up and play with friends after a busy year at school.
OOSH will then be closed from Monday 18 December 2023 to Friday 5 January 2024. We re-open for vacation care on Monday 8 January 2024 until school resumes in Term 1. The focus of this portion of the program will be on having fun with friends. The activity program will include art and craft experiences, educational and fun incursions and excursions to local venues.
The vacation care program is in the final stages of completion and will be published in the coming week. If you would like your children to attend a vacation care program where they can make friends and have fun, please contact us at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au and Administrator Frances Windon or Coordinator Jessica Azzi will respond to you.
We look forward to seeing your child at OOSH having fun and making friends in vacation care.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House
Director of Community Relations P-12
Veritas 2023 Cover Design Competition
Are you an artist? Illustrator? Photographer? Designer?
For the first time in many years we are handing over the front cover design of the yearbook to you, our students. We are looking for creativity from you and would love to see what ideas you come up with. This is a unique opportunity to have your design published and distributed to the College community.
All Santa Sabina students are invited to enter our competition with a cover design that represents who we are in 2023. We are looking for something unique and interesting which best represents Santa Sabina College. Get creative! Draw your favourite building…submit a colourful artwork of student life…take a photo!
The image should be a high resolution jpg for a cover exactly A4 size, vertical shape. Submit via email to communityrelations@ssc.nsw.edu.au and type Veritas Cover Design Competition into the subject line. Entries close Monday 6 November 2023 at 5:00pm. Along with your submission please include a short personal statement covering your name, age, school year, medium and a 30-50 word description of your design process and inspiration behind your concept. A small panel of judges including College Principal Paulina Skerman will select the winner.
If you wish to see past editions of the yearbook, visit the Community Relations department at any time to have a look at our archived copies. The libraries on both campuses also have copies.
The winning artwork will feature on the cover of Veritas 2023, to be published in the first half of 2024. All entries submitted will be displayed at our inaugural Fra Angelico Festival of the Arts on Friday 17 November 2023.
Fra Angelico Festival of the Arts
We are organising many wonderful activities to suit all participants in our Fra Angelico Festival. One of these is our Silent Disco for kids. There are three sessions which are all supervised so parents will be able to explore the Festival or visit the Champagne Lawn while their children are dancing. But pre-booking is essential! It’s not limited to Santa Sabina students – children from other schools are wlecome.
Our Lumination Labs will also be open for parents and visitors to experience. These brand new labs are automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms supporting students to achieve exceptional results using Extended Reality, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. We are the first and only school in Sydney’s Inner West to build such labs – transporting students to the streets of ancient Rome, venturing into the depths of the ocean to study marine biology or even journeying through outer space to learn about the universe. Bookings are essential for Festival goers to experience these labs – please book using the button below.
Please also see our full activities schedule and map below, to help you plan your evening.
Yvette Graniero Director of Community Relations
Director of Development
Santa Sabina College 2023 Golf Day
On Thursday 12 October over 70 parents and friends of the College took part in our annual Santa Sabina College Golf day. This event took place at Strathfield Golf Club who were terrific hosts, starting the day with breakfast and coffee, followed by a round of golf and then completing the event with a lunch and awards. The feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive and this will be a regular event in the College calendar with Strathfield Golf Club supporting us as they have done.
Thank you to our committee, who without their outstanding work this would not have been possible.
Joseph Gittani (P&F president), Anthony Lahood, Simon Duigenan and Andrew Wehbe. These men are such committed Santa parents and supporters of the College, I can’t thank them enough for the amount of work they have done to ensure the day was a great success.
To our many sponsors who supported our event, your generosity and support has been second to none. Thank you so very much for being part of this wonderful event.
Anthony Lahood Motors Chemist Warehouse Sukkar Construction Horwood Nolan Real Estate Combine Air Training Steven Jeitani Bon Appetit Catering Nader Jewellery McDonald’s Haberfield BOQ Blacktown Proline Building North Sydney Buses DKMB Munch Express A&A Building Services Quatro Café EveryTrade Building
George Ayoub Director of Development
Tallong Campus
My first experience with Tallong Campus was as a group leader in November 2005. After working at numerous Outdoor Education Centres prior to this, I still remember vividly the feeling of amazement when I arrived for that first program. Tallong campus was in the bush. The bush was not over the fence or over the horizon but right here.
Now just a couple of years down the track, it is both a pleasure and a privilege to take on the role of Manager, Tallong Campus. Since commencing the natural environment of Tallong has lived up to my memories. I have seen rock wallabies, an echidna, a koala (surprisingly) and birdlife in abundance. The highlight has been an unusually curious kookaburra that flies in to say ‘G’day’ most mornings. What a special place to be and work!
Over the coming month we have a busy schedule. Tallong will play host to Newington College, Oxley College, Mount Carmel College and St Paul’s International College. On top of this, we have an action-packed Santa Sabina calendar with the Senior Leaders Retreat, Year 3 Camp, Parent/Child weekend and, most excitingly, the inaugural St Dominic the Adventurer Awards weekend.
To Kendall and his family embarking on their year-long trip around Australia, we wish you an experience that is full of connection. Connection for your family, to the people you meet along your journey and to the amazing natural environments you will experience. May you Shake the World in your own special way over the next 12 months.
Last but very much not least I would like to welcome Alyssa Pearse to the Tallong team. We thank all the team at the College and here at Tallong Campus who have provided us both with such a warm welcome.
Steven Fox Manager, Tallong Campus
Music in the Senior School (Curricular)
As we wrap up the year, we are seeing a strong emphasis on the integration and exploration of Music technology within Years 7 and 8, in addition to the consolidation of notational literacy and foundational aural skills. Year 9 are delving into an overarching review of Baroque, Classical and Romantic Periods of music, while Year 10 are delving into the topic of Film Music exploring a range of approaches to underscoring visual media.
Year 12 Class of 2024 – off and racing!
Determined as any to leave their indelible mark, Year 12 have launched their final year at Santa Sabina con gusto! All our ensembles have benefited from their presence and leadership, and in Curriculum Music we have noted strong starts in all the elective domains. We look forward to supporting these students in the year ahead to make their best music, and find great joy doing so. Good things are ahead!
Encore nomination
We congratulate our Year 12 HSC Music 1 drummer/percussionist, Eva Whitbread for receiving a well-deserved nomination for the NESA HSC Practical showcase Encore to be held at the Sydney Opera House next year.
Conservatorium of Music
Congratulations to Jessie Filipovski who has been offered an early entry to study Composition for Creative Industries at the USYD Conservatorium of Music.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Music Teacher Head of Curricular Music 5-12
More Music…
There are so many exciting music happenings across our great school each week! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Extracurricular & Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
History Excellence – The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship
The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards that is open to Year 11 students in NSW who have demonstrated excellence in the study of History. The application process is lengthy and includes a research essay, submission of completed school History assessment tasks and letters of recommendation. A huge congratulations to Molly Hoogland who due to her passion for History was one of 20 NSW scholars to win this scholarship and given the opportunity to undertake a fully funded Australian and International History Study Tour.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Student Reflection
Over the break, I had the privilege of travelling across Singapore and Darwin on a 13-day History Scholarship with a group of 20 NSW students and teachers. We visited a total of 37 historical sites significant to the Anzac participation in war and were accompanied by a historian. The formidable Professor Peter Stanley is an expert in the Fall of Singapore and the Bombing of Darwin and provided interesting historical insights. We participated in a variety of curriculum-based activities, including assessing the curation of the National Singapore Museum, and debating the culprit of Allied failure to defend the ‘impregnable fortress’ of Singapore in 1942.
On Day 2, I presented my research commemoration of Brigadier Harold Taylor. Brigadier Taylor was removed from his command three days before the Japanese landing at Sarimbun Beach and this is often credited as a key reason for the Fall of Singapore. I was interested to learn that he was also a chemical analyst who was an expert often called to testify in trials involving poisoning. He used his knowledge during his time as a Prisoner Of War (POW) at Changi Prison and established what was known as ‘Changi University’. This was an unofficial education scheme for prisoners. He taught classes in science, agriculture, and art which was a vital distraction from often dire POW conditions. When Brigadier Taylor was transported to other camps across Asia, he used his scientific education to ensure that his fellow POWs gained optimal nutrition from their meagre rations. Above all, his story reminded me of the purpose of this Study Tour, which is to remember that the casualties and statistics of war are people who have passions and interests and relationships and we should continue to commemorate their stories today.
A highlight was visiting Changi Prison and Chapel and considering a collection of material culture in the form of correspondence sent to a POW. Sources included: a telegram from parents, citing concern for his health; a letter from his wife, asking when he would return home; and most poignantly, a drawing from his young daughter. Love, resilience, faith and strength were my central impressions of life in Changi Prison despite the tragedy.
I am incredibly grateful to Ms Zagora and Ms Skerman for endorsing my application, and to the NSW Department of Veterans Affairs for allowing me to have such a meaningful experience. I encourage any student who is passionate about History to respond to Ms Zagora’s invitation and apply for next year’s Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship.
Molly Hoogland Year 12
Japanese Cultural Exchange Opportunity 2024
For over 30 years, Santa Sabina has enjoyed hosting Japanese exchange students from Japan in Term 1. These exchanges have provided a valuable learning experience for both hosted and hosting students and fostered many ever-lasting friendships.
The students are looking forward to this opportunity to live in Australia and share customs, traditions and culture with Australian families. The students will be arriving around 3 February and are expected to depart the first week of April. We are asking families to host for two to five weeks during this time. The exchange student will contribute a weekly fee of $250 to each host family.
A meeting will be held towards the end of Term 4 to introduce host families to each other and to answer any questions you may have. In the past, Australian families have thoroughly enjoyed the hosting experience and have recommended it to others. We thank you in anticipation of your assistance.
Samantha Whittemore Japanese & PDHPE Teachers Assistant Head of Gunagulla House
Careers Spotlight @ SSC
Work Experience
Over the past couple of months, we have had a number of students go out on work experience. Below are the reflections of three students:
During the first week of term I was fortunate enough to be able to complete work experience within a creative visual production company who were working on a collaboration with Luna Park. I worked as an intern on the set and was able to learn a lot through the expertise of the other professionals e.g. camera crew, set design, directors, costume designers and the sound crew. It was a very exciting and educational experience that helped me gain insight into the industry. Leia Kim Year 10
Last term I spent a week doing work experience with the NSW Police Band. Along with 11 other students from all different schools, I got to experience what it is like to be a full-time musician in a prestigious band. During the week, we sat in rehearsals with the concert band and big band as well as a performance at a primary school where we played kids’ tunes and did instrument demonstrations for the primary school kids. We concluded the week by holding a concert for family and friends showcasing all the new repertoire and skills we learnt. I very much enjoyed the experience throughout the week and I got to meet new people and learn from skilled players who showed me what it was like to be a professional musician. Monika Zhou Year 10
Attending a day of work experience at Westpac Bank in the finance sector was an eye-opening and enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of the banking industry. From the moment I stepped into the bustling environment of the bank, I was immersed in a world of financial transactions, customer interactions, and collaborative teamwork that highlighted the multifaceted nature of the finance sector.
Meeting with individuals in various roles within the finance division during my work experience at Westpac Bank provided me with a comprehensive view of how different functions collaborate to ensure the institution’s financial well-being. Each interaction gave me valuable insights into the distinct responsibilities and contributions of roles such as the Financial Controller, Financial Manager, Performance Manager, and Data Analyst.
The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the banking environment was also apparent throughout the day. I observed how employees adeptly balanced multiple tasks and adapted to changing circumstances. This agility showcased the importance of being able to work under pressure and make quick, informed decisions—a skill that is undoubtedly crucial in the finance sector, where market conditions and client needs can change rapidly.
Overall, my day of work experience at Westpac Bank left me with a profound appreciation for the complexities of the finance sector. It highlighted the importance of a holistic skill set encompassing technical knowledge, communication abilities, attention to detail, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach. This experience has not only deepened my interest in pursuing a career in finance but has also equipped me with valuable insights that will undoubtedly influence my academic and professional endeavours moving forward. Tamanna Anand Year 12
Upcoming Careers Events
Sydney Design School Open Day – 28 October. Register here.
Careers in the clean energy sector – hear from two women working in the industry in this online webinar. 30 October 5pm. Register here.
USYD Early Childhood Degree webinar – 1 November 4pm. Register here.
USYD Pathways to Law webinar – 1 November 5pm. Register here.
USYD Exercise and Sport Science – 8 November 4pm. Register here.
USYD Why Study Business at Sydney – 8 November 5pm. Register here.
Free HSC Workshops for Year 11 – Macquarie University 5 November and UTS 12 November. Register here.
UNSW Portfolio Entry Workshop for current Year 12 students – face to face 14 November, register here. Online 15 November, register here.
Academy of Interactive Entertainment Open Day – 18 November. Register here.
Scholarships
Macquarie University Faculty of Science and Engineering Sustainability Scholarship – $5000 per year for high achieving students in Science, Engineering and IT degrees who have the potential to make a positive impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applications close 19 November. Apply here.
Eva Guirguis Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships | HSIE Teacher
Gioia House Pastoral
This term our Action Girl Pastoral Program focus is resilience. This week, the Gioia House students watched a performance titled ‘Be Brave’. Throughout the performance, students looked at how to be in tune with their emotions, coping strategies when they have to deal with change, loss, friendships and other stressful life events. The Being Brave performance provided the students with positive strategies they can use to cope with emotions and adapt to change at home, at school and online.
During our Action Girl Pastoral lessons, we will continue to discuss and unpack some of the situations that were brought up during the performance and how each character was able to process their emotions and deal with each situation. Being Brave encourages students to feel empowered and seek help to face life’s challenges with confidence and compassion. The performance also reminded the students about the importance of online cyber safety and to always talk to a trusted adult when faced with challenging life situations. We encourage parents to talk to their child about some of the themes brought up in this performance, maintain open communication and discuss strategies to use when challenges arise.
Action Girls
We have had a positive start to the term with many students displaying Action Girl qualities through their words and actions each day. It is wonderful to see students wearing their uniform correctly and with pride each day. What a great start to Term 4.
Congratulations to the following students who received an Action Girl award and badge:
Year 5 Action Girls Isabel Boustani Ava Ettorre Victoria Hidalgo Ava Staveris
Year 6 Action Girls Maria Fredericks Kyra Gomes Jet Martin Chloe To
Project Pearls – Philippines donations
Thank you to all the Gioia House students and families who generously donated to Project Pearls Charity and provided clothes, shoes, activity packs and hygiene items for children and people in need in Manilla, Philippines. The Kitchen-Garden Club also sold plants during their lunchbreak time and donated all the money raised to Project Pearls Charity.
Thank you to Mr John Pane for collecting the donations and organising the items to be packed and shipped to the Philippines. We hope our small contribution will help the community in Manilla.
Community Time
This week our Gioia House community time focused on personal wellbeing. Students identified ways they can relax, calm their mind, reset, have a positive outlook and be in tune with personal emotions. We discussed looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. The students took part in mindfulness colouring-in, drawing, writing a prayer or reading.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
Music at Gioia House (Curricular)
Fra Angelico
As per communications that were sent this week, our inaugural Fra Angelico festival is promising to be a highlight of the year, and an opportunity to showcase all the singing and playing that happens in Curriculum Music at Gioia House. Every child from Prep to Year 6 will be playing and/or singing! Please refer to the official letter, summarised below for quick reference:
5:00pm – 6:00pm | Del Monte Ensembles are performing
6:15pm – 7:00pm | Gioia House Ensembles & Sinfonietta are performing
7:15pm – 7:30pm | Senior Taiko Ensemble is performing
8:15pm – 8:45pm | Senior Stage & Rock Bands are performing
All students are to present at the communicated meeting point no later than 15 minutes prior to their set time. Parents may collect students at the end of the respective session from the Backstage meeting point.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Music Teacher Head of Curricular Music 5-12
More Music…
There are so many exciting music happenings across our great school each week! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Extracurricular & Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
6AD have been investigating the properties of 3D objects and their relationship to volume and capacity.
We enjoyed the hands-on activity, whereby we constructed a variety of 3D objects and connected these to their nets, identifying their specific properties.
We also constructed a cubic metre and estimated how many of us could fit inside.
Eamon Dunphy Year 6 Teacher
Game design challenge top ten
Last term, Mia, Annabelle, Gabriella and Harriet from Year 5 entered into Arludo’s Game Design Challenge. Out of over 400 applicants, they were shortlisted to the top 30 and then top 10 across Australia. On 10 October, we were invited to the Arludo Gala Awards evening at the University of New South Wales to celebrate all of the shortlisted schools. Before the evening began, we were involved in a fun, science-filled day. We went on a tour to the Quantum Computer Labs where we witnessed scientists at work in the construction of the first Quantum Computer. We were then taken on a tour through the Museum of Human Diseases and finally engaged in a Q&A with Arludo’s online game design developers and programmers.
The girls were involved in creating digital content for their online game with professional film crew, which was then viewed by the audience at the Awards evening. Guests included representatives of companies such as Microsoft and Questacon as well as professors and scientists from UNSW. On numerous occasions throughout the night, our girls held themselves with pride as they attempted to convince the guests to vote for their game.
While they did not ‘win’, the Santa Sabina community is proud of them for taking a great leap in their learning and confidently shaking the world, one step at a time.
Kate Bakhos Leader of Learning Technology P-6
Appreciation
Year 5 have been reflecting on the many things they are appreciative of and grateful for. Here are some poems they have written in response to this topic.
I treasure the sun, the moon, and the sky I treasure the birds that love to fly I treasure the life beyond the walls I treasure the sounds and the love that calls I treasure the making and creating I treasure the kindness of everybody waiting I treasure the light in your might I treasure the modesty when you are right I treasure the lions leopards and more I treasure the sound of hearing them roar I treasure there fierceness when they cry I treasure it so I want to fly I APPRECIATE LIFE!
Scarlett Matheson
The sea the land The earth the sky The deserts of sand The birds who fly. The water the fire The caterpillars in cocoons The things I desire The sun, the moon. The snow the ice The dogs who bark The flowers that smell nice The fish and the sharks. The bears that roar The trees that sway The eagles that soar The people here every day. I’m grateful for the things I love I’m grateful for a single dove.
Amelia Brogan
Year 6 Mathematics
In our Mathematics lessons we have been using isometric paper to draw 3D shapes that were constructed using linking cubes. We also drew isometric drawings of 3D shapes. I really enjoyed the task and felt I drew well because I have studied sketching before. It was a fun way to use our understanding of 3D Shapes. Isabella Lyu
In our Mathematics class we have been drawing 3D shapes using isometric paper. I have really enjoyed this task as you get to learn how to draw different shapes that we have created with linking cubes. I found it a little frustrating as it was hard to not get confused while drawing the shape. Although it was hard to draw, I have persevered to draw new shapes. Annabelle Geagea
In our Maths class we experienced drawing isometric shapes. This was a creative activity that let us expand our imagination when drawing shapes. Ashley Duigenan
In Maths class, we were working on isometric drawings using 3D shapes. I enjoyed using my creativity in drawing these shapes. Although challenging and confusing, it was still enjoyable and expanded my knowledge of 3D shapes. Tatijana Sesar
In Maths, we have been learning about isometric drawing. I have really enjoyed it and it has challenged me in many ways. It has tested me to try a different way of drawing that was difficult at first. It was also a way to challenge my creativity when thinking of shapes as I had to use only 6 blocks to create a 3D shape. I showed perseverance with the task. Madison Rice
Day and Night Simulation
This term Year 6 students are exploring Earth Science. Students learnt about day and night simulation. The focus was on the causes of day and night, where students explored the 24-hour axis rotation. They also explored the different seasons, which is from orbiting around the sun. The students participated in an engaging and creative experiment which assisted students’ understanding of the concepts.
Monique Taylor Year 6 Teacher
Shaping life-ready problem solvers
During the introduction to our 2023 Action Research Project in February, we were presented with an opportunity to focus on one of our tricky problems of practice. In collaboration with Matthew Mountford, the Dean of Gifted Education, we decided to investigate our Gioia House students’ approach to solving problems in Maths, an area where we have persistently struggled to build their competence and confidence.
During the course of our early research and data-gathering, it became noticeable that students required more continual explicit teaching of new and varied problem-solving strategies to build their mathematical toolkit and to become more agile in their approach to solving complex mathematical problems. They also needed more time to ponder and play around with problem-solving strategies.
To address these challenges, we searched the recent literature and selected a range of practices we thought would apply well to our context. Based on both the quantitative and qualitative data gathered, we found Number Talks to be one of our most impactful strategies. Number Talks provide a structured method to help students build number sense and problem-solving skills by working collaboratively with their peers to talk through and mentally find solutions to number problems. To extend this practice, students were also encouraged to create illustrations of the strategies they used to come to a solution. A benefit of this approach is that it reminds students of the multiple methods that can be used to arrive at a solution and in so doing develops their confidence and agility in tackling complex problems. The smaller group activities also give less confident students the opportunity to take risks and test their ideas with their peers.
Given the importance of mathematical literacy identified in the PISA 2018 Mathematics Framework as helping individuals to ‘make the well-founded judgements and decisions needed by constructive, engaged and reflective citizens’, we will continue in our quest to prepare students for the challenges they’ll face after school by implementing evidence-based practices to build their competence and confidence in solving mathematical problems.
Ann Milicic Leonie McLaren Matthew Mountford
Music in the early years
Music at Mary Bailey House (Curricular)
This term, Mary Bailey House children will be focusing on preparation for the Community Carols and End of Year Concert. This will include learning a Christmas Carol, along with practising various songs, movements, cues and using percussion instruments. The children have been working hard to learn all the words to the songs and sing beautifully with confidence. We cannot wait to show our families and community what we do in Music time!
Music at Del Monte (Curricular)
Students are very busy finessing their songs and repertoire for the many events this term. Most of these are to be performed by memory! We are preparing for Grandparents Day, Fra Angelico Festival, Year 4 Showcase, Thanksgiving Mass and Community Carols. This gives students the opportunity to learn about music in a variety of styles and genres.
Fra Angelico
As per communications that were sent this week, our inaugural Fra Angelico festival is promising to be a highlight of the year, and an opportunity to showcase all the singing and playing that happens in Curriculum Music at Del Monte. Every child from Prep to Year 6 will be playing and/or singing! Please refer to the official letter, summarised below for quick reference:
5:00pm – 6:00pm | Del Monte Ensembles are performing
6:15pm – 7:00pm | Gioia House Ensembles & Sinfonietta are performing
7:15pm – 7:30pm | Senior Taiko Ensemble is performing
8:15pm – 8:45pm | Senior Stage & Rock Bands are performing
All students are to present at the communicated meeting point no later than 15 minutes prior to their set time. Parents may collect students at the end of the respective session from the Back Stage meeting point.
More Music…
There are so many exciting music happenings across our great school each week! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Extracurricular & Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
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 a 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.
(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.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM OF FIRST COMMUNION
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal, Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way. When we receive Communion, we believe that we receive the person of Jesus into our very beings. We become one with him, and we become one with each other. As a community, we become ‘the body of Christ’
We pray for our students who have received the Sacrament of First Communion during the last few months.
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P-6 Acting Co-assistant to the Head of Primary Campus P-4 Year 3 teacher
Enrichment
This term I will be supporting students in Year 4 with ‘Showcase’. Students in Year 4 will be learning and researching about communities and will have creative choice with their final product. They may choose to produce an artwork as part of their final product. I will be guiding students who are focusing on environmental communities – specifically those in water to create an artwork that connects to sustainability, responsibility or conservation of the ocean. We are aiming for these artworks to also be entered into the ‘Litterarty Competition’ for 2024.
We know that social and emotional learning has an interconnected importance with academic learning and is equally important in a child’s overall development. This term I will also be working with some gifted and high potential students in groups to support them in an area of need. The area of need will be determined through teacher and student input. This area of need does not necessarily link to one particular Key Learning Area, it may be a social or emotional need such as ‘learning from mistakes’, ‘working collaboratively with others’, ‘ organisational skills’ or ‘research skills’. From the information collected, some students will be grouped according to a similar need and activities will be created to support students to develop their skills. These sessions will take place on a Monday and will begin in Week 4. If your child is to be included in these sessions you will be notified via email.
Caddie Ruster Gifted Education Coordinator P-4
St Dominic the Adventurer Award @ Tallong
Did you know that St Dominic himself was an adventurer? Well, some of our Year 4s have tapped into the spirit of St Dominic and embraced his zest for adventure and curiosity throughout the program. The students graduated from the St Dominic the Adventurer program at Tallong on the weekend as they used their skills to build rafts, learnt how to build fires and also shelters. Best of all, they embraced the challenges of the High Ropes course! At the end of the day, the students were awarded badges for learning their skills and contributing to the program
The St Dominic the Adventurer Award was a combination of service, prayer and learning skills to help participants be strong little adventurers who can take on the world and the challenges that lie ahead. The students and parents had a great weekend celebrating the award and enjoying the beauty of Tallong.
We look forward to continuing the program next year as our Del Monte adventurers continue their journey!
Christopher Walker Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
Director of Music
It’s been a happy and fulfilling term since my commencement at Santa Sabina at the start of this semester. In such a short time, I’ve found deep simpatico with the beautiful Dominican pillars, and it has been my privilege to work behind the scenes and with our students to prepare Music for performances that will bring our school community together in the weeks ahead.
Please save the dates for all the wonderful events being planned by the Music Department (information below) in addition to our featured performances at many non-Music Department events; such as Thanksgiving Masses, Liturgies, Assemblies and Grandparents’ Day, Discovery Day and Speech Day! We will also be honoured to serve our community at the Burwood Park Remembrance Day service on the 11/11.
One of my favourite quotes is by the Hungarian pedagogue Zoltan Kodaly who says:
‘Music is nourishment, and a comforting elixir. Music multiplies the beauty of life and all its values.‘
I trust that Music at Santa Sabina may help ‘multiply the beauty’ of your final school term and coming Advent period.
Amy Richardson Director of Music P-12
Music events for Term 4
Please note the dates below in your calendar. Information specific to performers has been or will be communicated separately via email. Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.
25/10
Twilight Discovery Tour (with Music Featured)
5:00pm
3/11
Open Music Recital
3:45pm
9/11
Celebration of Music Concert
6:00pm
11/11
Remembrance Day (with Music Featured)
11:00am
15/11
Yr 4 Showcase (with Music Featured)
9:15am
16/11
Del Monte Music Assembly / Grandparents Day
11:30am
17/11
Fra Angelico Arts Festival (With Music Featured)
5:00pm
28/11
Advent Carols with Consort 8 in the Chapel
6:00pm
29/11
K-4 Mass of Thanksgiving(with Music Featured)
9:30am
30/11
Speech Night (with Music Featured)
6:30pm
5/12
Gioia House Nursing Home Carols
9:10am
5/12
7-11 Mass of Thanksgiving (with Music Featured)
12:00 noon
5/12
Community Carols
4:30pm
6/12
5-6 Thanksgiving Liturgy (with Music Featured)
10:00am
A Celebration of Music
Thursday 9 November at 6:00pm
We are excited to once again host our annual Celebration of Music Concert, which will see senior ensembles performing a delightful program, celebrating the culmination of another year of music-making at Santa Sabina. Alas due to the unmitigable impact of student absence due to Year 3 Camp, this year’s Celebration will feature ensembles from Years 5-12, with Del Monte ensembles to feature heavily across Fra Angelico, Advent & Community Carols in place of this opportunity.
Our students have worked tirelessly in the second semester and the evening promises to be an outstanding event featuring selected Choral and Instrumental Ensembles in standalone and combined performance items. We are looking forward to presenting works by Morales, Ikegawa, Jarman, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Hazo and Marquez, and the evening will close with the sublime Benedictus from Jenkins’ The Armed Man as our collective prayer for our community and world.
Advent Carols
Tuesday 28 November at 6:00pm
This traditional carols event is promising to be another sublime evening of reflection and sacred musical delights as our co-curricular string, brass and choral programs from P-12 collaborate with the esteemed Early Music ensemble CONSORT 8. Featuring specially arranged works, reimaginings of traditional Catalonian and Sicilian carols; excerpts from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and of course, we’ll fire up the Chapel organ for a rousing community sing at the end of the evening, be sure to arrive early to secure a seat for this special event.
Community Carols
Tuesday 5 December from 4:30pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the second last day of school at that! Bring your picnic rugs and singing voices and let’s send the year off with tidings of comfort and joy! Hosted at Del Monte, but featuring our Symphony Orchestra, Stage Band and many senior ensembles in addition to our youngest ‘heavenly hosts’ who will be leading us! Let’s celebrate Christmas, Community and Music all together.
Co-curricular and Extracurricular Music
With the term brimful of wonderful activity and an array of performance opportunities for our ensembles, consistent attendance at rehearsals in addition to diligent personal preparation ahead of these has never been more important. Whilst it’s often a matter of simply honouring the commitments we have made to our peers and the collective, the return on these investments are immeasurable. We look forward to reaping the rich rewards of diligence when we present beautiful music for our audiences in the weeks to come.
Absences to be emailed to: music@ssc.nsw.edu.au
A reminder that if your child is absent from an ensemble for which they are enrolled and committed, as a matter of duty of care and rehearsal planning, it is critical that parents write to the Music office to explain the pending absence – in advance wherever possible. Thank you to those who are already consistent with this practice.
New opportunities on the horizon!
We encourage all Santa students to make use of the extraordinary opportunities afforded within our Private Tuition stream, and are excited to be launching some new initiatives for our programming in 2024 that will see some more contemporary experiences added to our offerings. Watch this space!
Honour Roll
Congratulations to the following students who achieved sound results in their recent AMEB examinations. Thanks to our team of specialised Music Tutors who continue to guide their preparation and development each week within our Extra-curricular Music programs.
AMEB results
Dominique Portelli (Year 4) – AMEB Grade 3 received High Distinction (A+)
Jemya Choi (Year 7) – AMEB Grade 1 received High Distinction (A+)
Karena Thompson (Year 3) – AMEB Grade 1 received Honours (A)
Eisteddfod results
Dominique Portelli (Year 4)
The City of Penrith Eisteddfod Society Inc
1st place in 19th century Grade 3 section
3rd place in 20-21st century Grade 3 section
Bethany Haisman Memorial Prize for gaining the highest marks for music up to and including the 19th century, graciously presented by Brian and Heather Haisman
Soopia Chang (Year 3)
The City of Penrith Eisteddfod Society Inc, The St George Instrumental Eisteddfod Inc & The City of Ryde Eisteddfod
1st place in 9 years and under
3rd place in 9 years and under
Highly commended in Australian Piano Solo 9-12 years
Riha Han (Year 3)
The St George Instrumental Eisteddfod Inc
2nd place in the Grade 4 section for violin
Aria Leung (Year 3)
The City of Penrith Eisteddfod Society Inc
1st place in 18th Century Grade 2 Section
3rd place in 20-21st Grade 2 Section
Liam Nguyen (Year 3)
The City of Penrith Eisteddfod Society Inc & The St George Instrumental Eisteddfod Inc
2nd place in 20-21st Century Grade 2 section
Highly commended in Grade 2 section
Holiday Music!
A musician never ever stops learning! We commend our Santa Sabina students who took the opportunity to participate in the Metropolitan Orchestra’s Music Camp during the September holidays. The camp was heavily supported by some of our Santa Sabina staff and tutors, Year 4 student Aiden Curran featured on Double Bass and Year 6 student Estelle Gilmovich was Concertmaster for this event.
Find out more
If you would like to know more about one of our music offerings across the school (be it choirs, bands, orchestras or private tuition) please reach out via music@ssc.nsw.edu.au or reach out to Ms Suzanna Touma in the Music Office directly s.touma@ssc.nsw.edu.au and we will be happy to assist you.
More Music…
There are so many exciting music happenings across our great school each week! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Extra-curricular & Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
Term 4 sport is officially underway! We have over 40 teams playing across various competitions and associations such as IPSHA Basketball and Tennis, NSW Girls Rugby Sevens Competition, IGSA Badminton, Touch Football, Tennis and Water Polo and our renowned Santa Invitational Volleyball and Basketball competition. We wish these teams the best of luck for the term ahead!
A friendly reminder to communicate any training or game absences to the College Sport email sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au.
Term 1 2024 Sport Activities Registrations – NOW OPEN
Term 1 2024 Sport Activity registrations have officially opened and will close on Monday 6 November at 5:00pm.
Please see the list below of all of the sport and co-curricular activities on offer for next term! We have recently changed registration platforms, please look at the ‘Activity Selection how to’ guide for further information on Sports Registrations for Term 1 activities. If you have any further questions, please email the College Sport Department sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au. Information regarding team trials will be posted to the respective VO pages.
The Sports offers for Term 1 2024 are:
IGSA Tennis IGSA Touch Football IGSA Water Polo IPSHA Girls Football IPSHA Girls Water Polo IPSHA Boys Basketball Santa Invitational Volleyball Competition NSW Girls Rugby Sevens Competition Representative Dance trials Expressions of Interest
Registrations to be released in the coming weeks:
Swim Club Athletics Club Fit Club Senior Boxing for Years 10-12
Representative Sport
NSWCCC Water Polo Championships
On Friday 20 October, selected students in Years 10 and 11 competed in the NSWCCC Water Polo Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Competing against six other schools, our students played four games guided by coach Steph Macmillan and displayed great performances throughout the day.
After showing great sportsmanship and technical levels during their games we finished in fifth place. Well done to the students who represented the College:
Name
Grade
Abbie Crakanthorp
10
Alana Rancic
10
Armani Jamieson
11
Bronte Sprotte
11
Charlotte Pugh
11
Claudia Pickett
11
Elizabeth Buckley
11
Penelope Short
10
Sienna Walker
11
Tia Hansen
11
Zahra Abbas
11
Dance 2024 Representative Program Expressions of Interest Form
The Santa Sabina College Representative Dance program is a fantastic program where students compete regularly in national dance eisteddfods against other schools throughout the year.
The program aims to deliver an elite level of Dance taught by our highly experienced Dance coaches in a fun and engaging environment for the students to thrive in which enhances their skills in teamwork, dance and overall wellbeing. This program requires a high level of commitment also from both dancers and families between Terms 1-3, when the program operates. It is essential that students in Years 5-12 have a high level of Dance training and are also undertaking Dance lessons externally.
This program is open to all students in Years 1-12 in 2024. Auditions will ONLY be held for students from Years 3-12 (NO AUDITION FOR YEARS 1-2 2024). Students who participate in the program will have compulsory weekly training sessions, two to three weekend and Sunday intensive trainings and five to six compulsory Dance eisteddfod performances throughout Terms 1-3.
Please note that this is a full-year commitment. Attendance at the representative Dance audition/trial is compulsory for any student in Years 3-12 wishing to be part of the program.
We will be holding introduction to netball clinics at lunchtime during weeks 4,5 and 6 at Del Monte. These clinics are designed for all students from Kindergarten to Year 4. Keep an eye out for flyers at Del Monte with further information regarding days.
Public Speaking
On Saturday 21 October, 16 Santa Sabina College students from Years 7-11 represented the College at the IGSA Festival of Speech.
Our students competed in sections including Religious and Ethical questions, Current Affairs, Readings Junior and Senior, Poetry Junior and Senior, Public Speaking Junior and Senior. This year the ‘Soap Box’ was introduced so our students could choose a topic and create a ‘rant’ about it.
After a full day of beautiful speeches and expression, competing against 27 other schools who are part of IGSA, Santa came in 13th overall.
I would like to direct a special thank you to Ms Jane Sulis for all her passion and energy dedicated to coaching our girls in debating and Public Speaking and our parents community for all the help and support along the process.
Congratulations to these students:
Student Name
Surname
Year Group
Sophia
Karakatsanis
7
Mia
Bek
8
Ruby
Dib
8
Davina
Rajikumar
8
Vanessa
Cassimatis
9
Matilda
Stephens
10
Isabel
Law
10
Isabel
Marturia
10
Remi
Apostolopoulos
10
Mia
Papavramidis
10
Tanisha
Chari
11
Rochelle
Dias
11
Bronte
Sprotte
11
Aditi
Kamath
11
Molly
Hoogland
11
Charlotte
Pugh
11
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Author visit
We are privileged to have the talented actress, writer, podcaster Angourie Rice and her mother, scriptwriter, Kate Rice come to Santa Sabina College on Tuesday 14 November at 9:20am to talk about their upcoming novel, Stuck Up and Stupid, inspired by the romantic and satirical works of Jane Austen.
Angourie is known for her work in Mare of Eastown, Spider Man, Jasper Jones and The Last Thing He Told Me. She has starred opposite Kate Winslet, Jennifer Garner and Zendaya. Kate Rice is an award-winner playwright with a PhD in the ethical creative process.
Very few novels have been written by a mother and daughter, and after the success of our Year 8 OpenBook program, what better way to end the year, but to hear how a mother and daughter managed to write a debut novel together.
We would like to extend an invitation to all parents to come along. RSVP by 1 November via the Trybooking link (for catering purposes). Copies of the book will be available for sale and pre-order, costing $22.99 a copy. Further details to follow but please indicate interest when you book.
Students from surrounding schools such as Meriden and MLC will be invited as part of our library’s initiative to create a reading and writing cultural hub at Santa Sabina College.
Susan Lombardo and Melina Marchetta Santa Sabina College Library
Introducing Claire Baroni, Director of Business Services
Staff Story
Claire Baroni, our new Director of Business Services, is a senior member of our College Leadership Team who looks after the financial and business matters across the College. She is also our Company Secretary and has oversight of the Property and Facilities portfolio. Supporting Claire are the Property and Business Services teams.
It’s a big job! But it’s all in a day’s work for Claire who has amassed some significant experience over the years, working initially in corporate financial services and spending the last six years as Head of Operations at another school in the Catholic systemic education sector. That role also included governance, compliance, IT, marketing and executing a new master plan.
In her earlier corporate life, Claire worked at the financial services organisation Perpetual Limited providing philanthropic and trustee services. Claire facilitated significant donations to charitable institutions. On moving to the education sphere, Claire found a very different way of thinking to that of the corporate financial world.
‘The nature of my role in corporate finance was very black and white whereas in schools it’s very different, there are human aspects, it’s a community’, she explains.
Claire is therefore much happier in the school environment, working towards providing the best possible resources for the College to continue its 130 years of educating children and young women, setting them up to pursue excellence in life.
When Claire Baroni recalls migrating to Australia as a child she finds it hard to stem her emotions. Claire’s parents were Vietnamese refugees during the migration and humanitarian crisis following the end of the Vietnam War in 1978. The journey was too perilous for children to undertake, so Claire’s earliest years were spent being brought up by her grandmother in Vietnam. But by 10 years old Claire and her sister were sponsored by their newly Australian parents to migrate to Sydney. Arriving into Year 5 without a word of English, Claire’s experience is not unlike that of many of our youngest students at Santa Sabina. As with those Del Monte students, learning English is the important starting point. Claire mastered the language quickly then proceeded to flourish despite tough moments along the way.
‘With everything that my parents went through and I sort of went through, you learn to be resilient’, she reflects.
After finishing school, Claire went on to study accounting at university followed by an MBA. She also completed the Company Director Course, a Diploma in Financial Planning and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders. Along the way she gained valuable experience in executing a school’s master plan. Claire is greatly looking forward to helping execute our own exciting masterplan.
‘Looking to the future I hope I can make a huge difference here’, Claire says.
After hours, Claire is a wife and busy mother of two and she is passionate about gardening.
‘On weekends I am in the garden with my children, teaching them about the fruit and vegetables we grow – I’m crazy about plants’!
Victoria Harper Publications and Marketing Officer
St Patrick’s Mortlake Youth Mass
Fra Angelico Festival
We are excited to invite you to join us on Friday 17 November at our inaugural Fran Angelico Festival The evening will feature student performances in Music and Dance. Art work and design will also be on display and the evening will culminate in a fashion parade and light show.
There will also be activities for all the family to enjoy. One of these is our Silent Disco. There are three sessions which are all supervised so parents will be able to explore the Festival or visit the Champagne Lawn while their children are dancing. But pre-booking is essential! It’s not limited to Santa Sabina students – children from other schools are welcome.
Our Lumination Labs will also be open for parents and visitors to experience. These brand new labs are automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms supporting students to achieve exceptional results using Extended Reality, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. We are the first and only school in Sydney’s Inner West to build such labs – transporting students to the streets of ancient Rome, venturing into the depths of the ocean to study marine biology or even journeying through outer space to learn about the universe. Bookings are essential for Festival goers to experience these labs – please book using the button below.
The Heartfelt Community invites us to Mass on Saturday 25 November in the Santa Sabina Chapel at 6:00pm, to come together and honour our loved ones who have gone before us.
Mass for All Souls Day – all are welcome
On Thursday 2 November at 12:50pm in the Chapel Fr John Hayes will be celebrating Mass with our community to mark All Soul’s Day. All families are welcome to attend this Mass with our students and staff to remember those loved ones who have departed and have been reunited with God in Heaven. We especially invite those members of our community who have lost a loved one this year and who would like to join together with us to pray.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Kopanang Christmas Market
Please join us at this year’s Christmas market: Friday 17 November 3:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday 18 November 10:00am to 3:00pm at Rosary Lodge – Santa Sabina College.
Fostering an Evidence Enriched Culture AISNSW Symposium 2023
High impact teaching is underpinned and strengthened by teachers who are skilled in using evidence to inform and enrich their practice. By engaging in and with research, teachers strive to build on the practices they know work and de-implement or redesign those that don’t. While any effective educator will instinctively and consistently engage in the process of reflection, research and adjustment to improve their practice, action research gives this process a clear method and strategy.
At the end of Term 3, I was invited to be part of a panel discussion at the Association of Independent Schools NSW Education Research Symposium 2023 to share experiences from our 2023 Action Research Professional Learning Project. This Symposium was designed to bring educators together to critically reflect and build on practices used by teachers to engage in and with research in their quest for continuous and sustained improvement in student learning outcomes.
Despite the varying experiences and backgrounds of panellists, we had all seen firsthand the benefits of practitioner-based research and its role in improving teaching and learning practices and outcomes. While external research plays an important role in informing best practice, every school has its own distinct context with unique challenges and aspirations to match. So as teachers seek out the latest educational research to develop strategies to improve student learning outcomes, as practitioner-based researchers, they will methodically (and often collaboratively) engage in a cycle of reflecting on the research, adapting the new strategies to suit their context and gathering evidence to measure the impact on students’ learning.
Through our 2023 Action Research Learning Project, we have seen the professional and student learning outcomes of this process and during the symposium, I was delighted and proud to share some of these outcomes. While there are too many to mention here, some of the highlights can be seen below in the images of our final project showcase for the year.
Using Audio Feedback
English – Creative Writing
Enhancing Student Engagement with Musical Instruments
Enhancing Student Physical Activity
Improving Spelling in Writing
Projects of Action and Agency
Redesigning Rubrics for Student Growth
Kate Corcoran Action Research Coordinator
Ex-students’ Association
The Association had a very special evening last Thursday learning about Fra Angelico and the concept of preaching through the beauty of art.
Sr Sheila Flynn OP brought the paintings alive for us. She also introduced us to another Dominican artist Kim En Joong and we were privileged to see some of Sr Sheila’s own work.
On Thursday 7 November we have our Melbourne Cup Lunch at Angelos.
It is my pleasure to provide you with the first update of Term 4 from the Parents and Friends’ Association. As we wrap up the year, we reflect on the vibrant community events and anticipate what’s yet to come.
SSC Colour Fun Run
What a day it was! The Colour Fun Run was nothing short of a colourful spectacle. Our kids were all smiles, thoroughly enjoying every bit of the event. Alongside the vibrant hues, we had a BBQ, delicious donuts, tunes spun by our DJ, and spectacular photographs captured by SSC Super Dad, Giovanni Portelli. We owe a massive thank you to Tatiana Raffaele for seamlessly organising the event. The efforts of all our wonderful volunteers ensured the day’s success. For those eager to relive the memories, you can access photos from the day by clicking here.
Del Monte Disco – Neon Nights
Our younger stars from Prep to Year 4 danced the night away, lighting up the hall with their neon enthusiasm. The disco was a resounding success, all thanks to Sia Zanon’s tireless efforts and her team of incredible parent and teacher volunteers. The night was a testament to the joy and unity of the SSC community. For photos and more see below.
Upcoming; Inaugural fra Angelico Festival
Mark 17 November on your calendars for an evening of cultural indulgence. The Fra Angelico Festival of Arts promises to be an evening of delights with performances and artwork from students across the College. Enjoy the Champagne Lawn and our International Eat Street showcasing food stalls from Italian to Indian, Mediterranean delights (Lebanese and Greek) to Asian flavours, and of course, a Gelato stall to sweeten the experience. Highlights also include a Fashion Parade, Silent Disco, Kids Activities, a mesmerising light show, and much more. We look forward to sharing this inaugural event with you.
P&F Annual General Meeting
A reminder to our esteemed members and parents that the AGM will be held at 7:30pm on Monday 13 November. From 6:30pm we’ll be hosting elections for the pivotal roles of President and Treasurer. For those interested in contributing to the growth of our community, please send the nomination form you received via email to principal@ssc.nsw.edu.au for the President position, or president@ssc.nsw.edu.au for the Treasurer position.
A special note of gratitude is reserved for our outgoing President, Joseph Gittani. Joseph, your leadership and dedication have been inspirational. Your vision for SSC has not only enriched our community but also laid a foundation for future success. Thank you for your service to our children, our parents, our P&F and our community.
And to Bryce Wilson, our diligent Treasurer – your meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our association. You’ve been a stalwart of reliability, guiding our financial decisions with wisdom and integrity. You’ve left big shoes to fill.
Both of you have left indelible marks on the SSC community, and while your official roles are coming to an end, the legacy of your contributions will be felt for years to come. We wish you both the best in your next adventures and cherish your continued support during this transition.
In wrapping up, it’s essential to recognise that the heart of Santa Sabina College isn’t just in its buildings or curriculum, but in the parents and the larger community that supports it. Each parent, teacher and child plays a unique role in sculpting the vibrant tapestry of SSC. Together, as a united community, we’ll continue to elevate the spirit of SSC, ensuring it remains a beacon of excellence and camaraderie for years to come.
Yours in friendship,
Daniel Pace Communications Coordinator P&F Committee
Past events
Colour Fun Run
The Colour Fun Run on 15 September not only brought joy and energy but also surpassed our fundraising expectations! While we aimed to raise $30,000, the incredible support from everyone in our community helped us rasie an impressive $31,346. Attendees enjoyed a sausage sizzle BBQ, delightful donuts, and danced to the beats of our fantastic DJ. A special shoutout to SSC Dad and professional photographer, Giovanni Portelli, for immortalising the day’s vibrant moments. Immense gratitude goes to Tatiana Raffaele for her stellar event organisation and to the army of volunteers who made everything possible. This achievement wouldn’t have been conceivable without the unwavering support of volunteers and our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved!
Del Monte Disco
The school disco was a resounding success, leaving students and staff alike with memories to cherish for years to come. The event, meticulously planned and executed by a dedicated team of volunteers, created an atmosphere of excitement and fun that permeated the entire school.
To add an extra element of excitement, various activities and games were organised throughout the evening. There was never a dull moment. The Photo Booth provided a fun opportunity for students to capture memories with their friends.
Overall, the successful school disco was a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision. It created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and left a lasting impression on the school community. The event will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the academic year, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and enjoying the journey of education.
I would like to thank the parent volunteers who gave up their time to help on the night, our Year 8 students Ruby Dib and Sarah Simonetto who volunteered to take the photos for the night, our DJ Jeremy Curran who kept the kids dancing and entertained and lastly our lovely teachers who gave up their time to help us supervise.
Sia Zanon VP Primary
Upcoming events
Fra Angelico
The Parents & Friends’ Association will be hosting the International Eat Street and Champagne Lawn at the Inaugural Fra Angelico Festival on 17 November 2023 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm and would love it if we could please get some volunteers to help us with running the food stalls or serving alcohol on the Champagne Lawn.
The International Eat Street stalls include:
Italian Food Stall
Mediterranean Stall (Lebanese and Greek Food)
Asian Stall
Indian Stall
Gelato Stall
The Champagne Lawn will be serving alcohol and we would love any volunteers who have the RSA qualification to help serve alcohol in this area.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Alex Cantali at vpsecondary@ssc.nsw.edu.au or on 0414582876.
The success of this event would not be possible without the generosity and support of our wonderful parent volunteers. Click here if you would like to join our amazing team and volunteer for this fantastic community event.
Santa Sabina College Parents & Friends’ Association
Year Group Catch Ups
Year 6 Dinner Dance
About
We’re thrilled to extend an invitation to the much-anticipated Year 6 Dinner Dance! 🎈
Details:
Date: 📅 Friday, 24 November 2023
Time: 🕠 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: 🏌️♂️ Strathfield Golf Club
Tickets:
Adults: 💵 $70
Child: 💵 $40 (Year 6 students only, please note: No siblings allowed) 🚫
Your ticket includes: 🎟
2-course meal 🍽
Dessert 🍰
Still and sparkling mineral water 🥤
Soft drinks (exclusive for children) 🥤
Tea & coffee ☕
This evening is set to be a memorable occasion for both parents and students as we come together to celebrate this significant milestone. As we bid farewell to primary school years and usher in the next chapter of their educational journey, let’s make it a night to remember. ✨
RSVP by 1 November 2023. ⏳
We look forward to a night of laughter, memories, and joyous celebration. 🥂 See you there!
Parent education
Supporting Your Young Person Through Uncertainty by Debra Brodowski
This decade has brought with it many periods of uncertainty: bushfires, a global pandemic, cost of living pressures, geopolitical tensions. It’s a lot for us as adults to get our heads around; for our young people it can be overwhelming, and can easily lead to catastrophic thinking (thinking of the worst case scenario and believing that it is likely to eventuate). How can we best support our young people through uncertainty?
Accept that uncertainty is part of life: Through our life experiences, as adults we have learned that uncertainty is part of life. No matter how much we can try and control all elements of our lives, there can always be something outside our control. Accepting and living with uncertainty is a life skill that is important that our young people need to learn; to be able to cope with the challenges that life presents us. Teaching our young people that uncertainty is part of life also has benefits for their wellbeing too; it mitigates feelings of depression and anxiety that might emerge. It can also assist our young people in building self-esteem and confidence.
Focus on what you can control: Once we teach our young people that uncertainty is part of life, we can begin to help them learn to find areas that they can control. By focusing on what we can control, this too assists our young people in building self-esteem and confidence. Focussing on what you can control also helps your young person in being able to set and achieve realistic and manageable goals; again a skill to learn for life.
Find gratitude for what we have: Focusing on elements that we can control, and being grateful for what we have, assists in finding perspective in our world, again having a positive impact on wellbeing. Try finding with your young person one thing that they can be grateful for.
The world may seem to have many areas of uncertainty at the moment, however with our young people, we can practise these skills that have a powerful and positive impact on wellbeing.
