College Principal

I am writing this newsletter update after a wonderful day spent celebrating mothers, grandmothers, aunts and those significant women in our lives who care for us. I am so grateful to Fr John and Fr Gavin who gave so generously of their time to say Mass for us this morning and it was beautiful to see the number of mums who were able to join us for our Mother’s Day masses. With over a thousand mums and children at our Mother’s Day Breakfast, it was a huge success and though space was at a premium there was a buzz in the air as our community came together and connected in this celebration of the women we love. Our annual Mother’s Day Luncheon was also a very happy event and a significant number of  Year 12 mothers came out in full force for one of their last gatherings together as the end of their daughters’ time at the College is quickly approaching. I would like to thank and congratulate the P&F who made our breakfast and lunch events possible and extend my gratitude to our fathers who came along to serve breakfast.

I am thrilled to be able to share that Santa Sabina College has been awarded an Excellence Award and shortlisted for the Australian Education Awards 2024 in the category of Secondary School of the Year – Non Government. Along with this national recognition of our school, Brigida Zagora, our Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Department, has also been awarded an Excellence Award and shortlisted as Department Head of the Year. The overall Australian winners will be announced at the Australian Education Awards on Friday 9 August 2024. My deepest thanks to all of our teachers, as well as our support and professional staff who go above and beyond to provide our students with the very best educational opportunities underpinned by strong wellbeing, faith-filled and broad co-curricular and outdoor education programs. Congratulations also to Mrs Zagora for her leadership of and commitment to our Humanities and Social Sciences Department. 

We returned to school this term after a series of difficult events had taken place in Sydney during the break. I spoke to students from Years 9-12 at our first assembly about how they or their family or friends may have been impacted by these violent attacks which for many are difficult to process. I explained that it is normal for us to feel worried, helpless, confused or angry when senseless acts of violence take place.  At school we aim to create a safe environment for students and staff and as a community we are all here for one another to offer support and comfort during difficult times. Being able to turn to a trusted adult to ask questions or seek support to help process events is important. I also reminded them that these bad events are rare and that there is a lot of good in the world which it’s important to focus on to keep things in perspective. 

On top of this, it is difficult not to feel helpless in the face of the gendered violence deaths being reported in Australia on a daily basis. All of us have a responsibility to work towards creating a safer world for women. At Santa Sabina College, students engage with the PDHPE Curriculum as well as Pastoral Care classes in which we educate students on issues related to respectful relationships, coercive control, domestic violence, and gender-based violence. We work hard to make sure students are able to identify power imbalances in relationships and that they understand what is appropriate behaviour, how to build their capacity to use their interpersonal skills as part of safe relationships and very importantly, the resources they need to draw upon if they find that they need support to extricate themselves from an unhealthy relationship. This is a complex and deeply seeded cultural problem and solutions take time especially when we are up against toxic social media influencers and access by our youngest to harmful online content that glorifies violence against women. I am hopeful that a concerted effort from governments and agencies with changes in policies as well as targeted education programs will begin to make a difference for all women. As a school community we will continue to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and misogyny and educate our youngest students about respectful behaviours while making sure our students know who to turn to and what to do if they find themselves in a relationship where they are not treated with the respect they deserve. 

Many of our co-curricular opportunities have commenced for Term 2 and highlights include Eve Ardagna and Remi Apostolopoulos advancing to the State Semi Finals in the Plain English Speaking competition; Fencing has begun on a Monday morning as a new co-curricular offering; and St Dominic the Adventurer Award is also underway teaching our primary students to deepen their outdoor skills and knowledge. We are also thrilled to have launched our Community Choir bringing together ex-students, parents, staff, extended family and Dominican Sisters. Contact our Director of Music, Mrs Amy Richardson, if you would like to join. 

I am looking forward to welcoming members of our community, parents and ex-students to our Career Women’s Network Breakfast this Friday. We have been working to ensure our Year 11 and 12 girls will be able to connect with mentors from a broad range of industries who will be able to guide them in the world of work beyond school in those fields which are of interest. Ex-student and celebrity chef Justine Schofield is our special guest speaker and it is promising to be another fabulous community event supporting our Senior girls in their career choices. 

Go gently

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Exploring relevant issues in our Santa Strong Pastoral Care Program

Santa Sabina’s commitment to good quality pastoral care for our students involves the implementation of a research-based, age-appropriate and sequenced pastoral care program. In Years 7-12 this program is known as our Santa Strong Program. Recently our Years 9-12 students have taken part in a pastoral care session around coercive control. 

Almost three in 10 of 18-19-year-olds have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year, according to a national study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) conducted in 2023. The research is based on data from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), which has been tracking 10,000 children since 2004. In the 12 months before being surveyed, 25% of 18-19 year olds experienced emotional abuse, 12% experienced physical violence, and 8% experienced sexual abuse in their intimate relationships. A total of 29% experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence. (https://aifs.gov.au/media/three-ten-older-teens-have-experienced-intimate-partner-violence) 

In the face of such statistics and in light of the heightened reporting and awareness surrounding the very disturbing statistics of intimate partner violence and murder in Australia we felt that it was timely to support the PDHPE program and revisit this topic of coercive control.

Our pastoral care session on the topic involved discussing definitions, looking at the signs and how to identify an escalation in disturbing behaviours by a partner. We also viewed and discussed a recent episode of Australian Story that covered the experiences of a young Australian, Anna Coutts-Trotter, who has experienced coercive control in her teenage relationship. 

When researching for this session the pastoral care staff were heartened to come across research that indicated that teens having healthy relationships with parents and friends at 16-17 years played a critical role in reducing the likelihood of being a victim of intimate partner violence at 18-19 years. Specifically, high trust and good communication with parents during adolescence reduced emotional abuse victimisation by 39% and sexual abuse victimisation by 77%. If a teen had strong, supportive friendships throughout adolescence, the likelihood of being a victim of intimate partner violence was reduced by 36%.  (https://aifs.gov.au/media/three-ten-older-teens-have-experienced-intimate-partner-violence)  

Such research reassures us all that the values that are being reinforced in our families and homes are the ones that could help to protect our children against the potential damage of a controlling relationship. As pastoral care educators we also have confidence that the content of our programs that helps to strengthen peer relationships and offer support options also leads to the reinforcement of protective behaviours for our young people. 

Please see the following resources containing the statistics discussed above. These were used as the basis for our recent pastoral session. 

Australian Story – Out  of the Chaos

Research from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) Three in ten older teens have experienced Intimate Partner Violence

ABC article, ‘Seven red flags your teen might be in an abusive relationship – and six signs it’s escalating’: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-12/red-flags-your-teen-might-be-in-an-abusive-relationship/102834042

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Operations

From the beginning of Term 2, there have been a number of changes made around security to the Santa Sabina campus. Pedestrian gates will be opened from 6:45am to 8:30am and in the afternoon from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Students will be able to enter the campus gates using their student identification card if they arrive outside of these hours. Parents are reminded that students are not to be dropped off or picked up in either the Chapel or Siena Hall carparks, all drop offs should take place in the kiss and ride area on Jersey Road.

The College is now utilising RollCall as the bus management system where student transport information can be accessed using the RollCall Parent app or web portal. This will allow parents to access live mapping of the school bus route, notify the bus driver of absences, view upcoming bus bookings and to set alerts when students get on and off the bus. Years 5-12 students are required to use their student identification card to tap on and off the bus and K-4 students will be provided with a bus tag.

Families are reminded that if any student details change over the course of the year, you can update these using the Parent Lounge. This includes details such as addresses, medical information and contact phone numbers.

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Welcome back to Term 2. The teachers spent the first day of the term working on their professional practice and preparing for the term ahead. We also welcomed back our students from the Italy Language Tour. This immersion in the language and culture is immeasurable. The Italian teaching team also followed up last week with the first of the Year 12 IB Diploma examinations. Unfortunately, Italian is not offered in the Southern Hemisphere’s examination period in November, so our students sit their examinations with their Northern Hemisphere peers in May. The students are now looking forward to having one subject completed as they work towards the final six months of their schooling.

Mathematics Enrichment 

Our talented mathematics students from Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend the Mathematics Enrichment program, a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding and love for mathematics. The program, held in the mornings before the school day with Ms Palmer, involves the students in two external competitions: the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, a series of highly challenging and thought-provoking problems, and the Enrichment Stage, an opportunity to formally extend their knowledge of Mathematics with complex coursework that falls outside the school curriculum. This program fosters collaboration among like-minded students, encouraging them to collaborate and expand in Mathematics. 

PISA

PISA is coming to our school! Our school is participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Field Trial, which is taking place in Australia between 13 May and 7 June 2024.

PISA is an important part of the National Assessment Program in Australia, which is the measure through which governments, education authorities and schools can determine whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes. All Australian Education Ministers have agreed to Australian schools’ participation in PISA, which is reflected in the Australian Education Act 2013.

International assessments provide a wide range of valuable information for education policy and review in Australia and overseas and also enable Australia to consider the performance of our education system compared with others. Since the first PISA assessment involving 32 countries in 2000, the survey has continued to raise interest amongst educators and policy-makers worldwide. In 2022, Australia was one of 81 countries participating in PISA with around 13,500 students (from around 800 schools) representing our country.

What will PISA mean for our school?

A random sample of 15-year-olds, mostly from Years 10 and 11, will be sampled to complete a two-hour computer-based assessment consisting of Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Learning in the Digital World. These students will also be asked to complete a questionnaire. A random sample of teachers will be asked to complete an online questionnaire which will collect information on classroom instruction, teachers’ educational backgrounds, training, and teaching experiences.

Parent support webinars

We work with a company called Elevate who facilitate study skills sessions with our students. They also offer free parent webinars. I have attached a document with the login code for parents to register. The next session will be How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams – 22 May at 6:30pm.

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

We dedicate May to honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary, a time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. We turn our hearts towards Mary, whose unwavering faith and acceptance of God’s plan serve as a guiding light for us all. This month, let us find inspiration in Mary’s example and deepen our connection with Mary through acts of kindness and expressions of faith.

Last week, we celebrated Mother’s Day Mass and Lunch, a heartfelt event that brought our school community together in honour of all the mothers and mother figures in our lives. The Mass was a beautiful ceremony, filled with moving music and thoughtful prayers, reflecting our gratitude and love for the tremendous impact these wonderful women have on our lives. The P&F was incredibly active in organising Mother’s Day gifts, as well as planning and executing both breakfast and lunch. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and ongoing support.

St Dominic the Adventurer

This week, our St Dominic Adventurers participated in a ‘Creating Clean Water’ activity, demonstrating a keen enthusiasm and collaborative spirit. The students were fully engaged and eager to learn and apply new skills as they explored the process of water purification. This activity not only enhanced their understanding of environmental science but also fostered teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings

I would like to extend my thanks to all the Kindergarten and Years 1-4 parents and students who actively participated in our recent parent-teacher-student meetings. These meetings are a vital part of our ongoing communication and collaboration, providing an opportunity for open dialogue about each student’s learning journey. Your engagement and support are invaluable as we work together to support and enhance our students’ educational experience. We now look forward to upcoming meetings with Gioia House parents scheduled for Weeks 4 and 5. Prep meetings will be held in Week 9.

Del Monte drop off time

We would like to remind you that the gate on Carrington Ave is open for student drop-off from 8:15am to 8:45am. Please note that Del Monte teachers are on Warami duty during this time to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for your children. We kindly ask that you adhere to these times as our teachers have commitments such as meetings and class preparations before 8:15am and cannot extend morning duty beyond 30 minutes.

For those needing earlier drop-off, our OOSH service operates from 7:00am to 8:30am and resumes in the afternoon from 3:15pm to 6:00pm. If you wish to enrol your child in SSC OOSH or require further information about our OOSH services, please contact the OOSH Coordinator at on 9745 7790 or via email at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Collaborating with St Patrick’s students

The Gioia House and Del Monte Student Leaders recently attended a Young Leaders Afternoon Tea hosted by St Patrick’s College. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for both boys and girls to collaborate and brainstorm various leadership initiatives for our communities. We are excited to host the Year 6 boys from St Patrick’s at our annual STEAM Gala Day in August.

Gioia House canteen and lunch orders

In my previous communications regarding lunch orders, I emphasised the importance of pre-ordering lunches to ensure students have enough time during breaks for activities rather than waiting in line at the canteen. Students will not be permitted to visit the canteen during wet weather. Break times are crucial for students to build friendships and develop social skills, and we encourage them to be active after eating. Online ordering through Flexischools offers a convenient, 24/7 way for placing orders from home, work, or on the go. Please ensure you pre-order your child’s lunch online by the evening before.

Gioia House Wednesday Maths Club

Please note that the club meets every Wednesday in the SSC library from 3:30 to 4:15pm. The club is designed to help students review and enhance their maths skills and to offer assistance with their homework. If your daughter is interested in participating in this after-school support, please inform her class teacher via email.

Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience

This week, our Year 5 students embarked on their highly anticipated outdoor education trip to Tallong. This experience offers them a unique opportunity to engage with the natural world and participate in a variety of educational activities designed to build their confidence and resilience. We eagerly await their return and look forward to sharing their reflections and photos in our next newsletter.

Semester 1 reports

Student reports will be available to parents in Week 9 of Term 2. They offer a comprehensive overview of each student’s achievements and areas for improvement.

Term 2 P-4 Co-curricular

Please see information here.

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

CALENDAR EVENTS

LINK to parent VO page

Important dates for Del Monte:

• Monday 20 May – Grade Liturgies – Pentecost
• Wednesday 22 May – St Dominic the Adventurer (Year 4) – 3:20pm – 4:00pm
• Thursday 23 May – College Discovery Tour – 9:00am – 11:30am
• Thursday 23 May – Kindergarten Assembly – Mary Help of Christians 
• Monday 27 May – National Reconciliation Day Liturgy
• Tuesday 28 May – St Dominic the Adventurer (Year 3) –3:20pm – 4:00pm (Knot Tying for Shelter)
• Thursday 30 May – Kindergarten Wildlife Zoo Sydney Excursion
• Tuesday 4 June – St Dominic the Adventurer (Year 4) 3:00pm – 5:30pm, St Peters Rock Climbing
• Thursday 6 June – K-6 Athletics Carnival (SSC Secondary Campus)
• Monday 10 June – King’s Birthday Long Weekend
• Thursday 13 June – CSNSW Mackillop Cross Country Championships
• Friday 14 June – P&F Disco (TBC) 
• Monday 17 June to Wednesday 26 June – Healthy Harold Incursions – P-6 Schedule
• Thursday 20 June – Year 3 Assembly – Refugee Week
• Thurs 20 June to Friday 21 June – Year 2 OEE (onsite DM campus)
• Monday 24 June – Gala Concert Rehearsal, 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Tuesday 25 June – Gala Concert Rehearsal, Town Hall 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Tuesday 25 June – Gala Concert, Town Hall 6:00pm

Important dates for Gioia House:

• Wednesday 15 May to Friday 17 May – Year 5 OEE at Tallong
• Tuesday 21 May 3:45 – 7:30pm – Gioia House Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
• Tuesday 28 May 3:45 – 7:30pm – Gioia House Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
• Thursday 6 June – Kindergarten to Year 6 – Athletics Carnival – Senior Campus
• Wednesday 19 June at 11:45am to 12:45pm – Gioia House Instrumental Concert
• Tuesday 25 June at 6:00pm to 8:30pm – Gala Concert

Director of Mary Bailey House

Mary Bailey House Early Education Centre

The Mary Bailey House (MBH) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has the goal to build relationships with community. Over the past month the MBH Yarnin Circle has been working towards this goal by connecting with Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation Young Mums and Bubs Group.

In April, we were invited to attend the Young Mums book launch. The book told the collective story of the young mums. Each mum told their story and painted an image for the book. It was a big event with Baabayn elders and members of the local community present.

For Mother’s Day, MBH preschoolers invited centre families to donate items to go into pamper packs for the young mums. Our preschoolers helped with writing the invitation and suggesting what could be donated. They also decorated the pamper pack bags and helped the teachers pack them. The pamper packs were delivered to the young mums in time for Mother’s Day.

The MBH Yarnin Circle will continue to build our connection with the Young Mums and Bubs Group by walking with them.

The MBH RAP vision is to raise awareness and respectfully educate our community about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and ways of knowing and being. It has this vision as we believe that when people build knowledge and understanding they can be agents in reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. The MBH Yarnin Circle is responsible for making this vision a reality.

Our RAP can be accessed on the Narragunnawali website https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House

Director of Community Relations P-12

Discovery Tour

This term’s Discovery Tour will be held later this month – Thursday 23 May starting at 9:00am. This is an opportunity for prospective families to have a look at the education and facilities we offer. If any current parents know of others who would like to find out more about Santa Sabina a registration via https://www.ssc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/visit-us/ is essential and we would welcome all families who are interested in a Catholic education for their children.

Golden Girls and Boys Reunion

Our celebrated annual reunion for ex-students this year is for ex-students who left the College before 1975.

Please share this invitation with classmates who may not be in our database.

Community Connections Survey

As part of our 130th Anniversary year, we are documenting the many connections within our community. We invite you to take part in this short survey that will give us a better understanding of generational connections at the College. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to provide any further details including stories and photos at y.graniero@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations

Director of Development

2024 Santa Sabina College Giving Day 4 September

The College Giving Day is scheduled for 4 September 2024 and will replace our annual appeal this year. For 24 hours we will seek your support to raise funds for both the Scholarship and Building Funds.

The College seeks lead donors who can provide us with a donation that others can then match. A lead donor could offer $5K, $10K, $20K or above, which we hope will provide the catalyst for all in our community to support us. If you would like to contact me to discuss this, please either send me an email or call me at the College.

Thank you to all our community for your continued and valuable support. Please mark this date in your diary and support the College.

Philanthropy Survey

A number of weeks ago I sent to all families in our community, ex-students and others a philanthropy survey to complete. You may have missed this but would like to be involved in this process. You can find the survey here for anyone who may want to provide me with information on fundraising at the College.

Donation before 30 June

For any member of our community who would like to donate to the College Building or Scholarship Funds, your support will be very much appreciated. Please complete the form below to donate. Every donation above $2.00 is tax-deductible and will assist us in making our Master Plan a reality.

Master Plan

The vision for both Primary and Secondary continues to develop and step closer to reality. Please see the concept plans. We hope our plans will benefit our community for many, many years to come.

Bequests

There may be many in our community who are not aware of ‘The Orange Tree Society” we have at the College; therefore, I have included a brochure about the Society for you to read and understand. Named after the Orange Tree that sits proudly at the front of the school and without giving away too much, please have a read of the history behind it and a message from one of our ex-students who is a member of the society.

Please view the brochure.

Advertise your business

I also want to remind you of the opportunity to advertise your business on the Santa Sabina website which is a great way to promote your business to our community.

Please click here to complete the Google form to advertise your business. Alternatively, please contact me in the Development office on 97450232 or at giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au

George Ayoub
Director of Development
giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au
0414915910

Tallong Campus

April is a bit of a mixed bag for the team at Tallong. We finished Term 1 hosting the Santa Sabina Year 12 Outreach Retreat. This special program provides our Year 12 students an opportunity to give back to the community, and it was a pleasure to see their positive attitudes toward their projects. There were also some very special words shared by the students who were on their last official visit to Tallong. They spoke about what their time at Tallong has meant over the years and how Tallong had been a home away from home for so many of them. The kitchen team also received a few notes of thanks that meant so much to them. Best of luck with the rest of your year, Year 12, it has been a pleasure hosting you.

As program bookings begin to slow down over the winter months, Tallong is heading into what we are calling our ‘Maintenance Season’. As we are sure you could imagine maintaining a centre as large as Tallong takes are fair bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of teamwork. We are about to embark on a number of major gardens and grounds projects that will ultimately enhance our guests’ experience.

Finally, to all the staff at Santa Sabina – we are open for business during this quiet period. You may not be aware but as staff of the school you are welcome to stay in one of our three self-catered accommodation facilities (with mates rates of course) on weekends over the winter months or with larger groups (e.g. family camps) throughout the school holidays. So if you are looking for a special place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney we are only two hours down the road.

Steve Fox
Manager Tallong Campus and the Tallong Team

Music in the Senior Years

Music in the Senior School (Curricular)

As we begin the second term of the academic year, students on the secondary campus are embarking on a journey of musical exploration and creation. Through this process, students are developing compositional skills across various styles, fostering creativity and innovation. 

Curricular Music in Years 7 and 8 

In Years 7 and 8, students have been actively applying their understanding of Blues and orchestral music in practical music-making activities. They are currently learning to compose music with the aid of digital notation programs including Flat.io and Musescore. 

Elective Music in Years 9 and 10 

Moving into Years 9 and 10, elective music classes are honing their compositional craft with a focus on motivic and thematic development. This exploration of composition techniques challenges students to think critically and expressively in their musical creations.

HSC Music in Years 11 and 12

In our senior HSC music classes, Year 11 students are deepening their understanding of music in the 18th century through collaborative discussion and analysis of works composed by Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries. Meanwhile, Year 12 students are taking a deep dive to hone their theory and harmonic understanding in support of composition, aural and musicology skills. 

IB Music in Years 11 and 12

In our senior IB music classes, students are working through their Experimenting with Music portfolios, with Year 11 delving into the fundamentals of musical experimentation and transformation, while Year 12 students are diligently working towards their final portfolio submissions. 

Jameson Choe & Veronica Tsang
Acting Heads of Curricular Music 5-12

Global Politics Critical Thinking and Authentic University Learning

On 3 April IB Global Politics students had the opportunity to authentically engage with academic judgement and reasoning. Professor Sarah Phillips who lectures on global conflict and development at the University of Sydney addressed Years 11 and 12 Global Politics students and shared her real world experiences studying and visiting countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Turkiye and Somalia. Sarah Phillips’ lecture challenged student critical thinking about the regional dynamics in the Middle East and Horn of Africa. A huge thank you to Christopher Richardson who invited Sarah Phillips to address Santa Sabina students.
Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflection

Professor Phillips’ presentation focussed on Somaliland, a breakaway region in Somalia that has developed in a space of isolation from the international community. Professor Phillips’ shared with us the nuances of what it means to quantify development and challenged Eurocentric ideologies pertaining to conflict resolution in a world with stark power inequalities on an international scale. It was such a privilege to hear from Professor Phillips, as she shared personal anecdotes from her time in the Middle East and Africa interviewing locals and government ministers and teaching classes. Professor Phillips’ visit has helped enrich our learning in IB Global Politics. We would like to say a massive thank you to Professor Phillips for sharing her time and wisdom with us!
Bronte Sprotte & Tanisha Chari
Year 12

Celebrating Student History Extension Success HSC Prize

On Monday 25 March, Ella Curran (Class of 2023) was recognised by the History Teachers’ Association of New South Wales and awarded Runner Up in the History Extension Essay Prize. Ella’s project, entitled Poetry and the ‘Just War’, assessed the influence of trench poetry in the teaching of First World War history on British cultural memory and perception of the war. Her achievement was celebrated at the inter-school High Achievers’ Ceremony held at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum. Ella was supported by her History Extension teacher and Essay supervisor, Lauren Jenkins.

Reflecting on the eight-month process of research, drafting and editing, Ella stated that she ‘actually would do it all again’. She commented on the rewarding nature of watching her essay develop from a mere couple of questions to a 2500 word essay that wrestled with complex historiographical debates such as Does truth exist? and Are there merits to postmodernist approaches to historical analysis?

For 2024 students undertaking History Extension, Ella emphasised the importance of asking questions and taking risks, noting ‘don’t be afraid to fail… starting again is a good thing’ for such challenges force students to be critical, problem solve and consider new perspectives. Ella also thanked her teacher, Lauren Jenkins, for mentoring her through this critical thinking process.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

History Club – Community Commemoration of Anzac Day

The purpose of Anzac Day Commemoration Services is for communities to gather together in an act of remembrance for those who have given all for their country and for others. This year History students from the History Club represented Santa Sabina College at two important community commemorations: the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac Commemoration Service and the Anzac Day Dawn Commemoration at Burwood Park.

Clementine Ray, Lisa Geddes, Gabby Curro, Gabrielle Karakatsanis, Calliope Stewart, Violet Crowe, Annelies Notelaers, Georgia Catalano, Eve Ardagna, Emily Wong, Evie Little, Abigail Middleton and Emmagen Matheson from Year 10 History Club were selected to represent Santa Sabina College at the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney. These students demonstrated leadership and deep respect at this inter-school Anzac Commemoration Service run by the RSL.

A very big congratulations to Calliope Stewart from Year 10 who was selected by Burwood Council and the RSL Sub-Branch to participate in the Anzac Dawn Service held at Burwood Park on 25 April. Calliope read the poem ‘My Boy Jack’. The College Captains Molly Hoogland and Lucy Gee laid a wreath on behalf of the College during this community service.

The formal Commemoration Service was observed by our school community through the College Assembly and included the Ode, The Last Post, one minute of silence for the fallen and Rouse played by Carmel Mayo from Year 12. The students who designed and led the Commemoration included Anna-Maria Sulukojian, Remi Apostolopoulos, Kate Pitman-Fernandez, Tiffany Dao, Caitlin Brennan, Claire Carroll, Lily Vincent, Mia Papavramidis from Year 11 and from Year 10 Emily Wong and Calliope Stewart. Thank you to the Director of Music, Amy Richardson, the College musicians and Santa Sabina College Chamber Choir for the heartfelt musical expression that set the reflective tone of the College Commemoration.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

Participating in the Burwood Dawn Service Commemoration on Anzac Day at Burwood Park was an immersive experience of which I am grateful. I had the opportunity to be part of the Commemoration and recite the poem ‘My Boy Jack’. Through this experience I gained insight into the strong sense of community and solidarity within the local area as reflected by the huge number of people from the Burwood community who attended. The service also provided insight into the experiences of those who have served for Australia, and our current Year 10 History unit on WWI allowed me to appreciate the significance of the occasion.
Calliope Stewart
Year 10

Year 10 members of the History Club had the honour to represent Santa Sabina College at the Anzac Remembrance at an inter-schools Commemoration in the city. The most important part of the Commemoration was The Last Post and the laying of wreaths by NSW politicians including the NSW Premier Chris Minns. The service concluded with a live orchestrated playing and the singing of both New Zealand (also sung in Māori) and Australian national anthems.
Gabrielle Karakatsanis
Year 10

On Thursday 4 April we had the privilege to represent Santa Sabina College in attending the Anzac Day Ceremony at Hyde Park along with a wide range of other schools. It was an amazing experience that allowed us to learn more about the part that the defence people in the Australian Military have done for our country in times of conflict and stress. As part of the Commemoration we heard from various members of the army which assisted us in learning more about what has been done for our country, helping us to appreciate this service.
Eve Ardagna
Year 10

Reading the reflective poem at the College Anzac Commemoration was a captivating way to describe the hardships faced and express the opinions of those who fought in the war. The Last Post and the minute of silence allowed for a moment of reflection and allowed me to ponder the nature of war in our society today.
Caitlin Brennan
Year 11

To commemorate the recent Anzac Day, the History Club was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the event at Assembly. We recounted the experiences and events of those who fought for our country, heard a rendition of Flanders Fields by the Chamber Choir, heard The Last Post performed by Carmel Mayo and brought forth significant artefacts of symbolism; our flag, a poppy wreath and a slouch hat. The collective minute of silence allowed us to reflect on our nation’s past, the atrocities of war, and how we can strive for peace in our future.
Lily Vincent
Year 11

From the History Club Ambassadors:

The most honoured day in Australia is Anzac Day, when we pay tribute to all those who have given their lives, suffered wounds, and are currently serving to protect our nation and way of life. It is a day that truly embodies everything that makes an Australian. We, along with the History Club, commemorated the Anzacs through a Commemoration Service held during the College Assembly. It is important to remember the brave soldiers that fought for our rights and freedoms. Lest we forget.

Anna-Maria Sulukojian and Remi Apostolopoulos
Year 11

Careers Spotlight @ SSC

Over the holidays, three Year 11 students attended a week-long Engineering holiday workshop run by Engineers Australia. The reflections of some of the students and photos from their experience are below.

Over the break a group of us participated in Cochlear Autumn School of Engineering, with 80 students in NSW, visiting universities across NSW learning about courses, scholarships, and their facilities. We also visited companies such as: HMAS Kuttabul, Cochlear, and Sydney Trains learning about the job opportunities that they provide for engineering. I would highly recommend this to students at Santa who are interested in Engineering as it gives insights into the many opportunities available at universities and the workforce.

Along with all these opportunities, Engineering Australia also organised a pizza night at the University of Sydney where many different engineers studying and working in different branches came and visited us, offering their knowledge in their field. People studying engineering at different universities spoke to us, offering advice on universities and how they are structured and many people working in different engineering fields showed us what they do on a daily basis and what was needed for them to reach the position that they are in now. Civil, structural, environmental, mining, chemical, electrical, biomedical and many other engineers came to speak to us about the many different branches of engineering. 
Miela Ocello and Zara Zanic
Year 11

Term 2 is shaping up to be a busy one in the Careers Program. In Week 1, Year 10 completed their Morrisby Careers Profiling and we look forward to parents and students of Year 10 joining us in a live webinar, facilitated by Educational Psychologist and Morrisby NSW Director, Emma Goodsir who will unpack how to interpret the results of profile before results are released. This will take place on Monday 27 May at 6:00pm and families have been emailed the MS Teams link directly. It is strongly recommended for all families to be in attendance in order to benefit from the detailed analysis of the profile structure and to inform career planning and subject selection decisions.

This week, we celebrate National Careers Week which takes place each year in May. The purpose of the week is to highlight and celebrate the personal, economic and social benefits of careers development and planning. It also aims to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and broaden horizons about careers whilst recognising the need for ongoing reskilling and upskilling to support career development throughout life. It is never too early for young people to begin discussing and researching their career aspirations. The more informed students are, the greater their capacity to make appropriate career-related decisions that suit their individual needs and priorities. I encourage students to reach out if they need further guidance. 

In light of National Careers Week, a range of activities and events have been organised for students to participate in. During Homeroom, students have taken part in activities designed to spark interesting conversations and encourage students to consider career paths they haven’t come across before. These conversations can be further developed at home through the use of these career conversation cards to continue to explore your child’s career interests.

On Tuesday, Year 12 had the privilege to hear from three students in the Class of 2023 in their first year of university study in a Co-op Scholarship Program. These are lucrative scholarships sponsored by major companies which provide students with paid internships, mentoring and networking experience, leadership training and are worth approximately $20,000-25,000 per annum. Ruby Bron and Erica Comito represented the UNSW Co-op program where they both study a Bachelor of Business Information Systems, whilst Heer Aurora represented the UTS Engineering Co-op Scholarship where she studies a Bachelor of Software Engineering. Ruby, Erica and Heer spoke very highly of their respective Co-op scholarship programs and the benefits of being a Co-op scholar. They reminded students that universities look for well rounded individuals in these programs and emphasised that selection is not solely based on academic merit. I encourage Year 12 students to consider this invaluable opportunity and speak to me if they have further questions. 

National Careers Week will end with our much anticipated annual Career Women’s Network Breakfast which is a fantastic opportunity for senior students to gain insights into the career paths of members of our community and hear from guest speaker and ex-student, Justine Schofield. We look forward to welcoming many members of our community to the breakfast on Friday and trust that it will be an enriching experience for our students and career mentors who take part.

Upcoming Careers Events and Opportunities

Please encourage your child to register for the relevant careers events being held over the next few weeks linked here. 

Eva Guirguis
Head of Future Pathways and Partnerships

HSIE future-focused Virtual and Immersive Learning

In HSIE this year students in History, Geography and Commerce classes and the History and Geography Clubs have been exploring future-focused and immersive technologies using the fabulous Santa Sabina Lumination Labs, VR headsets and augmented reality tools to learn virtually by accessing the earth’s topography, overseas natural wonders and UNESCO preserved historical and cultural sites. This future-focused learning has challenged students to think critically. A special thank you to Kylie Ma, the HSIE Lumination Lab Champion. A huge thank you to the innovative HSIE teaching team who have been willing to experiment with developing creative digital pedagogies. Students have been highly engaged in HSIE learning.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

Teacher Reflections

In the Amazon Odyssey application, students went on a journey into the Amazon Rainforest where they parachuted into the jungle and made a fire, before exploring the rainforest’s biodiversity, threats, and current preservation techniques. Finally, students concluded the lesson by collaborating to complete a progressive brainstorm on what they had learned in these simulations and illustrating their newfound knowledge in a 3D space with Tilt Brush virtual reality. They adopted the role of the critical and creative thinker and used the three-dimensional brush strokes, light, fire and special effects to consolidate their knowledge on an interactive canvas. Through these authentic learning opportunities, students were thoroughly engaged in their learning and the question that dominated the next lesson back in the classroom was: ‘When can we use the Lumination Labs again?’
Kylie Ma
Geography Teacher

Today I took Year 8 Geography to the Lumination Labs to use VR technology. Students were highly engaged as they used Google Earth to explore various cities around the world to identify some similarities and differences of the liveability of different cities. In this student-led activity, students worked in pairs and travelled to places such as Copenhagen, New York, Rio de Janeiro and even Disneyland!
Vikki Cummins
Geography Teacher

Student Reflections

The Lumination Labs were such a great experience for our Geography class. Virtual learning utilises technology in a way that is productive and educational, yet also interactive.
Maia Khoury
Year 9

Using Google Earth VR is like going on an exciting journey where you can explore different places in 3D! Today’s experience helped me learn about how people live so differently in different cities around the world. It was really eye opening for me. I love how the Lumination Labs makes learning fun and interactive, and it’s cool to use virtual reality technology to explore the world from my own home!
Sophia Karakatsanis
Year 8

In History Club today we went to the Lumination Labs. The Lumination Labs were really fun and engaging, using visuals and sounds I had the opportunity to explore Nefertiti’s Tomb through virtual reality, which made it feel like I was really there. The program also had interactive dialogue, which gave me some information on what I was looking at and some Egyptian Gods. It was really easy to use, and overall an exciting experience. I hope all students get to explore.
Alicia Bouantoun
Year 7

Through interactive Google maps, we were able to analyse how the environment looks and compare them to less sustainable resources. We used VR goggles to help us understand that changing only a few things in our daily routines can reduce carbon emissions by a lot. Overall the experience was wonderful, it was fun and interesting and I recommend it to everyone who wants to give it a go.
Davina Rajkumar
Year 9

In Geography Club, we recently have had the opportunity to use the Lumination Labs to explore various places across the world through immersive VR technology, which provided an additional element of tangibility and engagement when learning about the world! Being able to use this technology was a highly enjoyable experience from which we all derived a number of new insights and understandings of the world around us through an engaging and immersive experience!
Kate Pitman-Fernandez
Year 11

Today, at the Lumination Labs, I had the privilege of exploring various cities around the world, looking at all the similarities and differences. While I was initially apprehensive, I overcame this fear and found it was a great experience to both learn about other places but also develop my skills using the controllers.
Catherine Sialepis
Year 8

This experience was an entertaining and informative experience that provided insights on climate change and sustainability. My understanding of the environment has increased as a result of looking into climate change through virtual reality by exploring sustainable towns on Google Earth and learning about the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest through the Lumination Labs. I had lots of fun during this experience and have become inspired to change for a more environmentally friendly future.
Trisha Yung
Year 9

Today in Geography I learnt how to use the Virtual Reality headset at the Lumination Labs where I went on virtual explorations of various countries around the globe, using Google Earth. This virtual expedition deepened my understanding of the liveability of different cities around the world. I am so grateful that we are able to have this opportunity at Santa Sabina.
Rose Long
Year 8

Action Research Professional Learning

Solving Puzzles of Practice

On the first day back this term, teachers spent the afternoon working in their Action Research groups to move forward with their projects with most working on their practice interventions. 

In their quest to develop strategies to respond to their identified ‘puzzle of practice’, teachers engaged in professional reading, further analysis of the baseline data and professional conversations to creativity design strategies that might better respond to the teaching and learning challenges they face.  

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

With a detailed plan of what changes they will make to their practice, teachers will now be using a range of  methods to observe and measure the impact of these changes. Given the reflective nature of this form of research, teachers will be constantly on the lookout for any signs that new strategies are not having the desired effect and will be ready to adjust these strategies accordingly. 

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

Kate Corcoran
Action Research Coordinator

Year 8 Bible Scavenger Hunt

Music at Gioia House

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Curriculum Choral – Gioia House Choir

With our Gala performance repertoire as the vehicle for learning, Curriculum Choral time is supporting students as they apply the score reading skills they are learning in class, in addition to building necessary foundations for healthy choral singing. Students are learning choral ensemble skills such as blend, placement of sound for beauty of tone, phrasing, and singing for expression, as they apply dynamics and other markings offered by composers. We continue to lean into the important aspects of performance and stagecraft that will support us when we stand on the Town Hall stage in six weeks time! We can’t wait to show our community what we have been learning.

Curriculum Instrumental – Gioia House Strings

Gioia House Strings continue to build their exciting momentum towards their featured performance at the Gala Concert to be held on 25 June 2024. 

Curriculum Instrumental – Band ‘Mini Maestros’

Years 5 and 6 spent Term 1 in their instrument groups. For Year 5 it was the first time some of them had ever played an instrument. For Year 6, it was a term to remember what they had learned the previous year and to build on what they already know. This term, the Gioia House Mini Maestros program aims to develop the ensemble skills of each of our Gioia House Mini Maestros through the introduction of our Concert Band sessions.

In Week 2, the Year 5 Mini Maestros had their very first band session, finally putting into practice what they had been learning. This was the first time that many of the students had ever played in a large ensemble. They are learning what it means to be part of a music team, which shares many similarities to a sports team or a dance team. Through the band program, they develop their listening, watching, and performance skills.

Year 6 students have continued their strong start to the year as they also focus on their large ensemble skills. They are practising and playing more difficult repertoire. At the end of 2023, the Mini Maestros program introduced an extension ensemble affectionately nicknamed the ‘Mega Maestros’. This extension group is targeted toward students wanting to take that extra step in challenging themselves on their instrument with the aim of then graduating into our College Concert Band.  

Jameson Choe & Veronica Tsang
Acting Heads of Curricular Music 5-12

Please also see information about our co-curricular activities:

Curriculum Overview

In Stage 3, students build upon foundational knowledge and develop essential skills across various subjects. Curriculum Overviews provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of what their children will learn during this stage. The Curriculum Overviews are updated at the beginning of each term, as teaching programs and developed and implemented. Parents can view the current Curriculum Overviews through Veritas online by clicking on the Gioia House Years 5-6 page, then following the links through Gioia House Program and Academic Course Overview, and select Year 5 or Year 6. 

The Curriculum Overviews empower parents by offering a clear roadmap of the topics, skills, and concepts covered in each subject. By knowing what to expect, parents can better support their child’s learning journey at home and engage in meaningful conversations with teachers. The Curriculum Overviews follow the specific learning outcomes set by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), and are followed by teachers to design effective lessons. Parents can use this to track their child’s progress and collaborate with teachers to identify areas where additional support may be needed. Curriculum overviews are valuable tools that bridge the gap between school and home. By actively participating in your child’s education, you contribute to their overall success.

Stephanie Yiorkas
Gioia House Curriculum Leader

6DM – Poetry

In response to the reading and analysis of Dorethea Mackellar’s iconic Australian poem – Core of My Heart – My Country, trios created their own stanzas to effectively capture the way they see ‘My Country’, using appropriate rhythm and rhyme.

Core of my heart – My Country

The land we walk along
The beautiful sunset glows
The rain tapping its song
Her awesomeness and terror
She is crazy and wild
Her beauty is meant for me
To us we are her child

By Valentina G, Mariam F, Valentina F

Core of my heart – My Country

Indigenous songlines
Are told around the campfire
Country bound by shorelines

By Charlie J , Evelyn W, Leah L

Core of my heart – My Country 

Where wildlife run free
The wind that blows through the night 
Blowing upon the trees
The shiny blue sunny sky 
The richness of the sea 
Reflecting all the sunshine 
Just made for you and me 

By Mariah S, Lara T, Harriet I

Core of my heart – My Country

The sun shines on our land
Our animals run freely
The waves crash on soft sand
Land and us, never apart
Standing strong for this place
The tranquil blue ocean glows
It will always embrace

By Ava S, Ovilia C, Molly D

Core of my heart – My Country

Uluru is for me
A land filled with memories
An island bound by sea
Years of flood, fire and famine
Her rigid terror reigns
But beauty glows through the dark
Mountains and sunlit plains

By Annabelle W, Anastasia B, Natalie M

Core of my heart – My Country

The carmine-coloured land
The country’s rich history
Hearts will forever stand
Core of my heart – My Country
Forever learning things
Elders belong to the land
Knowledge is what they bring
Core of my heart – My Country
All the diversity
Animals roam the country
Here, for eternity
Core of My heart – My Country
It’s a mirror-like sea
It’s blue bright and beautiful
Forever standing free

By Ella N, Georgia G, Pippa D

Core of my heart – My Country

Kangaroos on the sand
The lizards, abundant here
Rain drumming on the land
The abundant, blazing sun
Uluru stands for me
The lavish land we all share
The beach, and endless sea
Core of my heart – My Country
The trees dance in the wind 
Aboriginals stand free 
Past policies have sinned

By Elyana L, Mila A , Georgii N

Core of my heart – My Country

A land of sweeping plains
My heart belongs nowhere else
A land of droughts and rains
Her jewel sea will always shine
Lands pure of heart and gold
My heart belongs nowhere else
Nature’s gifts, uncontrolled

By Isla C, Ola K, Katarina B

Authors Pip Harry and Deborah Abela visit Gioia House

Learning in the Library and Gioia House

We have been very fortunate to have two wonderful children’s writers come to speak to the students of Gioia House over the past month. Pip Harry is an award-winning writer of the novels The Little Wave and August & Jones, the latter based on a true-life friendship between two very extraordinary young people. Our students couldn’t have been more engaged as she spoke about cover designs, inspiration, and the importance of place in her stories.

Last week, Deborah Abela visited as part of a promotional tour for her new verse novel The Kindness Project.  Our students were excited to get access the day before the official release of this new book. One of Australia’s most popular writers for young people, Deb spoke about starting all her ideas with the question, I wonder what would happen if…and shared her favourite writing rule: make as much trouble as possible!

The beauty of these author talks is that they inspire an overwhelming amount of borrowing and discussion about stories and their place in our lives. It was amazing to hear the buzz from the students about reading, particularly from previously reluctant readers who couldn’t wait to begin reading.

We have a strong commitment in the library to keep our students reading, and we look forward to further opportunities to enhance their engagement in all things books!

Here are some Year 6 reflections about the most recent visit:

Deborah made the entire room burst out in laughter when she told us about the unfortunate injury she had when she jumped off her garage at the age of seven! She talked about what inspired her to become an author and gave us a crash course on how to write a novel. She told us her number one secret on how to write a book, which is asking the question: what would happen if? This question stimulated a lot of ideas. Deborah talked about how from that one question she wrote an entire series called ‘Grimsdon’which definitely was a favourite around Gioia House. She even showed us her new book called the ‘Kindness Project’which hadn’t even come out yet. The talk was filled with humour, learning and definitely a lot of fun. Gioia House was so lucky to have this experience and we wish her luck with her new novel The Kindness Project.  
Rachel Michael

Deborah talked a lot about her new book, The Kindness Project and introduced us to some of her other series, including ‘Grimsdon, ‘The Book of Wondrous Possibilities and The Most Marvellous Spelling Bee Mystery. Deborah talked about her early life and growing up as a child and my favourite story of hers is when she tried to jump off her shed into the pool but ended up face planting into the ground. It was very funny and engaging. Personally, I think Deborah’s visit was a success and she really got everyone involved which I thought was amazing. I can’t wait for Deborah to come back again with a new book that she has created and thrill us all again with her marvellous storytelling and advice for being a writer.
Alessandra Ronsisvalle

She talked about how trouble making can lead to good stories and fun experiences – she also inspired me to read more by telling us about the thought process behind books and characters and what happens in her books! 
Dimity Petroulias

She talked about how she makes a story and that she was inspired to be one because her Year 4 teacher told her that she would be a writer one day and that what her teacher said came true and how she really wants to inspire other kids. She inspired me by talking about the books and how they have secrets and we have to read it to find out what the secret was.
Evie Santa Maria

I felt inspired to read more because her books seem really interesting and now, I want to read a variety of books. She made me smile about telling us about her chaotic childhood.
Emily Ng

Melina Marchetta and Susan Lombardo
Teacher Librarians

Creative Experience

Creative Experience Co-curricular meet at Monday Lunch time in Year 6 McLaren to share a range of experiences with others.

Creative Experiences is the best! You can come together with your friends to enjoy so many different types of art. This year so far, we’ve created optical illusions and watercolour artwork. Both were so much fun!
Annabelle Wong

Something I like about Creative Experience is that you can do many different things like drawing, painting, and optical illusions. I also like that you can make all of your art burst with colour. It’s an amazing thing that we can have creative experiences at lunch as not many schools have co-curriculars at lunch. We all have so much fun at creative experiences since we all have friends to sit with. It is an amazing opportunity because we can also all have fun.
Sabrina Ferrerosa

Creative Experience is really fun and exciting, We get to use water colours and learn new skills about how to make things almost look like you can hold them. I love doing art and I don’t know many things about it but after Creative Experience I know so much more.
Keira Toal

Leonie McLaren
Year 6 teacher

Science in Year 6 Milicic

As part of our ongoing Science unit, Habitat and Adaptations our class had a close look at how leaves have adapted to suit a range of climates and habitats. We discovered that leaves can be classified using 4 main traits: compound, simple, lobed and teeth. We enjoyed making observations and discovering more about plant adaptations.

Ann Milicic
Year 6 teacher

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Year 5 Interaction Day

On Friday 3 May, the year 5 students participated in Interaction Day. The students took part in a variety of activities to create opportunities to continue to form new friendships and develop their collaboration skills. Students began Interaction Day by appreciating their unique qualities and the gifts they have to offer others. The middle session focused on team challenges where students had to use clear communication, careful listening skills and worked as a team to solve each challenge. The students participated in a lego-building listening exercise, identifying the importance of listening carefully and giving accurate details to ensure the same structure was built. Another team-building activity required the students to form groups and create cup-towers using only one hand, string and a rubber band. It was interesting to see how different groups navigated through this activity and worked together to create successful cup towers. The students also participated in a number of sports team challenges, relying on each other to complete each activity. During the final reflection session, students identified ways they will continue to foster the new connections and friendships made throughout the day, and the importance of finding ways to form new connections and appreciate each others unique qualities. 

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Philosophy – 6 McLaren

Philosophy is about digging deep to find the true answer about a certain topic.

This term in Philosophy, we have been looking at different films, and using a question quadrant to write questions about the clip. The question topics include:

Open and close Textual questions (which are questions related to the text) and Open and close Intellectual questions (which are questions relating to the real world, but based on concepts from the film)  We also got into groups to respectfully discuss and exchange questions and opinions about a topic/question. 
Deanna Deligiannis

We are learning about philosophical dialogue and the different theories and this is getting up prepared for different situations in life.
Pippa Dillon

Last week in philosophy the whole of Year 6 had a lot of fun breaking into groups and sharing all our questions and ideas. We got to think creatively and see different perspectives on topics which was the best thing about working in a group. My group discussed friendship and thought of many good questions like…

Does everyone experience friendship?

Is it our responsibility to be a friend to the people who haven’t experienced friendship?

How does friendship start?

Overall it was great to discover a new branch of philosophy and have great philosophical dialogue.
Isabella Grasso

Leonie McLaren
Year 6 Teacher

Year 5 Yiorkas/Sulis Mathematics

Throughout Term 2, the Mathematics units will have a common theme and focus on the Olympic Games as a lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Year 5 began the term exploring how length is used in real-world experiences with specific reference to the Olympic Games. Students researched the distances between Olympic Venues in Paris, whilst applying their knowledge of converting between metres and kilometres. As well as this, students engaged in hands-on lessons exploring the perimeter of Olympic courts, fields and venues,  using a variety of tools. The theme of the Olympic Games has further engaged students in their learning, as real-life experiences are crucial for making mathematics accessible and relevant to students. When students can connect Mathematics to their everyday lives, it enhances their understanding and engagement. 

Stephanie Yiorkas
Year 5 Teacher

Year 5 Excursion

Last term Year 5 visited Carrs Park Bush Flat to learn about the culture of First Nations People. They were led by Gumaraa Rangers through a variety of activities including spear and boomerang throwing (long sticks- not actual spears)  as well as a bush walk where students learned about bush tucker and bush medicine. They were involved in a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Indigenous dances. This excursion was an introduction to their Interdisciplinary Unit ‘Australia: Our Past, Our Present and Our Future.’ Students learned many new skills and facts about the way of living of the First Nations People and thoroughly enjoyed their time at Carrs Park.

Sylvia Bannayan
Administration Officer and College Receptionist

Science and Technology

Year 6A thoroughly enjoys their fortnightly Science lesson in the Science Lab with Ms Nosworthy. As a part of their current Habitat and Adaptation unit, the students participated in some experiments to match the ‘bird beak’ to the ‘food’. The aim was for the girls to test how beak shapes vary for different foods by using different shaped tools to pick up items representing foods. It was a lot of fun to see the girls using tweezers, wooden chopsticks, pegs, straws and plastic spoons to collect the food and learning along the way about birds and their adaptations.

Tiffany Anderson
Year 6 Teacher

Assistant Head of Primary Update

Pastoral Care

Returning to school after a restful break and time spent with our families provides us with a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, refocus on our learning and renew our appreciation for the diverse network of relationships that we have within our school community. Within the Pastoral Care context, we have used this time to build upon the foundations laid in Term 1 of developing students’ capability and confidence in school and beyond through the five essential skills of resilience, self-regulation, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility. Now, we turn our focus to building connections and relationships with others. To achieve this, students have explored weekly themes of showing empathy towards others, appreciating diversity and flourishing. 

Empathy

According to Brené Brown, empathy is ‘feeling with people.’ Empathy allows us to walk alongside others in times of sadness, share in their moments of joy, and everything in between. Helping children recognise and consider the feelings of others and seek out the best for those around them, helps them build stronger friendships, deepen their own sense of self and ultimately, brings out the best in themselves.

Diversity

Building upon the theme of empathy, students were next introduced to the theme of diversity and celebrating the unique characteristics among different members in the community that collectively make the world a better place. This understanding lays the foundation for social awareness and behavioural expectations to respect and uphold the dignity of the diverse backgrounds, cultures and diverse learning needs of all students in the classroom, on the playground, at the school and beyond. For the youngest members of our Del Monte community in K-2, this was explored through the importance of having lots of different types of friends at school, recognising that friendships change over time and that we need to put effort into friendships to help them grow. For 3-6, the focus shifted to individual ability to accept, honour and celebrate the unique characteristics of themselves and others.

Flourishing

Martin Seligman describes flourishing as, ‘Feeling good and doing good’ and outlines five measurable pillars for human flourishing: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement. At Del Monte, students identified things that make themselves feel good and actions they can take to do the same for others. These conversations help children start to recognise that these two sets of actions are not always mutually exclusive; that ‘doing good’ can also be a source of ‘feeling good’ within ourselves.

Lauren Petroni
Assistant Head of Primary P-4

Curriculum Updates

Welcome back to Term 2! This term has started off excitingly with Kindergarten beginning their InitiaLit focused groupings. The students have been eager to start working in small groups to deepen their understanding of learning how to read and spell tricky words. We have observed some significant gains in the literacy of students in Years 1 through 4, who have continued in their targeted literacy groups. The students are eager to collaborate closely with their support teachers.

At the end of last term, we were thrilled with how many parents were able to enjoy the student’s learning during our scheduled learning walks. Please look out for communication for the next round of learning walks in your child’s classrooms. The students are very excited to share their learning with you.

This semester, our main goals have been to upskill our teachers in areas covered by the new English and Maths syllabus and to increase teacher capacity. Teachers have participated in collaborative discussions and workshops that have improved our methods and helped us create a more interesting and engaging curriculum for our students. To help our students access the content at their level, we have started putting new ideas into practice along with improved conceptual-based units.

This semester we have seen some great learning in Year 1 and Year 2 as they have engaged in an incursion facilitated by Ranger Jamie. Year 1 explored their History unit as they attended an Aboriginal experience, while Year 2 investigated different Forces for their Science unit. Year 2 also went on an excursion to The Rocks to explore their History unit Present and Past Family Life. We look forward to excursions in Year 3 and Kindergarten this term as they further explore their Science units on living things. 

Kate Bakhos
Curriculum Leader P-4

Music at Mary Bailey House and Del Monte

Music at Mary Bailey House (Curricular)

As music class starts again for Term 2, the Mary Bailey House students have enjoyed singing and moving to new songs. We are learning a West African welcome song, Funga Alafia, that has accompanying gestures that reflect the translations. When the students are confident with this, we will create an ostinato on the African drums (djembe) to help keep a steady beat.

Cecilia Pensini
Music Teacher | Head of Strings P-4

Music at Del Monte (Curricular)

The music classrooms at Del Monte are full of the sounds of joyous music! The students have done a cracking job of learning the songs for Mother’s Day Mass, learning, perfecting, and memorising the words and actions. They sing with their whole hearts, prayerfully and joyfully. Year 4 has also been memorising their Gala repertoire and are very excited to be singing in different languages. Excitement is building in the Strings groups and Choirs as we prepare for our Gala performances. Year 2 has been exploring the Families of the Orchestra and played a game called ‘Kaboom!’. Year 1 played the boomwhackers to one of our Gala songs, reading the colours to know which notes to play.

Phillipa Knight
Coordinator of Music P-4

Year 1 – ‘Ode to Joy’ & ‘Fruit & Vegetable Pie’ Composition

Year 2 ‘Orchestra Card Game’

Please also see information about our co-curricular activities:

Phillipa Knight
Coordinator of Music P-4

Italian

Term 2 has begun with students learning new vocabulary for introducing themselves in Italian. Year 4, year 3 and year 2 groups have watched a video with Italian people introducing themselves in various real-life situations and made comparisons with the practices within the Australian context. Students have identified some new sounds and use of grammar and have enjoyed using them for performing some role-plays. In Year 1, Kindergarten and Prep, students have engaged in a range of group games where they were asked to say their names using the provided Italian format. As always, Toby the Italian tiger has helped everyone remember their answers and learn by having fun. 

Daniela Panico
Italian Teacher

Gifted Education

Del Monte students have started Term 2 by embracing mathematical problem solving through the Maths Quest and Maths Explorer programs. By participating in the programs, students learn important group-work skills while developing the foundations of problem solving. The Maths Explorer group started the program with the first contest in a series of four. They demonstrated excellent reasoning skills, as they justified their thinking to their peers and overall, achieved impressive results. The Maths Quest group learnt to use their powers of deductive reasoning to solve logic puzzles. We look forward to a term of mathematical excellence!

Brooke Panagopoulos
Gifted Education Coordinator P-6

National Simultaneous Storytime 2024

The Del Monte Library is thrilled to participate in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) next week. This annual event brings together children, families, and book lovers across the country to read the same picture book simultaneously. And this year, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker!

Bowerbird Blues follows the journey of a beautiful bowerbird on a quest for all things blue. From the sea to the sky, the bowerbird soars, collecting vibrant treasures to adorn its nest. But this isn’t just any nest – it’s a mix of natural and unnatural objects that attract something greater and more fulfilling than the bird could ever imagine. This moving story of longing and connection will captivate readers of all ages.

NSS celebrates the joy of reading and literacy, uniting libraries, schools, and families. When we read together, we foster language development, learning, and community bonds. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

How can you get involved? Search for blue treasures!

Inspired by the bowerbird’s quest, explore your surroundings for recyclable blue items. Think plastic bottles, paper, fabric, or anything else that fits the theme! Bring your blue treasures to the Del Monte Library. Together, we’ll create a stunning bower inspired by the book. Let’s make it a colourful, community-driven masterpiece!

Trish Doonan
Teacher Librarian – Del Monte Campus

Religious Education

Lord God, We lift up all mothers to You. 
Grant them the strength to face the daily challenges 
with courage and the wisdom to guide their children 
towards a life of faith and service. 
Encourage them when they are weary and inspire them 
when they feel overwhelmed. 
Bless them with Your peace and love, 
now and forever. 
Amen

Mother’s Day

On Thursday 8 May, we celebrated our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and motherlike figures who have nurtured and cared for us throughout our lives. The Mass was a time to thank and reflect on what these special women do for us daily. Father Gavin Foster sang a beautiful traditional Māori blessing during his homily.

Month of Mary

The month of May is traditionally associated with devotion to the Rosary and several significant feasts dedicated to Mary, such as the Our Lady of the Rosary on 7 May, Our Lady of Fatima on 13 May, Mary the Mother of the Church on 20 May, Our Lady Help of Christians Patron of Australia on 24 May and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 31 May.

The Rosary

This month the Rosary will recommence and students are invited to pray The Rosary during First Break 10:40am – 11:00am in the Del Monte Chapel every Monday and Tuesday.

Christian Meditation

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

Sister Jill Shirvington OP provides weekly meditation for students, parents, and staff. Students and parents are welcome to the Del Monte Chapel each Friday from 8:20 for meditation.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6

Year 4

In Community time, students in Year 4 met in their leadership teams with their respective teachers: Stewardship (Mr Wang and Ms Meehan), Community (Miss Camarda) and Service (Ms McGrath). During this conversation, students brainstormed possible ideas of ways they can support our school with their teams. They shared initiatives that they are interested in further developing. In this meeting, students moved into interest groups in order to brainstorm and collaborate further. This will continue in Community time throughout the year and students are looking forward to leading and assisting teachers and students.

Catherine McGrath, Nicole Meehan, Calista Camarda and Edward Wang
Year 4 Teachers

Year 3

It has been a positive start to the term in Year 3 with great learning taking place across all areas of the curriculum. In Mathematics, students have enjoyed using concrete materials to explore mathematical concepts of place value, patterns and multiplication. In English, students have embraced the concept of genre whilst exploring mentor texts about Antarctica and the incredible oceans of the world. Year 3 have particularly enjoyed our Literature Appreciation lessons with Ms Doonan in the Library. This term, these lessons support the students’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of different types of genres and techniques authors use to achieve their intended purpose.

Year 3 are looking forward to their excursion to the Sydney Wild Life Zoo this Friday 17th May to deepen their understanding of animal classifications and habitats. We are very grateful for parents who have volunteered their time to help out on the day and we look forward to sharing our learning from this excursion in our next issue of Veritas Voice. 

Margie Attard, Kate Bakhos, Louise Harris, Lauren Petroni and Brooke Panagopoulos
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

On Thursday 11 April, the students in Year 2 went on their Little Diggers excursion. This excursion complemented students’ exploration of their History unit in Term 1, The Past in the Present, as it focused on change and continuity in family life, and introduced students to significant people, events, places and sites in this local community over time. Students were immersed within learning experiences which encouraged them to use archaeology to unlock the world of The Rocks in early Sydney and appreciate the perspectives of people from the past. The children were very excited to work as archeologists to excavate and handle artefacts and explore the foundations of houses from the first years of European settlement.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten has had a wonderful start to Term 2, engaging in learning tasks with enthusiasm and interest!

In English, the students have been practising reading and writing consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words, by applying knowledge of the sounds and letters taught during daily InitiaLit lessons. Through regular engagement with quality literature, the students are learning about Australian animals, and are looking forward to participating in an excursion to Wild Life Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour, at the end of May. This experience will be a wonderful stimulus for future writing tasks.

In Mathematics lessons, the focus has been on learning about Time, including how to sequence and compare the duration of events. The students enjoy referring to the daily class timetable to ensure they know the subjects in which they will participate on a given day and week. 

At the end of Term 1, the Kindergarten students celebrated their first Learning Walk, during which they proudly showcased their first term’s work and joyfully discussed their learning with their parents and grandparents. What a fabulous way to end the term!

Anna Donato, Rebecca Saba and Vicki Spillane 
Kindergarten Teachers

Year 1

Aboriginal Experience Incursion

To conclude Term 1, Year One students participated in an all day incursion. They had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Aboriginal culture, learning about the traditions and culture of the original custodians of this land. Year 1 learned about the Indigenous connection to places through Dreamtime stories and gained an understanding of the features of places where Aboriginal people lived. Students were introduced to the history of the local area and how their community is connected to significant people, events, places and sites. They participated in traditional Aboriginal language greetings and learned how to care for places that are important to Aboriginal peoples. The highlight for many of the students was boomerang and spear throwing and participating in the traditional Aboriginal body and face painting. 

It was a memorable day about creating links from the past to our present, a day Year 1 will remember for a long time.

Year 1 Teachers

Prep

Our Prep students have been very busy learning about measurement. They have looked at the length of different objects and compared lengths directly by placing objects side by side and aligning the ends. Students can correctly use terms such as ‘tall’ ‘short’ ‘about the same,’ ‘shortest’ and ‘longest’ when discussing length. What clever mathematicians we have here in Prep!

Monique Evans and Lorette Quinlan
Prep Teachers

Director of Music

130 Years Gala Concert

Production is in full swing as we steer our course to the 130th Gala Concert to be held at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 25 June 2024, from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. With an enthusiastic cast of over 600, this year’s Gala promises all the usual splendour as a highlight of the College year, showcasing our glorious music program and fostering memories that students will cherish for years to come.  The theme for this year – A Celebration of Humanity | Growing in Love – is not just a celebration of our 130-year history, but a vision for our future, with commissioned works and featured guest performers that will help us make this event one to remember.

Ticket sales will open in the coming days.

Choir Rehearsal Tracks

For students participating in massed Choral features at the Gala Concert, a reminder that VO boasts exhaustive resources to support personal revision.

• Del Monte (Laudare, Siena & Year 4) Choirs
• Gioia House Choir
• College Choir
• Chamber Choir

Excellence at events like Gala is a collective achievement, and we commend our students for their diligent personal preparation to ensure a world class outcome is achieved once more.

Choral rehearsal resources have also been summarised within this weblink for all groups. 

Holyrood Access

The College has been working to increase security across the College, and as such, Holyrood is now to remain locked at all times – accessible only by student ID Cards during school hours. Students are reminded to carry their Student ID Cards on them at all times to ensure they present for lessons and classes in a timely manner.

Director’s Honour Roll

Congratulations to the following students who have been rewarded for their diligent preparation towards recent Australian Music Examinations Board assessments. During the holidays, Aiden Curran also represented the College by attending the Adelaide Bass Day, where she participated in a masterclass with world renowned bassist, Phoebe Russel and had the exciting and rare opportunity to perform in a Bass orchestra.

Anzac Day 2024

It was an honour to serve our local community on Anzac Day, as our Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir provided the music for this significant annual event.  Students also further participated in the Anzac Day assembly on Tuesday 30 April and the Del Monte Anzac Liturgy that was held on Thursday 2 May. Thank you to the students who rose early to honour the fallen, with special commendations to Carmel Mayo for her thoughtful rendering of The Last Post and Reveille on trumpet for both of the school Anzac events.

Santa Sabina Recital Series

After the success of the year’s first Open Recital in Term 1, we are very excited to invite you to our next Open Recital on Friday 24 May to be held in the Santa Sabina College Hall, commencing at 3:45pm. This showcase of our growing private tuition program is open to all members of our community to attend in support of our developing performers.

Register to join the College Community Choir

Holyrood was a buzz last Monday night with the inaugural gathering of our Community choir. Aptly positioned in ‘the School that Sings’, this group is established with the purpose of drawing ex-students, existing community members, parents and friends, and our Dominican Sisters together through Music.  Previous experience not necessary – register via this link to be kept up to date with this choir’s happenings.  Join us for our next rehearsals in Holyrood on 27 May & 10 June between 7:00pm-8:00pm as we work towards an exciting performance goal next month. 

Music Tours 2025

As we seek to secure numbers that will ensure the viability of the Tour to Japan in April 2024, we have extended the deadline for applications for this tour to Monday 20 May. Expressions of Interest are now open for the Italian tour also.

Our experienced Music travel professionals Hayllar Music Tours have prepared magnificent proposals for both tours, and we are garnering interest from students who will be in Years 9-12 in 2025.  Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if you would like any further information.

REGISTER FOR MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES AT SANTA SABINA

Register via the College App or using the link below for lessons in any of the following instruments – Piano, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice, Flute, Guzheng, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, French Horn, Orchestral Percussion, Drum Kit, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Composition and Musicianship individual or group lessons. In addition to private tuition, one of the best ways to apply new instrumental skills is in a Group Ensemble context.

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 to Ms Suzanna Touma in the Music Office at s.touma@ssc.nsw.edu.au and we will be happy to assist you.

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

I am pleased to say that there are 41 teams and approximately 420 students in Years 3-12 playing sports across the IGSA (Basketball, Hockey and Soccer) and IPSHA (Boys’ Football and girls’ Hockey) Competitions and ERNA Netball.

I am also happy to report that our Rep Volleyball has taken off in 2024 with a win (Year 9) and a Second Place (Year 8) in the Volleyball NSW State Schools Cup.

This year our main teams are competing at the same levels as the best clubs in Sydney at the Sydney Volleyball League. We have been accumulating some great wins and thrilling games against the best Volleyball Clubs in Sydney. This year, Santa Sabina is making history being the first school to affiliate with Volleyball NSW as a club.

We have selected an Opens team (Years 7-12) to take part in the NSWCCC Hockey Tournament in Bathurst on the 21 and 22 of May.

Congratulations to the students on the list here.

Individual students’ selections and achievements

Claudia Pickett and Alexia Mavriadis have been selected to represent CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Football Tournament (after a great CGSSSA Football Tournament played by our teams on Monday last week).

Annie Mullen has been selected into the U18 NSWCCC Volleyball team.

Violet Addabbo has been selected into the U15 NSWCCC Volleyball team

Annika Ingwersen and Mina Ju qualified to represent CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Cross Country Event (after great performances at the CGSSSA Cross Country Championships on Friday last week).

Debating and Public Speaking

Twelve teams are taking part in the CSDA and eight teams are joining the Archdale (IGSA) Competition.

Congratulations to Remi Apostolopoulos and Eve Ardagna have progressed to the second stage of the Plain English Public Speaking Competition.

New Co-curricular Initiatives:

• Mandarin Lessons: Primary School (Years 2-4) at Del Monte (Seminar Room): We are still accepting enrolments.
• Senior School (Years 7-12) in room 106 on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm: We are still accepting enrolments.
• Fencing (Years 7-12) at the Del Monte Hall on Monday mornings: still accepting enrolments
• Badminton (Years 5-12): Tuesday after school lessons in the College Hall (Unfortunately the class is full).
• Athletics Club (Years 3-12) – Monday mornings on the College Oval: We are still accepting enrolments.
• For the Clubs where we still have spots available, please email l.ramalho@ssc.nsw.edu.au for more information and registration procedures.

Primary Sport update

Primary Swimming

Congratulations to Romee Lee in Year 4 who competed last term at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships.

Romee finished with three medals and will now compete at the Australian School Sport Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast in July.

A special mention also goes to Genevieve Lloyd-Jones, Charlotte McCarthy, Emily Ng and Freya Ingwersen** who also attended the Championships, participating strongly in the 4 x 50m Senior Girls Freestyle Relay.

**(replaced Grace Mackey due to unavailability)

Stage 3 Soccer Championships

Good luck to the Stage 3 Soccer team who will compete at the Conference 2 Soccer Championships on Tuesday 28 May at Meadowbank Park.

Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day – Monday 20 May

Expressions of Interest are now closed for this event. If your daughter is attending this event, please accept the permission on the parent portal by Thursday 16 June.

Mackillop Soccer Trials

Congratulations to Alessandra Ronsisvalle who was selected into the Sydney Catholic Schools Soccer team. Alessandra will now compete at the Mackillop Soccer Trials on Friday 31 May.

Primary Cross Country

Good luck to the following students who will represent Santa Sabina at the Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships on Tuesday 14 May at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek.

Primary Athletics Carnival

A reminder that the Primary Athletics Carnival is on Thursday 6 June (Week 6) on the Secondary Campus. Please click on the link below to enter your child/ren into Championship events.

Entries close on Friday 31 May 2024 at 5:00pm

PLEASE NOTE: NOMINATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.

CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT NOMINATION FORM

Netball Update

The ERNA competition has had a very soggy and delayed start to the season, with two washed-out rounds already. Unfortunately, the condition of the courts puts players at greater risk of injury when it is raining.  Rest assured, ERNA has purchased multiple squeegees and have put a new roster in place so that the courts can be cleaned, prepared and playable in favourable weather.

On a more positive note, the New Zealand Netball team has started training and are looking forward to a practice game against the ERNA Metro development team and Monte in the coming weeks.

IGSA Sport Update

Round 1 commenced on Saturday 4 May for Hockey and Basketball.

Unfortunately, due to all the recent wet weather, we have not been able to play Football the first two rounds. We hope that weather permits the rest of the competition to continue as scheduled.

SSC Representative Dance Program – Dance Showcase: Sunday 2 June

Our representative dancers have been working extremely hard with their coaches in their weekly training sessions as well as their weekend intensives. They have been receiving their costumes over the last few weeks and are very excited to perform and compete this season in multiple national eisteddfods.
Their first performance will be at the annual SSC Representative Dance Showcase held in the College Hall on Sunday 2 June starting at 6:30pm, doors opening to audiences at 6:15pm. We would love to see our community come together to support our representative dancers and witness their fabulous talent and team spirit.

Luiz Ramalho
Director of Sport

Supporting Vinnies

The Rosary Group

At the end of Term 1, The Rosary Group celebrated a wonderful term of prayer. After praying the Rosary, we had a picnic outside the chapel with some games and craft activities. I would like to thank all of the girls for bringing along a snack to share and most importantly for being part of the Rosary Group as we pray together, grow in love of God together, and give thanks to Mary the mother of God for the many blessings she brings to our lives. May we continue on this journey together. 

Chloe Pizzuti
Religious Education teacher

Matthew 18:19-20 
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

St Lucy’s at Santa

Enrolling now

We are pleased to announce that St Lucy’s at Santa is expected to commence in Semester 2 2024 for Kindergarten and Year 1 students. This satellite school program provides students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a specialised educational program within their classroom, and benefit from all the social opportunities that our Primary Campus can offer. For enquiries please contact enrol@stlucys.nsw.edu.au or visit www.stlucys.nsw.edu.au

From the P&F Association

Beginning of Term Update

As we embark on a new term at Santa Sabina College, we are filled with anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead. This newsletter will bring you updates on recent achievements and upcoming activities within our community. From the resounding success of our Mother’s Day week celebrations to the introduction of new members to the Parents and Friends (P&F) Association, we continue to witness the incredible spirit of collaboration and support that makes Santa Sabina such a special place. Join us as we reflect on these events and look forward to an exciting term of learning, growth, and community engagement.

Mother’s Day Week of Events

The week dedicated to Mother’s Day is one of the most bustling times on the P&F calendar at Santa Sabina College. This period features a variety of events, including the Mother’s Day Stall, Breakfast, Lunch, and Raffle. All of these events are the culmination of months of planning and hard work. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire P&F, school staff, volunteers and donors involved in orchestrating these events.

A special acknowledgment goes to the Mother’s Day Committee – Alex Cantali, Meaghan Aldridge-Chow, Tatiana Raffaele, Janelle Powter, Babitha Toal, Daniel Pace, and Ben Middleton – for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the week of events ran smoothly and successfully.

We also deeply appreciate our Mother’s Day Stall sub-committee, who played a crucial role in making the stall and gifts extraordinarily memorable. Special thanks to Meaghan Aldridge-Chow, Houda Taouk, Marie Gebrael, Christine Saade, Sai Zanon and all the volunteer gift wrappers. Your contributions truly enriched this special occasion for all involved. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to making Mother’s Day week a tremendous success.

Special Mother’s Day Raffle Thank You

The Mother’s Day Raffle was a tremendous success, raising over $7500 thanks to the generous support of our community! The funds raised are dedicated to hosting beloved community events like the Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, which play a crucial role in strengthening the bonds within our SSC community. Additionally, proceeds are also donated directly to the school, aiding in addressing immediate needs and enhancing the educational environment for our children. 

Congratulations to all of the lucky raffle winners, be sure to collect your prizes if you haven’t already done so.

Lastly, We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who generously donated prizes for the Mother’s Day Raffle:

• ⁠Oliveto Restaurant and Bar
• Inner West Nutrition – Zugajev Family
• Formaggio Ocello – Ocello Family
• Adore Me – Ayoub Family
• The Dinner Ladies – Curran Family
• Boxed With Love – Gebrael Family
• Patrick Nader Fine Jewellery – Nader Family
• Crowne Plaza Hotels – Akkawi Family
• Pharmacy 4 Less Five Dock – Khawaja and Tadros Families
• Evolution Laser – Antwan Family
• Sulukojian Family
• Ghobrial Family
• D’amico Family

Parent and Family Catch Ups

We’ve had some delightful gatherings since the end of Term 1. On 7 April, our Prep families enjoyed a lovely catch-up at Jungle Buddies in Five Dock, where parents relaxed while the kids went bananas. Similarly, the Year 2 families came together on 6 April at the Canada Bay Club. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, share experiences, and strengthen relationships within their respective year groups. We look forward to more of these enriching interactions throughout the year. See Parent Catch Ups below for upcoming gatherings and Past Events section below for photos.

Welcome to our new P&F members

We are thrilled to welcome Jumana Commisso as our new Communications Coordinator and Kate Kenniff as Assistant Communications Coordinator to the SSC P&F Association. Jumana and Kate bring a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise to their roles, and we are excited to see their contributions enhance our community communications. With backgrounds in Law (Jumana) and Marketing (Kate), this dynamic duo is sure to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our ongoing efforts to connect and engage with all SSC families. Thank you for volunteering and stepping as our newest P&F members.

Upcoming Events

SSC P&F Term 2 General Meeting

Santa Sabina College Parents and Friends are cordially invited to our Term 2 General Meeting:

🗓 Date: Wednesday 22 May 2024

⏰ Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

This meeting is a valuable opportunity to engage with the school community, discuss important topics, and share your insights. Your participation is crucial as we work together to support our students and the school.

Agenda Items: If you have any topics you would like to raise during the meeting, please email them to the P&F Secretary at secretary@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Please mark your calendars! We look forward to seeing you there.

🎉 Save the Date: Primary School Disco! 🎉

Hey Santa Sabina families! Get ready to put on your dancing shoes for the upcoming Primary School Disco.

🗓 Date: Thursday 14 June

📍 Location: To be announced

🪩Disco Times:

• 🕔 5:00pm to 5:45pm – Prep, Kindergarten, and Year 1
• 🕕 6:00pm to 7:00pm – Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4
• 🕖 7:15pm to 8:30pm – Gioia House

Dust off those dance moves and prepare for an evening of fun, music, and dancing! More details and the Trybooking link for tickets will be sent out soon. Make sure to keep an eye out so you can join the fun!

Looking forward to a fantastic disco night with our amazing little dancers! 🎶🕺💃

Parent Catch Ups

Year 7 Family Night Out

Hello Year 7 families! Join us for a fun-filled family night out at The Home Grounds in Five Dock.

🗓 Date: Friday 3 May

⏰ Time: 6:30pm

📍 Location: The Home Grounds, Five Dock

📅 RSVP by: 24 May

🍽 Cost: Purchase your own meals and drinks at the bistro upon arrival.

It’s a great opportunity to relax, enjoy some delicious food, and get to know other families in our Year 7 community. Don’t miss out on this evening of casual dining and friendly conversation!

Click here to RSVP via TryBooking. Looking forward to seeing all of you there! 🎉

🌟 Save the Date: Year 12 Parent Lunch! 🌟

Hello Year 12 parents! Mark your calendars for a special lunch event just for you.

🗓 Date: Friday 2 August 2024

⏰ Time: To be announced

📍 Location: Strathfield Golf Club

Join us for a delightful afternoon where you can unwind and connect with other Year 12 parents as we celebrate our students’ final year at Santa Sabina.

Details on how to RSVP and more information will follow soon. We look forward to seeing you there for a memorable gathering!

Past Events
Mother’s Day Gift Wrappers🎁

A special thank you to all the parents who volunteered to gift wrap for the Mother’s Day stall. It was a monumental task and your efforts made a Mother’s Day extra special for our primary school mums, aunts, grandmas and mother figures.

 P&F Mother’s Day Stall! 🌷

Thank you dearly to our Mother’s Day Stall sub-committee who helped make Mother’s Day extra special. Shout out to Meaghan Aldridge-Chow, Houda Taouk, Marie Gebrael, Christine Saade and Sia Zanon.

Mother’s Day Breakfast🌸

On behalf of all the SSC Families and the P&F, a big thank you to all those who volunteered to help make the Mother’s Day Breakfast a huge success. These events don’t happen on their own and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Mother’s Day Lunch and Raffle🌷

The Mother’s Day Lunch and Raffle was a huge success. A special thank you to all the donors, Oliveto Restaurant and Bar, and the Mother’s Day Committee. The lunch and raffle was a perfect ending to cap off an amazing week of appreciation for mother’s and mother figures in our community!

Prep Family Catch Up

The Prep families had a fantastic time getting to know each other at Jungle Buddies in Five Dock.

Year 2 Family Catch Up

The Year 2 Families had a blast at the Canada Bay Club, they were thrilled that the amazing and talented photographer Giovanni Portelli managed to take and be in the photo 😂!

Parent Education

‘You be You’ by Debra Brodowski 

As parents and caregivers we want the best for our young people. We spend endless hours ferrying them around to different activities/sports/music rehearsals, give them numerous opportunities to try new things, and support exploring their different interests. Why do we do this? Well, I’d like to think that we do this because we want our young people to grow up to be their best version of themselves, whatever that might look like for them. My daughters roll their eyes when they hear me remark how ‘I never had such amazing opportunities available to me when I was their age’.

Aside from the activities, parents and caregivers can also support their young people in being curious in the world; exploring different areas of interests through reading, visiting different areas, and having different experiences. 

These experiences are all helpful for self-exploration and positive development. Thinking about this more closely, what does this mean for their future? Through these experiences, your young person can be supported in the following ways:

• Finding their passion (or passions) and charting a course where their life might begin outside of Santa Sabina
• Finding their own voice in what is important to them
• Realising that a starting point post Santa Sabina is just a part of the next chapter of life, and not the conclusion

Having ongoing conversations with our young people about:

• What do you love doing? Why?
• What is important to you? Why?
• What do you love learning about? Why?

… can all give clues about where their next step outside of Santa Sabina might look like for them.

These conversations also don’t need to start in the later high school years, exploring interests and passions and what brings joy to your day and your learning can start early.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would say ‘don’t pretend to be something you’re not, leverage your unique skills and be you, so that, to paraphrase Mahatma Ghandi, “you can shake the world”‘.

Ex-Students’ Association

Events

The Ex-Students’ Association looks forward to seeing many of you at the Careers’ Networking Breakfast on Friday. If you have parents, or relatives who would like to attend the Golden Girls and Boys Reunion on Friday 31 May please let them know, we would love to see them there.

Podcast series – Exceptional

A new podcast is just out. Kim Parer (Mulcahy) looks back on the life and memories of her four siblings, Jodie, Glen, Stuart and Dean who lost their lives way too young. Equal parts grief and happiness; this is a story of perseverance, and finding light amongst the challenges given to her. Above all, this is a story of love and family. If you need support after listening to this episode you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

LISTEN HERE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/kim-parer/id1613301850?i=1000651965757
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Rbbw01eOehoduUvUp3oVm?si=34dce97f85b34a8f
https://omny.fm/shows/exceptional/kim-parer

Previous podcasts feature Dr Helen Beange OAM, Ann-Maree Mulders, Sr Judith Lawson OP, former principal and human rights advocate, and ING CEO Melanie Evans. If you haven’t heard these, please tune in for stories, conversations and wisdom from the Santa Sabina ex-students’ community.

Elizabeth Pooley 
President

Mortlake Youth Mass