You are invited to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Thursday 15 August. This special celebration will be held in the Chapel starting at 12:50pm.
The Feast of the Assumption is a significant event in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar and commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. The Mass is a wonderful opportunity for our College community to unite in prayer and reflection.
We look forward to your presence as we celebrate this holy day with reverence and joy.
Ryan Reyes Dean of Mission
College Principal
It is always a wonderful tradition to begin Term 3 with Santa Fest and Dom’s Day. This year, our 130th Anniversary, we were delighted to welcome Bishop Danny Meagher to say mass, joined by Fr John Hayes from St Martha’s at Strathfield. They were also joined by Fr Ben Saliba, Master of Ceremonies at St Mary’s Cathedral and Deacon Aisavali. Mass was beautiful and the Holy Spirit was with us as we gave thanks for 130 years of Dominican Education at Santa Sabina College. Following Mass, we enjoyed the traditional crowning of St Dominic by our Captains and then Year 12 girls danced around Dom’s Plot. The concert that followed showcased a variety of talented students who performed for us and a particular highlight was the teacher band and flashmob who delighted the students with their rendition of Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’. Congratulations to our students for entering into our celebrations respectfully and joyfully.
We wish our Senior students all the very best as they commence their HSC and IBDP Trial Examinations this week. Students have been working diligently to prepare and I thank our teachers who provided holiday workshops for students during the break.
We began the student leadership application process this week which is both rigorous and competitive. Year 11 students have had the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a wide variety of ways during their time at the College whether that be through experience as Year 10 Camp Leaders or through taking on school and community leadership roles. They have also been taught how to work towards developing their own leadership style and skills in workshops and through access to a wide variety of people in leadership roles. Students will submit a written application detailing their suitability for the role, shortlisting will occur and students will then be invited to address their peers. Students who make it through to the final round will then have an interview with me or other members of the College Leadership Team to further determine their suitability to represent the College as school leaders. We always consider humility, integrity, kindness and compassion as well as a demonstrated capacity for hard work and resilience to be essential characteristics of our student leaders.
I had the absolute pleasure of hosting our inaugural Principal’s Academic Morning Tea last week. Students from Years 7-10 who received three or more awards at our Awards Assembly were invited to come together so that we could celebrate their hard work. I was impressed to see how many of these students had done well across subject areas and encouraged students to continue to work hard and strive for excellence.
Congratulations to our Years 7 and 8 debaters who advanced to the final round of the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) competition last week. This competition is one of the largest debating competitions in Australia and we were thrilled to have two teams make it to the Finals. Our Year 7 team won their debate confirming them as the Year 7 Winning School for 2024. Our Year 8 students were awarded Runners Up. With only an hour to prepare for this debate and without any outside assistance, the quality of their arguments was very sophisticated. Debating develops a wonderful skill that sets students up for life. Congratulations also to their Debating Coordinator, ex-student Tiana Pangallo, and the many coaches who work with students guiding them along the way.
Congratulations also to the cast and crew who played a role in the production of Picnic at Hanging Rock recently. It was a great performance and my thanks go to Ms Ellis-Windsor and Mr Freeman who directed and produced this Australian classic.
Finally, it was wonderful to welcome grandparents to Del Monte this week for Grandparents Day. The children really enjoyed showing their grandparents around their school and classroom and sharing all that they have been learning. They also performed for them with gusto giving thanks for these very special people who bring great joy, love and care to the lives of their families.
Take care.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Clearing the air: how parents can take control of the discussion about vaping
Vaping has become a significant concern for parents, educators, and health professionals as vaping rates amongst young people have sky rocketed in the last five years. For you as parents, recognising whether your child is vaping can be challenging. Telltale signs include the presence of vaping paraphernalia such as e-cigarettes, cartridges, or unusual USB drives, as well as physical symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or a persistent throat irritation. If you were to discover that your child was vaping, it’s crucial to approach the situation with understanding and support. Engaging in open conversations about the health risks and expressing genuine concern for your child’s wellbeing are essential. You might also seek professional medical advice and consider counselling or cessation programs designed for adolescents.
The health concerns associated with vaping are serious and multifaceted. Vaping devices can expose users to harmful chemicals known to cause cancer, respiratory problems, and addiction. Nicotine, commonly found in e-liquids, is highly addictive and can hinder adolescent brain development, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and behavioural issues. Young people often cite curiosity, peer pressure, anxiety relief and the appeal of flavoured e-liquids as reasons for vaping. The misconception that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking may also contribute to its prevalence among youth.
Our Pastoral Care and PDHPE curriculum in Stages 3 and 4 contains educational content around the risks of vaping. Our students are certainly aware of the dangers of this habit via their classroom learning. Combining this learning with calm and informed discussion at home can provide our young people with knowledge and support.
At Santa Sabina, vaping at school or in your school uniform outside of school is a serious offence and will result in a College suspension. Vaping is a violation of our student code of conduct. Nonetheless, when we find ourselves in the position of responding to a student who has been caught vaping our primary concern is for their health and wellbeing. Our discussions with students and families will revolve around the underlying issues that may be leading to the decision to vape and what support the school can offer to help the student make healthier choices. Part of the suspension process includes scheduled time with the College psychologist and the completion of an online vaping education module.
The College encourages you to have conversations with your children about vaping. Dialogue that revolves around trust and understanding will be the most active tool in preventing the take up of vaping by our young people.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Deputy Principal Operations
Students should bring their ID card to school every day. At Santa Sabina students will use their ID card to use the photocopier, as a means of making a purchase at the canteen, to access areas of the campus such as the music rooms and the front gates, to sign in and out of the College and for use on the College bus service. Students who have lost or misplaced the cards should see the IT department for a new card as it is an essential component for access to services at the College.
Families are reminded that if any of their circumstances change throughout the year this information can be updated via Parent Lounge. It is important that all information is current in the event of an emergency, but also for the College reporting requirements for the Commonwealth census.
The Kiss and Ride areas on both Carrington Road and Jersey Road are the only designated drop off points for students. The College receives numerous reports of Santa Sabina parents parking across driveways, in driveways and in No Stopping areas in the streets surrounding the College. To avoid potential fines from council rangers or the police, please use the designated Kiss and Ride zones.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
We are now approaching the time of year when Year 8 students decide on their electives for stage 5 and the Year 10 students decide not only their pathway of the HSC or the IB Diploma but their pattern of study within the program. It’s essential to consider how these choices can shape the opportunity to explore their interests and talents, providing a foundation for their senior studies in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Both the HSC and IB offer rigorous and comprehensive curricula that prepare students for university and beyond. Unlike many schools around us, we design our subject lines based on the interest of the majority in the cohort. Each year the lines will be different as we endeavour to offer as many options as possible with the resources we have.
Research Invested Schools
As we progress through the second year of our whole school Action Research initiative, teachers are able to make sense of their findings in order to identify, consolidate and build upon the teaching and learning strategies that have proven most effective. Later in the year, all groups will be given the opportunity to present snapshots of their projects to their colleagues in order to share their learning, invite feedback and evoke professional discussions about the broader application of their successes.
This evidence-informed and evidence-enriched approach to professional practice was the focus of the recent Research Invested Schools Annual Conference attended by our Action Research Coordinator, Kate Corcoran. Bringing together academics and educators from across the country, the conference workshops demonstrated the many ways that schools like ours are using research to improve our professional practices and the student outcomes they aim to achieve. As a member of this national organisation, we look forward to further building partnerships and connections with member schools and universities where the ongoing sharing of current research will ensure our continual professional growth and improvement.
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Head of Primary P-6
As we settle into the new term, we reflect on the vibrant and meaningful events that have brought our school community together over the past three weeks.
Year 1 Outdoor Learning
Our Year 1 students recently participated in an outdoor learning adventure. Despite the cold morning, the children were fully engaged in their activities. They loved reading while wrapped in blankets, solving maths problems with their soft toy friends by their side, and exploring the environment in beanies and gloves. The chilly weather didn’t dampen their enthusiasm, and their joyful spirits made the day a wonderful success.
St Dominic’s Day
Last Friday, the entire College gathered to celebrate St Dominic’s Feast Day. This special occasion was marked by a sense of unity and reverence as we honoured St Dominic’s legacy and his enduring influence on our values and education.
Grandparents’ Day at Del Monte
This week, we warmly welcomed over 350 grandparents to Del Monte for Grandparents Day. This special occasion was dedicated to celebrating the invaluable role grandparents play in our children’s lives. The day was filled with joy as children put on a wonderful show for their grandparents. The choir, string ensemble, and dancers entertained our visitors, and the Kindergarten students delighted everyone with their singing. This event provided us with an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the wisdom, love, and support that grandparents provide to our students.
100 Days of Kindergarten
Today, bright colours were seen everywhere as we celebrated a significant milestone in our Kindergarten students’ journey – their first 100 days of school. Our theme for this event was ‘100 Days Brighter’, and it couldn’t be more fitting. Each day that our children have spent at Santa Sabina College, they have grown brighter, not just academically, but also in their character and spirit. In these 100 days, we have witnessed their transformation from tentative newcomers to confident learners. They have embraced new challenges, made new friends and explored the world around them. More importantly, they have learned to be curious, kind, and resilient. ‘100 Days Brighter’ is not just about the knowledge they have acquired, it is about the light they bring into our lives and the school with their infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. It is about the bright future they promise as they continue to learn and grow.
Professional Development
As we progress through the term, our Del Monte and Gioia House teachers have been actively engaged in various professional development activities aimed at enhancing the quality of education and improving student outcomes.
Implementing new English and Mathematics Curriculum
Del Monte and Gioia House teachers have dedicated significant time to planning teaching and learning experiences aligned with the new English and Mathematics syllabus. They have emphasised explicit teaching and assessment, ensuring that students receive clear instruction and regular feedback. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of core concepts and the development of skills.
Action Research Projects
In addition, our teachers are working in teams on various action research projects across the campus. These projects are designed to improve both academic and wellbeing outcomes. Through collaborative inquiry and evidence-based practices, they are developing strategies to enhance student engagement and success.
Adjustments and Differentiation
Recognising the diverse needs of our students, our teachers have also engaged in professional development focused on adjustments and differentiation. This training equips our educators with the skills and knowledge to tailor their teaching methods and materials to meet the unique needs of every student. By differentiating instruction, we ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, have equitable access to meaningful and challenging learning experiences.
At Santa Sabina College, we are committed to continuous improvement.
As we celebrate Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s feast day this week, we reflect on her enduring legacy of faith, courage, and compassion. Saint Mary MacKillop’s principle, ‘never see a need without doing something about it,’ encourages us to be attentive and respond with love and care to those around us. Her dedication to justice and education inspires us to support and nurture our children with the same commitment.
May her spirit guide us in fostering a compassionate and supportive school community.
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Gioia House Semester 1 Academic Awards
YEAR 5 ACADEMIC AWARDS
Zara Bakhos English
Theresa Bassil Drama
Madison Baxter Drama
Marissa Bijjani Interdisciplinary 1
Sienna Calvez Japanese
Jocelyn Carroll Music
Ariana Cassimaty PDHPE
Esther Chiew Maths
Emily Cooper Action Girl
Aiden Curran Music
Alana Dib Religion
Kate Hennessy Action Girl
Emily Korb Wells Music
Genevieve Lloyd-Jones PDHPE
Elena Magri Italian
Chiara Mazza Spanish
Charlotte McCarthy PDHPE
Lucy Middleton PDHPE
Tiana Nahas Religion
Celine Nguyen Maths
Evangeline Notaras Action Girl
Elizabeth Ong English
Chloe Perkins Drama
Marla Samaan Music
Grace Welsh Interdisciplinary 2
Phoebe Clarke English Interdisciplinary 1
Emma Cooper Action Girl Religion
Sydney Truong Interdisciplinary 2 Maths
Zara Hraiki English Maths Religion
Petra Lam Drama Interdisciplinary 1 Interdisciplinary 2
Ava Lapanaitis French Interdisciplinary 1 Interdisciplinary 2
YEAR 6 ACADEMIC AWARDS
Sophie Ash Interdisciplinary 1
Harriet Behan Action Girl
Ines Bolger PHDPE
Katarina Brodowski Music
Anastasia Bucciarelli Italian
Chloe Charbel Religion
Isla Choi Japanese
Valentina Dal Pra Religion
Deanna Deligiannis Interdisciplinary 2
Annalise Elias Action Girl
Leah Han Music
Charlie (Charlotte) PDHPE
Ellena Kapetanakis Visual Arts
Audrey Khoury Action Girl
Leah Li Visual Arts
Emilie Ly Visual Arts
Alexandra Nakhle PDHPE
Tamika Nicholson PDHPE
Amelia Rigon Maths
Elizabeth Saade Interdisciplinary 1
Evie Santa Maria Music
Isabella Shiner Music
Georgia Ghossein Action Girl Interdisciplinary 1
Isabella Grasso English Maths
Michelle Ho French Interdisciplinary 2
Pheodora Jayaseelan Interdisciplinary 2 Maths
Jorja Matthews Interdisciplinary 1 Religion
Rachel Michael Visual Arts English
Gabriella Tadros English Spanish
Annabelle Wong Interdisciplinary 2 English Maths Religion
For detailed information about upcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
Important dates for Del Monte:
Thursday 8 August – 100 Days of Kindergarten
Tuesday 13 August – P&F Father’s Day Stall Wrapping and Author Visit
Tuesday 13 August – Author Visit
Wednesday 14 August – St Dominic the Adventurer Year 4: Tree ID 3:20pm-4:00pm
Friday 16 August – National Science Week Day
Wednesday 21 August – St Dominic the Adventurer Year 3: Clean Up and Make Art 3:20pm-4:00pm
Thursday 22 August – Discovery Tour
Friday 23 – Friday 30 August – Book Week
Friday 23 August – Character Parade 9:15am-10:00am
Tuesday 27 August – Father’s Day Stall
Thursday 29 August – Father’s Day Breakfast/Mass
Wednesday 4 September – Giving Day
Friday 27 September – Term 3 Concludes
Important dates for Gioia House:
Friday 16 August – National Science Week
Tuesday 17 – Monday 23 August – Book Week
Thursday 22 August –Discovery Tour
23-30 August – Book Week
Friday 23 August – Book Week Celebration
Monday 26 August – Father’s Day Stall
Thursday 29 August – Father’s Day Mass/Breakfast
Wednesday 4 September – STEM DAY collaboration with St Pat’s
Public Speaking with St Pat’s – 9 September
Speak Up Competition – 13 September
Tuesday 17 – Friday 20 September – Year OEE & Canberra Visit
Term 3 concludes – 27 September
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Director of Community Relations P-12
We invite current students and their families who have an ex-student connection to join us for breakfast as part of our 130th Anniversary celebrations.
Venue: Siena Centre Amphitheatre Date: Wednesday 4 September 2024 Time: 7:30am-8:45am
Please feel free to bring photographs or other Santa memorabilia to share at the breakfast.
Back to the Boulevarde
On Saturday 21 September, for our 130th Anniversary, we are arranging a special back to school event for ex-students. This year we are celebrating the Classes of 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014.
Ex-students will be able to catch up with their friends and teachers over drinks and canapés, take tours of the College and visit the Museum and meet Ms Skerman and other members of the Leadership Team.
As a valued supporter of Santa Sabina College, you play a vital role in our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of our students today and into the future. I am reaching out to you with an opportunity that has the potential to amplify your support even further. To help raise funds for Phase One of the Master Plan, we are embarking on our very first Giving Day.
On Wednesday 4 September, our entire College community – past and present – will come together to support our new Master Plan as well as our Scholarship Program. This momentous occasion will showcase our strong and supportive community making a collective impact.
SSC Annual Golf Day
Once again, the College along with the P&F, would like to invite everyone in our community to join us for the annual Santa Sabina College Golf Day. Open to all, the golf day aims to build strong community connections, provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy a day together and create wonderful memories.
When: Thursday 7 November 2024 Where: Strathfield Golf Club Time: Tee off at 7:30-7:45am;
The cost is $190.00 per person which includes breakfast, 18 holes, lunch and drinks. There are limited spots available so please book early to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions, please contact me on 0414 915 910 or at giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au
Donations
Since the beginning of the year, many in our community have supported the College in either donating to the building fund through the College fees or becoming a lead donor for our Giving Day. I am seeking support from all our community to help us in this drive to provide much needed funds for College initiatives for our boys and girls. Whether you would like to assist in providing a Dominican education for a student who otherwise may not be able to afford it or provide financial assistance to the Master Plan we are about to embark on that will transform the way our students learn and interact with the world around them.
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.
We are continuing to field questions on our Business Directory that provides our community with an opportunity to advertise your business, promote your company while providing a service to our parents, friends and local supporters of Santa Sabina. I encourage you to consider this as a way to grow your business and promote the service you provide.
Early learning plays a significant role in laying the foundation for future school success. Organised by Early Childhood Australia, the Early Learning Matters Week aimed at celebrating and advocating for high-quality early learning, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration in promoting the wellbeing of children and communities.
This year during Early Learning Matters Week we are celebrating our preschoolers’ literacy achievements. Now in our second year of teaching literacy through the Pre-lit program, we’ve noticed a significant increase in our preschooler literacy achievements. More than ever, our preschoolers are displaying pre-reading and early writing skills in response to Prelit. The program is giving our children the skills and confidence to practise literacy skills outside our daily literacy lesson in general play. The children are independently trying to write words by sounding them out as well as writing words that they’ve learnt. We’ve also offered the children early readers for the children to select read independently during the day.
We anticipate that we’ll see further literacy development amongst our preschoolers.
Prelit is a systematic skills-based early literacy preparation program for preschool children who will be making the transition to formal schooling the following year. It is designed to complement a play-based learning environment in preschool settings. It’s currently used to teach literacy in the Mary Bailey House preschool program and the College Prep class.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House
Tallong Campus
Welcome to Term 3 from Tallong!
Our Winter Maintenance Season was a huge success with almost all the projects we set out to achieve completed or largely on their way to being so. All the Tallong team also had the chance for a bit of R & R over the winter break to wind down from a busy start to the year. They have come back refreshed and ready and raring to go.
Over the next few months, we are very much looking forward to hosting the Santa Sabina Years 3 and 6 students. We have the Santa Sabina Leadership Retreat, The Dominic the Adventurer Award weekend, Year 10 Outdoor Education Leadership Program and the Parent Child weekend (stay tuned for more information on this one in the not-too-distant future).
Added to this we have a number of school retreats, outdoor education programs with our third party partners and even some new private bookings. It is going to be a busy Semester 2 and we can’t wait!
Steve Fox Manager Tallong Campus and the Tallong Team
Music in the Senior School
Curriculum Music in the Senior School
As the academic year progresses, our students continue to excel and explore new musical horizons.
Here is a snapshot of the latest developments in our music program:
Curriculum Music in Years 7 and 8
This term, Year 7 students have embarked on a journey through traditional Japanese music, listening to and identifying various folk instruments. This cultural exploration is enriching their appreciation of diverse musical traditions. Our Year 8 students have been studying music for film, delving into the crucial role of music in evoking atmosphere, mood, and character illustration. This study enhances their understanding of how music can powerfully influence storytelling. Both Year 7 and Year 8 have also begun a practical unit where they are learning to play some of their favourite tunes on the keyboard, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice.
Elective Music in Years 9 and 10
This term kicked off with engaging new topics for Years 9 and 10 elective music students. In Year 9, students are diving into the realm of music for small ensembles, focusing on the dynamics and intricacies of group performances. They will showcase their skills in a curriculum recital in Week 5, honing their performance abilities. Year 10 students are exploring the world of music for multimedia, including film, TV shows, and animation, providing insight and in depth analysis into how music enhances and complements visual media.
HSC and IB Music in Years 11 and 12
Our Year 12 HSC and IB Music students have commenced their trial examinations, diligently refining their performances, compositions, and written work for submission. Meanwhile, Year 11 music students are exploring 19th-century music and various musical cultures, drawing connections to local and personal contexts. We look forward to the upcoming combined Year 11 and 12 HSC recital on 6 September, where students will showcase their exceptional talent and hard work.
Jameson Choe & Veronica Tsang Acting Heads of Curricular Music 5-12
To keep up to speed with all the Co-curricular Music offerings and happenings from P-12 at Santa Sabina College, be sure to jump over to our Director’s Page . Reach out to the Music Office if we can assist you with any queries you may have about the opportunities available to your child at Santa Sabina College.
Next week it’s Science Week! We invite you to join us at our Santa Science Showcase as we celebrate the work of STEM experts in the Santa community. Discover groundbreaking research and career pathways from our community’s brightest minds as they discuss Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability.
Date: Wednesday 14 August 2024 Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm Location: Santa Sabina College Lecture Theatre, 90 The Boulevarde Strathfield
Event format:
5:30pm: Complimentary light refreshments in the foyer
6:00pm: Six dynamic presentations (10 minutes each) on understanding and changing the world through aviation medicine, nuclear science, technology and even improved business practices
Q&A: Engage with our experts after each talk and during the networking session.
Presentations:
Powering Progress – An Engineer’s Role in the Renewable Energy Transition (Charbel Antoun,Head of Grid Connections at Spark Renewables)
Aviation Medicine – Surviving in the Sky (Dr Annalise Crane, Aviation Medicine Specialist and General Practitioner)
Using Nuclear Science & Technology to Understand Our World (Jade Greenhalgh, Solicitor/Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance)
Fur, Feathers, and Fun – A Veterinary Career (Dr Laura Kerrison,Veterinarian)
Four Ways You Can Change the World Using the Fourth State of Matter (Linda Losurdo, Applied and Plasma Physics PhD candidate at The University of Sydney)
Doing More with Less in Modern Supply Chains – What Impact Could I Possibly Have? (Bernard Zanic, Group Operations Manager at Oatley Wines)
Don’t miss this free event! Students and families can explore career opportunities and connect with pioneers in diverse fields.
It was truly wonderful working with these incredible young actors to create the performance of Picnic at Hanging Rock by Laura Annawyn Shamas, adapted from the book by Joan Lindsay. Each actor creatively developed their character/s with vocal and physical expression, while improvising numerous versions of each scene to reveal the tension and action of the play. We are so proud of each actor, as the simple act of memorising dialogue is complex and takes hours of individual dedication. And once on stage the actor is on their own, in front of a live audience, which takes complete and utter courage. We would like to thank all the performers for their enthusiasm and dedication to the performing arts at Santa Sabina College. What a joyful and inspiring production!
Special thanks to the whole Santa Sabina community for supporting the creative endeavours of the Drama students.
Nicole Ellis-Windsor Head of Drama and Visual Arts
Getting the opportunity to be a part of the production for Picnic at Hanging Rock was a great experience, experimenting with what I had learned in class to put into fruition on stage. Working as an ensemble was extremely rewarding and fostered great teamwork, unlike anything to be experienced within other subjects. Watching the play come together and seeing the audience each night was so rewarding, and I felt so supported by the great efforts of the teachers who made the production what it was!’ Lily Vincent
Picnic at Hanging Rock was a wonderful experience. It encourages you to bond with others who you may not be as close with and by the end of the production I felt more comfortable with the community and was able to give it my all. Bonnie Bayly
After careful observation I have no doubt in my mind that all of the team building, cooperation and efforts really paid off in the end. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to partake in this production, though this brilliance was not solely established by one’s self-interest but a collective range of interests within the senior years! Marina Orlovic
Throughout the play, I found that being around my fellow actors on stage and behind the scenes was fun and helped me to gain more confidence in myself when I’m acting. I enjoyed developing my character’s emotions and exploring her thoughts and how that can affect the different scenes. The experience was overall a great opportunity to work as a team and it gave me a sense of achievement by the end. Olivia Stewart
This play was very lovely. We all did so well, we were amazing. We worked as a drama ensemble. And it was wonderful to see the play come to together. Bridget Miliauskas
I had a mixture of both fear and excitement throughout the production of the play. However, being in such a great environment with understanding and hardworking students/teachers made our rehearsals and performances all the more enjoyable. Jana Zogib
As an actor, the Picnic at Hanging Rock production was an exciting and enticing experience which was a platform for me to grow and learn. The constant rehearsing conveyed the dedication of my fellow actors and staff members, working tirelessly to encapsulate the Australian gothic play. Incorporating Constantin Stanislavski’s acting techniques, we learnt and understood how to cultivate and embody each unique and layered character. Overall, this production allowed me to meet new people and grow as an actor. Amedea Khoury
Santa Sabina on SBS News
Santa Style was featured on Saturday 29 July SBS World News and recognised as a student-led example of a positive and effective climate conscious project. The Santa Style project has grown since it began in February 2023 and the girls have expanded their community action, advocacy and inter-school mentoring. It was wonderful for the sustainability achievements of our HSIE co-curricula Santa Style to be publicly celebrated in the mainstream media. Santa Sabina girls are shaking the world! Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Book Week: competition, parade, visiting authors
Learning in the Library
Book Week Writers’ Festival and Competition
The SSC Library is working to support the College’s goal of building a culture of reading and writing. During Book Week this year we will have a number of events celebrating the power of storytelling.
On Wednesday 21 August, we have invited five celebrated Australian authors to speak to the students about all things writing and illustrating. Students will have the opportunity to hear from:
Sarah Ayoub – writer and journalist
Pip Harry – writer and journalist
Charmaine Leddin-Lewis – Indigenous illustrator
Wai Chim – writer
Graham Akhurst – Indigenous writer
Each class from Years 5-11 (Year 10 will be on an excursion that day) will be timetabled to listen to one of the writers about the inspiration, process and journey of getting their work from idea to publication.
Book Week Parade
The theme for the CBCA Book Week this year is Reading is Magic. SSC Library has a number of exciting initiatives planned throughout this week to promote reading, culminating in a Book Week Parade for students in Years 5-12.
On Friday 23 August students are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character and take part in the Book Week Parade at lunch on the Small Hockey Field. Students who choose to come dressed in costume must bring a gold coin donation for charity and must abide by the usual rules for mufti days:
Closed shoes for Science or Technology lessons
Must be of appropriate length, no bare midriffs or tops with thin straps.
Students who do not wish to take part must be in full school uniform.
Funds raised on the day will be donated to Room to Read, a non-profit organisation working to improve literacy through gender equality in girls’ education. They are achieving this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and more than anything, supporting girls as they build skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. Money raised builds schools, and creates books written in local languages.
So what’s a book character?
Wednesday Addams? No, she is a character from a 1964 TV series.
Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked? Yes, they’re both from the novel by Gregory Maguire.
Nanny McPhee – Yes, she is based on The Collected Tales of Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand
If your child is looking for inspiration, here are a few others to consider:
Characters from Harry Potter, Narnia, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries or The Hunger Games
Classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood or Mary Poppins
Miranda and her school friends from Picnic at Hanging Rock
A detective such as The Famous Five including Timmy the dog, Nancy Drew or Sherlock or Enola Holmes
The Shakespeare characters they are studying
The girls from Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants or The Princess Diaries
Gandalf or the Hobbits, Coraline or Wolf Girl
Or maybe a favourite picture book character – Where is the green sheep, The day the crayons quit, a Dalmatian or Spot the Dog.
There are so many characters to choose from, either individually or part of a group costume with their friends. So we encourage all students to scan their book shelves, search their wardrobes and dress ups and show us the magic of reading in their lives.
Please feel free to contact us in the library if you have questions.
Creative Writing Narrative Competition
To showcase their own writing and creativity, students from Years 5-12 have been invited to enter our Creative Writing Narrative Competition. The criteria is to write a narrative, set in a library, in any genre they desire (mystery, realism, fantasy, crime, historical etc). The word limit is between 300-500 words and there will be age group prizes. The deadline is 20 August and the entries will be judged by Dr Richardson and Ms Marchetta, both published writers. Students can access the details for entry in the Veritas Online Library page or contact library staff.
Susan Lombardo Head of Library 5-12/ Extended Essay Coordinator
Vaccinations Years 7 & 10
We have arranged catch-up school vaccinations for Year 7 (dTpa Vaccine and HPV Vaccine), and Year 10 (Meningococcal Vaccine) at the College on Tuesday 13 August 2024.
Please provide consent online as the first step (see below).
Karen Peeters College Nurse
Enrichment Through Perspective – History Site Study
The power of oral history is that it is subjective and allows students to empathise with people from the past. Year 10 History students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the impact of memory on the construction of personal history when listening to Holocaust Survivor Stories. The History Site Study at the Sydney Jewish Museum invited students to consider how events impact the real people who lived to experience world history and the lessons that can be learnt from the past. Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Student Reflections
Visiting the Jewish History Museum was an invaluable experience that helped shape my understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impacts. We participated in a tour of the material culture that the museum holds, which was led by individuals with connections to Holocaust survivors, and we listened to a Holocaust survivor’s testimony. We also had the opportunity to engage in a guided source analysis with a historian. These learning opportunities illustrated the gravity of the Holocaust, giving victims’ names, faces and personalities, and helped build both our senses of empathy and critical thinking skills. This excursion was both enriching and touching for us. Calliope Stewart
At the Jewish Museum Sydney I listened to a Holocaust survivor’s experience, which was moving and made me realise a new point of view of children during the Holocaust. We were then shown around the Jewish Museum by a tour guide who explained primary sources. My favourite item was the ‘fantasy feast’ which was a small book containing the favourite meals of people in the Nazi Camps who would read these stories while eating to ‘fill their stomachs’ with imaginary delicious food. Harper Harris-Roxas
I learnt a lot at the Jewish museum, especially from my tour guide. I learnt about the surprising inequalities in Jewish death rates across Europe, and the high death rates in The Netherlands and Poland surprised me the most. I also learnt about the significance of the pomegranate to Jewish culture as a symbol of life and hope. Poppy Haigh
On Friday 26 July we had the privilege of visiting the Sydney Jewish Museum, learning about the history of the Holocaust through viewing artefacts, listening to historians and hearing survivor testimonies. We were able to further our understanding of the atrocities that took place in WWII, gaining valuable insight into first-hand experiences that Jewish people endured. One aspect of the museum that was particularly educational was the Children’s Memorial. It is terrible that many young people were sacrificed at the hands of prejudice. This experience has certainly assisted me in gaining an understanding of the Holocaust and why it should continue to be remembered today. Eve Ardagna
Inter-School Collaboration – The Sustainability Forum
Santa Style was invited to become part of an inter-school collaboration through The Sustainability Forum hosted by PLC Sydney. The purpose of this forum was to give students an opportunity to exchange ideas, share project successes and build future relationships to advocate for positive sustainability action. A representative student group from Santa Style presented on the rationale of our HSIE co-curricular and explained the driving aim; to provide a sustainable community alternative to fast fashion and reduce fashion pollution. Thank you to Vikki Cummins for facilitating this inter-school relationship. Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Going to the Sustainability Forum hosted at PLC was a wonderful opportunity to engage with our peers regarding our future and the world that surrounds us, it was a highly engaging afternoon as we were empowered to be the changemakers and to see the wonderful projects designed by other teenagers. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to share what our school has been doing within Santa Style to demonstrate how our school has been able to combat issues and to be recognised. Emma Wong Year 11
Careers Spotlight @ SSC
Welcome back to Term 3, I hope that students and families had the chance to rest and reset ahead of another busy term.
Western Sydney Careers Expo
On the last day of Term 2, Year 12 attended the Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Olympic Park. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to speak to tertiary institutions and employment organisations first hand to help guide their post school and career decisions. The expo helped some students to confirm their goals for the future whilst also assisting others to redirect or consider new options they hadn’t considered before.
Below is a reflection from one student on what she took away from the event:
At the end of Term 2, Year 12 attended the Western Sydney Careers Expo. From universities to TAFE colleges to cadetship programs, this invaluable experience opened our eyes to the range of opportunities available after high school. Through discussions with institutions such as UAC, we developed an improved understanding of application processes. We also attended seminars where tutors provided useful career, study and employment advice. Involvement in these sessions helped us to gain the clarity needed to navigate future academic and career pathways. For example, I had the chance to explore Sydney University’s rural health program. Learning about this course has inspired me to research similar community-based practical experiences. Another memorable part of the day was our conversations with the Australian Defence Force. The representatives engaged us with insightful details about the unique programs offered by the military. They explained the benefits of a well-rounded education, with the chance to advance communication, organisation and leadership skills. Having attended the expo, we feel inspired and better prepared for the next step ahead in our collective journey. Ella Hodge Year 12
Work Experience
Over the break, a handful of students showed initiative in securing a work experience opportunity to gain exposure to industries that interest them and insight into what working in the industry looks like. Year 10 student Charlotte Salameh was one of the students who went on work experience and was fortunate enough to be accepted in a competitive NSW Hospital Work Experience Program.
Below is her reflection from her time on work experience:
During the recent school holidays, I was fortunate enough to participate in five days of work experience organised by the Sydney Local Health District at Concord Hospital. Although I have long wished to study medicine, I had not had the opportunity to receive hands-on and practical insight into the daily activities of a healthcare worker. When conversing first-hand with employees from a range of departments and wards, I learnt that although they recognised the regular challenges associated with their role, including overworking and stress, the rewarding nature of their job outweighs these – as they are able to assist people in bouncing back from the lowest points of their lives, further fueling my motivation to do the same one day. Although the week as a whole provided an abundance of enjoyable and interesting opportunities, such as shadowing an occupational therapist, and attending a symposium at which Australian of the Year and Santa Sabina ex-student Professor Georgina Long presented, the highlight of my experience was my visit to the operating theatres, as pictured, where we were fortunate enough to observe surgeons at work on different procedures. Ultimately, I am certain that this will prove to be an invaluable experience that I will appreciate and cherish for many years to come, assisting me in achieving my eventual goal of studying medicine in the future.
Charlotte Salameh Year 10
Learning about international diplomacy
On 1 August, students in Years 10-12 were fortunate enough to hear from ex-student and current US diplomat Carolee Williamson who spoke to students about her journey from Australia to the US which led to a career in diplomacy. Carolee shared some wonderful insights with our students into the nature of her work and some of the projects she has worked on in countries such as Afghanistan. Thank you to the Community Relations Department for organising this wonderful opportunity and to Carolee for giving up her time to inspire our students.
Below are reflections from students who attended the session:
Last week, students received the opportunity to hear from ex-student and US Diplomat Carolee Williamson who shared her insights on working for the American Government in the Foreign Relations section. She shared her story with us: telling us she grew up in Australia, completing a Bachelor in Commerce and then immigrating to the United States to become an American by choice. We gained a deep insight into the many benefits of her job that allow her to travel, meet new people, and help those who are in a state of helplessness. It was extremely insightful to be able to hear the firsthand experiences of a diplomat in the real world and to understand the day-to-day operations of such a role. Kelly Ghali Year 11
Attending the US diplomat session was a truly enriching experience that introduced us to a unique and multifaceted career path. We were able to engage in an interactive discussion, which was prompted by student questions. This allowed us to gain deeper and more personal insights into this complex and impactful career path. We learnt about the everyday life of a diplomat, key physical and moral challenges the role presents and the pathways to working in an area such as foreign diplomacy. Overall, Carolee Williamson was a highly engaging and passionate speaker who shed light upon how her experiences at Santa Sabina shaped her career aspirations and passion for international affairs. I highly recommend attending career sessions such as this one to all senior students who wish to engage in personal discussions about career paths they are passionate about. Remi Apostolopoulos Year 11
Important dates for Year 12
As Year 12 fast approaches the end of their formal education at school, there are many important dates they should be mindful of in making their post-school decisions. I sent a recent email to Year 12 reminding them of the dates for key institutions and I have also included this below. This is not an exhaustive list and I encourage students to reach out if they are unsure of what to do or are looking into other opportunities and institutions. Students were also reminded that if they are considering applying for scholarships, EAS and early entry, they should start these applications, collect any required evidence and reach out if they need assistance well ahead of the deadline.
UAC: SRS due: 16 September Registration with UAC due: 30 September EAS due: 21 November
Early Entry: Macquarie: 30 August (round 2) Wollongong: 9 August WSU: 4 September (round 1), 13 November (round 2), 11 December (round 3), 1 January (round 4) UTS: 9 September ACU: 16 September Torrens Uni: applications reviewed as they are received. Apply any time before 30 November Notre Dame: applications reviewed as they are received. Apply any time before 4 December
Open Days: Torrens Uni: 8 & 10 August Macquarie Uni: 10 August ACU: 17 August, 7 September USYD: 31 August UTS: 31 August Notre Dame: 31 August UNSW: 7 September
Forthcoming Careers Events
To view the list of careers events and opportunities coming up, click here.
For any further career-related enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact me or encourage your daughter to see me.
Eva Guirguis Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships
Creative Learning and Critical Thinking in Commerce
Year 10 Commerce students had the opportunity to think critically and learn creatively when competing in the class Marshmallow Challenge. This innovative learning challenge required students to engage in decision making within real world business parameters under the pressure of time. A huge thank you to Vikki Cummins for designing this dynamic learning task to help students understand key commerce theories and apply business concepts. Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Teacher Reflection
The Marshmallow Challenge was played in Year 10 Commerce as an experiential learning exercise to help students understand the benefits and challenges of different legal structures, including sole traders, partnerships, and private and public companies. By forming teams and allowing them to break spaghetti and cut string, students experienced firsthand the dynamics of collaboration and resource management. Each team, representing a different legal structure, had to innovate and strategise to build the tallest tower within 10 minutes. This activity highlighted the challenges of sole traders having limited resources and competing with companies, and the benefits of collaborating in a partnership, mirroring real-world business challenges of different legal structures. Vikki Cummins Commerce Teacher
Student Reflections
Participating in the Marshmallow Challenge in our Year 10 Commerce class was a fun and insightful experience! As part of a company team with ample resources, we quickly realised that our biggest challenge was the slow decision-making process. Every decision had to be discussed at length and agreed upon, which significantly impacted our operational efficiency compared to the partnership or sole trader teams who could make decisions swiftly. Chiara Marando
Participating in the Marshmallow Challenge as a sole trader in our Year 10 Commerce class was both challenging and enlightening. Unlike the company groups, I didn’t have anyone to brainstorm or strategise with, which meant I had to rely on a lot of ‘trial and error’ on my own. This made the process more time-consuming and added a lot of pressure, as every decision and adjustment was solely my responsibility. Despite these challenges, the experience was valuable as it highlighted the difficulties sole traders face in real-world business scenarios and gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaborative advantages of other business structures. Edith Barrett
Participating in the Marshmallow Challenge as a partnership highlighted the value of teamwork and the importance of clear communication. We learned that while combining our strengths led to innovative ideas to create a spaghetti tower, we also learnt that it was essential to agree in order to compete with those students in the company. Siana Pinto and Emilie Tyson
Real World Learning – HSIE Geography Sustainability Tour
It was wonderful to experience the power of real world learning through the HSIE Geography Sustainability Tour. Fifteen students from Years 9 and 10 travelled with HSIE teachers Natalie Fairfax and Brigida Zagora to Cairns to experience the UNESCO Heritage Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Students were able to understand the importance of sustainability when snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef with marine biologists amongst coral, colourful fish and turtles, walking in the Daintree Rainforest with First Nations People and seeing crocodiles, planting trees to regenerate the habitat of the female Myola Tree frog and gathering field work data for university research projects. It was such an amazing learning adventure! Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Student Reflections
The HSIE Sustainability Tour was a fantastic experience that helped me develop so many geographical skills and learn so much firsthand about the Great Barrier Reef. My trip highlight was on the reef on Day 2, meeting the marine biologists. I found the lab, (which is actually on the reef), so fascinating. I took particular interest in the marine biologist’s current project surrounding the culling of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish from the Reef. Amelia Woods
One of the highlights of the trip was going to Moore Reef. We had an Indigenous guide take us around the reef on a glass bottom boat. We also got free time to snorkel around the reef and saw all sorts of really cool fish and coral and we even saw a tiny little nemo clown fish! Annelies Notelaers
My favourite activity on the Geography Sustainability Study Tour was snorkelling in the outer Great Barrier Reef with extremely colourful fish and coral. I’d just like to take the opportunity to say thank you because this is an experience that I will never forget. Evie Little
The whole Geography Sustainability Tour was extremely fun and we all bonded so much over the trip. Our favourite part was snorkelling in The Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island, the Turtle Sanctuary as well as Hartley’s Crocodile Farm. Abigail Middleton and Emmagen Matheson
I loved the HSIE Sustainability Tour because it gave me a chance to engage, communicate, and make bonds with other people from other year groups and grow my friendship with my friends from my year. The tour also taught us about sustainability in the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest and it taught us the significance of the land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Olympia Notaras
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Assistant Head of Gioia House
The Gioia House students have settled in well this term and look refreshed and ready for Semester 2. Thank you to all the students who participated in the Santa Fest fundraisers, donating treats for our Bake sale, buying a Dom’s Pizza and taking part in the variety of activities held throughout the week. We encourage the students to get involved in all College activities.
Gioia House Action Girl Pastoral Program
During Pastoral lessons the students have reviewed their goals, identified the goals they have achieved and added in new goals for this term. We will continue to find opportunities for the students to reflect on how they can work towards achieving their goals through perseverance and determination.
The students were involved in the Action Girl Rock and Water pastoral session which focused on identifying ways to resolve conflict. The students discussed different scenarios when we would use a water approach to resolve conflict. The water attitude allows you to stay calm and be full of self-confidence. When we use the water approach we can remain calm and listen to the other person. Water is not seen as weak, but instead is strong in its calmness and self-control. The rock attitude is more assertive and you close off from the opinion and feeling for others. You are not peer pressured into doing what you feel is not right. The students were able to identify different scenarios when it would be appropriate to use a water approach and a rock approach.
During our Gioia House Be Active session our Gioia House Leaders organised a series of ‘Olympic events’ to get into the spirit of the Paris Olympics. The students took part in a variety of obstacle courses and competed in some friendly competition. Well done to the leaders for their commitment to their leadership position and organising wonderful activities for the students to participate in.
What a great start to Term 3! We look forward to more exciting events in Gioia House throughout the term.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
Music at Gioia House
Curriculum Music in Years 5 and 6
Curriculum Music Class
Gioia House curriculum Music classes continue to drill down into the valuable skills and ideas presented through choral and instrumental programs. Our 130th St Dominic’s Day repertoire afforded us the opportunity to look at different expressions of the Catholic Mass – from a musical and historical perspective. In addition to continuing to develop their notation and score-reading skills, students were able to learn about the history of music notation – looking back as far as the Gregorian Era to explore ‘neumes’ and other forms of early music notation that were the precursor to forms of notation we use today.
Cecilia Pensini Music Teacher Years 5-6
Curriculum Choral – Gioia House Choir
Singing isn’t just about learning songs. Like all curriculum experiences, (and much like a parent hiding vegetables in the lasagne!) we ensure that our students are developing critical aural skills through all these activities! These skills then inform all other directions of musical exploration.
In our weekly Choral time on Tuesdays, we lean towards rich Kodaly and Orff-based pedagogies that support understanding of rhythms and pitches, with students experiencing the use of ‘solfa’ to develop their relative pitch skills and understanding of intervallic structure within a melody. Use of Kodaly Quodlibet and Canons help develop confidence in part-singing, vocal placement and ensemble blend. It is our intention that these foundational choral experiences will be of life-long benefit to our Gioia House students.
Curriculum Instrumental – Gioia House Strings & Band Program ‘Mini Maestros’
Students are experiencing both small group tuition and large ensemble experiences in Gioia House Strings and Band a.k.a. ‘Mini Maestros’. Brass, Woodwind and Percussion students are now able to apply their understanding of the scale to create new and old melodies, and will be applying these skills in the ‘Band’ context for the coming weeks. At the end of the year we will host an ‘open’ rehearsal for parents of ‘Mini Maestro’ students to celebrate the growth of these young players, while Gioia House Strings students (who are accelerated by weekly individual private tuition) will work hard to perform as part of the Sinfonietta Open Rehearsal later this term.
For those Year 6 students in the final semester of their Curriculum instrumental experience, now is a perfect time to consider joining the College Concert Band or Sinfonietta Strings as a way to maximise learning and growth and to realise the potential of these experiences!
To sign up for either of these ensembles you can click this link. If you have any questions, please email Mr Jameson Choe who oversees the Gioia House Instrumental program, and he will assist you with your query.
Jameson Choe & Veronica Tsang Acting Heads of Curricular Music 5-12
To keep up to speed with all the Co-curricular Music offerings and happenings from P-12 at Santa Sabina College, be sure to jump over to our Director’s Page. Reach out to the Music Office if we can assist you with any queries you may have about the opportunities available to your child at Santa Sabina College.
Lumination Learning Labs are smart classrooms that use virtual reality and augmented reality technology for experiential learning across all subject areas. We are so fortunate to have our very own Lumination Labs at Santa Sabina and the girls in Year 6 were so excited to visit the labs recently as a part of their learning. It was clear how engaged the students were and how much of an impact these lessons have had on them.
Below are a few reflections, which detail how much the girls enjoyed the lessons and learnt from the experience:
Visiting the Lumination Lab was a very fun experience because we got to use equipment that is not a part of our everyday learning. We put on a Virtual Reality (VR) headset and were able to feel like we had been transported into a whole new world. We found ourselves trapped inside an earthquake and we had to collect items before escaping safely from the house. I learnt what an impact an earthquake can have on someone’s life and how it might feel to experience one. It was a memorable lesson and I can’t wait to have another go soon. Harriet Behan 6A
Entering the Lumination Lab, I could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. We quickly moved into small groups and patiently awaited our turn. As soon as the goggles slid on my head, I found myself standing alone in a house while an earthquake took place. I used the controls to pick up different items and put them into a bin, which was challenging as everything was moving and shaking because of the earthquake. I learnt what materials are important to have on hand in case of an earthquake and how essential it is to be prepared. It was an experience I will never forget and ever since, I have been begging to do it again. Isabella Shiner 6A
I thoroughly enjoyed visually exploring what earthquakes can do, although it was extremely fun it was also a lesson it helped me feel what would happen during an earthquake and showed me what I would and would not need to know. At the conclusion of this science lesson I had gained important new knowledge and had a little laugh with my friends because it was exceptionally fun. Scarlett Matheson 6MD
During our Science lesson, we visited the Lumination Labs and we took part in a VR simulation on an earthquake. This virtual experience taught us to take cover when an earthquake happens, listen to the warning signs and to make a survival kit beforehand. It is important to take cover under a stable structure and have a survival kit water, food, torches, axe for making fire and other necessary things that you could need in an earthquake. It was a great learning experience and I enjoyed being in the Lumination lab. Charlie Jackson 6MD
Tiffany Anderson, Marisa Maks and Eamonn Dunphy Year 6 teachers
Science
In Science, Year 6 students delved into the impact of earthquakes and other natural disasters using the Virtual Reality Stimulator in the Lumination Labs. Working in small groups, they simulated packing emergency supplies in a house just before an earthquake. Their experience showcased trust, teamwork, and cooperation, leading to a successful challenge. It was an amazing opportunity for Year 6 to engage in an enriching educational experience at the Illumination Learning Labs.
Sian Tierney Year 6 teacher
What’s happening in Year 5
The Paper Column Challenge
During Science, Year 5 took part in the paper Column Challenge. The students examined different structures and which shapes made the strongest structures. They then set about making paper columns in groups. The columns needed to be 15cm high and students were given three short pieces of sticky tape. The strength of the structures were tested using a mini whiteboard and weights. Would you believe the strongest paper column structure held 4.5kg? This group chose to make cylinders for their columns and strengthened these with the remaining paper. It was also discovered that triangles add strength to the columns and as a result can provide greater support. A lot of fun and learning was had by all.
Wendy Anetter Year 5 teacher
Shapes
In Mathematics, our students are diving into the world of 2D shapes, focusing on identifying various types of triangles and quadrilaterals. They have explored how these shapes are present in everyday life and applied their knowledge in the Paper Column Challenge in Science, investigating which shapes create the strongest columns. Year 5 has also enjoyed creating 2D shape artwork and discovering lines of symmetry. They are excited to explore further connections between shapes and the Olympics, enhancing their understanding of geometry through real-world applications.
Yu-Han Chen Year 5 teacher
Olympics 2D shapes
Year 5 students have been eagerly following the Olympics by keeping tally of the medals in their classrooms, having discussions about the athletes’ growth mindset and ability to persevere through challenges as well as looking at 2D shapes and angles within the Olympics. They explored the range of 2D shapes found within countries’ flags which are participating in the Olympics as well as finding if countries’ flags had rotational symmetry. The students also enjoyed looking at the variety of sports and where angles can be found within the Olympics and how measuring angles in real life sporting events can be fundamental for athletes to improve their skills.
Bryony Williams and Tayla Kostakis Year 5 teachers
From the Assistant Head of Primary
Pastoral update
With the start of a new term and the transition from Semester 1 to Semester 2, our weekly Pastoral Focuses have moved inwards, with students exploring the concepts of Gratitude, Self-Awareness and Emotional Literacy.
Gratitude
According to Harvard Medical School and contemporary research in the field of positive psychology, there is a strong correlation between gratitude, and improved happiness and wellbeing. Expressing and feeling gratitude helps people experience more positive emotions, savour enjoyable experiences, cope with adversity, develop and maintain strong friendships and improve their health. Helping students express and share their gratitude for their friends therefore, has the double benefit of helping students strengthen their friendships, whilst simultaneously helping them to feel good about themselves.
To bring this theme to life, students were asked to think about the qualities of friends and friendships that they are grateful for. Some classes created a classroom ‘Gratitude Garden’ with each flower representing a special friend for whom the students are grateful and each petal representing reasons why they are grateful for having their friendship. Other classes wrote thank you notes to special friends, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the joy that friend brings to their life. All activities helped students reflect on the importance of feeling and expressing gratitude in friendships.
Self-awareness and emotional literacy
The CASEL Framework defines self-awareness as the ability to understand our emotions, feelings and thoughts, culture and values, and recognise the ways that these thoughts, feelings, values and emotions can influence our behaviour. Having self-awareness also includes the ability to recognise personal strengths and limitations.
We all have many different types of emotions, feelings and moods. Helping students become aware of their own emotions, by first noticing them, and then being able to name them, helps them develop emotional literacy. This process of noticing and naming emotions is the first step to being able to take actions to address and meet emotional needs. Emotional literacy development is critical in helping students take action to move forward when dealing with personal challenges or friendship issues. Moreover, ‘When we label our emotions accurately, we are more able to discern the precise cause of our feelings and take concrete steps forward’ (Dr Susan David).
Students explored this concept by making little feeling friends out of thumbprints (Kindergarten to Year 2) or using an emotions wheel to more precisely name their feelings and using the Looks Like, Feels Like, Sounds Like Thinking Routine to delve deeper into one emotion they were interested in exploring more deeply (Year 3 and Year 4).
Respect for our natural world and Science Week
With National Science Week just around the corner (10 to 18 August), our Pastoral, Religious and Curriculum learning areas took a harmonious intersection this week where students explored ways to respect our natural environment (Pastoral Focus), respond to Pope Francis’ call to ‘Care for our Common Home’ (Laudato Si) and respond to the 2024 National Science Week theme of Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability (Curriculum Focus).
To bring the theme to life in classrooms, students explored the letter from Pope Francis to all peoples around the world, (Laudato Si), which connects environmental problems with technology, economic and social issues. Students considered ways they can live out the Laudato Si in their everyday lives such as keeping their classroom and playground clean, and minimising the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
In future weeks, students will delve more deeply into this concept by looking ways to keep waste out of landfill by sending it to recycling, upcycling through organisations such as Terracycle or Recycle Smart or repurposing waste through places like Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre.
Implementation of the new English and Maths Syllabus
As we move into the second semester, we continue to focus on building teacher capacity to improve teaching and learning outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on implementation of new English and Mathematics syllabuses. Teachers will continue to use grade planning and collaborative planning times to work collaboratively to streamline and strengthen teaching and learning in these curriculum areas. This includes devising learning experiences that cater for the needs of all students, making adjustments for students requiring additional support, offering extension opportunities and assessing student learning on an ongoing basis.
Public Speaking
This term, all students from Year 1 to Year 4 will have the opportunity to develop their oral language and communication skills through our Public Speaking program. Writing skills will also be developed and fine-tuned as they write their speeches during Literacy lessons. Students will present their speeches in front of class groups. The program will culminate with Public Speaking finals being presented to the wider school community.
Science labs and excursions
Grades visits to the Science Labs on the senior campus will also continue this term, with an incursion planned for our Year 4 students to the Labs later this month.
Students from Year 1 were delighted to learn about the past during their visit to Elizabeth Farm earlier this term. The excursion provided experiential learning that complimented their History unit, where they immersed themselves in life in the early 19th Century. Experiences included participating in children’s games, educational activities and domestic duties.
Lauren Petroni Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4
Religious Education
St Dominic’s Day 2024
Last Friday our college community including the Dominican Sisters, students, staff, parents and ex-students came together to celebrate St Dominic’s Day. We gathered in celebration of all that has shaped our school and our proud history and reflected on what we are being called to do.
Our students have spent the last week retelling the story of St Dominic using our beautiful Dominican dolls designed and created by the women of Kopanang. Sr Sheila and Sr Judi were instrumental in the development of the Kopanang Community Trust to help women in South Africa. Some other symbols that represent St Dominic de Guzman are sunflowers and Oranges.
St Mary of the Cross – Mackillop Feast Day 8 August
Mary MacKillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. With the support and spiritual guidance of Fr Julian Tension Woods, the Parish Priest of the South-East of South Australia, she opened the first St Joseph’s school in Penola in 1866. It was in an old stable. Her brother helped her to make it habitable.
Mary MacKillop had a deep connection to God, whom she loved so much in the person of Jesus. Even in times of intense hardship, disappointment, loss of friendship and even betrayal, Mary MacKillop always welcomed the movement and wisdom of the Holy Spirit within her.
Mary was beatified on 19 January 1995 at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, in a Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II. She was canonised as St Mary of the Cross at a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on 17 October 2010.
Feast of the Assumption of Mary Feast Day 15 August
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a special Feast Day of the Catholic Church. God chose Mary to be the loving mother of God’s son, Jesus. On this day, we specifically remember that Mary is the mother of Jesus, that she believed in Jesus and was one of his faithful followers and believers. She was the first disciple. From the very first moment of her life, Mary loved God. Mary said ‘Yes’ to everything that God asked her to do. On this day, the Church acknowledges that Mary, the mother of Jesus, has a special place in the life of the Catholic Church as the Mother of God. Today we celebrate the holy day when, at the end of her life, Mary was taken to heaven, by God, to be with her son, Jesus.
Holy Mary, help those in need, give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God’s people, assist the clergy, intercede for religious.
Mary all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection.
Amen.
Sacrament program
Each year a Sacrament program is organised by the St Martha’s Strathfield parish. Students from Del Monte are invited to receive the sacraments during these programs.
St Martha’s Strathfield will be running the First Holy Communion program in August. Please see the information below including contact details.
St Martha’s Catholic Church 70 Homebush Road, Strathfield NSW 2135 Ph: 02 9746 6131 | Fax: 02 9764 3040
Let the games begin! In music we are enjoying the Music Olympics as a way of exploring concepts from beat keeping with balls, to races to show the right pitch with our plates on the stave.
Prep have had turns at being conductors, learning to show fast and slow and stop as conductors with a baton, and as the ‘band’ with their percussion instruments.
All Del Monte students performed the mass music for St Dominic’s Day with such heartfelt prayerfulness, having concentrated on learning the music and words in their music classes since last term. We are particularly proud of the Siena and Laudare Singers who led us so capably in the singing from right beside the altar! We now have a few weeks for all students to refine their joyful singing for our Fathers’ Day Mass. Phillipa Knight Coordinator of Music P-4
Music at Mary Bailey House (Curricular)
As we continue having fun in Mary Bailey House music classes, students are encouraged to develop their singing, moving and listening skills. With songs such as Green, Green, students are asked to identify the colour of their clothing. They then respond by singing “I’m wearing ___ today, Look at me and you will say”. This develops their confidence, pitch matching and colour recognition.
Cecilia Pensini Head of Strings P-4 Music Teacher
To keep up to speed with all the Co-curricular Music offerings and happenings from P-12 at Santa Sabina College, be sure to jump over to our Director’s Page. Reach out to the Music Office if we can assist you with any queries you may have about the opportunities available to your child at Santa Sabina College.
Our Book Week celebrations are coming up and we can’t wait to share the magic of reading with you all! This year, our events will be spread over three weeks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore stories and foster a love for reading!
Week 4 – Author visit: Tuesday 13 August
We’re thrilled to kick off Book Week with the talented children’s author, Jacqueline Harvey. On Tuesday, 13 August 2024, she’ll share her passion for storytelling, inspire young minds, and celebrate the magic of books.
What to expect:
Author Talk K-2: Jacqueline will share her writing journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her beloved characters.
Year 4 Writing Workshop: Our Year 4 students will have a special writing workshop with Jacqueline Harvey. They’ll learn valuable tips, discover their inner storytellers, and ignite their love for writing.
Pre-order your books: Want to ensure your child gets a signed copy? Pre-order your books now! Simply follow this link to order your copies.
Week 5 – Book Character Parade Friday 23 August
The highlight of Book Week is the annual Character Parade for Prep – Year 4. Students will be parading around the Del Monte Piazza from 9:15am and parents are invited to view the parade from the upper balconies. Please note that the focus of the parade is on book characters. We kindly ask that no superhero costumes are worn as they can sometimes promote inappropriate play. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation on this matter.
Week 6 – Book Fair (all week)
This event provides a great chance for students to explore a wide range of books and foster their love for reading. The book fair will be open every day at these times: 8:15-8:45am; Lunch and 3:15-3:45pm. Students will explore the fair during their library lessons that week and create a wish list to take home. Online orders will be processed on the last day due to previous issues with stock. If we have not been able to fill the online order on Friday we will re-order through Scholastic and these items will be sent to the school and distributed in the same way as Book Club.
Patricia Doonan Teacher Librarian
Italian at Del Monte
In Term 3 and Term 4, the Italian program provides the intervention of a language assistant who will assist with the delivery of language and cultural activities and enhance the active use of Italian during our weekly classes. This opportunity stems from a project developed in collaboration with Co.As.It (Sydney) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome (Italy) for supporting the teaching of Italian in Australian schools.
At Del Monte, we have welcomed Ms Angela Muzha from Milan, Italy, who has recently graduated in languages at an Italian university and is a certified teacher of Italian as a second language. Students have shown great interest in knowing about Angela and have asked her lots of questions about her family, her city, and life in Italy. And everyone has made such a big effort to speak Italian to her! We hope that Angela has enjoyed our very long interviews and that she will have a fun time with us!
Daniela Panico Italian Teacher
Gifted Education
Term 3 has seen an exciting start to learning for students across Del Monte and Gioia House. The teachers have prepared differentiated sequences of learning to ensure every child is growing each day.
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), describes differentiation as ‘the responses that teachers make to learners’ needs. Effective differentiation functions on the premise that every student can do remarkable things with the appropriate guidance and support.’
We certainly see our students doing remarkable things as teachers differentiate the classroom elements (content, process, product and learning environment) according to the readiness, interests and learning profile of students. These photos demonstrate just some of the differentiation occurring within our classrooms.
During Term 2, our Year 4 students embarked on an exciting journey through the cosmos, exploring the wonders of space and our solar system. They explored two texts; ‘Meanwhile Back on Earth’ and ‘Deadly Science’ which provided a wealth of information about the eight planets.
The students were captivated by the imaginative narrative of ‘Meanwhile Back on Earth’, which sparked their creativity and broadened their understanding of the universe. On the other hand, ‘Deadly Science’ offered a factual perspective, enriching their knowledge with intriguing facts about our neighbouring planets.
In Week 1 of Term 3, Year 4 presented their new learnings with their Del Monte peers during their assembly item.
Anna Donato, Nicole Meehan, Calista Camarda and Edward Wang Year 4 Teachers
Year 3
Year 3 has been focussing on personal wellbeing in PDHPE through fitness and emotional literacy lessons.
The children enjoy the fitness rotations and opportunities to improve their fitness, physical skills and team spirit during their PE lessons and the BeFit program.
Students have been exploring gratitude and emotional literacy in PDH. They have created gratitude gardens expressing their thankfulness for the special people in their lives, including family and friends. They designed emojis representing their positive sense of self
These lessons have enabled students to focus on both their physical and emotional wellbeing. It is rewarding to witness their engagement in these lessons and their physical, social and emotional growth.
Margie Attard, Claire Pecker, Louise Harris and Brooke Panagopoulos Year 3 Teachers
Year 2 – The Feast of St Dominic
On Friday 2 August, Year 2 along with all students within Santa Sabina College, had the pleasure of celebrating the Feast of St Dominic. This marked a special moment in the Santa Sabina College community as St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers in the 13th century, choosing the motto Veritas – Truth for his new religious order of friars and sisters. On this day students gathered as a college on Dom’s Plot for Mass, learning more about St Dominic and engaging in singing. Students returned to school following the Mass to continue their celebration of the Feast Day of St Dominic, participating in a range of activities within the classroom. Year 2 Teachers
Year 1
As part of our Semester 1 Unit of work on ‘Then and Now,’ Year 1 students embarked on an exciting excursion to Elizabeth Farm. This historic site provided a perfect backdrop for our young learners to step back in time and experience life as it was in the 19th century.
The adventure began as we entered through the front door, where students were introduced to the boot scraper, a tool used to clean shoes before entering the house. In the drawing room, students were fascinated to learn how to ring the bell to call for a maid, a practice that highlighted the differences in household operations between then and now. The main bedroom and the kitchen further illustrated the daily life of the Macarthur family, offering a glimpse into the past.
One of the highlights of the excursion was the opportunity for students to participate in activities from the past. They played games that the Macarthur children would have enjoyed, such as quills, hoop rolling, cup and ball, and quoits. Additionally, students took part in domestic duties, including hand washing clothing, which gave them a hands-on understanding of the chores of the past.
Students also had the chance to use quill and ink to write their names. They quickly realised that this was much harder than using the pens we are fortunate to have now, providing a deeper appreciation for modern conveniences.
Overall, the excursion to Elizabeth Farm was a memorable and educational experience for our Year 1 students. It allowed them to explore history in a tangible way and appreciate the differences and similarities between life ‘Then and Now.’
Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Yasmine Kaballan Year 1 Teachers
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten students have experienced an exciting start to Term 3!
In Mathematics, they have engaged in a variety of hands-on investigations to discover the mass and volume of different objects and containers.
In English lessons, a specific focus has been dedicated to developing the students’ oral language and communication skills. This is being achieved through activities such as ‘Think, Pair, Share’, during which the students sit face to face with a partner and take turns sharing their responses to literature or recounting personal experiences.
Last Friday, the Kindergarten students joined the College Community in celebrating the Feast Day of St Dominic. They enjoyed learning about St Dominic and his family in the weeks leading up to this special event and demonstrated reverence and exemplary behaviour during mass held on the senior campus. Following mass, the students reflected further on the life of St Dominic and created their own artistic impressions of him and his childhood home in Caleruega, Spain.
To acknowledge Grandparents Day on Tuesday, the Kindergarten students were excited to perform a song for their grandparents before welcoming them into their learning spaces to proudly share their learning with them.
Despite the obvious joy experienced during these occasions, the highlight of the year to date for our Kindergarten students was the special celebration marking their 100th day of school!
The theme of this milestone event was ‘100 Days Brighter’ and the colourful outfits worn by both the students and their teachers were a fitting reflection of this.
The day commenced with a liturgy celebrated in the Del Monte hall, followed by a range of fun activities relating specifically to the number 100. The students shared this special occasion with their parents and the events concluded with a picnic-style morning tea enjoyed by students, parents and members of staff.
We look forward to seeing our students continuing to flourish in both their learning and friendships, as the semester progresses.
To commence Semester 2 in Prep, we have had a strong pastoral focus on gratitude in friendships. Students listened to the story, The Rainbow Fish, written by Marcus Pfister and then completed a number of related activities to help them understand, express and share gratitude for their friends just like The Rainbow Fish.
This term for science the students will engage in simple science investigations. Students will explore, infer, predict and hypothesise as they participate in a number of hands-on experiments.
Our first experiment was lots of fun!
The students and staff are so happy to be back in Prep for another semester of learning and fun.
Monique Evans and Clare Wood Prep Teachers
Director of Music
Welcome to Semester 2! While our previous semester finished on a high note at our 130th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Sydney Town Hall, there are still so many more performances and experiences in store for our students and community before the year is through.
Our 130th St Dominic’s Day saw a moment to take pause and reflect on the gifts that have flourished here at Santa over the years. I am deeply thankful to be part of such a warm, embracing community, alongside an exemplary music team working together to build enriching experiences for our students – connecting too with the rich musical heritage of our Dominican Charism.
Read on to hear about the happenings of the past few weeks, and the exciting plans for the terms ahead.
Let’s make some wonderful music this semester.
Amy Richardson Director of Music P-12
Director’s Honour Roll
Santa Sabina musicians have been very busy over the past few months, with many acquiring grades and rich experiences in support of their broader music journey. We would like to commend the students below for the following achievements:
Grandparents Day!
Our littlest musicians added such joy to celebrations of our Grandparents and Grandfriends today! Thank you to all our performers and to our wonderful Del Monte music staff who prepared our ensembles with such polish for this very special time.
130th St Dominic’s Day Mass
Thank you to the College Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Laudare Singers, Siena Singers and all the students in Years 4-6 who helped lead the wonderful music as part of our 130th St Dominic’s Day Mass. As we celebrated 130 years of Dominican Education at Santa Sabina College, hearing our whole community join together in celebration was very special. We are grateful as always for the musicians who diligently serve the college community with their talents.
Italian Music Tour 2025
Thank you to all those who have applied to participate in the Italian Music Tour in September 2025. Applications are being considered and the successful applicants will be advised in due course. We look forward to holding our first meeting before the year is through, and curating a program of repertoire to perform in some of the most beautiful and sacred venues across Italy throughout this extraordinary tour, hosted by Music travel specialists Hayllar Music Tours. Now that the viability of the tour has been confirmed, late applications may also be considered – so please reach out to the music office (music@ssc.nsw.edu.au) if you are interested but have yet to express so!
Community Choir in Semester 2
Santa is well known as ‘The School that Sings’ and this group has been established with the purpose of drawing ex-students, existing community members, parents and friends, and our Dominican Sisters together through music. See the photos from our first gathering here.
Our debut performance as part of the finale at the 130th Anniversary Gala Concert was well received, and (GET EXCITED) plans are afoot for another performance or two before the year is out! Rehearsals will be scheduled sporadically on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:00pm and no previous experience is necessary. Register via this link to be kept up to date with this choir’s happenings!
Santa Sabina Recital Series
Open Studio Recitals
Semester 1’s burgeoning recitals gave testament to our thriving Private Tuition program. With a 30% increase in students receiving private tuition since this time last year, our recitals provided opportunities for beginner and experienced musicians alike to grow in confidence and hone their performance craft as they presented for family and friends. There are three more Open Recitals scheduled before the year is out, and any student receiving Private Tuition at Santa Sabina College is encouraged to embrace this opportunity! Speak to your tutor for more information.
Curriculum Recitals
Years 9, 11 & 12 will be presenting recitals for their parents and friends as part of their assessments and final HSC preparations this term. We welcome you to come along to support these students on the dates above.
Chamber Ensemble Recital 2024
In addition to Curriculum and Private Tuition Recitals, our annual Chamber Ensemble Recital is to be held on the evening of 27 August 2024 in the Chapel, and will showcase the best of our ‘small ensemble’ offerings at Santa Sabina. The evening will feature trios, quartets and ensembles in both choral and instrumental domains. A sublime event that is not to be missed.
Sinfonietta & Gioia House Strings Open Rehearsal
There’s no doubt that our Santa Sabina Strings programs have been experiencing tremendous growth in the last year! There are now over 80 players in the Monday morning Sinfonietta ensemble! For Year 6 Gioia House Strings students approaching the end of their curriculum String learning journey, if you have yet to do so, now is a perfect time to consider joining the Sinfonietta Strings to continue realising your potential in this domain.
We look forward to showcasing our learning with parents and friends on 23 September!
Save the dates
In addition to the Semester 2 Recital Series, we encourage you to save the dates for the following Music-specific events taking place across the remainder of the year. (Please note that this list is not an exhaustive list of music happenings! You will also hear our young performers in countless assemblies and other important College events before the year is through. Please refer to all notices and other communications across the remainder of the term and reach out to the Music Office if you have any questions).
Chamber MusicRecital (27 August)
Chamber Choir performs with The Cat Empire & SSO (5 September)
Sinfonietta & GH Strings Open Rehearsal (23 September)
Celebration of Music at Verbruggen Hall (27 October)
Fra Angelico Festival (22 November)
Advent Carols (2 December)
Register for Music opportunities at Santa Sabina
The start of semester is the perfect chance to consider what skills and experiences might still be waiting for you as part of your holistic schooling journey! In addition to signing up to be part of our ensembles (choirs, bands and orchestras), you can now register via the College App or by using the link below for lessons in any of the following instruments:
Piano, Harpsichord, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice, Flute, Recorder, Zheng, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, French Horn, Orchestral Percussion, Drum Kit, Guitar, Bass Guitar and individual or group tuition in Composition or Musicianship!
This semester we are delighted to welcome the exceptional Suellen Monaghan (Flute Specialist) and Steve Marin (Drumkit Specialist) to our Santa Sabina specialist team! Both of these educators come with glowing references and international regard as both performers and educators. There’s never been a better time to sign up for lessons!
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.
To find out more about what’s happening in Curriculum Music at Santa Sabina, be sure to click on the links below!
After a number of years (and COVID-19) the College Sports Department organised its first International sports trip.
The destination chosen was beautiful New Zealand where selected students represented the College playing Football (soccer) and Netball against local schools.
Ms Joanne Gocher (Netball) and I (Football) had the opportunity to coach the teams (we ran training sessions during Term 2 and took the teams to training and games in New Zealand).
We were blessed to have Ms Stella Azizian, Ms Lauren Petroni and Ms Beth Hutchenson accompanying us to ensure the best experience was provided to girls on the sports field as well as getting to know a beautiful country and culture.
We were also fortunate to have NetFit (@netfittours) providing the services and tour facilitation to the College. Their professionalism and care were outstanding. Our students had the opportunity to train and play guided by Sarah Wall, former Giants Netball player and Emma Rolstom, a professional Football player, who played in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics for New Zealand.
We departed on 10 July and during the week, we went to Epson Grammar School, Baradene College of the Sacred Heart and St Peter’s College Cambridge.
The girls embraced College pride and spirit fighting for every ball on the court and field, displaying high quality Netball and Football.
At Mount Maunganui our students were challenged to use their will power and teamwork to accomplish it.
The students have also enjoyed a day at a wellness centre, feeling the taste of what a professional athlete’s routine looks like (including recovery sessions) and on the last day we had a lot of fun going to Rotorua rafting and Hell’s Gate mud baths.
My list of thank yous is extensive here, going through the College staff and Netfit (mentioned above) for all the care and the tour facilitation, to the College Leadership Team for the support throughout the whole process and to the College Sports Department, especially Ms Joanne Gocher, for the planning and hard work to accomplish this great experience for our students.
Representative and Saturday Sport and Co-curricular Activities
I would like to make a special mention to the three Basketball teams who competed at the CGSSSA Basketball tournament at Billbergia Sports Centre on Wednesday last week putting all their hearts and souls into all matches.
I also would love to congratulate Ms Tiana Pangallo for all her hard work in our Debating and Public Speaking programs.
Her organisational skills, passion and expertise led to the great results the College achieved in the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) on Friday last week.
The Year 7 team comprising Emilia Srdanovic, Chelsey Fa, Julia Le and Jade Lahoud won their competition while the Year 8 team composed of Amelia Abi Abdallah, Olympia Russo, Harriet Hoogland and Jessica Caristo came second. Close to 90 schools are part of the CSDA Competitions.
Individual Students Achievements
Congratulations to Romee Lee who competed at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships between 24 and 27 July. Romee produced some amazing results, placing her as one of the fastest 10-year-old swimmers in the country! We are very proud of you Romee!
200m Freestyle Relay: 1st Place, Breaking the Australian record! 200m Medley Relay: 1st Place 50m Butterfly: 2nd Place 100m Backstroke: 3rd Place 100m Butterfly: 2nd Place 200m Individual Medley: 2nd Place
Reminders:
We are still accepting enrolments in the Athletics Club (Monday), Fencing (Monday) and Mandarin lessons (Wednesdays).
Please check your Saturday Sport, Rep Volleyball and Rep Dance training schedule as absences should be only in the case of illness or injury. All communication should be done by the parents, using the sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au email.
The schedule can be found on each of the Sports VO pages and on the College App (students’ schedule)
I wish all of our community a great and safe holiday break as I believe we are all looking forward to another great season of Sport in Term 3.
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Representative Dance
Our representative dancers have been very busy this term with their eisteddfod season continuing. Our Infants, Primary White (Yr 3-4), Primary Black (Yr 5-6) and Senior Jazz Red (Yr 7-9) teams all started the term by competing at the Ryde Eisteddfod on Saturday 27 July. All groups competed so well and we had incredible results; Highly Commended to Primary White Dance Team and 2nd Place to our Primary Black Dance Team and Senior Jazz Red Team.
On Sunday 4 August, all our teams from Years 1-6 competed at the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod which saw them dance on the iconic Sydney Opera House stage. It was such an incredible experience for our dancers to perform in the Concert Hall in front of thousands of people. It is one of the biggest and toughest competitions we attend and no matter the results, we are always proud of our dancers. Each team danced with enthusiasm and energy for which they were commended. Our Primary Black (Yr 5-6) and Primary Hip Hop (Yr 5-6) teams were awarded scores of 90 and highly commended which was an incredible achievement. We look forward to the forthcoming eisteddfods where the dancers continue achieving their goals and experiencing the stage with their teams.
Primary Sport
Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships
Congratulations to the Year 5/6 Football Team who competed at the Sydney Catholic Schools Inter-Conference Football playoffs on Wednesday 24 July. The team put in a tremendous effort throughout the tournament, finishing second in their conference and earning a silver medal. A special mention to Amelia Rigon who was voted player of the tournament by her peers.
Primary Athletics Carnival Awards
Congratulations to our Age Champions and Runners up from the Primary Athletics Carnival held on Friday 28 June.
Overall Boys Champion: Luca Serafin Overall Girls Champion: Abigail Schutt and Alessandra Ronsisvalle Team Spirit Trophy: Mundawora Champion House: Teangi
Conference 2 Athletics Championships
Good luck to the following students who have been selected into the Santa Sabina Primary Athletics team. The team will represent the College at the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Athletics Championships on Tuesday 6 August at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
DJ Abi-Hanna
Freya Ingwersen
Elyana Lahoud
Valentina Nader
Lillian Ayoub
Eilbron Jajoo
Eloise Lai
Rishaan Panyam
Bella Ayoub
Vivienne Kategiannis
Olivia Lai
Rafael Pinniger
Charlie Bezzina
Isla Kenniff
Stefania Lazanja
Dominique Portelli
Grace Calcagno
Oscar Kochman
Grace Mackey
Sebastian Portelli
Erin Grogan
Emily Korb-Wells
Charlotte McCarthy
Alessandra Ronsisvalle
Hannah Saldanha
Evie Santa Maria
Abbey Schutt
Luca Serafin
Armando Sulukojian
Georgio Sulukojian
Yousseff Taouk
Audrey Tita
Coming up in Primary Sport
SCS Conference 2 Athletics Championships Tuesday 6 August
SCS Conference 2 Football Gala Day (Stage 2) Tuesday 27 August
Prep and Mary Bailey House Athletics Carnival Wednesday 11 September
SCS Conference 2 Netball Gala Day (Stage 3) Tuesday 17 September
Netball Update
ERNA
We are on the home straight with only three regular games left in the competition. We have quite a few teams sitting in the top four and who should make finals on 31 August with the grand finals scheduled for 7 September. Fingers crossed that the back end of the season is sunny and successful for Santa.
Umpires
Congratulations to Isabella Kelly for receiving her National C Umpiring badge last weekend and to Sienna Di Santo who was awarded her ERNA badge.
NSWCCC
Training commences this week for the junior, intermediate and senior teams selected to represent the College at the NSWCCC Championships on 28 August in Penrith. A big shout out to all the girls who trialled for the teams and a special mention to those selected.
Save the Date
Sport and Co-curricular photos will be taken in Week 6. The photos will be taken on the SSC Campus, Monday 26 August and on the DM Campus, Thursday 29 August. Details will be sent to families closer to the date.
From the P&F Association
Dear Parents and Friends
Welcome back to Term 3, more than half way through the year already. We hope the break was restful and you are ready to join us for an array of exciting events this term!
The P&F Committee have quite a few events planned in the coming weeks and we will share them with you once the final preparations are made.
Make sure the mums and dads of Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7 check out the planned events below so that you can catch up and mingle, meet new friends and catch up with the old ones!
As you know the P&F Committee is organising the Santa Trivia Night on 20 September 2024. The Santa Trivia will now be held at Del Monte Hall! We are finalising the details and can’t wait to share them with you soon!
Father’s Day Gift Wrapping Volunteers
We are thrilled to announce that after our recent call for volunteers for the Father’s Day Gift Wrapping event, we have had an overwhelming response! Scheduled for Tuesday 14 August, from 8:30am to 2:00pm at Del Monte Hall. If you still haven’t volunteered we would love your help, from wrapping presents, cutting ribbons and having a great yarn we would love to see you there.
Father’s Day Stall & Breakfast
With Father’s Day around the corner we will be reaching out to our wonderful community for assistance for the Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast. Please keep an eye out for the callout in the WhatsApp year groups.
WhatsApp Year Groups
Don’t forget that the best way to get updates about all events of the P&F and for your particular child’s year activities, is by joining the WhatsApp groups for your child’s year group. Please reach out to our P&F Communications Rep Jumana Commisso on 0403355115 and she will make arrangements to add you to the appropriate WhatsApp year group.
Parent and Family Catch Ups
We have several Catch Ups over the past few weeks and more Save the Dates below so please mark them in your calendar!
We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Warm regards
The P&F Association
Upcoming Events
🎉 Save the Date: Santa Trivia Night!
NEW DATE 🎉
Are you the smartest table in the room? Prove it! Come along to the Santa Trivia Night for an evening of fun and a chance to put all your knowledge to good use! Start forming your groups of ten!
🗓 Date: Friday 20 September 2024
⏰ Time: 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start
📍 Location: Del Monte Hall
The trivia ticket will include Dinner. Drinks are BYO.
Parent Catch Ups
🌟 Dads’ Night for Kinder, Year 5 & 7 Dads! 🌟
Don’t forget the dads’ night for dads who have kids in grades K, 5 or 7 is on this Friday! Join us for a night of bowling and drinks. You can still RSVP if you would like to attend. The competition will be fierce!
🗓 Date: Friday 9 August 2024
⏰ Time: 7:00pm
📍 Location: Kingpin North Strathfield
Bowling and finger food for $40
🌟 Mums’ Night for Kinder, Year 5 & 7 Mums! 🌟
Mums this night is for you. Come dine and unwind with us! All mums new and existing in Years K, 5 & 7 are invited to create connections and friendships within our wonderful Santa community.
🗓 Date: Friday 16 August 2024
⏰ Time: 6:30pm
📍 Location: The Concord Community
Order your own dinner and drinks on the night.
🌟 Year 2 Family Catch-Up! 🌟
Hello Year 2 families! If you haven’t already sent the RSVP make sure you do it soon. This catch up is around the corner. You know that there will be plenty of laughs and entertainment floating around.
🗓 Date: Saturday 17 August 2024
⏰ Time: 5:30pm
📍 Location: The Brasserie at Canada Bay Club
Order your own dinner and drinks on the night.
🌟 SAVE THE DATE – Year 6 Dinner Dance! 🌟
Save the date for the Year 6 Dinner Dance for the Year 6 students and their partners.
🗓 Date: 29 November 2024
⏰ Time: 6:00pm
📍 Location: Details to come.
Past Events
🌟 Year 9 Mum and Daughter Dinner! 🌟
The Year 9 mum and daughter dinner was a great success. The girls enjoyed one-on-one time with their mums and friends. The girls have such a special friendship and it was special to see their bonds with their mothers flourish.
🌟Year 8 Family Gathering 🌟
The Year 8 girls and parents had a wonderful night at the Home Grounds. It was great to see mums, dads and their daughters enjoying this catch up with lots of laughs and an array of great food! The next dinner is already in the works.
🌟 Year 12 Graduating Parents of 2024 🌟
On 2 August the Year 12 parents attended a lovely lunch at Strathfield Golf Club. This was the end of a schooling era for many of the Year 12 parents so it was lovely to get such a crowd. Much fun and many laughs (and some tears) were had! The pictures below speak for themselves.
Parent Education
Individuation: What is it and Why is it important? By Debra Brodowski
Remember a time when your child was little, before school, where they listened to what you said, looked up to you, maybe even said things like ‘I want to marry you one day mummy’ or ‘Daddy you are my hero’. Over time, subtle shifts occur as they become self aware and develop their own interests and identity. There is a shift towards, friends and activities. This process in developmental psychology is called Individuation.
Individuation in developmental psychology refers to the process by which an individual becomes distinct and self-aware, developing a sense of personal identity separate from others. In a developmental context, individuation involves several key components:
Self-Concept Development: The formation of a stable and coherent sense of self, including personal values, beliefs, and goals.
Autonomy: The ability to make independent decisions and take responsibility for one’s actions.
Emotional Independence: Developing the capacity to manage one’s emotions without excessive reliance on others for validation or support.
Relational Identity: Understanding oneself in relation to others while maintaining a distinct personal identity.
This doesn’t happen overnight. Their entire schooling experience is one long process of individuation.
What does this process of individuation mean for us as parents and caregivers? You’ll notice that your young person:
disagrees with you more
has their own point of view on matters
feels ‘cringe’ by some of the things that you might say and do.
This can bring tension, frustration, and confusion to your family dynamic (‘Why can’t they just agree with me?!) but it can also bring joy as they can share with you another perspective on a topic, another way to understand.
Whilst it can be frustrating, fostering individuation in your young person will help in so many ways their development into adulthood as it:
builds confidence and emotional resilience
builds autonomy and independent thought
fosters positive mental health.
Individuation is critical for our young people to reach adulthood in an adaptive way. There are some key elements that can help foster individuation in your young person:
Encourage Independence: Allow your young person to make age-appropriate decisions and solve problems on their own. This can be as simple as choosing their clothes, making their lunch, deciding which extracurricular activities to pursue and supporting their interests. Over time, this may also mean allowing them time to spend with their friends and without you.
Provide a Safe Environment: Create an environment where your young person feels safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. This encourages them to explore who they are and what they believe in. A safe environment ensures that clear boundaries are also maintained.
Encourage open communication: Listen without judgement, promote independent thinking, ask questions, and engage in discussion. Acknowledge and validate their emotions. This helps them understand and trust their feelings, which is essential for emotional independence.
Encourage Social Connections: Help your young person develop healthy relationships with peers and other adults. Interacting with a diverse group of people allows them to understand different perspectives and reinforces their own identity.
By incorporating these practices into your parenting, you can help your young develop a strong, independent sense of identity. In the meantime, if you haven’t done so already, go and watch the movies Inside Out and Inside Out 2. These are both wonderful representations of some of the normal experiences and challenges that occur with the process of individuation when ‘growing up’.
St Lucy’s at Santa Sabina
St Lucy’s is now enrolling for Kindergarten and Year 1 in their satellite class starting in 2025, located in the beautiful St Dominic’s Building on our Santa Sabina campus in Strathfield. This satellite program is designed for eligible students aiming to transition to a mainstream school. For enquiries, please contact enrolments at enrol@stlucys.nsw.edu.au or visit www.stlucys.nsw.edu.au.
