As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank our community and students for their active participation in a range of fabulous celebrations this term. Our Fra Angelico Festival saw over 600 performers in music, dance and drama take to the stage, and our students were able to showcase their stunning works in Visual Arts and various design exhibitions. The light show was also spectacular with Fra Angelico himself beamed off the 1894 building. Our Parents and Friends once again served the most delicious international cuisine at our Eat Street stalls for which we are grateful. Lumination Labs and the disco were a huge success and all up, it was a true celebration of creativity, collaboration and community.
A highlight of the year, Speech Night at the State Theatre honoured the academic, pastoral, and social justice achievements of our students in Years 3-11. The evening was also filled with performances from our Chamber Orchestra and Choir, Senior Jazz team, Primary Strings as well as our newest Zheng Ensemble. We were thrilled to welcome 2024 Australian of the Year and alumna, Professor Georgina Long AO, as our distinguished guest of honour and her speech was inspirational.
Tallong was alive with activity this term, hosting our Year 3 camp – their first experience of the Tallong campus, the St Dominic the Adventurer Award for our intrepid Years 3 and 4 students, the Senior Leadership Weekend, and the much-loved Parent-Child Weekend. Meanwhile, our Year 9 students took on the challenges of Myall Lakes during their outdoor adventure week.
Our bespoke Encounter Program offered Year 10 students enriching experiences, including a Cape York immersion, service encounters, and the Future Proofing Program, covering car maintenance, financial literacy, leadership and interview skills. They are now ready to meet the demands of their senior years!
We wrapped up the term in festive spirit, as our community came together for our beloved Advent Carols night in our Chapel. A special way to farewell the academic year.
The external inspection from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has concluded and it found, ‘The school has policies and procedures relating to the requirement for the provision of a safe and supportive environment for students’ welfare.’ It states that: ‘the school’s suite of student welfare policies, procedures and records of implementation demonstrated that staff are made aware of their responsibilities for monitoring student behaviour and wellbeing and where relevant responding to any issues or concerns’. We are devastated at losing Charlotte and these findings do not take away from the terrible pain we and her family feel.
We wish our students heading on the Vietnam immersion a wonderful experience as we wish our volleyballers heading to Queensland next week for the 2024 Australian Volleyball Schools Cup all the best.
In conclusion, I thank our teachers and all professional staff who support the education of our children for their incredible dedication and care of our students. I wish them all the best for a good rest and time to re-energise before we all return next year.
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a happy and holy Christmas, filled with the love of Jesus. Wishing you hope, peace, love and joy. We look forward to welcoming our students back on campus in 2025.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Year 10 Encounter Tales
On 18 November our Year 10 students headed off for their Encounter Experiences. A group of students headed to Cape York for an eight-day Immersion Experience, some of which was spent on the Wurrey Homeland. In their blog, the students described their growing friendship with Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl ‘
To end the night we all sat around the fire and spoke to Bernie and Cheryl about their rich history, and allowed us to understand their perspectives and beliefs. They spoke about their role in the local community, and we had a long, open discussion about how to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Aunty Cheryl offered her progressive and inspirational perspective: “you cannot change the past, you can only change the future.” ‘
The students who attended this immersion had an incredible experience and are now considering ways they can share their learning with the wider Santa Sabina community.
A group of students were involved in the Community Engagement Encounter which involved working with community groups and charities such as Catholic Care, St Vincent De Paul and St Merkorious Charity. A group of 10 students also spent four days at Jesuit Social Services at Emerton.
The students who attended this Encounter commented that they enjoyed ‘being able to work together as a group to make a difference to people’s lives’ and one noted that it was ‘enlightening because I was able to indirectly help hundreds of people by cleaning, packing snack packs, etc and I could learn about the impact of my work.’
The largest group of students took part in the Career Encounter and attended workplaces all over Sydney. These students were asked when they completed their Encounter to identify three learnings they had taken from their experience.
‘The most important aspect that I learnt during my time on work experience is the ability to manage time efficiently. Another thing that I learnt was how teamwork can truly make the workplace more productive and enjoyable. Lastly I learnt that better communication skills could improve the overall productivity of workers. and 1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify things if you are unsure 2. Be aware and observant of the needs of others to best support them and be able to take initiative 3. Ask for feedback and be open to improving and learning new things’ were just some of the many insights these students had.
When the Year 10 students returned to school on Thursday 28 November, they undertook a Future Proofing Encounter Program and a Leadership and Formation Encounter Program.
I would like to thank Ms Poynting, Ms Guirguis and Mr Walker who have worked all year to ensure that the Year 10 Encounter Program was both successful and meaningful.
A Christmas Prayer for Peace
Let us pray that strength and courage abundant be given to each of us as we work together to heal and renew our world where human dignity, freedom, and human flourishing prevail. * That the good that is in our hearts may day by day be magnified and generously shared with others especially the unwanted and unloved in our midst and those who have no place to call home; * That each of us will come to see more clearly not that which divides us, but that which unites us; * That each hour and day may bring us closer to a greater understanding and mutual respect for one another, not of one against another; * That the true spirit of this Christmas Season, the Commemoration of the Birth of Jesus, its joy, its beauty, its hope, and above all His abiding love of every person who has ever been born, may live within each of us and to those entrusted to our care; * That the blessings of peace be ours, the peace to build and grow, to care and to comfort one another with compassion, to live in harmony and humility with those with ideas and dreams different than our own, of age, color, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, and lifestyle, so that we might pray, live and work together and to plan our future with confidence. Amen.
Let us make our way to Bethlehem and look earnestly upon this Word, which has been made flesh, the immense God who has been made a little Child. Amen (Office of Health Services, Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph – 2017)Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Deputy Principal Operations
At the close of the school year, there are several administrative procedures of which the College IT team would like you to be aware.
If you are purchasing a new laptop for school over the holiday break, please be aware that the device will need to be onboarded again, so it works on the College Network in 2025. Families will be sent documentation on how to download the critical certificates required for students to connect to the College network on the first day of school.
I would like to remind families that while all Academic Reports are available on Parent Lounge, when your child finishes as a student at Santa Sabina you will need to download a copy of the report, so you are able to access the reports into the future. This can be done by opening the report you wish to save and saving it to a location on your desktop or in your phone.
Over the Christmas holiday break, the IT team will be performing critical updates to the systems to ensure that everything is back online and ready to go for the 2025 academic year. If the system will be down for maintenance for any period over the vacation break, our staff will send an email to families in advance to inform you of the details of the shutdown.
I would finally like to wish all members of the Santa Sabina community a safe and Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you again in the new year.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Head of Primary P-6
As the 2024 school year comes to a close, we reflect on the many moments of joy, gratitude, and community that have marked this final term at College. In recent weeks, we have come together to celebrate the achievements of our students and to give thanks for the blessings of the year.
Our Dominican Awards and Speech Night were highlights of the term, recognising the outstanding efforts and contributions of our students across academic, cultural, music, sporting and service domains. These events showcased the talent, commitment, and resilience that define our Santa Sabina community.
For our Year 4 students, the Big Day In provided a memorable conclusion to their time at Del Monte. This special day was filled with fun, laughter, and bonding as the boys prepared to move on to new opportunities and the girls looked ahead to joining Gioia House.
Our P-4 Thanksgiving Mass and the dancing of the Year 4 boys on Dom’s Plot marked their time at the College. Gioia House Thanksgiving Liturgy and Picnic were beautiful moments of reflection and gratitude. Together, we gave thanks for the growth, challenges, and successes of the year and celebrated the supportive community that surrounds us.
On their final day at Del Monte, we had the privilege of farewelling our Year 4 boys with a Guard of Honour. This special tradition allowed all children, staff and parents to come together and celebrate the boys’ journey as they prepare to transition to the next stage of their education. Lining the pathway with smiles, cheers, and warm applause, students and staff created a memorable send-off, recognising the friendships, growth, and achievements these boys have experienced during their time at Del Monte. It was a touching moment to reflect on their contributions to our community and to wish them every success as they embark on their new adventures.
Semester 2 Reports
By now, you will have received your child’s Semester 2 academic report and their class placement details for the upcoming year. These reports are an essential reflection of your child’s progress and achievements over the course of the semester, providing valuable insights into their learning journey.
Each report highlights not only your child’s academic accomplishments but also includes thoughtful commendations and constructive recommendations from their teachers. These commendations celebrate areas where your child has excelled, recognising their effort, growth and dedication. The recommendations, on the other hand, are tailored to guide your child in their next steps, offering practical and achievable strategies to continue their development and success.
We encourage you to take the time to discuss the report with your child, celebrating their achievements and exploring the recommendations together. This partnership between home and school plays a vital role in supporting your child’s growth and fostering a love of learning.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents, teachers, and staff for your unwavering dedication, care, and partnership throughout 2024. Your contributions have made this year a remarkable one for our students and families.
As we approach Christmas, we wish all our families the joy and peace of the season. May your holidays be filled with love, rest, and time spent with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another year of discovery.
Loving God, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we remember the gifts of hope, love, and joy that He brings. Bless our families, keep us safe during the holidays, and guide us as we prepare for a new year. May we continue to grow in faith, kindness, and understanding. Amen.
Merry Christmas and safe holidays to all!
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Term 1 2025 commences on
Year Group
Date
Time
Prep 3 and 5
Wednesday 5 February
9:15am – 12:30pm
Prep 2
Thursday 6 February
9:15am – 12:30pm
Kindergarten
Tuesday 4 February
Years 1-4
Monday 3 February
Year 5
Friday 31 January
new Year 6
Friday 31 January
Year 6
Monday 3 February
Director of Development
Twenty twenty-four has been an incredibly busy year, filled with exciting opportunities and developments that will have lasting benefits for our College. For those in the Primary Years, you may have noticed the commencement of part one of our Master Plan to revitalise and improve our facilities across the College. The turning of the sod marks a significant milestone for Del Monte, with the new rotunda and Rosary garden under construction. Following this, the Sports and Aquatic Centre is currently awaiting approval from the State government. This Master Plan aims to provide our students and staff with state-of-the-art facilities for both current and future generations.
On Monday night, a number of families joined us at the College for an event to express our gratitude for the continued support many of you have provided throughout 2024. Our ability to offer these facilities to our students is largely due to the generous philanthropic attitude of many families in our community. Thank you once again for your generous support of the College. We look forward to sharing in this great legacy as our Master Plan comes to fruition.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the College this year. Whether you have contributed to our scholarship funds, donated to the building fund, sponsored our events, provided gifts in kind, or volunteered your time, your generosity has greatly benefited our students.
Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
George Ayoub Director of Development
Director of Mary Bailey House
Out of School Hours Care
Vacation care will not operate in December to keep children safe while works begin on the construction of the rotunda. So instead, the College is facilitating holiday camps on the secondary campus for Prep to Gioia House students. We’ve chosen reputable companies that have delivered either holiday camps or after school activities in the past that our children have loved.
Code Camp
This will run from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 December. To learn about and book your child into this program go to
Two 3-day camps will be run by SSC Tennis. One will commence Wednesday 11 December and the other on Monday 16 December. To book your child into this program go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1322308
OOSH will deliver vacation care as usual in the April 2025 holidays.
Before and After School Care in Term 1 2025
Until construction is complete on the Rotunda, Before and After School Care will be operating in the seminar room, next to the Year 4 classrooms. Families can still enter by the usual OOSH gate and go upstairs from there.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Year 10 Future Proofing Days as part of the End of Year program
On Future Proofing Day 1, our Year 10 students rotated through three engaging areas: Future Proof Your Career, Future Proof Your City, and Entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurship Session was led by the founders of the Pizza Boys, where students learned the fundamentals of starting a business and then got hands-on experience making pizzas in the Piazza. In the Future Proof Your City workshop by Reverse Garbage, students designed and built a model neighbourhood, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, transportation, and lifestyle choices. This workshop emphasised the environmental impact of community planning and the importance of sustainable development. Additionally, in the Future Proof Your Career segment, volunteer parents conducted mock interviews with students, providing valuable practice and feedback. Students also had the opportunity to explore various university offerings in the Hall, gaining insights into potential future courses. The Hall included stalls from over 13 institutions such as USYD, UNSW, Macquarie, Western Sydney, Notre Dame and ACU as well as other post school opportunities.
On Future Proofing Day 2, our students rotated through three insightful sessions. In Future Proof Your Financial Wellbeing, led by Dominic from MoneyVest, the girls learned essential personal finance skills, including managing bank accounts and understanding taxes. During Future Proof Your Physical Wellbeing, Tima from Timascoaching taught the girls key self-defense techniques. Lastly, in Future Proof Yourself on the Roads, staff from Galmatic provided valuable lessons on car maintenance. These sessions equipped our students with practical skills to enhance their financial, physical, and automotive knowledge
This comprehensive program was designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on their communities and future careers. Thanks must go to the presenters, the parent volunteers, Eva Guirguis Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships and Brittany Poynting Dean of Innovation & Enterprise.
As 2024 draws to an end, I reflect on the exciting opportunities we provided for our students in Science, STEM, and Engineering. Highlights include The UTS BiG Day In, where Years 11-12 students explored technology careers through sessions on career paths and the latest developments, and interacted with company and university representatives. The Macquarie Bank: Empowering Women in Finance & Tech Event introduced Year 10 students to the financial services industry, showcasing diverse skills and career paths. The Experience Engineering event, hosted by UTS and Engineers Australia, offered workshops on the Engineering Design Process, boosting female students’ confidence in maths and science. Additionally, during the Gioia House STEM Day students collaborated with boys from St Pat’s to hear from guest speakers and design an app addressing student wellbeing. These events have broadened our students’ horizons and equipped them with the skills and knowledge to pursue their future careers with confidence.
Wrapping up another year of impactful Action Research
Our Action Research Coordinator, Kate Corcoran, has provided this thoughtful reflection on the research undertaken by our teachers during 2024:
As our 2025 Action Research Program draws to a close, it is exciting to reflect on the significant impact that these projects have had on student outcomes across all stages of learning. While it is not possible in this space to give credit to all of the projects conducted this year, here is a snapshot of some of what was achieved:
Our preschoolers at Mary Bailey House and Santa Sabina Prep are now more able to demonstrate self-regulation and respect in the learning environment as a result of their teachers applying and measuring the impact of a range of research based behaviour management practices. Furthermore, by explicitly sharing these strategies with parents and encouraging reinforcement of them at home, children are more readily able to develop routines and habits that indicate a growing readiness for school next year.
In response to concerns about students’ growing reluctance to tackle challenging learning tasks, some of our P-4 teachers took on the task of developing strategies to build a growth mindset in their students. With the focus on rewarding effort rather than results, a range of strategies including the use of visual aids and new vocabulary around classrooms, the introduction of the performance zone for older students and other fun activities such as the affirmation mirror for the younger ones, students quickly discovered the power of ‘Not Yet’. As teachers observed a much greater willingness of students to take risks with their learning and grow from their mistakes, these strategies will now become part of the universal approach to teaching and learning at Del Monte.
Our Gioia House teachers responded to Dr Judith Locke’s presentations at the start of the year by focusing on developing Responsibility, Self-regulation and Resilience in our middle schoolers. In building on their well-established Action Girl and Rock & Water Pastoral Programs, teachers introduced a range of activities designed to encourage greater student voice and reflection around developing independence and confidence in their learning, feeling known and valued and interacting positively with their peers. Through ongoing correspondence, the strong and positive partnership with parents was maintained so that parents could discuss and reinforce these strategies with their children outside of school.
A vast and varied range of research topics were investigated by project teams in the Senior School. With our writing group developing a draft continuum of how writing is currently taught across the College, this group is now ready to develop a common language and structure to ensure consistency and fluency across stages and subjects. Research findings from our team of English teachers into the use of modelling and from the Science team on responding to command terms will be valuable in adding specific strategies to complete this continuum next year. With a number of groups focusing their research on the use of GenAI in the teaching and learning process, we will undoubtedly be seeing a much greater and more confident uptake of these tools in the development and delivery of our 2025 programs.
Many thanks to all teachers across the College involved in our 2024 Action Research Project. While this project has added to the demands of another busy year, it is the breakthroughs, professional learning and ultimately the improvements in student outcomes achieved from this process that have made it all worthwhile.
Kate Corcoran Action Research Coordinator
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible staff, from our leadership teams and classroom teachers to the support staff working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication to educating our Santa Sabina students is truly inspiring. Wishing all our staff, students, and families a safe and rejuvenating break!
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Director of Community Relations P-12
Fra Angelico
Our 2024 Fra Angelico Festival was an unforgettable night! With over 600 performers in music, dance, and drama, stunning art and design displays from Mary Bailey House to Year 12, a dazzling light show, kids’ disco, Eat Street, and the sold-out Lumination Labs sessions, our community came together to celebrate the arts in spectacular style. A huge thank you to everyone who made it such a success!
Speech Night
At Speech Night at Sydney’s State Theatre on 27 November we honoured the academic, pastoral and social justice achievements of our students in Years 3-11 and heard from Australian of the Year 2024 Professor Georgina Long AO, alumna and our distinguished guest of honour.
We are delighted to share with you our photos of Speech Night which you can download from our gallery:
For those of you who would like to watch Professor Long’s inspiring address, here it is, in full:
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to so many of you for coming together this year, in support of our community relations endeavours. I wish particularly to thank the Parents & Friends’ and Ex-Students’ Assocations for their tireless efforts this year and your support of one another in times of need.
My best wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year – we look forward to many more opportunities to engage with you next year, celebrating the warm embrace of our Santa Sabina community.
Yvette Graniero Director of Community Relations
Tallong Campus
As we begin to bring 2024 to a close at Tallong I am able to reflect on some of the content from the wonderful speech delivered by Dr Georgina Long AO, 2024 Australian of the Year, at the recent Speech Night. Dr Long touched on themes of resilience, grit and determination amongst many others. Having recently returned from 12 months travelling Australia with my two boys and wife in a camper trailer I can certainly relate to the domains of resilience. The need for tenacity, collaboration, composure, reasoning and good health were all stretched and tested while we were on the road essentially living outside for a year. Do I think we are better for this experience? Absolutely!
The programs that we design and deliver at Tallong in many ways encapsulate these domains of resilience and I am incredibly thankful and grateful for the team of people we have at the campus that brings these themes to life. Next week Mr Walker will bring our outdoor student leaders to Tallong for a four-day intensive leadership program that will help our students unpack some of these domains of resilience and each of our students will be stretched and personal growth will be catalysed.
Happy holidays!
I’ll leave you with a shot of one of our campsites in SA.
Kendal Hann Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus
Helping the elderly – Weelya’s hands-on experience
In Semester 2, a group of girls from Weelya House enacted the House Salamana Project of Helping the Elderly by visiting residents at Goondee Aged Care Home in Strathfield.
The visits, held each Tuesday after school, involved students joining residents on site to play games, converse, colour in and do puzzles together. The interaction between students and residents was heartwarming to see, and some truly meaningful connections were made.
Each week residents looked forward to meeting new students and having a change in their routine, and whilst the experience took many of the girls out of their comfort zone, it has taught them to be patient and improve their communication skills.
The girls have been able to put their visits towards their Las Casas Service Learning Record, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award service commitments and the Creativity Activity Service component of the IB.
The following students are commended for giving of their time and talents to take part in visitations in Term 3 and 4:
Antonio Abounajm Drew Babbage Emmalia Borralho Madeleine Cottrell Kelly Ghali Ava Nakhle Mia Papavramidis Ava Radford Heera Seo Maddie Younes
Loretta Gilmore Assistant Head of House – Weelya
Music in the Senior School (Curricular)
As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the achievements of our Music students from Years 7–12.
The Fra Angelico Festival was, as always, a resounding success in Music. Congratulations to all students who performed in ensembles for their dedication and commitment to their practice and refining of musical skills. A special mention goes to the Year 9 rock band Boulevarde ‘27, who impressed the audience with the debut of their first original song; a milestone achievement for these talented young musicians.
This term, Year 9 students had the opportunity to explore the IB Music program during D Cubed Day through interactive taster sessions led by Year 11 students. These sessions offered insights into the program’s Areas of Inquiry and demonstrated how diverse musical works align with these themes. This glimpse into the broad possibilities of IB Music inspired students to consider the richness and diversity the course offers.
Our Years 7 and 8 students have embraced creativity through engaging projects, such as writing rap songs inspired by Hamilton. They’ve also explored the fascinating world of music technology, learning about remixing, the mechanics of music streaming apps, and the evolution of ringtones; a fun way to understand how technology shapes our experience of music.
This has truly been a year filled with ‘musicking’; making, sharing, and experiencing music together. We are proud of the growth, creativity, and passion our students have demonstrated and look forward to another inspiring year ahead.
Veronica Tsang & Jameson Choe Acting Co-Heads of Curricular Music 5-12
More Music…
Santa Sabina College has so many extraordinary music happenings across our great school each year! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
It has been a busy few weeks at the College as we wrap up Term 4 and Year 10 students have just engaged in the Encounter Program. As part of this program, 80 students elected to undertake the Career Encounter which involved participating in seven days of work experience. Students observed what it was like to work in a diverse range of workplace settings such as law firms, hospitals, architecture and interior design firms, banks, medical and dental clinics, early childhood centres, couture fashion labels, not for profit organisations, event management companies among many others. Students not only gained insights into various career paths, they also developed important transferable skills that will assist them in the future. Thank you to all of the wonderful organisations from our broader community that took students for work experience, your time and willingness to support our students as they begin to explore possible career paths is invaluable. Below are some reflections from Year 10 students who attended work experience.
The highlight of work experience for me was to be able to work on a real architecture house project in an architecture firm environment. I was able to have access to so many resources including the 3D printers, model making materials and equipment, 3D modelling softwares like Rhino and SketchUp as well as basic architect equipment like tracing paper and proper felt tip pens. This just added to the experience and it felt like I actually did learn a lot about being an architect. It also felt like I was an architect for the week and I was surrounded with architects, people who shared the same interest which was also a major highlight of my work experience for me. Caitlin Leong – Architecture firm
Three key learnings that I took from my time on work experience was that doing any task is much better than sitting around and doing nothing as not only does it fill in time it also provides key learning opportunities. Furthermore, I also learnt the importance of communication and how essential it is to communicate effectively with both customers and other staff. Lastly, I also learnt how to better self regulate as well as how to become more self motivated to do more. The highlight of my work experience was getting to learn about how to process scripts via a computer program as well as listen to all the experiences and stories staff have had on the job as well as their lives. Amelia Don – Pharmacy
During my work experience, I learned how many law firms operated with an advance team and a litigation (recovery) team. The work experience allowed me to observe the relevant legal places, such as the Supreme Court and a barrister’s chambers. I learned more about legal processes, too; how to engage with clients, notify people of defaults and propose an offer to settle between the two parties. Gabrielle Indra – Law firm
The highlight of work experience was being able to observe and assist in patient consultations, as I was able to learn a lot about the medical field, as well as how doctors and nurses support patients. I learned that teamwork is crucial in the workplace; effective communication and collaboration between nurses and GPs as well as administrative staff, is essential in order to manage patient care and maintain a smooth and efficient workflow. Furthermore, I learned that attention to detail is vital as it ensures high quality care and prevents errors. Finally, I learned that time management is essential, especially in fast paced workplaces like a medical environment, as it ensures the team is organised and patients receive the care they need. Genevieve Williams – Medical centre
Year 10 Encounter Program – Future Proofing Workshops
On Friday 29 November and Monday 2 December, students engaged in a series of Future Proofing Workshops designed to prepare students for life beyond school and teach them important life skills. From financial literacy to self defence, entrepreneurship, car maintenance, mock interviews and a careers expo, students recognised the value of these workshops for their future. Below are some highlights shared by Year 10 students:
The workshop that was the highlight for me was the University Expo, as I had many questions that I wanted to ask about which institutions offer pathways to medicine, and what these may involve. Consequently, it was an immensely insightful opportunity for me to be able to compare the pathways offered by different universities in regard to their cost, duration and additional benefits, as I have only received select information from specific universities in the past. The three most useful things that these Future Proofing sessions have taught me include how to manage my superannuation funds using a High Growth plan to generate the most profit from them, allowing me to have a large sum of money set aside for my retirement, strategies on how to remain safe at all times on the roads, particularly on long car trips, by having the knowledge of how to change a car tyre, and avoid being taken advantage of by sellers through conducting all of the appropriate checks of a vehicle before purchasing, and the importance of ‘selling yourself’ in an interview, even when asked a question such as ‘What is your greatest weakness?’. Charlotte Salameh
For me, the car maintenance workshop was the highlight because it was the most relevant to me currently and taught me the most about a topic I had no prior knowledge about. Harper Harris-Roxas
The highlight for me was the mock interview session as it was interesting to hear an outsider’s perspective about me and what I can do to improve my communication skills especially when going for job interviews. I learnt how to present myself in interviews and how to ‘advertise’ myself to possible employers. I also learnt how to make more money from the financial literacy session and that there are multiple universities and paths after highschool from the careers expo. Lucy Cordony-Jones
Year 11 Work Experience Reflection
Not only have Year 10 students attended work experience recently, a number of Year 11 students have also taken the initiative to seek work experience opportunities in recent weeks and over the upcoming holidays. Below is a reflection from Valantia Antonakopoulos in Year 11 who has just completed a work experience placement in construction and project management.
During Week 8, I had the opportunity to participate in a 4-day work experience program with the John Holland Group (JHG), a Tier 1, Australian infrastructure and construction company. JHG specialises in large-scale engineering and construction projects, including rail networks, highways, and iconic buildings across Australia and New Zealand, employing over 5,000 people.
My motivation for this experience stemmed from my interest in the design and construction process, driven by my passion in one of my chosen subjects, Design and Technology. I was eager to gain more exposure and hands-on experience in this field.
The experience allowed me to explore various aspects of JHG’s operations, where I discovered the many fields that influence the construction process, from sustainability and community engagement to the design process. This made me realise that the construction industry involves more than just the design and building process. There are numerous roles, including commercial, contractual, and legal aspects, contributing to the final design.
I was also able to collaborate with students from other schools, engaging in practical activities such as cost planning by analysing floor plans and speaking with professionals from different areas within the company. During our time with John Holland, we were invited to two offices, JHG Headquarters and their Milsons Point Office where John Holland, Stantec and KBR are partnering with Sydney Water to deliver the North West Treatment Hub Growth Program, a brownfield treatment program.
We also had the opportunity to visit one of their project sites in Waterloo, where they are constructing the Waterloo Metro Quarter. This onsite visit was an invaluable experience as we were able to see the concept come to life and recognise the different jobs there are within the construction process as well as speak to labourers and safety professionals.
Valantia Antonakopoulos Year 11
Year 12 update
Early offers have now been issued by most universities and I am pleased to report that many of our students received an early offer. Below is a summary of the early offers made:
UTS – 70 early offers were made
Macquarie Uni – 53 early offers were made
Western Sydney Uni – 28 early offers to date have been made with more rounds of offers expected in December and January
ACU – 25 early offers were made
UNE – 11 early offers were made
Congratulations to all students who have received an early offer. Year 12 IB results will be released on Tuesday 17 December and HSC results will be released on Wednesday 18 December. The ATAR and IBAS will be released on Wednesday 18 December at 9:00am and 10:00am respectively. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all Year 12 students at the Results Morning Tea on Wednesday 18 December.
The key dates for changing preferences through UAC are found here and Year 12 will be sent an email with further information and reminders regarding accepting offers in the coming week. They are encouraged to email me should they have any questions.
While results are being released, universities will also be running Information Days to help students in making their final course selections. Below are the dates for the major universities:
The holidays are a great opportunity to do some further research on career pathways and explore some of the options students may have recently discovered from the Careers Expo. I encourage students to continue conducting research over the holidays and explore the resources available to them on the Careers Years 10-12 VO page. Many students may also be wishing to complete some volunteer work to boost their resume and applications for university over the holidays. The following websites are a very helpful starting point to find relevant volunteer opportunities available over the summer break:
Seek Volunteer – you can search by area, age and category to find suitable volunteer opportunities. Many opportunities are available over the Christmas break and only require a short time commitment.
Do Something Near You – type in your postcode to find organisations near you that may offer volunteer opportunities. You can also narrow your search by fields you are interested in.
Please see the document linked here for careers events and opportunities over the holidays.
Wishing students and families a blessed Christmas and New Year break.
Eva Guirguis Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships
Social enterprise learning – the Commerce Christmas Market
The Kopanang Community Trust in South Africa, initiated by the Dominican Sisters, supports women facing poverty and illness through building a community – Kopanang – of resilience and self-belief. Sr Sheila Flynn OP introduced Tozi, a Trust member, to HSIE students where she shared her community’s story. Within this social enterprise framework, Year 9 Commerce students were tasked with designing, planning and running a small business within the real-world context of the Commerce Christmas Market with profits being donated to Kopanang. Students had a sense of social purpose greater than just profits. This task taught students the importance of strategic business planning, problem solving, critical thinking and how to work collaboratively.
The Commerce Christmas Market was an overwhelming success, raising over $4000 and significantly strengthening students’ financial literacy skills. Students implemented Commerce theories to manage resources, track expenses and create a profit. The lifelong learning aim of this project is to inspire our Santa Sabina Commerce entrepreneurs to be socially responsible leaders of the future. A huge thank you for the facilitation of this project to Richard Crittenden and the work of the Year 9 Commerce classroom teachers: Vikki Cummins, Susan Lomabardo, Kylie Ma and Beth Hutchenson.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Hosting opportunity
Each year, Santa Sabina College offers students the opportunity to travel to Japan on an exchange program, where they attend school and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. In return, we welcome four students from two Japanese schools to spend Term 1 at Santa Sabina College, enhancing their English skills and experiencing our culture.
We are seeking families who can host these students for all or part of Term 1, 2025. This exchange program, which has been a cherished tradition for the past 20 years, relies on the generosity of our community. If you are able to host for any duration, please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the details: g.ayoub@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 0414 915 910.
Thank you in advance for your support, and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.
George Ayoub Director of Development
Assistant Head of Gioia House
Gioia House Community Time
The Gioia students had their last buddy Community Time to connect and complete their final activity together. The Year 5 students reflected on how far they have come this year and how they have enjoyed getting to know their Year 6 buddy. Sr Sheila led the buddy activity and asked students to use their creative skills to create their own bunting piece in their House colour. The students were excited to walk through the Gioia House foyer area and see their wonderful artworks come together. Our Gioia House buddy program is a great way for our new Year 5 students to connect with someone who has been part of Gioia House and provide guidance and support, especially in the first term of a new year. It has been great to see friendships develop and we hope this special Gioia House connection continues for many years to come.
Gioia House Outreach
The students have been generously donating to our St Paul’s hampers providing grocery items for people in our community who need our help. It has been overwhelming to see how generous the students have been. This week the students also designed Christmas-themed calico bags and demonstrated their artistic talents. The Gioia students assisted Ms Sulis and the teachers to pack the items in the hamper calico bags which gave the students the opportunity to reflect on how they have helped make someone’s Christmas a little brighter and happier. Thank you to all the Gioia House students and their families for your generosity and always giving to all our outreach initiatives this year.
It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.
Mother Teresa
I would like to personally thank all the students and their wonderful parents for your support this year. It has been wonderful getting to know you and we look forward to our Year 5 students becoming the Gioia House leaders next year and wish our Year 6 students all the best for their transition to Senior School.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
What’s happening in Year 5
Year 5 students have had a busy end to the term. They have burned natural and synthetic fibres in Science and examined how these burn, the odour produced and looked for patterns in how these fibres burn.
They have explored the texts The Arrival by Shaun Tan and The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan. Students compared the visual techniques, symbols and imagery used.
They have been collecting items for the St Paul’s Outreach Appeal. They have decorated calico bags to place their donations in.
Year 5 teachers
What’s happening in Year 6
Year 6A have had an exciting, yet busy end to the school year. They have been working on a very special graduation artwork with Sr Sheila which will be displayed during the Graduation Liturgy and kept by the girls as a special keepsafe of their time in Gioia House and everything they have learnt.
The girls have continued their learning about the Season of Advent, the true meaning of Christmas and how to show love and care for others by collecting items for the St Paul’s Outreach Appeal. The generosity of each and every student has been incredible. The students have decorated calico bags to place their donations in and have taken care to include special messages of hope and positivity.
We have had a wonderful year and it is bittersweet as they move onto their Senior years at the College. They will be very missed!
Tiffany Anderson Year 6 Teacher
6 Core 3
6 Core 3 has had a truly wonderful end to the year! We have expressed our creativity through art, showcasing our talents and imagination. The Colour Run was a highlight, with everyone running with joy and smiles, creating vibrant memories. In science, we delved into new technologies, sparking curiosity and innovation. Mathematics challenged us to think critically and solve complex problems, sharpening our minds. In English, we explored diverse literature and honed our writing skills, fostering a love for reading and effective communication. Our studies in Religion encouraged us to reflect on our values, beliefs and the teachings of St Dominic.
Beyond academics, the friendships we’ve fostered every day have been the cornerstone of our experience. We have supported each other, shared countless laughs, and built a strong sense of community. As we look forward to high school, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation for the new adventures and achievements that await us. We have had the best time this year and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Kind Regards,
Miss Sian Tierney
Year 6 Teacher Gioia House
Music at Gioia House (Curricular)
Under the expert guidance of our College tutors, the Gioia House String and Band program has thrived this year. Across all year groups, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in the confidence and musicianship of our students. At the Gioia House Learning Showcase, parents had the opportunity to witness the culmination of their children’s hard work as they performed a diverse range of repertoire for string and band ensembles. Many of our Gioia House students have also joined senior College ensembles to further challenge and develop their skills.
Our Gioia House Choir delivered an outstanding performance at the Fra Angelico event. The students were fully engaged and sounded phenomenal, performing pieces such as Amani and I See the Moon.
Particularly for our Year 6 Gioia House students, we encourage all students to consider signing up for music lessons or joining our many co-curricular ensembles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and to develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
The Music Department is incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of all our Gioia House students.
Veronica Tsang & Jameson Choe Acting Co-Heads of Curricular Music 5-12
More Music…
Santa Sabina College has so many extraordinary music happenings across our great school each year! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
BUTTON: Curricular Music at Mary Bailey Del Monte (P-4)
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4
Pastoral update
Ice-blocks keep everyone calm on our last day
To seal off a year of learning, making connections, building community and having fun, all students shared a well-deserved cool treat yesterday, with zooper doopers for all grades. The ice-blocks rewarded their collective efforts of collecting paddle pops for their House Colour groups by making good choices, being a good friend to others, building community and spreading kindness, and were shared against the backdrop of student-created artworks on our Wall of Kindness that now graces our Warami play area.
Paretns: Learn the Language of Friendship
As the seal off a year of learning where students have embraced our Friendology lessons and are developing a toolkit of strategies to build, maintain and navigate friendships, I would like to invite parents to learn more about the language of friendship we use in this program. This can be done by signing up for a URSTRONG Family Membership (free of charge by virtue of our school membership to the program).
When you sign up, you will have access to a series of videos to watch with your child including:
You will also have access to hundreds of resources, articles and activities to continue supporting you and your child on their friendship journey.
Thank you and Christmas Wishes
On a personal note, I would like to thank you for what has been a wonderful year and wish you and your families a very joyful and peaceful Christmas. I hope that you enjoy many special memories with family and friends over the holiday break.
God bless,
Lauren Petroni Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4
Music at Del Monte and Mary Bailey House
Music at Mary Bailey House (Curricular)
The end of year is approaching fast and the Mary Bailey House Tree Frogs are not slowing down! After their fantastic performance at the Fra Angelico, they are now busy preparing for their End of Year Concert. The students will be showcasing some of the songs they have learned throughout the year, including Funga Alafia and Umbalayo.
Over the past year, the students have grown in many ways, especially in their listening skills, movement to music and understanding of musical concepts. It has been a joy to watch these students grow and develop this year and I wish all the students going to Kindergarten next year all the best as they start this journey.
Music at Del Monte (Curricular)
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! In class music we have been enjoying drumming and singing to some of our favourite Christmas carols to revise our concepts of pitch and rhythm. We can use rhythm names and coordinate our drumsticks in new ways to create rhythmic compositions with a Christmas theme.
We are immensely proud of our students who have performed in the Dominican Awards, Speech Night, Assemblies, the Nativity, the Advent Service and our Mass. It is a busy time of year for our young performers and they have all worked hard in their preparation.
Phillipa Knight Coordinator of Music P-4
More Music…
Santa Sabina College has so many extraordinary music happenings across our great school each year! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Co-curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
On Thursday 28 November, our Kindergarten and Year 1 students brought the story of the First Christmas to life. The Kindergarten students dressed up as angels, while the Year 1 students portrayed sheep. The readers, from Year 1, did an amazing job, and the actors for the nativity were from our Kindergarten classes.
Term 4 Outreach at Del Monte
A very big ‘thank you’ to all our families who contributed non-perishable food to our Del Monte Christmas Appeal. I am sure our Donations will help support the House of Welcome at Granville, and the refugee families awaiting visa processing.
Advent
This year, the season of Advent began on Sunday 1 December. Advent begins each year with a call for us to awake from our sleep. But what does it mean to be awake?
It means we must shake off the things in our spiritual life that make us drowsy and sluggish. It means we must turn away from sin and receive the grace that God offers us. Every day. It means we are invited to hope and to receive the grace that God offers us to recommence. It means to get ready for Jesus to come again. Advent is a time of waiting and watching.
Stay awake! Mt 24:37-44
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. Your involvement in our Religious Education celebrations has been invaluable, and we look forward to another year of growth and faith together.
May your homes be filled with the light of Christ and your hearts with His love. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to share the blessings we have received with those around us.
Wishing you a holy and blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year.
Blessings,
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P-6
Handball champions!
Congratulations to Rishaan Panyam, Mark Beaini, Albert Beaini, Elijah Au, Nicholas Fahmy, Ethan Fahmy, Charlie Bezzina and Yousseff Taouk who were crowned champions of the Term 4 Sydney Handball Competition held at Cintra Park, Concord over the weekend.
Handball Australia runs weekly after school sessions every Friday on the Del Monte campus. Santa Sabina finished 6th out of 60 schools who took part in the program this year.
Well done boys!
Ryan Dunlop PE and Co-curricular Coordinator (P-4)
Gather Round
With a busy end to the term, the Gather Round participants have been putting the finishing touches on their podcasts. The range of topics selected by the students reflect their broad interests and talents.
Some of their titles are:
St Lucy’s Are Coming to Santa
Origami – The History and Why You Should Try It
The Evolution of Prodigy
The Striker’s Podcast
The students conducted interviews with various experts on their topics, selecting individuals ranging from teachers to friends for their expert knowledge. To engage their audience, the students incorporated a variety of sound effects and language features. This enrichment opportunity allowed participants to leverage their strengths to create something meaningful and, most importantly, learn from their mistakes along the way.
As the school year comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate the achievements of our Year 4 students. This milestone marks the end of an incredible journey at Del Monte filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Year 4 students created the first artworks on the wall in Warami. This beautiful artwork showcases their creativity and teamwork, capturing the essence of their shared experiences and the friendships they’ve built over the years. In addition, we farewelled our Year 4 students in a heartfelt graduation mass. This ceremony was a touching tribute to their hard work, growth, and the strong sense of community that has been fostered throughout their time here.
Catherine McGrath, Nicole Meehan, Calista Camarda and Edward Wang Year 4 Teachers
Year 3
This year has been a time of learning and growth for Year 3. The students have faced challenges with resilience. They began the year stepping up to NAPLAN, showing persistence through their preparation and completion of the assessments in Term 1. The year ended on a high note as our students embraced their first Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong, showing once again that they have the maturity and resilience to move out of their comfort zones.
Throughout the year, there have been many opportunities to celebrate learning and friendship. Highlights for Year 3 have been the Athletics Carnival, the Colour Fun Run, the Swimming Carnival at Olympic Park, St Dom’s Day and Book Week just to name a few. All of these experiences have provided students with opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and celebrate their achievements.
Our Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong was our favourite event of the year. We loved mountain bike riding, shelter building, Cheffrey’s food, and all the new experiences and challenges. We loved learning together in a fun way.
Our big achievements were getting to know our classmates, making new friends and completing NAPLAN.
Next year, we are looking forward to going to Tallong again, making more new friends and exciting leadership opportunities.
Year 3 Pender
Student Reflections:
I started off as a seed but being in 3 Lawson has turned me into a blossoming tree. Kaitlyn
I started off with little friendships and grew bigger friendships as the terms went on. Leila
We loved spending time with each other at Tallong. Hannah
My teacher taught me the brain out of her. Michaela
We experienced new, hard activities and conquered them. Audrey
I started off small and now that I have learned I am stronger. Romey
My teachers encourage me very much. Olivia
I popped my comfort zone to a new level. Evelyn
I enjoyed mountain biking at Tallong, it was a new achievement for me! Sophia
The challenges have been a story worth telling! Nate
Cheffrey’s food was delicious. Angelina
Roses are red, violets are blue. I loved Year 3 and so will you! Esther
I liked mountain biking because it got me out of comfort zone. Andrea
I thought Tallong was hard but it was easier than I thought. I was worried about mountain biking but when we got there and had a go, it was easier than what I thought. Cosmo
I thought Year 3 work would be hard but they turned out okay. Audrey
I liked having a calm teacher. Valentina
I liked being in different groups and meeting new people at camp. Celine
My teachers brought my brain to a new level. Micah
Year 1
As we wrap up our exciting Year 1 learning, we are thrilled to share the incredible journey our students have embarked on. Over the past few weeks, our young explorers have transformed into enthusiastic tourist guides, delving deep into the rich heritage of their chosen countries to which they have a special connection.
Each student has taken us on a unique adventure, uncovering fascinating details about cultural foods, important landscapes, and the diverse flora and fauna that make their countries special. From the bustling markets of Lebanon to the ancient wonders of Egypt, our classrooms have been filled with vibrant stories and colourful images.
The students have showcased their findings through beautifully crafted brochures, each one a testament to their hard work and creativity. These brochures not only highlight interesting facts but also reflect the pride and connection our students feel towards their heritage. We learned about the rich history of Palestine, the culinary delights of Italy, the technological marvels of South Korea, the natural beauty of Australia, the cultural treasures of China, the scenic landscapes of Scotland, the ancient ruins of Greece, the vibrant traditions of Vietnam, and the colourful festivals of Spain.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 1 students for their dedication and effort in making this project a success. Their work has not only enriched their understanding of their own heritage but has also fostered a greater sense of global awareness and respect among all of us.
Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Yasmine Kaballan Year 1 Teachers
Prep – fantastic progress
As we approach the end of our time in Prep, we are thrilled to share the fantastic progress our students have made.
Maths: Recently, students completed maths rotations, which not only helped them practice their number skills but also strengthened their finger muscles, further developing fine motor skills, and encouraging cooperation with peers.
Religion: Students have been learning all about the Christmas Story, including where Jesus was born and who came to visit him when he was sleeping in the manger.
The Prep staff are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by each child. As we look forward to the next stage of their educational journey, we are confident that they are well prepared for the exciting challenges ahead in Kindergarten.
Monique Evans Prep Teacher
Director of Sport and Co-curricular
As the year comes to its end, I would like to reflect on what we have offered and what our students have achieved due to the care and investment of our staff and coaches.
More students have joined Sport and Co-curricular Activities this year compared to last year. We had great results in Rep Dance, Rep Volleyball, Tennis, International Trip and Saturday Sport competitions. We have also written our name at the top of CGSSSA, NSWCCC and IGSA Competitions due to the effort and dedication of our students and support of our parents.
Santa Sabina College has been respected and a force to be confronted in many areas. We have seen students succeeding in Debating, Public Speaking and Chess in the various competitions facilitated by schools associations and our department.
We have seen the growth of the Invitational Volleyball program and more students in Years 3 and 4 joining Saturday Sport. In the Primary Years we have facilitated our students to join and progress in the many offers and levels of the Sydney Catholic Schools – Mackillop – NSW PSSA pathways.
I would like to finish by thanking students, parents, staff, coaches, the College Sports Department and the College Leadership team for being there for our students and facilitating not only Sports and Co-curricular offers but a pathway for our students to excel and succeed.
Representative and Saturday Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Congratulations to SAN03 (Year 9) for winning the NSW Volleyball Schools Cup on Monday 2 December.
We cannot wait to take our 7 Volleyball Representative Teams to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast from 8 to 15 December.
Reminders:
Sports registrations Term 1 2025 are now open until 13 December.
Co-curricular Clubs registrations are open for Athletics, Fencing, Mandarin, Fit Club, Badminton, Water Polo and Boxing.
Expressions of Interest Forms – Term 1 2025 events
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-Curricular Activities
Director of Music
As another calendar year draws to its gentle close – the whole world takes time to lull in its rhythms a little, and reflect and offer gratitude wherever due. I believe this practice to be one of the most important and grounding aspects of what it means to be human. And even better is when we can use music as the vehicle by which we reflect and offer thanksgiving; as we still our hearts and minds, and fix our gaze on all that is good and right.
I would like to thank our College Principal Paulina Skerman for her unwavering support and firm belief in the importance of Music education for children. I also offer my profuse thanks to my colleagues; the dedicated Music Educators who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to build the vision this year. We are immeasurably thankful to Suzanna Touma and our administrative supporters, as well as the IT and Property teams who have been so generous of spirit in their efforts behind the scenes at every musical occasion.
Our three Thanksgiving Masses were fitting and memorable occasions to pause and reflect gratefully. Our exceptional Del Monte String players were capably guided by Mrs Pensini and the full-voiced P-4 singing was nurtured by Mrs Knight. Joy and thanksgiving were indeed the order of the day! Gioia House marked their journey with sung benedictions for each other, and our Chamber Choir led their senior school peers in Mass with great poise and commitment.
Our beloved annual Advent Carols on Monday evening was bigger than ever, featuring over 200 performers across P-11, our Community Choir and not to mention a rousing effort from the gallery! (Thank you congregation!)
Our closing item at Advent – All is Well’ – was chosen to reflect our collective prayer for you and your family, as you head into the summer and festive season.
May your souls be nourished and resources replenished ahead of a beautiful year to come.
Amy RIchardson Director of Music P-12
Director’s Honour Roll
We congratulate students for their efforts in private tuition and instrumental learning this year, and commend those who chose to mark their progress through successful participation in external examinations and eisteddfod with results of credit or above.
Student Name
School
Achievement
Result
Romee Lee
Year 4
AMEB Grade 5 Trombone Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Arianthe Vrastaminos
Year 5
AMEB Grade 1 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Esther Chiew
Year 5
AMEB Grade 1 Violin Examination
Pass with Honours
Esther Chiew
Year 5
AMEB Grade 2 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Olivia Wang
Year 6
AMEB Grade 1 Viola Examination
Pass with Credit
Lavina Yam
Year 8
AMEB Grade 5 Cello Examination
Pass with Credit
Chelsey Fa
Year 7
AMEB Grade 2 Musicianship Examination
Pass with Honours
Estelle Gilmovich
Year 7
AMEB A-Mus-A Viola Examination
Pass with Award
Estelle Gilmovich
Year 7
AMEB Grade 1 Double Bass Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Estelle Gilmovich
Year 7
AMEB Grade 5 Musicianship Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Audrey Khoury
Year 6
AMEB Preliminary Grade Violin Examination
Pass with Honours
Grace Mackey
Year 5
AMEB Grade 2 Cello Examination
Pass with Credit
Naishe Mafunda
Year 7
AMEB Preliminary Grade Violin Examination
Pass with Honours
Bianca Marchetta
Year 7
AMEB Preliminary Grade Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Cary Yeung
Year 11
AMEB Grade 2 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Dalena Nguyen
Year 5
AMEB Preliminary Grade Violin Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Dalena Nguyen
Year 5
AMEB Grade 1 Violin Examination
Pass with Honours
Dalena Nguyen
Year 5
AMEB Grade 2 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Daphne Nguyen
Year 4
AMEB Preliminary Grade Violin Examination
Pass with Honours
Daphne Nguyen
Year 4
AMEB Grade 1 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Dominique Portelli
Year 5
AMEB Grade 1 Viola Examination
Pass with Honours
Jessica Princi
Year 4
AMEB Grade 1 Double Bass Examination
Pass with Honours
Mulan Deng
Year 7
AMEB Grade 5 Violin Examination
Pass
Tatijana Sesar
Year 7
AMEB Grade 2 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Natalie Sun
Year 3
AMEB Grade 5 Violin Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Natalie Sun
Year 3
AMEB Grade 1 Musicianship Examination
Pass with Credit
Agnes Tam
Year 6
AMEB Grade 3 Violin Examination
Pass with Credit
Louise Thill
Year 7
AMEB Grade 2 Double Bass Examination
Pass with Credit
Abigail Yang
Year 8
AMEB A-Mus-A Viola Examination
Pass with Award
Ilia Kim
Year 8
AMEB C-Mus-A Viola Examination
Pass with High Distinction
Isabella Yang
Year 12
AMEB L-Mus-A Cello Examination
Pass with Award
Mia Li
Year 4
St George Eisteddfod Violin
Highly Commended & 2nd prize
Cynthia Li
Year 7
St George Eisteddfod
High Commended
Abigail Yang
Year 8
St George Eisteddfod
1st Prize
We commend our students for their commitment and dedication in furthering their music expertise and skills through their involvement in a number of external Masterclasses, Workshops and for some, successful auditions for National Music Programs. These are as follows:
Gondwana National Choral School 2025 – Charlotte Stanhope and Estelle Gilmovich
Australian Youth Orchestra Program 2025 – Estelle Gilmovich
Penrith Youth Orchestra Workshop and Masterclass – Aiden Curran and Estelle Gilmovich
Sydney Symphony Young Musicians Workshop – Aiden Curran, Estelle Gilmovich and Mia Li
ACO Young Artists Masterclass and Workshop – Estelle Gilmovich
The Metropolitan Orchestra Junior Music Camp – Chloe Cruz, Aiden Curran, Estelle Gilmovich, Vijayan Jayaseelan, Grace Mackey, Lillian Mackey, Natalie Sun and Mackenzie Wong
AUSTA NSW Double Bass Day 2024 – Aiden Curran, Estelle Gilmovich and Louise Thill
Fra Angelico
Our community came to vibrant and colourful life for our Fra Angelico festival on Friday 22 November! Nearly 600 students from Mary Bailey House to Year 6 showed their families and friends what they had been learning in their curriculum music classes – with songs and instrumental performances that delighted the thronging crowds. Zheng Ensemble, Taiko Ensembles, Year 9 Rock Band, Concert Band, Stage Band, Wind Ensemble as well as our Chamber and Community Choirs added their rousing contributions to the night, and some festive tunes at dusk helped launch the Christmas season for all! Thank you to Del Monte and Gioia House curriculum staff who supported the performers backstage.
The annual Speech Night was a further chance to showcase the musical happenings of the year. We were treated to performances by our Year 4 String Ensemble, Zheng Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Chamber String Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra with contemporary and traditional works offered, including a rousing Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Congratulations to these performers for showcasing your year’s efforts with excellence and to all prize winners.
Thank You Soiree
Congratulations and thanks to the student-led ensemble – featuring Jina Lee (Violin), Ilia Kim (Viola) and Caitlin Lang (Cello) who were selected to represent the Music Department and who capably prepared and performed a 30 minute set of background music for our guests at the Thank You soiree on Monday 2 December!
Advent Carols
Joy to the World! Joy indeed. Monday evening’s cherished Advent Carols and Readings involved over 200 musicians from Years 1-12. Our Community Choir of Dominican Sisters, ex-students, staff, family and friends were radiant alongside our Laudare and Siena Singers; College and Chamber Choirs who led an equally enthusiastic audience in traditional and contemporary carols. Instrumentation featured a variety of organ, piano, symphony orchestra settings, alongside selected a cappella moments. Heartfelt thanks to those who joined us for this special time together!
Thanksgiving Masses
Our three Thanksgiving Masses were fitting and memorable occasions to pause and reflect gratefully. Joy and thanksgiving were indeed the order of the day in the Del Monte Mass as ‘singers and stringers’ raised the roof with their joyful music! Year 5 and 6 presented songs of blessing for each other in the Gioia House Liturgy, and our Chamber Choir shone as they led their senior school peers in song. Beyond their illustrious talents, it is our students’ resplendent commitment to serve their community with their musical talents that is the most inspiring. Thank you to all who served in this way.
Register for Music Opportunities at Santa Sabina
A reminder that all current enrolments will roll over automatically in preparation for the new year’s commencement. For levied ensembles and activities, invoices will be generated and emailed to you directly in the coming weeks to be settled prior to Week 1 of next term. If planning to discontinue, four weeks advance notice is required or an equivalent administration fee is applicable. If you know that you will be discontinuing a 2024 enrolment in 2025, please complete the form linked below at your earliest convenience.
The start of the new school year is the perfect chance to consider what additional skills and experiences might still be waiting for you as part of your holistic schooling journey! You can now register via the College App or by using the link below for our many co-curricular ensembles and/or private 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!
We are excited for all the wonderful opportunities that 2025 has in store for you.
The Music office will close from this Friday 6 December, but will be open again in late January.
We look forward to responding to any questions you may have at this time.
Have a safe and happy summer!
More Music…
Santa Sabina College has so many extraordinary music happenings across our great school each year! Be sure to click the links below to be kept in the know, and to find out more about the Curricular opportunities available to our students across P-12!
During the summer break there are ways in which you can support your child’s wellbeing. This is what we suggest:
create ways for family connection
getting off screens and back in to nature
social connections and fun activities
do things that promote calm, relaxation, rest, and physical health and wellbeing.
Santa Sabina College is situated between several Headspace Centres, which all aim to be youth friendly, and serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for any concerns you may have around the mental health and wellbeing of your young people. The centres that may be most convenient for you to access are listed below, with direct contact details. Please visit the website for each centre for information on opening hours, and referrals:
If none of these centres are convenient for you, please use the Find a headspace Centre link to contact your local headspace.
The Headspace National website also has a range of resources that may assist you during this time, feel free to explore and find what may be helpful for you. The links below will connect you to:
We encourage our families to reach out and connect with the services listed above at any time and keep updated with community, parent/carer and youth engagement activities directly.
We wish you all the best and hope you are able to utilise your self-care strategies, continue to have mental health conversations within your community, and reach out for professional help if needed.
Dear Parents, Carers, and the Santa Sabina Community
As the year draws to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on what has been an amazing and successful year! We can’t believe that the school year has come to an end so quickly.
From the various social events to fundraising activities, every moment was made possible by the incredible efforts of our parents and carer volunteers. Your time and commitment to these enriching experiences for our Santa Sabina children have been invaluable, and we extend our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, generosity, and for helping bring these events to life! Whether it was wrapping the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day presents, assisting at the breakfasts and other school events, helping with the Colour Fun Run, the Primary School Disco, or the Fra Angelico Arts Festival, your support has been a cornerstone of our success. The P&F executive committee is truly grateful for the countless hours you have dedicated to these events, both behind the scenes and at the events itself. We have had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible volunteer parents and carers. We look forward to working with you again in 2025.
A special thank you also goes to our Parent Representatives for your essential role in spreading the word about our events and activities. Your help has been greatly appreciated. You have assisted in keeping parents in each cohort updated with the events and have helped send those ever so gentle reminders!
To the P&F Executive Committee, your dedication and hard work behind the scenes have been crucial. The time and effort that you all put in, on top of your own busy lives and work commitments, have not gone unnoticed. We welcome the new faces who have joined the executive committee this year and bid farewell to those who have given so much over the years but are moving on. We are excited for what 2025 holds for the P&F and for our Santa Sabina community, and we can’t wait to share our plans with you in the new year.
A final thank you goes to the school and staff for your ongoing support, patience, and guidance. We couldn’t have achieved all of this without you. Working together has meant that we have achieved so much for the students and our community.
As we enter the festive season, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. We hope you take this time to reflect on the successes of 2024, rest, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
We look forward to even more exciting events in 2025!
We will again keep the WhatsApp Year Groups active over the Christmas break. Rather than deleting the year groups and creating new groups next year the current WhatsApp year groups will be renamed to reflect 2025 and the new academic year. However, the Year 12 WhatsApp Group will be deleted. We encourage you to save any cherished memories, media, or documents you wish to keep. Also for those boys who are leaving us in Year 4 we remind you to download any photos that you wish to keep as you will be removed from this group in the new year.
We will be deleting the Year 12 WhatsApp Group and removing parents whose children will not be returning to the school in 2025 on 6 January 2025.
For new parents wishing to join the WhatsApp Year Groups, please click here.
Past events
Fra Angelico
The Fra Angelico Festival, held on 22 November 2024, was a truly spectacular event that brought together art, culture, and community for an unforgettable evening of celebration. The Parents & Friends’ Association, alongside an amazing group of volunteers, played an important role in ensuring that the event was successful, particularly in hosting the International Eat Street and Champagne Lawn.
This event’s success was made possible by the generous financial and food donations from the SSC community, as well as the dedication of over 50 volunteers who gave their time and effort to ensure everything ran smoothly. A special thank you goes to Alex and Kate, from the Executive P&F Committee, who worked extremely hard in organising, facilitating, and coordinating the volunteers both prior and on the night!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Fra Angelico Festival a truly memorable occasion!
Year Group Catch Ups
Year 9 Dinner
The Year 9 Christmas Catch Up was a hit! Given the crazy time of year, the parents and girls made a huge effort to attend and have a final catch up before the year came to an end.
Year 6 Dinner Dance
The Year 6 girls celebrated the end of their journey of primary school with their Year 6 Dinner Dance.
Almost 280 students and parents attended this event, which is a huge feat in itself! A big thank you goes to DJ Alexis (from Year 9) who was incredible. The girls had an amazing celebration full of laughter and memories.
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.
Tennis Camp Prep to Year 8
Tennis Camp bookings are now open for Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 December 2024 and Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 December 2024
Friends and family are welcome – Tennis Camp registration is extended to friends and family, so get the message out to brothers, cousins and friends!
See you on court soon – Don’t Miss Out!
Jarrad Magee Santa Sabina Tennis
Uniform Shop holiday hours
Extended trading hours
The Santa Sabina College Uniform Shop will close for the school holidayson Thursday 12 December at 3:00pm and reopen for Term 1 extended trading hours on Tuesday 14 January 2025 at 9.00am.
Extended Term 1 Trading hours 2025 – appointments required
Tuesday 14 January to Friday 17 January Opening 9:00am to 3:00pm
Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January Opening 9:00am to 3:00pm
Please note: The shop will be closed on Monday 27 January for Australia Day.
Tuesday 28January to Thursday 30 January Opening 9:00am to 3:00pm
The shop will resume normal trading hours on Friday 31 January.
Fitting appointments: Full uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only. Please use the QR code to book an appointment.
Lego looking for a home?
Do you have unused Lego cluttering up your cupboards but can’t bear to throw it out?
I have a solution to your problem!
Pack it up and we will send it with other educational supplies to the Dominican Sisters’ schools in various locations around the Solomon Islands. Can you imagine the joy your Lego will bring to little ones who have never seen Lego or Duplo?
Please include any instruction books, to give new builders ideas of what is possible with these wonderful blocks.
You can drop them off to school – any campus – or if you want to make this a holiday project, with your children. Or phone me to work out pick up or deliver at other times: 0425 25 22 89.
With thanks!
Jane Sulis Coordinator of Outreach
Holiday Football Program
Little United is thrilled to bring its Holiday Football Program to Santa Sabina’s primary students (K–6) this January 2025!
Program Highlights:
Skill Development: Confidence & technique
Athleticism: Fitness & coordination
Game Sense: Teamwork & decision-making
Details:
Dates: January 22 January- 24 January 2025 (see flyer)
