Term 1 Enrichment Update

Students have undertaken a wide range of activities during the enrichment program this term, with some students going on excursions and competitions and others in training for events in Term 2. Highlighted are two events that happened in March with a focus on STEM in the senior years.

Sea Science Student Expo

Year 10 and 11 students with a keen interest in Biology and Marine Science attended the Sea Science Student Expo at the Australian National Maritime Museum. 

The students had the opportunity to hear from five young people involved in sustainability and Marine Biology. They spoke optimistically about the future of our oceans’ health and discussed pathways for students to engage in this field through universities, volunteer programs and the possibilities of postgraduate work. Students then had the opportunity to explore the HMAS Vampire and enjoy other displays at the museum.

Attending the Student Sea Expo at the Australian Maritime Museum was an inspiring opportunity to engage with cutting-edge marine research and connect with passionate experts dedicated to ocean conservation.
Eva Villarroel
Year 11 IB Biology

Science and Engineering Challenge

On 27 March, 30 students from Years 9 and 10 attended the Science and Engineering Challenge at Sydney Olympic Park. These students signed up last year and trained after school to become familiar with their challenges. The girls participated in engineering feats such as building an eco habitat that could withstand wind and rain, building planes from balsa wood, wind turbines from cardboard and skewers and a host of other challenging and fun games that tested wit and problem solving skills.

Whilst overall the Santa Team placed seventh, we had some pleasing results in individual challenges with a team of four Year 9 girls placing third for their eco habitat design. The bridge team took a risk with a triangular bridge design, whilst innovative it was not a winner. Most importantly the students had fun and were able to work with professionals from industry and mentors from universities across NSW.

We are looking forward to another term of activities after the Easter break.

Matthew Mountford
Dean of Gifted Education

College Principal

The Lamp Post – Principal’s Update: Ms Skerman shines a light on the rich opportunities embraced by our students in Term 1 and looks forward to the new initiatives commencing in Term 2.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

We are all witnesses to Christ embracing his own cross

As Lent draws to a close, the end of the term also sees us on the cusp of marking the Easter Season in our families and in our Church communities. We will soon be marking the beginning of the most solemn period in the Liturgical year for the Catholic Church. We begin The Easter Triduum by celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ passion and death, and on Easter Sunday we joyously celebrate Jesus’ resurrection to new life. 

As the students of Del Monte, Gioia House and Santa Sabina prepare to take time with their families over the Easter Break, they will also gather to mark Holy Week with moving and engaging liturgies. These gatherings will be reflective of the disciples who gathered around Jesus in his final days.

Holy Week at Santa Sabina will serve to acknowledge Easter as a season of hope. We have been reminded that the ultimate resurrection message is to hold steadfast in our beliefs and allow no burden to defeat us as we play witness to Christ embracing his own cross.

May God surround us with gifts this Easter Season 
– the gift salvation, the gift of hope, the gift of joy.
May all who are gathered here find 
peace and goodwill in all that we do
May God bless and nourish us in the days ahead 
and may our actions reflect God’s love
May we truly become people of the Resurrection – 
seeking hope, speaking our faith, serving each other with joy
and May God bless us.

Happy Easter!

Please find below, reprinted here with permission of its author Jennfer Hickson the DEA Director of Mission and Formation, a reflection on Lent in our modern world. 

A Lenten App from the 13th Century

A couple of times this Lent I have heard preachers recommend the idea of taking some time, perhaps a day a week, to switch off the mobile phone to disconnect. To me, that suggestion does not sound like a Lenten penance but a blessed relief! Recently, I did a rough calculation of how many WhatsApp chats I belong to for my children’s school, sport and extracurricular activities… approximately ten. Ten different chats sending me messages (almost daily) about things like the time of netball training, when to bring in a gold coin for Project Compassion and what morning tea is needed for the next class Mass. It’s wonderful that children have the opportunity to be part of so many community activities but gone are the days of a parent receiving the paper newsletter once a week, with a diary in hand to note down important dates, as I remember my mother doing. This led me to think about the parents in our ministries and how they might be experiencing Lent this year. Are the invitations to almsgiving, fasting and prayer that the Church puts out to all disciples each Lent, even possible for the modern-day parent?

Traditionally, Lent is a time set apart before Easter so that one might grow deeper in their relationship with God. A time to let go of that which distracts us and embrace who God is calling us to be. So, what to make of WhatsApp – is it friend or foe on the journey of Lent? I suspect that switching off from WhatsApp isn’t really a viable option for parents of school aged children – no one wants their child turning up to school in school uniform on a Mufti Day! Granted, this example is rather trivial and perhaps unfairly misconstruing a good Lenten suggestion made by earnest preachers. Perhaps some wisdom from the Dominican tradition might help us get to the heart of the matter and assist us in thinking more critically about some of the technological tools that have colonised our daily lives.

One of the great thinkers of the Dominican tradition, Thomas Aquinas was considered an early adopter of technology, in as much as they had technology in the 13th century. He was skilled at adopting systems for preserving and advancing knowledge. His practices would have been cutting edge for his time, but he also had a profound sense of right ordering. He pondered goodness, virtue and which actions would lead one to live a flourishing, fulfilling life, directed towards one’s ultimate purpose – union with God. This rigour in thinking might lead us beyond simplistic dualistic responses to a deeper way of living and being. Aquinas knew that human excellence and virtue require patience, effort, sacrifice and time. Aquinas might encourage us to think about whether the technological tools we are using are leading us to goodness and truth not just convenience and efficiency. Perhaps discovering the application of Thomas’s wisdom in one’s own situation is just the Lenten App the modern-day parent needs. Who knows where it might lead? I’m sure St Thomas is hoping that it will lead to the joy and new life of Easter!  
Jennifer Hickson

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Operations

Student assessment has started to be submitted by students and subsequently, student results will become available to provide students with feedback on the tasks that they have completed. There has been a tile added to the Curriculum Information page on Veritas Online that provides details on how to access student results. For students in Years 7 to 11 the end of semester report will provide a summary of grades and a mark from A-E. All feedback to the students is provided on the student results page.

The co-curricular program at Santa Sabina is varied and holistic designed to suit a range of interests and passions. All participation in the co-curricular program is collected on the College Co-curricular Management System, Clipboard. This enables the staff to collect vital information on attendance. By the end of this week all participation in Term 1 co-curricular activities will be available to be viewed by parents via Parent Lounge and by students in the Student Café. The activities logged will be used for co-curricular awards at the end of the year and displayed on student reports at the end of the semester.

With the weather cooling, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic in the streets in and around both campuses. Parents are reminded that the only designated kiss and ride section for the Santa Sabina campus (including Gioia House) is on Jersey Road and the only designated Kiss and Ride for the Del Monte campus is on Carrington Avenue. I have been flooded with complaints about Santa Sabina students being dropped off on Russell St and Margaret St across residents driveways and in some cases parking in private car parks. Please note that both Burwood and Strathfield Council rangers and local police are in regular attendance in the area and will issue fines for traffic offences.

I wish all families a safe and happy Easter break.

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Poetry in Action 

Recently, our Year 10 English students had the privilege of experiencing a captivating performance by Poetry in Action, an innovative touring theatre company dedicated to unlocking the power of words. This dynamic show, filled with passion, anger, humour, and heartbreak, followed the life and works of Wilfred Owen, one of the most striking and brilliant voices of his era.

The performance took our students through the horror, heroism, and hopelessness of conflict, examining people’s attitudes towards war. Through Owen’s powerful poetry, students gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and its impact on humanity.

Elevate 

Next week, Elevate will be running a study skills program for all Year 7-10 students, as they prepare for the assessment block in Term 2 and 4. 

Year 7 students will participate in the Study Skills Kick Start seminar, which focuses on fundamental skills such as dynamic reading, note-taking, and conceptual learning. These skills will help students extract key points from texts, organise their notes effectively, and break down information into relevant concepts.

For Years 8 and 9 students, the seminar will emphasise consistent work habits and the completion of larger tasks. Students will learn how to break bigger tasks into manageable amounts and prioritise their work. The seminar covers developing a study routine that balances socialising, sports, and extracurricular activities with academic productivity. Additionally, students will learn to identify the most impactful work, manage assignments and exams, and overcome procrastination.

Year 10 students will attend the Ace Your Exams seminar, which focuses on critical exam skills. This seminar teaches students how to apply their knowledge effectively in the exam room and emphasises the importance of preparation. Skills covered include effective work strategies, fixing mistakes on mock exams, time allocation for preparation, and exam room techniques such as stress management and planning. We believe these seminars will greatly benefit our students and help them achieve their academic goals.

Updates at the end of Term 1

Interim Reports for students in Years 1-11 are now accessible through the Parent Lounge. These reports offer valuable insights into your child’s learning journey, specifically focusing on behaviour and work ethic. Teachers have evaluated these areas using descriptors such as Consistently, Usually, Sometimes, and Needs Improvement.

Additionally, we would like to remind you about the upcoming Student-Parent-Teacher interviews for Prep through to Year 11 scheduled for Tuesday 29 April, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. This is a pupil-free day, and interviews will be held in person. 

Continuous Reporting 7-11 has been introduced this year. Parents and students are receiving feedback and grades through VO following assessment tasks. For students, it encourages self-reflection, goal-setting, and a proactive approach towards their education, ensuring frequent updates that highlight growth and improvement. This will replace teacher comments on the semester report. 

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

As we draw Term 1 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a rich and rewarding start to the school year. This term, our journey through Lent has offered our students and staff a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow in kindness and compassion. As we now look ahead to Holy Week, we are reminded of the deep significance of this season, and we look forward to marking it with reverence and joy through our upcoming celebrations and reflections within the school community.

Throughout the term, it has been a joy to see our children bring their unique selves into every space – each personality and story adding colour and life to our school. As they form connections, face challenges, learn and grow, they not only deepen their understanding of the world but also gently teach us important lessons of patience and the beauty of seeing things through their eyes.

GRIP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025

Last week, our Gioia House and Del Monte student leaders proudly represented Santa Sabina College at the GRIP Student Leadership Conference. This dynamic event brought together student leaders from across Sydney to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, creativity and purpose.

Throughout the day, our leaders were challenged to think outside the box, generating innovative ideas and learning from the experiences of others. Through a range of engaging activities, including interactive games, group discussions, and role-play scenarios, students explored what it means to be a leader who serves, listens, and makes a positive impact in their community.

The conference also featured inspiring guest speakers who encouraged students to lead with courage, kindness, and humility. They reminded our young leaders that leadership is not about titles but about being a voice for others, standing up for what is right, and helping create a community where everyone feels seen and heard.

Our students left the conference energised, with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of practical strategies to bring back to our school community. They are already exploring ways to put their learning into action through service, teamwork, and inclusive initiatives that reflect our Dominican values.

LITERACY PRO ONLINE READING PROGRAM

We are excited to share that from Term 2, students in Years 3 and 4 will be engaging with Literacy Pro, an evidence-based online reading program designed to support and motivate independent reading.

Throughout Term 1, teachers spent time familiarising themselves with the program and the Literacy Pro digital platform. As part of this preparation, students have also completed a placement assessment to establish their Lexile levels, which serve as a starting point for their reading journey. This valuable data enables teachers to monitor and support each student’s progress throughout the year.

Literacy Pro uses a Lexile framework to match students with books that are both appropriately challenging and aligned to their interests. The platform provides opportunities for students to track their own progress, complete reading quizzes, and earn certificates, fostering independence, motivation, and a love of reading. 

We will be sharing more information in Term 2 on how students can access the Literacy Pro platform and track their reading progress.

We will be extending this program to our Gioia House students later in Term 2.

PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS

As previously communicated, Parent–Student–Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 April, between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Please note that this is a pupil-free day. Interviews will be take place as follows:

Prep: Prep classrooms. Students are NOT required at the interview.
K-4: Del Monte Hall. Students are required to attend the interview.
Gioia House: Gioia House Classrooms. Students are required to attend the interview.

These meetings offer a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s learning and pastoral goals and reflect on their progress, exploring both strengths and areas for growth.

TERM 2 CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM 

At Santa Sabina College, we are committed to providing a rich variety of co-curricular opportunities that support the holistic development of our Del Monte and Gioia House students. These programs are designed to nurture students’ interests and foster teamwork.

Gioia House students will continue with their selected co-curricular activities from Term 1.

Gioia House Co-curricular activities include: 

Creative Experience Club – Monday at lunchtime with Ms Trees. 
Writers’ Club – Monday at lunchtime with Ms Anetter. 
Ethics Olympiad – Monday lunchtime with Ms Azizian. 
Performing Arts Club – Tuesday lunchtime with Ms Watkins. 
IPSHA Debating – Tuesdays after school 3:30pm – 4:10pm with Ms Milicic and Ms Di Ciaccio.
Homework Club – Tuesday after school in the SSC Library from 3:30pm – 4:15pm with Ms Kostakis. 
Kitchen Garden Club – Wednesday at lunchtime with Mr Dunphy. 
Crochet Club – Thursday lunchtime with Ms Tierney.

A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR NEW PLAYGROUND

There has been a buzz of excitement in the Del Monte playground over the past few weeks as students eagerly anticipate the completion of our new play space. On Wednesday, students were taken on a very special visit to the construction site to see the progress firsthand. Wearing their protective gear, including hard hats and safety vests, they stepped into the world of builders and engineers, getting a close-up look at the structures they’ve been watching grow from behind the fence.

There was plenty of excitement as students explored the emerging features of the space, including the beautiful rotunda structure and the surrounding play area, both now nearing completion. Their eyes lit up with curiosity and joy as they imagined the adventures they would soon have in their new outdoor environment.

Unfortunately, the recent heavy rains have impacted the construction schedule, causing a slight delay in the opening of the playground. We will be in a better position to provide a confirmed opening date closer to Term 2.

OOSH HOLIDAY UPDATE

Please note that OOSH will continue to operate from the Del Monte Seminar Room during the upcoming school holidays and throughout the first week of Term 2. We look forward to relocating OOSH to its newly refurbished rooms early in Term 2, and we will share further information with families regarding the move at the beginning of the term. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this transitional period.

P-6 EASTER ART COMPETITION

A friendly reminder that the Easter Art Competition, organised by the P&F, is now open to all Prep to Year 6 students as a creative alternative to the traditional Easter egg hunt. This optional initiative encourages students to reflect on the Easter story and express their creativity while supporting Caritas Australia – Project Compassion. Prep to Year 1 students will complete a colouring activity at home, while Years 2–6 students are invited to create Easter artwork with a short written reflection. Entries are due by Wednesday 30 April. For more information, refer to the letter shared in the previous VV newsletter.

CANTEEN ORDERS

Please ensure to pre-order your child’s lunch online through Flexischools by 9:00am on the day. Orders after 9:00am will not be accepted as canteen staff requires time to prepare the food. Click here for further information. 

Providing a nutritious lunchbox is essential for keeping your child energised and focused throughout the school day. To make packing lunches easier and healthier, consider using the SWAP IT resource, which offers practical ideas and tips for balanced meals. Visit SWAP IT Parent Resources.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their commitment and care in guiding our students through the first term. Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership, trust, and support, as it is through this shared journey that we are able to nurture and grow a strong, joyful learning community.

As we enter the holiday break, I wish each of you a safe, restful time with your loved ones, and a joyful Easter filled with peace and hope.

Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of this term and for all we have learned, shared, and become.
As we rest and prepare for the joy of Easter, fill our hearts with gratitude, our homes with peace, and our days with kindness.
Amen.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 2

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

CALENDAR EVENTS

LINK to parent VO page

For detailed information about upcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.

IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES

• Thursday 3 April – 9:00am-12:00 noon Cross Country Trials
• Thursday 3 April – 2:30pm Primary Assembly
• Tuesday 8 April – Years 5-12 Holy Week Liturgy
• Tuesday 8 April 9:00am-2:30pm – P&F Mother’s Day Stall Wrapping 
• Wednesday 9 April 9:00am-12:15pm – Year 3 & 4 Sydney Catholic Schools Stage 2 Netball Gala Day
• Thursday 10 April 2:00pm-3:00pm – K-4 Holy Week Liturgy
• Friday 11 April – Term 1 concludes
• Tuesday 29 April 10:00am-6:00pm – K-11 Parent Teacher Interviews
• Wednesday 30 April – Term 2 commences
• Wednesday 30 April – Easter Art Competition closes
• Thursday 1 May 2:30pm-3:00pm – K-4 Anzac Day Assembly
• Friday 2 May 9:00am-11:30am – Discovery Tour
• Monday 5 May – P&F Mothers’ Day stall at Gioia House

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Mary Bailey House

During Harmony Week we celebrated the cultural diversity in our community. We engaged the children in discussion about their family; the countries that their parents come from and the languages that they speak at home. We spoke about our first Australians and our multicultural country. At the end of the week the children our preschool teacher Danielle asked her children, ‘What do we know about Harmony Day?’ they replied:

Lucy: ‘Harmony is peaceful and love. Some people look a little different they speak Italian or Mandarin.’
Eleanor: ‘We don’t have the same skin.’
Caitlyn: ‘Mummy is light skin, Daddy is dark skin.’
Danielle: ‘All over the world we look different.’
Valeria: ‘We love that we are different.’
Ruby: ‘Me and my sister, only my mum has white skin, Popo has white skin.’

On Harmony Day, the children were invited to make orange bracelets. When doing so some drew love hearts, while others drew their families, to remind us that Harmony Day is about love and embracing our differences.

OOSH

Less than two weeks until school holidays! If your child is looking for something fun and interesting to do during the break, I’m certain that our Vacation Care program will have it. The incursion and excursion program has a good variety of experiences that we’re sure will tempt and please all.

Vacation Care is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm every day during the school holidays, except on Public Holidays. If you would like you child attend, please then contact our OOSH Coordinator Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Mother’s Day at Santa Sabina

We look forward to welcoming our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and carers to our celebrations for 
Mother’s Day on Thursday 8 May 2024.

Mass will be celebrated in the Santa Sabina Chapel at two different times with breakfast in the Hall for ALL families at 8:30am.

7:30am Mass Prep – Year 12
This Mass is open to all families from Prep to Year 12.

9:15am Mass Kindergarten – Year 4 
This Mass will be attended by all Primary students from Kindergarten – Year 4. If a student is attending the Mass with their family, they are invited to attend the breakfast in the Siena Centre Hall at 8:30am and then make their way to the Santa Sabina Chapel for a 9:15am start. Students who do not have a family member attending Mass can be dropped off to the Primary Campus as usual and will be escorted to the Chapel by their classroom teacher.

Mothers who wish to attend Mass with their Prep students may walk with them over to the Chapel and return them to Prep at the conclusion of Mass. 

Bookings are essential for catering purposes:

Discovery Tour

Our next Discovery Tour showcasing Santa Sabina to future families takes place on Friday 2 May at 9:00am. Please share this information with any family and friends who are considering Santa Sabina for the future enrolment of their children.

Career Women’s Network

Last chance to register as a mentor

We invite College parents and ex-students to be part of our 2025 Career Women’s Network, an initiative that connects our Years 10-12 students, as well as recent graduates, with inspiring mentors from the Santa Sabina community.

Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and empowering our students as they step into the world beyond school. We would love for you to join us at our signature Career Women’s Breakfast on Friday 16 May 2025, from 7:00am – 9:00am in Siena Hall. Our Guest Speaker is Faith Halliday (Class of 2000), CEO of StratWest and Co-Chair of Parramatta Women’s Shelter.

There will also be opportunities throughout the year to participate in industry-specific networking events, work placements, and mock interviews.

This network continues to thrive – at last year’s breakfast, over 110 mentors from diverse industries connected with our senior students and recent graduates, offering invaluable support, work experience, and career advice. Their guidance has helped open doors and build confidence, ensuring our students are future-ready.

Research shows that women are often hesitant to put themselves forward, particularly for leadership roles. This is why we are calling on our alumni and community members to champion our young women, to share wisdom, encouragement, and real-world insights. 

If you are interested in becoming a mentor at this exciting event or throughout the year, please fill out the form below. Your involvement could make all the difference in shaping the future of our students.

Earlybird bookings for breakfast on Friday 16 May are now open:

We look forward to working together again through this important initiative and building our Santa Sabina networks and connections.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

For the final Veritas Voice article for the term I thought I would write about something I suspect most people in our school community know nothing about. The Tallong Midge Orchid.

The Tallong Midge Orchid is seen as an emblem of the Tallong district. It is one of the rarest plants in Australia, occurring in only a few small areas in and around Tallong, and on a site in Moreton National Park. No other habitats have been located anywhere else in the world. It grows on very shallow soil or within mosses on sandstone conglomerate shelves. The Midge Orchids don’t necessarily flower every year, often skipping years when rainfall hasn’t occurred prior to the flowering season.

Some 20 years ago these orchids were discovered on the Tallong campus and are now managed by the NPWS who do annual audits and health checks on the plants. The locations of these orchids on the campus are a closely guarded secret. So not only does the campus hold a special place in the hearts of the Santa Sabina College community but the landscape also nourishes and protects these beautiful orchids. We look forward to protecting and nurturing these fragile plants into the future and encourage all of the students who visit the campus to become stewards of our natural world.

Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus

Director of Development

Rosary Garden

Santa Sabina College Rosary Garden has been progressing at pace and we will be thrilled to be able to use this space in the not-too-distant future. It will transform the Del Monte play area into a serene space dedicated not only to play and gatherings but also to prayer and reflection. The garden features the meticulously arranged stepping-stones symbolising the decades of the Rosary, which families have been able to purchase and have their name/family name embedded onto the bead.

This tranquil environment offers students, staff, and visitors a place to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, fostering a deeper connection to their faith. The Rosary Garden is not just a visual delight but also a spiritual haven. The garden’s design provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

The Rosary Garden is a great way to support the College as well as have your family/child’s name placed on a plaque in perpetuity in what we hope will be a unique space in our College. If you would like to discuss how you can make a donation and have your name or family name on one of our plaques please contact me in the Development office at giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au or on 97450232 or, if you would prefer, you can complete the forms attached.

Please refer to the following:

One of 53 (39 beads left) Hail Mary Beads at a cost of $5 000.

One of 6 (2 beads left) Our Father Beads at a cost of $10 000.

Please contact me if you would like to secure your plaque.

Annual Appeal

In conjunction with the Rosary Garden, Santa Sabina College is proud to launch its Annual Appeal for Scholarships. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring that a quality education is accessible to all, regardless of their financial circumstances. The scholarships will support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to the values upheld by Santa Sabina College.

The Annual Appeal for Scholarships is a vital part of the College’s mission to foster inclusivity and excellence. By contributing to this appeal, donors can make a significant impact on the lives of students, helping them to achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential. This Annual Appeal will be launched in the next month, and I would encourage everyone in our community to support this so that we can provide an education for deserving students.

For more information on the Rosary Garden and the Annual Appeal for Scholarships, please visit the Santa Sabina College website or contact me in the Development office.

George Ayoub
Director of Development
giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au
+61 2 9745 0232

From the Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12

Health and Harmony Retreat

I would like to remind our Years 6 – 8 mothers and daughters that they are invited to our overnight Health and Harmony retreat, to be held at our picturesque Tallong Campus on Saturday 24 May from 10:00am to Sunday 25 May at 2:00pm. 

The weekend retreat will focus on creating positive and strong connections between mother and daughter, with wellness at the forefront. Bestselling author, teen educator, speaker and media commentator Danielle Miller will provide a keynote address. Families will also participate in activities including: bushwalking, yoga, wellness activities, and, of course, conversation and connection around the warm, winter fireplace. 

The cost for each participant is $350. The cost is inclusive of cabin accommodation, delicious meals and all activities. Places are limited and tickets are on sale now for families who have not participated before. From 1 April, booking will be open to all mothers and daughters in Years 6-8, regardless of whether they joined us at the last Health and Harmony Retreat.

Elise Whiley
Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12

Music in the Senior School (Curricular)

We are looking forward to our Australian Composers Day this coming Monday 7 April, where all elective music students from Years 9 to 12 will have the opportunity to be inspired by some of Australia’s leading composers. The workshops and seminars will provide invaluable insights into contemporary art composition and help students develop their own unique creative voices. Please note that though students all over the state will join us for this day, Santa Sabina students do not need to register via Trybooking and you will attend free of charge.

Meanwhile, our junior music students have been… Meanwhile, our junior music students have commenced their assessment preparation, engaging in activities that develop both their performance and creative skills. Year 7 students are exploring the iconic Tetris theme, preparing to perform the piece while composing and integrating their own musical elements. Meanwhile, Year 8 students are refining their composition and performance abilities on guitar, focusing on the stylistic nuances of Blues music. These experiences foster a well-rounded musical education, encouraging both technical proficiency and creative expression.

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

More Music…

Click below to find out more about Music events and co-curricular opportunities at Santa Sabina College.

#60 for 60

This month our school community is participating in So They Can’s 1HumanRace #60for60 Challenge. So They Can is a not-for-profit organisation that is doing vital work supporting girls’ fundamental rights to safety and education in Kenya and Tanzania. The organisation is supporting the at-risk girls in those communities, through education and empowerment projects, to break out of the cycle of poverty and child marriage. 

On Tuesday 4 March, Emily Whitehouse, Partnership Manager at So They Can joined us at assembly and we heard about the work they are doing around gender equality in Kenya and Tanzania. It was also encouraging to hear some of the 1HumanRace #60for60 challenge ideas that Emily provided us with an understanding of how we can act to change this situation. 

Support us this March by joining the 1HumanRace #60for60 Friday Challenge on 14 and 28 March. Students from Gioia House and the senior campus will take part in physical or mindful challenges, all revolving around the number ’60’. The reason for ’60’ is that 60% of teenage girls are still at risk of child marriage. Participating students will be able to wear their sports uniform in exchange for a $2 gold coin. There will be both physical activities held at the Basketball Courts (e.g. hold plank position for 60 seconds) and mindful activities (e.g. 60 girls making origami butterflies) held at St Elizabeth’s during lunchtime. 

Additionally, students can further challenge themselves – and involve family and friends – by participating in fundraising throughout March. There is a QR code on the poster below that will lead you to a page where you can join in an activity and do 60 of something, for example, swim 60 laps or walk 60 minutes a week or cycle 60 kms to raise funds. There is an opportunity for each one of you to support and help raise funds for this worthy cause! Donate by clicking on this link: Santa Sabina College – 1HumanRace 2025 | So They Can 

Imagine a world where gender equality is not just a dream but also a reality for everyone. This future is within our reach, but only if we act together through initiatives like 1HumanRace championing girls and women’s rights and standing up against injustice – we can play a vital role and actively do something to bring meaningful change. We can collectively work for rights, equality, and empowerment for ALL women, which is the International Women’s Day campaign theme this month: ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ 

This is also an excellent opportunity to support and challenge one another so come along and bring your friends. All funds raised will go towards helping change the lives of young girls in East Africa and give them hope for a future free from poverty, violence and safe from child marriage. We encourage you to spread the word and participate on both Fridays to make a difference. Every donation counts! 

Charlotte Brown
Year 10

Kopanang Connect Raffle

Please support Santa Kopanang Connect – the student initiative supporting the women of Kopanang – and buy a raffle ticket. The students are creating a real-world start-up to develop entrepreneurial skills, grow their technological proficiency while taking global action in true Dominican spirit.

The raffle prize is a beautifully embroidered framed piece of artwork handmade by the women in Kopanang.

Careers Spotlight @ SSC

Below are the upcoming careers events and opportunities available for students. Please register for those that you are interested in. A reminder that many workshops and opportunities are taking place in the April holidays and are available here. Note that some opportunities have limited places and can fill up quickly.

Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) guided tour

Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Location: ACU Blacktown Campus
Date: 3 April 2025

Did you want to take a deeper dive into Sport and Exercise or High performance Sport at ACU?

Join us for a discipline-specific guided visit at the BEST Hub, a $100m state-of-the-art health and performance facility at the Blacktown International Sports Park.

You’ll be shown around the facility by expert academic staff, meet current students and see our cutting-edge biomechanical and exercise physiology labs in action.

Find out more and register.

UNSW College Open Day

Organisation: UNSW
Location: UNSW College Campus
Date: 5 April 2025

Join us for Open Day and discover how the successful completion of a UNSW College Diploma can lead straight into your second year of a preferred UNSW degree. Students can meet future teachers, chat with current students, tour our campus, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Find out more and register.

Sydney Design School Open Day

Organisation: Sydney Design School
Location: Sydney Design School
Date: 5 April 2025

If you’re considering studying with us, our Open Day is a great way to get to know us better. Explore our studios, browse through our Graduate Exhibition, meet students and Educators, watch a live Info Session and get creative making a mood board or digital model.

Find out more and register.

Bond University Virtual Open Day

Organisation: Bond University
Location: Online
Date: 5 April 2025

Experience Bond’s deliberately different approach to learning at Virtual Open Day. Register to unlock exclusive content, available to you on-demand, and watch the broadcast streamed live from campus.

See for yourself why the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite classroom. From our personalised attention to our exceptional graduate outcomes, Virtual Open Day is the place to uncover everything Bond University has to offer.

Find out more and register.

Simulated UCAT Day Workshop, Online

Organisation: National Institute of Education
Location: Online
Date: 5 April 2025

If you are in Years 10, 11, 12, or you may be older and considering sitting the UCAT in the future, then this program is for you. The Simulated UCAT Workshop program is ideal and often a necessary step towards effective and efficient preparation for the UCAT.

The workshop is primarily designed to cover fundamental techniques in navigating all five sections of the UCAT test and also for participants to gain a better understanding of their own level of preparedness for the test.

The program runs over one full day of UCAT training, and Part 2, which is a 3-hour session for students and parents.

Find out more and register.

Macquarie Future of Health Information Sessions

Organisation: Macquarie University
Location: Online
Date: 8-10 April 2025

Join us for Macquarie Future of Health and connect with thought leaders, industry professionals and academic experts. You’ll discuss the future of healthcare, engage in dynamic discussions and explore emerging trends and cutting-edge innovations.

Register for one or more of the sessions below to hear from a range of industry experts, explore healthcare trends and learn more about how Macquarie’s suite of healthcare courses meets current and future demands.

Find out more and register.

Applying to UTS: UAC info session

Organisation: University of Technology Sydney
Location: Online
Date: 9 April 2025

Thinking about studying at UTS? This session will walk you through the application process via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Learn about key dates, entry requirements, preferences, offers, and important tips to maximise your chances of getting into your preferred course. Plus, get your questions answered by UTS experts.

Find out more and register.

Sydney Defence Careers Information Session

Organisation: Australian Defence Force
Location: Sydney ADF Careers Centre
Date: 9 April 2025

Consider a career like no other and represent Australia with pride in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Speak with current serving personnel at our upcoming info session and ask your questions – is a career in the Australian Defence Force for you?

Find out more and register.

NUSpace Campus Tour

Organisation: University of Newcastle
Location: NUSpace, UON City Campus
Date: 11 April 2025

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of NU Space, located at The University of Newcastle in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Get ready to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant campus atmosphere.

During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the latest technologies, interactive classrooms, and collaborative study areas that make NUSpace a hub of creativity and learning. Our knowledgeable staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.

Find out more and register.

Q Building Campus Tour

Organisation: University of Newcastle
Location: Q Building, UON City Campus
Date: 11 April 2025

Join us for an exciting tour of the Q Building at The University of Newcastle! Explore the state-of-the-art facilities and immerse yourself in the vibrant campus atmosphere.

This in-person event is your chance to discover the cutting-edge technology and innovative spaces that make the Q Building a hub of creativity and learning.

Whether you’re a prospective student or simply curious about the university, this tour is the perfect chance to see what makes our campus special.

Find out more and register.

National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice

Organisation: National Art School
Location: National Art School, Darlinghurst
Date: Applications Close 11 April

Module 1 – 15-18 July

Module 2 – 29 Sept – 3 October

The NAS HSC Intensive Studio Practice program is a great opportunity for Year 11 Visual Arts students who are passionate about art and want to take their skills to the next level in the HSC and beyond. Endorsed by the NSW Education Standards Authority, the HSC Intensive has been offered since 2000 to students in both government and non-government high schools.

The HSC intensive is unique as it is taught by professional artists who know what it takes to succeed. Students get to work in professional art studios, enhance their skills and build up their art portfolio. It’s not just about learning, as it’s also a chance to meet other art-loving students from all over the state.

To apply for the course, you need to be a high achiever in your Preliminary Visual Arts Course and show that you’re serious about your studies. You also need an endorsement from your Visual Arts teacher.

Find out more and register.

Interesting Reading

The power of a good portfolio

Work experience ideas for students who love animals

Discover careers in libraries and archives

How to improve concentration

Eva Guirguis
Head of Future Pathways and Partnerships

Museum of Human Disease Excursion

Recently Year 12 HSC and IB Biology students took their learning beyond the classroom via a visit to the Museum of Human Disease at UNSW. While there, they learnt about and saw the effects of a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as different technologies available to assist those experiencing disorders. While at times a little confronting, the experience was invaluable for situating their understanding of disease in a real-world context.

Here’s what the students had to say about the experience:

The excursion absolutely shook my world! It was everything I expected and more, all the case studies and the presenter explaining helped a lot with my understanding on the topic!!! Truly a valuable experience which I cannot recommend more!

This experience was so valuable since it provided me with further knowledge about the causes and effects of infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases.

I loved being able to walk around the museum and look at the effect of the different diseases on the body. It was very informative and helped us with case studies, such as tuberculosis. 

This excursion was so unique as we were able to see the effect of disease on human body systems in person. This was so insightful and it has provided clarity on the class work while being so fun and interesting too!

The Museum of Human Disease was an eye-opening experience. Seeing real specimens up close made me appreciate the impact of different diseases and how important it is to take care of our health. It was a fascinating and valuable learning experience.

The museum was very helpful and was an amazing experience. It was very interesting and fun to do, walking around and looking at real human specimens to learn more about the disease. Would love to go again! 

Although learning about the many diseases was confronting at times, it really made me appreciate the beauty that comes with the complexity of the human body. I left the museum eager to learn more and ready to change my own habits that can put my body at risk of disease. 

I found the excursion brought a whole new light on disease and sickness to me, seeing the donations of different diseased organs, with each telling a story of the donor made me feel grief as well as respect for the donors and their families. Their donations to science have not only benefited the learning of future students of medicine and health, but will also, with the increased understanding of these diseases, pave the way to help with studying these illnesses.

Natasha Kempers
Head of Science

Learning in the Library

Community library

This week in the library we were excited to have Kate Pitman-Fernandez and Lucia Pappalardo launch our new student Community library. This initiative gives our students the opportunity to share their love of reading and contribute to a positive cycle of generosity.  Community libraries have shown the power to improve social connections and increase access to literature, whilst promoting recycling and sustainability.

Students from Year 5-12 are invited to share a book they have read and loved and take one in return.  Kate Pitman-Fernandez has embraced these elements of paying it forward with her donation of Time Shelter. Sharing her experience with the future reader, Kate writes of the joy and enlightenment she has derived from reading Time Shelter and shares her wish for this to extend ‘To the next intrepid reader’.

To give generously, share knowledge and care for the environment honour our Dominican heritage. It will be wonderful to see our students embracing the spirit of the ‘gifting economy’, giving freely books they have enjoyed without expectation of future rewards and emphasising the importance of joy, kindness, and positive relationships in our College.

Neurodiversity Week display

Also this week, Alica Bouantoun and Olivia Hone of Year 8 look at the display celebrating Neurodiversity Week. The response to this display, both from students and staff in the library and online, has been overwhelming. Through reading we can improve our understanding of the lives of people different from ourselves thereby building awareness and empathy.

Students in reading classes from Year 5 – 8 have been learning about different people who are neurodivergent. As a class they have read the first chapter of “Anything but typical”, a story of the experiences of an autistic twelve year old boy living in a neurotypical world.  Our students have shown great maturity and interest in their response to this book. To further broaden their awareness, students have been challenged to read a book by a neurodivergent author or containing neurodivergent characters.

Mock Trial Competition Win

Congratulations to the Santa Sabina HSIE Mock Trial team who won the first round of the NSW Law Society Mock Trial Competition defeating the team from Meriden School!

This competition gives Legal Studies students an authentic adversarial experience of the operations of the Australian Judicial System and is presided over by a NSW Legal Society representative Magistrate. Our HSIE Santa Sabina Mock Trial team argued a convincing case through examination and cross examination of witnesses about a crime involving the use of mobile phones.

The girls were very impressive to watch and included the following Year 11 Legal Studies students: Eve Ardagna, Kira Chemodakov, Evelyn Little, Deanna Miloni, Olivia Santangelo, Eva Villarroel and Sanya Thappa (first reserve). Thank you to Mrs Chan who coached this winning team and we look forward to future wins!

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

Participating in the Mock Trial was an immersive experience that sharpened my understanding of courtroom etiquette and witness testimony. I was able to embrace the challenge of presenting arguments effectively whilst adhering to procedural rules, showcasing my commitment to detail and professionalism. This experience not only deepened my grasp of legal principles but also enhanced my confidence in public speaking and collaborative teamwork.
Eva Villarroel
Year 11

Participating in the role of First Barrister in our Mock Trial against Meriden School was an invaluable opportunity. The case involved a crime centred around mobile phones, allowing us to apply case law to real-life online situations, develop persuasive legal arguments and identify key inconsistencies. This experience strengthened my ability to apply legal principles learnt in class to modern digital issues highlighting technology’s impact on the justice system.
Kira Chemodakov
Year 11

I found this experience incredibly exciting. Similar to debating, the Mock Trial incorporated a level of both impromptu and pre-prepared speaking. I think this experience is incredibly helpful to anyone wanting to potentially later study law or continue any sort of public speaking. It was also so helpful to have a real solicitor ruling as the Magistrate and giving us incredible feedback so we can later work on improving our techniques. Overall, I am so thrilled to be taking part in the Mock Trial co-curricular. Thank you to Ms Zagora and Ms Chan for hosting this amazing night.
Evelyn Little
Year 11

On 27 March we participated in the first round of the Mock Trial competition against Meriden school, acting as the defence in a criminal harassment trial. It was a truly educational and enjoyable experience which provided us with insight into the lives of professional barristers and the legal system. As the Second Barrister I cross examined the second witness for the prosecution and gave the closing address. This experience forced me to think on my feet and argue that the prosecution had not proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The competition was challenging but also very rewarding, and we were successful with a win in this first round!
Eve Ardagna
Year 11

Winning the first round of the Mock Trial competition was an exciting moment, demonstrating our team’s preparation and persuasive skills. This round was a great confidence booster and an important step in gaining real-world experience.

Deanna Miloni
Year 11

Sharing Expertise – Maths Faculty 2025 Action Research

With their vast range of career stages, academic qualifications and professional learning experiences, not to mention their highly collaborative culture, it makes perfect sense for the Maths Faculty to use this year’s Action Research to focus on learning from each other.  This project will involve the development of a mentoring model that creates a structure through which intraprofessional learning can be easily facilitated and its impact measured. Using the peer mentoring approach to professional learning, teachers will work alongside each other to build specific workplace knowledge and skills in a safe and supportive environment.

To kick start their project, the team spent the first Action Research session learning about how peer mentoring works and identifying the specific area of skill and/or knowledge that each teacher wanted to improve. They then worked on matching teachers with colleagues who had expertise in these identified areas for growth. From here, they will develop mentoring agreements that will identify the strategies and timeline that will be used to share expertise including opportunities for modelling, practice and feedback. Once this model has been trialled and its impact measured, it will be shared with other faculties who may also benefit from such a program. I’m looking forward to learning what comes out of the early stages of this project.

Kate Corcoran
Action Research Coordinator

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Project Compassion – Caritas Fundraising

Thank you to the Gioia House students for your incredible support in making our recent Bake Sale Fundraiser a success. Your generosity, whether through baking, assisting at lunchtime (setting up, selling or cleaning up) plays a vital role in helping us raise funds for Caritas Australia, which provides much needed financial support and develops initiatives for communities across the world. I am excited to share the Gioia House Bake Sale raised $735. Well done everyone!

Our current 5-12 ‘Carry for Caritas’ Fundraiser focuses on providing communities in Samoa with filtered water to ensure they have access to clean water for drinking, cooking and maintaining good hygiene. Students have been donating money towards their House collective amount. The Gioia House students have once again shown their generous spirit. Students and teachers also took part in a school challenge and relay event on Friday 27 March.

Gioia House Action Girls

At our whole school Assembly we celebrated our Gioia House Action Girls. Ms Azizian shared the qualities our Action Girls have displayed such as helping others, trying their best in the classroom and on the playground, taking up outreach opportunities, supporting all students and speaking with kindness. Ms Skerman presented the girls with their Action GIrl Certificate and Action Girl badge.

Congratulations to our Gioia House Action Girls!

Responsible Digital Citizen Pastoral Program

This term, the Gioia House students have been focusing on being cybersafe and a responsible digital citizen. This pastoral program focused on how we can use technology safely, ethically and respectfully. The main points we have emphasised with students include:

1. Think before you post anything online (messages, group chats, email etc.) 
   • Once something is online, it cannot be deleted.
   • Do not share any personal information online (name, address, school, location etc.).
2. Respect Others Online
   • Treat everyone with kindness. Use respectful language in comments, chats and post.
3. Protect Your Privacy
   • Use strong passwords and do not share them with anyone.
   • Keep your personal details private. Constable Jim told the girls they should never share their location or if they are at a restaurant, holidays etc. as we do not know who is viewing this post or information.
4. Verify Information Before Sharing 
   • Not everything online is true. Check sources before spreading news. 
   • Be aware of fake news and misinformation
5. Be Aware of Your Digital Footprint
   • Your online actions leave a permanent record
   • Keep your online presence positive (You would not want this to affect you in the future)
6. Report Inappropriate Behaviour
   • If you see cyberbullying or harmful content, report it to a teacher, parent, or the platform. 
   • Don’t engage in harmful discussions or spread negativity.
7. Use Technology Responsibly
   • Avoid excessive screen time and balance online and offline activities.

By following these principles, students can ensure a safer and more positive digital experience for themselves and others.

During this season of Lent, may we continue to come together to pray, give alms and reflect on this season of renewal. I wish you and your family a blessed Easter during the holiday break. 

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Gioia House Music Classes

At Gioia House, our fortnightly music classes offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of score and note reading, while also exploring a variety of music genres. Each lesson begins with a listening activity where students identify the instruments being played, the volume, and the tempo of the music. This exercise sharpens their auditory skills, allowing them to engage with music on a deeper, more attentive level.

Gioia House Choral    

Students now have all four pieces that they will be performing at the Gala Concert at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 24 June! They are working diligently on critical choral and ensemble skills like vowel blend, resonance, intonation, rhythmic precision and use of the voice across both registers. Additionally, they are working together to sing in parts – holding their own part against another. This develops what music teachers call ‘inner hearing’ and this has tremendous benefit for instrumental learning also. Respected Music educators all over the world swear by the learning process ‘see it; (inner) hear it; sing it; play it’. A weekly choir experience is a rare offering in the curriculum context, and we are thrilled to have the support of our Principal and Board to be able to afford such proven effective learning opportunities for our Santa students.

Supporting rehearsal resources for Gioia House Choir can be found on Veritas Online. We encourage students to use these resources at home to help their individual development. 

Gioia House Instrumental

As we conclude this term 1 of the Gioia House Instrumental Program, we’d like to reflect on the growth, achievements, and experiences of our students. Throughout the semester, students have demonstrated exceptional commitment and progress in both individual and group performances. We’ve explored a wide variety of musical styles, sharpened our technical skills, and worked together as an ensemble to create music.

This term, Year 5 Mini Maestros focused on developing their technique on their instruments and in Term 2 will begin to experience what it is like to rehearse in larger ensembles with different instruments. Year 6 Mini Maestros sharpened their ensembles skills of listening and following a conductor, and began to look at new repertoire like Beethoven’s Ninth and Dragon Dance. This is a good time to remind students that it is helpful to have a folder to ensure all music is kept in a safe place. Year 5 Strings and Year 6 Strings have looked at a variety of repertoire in preparation for the Gala Concert.

Each student has contributed to making this term a memorable and successful one. A special thank you goes out to all the students for their hard work, dedication, and passion for music. We also extend our gratitude to the parents and guardians for their continued support.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the next term where we will continue to challenge ourselves and build on the skills we’ve developed. We encourage students to keep practicing and to bring their best to every rehearsal and performance.

Thank you again for a wonderful term.

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

More Music…

Click below to find out more about Music events and co-curricular opportunities at Santa Sabina College.

What’s happening in Year 6

6CORE3

Throughout our Represents Number Maths Unit, we’ve been diving into the fascinating world of how numbers are represented. One of the highlights of our unit was a warm-up activity called ‘I Have, Who Has?’ This engaging game allowed us to compare equivalent fractions, decimals, and percentages in a lively and interactive way.Each student received a card with two facts on it. They would read off the first fact and then ask, ‘Who has…?’ This prompted their classmates to use their knowledge of equivalent percentages, decimals, and fractions to find the correct answer. It was a fantastic way to reinforce our understanding while having a lot of fun!

Sian Tierney
Year 6 Teacher

6CORE4 

Work It Wednesday

As part of homeroom time we have introduced Work It Wednesday for students to be engaged in a fun, social and physical activity. We look forward to participating as a group each Wednesday Week B.

Ann Milicic
Year 6 teacher

Year 6 Maks/Dunphy

Imaginative Writing 

Over the last few weeks, the girls have been planning, drafting, editing and publishing a Sizzling Start for an imaginative text. Using image prompts from the image – Under the Rug by Chris Van Allsburg, the girls used the 7 Steps Story Graph scaffold to drive their creative ideas. They were pushed out of their comfort zone as they experimented with descriptive language and a variety of literary techniques.

Eamonn Dunphy and Marisa Maks
Year 6 teachers

First Chapter Friday

Every Friday Year 6 Core 2 students complete a worksheet where they write down their thoughts and observations about the first chapter of a book as part of our ‘First Chapter Friday activity.’

First Chapter Friday is a weekly activity where our class listens to the first chapter of a book and writes down our thoughts, questions, and rating. We do this to extend our reading preferences and expose ourselves to different books and genres we personally might have not considered likeable. Students themselves get to recommend books as an option for the task, which can create connections and conversations between us about our interests.

Tia Jabbour
Year 6 Core 2

What’s happening in Year 5

5CORE1

In Interdisciplinary lessons students have been researching sustainable initiatives from around the world. The class worked in groups to research and broaden their understanding of sustainability.  The girls then presented their findings to the class. 

Alison Di Ciaccio
Year 5 Teacher

5CORE2

During Science lessons Year 5 have been developing their skills in the laboratory using a variety of equipment to take measurements. The students measured the mass of a plastic bug, the height, width and length of a test tube holder, the time it takes to drop a balloon and a feather from a set height, as well as measuring the volume of liquids. They then calculated the average of all the results and are looking forward to examining the results more closely next lesson.

Wendy Anetter
Year 5 Teacher

5CORE3

During English lessons, Year 5 has been reading the book Songbird by Ingrid Laguna. Throughout the term they have been developing their understanding of characterisation and narrative whilst reading and applying it to their own writing. We finally finished reading the book and it was a suspenseful finish with such a great effort within their reading. Here are some of the students’ reviews on the book with focus on the resolution:

I loved the resolution because the whole class was waiting for a happy ending and we finally got it! Which we loved!
Alexis D

I loved the resolution because we expected Jamila’s uncle to arrive in Australia, but in fact her uncle AND father arrived!
Laura T

I loved the resolution because it was a happy moment for Jamila and everyone reading the book, we all felt relieved.
Zara Z

Bryony Watkins
Year 5 Teacher

Year 5 Kostakis

In Maths, Year 5 Kostakis took their learning outdoors! Using trundle wheels, they measured the hockey field and worked together to find its perimeter. This hands-on activity was a fantastic way to link their maths unit on length to real-world applications.

Tayla Kostakis
Year 5 Teacher

Gifted Education & Curriculum

At Gioia House, students strive to achieve their personal best through a variety of enrichment and co-curricular programs.

Our 2025 Year 6 Da Vinci Decathlon team has been collaborating with senior school peers every Monday afternoon. During these dynamic sessions, the girls tackle challenging questions that deepen their understanding of subjects like cartography, code-breaking, and science. The senior students have been excellent mentors, guiding their younger counterparts through complex solutions with patience and support.

Many of our Gioia House students excel in Mathematics, and we have created opportunities for them to hone their problem-solving skills in both small group and individual settings. This term, the Pi Maths groups have provided a platform for students to collaborate with like-minded peers, sharpening their reasoning and communication abilities. Learning precise mathematical vocabulary has empowered them to articulate and justify their solutions confidently. Furthermore, competitions like the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF), held in Week 8, offer students the chance to engage in problem-solving within a competitive environment. As the largest maths competition in the world, with over six million participants annually, the KSF is a prestigious event, and we are incredibly proud of all the girls who took part this year.

The vibrant co-curricular program at Gioia House ensures that every student discovers an area of interest that challenges and inspires her. This term, Ethics Olympiad training, led by Ms Azizian and two talented senior students, Kate Pitman-Fernandez and Eve Ardagna, has been in full swing. Participants are exploring thought-provoking case studies and refining their ability to express their perspectives clearly. Additionally, Writer’s Club, led by Ms Anetter offers a supportive and creative environment where students can share ideas, craft stories, and develop their writing skills.

Brooke Panagopoulos
Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Year 2 Teacher/Acting Curriculum Leader Gioia House

Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4

Pastoral Update

Everyone belongs and caring for our common home

Over the past three weeks, students have further consolidated their understanding of what it means for everyone to belong. Students have explored this overarching theme through our Harmony Week and Neurodiversity Week celebrations. They have also explored this theme in the context of how all people from all nations form part of our global community, with a collective responsibility to care for our common home – the Earth and all its inhabitants and natural resources. Pope Francis invites us to answer the call to care for others and care for God’s creation through his encyclical, the Laudati Si, inviting us to respond to ecological issues with a ‘profound interior conversion’ (LS, no. 217); a change of heart, an openness and willingness to respond to the world around us.

Harmony Week: celebrating diversity at Santa

Harmony Week is a celebration that recognises and embraces the diversity of Australians from all backgrounds. It promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Harmony Week was celebrated in a very special way at Santa Sabina, with students across all grades and learning contexts joining together to participate in activities designed to build connections, foster a sense of community and have fun, whilst working together on common goals. Watching the senior girls care for our Del Monte students and St Lucy’s learners was heartwarming and inspiring. It demonstrated the strong sense of community and support within our school.

Neurodiversity Week: embracing unique minds

Neurodiversity Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding of the diverse ways in which our brains function. It celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of all individuals.

During Neurodiversity Week, students engaged in activities to learn about the importance of embracing neurodiversity, highlighting the value of different thinking styles and encouraging a more balanced view of individual strengths and challenges. Students were surprised to learn that some of our greatest thinkers, including Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla and Leonardo da Vinci, had neurodivergent minds.

Earth Hour: a global movement for the planet

Earth Hour is a global event that began in Sydney in 2007, initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). During Earth Hour, millions of people around the world switch off their lights to show their support for environmental issues and their commitment to taking action. This year, Earth Hour took place on Saturday 22 March 2025, at 8:30pm. The world went dark, creating a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.

Switching off lights is not only good for the planet but also beneficial for our wellbeing. Studies show that reducing exposure to artificial light, especially from screens like mobile phones and tablets, can improve our sleep. Better sleep helps regulate our circadian rhythms, leading to less fatigue, reduced depression and overall happier lives.

To commemorate Earth Hour at Del Monte, students learned about its importance and things that they can do to participate at home. Classes switched off their lights, smartboards, air conditioning and devices during the last 15 minutes of their learning on Friday 21 March. Students then sat down to enjoy a story in the peaceful, ‘unplugged’ classroom. We hope you enjoyed celebrating Earth Hour at home with your families and remember that any day is a good day to celebrate Earth Hour by unplugging and switching off.

Lauren Petroni
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4

RE in Del Monte

Holy Week

On Thursday 10 April,  the Del Monte community will come together to commemorate Holy Week by participating in a Holy Week Liturgy. This prayerful reflection, led by our Year 4 Faith and Identity team, will engage students in the key events of Holy Week. Grades will solemnly recall Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday with a grade liturgy in the Del Monte chapel through prayer and song on Friday, 11 April.

Holy Week leads us to the most important feast in the Church’s year – the Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. By dying on the cross, Jesus reconciled the world to God and offered the gift of eternal life to all. 

Project Compassion

Thank you again to everyone who has supported the Project Compassion appeal. Your donations will make a difference to the lives of others. By putting compassion into action, we can make a difference today, For All Future Generations.

Please return all Project Compassion boxes and envelopes to the school office by Friday 2 May, or donate online via the Caritas website at lent.caritas.org.au

Anzac Day

This year, Anzac Day falls during the school holidays (Friday 25 April). You may want to share a prayer with your family to mark Anzac Day. 

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy,
which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in times of war.
We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come.
That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Blessings

As this will be our final newsletter for the term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and blessed Easter break. May your hearts be filled with hope, peace, and love as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’  
(John 3:16)

Happy Easter!

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6

Music at Del Monte

Music at Mary Bailey House 

As we are coming into Week 9 of music classes, Treefrog students at Mary Bailey House are becoming more confident and familiar with the songs and expectations in class. Every few weeks we learn a new song to add to our repertoire. This week we have started singing One Finger, One Thumb. This is a sequential song that involves moving different body parts when added into the song. Learning songs that include ordering of words helps children understand and recognise patterns, sequences and rhythms which are foundational skills in all academic areas. 

Music at Del Monte

Pitch exploration using balls! 

Bounce it high, bounce it low! Not only is this sort of activity great fun, it also emphasises learning about high or low pitch and the shape of the songs the students are singing. They collaborate with others and increase their coordination, which is a handy skill in musicians where both left and right hands are very important. 

Kindergarten have been learning the songs for Mass and our upcoming liturgies. They match actions to the words which helps them to remember their song words. Great work Kindergarten!

Phillipa Knight
Coordinator of Music P-4

More Music…

Click below to find out more about Music events and co-curricular opportunities at Santa Sabina College.

Year 4

Year 4 students have been excitedly working with their Kindergarten buddies over the past few weeks. They have spent time with their buddies during community time as well as supporting them on the playground. In community time, students have had the opportunity to introduce themselves, draw self-portraits of each other and read a story together. Being a buddy is a valuable experience for students as they learn key skills of responsibility, resilience and respect. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with our kinder buddies throughout the year! 

Merissa Perivolarellis, Nicole Meehan, Calista Camarda, Edward Wang and Ella Reilly
Year 4 Teachers

Year 3

Visit to the Museum

On Thursday 27 March, Year 3 went to the Mother Bertrand Walsh Museum on the Santa Sabina College campus. The purpose of the visit was to investigate the inquiry question ‘How the Santa Sabina Community has changed’ currently being explored in History. The students viewed artifacts from the past which included past uniforms and school books. Students listened to information about how classes were organised, the different changes to the organisation of the Houses and the ways the play areas at Del Monte have changed over time.

The children spent a lot of time observing the artifacts and asked probing questions throughout their time at the museum. It was an enjoyable experience.

Louise Harris and Catherine McGrath
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

This term, Year 2 students  embarked on a fascinating journey in their Science and Technology unit. The focus was on understanding how living things change and reproduce. Through hands-on activities, students observed the patterns of growth and change in living things, describe these patterns, and making predictions about what might happen next.

One of the most exciting projects involved growing plants in cotton wool. This simple yet effective method allowed students to see first-hand how seeds sprout and develop into plants. By using cotton wool instead of soil, the students could easily observe the roots and shoots as they grew, making it a perfect learning tool for young scientists.

Stay tuned for more updates on the amazing discoveries and scientific adventures of Year 2 students as they continue to explore the wonders of nature!

Year 2 Team

Year 1 

Year 1 students have been enjoying engaging in many different mathematical investigations this term. One highlight was our measurement unit. The children explored length and mass. They used informal units to measure and compare the length of a variety of objects and used the strategy of hefting and balance scales to measure and compare the mass of a variety of objects.

Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Clare Wood
Year 1 Teachers

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten students have been actively engaged in developing their social skills this term through weekly structured pastoral activities, including their participation in the Friendology Program.

In recent weeks, the students celebrated both Harmony and Neurodiversity at Santa Sabina by engaging in discussion and learning experiences specifically planned to raise their awareness and appreciation of the uniqueness of others and to develop an understanding that diversity is something to both celebrate and respect.

Through implementation of the Zones of Regulation, the Kindergarten students are learning the importance of expressing their emotions in appropriate ways. This program provides students with not only a common language to use when feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable, but also practical strategies which they can employ to calm and regulate themselves and re-engage in learning experiences in a positive and happy way.

A key factor in facilitating a positive school experience for our Kindergarten students is the strong connection they form with their Year 4 buddies. This relationship is a mutually beneficial one, with the Year 4 students assuming their position as role models for their Kindergarten buddies with maturity and a visible sense of responsibility.

Our recent Harmony Day celebrations provided an opportunity for the buddies to come together and engage in a variety of enjoyable activities, devoted to recognising and valuing the many different cultures that make our Santa Sabina Community such a special one.

Anna Donato, Alana Ivancsik, Brooke Napper, Vicki Spillane
Kindergarten Teachers

We are very busy learners in Prep

Mathematics:

Currently, we are learning about position. We can describe the position of an object in relation to another object using everyday language, such as ‘between’, ‘next to’, ‘behind’, or ‘inside’. For example, ‘The book is inside the box.’ We can use positional language to describe where people and objects are in the following photos.

Literacy:

We have started to learn how to write our names from left to right, using correct upper-case and lower-case letters.

PreLit:

During our PreLit lessons, we have continued to learn about syllables. We can break long words into separate parts called syllables. We really enjoyed playing the shopping game and the playdough squashing game to show the syllables in words.

Monique Evans and Rebecca Saba
Prep Teachers

Italian

For the last two weeks, students of all grades have learnt some Italian vocabulary for terms of politeness and feelings. Activities involved action songs, role-plays and language games. One of the most loved activities was creating some comics in Italian. Each student selected some expressions and wrote them on some speech bubbles, which were employed for playing some group games. All class groups have established a class routine involving asking one another how they feel and responding with appropriate vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation.

Daniela Panico
Italian Teacher

Gifted in Del Monte

This term, several of our Del Monte students proudly participated in the prestigious Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) maths competition. The KSF provided an incredible opportunity for our young mathematicians to engage in problem-solving within a competitive setting. As the largest maths competition in the world, with over 6 million participants each year, the KSF is a remarkable event, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the students who represented us with enthusiasm and determination.

Meanwhile, our Young Scientists have been working collaboratively in small groups to craft compelling questions for scientific inquiry. Their creativity and curiosity have led to the development of thought-provoking ideas, including…

• Which type of Easter egg melts faster and why? (Joanna Wong, Jonathan Lin & Joseph Hoang, Year 2)
• Is the 5 second rule real? (Shreya Panyam, Year 3)
• How much bacteria is in your classroom? (Sabrina Commisso, Year 3)

Brooke Panagopoulos
Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Year 2 Teacher
Acting Curriculum Leader Gioia House

Del Monte Library

Year 4 author visit with Ashleigh Barton

Ashleigh Barton is a bestselling children’s author based in Sydney, Australia. She has written several beloved picture books and middle-grade novels, including the popular titles What Do You Call Your Grandma? and How Do You Say I Love You?. Ashleigh’s engaging storytelling and relatable characters have made her a favourite among young readers.

Before becoming a full-time author, Ashleigh worked in some of Australia’s largest publishing houses, where she managed marketing and publicity campaigns for renowned authors and illustrators. Her background in the publishing industry has given her a unique perspective on the world of children’s literature.

Ashleigh is excited to visit our school next Monday to talk to Year 4 students about her writing journey and to promote her newest title, How to Sail Somewhere. This latest book promises to be an adventurous and inspiring read for young minds.

Patrcia Doonan
Teacher Librarian

Director of Music P-12

Music at Santa Sabina

As we approach the end of Term 1, we celebrate the extraordinary collaborations and accomplishments of our Santa Sabina students across the year so far, and commend all our young musicians for their application and hard work in pursuit of their musical goals, and in service of others.

Please read on to hear about all the happenings of the past few weeks in Music at Santa, and save the date for the events, concerts and learning opportunities still to come.

Wishing our whole community a soul-nourishing Easter and Term 1 break.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Australian Composers Day 2025

This coming Monday 7 April, Santa Sabina is set to play host to students from all over NSW for our acclaimed annual Australian Composers Day for 2025!  Looking to be our most highly attended day ever, we look forward to welcoming JESSICA WELLS, HEATHER SHANNON and PAUL STANHOPE as our mentors for the day. All Elective Music students are automatically enrolled to attend this incursion, however expressions of interest are also receivable from Year 7-12 students in advanced co-curricular ensembles. If not in Elective Music, please register to join the event with the Music Office or via music@ssc.nsw.edu.au. 

Santa Sabina students in Years 7-12 can attend Australian Composers Day FREE of charge, and can confirm their attendance through the Parent lounge.  More information can be found in the Australian Composers Day Flyer HERE.

Gala Concert 2025 – Save the Date!

On Tuesday 24 June 2025 commencing at 6:00pm, our annual Gala Concert will take place on the Sydney Town Hall stage, featuring all co-curricular ensembles; our curricular strings, our Year 4-7 curricular choirs and a host of special guests as we raise the roof in another memorable concert (as only Santa does!). Fitting with the Year of Jubilee theme, this year’s concert program is set to stir and inspire as we take our place in the world, seeking to be Voices of Hope.

Open Recital Series

The first of our Open Recital Series for 2025 took place on Friday 14 March in Holyrood Adams, and we were treated to a range of performances from Piano, Vocal and Violin solos to the Chinese Pipa and a Music Theatre Ensemble! 

With such a surge in growth in our program, we aim to facilitate more of these informal recitals across the year. We look forward to hearing more students from our Private Tuition program this coming Friday 4 April as they present their work for families and friends. 

There is still opportunity for students to sign up to our recitals next term to be held on Friday 9 May and Friday 30 May. Please speak to your tutor if you would like to take advantage of this wonderful learning opportunity.

Italy Tour – rehearsals starting!

On Wednesday 2 April we held our first official Italy Tour Music preparation meeting – gathering all participants and discussing the plan for the development of our performances in the term to come. We are delighted to welcome a few late joiners!  Rehearsals commence next term, so there is still the smallest window for you to jump on board if you’re feeling FOMO!

Music industry offerings – new Thursday class!

Music Production & Studio Engineering classes are launching as a pilot program every Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm. This free co-curricular offering is available to students in Years 7-12, with registration available via

Director’s Honour Roll

Congratulations to Abigail Yang and Estelle Gilmovich who were conferred their Associate Diploma of Music for Viola (2 of only 11 Viola Diplomas awarded for the whole NSW/ACT region!) at a prestigious graduation ceremony held at UNSW this month.

Riha Han in Year 5 has been invited to perform in New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall in July after coming 2nd in the soloist category of the NY Classical Debut Awards and 3rd in the Gold International Classical Music Competition. We congratulate Riha on this extraordinary achievement!

As part of a SYO Masterclass, Celine Choi in Year 10, had the extraordinary opportunity to perform for and receive feedback from the Concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Yamen Saadi. A truly invaluable experience for a talented young musician! (image in folder)

Aiden Curran (Year 6) and Natalie Sun (Year 4), members of the extension group Cadenza Strings formed after the 2024 TMO Junior String Camp, were awarded First Prize with Honours at the International Youth Music Competition. The competition drew entries from musical groups from Australia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States, so an incredible achievement! Congratulations to these superstar young musicians! 

We congratulate the following students who completed their AMEB examinations:

• Esther Chiew – 2nd Grade Violin – Pass with Credit
• Estelle Gilmovich – 8th Grade Piano – Pass with Honours
• Chelsey Fa – 8th Grade Violin – Pass with Honours
• Grace Welsh – 1st Grade Violin – Pass with Honours
• Natalie Sun – 6th Grade Violin – Pass with Distinction
• Natalie Sun – 2nd Grade Musicianship – Pass with Honours

Consort 8 Concert – free tickets!

As part of our enduring relationship with early music ensemble Consort 8, Santa Sabina College community members  are offered free tickets to attend beautiful concerts in the Santa Sabina chapel whenever they occur. Featuring our former Director of Music Mr Tim Chung and colleagues, all are invited to attend their Lent and Passiontide themed concert, Voces Angelorum on Saturday 12 April 2025, commencing at 6:00pm.  

Join a Music activity?

Innumerable Music opportunities are available to Santa Sabina students from P-12. You can register for an Ensemble or Private Tuition via the Co-curricular Button on the College App or directly via this link:  Register for Music Opportunities

Please reach out to our Music Office if we can assist you further.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

music@ssc.nsw.edu.au

More Music…

Click below to find out more all that is happening Music Curriculum at Santa Sabina College.

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Term 1 is coming to an end and I would like to thank the team in the Sports Office for making it such a successful term. Our Invitational Volleyball Competition had great adherence from our students (more than 20 teams) as well as many teams from schools across Sydney.

In this article you will see the many teams playing IGSA grand finals this weekend and I would like to thank Ms Bowcock for her diligence and care working on team lists, coach allocations and scheduling ensuring our students enjoy the best experience possible.

Netball is starting this weekend, when we embark on a journey in the Inner West Netball Association. Ms Gocher has put a lot of effort into selecting and grading the teams (including our representative teams training all year round) and I am sure it will be a successful season across our 27 teams.

We sadly farwell Ms Rachael Simmons who has got a promotional position close to home but before leaving she ensured that our Junior School Boys and Girls had a great term playing IPSHA Basketball and Football respectively.

I also thank Ms Larkin for holding a massive front on the back end of the department entering all data and ensuring all scheduling is done on time, facilitating student attendance and staff duty of care.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in term 2 and I wish you all a very safe and restful holiday.

Luiz Ramalho 
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities

Representative Sport

Tildesley Shield Tennis Tournament

From 19 to 20 March our students put their hearts and souls into their singles and doubles matches at the IGSA Tildesley Shield Tennis Tournament. We finished in 20th position – ahead from last year – and the College was very proud of how our students were fighting for every single point on the court and supporting one another outside of it.

Volleyball

Congratulations to Emily Morgan, Violet Addabbo, Mackenzie Bedford, Anabel Cantali, Frankie Martin, Alexis Gittani and Jet Marin who represented NSW Phoenix at the Volleyball Australia Youth Beach Volleyball Volleyball Tournament in Queensland. Well done to Mackenzie Bedford who won Bronze in the U17 girls division.

From 28 to 30 March, Emily Morgan, Violet Addabbo, Annabel Cantali, Rebecca Sarlas, Madison Low, Mackenzie Bedford, Alexis Gittany, and Frankie Martin have represented the College in the Volleyball Australia Schools Beach Volleyball Cup in Coolangatta Beach, Queensland.

Santa has done really well, placing 16th (Madison/Mackenzie), 12th (Annabel/Rebecca), 10th (Alexis/Frankie) and winning a Bronze medal in the Year 10 Division with Emily and Violet.

All under the guidance of the College coach, Annie Mullen.

IGSA Sport

Congratulations to our Badminton and Water Polo teams that competed in the IGSA Semi Finals over the weekend. Our SAN01 Water Polo team managed an 8-2 win against Queenwood progressing through to the finals. Sadly our SAN03 Badminton did not progress after a very close match against Meriden, they should be very proud of their season making it through to the Semi Finals undefeated.

We wish the following teams competing in the IGSA Finals on Saturday 5 April the best of luck. 

Tennis

SAN01, SAN03, SAN05 & SAN09

Touch Football

SAN02, SAN06 & SAN07

Water Polo

SAN01

Term 2 Hockey, Football and Basketball

Term 2 teams for Hockey, Football and Basketball have all been announced, and can be found on VO or the bulletin board outside the sports office.

Individual Students’ Achievements:

As part of the NSW Track Cycling Team, Freya Ingwersen competed in the first two days of the National Championships at Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane coming 8th nationally in the Individual Pursuit and also competing in the Sprint.

She then flew to Perth to compete in the Australian All Schools Triathlon in Rockingham WA. As one of the youngest in the field, she did brilliantly, coming 18th in the Individual Junior event in very hot conditions and 5th in the Junior Teams event as part of the NSW 1 Junior Team.

Congratulations to Violet Addabo (U18s), Cristina Uzelac (U15s) and Audrey Low (U15s) for their Selection into the NSWCCC Volleyball teams.

Primary Sport

Sydney Swimming Championships

Congratulations to the following Gioia House students who have progressed through to the Mackillop Swimming Championships to be held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 2 April.

A special mention to the Senior relay team (Romee, Genevieve, Charlotte and Grace) who smashed their own Sydney record by 8 seconds!

Congratulations to Genevieve Lloyd-Jones who was also awarded 12 Years Girls Age Champion. Genevieve finished the day with five Gold Medals and two Silver.

Coming up in Primary Sport (Term 1 and Term 2)

TERM 1
Thursday 3 April – Primary Cross Country Trials
Friday 4 April – SCS Netball Championships Selection Trial
Wednesday 9 April – SCS Stage 2 Netball Gala Day

TERM 2
Tuesday 6 April – Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships
Wednesday 14 May – Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Netball Championships
Friday 16 May – Mackillop Rugby Sevens Trials
Tuesday 27 May – Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Soccer Championships
Monday 2 June – Sydney Catholic Schools Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day
Tuesday 10 June – K-6 Primary Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 11 June – Mackillop Cross Country Championships

Ryan Dunlop
Primary Sport Coordinator (P-6)

Lent and Project Compassion

As we journey through Lent, we are called to reflect on our blessings and extend our compassion to those in need. This year, our school is supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, an initiative that embodies Christian love by addressing the needs of others.

This year, we are proud to support Caritas’s Project Compassion, focusing on vital water projects. Access to clean water is essential for health and wellbeing, and your generous donations can make a significant impact. By contributing, you help provide safe drinking water to communities in need, transforming lives and fostering hope. Let’s come together to make a difference. Every donation counts, and together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. Thank you for your support!

Jane Sulis
Outreach Coordinator

St Brigid’s Youth Marrickville

Flagship events

Uniform Shop Holiday Trading Hours

A message from AIS

2025 Federal Election — how to have your say

There is much at stake for families who have chosen an Independent school for their children in this year’s Federal election.

That is why we are informing all members of our school community about the School Choice Counts campaign — a national initiative by Independent Schools Australia.

The campaign centres on one simple idea: If student funding is cut from non-government schools, schools may be forced to raise fees. Families should not be penalised for choosing a school that best meets their child’s needs.

We think it is important that families understand the policy positions of the major parties and those who may hold the balance of power in a hung parliament.

We are not advocating for one party or another, but we believe you should be aware of their education policies. Below are public statements from Labor, Coalition and Greens spokespeople summarising their positions on Independent schools:

Party Positions

Labor (Senator Deborah O’Neill)
‘Labor stands with Independent schools and the invaluable work they do, particularly in supporting vulnerable students. The idea that Independent schools are ‘castles’ is nonsense—most are modest, community-focused, and provide critical outreach and learning pathways. We don’t believe in pitting one sector against another—every child matters.‘

Coalition (Senator Sarah Henderson)
‘The Greens have made it clear they want to defund Independent schools entirely – calling them ‘leeches’ on public education. This is an outrageous attack on school choice and family freedom. A Dutton government will stand strong for non-government schools and ensure families aren’t penalised for their choices.‘

Greens (Senator Penny Allman-Payne)
The Australian private school system is a leech on public education. It doesn’t ‘take pressure’ off the public system – it sucks resources and students from it. And they get to play by their own rules… Labor should immediately end government overfunding of wealthy private schools and redirect that money to public schools.‘

We also invite you to read the attached toolkit or visit schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.auto learn more.

We know how much families sacrifice to send their children to a school that is right for them. This campaign is your opportunity to help protect that choice — now and into the future.

The Association of Independent Schools of NSW

From the P&F Association

Can you believe that we are approaching the end of Term 1 already?! It has flown incredibly quick, however, we know that many parents are looking forward to having some down time.

It is fair to say that Term 1 has been full of exciting events, meeting new families and reconnecting with returning families.  Our Mums & Dads Nights were a huge success. It was great to catch up with so many people in a relaxed environment.

Term 2 arrives just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day. Grab your tickets to our Mother’s Day Lunch as they are selling fast.

Don’t forget to enter into the Easter Art Fundraiser Competition. This is such a special initiative and allows the children to really reflect on the Easter Story and support a great cause. The children should be receiving their pictures shortly.

We will also host our annual Trivia night on 13 June 2025 which is always a great night out for the parents. Keep an eye out for more details to come soon. 

Please see the dates below for our upcoming events and put them in your diary!

Sustainable Threads Stall

The P&F led pre-loved uniform stall, Sustainable Threads, will be open before the start of Term 2 during the Parent Teacher sessions on both the Primary and Senior campus’. The stalls will be available 10:00 to 11:30am and 5:00pm to 6:00pm Monday 29 April.  We will have a range of winter College uniforms as well as some winter cocurricular sports uniforms.

Donations

We are currently taking donations for gently used and freshly washed uniforms in particular winter sport and winter college uniforms.  Donations can be dropped off to the clear tubs located in either the Del Monte reception, Gioia House reception or Student Services entrance during school hours. Please note we will not be able to accept donations over the school holidays.

Happy Easter

The P&F Committee hopes you and your family have a safe and relaxing break, ready to come back to another busy term. Wishing you all a very happy and joyful Easter.

Warm regards 

P&F Executive Committee

Upcoming Events

Mother’s Day Lunch – 8 May 2025

Calling all dads for Mother’s Day Breakfast help – 8 May!

Hey Santa Sabina dads! We need your help to make the Mother’s Day Breakfast on 8 May a truly special event for all the amazing mothers, grandmothers, and carers in our community.

Date: 8 May 2025

Time: 6:00am to 9:30am

Location: The lawn between the Santa Sabina Chapel and the Sienna Centre on the senior campus

We are looking for volunteers to assist with setup, bbq, serving, and cleanup. Whether it’s managing food stations or helping set up, every bit of help counts and ensures we create a wonderful morning for everyone.

Please email VP Primary Daniel Pace vpprimary@ssc.nsw.edu.au directly if you can volunteer. Let’s make this breakfast a beautiful start to Mother’s Day!

Upcoming dates

Year Group Catch Ups

Past events

The Prep, Kindy, Year 5 and Mums and Dads Nights Out were such a huge success! It was such a great night meeting lots of new mums and dads and mingle in with the old ones!

The dads night was full of competition and banter! Thanks to Daniel Pace and Ben Middleton for getting the dads together!

Special thanks go to Christina Metledge who organised such a fabulous Mums Night. Between the flowing of drinks, food and those quirky trivia questions, the mums had a great time, especially those Kindergarten mums – it has been said that they were the life of the party! 😊

Year Group Catch Ups

The past few weeks we have had a couple of year group catch ups and a few more are scheduled in the coming weeks. The parent reps really do try hard to organise these events and are grateful when the cohort comes together. We look forward to sharing with you the year group photos as they happen. Also don’t forget we keep updating our P&F page on VO with these wonderful photos!

Year 8 coffee catch up

Parent Education – Debra Brodowski

Fostering kindness and tolerance in our young people
Many of us have watched, and are talking about, the recently released TV series Adolescence. Watching the show was hugely impactful for me, gut wrenching and distressing at times. I also felt it was hugely insightful into the lives of our young people.

There have been many articles and pieces of commentary about the TV series, documenting themes such as social media use, the manosphere, and influencers who hold a strong online presence, compared against a time-poor world of well-meaning parents trying to do the best they can for their young people.

Another theme that I took away from the series is the importance of kindness and tolerance. These values not only help create and maintain harmony within a community, but also contribute to the social-emotional wellbeing and development of our young people. As parents and caregivers, we play a crucial role in shaping these attitudes in their young people. Below are a few ideas how.

Lead by example
Young people learn most effectively by observing the behaviour of their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate kindness and tolerance in your daily interactions. Show respect to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, and engage in acts of kindness. When our young people see these values in action, they are more likely to emulate them.

Encourage empathy and inclusion
Empathy and inclusion are key to kindness and tolerance. Support your young people develop empathy by helping identify and understand the feelings of others. Discuss situations and ask them how they would feel in someone else’s situation and encourage them to think about how their actions affect others. Coupled with this, maintain an inclusive approach with peers. Promoting behaviours that include, rather than exclude others (no limits to friendship group size, no rules for being in a friendship group, no gatekeepers to friendships), allows our young people opportunities to interact and learn from others. Helping our young people foster a tolerant attitudes towards others, and taking the perspective of another person can assist in ensuring that we are considerate toward others.

Teach conflict resolution
Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable, but how we handle them can make a significant difference. Teaching your young people healthy communication styles, supporting them to resolve disagreements calmly and respectfully will also help build tolerance and respect. Encourage your young people to listen to others’ viewpoints, express their feelings without aggression, and seek mutually beneficial solutions.

Developing kindness and tolerance is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Reinforce these values regularly and provide ongoing support and guidance. Remember, every small step contributes to growth for your young person. As parents and caregivers we play a pivotal role in nurturing kindness and tolerance in our young people. Adolescence showcased a community reeling from small behaviours that had huge catastrophic consequences. Kindness and tolerance towards others can help develop compassionate, respectful, and inclusive individuals who contribute positively to society.

Heartfelt help for people who are grieving

The Heartfelt Community warmly invites you to the upcoming fundraising gala, a night dedicated to honouring those we’ve loved and lost and supporting those who navigate the journey of grief. Taking place on Thursday 15 May at Le Montage, Lilyfield, this poignant evening aims to raise funds to expand the resources available for grieving families and individuals.

Heartfelt is a community that explores grief, spirituality, and life after loss. Established by Bridget Sakr following the tragic death of her 11-year-old daughter Veronique in 2020, Heartfelt accompanies people in grief after their loss of loved ones.

‘The Heartfelt Gala is more than an event, it’s about remembering, connecting, and ensuring that no one grieves alone,’ Bridget said.

Offering a community of healing and hope, the evening promises an intimate and uplifting atmosphere.

‘Monies raised will help grow Heartfelt so that services including pastoral care, community gatherings, and educational resources can be established to all those in need’, Bridget added.

For inquiries or more details, visit the Heartfelt website: www.heartfelt.community

Event details

• Date: Thursday May 15, 2025
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Location: Le Montage, Lilyfield
• Dress Code: Formal attire

Highlights of the Evening

1. Tributes: Celebrate and honour the lives of loved ones.
2. Stories of Resilience: Hear moving experiences from members of the Heartfelt Community and beyond.
3. Fundraising Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds directly supporting grief resources and outreach programs.
4. Luxury Car Raffle: Chance to win a new BMW X1 valued at over $60,000! Strictly limited number of tickets available (600 only).
5. Fine Dining Experience: Enjoy a curated menu of gourmet food and beverages.

Ticket Information

• Price: $250.00 per ticket. Tables of 10 available for $2,500.00.
• Availability: Tickets can be purchased at 2025 Heartfelt Inaugural Gala Fundraiser. Spaces are limited, so book early!

Contact Information For inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate:

• Email: info@heartfelt.community
• Phone: Carmen 0406 409 083
• Website: www.heartfelt.community

Holiday Football

Little United is thrilled to bring its Holiday Football Program back to Santa Sabina’s primary students (K–6) this April 2025!

Program highlights:

• Skill Development: Confidence and technique
• Athleticism: Fitness and coordination
• Game Sense: Teamwork and decision-making

Details:

Dates: 22 – 24 April 2025
Time: 9:00am – 12:00 noon
Location: Santa Sabina Main Field
Coaches: Simon Ly and Farres Aoun

Register now:
Visit www.littleunited.com.au to secure your spot. Spaces are limited!

We can’t wait to see your child kicking GOALS! 

 For inquiries, contact Simon at 0424 609 029.

Tennis Camp