College Principal

Please enjoy my wrap up of another busy term in the latest Lamp Post:

While I’m on sabbatical until 15 September, Ms Ann McGovern and Mr John Gilmore will be Acting Co-Principals of the College.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Feast of Corpus Christi: Walk with Christ

On Sunday 22 April, a small group of students and staff from Santa Sabina participated in the Walk with Christ, Sydney’s annual Eucharistic Procession. This event, held on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, honours the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. It serves as a public witness and act of worship, described in the Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy as ‘a continuation of the Eucharistic celebration, allowing the faithful to publicly profess their faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament.’

Our students were deeply moved by this event. It provided a unique opportunity for them to grow in their faith, walk in communion with others, and proudly carry the school banner. This experience not only strengthened their spiritual journey but also fostered a sense of unity and pride within our school community.

Year 11 Retreat 2025

This week, all Year 11 students are participating in their first Retreat experience. Three Houses will be undertaking the Grace Retreat at Tallong, a time dedicated to spiritual exploration and growth. The Grace Retreat encourages students to look inward, reflecting on themselves and learning more about each other.

The remaining students will undertake the Goulburn Retreat which focuses on outreach, where students work with groups such as Grace Uniting and Anglicare. This experience allows them to learn about those on the margins of society, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it. Through these experiences, students are given the opportunity to develop empathy, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their commitment to social justice.

Blessing of the Primary School Rotunda and Rosary Garden

On Monday, 16 June, the Blessing of the Primary School Rotunda and Rosary Garden took place, officiated by Fr John Hayes. The event was attended by Board members, members of DEA, staff, and donors. Together, they joined in prayer to bless this place of play and joy.

Below you can find a beautiful prayer from the Blessing Ceremony:

Gracious and loving God,
You call us to seek truth, to nurture peace, and to grow in love.
We ask that this space, created with care and purpose, be a place where our youngest students find joy in play, courage in discovery, and peace in moments of quiet reflection.
We give thanks for the knowledge and generosity of those who have made these spaces possible. May they be a living reminder of the faith and devotion of the Dominican tradition.
Like Saint Dominic, may our students be seekers of truth, gentle in their words, bold in their compassion, and open always to the presence of Your Spirit.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, guided by the light of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Misson and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Operations

The annual Santa Sabina Gala Concert was once again a showcase of the immense talent within our music program. The student performances were highly polished and each performer should be extremely proud of their contribution to the success of the night. I would like to recognise the huge effort that it takes from all members of the music staff led by Amy Richardson in ensuring that the event went without a hitch. I would also like to recognise the work of Suzanna Touma, who behind the scenes worked tirelessly to ensure that everything went to plan.

Co-curricular activities play a critical role in the personal development of all students. Santa Sabina offers over 30 cocurricular activities that run in addition to existing sport and music programs. Student involvement in co-curricular activities are recognised on the students end of semester reports as well as their attendance at school carnivals, representative sport selections and enrichment activities students are selected to participate in. All participation in co-curricular activities is managed by our sport department and attendance rolls are kept, ensuring that students are participating in the nominated activities.

Families are reminded that all details in Parent Lounge should be current and correct. Please take the time to check that contact details for the primary contacts are current and there are emergency contacts are entered in the event that the College cannot contact families in the event of an emergency.

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

The recent ‘Write a Book in a Day’ event was a resounding success, showcasing the creativity and teamwork of our students. Three groups participated, writing and illustrating their stories collaboratively: our Year 7 students crafted the enchanting tale ‘A Cobweb Christmas,’ the Year 8 group penned the inspiring story ‘The Ticket to Fame,’ and a combined group of Year 9, 10, and 11 students wrote the gripping novel ‘The Plunge.’ Each group demonstrated exceptional dedication and imagination, making this event a memorable highlight of the school year.

End of Semester Reports have now been published to the Parent Lounge. For Years 7-11, we have moved to Continuous Reporting, whereby teachers provide feedback at the end of each assessment task.

On Wednesday 23 July, we will honour the students who have received Year 7-10 Academic or Pastoral Awards for Semester 1. Parents of award recipients are warmly invited to attend this assembly. This Assembly will take place at 12:15pm in Siena Hall.

Start of Term 3

Our second Student-Parent-Teacher Day is scheduled for 22 July, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. This is a pupil-free day. Interviews for Prep to Year 4 will be held in Del Monte Hall, Years 5-6 in Gioia House, and Years 7-11 in Siena Hall. Students are expected to wear full school uniform. These interviews offer a valuable opportunity for a three-way conversation between students, families, and teachers to reflect on progress. It is important that your child attends these interviews with you. Please note that these are in-person meetings only, and online options are not available. 

Upcoming events for Year 12 students

As our Year 12 students approach the final stretch of their school journey, the next six months are pivotal. To support them, we have organised for them to attend the career expo this Friday, offering insights into various post-school pathways. Additionally, during the holidays, teachers will be conducting on-site workshops to provide essential guidance and support. The library will be accessible to Years 11 and 12 students during the first week of the holidays, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Students must sign in and out when utilising this service.

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

As we come to the end of a fulfilling Term 2, it has been wonderful to see the energy and joy across both campuses. Our Del Monte students have thoroughly embraced the new playground, which has quickly become a space for imaginative play, teamwork and active fun. One of the true highlights of the week was the Gala Concert, ‘Voice of Hope.’ This spectacular celebration of music brought together students from across the College in a stunning display of talent, creativity, and collaboration. The student performances were nothing short of inspiring, each one reflecting the hours of practice, the guidance of passionate teachers, and the joy that comes from making music together.

Dominican Awards

On Thursday, we had the honour of recognising outstanding student achievement through the Dominican Awards. These awards celebrate not only academic success but also the character and qualities that underpin meaningful learning. They acknowledge students who demonstrate consistent effort, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth. Recipients include those who learn from their mistakes, show resilience in the face of challenges, and bounce back when things don’t go as planned. We also celebrated students who display resourcefulness and those who solve problems creatively, take risks in their learning, and strive to be their personal best every day.

Congratulations to the following Dominican Awards recipients:

St Thomas Aquinas

Kindergarten Andrew Lin
Year 1 Richard Saade
Year 2 Joseph Hoang
Year 3 Abigail Amor
Year 4 Natalie Sun

Blessed Fra Angelico

Kindergarten Sophie Chea
Year 1 Aaliya Fernando
Year 2 Abigail Barakat
Year 3 Clare McGregor
Year 4 Makenzie Wong

St Martin de Porres

Kindergarten Jade Jabbour
Year 1 Abraham (AJ) Gleem
Year 2 Zara Fajloun
Year 3 Adeline Tudehope
Year 4 Alana Tannous

St Dominic

Kindergarten Claudia Chong
Year 1 Orlando Chen 
Year 2 Riona Sengupta
Year 3 Alannah Mousu
Year 4 Damien (DJ) Abi-Hanna

St Albert the Great

Kindergarten Kabir Nair
Year 1 Alexander Sedicol 
Year 2 Evan Yip
Year 3 Aria Serafin
Year 4 Audrey Wong

St Catherine of Siena

Kindergarten Cormac Curnow
Year 1 Abbie Thompson
Year 2 Jude Khouzame
Year 3 Henry Li
Year 4 Jayden Nasr

Blessed Jane of Aza

Kindergarten Matteo Lozina
Year 1 Veronica Fabrizio
Year 2 Andrew Bechara
Year 3 Rose Taouk
Year 4 Gabrielle Chidiac

Year 3 Learning Walk

This term, our much-loved Learning Walks provided a wonderful opportunity for parents to step into the classroom and observe their children’s learning in action. Across Weeks 8 and 9, we welcomed families from Prep to Year 4. This week, our Year 3 parents joined us for a Maths Daily Review session, experiencing first-hand the engaging and interactive routines that support their children’s number sense and mathematical thinking. 

K-6 Athletics Carnival

Our Primary Athletics Carnival was a fantastic success, filled with energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many families join us to cheer on the students and share in the excitement of the day. The weather was absolutely stunning, setting the perfect scene for a full day of races, games and fun. Students gave their all, whether sprinting down the track, participating in novelty events, or cheering for their peers. Thank you to Mr Dunlop, our staff and parent volunteers for making the day so memorable.

Year 5 Tallong at Santa

The Year 5 students enjoyed a special Outdoor Education Experience catch-up session, organised by Mr Walker to help the girls reconnect after their Tallong adventure was cut short due to unexpected weather. A highlight of the day was a surprise visit from Mr Geoffrey Sylvester, Chef of Tallong Campus, who arrived with freshly baked muffins and hot chocolates for the girls to enjoy at recess. 

Staff and Student Match

To finish the term with a touch of fun and laughter, students and staff took to the Del Monte Field for a friendly game of Goal Ball – a hybrid of Netball and European Handball. The teacher-student match brought plenty of smiles, cheering, and moments of healthy competition. 

Commencement of Term 3

School resumes on Wednesday 23 July.

As we look forward to a well-earned, three-week break after a busy term, we thank our students, staff, and families for a term filled with learning, growth, and shared experiences. Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday break. Please take a moment to read the important information below regarding the start of Term 3.

P-6 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews – Tuesday 22 July

Parents should now have received their child’s Semester 1 Academic Report. This provides a valuable overview of their progress and achievements during the first half of the year. To further support student growth, parents will have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress and set goals for Semester 2 during the upcoming three-way interviews. If you plan to attend, please ensure you book your interview time on the parent lounge via the following link: Parent Lounge The interviews will follow a similar structure to those held in Term 2.

Gioia House Semester 1 Academic Awards

On Thursday 24 July, we will recognise the students in Years 5 and 6 who have been awarded an Academic or Pastoral Award for Semester 1. Parents of recipients have been emailed and are welcome to attend this assembly at 9:00am in the College Hall.

Years 2-6 ICAS Tests

We sent you a detailed letter last week regarding ICAS registration and the LockDown Browser. This is a friendly reminder that online registrations will close at midnight on Monday 28 July.

Crazy Sock Day – Thursday 31 July

As part of our ongoing commitment to social justice, Del Monte will be supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s annual Vinnies Winter Appeal with a Crazy Sock Day. The Year 4 Social Justice Action Team are leading this initiative to raise much-needed funds to support individuals and families facing hardship. Donations will go towards essentials such as food, clothing, household bills and homelessness services, as well as helping vulnerable people find and maintain secure housing. Students are encouraged to wear bright, colourful socks with their school or sports shoes as a symbol of compassion, creativity and community spirit. We invite all families to support this initiative and give generously to help bring dignity and hope to those in need this winter.

Feast of St Dominic – Friday 1 August

The College will gather as a community to celebrate the Feast of St Dominic, marking a special moment in our community and our shared heritage.

Event details:

• Date: Friday 1 August
• Time: 8:30am roll call. Mass begins at 9:15am
• Location: Del Monte students will walk with their teachers to gather at Dom’s Plot, Secondary Campus
• Dress Code: Students in K-6 are required to wear their full winter uniform, including the College hat. Prep students should wear their Prep uniform.

Schedule:

• Students should arrive at school at the usual time and will walk to the Secondary Campus for the Mass accompanied by their teachers.
• Post-Mass, students from P-4 will return to Del Monte for class activities.
• Students from Gioia House will participate in Dom’s Day celebrations on the Senior Campus.
• Early Dismissal: Prep students will be dismissed at 12:30pm. K-4 students will be dismissed at 12:40pm. Usual dismissal procedures will be followed at Kiss and Ride and Warami.
• Gioia House students will be dismissed at 12:45pm from The Boulevarde and Jersey Road.

Transportation and Parking:

• Please avoid parking on Carrington Ave in the Kiss and Ride Zone to keep the area clear.
• College buses will depart from Carrington Ave at 12:45pm.
• The College OOSH service will be available from 1:10pm. Please book in advance.

Morning Tea and Lunch:

• There will be no lunch orders available on Dom’s Day. Students must bring their morning tea and drink bottles. Children attending OOSH are required to bring their own lunch.

On this special day, we celebrate as a community but also remember the wider community to which we belong. This year, we are asking students to bring a donation to the Dominican Sisters.

100 Days of Kindergarten – Tuesday 5 August

We will celebrate 100 Days of Kindergarten under the theme 100 Days Brighter. This theme highlights the remarkable growth our Kindergarten students have experienced in their first 100 days at school. It signifies how they have brightened our community with their curiosity, joy and knowledge. To symbolise this theme of progress, we invite students to come to school dressed in vibrant, colourful clothing.

Parents are warmly invited to join us for this occasion, which marks a significant milestone in our youngest learners’ educational journeys. The celebration will begin with a Liturgy, followed by a Morning Tea, providing an opportunity for families to connect and share in the achievements of their children. Throughout the day, students will participate in various fun and educational activities that not only reflect their learning but also look forward to the continued growth and brightness they will bring to our community.

• Date: Tuesday 5 August
• Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
• Location: Del Monte Hall. Please enter via Carrington Avenue.
• Dress code: Wear bright colours. Parents are most welcome to dress up too if they wish!

Del Monte Grandparents Day – Thursday 7 August

The 2025 theme for the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, chosen by Pope Francis, is ‘Blessed are those who have not lost hope‘. Drawn from the Book of Sirach, it highlights the dignity of the elderly and the power of hope in the Lord. We are excited to invite grandparents to celebrate Grandparents Day with an open invitation to explore our classrooms. Further information will be shared in due course.

Online Safety

We encourage families to be vigilant and continue monitoring their children’s use of devices and online activities during holidays, especially the apps that have online game and chat factions. Please reinforce respectful communication while messaging or emailing friends. Please check the eSafety Commissioner website for advice on how to keep your children safe online.

Uniform

Students return to school in winter uniform. Please ensure your children are dressed in the correct uniform as specified in the student diary. Students must wear their blazers when walking to and from school. Please be reminded that jewellery and hair accessories are not part of our school uniform. Additionally, ensure that every item of your child’s uniform is clearly labelled to facilitate swift recovery in the event of misplacement.

Term 3 Co-curriular

Important Dates Term 3

Santa Maria Del Monte
Tuesday 22 July 10:00am – 6:00pm Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 23 July – Term 3 commences
Wednesday 30 July – Dom’s Day Rehearsal
Thursday 31 July – Primary Assembly 2:30pm-3:10pm
Friday 1 August – Dom’s Day 9:30am-12:30pm
Monday 4 August – Friday 9 August – Book Week
Tuesday 5 August – 100 Days of Kindergarten  9:30am – 11:00am followed by picnic
Thursday 7 August – Grandparents’ Day
Thursday 7 – 20 August – Healthy Harold Incursions
Friday 15 August – National Science Week Theme Decoding the Universe
Thursday 21 August – Discovery Tour
Friday 22 August – Book Character Parade 9:00am
Thursday 28 August – Sport and Extra Group Photo Day All day
Thursday 28 August – Primary Assembly 2:30pm-3:00pm
Tuesday 2 September – P&F Father’s Day Stall 
Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Breakfast – 8:30am – 9:15am
Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Mass (P-6) 9:15 – 10:15am
Thursday 11 September – Primary Assembly 2:30pm-3:00pm
Wednesday 24 September – K – 6 CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships
Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes

Gioia House
Tuesday 22 July 10:00am – 6:00pm Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 23 July – Term 3 commences
Thursday 24 July – 9:00am Semester 1 Academic Awards
Friday 25 July – Year 5 Incursion – Australian Planetariums
Wednesday 30 July – Dom’s Day Rehearsal 
Friday 1 August – 9:30am – 12:30pm Dom’s Day
Monday 4 August – K-6 Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Athletics
Thursday 7 – 20 August – Healthy Harold Incursions
Wednesday 13 August – 5:30pm – 7:30pm Science Week Showcase
Friday 15 August – National Science Week Theme Decoding the Universe 
Thursday 21 August – Discovery Tour
Friday 22 August – 12:50pm – 1:30pm Book Week Character Parade
Monday 25 August – Co-curricular Photos 
Wednesday 27 August – STEM Day
Thursday 29 August – Father’s Day Mass/Breakfast
Monday 1 September – Father’s Day Stall
Thursday 4 September – 8:30am – 9:15am Father’s Day Breakfast
Thursday 4 September – 9:15 – 10:15am Primary Father’s Day Mass (P-6)
Thursday 11 September – 8:30am – 2:30pm Junior Ethics Olympiad
Tuesday 16 September – SCS Stage 3 Netball Gala Day
Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 September – Year 6 OEE & Canberra Visit
Wednesday 24 September – K-6 CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships
Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes

A Holiday Blessing
May the road rise gently before you,
May peace watch over your home.
May love surround your family,
And joy light each step you take.
Go safely, and return refreshed
For you are held in grace.
Amen

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Dom’s Day next term

Our Feast Day for our Patron Saint is a significant date on our annual calendar – we invite ex-students to join us as we celebrate at our outdoor Mass on Friday 1 August.

All ex-students are also welcome to join Committee members for a local lunch after Mass. Please contact Elizabeth Pooley on 0413 269 176 or exstudents@ssc.nsw.edu.au if you would like to join them. 

Our international reunion

We’re inviting all ex-students living in or visiting London to join us for a special reunion on 15 July 2025. It’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the global Santa network. We would love to see you there — register your interest via the link below.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Out of School Hours Care (OOSH)

It’s only days away from vacation care and the OOSH team have put together an exciting program that will entice children of all ages.

Vacation care begins on Monday 30 June with a Pizza Party and ends on Tuesday 22 July with a Pyjama Party. There’s also a Christmas in July Party in between. The OOSH team knows that children love parties as they provide them with an opportunity to celebrate and have fun with friends.

Incursions and excursions are scheduled across vacation care that will cater to varying interests. In the first week, the Petting Zoo is back. Everyone enjoyed seeing and touching animals last holidays, so the OOSH team arranged to have them visit again. Exergames are running a sports camp and Funday Out a Science vs Art battle and Silly Slinky drama workshop. It’ll be a week of surprises.

In Week 2, the children are going bowling. An all-time favourite OOSH excursion and booked Junior Architects that everyone enjoyed in April. This week is also about being active, with the Funday Out incursions: Circus Party Plus, Bop Till You Drop dance party and Old Skool Games.

Two excursions are planned in Week 3 that will take children to the theatre. One is to see the musical circus Wolfgang in the Stars and the other to see the Smurf movie. Theatre provides children with an opportunity to imagine. To balance out the week, Acro Dance and Laser Tag have been booked to get children moving.   

Vacation care will be rounded off with an excursion to Charles Heath Reserve on Monday 21 July. This reserve has a variety of structures designed to challenge and engage children of all ages.

If you would like your child to attend vacation care, they need to be enrolled in OOSH. To enrol your child please contact our OOSH Coordinator Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Director of Development

Veritas Annual Giving Appeal

Help us open doors to a brighter future

At Santa Sabina College, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, lead, and make a difference – regardless of their financial circumstances. Our Annual Appeal for Scholarships is a vital initiative that enables talented and deserving students to access the transformative education and supportive community that Santa Sabina offers. With your generous support, we can continue to break down barriers and empower the next generation of compassionate, courageous, and capable young women. Please consider making a gift today – your contribution can change a life.

Please take the opportunity to benefit this Tax-Deductible donation before the end of the 2025 financial year – 30 June 2025.

Please support Santa Sabina College by clicking on the link below and completing the online donation page. (All donations above $2.00 are tax-deductible)

SSC Golf Day

On Thursday 6 November, the Santa Sabina College Golf Day is scheduled to be played at Strathfield Golf Club. The day will begin with a breakfast starting at 7:00am, followed by a round of golf, (Shotgun tee off at 7:30am) and then lunch and prize giving at the club house.

If you would like to sponsor a hole or the lunch on the day, please contact me on g.ayoub@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 9745 0232

Rosary Garden Appeal

There are plaques still available that allow our community to leave a lasting mark on the College. Your family name or those of your children will be recorded on a plaque, creating a permanent legacy that will be cherished by current and future generations. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity.

Please consider this appeal and register your name in the link below.

Business Directory

I am pleased to announce that the Santa Sabina Business Directory is up and running on both the Parent Lounge and on our College website. There is plenty of room if you would like to advertise your business on our sites and I encourage you to support the college while taking advantage of this advertising opportunity.

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

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

Exciting times at Tallong this week. Our Year 11s arrive for their end of term retreat and the Wodi Wodi building has new carpet and a new kitchen!! As the old carpet was ripped up a couple of weeks ago I was reflecting on just how many students and staff feet have walked upon that carpet. Given on average Tallong hosts up to 10,000 participant days a year and the carpet is well over 30 years old that means that some 600,000 feet have walked upon that carpet…I think.

Perhaps many of you are not aware that the Tallong campus was opened in 1983 by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith AC and began its life as a youth at risk program whereby over a number of weeks young people would embark on a program designed to rehabilitate and course correct. The Tallong campus was called the Merle Hurcomb Wilderness Centre back then and while the client group today may be a different mix, all are entitled to benefit from the sense of space that is Tallong.

Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus

Unique UCAT preparation program for Santa Sabina students

Mia Bek of Year 10 is preparing to become a specialist doctor – perhaps an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, or even a specialist in emergency medicine. Alongside her, 63 other students in Years 10, 11, and 12 are on a similar journey, exploring life as future doctors and dentists. For these budding medical professionals, a new co-curricular course was offered this term, unique to Santa Sabina.

Our inaugural Introduction to Medicine/Dentistry Program, offered on Wednesdays after school in Term 2, aimed to demystify the often complex requirements of entry into undergraduate medicine and dentistry, provide tips on approaching the UCAT exams, and clarify expectations about the coveted careers in the medical and dental fields.

Santa Sabina is proud to be the only school in Sydney’s Inner West offering such a comprehensive course. Indeed, courses like this are rare across Sydney schools.

Course aims

• Gain familiarity with undergraduate and postgraduate university entry pathways into studying Medicine and/or Dentistry.
• Understand the organisation and structure of UCAT testing, including question types.
• Connect with practising doctors and dentists and engage with them on working in the profession, career progression, and further study.
• Build confidence through timed practice.
• Reflect on readiness for a future in medicine or dentistry.

Delivered across eight weeks, amounting to 15 hours of tuition, the course was attended by 64 students. They engaged with eight medical professionals, heard from representatives of four universities, and almost unanimously recommended Santa Sabina’s unique approach for giving students a deep dive into medical and dental courses and careers.

Not a coaching course or cheat sheet with answers to the UCAT exams, the program, costing a mere $50, allowed our students to gain an understanding of the patterns of thinking that lead to success in UCAT as well as the subjects to pursue at HSC or IB level.

What is UCAT? 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by many universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand to select applicants for their medical and dental undergraduate degree programs. The test assesses a range of mental abilities identified as important for success in these fields, including problem-solving, empathy, and abstract reasoning. It is a notoriously difficult test! Our experts advised our students to practise, practise, practise.

Expert mentorship

Sessions in the Santa Sabina course were led by mentors from our community of ex-students and current parents who are recently graduated professionals in medicine or dentistry. They were joined by a local GP in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and all mentors were able to share up-to-date information about both the academic journey and real-world practice of these professions.

What took place in the sessions?

• Week 1 – Program overview
• Week 2 – UCAT 2025 overview including how to book the test, test tools, advice, and question types
• Weeks 3 & 4 – Mentored support focusing on verbal and quantitative reasoning, situational judgement, and decision making
• Weeks 5 & 6 – University connections
• Week 7 – Q&A with practising professionals
• Week 8 – Practice test in timed conditions.

Course designer Lauren Imber, our Director of Studies, surveyed students after the course and reports that the interactive sessions with practitioners and the final week’s practice test were the most appreciated and popular.

Mia confirmed this: ‘The most stimulating aspect of the program was the Q&A session with practising medical professionals,’ she said.

‘Their willingness to articulate the realities of their journeys – both the academic diligence and the personal resilience demanded – offered rare and invaluable insight into the professional landscape of contemporary medicine and dentistry. Their helpful responses to the group’s inquiries characterised medical practice as not only an accessible journey but one, when completed, profoundly aspirational.’

What new skills or knowledge did students gain? 

According to Mia, the program provided significant exposure to the cognitive demands of the UCAT, particularly in relation to time-pressured decision-making.

‘I developed strategies to efficiently evaluate information, draw quick inferences, and apply logical reasoning under considerable time constraints,’ she said.

‘The presenters enriched the experience considerably. Their intellectual authority and ability to contextualise theoretical content within real-world medical settings greatly enhanced the depth and relevance of the material.’

Inspiring future health professionals

Brainchild of College Principal Paulina Skerman and devised by Director of Studies Lauren Imber with Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships Eva Guirguis, our program is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of health professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. After such a successful start, the program will run again as an annual or biennial course.

 It has proven to be an invaluable resource for our students, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue their dreams in the medical and dental fields. We look forward to continuing this journey and supporting students such as Mia as they strive to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

Victoria Harper
Editor

Music in the Senior School (Curricular)

Congratulations to Year 7 for their involvement in the recent Gala Concert. They contributed to a varied and engaging evening of performances and gained valuable experience performing as part of a larger school event. As well as performing in the College Choir, SInfonietta Strings, Zheng and Taiko Ensembles, Concert Band and the Symphony Orchestra, Year 7 students joined to sing as part of Karl Jenkins’ Mass of Peace and then in this year’s finale Let Hope Arise – singing in English, French and Italian as part of these joyous experiences. Please enjoy this photo slideshow from the concert!

Year 8 students have been exploring the world of rock music, composing their own original tracks using Soundtrap. Through this project, they have developed valuable skills in using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and have shown great creativity in the process.

In Year 10, students have been delving into 20th century Impressionist music. As part of this unit, they created their own impressionist style paintings in class, which then served as inspiration for composing original music that reflects the colours and moods of their visual artwork, a true celebration of cross disciplinary creativity.

Year 11 are working hard as they approach their final term in the Preliminary course, while in support of their final projects, our Year 12 HSC Music students were fortunate to welcome Dr Jim Coyle for a musicology and composition workshop. His expertise and insight provided valuable support as students continue preparing for their final HSC assessments. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Coyle for his time and guidance.

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

A Message from the Director of Music

Click here to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.

Message from the Prefects: Social Justice Initiatives

Over the past semester, we have had a number of social justice initiatives that have been highly successful thanks to the support of the whole College community. We are really excited to give you a recap and reveal the final amount that was raised for these important causes.

In Term 1, we had the annual Caritas Project Compassion fundraiser during which we raised over an incredible $11,000!

During this period, we had many different events to collect donations, including a delicious bake sale run by Gioia House and pancake sale for Shrove Tuesday.

However, alongside the traditional means of fundraising, this year we introduced an exciting new event as part of this fundraising period. One of the focus areas for Caritas this year was providing access to clean water and sanitation for communities across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In line with this, we introduced the ‘Carry for Caritas’ relay race, where the different houses and a special Gioia House team went head to head racing to fill their buckets with water in the fastest amount of time using various containers. These teams relied on the generous donations of their respective house groups to raise money which would ‘unlock’ better containers to be used as fundraising targets were met; the final target also unlocked fun costumes for the teachers to wear during the race!

It was incredibly heartening to see the enthusiasm this generated, with many students and teachers volunteering to represent their House and students donating generously for this initiative – every single House not only met their targets, but greatly exceeded them too. We would like to give a particular shout out to Gioia House who raised over $4,500!

Ultimately, the Gioia House team ended up taking first place, followed by Yetinga and Weelya!

Term 2 was similarly hugely successful with Santafest fundraising and celebration taking place over the course of Week 6.

Santafest is a week full of community celebration and fundraising for the Kopanang Community Trust and our sister school Montebello in South Africa which has been taking place annually since the early 1990s. Over the course of the week, we raised over $5,500 that will go towards these important causes. Each day consisted of various activities and events, with some of the headline events consisting of:

• A competition showcase of homeroom dances during assembly to the timeless Dancing Queen by ABBA which ended with Yetinga getting the prized first place
• A student vs teacher debate discussing whether or not ‘school is harder for students than teachers’. Ultimately the teachers prevailed, successfully arguing that school is indeed harder for students (which perhaps was also a silent win for students who had their teachers sympathising with their scholarly struggles!)
• ‘Teachers in uniform’ during which teachers were sponsored to wear the Santa uniform for a day and take part in a parade during a busking concert at lunch where they showed off their fashionable outfits.

But this wasn’t all! There were even more enjoyable events as outlined below:

• Hot chocolate sales in the cold mornings and recess
• A tasty cake stall run by the incredible bakers from Gioia House
• A mouthwatering sausage sizzle
• Free dress day themed ‘one of a kind’ where students showed off their unique styles
• An incredible busking performance by our talented community demonstrating their musical mastery
• An enjoyable dominos pizza lunch where students enjoyed pizza with their friends.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the whole Santa Sabina community, and we are so thankful for the enthusiasm, joy and energy that everyone added to these initiatives!

Kate Pitman-Fernandez
Social Justice Prefect

Santa Win In Mock Trial Round 3

Santa Sabina travelled to St Scholastica’s College, Glebe for Round 3 of the NSW Law Society’s Mock Trial Competition on Monday 23 June. The students who represented Santa Sabina from Year 11 were:

• Barrister No 1: Kira Chemodakov
• Barrister No. 2: Eve Ardagna
• Solicitor: Eva Gabrielli
• Witness No. 1: Hope Faker
• Witness No 2: Maddie Younes
• Court officer: Lila Ferko

Thank you also to Eva Villarroel, Zara Ishak, Deanna Miloni, Evelyn Little and Ruby Stirling who were reserves for this round of the competition. A huge thank you to the Santa Sabina coach Shirley Chan.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

In Round 3 of the 2025 Law Society of NSW Mock Trial Competition, Santa Sabina College faced off against St Scholastica’s College in a courtroom showdown. The case centered on a controversial charge of larceny linked to the alleged exploitation of a malfunctioning ATM and raising questions about intent, and whether taking money dispensed in error from an ATM is considered theft.

Both teams demonstrated sharp legal acumen, with compelling arguments from the prosecution and a robust defense that challenged the credibility of key witness testimony. The trial, conducted under the competition’s standard adversarial format, gave students the opportunity to showcase their advocacy, critical thinking, and courtroom etiquette.

Eva Villarroel
Year 11

The team rose to the occasion with maturity and focus, delivering a polished and engaging performance from start to finish. A particular highlight was the performance of Barrister 1, who stepped in at the last minute. Despite the challenge, we delivered a powerful opening address and followed it up with a sharp, inquisitive cross-examination that reflected quick thinking and a strong understanding of the case. All team members played their roles with confidence and professionalism, contributing to the trial’s smooth flow. Special credit goes to the two first-time witnesses, who gave incredibly convincing performances—responding clearly and naturally under pressure, as if they’d been doing it for years. It was a proud moment for the team to win and a testament to what preparation, teamwork, and resilience can achieve.

Deanna Miloni
Year 11

Santa winners – Speaking 4 The Planet Competition

On Friday 13 June, seven students from the Environment Committee represented Santa Sabina at the Inter-school Speaking 4 the Planet Competition held at Rosebank College. The competition has five categories. The theme for 2025 was Greenhouse Gasses = A Climate Calamity. This competition was run by Burwood Council, City of Canada Bay Council, Strathfield Council and Climate Action Burwood/Canada Bay (CABCB) to celebrate World Environment Day. The keynote speaker was Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM.

The Year 11 students who attended were: Kira Sprotte, Gaby Indra, Charlotte So, Isabel Marturia, Michelle Indra, Emma Wong and Matilda Stephens. A huge congratulations to the following Santa Sabina students who achieved placings:

• Kira Sprotte – First – Writing Competition
• Matilda Stephens – Second – Speaking Competition
• Michelle Indra – Third – Art Competition

Thank you to Richard Crittenden for coaching the students towards success.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

We travelled to Rosebank College, and were able to voice our ideas through speech, writing, art and recycled sculpture and discuss with peers the effects of climate change. Throughout the day we engaged in meaningful activities and conversations with the other schools that participated, collaborating on solving various questions. We also had the chance to listen to guest speaker Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and members of the local councils that sponsored this event. Attending the Speaking 4 the Planet inter-school competition was an amazing experience that allowed us to listen to engaging guest speakers, participate in different activities with other schools and compete in different areas of the competition.
Kira Sprotte
Year 11

As part of the 2025 Speaking 4 The Planet Competition, I submitted one of my favourite artworks called ‘Paint The Town Red’, which delves into the overwhelming severity of consumerism on the production of greenhouse gases. It was interesting to speak to other students and I was inspired by all their dedication and passion to save the world we live in today for a better tomorrow. Dr Karl spoke about the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, its causes and what action we can take to mitigate this devastation. One thing he said that stuck with me was, ‘Keep the fossil fuels in the ground!’. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that truly taught me a lot about the climate crisis and I am sure that this event ignited a hopeful flame inside all of us who attended.
Michelle Indra
Year 11

Bronze all round in Titration Competition!

Congratulations to the senior HSC and IB Chemistry students who trained and competed in the RACI Titration Competition earlier this term. This competition aims to fuel passion, foster excellence and inspire high school students with an enthusiasm for Chemistry, by engaging them in a hands-on experience which enhances their scientific abilities. The participants engaged in experimental work within a UNSW laboratory, thereby providing them with valuable learning experience that is not possible to provide at the College. All three competing teams achieved their Bronze medals and have represented the College with pride.

Hannah Truong
Assistant Head of Science & Science Teacher

Strengthening Academic Thinking In History

On Friday 6 June, Year 12 Modern History, Ancient History and History Extension students participated in a Study Day at the University of Sydney to strengthen academic historical thinking. Students attended university-style lectures while on campus. The lectures focused on using the published research from historians and archaeologists as evidence within student arguments to maximise HSC academic achievement. A huge thank you to Lauren Jenkins for working with the History Teachers Association (NSW) to support Year 12 students at this University history event.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

The Year 12 History Study Day at the University of Sydney was helpful in developing my understanding of the Ancient History course. The lectures about Pompeii, New Kingdom Egypt, Hatshepsut and Sparta were useful in consolidating the information I had already learnt in class and provided new study techniques to maximise my marks.
Emily Guerrerio
Year 12

The History Study Day at the University of Sydney was a great experience to be able to clarify my understanding across my Ancient History HSC course. It went over key syllabus dot points, providing me with clear information and relevant sources I will be able to apply to my HSC exams. The speakers were engaging and informative and it was great being in an environment with other like-minded individuals, encouraging one another and working collaboratively within my class to ensure we had been staying up to date with notes in order to lift one another up come exam time. Definitely a worthwhile experience and has motivated me to ensure my notes and knowledge is ready to take on the big exams ahead with support from Ms Zagora.
Lily Vincent
Year 12

As an Ancient History student, the History Study Day served as a valuable refresher of the various units covered throughout the year, while also reinforcing the critical role of primary and secondary sources in crafting sophisticated and well-evidenced responses. The day not only consolidated my historical knowledge but also strengthened my confidence in approaching source-based and extended response questions with greater precision and depth.
Mia Papavramidis
Year 12

These lectures included new information and resources to help us deepen our understanding of these areas of study, as well as consolidate what we already knew. It was a valuable experience as we were able to approach this content differently, and we got to have a look at the university’s campus.
Claire Carroll
Year 12

The History Study Day at the University of Sydney, hosted by the HTANSW, was an incredibly valuable experience that enhanced our studies while offering the chance to connect with like-minded peers. It was exciting to experience a taste of university life and imagine ourselves studying here in the near future.
Isabella Williams
Year 12

Overall, the History Study Day was a useful and engaging way to revise key content, gain fresh perspectives, and see how history is studied beyond high school. It helped clarify some of the more complex parts of the course and made me feel more confident heading into the trial exams and HSC.
Emmalia Borralho
Year 12

Senior Drama Triumph!

The actors thank Mary Shelley for her courage and bravery in writing Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. They became the creators, directors, designers and performers of Shelley’s escapades in triumphantly winning the writing competition, of creating a ghost story. The drama students discovered through this theatrical adaptation, the complexities of the human spirit and the message that science and knowledge can be dangerous without considering the consequences. Mostly the actors discovered that a female writer could and did have the intelligence, imagination and knowledge to write a masterwork that is undoubtedly the best horror story ever written!

Nicole Ellis-Windsor
Head of Drama and Visual Arts

Being part of Mary Shelley & Frankenstein was unforgettable. I learned so much about gothic theatre and was pushed outside of my comfort zone in the best way! What made Mary Shelley & Frankenstein special wasn’t just the script, but the people. From rehearsals to opening night, we lifted each other up, solved problems together, and made something we were all proud of.
Charlize Cencigh

This was such a fun and enjoyable experience to work with new actors and make new lifelong friendships.
Vanessa Cassimatis

Working on Mary Shelley & Frankenstein was one of the most rewarding parts of the year, as I was lucky to embody Mary Shelley. Rehearsals weren’t just about learning lines, they were about building trust, experimenting with ideas, and finding moments of connection in the chaos. Collaborating with everyone, on and off stage, made the story feel alive in a completely different way.
Emily Chase

Mary Shelly & Frankenstein was a fun theatrical experience and one I will never forget. I enjoyed learning new acting and performing skills. From being off the stage, to being on the stage. I enjoyed every minute of performing this play.
Millie McLucas

I was grateful to be a part of the production and portraying Frankenstein’s creature – it was an incredibly rewarding challenge. I explored the raw vulnerability and emotional depth of a character so often misunderstood. I learned not just about theatre but about storytelling. It was a powerful experience to connect with audiences through such a complex role, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it from the intense rehearsals to the pre-show jitters backstage. It was an amazing experience that I will treasure forever.  Harper Harris-Roxas

Playing Clerval was a really meaningful part of the whole process. He might seem like a side character, but he brings so much heart to the story. Through rehearsals, I got to explore what loyalty, friendship, and hope look like, even in the middle of all the tragedy. Working with the cast made those moments feel real.
Allegra Gibson

Textiles & Design Exhibition Opening Night

Come and join us and celebrate the hard work and talent of our HSC Textiles & Design students!

Learning in the Library

On Wednesday 18 June, 23 excited students set out to Write a Book in Day to raise money for the Kids Cancer Project and to entertain sick kids in hospital.  We entered three teams:  the Santa Sevens, the Year 8 St Dom’s Plotters, and an open team made up of Years 9 to 11, The Dominators.  At 8:00am that morning, the students were given their parameters and had until 6:00pm to brainstorm, plan, write and illustrate a 3500-5000 word book, their audience being young people in hospital dealing with cancer. 

Apart from the creativity and passion towards the project, we were overwhelmed by both the students’ amazing teamwork, as well as the fun they had.

The Fundraiser will continue until judging in September. If you would like to donate to The Kid’s Cancer Project, please use this link.

I was excited to work with people that I might not otherwise. The write a book in a day competition was a great opportunity to collaborate on a collective, creative goal. It encouraged us to work as a team and helped us to learn to work under time pressure.
Louise Thill
Year 8

We had such a lovely day… and are very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in Write a Book in a Day. It’s a fantastic fundraiser and activity.
Calliope Stewart
Year 11

Write a book in a Day was an amazing opportunity that I was very lucky to be a part of. It helped me improve my teamwork skills and my creative writing skills. Thank you so much to Ms Marchetta and the library staff.
Rachel Michael
Year 7

Write a Book in a Day was such an enriching experience… All the brainstorming sessions and editing mania at the end of the day helped contribute to such an amazing final product…I wouldn’t say no to doing it again next year.
Annabelle Wong
Year 7

Write a Book in a Day was a challenging yet rewarding experience and I would be honoured to participate in the competition again in the future. It required creative and abstract thinking, logical planning, task-focused time management and great teamwork. Overall, it was a wonderful, enjoyable and exhilarating event and the whole team and I are incredibly proud of the final outcome of our book, A Cobweb Christmas.
Haesol Bok
Year 7

As a Year 7, writing a book in a day was a challenging but exhilarating and collaborative experience. Not only did we get to contribute to such an amazing cause we got to learn how effective working together is. Through brainstorming, planning and hard work we were able to achieve something that we were all proud of. It was such an enriching experience where we could all grow as readers and writers and I am very grateful to have been able to participate in such an amazing day.
Isabella Grass
Year 7

Harvard Model United Nations

On 29 June, Poppy, Edith, Kelly, and I were lucky to attend the Harvard Model United Nations Australia Competition at Cranbrook School. Over the four-day experience, we discussed numerous pressing world issues in our respective committees, collaborating with other students to create nuanced ideas that would assist in solving these issues. As a representative for Morocco in the Disarmament and International Security Committee, I was involved in discussions about how to deal with terrorism in the digital age and the increased use of online sites to coordinate and finance terrorist attacks, as well as recruiting new members through terrorist propaganda. In this committee, we placed particular emphasis on reducing the potential for young, vulnerable individuals to be exposed to such propaganda in our proposed solution.

On the first day of the competition, we formed alliances with different countries through our mutual goals and participated in impromptu public speaking, mimicking the activities of the real United Nations. And after this, on the second day of the competition, we began to form bigger alliances, called blocks, to start creating resolutions that communicated our proposed solutions. In my block, I worked alongside countries like Mexico, Algeria and Sweden to propose a United Nations body that would monitor online sites for terrorist propaganda, using computer algorithms and artificial intelligence. Through a presentation and Q&A about our resolution, on the third day, we were able to ally with another block to create an ultimate solution that combined both surveillance by a neutral United Nations body and education of youth populations. The committee then voted on which resolution they wanted to pass, again mirroring the practices of the United Nations, and our block was lucky enough to have our resolution pass with a majority vote.

Through this experience, we continued to enhance our communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills, attempting to solve real-world issues through our discussions and ideas. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed us to enter the realm of international collaboration as a United Nations delegate, exploring a potential career path by immersing ourselves in this environment. It was wonderful to collaborate with other students and communicate our ideas in a competition focused on inspiring the next generation of change-makers.

Eve Ardagna
Year 11

From 29 May to 2 June, four Santa Sabina students attended the Harvard Model United Nations held at Cranbrook School. This experience required each individual to represent a country in a different committee of the UN, where we represented Egypt in SPECPOL and the WHO and Morocco in World Bank and DISEC. The program aimed to facilitate conversation and debate between countries on various issues such as UN Peacekeeping and the legalisation of drugs. We were tasked by the end of the program to create BLOCS with countries that share similar views and ideologies. With our blocks, we needed to create a resolution about what we thought were the main issues in regards to the overarching issue. These resolutions were discussed, amended and then put into action in the committee if they passed. Overall, this experience was extremely insightful allowing us to get a taste of how the United Nations operates today, allowing us to broaden our scope of global politics.

Kelly Ghali
Year 12

Fujimigaoka High School Visit – 10 June

During the Fujimigaoka Japanese Visit, there were many Japanese students who came from their school to come visit Santa Sabina College for a day.

Years 7, 8 and 9 Japanese students were involved in the day, with 82 students from Japan. Throughout their time in our school, the students showed us what their high school looked like and what their life in Japan was like. It was certainly a unique experience getting to know girls around our age from across the globe, and sharing what we learnt in class. The Fujimigaoka students were bright, fun and energetic girls who collaborated in group activities and helped our Santa Sabina students expand their knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. The overall experience was very fun and helped increase my connection with the students from Fujimigaoka. I would love to have this incursion day again!

Leah Li
Year 7 Japanese 

Save the Date – 2025 SSC Science Showcase

The Science department would like you to ‘Save the Date’ for our annual SSC Showcase to be held during Science Week on Wednesday 14 August. 

This year’s theme is ‘Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language.’ This theme seeks to uncover the mysteries of the universe by exploring the languages of nature and mathematics, and the field of quantum science.

If you have attended previous Showcases you will know that we feature guest speakers from a wide range of careers utilising scientific knowledge.

Look out for further details later this term.

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Shout-Outs

Our Wellbeing Action Team created Shout-Out cards for all Gioia House students. This initiative focused on selecting another Gioia House student and identifying some acts of kindness and qualities you have seen. The students shared their ‘shout-out’ as a positive way to remind everyone that kind acts and respect do not go unnoticed. The students reflected on the positive impact this had on their personal wellbeing and made them feel valued. 

Action Girl Pastoral Program

This term our Action Girl Pastoral programs focused on relationships and knowing that healthy friendships are an essential part of our wellbeing and personal growth. This term using the U R Strong program, the students identified qualities within a healthy friendship and qualities in unhealthy friendships. Some of the key concepts we focused on included that friendships should be based on mutual respect, trust, honesty, support and encouragement. We also unpacked the times when mistakes and disagreements occur and we need to work towards forgiveness. Being able to acknowledge hurt, give a genuine apology and validate how you or the other person was feeling is a vital part of a healthy friendship. The students also looked at how friendships change over time. The students identified some of their personal changes from when they were younger such as the music they were interested in, how their hobbies have changed etc. We discussed how friendships naturally change too. It is important to always value the positive relationships we have and be open to forming new connections.

Online Safety

The Year 6 students were part of a pastoral session focusing on eSafety and ways we can make good choices online. We discussed the importance of being aware of what we post online and messages we send individually or on group chats. We reviewed the Online Communication Charter we implemented at the start of the year, reminding students about their personal responsibility to make the right choice when online. We spoke about the importance of thinking before you post anything personal, unkind or not inclusive. The students shared responses such as ‘if you wouldn’t say it in person then don’t say it online’; ‘make sure everyone feels included’; ‘tell a trusted adult if something is not right’. We also spoke about being inclusive and being part of group chats. The students were able to recall when Constable Jim visited us earlier in the year and shared that everyone who is part of a group chat is responsible for the conversations, even when you have not contributed anything to the discussion. We asked the students to reflect on being part of unhealthy chats and what choices they can make to be an upstander and do what is right. The students were able to identify the correct way to safely communicate online and always tell a trusted adult when something is not appropriate or does not seem right. 

Outreach

The Gioia House students continue to identify ways they can have a positive impact on our world. The students have been working with their action teams to look at different initiatives we can implement to make our world a better place. 

We continue to ask the students to give generously to JRS and the St Vincent De Paul Winter appeal. 

The current Gioia House service initiatives include:

• Donating food items to JRS and helping refugee communities
• St Vincent De Paul winter appeal – donating winter blankets, clothing

It has been a busy and wonderful first semester. I wish you and your families a safe and restful break. I look forward to seeing you all in Term 3. 

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Congratulations to all our delightful Gioia House students who sang and danced through performances of This Song and I Sing Because I’m Happy’ as featured pieces at this year’s Voices of Hope Gala Concert at the Sydney Town Hall. Our Years 5 and 6 girls also delighted our community through performances as part of the College Choir, SInfonietta Strings, Zheng and Taiko Ensembles, Concert Band and the Symphony Orchestra, and as part of the massed items of Karl Jenkins’ Mass of Peace and this year’s finale Let Hope Arise – singing in English, French and Italian as part of these joyous experiences. We are very proud of our Gioia House Voices of Hope.

Please enjoy this photo slideshow from the concert!

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

A Message from the Director of Music

Click here to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.

What’s happening in Year 5

05 CORE 1 – Sustainable Development

During the term Year 5 has been learning about the UN Sustainable Development goals through which they developed interest in ocean conversation and ending poverty. They worked in groups to design a product or technology that would help work towards meeting their chosen UN goals. This required them to exercise their skills in problem solving, teamwork and research, as they worked on proposing solutions that threaten vital ecosystems and social cohesion around the world. This collaboration gave students an opportunity to appreciate how global contexts impact their local community. The students enjoyed the project, which sparked their curiosity and interest in how they can contribute to solving the challenges of our world. They also had fun and strengthened relationships as they worked together.

Alison Di Ciaccio
Year 5 Teacher

05 CORE 2 – Philosophy

Throughout this term Year 5 have been discussing the Problem of Personhood in Philosophy. The students created a set of criteria defining what makes a person. The criteria they developed and used were:

A Person…

1. Shows emotions or feelings
2. Belongs to a community 
3. Is able to communicate
4. Has a personality/identity  
5. Has the ability to think and reason.

Many images were used to apply this criteria to and discuss, including Sophia the Robot. Students watched an interview with Sophia the Robot. Below are examples of two students’ thinking.

Sophia the robot is a person. I know this because she communicates by using verbal communication. Sophia is a citizen of Saudi Arabia, this means she is part of a community. Sophia can experience emotions because when she was sad she showed a sad face. Sophia has her own personality because she made jokes in the interview.
Ava Wany

I think Sophia isn’t a person because she is man-made and programmed by a human. Robots opinions can be unfair and unjust as the person controlling them may use this Artificial Intelligence to project an opinion of their own. She can communicate but has no family. Although she has the ability to project emotions these have been programmed into the computer. Therefore Sophia the Robot is not a person.
Marley Seeto

Year 5 has enjoyed engaging in Philosophical dialogue on this topic and challenging each others thinking.

Wendy Anetter
Year 5 Teacher

05 CORE 3 and 05 CORE 4

As Year 5 comes to the end of their Interdisciplinary unit ‘Australia: Our Past, Present and Future’, students in 5Watkins were focusing on the United Nations Global Goals and how countries are meeting these goals. Students discovered that there is much around the world being done, however were shocked to hear how far some of these goals were from being achieved. Students were faced with the challenging task of designing a product or system which helped achieve these goals by 2030. They came up with incredible inventions and systems that included robots that transformed rubbish into compost, using the planet Mars’ heat from the sun to generate solar energy and much more! The students enjoyed working collaboratively to undergo the design process and present their ideas to the class. 

Bryony Watkins and Tayla Kostakis
Year 5 teachers

What’s happening in Year 6

06 CORE 3 – Maths

Students have been exploring Two-Dimensional Spatial Structure in mathematics. They have been learning how shapes can be transformed using translations, reflections, and rotations, all while maintaining their original size and proportions. One of the highlights so far was a creative transformation activity. Each student received a grid filled with shapes and a set of instructions to manipulate them. As they carefully followed the steps moving, flipping, and rotating shapes; their grids began to reveal hidden animal patterns. This activity not only reinforced key mathematical concepts but also encouraged critical thinking, attention to detail, and perseverance and was definitely a class favourite! 

Sian Tierney
Year 6 Teacher

06 CORE 4 – Mathematics Scavenger hunt

In a recent Mathematics lesson, our students brought their division and multiplication skills to life through an engaging scavenger hunt activity. They tackled word problems that required not only accurate computation but also critical thinking to decode clues and uncover a hidden phrase. This hands-on approach helped reinforce key numeracy concepts in a fun and collaborative way. It was wonderful to see students motivated by both the challenge and the sense of discovery as they connected maths to real-world problem-solving.

Ann Milicic
Year 6 Teacher

Writers’ Club

We are very proud of our Gioia House and Del Monte Writer’s Clubs who have created entertaining and thought-provoking stories for the annual NESA Write-On competition. After much deliberation we proudly announce our school representatives for each stage.

Stage 1: Joanna Wong, 2 Paterson
Stage 2: Oscar Kochman, 3 Blue Gums
Stage 3: Riha Han, 5 Core 1

You can enjoy an excerpt of Riha’s story below,

 A World in Change 
by Riha Han

‘It’s snowing!”’Soojin’s father exclaimed, peering out through the frosted glass of their cramped apartment window. 

‘Really?’ Seven-year-old Soojin’s chocolate eyes widened with hope and excitement. She dashed over to the window, her breath fogging up the glass. Soojin’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the snowflakes drifting down like powdered sugar, coating houses and pavements like frosting. 

Before her parents could stop her, she snatched her padding and scarf and bolted out the door, wild with anticipation. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her stomach bubbled like lemonade. She smiled wide as she held out her arms and felt the snowflakes kiss her cheeks and tickle her hands, melting slowly as it landed on her warm skin. 

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

Sustainability @ Santa

The Gioia House Kitchen Garden Club has joined forces with the Environment and Sustainability Action Team to introduce a number of initiatives focusing on the environment and sustainability at a local level.

1. Vegepods – The Kitchen Garden Club has established two large Vegepods that currently house a range of vegetables and herbs. The KGC girls maintain these plants with regular watering, fertilising and harvesting/pruning.

2. Return and Earn – The Gioia House Action Team has implemented a Return and Earn Scheme that encourages the Gioia House girls to deposit eligible containers in an attempt to reduce the amount of recyclable containers entering landfill, while raising funds to support the composting program.

3. Composting – The Gioia House Action Team has also implemented a composting program whereby suitable organic waste is collected during recess and lunch in small composting bins, before being added to the larger composting tumbler bins. The composted waste will be used to fertilise the soil of future gardening projects.

Eamonn Dunphy
Year 6 Teacher

Speech & Drama in Gioia House

We’re excited to announce that enrolments for Semester 2 Speech and Drama classes are now open!
Our program is structured to ensure students not only benefit from the creative aspects of speech and drama but also develop skills in performance, public speaking, and communication.

We have a limited number of openings available to new students for Semester 2. 

Whether your child is new to performing and public speaking or ready to build on their skills, our fun and confidence-boosting classes are the perfect fit. 

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

Pastoral update

Creating a culture of kindness

Following on from our previous focus on Omoiyari – Compassionate Thinking in Action – we have seen out the term by turning our attention to the beautiful and powerful theme of Creating a Culture of Kindness.

At the heart of our school community is a desire to nurture an environment where every person feels seen, valued and cared for. Just as the new plants in our Rosary Garden and playground need sunlight, water and care to grow strong and healthy, so too does kindness need to be nurtured through consistent, thoughtful actions.

We encourage all students to recognise that kindness is not just a feeling, but something we actively choose to do. Whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, a kind word, or simply including someone who feels left out – these small gestures have the power to transform our school into a place where everyone feels they belong.

This culture of kindness extends beyond our students. We want every person who walks through our gates – staff, families, visitors – to experience a community grounded in love, respect and compassion. Together, we are planting the seeds of kindness. With care and intention, we will watch them grow into something truly beautiful.

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

Religious Education News

Heavenly Father
Thank you for all that you have provided for us,
For life, health, relationships and basic necessities.
Right now, many in our world and even in our local community are struggling
Renew our hearts that we may show compassion to all around us.
Help us to be kind and generous and give to those in need.
Help us to follow the example of your Son, Jesus to live a life worthy
of our calling.
Amen.

Outreach at Del Monte – Term 3 Crazy Sock Day on Thursday 31 July

To support the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s annual Vinnies Winter Appeal, the Year 4 Social and Justice leadership team is organising a Crazy Sock Day. This initiative aims to assist vulnerable individuals by raising funds for food, clothing, household bills, and specialist homelessness services. Additionally, it will help those in need to find and maintain secure housing.

At Santa Sabina College, we are committed to social justice, learning about fairness, equality, and advocacy for those in need. On Thursday 31 July, we will host a Crazy Sock Day where students are encouraged to wear colourful socks with their school or sports shoes. We invite everyone to open their hearts and donate generously to support the disadvantaged in our community.

Year 4 Social and Justice Leaders Winter Appeal

The Year 4 Social and Justice leadership team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents for their generous donations to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s annual Vinnies Winter Appeal. Your contributions have made a significant impact, providing essential support such as food, clothing, household bills, and specialist homelessness services to those in need.

Your kindness and generosity help us continue our mission of advocating for fairness, equality, and support for the vulnerable in our community. Thank you for opening your hearts and making a difference!

Confirmation

Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation and establishes recipients as fully-fledged members of the Catholic faith. The first sacrament of initiation is at Baptism, the children have now chosen to renew the promises made for them by their Godparents.

During the Confirmation service last Friday night  there were many rituals and symbolic actions. The first was, The Laying on of Hands. Bishop Tony Percy placed his hands on the head of the candidates and prayed for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This ritualises the connection to Baptism and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our vocation to follow the way of Jesus. The second part of the service was the Anointing with Oil. The anointing of the candidate at Confirmation recognises that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The bishop anoints the candidate’s forehead with the Oil of Chrism, saying ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’. We keep the candidates and their families in our prayers.

Image courtesy of Giovanni Portelli Photography

Holiday Prayer and Best Wishes

As we approach the holiday season, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all parents and students. May this time be filled with joy, peace, and reflection. I pray that everyone enjoys a restful break and returns refreshed and ready for the new term.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community. Happy holidays!

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P – 6

Music at Del Monte and MBH

Curricular Music at Mary Bailey House and Del Monte

As we are coming up to the middle of the year, the Mary Bailey House students are very familiar with Music class and what to expect. We are continuing to use claves, scarves and lots of movement to feel the beat and show the style of the music. Students participate by joining in with singing, moving and playing instruments. They also enjoy answering questions or giving their ideas to the various songs. Throughout Pease Porridge Hot, students are invited to choose a number of days to clap at the end of the song. In Pat-a-cake, students are invited to choose a letter of the alphabet to write on the ‘cake’. This emphasises their understanding of number and quantity recognition and letter recognition, all while having fun!

Kindergarten students have been learning a special song about animals. They have to remember which order the animals come in the song and what actions they do. This works on their memory and understanding of song structure. 

Rehearsing for the Gala concert has been our focus for our ensembles and Year 4. It takes great focus to perfect our ‘Performance Mode’ – switching from relaxing to standing correctly with good posture, focused on the music and watching the conductor, particularly when we are excited! It is immensely satisfying to see the students rise to the challenges of not just learning the repertoire, but responding with maturity to whole-school rehearsals across at the senior school and in the city at the Sydney Town Hall. We are very proud of our Del Monte Voices of Hope.

Please enjoy this photo slideshow from the concert!

Phillipa Knight
Coordinator of Music P-4

A Message from the Director of Music

Click here to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.

Year 4 excursion to The Rocks

In Week 6, Year 4 students enjoyed participating in the immersive walking tour of The Rocks as part of the History curriculum. They learned about first contacts between the Eora and the British people, the Aboriginal way of life before and after colonisation, and significant people and events in the early colony. Students were given the opportunity to dress up as the governor, soldiers, convicts or free settlers. They observed the use of sandstone in the creation of early buildings such as Cadman’s Cottage. Students were fascinated when shown the use of seashells in early architecture. It was a fun experience filled with learning!

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

Year 3 Outdoor Education

On 5 and 6 June, the Year 3 students embarked on their first overnight Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong. This enriching program provided valuable opportunities for students to develop key life skills such as resilience, independence, teamwork, and responsibility, while immersing themselves in a range of new outdoor activities.

Throughout the camp, students were placed into day groups and took part in hands-on experiences that strengthened their problem-solving and collaboration skills. Activities such as mountain biking, an interactive bushwalk to caves, and shelter building challenged students to think creatively and work cooperatively. Within these groups, students also engaged in a series of group challenges designed to achieve shared goals. The enthusiastic support of the Year 10 leaders, combined with the thoughtful guidance of the Tallong Outdoor Education staff, created an encouraging environment where students could flourish.

In the evenings, students were assigned to cabin groups, where they continued to build independence and personal responsibility. They were expected to take turns using the facilities, organise their belongings, pack and unpack efficiently, and contribute to maintaining a clean and tidy space– all of which helped reinforce a sense of resilience and self-management.

The children thoroughly enjoyed their Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong, with many memorable moments and personal achievements. The success of the camp would not have been possible without the careful planning of Mr Walker, the committed assistance of the Year 10 helpers, the expertise of the Outdoor Education Leaders and Tallong staff, and the generous support of the accompanying Del Monte teachers. Their combined efforts made this a valuable and inspiring learning experience for all involved.

Catherine McGrath
Year 3 Teacher

Year 2

As Term 2 draws to a close, Year 2 students have enjoyed many new experiences both within and outside the classroom.

A highlight for everyone has been the opening of the new playground. Students have enjoyed a sense of adventure as they explore the new equipment with their friends and classmates. Despite of their excitement, the children have shown responsibility in using the equipment safely. They have shown kindness as they include each other, taking turns and making sure everyone has a go. Most of all, they have had fun as the much-anticipated playground has become a reality.

In the classroom, the highlight of the past two weeks has been in Science as part of our unit about Earth’s Natural Resources. Students investigated water filtration while learning how water comes into our homes for use in cooking, cleaning and drinking. They made water filters using different materials and compared the effectiveness of each material.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and are looking forward to more fun and learning in Term 3.

Margie Attard, Cara Brigham, Tina Nicotina, Louise Moseley and Brooke Panagopolous
Year 2 Teachers

Year 1

On Friday, Year 1 students stepped into the past during an engaging excursion to Elizabeth Farm, where they explored how the Macarthur family and their servants lived in a time before running water, electricity, and modern appliances. The excursion supported their history unit on ‘Past, Present and Future,’ offering rich opportunities to compare contemporary life with colonial times.

Students participated in a variety of hands-on activities and object-based learning experiences. They washed clothes by hand, explored the kitchen garden to see what was growing, and discussed how people lived before supermarkets. 

Outside in the garden, students played traditional 19th-century games such as hoops, skittles, quoits, and cup and ball, experiencing firsthand how children entertained themselves before digital devices.

Throughout the excursion, students were encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and reflect on the differences between life ‘then and now.’ The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning helped bring history to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

Year 1 Teachers

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten students have had an exciting time over the past three weeks exploring our beautiful new playground environment!

The students had waited with anticipation – and a great deal of patience – for the new playground to open, as they peered through the wire fence of the tennis courts during their play breaks and watched the construction gradually begin to take shape.

On the last day of Week 6, the long wait was finally over, and the Kindergarten students had their first opportunity to explore the different spaces that make up the new playground. The timing of this visit aligned perfectly with our Mathematics investigation on Position. The students were able to describe how they could access the variety of equipment and purposefully designed spaces, such as climbing over, walking through and sitting under these.

Prior to exploring the new environment, all classes on the Primary Campus viewed a slide show, prepared by the Environment and Sustainability Team to introduce the students to the different spaces and equipment. Discussions were held about the importance of adhering to school expectations regarding safe and respectful play, before each grade participated in an ‘incursion’ to familiarise the students with the new playground.

Supervising teachers have reported that the Kindergarten students have certainly taken the messages of safety and respect to heart, and are displaying positive behaviours such as taking turns, using kind words and looking out for one another as they play. 

The Kindergarten teachers could not be more proud of our students for setting such a wonderful example for their peers in other grades!

This can also be said of the students’ attitude towards their first Athletics Carnival. The Kindergarten students were very excited to participate in this important calendar event and embraced the diverse, entertaining and sometimes challenging activities during the day. 

On this beautiful sunny winter’s day, it was a joy to watch the students engage in each event and cheer each other on with such energy and commitment. They are to be congratulated for displaying great sportsmanship, resilience, perseverance and respect for their peers. 

A big thank you also to the parents who were able to be present and enjoy the day with us!

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

Prep

A Special Visit from Sr Sheila

The Prep students had the special opportunity to welcome Sr Sheila Flynn OP who shared her knowledge about St Dominic, the patron saint of our school. During her visit, Sr Sheila introduced the students to the beautifully handcrafted Dominican Dolls displayed in our classrooms. These dolls represent St Dominic’s family members, including his father Felix de Guzman, his mother Jane of Aza, and his brothers Anthony and Mannes. The students listened attentively as Sr Sheila spoke about our Dominican heritage, explaining the significance of the word Veritas and the symbols found within our school crest. Their curiosity shone through as they asked thoughtful questions about St Dominic’s childhood and the life he led. We eagerly await Sr Sheila’s next visit to continue learning about the inspiring legacy of St Dominic.

The importance of play in Prep

The Prep students enjoy a wide range of play experiences throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. These opportunities are essential to their learning, supporting growth across social, emotional, and cognitive areas. Through play, children explore the world around them, develop essential social skills, and learn to express their emotions and creativity. It fosters cognitive growth by encouraging problem-solving, decision-making and imagination. Physical play supports motor skill development and overall health, while cooperative play teaches teamwork, empathy and communication. Whether structured or free, play provides a safe space for children to experiment, take risks and build confidence, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

Monique Evans and Rebecca Saba
Prep Teachers

Del Monte Library

We have an exciting lineup of events planned for our school library next term and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Week 3: Book Fair

From Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August, our library will host a fantastic Book Fair. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a wide range of books and find new favourites. There will be something for everyone, from picture books to young reader novels and informative texts. Parents are welcome to visit the fair with their children before and after school and during the events of that week which include 100 Days of Kindergarten and Grandparents Day. Don’t miss out on the chance to add some great reads to your home library!

Week 5: Book Week Extravaganza

Book Week will take place from Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August. This year’s theme is ‘Book an adventure’ and we have a series of special events planned:

• Author Visit from Anna Fienberg: We are thrilled to announce that renowned author Anna Fienberg will be visiting the library on Friday 22 August. Anna is best known for her beloved Tashi series, and she will be sharing her experiences as a writer. This is a unique opportunity for students to meet a real-life author and be inspired by her stories.
• Dress Up Book Character Parade: On Friday 22 August, we will also hold our annual Dress Up Book Character Parade. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book characters, however no superheroes please. This is always a highlight of the term, with creative costumes and lots of fun. Parents are invited to join us for the parade at 9:00am in the Del Monte hall.

We look forward to seeing everyone participate in these exciting events. Let’s make Term 3 a memorable one filled with the joy of reading!

Happy reading and remember to continue logging your PRC books. The Premier’s Reading Challenge finishes on 19 September 2025.

Patricia Doonan
Teacher Librarian

Holiday Drama Workshop

We’re excited to let you know that we’ll be holding a fun drama workshop on Monday 21 July, from 10:00am to 4:00am during the upcoming school holidays! You’re among the first to hear about it. Limited places are available.

It’s going to be a day packed with creativity, laughter, and games, perfect for kids who love to perform, create, and have a great time. After a day of drama activities, the kids will even get glammed up for a red carpet photo opportunity!

Feel free to bring a friend or two along!

Rachel Hennessy

Director
THE HENNESSY SPEECH & DRAMA STUDIO

Writers’ Club

This week our Del Monte Writer’s Club had fun imagining a food fight at school. We formed small groups and each person wrote one part of the story. Our focus was on the ‘Show Don’t Tell’ technique where writers use descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. There were lots of giggles as we shared our stories. Below are some excerpts. 

‘Enough is enough!’ bellowed Mrs Azizian. She had chunks of jelly stuck in her dress and icecream like a river near her feet. 

‘Here comes the food!”’yelled a child wheeling a mini storage container. Mrs Azizian had thought the children had ran out of food but dread filled her body. Despair buckled her legs and she collapsed in despair. Had the children won?

William Lu
Year 4

Spaghetti zooming around the canteen like flying worms. Jelly on my lunch, then rotten, stinky blue cheese splattered on my white t-shirt. Eggs hit my eyes. One blink and a crispy meat pie drags down a teacher’s face. Red face and steaming ears!

Mackenzie Wong
Year 4

We are very proud of our Gioia House and Del Monte Writer’s Clubs who have created entertaining and thought-provoking stories for the annual NESA Write-On competition. After much deliberation we proudly announce our school representatives for each stage.

Stage 1: Joanna Wong, 2 Paterson
Stage 2: Oscar Kochman, 3 Blue Gums
Stage 3: Riha Han, 5 Core 1

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

Director of Music P-12

In a world where AI is now able to mimic or reappropriate most human endeavours, there is an increasing need to really define what the phenomenon of music is, and indeed what it means to humanity. 

I believe that Music is only of value to the extent of its meaning. (Also noting John Cage’s provocation ‘I have nothing to say. And I am saying it’).  Additionally, we pursue musical excellence not for excellence’s sake, but because it has the ability to amplify or diminish the message being presented.

On Tuesday night at our Gala Concert our students, teachers, support staff and the Santa Sabina community – all Voices of Hope – said something important. Our students shone; were determined and excellent, but most critically, their music was significant because it meant something. They raised their voice and rendered their sounds with a focused intention, and the outcome was beautiful.

I am filled with awe, and loved musing with Gioia House students on Wednesday…  ‘Isn’t it mind-boggling that there are people in our community whose Wednesday is now going better –  because last night they watched YOU breathe into a silver pipe, while SHE rubbed horse hair on a string over a wooden box…!?’  

Though bafflingly earthy sounds, when made in the direction of a shared sound, become one of the wonders of the world, and undoubtedly one of the most exquisite of human experiences.

Long may music be a gift through which the divine can reach us; and through which we can reach for the divine.

Gala Concert

Enjoy this slideshow of images of our 600 Voices of Hope raised together at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 24 June 2025. 

Director’s Honour Roll

As we wrap up Semester 1, we commend the students below for the following achievements:

Semester 2 Invoices (Automatic Rollover)

While Semester 1 is in the process of being reconciled, a reminder that all Music programs and enrolments ROLL OVER automatically, and invoices will be issued to parent inboxes in coming weeks. Though there is a different process for seasonal sport enrolments, Music enrolments do not require you to re-register with each new semester.

If intending to withdraw from a levied Music Program, a reminder that four weeks advance notice is required or else a withdrawal fee of the equivalent amount is applicable. If you intend to discontinue, please advise us formally via this ‘Notice of Change’ form.

Semester 2 Invoices must be settled no later than Wednesday 23 July – ready for the commencement of Term 3. 

Have a lovely break!

Wishing all in our community a safe and refreshing mid-year holiday.
We look forward to seeing you for a wonderful second half of the year!

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
music@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

I would like to express my gratitude to my team in the Sports office, coaches, students and parents for making Sport and Co-curricular activities a reality here at the College.

One more term comes to its end and we finish very strong on all fronts: great rates of engagement in Saturday Sport (from Years 3-12) and an increasing level of competitiveness.

In Representative Competitions we are making our presence across the Associations we are part of and our students have been showing great skills and game understanding levels as well as great sportsmanship.

Our Co-curricular Clubs have also been a success and I thank the teachers in charge for making it such a great experience for our students.

I also would like to take this opportunity to (re)introduce Mr Yuri Chernenko to our Sports Department. After years of success running our Volleyball Program, he returns to take it back to the higher heights and to promote engagement in the Representative and Invitational domains. I feel blessed to have him joining us in the office sharing his passion and expertise.

Luiz Ramalho
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular Clubs

Registrations are open for the Term 3 Co-curricular Clubs. Offers Include:

• Athletics Club – Mondays before school, Years 2-12
• Fencing Skills – Mondays before school, Years 4-12
• Fit Club – Wednesdays after school, Years 5-12
• Mandarin – Wednesdays after school, Years 5-12
• Boxing Club – Fridays before school, Years 7-12
• Mandarin – Fridays after school (Del Monte campus), Years 1-4
• Dance – Years K-10, multiple genres.

How to register and pay?

Please click on the link below. Before doing so, clear the cache and cookies of your browser. You can also try the link in incognito mode.

REGISTER HERE

This link can also be found on the College Sports VO page (Registration tile)

VO Sports Page

Alternatively, you can open the College App, click on ‘Co-curricular’ then ‘Registration’ as per the image below:

In both cases, when taken to a Calendar (after logging in as a parent), please select your son/daughter’s name, and the eligible Options will come up under the Activity Selection name:

• Co-curricular Term 3 – 2025

Debating and Public Speaking

On Friday, 20 June, our Years 7, 8, and 9 Debating teams participated in the CSDA semi finals. I’m delighted to share that our Year 8 team delivered an outstanding performance and has successfully progressed to the finals!

While our Year 7 and Year 9 teams engaged in very close and competitive debates, they unfortunately did not advance. However, they remain enthusiastic and motivated, knowing they’ll have another opportunity next year to go even further.

The finals will take place at Marist College Eastwood, where our Year 8 team will be debating against St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown.

Individual and team students achievements

A big congratulations to Jade Dominis in Year 9 who made the NSWCCC U16s Rugby Sevens team and will participate in the NSW All Schools Selections next week adding to her participation in the NSWCCC Rugby League Selections in early may as part of the CGSSSA team.

Alessandra Ronsisvalle placed 3rd in the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships (12 Years old) and Freya Ingwersen placed 6th (13 Years old) representing CGSSSA and the CGSSA team won the team event. They’re both off to the NSW All Schools Championships.

Congratulations to our Futsal teams at the first ever CGSSSA Futsal Tournament on Friday 20 June. A special shout out to the Juniors (Years 7-9) for coming third in their division.

Congratulations to the students who played the Futsal NSW Regional Championships – Bankstown at Condell Park on Monday 23 June. Coached by Daniel Marques our Opens team made it through to the semi finals and lost only on Golden Goal at extra time.

IGSA Sport

Term 2 IGSA sport wrapped up on Saturday with seven of our teams finishing in the top four. It was great to see so many students participating in various sports this term, having fun and making friends. We hope you enjoy your well earned break over the holidays and look forward to seeing many of you back next term.

Congratulations to the following teams

Hockey
SAN01 – 2nd
SAN02 – 3rd

Basketball
SAN01 – 1st
SAN04 – 4th

Football
SAN02 – 4th
SAN03 – 4th
SAN05 – 1st

Term 3 players required!

We are still on the hunt for some eager football players to fill our IGSA football teams in all divisions. If you are interested in playing football next term registrations are currently open so please follow the link here to register.

Netball

Congratulations to our U13 and U15 representative teams who participated in the NSW Schools Cup in Camden on 19 June. This is the first time the College netball teams have taken part in this competition which was enjoyed by all. Both teams had some very close games and some great wins. This experience provided an opportunity for the players to improve their skills against new and talented opposition players and schools and are looking forward to playing again next year.

The teams will participate in the NSWCCC competition on 20 August but in the meantime will be working hard on court during the second half of the IWNA competition at Cintra along with the other 25 College teams in the lead up to finals commencing 23 August.

We will be holding free netball clinics on site at the College during the July holidays.

4 July – Feeding the Circle, a must for middies and shooters. Suitable for 14 years plus.

18 July – Junior Clinic, fancy footwork, perfect passing & sharp shooting. Suitable for 13 years and under.

Further information will be released shortly.

Joanne Gocher
Netball Coordinator

Representative Dance

Our representative dancers have continued working hard within their training sessions with their coaches in preparation for more eisteddfods. We also had our Primary White Dance Team perform at the Jane of Aza playgroup which was a beautiful moment for the students to share their skills and performance with the wider community.

Our senior representative dancers have continued on their eisteddfod expedition, where they competed at the Extreme Dance Competition held at Abbotsleigh on Sunday 15 June. All senior teams represented the school with pride and danced very well. A special mention to the follow four teams who received placings:
1st Place: Senior Hip Hop Red Team
3rd Place: Senior Hip Hop Black & Senior Jazz Red Teams
Highly Commended: Senior Contemporary

We look forward to our junior teams competing at their first eisteddfod in Week 1 of Term 3.

Bryony Williams
Dance Coordinator

Primary Sport

Mackillop Cross Country

Congratulations to Charlotte McCarthy and Erin Grogan who participated at the Mackillop Cross Country Championships on Wednesday 11 June. Both girls produced pleasing results and are to be commended on their efforts.

Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships

Congratulations to our Gioia House Football team, who competed last week at the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Football Championships. The team finished first in their pool, managing to not concede a goal all day! The girls will now compete at the Sydney Catholic Schools Inter-Conference Play offs on Tuesday 22 July.

Coming up in Term 3

Tuesday 22 July                     SCS Football Championships (Inter-Conference Play offs)
Monday 4 August                    SCS Conference 2 Athletics Championships
Friday 29 August                    SCS Sydney Athletics Championships
Wednesday 3 September       Prep and Mary Bailey House Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 10 September     Year 3 and 4 Soccer Gala Day
Tuesday 18 September          Year 5 and 6 Netball Gala Day
Wednesday 24 September     Mackillop Athletics Championships

Ryan Dunlop
PE and Co-curricular Coordinator P-4

Year 9 Student Xylah Bamji embarks on a mission to empower girls in Bangalore

Xylah Bamji’s dedication to outreach is taking her on an extraordinary journey. The Dominican ethos at Santa Sabina deeply ingrains a commitment to service and social justice in every student and staff member. Our community prioritises the wellbeing of others and the stewardship of our planet, embodying a tradition of selflessness and care.

Xylah is spearheading a campaign to improve the lives of impoverished girls in India. Next month during her school holidays, she is travelling to Bangalore to volunteer in an orphanage and in the classrooms of a school attended by children from the streets and the slums. She will teach, read to the children, lead soccer games, cook in the orphanage, and immerse herself in the lives of the Bangalore students. The Indian families will teach Xylah how to make bags from recycled plastic materials to sell and raise funds for the school. With other Sydney teenagers and their mothers – organised by the Akka project – Xylah will take donations of enough period underwear for every student and letters individually addressed from new pen pals.

Why is Xylah spending her winter break doing this, instead of a beach holiday, a ski trip, or binge-watching a favourite show?

‘I feel that we have such privilege as girls growing up in Australia,’ she says.

‘We need to use our advantage to help other people. Living out the Dominican Pillars also gives me the sense that this volunteer work is important. Helping other people is also good for us – to show us how not everyone is as well-fed and safe as Australians are.’

Xylah is the only Santa Sabina student on her way to help in the Parikrma Humanity Foundation schools of Bangalore, but she has received tangible help from her Homeroom classmates and her House, Teangi.

‘I’ve had a lot of support, especially from Teangi at House meetings,’ she says.

College Principal Paulina Skerman says, ‘Xylah’s commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. She embodies the values we strive to instil in all our students.’

It is worth noting that Xylah received an inaugural Principal’s Honour Medal in 2023 for her demonstration of the College’s highly valued character traits of respect, responsibility, resilience, self-regulation, humility and application.

How can other students help Xylah boost international teenage wellbeing and seek to break the cycle of poverty?

‘Connect with the Indian girls by writing them letters which I will hand-deliver and read to them. Donate period underwear – we are hoping to take 800 pairs, three for each girl,’ Xylah says. ‘Any donations are great, and all efforts are appreciated.’

Xylah’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have. Her selflessness and commitment to helping others serve is an inspiration to us all. As Xylah continues her volunteer work, she hopes to inspire others to get involved as well. She plans to build on this each year – this is her second annual trip to Bangalore.

In a time when the world can often seem divided, Xylah’s story is a beacon of hope. Her dedication to helping others is a testament to the power of kindness and the difference that one person can make. As she looks ahead to the future, Xylah is excited to continue her volunteer work and find new ways to support her community.

Join Xylah in her mission to make a difference. Write letters, donate period underwear, or contribute in any way you can. Every effort counts.

If you would like to support Xylah’s work with a donation of period underwear, please email her at bamjix2028@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Victoria Harper
Editor

Important message from College Nurse

Dear Families

This is a reminder of how we all can help reduce the spread of germs in our school community to keep everyone healthy this winter.

Please keep children home if they are unwell or are recovering from a recent contagious illness.

Children who have had illnesses including vomiting, diarrhoea, the flu, chest infections, chicken pox, whooping cough or other contagious conditions must be kept at home until they no longer have symptoms.

To minimise the spread of germs and help keep everyone healthy, we ask that you:

• Keep your child at home if unwell.
• Teach and encourage good hand hygiene practices, including effective hand washing and coughing/sneezing into the elbow.

It is impossible to avoid all infections but by taking these precautions we can lower the risk of catching and spreading germs.

We appreciated your support.

Kind regards

Karen Peeters
College Nurse

Support our Annual Appeal before 30 June

Make the most of tax deductibility!

Your support of our Annual Appeal enables us to provide exceptional learning opportunities, enhance our facilities, and ensure that a Santa Sabina education remains accessible to all who seek it.

Together, we can empower the next generation of students to thrive and lead with purpose.

Please consider making a gift before 30 June to maximise this financial year’s tax deductibility. Your generosity will shape lives for years to come.

Uniform Shop Update

From the P&F Association

Dear Parents and Friends of Santa Sabina College

Just like that, Term 2 has come to an end! We are grateful for all the support and assistance of our community who assist in many ways behind the scenes. Whilst it was only a short term, it was a  busy one. We look forward to working with our SSC community next term by connecting with each other and growing stronger as a school.

Santa Sabina College P&F Trivia Night

The P&F hosted the Trivia Night for 2025. It was such a fun evening, catching up with friends and meeting parents across all cohorts. The competition was fierce but highly entertaining.

Thank you to all who came and supported the P&F.  We owe a great deal to our sponsor who made the night that much better. Your contribution and commitment to the P&F and our community is greatly appreciated.

A heartfelt thanks to Nice Bite Orthodontics, our major sponsor for the night.

Santa Sustainable Threads

The P&F led pre-loved uniform stall, Sustainable Threads, will be open before the start of Term 3 during the Student-Parent-Teacher sessions on both the Primary and Senior campus. The stalls will be available from 10:00am to 12:00 noon on Tuesday 22 July.  We will have a range of winter College uniforms as well as some winter co-curricular sports uniforms.

We are still looking for donations of College uniform items – please leave any donations in The Del Monte Office, at Gioia House (Reception) or at Student Services on the Secondary Campus.

Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Warm regards

The P&F Association

Past Events

SCC P&F Trivia Night

The Trivia Night was a resounding success. The parents and staff had an engaging and fun filled night without children! Lots of eating, answering questions and when the Quiz master gave us some curly questions we bought our answers!

We all managed to get to the end of the night with some dignity and even the bottom team didn’t do too badly! It was great to see Mrs Azizian and the leadership team join in the fun and it was a lovely way to connect with our community. Congratulations to the winning trivia team.

The Trivia Night raised $2,500! We rely on events like these to be able to contribute back to the students and the school. Thank you for your support!

Parent Education – Debra Brodowski

Choices…

As parents, we all want the best for the young people in our lives, and this includes a bright academic future as well as a sense of purpose and wellbeing. As our young people progress through their schooling years, they will be presented with different choices, these include both subjects to study as well as co-curriculars. For our young people, there can be the feeling of pressure, from the fear of missing out, through to ‘making the right choice’ in relation to their future career.

When it comes time to helping our young people with these choices, how can we as parents and caregivers best support? Do we encourage our young people to pick the ‘smart’ subjects or could they pursue what they love and excel at?

Considering this idea in relation to wellbeing and future careers, making choices with co-curriculars and subjects that your young people enjoy and are good at, helps them remain motivated, engaged, and therefore more likely to succeed. In other words, doing what you love often leads to doing well.

Wellbeing starts with choice

Beyond academics, the subject choices our young people make can have lasting impacts on their emotional wellbeing. When students feel forced into courses that don’t interest them, stress levels rise and confidence can take a hit. But when they pursue subjects that align with their interests and natural abilities, school becomes more than a set of hurdles, it becomes a source of purpose and identity.

This sense of agency fosters not just better results, but better mental health. And in a world where teen anxiety is on the rise, that matters.

From the classroom to the career

Research in career development shows that early exposure to meaningful career pathways, ones that reflect a student’s interests and strengths, leads to better outcomes. It’s not about locking into a single ‘dream job’ at 15. It’s about helping young people understand the connection between what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and how those things translate into the working world.

Work that is meaningful and purpose-driven is strongly linked to greater job satisfaction, engagement, and even long-term success. And that starts with the choices made in school.

What can we do as parents?

• Encourage your young person to reflect on what they enjoy and where they excel.
• Talk about careers in a way that focuses on values and interests, not just titles or salaries.
• Advocate for flexible subject offerings and strong career guidance at your school.
• Remind them that their worth is not defined by a number, but by their growth, courage, and curiosity.

In the end, our young people are more likely to thrive when they’re empowered to follow a path that excites them. Let’s help them build futures that are not just successful, but meaningful.

Holiday Football Program

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

Details:

• Dates: 7-9 July 
• Time: 9:00am – 12:00 noon
• Location: Santa Sabina Main Field
• Coaches: Simon Ly & 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! 

Tennis Camp – Kindergarten to Year 8

Tennis camp bookings are now available!

Friends and family are all welcome so get the message out to brothers, cousins and friends! Come for one day or all three.

Dates
Monday 30 June
Tuesday 1 July
Wednesday 2 July

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Santa Sabina College, entry via 11 Jersey Road, Strathfield

Price
3 days – $215
2 days – $158
1 day – $79

BOOK NOW

See you on court soon. 

Don’t miss out!

Jarrad Magee
Head of Tennis
tennis@ssc.nsw.edu.au