It is great to be back at school after a wonderful Sabbatical which provided time for learning, travel and rest. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cambridge University and the University of London as well as time spent touring Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia in Italy. Here I was able to focus on our youngest children and was able to deepen my understanding of early childhood education by exploring the origins of the Reggio Emilia Approach which underpins our teaching philosophy at Mary Bailey House. It was also really special to catch up with ex-students at our reunion in London. There were many stories shared of time at Santa Sabina from recent graduates, some who had been at Santa during my time, to those who had graduated a little earlier. Although they all live far away, our alumni were up to date with school news and they continue to have a very strong connection to the College and to those with whom they studied.
Casper and I were so thrilled to be back amongst students this week and there were lots of hugs, smiles and visits. There is a genuine warmth in this school that makes it a very special community. With my new found energy, I am excited about the year ahead and what we can do together in this dynamic learning environment.
This week is the final school week for our Year 12 students. As part of GRAD-itude week, the girls have some fun activities planned. It is a week that provides opportunities for gratitude – for their friends, for their education, for their teachers and all that has shaped their learning journey. Next week is filled with formal occasions as we celebrate this significant milestone in their lives, with their Formal, their Graduation Assembly and their Year 12 Graduation Mass and Dinner with their families. I wish them all the very best as they embark on the beginning of their final school days; a bittersweet time for many.
I would like to wish our Year 6 students well as they embark on their Outdoor Education Experience this week which includes time in Canberra exploring our nation’s capital.
I would like to thank Mr John Gilmore and Ms Ann McGovern who stepped into the shared role of Acting Principal during my Study Leave. They were well supported by the Leadership Team and our staff, providing me with a much needed opportunity for growth and renewal.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence
Tuesday 2 September saw Ms Beshara, Mission Co-ordinator, and Year 12 student Sophia Wong join with students and staff across the Sydney Archdiocese for the Archbishop’s Awards for Student Excellence. Sophia is the very worthy 2025 recipient of this award for Santa Sabina and we congratulate her. Below is Sophia’s citation delivered during the ceremony.
Sophia Wong is deeply engaged in the faith life of both her parish and the Santa Sabina College community. She actively participates in her parish youth group, serves in the music ministry, and contributes to the Rosary group, hospitality team, AV team, and Children’s Liturgy for Sunday School at the Chinese Catholic Pastoral Community in Ashfield. She has attended Catholic conferences and retreats, including the Ignite Conference and the Women’s Lenten Retreat.
Through her parish, Sophia also supports outreach initiatives, such as visiting nursing homes to share her musical talents. At school, she serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and provides music for College celebrations as part of various ensembles. She has been involved in St Vincent de Paul initiatives and fundraising for Dominican causes. Her commitment, leadership, and generosity reflect her strong faith and dedication to serving others.
Final weeks for Year 12, 2025
Graduation is in the air! Formal and all its fun is coming up followed closely by farewell House picnics, Graduation Assembly, Year 12 Concert and Graduation Mass and Dinner. Our Year 12 students are certainly aware of how much love and energy goes into these end of year events; so much so that they have shown their gratitude in a week full of fun activities and thoughtful gestures – GRAD-itude Week.
Monday was Gratitude for all the extras of our school life that have ensured wellbeing – students had fun by coming to school in their pyjamas in gratitude for all the ways their school experience has ensured they feel comfortable and loved.
Tuesday was Gratitude for their educational journey and how better to mark that than to wear their junior uniforms and have opportunities for students and staff to sign these with messages of hope and congratulations on nearing the completion of this journey.
Wednesday was Gratitude for the relationships and connections that have been made outside the school community. These connections with other schools at Sport, Debating, the Saint of Origin and a myriad of other experiences was marked by the donning of other jerseys – from other schools, other sporting clubs and other interests. It was definitely a colourful day.
Thursday was Gratitude for opportunities for growth. As the students look towards their futures they dressed as their dream occupations in recognition of the guidance provided by events such as The Career Women’s Breakfast and Careers Expos. They also took a moment to pray for each other, the school community and the wider community in a lunchtime liturgy.
Friday will see the last day of classes and Gratitude for teachers will be the focus with the students providing morning tea for the staff and then hoping to defeat those same staff in a student vs staff Soccer match.
Congratulations and Good Luck to Year 12 2025.
Season of Creation
Every year, Christians around the world, from across denominations, commit the month of September as a season to celebrate God’s beautiful Earth, and renew our shared commitment to preserving and restoring that beauty. For the liturgical amongst us, this is called the Season of Creation. We have been marking The Season of Creation across the College with prayer and reflection as well as a focus in many RE classes.
Prayer for the Season of Creation
by Michael McGirr
God of all life, We thank you for the gift of creation, For the water that keeps us alive, For our food and shelter, All of which come from the generosity of Earth. We thank you for the very air we breathe Which we share with every creature. May we take good care of Earth As our common home takes care of us. May we work for justice for those Most hurt by damage to our environment. May we enjoy the beauty of nature And pray that it be treated with deeper respect. Jesus asked us to learn from the lilies of the field And the birds of the air. We ask this in his name. Amen
Walking the Way of the Cross with All of Creation
Facilitated by Sr Jill Shrivington
When: Saturday 4 October 10:30am Where: Stations of the Cross in Catholic section of Rookwood Cemetery
To celebrate the end of the Season of Creation and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, you are invited to participate in a special event at the outdoor ‘tations of the Cross at Rookwood Cemetery. It will be an adapted walk in a beautiful garden setting – “The Way of the Cross with All of Creation’. It will start at 10.30am; we are hoping for a lovely spring morning! The site is to the left of the main gate, in the Catholic Section. Some people find it easier to park up the top near the road and walk down the pathway to the gathering space.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Deputy Principal Operations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a growing footprint on every aspect of society. We frequently experience AI in the algorithms created in our internet searches and through targeted advertising we receive when searching the web. There is a lot of anxiety in the community on how AI will impact on future society and for some this leads to failure to engage with the technology.
As a component of the Santa Sabina Digital blueprint, Santa Sabina College recognises the importance in preparing our learners for the future with Artificial Intelligence. Central to the teaching of AI are the ethical considerations of how and when to use AI in your work. Other key considerations that Santa Sabina staff are teaching our students include the critical analysis of the results provided by generative AI large language models. As with any data used, the results derived from generative AI such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-pilot are only as good as the prompts entered so critical thinking in terms of what prompts to use is essential in getting the most accurate response.
One of the concerns raised around the use of AI at Santa Sabina has been the protection of data and ensuring age-appropriate responses to prompts. Microsoft has recently created a 13+ version of their Co-Pilot product that has been adopted by Santa Sabina. This product provides guardrails around the types of responses that it will provide to student users and will not engage with prompts of an unethical nature. Futhermore, the product has enterprise data protection which ensures that the information being entered into the model is not shared to train data models. It is important for all parents to be aware that with many of the AI products available the data entered when using the product may be available for other users and may be used to train the responses given.
In 2025 the College has entered our first team in the VEX Robotics competition hosted by Santa Sabina. Mr Tony Shen has worked with the team and is keen to grow the program. If your secondary student has an interest in coding or robotics, Mr Shen hosts a coding club at lunch time and there are also opportunities for the students to join the VEX team for 2026.
Traffic at pick up and drop off continues to be a problem on both Santa Sabina and Del Monte campuses. The Kiss and Drop zones on Carrington Road and Jersey Road are strictly no parking zones between 7:30am and 9:00am and again between 2:30pm and 4:00pm. These areas are regularly patrolled by Burwood and Strathfield Council Rangers and the Police to encourage compliance.
I would like to also remind families that they need to be considerate to the residents in surrounding streets. We have had reports of cars parked across driveways blocking entry and exit of residents as well as Santa Sabina families parking in private car parking areas. I encourage all families to have a pickup and drop off plan to ensure that the measures in place in and around the College run as smoothly as possible.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
HSC and IB Showcase
What an inspiring evening! Our annual Showcase celebrated the outstanding work of students in Visual Arts, Drama, English Extension, History Extension, Design and Technology and the IB Extended Essays. The creativity, depth of thought and personal passion evident in each project were truly impressive. A sincere thank you to the dedicated teachers who supported our students every step of the way – their commitment and countless hours of guidance were reflected in the excellence on display.
Supporting Year 12 to the finish line
As our Year 12 students prepare for their final exams, we continue to offer a range of academic support to help them succeed. Holiday workshops will run across key subjects, providing targeted revision and exam preparation. All HSC students should attend the Studies of Religion Day on Thursday 9 October. Students also have access to ATOMI, our online learning platform, which offers engaging video lessons, quizzes and study tools tailored to the HSC curriculum. Additionally, students can take advantage of the Western Sydney University Free HSC Study Sessions, running from 29 September to 3 October. These online sessions cover 15 major HSC subjects and include expert-led content reviews, exam strategies and practice deconstructions. To learn more or register, visit:
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding success of our students in the HSC Drama nominations for OnSTAGE! A huge congratulations to Bonnie Bayly, Amedea Khoury, Lulu Slattery, and Lily Vincent, whose group performance piece ‘The Ick’ has been nominated – an incredible recognition of their creativity, collaboration and talent. In addition, we are proud to celebrate three individual performance nominations: Amedea Khoury for ‘Miss Trunchbull’, Lulu Slattery for ‘Rupert’s Birthday’, and Lily Vincent for ‘Minefields and Miniskirts’. Being nominated for possible selection for the HSC Showcase is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication and artistic excellence. Congratulations to all involved and Ms Ellis-Windsor and the Drama Department.
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Head of Primary P-6
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
As we come to the end of Term 3, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways our school community has come together to celebrate, connect and support one another. This term has been marked by the events that truly reflect the heart of Santa Sabina.
Father’s Day Mass
Our beautiful Father’s Day Mass, where students, families and staff joined in prayer and thanksgiving for the fathers and father figures in our lives. It was a reminder of the strength of family bonds and blessings of sharing faith as a community.
R U OK? Day
Our commitment to wellbeing was brought to life during R U OK? Day, with Del Monte and Gioia House students engaging in thoughtful activities that encouraged kindness, care and the importance of checking in on one another. The Wellbeing Action Team led our assembly with such maturity, helping us remember that simple conversation can make a difference.
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 functions. 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.
Coffee & Conversation
This week we welcomed parents to our Coffee & Conversation morning, which focused on sharing information about two of our key bespoke programs at Del Monte – the Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program and the Diverse Education Program. It was a very successful gathering, with parents eager to learn more about the opportunities and support available for our students.
We were delighted to hear from Ms Panagopoulos, P–6 Enrichment Coordinator, who provided insights into the Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program and the ways we nurture the gifts and talents of our high-potential learners. Ms Nicole Meehan, P–4 Diverse Education Coordinator, also shared the many ways our school supports diverse learning needs and ensures every student is given the chance to thrive.
The morning was a wonderful opportunity for open dialogue, with parents asking thoughtful questions and engaging in conversation about how we can continue to work together to support each child’s journey. We thank all who attended and look forward to continuing these conversations in future sessions.
Primary Disco
The Primary Disco last Friday was a joyful event, with students dancing the night away under the caring supervision of our staff and parent volunteers, while parents enjoyed the opportunity to connect and socialise. A heartfelt thank you to our P&F, who organised the evening so beautifully and worked tirelessly to provide food, drinks and ice cream for our children and families. It was a wonderful celebration of friendship and community.
Social Action Expo
A group of Del Monte and Gioia House student leaders proudly represented Santa Sabina at the Social Action Expo held at St Ignatius’ College, Riverview. They shared the College’s outreach initiatives and gained valuable insights into the social justice programs of other primary schools, broadening their understanding of how young people can make a difference in the world. The day was further enriched by inspiring guest speakers from SchoolAid, b kinder and Cana Communities, who encouraged students to continue leading with compassion, empathy, and action.
Ethics Olympiad
Our Gioia House Ethics Olympiad teams shone on the international stage, competing against schools from Singapore, New Zealand and across Australia in a challenging Junior Ethics Olympiad. The Gioia House Black Team impressed the judges with their reasoning and collaborative approach, earning a Gold Medal, while the Aqua Team followed closely with a strong performance behind third place. Both teams engaged thoughtfully with complex ethical cases, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Judges commended our students on the depth of their analysis, their ability to listen to differing perspectives and the maturity of their responses in what was a rigorous competition.
Public Speaking
Public speaking is an important skill that helps students develop clear writing, confident delivery and the ability to express ideas with impact. This term, both Del Monte and Gioia House students worked diligently to compose and present their speeches, showcasing creativity, thought and courage. The Gioia House finalists then competed against St Patrick’s students in a friendly competition, which has become a tradition that continues to strengthen the bond between our schools. We congratulate all our students for their compelling and eloquent speeches and for embracing the opportunity to grow as confident communicators.
We also congratulate The Gioia House and Del Monte finalists and overall winners of 2025 Public Speaking:
Year 1 – Ariana Gittany Year 2 – Lorenzo Pensini Year 3 – Alessandro Pace Year 4 – Romey Dib Year 5 – Mia Bogovic – Runner-Up Highly Commended Year 5 – Amara Jeyaganesh – Overall Winner Year 6 – Bianca McLeod – Top Impromptu
Outstanding student achievements – ICAS Test results
Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2025 ICAS Assessments, and a special commendation to our award recipients for their outstanding achievements.
English
Distinction
Year 2 Serena Dong Joseph Hoang Jonathan Lin Riona Sengupta
Year 3 Sebastian Portelli
Year 4 Irene Jung William Lu Alicia Wu
Spelling Bee
HIgh Distinction
Year 2 Jonathan Lin
Year 4 Irene Jung
Distinction
Year 2 Lorenzo Pensini Damian Seo Evan Yip Claire Zhang
Year 3 Siobhan Chung
Year 5 Angela Li Jennifer Stanton
Mathematics
High Distinction
Year 2 Jonathan Lin
Year 4 William Lu
Year 5 Jingxian Wang
Distinction
Year 2 Daren Chang Serena Dong Joseph Hoang Oscar Ko James Likoudis
Year 3 Siobhan Chung Axel Leung Sebastian Portelli
Year 4 Natalie Sun
Prep and MBH Athletics Carnival
Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience in Canberra and Tallong
Year 6 has begun their exciting trip with a well-received visit to Questacon in Canberra for some hands-on science activities.
Next term
Term 4 commences on Tuesday 14 October. Students are required to return in full summer uniform. Please refer to the uniform guidelines in your child’s school diary to ensure they are dressed appropriately from the first day of term.
As we come to the end of Term 3, we give thanks for the gift of learning, friendship and community. We look forward to a wonderful Term 4 filled with exciting learning and community celebrations. In the meantime, we wish all our families a safe, restful, and joy-filled holiday break.
Thursday 18 September – Years 1- 4 Public Speaking Finals Wednesday 24 September – K – 6 CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes Monday 13 October – Staff return ahead of Term 4 Tuesday 14 October – Term 4 commences Tuesday 14 October – Year 4 Dominic the Adventurer 3:20pm-4:00pm Friday 17 October – Kindergarten Excursion Wednesday 22 October – Discovery Tour for prospective families Thursday 23 October – Assembly Friday 24 October – Colour Fun Run Saturday 25 October – St Dominic the Adventurer Badge Presentation at Tallong Monday 27 October – K-2 Swim Program commences Wednesday 5 November – Year 5 2026 Parent Information Evening Thursday 6 November – Assembly Friday 7 November – Year 5 2026 Experience Day Friday 7 November – K-2 Swim concludes Friday 21 November – Fra Angelico Festival Tuesday 25 November – St Dominic Awards & Year 4 Graduation Assembly 2:00-3:00pm Thursday 27 November – Speech Night at The State Theatre 6:30pm-8:30pm (Years 3-11) Friday 28 November – K-2 Splash and Dash Swimming Carnival Monday 1 December – Year 4 Big Day In Monday 1 December – Advent Carols Tuesday 2 December – Del Monte Carols 1:30pm-3:00pm Wednesday 3 December – K-4 Thanksgiving Mass Wednesday 3 December – Term 4 concludes
Gioia House
Wednesday 24 September – K-6 CSNSW Mackillop Athletics Championships Friday 26 September – Term 3 concludes Monday 13 October – Staff return ahead of Term 4 Tuesday 14 October – Term 4 commences Wednesday 22 October – SCS Stage 3 Volleyball Gala Day Tuesday 28 October – SCS Conference 2 Oztag Championships Monday 3 November – IPSHA Debating Gala Day Friday 21 November – Fra Angelico Festival Thursday 27 November – Speech Night at The State Theatre 6:30pm-8:30pm (Years 3-11) Monday 1 December – Advent Carols Wednesday 3 December – Thanksgiving Liturgy and Picnic Wednesday 3 December – Term 4 concludes
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
A heartfelt thank you to our P&F Association
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our wonderful Parents & Friends’ Association for their incredible efforts in bringing our school community together through two recent events that were filled with joy, generosity and celebration.
The Father’s Day Breakfast and Gift Stall was a beautiful occasion that brought families together in honour of the fathers and father figures in our lives. From the early morning setup to the delicious breakfast and the thoughtfully curated gift stall, every detail was handled with care. A special thank you goes to the volunteers who wrapped every single item, ensuring that our students had the opportunity to choose something special for their dads. The excitement and pride on the children’s faces as they made their selections was truly heartwarming.
We also want to acknowledge the P&F’s fantastic organisation of the Primary Years Disco. The event was a huge hit with our students, who danced the night away in a fun, safe and vibrant environment. The disco was a wonderful opportunity for our younger students to connect, celebrate and make lasting memories.
These events are a testament to the dedication, creativity and community spirit of our P&F Association. Your hard work behind the scenes does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for the time and energy you invest in making our school a welcoming and joyful place for all.
Twilight Discovery Tour
Registrations for our final Discovery Tour in 2025 for prospective Santa Sabina families to peek into our daily life at the College is filling fast. If you have friends or familiy wishing to enrol children at the College, attending a Discovery Tour is a good place for them to start to get to know us, our facilties and what a Santa Sabina education can do for their children. Registration is essential!
Enrolments for 2028 are now open – spread the word!
Our Senior Staff are currently meeting with prospective students hoping to join Santa Sabina in Year 5 and Year 7 in 2028. With places already filling fast, now is the perfect time for friends of current families to begin the enrolment process.
If you know someone who would like to be part of our vibrant and nurturing community, please encourage them to apply soon, via https://www.ssc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/. Early applications help secure a place and ensure a smooth transition into our College.
Back to The Boulevarde
For alumni from the classes of 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 – we are looking forward to welcoming you at our special reunion on Saturday 20 September.
Reconnect with your Santa friends at this annual back-to-school celebration.
Enjoy drinks and canapés, tour the College grounds, explore the Museum, and catch up with former teachers and classmates. You’ll also have the chance to meet College Principal Paulina Skerman and members of the Leadership Team.
Gather your friends and book now to be part of this special evening.
To recognise the exceptional achievements and contributions our alumni continue to make in the world, the College is pleased to give the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award again in 2025.
Last year the inaugural awards were presented to Professor Georgina Long AO, Joint Australian of the Year 2024 (Class of 1988) and Siobhan Toohill (Class of 1989).
This award recognises alumni who exemplify the Dominican values of study, community, service and prayer through their work in their communities, professions and other endeavours.
This email to all ex-students is to invite you to self-nominate or nominate someone you know for the Award.
Eligibility:
must be an ex-student of Santa Sabina College
must have achieved in his or her chosen field at a high level
must have demonstrated outstanding commitment to at least one of the following areas: academic excellence, community service or social justice in the years following his or her education at the College.
Criteria (at least one of these):
Study:
engages in lifelong learning and encourages educational pursuits within the community
has achieved in academic fields that have contributed to the advancement of knowledge or education
mentors or supports current students or fellow ex-students
has been published or given presentations, or undertaken other scholarly activities that have had a positive impact on the community.
Community:
fosters a sense of community and belonging, promoting unity and collaboration among diverse groups
advocates for social justice issues, including but not limited to, equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability
develops and implements programs or initiatives that address social justice concerns
collaborates with organisations or groups to promote social justice.
Service:
actively participates in service activities that benefit others, embodying the spirit of selflessness
demonstrates significant impact on the community through volunteer work or service projects
works on initiatives that have led to measurable improvements in community wellbeing
fills leadership roles in community organisations or projects.
Prayer:
demonstrates a commitment to spiritual growth and reflection, inspiring others in their faith journey.
Nominations can be submitted by ex-students, staff, or community members.
Ex-students can self-nominate.
The completed nomination form must include a detailed description of the nominee’s contributions and impact.
Supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, testimonials and evidence of achievements should be included.
Nominations for 2025 close on 10 October 2025.
Selection process:
A selection committee comprised of ex-students, staff, and community leaders will review all nominations.
The committee will evaluate nominees based on the criteria outlined above.
The winner of the award will be notified and invited to Speech Night (27 November 2025, State Theatre, Sydney), where the award will be presented by our guest of honour.
Yvette Graniero Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Out of School Hours Care (OOSH)
Vacation care commences in two weeks – on Monday 29 September – and the Incursion and Excursion program has been planned with several favourite activities in mind.
In the first week, we’re going bowling and heading to the theatre to see a live performance. The Petting Zoo is visiting again along with the Science vs Art incursion. In Week 2, we are spending the day at Charles Health Reserve and going the movies. The incursions include a Circus Party and Laser Tag. Vacation care will also begin and end with a party, as we know how much everyone loves a celebration.
The activity program has a daily art and craft experience that is aimed at inspiring creativity and design. Children enjoy these as they get to keep what they make.
Vacation Care is certainly the place to be if your child is looking for something fun and stimulating to do during the school holidays.
Students from Del Monte and Gioia House are all welcome to attend Vacation Care once they are enrolled in OOSH. To learn more about enrolment in OOSH and vacation care, please email our OOSH Coordinator Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au
Eligible families can claim the Child Care Subsidy which reduces the cost of OOSH fees.
Vacation care never fails to meet everyone’s expectations. Children arrive each day looking forward to a fun-filled day and leave with happy stories.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Director of Development
As Term 3 concludes, the Development Office continues to be excited about several initiatives that build community and support the mission of Santa Sabina College.
Santa Sabina Golf Day – 6 November 2025
Join us for our annual Golf Day on Thursday 6 November, a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow parents, alumni, and friends of the College. Held at one of Sydney’s premier courses, Strathfield Golf Club, the day will feature breakfast, a friendly round of golf, lunch, prizes and networking.
We are actively seeking sponsors to help make this event a success. Sponsorship packages are available for businesses and individuals, including hole sponsorships, team entries, and prize donations.
To become a sponsor or learn more, please contact the Development Office at giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 9745 0232
Your support will directly benefit our scholarship and community engagement programs.
Annual Appeal – Scholarships for a Brighter Future
Our Annual Appeal continues to raise vital funds for scholarships, helping ensure that a Santa Sabina education is accessible to students from all walks of life. Every donation contributes to a brighter future for a young person and strengthens our inclusive community.
To make a gift, please visit our College website or contact us directly.
The Rosary Garden is a peaceful and sacred space on campus, offering a place for reflection and remembrance. Through our Plaque Appeal, families and alumni can honour loved ones or commemorate their connection to Santa Sabina by sponsoring a personalised plaque. This initiative supports the ongoing care and enhancement of the garden.
We thank you for your continued generosity and involvement. Whether through sponsorship, donations, or participation, your support helps us grow and thrive as a community.
We are very happy to invite families to our Outdoor Education Campus at Tallong for our annual Parent Child weekend on Saturday 8 November – Sunday 9 November 2025. (Please note the date change from September).
These weekends away are an amazing opportunity for parents and their children to share some special time together. As part of the College community, you can participate in the many outdoor activities that Tallong has to offer.
Activities planned include mountain biking, adventure bushwalk, high and low ropes course, problem-solving initiatives plus a Mexican feast prepared by Cheffrey. The Tallong flying fox is currently not in operation and will not be part of the activities available over the weekend.
The weekend is designed for children in Year 3 and above and siblings at other schools are also welcome to attend.
There are alternative rates for our Tallong accommodation this year:
Camping (BYO gear): $150pp
Cabin (bunk style with shared bathroom facilities): $250pp
If you book four or more places, the fourth and subsequent places will be discounted by 50%. Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
These weekends are always popular and with limited places, we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
Kendal Hann Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus
Music in the Senior School (Curriculum)
Celebrating growth and achievement
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 Music 1 student, Amedea Khoury, who completed her HSC performance last week. We wish our HSC Music 2 students all the best as they showcase their talents and years of hard work in their final performances this week. Our Year 12 IB Music students have also reached a milestone, having submitted their Exploring Music in Context portfolios. This marks the completion of the first major component of their final assessment, with three more to follow very shortly. As they conclude their secondary music journey, we thank our Year 12 students for their contributions to the musical life of the school and wish them every success in their future endeavours.
Year 11 Music students have just completed their preliminary written and performance exams. With these behind them, they are now preparing to step confidently into their final year of study.
Our Stage 5 elective classes continue to thrive through a dynamic blend of practical and theoretical learning, supported by creative new lesson ideas introduced by Mr Guo, our pre-service music teacher who is with us until the end of this term. Year 10 students are exploring the world of music for games and television, examining how it shapes audience experience and reflects contemporary cultural trends. Our Year 9s are exploring music from the Classical era, learning about musical forms such as Theme and Variations and The Sonata Form, discovering how these structures influence the music we listen to today.
In Stage 4, our students are busy finalising their assessments, with Year 8 wrapping up their originally composed film compositions, showcasing their creativity and understanding of mood and atmosphere in music. Year 7 are preparing presentations on Music of a Culture, exploring unique instrumentation, rhythms and musical traditions from around the world.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Head of Music 5-12 (Part time)
Veronica Tsang Acting Co-Head of Music 5-12
A Message from the Director of Music
Click below to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.
On Wednesday 17 September, Year 12 Economics students welcomed the esteemed and highly respected godfather of HSC Economics study, Mr Tim Riley, who conducted a Master Class. Tim is the director of the Economics Literacy Center (ELC), textbook writer and author of the Current Economics newsletter. He provides a wealth of contemporary 2025 detailed economics information and data including: updated statistics, budget analysis, commentary on the 2025 Australian economy, research of trends and scrutiny of the impact of government policies on Australia and global economies. This is valuable information which students will be able to utilise as evidence in their upcoming HSC Economics Examination. A huge thank you to Kylie Ma for her facilitation of this Master Class.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Commerce Market Day Success
The rain could not dampen the College buzz around the Year 10 Commerce Market Day. All stalls were successful and Commerce students experienced real world learning in running a business. Items available for purchase included la Tutu figurines depicting teachers, artistic candles, gift packs and photo booth experiences. The HSIE Faculty on behalf of Year 10 Commerce has made a donation of the profits from today of $4 909 to the Dominican Sisters for the Kopanang Community Trust.
A huge thank you to the Year 10 Commerce Teachers: Vikki Cummins, Kylie Ma, Vanessa Lam and Shirley Chan for supporting students transfer curriculum learning into real world experience. Thank you to Richard Crittenden for all the background organisation to ensure the smooth running of this HSIE event.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Girl Up Club
Over the past 18 months, Girl Up Club has proudly raised almost $5,000 to support the United Nations, Parramatta Women’s Shelter and Birthing Kit Foundation Australia. This has been achieved through a variety of fundraising initiatives.
Our ongoing commitment to advocacy and service culminated on Monday 25 August when members assembled 200 birthing kits in partnership with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia. Each kit contains essential items designed to improve maternal health outcomes and minimise risk of infection, particularly in emergency situations and low-resource settings. The process of assembly proved deeply meaningful amongst all members as students reflected on the real and lasting impact that such support provides globally.
We encourage the College community to continue supporting future Girl Up initiatives. Next term, we will be running a stall at the Fra Angelico Festival where you can purchase goods to directly contribute to future projects that empower women and girls.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Ms Jenkins, Ms Ma and Ms Lam for their invaluable assistance and encouragement which made this initiative possible.
Mia Bek and Davina Rajkumar Girl Up Club Officers Year 10
2025 Action Research Showcases
Last Thursday, our senior campus teachers gathered in their Action Research groups to present the first round of showcases for their 2025 projects. These sessions offered a powerful glimpse into how research and innovation are being used across the College to address both persistent and emerging challenges in our teaching and learning.
As each team shared the successes and setbacks of their research, we were reminded of the dedication, creativity and professionalism that drive our teachers to continually improve student outcomes.
The audience gained insight into a diverse range of research topics and innovative teaching strategies, showcasing the power of collaboration among our teachers. By critically reflecting on their practice and experimenting with new approaches, teachers demonstrated how impactful change can be achieved in the classroom. The research projects covered a broad spectrum of focus areas including:
Peer Mentoring to Enhance Teacher Capacity in Maths
Creating a Habit of Analytical Thinking and Writing in Science
Developing and Embedding a K-12 Writing Continuum
Building Strategies to Tackle Common Grammatical Errors in Languages
Using Modelling to Encourage Reading for Pleasure in Years 7 and 8
Designing a Framework for New Student Integration into the College Music Program.
A special thank you to all the presenting groups for their inspiring contributions, and to the inquisitive and encouraging audience members whose thoughtful questions and reflections will help extend the impact of these projects across the College.
Kate Corcoran Action Research Coordinator
Careers Spotlight @ SSC
Key dates for Year 12 – reminder
As Year 12 prepares to graduate next week, below is a reminder of the key dates to be aware of:
UAC
Registration with UAC due: 30 September
EAS due: 18 November
Students are encouraged to carefully monitor offer rounds and change preferences before the rounds close as indicated below. Students can only receive one offer (if eligible) per round. There is no guarantee students will receive another offer so it is essential that students accept their offer. Once an offer has been accepted, students should remove the course from their preferences and rearrange their preferences should they wish to be considered for further rounds.
Major Scholarships and Cadetships
UNSW Coop Scholarship: due 30 September apply here
UTS Bachelor of Accounting Coop Scholarship: due 10 October apply here
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship: due 13 January apply here
Early Entry
Many early entry programs have now closed and some institutions have started to make offers. Students are encouraged to accept all early entry offers and make their decision after UAC offers are released. If students accept an early offer, they no longer need to have the course listed as a UAC preference.
Notre Dame: 24 September (round 3), 1 December (round 4). Apply here
WSU: 12 November (round 2), 10 December (round 3), 31 December (round 4). Apply here
Torrens Uni: applications reviewed as they are received. Apply here
When do early offers come out?
Notre Dame: 19 September (round 2), 3 October (round 3), 10 December (round 4)
UTS: 24 September
Macquarie Leaders and Achievers round 2: 25 September
ACU Guarantee round 2: 26 September
WSU HSC True Reward: 21 November (round 2), 18 December (round 3), 8 January (round 4)
Please note that early offers are conditional and students should still work towards achieving the selection rank required for the course.
Portfolio Entry
For a range of degrees in design (as well as other fields at UNSW), students can gain access to related degrees with a lower ATAR using their portfolio. Students are encouraged to prepare their portfolio of evidence early and apply for relevant programs below.
UNSW portfolio entry: for degrees in design, social sciences, engineering, planning, media, social work and secondary education. Applications close on 17 November. Apply here
USYD portfolio entry: for design and architecture degrees. Applications close 28 September (round 1), 7 December (round 2), 11 January (round 3). Apply here
UTS portfolio entry: for architecture and interior architecture. Applications close 1 December. Apply here
Elite Athlete & Performer Schemes
Elite athlete and performer schemes recognise the state or national representation of talented athletes and performers and the disruption this may have on Year 11 and 12 studies. If students are eligible, they are encouraged to read more on the eligibility criteria and application process on the university websites:
Last week, Year 12 student Evangeline Avakoumides had the opportunity to undertake work experience in a unique week-long program at the Australian Museum. Below is her reflection.
My experience at the Australian Museum was fantastic, spanning across malacology, mineralogy, digital and education services. I particularly enjoyed exploring the relics room and the dinosaur section, which I thought was incredible. We worked alongside research specialists, learning about the preservation of native species and how specimens are catalogued and stored. I also gained insight into how exhibitions are designed for public engagement, the balance between conservation and accessibility, and the role digital services play in making collections widely available. Overall, it was an engaging and eye-opening experience that strengthened my appreciation for both science and history.
Upcoming Careers Events
To view the list of upcoming careers events and opportunities, click here. There are a number of upcoming holiday workshops that I encourage students to register for.
For any further careers related enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact me or encourage your daughter to see me.
Eva Guirguis Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships
Assistant Head of Gioia House
R U OK?
R U OK Day was celebrated nationally on Thursday 11 September. R U OK Day is an opportunity to remind people to check in with friends, family, and colleagues and to start conversations about mental health. The initiative encourages everyone to ask, ‘Are you OK?’, listen actively, encourage action and follow up, fostering a culture where people feel supported and connected to help them through life’s challenges.
Throughout Week 8 the Gioia House and Secondary students participated in a number of activities during Homeroom, Pastoral and Community Time. We came together and started our day with prayer. We discussed the importance of conversation and connection and you do not need to be an expert to reach out … you just need to be a good friend and great listener.
During Community Time, our Gioia House students used this opportunity to meet their Senior Buddies. The students moved into House Groups and the Year 5 students met their Year 9 Buddies; the Year 6 students met their Year 10 Buddies. The students had the chance to get to know each other and participated in a variety of fun team-building activities. The students had such a wonderful time getting to know each other, they cannot wait for our next Buddy session.
We finished off our week by acknowledging all the things we are grateful for and what brings us joy. The students created their joy bubble and created a Gioia House mural in the front foyer of Gioia House. This serves as an important reminder of all that we are grateful for and the things in life that allow us to experience joy.
We continue to encourage our students to look out for each other and start a conversation. It is through our care and connection that we can continue to check in and look after each other.
Gioia House Action Girls
Throughout this term, we continue to see many Gioia House students display Action Girl qualities. We encourage all our students to be Action Girls every day. Through our teacher nomination process, there have been many students who have been showing compassion for others, trying their best to achieve their personal goals within their learning environment, taking initiative, looking for ways to care for our environment and school and being kind and respectful through our interactions with everyone each day.
This week, we acknowledged the following Action Girls. Congratulations to:
Amelia Cloran Alira Djordjevic Eve Kelly Marley Seeto Amelia Coscarella Kate Hennessy Ava Lapanaitis Irina Li
We look forward to continuing to recognise Action Girls who rise to the challenge of demonstrating kindness at all times, caring for our environment, trying their best and being respectful within our classrooms and taking action to promote positive change. I wonder who will be awarded as our next Action Girls.
This week, Year 6 are off to their Canberra and Tallong Outdoor Education Experience. The teachers and students are excited to take our learning outdoors. We look forward to sharing our experiences in the next VV Newsletter.
As we near the end of another busy term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and community for their continued support. I hope you have a wonderful holiday break with your family.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
Music at Gioia House (Curricular)
Gioia House Choir
Gioia House Choir is exploring more repertoire this term, with sectionals now focused on preparing for their final Mass in Term 4. As part of this special occasion, Year 5 students will farewell Year 6 with a heartfelt performance of Light of Grace, while Year 6 will offer Carry the Light as a musical gift in return – celebrating connection, gratitude and growth through song.
The choir continues to polish their repertoire, including Firefly and Sweet Silent Night, with a renewed emphasis on refining tone, phrasing, and dynamic expression. Their dedication and sensitivity promise a moving and memorable performance at the Fra Angelico Festival.
Gioia House Instrumental
Gioia House instrumental students are continuing to grow as young musicians, deepening their skills and confidence on their chosen instruments. This term, they’re focused on strengthening their note recognition and refining tone and pitch production – laying the foundation for expressive, ensemble-ready playing.
In band rehearsals, Year 5 are tackling an exciting arrangement of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, exploring its iconic motifs and dynamic contrasts. Meanwhile, Year 6 are bringing energy and precision to their performance of Dragon Dance, a vibrant piece that showcases rhythmic interest and practises ensemble skills.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Head of Music 5-12 (Part time)
A Message from the Director of Music
Click here to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.
Each year the Australian Maths Trust holds the Australian Mathematics Competition which is the nation’s longest running and most well-known maths competition for school students. The competition is designed for high achieving mathematicians who get the opportunity to challenge their thinking through tackling unique problems. This year, 42 of our students across Years 3-6 entered the AMC and they are all congratulated on undertaking a very challenging competition.
A special mention goes to those students who achieved very highly.
Distinction
Lydia Wang (Year 5)
Credit
Zara Hraiki (Year 6) Phoebe Clarke (Year 6) Marie Metledge (Year 5) Aria Leung (Year 5) Amara Jeyaganesh (Year 5) Riha Han (Year 5) Olivia Gan (Year 5) Zara Alvaro (Year 5)
Within the program of Italian, Year 5 and Year 6 have been learning about the European Union and the Euro. Students have explored this topic through a range of activities that allowed them to gain knowledge on historical, economic and social aspects. Class discussions have provided opportunities for everyone to share their personal experiences linked to their European background or their travels to Europe. It was interesting to observe Euro coins and notes in class and to discover that they display the landmarks of the European countries where they are made. Finally, students have worked on group presentations and had fun sharing their findings and participating in quiz sessions.
Daniela Panico Italian Teacher
What’s happening in Year 6
06CORE 1
Running a Class Election
As a result of the IDU focus this term (Australia as a Nation), the class has been looking at the Federal government and parliamentary systems. They have inquired into electoral processes and decided to run a class election. After the parties were selected, the election campaign commenced. The parties, all representing a vegetable, (peas, carrots, corn, capsicum, potatoes, cauliflower and lettuce) are currently in election mode, attempting to secure the votes of the class, as well as a Year 5 class. The election day is later in the term, using a preferential style of voting, with the winning vegetable securing the majority of votes after preferences have been allocated.
Eamonn Dunphy and Marisa Maks Year 6 Teachers
06CORE 2
Novel – Worse Things
This term we have been enjoying exploring the text ‘Worse Things’ by Sally Murphy and have enjoyed experimenting with free verse poetry. We have focused on using similes and metaphors and our use of descriptive and emotive language. We hope you enjoy reading a very small selection of our writing.
I am a highlighter running along the page. Can you give me a rest? I run the ink and stain the pages with bright colours Vivid I’m like a pen but colourful. Shiny, helpful, running. They say I’m ‘tall and lucid’ I run along the pages, colouring plain words into bright ones. I am not a pen, I am a highlighter. Elizabeth Van Hore
Metaphor Poem
I am a tree, I am strong and beautiful. My arms reach out to help others, But do people really notice Although I am majestic, I go through challenges. Kind. I care like a princess in a cottage looking out for my friends and family. I bloom, I’m bright and I dance in the wind, ‘I’m Amazing!’ they say, Swaying, in the warm good life, I am a tree Zoe Garrett
Love dances around in wet, shimmering puddles of pink, splashing the walls, It’s rose petals falling from the dark night sky, illuminating the room and trickling on my face, Love hums with the gentle swiftness of pianos and violins, Love hugs you from behind embracing your warmth and squeezing you tight, Savouring a creamy tomato pasta topped with basil and cooked to perfection spreads joy across my face, Love fills the room with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, tasting impeccable and making me dreamy, Love Sienna Calvez
Leonie Trees Year 6 Teacher
06CORE 3
Year 6 Keepsake Project
Over the past few weeks, the Year 6 girls have been working closely with Sr Sheila on a very special project creating a keepsake that captures their time and experiences at Gioia House. This meaningful activity has given the students the opportunity to pause and reflect on their journey so far, considering the many ways they have grown and contributed to our school community.
As part of the project, the girls have been thoughtfully engaging with the four Dominican Pillars of our school – Study, Community, Prayer and Service – and exploring what each of these values has meant to them during their time at Gioia House. Their reflections have been insightful, showing how deeply they connect with these Pillars, but also how they aspire to carry these values with them into the next stage of their schooling.
With creativity and enthusiasm, each student has been designing and decorating her own concertina booklet, transforming it into a personal record of memories, learnings and hopes for the future.
This keepsake will serve as a treasured reminder of their time at Gioia House, as well as a celebration of the friendships, values and experiences that have shaped their journey. We are very proud of the thoughtful and creative way the girls have embraced this project, and we look forward to seeing their final pieces come together.
Monique Taylor and Tiffany Anderson Year 6 Teachers
06CORE 4
Mathematics
In our recent Mathematics class, we began our new unit on geometry with a hands-on activity constructing skeletal models of 3D shapes. Using toothpicks and Blu-Tack, students built pyramids and prisms exploring the properties of faces, edges and vertices in a tactile and engaging way. This creative approach helped students visualise spatial relationships. The classroom buzzed with collaboration and curiosity as students tested the strength of their models. It was a fantastic way to blend mathematical thinking with design and problem-solving.
Ann Milicic Year 6 Teacher
What’s happening in Year 5
05 CORE 1
STEM Project
This term, our Year 5 students have been immersed in a dynamic STEM project that combined creativity, collaboration and computational thinking. Working in teams, students followed the design process to plan and construct themed mini golf courses, drawing inspiration from imaginative concepts and interests such as space, Willy Wonka, the Titanic and the four seasons/fantasy.
Through this hands-on experience, students developed essential 21st-century skills including problem-solving, teamwork and innovation. STEM learning encourages curiosity, while collaborative projects foster communication and shared responsibility. In the final week of term, students will take their learning further by designing, testing and refining algorithms to program a Sphero Bolt robot to successfully navigate their course, introducing them to the fundamentals of coding and robotics in a fun and meaningful way.
Stephanie Yiorkas Year 5 Teacher
05 CORE 2
Year 5 have been researching a range of environments around Australia that are under threat. Using this information, the students imagined what this environment would be like if it was not under threat and what it might be like in the future if it was restored. They wrote descriptions similar to those in the mentor text Bright New World by Cindy Forde and Bethany Lorde. Below are some of their descriptions.
The Northern Beaches
Welcome to The Northern Beaches in the year 3000! The oceans are clear, the sand is pure white, the animals are thriving, and we made that happen!
The air is finally clear! We have reduced carbon emissions to zero, and now, climate change has been reversed!
We have set up an annual beach clean-up, and it’s one of the most successful initiatives in the beaches!
We have stopped the diverse wildlife from going extinct, so animals like the bold Great Auk, the littora flammea, the cute sea mink, and so many other species have all come back from extinction to say hello!
KiraTang
The Greater Blue Mountains
Hi nature lovers! If you want to make a change follow me! The Blue Mountains are waiting for people like you!
Look at these trees! We’ve found a way to re-plant them. After we stopped climate change by using solar power, wind power and wave power the world stopped heating up. We managed to get together a group of people all with interests in hiking and nature to come together and plant more trees. Now the flourishing nature is back. And the Blue Mountains have been restored to its full beauty once again.
Creeks are a clear blue colour, perfectly rocky and mossy. We’ve blocked off polluted water pipes and added a filter in case some pollution came through. The temperate environment has made it the perfect climate for wildlife to thrive. Freshwater has made a great impact on the animals and now the native species are living in peace and harmony. Isn’t that what everyone wants?
We’ve managed to preserve many species of native Australian animals. The vibrant yellow crest of the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo has been seen more as the numbers have increased. There have been less reports on invasive species such as: rabbits, foxes and deer. Now the flourishing wildlife has been restored, more and more tourists have come to look for these stunning creatures. SofiaBrodowska-Nidelkos
Wendy Anetter Year 5 Teacher
05 CORE 3
Mathematics
During Mathematics, Year 5 have been enjoying exploring units of measurement including mass as well as volume and 3D Objects. During their learning, students used a range of devices and materials to engage in hands-on learning experiences which they thoroughly enjoyed. Students were focusing on the concept of visualising 3D objects and enjoyed describing properties of these objects to describe to a friend and then they needed to guess what object their classmates were describing. It was a fun task where students were not only exploring the concept of visualising 3D objects but also interacting with their classmates.
Bryony Watkins Year 5 Teacher
05 CORE 4
Light Reflections
Our curious Year 5 scientists explored the fascinating world of light reflections using concave and convex mirrors. They discovered how concave mirrors can focus light to a point, are great for magnifying objects; while convex mirrors spread light out, helping us see a wider view. Through hands-on experiments, students observed how light behaves differently depending on the mirror’s shape, sparking lots of wonder and great questions!
Tayla Kostakis Year 5 Teacher
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4
Pastoral Update
R U OK? Day at Del Monte
Last Thursday, the Del Monte campus was bright with yellow as students and staff came together to celebrate R U OK? Day. Children wore splashes of yellow, engaged in thoughtful classroom activities and attended a special assembly led by our student leaders from the Wellbeing Team. The day was a meaningful celebration of connection, kindness and care – highlighting the importance of looking out for one another.
R U OK? Day is a national initiative in Australia that encourages people to check in with those around them by asking, ‘Are you OK?’ It’s a simple but powerful question that can start conversations and offer support to someone who may be struggling. Held each September, the day promotes empathy, connection and emotional support – especially during times of stress or isolation.
During the assembly, the Wellbeing Team shared practical ways students can carry this message into their everyday lives. They encouraged children to notice when someone might be playing alone and to take action — whether by asking if they’re okay, helping them find a friend or teacher, or inviting them to join a game. These small acts of kindness help build a culture of care and inclusion across the school.
R U OK? Day is part of our broader pastoral care program, which includes initiatives such as UR Strong’s Friendology program and the Zones of Regulation. These programs are grounded in current research and support students in developing emotional literacy, respectful relationships and strategies to solve friendship challenges. Together, they help children build a shared language around wellbeing and foster a supportive school environment.
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these values at home. By encouraging open and honest conversations, you help your child feel safe expressing their emotions. It’s important to validate their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad, worried or confused. Reading stories that explore emotions and friendships can also be a gentle way to build understanding. Most importantly, being present and attentive during daily check-ins – whether at the dinner table, during bedtime routines or on the way to school – helps children feel heard, supported and connected.
National Child Protection Week
Last week, we recognised National Child Protection Week – an annual campaign that encourages all Australians, including families, schools and communities, to work together to keep children safe and supported.
This year’s theme, Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversations to Actions, reminds us that while talking about child safety is essential, real change happens when we take meaningful steps to create environments where children feel safe, valued and heard.
Why Does Child Protection Matter?
Children thrive when they feel protected and supported. Safe environments help them build strong relationships, learn effectively and grow with confidence. Everyone – parents, teachers, carers and community members – has a role to play in preventing harm and promoting wellbeing.
What Does This Look Like in Practice?
In classrooms, child protection means creating inclusive spaces where every child feels they belong. It involves teaching protective behaviours and emotional literacy, and embedding kindness, inclusion and respect into everyday routines.
At home, it means having open conversations with children about feelings, boundaries and safety. It’s about listening without judgment, encouraging children to speak up and modelling respectful relationships and positive problem-solving.
Together, we can ensure that every child not only feels safe – but is safe. Let’s continue to turn our care into action.
Creation changemakers: peace with creation
In a time when all of creation is calling for peace, I hope school communities around Australia will consider how they can be changemakers, starting with creating Gardens of Peace; sacred spaces to pray and act with creation. Let us turn our hearts and minds to the beauty of God’s gift and respond with hope and care. Bishop Timothy Harris
Over the final two weeks of Term, Del Monte has proudly joined the Creation Changemakers initiative – an inspiring campaign led by Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare program. This initiative encourages schools to take meaningful, faith-filled action for ecological and social justice during the Season of Creation, a global celebration of prayer and care for our planet that runs from 1 September to 4 October each year.
A Living Symbol of Hope
This year’s mission invites schools to cultivate a Garden of Peace – a living symbol of hope and harmony inspired by the 2025 Season of Creation theme, Peace with Creation. Whether it’s a flourishing garden, a patch of lawn, or a quiet classroom corner, these sacred spaces offer students and staff a place to pray, reflect and grow together in community.
Empowering Young Changemakers
The Creation Changemakers program is deeply rooted in our Catholic call to care for creation, as expressed in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. In this letter to all people, Pope Francis reminds us that the Earth is our common home – a sacred gift from God – and that caring for the environment is both a moral duty and a spiritual responsibility.
Students are encouraged to see themselves as active participants in shaping a better world. It invites them to live out their faith through action, compassion and stewardship – becoming changemakers who care for creation with love and purpose.
Together, through prayer, learning and action, we are nurturing a generation of changemakers committed to ecological justice, compassion and hope.
Curriculum update
Stay connected through learning moments
We encourage all families to visit the Learning Moments tile on your child’s grade homepage via Veritas Online. This space features regularly updated photos capturing student learning in action – offering a valuable window into classroom experiences.
To view the photos, simply click on the Learning Moments tile from your child’s grade homepage, then select the link to their class. These images can be a wonderful way to spark conversation at home, helping you ask specific questions about your child’s day and what they’ve been learning.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to stay connected with your child’s learning journey.
Lauren Petroni Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4
Religious Education News
Sunday 14 September 2025 – Exultation of the Cross
The Son of Man must be lifted up.
John 3:13-17
Gospel Reflection
The Sundays of Ordinary Time are interrupted this Sunday by the feast marking the Triumph of the Cross. The Cross is more than a well-known symbol; it is a reminder of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Last Sunday’s readings draw our attention to Christ’s triumph over death on the cross and his promise of eternal life for all who believe in him. Do your children know how to make the sign of the cross? This might be a good time to go through its meaning with them.
Father’s Day Blessing
The breakfast and Mass were a special time to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our lives. We would especially like to thank Fr John Hayers for joining us and giving the fathers a special Father’s Day blessing. The blessing was heartfelt and will be carried by many.
BLESSING FOR FATHERS AND CARERS Loving God, bless these men, so they may be strengthened as Christian models of fatherhood. May their hearts be filled with generosity, kindness and compassion.
Grant that we may honour them always with a deep abiding love and a spirit of profound respect. May they go forth knowing that they are valued and appreciated for all that they are and all that they do.
Amen
Saints in our times
Last weekend, Pope Leo XIV canonised Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome. While the ceremony was in Italy, the celebration – and the lessons – reached right into Australian Catholic schools.
Carlo Acutis – his extraordinary life, although very short, has impacted millions of people, particularly young people. Carlo was born on 3 May 1991 and died on 12 October 2006. He was only 15. He was the only child of wealthy, educated Italian parents who were not particularly religious. Carlo first learnt about God through his nannies and tutors.
Even as a toddler, he showed amazing awareness of the love of Jesus and was drawn to attending Mass. He was educated in Catholic schools and showed kindness to those kids who were being picked on. He always defended them. He loved nature, soccer and was active in clean-up campaigns. He also loved video games and became a web designer to help at his local church and also to continue to spread the Word of God, particularly about the Eucharist. His parents were encouraged to attend Mass. He never shied away from spreading God’s love to everyone. His life reminds us that being Catholic is not just about what we believe — it’s about how we live.
As Catholics, we are called to live out the Gospel in our everyday lives — to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in the world. We reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and connection — values deeply rooted in our faith and in the life of Jesus.
First Reconciliation 2025 at St Martha’s Parish, Strathfield
First Reconciliation 2025 – Parent Information
We are pleased to invite families to enrol their children in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation for 2025 at St Martha’s Parish, Strathfield. To participate, children must:
be in Year 2 or above in 2025
have received the Sacrament of Baptism.
(If your child has not yet been baptised, please contact us to discuss arrangements.)
The Enrolment Fee is $50 per child, which covers the cost of workbooks and resources.
The Parent Information Session is scheduled for Monday 20 October 2025 at 6:00pm. Families will need to attend four sessions to be eligible to receive the sacrament and may choose either Thursday or Saturday sessions from Thursday 23 October at 3:45pm to Saturday 15 November at 3:45pm.
The Sacrament Celebration will be either Tuesday 18 or Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 6:00pm.
For more information, please contact the Sacramental Team at St Martha’s Parish on 9746 6131.
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P-6
Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)
We are composers! Creating, composing and performing our own ideas is a tricky process. We are learning to apply our music notation skills in new ways, mastering the ‘secret code’ of music dots on lines and spaces.
Year 3 have completed their space compositions and have been performing them using graphics, words and rhythm notation. These use complex rhythm patterns which make the compositions more interesting.
Year 2 played the game attached to Doggy, doggy where’s your bone?, using their singing and listening skills. They took turns and made good choices when collaborating.
Kindergarten have looked at patterns and how we can make music using sequences of patterns. Through movement they analyse and perform patterns. Hula hoops make this lots of fun!
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.
At Del Monte, students from across the school participate in small, ability-based groups as part of our St Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program. These groups extend classroom learning by incorporating critical and creative thinking, encouraging students to explore ideas more deeply and imaginatively.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) highlights critical and creative thinking as a key capability within the curriculum:
The capability of critical and creative thinking gives students the tools to examine the world they live in, analyse their findings and reach conclusions using evidence. — NESA, 2025
This philosophy is embedded across all Year levels:
Kindergarten Scholars
Our youngest learners engage in bookstudies, where they practise inferential comprehension and learn to support their ideas with textual evidence. Currently, they are enthusiastically researching animals in preparation for creating their own informative books.
Year 1 Word Collectors
Inspired by The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds, Year 1 students have become passionate about discovering and dissecting interesting words. Using their understanding of phonics and morphology, they explore word structures and meanings. Their next challenge is to use these words to craft original poetry.
Mathematical Thinkers in Years 1 & 2
In Mathematics, students investigate growing patterns, identifying how patterns evolve in multiple ways. These explorations foster logical reasoning, visualisation, and creative problem solving, demonstrating that mathematics is a powerful tool for thinking critically and creatively.
Australian Mathematics Competition
Each year the Australian Maths Trust holds the Australian Mathematics Competition which is the nation’s longest running and most well-known maths competition for school students. The competition is designed for high achieving mathematicians who get the opportunity to challenge their thinking through tackling unique problems. This Year, 42 of our students across Years 3-6 entered the AMC and they are all congratulated on undertaking a very challenging competition.
A special mention goes to those students who achieved very highly.
Distinction
Best in School: Priscilla Peng (Year 4) Alicia Wu (Year 4) William Lu (Year 4) Michaela Nguyen (Year 4) Irene Jung (Year 4) Sebastian Portelli (Year 4) Jonathan Lin (Year 2)
Credit
Audrey Wong (Year 4) Natalie Sun (Year 4) Kaylee Liu (Year 4) Sam Oli (Year 3) Amara Li (Year 3) Axel Leung (Year 3) Ethan Fahmy (Year 3) Sabrina Commisso (Year 3) Siobhan Chung (Year 3) Joseph Hoang (Year 2)
Across all grades, the celebration of ‘R U OK’ week has provided the opportunity to explore vocabulary for expressing feelings and emotions in Italian. Students have engaged in a range of activities, such as creating posters and participating in simple conversations asking how someone is feeling and producing different types of answers. Some role-plays were performed using language for offering help and support in simulated real-life situations. In Year 3, students have also conducted interviews in their class groups by asking their friends how they were feeling and by recording their responses.
Daniela Panico Italian Teacher
Year 4
As part of R U OK? Week, students in Year 4 engaged in an online ‘Be an eSafe Kid’ seminar. In this seminar students explored safe and unsafe behaviours, safe and unsafe choices online and how to get help and support when things go wrong. Throughout the seminar, students were exposed to real life scenarios and were required to interact with the video through whole class discussions and the completion of an activity sheet.
Mersini Perivolarellis Nicole Meehan Ella Reilly Edward Wang Calista Camarda Year 4 Teachers
Year 3 and Prep Buddy Program – building connections across Del Monte
Year 3 students have the wonderful opportunity to connect with Prep students through our buddy program. Each Year 3 student is paired with a Prep buddy who attends either two, three or five days a week.
During our first visit, students engaged in a collaborative task designed to foster positive interactions within the Prep learning environment. This experience not only encouraged meaningful connections but also allowed Year 3 students to begin developing leadership and communication skills in a supportive setting.
For the Prep students, the buddy program offers a chance to build relationships beyond their immediate classroom and strengthen their sense of belonging within the wider Del Monte community.
From these initial visits, we’ve already seen the beginnings of warm and respectful friendships forming. We’re excited to continue nurturing these connections in the weeks ahead.
Catherine McGrathandLouise Harris Year 3 Teachers
Year 2
Throughout Term 2, Year 2 investigated push and pull forces. They explored how push and pull forces work in different situations and environments.
The students conducted a number of experiments to support their learning. They launched balloon rockets and cars to learn about push and thrust force. They designed and floated boats to observe how forces move on water and they explored gravity in different ways.
At the conclusion of the unit, students collaborated with their peers to design, make and play an arcade game incorporating push and pull forces. The students found all the experiments interesting and engaging, but everyone agreed that the arcade games were the highlight of their learning.
The children learned so much about push and pull forces during this unit and they had a lot of fun doing it.
Margie Attard, Cara Brigham, Alison Di Ciaccio, Tina Nicotina and Brooke Panagopoulos Year 2 Teachers
Year 1
Year 1 were very excited to participate in an Aboriginal Experience incursion, run by Ranger Jamie. Our Rangers, Sam and Jessie, started by conducting an ochre ceremony which involved painting symbols on their faces and arms with ochre. Year 1 then participated in some traditional dancing where they became kangaroos, snakes and mosquitos. The most exciting part of the day was learning how to throw a boomerang and training spear on the field. After lunch the students learnt about Aboriginal artefacts and bush medicine. Did you know that if you rub the leaves of a wattle tree with water, it lathers to create soap? The day was finished with rangers saying that Del Monte was the best school they have visited and gifting us with a boomerang of our own!
Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Clare Wood Year 1 Teachers
Kindergarten
As the term draws to a close, we are reminded of how much learning has taken place during the Kindergarten students’ first year of formal schooling and how much they have grown in both confidence and resilience.
What a busy second half of term it has been! With so many special events occurring, such as Science Week, Book Week, Father’s Day and ‘RU OK?’ Day, the past several weeks have been filled with fun opportunities for the students to engage with their peers and experience some exciting hands-on learning. The students have enjoyed some delightful disco dancing, some short sharp shopping, carefully cutting equal halves and applying amusing alliteration as a poetic device.
We continue to immerse ourselves in quality literature, and one of our favourite books this term has been The Invisible Boy. Written by Trudy Ludwig and cleverly illustrated by Patrice Barton, this story reminds us of the importance of friendships, inclusivity, respect and kindness. The students explored empathy as walking in another’s shoes and understanding how they are feeling. We also discussed how to check in with our friends and ask, ‘RU OK?’
We thank the many fathers, grandfathers and carers who joined us for our Father’s Day Mass and breakfast. It was a beautiful way to celebrate you and all you do for your children.
We wish all our students and their families a safe and restful break and look forward to an exciting Term 4.
Anna Donato, Alana Ivancsik, Brooke Napper and Vicki Spillane Kindergarten Teachers
Prep
Look at what Prep has been doing lately….
Religion: Creation Walk
We walked through our school grounds, observing the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us each day. During our walk, we paused for moments of quiet reflection and gratitude, appreciating the many wonders He has made.
PreLit: Messy fun with shaving cream
We had a blast practising our letter formation using shaving cream. It made learning feel like play and we got a little carried away as we explored through sensory play.
Maths: Mass
We used our muscles to heft things! That means we lifted objects to feel which ones were heavy and which ones were light. Learning about mass is fun when we get to move and explore!
Monique Evans and Rebecca Saba Prep Teachers
Director of Music P-12
As Term 3 comes to a close, we wish to take a moment to celebrate the achievements of our students and the vibrant musical life that continues to flourish across the College. From master classes and recitals to AMEB and HSC examinations, our Santa musicians have demonstrated remarkable commitment and artistry.
Our Italy Music Tour are now just a week away and we have a rich calendar of events ahead in Term 4 – including the Celebration of Music (Thursday 14 November), Fra Angelico Festival (Thursday 21 November) and Advent Carols (Monday 1 December) amidst other musical features at end of year masses and events.
We wish you a safe and refreshing break and look forward to a glorious festive season on the horizon! Term 4 promises to be a time for community gathering, and for beautiful music that will launch us into a soul-nourishing summer.
Amy Richardson Director of Music P–12
Director’s Honour Roll
We proudly acknowledge the following students for their exceptional musical accomplishments this term:
Louise Thill (Year 7)
AMEB Grade 1 Examination – Musicianship
Pass with High Distinction (A+)
Alicia Wu (Year 4)
Sydney Eisteddfod 18th Century Solo – Pianoforte
1st Place
Alicia Wu (Year 4)
Ryde Eisteddfod – Orchestral String Solo – Violin
1st Place
Alicia Wu (Year 4)
Ryde Eisteddfod – Orchestral String Restricted – Violin
2nd Place
Romee Lee (Year 5)
AMEB Grade 7 Examination – Trombone
Pass with Honours (A)
Aiden Curran (Year 6)
AMEB CMus Examination – Double Bass
Pass with Honours (A)
Aiden Curran (Year 6)
Sydney Eisteddfod – Lower Strings – Double Bass
1st Place
Aiden Curran (Year 6)
AUSTA Music Teacher Conference Masterclass – Double Bass
Featured Guest
Emily Cooper (Year 6)
AMEB Preliminary Examination – Violin
Pass with Credit (B/B+)
Chelsey Fa (Year 8)
AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Musicianship
Pass with High Distinction (A+)
Grace Mackey (Year 6)
AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Violoncello
Pass with Credit (B/B+)
Lillian Mackey (Year 6)
AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin
Pass with Honours (A)
Serena Li (Year 10)
AMEB CMus Examination – Violoncello
Pass
Naishe Mafunda (Year 8)
AMEB Grade 1 Examination –Violin
Pass with Honours (A)
Dalena Nguyen (Year 6)
AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Violin
Pass with Credit (B/B+)
Daphne Nguyen (Year 5)
AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin
Pass with Credit (B/B+)
Natalie Sun (Year 4)
AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Musicianship
Pass with Credit (B/B+)
Olivia Wang (Year 7)
AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Viola
Pass with Honours (A)
Grace Welsh (Year 6)
AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin
Pass with Honours (A)
Zara Zaika (Year 5)
AMEB Preliminary Examination – Violin
Pass with Honours (A)
Estelle Gilmovich (Year 8)
ACO Academy Intensive Workshop – Viola
Featured Guest
Estelle Gilmovich (Year 8)
Solo Performance at International Arts Festival – Viola
Featured Guest
Graduation
HSC Final exams were held on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 18 September and we commend our students for their dedication to their craft. With IB Submissions nearly due for upload, and written examinations still to go, we are cheering for our seniormost students as they wind up their Santa Sabina chapter.
With HSC Music exams now complete, we look forward to honouring our graduating students at the upcoming Graduation Assembly and Mass on Thursday 25 September. Their contributions to the musical life of the College have been deeply valued and we wish them all the best with their bright futures to come. They will be missed!
Italy Tour
On the final day of term, our tour group of 43 students and staff will depart for Italy. We will perform in Rome, Florence and Venice; including contributions to music during Mass at the Vatican and at the original Santa Sabina chapel – before participating in masterclasses with internationally regarded performers.
Spread the word to friends and family who are abroad! All are welcome to join us for the free concerts on the dates below!
Viola Master Class with Tahlia Petrosian
On Friday 12 September, our viola students participated in a masterclass with internationally acclaimed violist Tahlia Petrosian. We are delighted to welcome her to the Santa Sabina Music staff. Santa’s viola program continues to grow, now recognised as one of the largest school-based viola programs in the country. We are also thrilled to welcome Tahlia on board officially as the newest addition to our Santa Sabina Music staff. #shaketheworld https://www.tahlia-petrosian.com/
Friday Afternoon Open Recitals
Our final Term 3 recital will take place on Friday 19 September at 3:45pm in Adams, Holyrood. These informal performances provide a supportive space for students to share their music and develop their performance skills. One final recital is scheduled in 2025 – speak to your tutor about participating in November.
Concert Regina Mundi
Under the guidance of Sydney Conservatorium lecturer and Santa Sabina tutor Tanith Bryce, students from our Vocal Tuition program performed for the dear sisters of Regina Mundi during lunch time on Thursday 18 September. Always a highlight when our Dominican Sisters offer their sung blessing in reply!
Open Strings Breakfast Recital
Join us for our annual Strings Open Breakfast Rehearsal on Monday 22 September from 7:15–8:30am in Santa Sabina Hall. With over 90 students involved in this ensemble, it’s a wonderful opportunity to witness their progress and enjoy a musical start to the week. Also a great opportunity to hear ‘what comes next’ for students currently in Year 6 in the Gioia House string program. We look forward to welcoming you.
Join an ensemble, class or learn an instrument!
We believe that music makes life and the human experience so much richer – and therefore it should be accessible to all. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, there’s a place for you in our music programs at Santa. From choirs and orchestras to bands and contemporary ensembles, studio engineering classes and private lessons – we offer a wide range of opportunities for all abilities.
It’s never too late to start learning an instrument or join an ensemble, and the start of semester is the perfect time to slot in. Come and be part of something special. Register via this link.
Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if we can support your music journey in any way!
Amy Richardson Director of Music P-12
Friday Afternoon Open Recitals
Join us for our final Open Recital of the term on Friday 19 September at 3:45pm in Adams, Holyrood – featuring students from our Private Tuition program. These informal performances are a wonderful opportunity for students to share their music in a supportive environment. Interested in performing? Speak to your private music teacher about how you can sign up for our next one!
Open Strings Breakfast Recital
We’re excited to invite our community to our annual Strings Open Breakfast Rehearsal on Monday 22 September from 7:15 – 8:30am. Drop your child at the Santa Sabina Hall at 7:15 to prepare, grab a coffee and bite to eat and then enjoy their presentation from 8:00am. Launch your week with some borrowed energy, as you witness this burgeoning ensemble and in action! With over 90 students involved weekly in this intermediate ensemble, we can’t wait to open the doors and share our progress. For families in Del Monte, this is a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of what lies ahead for your child at Santa Sabina
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Join an ensemble, class or learn an instrument!
We believe that music makes life and the human experience so much richer – and therefore it should be accessible to all. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, there’s a place for you in our music programs at Santa! From choirs and orchestras to bands and contemporary ensembles, studio engineering classes and private lessons – we offer a wide range of opportunities for all abilities.
Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if we can support your music journey in any way!
Celebrating a term of passion, pride and performance
As Term 3 draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the incredible energy, commitment and spirit shown by our Santa Sabina community across Sport and Co-curricular activities. Whether on the field, court, stage or sidelines; students, staff and families have come together to create something truly special.
Our Years 7 and 8 Basketball team, SAN03, has shown remarkable resilience – bouncing back from a tough Term 2 to earn their place in next Saturday’s Grand Final. Meanwhile, our Hockey team, SAN01, delivered a thrilling semi-final performance, narrowly missing out by just one goal against the top team in their pool. On the Football pitch, our players have been giving everything, contesting every ball to secure a top-four finish in their competition.
In the IPSHA domain, our touch footballers have not only learned the game but embraced it with courage and joy, proudly living out the College values each Saturday. Their growth and enthusiasm have been a highlight of the season.
Our netballers and dancers have already made headlines, representing Santa Sabina with excellence in the IWNA Competitions and Eisteddfod seasons. Their performances have filled our community with pride and admiration.
Last weekend, our Tennis players took to the courts in Albury, facing off against some of the best school athletes in NSW. Their grit and determination were evident in every rally, every match – leaving nothing behind.
And finally, our volleyballers who took the court in the last two weeks at the Indoor VNSW Schools Cup who left their hearts on the court getting some great results (one Silver and one Bronze Medal).
None of this would be possible without the tireless work of our Sports Department. From planning and coaching to logistics and care, their dedication ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive and shine.
As we look ahead to Term 4, we carry forward the momentum, the memories and the magic of a term well played.
Individual student and team achievements
SAN08 (Year 7) Volleyball Team came second in the VNSW Indoor Schools Cup in early September.
SAN02 (Year 10) Volleyball Representative team came third in Year 12 Division 1 at the VNSW Schools Cup in September.
Elyssa Jeitani, Holly Cupples, Ashley Duigenan and Olivia Wu, as runners up in the NSWCCC Tennis Tournament, were invited to play the First Tennis Australia NSW High School Championships in Albury from in September.
Romee Lee in Year 5
Romee achieved significant results swimming in the 2025 NSW Youth Championships, held at SOPAC in September:
50m Backstroke – 1st place
100m Backstroke – 2nd place
50m Butterfly – 3rd place
100m Butterfly – 3rd place
50m Breaststroke – 2nd place
200m Individual Medley – 2nd place
Co-curricular reminders
Sports Registrations have closed for Term 4 competitions for IPSHA, IGSA, Rugby Sevens, Futsal and Invitational Volleyball. We can still accept late registrations to some of the activities.
Please email sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au if you wish to join one of the teams playing in Term 4.
Co-curricular Clubs registration: Fencing, Athletics, Strength and Conditioning (Years 9-11), Fit Club (Years 5-8), Mandarin and Boxing Registrations are still open.
IGSA
IGSA Football is heading into their final round this Saturday (after a very wet term), with three of our teams currently sitting in the top four. We wish all three teams playing this weekend the best of luck in their final round game.
SAN01 Hockey played in the semi-final on Saturday 13 September. They played a strong game, but unfortunately lost by one point in a very closely contested match. Congratulations on a great season and your fourth place finish.
SAN03 Basketball also played in their semi-final on Saturday 13 September. They managed to pull off a convincing win of 17-4 over SCEGGS, securing them a spot in the Finals this Saturday, 20 September. We wish them the best of luck for their final game against Wenona, who they only lost to by one goal last time they came head to head.
Term 4 IGSA sport team lists will be posted by the end of Week 10. We do still have space in our senior Touch Football and Water Polo team. If you are interested in joining either of these please email sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au.
Representative Dance
We have come to the end of our Dance season and it has been an outstanding season for all! Our dancers took to the stage a total of 51 times and placed in 41 of these which is an amazing achievement. We thank our dancers, coaches and families for their continued support this season. We also held our annual awards breakfast on Monday morning and for the first time, we awarded ‘Dancer of the Year’ for each team. Our Dancer of the Year recipients were as follows:
Infants – Mila Demayne Primary White – Isabel Horwood Primary Black – Allira Djordjevic Primary Hip Hop – Sydney Truong Senior Jazz Red – Isla Socratous Senior Hip Hop Red – Olivia Hone Senior Jazz Black – Lana Mihalic Senior Hip Hop Black – Isabella Ferla Senior Contemporary – Xylah Bamji
We also awarded our annual Dedication to Dance Perpetual Award to a dancer who has shown incredible commitment and dedication to the program for numerous years. The recipient for 2025 is Chloe Eiszele.
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Santa Sabina hosts high-energy VEX Robotics Tournament with grace and precision
A day of innovation and hospitality
Saturday 6 September saw Santa Sabina College transform the Senior Campus Hall into a fast-paced arena for the VEX V5 Robotics Tournament. While our teams did not collect awards this time – the competition field was exceptionally strong – the day was a clear success for our students and our College community.
From 8:00am check-in to a right-on-time closing ceremony, visiting coaches and officials praised the event’s organisation, volunteer coordination and warm hospitality. The pits were well run, safety routines were followed and matches stayed on schedule – no small feat given the pace and complexity of competitive robotics.
We welcomed teams from leading schools across Sydney, including independent and government schools, with strong representation from the northern and inner-west regions. The tournament offered students dozens of qualification matches, a dedicated skills field, and a calm, professional judging room – creating the right environment for learning and fair play.
Although the scoreboard didn’t fall our way, our students made meaningful progress in:
teamwork and communication: coordinating drivers, coaches and scouts under time pressure
technical iteration: diagnosing reliability issues between matches and implementing fixes
professionalism: engaging respectfully with referees, judges and other teams – living out gracious professionalism.
Many of our student volunteers stepped up in queuing, scorekeeping and field reset roles. Their composure and initiative helped keep the entire event moving smoothly and was noted by visiting staff.
Thank you to every student, staff member and family who contributed to an uplifting day of learning and community. We’re proud of our students’ growth and equally proud of how Santa Sabina showed up as a generous host.
Tony Shen Dean of Data and Information Systems
Important message from the 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.
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.
From the Father’s Day stalls, the Father’s Day Breakfast to the Primary Disco, it has been a whirlwind of events and gatherings these past few weeks. These events have allowed the Santa community to come together and enjoy these special occasions and festivities.
Father’s Day celebrations
The Father’s Day celebrations started with the Father’s Day Stall that was held on 1 and2 September 2025. These stalls cannot happen without the extensive hours that goes on behind the scenes with the sub-committee, sourcing, ordering and then organsing for the gifts to be wrapped ready for the children. It is always so special to see these little children walking around the stall and really thinking about what their father, grandfather, uncle or father figure in their lives would want. It is very clear that we have some very determined children who know exactly what they want (or don’t want)!
The Father’s Day Breakfast was another successful event where we saw the community gather together at the breakfast either after or before attending Mass with their child. The breakfast would not have been possible without the support of the committee and team behind them. It is times like these that it reminds us that these events just do not happen magically (although at times we wish that was possible!), there is so much work that is undertaken and it is done by parents within our community who volunteer their time so generously to ensure that the end result of these events are a success.
Primary Disco – Back to the 80s
The Primary Disco was held on Friday 12 September, and what an incredible night it was! With over 450 people attending, the event was filled with music, dancing, food, and plenty of community spirit. It was great to see the children enjoy themselves, dancing the night away and then enjoying something to eat afterwards. The coffee cart was hit for all the parents and the children couldn’t eat their gelatos fast enough!
We could not have had the success of the night without the many parent volunteers who gave their time to support the night. A special acknowledgement goes to the parents who worked tirelessly on the BBQ and those parents who assisted with the disco entry, and to the six Year 10 students who generously volunteered their time to help supervise and support the evening.
A warm thank you to Mrs Stella Azzizian and Yvette Graniero for their support in coordinating and preparing for the evening; to all the support staff and teachers who attended and assisted on the night. We also thank to everyone else who contributed in ways big and small, your efforts were deeply appreciated.
Finally, the disco is not the same without our very own Giovanni Portelli, who volunteered his professional photography services to capture the night. The photos are available to view and download here:
We hope that the upcoming holidays allows the children and families to unwind and reset for what will be a very busy Term 4.
Warm regards The P&F Association
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE – Prep Catch up
SAVE THE DATE – Year 3 Catch Up
SAVE THE DATE – Year 5 Catch Up
SAVE THE DATE – YEAR 6 Celebration
Parent Education – Debra Brodowski
Understanding the impact of the digital world
Many of our young people are exposed daily to content that is emotionally intense, politically polarising and sometimes deeply dehumanising. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube can amplify extreme views and distressing images, often without context or balance.
One growing concern is doom scrolling, the habit of endlessly consuming negative news and content. This can lead to:
heightened anxiety and fear
a sense of hopelessness or helplessness
emotional numbness or desensitisation
difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
How to talk to your tween or teen about what they’re seeing
Start with curiosity: ask open, non-judgmental questions:
‘What’s something you saw online this week that made you think?’
‘Have you ever seen something that made you feel uncomfortable or confused?’
Help them think critically: teach them to ask:
‘Who made this post?’
‘Is this fact or opinion?’
‘Why might someone want me to feel this way?’
Encourage empathy and perspective: talk about how different people might experience the same issue differently. Help them understand that it’s okay to disagree respectfully and that compassion is a strength.
How do we support our young people through this time of intense, polarising information coming through social media?
Limit/prevent doom scrolling: encourage regular breaks from screens and help them set boundaries around when and how they consume news or social media.
Create safe spaces for conversation: let them know they can talk to you about anything, without fear of being shut down or judged.
Model calm and thoughtful engagement: share how you manage your own reactions to distressing news. Show that it’s okay to take a step back, reflect and choose how to respond.
Encourage offline activities: support hobbies, sports and social time that help them feel grounded and connected to real-life relationships.
Seek support when needed: if your young person seems overwhelmed, anxious or withdrawn, consider speaking with a school counsellor or psychologist. Early support can make a big difference.
Our tweens and teens are watching us closely. They’re learning not just from what we say, but from how we respond to the world around us. By staying connected, curious and compassionate, we can help them grow into thoughtful, resilient young people, even in uncertain times.
Tennis Camp bookings now available
Book now!
Monday 29 September to Wednesday 1 October 2025
Friends and family welcome – Tennis Camp registration is extended to friends and family, so get the message out to brothers, cousins and friends!
