College Principal

We have reached the final term of the year, but there is no sense of slowing down, instead our students are busy and focused as they race towards the finish line. 

Last week we acknowledged and celebrated many students who achieved a variety of awards at our Secondary Assembly. Students were applauded for their outstanding achievements in the Australian Geography and Australian History Competitions, as well as for Science and the Ethics Olympiad Awards. We also acknowledged the girls who had represented the school in international sports competitions and those who had completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Adventurous Journey over the holidays.

I am also delighted to be able to share some of the lovely emails I have received from people around the world who were able to hear our Italian Music Tour students perform in Italy and took the time to write to me to tell me of their joy at having the opportunity to hear our students make beautiful music. 

‘I apologise for the out of the blue email, but I just wanted to share with you the wonderful experience I had listening to your students perform while on their Italian music tour. 

While walking through Florence on Friday evening I happened across the concert of Santa Sabina students at a local church, and after seeing the flyer that it was a visiting Australian school, I had to go in and watch. 

I just wanted to share that I was so blown away at the incredible talent of your students – it was such a special evening that truly showcased their incredible gifts. 

I understand the complexities of arranging international tours and I just wanted to share how wonderful it was and how grateful I felt to have been able to share in the experience. I was with a group of Italian high school teachers who were also deeply moved and impressed by the performance. 

I hope they all have a safe return to Sydney and I wish you all the very best for a successful Term 4.‘

“I had the pleasure of attending the Santa Sabina College Chamber Orchestra & Choir concert on 3 October 2025 at Chiesa San Filippo Neri in Florence. It was a wonderful performance, and we were truly impressed. I would like to ask if there is an official recording (audio or video) of this concert available, or if one might be shared in the future.

Thank you very much in advance, and congratulations again on such an inspiring performance.‘

Our Year 12 HSC students are currently in the midst of their examinations commencing with English papers which set high expectations. The collection of texts for analysis included sophisticated works by Elena Ferrante, Trove Jansson and Barbara Kingsolver. Many of the girls I caught up with afterwards felt they had been well challenged and were positive about their responses. I believe English Paper 2 was a little less intense! Next week, the IB students will commence their examinations as well and we keep all of our Senior students in our prayers as they work through this important time in their lives. 

I was recently invited to a presentation by Year 11 IB students and greatly enjoyed seeing the results of their fieldwork in Sydney Olympic Park – their inquiries and conclusions about how this space serves the community. The resulting scientific posters demonstrated a level of inquiry, rigour and presentation that rivals university standards. You can read more about this Collaborative Science Project in Matthew Mountford’s article in this week’s VV.

In the next few weeks, we will host the Student Leaders Retreat at Tallong to support our new leaders to set their goals for 2026. Our Primary students completing their St Dominic the Adventurer Award will have their final outdoor challenges at Tallong this coming weekend. They will celebrate with their parents who will travel with them to witness all they have achieved in undertaking this adventurous learning and fun outdoor program. 

We also wish our Secondary girls the very best as they compete at the Independent Girls’ Schools Association Festival of Speech this weekend. They will participate in a range of competitions from Poetry to Performance Readings, Public Speaking and Soapboxes. 

As part of our Transition Programs here at the College, our incoming Year 12 students will experience Stepping Up Day next week when we will support them to prepare for all aspects of their final year. This starts with a Liturgy and their Senior’s badge giving ceremony. Del Monte will host an Orientation for Kindergarten this Friday. We have also begun preparations for our Year 5 Parent Evening at 5:30pm on 5 November which sees our new families joining our Primary families to familiarise themselves with their daughters’ move to Gioia House next year. Students in Years 5 and 7 will have their Experience Days on Friday 7 November so that they too can prepare for their next big step. It is an exciting time as we look towards the future and prepare our students for all the wonderful opportunities that are on offer as they step into the next phase of their educational journey.  

In closing, I would like to leave you with some of the thoughts and words taken from our Staff Spirituality Day held on the first day of this term. Our theme this year was Pilgrims of Hope and our Mission Team drew its inspiration from Pope Francis’ letter announcing the Jubilee Year of Hope. 

Hope impels us and propels us to be more than we are. Hope is the very heart and centre of a human being, the driving force of all initiative. It is a yearning for what yet is not, beyond grasp, something impossible that through God’s grace, incredibly, becomes possible. Hope looks for the coming of the new, the tentative possibility that we trust will come about, even if it seems utterly impossible.

Pope Francis invites us to go through the door of courage to attend and support life itself: to go to the margins to confront injustice, inequity, misery, ignorance, disease, hunger, human trafficking to bring down the walls of prejudice, misogyny and hatred, to name the rabid consumerism that keeps millions tethered to poverty with no hope of escape.

God, our companion and guide, in a world of change, confusion, and turmoil, help us to anchor our hope firmly in Jesus and his love for us, and to share our hope with others, so that we may look to the future with confidence. May our faith inspire us to help build a world of hope, promise, and transformation,
in Jesus’ name.
Amen

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Watching our staff and students grow in faith and confidence

In the first few weeks of Term 4  we will see a number of events that allow our students and staff to take some time for themselves to grow in their faith, spirituality and confidence. 

Year 11 Stepping Up Day

On Monday 27 October the College will formally mark the beginning of the Graduating Class of 2026’s final year of school. On this day, witnessed by staff and parents, students will gather to pray and reflect in preparation for their final year as well as receiving their Year 12 badge, something all students wear with pride in their final year. 

The Stepping Up Day will also see students involved in three interactive workshops:

1. MySTRENGTHS – a coach-led workshop that helps students to discover their Top 5 strengths
2. Exams, Stress & Getting Through  – a workshop that explores effective study systems, positive sleep and digital habits and how to manage pressure and stress 
3. MyFUTURE –  a workshop that helps students develop a vision for their future and to explore the pathways they need to follow to achieve this vision.  

The team from MYStrengths are very keen to be involved in our Stepping Up Day as they understand the need for providing guidance and building capacity in young people to look forward to their futures with confidence and to know themselves as they navigate the important years ahead. In our next Veritas Voice newsletter you will hear directly from our Year 11 students giving their feedback on the day. 

Student Leadership Retreat

On the weekend of 1-2 November our newly elected Senior StudentLleaders will head to Tallong for their Leadership Retreat. Here they will partake in sessions on leadership and teamwork led by Ms Skerman and Sr Sheila Flynn OP, put their teamwork skills into practice with outdoor challenge activities led by Ms El Azzi, as well as planning for the year ahead and learning about how to promote our school in an effective manner guided by Ms Graniero. This vital input plus the peace and serenity of Tallong and Geoff’s great food will ensure that our leaders return ready to launch into their leadership year. A huge thank you to Mr Ayoub who will make sure all our students arrive safely on the school bus. 

Staff Spirituality Day

The College staff began Term 4 on 13 October by gathering to pray, reflect and discuss at the annual Staff Spirituality Day. All staff, teaching and non-teaching, gathered on campus to celebrate a day entitled: Pilgrims of Hope: A Journey of Faith, Heart and Justice. We heard from Fr John Hayes who led us through the concept of being a pilgrim as well as providing us with insight into his recent Pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. 

This was followed by the viewing of the incredibly powerful documentary Songs Inside following the story of First Nations singer and songwriter Nancy Bates – a strong friend of the Music department at Santa – as she led a six-month music program with inmates from Adelaide Women’s Prison. As our staff audience witnessed this journey many shed tears at the stories of hope and struggle for the women involved. We certainly understood why this documentary won the Australian Documentary of the Year at the Sydney Film Festival this year. 

Staff also explored taking action for hope when they participated in a presentation by Marg O’Shea from ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) as she deepened staff understanding of human slavery and trafficking in our own country and what actions we can take to make a difference. 

Our day ended with a moving liturgy that involved joining together in song, creativity and prayer to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope. 

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Operations

Speech Night will be held at the Sydney State Theatre on Thursday 27 November.  A reminder to families that attendance for all students in Year 3 to 11 is compulsory.  Prize winners, musicians, and 2026 College leaders will be required to attend compulsory rehearsals at the State Theatre on the 27^th to prepare for the big night. Ticket bookings (free of charge) will be open first for the families of prize winners, followed by all other members of our community. Please watch out for further communication relating to tickets to the night.

Families are reminded that if any of their circumstances change throughout the year that any changes can be updated via Parent Lounge. It is important that all information is current in the event of an emergency or if the College needs to get in contact with families.

The roads in the streets adjacent to both Del Monte and Santa Sabina can be very busy during drop off and pick up times. I spoke to students this week about using the designated crossing and about being alert when crossing the road. Our staff witness several near misses with students wearing headphones or talking on their phone while crossing the roads. To ensure the safety of our students can you please remind your child to always use the nominated crossings – students crossing at The Boulevarde should only use the crossing lights if they are heading south toward Liverpool Rd, students who need to cross The Boulevarde are to use the foot bridge and to stay always be alert when crossing.

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Assessment Blocks

Years 7 -10 will complete their final assessments over the next few weeks. Throughout this period, they have scheduled study sessions built into their timetables to support preparation and balance. These assessments are low-stakes learning checkpoints, offering teachers and students valuable insight into student progress at a specific moment in time. Students have met with Ms Imber or Ms Pugh to create a study plan, and teachers are actively supporting them in class with targeted resources and guidance.

While many assessments are completed in class under supervision, students are also working on longer-term projects that involve experimentation, innovation and hands-on learning. Examples include Technology Mandatory tasks in Years 7 and 8 listed below, Visual Arts projects, PDHPE Year 9 PBLs, and practical assessments in Dance, Drama, and Music. In Languages, students are preparing for speaking and listening tasks, which form an important part of their assessment. These varied formats allow students to demonstrate their learning in meaningful and authentic ways.

Technology Mandatory

Years 7 and 8 students at Santa Sabina are engaging in a rich and varied Technology Mandatory program across multiple disciplines. In Textiles, students design and make a pair of pyjama bottoms that reflect their individuality. In Engineering Technology, they build a fast, stable,and lightweight propeller-driven car for use with the Power Anchor. Food Technology challenges them to design and prepare a nutritious meal suitable for adolescents. In the workshop, students create a Memphis-inspired pen case using timber, MDF and plywood. In Architecture, they redesign the interior of a standard shipping container (12m x 3m x 2.5m) as a contemporary studio home, emergency shelter or remote community dwelling. Finally, in Coding Design, students design, produce and evaluate an EV3 robot programmed to dance to a song of their choice, combining creativity with computational thinking.

Register now for Elevate’s Parent Webinar Series

Earlier this year, students in Years 7–10 participated in Elevate Education sessions to build essential study skills ahead of their assessment blocks.

This term, Elevate is offering a parent webinar series designed to help you support your child at home by reinforcing the strategies they’ve learned at school.

1. How You Can Set Your Child Up for Success – 10 December, 6:30pm
2. How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time – 29 October, 6:30pm
3. How To Help Your Child Alleviate Stress – 12 November, 6:30pm
4. How You Can Build Resilience in Your Child – 26 November, 6:30pm

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a time for us to reflect on the life of Jesus and the love of Mary. As we pray the Rosary, we are invited to slow down, to find peace in God’s presence, and to open our hearts to His grace. It is a prayer of hope, reminding us that through faith and love, we are never alone.

‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.’
— Luke 1:28

It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to school for the start of Term 4. The playground and classrooms have been filled with enthusiasm and happy chatter as students reconnected with their friends. It has been a joy to engage with our students and hear about their family adventures and the special moments that made their holidays memorable.

On Monday, our staff gathered for a Spirituality Day, taking time to reflect, pray and strengthen our shared sense of purpose as educators in a Dominican community. 

This Thursday, our teachers engaged in professional learning focused on the new HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) Syllabus, exploring its structure, learning outcomes and teaching content. This marks an exciting phase in education as we continue to work through one of the most significant curriculum reforms in Australia’s history. Over the past few years, we have successfully implemented the new English and Mathematics syllabuses. Next year, we will begin implementing the HSIE and Science syllabuses, followed by PDHPE and Creative Arts. Each of these has been informed by rigorous research and designed to ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for a rapidly changing world. Throughout this term, teachers will continue developing scope and sequences and planning curriculum-rich units of work that foster curiosity and critical thinking. I look forward to sharing further updates with families as we continue this important journey.

As we settle into the term, I remind families to ensure that students adhere to our uniform guidelines, including hairstyles and accessories, so that we continue to take pride in our presentation as a community. Please also ensure your child applies sunscreen in the morning, brings a hat and a drink bottle each day, as we encourage sun safety and hydration during the warmer months.

I ask all families to continue following traffic and parking rules during drop-off and pick-up times. Your cooperation ensures the safety of our children and helps our mornings and afternoons run smoothly.

Term 4 is always a busy and joyful one, filled with learning, celebration and community events. I look forward to sharing these moments with you all as we move toward the end of the school year.

Del Monte Learning Walks

You are warmly invited to join us for a Classroom Learning Walk this term. This is a special opportunity to step into your child’s learning space and experience the wonderful work that has been happening in Terms 3 and 4.

During your visit, students will proudly share their learning and guide you through some of the highlights of their classroom experiences. These moments celebrate each child’s growth and curiosity, providing a valuable window into the joyful and purposeful learning that takes place every day at Del Monte.

Prep 2 & 5 Day Friday 31 October 8:45 – 9:15am
Prep 3 Day Monday 3 November 2:35 – 3:00pm
Kindergarten Wednesday 12 November 2:30 – 3:00pm
Year 1 Thursday 13 November 2:30 – 3:00pm
Year 2 Friday 21st November 2:00 -–2:30pm
Year 3 Thursday 20 November 1:45 – 2:15pm
Year 4 Friday 21st November 2:30 – 3:00pm

Please note that families attending the Classroom Learning Walk are kindly asked not to park in the Kiss and Ride zone on Carrington Avenue, as this area must remain clear for Prep parents collecting their children from 2:55pm. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping this space safe and accessible for our youngest students and their families.

Year 5 2026 Parent Information Evening

Date: Wednesday 5 November
Time: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Santa Sabina College Lecture Theatre

Our Year 5 Parent Information Session will provide an introduction for current Year 4 families and new entrants to Gioia House in 2026. This session is an opportunity to learn more about our programs, routines and the supportive environment that awaits our students as they transition into the Gioia House.

Year 5 2026 Experience Day

On Friday 7 November, we look forward to welcoming our Year 5 2026 students to Gioia House for their Experience Day. Students will meet their peers, participate in team-building activities and learn about life on the senior campus. The day will provide a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, ask questions and build confidence for the year ahead.

What to wear: College sports uniform and a hat
What to bring:  recess, lunch and a water bottle. 

Students will arrive at Del Monte as usual and be escorted to Gioia House by their teachers. At the end of the day, they will return to Del Monte for their regular dismissal.

Our current Year 5 students are eager to welcome the new cohort and step into their Year 6 leadership roles, while our Year 6 girls preparing for Year 7 look forward to meeting new peers and building friendships as they begin their secondary school journey.

2026 Class Lists

Class lists for 2026 will be released to families in the final week of Term 4. We understand the anticipation that comes with the start of a new school year, particularly for students joining Santa Sabina for the first time.

While we strive to consider parent requests, class placement is a complex process that takes into account each child’s academic progress, social and emotional wellbeing, peer relationships and overall class balance. Our teachers invest great care, thought and collaboration in these decisions. Fostering new relationships is a key part of our educational process, helping students expand their social circles and understand that friendships can evolve. We appreciate your understanding of the complexities involved in class placement and remain committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment for all our students.

Years 3 & 4 BYO Device

If you are thinking of purchasing a computer as a Christmas gift for your child, here are the specifications:

Birthday treats

Due to various student allergies, we kindly ask families that no food products containing nuts are brought to school. Birthday treats should be individually wrapped, nut-free and should not require freezing (such as ice cream). Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

K-2 Swim program timetable

This year, the program will take place at Enfield Aquatic Centre for two weeks from Monday 27 October to Friday 7 November (Weeks 3 and 4). The students will participate in ten 30-minute swimming lessons daily and travel to and from Enfield Aquatic Centre by bus. Please see the schedule below.

Colour Fun Run

A reminder the Colour Fun Run will take place this Friday 24 October on the Del Monte Field. Students will commence the run after lunch. All students from Prep 3 are invited to come along and join in on the fun from 1:30pm. If you would like for your child to have a sausage sizzle for lunch, please ensure to place your order by Thursday 23 October.

Please note that Friday is a mufti day. Students are asked to wear white or light-coloured clothing, old runners, and bring an old towel to use for the car ride home. Thank you to P&F for organising fun event for our students.

Loving God,
As we pray the Rosary this month, may our hearts be filled with peace and gratitude.
Through the intercession of Mary, help us to follow Jesus with faith and courage,
and to share Your love with those around us.
Amen

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

Calendar events

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

Important dates for Del Monte:

• 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
• Tuesday 4 November – Year 5 2026 Student Experience Day at Gioia House
• Thursday 6 November – Assembly
• Friday 7 November – K-2 Swim concludes
• Friday 7 November – Parent Orientation Year 5 2026
• Friday 21 November – Fra Angelico Festival
• Tuesday 25 November – Dominican Awards & Year 4 Graduation Assembly 2:00-3:00pm
• Thursday 27 November – Speech Night at The State Theatre 6:30pm-8:30pm
• 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

Important dates for Gioia House:

• 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 6:30-8:30pm (Years 3-11)
• Monday 1 December – Advent Carols
• Wednesday 3 December – Thanksgiving Liturgy and Picnic

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

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

Our Back to the Boulevarde Reunion brought together the Classes of 2005, 1995 and 1985. Alumnae enjoyed reconnecting with friends and past staff, reminiscing over tours of the College, and exploring our archives and museum display. It was a wonderful celebration of shared memories and the enduring spirit of Santa Sabina.

Fra Angelico Festival – save the date!

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Vacation Care

Our October vacation care program has just wrapped up, so it’s time to share incursion and excursion highlights.

Excursions

As usual we went to Kingpin Bowling and the children had a great time. Every child played 10 games, some scoring a spare and others a strike, but all scoring a friend. Children encouraged, cheered and celebrated each other throughout the games. They then paused to have a tasty lunch before spending time playing the Kingpin Bowling arcade games. Bowling is a favourite outing and never ceases to disappoint.

We went on an excursion to see Splish Splash Science Riverside Theatre Parramatta. The show was all about water and its benefits. The Ringmaster Riptide explored and experimented with the properties of water with squirts, spurts and sprays in every conceivable direction!The children laughed and cheered throughout the show. At the end of the show the children had a photo with Riptide showing their enjoyment with big grins.

Incursions

The Petting Zoo visited as our children are always intrigued by farm animals. A pen was set-up with a goat, bunnies, Guinea pigs and chicks for children to handle, feed and pat. The pet handler shared interesting facts about each animal with the children that added to the experience. Every child had a wonderful time connecting with and learning about animals.

The Circus

The circus came to OOSH to teach the children some tricks. Circus coach Jewelz taught them how to use a hula hoop, rainbow ribbons and spin a plate. The children played games that challenged their physical skills, balance and coordination and got them to work in teams. A highlight was a mindfulness activity that required the children to balance a peacock feather on their fingers.

We’re currently planning our next vacation care program with each of these experiences in mind. If you’d like to know more about vacation care, before school care or after school care please contact our OOSH Coordinator Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Director of Development

Santa Sabina Golf Day – 6 November 2025

This is the last chance to 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. If you would like to be part of the day at this stage please give me a call or send me an email.

To become a sponsor or sign up to play, please contact me in the Development Office at giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 9745 0232.

Rosary Garden Plaque Appeal

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.

George Ayoub
Director of Development
Santa Sabina College

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

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)

Farewell to Year 12 Music Students

A heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 music students who have officially completed their courses. HSC Music students have completed their aural and musicology examination paper, while IB Music students have successfully submitted all their final portfolios to the IB. Special recognition goes to Minori Yoshimura, who studied both Music 2 and Music Extension and has been nominated for Encore, a prestigious showcase of outstanding HSC music performances held annually at the Sydney Opera House. We wish Minori every success as she awaits final selection, and celebrate the dedication and artistry she has shown throughout her music journey. May music continue to inspire and guide them in all their future endeavours.

Our Year 11 students are now stepping into the Year 12 HSC course with enthusiasm. They’ve begun selecting performance repertoire and are diving into the mandatory topic, Music of the Last 25 Years, with an Australian focus. This marks an exciting transition as they begin shaping their own musical narratives.

Whilst our Years 8, 9 and 10 are currently revising and preparing for their aural examinations during the assessment block, Year 7 students are presenting research projects on ‘Music of a Culture’ analysing traditional folk songs of their choice. This unit promotes diversity and encourages appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical traditions across the globe, fostering international-mindedness by helping students recognise the value of cultural exchange, global perspectives and the shared human experience expressed through music.

Boulevarde ’27 Hits a High Note

A huge congratulations to our Year 10 rock band, ‘Boulevarde ’27 whose debut single ‘Fly’, premiered at Fra Angelico last year, has been shortlisted for the Australian Songwriting Contest 2025, hosted by the Australian Songwriters Association. This prestigious competition is open to all ages nationwide, making their recognition even more remarkable. Finalists will be announced at the end of October, and we wish the band every success as they continue to soar.

What a wonderful way to begin Term 4, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the rising talent in our Santa music community.

A Message from the Director of Music

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

Collaborative Science

Year 11 students studying Biology, Chemistry and Sports, Exercise and Health Science in the IB Diploma program ventured out into the local community for a day of field work at Sydney Olympic Park on 17 September. 

The collaborative science project encourages IB students to work with those studying other branches of science. They work in mixed groups using the scientific skills they have been practising in the classroom to work towards a common goal.

This year’s theme looked at Sydney Olympic Park and how this mutli-use space serves its community. Students cycled though Bicentennial Park to take water samples, count wildlife, interview the public and conduct their own sports studies. The project aims to explore how scientific inquiry can inform diverse real world applications such as community planning, environmental stewardship and public health.

Once back at the College, students presented their work as posters and had the opportunity to present their projects to Ms Skerman and their peers.

‘The collaborative science project excursion at Sydney Olympic Park provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the scientific process in a real world context. By investigating the relationship between hydration chemistry and sprint performance, my group applied our theoretical knowledge to practise experiments through interdisciplinary exploration including knowledge from Chemistry, Biology and Sports Science. Presenting our research to younger students and the Principal reinforced the importance of scientific inquiry and peer education. The experience demonstrated key IB learner profile attributes such as being reflective and knowledgeable, and highlighted how science can help us understand performance and wellbeing beyond the classroom.‘ 
Poppy Haigh
Year 11 IB Biology

Our collaborative sciences project gave us a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, from conducting fieldwork during the excursion to presenting our findings as a team. As a cohort, we learnt to coordinate ideas, manage time and refine our communication, which helped us grow as learners. We practised being reflective, open-minded and knowledgeable, and saw how science connects to broader social and environmental issues. It was a practical experience that challenged us and showed how collaboration can deepen understanding, which is essential as IB students.‘
Edith Barrett
Year 11 IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science

‘I liked how the project connected to real-world issues. It was a nice way to take our learning outside the classroom and work with others in our year. We got to share ideas and see different ways of thinking, which made the whole experience more meaningful.‘
Gabriella Elias
Year 11 IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science

‘Participating in the collaborative sciences project was an enriching experience that allowed me to explore a classroom theory in a dynamic real world setting. The experience enabled me to deepen my understanding of scientific principles but also showcased our core IB learner traits that are deeply rooted in our course such as being thinkers and innovators. My particular group focused on exploring how environmental conditions across zones in Sydney Olympic Park such as biodiversity, soil contamination and physical activity potential, ultimately affecting its liveability. Having the opportunity to share our findings with younger students and the College Principal emphasised the value of curiosity, collaboration and peer-led learning. Ultimately, this project illustrated how science can be applied beyond the classroom, offering insights into human performance and wellbeing in everyday life.’
Arianna Harris
Year 11 IB Biology

Social Enterprise Learning in Commerce

In HSIE we understand that social enterprise learning fosters essential skills including critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and collaboration. Students develop a sense of purpose in creating sustainable and positive change for social and environmental issues. This is a real world learning framework which has been embedded into Commerce learning as students apply theory to design socially responsible solutions to contemporary and future focused challenges. Thank you to Vikki Cummins for her application of social enterprise learning into her Year 9 Commerce lessons.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Teacher Reflection

As part of our Year 9 Commerce topic Political and Community Involvement, my class has been exploring the ways individuals and groups can take action to address community issues. Students were shown videos of different social enterprises and were asked to think of an issue that affects them or the wider community. Each group identified a challenge, researched its causes and implications and developed creative solutions.The students all worked very hard on the project and some of the standout student initiatives included:

• Clear Speak – communication cards to assist non-verbal students in expressing emotions and needs. Designed by Rose Long, Mila Ettorre, Kirby Valtwies and Lucia Winters
• Junior Justice – a program designed to encourage greater female participation in law and politics. Designed by Chloe Lai, Willow Lai, Anya Brodowski, Aoife Notelaers and Natalie Bechara.
• Next Chapter – a peer reading and mentoring initiative connecting Santa Sabina students in Gioia House and Del Monte. Designed by Valentina Gibson, Olivia Nasr and Francesca Placanica.

Vikki Cummins
HSIE Teacher

High Distinction National Awards in Geography and History

The Australian Geography Competition and Australian History Competition are national competitions which test knowledge and critical thinking in the application of skills in real world situations. These prestigious competitions are sponsored by Teacher Professional Associations and The University of Melbourne, University of NSW, Monash University, The University of Queensland and Curtin University. Thousands of student competitors from hundreds of Australian schools entered in 2025. The following students have achieved within the top 1% of the state and are awarded a High Distinction as a celebration of their outstanding results in their year group on a national level.

Students who achieved a High Distinction Award for the Australian Geography Competition are:

• Keira Dignam
• Amanda Liu
• Ashleigh Sedgers
• Abigail Yang

Students who achieve a High Distinction Award for the Australian History Competition are:

• Celine Choi
• Louisa Giugni
• Sienna Kim
• Francesca Lorenzo
• Francesca Martin

These students were awarded their Competition Certificates by Ms Skerman at the College Assembly. Thank you to the fantastic HSIE Geography and History teachers who have created engaging lessons and fostered supportive classrooms to inspire these students to achieve at such a high national standard.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Careers Spotlight @ SSC

Work Experience Spotlight

Over the holidays, Year 10 student Ruby Dib had the opportunity to take part in the biggest construction industry work experience placement program in NSW. Run by the organisation Today’s Women in Construction, this program offers a guaranteed work experience placement for any Year 10 student where students are matched with one of over 50 industry partners based on their areas of interest. Below is Ruby’s reflection of her experience.

These holidays, I had the opportunity to complete a four-day work experience at Icon Construction, working on the North Sydney Olympic Swimming Pools. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have been exposed to such a wide range of roles that are all equally necessary in the construction industry. I learnt so much about construction, especially about how it is so much more complex than meets the eye. I absolutely loved being able to go on site and take part in many jobs, including mapping and annotating certain plans as well as logging defects. This experience really opened my eyes and made me realise that I really would love to pursue a role in construction, especially in a role in which I am able to both work in the background but also see the physical manifestation of my work.
Ruby Dib
Year 10

Year 10 Career Encounter

Preparations for the Year 10 Career Encounter Program are well underway. Over the coming weeks, parents will receive information regarding the Career Encounter program via email with confirmation of your daughter’s work experience details. Students have also been asked to complete Work Readiness Modules in order to receive their Work Readiness Certificate for work experience. We will continue to meet with students to ensure they are prepared before they commence their work experience placements.

Eva Guirguis
Head of Future Pathways & Partnerships

Research opportunity with The Black Dog Institute

In Australia, one in 14 children experience anxiety that interferes with their daily lives, yet only 19% receive appropriate care and support. To address an under-resourced system with increasingly long waitlists, the Black Dog Institute has developed a digital program called Courage Quest to help children with anxiety. Through the Courage Quest program, parents or caregivers and their children learn evidence-based tools used in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including exposure techniques.

Now, the Institute wants to conduct a clinical trial to investigate what extra features would create the best version of the Courage Quest program for children with anxiety, called Courage Quest Plus.

They need your help with testing these features in the Courage Quest Plus digital program so they know how we can best provide accessible and evidence-based support to Australian children.

We encourage interested families to sign up.

Elise Whiley
Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Gioia House Action Girls

At our first whole school assembly for this term, we acknowledged our wonderful Gioia House Action Girls. The Action Girl nominations recognise Gioia House students who work towards making a positive difference and take action. It is through their kindness, compassion, resilience and commitment they have been nominated to receive this award. Ms Azizian and Ms Skerman presented the students with their certificate and Action Girl badge. Well done to all our Action Girls!

Congratulations to the following students:

Olivia Gan
Elise Schojer
Emily Zanella
Liz Ong
Abby Deng
Elayna Yung
Catherine Daoud
Ivy Taouk (Absent)

Be Active Multi-sport Program

At the end of last term, all Gioia House students participated in a multi-sport program. The students were placed into mixed Years 5 and 6 class groups and rotated through different sports and activities each week. Four of the sports activities were run by external coaches in AFL, Basketball, Hockey and Volleyball. We also had two additional activities in Dance and our Amazing Race activity.

Each week the students participated in different sports giving them the opportunity to improve their coordination, balance, agility and endurance. The activities not only promoted physical fitness and confidence but also helped the students build lifelong habits of teamwork, resilience, and a positive attitude towards active living. The feedback from the students was positive and they enjoyed the variety of sports.

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Gioia House Young Scientists Award winner

We congratulate Mia Bogovic of Year 5 whose project, Taking a Deeper Dive into the Five Second Rule: Fact or Fiction? Your Baby Needs to Know!, has been selected for an award in the 2025 STANSW Young Scientist Awards. Mia’s research is testament to her dedication and analytical skills.

She prepared for the competition as part of her enrichment work as a member of our Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program. Through detailed scientific investigation, Mia and other young scientists from Gioia House combine curiosity and research to solve everyday problems relevant to them. The Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program supports and challenges gifted and high-potential students providing opportunities, resources and guidance to help them excel.

The Young Scientists Competition attracted 500 entries in 2025. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday 28 November at the University of Technology Sydney.

Victoria Harper
Editor

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Gioia House Choir

The Gioia House choir is in full swing with sectional rehearsals as they prepare for their final Liturgy on Tuesday 3 December. In a heartfelt musical exchange, Year 5 students will farewell Year 6 with a gift of song, while Year 6 will leave a parting musical message for Year 5, marking the end of their primary school journey.

Excitement is also building for the upcoming Fra Angelico Festival on Thursday 21 November, where the choir will perform two beautifully crafted pieces: Firefly and Sweet Silent Night. Students are currently focused on memorising lyrics and refining their delivery to ensure a moving and memorable performance.

Stay tuned for more updates as these talented singers bring their voices and hearts to the stage!

Gioia House Instrumental 

Gioia House Instrumental is buzzing with energy this term as students prepare for their final showcase of the year with dates to be announced shortly. Both Gioia House Strings and Gioia House Instrumental ensembles will take the stage to perform the repertoire they’ve been refining throughout the term. Gioia House Strings students will also feature at Fra Angelico Festival for the delight of parents and friends.

In addition to the full ensemble performances, smaller student groups will present pieces prepared during their group lessons and individual practice, offering a glimpse into their collaborative learning and musical growth.

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.

Gifted in Gioia House

Pi Maths: Exploring Randomness Through Play

This week in Pi Maths, students have been diving into the classic game of rock, paper, scissors to explore the concept of randomness. A truly random outcome means each possibility has an equal chance of being selected – but students quickly discovered that human behavior adds complexity. Decisions in the game are often influenced by previous wins or losses, making it less random than it first appears.

Through collaborative learning and playful investigation, students are building a deeper understanding of probability, patterns and decision-making. It’s a fantastic example of how games can spark meaningful mathematical thinking!

Discover the Atlas Club – a creative hub for kids

The Atlas Club, offered by the State Library of NSW, is a fantastic initiative that opens up a world of creativity and learning for children aged 5–15. Through free junior membership, students gain access to engaging online clubs focused on artmaking, reading and writing.

Each school holiday, members are invited to participate in a special event – designed to spark imagination and connect young learners with others who share their interests.

It’s a wonderful way to nurture creativity, build literacy skills, and explore new ideas from home.

Learn more and sign up here.

Brooke Panagopoulos
Gifted Education Coordinator P-6/Year 2 Teacher

Curriculum Overviews

The Term 4 Curriculum Overviews for Year 5 and Year 6 have been updated and are accessible via Veritas Online. 

Curriculum Overviews play a vital role in effective teaching and learning. They provide a clear and structured outline of the key content, and learning outcomes to be covered within a term. For students and families, curriculum overviews offer transparency and insight into what is being taught, fostering engagement and shared responsibility in the learning journey. Ultimately, a well-developed curriculum overview enhances instructional clarity, and contributes to a more focused and meaningful educational experience. By sharing these overviews, schools strengthen the partnership between home and school, working together to support every child’s growth and success. We encourage you to take the time to access the curriculum overviews via Veritas Online. 

Stephanie Yiorkas
Gioia House Curriculum Leader

What’s happening in Year 6

06CORE 1

Artefact Documentary Task – Gallery Walk

As an inquiry into Australia’s Perspective – Immigration, the girls were required to select a culturally significant artefact that accurately tells their family’s migratory story. The girls used the artefact as a springboard for their study, culminating in a multi-modal documentary, showcasing the story behind the item.

Inquiry questions included:

• Why did the family member migrate? 
• Where did they come from and what was their method of migration?
• What challenges did they encounter when they arrived in Australia?
• How did they feel about their decision to migrate?
• What was their cultural contribution to Australian society? 

They were required to adopt a perspective of a family member or narrator to tell their family’s unique and personal story.

Eamonn Dunphy and Marisa Maks
Year 6 Teachers

06CORE 2

In our Mathematics lesson we learnt that chance is a big part of our life. We had different stations set up to do fun, mind-challenging activities. We did this to explore the different kinds of chance in everyday life. We predicted the chance of success then we completed the activity and compared the results. This was enjoyable because we weren’t only learning but we were having fun as well.
Melania Sara and Elizabeth Van Hore

Leonie Trees
Year 6 Teacher

06CORE 3

Mathematics – Chance

Year 6 has been exploring the concepts of chance and probability. To deepen their understanding, students played a partner game called Our Dice Duel: Roll-Off Challenge.Through this process, students developed their ability to reason about fairness, variability and sample size. They discussed whether the game outcomes were fair, considered how experimental results can differ from theoretical expectations, and reflected on how probability can be represented using fractions, decimals and percentages. The activity encouraged critical thinking, mathematical communication and data interpretation in a hands-on and engaging way.

Monique Taylor and Tiffany Anderson
Year 6 Teachers

06CORE 4

Rube Goldberg Machines

Year 6 Core 4 students recently put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by building Rube Goldberg machines using everyday household items. These contraptions were designed to perform simple tasks in the most complex and entertaining ways possible. Throughout the project, students encountered and overcame a variety of design challenges, from balancing domino chains to perfecting pulley systems. Their perseverance and teamwork paid off, resulting in machines that were both functional and imaginative. The Science laboratory buzzed with excitement as each group proudly demonstrated their creations. It was a fun-filled learning experience that sparked curiosity, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for engineering principles.

Ann Milicic 
Year 6 Teacher

What’s happening in Year 5

Starry Night

Year 5 students are looking at symbol, imagery and connotation in literature. They started the unit using the VR Headsets to watch videos of Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’, natural environments and a magical forest. Students then were challenged to use complex vocabulary and figurative language to describe each scene. There was much enthusiasm and discussion as the students worked together to share and record their thinking.

Wendy Anetter, Stephanie Yiorkas, Bryony Watkins, Tayla Kostakis
Year 5 Teachers

05 CORE 2

Chance

In 5A we have been working on Chance in Maths. In our first lesson we were given a bunch of words (eg likely, possible, probable, won’t happen) and we put them in a line from impossible to certain. Next we sorted the words into three columns (impossible, possible and certain) with the people on our table. Then we did the same but with decimals and fractions. If today was this fun then I can’t wait to see what the rest of the unit has in store for us.
Eleanor Thill
Year 5

Wendy Anetter
Year 5 Teacher

Learning in the Library

We love a scary story!

This week in their Wide Reading lessons, Year 5 Watkins challenged themselves to read scary stories. 

Together we read the picture book The ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey. The story is told in rhythmical verse and tells us of Herbert Kettle and the ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon, who haunts the people of the village of Twee, until one day they have had enough. 

The students commented that:

• It was entertaining – Natalie
• I liked the rhyme and on the edge of my seat – Lydia
• It’s a story of making friends and putting aside our differences. I did not expect that from the cover – Laura
• It teaches us to always be kind – Zara 
• I liked how the boy wasn’t scared and tried to make friends with her – Madelene

Alexis commented that it reminded her to ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. This reflection was particularly relevant, being applicable to both in our interactions with others and in our understanding of ourselves. 

The students then chose a scary story of their own, challenging themselves to read something they might not otherwise choose. Reflecting on their own scary story

• It is keeping me on the edge of my seat, said Zara of her book The peculiar incident on shady street 
• Aria was finding Zombierella very interesting
• And Alexis was ‘scared since the first word’ of The Clackity, but it was a ‘good kind of scared!’.

Lina enjoyed reading the horrifying Read at your own risk about a girl cursed by playing a game, so much she finished during the lesson. Lina said she related to the story because she enjoys playing games with friends in the same way the character does. 

Year 5 Watkins are commended for their ability to listen with interest and always being keen to broaden their reading experiences and share their responses with each other.

Susan Lombardo
Head of Library 5-12

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

Pastoral Update

Healthy Harold inspires healthy choices on Go Bananas Day

Term 4 kicked off with a vibrant and health-focused celebration: Go Bananas Day! Endorsed by Life Education and the ever-popular Healthy Harold, this special day is designed to help our primary students learn about the importance of healthy eating, wellbeing and making positive choices. Go Bananas Day is also supported by Australian Bananas and aligns with the NSW PDHPE syllabus, focusing on key learning areas, including:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Respectful Relationships
• Making Healthy Choices

Students enjoyed their healthy and nutritious bananas during morning Crunch and Sip and used Community Time in the afternoon, to explore how bananas contribute to energy, growth and overall health, and wellbeing. Our Environment and Sustainability Team also made the most of the day by collecting banana peels for composting, nearly filling a 20 litre bucket!

By combining fun with meaningful learning, Go Bananas Day offered a memorable and educational experience that supports our ongoing commitment to student health and wellbeing.

Celebrating Children’s Week

This week we celebrate Children’s Week, a national event held every October that recognises and promotes the rights of children. It’s a time to focus on helping children thrive, learn, play and have their voices heard – principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Each year, Children’s Week highlights a different article from the UNCRC. The theme for 2025 is based on Article 42: ‘Everyone should know about Children’s Rights!‘

This special week reminds us of the vital role families, educators and communities play in ensuring children feel seen, heard and valued. It encourages us all to create inclusive, supportive environments that nurture children’s development and celebrate their contributions.

Curriculum update

Curriculum overviews now available

The Term 4 Curriculum Overviews for each grade are now available through the grade homepages of the Veritas Online platform. These overviews provide valuable insights into what your child will be learning this term. They are a great way to support learning at home, spark meaningful conversations with your child about school and strengthen the connection between home and classroom learning. We encourage you to take a moment to explore the Curriculum Overview for your child’s grade.

Learning beyond the classroom

It’s shaping up to be a busy and enriching term in the curriculum space! All students from Kindergarten to Year 2 will take part in the Swim Program at Enfield Pool during Weeks 3 and 4, helping build water confidence and safety skills.

Year 2 and Year 4 students will also enjoy hands-on science experiences with upcoming visits to the Science Labs on the senior campus:

• Year 4 on Wednesday 5 November
• Year 2 on Wednesday 12 November

These activities offer valuable opportunities to extend classroom learning and spark curiosity in real-world contexts.

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

Del Monte Young Scientists Award winners

Congratulations to Joanna Wong, Joseph Hoang and Jonathan Lin of Year 2 who have been named as award winners in the Young Scientists Competition organised by the Science Teachers Association of NSW.

Their project, Melted Chocolate in Your Pocket: A Comparative Study of Popular Chocolate Brands involved much investigation, physical exercise, trial and error and equipment including a water bath, thermometer and of course, chocolate!

Joanna, Joseph and Jonathan prepared for the competition as part of their enrichment activities in our Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program. Through detailed scientific investigation, our young scientists combine curiosity and research to solve everyday problems relevant to them. The Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program supports and challenges gifted and high-potential students providing opportunities, resources and guidance to help them excel.

The Young Scientists Competition attracted 500 entries in 2025. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday 28 November at the University of Technology Sydney.

Victoria Harper
Editor

Religious Education News

A Short School Prayer

Almighty God We give you our school.
We give you all the teachers and staff who work here,
We give you all the children who study here.
We pray our school would be place of great discovery, adventure and creativity.
May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love,
A place where everyone is respected, and all are deeply valued.
We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 (A modern prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Welcome back to Term 4, We begin our term in the month of the Rosary. October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. The month begins with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary celebrated on 7 October. The Rosary is a devotion in honour of the Virgin Mary. The Rosary is a sequence of prayers intended to help us grow in our faith as we come to understand more and more about the life, the death, the resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus Christ, and about the Church and who we are in the Lord. The Rosary can be prayed in its entirety or just one decade at a time. Take time to pray the Rosary this month.

Sacramental Program of First Communion

In the sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal, Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way. When we receive Communion, we believe that we receive the person of Jesus into our very beings. We become one with him, and we become one with each other. As a community, we become ‘the body of Christ’

 We pray for our students who have received the Sacrament of First Communion during the last few months.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6 

Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)

At Mary Bailey House, Term 4 has started with lots of singing and preparation for our concerts at the end of the term. Treefrog students will be performing at the Fra Angelico Festival, alongside the Del Monte Prep students. They have been practising how to sing with full voices, perform the actions and practise how to stand. The students are excited to be performing to their families and friends!

For our Del Monte families, keep an eye out for information about our instrumental program for 2026 which is currently in prepration!

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.

Del Monte Library

Welcome back to Term 4!

As we step into the final term of the school year, the library is buzzing with excitement and possibilities! Term 4 is a wonderful time to reflect on our reading journeys and set new goals before the summer holidays.

Scholastic Book Club

Last Issue out NOW! Orders are due by Monday 3 November.

This term, we’ll be sending out just one Scholastic Book Club issue to ensure all orders arrive before the Christmas holidays. It’s a perfect opportunity to browse for Christmas gifts that inspire imagination and a love of reading. From picture books to graphic novels and chapter books, Book Club offers a wide range of affordable and exciting titles for all ages. Keep an eye out for the catalogue coming home soon!

Expanding our reading horizons

Our focus this term is on extending our reading choices. Students are encouraged to try more diverse titles that explore different cultures, perspectives, and genres.

They will practise building reading stamina by selecting longer or more complex books and sticking with them over time.

Teachers and library staff will be on hand to help students find books that challenge and engage them, while still being enjoyable and age-appropriate. To help with this we ask that parents continue to read to their children, even those who are capable readers. Reading aloud to your child remains one of the most powerful ways to support their literacy development. Shared reading can build vocabulary and comprehension, helps support children through more complex storylines, not to mention creating special moments of connection and curiosity.

We look forward to a joyful and inspiring Term 4 in the library. Let’s make it a term of discovery, growth, and shared stories!

Happy reading!

Trish Doonan
Teacher Librarian

St Dominic the Adventurer

Last Wednesday, our Year 4 students gathered for their final St Dominic the Adventurer session before heading off to the much-anticipated Tallong weekend on Saturday 25 October. The students practised essential outdoor skills – knots and lashings – in preparation for one of the weekend’s highlight activities: catapult building!

Under our guidance, students worked in teams to master the techniques needed to construct sturdy and functional knots. These hands-on skills not only foster collaboration and problem-solving but also tie beautifully into the spirit of adventure and resilience that St Dominic the Adventurer aims to instil.

The Tallong weekend will culminate in a special moment: the awarding of the St Dominic the Adventurer badge. This badge is a symbol of each student’s growth, courage and commitment throughout the program. We are incredibly proud of our Year 4s and look forward to celebrating their achievements in the great outdoors.

Gifted at Del Monte

Discover the Atlas Club – a creative hub for kids

The Atlas Club, offered by the State Library of NSW, is a fantastic initiative that opens up a world of creativity and learning for children aged 5–15. Through free junior membership, students gain access to engaging online clubs focused on artmaking, reading and writing.

Each school holiday, members are invited to participate in a special event – designed to spark imagination and connect young learners with others who share their interests.

It’s a wonderful way to nurture creativity, build literacy skills, and explore new ideas from home.

Learn more and sign up here.

Kindergarten Inquiry

This term, a group of our Kindergarten and Prep students are embarking on an exciting inquiry learning project using atlases to research a special place of interest. Through this hands-on exploration, students are encouraged to ask and respond to their own questions – sparking curiosity, wonder and a deeper connection to the world around them.

Inquiry-based learning empowers children to connect new knowledge with what they already know, leading to meaningful and lasting understanding. As they investigate and discover answers for themselves, they build confidence, develop critical thinking skills and take ownership of their learning journey.

We can’t wait to see where their questions lead them!

See the tips below for encouraging deeper thinking at home…

Ask open-ended questions: Instead of yes/no questions, try: ‘What do you think will happen if we mix these colours?‘ or ‘Why do you think the moon changes shape?‘

Follow their interests: If your child is fascinated by bugs, space or cooking – lean into it! Explore books, videos or simple experiments together.

Model curiosity: Show your own wonder: ‘I’ve never seen that kind of bird before – let’s look it up!‘ This teaches that learning is lifelong.

Use everyday moments: Cooking, gardening, shopping or walks can become inquiry-rich experiences. Ask questions like: ‘Why do some fruits float and others sink?‘ or ‘How does yeast make bread rise?‘

Encourage exploration and play: Provide materials like magnifying glasses, building blocks, art supplies or nature items. Let kids experiment freely.

Celebrate questions, not just answers: Praise your child for asking thoughtful questions – even if you don’t know the answer. Say, ‘That’s a great question! Let’s find out together.‘

Fold and Fly

This term, students have launched into an exciting hands-on unit focused on the science and design of paper planes. Fold and Fly invites learners to explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics by investigating what makes a paper plane soar successfully.

Throughout the unit, students will build, test, and refine their own designs – applying critical thinking, creativity and collaboration to improve performance. This engaging enrichment experience supports key learning in science and maths, while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

We’re looking forward to seeing their ideas take flight!

Brooke Panagopoulos
Gifted Education Coordinator P-6/Year 2 Teacher 

Italian at Del Monte

At Del Monte, Italian classes have been devoted to the celebration of La Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo (Italian Language Week in the World), an event held in October globally every year.  

Students have participated in an exciting project in collaboration with Co.As.It, Sydney, and have explored their connections to Italian language and culture through various activities. Kindergarten classes have focused on Italian food by creating an Italian food basket and by labelling items in Italian. Years 1 and 2 have worked on a collage titled ‘My Italian World’, while Years 3 and 4 have produced some comic strips on the theme ‘My Italian adventure’, with beautiful illustrations and texts in Italian.

It was a great pleasure to see everyone contributing with original ideas and engaging with the Italian language and culture in a fun and meaningful way.

Daniela Panico
Italian Teacher

Year 4

Religion unit

This week, Year 4 students came together as a whole grade to begin our new Religion unit, Mary, Mother of God. We gathered reverently in the new playground and nature walk to reflect on the overarching question: How can we use listening and reflecting to respond to God’s call in the events of our lives?

Students were learning to recognise that there are different types of listening, reflecting, and responding in our relationship with God. Immersed in nature, students used their five senses to explore how God might speak to us through the beauty of creation. This was followed by a peaceful guided meditation, helping students experience nature as a form of prayer. 

It was a calm and meaningful way to begin our unit, encouraging students to slow down, listen deeply and reflect on how God is present in their everyday lives.

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

Year 3

Road Safety Assembly

This week, our Year 3 students are gearing up to present a thoughtful and engaging road safety message to the Del Monte community. After rehearsing both in class and at home, they’re ready to share practical tips on staying safe near roads and in the kiss-and-ride zone.

We’re excited to showcase their creativity and care in this important presentation!

Catherine McGrath and Louise Harris
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

Year 2 students completed Term 3 with a celebration of their learning. They shared arcade games designed and constructed from recycled household packaging during their investigation of push and pull forces in science.

It was an afternoon of shared knowledge and a celebration of collaboration, imagination, creativity and skill. Students took great pride in their achievements and were confident in naming and describing the forces they had incorporated in their games.

It was especially pleasing to see the students’ encouragement and support of each other throughout the unit and the joy they experienced in playing the games.

We look forward to experiencing the same spirit of joy in learning as our students complete their Year 2 journey in Term 4.

Margie Attard, Cara Brigham, Alison Di Ciaccio, Tina Nicotina and Brooke Panagopoulos
Year 2 Teachers

Year 1

Year 1 have been busy exploring the wonders of the sky and weather as a part of their Science unit. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, students have deepened their understanding of what we see above us and how weather affects our daily lives.

One of the highlights was creating colourful mobiles featuring objects found in the sky. Can you find the sun, moon, clouds and stars?

Students also became meteorologists by building their own rain gauges using plastic water bottles, masking tape and rocks. They learned how to measure rainfall and discussed how weather data helps us prepare for different conditions. These practical experiences have helped bring science to life and encouraged students to observe the world around them more closely.

Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Clare Wood
Year 1 Teachers

Kindergarten

Welcome to the final term of Kindergarten! It is hard to believe we have reached Term 4 already, and what an exciting journey it has been. As we step into this final chapter of the year, we are looking forward to a busy, fun-filled term, packed with learning, laughter and special moments. This term is all about celebrating how far our students have come, while continuing to foster their curiosity and independence through engaging experiences.

Last Friday, 17 October, our Kindergarten students embarked on their very first excursion to the Australian Botanic Gardens – and it was a day to remember! The bus ride was filled with smiles, chatter and bubbling excitement as the children eagerly anticipated their adventure. For many, it was their first time travelling with classmates, and the joy of sharing the experience together was visible.

At the gardens, the students explored a variety of natural environments, learning how nature provides clues about the changes happening in different places. This exploration connected beautifully to our focus text Big Rain Coming, which helped frame the day’s discoveries through a literacy lens. Throughout the excursion, the students rotated through four thoughtfully designed activities: Nature Play, Story Recount and Exploration, the Connections Walk and Flower Discovery and Talk. Each activity encouraged observation, discussion and hands-on learning, allowing students to deepen their understanding of seasonal change, plant life and storytelling.

The children showed wonderful curiosity and teamwork as they engaged with the natural world around them. From spotting native flowers to sharing ideas during the story session, their enthusiasm was infectious. It was a joy to see them so engaged, confident and connected to their surroundings.

We are incredibly proud of how well our Kindergarten students represented our College on their first excursion. Their respectful behaviour, excitement for learning and sense of wonder made the day truly special. We can’t wait to build on this experience as we continue our Term 4 journey together!

I liked seeing all the different types of flowers on the excursion.
Matteo KP

My favourite part of the excursion was cleaning the rock during nature play. We got to use sponges.
Chloe KP

I liked going on the bus because the chairs were like a massage chair.
Ruoxi KP

I liked the nature play because we got to use water.
Christine KL

I liked eating the salty bush because it tasted good!
Maddie KL

I liked when Michael (tour guide) showed us a red-belly black snake.
Luca KL

I enjoyed stamping the shape of a flower into a leaf.
Claudia C KN

Our favourite part was seeing the Australian Wood Duck walking on the grass.
Averie and Gigi KN

I enjoyed washing the wombat!
Natalia KG

I liked reading Big Rain Coming while we were outside with nature around us.
Hugo KG

I liked it when the big bees were collecting the nectar from the flowers.
Anay and Scott KG

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

Prep

Welcome back to Prep! 

We’re thrilled to begin our final term filled with learning, laughter and growth. The Prep classrooms are already buzzing with energy as students settle back into routines and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.

Number formation 

Our young learners have impressed us with their focus and fine motor skills during number formation activities. In fact, as teachers we had to do a double take, these numbers were so neat, we thought we were teaching Kindergarten again! It’s wonderful to see such pride and care in their work.

Dot paintings

We explored the traditional technique of dot painting, a distinctive style used by many Indigenous Australian communities to tell stories, convey cultural knowledge and express connection to Country. Using acrylic paints and cotton buds, we experimented with patterns, symbols and earthy colour palettes to create our own artworks.

Monique Evans and Rebecca Saba
Prep Teachers

Director of Music P-12

Welcome to Term 4! This short term is as full as it is compact – from Celebration of Music, Fra Angelico and Advent Carols, to Speech Night and Thanksgiving Masses across the school, there is much beautiful music still to be made.

It was a profound joy and privilege to witness our students shine on the international stage during the Santa Sabina College Italian Music Tour 2025. From Rome to Florence and Venice, our students performed with grace, passion and professionalism, receiving standing ovations at every concert.

Among the most moving moments was leading the singing during Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, and again at the Basilica di Santa Sabina. To sit in the very choir stalls where St Dominic once sat, to sing the Missa de Angelis, and lead hundreds of worshippers in sacred song was deeply humbling. Sharing our Australian repertoire and feeling so warmly welcomed was profoundly significant.

We participated in masterclasses and workshops with leading European practitioners, and as well as all the usual tourist highlights we visited sites of special significance to our identity as a College. In this Jubilee Year, we walked through Holy Doors and visited the resting places of St Cecilia and St Catherine. As we reflected on their lives and example, we considered how we too might ‘shake the world’ in our own ways in the future ahead.

The girls performed at an outstanding standard and embodied the highest ideals of Santa Sabina College – both personally and musically across the duration of the tour – showcasing the very best of the holistic education our College provides. We are already dreaming of our next adventures!

Please spread the word and join us at all the events across the term as we add our musical efforts to celebrate another extraordinary year.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P–12

Celebration of Music Concert

Friday 14 November 2025 | Santa Sabina Hall | 5:00pm

This year’s Celebration of Music Concert will take place on site in our own Santa Sabina Hall. 

We invite you to join us for a thrilling culmination of our co-curricular music year, featuring international musical styles designed to challenge and extend our young musicians – while delighting our audience with our display of variety and virtuosity.  Highlights will include works by Australian composers Lisa Young and Paul Stanhope; and our Year 12 2025 graduate Sophia Wong who was selected to perform the beloved Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto with our Symphony Orchestra. A vibrant evening of global sound and musical excellence awaits. Admission is free and doors open at 4:45pm. See you there!

Fra Angelico Festival

Every child from Mary Bailey House to Year 6 is performing! Once again at our annual Fra Angelico festival of the Arts, our youngest musicians will take centre stage in a joyful celebration of learning and creativity. Featuring festive, crowd-pleasing repertoire from our P-6 Curriculum Music program, this concert is a heartwarming highlight of the year. With every child from Mary Bailey House to Year 6 performing alongside some selected senior groups,  there are many logistics involved. More details will be shared soon in upcoming letters – thank you for checking information carefully to ensure your young performer is in the right place at the right time on the night – ahead of enjoying the festival and making great memories themselves!

Advent Carols

Monday 1 December 2025 | Santa Sabina Chapel | 6:00pm

A beloved tradition of beauty and reflection, this year’s Advent Carols will feature our College and Chamber Choirs, members of the College Symphony Orchestra and special guests. Don’t miss this beautiful event – join us in the Chapel for an evening of sacred music and community reflection as we welcome the season of Advent together.

Congratulations Year 10 Rock Band

We extend our warmest congratulations to Boulevarde ‘27 – our exceptional Year 10 rock band, whose debut single Fly has been shortlisted for the 2025 Australian Songwriting Contest, presented by the Australian Songwriters Association.

This highly regarded national competition is open to songwriters of all ages, making the band’s recognition a truly outstanding achievement. We gratefully acknowledge the guidance and support of Ms Veronica Tsang, whose mentorship has been central within the band’s development. Finalists will be announced at the end of October, and we wish Boulevarde ’27 every success as they continue to ‘fly’ as a group.  

Friday Afternoon Open Recitals

The final Open Recital for 2025 will take place on Friday 7 November at 3:45pm in Adams, Holyrood. These informal performances provide a supportive space for students to share their music and develop their performance skills. If your child would like to participate, please reach out to the Music Office and discuss this with your music teacher. We look forward to:

Strings Breakfast Recital 

The annual Strings Breakfast recital (opening the doors of our regular weekly rehearsal time to parents) was held on Monday 22 September from 7:15 – 8:30am in Santa Sabina Hall, offering a vibrant musical start to the week for all!

With over 90 students participating in this ensemble every week, and with Gioia House String students enjoying the opportunity to showcase their work also, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for families and staff to witness the students’ progress and musical growth. It was also a valuable moment for current Year 6 students in the Gioia House string program to experience what lies ahead in their musical journey.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ms Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich, Head of Strings Years 5-12, and her outstanding team of music tutors for their dedication, expertise and tireless support of our young musicians. Their work continues to inspire excellence and foster a deep love of music across the College.

Attendance Reminder

As we prepare for upcoming performances, it is important that we gently reaffirm a key expectation: students need to attend a minimum of 80% of all ensemble rehearsals in order to ensure their preparation to participate in culminating performances.

Every time a member is added or missing, the ensemble becomes something entirely new. Consistency is essential to achieving the high performance standards our students work hard for, and it’s important that this value is shared consistently by all members. If committing – commit with all your heart (and then add your time and effort to this!).

If you anticipate that maintaining this level of attendance will be difficult, you have likely already reached out to your ensemble leader to discuss this. If not, please reach out urgently to your ensemble leader and/or to me. We want to work with you to find ways to honour your rehearsal commitments – even when balancing multiple activities. 

An important life lesson is therein: It is not okay to give 50% effort to two things. If we choose to alternate between rehearsals and another commitment, we are also choosing to creatively ensure we are somehow 100% prepared for both, despite the challenge of absence.

Let’s commit to one another. Those who do attend diligently each week deserve the reward of shared achievement – alongside your best efforts too! Shared vision, effort, focus and teamwork are what make our programs thrive. See you in rehearsal!

Any questions?

Don’t hesitate to 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

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Celebrating Santa’s spirit: a Term 4 snapshot of our co-curricular excellence

As Term 4 begins, I’m filled with pride and admiration for the vibrant energy that pulses through our sports and co-curricular programs at Santa Sabina College. The sheer scale of our offerings is a testament to our commitment to student growth, inclusion and excellence – and nothing brings me greater joy than witnessing our students perform with passion, pride and purpose in the College uniform.

This term, our calendar is brimming with opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests and talents. Here’s a glimpse into the dynamic landscape we’ve curated for our students:

Weekly Interschool Sport

Our students are competing across multiple platforms, including IGSA, IPSHA, Invitational Volleyball, Rosebank College Futsal, Barker College Rugby Sevens, and the IWNA Spring Netball Competition.

• IGSA Sport
  • 1 Water Polo team
  • 10 Tennis teams
  • 7 Touch Football teams
  • 4 Badminton teams
• IPSHA (Years 3–6)
  • 4 Girls Basketball teams
  • 2 Boys Basketball teams
  • 3 Tennis teams
• Invitational Volleyball @ Santa Sabina
  • 20 Non-representative Santa teams
  • All 8 Representative teams
  • Hosting a competition with 167 teams participating
• Rosebank College Futsal (Friday Nights)
  • 1 team (Years 7–9)
• Barker College Rugby Sevens
  • 1 team
• IWNA Spring Netball
  • 10 teams

This rich tapestry of sport is more than just fixtures and results – it’s about fostering teamwork, resilience and joy. It’s about creating moments that students will carry with them long after the final whistle.

To every student who steps onto the court, field or pitch: thank you for your commitment, your courage and your unwavering Santa spirit. You inspire us all.

Student achievements:

CGSSSA Volleyball GOLD, GOLD, GOLD! On 21 October our teams won every division of the CGSSSA Volleyball Championships at the Camelia Sports Complex – Gold for SAN02 in the Senior Division, Gold for SAN04 in the Intermediate Division and Gold for SAN06 in the Junior Division.

Mackenzie Badford, Violet Addabbo and Emily Morgan won Silver at the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships in September in Perth – Representing NSW Phoenix.

Lydia Wang was Year 5 runner up at the NSWPSSA golf Championships.

Year 7 Volleyball team was named runners up at the VNSW Schools Cups in September.

Jay Maree Yu Healy represented Australia at the International Dance festival in the UK with these results:

• International Latin Open U16 Quarter finals (top 24 out of 243)
• International Latin Open U19 Quarter finals 
• International Latin Rising Star U16 Sem-ifinal (top 12 out of 231)

Debating and Public Speaking

Preparations for UN Voice of Youth and IGSA Festival of Speech are underway.

Gymnastics

We wish our gymnasts the best of luck as they head off to compete in the IGSA and IPSHA Gymnastics Carnivals on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October.

Strong student engagement

In total there are 482 registrations across Sport and Co-curricular activities (Clubs including Fencing, Athletics, Fit Club, Mandarin on both campuses, Strength and Conditioning Years 8-11 and Boxing).

Luiz Ramalho
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities

After School Drama

From the P&F Association

Dear Parents and Friends

Welcome to Term 4.

We hope that you had a restful break and are ready for a jam packed term. Whilst it is only a short term, it will be a very busy one. We look forward to working with our SSC community by connecting with each other and growing stronger as a school.

Colour Fun Run – 24 October 2025

The Colour Fun Run is tomorrow!! We can’t wait for the children to get colourful and messy.

If you haven’t already registered your child please do so now. Donations so far have been very generous and we are really appreciative! We are raising money for the P&F to purchase new STEM resources for the Primary students.

Don’t forget, there are prizes for the three highest donors and also thank you gifts for any donation over $50.

As a token of appreciation any child who has donated between $50 to $150 will receive a gift equivalent to their donation and apportioned at their age.

It is a mufti day and ideally, your child should wear a white or light clothing. As the colour fun run is quite messy we would highly recommend that you have a towel in the car or a change of clothes. The children will get some sunglasses to wear on the day, but swim goggles are not a bad idea especially for the little kids! It is going to be loud, fun and messy!

Parents are welcome to attend from 1:45pm onwards. If you are coming along please DO NOT park in the Kiss & Ride zone!

P&F Annual General Meeting

A reminder that the AGM will be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025. There are a number of positions that are up for election. Please see below.

Election of Office Holders

An election for the following positions on the P&F Executive will be held at the AGM:

• President
• Assistant Treasurer
• Primary Social Coordinator
• Senior Social Coordinator
• Parent Education Coordinator

We are seeking nominations for the above roles. If you or someone you know would like to be nominated for one of these positions, please contact Ben Middleton for more information at president@ssc.nsw.edu.au and complete the Nomination Form found here. Nominations for all roles (but for the President’s role) will be accepted up to and during the AGM. If you are nominating for the President’s role, that nomination must be seconded in writing by Members of the P & F and the written nomination must be received by the Principal at least seven (7) days prior to the Annual General Meeting, being no later than 5 November 2025.

Santa Sustainable Threads

We are calling out for more donations as our stock is low. Please ensure that the items meet the criteria.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM and our upcoming events.

P&F Committee

Year Group Catch Ups

Kindy Catch Up

Year 4 Farewell Dinner

It is with great excitement that we invite Year 4 students and their parent/s to attend the Year 4 Farewell Dinner, a special night facilitated by the Year 4 parents. Please join us on this memorable evening, to farewell our boys and usher our girls on their way to Gioia House. This will be a night Year 4 will remember forever!

Details:

Date:       Friday, 7 November 2025
Time:       6:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Wests Ashfield
Tickets:   $60 per child, $120 per adult

What’s included:

• three-course Italian style dinner with shared platters
• complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival for parents

Year 6 Dinner Dance

Students of Year 6 Gioia House and their parents are invited to an evening of fun, dinner and dancing celebrating the girls’ transition from primary to high school as part of the Santa Sabina College community.

Details:

Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
Time:   12:30pm to 5:00pm
Location: Canada Bay Club
Tickets:     $85 per child, $115 per adult

Your ticket includes:

•  three -ourse meal, tea/coffee and non-alcoholic drinks

This evening is set to be a memorable occasion for both parents and students as we come together to celebrate this significant milestone.

Past Gatherings

Year 5

The Year 5 cohort finished Term 3 with a catch up to unwind.

Year 3

Finally the sun came out to play and the Year 3 group was able to bask in that sunshine. A great day had by all, with lots of bike riding, playing & ice cream -what else could you ask for on a sunny Sunday 🙂

Warm regards
The P&F Association

Help shape our commitment to Reconciliation

Would you like to be a member of the Santa Sabina Reconciliation Action Plan working group?

I am pleased to inform you that Santa Sabina College has committed to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Our RAP supports the College to build knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and contributions.Through our RAP, we will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school, and with the community.

Developing our RAP is a long-term commitment, one that requires ongoing consideration and collaborative effort. Within our community, there is unique knowledge and valuable experience that we would love to see reflected in the development and implementation of our RAP.

We are seeking members of our community who are interested in joining our RAP Working Group. This group already has staff and students as members.

RAP Working Group members are dedicated to driving reconciliation within our school and can support with the coordination and administration of RAP initiatives.

If you would like to discuss being involved in the RAP Working Group, please get in touch with me at m.vandermeer@ssc.nsw.edu.au. We would love to hear from you. 

We’re building our RAP using Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program. Find out more about this excellent program: reconciliation.org.au/narragunnawali

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal MIssion and Pastoral Care

St Lucy’s Wahroonga Open Day

St Lucy’s School will be opening the doors of their Wahroonga campus for a community day on Sunday 16 November at 4:30pm. They would love families to come and not only see their facilities but to also get a feel for St Lucy’s School.