As we move further into the season of Lent, our community finds itself in a time that invites reflection, renewal and quiet courage. Lent sits gently within the rhythm of the school year; it calls us to pause amid the activity of classrooms, sport and performances and consider who we are becoming. In the Christian tradition this season encourages prayer, generosity and thoughtful self-discipline; not as acts of deprivation, but as opportunities to grow in compassion, patience and gratitude.
For our students, Lent offers an invitation to reflect on how they live alongside one another each day. Pope Leo has spoken about the importance of fasting not only from food, but from harsh or hurtful words so that we may create space for words that build hope and peace. In a school community such as ours, these small daily choices matter. A generous word, patience with others and a willingness to include those around us shape the culture of the College and help ensure that Santa Sabina remains a place where each person is known, valued and supported.
This spirit of reflection sits alongside the energy of the term. From the excitement of the Swimming Carnival to the steady focus within classrooms, our students have approached College life with enthusiasm and determination. Experiences such as these remind us that education extends well beyond formal lessons; resilience, teamwork and leadership are formed just as powerfully beside the pool, on the stage or on the sporting field.
Earlier this month, many of our students and staff engaged with the UN Australia celebration of International Women’s Day. As a girls’ Secondary School, this moment carries particular significance. It reminds us both of the progress that has been made in advancing opportunities for women and of the work that remains. Around the world many girls are still denied access to education, safety and equal participation in society. Our task as educators is therefore clear; to ensure our students leave Santa Sabina confident in their abilities and prepared to contribute to a more just and equitable world.
I would also like to commend our students for the calm and maturity they demonstrated during their NAPLAN assessments. As families may have seen reported nationally, schools across Australia experienced technical difficulties within the online platform. Despite these interruptions, our students approached the situation with patience and composure. Their conduct reflected the resilience and adaptability that are such important qualities for young people to develop.
We were delighted to host Trustees, Board Chairs and Principals from Dominican Education Australia to our school last week for the first meeting of the year. It is always wonderful to connect with our colleagues across the country and discuss issues that impact all of our ministries. This provides a valuable opportunity to learn from and support one another. I was extremely proud of our IT Team who presented the Santa Sabina College Technology Blueprint which has been created to carefully reflect on the role of technology in shaping the future of education. Our Santa Sabina College Technology Blueprint provides a clear framework to guide how digital tools, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are used within our learning environment. The Blueprint places ethics, wellbeing and human judgement at its centre; ensuring that technology strengthens learning rather than replacing the essential relationships between teachers and students. It also prioritises digital literacy, cyber safety and responsible use so that our students develop both the skills and the wisdom required to navigate an increasingly complex technological world. Preparing young people to think critically about technology, while using it creatively and responsibly, will be one of the defining responsibilities of education in the years ahead.
Finally, in this Harmony Week, we are reminded of the richness that diversity brings to our College and to our nation. Santa Sabina is a community shaped by many cultures, languages and stories; this diversity strengthens our shared life and deepens our understanding of the world. At a time when division and conflict are visible in many parts of the world, the commitment to racial harmony and peaceful coexistence has never been more important. Harmony Week invites us to reaffirm that every person deserves dignity, respect and a true sense of belonging within our community.
Go gently
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Lent and Easter 2026 at Santa Sabina
As the end of Term 1 draws near, our Santa Sabina College community has travelled together through the sacred season of Lent – a time of listening, reflection, service and preparation for the joy of Easter. Grounded in our Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service, this season has invited us to renew our commitment to truth, compassion and justice – values that animate every aspect of life at Santa Sabina College.
Lent has meant prayer, reflection, sacrifice and renewal across all campuses. Caritas fundraising has included but was not limited to contributing to Project Compassion boxes, holding a cake stall and our Carry for Caritas staff and student relay. Our Faith and Mission Prefect Olivia Santangelo has run a successful weekly 40 days of Renewal program. These have all been signs of a vibrant school responding with hope and generosity during the Lenten journey.
Dress for success
Our student leaders’ initiative is well worth your support. Read more here.
Pope Leo XIV’s Message for Lent 2026: listening, fasting and renewal
In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV calls all Christians to embrace Lent as ‘a time of conversion”‘ shaped by two essential practices: listening and fasting.
Listening with the heart
The Holy Father reminds us that true conversion begins when we allow the Word of God to touch our hearts, forming us in compassion and clarity. He notes that Scripture teaches us to recognise the cries of the poor, the suffering, and the marginalised – voices we are called to hear with openness and love.
This message resonates deeply with our Dominican tradition, where seeking truth involves listening attentively to God, to one another and to the needs of our world.
Easter: a season of hope
As we approach the celebration of Easter on Sunday 5 April, the Church invites us into the Paschal Mystery – Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is in Easter that we rediscover the promise that love is stronger than death and that renewal and new beginnings are always possible.
At Santa Sabina College, this hope is visible in our classrooms, our chapel, our playgrounds and in the spirit with which our students strive to build a more just, thoughtful and joy‑filled world.
A Blessing for Easter 2026
May the light of the Risen Christ guide your hearts and homes with peace. May this Easter renew in you the gifts of hope, kindness, and courage to walk faithfully in truth and love. May our community continue to be a place where compassion flourishes, justice is pursued, and every person is welcomed with joy. May the blessings of the Resurrection be with you and your families this holy season. Amen.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Head of Primary P-6
As we approach the final weeks of the term, our hearts and minds begin to turn toward the most sacred time in the Christian calendar – Holy Week and Easter, which we will enter in Week 10. This is a special opportunity for our community to pause, reflect and remember the profound message of hope, sacrifice and renewal at the heart of our faith. In the Gospel of John, we are reminded of Jesus’ words: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”‘(John 11:25). As we journey through the coming weeks, we encourage our students to reflect on the meaning of Holy Week –Jesus’ compassion, courage and love, and how these values guide the way we live, learn and care for one another in our community.
On Wednesday 1 April, our Primary students will gather together at 2:20pm on the Del Monte Campus for a Holy Week Liturgy to retell the story of Holy Week. Through prayer, reflection and storytelling, students will journey through the significant events from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection, deepening their understanding of the meaning of Easter.
Student safety
I would like to remind all members of our community about the importance of road safety on Carrington Avenue during drop-off and pick-up times. Recently, staff have observed unsafe behaviour by some families, including failing to follow traffic instructions and ignoring staff requests to move vehicles promptly to ensure a safe, smooth flow of traffic.
I have personally spoken with several families regarding parking in the Kiss and Drop zone and performing U-turns, both of which create dangerous situations. Unfortunately, these behaviours continue and put the safety of our children and community members at risk.
As you know, we are currently without a school crossing supervisor. In the meantime, our staff have taken on additional duties before and after school to support student safety while we wait for the Council to appoint a new crossing supervisor. We have also requested the Council to send rangers to assist with monitoring the area, and several infringement notices were issued last Friday.
I kindly ask all families to follow traffic rules and respect the guidance of staff by ensuring the following:
Do not park in the Kiss and Drop zone during drop-off and pick-up times.
Use the pedestrian crossing when crossing Carrington Avenue.
Do not perform U-turns near the school.
Do not park across or block the driveways of nearby private property.
Follow staff directions and move vehicles promptly to maintain a safe flow of traffic.
The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our community safe.
InitiaLit Parent Workshop
Last week, we were delighted to host an InitiaLit Parent Workshop, which proved to be a highly successful and engaging session, with almost 60 parents in attendance. It was wonderful to see so many families eager to learn more about how we support early literacy development in the Primary years.
During the workshop, our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Reading Recovery team guided parents through the structure of a typical InitiaLit lesson, providing practical insights into how we explicitly teach phonics, phonemic awareness, reading and early writing skills. Parents experienced firsthand the strategies used in the classroom to help students develop a strong foundation in literacy.
The teaching team also shared practical strategies that parents can use at home to support their child’s reading and phonics development, helping to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and home practice.
In addition, parents were provided with an overview of assessment and progress monitoring, explaining how teachers carefully track each child’s development to ensure they are progressing in their reading. Families also gained an understanding of how lessons are differentiated to meet students’ specific needs, providing both targeted support and appropriate challenge so that every learner can thrive.
I thank our teaching team for leading such an informative session and our parents for their enthusiastic participation.
Understanding differentiated learning
From time to time, families ask why their child may not be withdrawn for enrichment, placed in a particular ability group or given different work from their classmates. These are important questions and they reflect something we deeply value as a school: every parent wants their child to be challenged and supported to reach their potential.
At Del Monte and Gioia House, our approach is grounded in a clear belief that every child can learn and every child deserves to be supported and extended at the appropriate level. One of the most effective ways we achieve this is through differentiated instruction.
What differentiation really means? Differentiation does not mean removing students from class to complete entirely different tasks, nor does it mean permanently placing students into ‘top’, ‘middle’ or ‘bottom’ groups.
Instead, differentiation means that students work towards the same learning goals, but teachers adjust the level of support, complexity and challenge so that each child can succeed and continue to grow.
Students may:
work with different levels of scaffolding or guidance
engage with tasks of varying complexity
demonstrate their learning in different ways
participate in flexible groups that change depending on the skill being taught.
These groups are fluid and responsive, based on ongoing assessment and the learning focus of the lesson.
Challenge and support can exist together Another important misconception is that if a child needs support in one area, they should not be challenged in another. In reality, students can require support and extension at the same time.
For example:
A student may need additional support with spelling or reading fluency, while demonstrating strong reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
Another student may excel in creative writing but need explicit support in structuring persuasive arguments.
Through differentiation, teachers ensure that support does not limit challenge and challenge does not remove necessary support.
A focus on developing critical thinking This year while continuing to build on our strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, we have placed particular emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking. Teachers are explicitly teaching students how to think critically by encouraging them question ideas, seek accuracy and precision, consider multiple perspectives and challenge misconception. Through various learning experiences, students are learning to delve deeper into knowledge rather than simply recall information. This approach strengthens students’ understanding and equips them with the thinking skills needed to navigate complex ideas and real-world problems.
Differentiation in practice Across Del Monte and Gioia House, teachers implement Quality Differentiated Teaching (QDT) practices to ensure learning is responsive and effective.
These include:
pre-assessment to understand students’ starting points
clear learning intentions and success criteria
explicit instruction and modelling
flexible small-group instruction within the classroom
tiered tasks that vary the level of complexity
ongoing feedback and formative assessment
opportunities for deeper thinking and extension.
These practices allow teachers to adjust instruction in real time, ensuring students receive the appropriate level of challenge and support.
Enrichment and support opportunities
While much differentiation occurs within the classroom, students also have access to a range of enrichment and support opportunities.
For example, students may participate in:
APSMO Maths Olympiad, Explorer, Quest and Challenege Games programs
da Vinci Decathlon Decathlon preparation
mathematics competitions such as the Australian Maths Competition and Kangourou sans Frontières
writing and journalism opportunities such as News in My Neighbourhood, WriteOn
Students who require additional support may work with teachers and our Diverse Learning Team through:
Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs)
targeted small-group intervention
adjustments to learning tasks and assessments
collaboration with specialists, including speech pathologists and occupational therapists.
However, it is important to note that effective differentiation most often occurs within the classroom, where students can continue learning alongside their peers while receiving targeted support or extension.
At Del Monte and Gioia House, differentiation is not about labels or groups. It is about knowing each child well and ensuring they continue to grow as learners. Our teachers carefully monitor progress and adapt learning so that every student experiences both challenge and success.
Harmony Week Tuesday
Harmony Week is a national celebration that promotes belonging, respect and inclusivity, encouraging students to recognise and appreciate the many cultures and traditions that shape Australia.
On Tuesday 17 March, our Primary students joined the wider College community in celebrating Harmony Day, recognising the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our community and the important message that everyone belongs.
Our Prep students were led in the activities by Senior students. All students engaged in creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere across the campus.
Del Monte Assemblies
A friendly reminder that Del Monte K-4 Assemblies are held fortnightly in Week A on Thursdays at 2:30pm. Families are warmly welcome to attend and do not require a special invitation to join us.
On occasions when your child receives a special award or has a performance role in the assembly, families will be notified in advance.
Our assemblies are a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate student achievements and recognise the many ways our students demonstrate a love for learning and for one another. We look forward to welcoming you.
Primary Disco – Friday 20 March
Our much-anticipated Primary Disco is fast approaching, and we are very much looking forward to this much-loved event that brings so much joy and excitement to our students each year. It is always a wonderful opportunity for the children to come together, have fun and enjoy time with their friends in a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our P&F for all their hard work in organising this special event for our students.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff will be present in the hall to supervise students during their allocated disco session times. Parents are kindly asked to collect their child promptly at the end of their scheduled session and to closely supervise them once they leave the hall. Please note that students on the playground must be supervised by their own parents at all times. Thank you for your support in helping us ensure this is a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.
Parents & Friends’ Association
We extend our sincere thanks to the P&F Association for their generosity and continued support of our students. Their recent donation of new lab coats for Gioia House students will be greatly appreciated as students participate in practical Science lessons in the College labs.
Parent helpers 2026
We warmly invite parents to volunteer their time as part of our Parent Helpers Program in 2026. Parent helpers play an important role in supporting classroom learning and strengthening our school community. We are currently seeking volunteers who can assist students with reinforced reading and basic maths review activities under the guidance of our teachers. If you are willing and able to offer some of your time, we would greatly value your support.
All nominees will be invited to attend a short introductory session and will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and provide a valid Working With Children Check Certificate (WWCC) prior to commencing.
If you would like to be a parent helper at the Primary Campus in 2026, please complete the Google Form.
We look forward to welcoming Prep to Year 6 students and parents on Monday 20 April for our Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on student learning, celebrate progress and set goals for the term ahead. The booking link will be shared with parents in Week 10 of Term 1.
Please note that students will commence Term 2 on Tuesday 21 April. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for another wonderful term of learning.
I wish all our families a blessed and joyful Easter. May this sacred time bring peace, renewal and hope to your homes, and may you enjoy a restful and meaningful break with your loved ones.
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Term 2 Co-curricular Program
We look forward to sharing registration details with families next week.
CALENDAR EVENTS
For detailed information about upcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
Important dates
Friday 20 March – Primary Cross Country Trials (Years 2-6) Friday 20 March – P-6 Disco Monday 23 March – SCS Swimming Championships Monday 30 March – SCS Touch Football Trials Wednesday 1 April – CSNSW Mackillop Swimming Championships Wednesday 1 April – Holy Week Liturgy Wednesday 1 April – Term 1 concludes Monday 20 April – Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews Tuesday 21 April – Term 2 commences Thursday 23 April – Anzac Day Assembly Monday 27 April – Anzac Day Public Holiday Tuesday 28 April – Year 2 HSIE Excursion to Chau Chak Wing Museum Tuesday 28 April – Year 4 The Rocks Walking Tour Excursion Wednesday 29 April – Year 3 St Dominic The Adventurer Friday 1 May – Discovery Tour 9:00am – 11:30am Tuesday 5 May – DM Mother’s Day Stall Wednesday 6 May – Year 3 St Dominic The Adventurer Thursday 7 May – Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast Tuesday 12 May – DM SCS Cross Country Championships Wednesday 13 May – Year 3 St Dominic the Adventurer Friday 15 May – Career Women’s Network Breakfast Friday 15 May – Kindergarten Ranger Jamie Incursion Tuesday 19 May – DM SCS Conference 2 Netball Championships Wednesday 20 May – Friday 22 May Year 4 OEE Thursday 21 May – DM Assembly Tuesday 26 May – DM SCS Conference 2 Football Championships Wednesday 3 June – Year 4 St Dominic the Adventurer Thursday 4 June – Friday 5 June Year 3 OEE Thursday 4 June – DM Assembly Monday 8 June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday Wednesday 10 June – Year 4 St Dominic the Adventurer Thursday 11 June – K-6 Athletics Carnival Friday 12 June – SCS Mackillop Touch Football Trials Saturday 13 June – Year 4 St Dominic the Adventurer Award at Tallong Monday 15 June – DM SCS Conference 2 Football Championships (Round 2) Wednesday 17 June – SCS Stage 3 Netball Gala Day Thursday 18 June – Friday 19 June – Year 2: Tallong comes to Del Monte Thursday 18 June – DM Assembly Monday 22 June – DM SCS Conference 2 Netball Championships (Round 2) Tuesday 23 June – Gala Concert Rehearsal Town Hall Tuesday 23 June – Gala Concert 6:00pm – 8:30pm Wednesday 24 June – CSNSW Mackillop Cross Country Championships Thursday 25 June – Dominican Awards Assembly Friday 26 June – Term 2 concludes
Deputy Principal Operations
School photographs
A reminder to families that orders for School Photographs are still able to be taken. Please use the codes below to place your order for photographs.
Information Technology
Apple has recently released a new laptop, the MacBook Neo. We are currently assessing the compatibility of this device with the required applications and services that we use at Santa Sabina College. Once testing is complete and we can confirm there are no issues, we will update the College community and revise the BYODD system requirements accordingly. Until then, we do not recommend the MacBook Neo as a compatible device for use at the College.
Crossing Safety
The roads surrounding both the Del Monte and Santa Sabina Campus can be extremely busy during drop off and pick up times. Students should always use the designated crossing areas and always remain alert while crossing the road. Students should always use the nominated crossings. If heading south towards Liverpool Rd, students should use the pedestrian crossing on The Boulevarde. All other students heading north towards Strathfield station should either use the overpass or the footpath to the station.
There have been several near misses this year on both Carrington Road and Jersey Road from drivers being impatient. For the safety of our students, I implore all members of the Santa Sabina community to show restraint and to be patient while driving on these streets during pick-up and drop-off times.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
NAPLAN 2026 Update
Our students have now successfully completed the main NAPLAN testing program for 2026. We are currently running catch‑up sessions for any students who were absent or missed a component of their assessment. These sessions will continue over the coming days to ensure all students have the opportunity to complete their tasks. We appreciate the calm and positive way students have approached the assessments.
Elevate Study Skills Sessions for Years 7-10
This week, students in Years 7 – 10 participated in Elevate Education’s study skills workshops, each tailored to the needs of their year group.
Year 7 students completed the Kick Start program, where they learned dynamic reading strategies to identify key ideas, practised effective note-taking, explored conceptual learning techniques and developed early independent learning habits.
Year 8 students took part in the Junior Time Management program, which helped them establish balanced study routines that allowed time for academic work, sport, and other commitments. They also learned how to work smart, managed both short- and long-term deadlines and discussed strategies to overcome procrastination.
Year 9 students took part in a seminar designed to strengthen their memory and recall skills. The only thing trickier than getting through all the work in the later years of school was remembering it, and this session introduced students to simple and practical techniques that helped them store and retrieve information more effectively. They explored the reasons why forgetting occurs and learned how an ineffective study environment, including distractions such as social media, music, television and unproductive work habits, could impact their ability to retain key content. By practising strategies that improved retention, supported more effective revision and reduced reliance on rote learning, students left the session better prepared to manage the increasing academic demands of their studies.
Year 10 students completed the Ace Your Exams program, where they examined the most effective work to undertake when preparing for exams and identified areas needing improvement based on practice papers. They also mapped out their study timelines weeks in advance and practised key exam-room strategies such as stress management, time allocation and producing succinct, focused answers. These workshops provided students with practical, research-based strategies they can continue to use to enhance their learning across all subjects.
By applying these strategies, students will be well‑equipped to approach the assessment blocks in Terms 2 and 4 with confidence and effective study habits.
Elevate’s parent webinar series
Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next term, you’re invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.
Teaching for thinking: strengthening the quality of student thinking and understanding
This term, our Teaching for Thinking Program has continued to build momentum as we work to strengthen students’ ability to develop methodical and purposeful approaches to thinking across subjects. A key focus has been helping students respond more effectively to cognitive verbs such as analyse, explain, justify and evaluate by applying the Values of Inquiry. These values, which include standards such as clarity, precision, breadth and cogency, provide both the criteria for high‑quality thinking and the shared language teachers use to give meaningful feedback on student tasks.
During last Thursday’s professional learning session, staff explored what this approach looks like in practice. Scott Henderson, from our TAS faculty, showcased a series of newly developed Year 8 learning activities designed to teach students how to evaluate a design using these Values of Inquiry. Following this, Kate Corcoran, our Action Research Coordinator, demonstrated how these values align with the NESA cognitive verbs and associated marking criteria that we are all familiar with. She then showed teachers how the Year 9 Geography team has embedded these values to model the analytical thinking and writing process, highlighting the program’s adaptability across disciplines.
Teachers are now working in their smaller inquiry groups to identify areas in their own programs where students often underperform and to consider how similar approaches could lift the quality of thinking as well as the communication of this thinking in those tasks. We look forward to seeing the innovative strategies that emerge as teachers continue designing ways to make the Values of Inquiry visible and actionable in every classroom.
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
Save the Date – Ms Skerman’s Farewell
We invite you to join us for an evening to say farewell to Paulina Skerman and thank her for her service to our community. This event will provide an opportunity for adults in our community to gather; there will be other opportunities for the students to wish Ms Skerman well.
Friday 19 June | 6:00pm College Grounds
Please save the date and time: more information to follow.
Jane of Aza Playgroup next week
We welcome children (five years and under) and their parents/carers for a morning of play, connection and community spirit at our Jane of Aza Playgroup next week on Friday. Please share this information with any friends who would like to join us for an hour or two.
We invite you to be part of our 2026 Career Women’s Network, an initiative that supports our senior students and recent graduates in their lives beyond Santa Sabina. The Network connects our Years 10-12 students, as well as recent graduates, with inspiring mentors from the Santa Sabina community. The Network provides networking, mentoring, work experience placements, mock job interviews, industry-specific presentations, the future-proofing Encounter Program and our signature networking and mentoring event – the annual Career Women’s Network Breakfast.
Events planned for 2026 include:
Career Women’s Breakfast on Friday 15 May 2026, from 7:00am – 9:00am in Siena Hall.
Law Careers Showcase (Term 2)
Business Careers Showcase (Term 3)
Encounter Program (November)
We would love for you to join us as a mentor!
Last year over 110 mentors from diverse industries connected with our senior students and recent graduates, offering invaluable support, work experience and career advice. Their guidance has helped open doors and build confidence, ensuring our students are future-ready.
Research shows that women are often hesitant to put themselves forward, particularly for leadership roles. This is why we are calling on our alumni and community members to champion our young women, to share wisdom, encouragement and real-world insights.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor in our Career Women’s Network, please complete the form below. Your involvement could make all the difference in shaping the future of our students.
We look forward to working together again through this important initiative and building our Santa Sabina networks and connections.
Kindergarten enrolment interviews are now taking place for entry in 2027. Please share this information with any families you think might be interested in enrolling. Find more information on our website.
Yvette Graniero Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
Director of Development
Philanthropy at Santa Sabina
As an independent, not‑for‑profit school, Santa Sabina operates within a complex financial environment shaped by government funding arrangements, fee affordability pressures and rising expectations regarding educational excellence and student wellbeing.
Within this context, philanthropy plays a vital and strategic role. It enables the College not only to sustain its mission, but to extend its impact, deepen access and plan confidently for the future. Philanthropy directly supports our mission by enabling Santa Sabina to:
advance justice and equity in access to education
support rigorous intellectual inquiry and formation
act as a steward of educational opportunity for future generations.
In this sense, philanthropy is not ancillary to the College’s mission; it is a practical expression of Dominican values, translating belief into action.
This aligns directly with the Dominican commitment to justice and dignity. Rather than education being determined solely by financial capacity, philanthropy ensures that potential, character and commitment remain central to enrolment and retention.
Furthermore, philanthropy plays a crucial role in supporting the development and renewal of College facilities. Through the Building Fund and targeted capital giving, donors help ensure that Santa Sabina’s physical environment reflects its educational purpose.
Annual Appeals
To all our families who have given generously to the College via school fee donations to the building fund, we can’t thank you enough. In the next couple of months, we will be launching our Annual Appeal for improving our facilities such as air conditioning for our College halls.
Bequests
A bequest to Santa Sabina College, Strathfield is a powerful expression of belief in education, justice and the future of young women. Legacy giving ensures that the values which shaped past generations continue to guide those yet to come. A legacy gift costs nothing today, can be life‑changing tomorrow and creates a lasting impact beyond a lifetime.
By including Santa Sabina College, Strathfield in your Will, you become part of a continuing story, one that shapes lives, strengthens community, and advances the common good.
I ask all in our community to support us in our mission to deliver great facilities and educational opportunities for all who seek a Dominican education.
If you would like to make a donation to the College or would be keen to speak to me about other opportunities to support the Santa Sabina, please contact me on giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 9745 0232.
For some students, Year 7 Tallong camp is their first time away from home, bringing a mix of excitement and nervousness. On the bus ride there, laughter and chatter often hide butterflies in stomachs as students wonder what the camp will be like. The unfamiliar environment, new routines, and sharing cabins/tents can feel overwhelming at first, and it is normal for some students to feel shy or even a little homesick.
As the camp goes on, these worries often fade. Trying activities like canoeing or the high ropes course can be scary, but overcoming these challenges creates a strong sense of pride and achievement. The activities that are chosen for the Year 7 camp are aimed at building new friendships and relationships. Canoeing and the giants ladder offer metaphors that it is often easier and more fun to get through life requiring help than doing everything alone. Students begin to feel more confident as they realise they are capable of more than they expected. Support from friends and teachers also helps students feel safe and included.
By the end of camp, excitement replaces anxiety. Students feel happier, braver and more independent. Friendships grow stronger through shared experiences and laughter. For many, Year 7 camp becomes a turning point, leaving students with positive memories, new confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Kendal Hann Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Mary Bailey House
Harmony Week
To educate the children about the overarching theme of Harmony Week – Everyone Belongs – our preschoolers were read Whoever you Are by Mem Fox and then asked, ‘What does “Harmony” means to you?’
The children answered:
Matilda: My mum has the same skin as me.
Ava: Harmony means where we live here.
The teacher then explained we may be different from each other and come from different countries, but we all belong to our community. She then asked the children, Do any of your family members came from a different country and spoke different languages?
Lola: My pop speaks Maltese, but I don’t know Maltese.
Cara: I have a different skin colour from my mum. She has brown skin, but my dad is white.
Luna: I went to Taiwan. I call my great grandpa Taiyeye, great grandma Tainainai.
Clio: My nana lives with me in a different country in Australia.
Evie B: I call my grandma Teta sometimes.
Cara: My sisters have the same skin colour as me. My grandma is in the country, I don’t know.
Luna: My mum speaks English, my dad speaks English and Mandarin, and my grandma speaks Mandarin.
Matilda: I have an aunt named Kerry and I am Wiradjuri girl.
The Mary Bailey House community celebrated our diversity during Harmony Week at an afternoon.
Out of Schools Hours Care (OOSH)
Vacation care
The April Vacation Care program is open for bookings. It commences on Thursday 2 April and ends on Monday 20 April. OOSH is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The program features a few past incursions and excursions that were popular with the children and some new experiences to keep things interesting. It will begin with an Easter Party and end with a Pyjama Party with loads of fun things in between. We’ll be heading to Sydney Opera House to see Earth Dinosaurs, going to see Super Mario Galaxy at the movies, bowling and playing at Charles Heath Reserve. There will be a visit from the Petting Zoo, Ninja Warrior Gymnastics, the Gaming Bus and Ultimate Sports. I’m excited and exhausted just thinking about our program. There’s something for every child during vacation care.
Bookings on excursion days are capped as we’re limited by the number of seats on the College bus. If you would like your child to attend Vacation Care, please contact our OOSH Coordinator Frances at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au so your child doesn’t miss out on the fun.
I look forward to seeing your child at OOSH during the April school holidays.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day at St Mary’s
A representative group of us, including four students from Years 10 and 8, had the opportunity to attend the Archbishop’s Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral to honour the feast of St Patrick. Bishop Terry Brady and Bishop Danny Meagher co-celebrated the Mass alongside the Maronite Bishop Antoine Charbel Tarabay.
It was a beautiful mass, remembering the early foundations and contributions of the Irish community that paved the way to the multicultural face of Catholicism in Australia today. We are proud to honour St Patrick and the Irish faith tradition that has helped shape generations of Catholic education in Australia.
Carla Beshara 7-12 Mission Coordinator and Religious Education Teacher
A new space for wellbeing and belonging: the ASPIRE Room
This term, the Inclusive Education (IE) Department at Santa Sabina College has proudly opened the ASPIRE Room – a thoughtfully designed space that is already enriching the daily experience of our students. Grounded in the College’s commitment to fostering a community where every learner feels known, supported and empowered, the ASPIRE Room offers a calm, welcoming environment that places student wellbeing at its heart.
The space has been intentionally created to help students learn with confidence. Students have also embraced the quiet zone, a cosy nook where they can take a quiet moment to breathe, regroup and feel grounded before re‑engaging with their learning.
What makes the ASPIRE Room truly special is the way students describe its impact as can be seen in this comment from Annabelle Gittany and Annamarie El-Hachem of Year 9 ASPIRE:
The IE department has a brand new ASPIRE room, and it has already made such a positive difference to our school community. The space includes a fidget box filled with helpful tools that allow us to focus, calm down and manage our emotions when we need a break from all the great learning we do. There is also a fun and comfortable resting area where we can relax, reset and feel safe in a welcoming environment. The room makes us feel supported, understood and valued, as it shows that our wellbeing truly matters at such an amazing school. We are all incredibly grateful for this wonderful addition to the IE department and would like to sincerely thank Ms Skerman for her hard work, care and dedication in creating such a thoughtful and supportive space for us to learn and grow.
As Santa Sabina continues to grow its wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, the ASPIRE Room stands as a beautiful reminder that when students feel safe and supported, they are able to flourish – academically, socially and emotionally.
Finding our voice: Years 8-10 ASPIRE poetry workshops inspired by The Magic Words
This term, students in the ASPIRE program have stepped into the world of poetry with curiosity, courage and a wonderful sense of play. Guided by the beautifully crafted resource The Magic Words by Joseph Fasano, students have been exploring how language can move, surprise, and connect us – discovering that poetry is not just something we read, but something we feel and create.
The workshops invited students to experiment with imagery, rhythm and voice, using prompts from the book to spark ideas and stretch their imaginations. From sensory poems to metaphor maps, from tiny poems that capture a single moment to bold pieces that express big emotions, students have been learning that poetry is a space where every voice matters and every idea has potential.
One of the most powerful aspects of the workshops has been the way students have embraced the freedom to write without fear of ‘getting it wrong.’ The Magic Words encourages young writers to trust their instincts, notice the world closely and use language in fresh and unexpected ways – and our students have done exactly that. Many have discovered new confidence in expressing themselves, while others have found joy in the creative challenge of shaping words into something meaningful.
I Thank
I thank the earth for its people I thank the sky for its rain I thank the sea for its beautiful creatures that you can just stare and not have a care I thank the wind for its breeze I thank the body for its heart I thank the beginning for its patience I thank the end for its time Yes I even thank the end What would the beginning be without the fear of the end ?
Ellena Kapetanakis Year 8 ASPIRE
The workshops have created a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and celebration. Students have shared drafts, offered feedback and listened deeply to one another’s work, building a supportive community of emerging writers. Their poems reflect a rich tapestry of perspectives – thoughtful, funny, heartfelt and imaginative – showcasing the unique voices of our young poets.
As we continue to nurture and support creativity and literacy in ASPIRE, these workshops remind us of the power of poetry to help students make sense of themselves and the world around them. We look forward to seeing how their confidence and craft continue to grow throughout the year.
Joanna McKeown Dean of Inclusive Education P-12
Music in the Senior School (Curriculum)
Elective Music – ENCORE
Students in Elective Music (Years 9–12) had the exciting opportunity to attend ENCORE at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 2 March. This annual showcase features outstanding performances and compositions from the HSC Music 1, Music 2 and Extension courses. Congratulations to 2025 graduate Shea Oh who placed as part of the showcase for her Musicology and was listed in the program; proudly showcasing the diversity of our Santa Sabina program offerings. Our students experienced an inspiring concert spanning a wide range of genres, styles and creative approaches. Below are some reflections from those who attended:
‘The performances at ENCORE were really impressive and eye‑opening — there were so many pieces that truly felt like an engaging ‘performance’ that was wonderful to watch and listen to. As a Year 12 HSC student myself, I found it inspirational and insightful in shaping my own performances for the year ahead.’ Ellie Kwon Year 12 Music 2
‘Attending ENCORE this year was an incredible experience that left a lasting impact on me. I was especially inspired by the creativity of the performers, both in their original compositions and in the way they adapted well‑known songs to engage the audience. Watching how each performer used stage presence, expression and interpretation gave me so many ideas for my own development as a singer.’ Lucy Cordony‑Jones Year 12 Music 1
‘ENCORE was such an amazing opportunity that I will be forever grateful for. There were so many incredible performers from a variety of schools who shared their talent, and young composers who have definitely inspired me to continue experimenting with different sounds.’ Felicia Zhang Year 11IB
‘ENCORE was an inspiring experience as it allowed me to witness the skill and competence that high school students like us could achieve. I feel that each performer’s presence on stage uplifted the audience and created an atmosphere of genuine excitement. Their performance, confidence and creativity reminded me of the possiblities if we were to commit to our passions within music. I am so grateful for this experience. It gave me a deeper appreciation for how powerful ilive performances can be.’ Mira Nguyen Year 11IB
‘ENCORE was a really inspiring experience, and I loved listening to the different types of performances at the Opera House. If given the opportunity, I would definitely attend again next year.’ Abigail Yang Year 10 Elective Music
Australian Composers Day
Last year’s Composer’s Day was our most highly attended on record, with guests joining us from across NSW for this important and strategic investment in our aspiring composers. It is a joy to share our resources with peer schools – both from regional communities and around Sydney – and we look forward to hosting this event again in 2026.
This year’s event will take place as a whole day incursion on Monday 4 May and will feature an exciting and diverse line‑up of guest creators, ranging from free‑style rap artist Luka Lesson to leading voices in the Australian composition landscape such as Maria Grenfell and Alice Chance. We are enormously privileged to offer this opportunity to students in Elective Music (Years 9-12), as well as advanced co-curricular musicians from Years 7-12 who participate in Symphony Orchestra or Chamber Choir.
Years 7 and 8
Year 7 students have begun their keyboard program, exploring a range of repertoire while building confidence in their technical skills. Alongside this, they are continuing their study of musical structure, pitch and duration through the unit Building Bricks, laying strong foundations for their learning across the year.
Year 8 students have launched into their guitar studies, learning the C, F and G chords and applying these to the 12‑bar Blues. As the term progresses, they will extend their skills to include the E, A and B chords in preparation for their assessment tasks, and will also begin exploring and improvising on the Blues scale.
We look forward to hearing all the wonderful music making to come!
Year 9 and 10 Elective Music
Our elective music students in Years 9 and 10 have made an exciting start to their performance work for the year. Both year groups have begun rehearsing with their accompanists as they prepare for their upcoming Performance assessments, developing confidence and stage readiness. We look forward to hearing all the wonderful music being prepared !
Year 9 students are continuing their study of Theatre Music and have now begun composing their own Ground Bass pieces, applying their understanding of pattern, harmony and dramatic effect.
Year 10 students are extending their learning through the topic Music of the 20th Century. They have also commenced their composition assessment task, exploring motivic development, texture and the innovative techniques that shaped this period of musical change.
Senior Music
Year 11 – HSC Music 1 and 2
Our Year 11 Music 1 and Music 2 students are working closely with their accompanist as they prepare for their upcoming Performance assessment task. Their rehearsals are well underway, and students are demonstrating growing confidence, musical maturity and commitment to refining their chosen repertoire.
We wish them all the very best as they continue their rehearsal process and dedicate time to purposeful practice.
Year 11 – IB Music
Our Year 11 IB Music students are making strong progress in their Exploring Music in Context assessment task. They are continuing to develop both their analytical writing and their composition work, demonstrating increasing confidence in connecting musical ideas to context and intention.
Students have also been working steadily with their accompanist as they prepare the performance component of this task, refining their interpretations and strengthening their ensemble skills.
Year 12 – HSC Music 1, 2 and Extension
Our Year 12 Music students continue to make impressive progress as they work through the practical components of their HSC course. Their composition projects are developing with increasing refinement, and students are shaping their musical ideas with clarity, creativity and a strong sense of personal style.
In performance, students are building polished and cohesive recital programs. They are thoughtfully exploring ensemble accompaniment options to enhance their interpretations and strengthen the overall flow of their sets. Their commitment to regular rehearsal is clearly paying off.
Both Music 1 and Music 2 classes are also advancing well with their Term 1 composition tasks.
Music 1 students are creating works linked to their topic Music for Small Ensembles, focusing on texture and the interplay between their chosen instruments.
Music 2 students are continuing to develop their core compositions for the mandatory topic Music of the Last 25 Years, with draft submissions approaching as they work toward their final pieces later in the year.
Weekly rehearsals with accompanists remain a highlight, with students demonstrating strong musical growth and increasing confidence.
Our Music 2 Extension (Performance) students are also preparing to present half of their recital program for assessment, showcasing solo works that reflect their developing artistry and technical skill. It’s remarkable to see how far they have come already this year, and we applaud their dedication and determination as they work toward their performance goals.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Head of Music 5-12
Alana Thorne Curriculum Music Teacher 7-12
Veronica Tsang Curriculum Music Teacher 7-12
A Message from the Director of Music
Click below to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.
Students from Years 6-10 have been hard at work, training for the da Vinci Decathlon in May. On Monday afternoons students gather in teams of eight to develop their skills. They have been focusing on the theme Machines and Mechanics and skills such as code breaking.
I love analysing problems and working with my team to solve them. I think we all learn a lot from training, not just about the questions themselves but also about our own thought processes and skills. Jess Year 9
da Vinci training has helped me feel more prepared and given me a clear understanding of how the competition will run. It also helped me develop the key skills required for the event. Haesol Year 8
da Vinci training is a really fun and challenging way of helping us think outside of the box and tackling things that we might not experience in the classroom. Our most recent training session was about codebreaking, where we worked with our peers to solve the puzzles. This was hard, but rewarding when we got it right. I think that working as a team really helped us to do our best on the questions as we all have different strengths and talents. Annabelle Year 8
The Da Vinci Decathlon training sessions are valuable and enjoyable sessions which allow students with a variety of strengths and skills to participate in fun, thought-provoking activities. Recently, we worked through papers with a range of code-breaking riddles in teams, and built our collaboration and creative thinking skills. This opportunity was very enriching and rewarding, as we felt very accomplished after every solved problem. Sienna Year 9
‘My favourite part of the training was when our group solved a code we’d been working on for so long. We all kind of looked at each other and then burst out laughing because we couldn’t believe we’d actually done it. It was such a good reminder that teamwork makes a huge difference.’ Estelle Year 9
Being part of the da Vinci training has shown us how powerful teamwork can be. Code breaking challenges pushed us to think creatively, communicate clearly, and rely on each other’s strengths. It’s amazing what you can achieve when everyone works together toward the same goal. Shanaya Year 8
In the code-breaking section of da-Vinci Decathlon, we were asked to solve a series of problems which enabled us to think deeper about the different puzzles. Although these were challenging, we were working collaboratively in teams. I believe that teamwork is an essential skill that helps us to look at a question from another’s perspective. By working together, I was able to solve multiple questions and felt extremely achieved at the end. Overall, this experience was so much fun and I enjoyed it deeply. Elizabeth Year 8
Middle School Ethics Olympiad
A special congratulations goes to the silver medallists from 2025’s Middle School Ethics Olympiads who competed in the international finals in mid February against 50 other schools. Girls discussed the ethics with teams from across the globe, in different timezones with teams from the US, UK, India, New Zealand and Australia. The team received an Honorable Mention and gained valuable experience, especially as some of these students have graduated to the senior bracket in 2026.
Science and engineering training
Year 9 and 10 students with a passion for design, building and engineering have been honing their skills for the Science and Engineering challenge that occurs in late March. Girls have been developing teamwork skills by building bridges and catapults on Tuesday afternoons
This activity stimulated my mind and helped me to think outside the box in a fun but challenging way. In the end, my group and I successfully made a stable and effective catapult which not only educated us on the structural importance of certain shapes and techniques, but also enhanced our collaboration and communication skills. Sienna Year 9
Senior Ethics training day
The first time our students have participated in an online training day run by the team from the Senior Ethics Olympiad. This day is not a competition, but rather an introduction to ethical ways of thinking. It allows students who have not competed in the junior years to have a taste and see if they want to try out for the ethics Olympiad in May.
Canada Bay Youth Week Art Competition
Congratulations to Harper Klein in Year 11 who was the winner of the Canada Bay Youth Week art competition. Her digital artwork combined traditional drawing techniques and more than 13,788 brushstrokes to create an image with a dynamic sense of movement and community.
Matthew Mountford Dean of Gifted Education
Anzac Day community connections
Community connections play an essential role in Anzac commemorations, helping students understand the importance of service, sacrifice and remembrance. When local community groups come together, they strengthen the shared values that underpin this national tradition and create meaningful learning experiences.
This year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful members of the Karabi Seniors Knitting Group, who generously provided the handmade knitted poppies which will be worn by the History Ambassadors, Student Leadership Team, members of the College Leadership team and HSIE Faculty during the 2026 Santa Sabina College Anzac Day Commemoration in Term 2. This contribution of symbolism also reminds us of the power of community working together to honour the Anzac spirit. Below is an extract from the letter written by Allegra Musca, Alannah Quinn and Mira Nguyen who are the 2026 Year 11 History Ambassadors to thank the Karabi Seniors Knitting Group.
Thank you for being so generous with your time and expertise in making Anzac Day poppies for our community. We are so honoured to be able to wear these with pride at our Commemoration Assembly. Lest We Forget.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
HSIE Industry Partnerships in Economics
The HSIE Department is committed to connecting classroom learning with real‑world experiences to deepen students’ understanding and application of economic concepts. As part of this commitment, on Thursday 26 February Year 11 and 12 Economics students had the opportunity to be addressed by Dr Jonathan Kearns, Chief Economist at a multinational financial company. Dr Kearns previously spent more than two decades at the Reserve Bank of Australia, where he led several key departments. Dr Kearns shared contemporary insights into inflation, economic growth, unemployment and interest rate trends and projections. Engaging with industry professionals provides students with valuable perspectives on how Economic Theory from the classroom operates in practice, strengthening curriculum understanding, enhancing engagement, and supporting higher‑quality examination responses. The Santa Sabina HSIE Department sincerely thanks Dr Kearns for generously sharing his time, expertise, and insights with our students.
Brigida Zagora Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Student reflections:
Our incursion hosted by Dr Kearns, a former economist at the RBA and currently an economist for Challenger, was an incredibly engaging experience, rich with lots of economic insight and information. Dr Kearns presented to us on pressing economic issues, explained and analysed trends in the Australian economy, and gave us useful context for our economic studies. It was invaluable to hear from such an experienced and informative presenter, and it reminded us of the importance of engaging with economics in our everyday lives. Emily Wong Year 12
It was especially interesting to hear how events like COVID-19 affected inflation and how the Reserve Bank responds through Monetary Policy. Finally, we also learned how Economics applies to real life and what jobs you can pursue in this specific field, resulting in heightening my interest in pathways that are connected to economics. Overall, the guest speaker helped me better understand how Economics works in the real world and why it is important to study. Audrey Lowe Year 11
It was interesting to realise that economic decisions made by businesses and governments can affect the wider economy, everyday consumers and inflation. Hearing a real world perspective from Dr Kearns helped me better understand how Economics applies outside the classroom. Chloe Boustani Year 11
From Dr Kearn’s presentation, I gained a deeper understanding of how key components of the Australian economy, such as inflation and interest rates, influence the spending and employment decisions of individuals, businesses, Australia’s overall economic growth and international competitiveness. The presentation was valuable because it connected Macroeconomic Theory with the real impacts of economic conditions on people’s daily lives. It helped me recognise that the economy is not merely a set of statistics, but a dynamic reflection of the ongoing development of countries. Carol Wang Year 11
Beyond the classroom: Visual Arts students engage with ARTEXPRESS and Ron Mueck
Our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students recently visited the Art Gallery of NSW to experience ARTEXPRESS and the extraordinary sculptural work of Ron Mueck. The excursion offered a rich learning opportunity, allowing students to engage directly with exemplary HSC artworks and explore how contemporary artists use scale, material practice and conceptual depth to communicate powerful ideas. Seeing these works firsthand sparked thoughtful discussion, inspired new approaches to their own artmaking and deepened their understanding of the creative possibilities within senior Visual Arts.
Student reflections:
Seeing the Ron Mueck Exhibition was an amazing experience, allowing us to observe his manipulation of scale and the realism achieved in his sculptures. This exhibition was incredibly atmospheric, offering insight into human experiences and the nature of relationships. Eve Ardagna Year 12
Visiting Art Express (2026) introduced me to incredible student creativity. Seeing the skilful range of techniques and thought-provoking concepts behind each work has offered me inspiration to experiment more boldly to push my own skills further. Erin Tai Year 12
Brian Walker Visual Arts Teacher
Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience
Last week, our Year 7 cohort journeyed to the Tallong Outdoor Education and Retreat Centre for a transformative three-day experience. Guided by the pastoral theme ‘Being New, Making Friends,’ students stepped out of their comfort zones to build the foundations of their Santa Sabina identity.
The week was a true testament to the resilience we aim to foster in our students. While the first half of the week brought persistent rain, the damp weather did little to dampen their spirits. Students embraced the challenge, proving they were truly ‘Ready!’ as they navigated trails and campsite setups during their overnight hike. Whether it was mastering mountain biking skills, scaling the Giants Ladder, or paddling through canoeing sessions, the cohort showed incredible grit and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
A highlight of the week was the Tallong House Adventure Race on Wednesday. This mid-week event served as a bridge between both programs. It brought the entire year group together in a sea of House colours. With House colours striped on their faces, the energy was electric as students collaborated on group challenges, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and inclusion.
The success of the camp was bolstered by our incredible staff and the delicious catering from Chef that kept everyone fueled for adventure. From the student-led Liturgies to the evening activities like Giant Pictionary, every moment was designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships and develop a deep sense of belonging to Tallong and Santa Sabina.
The students returned to school with new friendships, a stronger sense of community, and the shared memory of overcoming the elements together.
Christopher Walker Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
Maths Homework Help
Assistant Head of Gioia House
Gioia House Caritas Bake Sale
Our recent Gioia House Bake Sale was a wonderful success where we raised much needed funds for Caritas Project Compassion. Thank you to all the students and families who contributed to the bake sale. The tables were filled with delicious treats, and the enthusiastic support from our school community made the event truly special.
The Gioia House students raised: $1,522.65 – much needed funds which will help provide clean water, education and resources to areas of need.
Thank you to all the students, families and teachers who helped make this event such a sweet success.
Caritas fundraiser water relay
Our generous and kind-hearted Gioia House students have been contributing their loose change and pocket money towards the House Caritas Clean Water fundraiser.
All money raised goes towards the Carry for Caritas Water Challenge. Depending on the amount each team raised, teams were supplied with different tools and containers to help fill their bucket of water. Congratulations to the winning team
Our relay event was filled with energy, enthusiasm and wonderful school spirit as students came together to highlight the importance of raising much needed funds for Caritas Project Compassion.
Well done to the Gioia House Teams who raised the following amounts:
Thank you to everyone for your generous donations, the students who were part of the relay team and the students who were loudly cheering them on. Thank you for making a positive impact to help people in need.
Celebrating Harmony Day – everyone belongs!
Our school community came together to celebrate Harmony Week, a special event that recognises and celebrates the many cultures that make Australia such a diverse country. It was wonderful to see the whole school community united in the spirit of inclusion, respect and belonging.
Students and teachers took part in activities that highlighted the importance of accepting and valuing our differences while recognising our similarities too.
Harmony day reminds us that everyone belongs and that our diversity makes our school an even stronger and more welcoming place for all.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
Music at Gioia House (Curricular)
Gioia House Choir
Gioia House Choir continues to shine each week, bringing vibrant energy and beautiful singing to their Tuesday rehearsals. The students have been working with great focus on developing tone, blend and intonation and they are consistently quick to sit tall and produce a resonant, unified sound. This ensemble shows wonderful promise and we are delighted by their positive attitude and commitment to growth.
In addition to exploring folk songs, rounds and canons, the choir has been engaging with repertoire from a range of musical traditions and revisiting pieces from our Mass program. They have also begun preparing for this year’s Gala Concert. Without revealing too much, the students have started learning Over My Head, a traditional spiritual that will be performed as a combined item with Del Monte. This week, they also began working on the French piece Vois Sur Ton Chemin by Bruno Coulais from the film Les Choristes.
We look forward to the musical development these works will inspire and are excited to share the ensemble’s progress and achievements as the year unfolds.
Gioia House Instrumental
Our Gioia House instrumental students have made a wonderful start to their musical learning, showing enthusiasm, focus and a genuine love of making music.
Year 6 Mini Maestros have settled confidently back into their routine, working closely with their tutors as they begin learning Creatures in the Attic by Brian Balmages. Our Gioia House Strings ensemble has also launched into rehearsals with great energy, preparing two exciting works: The Lazy Wombat and Ballad of the Burning Sky.
Meanwhile, Year 5 Mini Maestros are fully immersed in their instrumental lessons. They are eager, attentive and making excellent use of their time with their instrumental teachers. Students are learning how to care for their instruments, assemble them correctly, produce their first sounds and read their first five notes. Over the coming weeks, they will continue to build confidence as beginners and will soon come together as a full year group to play their first ensemble pieces. Year 5 Gioia House Strings have also begun rehearsals and are approaching The Lazy Wombat and Ballad of the Burning Sky with impressive enthusiasm.
We look forward to seeing both year groups continue to grow in skill, confidence and musical expression as the year unfolds.
Private Tuition on all Instruments
We would like to remind students in the Gioia House instrumental program that private tuition is available, and a great way to help ensure momentum in these formative experiences! If you’d like some extra support, remember we have a ‘4‑Week Booster’ tuition offering available for $228.00. (Four one-on-one lessons to help you quickly lock in!)
Students recently explored how the greenhouse effect works by running a hands-on science experiment. They compared temperature changes between two setups: a thermometer placed in open air and another sealed inside a clear bottle under the same heat source. The bottle acted like Earth’s atmosphere, trapping more heat and causing the temperature inside to rise more quickly. Students recorded their observations and discussed why the enclosed environment warmed faster.
Student reflection:
In Science we are learning about Weather. We are learning how to use scientific tools to measure the temperature, wind speed and the light. In teams we all used different tools to record the different types of instruments- which are called thermometers which records temperature, light meters are used to measure the amount of light and an anemometer which records the wind speed. We had a great time outside in groups, working together and learning how to use different types of scientific tools. Sophia Gomesis & Emily Zanella
Marisa Maks, Eamonn Dunphy, Leonie Trees, Bryony Watkins, Ann Milicic Year 6 teachers
What’s happening in Year 5
Science
Year 5 have been learning about the respiratory system. After learning about how this works, students conducted experiments in the Science Laboratory. The students gathered data including their height, amount of exercise each week, and measuring lung capacity. Students measured their lung capacity by blowing into a balloon and measuring the diameter. We are looking forward to examining the data next lesson.
Stephanie Yiorkas, Wendy Anetter, Alison Di Ciaccio, Monique Taylor, Tayla Kostakis Year 5 teachers
Curriculum in Gioia House
NAPLAN assessments began on Wednesday 11 March. Our Year 5 students demonstrated outstanding resilience, focus and determination as they completed their assessments. We are incredibly proud of the way they approached each test with a positive attitude and a willingness to do their best.
NAPLAN can sometimes feel challenging, but our students showed calmness and supported one another throughout the process. Their effort, perseverance and growth mindset were evident in every session.
We would like to acknowledge the hard work they have put in throughout the term, as well as the encouragement and support provided at home. Thank you for helping to ensure the students arrived ready, rested and confident.
Regardless of results, we celebrate their resilience and the way they tackled each challenge.
Well done, Year 5! We are very proud of you.
Stephanie Yiorkas Curriculum Leader Gioia House
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Pastoral update
Building connections: caring for our common home
Our fortnightly focus for Weeks 5 and 6, Building Connections – Accepting the Invitation to Care for Our Common Home, was inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. In this letter, Pope Francis invites all people to recognise the beauty and interconnectedness of creation, reminding us that God calls us to live with respect, responsibility and love for the world around us.
It has been uplifting to see students engage with this message, exploring what it means to care for the environment and play their part in protecting our shared home. On Friday 7 March, this learning was put into action as students participated in Schools Clean Up Day, working together to tidy and care for our school grounds. It is always inspiring to witness the pride and responsibility students show as they help keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming, reflecting the heart of Laudato Si through their actions.
Lord, help us to protect this world you have entrusted to us. Guide us to care for all creation with love and responsibility.
— Adapted from Pope Francis’ Prayer for Our Earth (Laudato Si)
Building connections – Accept the invitation to embrace and celebrate differences
Our pastoral theme for the past fortnight, Building Connections – Accept the invitation to embrace and celebrate differences has encouraged students to recognise, value and celebrate the diverse cultural, personal and neurological identities within our school community. Inspired by Harmony Week and Neurodiversity Week, this focus has helped students deepen their understanding of what it means to belong, include and appreciate others.
Gifted Education update
Primary Enrichment Opportunities
da Vinci Decathlon journey continues
Our Da Vinci Decathlon training is now well underway, and we are pleased to welcome our Year 5 students as they join Year 6 and girls from the senior grades in the Monday afternoon sessions. This cross‑year group provides a valuable opportunity for students to collaborate and build their skills together. The girls have already shown great focus and teamwork as they explore problem‑solving and creative tasks inspired by this year’s theme, Machines and Mechanics. We look forward to seeing their confidence and capabilities continue to grow.
Inspiring student voice through creative expression
We’re delighted to see the first entries coming in for the ABC EducationNews in My Neighbourhood competition, and we would love to see even more students get involved. This enrichment opportunity invites children to share their perspectives on issues that matter to them through a short letter or artwork. It’s a meaningful way for students to express their ideas, explore their interests and build confidence as communicators. If your child enjoys writing or drawing, please encourage them to submit an entry to me by Week 9.
Celebrating student voice through Harmony Day creativity
We have also begun receiving entries for the Moving Forward Together Harmony Day competitions, and it has been wonderful to see students’ thoughtful and imaginative responses to this year’s theme, Stronger Together. Their posters, songs and short films are already highlighting strong messages of inclusion, community and connection.
This opportunity is open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Children are invited to create a Harmony Day poster, compose an original two‑minute song, or produce a two‑minute short film. If your child would like to participate, entries can be submitted to me by Week 10.
Cathyrina Pan, Year 4
Lauren Petroni Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Religious Education in Del Monte
Rosary in the Chapel
Students are warmly invited to join us for morning Rosary in the Del Monte Chapel every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:20am. It’s a peaceful way to begin the day, offering a quiet moment for prayer, reflection and connection with others before classes begin. All students are welcome, and we’d love to see you there.
Project Compassion
We are now in the third week of Lent. Throughout Lent, we are encouraged to grow closer to God by reflecting on how we can better love and serve others. It is a time to be especially mindful of showing kindness, compassion and generosity.
Each class received a Project Compassion poster highlighting the communities that will benefit from our support, as well as a donation box for collecting contributions. Every donation, regardless of size, is a valuable expression of solidarity and care for others.
We kindly ask that Project Compassion boxes be returned either by the end of this term or during the first week back next term. Your support helps us make a meaningful difference for those in need. We sincerely appreciate your continued support in helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Feast Days
St Patrick’s Feast Day – 17 March
St Patrick’s Feast Day celebrates St Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland through his preaching, baptising and building of churches. He is remembered for his strong faith and his simple way of teaching – especially using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. His feast invites us to reflect on courage, prayer and sharing God’s love with others.
St Joseph’s Feast Day – 19 March
St Joseph’s Feast Day honours St Joseph, the humble and faithful protector of Mary and Jesus. Celebrated as a solemnity, it highlights his trust in God and his role as patron of families and workers. Many traditions include special altars and acts of generosity, reminding us to follow his example of service and care for others.
Holy Week Liturgy
As we journey together through the sacred season of Lent and prepare our hearts for Easter, we warmly invite you to join us for our Holy Week Liturgy presented by our Year 4 Primary students.
We encourage families to come, pause and reflect with our community as we commemorate the final days of Jesus’ journey and prepare for the joy of Easter Sunday.
The Holy Week Liturgy will be held on Wednesday 1 April at 2:20pm on the school grounds.
2026 SACRAMENT PROGRAM AT ST MARTHA’S STRATHFIELD
To participate, complete an enrolment form available in the foyer of our St Martha’s Church or from the parish website: https://stmarthas.org.au/sacraments/
All candidates are required to be baptised in the Catholic faith. Arrangements can be made if your child has not been baptised.
TERM 2 – CONFIRMATION AT ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL IN 2026
Dates are to be confirmed by the Chancery. Please look to The St Martha’s website or the parish bulletin for further updates.
Sacrament date: TBA
TERM 3 – FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026
For children in Year 3 or older and who have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Parent information session: 6:00pm Monday 10 August 1st lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 15 August 2nd lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 22 August 3rd lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 29 August 4th lesson + rehearsal: 3:45pm Saturday 5 September
Sacrament date: 12:00 noon Sunday 13 or 20 September
TERM 4 – FIRST RECONCILIATION 2026
For children in Year 2 or older.
Parent information session: 6:00pm Monday 19 October 1st lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 24 October 2nd lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 31 October 3rd lesson: 3:45pm Saturday 7 November 4th lesson + rehearsal: 3:45pm Saturday 14 November
Sacrament date: 6:00pm Tuesday 17 or Wednesday 18 November
Questions or queries please contact Sacramental Coordinator Linda Praum: sc@stmarthas.org.au or 0425 866 892.
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P–6
Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)
Our Arts Action Team was introduced to the Del Monte community at the Music Assembly on Thursday. The Arts Leader Ophelia led us in prayer.
In class we have been focusing on showing our pitch with our hand signs. We can sing in Solfa and use the hand signs with our partners. Another fun activity to show pitch has been using balls to throw high and low.
Year 3 have looked at brass and woodwind instruments. They were able to see a trombone in action, and to handle a clarinet.
Phillipa Knight Coordinator of Music P-4
At the Week 7 Music-led Del Monte Assembly, the combined Year 3 and 4 String Ensembles delivered an impressive performance, with 58 students coming together on stage. The ensemble performed First Finger Pachelbel, a piece inspired by Pachelbel’s original work, which gradually builds in intensity and rhythmic complexity. The hall buzzed with excitement – and a few nervous smiles – as several students took to the stage for their very first performance, making the moment all the more special for performers and audience alike.
Cecilia Pensini Head of Strings P-4 Curriculum Music Teacher P-6
A Message from the Director of Music
Click here to find out more about Co-curricular opportunities and Music Performances at Santa Sabina College.
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has officially commenced and all students at Del Monte will be participating. Official rules can be found here. We have a variety of challenge books throughout the library which can be identified by the different coloured PRC stickers on the book spines. Alternatively, a curated collection is displayed in the foyer for easy selection. The challenge ends in Term 3 on Friday 18 September.
How it works
Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 will be guided through the challenge during school. However, if families wish to add additional texts that are read at home, logins have been placed in either school diaries or in library bags behind student name cards. Students in this age bracket are challenged to read 30 books (20 challenge books + 10 personal choice books) with adults or individually.
Years 3-4 students are required to read 20 books (10 challenge books and 10 personal choice books) and will be taking more responsibility for logging their own books. Rules have changed this year enabling class texts to be included in their totals too. Students have been practising logging into the PRC student portal during library lessons and will continue to have opportunities to log books throughout the year. Login details have been (hopefully) saved in their password chains, but if there are problems please contact Mrs Doonan for assistance.
The joy and power of reading for pleasure
As we begin the 2026 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC), it’s a perfect time to revisit why reading for pleasure matters so deeply for our children, both academically and emotionally.
Choice
Children are far more motivated to read when they can choose books that genuinely interest them. Whether it is a superhero comic, a joke book, a graphic novel, a sports biography or a book about dinosaurs, the goal isn’t about perfection; it’s about engagement. The PRC aims to encourage students to develop a love of reading for leisure and pleasure. Research shows that reading, simply for the joy of reading, has powerful and lasting benefits.
Benefits of reading together
Reading aloud to young children is one of the most impactful things families can do. Among its many benefits, shared reading helps to:
strengthen bonds between children and caregivers
enhance brain development
build vocabulary (just one book a day can expose a child to 78,000 words per year)
support early pattern recognition and understanding of language conventions
improve comprehension
model fluent and expressive reading.
This simple daily habit can make a significant difference in a children’s language development across their entire lifetime.
Mental and physical health benefits
Reading for pleasure isn’t just good for learning, it’s good for wellbeing too. According to Reading Australia, regular reading can:
reduce stress
improve focus
support emotional regulation
foster empathy and resilience.
Beloved author Jacqueline Harvey reminds us that there is immense joy in sharing stories. They offer rich opportunities for learning, discussion and the exploration of characters, places and different viewpoints. Shared reading experiences help children connect with stories on a deeper level and build their confidence as readers. Similarly, reading for pleasure is a transformative experience. Books can transport us to different worlds, teach us new things and help us form meaningful connections with others and the world around us. Research shows that regular reading for pleasure is not only beneficial for children’s learning but also supports our physical and mental wellbeing (Reading Australia).
Donna Mattick and Trish Doonan Del Monte Library and Literacy Team
Year 4
In English, Year 4 students have been exploring the Solar System, with a particular focus on the planets. They combined their growing scientific knowledge with their writing skills to create an informative multimodal text about a planet of their choice. Students spent time planning, researching and drafting their work before publishing their final piece using digital technology. Some students chose to enhance their projects by voice‑recording their information or creating short videos to showcase their understanding and findings.
Kate Bakhos, Natalie Bejar, Merissa Perivolarellis and Edward Wang Year 4 Teachers
Year 3
Year 3 gathered in the primary playground under the rotunda to conduct their first hands-on Science experiment of the term, investigating how sundials work. After several days of waiting for suitable weather, students were excited to finally see the sun appear.
To model a simple sundial, each student used a paper plate and a pencil. At the beginning of the session, they carefully marked where the pencil’s shadow fell on the plate. The classes then returned an hour later to observe and record how the shadow had moved. This practical activity allowed students to see firsthand how the position of the sun changes over time and how shadows shift in response. While the sun cooperated, the wind made the task more difficult. Teachers used this moment as a valuable teaching opportunity, explaining that in scientific investigations especially those involving the weather there are variables and environmental elements that can influence or interrupt results. Students discussed how scientists must consider these factors when designing experiments and interpreting data.
The sundial activity also connected meaningfully to the current HSIE unit on Mesoamerica. Ancient Mesoamerican civilisations were skilled astronomers who relied on the movement of the sun to guide agricultural cycles, religious ceremonies and timekeeping.
Despite the windy conditions, the experience sparked curiosity, encouraged scientific thinking and deepened students’ understanding of how people across history have used the sun to measure time.
Kelly Garcia Year 3 Teacher
Year 2
Year 2 have been investigating two‑dimensional shapes and three‑dimensional objects. Students explored the differences between 2D shapes and 3D objects by examining their properties, and they created their own models to identify faces, edges and vertices. They also experimented with splitting and combining 2D shapes to see how new shapes can be formed.
Cara Brigham, Alana Ivancsik, Catherine McGrath and Tina Nicotina Year 2 Teachers
Year 1
Year 1 HSIE: Helpers in the Community
Year 1 students have continued to explore helpers in the community in their HSIE unit of inquiry. Their visit to the SES inspired questions and discussion about essential helpers and buildings in the community. As a result, the children have researched, designed and built fire stations, police stations, hospitals, schools, parks and veterinary clinics to represent their local community. Students have worked collaboratively with their peers to create their building and are now in the process of planning its placement for a grade display of their township.
Margie Attard, Calista Camarda and Lorette Quinlan Year 1 Teachers
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students have been actively developing their early literacy skills, with a strong focus on recognising letters and sounds to support their emerging reading and writing. Through the InitiaLit program, they have learned the letters m, s, t, a, p, and i, and are now able to read and spell a range of simple words using these sounds.
Learning is further strengthened during Literacy Groups, where students practise reading, writing and fine motor skills through a multisensory approach. Activities such as building words with magnetic letters, forming letters with playdough, and cutting and sorting pictures by their initial sounds help reinforce their understanding in engaging, hands‑on ways.
Ella Reilly, Erin Horne and Brooke Napper Kindergarten Teachers
Prep
What’s been happening in Prep?
It has been a wonderful and busy fortnight in Prep, filled with hands‑on learning, exploration and lots of joyful moments together.
Mathematics – exploring positional language
In Maths, we have been learning how to describe the position of an object in relation to another object using everyday language. The students have been experimenting with words such as ‘between’, ‘next to’, ‘behind’, ‘under’, ‘inside’ and ‘on top’.
Using real objects and even themselves helped make this learning fun and meaningful. Some of our favourite examples included:
‘We are inside the tent.‘
‘I am under the table.‘
“’he bear is on top of the bowl.‘
These playful activities encouraged students to practise spatial awareness while developing their mathematical vocabulary.
PreLit – listening for syllables
This week in PreLit, we focused on syllables. Students learned that to work out how many syllables are in a word, we say the word slowly and listen carefully for the parts we can hear. Each part represents one syllable, and stretching out the word helps us notice where it can be broken apart.
The children enjoyed clapping, tapping and even jumping the syllables in familiar words.
Story time and craft – Too Many Pears! by Jackie French
We loved reading the book Too Many Pears! by Jackie French. After enjoying the story, the students created their own pears using craft materials. They worked in pairs, practising how to share glue sticks, take turns and communicate kindly with one another.
This activity supported both creativity and cooperative learning.
Rebecca Saba and Monique Evans Prep Teachers
Del Monte curriculum
Congratulations Year 3!
We are extremely proud of our Year 3 students for the confidence and resilience they showed while completing NAPLAN testing from Wednesday to Monday. Across the week, they completed four assessments and approached each one with calmness, positivity and confidence. This success reflects both the students’ dedication and the careful preparation provided by their teachers. Well done, Year 3!
Building thinking, language and confidence across our classrooms
Last week, our teachers came together to continue our professional learning focused on Teaching for Critical Thinking, particularly through HSIE. Staff have been enthusiastic about using explicit teaching models that help students think more deeply, explain their ideas clearly and ask thoughtful questions.
A key part of this learning has been the work of Dr Peter Ellerton’s Values of Inquiry, which we are using as a foundation for developing students’ thinking skills. These values include ideas such as accuracy, precision, depth and breadth. To understand and use these concepts, teachers are explicitly teaching the vocabulary linked to them. When students know and understand these words, they are better able to explain their thinking, justify their opinions and communicate clearly with others. Research strongly supports this focus on vocabulary. As McKeown and colleagues (2017) explain, Vocabulary knowledge is central to students’ ability to express ideas in writing, engage in complex thinking, and communicate meaningfully across subject.
This reminds us that learning new words isn’t just about spelling or definitions, it helps children become stronger writers, problem-solvers and communicators. We are already seeing students show greater curiosity and confidence as they use this language to ‘dive deeper’ into their thinking.
Learning through the new curriculum
As we implement new syllabus reforms in Science and Technology, HSIE and PDHPE, students are experiencing exciting and meaningful learning across the school.
In HSIE, Year 3 students are exploring Mesoamerica, learning about ancient societies and cultures.
In Science and Technology, Year 2 students are investigating forces and movement, including learning through an Aboriginal perspective.
In PDHPE, Year 4 has begun a unit called ‘Thriver Challenge’, where students work in small ‘Tribes’ to practise teamwork. Through a range of challenges, they are learning how cooperation, responsibility and communication support success.
Thank you to our families
Thank you to the families who attended the K-2 InitiaLit parent workshop on Thursday evening. It was wonderful to see such strong engagement and support. We hope the workshop helped build a clear understanding of the importance of reading and how actively your children are involved in the program each day.
We truly value our partnership with families and appreciate your continued support in your child’s learning journey.
Kate Bakhos Curriculum Leader P-4
Italian at Del Monte
Celebrating Carnevale in Italian lessons
Primary students have recently explored the vibrant Italian festival of Carnevale through a rich and engaging language‑learning unit. Carnevale, a celebration held before Lent, is famous for its colourful parades, creative costumes, decorative masks and joyful community traditions. Students learned about the festival’s origins and today’s celebrations across Italy, focusing on the elegant Venetian parades and masks. They also compared these traditions to familiar celebrations in their own lives, recognising shared themes of imagination, celebration and togetherness.
A major highlight was designing and creating their own maschere di Carnevale. Using bright colours, feathers, glitter and creative flair, students produced both traditional and unique mask designs that connected them to Italian cultural heritage. Alongside the hands‑on activities, students expanded their Italian vocabulary, learning new words related to colours, costumes and emotions. Through songs, games and simple conversational activities, they practised using this vocabulary in fun and meaningful ways. Class groups concluded the unit with small ‘mini Carnevale’ parades, proudly sharing their masks and knowledge with peers.
Our Carnevale unit has been a wonderful celebration of culture, language and creativity. We are so proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our students have shown and we look forward to continuing our journey through the rich traditions of Italy in the term ahead.
Daniela Panico Italian Teacher
St Dominic the Adventurer – rock and stick art sculpture: Badge of Prayer for Year 3
This week our students continued their St Dominic the Adventurer journey by working towards the Badge of Prayer. To help deepen their understanding of prayer as a way of connecting with God, students created their own Rock and Stick Art Sculptures.
Using natural materials from God’s creation, students designed simple but meaningful sculptures symbolising peace, gratitude, hope and the presence of God in our everyday lives. As they built their artwork, students reflected quietly on the importance of taking time to pause, listen and speak to God through prayer.
This hands‑on activity encouraged our learners to express their faith creatively while honouring St Dominic’s example of contemplation and devotion. We are so proud of the thoughtful and reverent way students engaged in this special experience.
Christopher Walker Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator
Director of Music P-12
It has been an energising and joy‑filled few weeks in the Music Department. We were honoured to host Dr Brad Merrick from the University of Melbourne, who selected Santa Sabina as a key research site exploring the links between music engagement and academic achievement. Our students, alumnae and staff contributed across three days, gaining a rare insight into real research protocols – I suspect many catching a glimpse of their own future doctoral pathways.
We also launched two new mentored rock bands, celebrated student‑led initiatives, enjoyed the brilliance of NESA Encore in an Excursion, and proudly announced our 2026 Gala Concert theme – Instruments of Peace. In following up our 2025 Voices of Hope Gala Concert, this year – in light of the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis – it seemed only fitting to launch this year’s direction. All P-12 ensembles and Years 4-7 curriculum classes have their eye on the prize and are working earnestly, with some deeply important works being curated and commissioned to share with our community. Tickets will be on sale early next term.
Read on to hear of all the happenings in our department across recent weeks, and as we look ahead to Term 2!
Amy Richardson Director of Music P-12
Dr Brad Merrick Research Visit – University of Melbourne
From 10-13 March, Dr Brad Merrick spent three days interviewing current students, alumnae, and staff as part of a national study examining how music engagement shapes academic achievement. Thank you to the students, parents and staff who saw the importance of this research, and who signed up to participate. While he was here, it was fun to fish out one of his textbooks off our library shelves for him to sign. It was an enriching experience for all of us as we reflected on the potential benefits of music in every aspect of our lives.
Launch of two new rock bands!
Our contemporary program continues to thrive with the launch this week of two new mentored rock bands! Joining the long‑established Year 11 group Boulevarde 27 – if the first rehearsal is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these young musicians! We warmly welcome Ms Samantha Kennedy who joins our team of mentors alongside our existing specialist Mr Dane Connor. These new ensembles are already showing such great energy! Keep your eye out for their debut performances, and later in the year when they perform at the Fra Angelico Festival!
Student-led Music Clubs initiatives!
It was wonderful hearing the student-led group preparing for a Harmony Day item earlier this week, and all across the department, student-led musical expressions are taking various shapes. This agentic exploration is such a critical aspect of a healthy Music program, and we are happy to support these fun clubs as they spring up.
An idea for one such group was offered by Sienna di Santo (Year 11) and friends – somewhere between a Glee club and a Pitch Perfect movie revival, this joyful, inclusive singing club invites students from Years 9-12 to explore harmony, mash‑ups and feel‑good repertoire in a no-pressure way. A launch meeting for The Santa Stellars (not at all to be confused with the Barden Bellas!) will be held in Holyrood (Room 703) at lunchtime on Friday 27 March 2026. Contact Sienna if you would like more information or leave your contact details via this link.
The Bell-Ringing Club will be resuming next term under the leadership of ex-student Ms Ruby Bron. Contact the Music Office for more information.
Open Recitals Series 2026
Next Friday, 27 March, from 3:45pm – 5:00pm will see the first of our Open Recitals for 2026. If your child is one of the 300+ who are receiving Private Tution at the College, you might like to talk to them and their tutor and see if this is a performance experience they would like to pursue to grow their confidence in this way as we celebrate their learning.
Our Friday afternoon Open Recitals sit alongside our Curriculum Recitals, and are relaxed experiences, giving students the chance to share their music with family and friends while celebrating the steady growth happening in our Private Tuition program. We’d love to see you there!
AMEB Diploma Ceremony
Congratulations to the five students who were invested with Associate (A.MusA) and Licentiate (L.MusA) diplomas at the Australian Music Examinations Boards’ ceremony at UNSW on Sunday 8 March 2026.
Clara Kwon (Year 9) – A.MusA, Violoncello Estelle Gilmovich (Year 9) – L.MusA, Viola Ellie Kwon (Year 12) – A.MusA with Distinction, Clarinet Anne Ma (Year 8) – A.MusA, Flute Isabella Yang (Class of 2024) – L.MusA, Violoncello
We commend these students for this wonderful achievement, demonstrating exceptional dedication to musical excellence.
Australian Composers Day 2026 – What Will You Say?
Set for Monday 4 May 2026 from 8:30am – 3:30pm, we are delighted that ACD2026 is already attracting a record number of delegates from all over NSW. It is our privilege to pull this day together that is of significant value to the Australian Music terrain – both now and in the future. While Santa Students attend free of charge, we are happy to welcome individual registrations from peers at other schools should they wish to register to join us. Tell your friends! Spread the word!
This year’s provocation – What Will You Say? – continues to celebrate the pursuit of musical excellence with the development of each artist’s expressive voice. We are honoured to be welcoming guest composers including Maria Grenfell and Alice Chance, and hip‑hop artist Luka Lesson whose collaboration with James Humberstone, Agape will be ‘dropping’ online as part of the week’s festivities.
Join a Music Program or activity
Music ensembles and activities are open for enrolments all year round. It’s a joy to see more students discovering the confidence and connection that music brings. If any of our programs are of interest to you, you can register at any tine via the College App or via this shortcut link. Reach out to our Music office if we can assist in any way.
Amy Richardson Director of Music P–12
Director of Sport and Co-curricular
As we move through a vibrant and action‑packed term, it’s inspiring to witness the dedication, spirit, and pride our students bring to every sporting arena. Their commitment continues to elevate the College community, and this month has been no exception.
Best of luck to our Tildesley Tennis team
We extend our warmest wishes to the talented students representing Santa Sabina at the IGSA Tildesley Tennis Tournament from 18–20 March.
Our players will take to the courts for singles on 18 March and doubles on 19 March, proudly showcasing the skill and determination they have been honing since the start of term under the guidance of our Head of Tennis, Jarrad Magee.
Singles representatives
Elyssa Jeitani
Clara Smolcic
Ashley Duigenan
Olivia Wu
Grace Nasr
Ivy Zeidan
Claire D’Souza
Lucinda Oong
Lucia Winters
Doubles representatives
Giselle Jaajaa & Elaine Fang
Maia Khoury & Jess Arora
Sienna Ryan & Madison Rice
Georgia Ghossein & Ellena Kapetanakis
Valentina Gittany & Sara Viggiani
We know they will compete with courage, grace, and true Santa Sabina spirit.
Volleyball success and a strong start to 2026 preparations
Our Representative Volleyball journey for 2026 is already underway.
Year 8 students opened their campaign on Wednesday 11 March, taking to the court with enthusiasm and teamwork.
Year 10 students followed on Thursday 12 March, competing in the Volleyball NSW Schools Cup and proudly securing our first medal of the season — a Silver.
Meanwhile, our Beach Volleyball teams travelled to Coolangatta from 13–15 March for the Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup. Their sportsmanship and College pride were unmistakable as they battled through the sand and sun.
A standout achievement came from Violet Addabbo and Emily Morgan (SAN01), who claimed Silver in the Year 11 pairs — a remarkable result and a testament to their hard work.
Looking ahead to Term 2
Preparations for Term 2 are already in full swing. Registrations for IGSA and IPSHA sports are being finalised, grading days are being organised, and Ms Gocher is well on her way to shaping a strong and successful season with IWNA.
We are also delighted to welcome Kleanne Kolman to the College Sports Department. With extensive experience in school sports coordination, Mrs Kolman will be an invaluable addition to our programs, particularly in volleyball.
Swimming Carnival highlights
Our Swimming Carnival at SOPAC on 19 February was a day filled with energy, determination and community spirit. Congratulations to all swimmers who competed with heart and enthusiasm.
Gioia House Age Champions
Age Group
1st
2nd
3rd
10 Years
Chloe Cruz
Charlie Tam
—
11 Years
Sophia Guo
Georgia Hall
Isabella Park
12 Years
Romee Lee
Cindy Zheng
Eve Kelly & Scarlett Ghossein
Primary Champions
Junior Primary:
Chloe Cruz
Charli Tam
Senior Primary:
Romee Lee
Sophia Guo
Georgia Hall
Senior Age Champions
Age
1st
2nd
3rd
12 Years
Irene Song
Saura Tewari
Emily Korb-Wells
13 Years
Charlotte McCarthy
Connie Jiang
Jenisha Lama
14 Years
Grace Lee
Leah Li
Ola Kochman
15 Years
Addison Xu
Christiane Nikolaou
Ashleigh Sedgers
16 Years
Georgia David
Amelia De Jongh
Anastasha Harris
17 Years
Mira Nguyen
Alannah Quinn
Selina Martinez
18+ Years
Arianna Harris
Olynda Lebeau
Harper Harris‑Roxas
Overall Champions
Junior (12–14 Years):
Charlotte McCarthy
Connie Jiang
Grace Lee
Intermediate (15–16 Years):
Georgia David
Amelia De Jongh
Addison Xu
Senior (17–18 Years):
Arianna Harris
Mira Nguyen
Olynda Lebeau
Overall Carnival Champion
Georgia David
Charlotte McCarthy
Amelia De Jongh
House Awards
Overall House Champion:Kurrawa
House Spirit Award:Gunagulla
A heartfelt congratulations to every swimmer, supporter and staff member who contributed to such a memorable day.
A term of pride and perseverance
This term has been demanding, but our students continue to rise to every challenge with resilience and pride. Their passion for sport and commitment to representing Santa Sabina with integrity is something we celebrate wholeheartedly.
Here’s to more achievements, more teamwork and more unforgettable moments as the year unfolds.
Primary Sport
Primary Representative Pathway – Football
Congratulations to the following students who were selected into the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Football team and attended the Sydney trials last Monday 9 March in Concord.
A special mention to Antonia and Lina who were selected into the Sydney team and will now attend the Mackillop Trials on Friday 19 June.
Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships
Good luck to the following students who will be attending the Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships next Monday 23 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
Romee Lee (Year 6) Sophia Guo (Year 6) Cindy Zheng (Year 6) Georgia Hall (Year 5) Chloe Cruz (Year 5) Lina Park (Year 2)
Coming up in Primary Sport
Term 1 Santa Sabina College Primary Cross Country Trials Friday 20 March Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships Monday 23 March Sydney Catholic Schools Touch Football Trials Monday 30 March Mackillop Swimming Championships Wednesday 1 April
Term 2 Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships Tuesday 12 May Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Netball Championships Tuesday 19 May Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Football Championships Tuesday 26 May Santa Sabina College Primary Athletics Carnival Thursday 11 June Sydney Catholic Schools Stage 3 Netball Gala Day Wednesday 17 June Mackillop Cross Country Championships Wednesday 24 June
Ryan Dunlop Primary PE Coordinator (P-4) Primary Sport Coordinator (P-6)
Netball
It’s not long now before our second season at IWNA officially gets underway. Pre-season training schedules have been added to students’ schedules and coach allocations will be finalised once the draw is available later this month. Information will also be sent out to parents who expressed an interest to manage a team this year. If you did not indicate an interest during the registration process but are keen to help out then please email j.gocher@ssc.nsw.edu.au.
Registrations to the April holiday clinics are now open. There is no cost to attend these sessions which are available to all registered PlayHQ players via the parent lounge.
A big shout out to our Junior Representative team who won two games at the CGSSSA Netball Championships last Tuesday at Netball Central. Santa Sabina hosts this event every year and while the competition is fierce, it provides us with a great opportunity to dust off the cobwebs before the regular season commences.
Important dates 24 March to 1 April – Preseason training 14 to 16 April – Holiday Clinics 18 April – Round 1 5 April – no game 2 May – Round 2
Joanne Gocher Netball Coordinator
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Veritas in the Valley
Living the Charism today
An adult Dominican formation experience
Tallong Campus | Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 May 2026
Veritas in the Valley is a two day adult Dominican formation experience for ex-students, current and former parents and members of the wider community seeking time for reflection, prayer and deeper engagement with how the Dominican charism can be lived meaningfully in the modern world.
Set within the natural beauty and stillness of Tallong, the College’s Outdoor Education and Retreat Campus, the experience invites participants to step away from the pace of daily life and enter a rhythm of contemplation, grounded in the four Dominican pillars.
Across the weekend, participants will engage with presentations, workshops, shared meals, quiet reflection, a bush liturgy and conversations, encountering the Dominican tradition not simply as heritage, but as a living charism that continues to offer wisdom, challenge and hope.
Through the guidance of experienced presenters, participants will explore what it means to live Veritas today: truth expressed through faith, justice, contemplation, creativity and service.
Presenters include: Sr Elizabeth Hellwig op, Sr Sheila Flynn op and Jenni Hickson.
Each offers a distinct and complementary perspective on living the Dominican charism in contemporary life.
When: Saturday 23 May to Sunday 24 May 2026
Where: Santa Sabina College Tallong Campus, Southern Highlands NSW
Price: $180 including accommodation, meals, program facilitation and retreat materials
Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges.
Many challenges neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population. Neurodiversity includes ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Autism, but regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently and celebrating our differences.
Our wonderful Library staff have set up a display for students to learn about neurodiversity during Harmony Week. The display focuses on many famous authors who are either neurodiverse or have written stories about neurodiversity.
Jo McKeown Dean of Inclusive Education P-12
Uniform Shop holiday hours
The Santa Sabina College Uniform Shop will close for the school holidays on Wednesday 1 April 2026 at 4:00pm and will reopen on Thursday 16 April at 9:00am.
Extended Term 1 Trading Hours
Tuesday 31 March 2026 8:00am – 5:00pm
Extended Term 2 Trading Hours
Thursday 16 & Friday 17 April 9:00am – 3:00pm
Monday 20 April 9:00am – 3:00pm
Tuesday 21 & Thursday 23 April 8:00am – 5:00pm
The Uniform Shop will return to normal trading hours from Friday 24 April 2026.
Please note the Uniform Shop will be closed Monday 27 April due to the Public Holiday.
Online Store Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Orders will be filled out when the store is next open.
Fitting Appointment Full uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only. Please use the QR code to book an appointment.
College outreach and how we can help
At the P&F Association’s General Meeting we heard from the College’s Coordinator of Outreach, Jane Sulis OAM, about all the ways the students, staff and ex-students contribute to the wider community.
In light of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Balance the Scales’, our student leaders are collecting women’s clothing for the organisation Dress for Success.
Dress for Success empowers marginalised women to achieve economic independence by providing access to resources that support them in gaining employment. This includes supplying professional attire, assisting with résumé writing and interview practice and facilitating career support workshops.
Beginning on Tuesday, you’ll be able to drop donations off in the Student Services foyer, sorted into house piles. Each donation earns your house a point, and in Week 8, a fashion parade competition between houses will be held using donated clothes!
Donations earn House points and at the end of the clothing drive (next term), the students will organise a fashion parade competition between Houses.
Please donate to help vulnerable women gain confidence, restore their dignity, and move toward independence.
items can be dropped off at Student Services and Del Monte Reception.
ScreenshotScreenshotScreenshot
From the P&F Association
It’s mid-March and the P&F Association is in full flight. We’ve hosted some wonderful events, have our annual School Disco tomorrow night and our Parent Reps are planning a flurry of casual catch-ups for our families.
Our first General Meeting for the year was held on Wednesday night and we welcomed our very own Jane Sulis OAM as guest speaker. It was truly inspiring to hear about the extent of Jane’s outreach work and hear her advice on what we as parents can do to raise socially conscious children, who care about those in need. We are so blessed to have Jane as a teacher and our Coordinator of Outreach.
P&F donations in action
This term, the P&F Association was able to support the College by providing 36 new and second-hand lab coats for the students of Gioia House. This is a wonderful example of how our support directly benefits students and families of the College.
College outreach and how we can help
At our General Meeting last night we heard from the College’s Coordinator of Outreach, Jane Sulis OAM, about all the ways the students, staff and ex-students contribute to the wider community. In response to individual requests from parents as to how they can get involved, we have put together this form for interested parents to complete.
Past events
Mums & Dads from Prep, Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7 came together this month to form connections with the newest families in our community.
Our Dads enjoyed a night of healthy competition at Sydney’s premier sports bar – Club9. They played pool, shuffleboard and darts while feasting on bottomless pizza and keeping an eye on the first game of the Friday Night Footy season.
Our Mums relished a well-deserved night out with the girls – enjoying cocktails and canapés at popular eatery Organica. This sell-out event has proven to be a wonderful success and we hope to expand it further next year.
Upcoming events
Endless Summer Disco
We look forward to bringing sunshine to the dance floor this Friday night for our Endless Summer Disco.
Date: Friday 20 March 2026 Location: Del Monte Hall Disco Times:
5:00pm – 5:45pm → Prep, Kindy, Year 1, St Lucy’s & MBH 6:00pm – 7:00pm → Year 2, Year 3 & Year 4 7:15pm – 8:30pm → Gioia House
If you would like to volunteer for this event please join our WhatsApp Group
Our Parent Representatives have been busy planning informal gatherings for our families. Please check our WhatsApp groups for invite details and send any post event photos to: pnfcomms@ssc.nsw.edu.au
Jumana Commisso P&F President
Easter Holiday Tennis Camp bookings now open
Monday 13 April to Wednesday 15 April 2026
Lots of fun and activity with Tennis, multi sports, games and waterplay !
A safe and fun environment for all. With a focus on Tennis, and growing skills across a number of ball sports and activities, players will enhance their coordination and build friendships throughout the week.
Also: waterplay with slip and slides, mini pools and water guns …. and a BBQ. Sounds like holiday FUN !
For bookings and further details click the link below
