There is something quite special about this time of term at Santa Sabina. The weeks are full and fast-moving; classrooms humming with ideas, rehearsals echoing through corridors, sporting teams training before and after school and students moving between moments of challenge, growth and celebration. Santa Sabina is a living place, and lately there has been a wonderful sense of energy and purpose across our community.
Recently, we gathered for our Years 7-11 Diligence Assembly, where we paused to recognise something deeply important; the quiet strength of perseverance. In a world that often celebrates instant success, it was a timely reminder to our students that diligence is formed through consistent effort, resilience and the willingness to keep going when things become difficult. I spoke to the girls about the importance of persistence and about learning to value growth over perfection. There was something profoundly hopeful in watching our students recognised not simply for achievement, but for character, commitment and determination.
I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to Amy Richardson, our outstanding Director of Music, for her extraordinary leadership in bringing the Australian Composers Day summit to life. Together with her remarkable team, Amy welcomed more than 330 delegates from across New South Wales for a truly significant day celebrating creativity, collaboration and the future of music composition. The scale, ambition and educational vision of this event were exceptional. Throughout the day, students engaged with acclaimed composers, musicians and industry professionals in seminars, masterclasses and practical workshops that challenged them to think deeply about both the technical craft and the human purpose of composition. What made the summit so powerful was its clear belief that great music is not created through technical mastery alone, but through authentic expression, courage, imagination and a willingness to communicate something meaningful about the human experience. To see Santa Sabina College positioned as a centre for such important creative and intellectual exchange was deeply inspiring. Events of this calibre do not happen by accident; they are the result of vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Amy and her team have created something truly remarkable for young musicians across our state and in our country.
Our community also came together beautifully for the annual Mother’s Day celebrations; always one of the most cherished occasions in the Santa Sabina calendar. Across the day’s events, including Mass, breakfast with our children and the Mother’s Day luncheon, there was a wonderful sense of warmth, gratitude and connection that reflected the extraordinary role mothers, grandmothers and those who mother play in shaping the lives of our young people. During the luncheon, I shared stories from my own Italian upbringing, including one memorable occasion when I ignored my mother’s warning, convinced she was being overly dramatic, only to discover rather painfully that maternal intuition can sometimes be remarkably accurate. The laughter shared across the room reminded us all that family stories, wisdom and even the moments we once resisted often become the memories we treasure most deeply over time. My sincere thanks again to our remarkable Parents and Friends’ Association whose generosity, hospitality and care continue to strengthen the spirit of our community.
We are also excited to continue developing our Santa Dialogues podcast series, with an upcoming episode exploring women in male-dominated sports. The conversation promises to be both thoughtful and energising as students discuss representation, courage and the importance of creating pathways for young women in spaces where they have not always been visible or encouraged. I have no doubt our students will bring great confidence and insight to these discussions as they reflect not only on sport, but also on leadership, belonging and the importance of challenging assumptions with both courage and grace.
As always, there is much happening in the weeks ahead. Across the College, students are preparing for assessments and our Year 10 Drama Showcase will be held on 21 and 22 May in our Black Box Theatre. The Senior School Athletics Carnival promises to be full of energy and school spirit at Sydney Olympic Park on 14 May. These moments matter deeply because they form part of the rich tapestry of school life; the experiences that build confidence, friendships, resilience and joy alongside academic growth.
Thank you, as always, for the partnership you share with us. Schools flourish when students know they are surrounded by adults who believe in them, challenge them and walk beside them with care. I continue to feel enormously grateful for the warmth, generosity and spirit of this extraordinary community.
Go gently
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Honouring Mary in the Month of May
Each year, the month of May holds special significance in the Catholic tradition, as it is dedicated to honouring Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Throughout the world, Catholics turn their hearts and prayers towards Our Lady, seeking her intercession and reflecting on her example of faith, humility and trust in God. For many within our own community, devotion to Mary provides comfort, strength and encouragement to live lives grounded in hope and faith.
Marian devotion has long been an important part of the Church’s spiritual life. Mary is seen as a model of discipleship, someone who listened deeply to God’s call and responded with generosity and courage. During May, we are invited not only to pray to Mary but also to imitate her virtues in our daily lives, especially through kindness, compassion and openness to God’s will.
One of the most cherished expressions of Marian prayer is the Rosary. Traditionally associated with St Dominic, who is believed to have received it through the intercession of Our Lady, the Rosary remains a powerful and reflective prayer. Through its rhythm and repetition, it invites us to meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary. Praying the Rosary with sincerity and intention brings a sense of peace and reassurance, reminding us that we are never alone and that Mary lovingly accompanies all her children.
Throughout the month of May, our College community will have a number of opportunities to come together in prayer and celebration. Across the campus, students and staff are invited to participate in Eucharistic celebrations, Marian prayers and the Rosary. Our Year 5–12 Rosary group will gather each Friday during May, providing a regular opportunity for communal prayer. In addition, Del Monte students will engage in Marian-focused reflections and prayer experiences within their classrooms, helping to nurture a deeper understanding of Mary’s role in our faith.
We have already begun this special month with meaningful celebrations. Last week, both the P–6 and Years 7–12 campuses held beautiful Mother’s Day Masses in the Santa Sabina Chapel. These gatherings were a wonderful opportunity for students to honour and give thanks for their mothers and mother figures, recognising their love, sacrifice and unwavering support.
These liturgical celebrations also created a sacred space for prayer and reflection. Students were able to offer gratitude for the gift of family, while mothers and caregivers were invited to pray for their children, asking for wisdom, strength and guidance as they nurture them towards independence, fulfillment and happiness. In this way, the celebration of Mother’s Day during the Marian month of May holds even deeper meaning, as we honour both our earthly mothers and Mary, our heavenly Mother.
As we journey through this month, may we continue to turn to Mary as a source of inspiration and comfort. May her example encourage us to live with faith, courage and compassion, and may our community continue to grow in unity through prayer and shared reflection.
Melanie van der Meer Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care
Head of Primary P-6
Motherhood is one of the highest callings in life, filled with sweet moments to cherish forever.
‘She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.’ – Proverbs 31:25
What a truly wonderful week it has been as we came together to celebrate the remarkable women in our lives. Our Mother’s Day Mass was a deeply moving occasion – a moment of gratitude, prayer and togetherness that reminded us of the beauty at the heart of our school community.
A very special thank you to our P&F Association for their thoughtful organisation of the Mother’s Day gift stall. It was an absolute joy to watch our students move so purposefully and lovingly through the stall, carefully choosing just the right gift to surprise and delight their mothers.
To every mother, grandmother and special woman in our students’ lives, I hope you felt celebrated, cherished and deeply appreciated.
Teaching for Thinking
We believe that great teaching goes far beyond the delivery of content – it is about equipping students with the thinking skills they need to engage meaningfully with knowledge, solve complex problems and become lifelong learners. Last week, our staff devoted their professional development time to deepening this vision through a focused exploration of Teaching for Thinking.
A key insight driving our professional learning is that thinking skills cannot simply be assumed – they must be taught explicitly, just as we teach reading or mathematics. Our teachers explored how to name and model specific cognitive skills in the classroom, such as explaining, analysing, justifying, evaluating evidence and constructing reasoned arguments.
By making these skills visible and giving students a shared language for thinking, we empower them to approach any task – whether in English, Science, HSIE or the Arts – with greater clarity and intention. Students learn not just what to think about, but how to think well.
Central to our session was a close examination of the Values of Inquiry, drawn from the work of Peter Ellerton, a leading Australian educator in critical thinking and inquiry pedagogy. Ellerton’s framework challenges teachers to cultivate in students a genuine disposition toward intellectual rigour – not just the mechanics of thinking, but the habits of mind that make thinking trustworthy and meaningful.
These values ask students to go beyond surface answers and instead pursue understanding with honesty and care. Key values explored by our staff include: depth, precision, accuracy, relevance, breadth and fairness.
Importantly, our staff explored how these cognitive skills and values of inquiry are not confined to a single subject – they are woven through every learning area. A student applying precision in Mathematics is doing the same intellectual work as one choosing accurate vocabulary in a persuasive text, or carefully evaluating sources in a History investigation. When students internalise these values, they transfer them naturally across disciplines.
Our teachers spent time mapping these skills to current units of work, identifying moments in their planning where they can explicitly prompt students to think with more depth, ask better questions and reflect critically on their own reasoning.
What this looks like at home
You can support this work by asking your child questions that push a little deeper:
How do you know that? Is there another way to look at it? What evidence supports that idea? What makes you say that?
These simple prompts mirror the thinking habits we are building every day in the classroom.
The Power of Reading
At the heart of a strong education is the ability to read with confidence and comprehension, and this takes time, practice and nurturing. We have been placing a strong focus on reading stamina across our classrooms: the ability to sit with a text, engage with it deeply and sustain concentration over time. Like any skill, stamina grows gradually and every minute of quiet, focused reading builds a stronger reader.
Alongside stamina, we know that vocabulary is one of the greatest predictors of reading success. A rich vocabulary opens doors to understanding complex texts, expressing ideas clearly and engaging with the world with curiosity. We encourage families to use rich, varied language at home and to embrace new words encountered in books as exciting discoveries rather than obstacles.
Reading fluency is equally vital and comes from the ability to read smoothly, expressively and at an appropriate pace. Fluent readers are freed from decoding every word and can instead focus their energy on meaning and comprehension. Regular reading aloud at home, even with older students, remains one of the most powerful things a family can do.
We encourage all families to set aside dedicated time each day to read – and just as importantly, to talk about books. Ask your child what happened, what they thought, what surprised them, what they would have done differently. These conversations build comprehension and critical-thinking skills that underpin success in every area of learning.
Even 15–20 minutes of reading each evening, paired with a brief conversation about the book, makes an enormous difference over a school year.
College Uniform Expectations
Students are expected to wear their full winter school uniform every day except on days when they have PE or Be Fit/Be Active lessons.
Exception
Year 4 students will be allowed to wear their Polo to school on PE days and on special occasions. Parents will be notified of these arrangements.
During winter terms, Kindergarten and Year 1 students may wear their sports uniform to school on the days they participate in sport co-curricular activities. Please note this applies to sport activities only and does not include Creative Arts, Speech and Drama, Young Engineers, Chess or other non-sport programs.
Years 2–6 students who participate in before school sport activities should change back into their school uniform before class begins. Those participating in after school sport activities should change into their sports uniform after the school day concludes, before attending their activity. Class teachers will support and accommodate young students who need time to get changed.
These expectations are an important part of maintaining our high standards and ensuring that students take pride in their appearance and in representing the College. I understand the convenience and comfort of remaining in sports uniform throughout the day; however, it is essential that we teach our students responsibility, routine and respect for our shared College expectations.
Information about the College’s uniform expectations can also be found in your child’s College Diary, under the Uniform Guidelines section.
I appreciate your continued support in ensuring that all students comply with the Uniform Guidelines and, most importantly, learn the value of presenting themselves with care and pride.
Collaborative Art Project
This week, a group of our Year 1 students took part in a truly heartwarming collaborative art project with students from St Lucy’s, working together to create a shared artwork that reflects the creativity, joy and spirit of both communities. Led by Sr Sheila and Ms Sulis, and working side by side with one another, our students discovered that art has a wonderful way of bringing people together, transcending differences and building genuine connections through colour, imagination and shared purpose. It was a beautiful reminder of the inclusive values at the heart of our school community, and we could not be prouder of the kindness and openness our Year 1 students showed throughout this first session. We look forward to sharing the finished artwork with our whole community very soon.
Water Bubblers
I would like to reassure all families that the water in our school bubblers is clean, filtered and fresh-tasting so students can drink with confidence throughout the day. With school bags becoming quite heavy due to large lunchboxes and water bottles, families are welcome to send their child with a smaller water bottle, knowing they can easily refill it from our bubblers at any time during the school day.
Year 4 Jersey Presentation
What a proud and memorable moment it was on Tuesday as Ms Skerman presented our Year 4 students with their very own Del Monte jerseys. The smiles on our students’ faces said it all – this is a milestone moment, marking the beginning of their final year at Del Monte. A heartfelt thank you to our P&F for organising the jerseys and making this occasion so special. Students are welcome to wear their jerseys on their PE day and at special events throughout the year – families will be notified of these occasions as they arise.
Last Wednesday, our Dominic Adventurers took on an exciting challenge at the Sydney Rock Climbing Centre and what an incredible experience it was! Students pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones, digging deep to overcome their fears as they tackled the climbing walls with determination and courage. One of the most beautiful parts of the session was watching our students encourage and cheer each other on to reach a little higher and keep going when the climb felt tough. These are exactly the moments that build resilience, confidence and a true sense of community. Thank you to Mr Walker for leading the program and the teachers for supporting the students. A very warm thank you to the parents who gave up their time to come along and support our students.
Del Monte Learning Walks
We warmly invite all families to join us for our upcoming Learning Walk. This is a wonderful opportunity to step inside your child’s classroom, see their learning environment firsthand and celebrate the great work happening across our Primary stage.
As you join us for the Learning Walk, please remember that the Kiss and Drop zone is a no-parking area during pick-up times.
Prep 2 & 5 Day Thursday 28 May 8:20am-8:50am Prep 3 & 5 Day Tuesday 26 May 8:20am-8:50am Kindergarten Friday 29 May 2:25pm Year 1 Wednesday 20 May 2:25pm Year 2 Friday 29 May 2:00pm Year 3 Wednesday 17 June 2:25pm Year 4 Friday 12 June 2:25pm
School Photos
School photo packages will be sent home this Thursday. Please remember to check your child’s school bag on Thursday afternoon so nothing gets missed. If you have any questions about your order, please contact the school office.
For detailed information about upcoming College events, please refer to the communications sent directly to families via email.
Important dates for Del Monte and Gioia House:
Friday 15 May Kindergarten Ranger Jamie Incursion
Friday 15 May GH NSWCPS Gala Rugby Sevens Selections Yrs 5 & 6
Tuesday 19 May SCS Conference 2 Netball Championships
Wednesday 20 May – Friday 22 May Year 4 Outdoor Education Experience
Wednesday 20 May Year 1 Learning Walk 2:25pm
Thursday 21 May DM Assembly
Friday 22 May GH Writers Festival
Tuesday 26 May SCS Conference 2 Football Championships
Tuesday 26 May Prep 3&5 Day Learning Walk 8:20am
Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 May Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience
Thursday 28 May Prep 2&5 Day Learning Walk 8:20am
Friday 29 May Year 2 Learning Walk 2:00pm and Kindergarten Learning Walk 2:25pm
Wednesday 3 June Year 4 St Dominic the Adventurer
Thursday 4 June – Friday 5 June Year 3 Outdoor Education Experience
Thursday 4 June 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
Friday 12 June Year 4 Learning Walk 2:25pm
Saturday 13 June Year 4 St Dominic the Adventurer Award at Tallong
Monday 15 June SCS Conference 2 Football Championships (Round 2)
Wednesday 17 June SCS Stage 3 Netball Gala Day
Wednesday 17 June Year 3 Learning Walk at 2:25pm
Thursday 18 June – Friday 19 June Year 2 Tallong comes to Del Monte
Thursday 18 June Assembly
Monday 22 June 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
Stella Azizian Head of Primary P-6
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Mother’s Day at MBH
On Wednesday 6 May our preschoolers work with their teachers to prepare an afternoon tea for their mums, grandmothers, Godmothers and special women in their lives. They created the event’s invitation, made cupcakes that were served for afternoon tea, learnt and rehearsed You are My Sunshine that they then sang for their guests. It was their ways of saying thank you for the love, care and guidance they receive from their mums. As a gift, every child shared a special Mother’s Day message via a video with their mum.
Transition to School
On Tuesday 12 May, Occupational Therapist Sonya Moriarty presented the parent information session, Transition to School, to families from Mary Bailey House, SSC Prep and the community. Sonya spoke about the dispositions and skills that children need to engage in learning and connect with other children at school. Dispositions included self-regulation, curiosity, cooperation, confidence, commitment, independence and persistence. The skills needed are turn taking, sharing, unpacking their lunch, taking care of their personal belongings, being able to hold and use a pencil correctly and understanding basic concepts including numbers, letters, shapes and colours.
In the month prior to school, MBH teachers and educators will be assessing each child’s dispositions and skills and planning to promote them with their parents. Transition to school is a major step in a child’s learning journey and has the best outcomes when early childhood teachers, parents, specialists and primary school teachers work together. At Santa Sabina we’re in a unique position with everyone onsite with the same intention.
Jackie Baxter Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH
Deputy Principal Operations
Research from Australian road‑safety agencies and universities shows that using a mobile phone while walking can significantly increase the risk of injury. Studies consistently show that phone use reduces attention, balance and awareness of surroundings.
We encourage families to talk with their children about safe walking habits, including keeping phones away when near traffic, crossings and car parks. Simple actions such as stopping before checking a message and staying alert when walking can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
After extensive testing of the new Macbook Neo, the College has added this device to the recommended list in the Bring Your Own Designated Device Guidelines. This device is ideal for users in Year 3 to Year 8. For students in Years 9 to 12 we continue to recommend the Macbook Air due to the processing power of these devices.
At the conclusion of each term, co-curricular activities are updated and are visible on Parent Lounge. This list will also be used to be included on the semester report and as a means to calculate co-curricular awards at the end of the year. The list is compiled using our cocurricular management program by our Sport and Music departments. I encourage all families to check the listings at the end of each term to ensure that all cocurricular activities are included on student reports.
John Gilmore Deputy Principal Operations
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Law Showcase
The Law Showcase commenced with an inspiring first session led by alumna Nicola Colagiuri (Class of 2012), opening a three‑part series aimed at broadening students’ understanding of legal careers and emerging areas of law. Nicola has undertaken extensive legal study, including a Master’s of International Human Rights Law in The Hague, and now practises as a social justice lawyer at the Justice and Equity Centre.
Nicola’s session explored what lawyers do on a day‑to‑day basis, how the legal system impacts society, and emerging areas of law such as cyber law, environmental law and AI regulation. The Showcase attracted strong interest, with 125 students from Years 10–12 signing up. The next session in the series will feature two Santa Sabina alumni currently studying law at university, who will share their experiences and insights with students.
Assessment Blocks
The Year 7–10 assessment blocks are due for completion this Friday. The blocks incorporate both formal assessment tasks and dedicated study time to support students’ preparation. These structured study sessions provided focused opportunities for revision and consolidation, contributing to a positive and well‑managed conclusion to the assessment period.
Geography Teachers Association Annual Conference
In an era where algorithms amplify misinformation and blur the lines between fact, opinion and spin, media literacy is no longer optional but a core capability for young Australians. This was the focus of the workshop delivered by Kate Corcoran and Eva Guirguis at the NSW/ACT Geography Teachers Association Annual Conference.
Through a practical demonstration of how structured student inquiry can be used to investigate contemporary and often contentious Geographical issues, participants were presented with strategies for teaching students to evaluate the credibility of information, uncover misinformation and bias and seek out a range of other perspectives on the issue.
These practices directly support the College’s commitment to Teaching for Thinking where pedagogies intentionally build students’ capacity for critical thinking through effective questioning, reasoning, collaboration and metacognition.
It was a powerful example of how inquiry‑driven learning can empower students to navigate this complex media landscape and become informed, open-minded and constructive citizens.
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
Thank You P&F – A Wonderful Mother’s Day Celebration
Our College community came together in style last week to celebrate Mother’s Day, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible P&F Association volunteers for making it such a memorable occasion.
Through tireless hours of planning and preparation, the P&F created a vibrant and welcoming celebration that truly reflected the strength of our community. Our youngest students fully embraced the Mother’s Day gifts stall where hours of work had gone in to sourcing and wrapping all gifts. The raffle was well arranged and supported by the entire community. Families enjoyed generous breakfast before and after the two Masses and at lunch every detail was thoughtfully organised and warmly delivered.
What made the celebration especially meaningful was the way it engaged so many members of our community – families, staff and students alike – bringing people together in a spirit of generosity and connection.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication, energy and care shown by the P&F volunteers. Your efforts made this Mother’s Day celebration not only successful, but truly special for all involved.
Join us as we say farewell to our College Principal
There are a number of other events taking place at the College that are coming up and we look forward to seeing members of our community gathered to celebrate with us. Here are some reminders and registration links:
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 Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus
Autumn at the Tallong campus is a season that feels like a gentle exhale. As the long days of summer fade, the region slows into a rhythm of crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and cool, star-filled nights. It is a time when the landscape in the southern highlands transforms into a patchwork of colour, delighting locals and visitors alike.
For our students, autumn brings a fresh focus. The cooler weather is perfect for outdoor education activities without the heat of summer. It is a season that encourages reflection, learning and community. This term will see our Years 3/4/5 camps and Year 11 retreat take place at the campus. Pack your thermals and beanies!
This week we welcome 140 Year 5 students from Canberra Grammar School who will be camping out for a night and spending one night in cabins.
I’d also like to remind folk about the community event ‘Veritas in the Valley’ taking place at the campus on 23 and 24 May 2026.
Kendal Hann Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus
Director of Development
I’m reaching out to share some exciting initiatives we have planned for the rest of the year. As part of our ongoing commitment to bringing people together and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, we will be hosting a range of events designed to benefit our community.
We would love to explore the possibility of partnering with you through sponsorship support for one or more of these events. Your involvement would play an important role in helping us deliver high-quality experiences, while also providing valuable exposure and engagement opportunities for your organisation.
Our events attract a diverse and engaged audience, and we would be happy to tailor a sponsorship arrangement that aligns with your goals and interests. Benefits can include brand visibility, promotional opportunities, and direct community engagement.
Please let me know if you would be interested in discussing this further. I would be delighted to share more details about our upcoming events and explore how we might work together.
Sports day sponsorship each Saturday Term 4 – over 3,000 people attend our sports events at the College each weekend.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support and connect with our community.
Annual Appeal
In the coming weeks we will be launching our Annual Appeal for both Scholarships and the Building Fund. Your contribution, whether towards scholarships or facilities, has the power to shape lives, open doors for students and enhance the learning environment for future generations. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference and reflects a shared commitment to excellence, opportunity and community. We would be honoured to have you join us in this mission.
Please look out for this appeal towards the end of this month.
Orange Tree Society
We established the Orange Tree Society to honour those who decide to extend their support of the College by remembering Santa Sabina College in their will. Our Orange Tree symbolises wisdom, endurance and generosity. It continues to stand strong and bear fruit, as will your lasting gift. By informing the College of your intention to leave a gift in your will, you allow us to acknowledge your generosity in your lifetime. This will include VIP invitations, special acknowledgements and a gold-plated pin to mark your legacy.
Consent Education in Year 10 Pastoral Care in Term 2
This term the Year 10 Pastoral Care Program covers important areas of consent and respectful relationships. On Wednesday 13 May our Year 10 students took part in the Walk the Talk program. This bespoke program educates students about the elements of healthy relationships and the nature and characteristics of relationship abuse and coercive control. Students explored how to handle disclosures of abuse and how to seek help. Students were provided with clear and specific instruction about consent. We seek to empower students to challenge and respond to damaging and dangerous gender-based stereotypes.
The second phase of this program will involve Year 10 students working together to support Parramatta Women’s Shelter. We look forward to the wonderful initiatives and ideas that Year 10 will come up with over the year to support our partner shelter. We have been involved in the Walk the Talk program since 2020 and highly value the relationship we have built with Parramatta Women’s Shelter and Enlighten Education. The image below from the Walk the Talk website is an excellent reflection of why we support this program and what we know are the short and long term impacts of the program.
On 20 May, 10 of our Year 10 students accompanied by Ms Stacey Tse will attend the Voices not Violence interactive workshops organised by Burwood Council and facilitated by Police NSW and Consent Labs. Our Year 10 student attendees will return to their cohort and help shaer some of their new learning
Parent Education Corner
The Black Dog Institute is offering parent webinars that may be of interest to families. These freeTeen Mental Health Matters webinars provide parents with opportunities to gain practical tools for starting supportive conversations about mental health with their teenagers.
Year 7 have proudly submitted their Tetris Composition projects, showcasing their creativity, sequencing skills and growing confidence with melodic writing. They are now beginning their new unit, Instruments of the Orchestra, where they will explore instrument families, timbre, orchestral roles and the magic of how composers use colour to shape musical storytelling.
Year 8 – Blues Guitarists & Budding Rock Musicians
Year 8 students are beginning to present their Guitar Performance Assessments, demonstrating the 12‑bar blues, the blues scale and their own improvised solos over a backing track. Their ability to create expressive riffs and respond musically in real time is developing beautifully.
As they complete their unit on The Blues, they will shift into an exciting new study of Rock Music, tracing its evolution, signature sounds and cultural impact.
Year 9 – Ground Bass Composers & Chamber Music Scholars
Year 9 have submitted their Ground Bass Compositions, each one showing thoughtful layering, variation and a strong grasp of Baroque techniques.
They have now begun their new topic, Music for Small Ensembles, diving into Haydn’s Emperor String Quartet and exploring the art of Theme and Variation.
Students are also continuing regular rehearsals with their accompanist and presenting in performance workshops, strengthening their ensemble awareness, confidence and interpretive skills.
Year 10 – Performance Preparation & Australian Music Ahead
Year 10 are working steadily towards their Performance Assessment in Week 7, rehearsing regularly with their accompanist and refining their stagecraft.
They are completing their unit on Music of the 20th Century, having explored impressionism, minimalism, jazz influences and the rise of new musical languages. Next, they will begin their study of Australian Music, examining the voices, stories and sound worlds that shape our national musical identity.
Year 11 HSC Music 1 & Music 2 – Composition & New Topics
Both Music 1 and Music 2 students are preparing for their Composition Assessment due in Week 7, developing ideas with increasing sophistication and stylistic awareness.
Music 1 will soon begin Topic 2: Music of a Culture, exploring musical traditions from around the world through the concepts of music.
Music 2 will begin Topic 2: Music of the Classical Era, analysing form, structure and the elegance of classical style.
Year 11 IB Music – AOI 2, 3 & 4 and Experimenting with Music
Year 11 IB students are engaging deeply with Areas of Inquiry 2, 3 and 4, broadening their understanding of performance, music‑making and cultural context.
They are currently developing their Experimenting with Music (EWM) Portfolio, preparing to submit their first experimentation in Week 7. Students are exploring how the concepts of music can be manipulated, transformed and reimagined through creative trials, technique exploration and reflective practice – a vital part of shaping their emerging artistic identity.
Year 12 HSC Music 1, Music 2 & Extension – Performance Season Begins
Year 12 students are in the thick of rehearsals with their accompanist, band and string quartet as they prepare for their Week 6 Elective Presentations with external examiners.
Across all courses, students are continuing to refine their analysis, aural and musicology skills, strengthening their readiness for the written and practical components of the HSC.
This Friday, 15 May, they will perform in their Term 2 Recital, offering a wonderful opportunity to share their developing artistry with the school community.
Australian Composers Day 2026
Australian Composers Day 2026 proved to be an extraordinary celebration of creativity, collaboration and contemporary music learning. With 300 students from across NSW gathered on Monday 4 May, the event became a living example of what rich, future‑focused music education can achieve when young people are given authentic opportunities to create, perform and think like artists.
From a curriculum standpoint, the day powerfully reinforced the importance of student agency, creative risk‑taking and cultural understanding. Workshops led by Australian composers and industry professionals allowed students to engage deeply with the concepts of music, experiment with new sound worlds and witness firsthand the processes behind professional composition and performance. These experiences directly strengthen the creative, performing and listening outcomes embedded across Stages 4–6.
Santa’s Elective Music students (Years 9–12) and advanced musicians from Year 7 and above represented the school with maturity, curiosity and artistic confidence.
The momentum surrounding the day – evident in the energy of the workshops, the enthusiasm of the presenters and the engagement of the students – affirmed the value of championing young Australian voices. Australian Composers Day has become more than an event; it is a summit of emerging creatives, shaping the next generation of composers, performers and cultural contributors.
We extend our thanks to all students who participated for their openness to learning and collaboration that made the day a genuine highlight of Term 2.
Here’s what the students have to say:
The 2026 Composer’s Day was really fun! We got to hear from inspiring Australian composers and learn how to use different compositional devices in our own work. One of my favourite composers was Luka Lesson, and we listened to him rap his newly released song AGAPI! Seeing him create music in a contemporary style such as hip hop, and how he connects political issues and his culture to shape a unique sound, was inspiring.
I also enjoyed hearing from Alice Chance and learning about her interest in microtonality; it has actually sparked an interest in me as well. After lunch, I went to the looping session with Miss Tsang, which was so much fun. We got to use the vocal looping stations and collaborate with students from other schools. Sienna Di Santo Year 11 HSC
I found all of the activities engaging and fun, particularly during the afternoon when we were able to participate in more interactive sessions. All of the composers were talented in their respective areas and had a lot of wisdom to share! I believe that Composers Day is a great way for any music student to consolidate their knowledge and have fun with their peers. Sofia Prevezanos Year 11 HSC
Composers Day gave us the chance to interact with many renowned and inspiring composers from the Australian music industry. Through this event, I learnt a lot of helpful insights and tips about expressing ideas clearly when composing music, and I believe it will be really useful for my Music 2 studies. Celine Choi Year 11 HSC
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.
Hyper Realism – a collection of adapted scripts Hyper Realism is a collection of adapted scripts by Year 10 Drama exploring the funny, turbulent lives of young Australians full of anxieties, fears, aspirations, dreams and love.
Date: 21, 22 May at 7:00pm Where: Black Box Theatre Tickets: Students: $5, Adults: $10
Late last term students in Years 9 and 10 attended the Science and Engineering Challenge at Sydney Olympic Park. The events, run by the University of Newcastle in cooperation with academics from multiple NSW universities, offer students the chance to engage with design, engineering, problem solving and experimentation.
We congratulate our students who placed third overall and had a wonderful time solving electrical problems, building and testing prototypes and putting science into action. They had the benefit of working alongside other like minded students under the mentorship of engineering students and volunteers from universities across NSW.
A special thanks to Mr Chadwick, Ms Chapman and Ms Iskandar who helped to ready the students for the challenge by mentoring them on Tuesday afternoons in Term 1.
Student Reflections
Below are two reflections from Year 9 students who attended for the first time this year;
‘The Science and Engineering Challenge was an amazing experience that provided the opportunity to strengthen our teamwork skills, encouraged us to push ideas through experimentation, and showed how innovation emerges from collective problem solving.‘
Emilia Year 9
‘During the eco habitat challenge, when the rain test began and we realised the instructions had been mixed up, our whole group froze with the same stunned look before cracking into shock laughter. The confusion and disbelief made the moment ridiculous, but what came after made it better. Watching the model hold up in the storm simulation and weight test brought an unexpected rush of excitement that turned the whole mix‑up into one of the best parts of the day.‘ Sienna Year 9
Matthew Mountford Dean of Gifted Education
Law Society Mock Trial – Round 2 Update
The Santa Sabina College Mock Trial team proudly competed in Round 2 of the NSW Law Society Mock Trial Competition, taking on Rosebank College in a challenging criminal law matter under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
This round centred on a charge of damaging property in company, requiring our team to apply their knowledge of criminal procedure, evidentiary rules and courtroom advocacy. Acting for the defence, our students demonstrated impressive legal reasoning, teamwork and confidence under pressure. Our Round 2 team included Barristers Mia Bek and Abigail Dawson, Instructing Solicitor Stephanie Ghabar, Court Officer Rebecca Sarlas and our Witnesses Eliza Thistlewayte and Ruby Dib.
Throughout the trial, the defence team worked strategically to challenge the prosecution’s case presented by Rosebank College in front of Magistrate Greg Morahan, testing the reliability of witness testimony and raising reasonable doubt regarding the alleged property damage. The matter required students to think critically about mens rea, joint criminal enterprise and the standard of proof in criminal proceedings. Ultimately, the Santa Sabina team was able to defend the charges against their client, resulting in a solid trial win.
This round not only strengthened students’ advocacy skills but also deepened their understanding of how the criminal justice system operates in practice. Ably led by staff members Shirley Chan and Vikki Cummins, the professionalism and preparation shown by all team members reflect the strong legal culture developing within our College Mock Trial team.
We congratulate the team on their dedication and look forward to the next round of competition.
Richard Crittenden Acting Head of Department – HSIE
Year 10 vaccinations
In Year 10, students are offered free vaccines for Meningococcal ACWY at Santa Sabina College on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
Vaccinations will only be provided if consent has been received.
Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
Enter your child’s personal details.
Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child.
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from the College Nurse.
The benefits of providing consent online:
easily update your child’s details
receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Finding our voice: Years 8-10 ASPIRE poetry workshops inspired by The Magic Words
This term, students in the ASPIRE program are continuing their journey into the world of poetry.
Guided by 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.
Students have experimented with imagery, rhythm and voice, using prompts from the book to spark ideas and stretch their imaginations.
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.’
Many students have discovered new confidence in expressing themselves, while others have found joy in the creative challenge of shaping words into something meaningful.
Enjoy!
Joanna McKeown Dean of Inclusive Education (P-12)
I am Thankful I thank the earth for its nature I thank the sky for its Brightness I thank the sea for its Beauty I thank the wind for its breeze I thank the body for its Gifts I thank the Beginning for its life I thank the end for its Peace Yes, I thank even in the end. What would the beginning be Without the strong peace at the end.
Anastasia Bucciarelli Year 8
First is the Worst They say ‘First is the worst, second is the best‘ But second feels the worst indeed because all I had to do was push a little harder then the gold could’ve been strung around my neck They say ‘First is the worst, second is the best‘ But I am convinced that is a lie to make us second placers feel better If I could rewrite And if I could change First is the winner Second is the worst, even third doesn’t come close to how bad silver hurts‘
Anastasia Bucciarelli Year 8
Silence
The eerie silence of sitting at that desk, The eerie silence of the clock ticking, The eerie silence of the pen moving, The eerie silence of the rustling of papers, The eerie silence of the wheels turning in my head The eerie silence of the chair moving back and forth like a pendulum, The eerie silence of the muted sound coming through the house, The eerie silence of the aircon going on in the background, The eerie silence that I know all too well, The eerie silence that I shouldn’t know that well, but we all do, The eerie silence where you know that there is a deadline coming, And it’s coming too soon, The eerie silence that has come too early to comprehend in a year 7 brain, In any brain for that matter, The eerie silence where you know that this isn’t right, And that you shouldn’t be doing this, but you are, Because society has made it normal, They have made it normal for you to second guess, When you should be playing out on the grass, Laughing with your friend…but no, The feeling that the eerie silence is closing in on you, Faster and Faster, and Faster, Until there is nothing left to close in on, That eerie silence that was once there turned into just silence.
Annamarie El-Hachem Year 9
Maths Homework Help
Assistant Head of Gioia House
eSafety Presentation from Constable Jim
Our Year 5 and 6 students were treated to an engaging and highly informative session this week when Constable Jim visited to speak about eSafety and responsible online behaviour. His presentation blended real‑life examples, practical advice and interactive discussion, giving students a clear understanding of how to stay safe and make positive choices in digital spaces.
Constable Jim explored key topics such as protecting personal information, recognising unsafe or suspicious online behaviour, managing screen time and responding appropriately to cyberbullying. Students were encouraged to think critically about the apps and games they use, the way they communicate online and the digital footprint they create. Many students commented on how helpful it was to hear real stories from someone who works closely with young people and online safety issues every day.
This session supports our ongoing commitment to digital citizenship across the school. Teachers will continue to build on these messages in the classroom through explicit pastoral eSafety lessons, discussions and practical activities that help students develop safe and respectful online habits.
We also recognise the vital role families play in guiding children’s online experiences. We encourage you to continue these important conversations at home. Working together, we can ensure our students feel confident, informed, and safe as they navigate the digital world.
Action Teams and Leaders Meeting
Our Gioia House Action Teams have launched into the term with impressive energy and purpose. Students have been working as a team to identify areas for improvement, planning initiatives and working together to help our school and wider community.
This week, our Gioia House leaders met with our Senior Leadership Team to share progress updates and work on ideas for upcoming school initiatives. The conversations were thoughtful, forward‑looking and driven by a student voice. Leaders discussed topics for our upcoming Santa Fest celebrations.
These meetings ensure that student perspectives remain central to school planning and they highlight the powerful impact of collaborative leadership. We look forward to seeing these ideas continue to grow throughout the year.
Learning from Sr Sheila about St Catherine of Siena
Our Year 5 and 6 students were fortunate to welcome Sr Sheila this week for an inspiring session on the life and legacy of St Catherine of Siena, one of the most influential women in the history of the Church. Born in 1347, St Catherine was known for her deep compassion, her commitment to serving the poor and the sick, and her remarkable courage in speaking up for peace and unity. Although she never held an official leadership role, her wisdom and determination helped guide important Church decisions and her writings continue to shape Christian spirituality today.
Sr Sheila brought St Catherine of Siena’s story to life, helping students understand how her values, courage, service, faith,and compassion remain relevant in our world. She encouraged students to reflect on how they, too, can make a positive difference through small acts of kindness and a willingness to stand up for what is right.
In addition to her presentation, Sr Sheila prepared a beautiful and reverent celebration liturgy. This special gathering allowed students to pray, reflect and celebrate the spirit of St Catherine of Siena in a meaningful and age‑appropriate way.
We extend our warmest thanks to Sr Sheila for her wisdom, generosity, guidance and the joy she brings to Gioia House and our school community.
Marisa Maks Assistant Head of Gioia House
Music at Gioia House (Curricular)
Gioia House Choir – Preparing for the Gala Concert
The Gioia House Choir is buzzing with energy as they dive into preparations for this year’s highly anticipated Gala Concert. Their featured solo item, Vois Sur Ton Chemin, is already taking shape beautifully, with students embracing the challenge of French text and singing with growing confidence and refinement.
They are also collaborating with Del Monte on a vibrant joint performance of Over My Head, exploring blend, balance and expressive storytelling across the combined ensemble. Alongside this, the choir is learning a suite of massed singing works – Instruments of Peace, Welcome to All People, Let Love Rule and Light of Grace – each offering rich opportunities for musicality, ensemble awareness and shared artistry.
Last week, the choir recorded Light of Grace for a special project to be released later in the year, giving students a taste of studio‑style performance and the excitement of contributing to a larger creative production.
Gioia House Instrumental – Preparing for the Term 2 Learning Showcase
Our Gioia House instrumentalists are in full swing as they prepare for their Term 2 Learning Showcase in Week 7. Families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate the students’ progress and musical achievements.
Across the program, students in Year 5 and Year 6 Mini Maestros are rehearsing both in their instrumental groups and as full bands.
Year 5 will present selected works from Essential Elements, demonstrating their developing technique, ensemble skills and growing confidence as emerging musicians.
Year 6 will perform Creatures in the Attic, a dramatic and imaginative work by Brian Balmages, while our Mega Maestros ensemble will showcase The Crossings by Robert Sheldon – a piece that highlights expressive playing, dynamic contrast and ensemble unity.
Our Gioia House Strings (Years 5 and 6) are also refining their performances of The Lazy Wombat and Ballad of the Burning Sky, exploring tone colour, bow control and musical storytelling through these contrasting works.
To round out the evening, we will also be delighted by a selection of solo performances, offering students the chance to shine individually and share their developing artistry with the community.
Froukje Werlemann-Godfrey Head of Music 5-12
Alana Thorne Facilitator GH Instrumental ‘Mini Maestros’
Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich Facilitator GH Instrumental ‘Strings’
Cecilia Pensini 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.
Year 6 students have been busy in the science laboratory exploring how electrical energy moves and changes form. As part of their unit on energy transfer and transformation, students planned and constructed their own simple electrical circuits using battery packs, wires, light globes and a bell. They investigated how energy flows from a source, such as a battery, through a pathway of wires to a device that transforms the energy into light, heat, sound or movement. Throughout the lessons, students experimented with different circuit designs and observed how altering components affected the outcome. They were excited to see their light globes glow and bells ring as they successfully completed their circuits. This hands‑on experience helped deepen their understanding of how everyday electrical systems work. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, teamwork and problem‑solving skills shine during these practical sessions.
Marisa Maks, Eamonn Dunphy, Ann Milicic, Georgia Wheatley, Rebecca Seidman Year 6 teachers
What’s happening in Year 5
During STEM Year 5 students have been learning to code using micro:bits. They worked collaboratively to code the micro:bits to show flashing hearts, smiley faces and create name tags. They even programmed the micro:bits to create dance moves. Students were able to see the connection between what they do with the code on the screen and how this affects the micro:bit device.
In Science, Year 5 students have been investigating adaptations. This week in the science labs, they explored how different bird beak shapes have evolved over time to help birds gather specific types of food. Students used tools such as tweezers, straws, chopsticks, spoons and pegs to model various beak types and test how effectively each one could pick up different items. This hands‑on experiment helped students understand how structural adaptations support survival in different environments.
Stephanie Yiorkas, Wendy Anetter, Alison Di Ciaccio, Monique Taylor, Tayla Kostakis Year 5 teachers
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Pastoral Update
Turning Scraps into Something Special
Over the past fortnight, we continued exploring the theme, Accepting the Invitation to Care for the World We Share, with a special focus on International Composting Awareness Week.
Students discovered why composting matters for our planet; learning that food scraps in landfill create leachate, which can pollute soil and waterways, and methane gas, a major contributor to air pollution and climate change. By contrast, composting transforms everyday scraps into nutrient‑rich soil.
They also explored what can be composted, how the composting process works, and how they can play their part by placing food scraps in the correct bins. These moments encouraged students to see that even small acts of stewardship can reflect God’s love in the world.
Gifted Education Update
Hands‑on Maths Adventures
Maths Quest students have dived into their new learning with curiosity and teamwork. Using concrete materials and diagrams, they explored Compare and Share problems and made their thinking visible. It was wonderful to see students collaborating, discussing ideas and experimenting with different strategies as they built confidence in solving mathematical challenges.
Let the Maths Games Begin!
Bright minds were buzzing this week as students completed their first Maths Explorer, Maths Games and Maths Olympiad papers for the year. With focus and determination, they embraced each challenge and enjoyed stretching their mathematical thinking.
Da Vinci Training and Decathlon
Year 5 students have now wrapped up their Da Vinci training, and it has been a wonderful journey. They loved learning alongside older girls, experimenting with creative problem‑solving, and finishing with an engineering challenge: designing and constructing a solar‑powered wind turbine. Their teamwork and ingenuity shone, even catching the attention of other Da Vinci groups.
Our Year 6 Da Vinci team showed outstanding commitment, starting their big day with a very early 6:15am departure for the Da Vinci Decathlon at Knox Grammar. They tackled a full day of demanding tasks, collaborating, thinking creatively and solving problems under pressure. Every student gave her all, demonstrating impressive teamwork, effort and a positive, can‑do attitude from start to finish.
Lauren Petroni Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6
Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)
Learning to play together is a tricky thing. A special group of string players are learning to perform all the songs and the parts of the Mass for our Del Monte family to sing along to at Mass. These string players must practice their own parts, and then be able to rehearse them together, while keeping up with the singing. Their playing at Mass on Thursday was truly a wonderful achievement. This was the first time that these students have performed together.
Prep students are learning about loud and soft. We had a special ‘conductor’s’ game which involves every student playing an instrument either loudly or softly depending on the conductor in the hula hoop. They must watch the conductor and moderate their music playing.
Year 2 are discerning the difference between rhythm and beat. Beat players keep a steady beat on the drum while rhythm players perform on claves. They sing class songs as they play their instruments. They also have been singing and dancing, which is a fun way of exploring the concepts of music.
Phillipa Knight Coordinator of Music P-4
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 past few weeks at Del Monte have been filled with excitement as students prepare for their upcoming Outdoor Education experiences at Tallong. Year 4 recently attended an informative meeting with Mr Walker and our enthusiastic Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders. The leaders did a fantastic job answering questions and sharing their experiences, helping to build confidence and excitement among our Year 4 students.
Year 4 will attend their Outdoor Education Experience in Week 5, followed by Year 3 in Week 7. In Week 9, Year 2 students will participate in their Tallong Incursion Overnight Experience here at Del Monte, providing them with an opportunity to develop independence and teamwork skills in a familiar environment. All students are eagerly anticipating these experiences, and we wish them every success as they challenge themselves, support one another and create lasting memories.
We have also seen some fantastic progress within our Spelling Groups over the past few weeks. Several students have moved between groups, reflecting their dedication, perseverance and growth since the beginning of the year. These changes are a wonderful indicator of the effectiveness of the program and the hard work our students are putting in. Well done to all of Stage 2, keep up the great effort!
Writing Club is now well underway, with students enthusiastically engaging in creative writing tasks and exploring their imagination. I am very much looking forward to reading their developing pieces and sharing some standout work in an upcoming newsletter.
Teaching for Critical Thinking
Our teachers have continued their professional learning journey in the area of Critical Thinking. Last Thursday, staff came together to reflect on classroom practices and engage in valuable professional dialogue. Teachers shared examples of explicit teaching strategies and provided constructive feedback to one another. It was a highly insightful and collaborative afternoon and we are excited to continue implementing these strategies in our classrooms. Already, students are demonstrating higher-level thinking, asking thoughtful questions, and showing greater curiosity as they explore topics more deeply.
Kate Bakhos Curriculum Leader P-4
Religious Education in Del Monte
Primary Years Mother’s Day Mass
Last Thursday, 7 May, our Primary Years students gathered with their mothers and special guests to celebrate a beautiful Mother’s Day Mass. It was a prayerful and joyful occasion that honoured the love, care and faith that mothers bring into the lives of their children and our school community.
A special reflection was shared by DonniaKhouzame, who spoke thoughtfully about what it truly means to be a mother. Her reflection highlighted that motherhood is expressed in many ways – through love, sacrifice, guidance and presence – and reflected God’s nurturing love for us all.
Mrs Khouzame reflected that Motherhood is beautiful and deeply meaningful, but it is also messy, exhausting and stretching in ways nothing else is, calling us to live out strength, patience and love each day. In loving our children through the chaos and quiet moments, we reflect God’s constant and faithful love – and to all mothers, especially those carrying unseen burdens, you are seen, valued and doing more than you realise.
The Khouzame children added a child’s perspective to our celebration.
Alissa in Year 5 wrote, ‘One of the most important things you’ve taught us is that when things feel difficult, we can still do it, and that it’s okay to fail, because that’s how we learn and get better”.
Jude in Year 3 said, ‘Thank you for teaching me to be kind and for teaching me how to pray.’
Pierre in Year 2 added, ‘You’re the best mum ever and you make everything fun.’
Avielle in Kindergarten finished our refection and said, ‘Mum, thank you for giving me kisses and hugs before school and before bed. I love you, my best friend.’
May – Month of Mary: Rosary
Mary holds a special place in our faith as the mother of Jesus and a model of love, humility and trust in God. Her wholehearted ‘yes’ to God reminds us to listen, to have faith and to serve others with generosity and compassion. During the month of May, we honour Mary by turning to her example and asking for her guidance as we grow in faith and prayer together.
In the month of May, Wednesday morning Rosary will resume at 8:20am in the Del Monte Chapel. All members of our school community are warmly invited to join us in prayer as we come together to honour Mary.
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator P–6
St Dominic the Adventurer – Year 3
Knot Tying for Shelter – Badge of Skill
Our young adventurers have been developing valuable outdoor skills as they worked towards their Knot Tying for Shelter badge. Inspired by the spirit of St Dominic, students explored how simple techniques can be used to create safe and practical shelters.
Through teamwork and hands-on learning, they showed great enthusiasm, resilience and creativity. This experience helped build their confidence, cooperation skills and willingness to take on new challenges.
As this was their final St Dominic the Adventurer session for the year, we congratulate our Year 3 students on embracing each opportunity with such energy and determination. Their growing independence and adventurous spirit continue to shine within our school community.
Christopher Walker Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
Tina Nicotina Religious Education Coordinator
Year 4
Students in Year 4 have learned about changes to the Earth’s surface, focusing on the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes. Linking with digital technology, they were introduced to the Micro:bit device and applied their coding skills to design and simulate a tool for use in warning people about natural disasters. Students then tested these devices in response to shaking movements, where icons, sounds and messages were displayed on their Micro:bits.
Kate Bakhos, Natalie Bejar, Merissa Perivolarellis and Edward Wang Year 4 Teachers
Year 3
Year 3 have been exploring the features of informative and instructional texts as part of their English this term. They have learned how writers organise information, use precise language and sequence ideas so that a reader can easily understand and follow a process. To develop these skills, students examined a range of model texts and identified key features such as action verbs, technical vocabulary and logical sequencing.
This knowledge was then applied to a hands-on writing task. The students drafted an instructional text that explained how to build a bug hotel. They then created theirs by repurposing plastic bottles, a practical link to the class’s ongoing discussions about sustainability, recycling and caring for the environment. Before writing, students revisited the steps they followed during construction. They used displayed photos, the class word wall and their planning sheets to support their drafting. Year 3 should feel proud of how confidently they combined literacy learning with real‑world purpose.
Kelly Garciaand Louise Harris Year 3 Teachers
Year 2
Our Year 2 students recently went on an exciting trip to the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University oif Sydney to learn more about Ancient Greece and Rome. It was a day full of discovery as the children explored real ancient artefacts, like old clay pots and Roman coins, seeing things they had only ever read about in books. The best part of the day was the workshop, where everyone got to dress up in traditional clothes.
Furthermore, the Lego Pompeii display serves as a brilliant focal point for Year 2 students, using over 190,000 bricks to transform complex archaeology into a vibrant, accessible model that illustrates both the daily life and the dramatic destruction of the ancient city. By stepping into the shoes of people from the past, our students brought history to life and had a fantastic time learning what it was like to live in ancient times!
Cara Bingham, Christina Mazis, Tina Nicotina, Catherine McGrath Year 2 Teachers
Year 1
Year 1 students participated in an Anzac Day Liturgy on Friday 24 April. Year 1 was joined by the children from St Lucy’s who assisted with laying the symbols of Anzac on the Sacred Space. These included a cross to represent God’s continued presence, a wreath of red poppies in remembrance of the soldiers who gave their lives for a free Australia, a khaki slouch hat to symbolise Australia’s contribution from young Australian Diggers. The children also offered a photograph of a soldier in uniform and a sprig of Rosemary that grew wild on the rocky hills around Gallipoli. The students sang beautifully and performed actions that inspired the Santa Sabina community to,’ Light a Candle for Peace.’
Lest we Forget.
Margie Attard, Calista Camarda and Lorette Quinlan Year 1 Teachers
Kindergarten
In HSIE this term, Kindergarten students have been exploring our unit Stories of Our Past. Children brought in family photos from their grandparents’ childhoods, their parents’ childhoods, their own early years and a memorable moment from their lives. Together, we compared and contrasted these images to see how experiences have changed over time, including differences in clothing, technology and family structure. Students then sequenced their photos from ‘then’ to ‘now’, creating a simple visual timeline that showed how their personal histories have unfolded throughout the generations. They were so proud to share their stories, and the class loved learning more about one another’s families and traditions.
Ella Reilly, Erin Horne and Brooke Napper Kindergarten Teachers
Prep
Prep Takes a Leap into Learning
The students in Prep kicked off an exciting new Science focus this term as they began exploring the life cycle of a frog. Their first discovery was that tiny frog eggs are called frogspawn and while we did not have real eggs on hand, our chia‑seed ‘frogspawn’ looked remarkably close. The students were eager to observe, touch and discuss how something so small could one day become a hopping frog.
As our investigation continued, the students learned that frogs are extraordinary amphibians, able to live both in water and on land. To bring this idea to life, we created our own edible frog ponds using wobbly blue jelly topped with a bright red frog. This hands-on (and delicious) activity helped students consolidate their understanding of how frogs grow and thrive in their habitats.
We look forward to exploring the next stage of the frog life cycle as our learning journey continues.
Rebecca Saba and Monique Evans Prep Teachers
Frogspawn
Jelly
The warm, expressive culture of Italy
In our recent Italian lessons, students have been busy mastering the art of introductions, blending language skills with the warm, expressive culture of Italy. Through interactive games and role-playing, students have been learning how to introduce themselves and have been gaining confidence in asking questions to their peers. Students also engaged in the learning of vocabulary for introducing others and enjoyed performing conversations with their classmates. As the highlight of these exchanges, everyone participated by changing their identity and had to discover that of others. These practices have been encouraging team work, empathy and social bonding, which are core benefits of early language acquisition.
Daniela Panico Italian Teacher
Director of Music P-12
This term is always such a joyous and industrious time for our Music-makers, and we see our Dominican value of ‘Community’ celebrated in gatherings like Mother’s Day Masses, Pro Summa Assemblies, Discovery Tours and Career Women’s Network Breakfasts while student recitals also enrich our regular weekly rhythms.
Meanwhile, repertoire for our flagship events continue to simmer away with focus and rigour behind the scenes – ready to come to the fore as the term culminates in a joyful musical celebration at the Sydney Town Hall.
Instruments of Peace Gala Concert
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | 6:00pm
This beloved event in our College calendar is shaping up with such rich promise, as once again we bring together all College ensembles in a powerful program reflecting our shared hopes for the world through our music. After last year’s VOICES OF HOPE, you can expect a moving and thoughtfully curated evening in our INSTRUMENTS OF PEACE concert – as we explore the message of St Francis (on the 800th anniversary of his passing) while showcasing the dynamic breadth of our musicians. We have some exciting guest artists joining us, who are sure to help lift the roof with our resounding message for 2026. Please keep an eye out for direct communication to performers from the Music Department in the coming weeks.
Spread the word and secure your seats early to ensure you can be part of this special event!
Australian Composers Day 2026 – A Landmark Celebration
Last week’s Australian Composers Day was a vibrant summit that made a powerful statement about the future of our nation’s musical and cultural identity. Santa Sabina was proud to host our largest event to date, welcoming more than 330 delegates for a day dedicated to creativity, collaboration and the art of composition.
Students from across NSW engaged deeply with this year’s theme, #WhatWillYouSay, exploring how young composers can pursue technical excellence while grounding their work in authentic human expression.
We were honoured to welcome Dr Maria Grenfell, who travelled from Tasmania, alongside the incomparable Alice Chance (whose work will feature in our Gala Concert on 23 June). The day also featured a compelling live hip-hop performance by Luka Lesson, celebrating his recent collaboration with Dr James Humberstone, AGAPI, which dropped to streaming platforms as part of the event!
The afternoon was rich with creative energy, as 11 workshops were led by an outstanding team of mentors: Aija Draguns, Lucy Blomfield, Christine Pan, Oliver John Cameron, Andrew Howes, our own Jason de Wilde, Charlotte Leamon and Veronica Tsang. A special thank you to all presenters, partners and supporters who made the day so impactful.
This Weekend! Chamber Choir at Songfest!
Saturday 16 May 2026 | 7:00pm
We are delighted that our Chamber Choir will perform in the inaugural Songfest Choral Festival, hosted by Gondwana at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This prestigious event brings together exceptional young singers from across the state, and we are proud to be represented at this level.
Performers have received notices from the Music Office. For members of our community wishing to attend, details are below:
All are warmly invited to attend and support our singers in this exciting new festival.
Open Recital Series
Next Recital: Friday 22 May | 3:45pm | Holyrood
Our private tuition students will take to the stage in the next Open Recital, offering a wonderful opportunity to witness their growth, dedication and artistry in an intimate and supportive setting. Families and friends are warmly invited to attend!
Such a joy to witness the continued flourishing of students through the music they are making.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. Please feel free to reach out to the Music Department if we can assist you with any music-related matter.
A composition prize for Amelia Lin!
Congratulations to Amelia Lin of Year 6 who won her composition age group section of the Armidale Eisteddfod with her violin piece!
Young instrumentalists
On Sunday 3 May, Santa students performed in Met Orchestra Young Instrumentalist Festival. We commend these students for their dedication in seeking opportunities to develop their performance craft, and would like to express our gratitude to organisations like the Met Orchestra for hosting these valuable experiences.
Amy Richardson Director of Music (P-12)
Director of Sport and Co-curricular
Director of Sport
Term 2 has been a vibrant and action‑packed season for Sport and Co‑curricular Activities at the College. Our community has been buzzing with energy as preparations ramp up for the Senior Athletics Carnival on 14 May and the Junior Carnival on 11 June. Alongside this, our CGSSSA and SCS representative pathways continue to thrive, our Representative Volleyball teams have launched into the Sydney Volleyball League and the Monte Sant’ Angelo Competitions, and our Debating and Public Speaking programs are in full swing with students showing remarkable confidence and pride.
Our Dance teams are also deep in preparation for their upcoming season, while every Saturday our IPSHA, IGSA and Inner West Netball teams proudly represent the College with commitment and spirit.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of families who transport and encourage them and the tireless work of our Sport and Co‑curricular staff who ensure every activity is delivered with excellence.
StudentAchievements
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of several students this term:
Lydia Wang (Year 6) – Champion of the Jack Newton Junior Golf U12 Tour Blue Mountains, Girls 10+ Division.
Davina Rajikumar – Represented the College in the Plain English Speaking Competition, progressing to Stage 2.
Zoe Wong*** (Year 11) – Gold medallist in the Mixed Junior 500m at the Australian Dragonboat Championships.
***A member of the College Elite Athlete Program
Their hard work and passion embody the College spirit and we congratulate them wholeheartedly.
Term 3 Sport & Co‑curricular Registrations Now Open
Registrations for Term 3 Saturday Sports, IGSA, IPSHA and Co‑curricular Clubs are officially open.
Saturday Sports (training once per week, TBC)
IPSHA Girls Touch Football – Years 3–6
IGSA Hockey – Years 7–12
IGSA Football – Years 7–12
IGSA Basketball – Years 7–12
Meriden Invitational Badminton – Years 6–12.
Registrations close Wednesday 27 May.
Co‑curricular Clubs
Athletics Club – Mondays before school, Years 2–12
Fencing Skills – Mondays before school, Years 4–12
Strength & Conditioning – Mondays & Tuesdays before school, Years 7–12
Multi Sport Fit Club – Wednesdays after school, Years 5–6
Mandarin – Wednesdays after school, Years 5–12
Badminton Skills – Thursdays after school, Years 5–12
Boxing Club – Fridays before school, Years 7–12
Mandarin (Del Monte Campus) – Thursdays & Fridays after school, Years 1–4
Dance Program – Years K–10, multiple genres.
For Del Monte Co‑curricular enquiries, please contact Mr Ryan Dunlop at r.dunlop@ssc.nsw.edu.au.
How to Register
Please use the REGISTER HERE link. Before opening it, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or using incognito mode.
You can also access the registration portal via the College Sports VO Page or through the College App under Co‑curricular → Registration.
Once logged in, select your child’s name to view eligible activities under:
Co‑curricular Term 3 – 2026
Winter Sport Term 3 – 2026
We look forward to another exciting term filled with growth, teamwork, and joyful participation. If you have any questions, please contact the Sports Department at sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au
Luiz Ramalho Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Primary Sport
NSWPSSA Swimming Championships
On Tuesday 28 April, Our Senior Girls 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay team competed at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The team consisted of Romee Lee, Sophia Guo, Georgia Hall and Cindy Zheng. In the lead up to this event, the team had progressed through Conference, Sydney and Mackillop, eventually finishing 14th overall in the state. This is a tremendous result and the girls should be very proud of their achievement.
In addition to this, Romee Lee also competed in six individual events finishing with two Gold Medals and four Silver medals. Romee will now attend the Australian School Swimming Championships, to be held in Melbourne this November. Another amazing result from our Champion Swimmer!
Sydney Catholic Schools Touch Football Trials
Congratulations to Mischa Sleiman who was selected into the Conference 2 Touch Football team. Mischa will now attend the Sydney trials on Wednesday 13 May. Good luck Mischa!
Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships
On Tuesday 12 May, 20 students from Years 3-6 attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek. All students put in an amazing effort, running with true grit and determination all the way to the finish line. It was also great to see tremendous school spirit as students cheered on their peers throughout the day
Congratulations to Grace Calcagno who finished fourth in the 12 Years Girls Division. Grace will now compete at the Mackillop Cross Country Trials at Sydney Equestrian Centre on Wednesday 24 June.
Primary Athletics Carnival
Registration is now open for all Primary Championship events (Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, High Jump, 200m and 800m)
CLICK HERE to nominate your child/children. Registration will close on Thursday 4 June.
Ryan Dunlop PE and Co-curricular Coordinator P-4
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
All members of the College community are invited to gather at our Threads of Connection Gala Dinner celebrating the threads that connect us – past, present, and future.
As we prepare for Science Week 2026 (15–23 August), our Science Department is excited to once again host the Santa Sabina Science Week Showcase on 19 August, a special evening that celebrates the incredible scientific expertise within our own College community. We are looking for parents, carers and community members who work in any scientific or science‑related field and would be willing to share their experiences.
Our aim is to showcase the many ways science is used beyond the classroom – highlighting real‑world applications, diverse career pathways and the creativity and curiosity that drive scientific thinking. By hearing directly from professionals, we hope to inspire our students to pursue senior science subjects and consider future careers in STEM.
This year’s national theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All, invites us to reflect on how ideas grow. Just as seeds need the right conditions to flourish, scientific understanding thrives when curiosity is encouraged, questions are explored, and knowledge is shared. The theme celebrates the journey from a spark of inquiry to discoveries that benefit the wider community, reminding us that science grows best through collaboration, creativity, and care.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 19 August Timing: 5:30-7:30pm (Light refreshments from 5:30pm, presentations begin at 6:00pm) Location: Lecture Theatre, Santa Sabina College Presentations: Six-10 minute talk, with slides, highlighting your work in a field of science. If it is possible to make a connection to the Theme of Science Week that would be appreciated, however, it is not mandatory.
Each presentation will be followed by three-five minutes of question time from the audience.
To express interest in presenting, would you please complete the Google Form below? We look forward to hearing from you!
If you would like to know more about what’s involved please do not hesitate to contact us at n.kempers@ssc.nsw.edu.au.
Natasha Kempers Head of Science
Matthew Chadwick Assistant Head of Science
From the P&F Association
From Breakfast to Bellinis: Mother’s Day Highlights
Our College community came together beautifully this Mother’s Day to celebrate the incredible mothers, grandmothers, carers and special women in our lives.
At our Mother’s Day Breakfast, we were delighted to welcome and serve more than 1,000 guests and students. A heartfelt thank you goes to our generous sponsor Primo Foods for catering our delicious hot breakfast items, and to our amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help feed and support our community.
The celebrations continued at our Mediterranean-themed Mother’s Day Lunch, where 150 guests gathered at Ecco Ristorante for a long Italian-inspired lunch. With sparkling water views providing the perfect backdrop, guests enjoyed Bellinis, captured memories in our photo booth and shared heartfelt stories about their mums and the joys of motherhood.
Our Mother’s Day Raffle was also a tremendous success, raising close to $10,000 to support the installation of air conditioning in our school halls. Thank you to everyone who donated, contributed and helped source the incredible prizes on offer. Congratulations to the lucky winner of our Luxury Queensland Weekend Away – Nicole Jabbour!
Finally, our Mother’s Day Stalls were a wonderful highlight for students from Prep to Year 6. More than 1,300 gifts were carefully sourced and wrapped by our dedicated P&F team and superstar parent volunteers, creating a truly special experience for our students.
The excitement and pride on the children’s faces as they selected their own gifts for Mum was incredibly heartwarming to see. We were especially touched to hear lovely feedback from some new students to Gioia House, commenting, ‘Wow, we had nothing like this at our old school.‘
We hope all our mums, grandmothers and carers enjoyed their thoughtful and lovingly chosen gifts and thank our wonderful volunteers for helping make the stalls such a memorable success.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make these events so memorable. The generosity, warmth and spirit of our parent community continues to make our College such a special place.
Kindergarten Catch Up
The rain held out long enough for our Kindy families to enjoy some lunch and leisure time beyond the school gates. It was a joy to see some of our newest community members come together and form connections.
