College Principal

In her final Lamp Post for Santa Sabina, Ms Skerman wraps up Term 2 and acknowledges and thanks the College community after her nearly seven-year tenure as College Principal.

Paulina Skerman
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Mission and Service hear the voices of our students

Training to be Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic traditions. Over the past two years, students from Santa Sabina have participated in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney program for training students to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Both the training and service at lunchtime and whole school Masses have provided them with a profound understanding of the Eucharist.

Student reflections:

‘The training we undertook gave me a renewed sense of reverence for the Eucharist, and the ministry itself is truly a beautiful and powerful way to accompany others in their faith.‘
Olivia Santangelo
Year 12

‘Being entrusted to distribute the Body of Christ has enabled me to intimately participate in Mass through service and connection with other members of the school community.‘
Zara Ters
Year 12

‘Completing the course helped me understand the responsibility that comes with sharing the Body of Christ. It reminded me of the importance of serving with humility, reverence, and a deep love for God. I am thankful for this opportunity to grow in faith and to strengthen my relationship with God.‘
Chloe Boustani
Year 11

Special Religious Education Classes

Additionally, students from Year 11 have continued to seek opportunities to serve others in the community by participating in Special Religious Education (SRE) classes in a local public school. Students volunteer their time to teach Religious Education at Croydon Park Public School a few hours each term, in the hopes of bringing Christ to others. 

Student reflections:

It’s been such a pleasure to help out at Croydon Park Public School and spread God’s word, especially to such bright, eager students! So many of these students were so excited to learn about the Scripture and the Catholic tradition, and it was great to see that even though they only get a limited amount of time each week, they are still so engaged and enthusiastic about learning more about their faith!
Hannah Chan
Year 11

‘I’ve loved finding creative ways to bring the scriptures to life for the kids, turning bible stories into something exciting for them. Teaching young children about God forces you to look at your own beliefs through simple and more joyful eyes.‘
Monique Francis
Year 11

Year 9 RE Curriculum – Church History in Australia

This term, Year 9 students studied Church History in Australia, including the introduction of the Eastern Catholic Churches and their contributions to the Catholic Community. Students were able to experience an Eastern Catholic liturgy from the Maronite Church where Fr Ron Hassarati, from St Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church Croydon, presided over the Thursday Lunchtime Mass for students to experience the traditions of an Eastern Catholic Church.

Student reflections:

‘The Mass was not only enjoyable but also helped me to learn the similarities and differences between the Maronite Divine Liturgy and a typical Roman Catholic Mass. Some of the things I noticed were how the ‘Peace be With You’ was handed down from the Eucharist and passed on instead of being passed on by choice and how the congregation is more engaged with the priest. In conclusion, The Maronite Divine Liturgy was a helpful and enjoyable experience that helped to deepen my faith by learning how other Rites of the Catholic Church celebrate mass while at the same time reflecting on what we have been learning about in the classroom.‘
Mia Bonanno
Year 9

‘This term we’ve been studying the history of the Church in Australia, and have been focusing on the Eastern and Western Churches. The Maronite Divine Liturgy not only strengthened my faith, but put the lessons learnt in the classroom into practice. I was able to notice the differences between this liturgy and others, and noticed that the congregation is more involved and engages in dialogue with the priest and recites songs and prayers. Overall, I think the Maronite Divine Liturgy was a beautiful experience, and by learning more about the Eastern Churches beforehand, I was able to have a deeper understanding and spiritual reflection.‘
Jade Lahoud
Year 9

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Head of Primary P-6

This term has been rich with moments that remind us why we do what we do – moments of creativity, courage and connection that have filled our classrooms, our stages and our hearts. From engaging learning experiences to spectacular performances, our College has once again demonstrated that when young people are nurtured with dedication and love, they flourish in the most extraordinary ways.

Pope Leo XIV’s words, offered to the world at the beginning of this year, speak with remarkable resonance to the spirit of our community:

‘Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us. It has the gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence. Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out “Enough,” to peace we whisper “Forever.“‘

— Pope Leo XIV, Message for the World Day of Peace, 2026

It is in this spirit of peace, of light and of the enduring good we choose to build together – that I reflect on the close of this term, and in particular on the farewell we offer to Ms Skerman.

We bid a profoundly grateful farewell to Ms Skerman, who has served as the Principal of our College for almost seven years. Seven years of visionary leadership. Seven years of steadfast dedication. Seven years of shaping not just a school, but a community. Under her leadership, our College has grown in culture, in character and in aspiration. She has championed every child, stood beside every family in moments of joy and difficulty alike, and inspired her staff to reach higher and give more. Her door was always open; her commitment, never in doubt.

On behalf of every student who passed through these gates, every family who placed their trust in this College, and every staff member who had the privilege of working alongside her, I wish to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Ms Skerman. The mark she has left on this place and on all of us will not fade. We wish her every happiness, fulfilment and joy in the chapter ahead, and we send her on her way with our love, our thanks and our warmest wishes. 

INSTRUMENTS OF PEACE — GALA CONCERT 

What an evening it was. The ‘Instruments of Peace’ Gala Concert at the Town Hall this week left audiences breathless and uplifted in equal measure, and stood as a powerful testament to the extraordinary musical talent nurtured within our College.

Our Del Monte and Gioia students absolutely dominated the stage – there is no other way to describe it. From the very first note to the final bow, they commanded the attention of every person in that grand hall, weaving together sound and artistry in a performance that was nothing short of phenomenal. To watch the students on that stage was to witness something truly special: young people not merely performing music, but living it and gifting that experience to all who were present.

Congratulations to every student who performed, to our dedicated Music staff, and to all families who supported and encouraged their children along the way. You made us so proud.

Dance Showcase

Last weekend, the College Annual Dance Showcase reminded us once again of the remarkable talent that graces our stage each year. Our dancers took to the spotlight and delivered a performance of breathtaking energy, precision, and discipline – a genuine celebration of the art of movement in all its forms. What shone through in every single routine was the hours of dedication behind it – the early rehearsals, the courage to step out of the comfort zone and perform. The audience was thoroughly delighted, and rightly so. Congratulations to each and every dancer, to exceptional Dance teachers, to the families who cheered so enthusiastically from the audience and to Ms Watkins, who wouldn’t stop even while on maternity leave. 

DOMINICAN AWARDS

This Thursday, we celebrated outstanding student achievement through our Dominican Awards Assembly – an occasion that captures the very heart of what we aspire to at the College. True to our Dominican tradition, these awards recognise not only what students have achieved, but how they have gone about it. This semester’s recipients are students who have shown consistent effort and perseverance, who have met challenges head-on, learned from their mistakes and found the resilience to keep going. We celebrated those who bring creativity and resourcefulness to their learning – approaching problems with curiosity, taking thoughtful risks and thinking differently. And we honoured those who simply give their personal best every day, not in comparison to others, but in faithful response to the gifts and potential they carry within them.

Congratulations to the following Dominican Awards Recipients:

ST THOMAS AQUINAS 

Kindergarten: Kriselle Ma
Year 1: Benjamin Eza-Smith
Year 2: Aaria Zhang 
Year 3: Jonathan Lin
Year 4: Sebastian Portelli

BLESSED FRA ANGELICO

Kindergarten: Archie Cong
Year 1: Hugo Zammit 
Year 2: James Trinh
Year 3: Claire Zhang
Year 4: Ophelia Song

ST MARTIN DE PORRES

Kindergarten: Elara Ribera
Year 1: Edward Tudehope 
Year 2: Noelle Tan 
Year 3: Oscar Shen
Year 4: Chloe Awit

ST DOMINIC

Kindergarten: Caitlyn Wong
Year 1: Jonathan Zhu-Kenny
Year 2: Jamison Wong
Year 3: Enzo Pensini
Year 4: Isla Thompson

ST ALBERT THE GREAT 

Kindergarten: Aaron Yoo
Year 1: Amelia Metledge 
Year 2: Ignatius Reyes
Year 3: Eva Di Ciaccio
Year 4: Axel Leung

ST CATHERINE OF SIENA

Kindergarten: Jamel Moussa
Year 1: Ariel Li 
Year 2: Ilyssia Lahoud 
Year 3: Sebastian Hidalgo
Year 4: Ollie Bezzina

BLESSED JANE OF AZA

Kindergarten: Giorgia Stavroulakis
Year 1: Chloe Tran 
Year 2: Anthony Chidiac 
Year 3: Chanel Seely
Year 4: Vincent Abraham

GIOIA HOUSE SEMESTER 1 ACADEMIC AWARDS 

We look forward to celebrating our Semester 1 Academic Awards on Friday 24 July at 9:00am in Siena Hall. This is a wonderful occasion to recognise the academic achievement and dedication of our students, and we warmly welcome the parents of recipients to join us. Award recipients’ families will be notified shortly with further details.

SEMESTER 1 REPORTS

Semester 1 reports were released to families on Monday, offering a valuable snapshot of each student’s progress so far this year. Every student is on their own unique learning journey – we encourage families to take a moment to acknowledge their child’s work ethic and effort and to sit down together to discuss their goals for the semester ahead. As we head into the holiday break, we also encourage you to keep the learning momentum going by setting aside some time for reading each day. Journaling is another wonderful habit to nurture over the holidays, offering a relaxed way to practise writing skills. Both reading and writing carry enormous benefits for our mental health and wellbeing – making the holidays the perfect time to embrace them.

K-6 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

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

TALLONG COMES TO DEL MONTE

Our Year 2 students recently enjoyed a fantastic outdoor education experience at Del Monte, complete with an overnight sleep at school. They threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm, learning new skills, building new friendships, and stepping outside their comfort zones with real courage. Highlights included a surprise visit from our celebrity Chef, who arrived with freshly baked muffins, a torch-lit night treasure hunt, and a much-loved barbecue for lunch.

None of it would have been possible without our wonderful team. Thank you to Mr Walker for an outstanding program, to Ms Nicotina for leading the students so beautifully, to Mr Dunlop for his engaging team games, and to all staff who stepped up to supervise and support. A heartfelt thank you also to our parents for so generously organising and serving the food. 

GOLD FOR FOR GIOIA HOUSE FOOTBALL

Congratulations to our Gioia House representative football team on winning a Gold Medal and earning their place to compete at the Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships. Throughout the competition, the girls displayed outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and skill, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievement. It is a wonderful reflection of their dedication and hard work, both on and off the field. We wish the girls the very best of luck as they represent the College at the final on 30 July!

COMMENCEMENT OF TERM 3

School for Del Monte and Gioia House students resumes on Tuesday 21 July.

P-6 PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Parent-Teacher-Student interviews will be held on the last day of Term 3 – Friday 25 September from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

2026 YEARS 2-6 ICAS TESTS

We sent you a detailed letter last week regarding ICAS registration and the LockDown Browser. This is a friendly reminder that online registrations will close at midnight on Monday 27 July. 

100 DAYS OF KINDERGARTEN – TUESDAY 28 JULY, 9:00-10:30am

We are also looking forward to a very special milestone – celebrating 100 Days of School with our Kindergarten students, under the joyful theme of 100 Days Brighter. It promises to be a wonderful occasion marking just how far our newest students have come since their very first day. 

FEAST OF ST DOMINIC – FRIDAY 31 JULY

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

GRANDPARENTS DAY – THURSDAY 6 AUGUST

We warmly invite the grandparents in our community to join us for a special celebration in their honour. This year’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is themed ‘I will never forget you‘ (Is 49:15) – a beautiful reminder of the irreplaceable place grandparents hold in our families and our faith.

ONLINE SAFETY

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

TERM 3 CO-CURRICULAR

Registration for all Co-Curricular programs on the Del Monte Campus are now open.

As we head into the term break, I wish our whole community rest and the chance to reconnect with friends and family. Term 3 holds much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see what we will create and celebrate together. Wishing every family a safe and joyful holiday.

In faith and gratitude

Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P-6

CALENDAR EVENTS

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

Important dates

• Tuesday 21 July –Term 3 Commences
• Thursday 23 July – Assembly
• Friday 24 July – GH Semester 1 Academic Awards
• Tuesday 28 July – 100 Days of Kindergarten
• Friday 31 July – Dom’s Day
• Thursday 6 August – Grandparents Day
• Friday 7 August – Gala Dinner
• Monday 10 August – Healthy Harold Incursion begins
• Thursday 13 August – Children’s Kindness Convention
• Tuesday 18 August – Father’s Day Stall Wrapping
• Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 August – Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience
• Thursday 20 August – Assembly
• Wednesday 26 August – Discovery Tour
• Thursday 27 August – Sport and extra-curricular Photos K-6
• Friday 28 August – Book Character Parade
• Monday 31 August – GH Father’s Day Stall
• Tuesday 1 September – DM Father’s Day Stall
• Wednesday 2 September – DM Stage 2 Football Gala Day
• Thursday 3 September – Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast
• Tuesday 8 September – Junior Ethics Olympiad
• Wednesday 9 September – DM Stage 3 Football Gala Day
• Thursday 10 September – Year 3 Incursion
• Friday 11 September – DM Social Justice: Crazy Sock Day
• Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 September – Year 6 Canberra/Outdoor Education Experience
• Thursday 24 September – Term 3 concludes
• Friday 25 September – Parent Teacher Student Interviews P-6

Deputy Principal Operations

Over the next 12 to 18 months, maintenance work will be conducted on the 1927 building to repair and maintain the roofing structure of the building. Scaffolding will be erected on the site and some modifications will be made to access of the buildings to ensure the safety of the College community and contractors. The College Leadership Team is working closely with the contractors to ensure that there are minimal impacts on the day-to-day operation of the College while these repairs are carried out.

With Australia’s new social media restrictions for under-16s, there have been reports of some young people attempting to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other workarounds to access social media platforms. A VPN can make it appear that a device is connecting from another location, leading some students to believe it can bypass age-based restrictions. Regardless of whether a VPN is successful, using one to bypass online safety measures can expose young people to privacy, security and wellbeing risks. It may also provide access to online environments that schools and families have deemed inappropriate or unsafe.

A VPN is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between a device and the internet. VPNs are commonly used by businesses and individuals to protect data when working remotely or using public Wi-Fi. VPNs can also hide a user’s online activity from the local network and bypass internet filters and security controls that have been put in place to protect users. Within schools, these controls help support cybersecurity, digital wellbeing, content filtering and online safety for students.

While VPNs have legitimate uses, their use by school students can present significant risks. By bypassing school filtering and monitoring systems, students may gain access to inappropriate, harmful or unsafe online content, increasing their exposure to cyber threats, scams and unsuitable material. Some free VPN services may also collect personal information, display intrusive advertisements or expose users to privacy and security risks. In addition, using a VPN to circumvent school technology safeguards breach the school’s acceptable use policies and reduce the effectiveness of measures designed to create a safe and supportive digital learning environment for all students.

A reminder to all members of the College community that the permitted pickup location on Jersey Road is at the Kiss and Drp zone near Holyrood. The Jersey Road driveway is not a throughfare for students and all students entering and exiting the premises should do so via the Holyrood exit.

John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

Well June has been a big month at the Tallong campus for our Del Monte students. In the first week our Year 3 students visited Tallong for their first overnight camp and were greeted with beautiful winter conditions. Cool days and crisp nights were perfect for mountain biking, campfires, bushwalks and team building games. The campus is blessed with a wonderful environment to introduce students to mountain biking. With purpose built skills tracks, obstacles and a flowing single track alongside Barbers Creek, students are able to learn the basics of riding a bike along uneven ground. For many of our inner city students this is often the first time they learn to ride a bike. 

After our Year 3 camp we hosted the finale of the St Dominic the Adventurer Award program. Over the past two years, students from Years 3 and 4 have been involved in a co-curricular activity that has been designed and delivered by Mr Chris Walker, the College’s Coordinator of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning. The final component of the program was a day at Tallong where the students’ bushcraft skills, problem solving, grit and resilience were put to the test. It was wonderful to have the parents’ support on this day and all students passed and received their badges. Well done!

To round out the month of June our little Year 2 students participated in the annual Tallong comes to Del Monte experience. The Tallong team came up from the Highlands and were ably assisted by our Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders, Mr Chris Walker and Del Monte teachers and parents. Our wonderful Cheffrey baked some special muffins for all. The Tallong team looks forward to welcoming these students to the campus next year.

A huge thank you to all the team who have worked tirelessly this term to ensure high quality programs and experiences have been delivered for all of our clients. During the non-term time the team will be working hard to put everything in place for the inaugural Year 9 winter school occurring during the first few weeks of Term 3.

Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Out of School Hours Care (OOSH)

Vacation Care commences Monday 29 June and ends Monday 20 July. This three-week program is designed to excite and entertain children.

The incursion and excursion program has a number of old favourites and a few new ones too. New incursions include Mini Golf, Cosmodome, Reverse Garbage, Colour Run, Radical Reptiles, Radical Reptiles and Become a Scientist.

We willl be going on excursions to the Opera House to see a show, Kingpin Bowling and Reading Cinema, the Australian Museum and Hyde Park. We have planned parties as we know that the children love a celebration. There will be a Pizza Party and Christmas in July.

The fun doesn’t stop there, our vacation care cooking, arts and crafts program will have the children designing, constructing, creating and producing items that they can take home. On most days the children will have something to take home, if they don’t eat it for lunch or afternoon tea.

If you would like to child to enrol your child in OOSH so they can attend vacation care program, please contact the OOSH Coordinator Frances Windon at ooshmail@ssc.nsw.edu.au. Numbers are limited for excursions so book early so your child doesn’t miss out.

Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Farewell Ms Paulina Skerman

Our final weeks of Term 2 have included heartfelt farewells to our outgoing College Principal who finishes up at Santa Sabina this week. We shared the video below – a tribute from our students – with our community on 19 June. Our Board, Dominican Sisters, DEA, parents, alumni and our staff gathered in the Siena Hall to express our immense gratitude to a leader whose achievements and presence among us have shaped and strengthened Santa Sabina. A number of other farewell events have taken place, including a special Assembly involving all Year levels who created a gratitude circle filled with music, poetry, dance and love.

You can read more on our website, where you will also find a gallery of photos.

Dom’s Day

Our traditional annual celebration of St Dominic is an occasion for all members of our community to gather. This year it takes on a special significance as it also marks the Commissioning of College Principal Mrs Elizabeth Brooks. Please join us if you can, but do let us know by registering below, so that we can cater for you at Morning Tea.

Please join us at our Gala Dinner

We invite you to join us at this glittering occasion to welcome our new College Principal who is looking forward to meeting members of our community as we celebrate the threads that connect us – past, present and future. We have organised a special evening at our favourite venue, with a live band and special guest MC Olivia Stambouliah – acclaimed film, TV and stage actor, who also happens to be a Santa Sabina Ex-Student.

Tickest are selling quickly, so please get yours by booking below.

Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Year 12 Health and Movement Science and Sport Exercise and Health Science Student Enrichment Day

Year 12 Health and Movement Science (HMS) and Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) students recently attended the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub for a specialised Student Enrichment Day.

The experience provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key course concepts through hands-on practical activities and interaction with leading researchers in biomechanics and exercise physiology. Throughout the day, students rotated through a range of laboratory-based experiences, including energy systems and training adaptations, lactate testing, reaction time assessment, balance and stability testing, gait analysis, environmental chamber investigations, contrast immersion, and Wingate performance testing.

Students also toured the state-of-the-art BEST facility and participated in expert-led discussions and Q&A sessions that linked their practical experiences directly to syllabus content. The day allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic sporting and scientific contexts while developing their critical thinking and analytical skills.

The College thanks ACU and the BEST Hub staff for providing such an engaging and valuable learning experience that will support students in both their HSC and IB studies.

Teaching for Thinking Snapshots

Since being introduced to the Teaching for Thinking Framework at the start of the year, teachers on the Secondary Campus have been working in small inquiry groups to explore, trial and refine the practices embedded within it. By developing a shared language for teaching cognitive skills and by explicitly naming the Values of Inquiry through which quality thinking is communicated and measured, teachers have designed and tested a wide range of new learning activities across subjects.

During the recent professional learning session, teachers shared snapshot presentations of their work so far. These presentations showcased both the big and small breakthroughs emerging in classrooms: students experimenting with new strategies, crafting and articulating their thinking through a different lens, and demonstrating deeper insight into how they learn. It was inspiring to see the creative ways teachers are embedding these Skills and Values of Inquiry into their practice and, most importantly, the evidence of the meaningful impact this is having on student learning.

These moments highlight our shared commitment to developing powerful thinkers and learners who can meet an increasingly uncertain and complex world with curiosity, courage and capability. We now look forward to the next stage of this journey, as teachers embark on Action Research into some of the more varied and complex components of the Teaching for Thinking Framework.

Kate Corcoran
Action Research Coordinator

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Director of Development

Annual Appeal Update

Thank you to the many members of our community who have already supported this year’s Annual Appeal. Thanks to your generosity, we are now halfway towards our 2026 goal of providing air-conditioning across our community and learning spaces. We have also seen strong support for our Scholarship Fund, enabling greater access and opportunity for students of promise.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute, I warmly encourage you to consider making a gift, particularly as the end of the financial year approaches.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference as part of our shared commitment to the College. You may choose to support:

• The Scholarship Fund, extending opportunity and access
• The Building Fund, enhancing our learning environment
• or a combination of both.

Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible, and a receipt will be provided by the Foundation.

Sponsorship

Santa Sabina College recognises that there are significant benefits for the College in pursuing strategic and creative relationships with sponsors in return for opportunities, recognition and promotion.   

This Sponsorship Policy together with the College Sponsorship Guidelines, provides the framework to formalise and outline procedures applicable to the negotiation, implementation and maintenance of the College’s sponsorships.

Throughout the year, our calendar of signature events brings together students, families, alumni, benefactors, staff and the wider community. These occasions are more than celebrations – they are opportunities to connect, to give and to invest in the future of our students. driven community.

Opportunities to partner with Santa Sabina College are available through these defining moments, supporting student opportunity while engaging with a highly connected and values.

George Ayoub
Director of Development

For further information please contact me on 9745 0232 or giving@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Pastoral Care

House Salamanca Projects 2026

Gunagulla

Our House initiative supports Mission Australia because their work directly addresses homelessness and disadvantage affecting thousands of Australians every day. We chose this initiative because stable housing, safety and support services are essential for people to rebuild their lives, yet many people in our community still struggle without them. Mission Australia focuses on youth support and long term housing solutions, which aligns with our values of compassion, dignity and social justice, especially as homelessness affects young people and vulnerable individuals who often have nowhere safe to go. Their programs provide crisis accommodation, mental health support and pathways to independence. With youth homelessness continuing to rise, our theme reflects our commitment to supporting those who are often unseen and unheard in our society.
Alegra Cencigh 

Kurrawa

Kurrawa’s Salamanca project will be a Stationery Drive, whereby an invite will be extended to all students in the house, as well as teachers and the rest of the school can donate excess stationery lying around the house (pens, pencil cases, scissors etc.) 

We then plan to collate all donations and then furnish pencil cases to donate to low socioeconomic NSW high schools, where oftentimes many students do not come to school prepared with required materials to learn. We not only are making a tangible difference to students’ lives, but we have created a meaningful project where people can make unique donations that are not simply just donating funds for a cause. Also, we are reducing our eco-footprint via putting to use perfectly good stationery that would otherwise go unused – annual January Officeworks trips entail a lot of repurchasing of items that we already own.
Amelia Woods

Mundawora

This year, Mundawora has chosen to focus our Salamanca Project on Youth Mental Health as it is a growing concern within our community. Statistics show that rates of serious mental health issues for young people are increasing rapidly across Australia, disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Currently, one in seven children aged between four and17 experience a mental health condition. As a House, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges faced by others and develop our understanding of how to support those in need. By taking action, everyone in Mundawora hopes to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, strengthen peer connections and advocate for improved support and outcomes for young people.
Abigail Dawson and Alexis Gittany

Teangi

This year Teangi is focusing on supporting the Akka Project Charity through providing personal sanitary bags dedicated to each girl in Years 8, 9 and 10 in a school in Bangalore, India that provides an opportunity for students from slums and orphanages to access menstrual products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable so that no girl should miss out on education because she doesn’t have access to the menstrual products to support her. Teangi’s Salamanca project involves each homeroom creating six personalised gifts for students including three pairs of period underwear, and a few extra personalised touches such as lip balms. In total Teangi is supporting 42 girls in India, directly working to empower girls with products to support their menstrual health. Periods happen, inequality doesn’t have to.
Xylah Bamji 

Weelya

In Weelya House, we decided to support Children with Cancer through fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House charity. This charity is able to provide families with a ‘home away from home’ being able to support families with housing and human necessities such as food, education for the children and additional support to help ease the emotional drain during this challenging time. This charity has helped millions of families globally. In 2025 alone they helped 89 717 families remain close to their child in hospital. Overall this charity has had a major impact on many due to their support received, that we would love to be a part of.
Annabel Cantali

Music in the Senior School (Curriculum)

Congratulations to all Secondary Years performers in this week’s Gala Concert!

Mock Trial win!

What an awesome victory for the Santa Sabina team in the third round of the Mock Trial competition. In a nail-bitingly close encounter, the win was originally awarded to St George Christian School. Seemingly, the Judge’s decision is not always final and our second Barrister, Abigail Dawson, noted an error in the scoring. The Magistrate double checked the scorecard. It was a draw! What followed was a flurry of activity as both sides checked the competition rules. The tie breaker was to be awarded based on each Solicitor’s Pre Trial notes. Luckily for the team, Stephanie Ghabar’s excellent preparation and quality of Pre Trial notes and arguments were the deciding factor. Santa Sabina was awarded victory on a countback. The students showed impressive composure throughout the trial and result process, demonstrating teamwork, quick thinking and legal expertise. The final result was a testament to their preparation and growing confidence in applying legal knowledge and understanding. A huge thank you to Mrs Chan and Mrs Cummins for their unwavering encouragement, expert guidance, and the steady support they provide our students throughout the Mock Trial program.

Student reflections

‘Competing in Mock Trial has granted our team the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a barrister or a solicitor, giving us valuable lessons to carry on into a law profession. We are very grateful for the commitment and dedication of Ms Cummins and Ms Chan, who support us weekly, making sure we can put the best case forward.’
Abigail Dawson

‘Looking back on the trial, we believe that what distinguished our team was the extensive preparation that took place before the trial and our strong collaboration, which continued throughout the proceedings. Every member contributed to building a cohesive defence, refining our arguments and ensuring we presented a consistent case theory. 

‘While winning the case was incredibly rewarding, the opportunity to develop our advocacy, critical thinking and public speaking skills was equally valuable. We look forward to building on this experience and continuing to develop our skills in the future’
Stephanie Ghabar

Richard Crittenden
Acting Head of Department – HSIE

Big Science 2026

Earlier this term, students from Years 7, 8 and 10 participated in the Big Science Competition hosted by Australian Science Innovations. This international competition tests students’ science knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The questions are relatable and interesting as they are set in real-life, contemporary contexts. 

We acknowledge all the students who participated in this competition and would especially like to congratulate the following students who achieved exceptional results in this competition: 

High Distinction Awards

Year 7:
Zerene Doshi

Distinction Awards

Year 7: 
Beatrice Xu

Year 8: 
Maisy Lim
Annabelle Wong

Year 10: 
Abigail Yang

Credit Awards

Year 8:
Holly Chan
Lorelai Chung
Sophie Yang

Year 10:
Jessica Caristo

Natasha Kempers
Head of Science

Year 9 Commerce – Superannuation

In Year 9 Commerce, the topic of superannuation is explored. As you can imagine, engaging teenage students in learning about superannuation is not always easy. Commerce teacher, Vikki Cummins, increased engagement by pitting students against each other, developing an inquiry‑based debate activity. This required students to not only engage with the superannuation content, but also refine their presentation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The debates helped students unpack the real‑world financial issue of superannuation in a meaningful way, and the affirmative/negative structure kept everyone engaged. The task was scaffolded to support the learning of all students. Students completed Exit Tickets as they left the classroom with their positive responses indicative of classroom success.

Exit Tickets

‘Everyone stepped out of their comfort zone. This was something different, a fun way of putting learning into something that is interactive.’

‘I liked this lesson because it gave me courage to experience something new and stand up in front of the class. I had to learn how to adapt my debate based on listening to what others argue.’

‘I liked everyone involved.’

‘I learnt by listening to others’ arguments.’

‘Fun and interactive.’

‘I had to think and respond on the spot. I learnt a lot.’

‘I always wanted to try debating so this experience has helped me learn how debates work.’

Richard Crittenden
Acting Head of Department – HSIE

Speaking for the Planet 2026

Members of our student Environment Committee made their voices heard last week at the annual Speaking 4 the Planet Competition hosted by MLC School. Our students created a range of impressive submissions across multiple categories and offered clear, compelling explanations of their work to the many students, teachers and dignitaries who visited their exhibits.

A special congratulations to Eva Villarroel for her thoughtful and powerfully delivered speech, and to Kira Sprotte and Jenny Nguyen, who were awarded places for their respective entries in the Writing and Recycled Art categories.

Through their artworks, writing and public speaking entries, our students sent a strong message about the urgent need to listen to our planet and commit to action that puts us on a path towards a more sustainable future.

Kate Corcoran
Action Research Coordinator

Learning comes alive

Year 7 stepped into the world of classification with real creatures, real habitats and real excitement.

Year 7 students recently took part in an engaging science excursion to Taronga Zoo, where they explored real‑world examples of animal classification and adaptations. Through a zookeeper-led workshop and close‑up encounters with a range of species, students deepened their understanding of how animals survive, thrive and fit into scientific classification systems. The experience brought classroom learning to life and sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation on the bus ride home.

Student reflections:

‘The highlight of the trip was an incredibly informative talk about desert animals, where we learned how unique creatures like the Desert Scorpion, Ring-Tailed Possum and Bilby survive in such harsh, arid environments. It was fascinating to discover the amazing physical and behavioural adaptations these animals use to stay cool, find water and, not just stay alive but, thrive. Overall, the trip was a fantastic blend of fun and learning.‘
Zerene Doshi

‘I had an amazing time walking around, exploring different exhibits, and learning more about dingoes, seals, and penguins. It was an experience I will never forget.‘
Natalia Seely

‘Our excursion to Taronga Zoo was fascinating and very interesting to learn about what animals do to survive and how some of them act in nature.‘
Liliana Azzi

‘In the rainforest classroom there were colourful bleeding-heart and nicobar pigeons walking around next to us and cute cotton-top tamarin monkeys climbing on vines above us.‘
Keira Donald

‘We learnt about how rainforest animals survive in the wild and how their body protects them from any danger. We got to pet a tortoise and feed different types of birds which was really fun.‘
Nina Millard 

‘In a nutshell, our excursion was highly entertaining and informative, providing us with lots of scientific content that will benefit us both in our present and future.‘
Abby Deng

‘It was a fun and memorable excursion that helped us learn more about wildlife and conservation.‘
Marla Samaan

‘I felt like this excursion was very interesting and exciting, as I both got to learn about animals but also got to make opportunities to make new friends from Core 3.’
Beatrice Jiaxin Xu

‘We saw an old, empty cage and learned an amazing fact: real zoo animals actually used to live inside it. It was two bears per cage and included a little bath! We went inside to take a look and I have to say it was pretty tight.‘
Abby Micallef

Natasha Kempers
Head of Science

Sustainable biomes

Students in Year 9 Geography have been studying the unit Sustainable Biomes this term. In order to consolidate their knowledge and understanding, students were asked to develop agricultural technologies that might help address the issues associated with current food production methods. To do so, they were asked to design their own inventions ‘for the future of farming’.

Applying geographical concepts such as environmental constraints, technological innovation and agricultural yield, the task required students to investigate current technologies and creatively think of new solutions before justifying how these tools improve productivity. Presentations demonstrated strong problem-solving and collaboration skills, linking technological development with the environment, key learning outcomes in Stage 5 Geography.

Student reflections:

Vertical Farming Robot:
‘Using the vertical farming robot made me realise how much labour farmers could save while still growing heaps more food efficiently.’
Ariadna Diaz

Nutrient Pod Drone Technology:
‘The process of designing our nutrient pod drone showed me how technology can fix soil problems and help crops survive in tough Australian conditions.’
Gia Park

Vikki Cummins
HSIE Teacher

Assistant Head of Gioia House

CELEBRATING OUR ACTION GIRLS

This week, we proudly congratulate our Gioia House students for stepping up as true Action Girls who show respect, kindness and outreach in everything they do.

Across classrooms, playgrounds and community activities, these students have demonstrated what it means to act with heart. They’ve supported their peers, included others during group work and on the playground, and shown maturity in the way they communicate and collaborate. Their willingness to look beyond themselves and uplift those around them has made a real difference in our school community.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Gioia House Action Girls continue to grow as role models. Their actions remind us that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about the choices we make every day to show care, courage and compassion.

Congratulations to the following Action Girls:

• Samantha Ong
• Charli Tam
• Ashley Chow
• Valeska Wijaya
• Charly Merhi 
• Elisabeth Fajardo
• Kianna Lai
• Anna Voysey
• Amelia Tan
• Aria Leung
• Emily Zanella
• Charlotte Windon 
• Amelia Lin
• Helaina Lazari
• Zara Zaika
• Emma Debrincat

SANTA FEST – KOPANANG CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Our Gioia House students have demonstrated outstanding commitment to service through their recent Santa Fest fundraising initiative to raise money for the Kopanang Trust in South Africa and for the Dominican Sisters in Solomon Islands. Their collective efforts in preparing baked goods, organising the stall and volunteering their time throughout the event resulted in an impressive total of $1562 raised.

Thank you to all the students who contributed generously by bringing in a wide variety of baked treats and assisting with sales during breaks and lunchtime. Their willingness to participate so wholeheartedly reflects the values of kindness, responsibility and community that we strive to cultivate at Santa Sabina.

We extend our sincere congratulations to all Gioia House students for their exemplary conduct and meaningful contributions. Their actions have not only supported a worthy cause but have also strengthened our shared commitment to compassion and community service.

Wishing all our families a happy, safe and restful holiday break. May this time be filled with connection and the simple joy of being together with loved ones. Thank you for your continued support throughout the term, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new term ahead.

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Curriculum Updates

Wrapping up the Term

Year 5 have recently wrapped up their class novel study of A Banner Bold by Nadia Wheatley, bringing together English and HSIE in a rich, connected learning sequence aligned with the new curriculum’s emphasis on integrated knowledge and deep understanding. This approach strengthened students’ historical thinking while also developing their skills as readers and writers.

Throughout the term, students were highly engaged with the novel’s vivid portrayal of life on the goldfields. The story became a springboard for exploring the experiences of diggers, families, migrants and Aboriginal Peoples during the Gold Rush era, helping students build strong connections between literature and Australia’s colonial history.

As part of their English learning, students wrote a series of journal entries from the perspective of a digger on the goldfields. Drawing inspiration from the characters and events in A Banner Bold, they experimented with voice, emotion and descriptive detail to bring their historical personas to life. These pieces showcased impressive empathy and imagination, with students weaving together factual knowledge and creative expression.

Students also completed a persuasive discussion exploring ‘The positive and negative impacts of the Gold Rush on Australia’. Using evidence from both the novel and their HSIE lessons, they examined how the Gold Rush shaped migration, economic growth, cultural diversity and the environment, while also acknowledging the significant disruptions experienced by Aboriginal communities. Their writing demonstrated thoughtful reasoning and a growing ability to consider multiple perspectives.

This term, Year 6 have been engaging deeply with the mentor text Worse Things by Sally Murphy as part of an integrated English program designed to strengthen their understanding of the textual concepts of perspective, context and theme. Through close reading, discussion and analysis, students have examined how an author’s choices shape the way a story is told and how readers interpret characters, events and ideas.

A key focus of the unit has been exploring how perspective is influenced by personal, social and cultural contexts, and how these layers of experience become visible through voice, structure and language. Students analysed how the characters in Worse Things navigate challenge, identity and connection, and how the author uses poetic form to reveal emotion and viewpoint.

Building on this understanding, students then innovated from the mentor text, experimenting with their own authorial choices. Using a range of supporting texts and models, they applied their knowledge of poetic form and thematic development to compose original free verse poems.

Stephanie Yiorkas
Curriculum Leader Gioia House

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Congratulations to all Gioia House performers in this week’s Gala Concert!

What’s happening in Year 6

Science

The Year 6 students have been learning about renewable and non-renewable energy sources. They have looked at the science behind the processes, through an inquiry-based research approach. They have also engaged in a practical approach, looking at Solar Energy, through forming hypotheses and testing these through experimentation.

Marisa Maks, Eamonn Dunphy, Ann Milicic, Rebecca Seidman, Georgia Wheatley
Year 6 Teachers

What’s happening in Year 5

This term, students have been actively engaging in our Pi Maths program, a dedicated time where learners are grouped to ensure targeted, responsive instruction. Pi Maths allows teachers to tailor learning so that every student is appropriately challenged and supported as they deepen their mathematical understanding.

During Pi Maths, students continue to work with the same mathematical content taught in class, but through a strong problem‑solving and working mathematically lens. This approach encourages students to think flexibly, justify their reasoning, and apply strategies in meaningful and authentic ways.

Stephanie Yiorkas, Jane Sulis, Wendy Anetter, Alison Di Ciaccio, Monique Taylor, Tayla Kostakis
Year 6 Teachers

Write On Competition

Students in Years 5 and 6 had the opportunity to submit entries into Write On, a writing competition organised by the NSW Department of Education. The theme this year was ‘It was a small thing but it made a difference.’ The students wrote stories with some powerful messages. Congratulations to Jennifer Stanton whose entry was selected to be submitted.

Wendy Anetter
Year 5 Teacher

Coding and Robotics

This week in Coding and Robotics Club, students have been learning to code using our robot, Dash. They have been programming through Blockly, creating instructions that control Dash’s speed, movement, flashing lights, and sounds. The students have really enjoyed experimenting, problem‑solving and exploring all the different ways they can bring Dash to life through coding.

Alison Di Ciaccio and Monique Taylor
Year 5 Teachers

Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6

Pastoral Update

 This week, I was humbled to receive a beautiful and thoughtful piece of writing from one of our Year 3 students, Jonathan Lin. His work captures the essence of our fortnightly pastoral focus, Accepting the Invitation to Create a Welcoming and Inclusive School Community. It reminds us that simple, everyday actions can have a profound impact, forming the foundation of meaningful connections and strong, supportive communities.

I hope you enjoy The Boy on the Rock as much as I did.

The Boy on the Rock

Gifted Education Update

Young voice, big impact

Congratulations to Year 3 student, Joanna Wong on being named the 2026 Environmental Champion Award (Individual) Winner by the City of Canada Bay this week. Joanna’s journey began with her ABC News in My Neighbourhood piece, Saving the Rhodes Shorefront – a letter to the local Council proposing ideas to clean up the river at Rhodes – which was published on the ABC Education website. Her initiative and commitment to turning words into action are truly inspiring. It was especially heartwarming to hear that, as she received her award, a member of the audience called out, ‘Well done, Santa Sabina girl!’

Creative Thinking in Action

A love of writing and community-minded action clearly runs in the family, with Joanna’s younger sister, Joyce of Year 1, also making her mark. In a thoughtful letter to Concord Library, Joyce suggested a creative way to help young readers navigate the children’s section through a ‘Kids Fun Book Board.’ Her idea led to her book review template being featured in the library’s eNewsletter and used to support its upcoming Summer Reading Challenge. It also inspired the library to explore the creation of ‘shelf talkers’ – book cards with short reviews or recommendations that sit beneath books on library shelves. Joyce’s initiative is a wonderful example of how thoughtful ideas can positively influence and enrich shared community spaces.

Cat Maths Results

We congratulate all Year 6 girls who participated in the CAT Maths competition this term for their excellent effort and commitment. Their enthusiasm, perseverance and willingness to challenge themselves were commendable.

A special congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Credit or Distinction – an outstanding achievement that reflects their strong mathematical thinking. We are very proud of your accomplishments.

Distinction
Marie Metledge
Aria Leung

Credit
Olivia Gan
Jingxian (Lydia) Wang
Zara Alvaro
Amara Jeyaganesh
Hannah Geussens
Jennifer Stanton
Amelia Tan
Alira Djordjevic
Elise Schojer
Soopia Chang
Claire Yang

Lauren Petroni
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6

Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)

Congratulations to all Del Monte performers in this week’s Gala Concert!

Del Monte curriculum

WriteOn Competition 

This past week, I have had the privilege of reviewing a number of outstanding submissions for NESA’s WriteOn competition. We are incredibly proud of the creativity, courage and determination our students have demonstrated in crafting their written pieces. Their enthusiasm for writing and willingness to challenge themselves is truly commendable.

The WriteOn competition is an annual statewide event for primary students in Years 1–6, designed to encourage students to develop their writing skills and express their ideas creatively. Participants are required to compose an imaginative text using a provided stimulus, which this year was the quote,’It was a small thing, but it made a difference.’  This task encourages students to think deeply, plan carefully and showcase their storytelling abilities.

I would like to extend a special congratulations to Joanna Wong (Year 3) and Harvey Chen (Year 1), who have been selected to represent Del Monte in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the competition. This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to their hard work and talent.

We wish Joanna and Harvey the very best of luck and look forward to hearing the results in the coming weeks.

Curriculum Wrap Up

As Term 2 comes to an end, I would like to commend all students for their continued effort and commitment to their learning. Throughout the term, we have seen wonderful growth across all year levels, with students demonstrating perseverance, curiosity and a positive approach to their studies.

We celebrate the many achievements across the grades, both big and small, and recognise the hard work that has contributed to these successes. It is always a pleasure to see students striving to do their best and supporting one another along the way.

We look forward to acknowledging and celebrating these accomplishments together at our Dominican Award Assembly this week, a special opportunity to recognise the dedication and achievements of our students as we conclude a successful term.

Kate Bakhos
Curriculum Leader P-4 & Year 4 Teacher

Religious Education in Del Monte

A message from Pope Leo XIV

‘Only the love of God can provide us with true and perfect joy.’

In a message to young people, Pope Leo XIV shares that the ‘secret’ to facing life’s challenges with a smile is trusting in God’s love. When we truly believe that God cares for us as His beloved children, we are less likely to feel worried or discouraged, even in difficult times. He reminds us that by staying close to God through prayer, we can find lasting peace, hope, and joy, and face each day with courage.  He encourages us to build a strong relationship with God through prayer and to remember that we are deeply loved. This love helps us stay calm, hopeful, and able to face challenges with courage and a smile.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR YEAR 3 STUDENTS

We warmly congratulate our Year 3 students who recently celebrated the sacrament of First Reconciliation. This is a special and important step in their faith journey, where they experienced God’s love, mercy and forgiveness in a personal way.

Through this sacrament, the children were invited to reflect on their choices, say sorry and begin again with a renewed heart. It is a meaningful opportunity for them to grow in their relationship with God and others.

We thank the families who supported their children in preparing for this celebration and acknowledge the reverence and sincerity shown by the students.

May we continue to keep these children in our prayers as they grow in faith and continue their sacramental journey.

WINTER APPEAL YEAR 4 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM

This is a gentle reminder that our Del Monte Winter Appeal is currently underway. As winter continues, many people in our community are struggling without basic essentials such as warm clothing and bedding.

We are asking for your support by donating any of the following items:

• socks (men’s and ladies’)
• gloves, scarves, and beanies
• small packet tissues or small torches
• jumpers and warm jackets
• doonas, flannelette sheets and blankets (all sizes).

Donations will continue to be collected from classrooms next term for the first 4 weeks

Your generosity will make a real difference to those in need.
Thank you for your continued support.

The Social Justice Team

HOLIDAY PRAYER AND BEST WISHES

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

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

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P–6

St Dominic the Adventurer Award at Tallong

Our incredible Year 4 students travelled to Tallong for an exciting all-day event on 13 June. This highly anticipated excursion marked the grand finale and final celebration of the St Dominic the Adventurer Award. After months of hard work and dedication, the beautiful landscape provided the perfect setting for our students to showcase their resilience, teamwork and outdoor expertise.

The path to this final celebration has been filled with profound learning and personal growth. Throughout Terms 1 and 2, the Year 4 cohort worked tirelessly to earn their awards, which included the Badge of Prayer, the Badge of Skill and the Badge of Service. Their journey encompassed a diverse range of enriching activities that focused on nature play, outdoor skills and seeing what they can create with their hands in nature. They engaged deeply with their environment through nature photography and flora and fauna identification and learnt First Aid skills. The students also embraced physical challenges, conquering rock climbing at St Peter’s Climbing Gym and practising fire building skills right here on our Primary Campus.

The final celebration at Tallong put all these foundational skills to the test. Students enjoyed an action-packed itinerary that challenged them both physically and mentally. They pushed their limits, overcame heights and cheered on their peers on the thrilling high ropes course. Creativity and teamwork were also on full display as they worked collaboratively to engineer, design and build working catapults. They even put their recently acquired fire-building skills into safe and practical use in the great outdoors.

To conclude an unforgettable weekend, students and staff gathered around a magnificent ceremony fire. During this special time of reflection, the students proudly collected the badges they had diligently earned over the semester. Congratulations to all our Year 4 adventurers on a truly monumental achievement!

Christopher Walker
Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning

Year 4

Students in Year 4 have been learning about three-dimensional objects in Mathematics. They explored and compared prisms, pyramids and cylinders, before putting their understanding into practice by building models using matchsticks and blu tack. After creating their models, students drew the nets of their 3D shapes and identified key features such as edges, faces and vertices. Hands-on learning experiences like these continue to engage and inspire our students!

Kate Bakhos, Natalie Bejar, Merissa Perivolarellis and Edward Wang
Year 4 Teachers

Year 3

Year 3 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable overnight camp that blended excitement, exploration and meaningful opportunities to grow in independence. As part of the Year 3 Outdoor Education program, the experience brought the entire cohort together, helping students strengthen friendships and deepen their sense of connection as a year group. Throughout the camp, students engaged in a rich variety of activities linked to curriculum learning, spirituality, pastoral care and outdoor education. They took part in bushwalks, explored caves, built shelters and created natural artworks, each activity encouraging curiosity and teamwork. One of the most memorable moments was the campfire, where students roasted marshmallows, played games and enjoyed the warmth and joy of a classic outdoor tradition. Adding to the excitement, several students were thrilled to spot native Australian wildlife, including a kangaroo and an echidna, unforgettable highlights that strengthened their connection to the natural world.

Kelly Garcia and Louise Harris
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

Tallong comes to Del Monte

OUr Year 2 students recently enjoyed their first school camping experience through the Tallong Comes to Del Monte program. Over the two days, students enthusiastically participated in a variety of engaging activities, including tent set-up, group skipping, a scavenger hunt, a nature art session and shelter building.

These fun and meaningful experiences were led by our fantastic Year 10 leaders alongside Mr Chris Walker, who supported and encouraged the students throughout the camp. A special thank you to our P&F for providing a delicious dinner and generous breakfast, which were greatly appreciated by all.

One of the highlights for the students was the exciting opportunity to sleep at school with their friends. They enjoyed setting up their sleeping bags side by side, sharing stories and building lasting memories together.

Mr Walker told Veritas Voice that, ‘the action-packed schedule was designed to give our students a positive introduction to outdoor education, teamwork and problem-solving.’

‘Divided into groups, the children dove headfirst into an array of exciting nature-play and cooperative activities. From setting up campsites and pitching tents on the field to creating beautiful stick sculptures and building shelters for their toys, creativity was at an all-time high. A highlight was the Slack Line where they got to balance and have a great time.

‘As the sun began to set, the excitement only grew. After a delicious pizza and popcorn dinner, those staying overnight wound down with a fun trivia night and a game of Spotlight around Del Monte. We wrapped up the beautiful evening with a peaceful Rosary and a bedtime story before everyone settled down for a cozy night’s sleep in the school. Another highlight of the day was Cheffery’s baked muffins and the visit from Mr Hann and Mr Fox who came all the way up from Tallong for the day.’

On the final day, students reflected on their camp experience during a meaningful Bravery Star activity. To conclude our time together, we gathered for a beautiful liturgy, thoughtfully prepared by Mrs Nicotina, where we gave thanks to God and celebrated the students’ bravery, courage and growing friendships.

Cara Bingham, Christina Mazis, Tina Nicotina, Catherine McGrath
Year 2 Teachers

Year 1

Year 1 had an exciting day at the Athletics Carnival on 11 June. The day started with a brisk walk over the footbridge to the Secondary Campus, followed by a snack break that kept the students full of energy and hydrated. Year 1 then headed to  the Small Hockey Field to begin the mini carnival with their Kindergarten friends. Parachute games were enjoyed by all the students before moving on to the next activity. Novelty Relay, Bean Bag Toss, Searching for Gold to name just a few. The final and favourite event was the 50 metre sprint. Many ribbons were given out to the winners by the Year 10 helpers. Year 1 would like to thank the Year 10 students who ran the carnival for us. A great day was had by all!

Margie Attard, Calista Camarda and Lorette Quinlan
Year 1 Teachers

Kindergarten

Kindergarten were incredibly eager to participate in their first Athletics Carnival at Del Monte. Excitement was high as students walked across to the Secondary Campus and saw the field set up with a range of activity rotations for them to enjoy. The obstacle course, egg and spoon race, sack race, parachute games and of course the 50m sprint were among the favourite activities. It was excellent to see so many children trying their best and demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout the day. Thank you to families who were able to come along and share in the fun. We are certain that everyone slept very well that night!

Ella Reilly, Erin Horne and Brooke Napper
Kindergarten Teachers

Prep

Seeing Creation Up Close in Prep

Recently, the students enjoyed a peaceful nature walk, taking time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of creation. We paused together, closed our eyes and used our senses to notice the world around us – the gentle sounds of birds, rustling leaves, fresh outdoor scents and the warm sunshine on our faces. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to recognise the small wonders in our environment while reflecting on the amazing things God created. The children then connected their discoveries to the story of Genesis 1:1–31.

This week, we also had a delightful time observing our silkworms and the incredible transformation they’ve made – from tiny eggs, to delicate little worms and now to plump, white caterpillars with busy little legs. We were captivated watching them explore the mulberry leaves, crawl with determination and even lift their heads as if curiously checking in on us. They have brought so much joy to our classroom and have been an absolute delight to watch.

Rebecca Saba and Monique Evans
Prep Teachers

Director of Music P-12

Gala Concert 2026

Our ‘Instruments of Peace’ Gala Concert on Tuesday 23 June at Sydney Town Hall was truly a night to remember. With over 650 performers taking to the stage, our Celebration of Humanity unfolded as a powerful and deeply moving musical experience.

Featuring choral and orchestral premières, massed ensemble works and outstanding guest artists, the 2.5-hour performance showcased the very best of our Santa Sabina music community. From our youngest musicians to our most experienced performers, it was a remarkable demonstration of artistry, unity and shared purpose.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this event so special – to our students for their dedication, musicianship and generosity of spirit; to our families and community members for your enthusiastic support; and to those who joined us on the evening. We thank all our teacher colleagues who assisted with the logistics from transport and supervision. As we near the end of semester, I would also like to offer my particular thank you to our exceptional Music Department support staff, tutors and teachers – whose tireless work continues to provide world-class music-making opportunities for our P-12 students.

Ms Skerman – thank you for the Music!

We would like to offer one final and heartfelt acknowledgement of our outgoing College Principal, Ms Paulina Skerman, as this marks her final week at the College before she (and Casper!) take up their new post in Rome. We are happy for the excuse to visit and hope to foster connections with Marymount International School well into the future!

Ms Skerman has been an unwavering and visionary advocate for Music at Santa Sabina, with a firm commitment to ensuring that our program remains accessible, inclusive and vibrant for all learners. Her leadership has actively championed both excellence and participation, continuing to support and embed music as a central and life-giving part of the College experience.

Over the past three years alone, her support has been profound. In addition to sustaining our strategic partnerships and existing world-class Music programs at the College, she helped launch our vibrant Chinese Music Ensemble and supported the continued growth of our mentored Rock Band program, alongside significant investment in our on-site Music Recording Studio capabilities. She championed the curation and display of the Winsome Evans Collection, enriching our cultural and historical landscape, and oversaw important improvements to our facilities, including repainting and air-conditioning on the ground floor of Holyrood.

Beyond these tangible developments, Ms Skerman has been a vocal and steadfast advocate for Music, and through scholarships and strategic investments she has ensured that opportunity and access remain at the heart of all we do. Her legacy is one of vision, generosity and a deep belief in the transformative power of music – that will remain with our community forever.

We thank her sincerely for her extraordinary contribution and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.

Looking ahead to Semester 2

Co-curricular music enrolments for Semester 2 are now open!  

Invoices for students currently enrolled in the private tuition program will be issued shortly – please check your inbox. If unsure how to access these invoices, they can be found via the College App under ‘Co-curricular’ then ‘Account’.

Please note that all Music activities automatically roll over into Semester 2 unless a Notice of Change is formally submitted via this form. For activities that attract a levy, a minimum of four weeks’ notice is required to avoid a late cancellation or administrative charge, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions, or would like to explore the exceptional range of opportunities available, please contact the Music Office at music@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Have a wonderful break!

Wishing all our families a safe, restful and soul-nourishing break. We look forward to welcoming you back as we begin to dream and build toward a vibrant and inspiring Semester 2.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

As we bring another vibrant term to a close, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated Sports Office team, passionate coaches, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our enthusiastic students. Your collective commitment continues to make Sport and Co-curricular life at the College both dynamic and meaningful.

This term has been particularly rewarding, with strong participation across Saturday Sport from Years 3–12 and a noticeable growth in both skill development and competitive spirit. It has been inspiring to see our students not only striving for excellence but also embracing the values of teamwork, resilience and respect.

Our presence in Representative Competitions continues to expand, with students proudly representing the College across various associations. Their performances have showcased not only impressive skill and game awareness, but also outstanding sportsmanship – something we value deeply.

Beyond the playing fields, our Co-curricular Clubs have flourished. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop talents, and build connections. I would like to acknowledge and thank the teachers who lead these clubs with such dedication and enthusiasm, creating enriching experiences for all involved.involved.

Co-curricular Clubs – Term 3 Registrations now open

We are excited to announce that registrations for Term 3 Co-curricular Clubs are now open. A diverse range of opportunities is available for students across multiple year levels:

• Athletics Club – Mondays (before school), Years 2–12
• Fencing Skills – Mondays (before school), Years 4–12
• Strength & Conditioning –
  • Mondays (before school), Years 7–9
  • Tuesdays (before school), Years 10–12
• Volleyball Skills – Wednesdays (after school), Years 5–6
• Mandarin –
  • Wednesdays (after school), Years 5–12
  • Thursdays (after school, Del Monte campus), Years 1–4
  • Fridays (after school, Del Monte campus), Years 1–4
• Boxing Club – Fridays (before school), Years 7–12
• Dance – Years K–10, featuring multiple genres

We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to stay active, learn new skills and engage with the College community.

Thank you once again for a fantastic term. We look forward to another exciting season ahead.

How to register and pay?

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

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

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

• Co-curricular Term 3 – 2026

Debating & Public Speaking – A Term of Growth and Achievement

Our Debating and Public Speaking program continues to thrive, showcasing the confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork of our students. We are especially proud to announce that Year 7A has progressed to the CSDA Conference 1 Final, to be held on Friday 26 June at Marcellin College, Randwick, commencing at 6:15pm. We wish our debaters the very best as they take on this exciting challenge.

We also extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to Miss Stivactas and Ms Sullis for their dedication and leadership in coordinating one of the College’s largest and most successful co-curricular programs.

While not all teams advanced to the finals, every student should be commended for their efforts. Many debates were closely contested, reflecting the high level of preparation and determination across all teams. Importantly, our students remain enthusiastic and motivated, already looking ahead to next year with renewed ambition.

Volleyball success – a week to celebrate!

It has been a fantastic period on the Volleyball courts, with all our Representative teams competing in the Volleyball NSW (VNSW) Schools Cups held across venues at Sydney Olympic Park.

A standout achievement came from SAN01, a team largely composed of Year 11 students, who delivered an outstanding performance to win the Year 12 Division 1 Competition – an exceptional accomplishment.

Further success was seen at the Monte Sant’ Angelo competition, where:

• SAN03 (Year 9) achieved an impressive 3rd place in the Senior Division (Years 10–12)
• SAN05 (Years 7–8) claimed 1st place in the Junior Division (Years 7–9)

These results reflect the depth of talent, teamwork and dedication within our Volleyball program.

IGSA Sport – finishing strong

The Term 2 IGSA season concluded on Saturday, marking a successful and enjoyable period of sport for many of our students. It was wonderful to see such strong participation, with students engaging enthusiastically, building friendships and embracing the spirit of competition.

We are proud to share that four of our teams finished in the top four, a testament to their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

A special congratulations goes to SAN03 Basketball, who were crowned division champions – a fantastic achievement.

We hope all students enjoy a well-deserved break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of IGSA sport.

Representative Dance – Passion in Motion

Our Representative Dance teams have continued to demonstrate dedication and passion through their training sessions, working closely with their coaches in preparation for upcoming eisteddfods.

This term, they also performed at the College’s Annual Dance Showcase, proudly presenting their choreography and costumes. The performance highlighted their energy, creativity, and commitment, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and celebrating the vibrant dance culture within our College.

Across debating, sport, and the performing arts, our students continue to shine—embracing every opportunity to grow, compete, and express themselves. We look forward to another exciting term ahead.

Luiz Ramalho
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities

Primary Sport

Stage 3 Netball Gala Day

On Wednesday 17 June, 66 Gioia House students attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Netball Gala Day.

Across all courts, our students showed teamwork, determination and a genuine love of the game. Whether they were celebrating goals, learning new skills, or cheering on their friends, the atmosphere was fun, supportive and full of school spirit.

With a record number of teams attending the day, we hope the experience has inspired some students to get involved in next year’s IWNA Netball competition.

Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships

Congratulations to our Gioia House Representative Football team who competed last Monday 15 June at the Inter-conference play offs as part of the Sydney Catholic Schools Primary Football Championships.

The team finished the day undefeated, winning the Gold Medal in the Conference 2 Final in a tense Penalty Shootout. The girls then went on to win the Inter-conference Final 2-0. The team will now compete in the Sydney Final on Thursday 29 July.

Mackillop Football Trials

Congratulations to Antonia Srdanovic (Year 6) who has been selected into the Mackillop Football team and will now attend the NSWPSSA Football Trials between 8-10 September at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex, Tuggerah.

A special mention also goes to Lina D’Arrigo (Year 6) who despite battling illness made it all the way through to the Possible v Probables game, only to narrowly miss out on selection.

Primary Athletics

Congratulations to all students who attended the K-6 Athletics Carnival on Thursday 11 June. It was amazing to see all students giving it their all, striving for personal best and cheering on their colour houses throughout the day. We look forward to announcing age champions and the winning house early in Term 3.

Students selected into the Primary Athletics team will be informed by the end of term. These students will attend the Conference 2 Athletics Championships on Monday 3 August at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.

Coming up in Term 3

• Thursday 30 July – SCS Football Championships (Sydney Final)
• Monday 3 August – SCS Conference 2 Athletics Championships
• Friday 28 August – SCS Sydney Athletics Championships
• Wednesday 2 September – Prep and Mary Bailey House Athletics Carnival
• Wednesday 2 September – Year 3 and 4 Football Gala Day
• Tuesday 9 September – Year 5 and 6 Football Gala Day
• Wednesday 23 September – Mackillop Athletics Championships

Ryan Dunlop
PE and Co-Curricular Coordinator P-4
Primary Sports Coordinator P-6

Dance Showcase

Our spectacular Dance Showcase featured 110 students from Years 1-12 performing in nine teams. Team representatives spoke about why they dance, revealing the challenges they have faced and the joy of performing. From Hip Hop to Jazz to Contemporary, our dancers are ready for Eisteddfod season!

Uniform Shop hours during the break

Winter school holidays schedule:

The shop will close for the winter break on Friday 26 June at 4:00pm and will re-open for Term 3 on Monday 20 July at 9:00am.

Extended Term 3 trading hours:

• Monday 20 July 9:00am-3:00pm
• Tuesday 21 July 9:00am-3:00pm

Normal hours resume from Wednesday 22 July 2026:

• Monday 8:00am-4:00pm
• Tuesday 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm
• Thursday 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

Thank you from Kopanang

The women of Kopanang wish to thank all the wonderful across-school efforts during Santa Fest last week by students and accompanying staff for providing such amazing support through your fund-raising on their behalf. You have no idea what this means to them, in terms of giving them dignity, hope, practical support and solidarity. Every visit over so many years of Santa Sabina students on immersion, and my ongoing visits to them, they never fail to express deep gratitude that their humiliation has been taken from them because you all care. 

Before we began being able to provide a uniform grant to every child in the project, some children took turns to go to school on different days in the one scruffy, ill-fitting uniform, broken down shoes, threadbare collars. This was hard not just on the students, but on the mothers, most of whom are single parents, struggling just to feed their families. Kopanang is their life-line; Santa Sabina gives them heart and hope. 

Thank you seems so very inadequate. 
Sr Sheila Flynn op
Director of Formation

If you are interested, there is a 16 minute documentary on the early years of the project:

Gala Dinner

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.

From the P&F Association

As Term 2 comes to a close, we take this opportunity to thank our parents, carers and community for the support we have had this term. It has been a short but busy one. We have a number of exciting events happening in Term 3 which we will share with you after the break.

As you are aware, last Friday, we had the Farewell Drinks for Ms Skerman. It was my privilege, on behalf of the Parents & Friends’ Association and the wider parent community,  to have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Ms Skerman, for her leadership, dedication and service to our College.

Ms Skerman guided the College through the COVID pandemic and through moments that really tested us as a community.  She provided reassurance when we were anxious; provided compassion when we needed support and showed an incredible amount of strength to make difficult decisions.

Ms Skerman played a significant role in shaping the College’s growth and future direction, contributing to key initiatives including the College’s Master Plan and laid the foundations for projects that will transform this school for generations to come. Whilst she may not be here to see the final project, her influence will be woven through these buildings for many years ahead.

Not only are we losing Ms Skerman, but we are also saying goodbye to Casper. Casper has been a source of so much comfort and joy to both the little kids and the big ones. He has become a much-loved part of life here at Santa. I know that there are going to be many students who will miss seeing Casper at the school gates in the mornings, especially the little ones!

At the Farewell Drinks, we presented Ms Skerman with a Bengali Rose plant that has been planted in her honour, along with a plaque to mark her place in our community. Like the rose, the seeds she has planted at Santa will continue to grow, and Ms Skerman will always be part of the Santa story.

We take this opportunity to thank Ms Skerman for everything that she has done for our community and we hope that if she ever finds herself enjoying an espresso in a beautiful Roman piazza,  that she knows that there is an entire community on the other side of the world cheering her on, grateful for all that she has given and wishing her every happiness for the journey ahead.

We hope that everyone has an enjoyable and restful break and looking forward to some well-deserved down time.

Jumana Commisso 
P&F President 

Santa Sustainable Threads

Our donation stock is running low, and we would love to receive some additional clothing donations to see our children through winter and prepare for the Term 4 transition into summer.

If you have any pre-loved uniform items at home that meet our donation criteria, we would be grateful if you could send them in. Every donation makes a difference and helps support our school community.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

Past Events

Year 5 Breakfast

Our Year 5 mums recently came together for a relaxed breakfast gathering, enjoying good food, great conversation and the opportunity to strengthen connections and friendships. 

Year 7 Coffee Catch Up

Our parents gathered at ArtSaint Café in Burwood, where we were warmly welcomed by our gracious host and College parent, Remona. Over excellent coffee and delicious food, parents enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share experiences and strengthen friendships. Thank you to everyone who attended. 

We look forward to welcoming even more parents to our next gathering in Term 3.

An invitation to Join the Mortlake Youth Group