College Principal

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7

Three weeks into Term 3 and I wish all families a warm welcome noting that we have had new families join our community this term. I sincerely hope that you have been greeted with the same warmth and hospitality that I have met in my return to the College. It is in our shared values and hopes for the children in our care that we nurture a partnership of trust and guide our students to thrive through learning and love.

My connection to Santa Sabina College is deep, forged over two decades as an educator and leader. Before that my own childhood and adolescence was shaped by my Dominican education in Tamworth. It is often the passage of time that allows one to see the thread that weaves the fabric of one’s life, the thread that has always endured giving meaning and purpose, and recognising God as the master-weaver of that thread. This history and my trust in God’s divine providence instils in me a profound affection and a strong sense of mission as I now have the great privilege to lead the community of Santa Sabina, richly immersed in the Catholic faith.

This privilege to serve as Principal, is a responsibility I embrace with joy and commitment as I look forward to leading alongside students, staff and families. I am most grateful to Ms Paulina Skerman whose generosity ensured a thorough handover with me and evidenced her leadership and care of this community. Whilst there is a return home to Santa for me, I am in awe at the standard of excellence across so many domains of learning under Paulina’s stewardship. Paulina has left a proud legacy and I hope she enjoys the freshness of her new role in Rome as an exemplary educator. I hope to remain true to the traditions and successes that define our Santa education whilst building a readiness for future innovation, always aligned with our mission. I also acknowledge the generosity of colleagues in sharing with me their passion and care of the vision they have for our shared work. I step forward with confidence in the trust placed in me by the College Board, Dominican Education Australia and Trustees as well as the Dominica Sisters – all of whom accompany me as I nurture a community that seeks Veritas to shape a more just and compassionate world. 

Having commenced prior to the July term break I was yearning to have the students back on campus as the term began. These three weeks of term have been incredibly rewarding as I have immersed myself into the richness of the educational experiences alive at Santa Sabina. I applaud the professionalism of our staff who commit to being continuous learners themselves as they collaborate with one another and partner with families in their design of learning and care of students.  My preparations had begun with Early Childhood safety and compliance training as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course both of which place governance as an act of custodianship – custodians of mission and values whilst holding the child at centre of decision making. It was such a delight to visit the Treefrogs room and OOSH and meet the children delighting in play with one another. I have spent time in the Prep, Kindergarten and Year 1 classrooms and observed the innate curiosity of students as they ready themselves for the day.

Gioia House students have impressed me with their openness and warmth in greeting and sharing news of their learning. In visiting a Year 6 first class of the new term I was struck by their enthusiasm for collaboration as they tackled the big question of ‘What makes a good society’. It was 9:00am the morning after a three-week holiday, students were discussing attributes of courage and democracy, providing real reasons as to why these values matter.

I have seen this readiness for Dominican spirit of disputatio in the Year 7 CSDA Debating Team – embracing a multiplicity of opinions and ideas to discern a greater truth than we can arrive at alone. I commend these students, alumni coaches and families on this incredible achievement to be one of the two final teams from approximately 100. This week I have also visited the Winter Academy at Tallong where Year 9 students are thriving in their immersion in place based learning, where their presence in the natural surrounds of Tallong is a provocation for intellectual inquiry and nurturing of wellbeing. Research involving more than 10 000 girls’ school students challenges the common assumption that girls simply lack confidence. Instead, it explores how confidence develops differently across learning environments and why creating opportunities for challenge, feedback and purposeful risk-taking matters more than encouraging girls to ‘be more confident.’ (International Coalition of Girls’ Schools) This opportunity for our students to take risks in an environment that has nurtured greater openness and trust in each other is seeing our students step into learning and adventure. They have even mastered a few more domestic skills in the anticipation that shared responsibility continues when they arrive home to families. 

This week we have seen Year 11 submit applications for Student Leadership and Year 12 commence their Trial examinations in both HSC and IB. I was pleased to have had the opportunity to address these year groups last week as they readied themselves for these significant chapters in their school journeys. In both situations, students are reminded of the gain they have in collaboration with each other. Thinking and innovation is strengthened through the multiplicity of minds, drawing upon shared gifts to shape outcomes greater than our individual ability. As Year 11 take up the reins of leadership of the College, they will do so as a collective in service of community. As Year 12 students return from Trials, they are reminded of the gain achieved through classroom dialogue of questioning and refinement guided by the expertise of their teachers. And as we approach their rituals of graduation we shall do so as a community, celebrating all they have generously shared and gained as being a member of this community. 

Last week truly felt like a wedding feast with a gathering of  the extended family arriving the evening before for the pre-wedding party. This was a gathering of Dominican Education Australia – the theme chosen for this celebratory year is – Faithful to the Mission: Bold for the Future. This theme invites us as a Dominican school to renew our commitment to mission and challenges us to be bold for the future – educating for deep thinking that transfers hope to possibility. It was such a joy and privilege the next day to have had my Principal’s Commissioning incorporated into the Feast Day of St Dominic as we could celebrate the fullness of our community committed to this enduring and evolving mission and share with you my acceptance of the invitation to walk alongside you in faith, justice and love. So many were involved in the preparations of St Dominic’s Day and I express my deep gratitude to all whose creativity supported Ms van der Meer’s vision for bringing our commitment of faith to life. 

I have had many opportunities to meet parents and carers and grandparents over the past three weeks – at Parent-Teacher interviews, Assemblies, 100 Days of Kindergarten, Netball, Debating, St Dominic’s Day and today’s Grandparents Day. I look forward to Friday night’s Gala Dinner and Sunday’s gathering at Tallong as families reunite with their daughters with a celebration of Liturgy, shared meal and conversation as well as an opportunity to learn about the students’ research projects.

Over these first weeks, I have been privileged to meet many members of our community and to begin listening to the stories, hopes and dreams that make Santa Sabina such a special place. In the coming weeks, I will also be inviting members of our community to share their thoughts, hopes and aspirations for Santa Sabina. I am looking forward to listening deeply to what you value most about our College, where you see opportunities for growth and how we might continue to strengthen our community together. 

It certainly feels like the rollerskates are on – but I always loved my rollerskating and am delighting in the fullness of life at Santa.  

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

There has never been a more joyful time to be Dominican

Over the past week, students across all parts of our College have provided powerful reminders that the Dominican story is not simply part of our history. It is a living tradition that continues to be shaped and expressed through the voices, actions and witness of our students every day.

Our celebrations began on Thursday 30 July with the Dominican Education Australia Mission in Action Afternoon Tea, where guests from across the Dominican family gathered at Santa Sabina to learn more about the mission and ministry of Dominican Education Australia. The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many ways our students understand and embody the Dominican charism.

One of the highlights was the contribution of our Del Monte students, who used the Dominican family dolls to retell the story of St Dominic, Blessed Jane of Aza and the family whose example shaped his life and mission. Through storytelling, our young students demonstrated a deep understanding that the values of faith, compassion, generosity and service first learned by Dominic continue to guide us today. Their confidence and enthusiasm were a wonderful reflection of the rich faith formation experiences that help keep the Dominican story alive in our community.

Guests were also privileged to hear the voices of our senior students as they participated in a panel discussion exploring what Dominican education looks like today, how it shapes lives and what makes Santa Sabina distinctive. Through thoughtful and authentic reflections, our students spoke about community, truth, service, belonging and the impact of a Dominican education on their own lives. Their insights reminded us that the Dominican charism continues to find new expression in every generation.

These celebrations continued as our community gathered for the St Dominic’s Day Mass and Principal’s Commissioning. Throughout these events, students from across the College contributed in countless ways through prayer, music, leadership, storytelling and service. Each contribution reflected a community united by the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service. 

A particularly moving moment was the crowning of St Dominic by our Year 12 students. As our graduating students take on the responsibility of leading our community, this symbolic act serves as a reminder that they are also custodians of a rich Dominican heritage. Their leadership, faith and example continue to inspire younger students and demonstrate what it means to live the charism with integrity and courage.

This week also saw students from across Prep to Year 12 contribute to a video being prepared for the forthcoming Dominican Education Australia Symposium. Students engaged with the provocation: ‘There has never been a more important time to be Dominican.‘ In responding to this question, they explored themes of truth in a digital age, human dignity, justice, service, discernment, presence and the future they hope to help shape. Their reflections revealed both a deep appreciation for the Dominican tradition and a strong belief that Dominican values remain vital in responding to the challenges of our contemporary world.

What has been most striking throughout these experiences is the way our students have embraced the opportunity not only to learn about the Dominican story but to see themselves within it. Whether through storytelling, prayer, music, service, leadership or thoughtful dialogue, they have demonstrated that the Dominican tradition is not confined to our past. It is alive in the choices we make, the relationships we nurture and the ways we seek truth and justice in our world today.

As we celebrate the Feast of St Dominic, we give thanks for our students whose voices, gifts and witness continue to ensure that the Dominican story is faithfully carried forward, bold for the future and alive in our community every day.

Mrs Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Operations

An initiative that has been in the pipeline for the last two years but is being implemented this year is adding music co-curricular to the existing co-curricular awards. This will give our student musicians the opportunity to earn co-curricular points for their participation in the music program. Mr Ramalho and Ms Richardson will share the details to families in the coming weeks. The co-curricular program is not compulsory at Santa Sabina, but I am extremely proud that over 90% of students from Years 2-12 participate in one or more activities over the course of the year, with this rate growing annually.

I had the privilege of travelling to Fiji with the College Sport tour over the recent holiday break. While in Fiji the students were exposed to a range of cultural experiences including dance, singing and eating in rural villages with the local community. The trip also enabled the students to train alongside the local representative sport teams and conduct coaching clinics at a primary school. What can’t be forgotten is the sporting opportunity that the students had trained for since the start of the year, with both the Touch team and the Netball team finishing runners-up in a tournament held in Lautoka. I would like to thank Mr Ramalho and his team for providing the students with this opportunity and ensuring that the tour experience was seamless. 

I would like to remind all families and students that if parking on the streets surrounding the College to please be respectful to the local residents by keeping driveways clear at all times and abiding by the parking signs on the street.

This will be my last Veritas Voice Article as I move on from Santa Sabina. I look back fondly at my time at Santa and would like to thank all the members of the College community for their support while I have been here.

Mr John Gilmore
Deputy Principal Operations

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Winter Academy Update

We are now in the final week of our inaugural Year 9 three-week Winter Academy Program at Tallong, and students have embraced a rich range of learning experiences that have challenged, inspired and extended them beyond the traditional classroom. During the program so far, students participated in two outstanding Outdoor Education experiences: a canoeing expedition in Kangaroo Valley and a caving adventure in Bungonia National Park. Alongside these activities, weekdays have been filled with experiential learning opportunities, leadership development and collaborative workshops.

Students have also taken part in a number of industry and sustainability-focused excursions, including visits to Boral’s Marulan Limestone Mine, Peppertree Quarry, and an afternoon at the Boral Cement Works, where they gained valuable insights into resource management, industry operations and the challenges of sustainable production. Another highlight was an excursion to Mussett Farm in Colo Vale, where students explored a model of sustainable farming, learning about vegetable production, mushroom cultivation and pasture-raised egg farming.

Photos of some of these activities can be found in this week’s Tallong article.

A key focus of the program has been the students’ individual Sustainability Projects, where they are investigating authentic, place-based challenges relevant to the Tallong campus. Students selected questions that align with their electives and passions while addressing real environmental and community needs. Examples of the inquiry questions being explored include:

‘How might Tallong make more efficient use of its existing energy sources?’

‘How might we harness a range of water sources and water-saving activities to improve water security on the Tallong Campus?’

‘How could the introduction of a native bee project support environmental education and biodiversity on the Tallong campus?’

‘How does combining local Indigenous knowledge and Australian biodiversity with international cultural perspectives enhance the exchange experience for both host and visiting students?’

This last inquiry questions also combines the Italian Elective.  

Importantly, students have maintained their academic studies throughout the program, livestreaming into their regular English and Mathematics classes in Sydney. They have also developed leadership skills through designing and facilitating co-curricular activities for their peers. Complementing their academic learning, students have participated in artmaking and journalling sessions with Sr Sheila, as well as mountain biking and high ropes activities with the Outdoor Education team.

The Winter Academy has provided a unique opportunity for students to combine academic learning, outdoor adventure, personal growth and real-world problem solving. As the program draws to a close this weekend with the Outdoor Education experience at Wombyen Caves, we commend the students on their enthusiasm, resilience and willingness to embrace every aspect of this exceptional learning experience.

Year 9 on the Strathfield campus

Year 9 students at the Strathfield campus have continued their sustainability studies through the Interdisciplinary Science and Geography program, building on learning highlighted in the Fieldwork article. As part of this work, students visited Boral sites and the Georges River Parklands to investigate conservation sites, recycling processes and sustainable resource management in an industry setting. When the students return from the Winter Academy the students from both programs will have the opportunity to share what they have learned with each other. 

Business Career Showcase 2026

Students in Years 10-12 are invited to participate in our upcoming Business Career Showcase, designed to provide valuable insights into the wide range of study and career opportunities available within the business sector. The program will feature three engaging sessions, allowing students to hear directly from business professionals, alumni and tertiary pathway experts about careers in business, accounting and commerce. 

The showcase will commence on 24 August with Session 1, featuring an alumnus/alumna and a parent working in the business sector, who will share their career journeys and experiences in the workplace. Session 2 will provide students with the opportunity to hear from two former students currently studying Business or Commerce at university, offering a firsthand perspective on university life and business degrees. The final session will be presented by Eva Guirguis, who will guide students through the universities that offer Business-related degrees and explain the various pathways available after school.

An invitation has been sent to Year 10-12 families. Students interested in attending are asked to register for the sessions via TASS. 

Census and special circumstance applications privacy collection notice

Please see below a notice from the Australian Government’s Department of Education in relation to the Comonwealth School Data Collection.

Ms Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.
— Proverbs 3:13

If the first three weeks of Term 3 are anything to go by, we are in for a term of wonder, wisdom and no small amount of well-earned pride. Our Primary students have been busy proving that faith, intellect and spirit are very much alive and well in our school.

Last Friday, staff, students and families gathered together to celebrate St Dominic’s Feast Day, honouring the founder of the Order whose motto To praise, To bless, To preach continues to shape everything we do within these walls. The Mass was a moving reminder that our school is, first and foremost, a community of faith. 

The day carried extra significance this year, doubling as the formal commissioning of our new College Principal, Mrs Elizabeth Brooks. There is something rather fitting about a new leader being commissioned on the feast of a saint so devoted to truth-seeking and service – a symbolic passing of the torch that set the tone for the years ahead. 

Arriving on time

A gentle reminder to all families about the importance of arriving at school on time each morning, with students ideally arriving before 8:25am. Punctuality sets the tone for a positive and successful school day. Students who arrive on time have the chance to settle in calmly, greet their friends and enjoy those valuable moments of social connection before the bell rings. Arriving promptly also means students are present for important morning announcements and organisational information, helping them start the day informed and prepared. Most importantly, every minute in the classroom counts: latecomers miss out on the very beginning of lessons, where new concepts are introduced and instructions are given, making it harder to catch up and fully engage with the learning that follows. We thank all our families for their support in helping our students arrive before 8:25am, ready and eager to make the most of every school day.

Teaching minds how to wonder

While the students were still finding their feet after the holidays, our staff were hard at work sharpening their own. In Week 1, the entire teaching team engaged in a critical thinking workshop with Dr Philip Cam, one of the world’s foremost voices in philosophical inquiry for children. The centrepiece of the day was deceptively simple: the difference between Should and Could questions. Could questions fling open the door to possibility – what might be true, what might be tried, what might be imagined. Should questions are more serious ones, wrestling with values, ethics and what ought to be done. Learning to tell the two apart and to ask each at the right moment is a skill that will quietly reshape classroom conversations, as teachers guide students not just to answer questions, but to ask better ones.

100 days of Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, milestones come in smaller but no less mighty numbers. Our youngest learners marked their 100th Day of Kindergarten in style, celebrating ‘100 Days Brighter’ with all the enthusiasm you would expect from five-year-olds who have just realised they can count that high. It was a joyful, colourful celebration of just how far our littlest members of school have come since their very first day at school.

Champions in spirit

On the sporting front, our Gioia House Soccer team gave us plenty to be proud of. Their run to the final of the Sydney Championship was no accident, but the product of a season’s worth of early training, disciplined practice and players who showed up for one another match after match. Finishing as runners-up is a mark of real dedication: this group listened, learned and lifted each other up, turning individual effort into genuine team strength. Congratulations to the team and their coaches on a successful season.

Grandparents Day

Today, Del Monte was filled with warmth and joy as we welcomed over two hundred grandparents to celebrate Grandparents Day. This year’s theme, ‘I will never forget you‘ (Is 49:15), chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to reflect God’s unfailing love for every person, even in the fragility of old age. It set the tone for a day of reflection on the quiet strength and enduring love grandparents so often embody. The celebration was brought to life by choir, string ensemble and poetry performances that reflected the love students have for their special family members. Smiles, laughter and a few happy tears filled the space as students’ presentations shone through in every song and step. Grandparents Day is more than an event; it’s a celebration of love that bridges generations and a reminder that hope is alive and well in the bonds we cherish most.

Gioia House Semester 1 Academic Awards

In Week 1, we came together at our Awards Assembly to celebrate the achievements of our Semester 1 Academic Award recipients. These students have shown consistent effort, curiosity and a genuine love of learning across a range of disciplines, and their commitment to personal excellence, perseverance and growth is a true credit to their character. It is also a reflection of the dedicated teaching and supportive learning environment that make such growth possible.

We also congratulate our Gioia House captains, Lina D’Arrigo and Jesicca Princi, who delivered inspiring speeches reflecting on what contributed to their success – a wonderful insight into the values and effort behind their achievements.

YEAR 5
Alissa Amiouni – PDHPE
Ashley Chow – Music
Eloise Crisafulli – English, Mathematics, HSIE, Science & Technology, PDHPE
Celine Daher   – Religious Education, Drama
Irina Gao – Music
Anabella Gomez – Languages
Ahana Gupta – Science & Technology 
Kianna Lai – HSIE, Drama, Languages
Kaylee Liu – Music
Valentina Macri – English, Religious Education
Charly Merhi – PDHPE, Languages, Drama
Evelyn Metledge – Mathematics
Michaela Nguyen – Mathematics, Religious Education, Science & Technology
Soraya Ronsisvalle-Obaid – English, Religious Education
Sophia Tadros – Religious Education
Ivy Wilson – Drama
Audrey Wong – English, Mathematics, HSIE, Science & Technology, Languages
Samantha Wu – HSIE

Action Girl Pastoral Awards
Romey Dib 
Alana Tannous 
Sophie Tsoukatos
Hannah Yoo 

YEAR 6
Margaux Anderson – PDHPE
Mia Bogovic – English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science & Technology
Alana Boumelhem – Visual Arts
Grace Calcagno – Languages
Soopia Chang – Science & Technology
Ariane Cutrupi – PDHPE
Lina D’Arrigo – Religious Education
Alexis Djordjevic – Mathematics
Olivia Gan – Science & Technology
Scarlett Ghossein – HSIE
Riha Han – Visual Art and Music
Amara Jeyaganesh – English
Madalena Khoury – PDHPE
Romee Lee – Visual Arts
Aria Leung – Mathematics
Amelia Lin – Music
Marie Metledge – HSIE
Jessica Princi – English, HSIE
Niamh Quinn – Mathematics, Science & Technology, Languages
Marley Seeto – Languages
Jennifer Stanton – Religious Education, English, HSIE
Khalessi Staveris – Visual Arts
Amelia Tan – PDHPE
Laura Touma – Religious Education
Lydia Wang – Music  
Natalie Wong – Languages
Emily Zanella – Music

Action Girl Pastoral Awards
Mia Li
Jasmine Nguyen
Marley Seeto
Natalie Wong

Gioia House – IPSHA Debating

A word of praise for our most eloquent speakers. Our Debating team faced Loreto Kirribilli in the fourth round of the IPSHA Debating competition and came away victorious in both debates. Whether arguing for or against, our debaters continue to demonstrate the very skills — questioning, reasoning and making a case with both logic and conviction.

Vex Robotics

In a genuine first for our school, our Years 3–6 VEX Robotics teams competed in the opening round of competition at Trinity College. As a brand new initiative, there was no roadmap and no guaranteed outcome — only curious minds, some wiring, a great deal of trial and error, and a team of students willing to give it their all. They embraced the challenge with real enthusiasm and commitment. Congratulations to all students and a heartfelt thank you to Mr Wang and our parent volunteers, Mr Lin and Mr Wong.

Interacting with Commonwealth Games Athletes

Gioia House and Del Monte students enjoyed the delightful experience of interviewing Comonwealth Games athletes for broadacasting on YouTube.

A sincere thank you to our staff, students, families and grandparents for making these first three weeks so special. We look forward to all that Term 3 still has in store for us.

Mrs Stella Azizian
Head of Primary P–6

CALENDAR EVENTS

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

Important dates for Del Monte and Gioia House:

• Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August – Del Monte Book Fair
• Friday 7 August – Gala Dinner
• Monday 10 August – Healthy Harold Incursion begins
• Thursday 13 August – GH Children’s Kindness Convention
• Tuesday 18 August – Fathers Day Stall Wrapping
• Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 August – Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience
• Thursday 20 August – DM Assembly
• Wednesday 26 August – Discovery Tour
• Thursday 27 August – Sport and co-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 Outreach – Crazy Sock Day
• Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 September – Canberra/Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience
• Thursday 24 September – Term 3 concludes P–6
• Friday 25 September – PTS Interviews P–6

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast

We warmly invite our fathers and father figures to join us for Mass in the Santa Sabina Chapel and hospitality on Thursday 3 September, as we celebrate Father’s Day together.

Mass will be celebrated in the Santa Sabina Chapel at two different times with Breakfast outside the Chapel on the lawn for ALL families at 8:30am.

7:30am Mass – all students and their families are welcome
9:15am Mass – all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be attending, families are welcome to join us.

We kindly ask that all attendees book in advance to assist with catering. 

We look forward to sharing this special morning with you and your family.

Discovery Tour

For anyone who has family or friends interested in enrolling their children at Santa Sabina, our next Discovery Tour – Wednesday 26 August at 9:00am – gives families the opportunity to meet our new Principal and delve deeper into the campus that interests them most.

Primary (Prep to Year 4)
Gioia House (Years 5-6)
Secondary (Years 7-12)

Visitors can explore classrooms, meet passionate teachers, hear from students, discover our facilities and see how we can inspire their children to thrive at every stage of their learning. Visiting children can also stay on for a Try Day, buddied up with a current student.

EducatePlus recognition for the Community Relations team

I’m delighted to share the news that the College’s Community Relations team has been named as finalist for two international advancement awards in 2026. We are finalists for the EducatePlus Marketing and Communications – Digital Campaign Award for our new website, and in the Admissions Awards category, for our cultural admissions campaign.

To be recognised as finalists in both the Admissions Campaign and Marketing and Communications categories is a truly fabulous achievement and a wonderful reflection of the talent, collaboration and commitment across our team. For these awards, the team consisted of Liza Chow, Victoria Harper and Carla Roberts under my direction. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. 

Ms Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

Two weeks ago 44 Year 9 students arrived at the Tallong campus for our inaugural Winter Academy – a three-week pilot residential experience that combines an integrated multi subject curriculum with bespoke outdoor education experiences.

Students are living in small groups of six to eight peers in a cabin and are responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of their cabins and bathrooms. Morning routine includes some physical exercise before breakfast before the students begin their day. The afternoons involve co-curricular and sporting sessions with an evening study period before bed.

The students are into their final week of the program this week and will be bookending their experience with a trip to Wombeyan caves before returning for their final celebration lunch with their parents on Sunday 8 August. Here is a snapshot of some of the activities the students have been doing on their weekend outdoor education program.

Mr Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Mary Bailey House

This week is Early Learning Matters Week. This annual event aims to raise the profile of early childhood education and care in children’s development and wellbeing in Australia.

As early childhood professionals we see it as an opportunity to inform our community about the benefits of high-quality early education and care.

The MBH educational program is informed by Being, Belonging and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and reflects the Reggio Emilia (RE) Educational Project. The EYLF is designed to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. The RE Project is an early childhood philosophy built upon the core principles of the image of the child as competent, the hundred languages of expression, and the environment as the third teacher. Developed by Loris Malaguzzi, it treats education as a collaborative journey rather than a fixed curriculum.

Recent examples include our preschoolers working with Karlo from our College Property Team to respond to road safety concerns about signage. They’d noticed that the yellow feet to remind people to walk on the pathway had faded. So, the children wrote a note to Karlo asking him if they could be repainted. Karlo responded by showing them how the yellow feet could be repainted on the surface.

Another example involved our Bilbies (2 to 3 years) learning about Country through their interest in insects and connection with nature. They observe, draw and help with maintaining our Veggie Patch worm farm and garden beds.

Grandparents Week

This week, grandparents were invited to visit on two afternoons. Our preschoolers were involved in the planning for the visit through the creation of the invitation, making Lemon Myrtle biscuits for afternoon tea and performing their favourite songs. Both were a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to connect and meaningfully spend time with their loved ones.

Ms Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Director of Development

As we gather for our College dinner on 7 August, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to bringing together our community for a night of celebration. We greatly appreciate everyone who will be attending, volunteers, sponsors, donors and those who have supported us throughout the year.

Our sincere gratitude goes to our generous sponsors whose support has helped make this event possible.

Our Silver Sponsors

Santa Sabina College P&F Association
Pier Property Corporation
Dr Paul Saad
Santa Sabina College Ex-students’ Association

Our Bronze Sponsors

Midford Clothing Company
Next Technologies
Bon Appetit Catering
McDonalds Haberfield/Croydon Park

Prizes from our generous community

We are also incredibly thankful to the many businesses, families and community members who donated prizes for our raffle. Your generosity and willingness to support our College continues to strengthen our community spirit and helps us achieve our goals.

Patrick Nader – Diamond earrings
Geniale – Gift voucher
Santa Sabina College Parents & Friends’ Association – Sony Bravia 3 11 65” Smart TV
Peter Hickey – Wellness local gym 3 month membership
Peter Hickey – Combined Air 3 month membership
Anne Salim – Beauty products
Danny Khordahi – DKM Blue – gift voucher
MHP – Dental teeth whitening package
Stacey D’Amico – MUK Ultra sonic dryer + hair products
Richard Wells – Gift card
Stacey D’Amico – Olaplex Total Hair Care package
Massey Park Golf – A round of golf
Miz Tutti – Restaurant voucher
Laing & Simmons The Roger Agha Group – Pertaringa Over the Top Shiraz 2017 3L
Ian Maynard – Taronga Zoo family pass
Ankur Sehgal – P’Nut Asian Kitchen vouchers
Bernadette Bassil – 2026 Canterbury Bulldogs signed jersey

Annual Appeal

We would also like to acknowledge and thank all those who contributed to our 2026 Annual Appeal. The response from our community has been tremendous and we are deeply grateful for every donation received.

Funds raised through the 2026 Annual Appeal Building Fund will be directed towards the installation of much-needed air conditioning units in the Primary Hall and St Elizabeth’s on the Scondary Campus. These improvements will enhance the comfort and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider school community, providing more welcoming and functional spaces for learning, gathering and celebrating.

Thank you also to the many people who have generously donated towards our scholarship fund. These donations go towards supporting students who might not otherwise receive a Dominican education, for that we thank you.

On behalf of the staff, thank you for your continued generosity, support and commitment. Together, we are making a meaningful difference and investing in the future of our community.

Rosary Garden Appeal

The Rosary Garden is a special initiative that allows our community to leave a lasting mark on the College. We invite individuals, families, and ex-students to support this project by securing one or more beads in the garden. Your name will be recorded on a plaque, creating a permanent legacy that will be cherished by current and future generations.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity.

Mr George Ayoub
Director of Development

Music in the Senior School (Curriculum)

Year 7

Year 7 is preparing for their Keyboard Performance Assessment, building confidence in melody, harmony and performance etiquette.

They have also begun their new topic, Music of a Culture, currently focusing on Japanese Music, exploring traditional instruments, pentatonic scales and the rich sound world of Taiko, Koto and Shakuhachi.

Students are enjoying discovering how cultural identity is expressed through musical traditions.

Year 8 

Year 8 has begun their exciting new topic, Film Music, analysing how composers use musical themes to shape character, mood and narrative.

They are now developing the skills to compose their own Leitmotif for a chosen character, due in Week 9. This unit encourages creativity, storytelling and thoughtful musical design.

Year 9 

Year 9 has started their study of Baroque, Classical and Romantic Music, exploring how musical style evolved across these major eras.

They are preparing for their Musicology Assessment in Week 8, strengthening their understanding of the concepts of music and developing analytical listening skills.

Year 10

Year 10 has begun their new topic, Music for Multimedia, investigating how soundtracks enhance visual media through atmosphere, pacing and thematic development.

Later this term, as part of the new Stage 5 syllabus, students will begin their Elective Project, to be presented in Weeks 9 and 10.

They will also present a Class Recital in Week 9, showcasing their developing performance skills.

Year 11 HSC & IB 

Year 11 IB students are preparing their 2nd Exploring Music in Context Assessment, presenting a recording of their Performance Adaptation and continuing to refine earlier work from Tasks 1 and 2.

They will also perform in their IB Recital on Friday 21 August, sharing their developing artistry and interpretive skills.

Year 11 HSC students are preparing for their Preliminary Examination in Weeks 8 and 9.

HSC Music students will sit their written exams on Monday 7 September and Thursday 10 September, and will perform in the HSC Recitals on Friday 4 September.

Year 12 HSC 

Year 12 HSC students have begun their Trial Examinations and are presenting their Full Program for their final internal assessment on 17 August.

We wish them every success as they complete this important milestone.

They will present their program again for their Final Public Recital on Friday 4 September, a wonderful celebration of their dedication and musical growth.

Top 1% in the Australian Geography Competition

I am very proud to share that Emily Ng and Lucy Xiang have achieved an exceptional result in the 2026 Australian Geography Competition, placing them in the top 1% of Year 8 entrants across Australia.

The Australian Geography Competition is a nationally recognised academic competition sponsored by the University of Melbourne, University of NSW, Western Sydney University and the University of Western Australia. Over 47,000 secondary students nationwide competed in the competition from more than 700 schools across Australia. The competition challenges students to apply geographical knowledge and skills to real-world issues. Participants are tested on topics such as physical and human geography, environmental management, sustainability, mapping and spatial thinking, requiring them to analyse information, interpret data and think critically about the world around them.

Achieving a result in the top 1% of Australia for Year 8 is a significant accomplishment and highlights the students’ outstanding understanding of geographical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge in complex contexts. I congratulate Emily and Lucy on this remarkable achievement and thank them for representing Santa Sabina College with such distinction.

Ms Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

International recognition in Philosophy

Congratulations to Donna De Silva from Year 9 Philosophy and World Studies, who has been shortlisted in the highly regarded John Locke Institute International Essay Competition for her essay, Is Free Speech the Enemy of Science?

This outstanding achievement places Donna among a select group of talented young scholars from around the world. The John Locke Institute Essay Competition attracts thousands of international entries annually and challenges students to engage thoughtfully with complex philosophical questions.

In her essay, Is Free Speech the Enemy of Science? Donna explored a challenging and intellectually significant question, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking, research skills and the ability to construct a sophisticated and persuasive argument. Her work opens with a compelling case study that highlights the relationship between scientific innovation, intellectual freedom and established consensus:

In 1984, Australian gastroenterologist, Barry Marshall, swallowed a beaker of Helicobacter pylori bacteria to prove that the medical establishment was wrong. His research, which suggested that stomach ulcers were caused by bacterial infection, had been rejected and ranked among the bottom 10 percent of submissions by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Yet, within two decades, Marshall’s discovery transformed modern medicine and earned him a Nobel Prize.

His story illustrates a central problem at the heart of scientific progress; when institutions become guardians of widespread consensus they can suppress the very ideas that later prove revolutionary.

Drawing on examples such as Marshall’s groundbreaking research, Donna examined the tension between scientific consensus and open debate, considering whether unrestricted inquiry and free speech are essential ingredients for scientific progress. Her essay demonstrated intellectual maturity, extensive research and a sophisticated engagement with competing perspectives.

The strength of her argument is evident in the essay’s concluding reflections:

That is no coincidence. It is what the argument predicts. A scientific community that decides in advance what may not be expressed has not protected itself from error; it has merely ensured that error goes unchallenged. Free speech cannot be the enemy of science as it is what permits the exploration of hypotheses that exist nowhere until someone is free to say it. It is the only condition under which science remains capable of correcting itself, and the only protection any of us have against the orthodoxy that is, right now, confidently wrong.

Being recognised by an international panel of academics and subject experts is a remarkable accomplishment. Donna’s success highlights the strength of inquiry, scholarship and critical thinking that we value in our Santa Sabina learning community. Her shortlisting reflects not only academic excellence, but also the intellectual curiosity and independence of thought that characterise outstanding scholarship. A huge thank you to Dr Christopher Richardson who guided and supported Donna.

Donna’s success is a source of great pride for the HSIE Department and the subject of Philosophy and World Studies.

Ms Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

Year 7 Vaccinations

Year 7 Vaccinations (HPV vaccine and dTpa vaccine) are taking place on Wednesday 19 August. Parents/Carers must provide consent via the link below.

School-based vaccination programs are a key part of protecting student health and preventing the spread of serious diseases like whooping cough (pertussis), Human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal disease. By delivering vaccines in a familiar and accessible environment, these programs help protect adolescents from serious diseases. This program is free, safe and supported by NSW Health under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). They help maintain high immunisation rates, reduce illness related absences, and protect the wider school community. Your support in facilitating these programs is essential to their success.

Karen Peeters
College Nurse

Year 9 Interdisciplinary Geography and Science Field Work

The Year 9 Interdisciplinary Fieldwork Project for Geography and Science at the Georges River Parklands provided students with a meaningful opportunity to investigate sustainability through real-world observation and data collection. Situated within a significant natural corridor in south-west Sydney, the Georges River Parklands offered a diverse environment in which students studied ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality and investigated conservation strategies and the human impacts on the environment. The concept of sustainability was central to this learning experience, encouraging students to evaluate how the Georges River environment can be protected for future generations while continuing to meet community needs.

Geography contributed spatial thinking and an understanding of the interactions between people and places and the analysis of data, while Science provided the tools to investigate environmental conditions. During the fieldwork, students collected water samples from the Georges River and conducted investigations into the presence of microplastics and other pollutants, examining how waste and human activity can influence the health of aquatic ecosystems. Students also surveyed the biodiversity of native plants and insects within the parklands, gaining insight into the important role these species play in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.

This interdisciplinary approach has strengthened inter-Department collaboration, student critical thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. By analysing field data and observing environmental management strategies in the real world, students developed authentic evidence-based recommendations to support the conservation of the Georges River ecosystem. Ultimately, the fieldwork demonstrated that achieving a sustainable future requires both scientific investigation and geographical understanding to balance the needs of people, communities, and the natural environment.

Student reflections

I really enjoyed the excursion to Georges River because it incorporated both data collection and activities which directly protect the environment. I felt that we were able to grow our knowledge of the Georges River ecosystem, and understand data collection processes on a deeper level. Being able to pick up rubbish in the park meant that we all left the excursion knowing that we had made a positive impact on the environment.
Jess Price
Year 9

The Year 9 excursion to Georges River was an engaging experience that strengthened our understanding of environmental issues. Overall, the excursion was a valuable learning experience that broadened our awareness of environmental challenges.
Alegra Cencigh
Year 9

I learnt about the many issues our local environments face. Such as microplastic pollution, erosion of the river’s sand, and water pollution. We were encouraged to discover and research within the reserve and begin to think about how we could improve or solve these issues for a better future.
Jet Martin
Year 9

The Georges River Site was a great learning experience where we were able to engage in an array of different tasks in order to learn more about the loss of biodiversity. Overall, the day consisted of many hands-on activities where we were able to measure different management strategies to get a wider understanding of the loss of biodiversity occurring throughout the area.
Kristina Pawley
Year 9

We participated in hands-on activities such as testing, water quality and determining levels of biodiversity in the area. From this we learned the impact and the increasing damage of climate change and pollution on native environments. This relates to our inquiry topic, Treading Lightly, which focuses on promoting environmental sustainability.
Isla The
Year 9

Critical thinking through creative learning in Commerce

In HSIE classrooms a strong focus has been placed on real-world and analytical learning experiences that encourage students to apply critical thinking, interpret information and make informed decisions. Through the Skittles Trading Simulation, Year 9 Commerce students investigated why individuals and businesses invest, the risks and rewards associated with different investment choices, and the ways investments can be financed. This engaging activity required students to analyse market conditions and adapt their strategies in response to changing circumstances. Through hands-on experiences such as this, students develop valuable insights into investment decision-making, market behaviour and the impact of transaction costs on returns, while building the analytical skills, financial literacy and confidence needed to become informed consumers, active citizens and responsible participants in Australia’s economy. Thank you to Vanessa Lam (HSIE teacher) for facilitating this creative learning experience for Year 9 Commerce students.

Ms Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

Teacher reflection

In Year 9 Commerce, students took part in a Skittles Trading simulation to explore how investing works in real markets. Each student began with a packet of Skittles and had 30 minutes to trade with classmates to collect as many Skittles of one colour as possible. Every trade incurred a small transaction fee paid to the Skittles Trade Commissioner (the teacher), helping students see how fees can reduce overall returns. The activity encouraged strategic thinking, giving students a hands-on understanding of market behaviour, decision making and the impact of transaction costs on investment outcomes.
Ms Vanessa Lam
HSIE Teacher

Student reflections

The Skittles activity in commerce showed me how investing works by letting me choose one colour to focus on, just like picking an asset in real life. Trading with classmates helped me see how supply and demand changes value, because some colours became more popular while others weren’t worth much. Having to give one Skittle to the teacher as a ‘bank fee’ after every trade taught me that every investment has transaction costs that reduce profit. Overall, I learned that investing involves strategy, risk, watching trends and understanding that every trade has a cost. All these ideas link directly to how real markets work.
Aryssa Poulos
Year 9

During this Skittles trading game, I learnt that every trade had a cost. The activity taught me about investing by allowing me to experience risk taking, strategic thinking and the cost of my decisions. This helped me to learn about situations in the real world where investors face fees and risks, and must choose trades that help them reach their goals.
Jade Lahoud
Year 9

The Skittles trading game showed me that investing involves strategy, risk and careful decision‑making. I learnt that every trade has a cost because giving a Skittle to the fee commissioner (our teacher) lowered my final result. The activity also demonstrated how markets change when everyone wants the same colour, which affects how people trade. This links to the real world because investors deal with fees, competition and changing demand when trying to build a portfolio. Overall, the game taught me that smart choices and patience can improve your outcome.
Ava Sleiman
Year 9

Book Week 2026 in the Library

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.
– George R.R. Martin

Reading is dreaming with open eyes.
– Unknown

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
– Frederick Douglass

There is no friend as loyal as a book.
– Ernest Hemingway

These reflections capture the excitement, imagination and discovery that books bring into our lives. Each year, the Children’s Book Council of Australia recognises outstanding Australian literature through the Book of the Year Awards. The 2026 theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’, celebrates the many journeys that reading can inspire.

This year’s CBCA shortlist highlights an exciting range of Australian literature. The Older Readers selection includes contemporary young adult novels spanning fantasy, suspense, mystery and coming-of-age themes, while the Younger Readers category features adventurous, imaginative and deeply moving stories for middle-grade readers. Together, the shortlisted titles reflect the creativity and diversity of Australian children’s and young adult publishing.

Book Week will be celebrated in the library through a variety of engaging activities, including Shadow Judging, author trivia, teachers’ favourite books competition, writing workshops and our annual Book Week Character Costume Parade on Friday 28 August at lunch.

Students who would like to participate in the parade may dress as a favourite book character or author and bring a gold coin donation. Funds raised will support students in the Solomon Islands. All costumes must comply with appropriate Free Dress Day expectations, including suitable footwear for practical subjects.

Students who choose not to dress up are expected to wear their full school uniform.

Families are invited to attend the Parade on the Small Hockey Field from 1:00pm.

Mr Michael Moses
Acting Head of Library (5-12) and English Teacher

Backcountry skiing adventure

Gold DofE Adventurous Journey

Fourteen Year 11 students have successfully completed their qualifying Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Adventurous Journey, undertaking a challenging and rewarding backcountry skiing expedition through the remote alpine landscape of Kosciuszko National Park.

The journey involved five days in the field, supported by two days of travel, as students navigated the spectacular backcountry of the Munyang Valley. Along the way, they experienced the realities of expedition life, carrying equipment, travelling through alpine terrain and camping in winter conditions.

The expedition tested students physically and mentally, requiring resilience, adaptability and teamwork. Throughout the journey, the group consistently demonstrated determination and a willingness to support one another through challenging conditions. Their conduct and commitment were a credit to themselves, the College and the values of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The Gold Adventurous Journey is designed to challenge participants to step outside their comfort zone, develop leadership skills and build confidence through shared experiences in the natural environment. Our students embraced these opportunities wholeheartedly and should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

We extend our sincere thanks to Venture Outdoors Inc. for their expertise, guidance and support in delivering this experience. We also acknowledge and thank Imogen Lewins, whose commitment and care helped make the expedition a successful and memorable one for all involved.

Congratulations to all 14 students on completing this significant milestone in their Gold DofE journey. Their tenacity, teamwork and spirit exemplify the very best of Santa Sabina College.

Mr Chris Walker
Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Gioia House Term 3 Pastoral Programs

This term, our Gioia House Pastoral programs continue to nurture the whole child by supporting their social, emotional, spiritual, physical,and digital wellbeing. Students will engage in a series of sessions designed to strengthen personal qualities, build positive relationships and develop responsible habits both in the classroom and online.

Throughout Term 3, students will explore what it means to be a good friend and how everyday actions can show kindness to others. Our discussions and activities help students recognise empathy, cooperation, resilience,and respect as essential qualities that shape strong, supportive relationships. These sessions encourage students to reflect on their own qualities and understand how small acts of kindness contribute to a positive school community.

Gioia House students will continue to learn how to stay safe online, communicate respectfully, protect their personal information, and make thoughtful choices in digital spaces. These lessons empower students to navigate technology confidently and responsibly.

Our pastoral program also includes Be Active sessions that promote teamwork and physical wellbeing. These activities encourage movement, collaboration, and healthy habits, reinforcing the importance of caring for both body and mind.  This term, during Be Active the Gioia House students will take part in a variety of sport rotations such as AFL, Volleyball, Basketball and Hockey to continue to develop new sporting skills and work with external professional coaches alongside Gioia House teachers. By combining physical activity with social‑emotional learning, we support students in developing a balanced and holistic approach to their wellbeing.

International Friendship Day

During Gioia House Community Time, we recognised and celebrated International Friendship Day. This day highlights the power of friendship in building trust, understanding and peace across communities. It encourages people to strengthen social connections, embrace diversity and practice kindness. Our Gioia House students took part in identifying the qualities that we value in friends and the importance of being kind to everyone. It reminds everyone that supportive relationships make our school and community healthier, happier and more resilient. At the end of the session, our students concluded the session by writing their own friendship pledge and how they will continue to spread kindness each day.

Wishing everyone a wonderful term filled with many engaging learning experiences, celebrations and special events to look forward to.

Ms Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

Curriculum Updates

As we begin Term 3, we are pleased to share our Curriculum Overview with families. This overview has been designed to provide a clear snapshot of the learning that will take place across the term and help strengthen the connection between home and school. By sharing our planned learning experiences, families can gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge, skills and concepts students will be exploring in each key learning area.

Each curriculum overview includes a summary of the unit, outlining the key focus of learning and highlighting the real-world connections students will make throughout the term. In addition, the overview identifies the specific syllabus outcomes that guide teaching and learning. These outcomes ensure that classroom programs are aligned with the NSW curriculum and provide a clear pathway for student growth and achievement.

There are many benefits to sharing curriculum overviews with families. They promote transparency around student learning, encourage meaningful conversations at home about school experiences, and provide opportunities for parents and carers to support learning beyond the classroom. Understanding the intended learning outcomes also helps families recognise the progress their child is making and the purpose behind classroom activities and assessments.

We encourage all families to take the time to read the Term 3 Curriculum Overview and discuss the learning topics with their child. Working together as partners in education, we can create meaningful learning experiences that support every student to thrive, achieve their best, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Ms Stephanie Yiorkas
Year 5 Teacher and Curriculum Leader

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Gioia House Instrumental Showcase 

At the end of Term 2, families were warmly welcomed onsite for the Gioia House Instrumental Learning Showcase, our bi‑annual celebration of developing musicianship. Students from Gioia House Strings, Mini Maestros and Mega Maestros presented works‑in‑progress that highlighted their growing technical control, ensemble awareness and musical confidence.

The afternoon also featured a selection of thoughtful and expressive solo performances, demonstrating the independence and maturity students have gained across the semester. We are incredibly proud of their progress and look forward to seeing them shine once again in their final presentation at Fra Angelico in November.

Academic Assembly Performance – Gioia House Choir and Gioia House Strings 

In Week 1, Gioia House Strings and Gioia House Choir were invited to perform at the Academic Assembly, showcasing repertoire refined throughout Semester 1. Their performances brought a sense of celebration and community to the event, and students represented Gioia House with poise, musicality and pride.

Looking ahead at Semester 2

Throughout Term 3 and 4, Gioia House choir will be preparing for their Fra Angelico performance. Their program includes Lakeside Lullaby by Jacob Narverud and I Found Something I Was Searching For by Pink Zebra, two contrasting works that allow students to explore blend, phrasing and expressive storytelling.

Year 5 and 6 students will also begin preparing musical items for their end‑of‑year Mass, offering a musical farewell to the year and a gift of gratitude to teachers and peers.

Gioia House Strings

Gioia House Strings are preparing to join Sinfonietta for their Breakfast Concert in Week 9 on Monday 14 September, an exciting opportunity for students to perform alongside older musicians and experience a broader ensemble environment.

They are also preparing for the Fra Angelico Festival in Term 4, where they will present The Old City by Karen Kyriacou and Festival Fanfare by Kathryn Griesinger, two works that challenge students to develop rhythmic precision, dynamic contrast and confident ensemble leadership.

Gioia House Mini Maestros

 Mini Maestros are busily preparing their items for the Fra Angelico Festival.

• Year 5 will perform Beethoven’s Ninth and Jingle Bells, exploring classical themes and festive energy.
• Year 6 will present A Shaker Hymn, focusing on tone, blend and expressive simplicity.

Their rehearsals this term emphasise ensemble cohesion, confident playing and musical curiosity — all essential foundations for their upcoming performances.

What’s happening in Year 6

Religion – Synoptic Gospel postcards

Throughout this unit, students in Year 6 have begun exploring the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, developing an understanding of how these texts portray Jesus and help encounter Him in life. Students compared key Gospel passages, including the Resurrection of Jesus, identifying similarities and differences between the accounts and analysing why each Gospel writer presents the events in a particular way. They also examined significant events such as the Baptism of Jesus, the Feeding of the Five Thousand and Jesus Blessing the Children, investigating what these stories reveal about Jesus’ identity, mission, compassion and relationship with others. As part of their learning, students completed a creative postcard task based on Jesus Blesses the Children. They selected a Gospel account and wrote a postcard from the perspective of Jesus, a child present at the event or a disciple, demonstrating their understanding of the story and the way Jesus is portrayed. Students also created an accompanying illustration to bring their perspective to life.

A thought-provoking philosophy session with Dr Phillip Cam

Year 6 core1 students recently had the opportunity to work with philosopher Dr Phillip Cam, engaging in a rich and reflective Philosophy lesson that stretched their thinking and sparked meaningful discussion.

The session centred on a compelling case study, which students unpacked using the Question Quadrant – a tool designed to help young thinkers distinguish between factual, conceptual, debatable, and ethical questions. This structure encouraged students to slow down, look closely at the scenario, and consider not just what happened, but why it matters.

Students explored what makes a question ethical, how different perspectives shape our understanding, and why some dilemmas don’t have simple answers. They were eager to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and listen respectfully to one another. The room buzzed with curiosity as students realised that philosophy isn’t about finding the ‘right’ answer – it’s about asking better questions.

Teachers also found the session incredibly valuable. Observing Dr Cam’s facilitation offered fresh insight into how philosophical inquiry can be woven into everyday classroom practice. Many commented on how the Question Quadrant provided a clear, practical framework for guiding deeper conversations and helping students develop critical thinking skills.

This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of reflective thinking in education. Students left feeling inspired, and teachers walked away with new strategies to enrich learning across the curriculum.

Ms Marisa Maks, Mr Eamonn Dunphy, Ms Ann Milicic, Ms Georgia Wheatley, Ms Rebecca Seidman
Year 6 teachers

What’s happening in Year 5

Maths – designing nets for packaging

This term, Year 5 have been investigating three-dimensional objects and their nets as part of our Mathematics learning. Students explored how two-dimensional shapes can be folded to create three-dimensional objects. They examined diagrams to determine whether they were valid nets of closed 3D objects, sketched their own nets, and identified prisms and pyramids from different net representations. These activities encouraged students to think critically about how shapes connect and fit together in space.

To apply their learning in a real-world context, students took part in a creative packaging design challenge. Working as product designers, they were tasked with inventing a product and then designing suitable packaging to contain it. Students carefully considered the size and shape of their product, selected an appropriate three-dimensional object for the packaging, and created a net that could be folded into their final design.

Science – Greenhouse effect

This week, Year 5 students deepened their understanding of the greenhouse effect through a hands‑on experiment using two glass jars, two thermometers, plastic wrap and carbon dioxide. Both jars were placed in direct sunlight one open, and one sealed with plastic wrap and filled with added carbon dioxide.

Students observed that sunlight easily passes through clear materials and warms the inside of the jar. The warm surface then releases heat as infrared energy. In the covered jar, the plastic wrap and carbon dioxide trapped more of this heat, just as greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

By comparing the thermometers, students saw the covered jar heat up more quickly, giving them a clear, practical demonstration of how increased carbon dioxide leads to rising temperatures.

Exploring Genre in Year 5 English

This term, Year 5 are exploring genre through their study of Bright New World by Cindy Forde and Bethany Lord, a text that blends informative, persuasive and entertaining elements. Students are learning how authors use different genres and language features to communicate ideas in powerful ways.

To begin the unit, students took part in a ‘genre walk,’ examining a variety of texts placed around the classroom, including picture books, novels, posters, letters and digital texts. They considered questions such as: How would you categorise this text? Could it belong to more than one genre? This activity helped students see that genre is flexible and that many modern texts combine features for different purposes.

Year 5 are already showing thoughtful insights, and we look forward to seeing their understanding deepen as they continue analysing Bright New World throughout the term.

Ms Stephanie Yiorkas, Ms Wendy Anetter, Ms Alison Di Ciaccio, Ms Monique Taylor, Ms Tiffany Anderson
Year 5 Teachers

National opportunity gives students direct access to elite athletes

What would you ask a Commonwealth Games athlete? Our students recently had the chance to find out as part of the Champion Chats program presented by Commonwealth Games Australia. We were proud to be one of just 10 schools nationwide selected to participate. Del Monte Sports Leader Brooklyn Maralit and Gioia House Sports Leader Khaleesi Staveris asked questions directly to athletes from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Watch the Athletics Champion Chat and hear insights from Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tori West:

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

Pastoral Update

International Day of Friendship

Welcome back to Term 3. We hope all families enjoyed a restful break and the opportunity to spend quality time together, recharge and create special memories with loved ones. We were blessed to begin the term by celebrating International Friendship Day, a United Nations initiative observed each year on 30 July.

This special day promotes friendship, kindness, respect and understanding, encouraging students to help create a more inclusive and connected school community. Throughout the fortnight, students across Prep to Year 4 participated in a variety of age-appropriate activities that explored the qualities of a good friend, the importance of kindness and inclusion, and ways to build positive relationships. Through stories, discussions and collaborative learning experiences, students developed their understanding of empathy, active listening and respectful communication.

International Friendship Day reminds us that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By reaching out to others, including those around us and choosing to be a good friend each day, we can help ensure every student feels connected, supported and valued within our school community.

Gifted Education Update

Australian Maths Competition

Thinking caps were on and the room filled with concentration yesterday as a number of students from Year 3 to Year 6 sat the Australian Maths Competition (AMC). Introduced in Australia in 1978, the AMC is an internationally recognised competition that consists of 30 questions, with problems increasing in difficulty throughout the paper. This structure allows all students to experience success while also providing extension and challenge for highly capable mathematicians. It was wonderful to see students approach the competition with confidence, concentration and a positive mindset, readily embracing the challenge.

Maths Explorer, Maths Games, Maths Olympiad

The challenges continued this week, with many students also completing the third paper in the Maths Explorer, Maths Games and Maths Olympiad programs. We congratulate these students on their resilience, perseverance and growing problem-solving skills as they tackle increasingly complex mathematical tasks. These enrichment programs encourage students to think creatively, apply a range of strategies and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning. We wish them every success as they prepare for their final competition paper in Week 8 and look forward to celebrating their achievements.

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (ACT) Maths Competition

Results are in for the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition, Upper Primary Division and we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students. Many participants received Distinction and Credit Awards, placing them among the top 15% and top 50% of the competition cohort respectively. These outstanding results reflect the students’ strong problem-solving abilities, perseverance and enthusiasm for learning. Congratulations to all participants on their efforts and achievements.

Distinction Award
Aria Leung
Marie Metledge

Credit Award
Zara Alvaro
Soopia Chang
Alira Djordjevic
Olivia Gan
Hannah Guessens
Amara Jeyaganesh
Elise Schojer
Jennifer Stanton
Amelia Tan
Lydia Wang
Claire Yang

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

Religious Education in Del Monte

Celebrating our Dominican heritage

Last week, members of our school community came together to celebrate and reflect on the rich heritage of Dominican education through the Dominican Education Australia (DEA) Afternoon Tea and our annual Dom’s Day celebrations.

On Thursday afternoon, DEA members, parents, staff, students and community members gathered for a special afternoon tea. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared Dominican tradition, connect with one another and reflect on the values that continue to guide our school community.

Our students played a significant role in the gathering. Our Gioia House students confidently led the Acknowledgement of Country and opening prayer, setting a reflective and welcoming tone for the afternoon. Students from Del Monte delighted those present as they retold the story of St Dominic’s younger years using our Dominican dolls, bringing Dominic’s story to life in a creative and engaging way. Our Year 4 students also shared their understanding of what it means to be part of a Dominican school and spoke thoughtfully about how they will carry the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service into their future learning and daily lives.

The celebrations continued on Friday with Dom’s Day, beginning with a reverent whole-school Mass. Students and staff gathered in prayer to honour St Dominic and give thanks for the Dominican charism that is at the heart of our school.

Following Mass, students participated in classroom activities that explored the life of St Dominic and deepened their understanding of Dominican values. Through discussion, reflection, creative tasks and collaborative learning experiences, students considered how they can continue to live these values in their relationships, their learning and their service to others. These celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the strong partnership that exists between our school, families and the wider Dominican community.

Year 4 Social and Justice Leaders’ Winter Appeal

The Year 4 Social and Justice leadership team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents for their generous donations to the Winter Appeal. Your contributions have made a significant impact, providing essential support such as food, clothing, household bills and specialist homelessness services to those in need.

Your kindness and generosity help us continue our mission of advocating for fairness, equality and support for the vulnerable in our community. Thank you for opening your hearts and making a difference!

To contemplate and to share with others the fruits of contemplation.
Dominican Motto

Ms Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P–6

Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)

Students at Del Monte have rehearsed beautifully for Dom’s Day, practicing their singing and actions for the One Family song, to welcome everyone to the Mass. They are also preparing for Grandparents Day.

Siena and Laudare Singers have started their Term 3 rehearsals with lots of fun warm-ups and rounds, emphasising the joy of singing together as well as encouraging listening to one another as they sing. We will soon start working towards our second semester performances.

In class, students are exploring a variety of notation – graphic, solfa tone ladder and traditional notation, in ways appropriate to their development. They are transferring their knowledge to tuned percussion. Frequently, movement will be used to explore what the music is doing, and then into creative segments.

Message from the Director of Music

Del Monte curriculum

A very warm welcome back to all our students and families for Term 3. We hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is feeling refreshed for an exciting term of learning, growth and community connection.

ICAS

ICAS testing has now commenced. We wish all participating students the very best as they challenge themselves and showcase their skills and knowledge.

Assessment dates are as follows:

• Tuesday 5 August – Writing (Years 3 & 4)
• Monday 10 August – English
• Monday 17 August – Spelling Bee
• Monday 24 August – Mathematics

Curriculum overviews

Our Term 3 Curriculum Overviews are now available on Veritas Online via your child’s Grade Homepage. These overviews provide an insight into the learning experiences and key focus areas for the term. If you have any difficulties accessing these documents or have questions about the curriculum, please don’t hesitate to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher.

Learning Moments

We invite you to take a sneak peek into classroom life through our Learning Moments, available on Veritas Online via the Grade Homepages. Learning Moments celebrate and showcase student learning both in the classroom and across the school. You can expect to see photos and highlights from specialist lessons, Community Time, excursions and incursions, as well as everyday learning experiences. They also provide a wonderful starting point for conversations at home about your child’s day at school, especially when the answer to ‘How was school today?’ is simply, ‘Good!’

Ms Kate Bakhos
Curriculum Leader P-4 & Year 4 Teacher

Primary VEX IQ Robotics Competition

Our Years 3-6 students proudly represented the school at their first VEX IQ Robotics Competition at Trinity Grammar on Wednesday 29 July, where they worked collaboratively to tackle a range of robotics challenges throughout the day. Competing in eight teamwork matches, three skills challenges and a judges’ interview, students demonstrated critical and creative thinking, problem-solving abilities and teamwork. The event provided an authentic STEM learning experience, building confidence, resilience and communication skills.

A highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to connect with peers from other schools, sharing ideas, strategies and solutions while learning from one another in a supportive and competitive environment. We were especially proud that one of our teams was awarded the Inspire Award, an honour presented to a team that exemplifies the spirit of VEX through passion, positivity, teamwork and perseverance. This achievement reflects the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students throughout the competition. We congratulate every participant on their efforts and sportsmanship and look forward to supporting them as they continue to build their skills and compete in future events throughout the year.

Mr Edward Wang
Leader of Learning Technology P-6
Year 4 Teacher

Book Week is coming – Week 6

Book Week is always one of the most exciting events on our school calendar and this year promises to be extra special! On Friday 28 August, we will celebrate the joy of reading, imagination and storytelling with a day full of literary fun.

Celebrate your favourite book characters!

Book Character Parade: Friday 28 August

Location: Playground

Students are invited to take part in our annual Book Character Parade at 9:00am by dressing up as a character from a book. This is a wonderful opportunity to share favourite stories and discover new ones through the characters we love.

When choosing a costume, we encourage students to think about the amazing characters they have met in books. Whether it’s Matilda, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Paddington Bear, Gangsta Granny, Pig the Pug, Percy Jackson, Wombat Stew characters, or another beloved literary figure, there are so many creative possibilities! We also ask that students avoid dressing as Marvel or DC superheroes and villains, due to the play they might inspire. Book Week is all about celebrating the stories found on our library shelves and the authors and illustrators who bring them to life.

Special Guests: Matt Ottley and Tina Wilson OAM

We are thrilled to welcome Matt Ottley, one of Australia’s most celebrated author-illustrators and composers. Matt has illustrated and created more than 40 books and has received numerous prestigious awards for his work. His unique approach combines storytelling, visual art and music to create rich and immersive experiences for audiences.

As part of this year’s CBCA theme, Book Week: Symphony of Stories, Matt will bring books to life through a captivating performance that blends illustrations, storytelling and live music, showing students how stories can be experienced in exciting new ways.

Joining Matt will be Tina Wilson OAM, an accomplished artist, author and illustrator. Tina was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for her contribution to the arts. She is the founder of the prestigious Lester Prize portrait award, has worked as an illustrator and designer for many years, and is the creator of the delightful Monkey’s Great Adventures picture book series. Tina is also Co-Director of The Sound of Picture Books, an initiative that combines literature, art and music to inspire young readers.

Ms Patricia Doonan
Teacher Librarian

Year 4

In Mathematics this week, students have been exploring the CUBES strategy. This problem-solving strategy helps students approach worded problems in a structured and confident way. We have been focusing on circling key numbers, underlining the question, boxing important mathematical terms, eliminating unnecessary information, and then solving and checking our answers. By breaking problems into manageable steps, students learn to identify the most important information and determine which mathematical operations are needed.

The CUBES strategy supports reading comprehension, critical thinking, and accuracy when solving mathematical problems, helping students build confidence and become more independent problem-solvers.

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

Year 3

Year 3 celebrated one another during International Friendship Week with a reflective lesson exploring their friendship superpowers. The students found the task challenging, as many were unable to identify their own strengths yet could clearly recognise and articulate the positive qualities they see in others. This experience supported the development of empathy, social awareness and growing confidence in understanding how their actions contribute to a supportive classroom community.

International Friendship Day promotes kindness, respect and understanding between one another, encouraging students to extend friendship beyond their immediate circles. Through small acts of inclusion and connection, Year 3 began to see how their friendship superpowers can help create a school environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Ms Kelly Garcia and Ms Louise Harris
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

Year 2 students shine at Dom’s Day Mass

Last Friday, our Year 2 students proudly participated in the annual Dom’s Day Mass, joining the school community in celebrating the life and legacy of St Dominic.

A special highlight of the Mass was the students’ presentation of One Family by John Burland. Through both singing and signing, the children shared the song’s beautiful message of unity, inclusion and belonging. As part of their performance, students had the honour of walking on Dom’s Plot, making the experience even more meaningful and allowing them to play a special role in the celebration. They approached this responsibility with confidence, reverence and joy, demonstrating the spirit of togetherness that the song so beautifully reflects.

The students’ enthusiastic singing and expressive signing captivated the congregation and helped bring the lyrics to life. Their performance reminded everyone that we are all members of one family, united in faith and friendship.

We congratulate our Year 2 students on their wonderful participation in this important school event. Their respectful behaviour, commitment and joyful spirit were a credit to themselves, their families and our school community. We are incredibly proud of the way they contributed to making this year’s Dom’s Day celebrations so memorable.

A big thank you to Mrs Knight for her dedication and hard work in preparing the students for this special occasion. Her guidance, encouragement and support enabled the children to perform with confidence and enthusiasm, making their contribution to the Mass both meaningful and memorable. We are grateful for the time and care she invested in helping the students shine.

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

Year 1

The Celebration of the Eucharist and the Story of St Dominic

Year 1 Religious Education

Year 1 students have been learning about the parts of the mass in our RE unit Celebrating Mass. They were excited to visit the Del Monte chapel to explore models of the altar, vessels, vestments and other items used in the mass. The children made connections between the models they examined and the real objects used in the celebration of the Eucharist. They asked thoughtful questions and made perceptive connections to their own experiences of the Mass and family celebrations. These learning experiences have helped them understand the significance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith tradition.

The recent celebration of St Dominic’s Day held special meaning for the students as they learned about St Dominic as a little boy. Using dolls made by the Kopanang Dominican project in South Africa, they engaged with the story of his childhood, education and love of God throughout his life. The children were excited to identify symbols from our College crest that were part of the story and continue to hold significance for us today. Most importantly, they connected with Dominic as a child, like themselves, who learned, played with his brothers and loved his family.

Ms Margie Attard, Ms Calista Camarda and Ms Lorette Quinlan and Ms Grace Azzi 
Year 1 Teachers

Kindergarten

Reading, writing, counting, and being a good friend — these are just some of the things Kindergarten students have mastered over their first 100 days of school. To mark the occasion, students celebrated ‘100 Days Brighter’ with their friends and families.

Dressed in their most colourful clothes, students welcomed their families to a special liturgy, dancing to Unwritten as photos from their first 100 days played on screen. With so many more chapters still to write, this milestone is just the beginning of their story. Families and students then shared a picnic together in the Rotunda before heading back to class for activities celebrating everything the students have learnt.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Kindergarten students on this special journey!

Ms Ella Reilly, Ms Erin Horne and Ms Brooke Napper
Kindergarten Teachers

Prep

A colourful start to Term 3!

It has been wonderful to see everyone’s smiling faces again after the holidays. We are excited for all the learning, friendships and special moments that Term 3 will bring.

Science

This term in Science, the students will be participating in a variety of hands-on experiments that encourage them to wonder, predict, question and investigate. These experiences help develop important scientific thinking skills while making learning fun and engaging.

This week, the students took part in the colourful Skittles Experiment. Before adding water to the Skittles, the children made predictions about what they thought would happen. They then carefully observed and discussed the changes they could see as the colours dissolved and spread across the plate, creating vibrant patterns. The students were fascinated by the results and enjoyed sharing their observations with their classmates. This exciting experiment helped strengthen their observation, prediction, and inquiry skills.

We are looking forward to another fabulous term of learning in Prep!

Ms Rebecca Saba and Ms Monique Evans
Prep Teachers

Tales from the Italian Peninsula!

Italian at Del Monte

During the recent school holidays, several lucky students packed their bags and journeyed to Italy. Over the last week, these student travellers took centre stage in their Italian language classes. They captivated their peers by sharing first-hand stories of exploring ancient ruins, ordering authentic food, participating in Italian cooking classes and navigating historic streets. Alongside their wonderful stories, students shared some photos and the Italian classroom was filled with smiles as peers viewed snapshots of landmarks such as the historic Colosseum in Rome, the beautiful canals of Venice and the stunning Amalfi coast. And one of the highlights was the visit to the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome!

This unique storytelling experience has deeply enriched our language program and has allowed everyone to experience the rich culture, art and architecture of Italy without leaving school grounds. Seeing the practical use of the Italian language in real life has greatly motivated our current students to practise their speaking and listening skills.

We extend a warm grazie to our student travellers and their families for sharing their journeys and inspiring their friends. We cannot wait to see where their language skills take them next!

Ms Daniela Panico
Italian Teacher

Director of Music P-12

St Dominic’s Feast Day celebrations

Semester 2 is off to a wonderful start, and there was no better way to begin Term 3 than through the many musical contributions shared during our St Dominic’s Feast Day celebrations. The occasion was a timely reminder of the unique role music plays in nurturing spirituality, fostering belonging and strengthening community, while also serving as a vibrant expression of culture and identity.

My sincere thanks to all students who sang and played so generously in service to our College community.

Sydney Opera House performance

Following the success of the 2026 Gala Concert, the Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra were honoured to receive an invitation to perform at the Sydney Opera House as part of a China-Australia Concert celebrating cultural exchange and collaboration.

Our students represented the College with maturity, poise and artistry, earning high praise from event organisers and dignitaries for both their musical excellence and professionalism.

Celebrating 10 years of Dominican Education Australia

Students were also privileged to contribute to the celebration of Dominican Education Australia’s 10th Anniversary, presenting the Dominican Hymn, Laudare Benedicere Praedicare. Through music, they honoured the rich Dominican tradition that continues to shape our College community today.

Industry Recognition

This Friday, several of our advanced musicians will work as session musicians for Willow Publishing, documenting the music of acclaimed composer and producer Michael Harvey for international distribution. Their selection for this project is a wonderful recognition of their musicianship and the high regard in which they are held by and as industry professionals.

Looking Ahead

On Friday evening, members of the Chamber Orchestra will help set the atmosphere and welcome guests to the College Gala Dinner, once again happily sharing their talents in service of their community. We look forward to their contribution to this special celebration!

Semester 2 Music Dates

Though finer details for these and other smaller happenings will be communicated in due course, please note the dates below for your diary as your semester takes shape.

• Chamber Music Recital | Santa Sabina Chapel | 25 August 2026, 5:00pm
• Strings Breakfast & Open Rehearsal | Santa Sabina Hall | 14 September 2026, 7:30am
• Australian Boys Choir – Workshop & Concert | Santa Sabina Chapel | 25 September 2026, 4:00pm
• Celebration of Music | Sydney Conservatorium of Music | 1 November 2026, 5:00pm
• Fra Angelico Festival | St Catherine’s Amphitheatre | 20 November 2026 
• Advent Carols | Santa Sabina Chapel | 30 November 2026, 6:00pm

We also look forward to the many musical contributions that will feature throughout the semester in College Masses, Discovery Tours, curriculum recitals and our many assemblies. Coming up soon, families are warmly invited to attend the Del Monte Music Assembly in Del Monte Hall on Thursday 20 August at 2:25pm, which will include a special music focus.

As we move through the remainder of the year, we look forward to championing our students in all their musical endeavours – individual and shared. Thank you for your ongoing support and presence as our young people continue to grow into performers of musical excellence, character and purpose.

Ms Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

A thriving start to Term 3

Term 3 has launched with tremendous energy across the College, and our Sport and Co-curricular programs are already in full swing. The Sports Department has been exceptionally busy, with students proudly representing the College across a wide range of competitions and activities.

Our Secondary students are competing enthusiastically in the IGSA Weekly Interschool Sport competition, with two Hockey teams, three Football teams and three Basketball teams taking to the field and court each week. In the Junior School, students have embraced the season with three IPSHA Girls Touch Football teams and one Boys Football team competing with great spirit and determination.

We are also delighted to have expanded our interschool sport opportunities this term. Seven teams of students from Years 6 to 12 have joined the Meriden Invitational Badminton Competition on Friday evenings.

These commitments complement our already extensive representative programs, including:

• Five Representative Volleyball teams
• Twenty-seven IWNA Netball teams
• Nine Representative Dance teams
• Eight Debating teams competing in the Archdale (IGSA) Competition.

The breadth of student participation across these activities is a reflection of the enthusiasm, talent and dedication that continue to define our College community.

Looking ahead

Excitement is also building as we prepare for the upcoming athletics season. Our representative athletes will soon compete at the IGSA Twilight Carnival on 31 July and the CGSSSA Athletics Carnival on 14 August, where they will once again showcase their commitment, resilience and competitive spirit.

At the time of writing, our CGSSSA Basketball Team has just represented the College at the Championships held at Camellia Sports Centre on 29 July. We congratulate the team on competing with pride, sportsmanship and determination while representing the College.

Winter netball is drawing to a close

With Round 13 upon us, we are quickly closing in on finals season. Please see the table below for the schedule of remaining games. All finals matches will be available once the ladders are finalised at the end of the regular rounds.

Please note that while most of our teams have seven or eight teams in their division, the following teams have six teams:  SSC10, SSC15, SSC16, SSC17, SSC20 and SSC22.

SSC25, our U9 team, will play up until Round 16, on 29 August.

A quick shout out to our Junior and Intermediate Representative teams who took part in the NSW Schools Cup in Penrith on 28 July and who will represent the College again at NSWCCC Championships back in Penrith on 19 August alongside our Senior Representative team.

Spring Netball

Now is a good time for players to form teams with their friends for the upcoming spring competition. There is no scheduled training, just an expectation that players attend games on a Tuesday evening at Cintra. This is a wonderful opportunity to play with some different friends and keep your skills in check and be ready for the 2027 season.

Further information will be provided in due course.

Thank you

Behind every training session, competition and achievement is a dedicated team of staff, coaches and families whose support makes these opportunities possible.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Sport Department team for their tireless work in coordinating programs, supporting staff and fostering student development throughout each sporting season. Thank you also to our coaches, whose guidance and encouragement help students develop both their skills and their love of sport.

To our parent community, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. Most importantly, thank you to our students, who continue to wear the College colours with pride, passion and integrity at every event they attend.

Co-curricular Clubs off to a great start

Our Co-curricular Clubs commenced this week and have already attracted strong student engagement across a variety of activities.

Students are enthusiastically participating in programs such as Athletics, Fit Club, Boxing, Dance and Mandarin, enjoying opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.

These clubs play an important role in providing students with opportunities beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, wellbeing and social connection. By offering a welcoming and non-competitive setting, students can discover new passions and develop interests that may remain with them throughout their schooling journey and beyond.

Celebrating student success

Outstanding results at the Australian Gymnastics Championships

Congratulations to Chloe Lai (Year 10), Willow Lai (Year 10) and Mina Ju (Year 11) on their exceptional performances at the Australian Gymnastics Championships.

The girls achieved outstanding results across multiple events:

Individual

• Mina Ju – Silver Medal (2nd)
• Willow Lai – 4th Place

Group

• Mina Ju – Gold Medal (1st)

Pair

• Chloe Lai & Willow Lai – Gold Medal (1st)

Aerodance

• Gold Medal (1st)

These remarkable achievements are a testament to their dedication, perseverance, teamwork and talent. We congratulate Chloe, Willow and Mina for representing themselves and the College with such distinction on the national stage.

Lydia Wang shines on the golf course

Congratulations also to our talented young golfer Lydia Wang, whose recent achievements have been nothing short of outstanding.

Lydia secured the Scratch Gold Medal at the NSW PSSA MacKillop Team Selection Tournament and was named runner-up in the JNJG U12 Tour State Age Championship in the Girls 11 Years division.

Adding to an already impressive season, Lydia competed at the NSWCPS Golf Championships in Blackheath, where she won the Overall Girls Competition and earned selection in the MacKillop Team for the upcoming NSWPSSA Championships in Tamworth this August.

We are incredibly proud of Lydia’s achievements and the dedication she continues to demonstrate in her sport. We wish her every success as she prepares to compete in Tamworth and look forward to following her journey.

From team competitions and representative pathways to individual excellence on the national stage, Term 3 is already proving to be a season of achievement, growth and opportunity. We look forward to celebrating many more successes from our students in the weeks ahead.

Mr Luiz Ramalho
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities P-12

Primary Sport

Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships – Sydney Final

On Thursday 30 July our Gioia House Representative Football team competed in the Final of the Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships at Lambert Park Sports ground, Leichhardt.

Although the game resulted in a 2–0 loss to St Joseph’s Oatley, the achievement of making it to the championship decider cannot be understated. The team played with heart, resilience and genuine belief, representing the College with maturity well beyond their years.

From the opening whistle, the match was fast, physical and fiercely contested. The girls created several promising passages of play, showing the same determination and teamwork that carried them through earlier rounds of the competition. St Joseph’s proved too strong in key moments, converting their chances and holding firm in defence.

Despite the scoreline, our players never dropped their heads. Their effort, sportsmanship and commitment were outstanding from start to finish.

I would like to pass on my congratulations to all girls involved in the competition this year, you should all be very proud of your efforts and can hold your head up high knowing you gave it your all.

Gioia House Representative Football Team:

Stefania Lazanja
Lina D’Arrigo
Antonia Srdanovic
Sophia Gomesis
Marie Metledge
Alexis Djordjevic
Soraya Obaid
Bailey Nasr
Charly Merhi
Isidor Moussa
Eva Younan
Olivia Lai
Sienna Machaalani
Mischa Sleiman

Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Athletics Championships

On Monday 3 August, 28 students across Years 2 to 6 represented the College at the Conference 2 Athletics Championships. All students represented the College with pride, showcasing their talent on the track and in various field events.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved some amazing results and have progressed through to the Sydney Athletics Championships held on Friday 28 August at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre

Grace Calcagno 1st Place 12 Years Girls 1500m
Grace Ordakji 3rd Place 10 Years Girls 100m
Sabrina Commisso 3rd Place Junior Girls Discus
Sebastian Portelli 3rd Place Junior Boys Discus
Stefania Lazanja 5th Place 12 Years Girls 100m, 4th Place 12 Years Girls 200m

Sydney Catholic Schools Football Gala Days

Expression of Interest for the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Football Gala Days are now open.

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

Join us at the Santa Science Showcase!

We invite all families, including students, to join us at our annual Santa Science Showcase as we celebrate National Science Week. The Santa Science Showcase celebrates the incredible scientific expertise within our own College community and showcases 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.

This year’s theme 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.

By hearing directly from professionals, we hope to inspire our students to pursue senior science subjects and consider future careers in STEM.

Featured Presentations

The accidental career choice that changed everything
Anna Millward (Class of 2022)
A chance university preference led Anna to a career path she never expected. Hear how unexpected opportunities, perseverance and an open mind helped shape her journey from forensic science to women’s reproductive health and a future career as an embryologist.

Question Zero
Dr Bosco Wu (Current parent)
A thought-provoking exploration of one of the most valuable skills in any career. What is ‘Question Zero’ and why does it matter? Join us to find out.

Who made your medicine?
Lara Stallard-Taylor (Current parent)
Discover how a new medicine goes from an idea to a life-changing treatment. Explore the diverse team of scientists, doctors and specialists who work together behind the scenes to make modern medicine possible.

How science and engineering are hidden everywhere you go
Claudia Novati (Class of 2022)
From the water we drink and the roads we travel on to the buildings where we learn, science and engineering are all around us. Claudia will reveal how these fields shape everyday life and how experimentation, problem-solving and even failure can lead to innovation.

STEM Club Showcase
Santa Sabina STEM Club Students
Our STEM Club students will share some of the exciting projects, experiments and challenges they have been working on throughout the year, demonstrating creativity, teamwork and innovation in action.

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 talks, with slides. Each presentation will be followed by three-five minutes of question time from the audience. 

The Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop 

I would like to invite the Santa Sabina community to make pilgrimage to the tomb of Mary, and take an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of her life – and in general, to give thanks and have a space to reflect on the many blessings in your own lives. 

Join the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mary MacKillop Place as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop on Saturday 8 August.

Make a pilgrimage to Mary’s tomb, spend time in prayer in the Chapel, and celebrate the Eucharist with us at one of our Feast Day Masses:

• 8:00am & 6:00pm – Chapel
• 10:00am & 1:00pm – Glen Roy Green (outdoors)

The 10:00am and 1:00pm Masses will be AusLan interpreted, and the 10:00am Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

For the full Feast Day program, information and more, visit www.marymackillopplace.org.au or contact ministries@mmp.org.au.

Hannah Hicks 
Youth Engagement Officer
Mary MacKillop Place

From the P&F Association

Welcome to Term 3!

Welcome back to Term 3! It feels like we say it every term, but these holidays really have flown by. We hope everyone enjoyed the opportunity to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and return refreshed for another exciting term ahead.

While our school community has been enjoying a well-deserved break, there has certainly been no shortage of activity behind the scenes.

On behalf of the P&F Executive, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Principal, Mrs Elizabeth Brooks. Several members of the Executive had the privilege of attending the 10-Year Dominican Education Australia celebrations, where it was inspiring to see the strength of the Dominican family and the shared values that connect our schools and communities.

We were also honoured to attend the celebrations for St Dominic’s Day and the commissioning of Mrs Brooks. It was a special occasion that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Community.

Mrs Brooks, welcome to our Santa family. We are thrilled to have you come back to our community and look forward to working alongside you as your vision for our College unfolds. We know you will be warmly embraced by our students, families and staff, and we are excited for all that lies ahead.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the events and activities planned throughout the term.

P&F General Meeting

The next Parents and Friends (P&F) General Meeting is coming up and we would love to see as many of you there as possible! Ms Elizabeth Brooks will be joining us and it would be a wonderful opportunity to meet and hear from her. Ali Piccone, Head of Creative Arts at St Lucy’s and current parent at Santa, will also be addressing the meeting about St Lucy’s satelite school and the partnership with Santa Sabina.

Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Benincasa, Senior Campus, Santa Sabina College

Whether you’re a long-time parent or attending for the first time, we’d love to see you there and hear your ideas. 

Threads of Connection Gala Raffle

From sparkling diamond earrings generously donated by Nader Fine Jeweller and a Sony 65″ Smart TV to memberships at Wellness Local and Combined Air Gym, delicious dining vouchers from Miz Tutti and P’Nut Asian Kitchen, a golf day at Massey Park Golf Club, and many more wonderful prizes generously donated by members of our College community – there’s something for everyone in our Gala Raffle.

Every ticket purchased helps support our College while giving you the chance to win one of these amazing prizes. Thank you for your generosity, and good luck – we can’t wait to see who our lucky winners will be!

Past Events

Year 12 Mums Weekend

With graduation on the horizon, a group of Year 12 mums enjoyed a memorable weekend away in Bowral to celebrate the end of an incredible Santa Sabina College journey. Filled with laughter, shared memories and meaningful conversations, it was a wonderful chance to reflect on the years gone by, cherish lifelong friendships and toast the exciting new chapter ahead for their daughters.

Year 11 Coffee Catch Up

The Year 11 mums enjoyed a lovely catch-up at Artisan Café in Burwood, taking time out to relax, reconnect and enjoy great company. With plenty of laughter and conversation, the gathering was a wonderful reminder of the supportive community that continues to thrive at Santa.

Upcoming Events

Term 3 is packed with great opportunities for our families to get together, catch up with friends and connect with our school community. Please mark your calendars and RSVP to assist with our planning.

Father’s Day Celebrations

You’re warmly invited to join us for Mass and Breakfast on Thursday 3 September, as we celebrate Father’s Day together.

7:30am Mass – all students and their families are welcome
9:15am Mass – all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be attending, families are welcome to join us

We kindly ask that all attendees book in advance to assist with catering. 

Year Group Gatherings

Santa Sustainable Threads

Due to popular demand we will be running our Sustainable Threads store at this year’s Book Character Parade on Friday 28 August. 

If you have any pre-loved uniform items at home that meet our donation criteria below, we would be grateful if you could send them in.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

Jumana Commisso 
P&F President