College Principal

Individuals and societies thirst for a full and free life, one that is worthy of their humanity, in which they can harness for their own welfare the abundant resources of the modern world.         

Gaudium et Spes, #9, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Vatican II, 1965.

One of my favourite prophets is Micah, through whom God challenged Israel ‘to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). This scripture calls us to work for justice and peace – ‘the state of wellbeing that God wants for us and the means of promoting it’. Our deep thirst for a ‘full and free life’ – for ourselves and others – ‘is indeed God’s own desire for human flourishing!’ 

Kelly, G., & Saunders, K. (Eds.). (2014). Dominican approaches in education. ATF Press.

Last week students across Primary and Secondary acknowledged the National Week of Action against Bullying with the theme Small Acts, Big Impact. A small act can be a word to describe another, a look of friendliness, a gesture of moving books to invite someone to take a seat. In classes and Homeroom groups, students reflected upon the everyday ways we collectively shape an environment of justice and peace.

This week we have had cause in our broader community to reflect upon the power of solidarity that comes when we choose to pursue justice and peace. We ask ourselves how it is that our world continues to demand conversations about respect for women. We must ensure our children hear, unambiguously, that nothing justifies violence. Our girls must know they matter, and they should always feel safe, seen and supported. Our boys must know their voice and influence matters, as active advocates for girls and women, and in learning respect, grow into good men.

Sunday’s AFL Women’s game set a new record for a women’s football crowd in Sydney. This wasn’t just a game of sport; it was an act of solidarity to stand alongside all women. Both Swans and Essenden players left the field receiving high-fives from a crowd that came out in support. We have also noticed a respectful shift in language. Analyses of media reporting suggest that coverage of violence against women can sometimes employ framing that obscures perpetrator accountability. Over this past week, we are hearing discussions that challenge this as language itself has been dissected and qualified. As a society, we are being invited to stand alongside one another in our commitment to protecting environments and dialogue that fundamentally respect the dignity of women, and the inherent ‘thirst for a full and free life … worthy of their humanity’.

Here at Santa we have a particular opportunity to nurture that solidarity every day. At Assembly on Tuesday I asked students in Years 5-12 to consider the impact we have when we listen to, empathise with and care for one another as sisters. If in their adolescence we do not create an environment of trust, protection, and dignity, we take away from young girls’ confidence. We diminish the hope that they shall be supported in life beyond our school gates. Santa offers a unique chance to create a sisterhood that respects the fundamental dignity of each person. Our motto, Veritas, invites us to pursue truth by listening, engaging in respectful dialogue and actively proclaiming what is good and just. Students are asked to accept the invitation to those small acts – a word, a look, a gesture – that nurture a community of solidarity. 

A Santa Sabina education strives to nurture students to grow as people of goodness for this world. It transforms classrooms into spaces that cultivate empathy, integrity, civic responsibility and a desire to contribute positively to society. Students learn to trust their own voices, making it far more likely they will assert boundaries, speak out against abuse and care for the dignity of others. It empowers young people to recognise their value, confront injustice and lead boldly.

My hope is that Santa Sabina graduates – both our boys and girls – will be our future policy makers and leaders across legislative, corporate and community sectors – in STEM, health, law, media, sports and politics – who will advocate for a world of justice and compassion. That leadership starts in our students’ everyday lives at home and school, because they are already becoming the people they will be. 

The readiness to say yes to serve, to welcome, to lead is a joy to witness each day. With only a few weeks of Year 12 schooling remaining, I am enjoying having lunch conversations with each House group. The resounding message that these young women say about themselves is their sense of cohesion that has grown from an appreciation for their collective diversity. Together they wish to treasure these last weeks and celebrate with peers, staff and families. Yesterday we had many students from Kindergarten through to Year 12 act as hosts and tour guides in welcoming prospective families on Discovery Tours. The feedback from these guests expressed an appreciation for the authenticity and warmth of students in sharing stories that spoke of their valuing of community. And finally this week we have had the great honour in announcing the incoming Student Leadership Team whose early dialogue has identified the capability and commitment of their many peers and staff who they hope to engage alongside them in nurturing a culture of love, justice and kindness. We will be presenting the 2026/2027 Student Leadership Team to the community on Tuesday 1 September.

And let me not forget you the parents and carers who contribute so much goodness in shaping a community that flourishes. There have been many events where your welcome and hospitality have turned gatherings into lasting memories. Thank you to those parents and carers who attended the Threads of Connection Gala Dinner – with particular appreciation to the P&F who co-ordinated the evening alongside staff and Ex-students. It was a night of much joy! It was also wonderful to have parents and alumni share their expertise in the fields of STEM as inspiration at last week’s Science Week Showcase; such generosity reflecting a community who cares deeply about shaping our children’s future. 

As I shared in my first Veritas Voice newsletter at the beginning of this term, I want to listen deeply to our community as I take up the privilege and responsibility of leading Santa Sabina. There is much that we should be proud of and much that we hold dear. As custodians of our College, we also have a responsibility to consider what should endure, where there are opportunities to grow and how we remain faithful to our mission while being bold for the future.

While I have enjoyed the many conversations I have already had, I want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. I therefore invite you to share what you value most about Santa Sabina and your hopes and aspirations for our future. This is not intended to be a detailed survey. It is a short opportunity for me to hear from as many families as possible and to better understand the values, experiences and hopes we share for the children in our care. Please see link here.

I continue to enjoy meeting many of you at assemblies, recitals and showcases or on the sporting sidelines. Next week’s Father’s Day promises to be a wonderful community event. Sincere thanks to the Parents and Friends for the enormous time and energy given to the organisation of the gift stalls and breakfast, and to the staff in shaping our Mass of Thanksgiving for fathers and father-figures.  

Being Book Week this week I shall end with a couple of literary quotes for our Dads.

From Australian poet Pam Brown:
‘Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of songs.‘

From writer and humourist Mark Twain: 

‘When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.’

Whilst the expression of admiration may be dependent on the age of the child, I truly hope that all Dads feel very loved on this special day. And to those in our community who will remember fathers no longer with us, may their memory fill our hearts with their love.  

Finally I acknowledge with gratitude the work of Deputy Principal Operations Mr John Gilmore for his service to the College having finished his tenure at the College last week. Mr Gilmore led significant improvements across technology, facilities, compliance, risk management, workplace safety and organisational effectiveness. He worked with humility and a commitment to enhancing the school experience for students, staff and families. We wish John well as he returns to his home state of Queensland to take up the position of Deputy Principal Middle and Senior School Operations at St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
College Principal

Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Leadership through service: forming the next generation of Dominican Leaders

Each year, the student leadership nomination and election process provides our College community with an opportunity to reflect on what leadership means at Santa Sabina. As a Dominican community, we understand leadership not as a position of status, but as a privileged opportunity to serve. Those who accept leadership roles commit themselves to living the mission and values of the College through both their words and actions. Leadership at Santa Sabina is grounded in the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Community, Study and Service and calls students to be authentic seekers of truth who inspire and enable others to flourish. 

The qualities we seek in our student leaders extend well beyond popularity, confidence or public speaking ability. Santa Sabina leaders are expected to exemplify Veritas, support the Dominican spirit, demonstrate initiative, show sound judgement, work collaboratively, serve generously and remain faithful to their responsibilities. They are called to be positive role models who balance leadership with their commitment to learning, while remaining approachable, compassionate and respectful members of the community. No easy feat for anyone, however, each year we have more students who can readily achieve these expectations than we have formal positions for them to fill.

In acknowledgement of the immense leadership potential of our student body, leadership at Santa Sabina is understood as a shared endeavour. While a small number of students hold formal positions, every member of the community is invited to exercise leadership through their daily actions. The leadership structure intentionally creates opportunities for students across Years 7 to 12 to contribute through Action Teams, House leadership and student initiatives, recognising that leadership is best expressed when many voices are heard and valued. 

Over recent weeks, our Year 11 students have engaged thoughtfully and enthusiastically in the 2026-2027 student leadership nomination process. Students submitted written applications, reflected on their leadership philosophy, articulated their understanding of the Dominican ethos and considered the legacy they hope to leave within the College community. Applicants were challenged to demonstrate not only leadership experience, but also character, service, integrity and a genuine commitment to others. Our new leadership team will be formally announced to the community next week during our Leadership Acknowledgement and Induction Assembly. We know that in the coming year leadership will not only be exemplified by these 20 students but by many other members of the Class of 2027. 

Mrs Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Each year, all Australian schools participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD is an annual process that helps schools identify and record the adjustments and support provided to students with disability so they can access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers.

The information collected assists schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability, strengthen support practices, and improve educational outcomes for all students. The data also informs funding allocations to support students with disability across Australian schools.

Students may be included in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments due to disability. These adjustments may include changes to teaching and learning programs, classroom supports, modified resources, assistive technology, health care support, or other reasonable adjustments that help students access education. The NCCD uses the broad definition of disability outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

As part of the collection, schools provide information about:

• a student’s year of schooling
• the level of adjustment being provided
• the broad category of disability.

Importantly, the NCCD is not a test and does not require any additional assessment of students. The process is based on information that schools already collect and use to support student learning and wellbeing. 

Protecting student privacy is a key feature of the NCCD. No personal information, such as student names, is provided to the Australian Government through the collection. All information is managed in accordance with privacy legislation and strict confidentiality requirements. 

The NCCD takes place annually in August and provides an opportunity for schools to reflect on the supports and adjustments they provide, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, participate and succeed.

Parents and carers seeking further information about the NCCD are encouraged to visit the NCCD Portal or contact the school.

Celebrating our growing culture of practitioner inquiry

Santa Sabina College has recently had the opportunity to share our practitioner‑inquiry journey with the broader educational community, and I am delighted to acknowledge the leadership of Ms Kate Corcoran, Coordinator of Action Research, whose work continues to recognise and elevate our professional growth culture.

Over the past fortnight, Kate has presented at three external events. At the Research‑Invested Schools National Gathering, she highlighted how our whole‑school Action Research Program is being used to drive strategic priorities and is currently shaping our pedagogical focus on Teaching for Thinking. She also shared insights with postgraduate students at the University of Sydney, alongside colleague Ms Sophia Huang, illustrating the rich learning emerging from inquiry projects within our Maths Faculty. Most recently, she participated in a panel discussion at the Teachers’ Guild of NSW 2026 Research Conference, exploring innovative research practices and illustrating how our teachers draw on internal and external evidence to refine and enhance the impact of their classroom approaches.

These engagements reflect the strength of our internal work in building a culture of research-enriched practice. Last week, we launched the next cycle of our Action Research Program on the secondary campus, inviting teachers to begin to explore pedagogies and learning experiences designed to develop students’ capacity to apply the cognitive skills embedded in our Teaching for Thinking Framework. This sustained, iterative form of practitioner inquiry aims to deepen students’ ability to be critical, collaborative and creative thinkers, strengthening their capacity to engage thoughtfully with their world and cultivating the capabilities they will need to thrive in and beyond school.

It is wonderful to see our work recognised and shared so widely, reinforcing Santa Sabina as a professional community committed to questioning and continually refining practice in light of emerging evidence, all in the pursuit of deeper student thinking and understanding.

Ms Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Head of Primary P-6

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32

Bullying.No way! National Week of Action

This week, our school community joined schools across Australia in recognising the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, part of the broader Bullying. No Way! National Week of Action. Our focus this year: Be the I in K_ND.

It’s a simple but powerful message. Kindness isn’t something that just happens around us — it needs each of us to actively choose it, again and again. Every student, staff member and family member is the ‘I’ that completes the word ‘kind.’ Without each of us stepping in, kindness stays incomplete.

Throughout the week, our students explored what it really means to be kind, inclusive and respectful in their everyday interactions. We talked about:

• Kindness as a choice — small, everyday actions like including someone, checking in with a friend, or simply saying hello can make a real difference.
• Inclusion in practice — noticing who might be left out and making room for them, rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
• Respectful disagreement — that we can see things differently, express that honestly, and still treat each other with respect. Disagreeing well is a skill worth building, not something to avoid.
• Friendship as fluid — that friendships naturally shift and change over time, and that’s a normal part of growing up, not a failure or a falling out. Helping our students understand this helps take the sting out of change, and builds resilience when it happens.

We know that building a genuinely kind and inclusive school culture isn’t something we can do alone. It takes a true partnership between school and home. We warmly encourage families to continue these conversations at the dinner table,  asking your child not just “did you have a good day?” but “did you notice anyone who needed a friend today?” or “how did you show kindness today?”

Be the I in K_ND.

SCIENCE WEEK CELEBRATION: SEEDS OF SCIENCE

Last Friday, students from Prep to Year 6 came together to celebrate Science Week, this year themed Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All. It was a day of exploration, discovery and fun, planting the seeds of scientific curiosity in every student, regardless of age or ability.

Our youngest students dove into wonderfully hands-on investigations, asking questions like, ‘Where do bubbles come from?’ and getting their hands messy with Oobleck to puzzle over the age-old question: Is it a solid or a liquid? They also brought the weather indoors, building their own Rain Cloud in a Jar and whipping up a Tornado in a Jar to watch swirling weather patterns form before their eyes.

Year 2 students got creative with their science, exploring colour and chemistry through the Taste the Rainbow Skittles Experiment, and put their engineering minds to work in the Gumdrop Structures Engineering Challenge, designing and testing their own structures.

Year 4 nurtured their scientific patience with the Blossoming Bean Experiment, observing growth and change over time, while our older students turned their attention to bigger questions, investigating how we can show the Sun’s power changes things. 

At Santa Sabina, we are deeply committed to embedding STEM education in our curriculum. Science Week is one of many ways we nurture our students’ critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

YEAR 5 OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE AT TALLONG

Our Year 5 students recently returned from a wonderfully successful Outdoor Education experience at Tallong, and what an unforgettable few days it was. Blessed with stunning weather, students threw themselves into every activity on offer, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and building both confidence and resilience along the way. Beyond the activities themselves, it was wonderful to see friendships form and strengthen, as students supported and encouraged one another throughout their time away. Of course, no camp is complete without great food, and a special mention must go to our very own Mr Cheifrey for the delicious meals that kept everyone fuelled and happy. Sincere thanks go to our staff, whose care, dedication and hard work at camp and behind the scenes ensured every student had a safe, engaging and truly memorable experience at Tallong.

FATHER’S DAY STALL – THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team of parent volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to source thoughtful gifts and carefully wrap each and every present. Their generosity of time and effort ensured that every student had the opportunity to find something special for the dads and father figures in their lives. This kind of quiet, dedicated work makes our school community so special. Thank you for giving so freely of your time to create such a memorable experience for our children. We look forward to celebrating Father’s Day Mass on Thursday 3 September.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDER

As a school community, we all share a responsibility to keep our students, families and neighbours safe before and after school. I kindly ask all families to be mindful of their driving and parking behaviour along Carrington Avenue. In particular, please do not park across, block, or obstruct neighbouring driveways at any time — this is a courtesy our local residents rely on and one that reflects on our whole school community. I also ask that families refrain from making U-turns over double lines, always use the designated pedestrian crossing when dropping off or collecting children, and please don’t leave vehicles unattended in the Kiss and Ride zone. To the many families who consistently model safe and courteous road behaviour, thank you. Your care does not go unnoticed, sets a wonderful example for our children, and helps staff during morning and afternoon duties. To those who continue to disregard these guidelines, I respectfully ask that you please reconsider your approach, as the safety and courtesy of every neighbour and child in our community depends on all of us doing our part. Thank you.

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 Important dates for Gioia House:

• Friday 28 August – Book character Parade
• Monday 31 August – GH Fathers Day Stall
• Tuesday 1 September – DM Fathers Day Stall
• Wednesday 2 September – DM Stage 2 Football Gala Day
• Thursday 3 September – Fathers 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.

Ms Yvette Graniero
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Outdoor Education, Tallong Campus

August is by far my favourite time of year at the Tallong campus. Our wattles come to life! Wattle is one of Australia’s most significant native plants and holds a special place in the nation’s natural environment, culture and identity. One of the most recognised species is the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), which became Australia’s national floral emblem in 1988. Its bright yellow flowers symbolise resilience, unity and the beauty of the Australian landscape. The golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, represents qualities often linked with the Anzac spirit, including resilience, endurance and unity. The plant can thrive in harsh conditions and regenerate after fire, making it a powerful symbol of strength and recovery. It is these qualities of resilience and endurance that we are drawn to in designing our outdoor education program.

Over the past week our Year 5 students from the College were at the campus for their rescheduled Year 5 camp. Heavy rains in May required us to move the camp to August. Over three days the students participated in high ropes challenges, mountain biking, group initiative challenges, fire building, damper making and a bushwalk with navigation exercises. The camp culminated in the final egg drop challenge, whereby groups had to engage in a creative problem-solving exercise to successfully drop an egg from over three meters without it cracking. Well done Year 5!

We look forward to welcoming our Year 6 students in a few weeks’ time.

Mr Kendal Hann
Director of Outdoor Education and Tallong Campus

Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

At MBH the 2026 Book Week theme ‘Symphony of Stories’ that recognises the many ways they inspire, entertain and bring people together was promoted through picture books that feature music. Playroom teachers read these stories to the children and used them to inspire them to design and create their own magical, musical hat. On two separate days duyring Book Week, the stories were read to the children, they wore their hats and they ate cake that they made to celebrate the occasions.

Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to spark an interest in stories, and the motivation to read.

In Cradle Mountain, our infants and toddlers read Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox.

In Lilly Pilly Gully our two to three-year-old children read The Very Noisy Bear by Nick Bland.

In Daintree Rainforest our pre-schoolers read Bertie and the Bear by Pamela Allen.

Ms Jackie Baxter
Director of Mary Bailey House and OOSH

Music in the Senior School (Curriculum)

Year 7

Year 7 are exploring Music of a Culture with a focus on Japanese music and First Nations music, discovering how musical traditions express identity, storytelling and connection to place. They are also preparing for their Keyboard Performance Assessment in Week 7, developing confidence in melody, harmony and performance etiquette.

Year 8 

Year 8 are continuing their engaging unit on Film Music and have begun the thoughtful process of composing their own leitmotif for a character of their choice.

Students are experimenting with musical ideas that reflect personality, mood and narrative. We look forward to hearing their effective, imaginative and expressive compositions.

Year 9 

Year 9 are preparing for their written exam in Week 7, demonstrating their developing theory skills and understanding of the topics studied so far this year. They have worked steadily and with maturity, and we wish them every success as they move into this assessment period.

Year 10

Year 10 are preparing for their in‑class recital on 15 September, working closely with their class accompanist to refine musical interpretation, tone, and performance confidence.

They have also begun their Elective Project, analysing and arranging their chosen music and presenting their process and findings through a multimedia format. Their creativity and independence continue to shine.

Year 11 HSC & IB 

The Year 11 HSC and IB Recital on Friday 21 August was a truly heart‑warming event. Students performed with confidence and artistry, and the camaraderie on stage was wonderful to witness. Their encouragement of one another created a supportive and uplifting concert atmosphere.

Year 11 HSC Music are now moving into their Preliminary Exams in Week 8, where they will complete both a written paper and a performance exam. We wish them well as they enter this important stage of their learning.

Year 11 IB students are continuing their work on their Exploring Music in Context Performance Adaptation, due in Week 9, refining their ideas with care and musical curiosity.

Year 12 HSC 

Year 12 HSC Music have recently completed their Trial Exams and performances with external examiners, demonstrating dedication, focus, resilience and determination. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and growth.

The final HSC external examinations have been scheduled for:

• Music 1 Performance — Tuesday 8 September
• Music 2 & Extension Performance — Friday 11 September

We wish all students the very best as they approach these significant milestones.

Year 12 will also present their full recital program in their final school recital on Friday 4 September. This event is a celebration of their hard work, commitment and musical journey throughout their school years.

Exploring critical thinking – 2026 Festival of Dangerous Ideas School Experience

On Friday 21 August a group of Santa Sabina students from Years 10 and 11 attended the 2026 NSW Festival of Dangerous Ideas School Experience, where they engaged in a day of challenging ideas, critical thinking and intellectual exploration. Throughout the day students took part in argument-building workshops, developing persuasive reasoning and evidence-based communication skills. Interactive sessions explored contemporary topics, including the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by artificial intelligence, with students applying a moral imagination framework to consider diverse perspectives, anticipate consequences, and evaluate responsible courses of action.

The Santa Sabina philosopher circle was led by Dr Tim Dean, Senior Philosopher and Manos Chair in Ethics at The Ethics Centre. A scenario which evoked a great deal of discussion centred around the question – Can you view someone’s unlocked phone? Within this activity students honed their ability to listen, question and respond thoughtfully to complex issues and consider other perspectives and ethical frameworks. Two Santa Sabina students were also chosen to participate in artworks including the Virtual Reality Experience – The World Came Flooding In and Heap, an art installation and hands-on archaeological dig.

Attending the 2026 Festival of Dangerous Ideas School Experience provided a stimulating opportunity for students to extend their thinking beyond the classroom and engage deeply and think critically about important questions shaping our future.

Ms Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE

Student Reflections

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in an art installation debuting at the festival called Heap. Incorporating archeological digging and art display, Heap’s main message is that ideas worth having are rarely clean, easy or safe, involving digging through various mounds of dirt for a set time in order to unearth artworks within that contributed to a larger display. It was incredible to be able to get hands on with such a meaningful and poignant representation of current events and ‘dangerous ideas.’ I was also fortunate enough to find an artwork, Origanum syriacum (Syrian Oregano), within Heap, enclosed in a 3D printed tube. The accompanying plaque explained its deep cultural and medicinal significance in the Middle East, how it is used to heal stress, and used as a key ingredient in za’atar. But today, its wild harvesting is heavily restricted for Palestinians by Israeli conservation laws, transforming a tradition into a deeply political issue. Heap was a super fun experience, while also having a deeper meaning behind it that allowed me, and others who attended the excursion, to gain a deeper exposure to ideas and artworks that push you to rethink what has been buried.
Harper
Year 11

My experience with the VR interaction was very valuable and emotional as it allowed me to see and experience some of the events that flood survivors had to experience themselves, providing me and others with the harsh reality of the effects these floods had on the victims’ lives. I explored digitally recreated homes of survivors and as I went around the room they would be explaining their story to me. The main moment where I experienced one of the survivors’ stories is when I was put in her perspective during the flood. The first object that really evoked strong emotions from me was the piano. A victim described how her child used to put different types of animal stickers on the piano keys in order to learn to play the piano and she described a memory of how, as he played, she felt relaxed and relieved. She then talked about the journey of the piano, from its starting place being shipped to Lismore and then from Lismore to the dump after it was destroyed in the flood. It was a beautiful and moving story that allowed me to realise that these victims’ lives weren’t just damaged because of the flood but rather what they lost in the flood, so many objects that held memories or that had been passed down from older generations had been stripped away from them in an instant. Each object had a different heartwarming story behind it and every story was different which is what made each story feel so emotionally connecting. This experience was emotional but also extremely educational as before this experience I didn’t understand the full extent of the effects flooding had on survivors.
Holly
Year 10

Science Week 2026

Seeds of Science: nurturing knowledge for all. This year’s theme invites us to think about how ideas begin, how they are tested, and how they grow when shared. It reminds us that scientific understanding does not appear fully formed. It starts small – like a seed – and depends on the right conditions: curiosity, evidence, collaboration and time. All are needed for nurturing knowledge and growing scientific understanding.

For more than 65,000 years, First Nations peoples have been reading the skies, understanding the seasons and tending to the native seeds and ecosystems of Country with deep wisdom. As educators, we recognise that just like the knowledge of our first scientists, true learning takes root when it is nurtured and shared and so we are firmly committed to encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning for both ourselves and the students in our care.

This year the Science staff celebrated Science Week by launching competitions to see who could grow the largest bean plant and the cutest grass seed pet. Students were also encouraged to view the plant world in a different light using dissecting microscopes which provided close-up encounters not possible with the naked eye.

Of course the highlight of the week was the Santa Science Showcase evening which once again featured presentations covering a diverse range of topics. These included current Year 11 STEM club students who shared their passion for exploring the world of rockets, motors and solar cars; Anna Millward who spoke about her accidental choice of studying Forensic Science which segued into a passion for further study into Women’s Health and Embryology; Bosco Wu who challenged us with his notion of ‘Question Zero’; Lara Stallard-Taylor who shared insights into the world of drug development; and Claudia Novati who explained to us how science explains, maths measures and engineering makes and that all three can be found wherever we look in the world around us. Although each presentation was unique they all spoke about and reiterated the importance of curiosity, questioning and collaboration.

On behalf of the Science department I would like to thank all of our presenters who willingly gave up their time to share not only their knowledge with us, but to also demonstrate how the Seeds of Science were planted and flourished in their various careers.

Natasha Kempers
Head of Science

Evangelisation Day

Every year, Sydney Catholic Schools hosts a special Evangelisation Day for students in Years 7, 8 and 9, welcoming students from Catholic schools from across the diocese. It is an opportunity to grow in faith, build community and be inspired through engaging talks, music, activities and prayer. Students returned to their schools challenged to reflect deeply on their life and faith, guided by the theme of the day ‘Trust in the Lord for true peace and strength’. Liliana of Year 7 reflected on the day noting it was a day where Christians ‘unite’ and ‘celebrate’ their faith. 

During this fabulous day we met many new friends from different schools, prayed as a community and learnt a lot from the example of St Carlos Acutis, the first millennial saint‘, Isabella of Year 8, reflected saying ‘For me, the day was not only an enjoyable experience socially but an eye opening religious experience. Throughout the day, we were lucky enough to hear different people from the Sydney Catholic Schools team and learn more about Catholicism and how we can express our faith constantly in our everyday lives. My personal highlight of the day was a talk we had, where two people from the team explained that all of the materialistic things that people on earth claim to bring peace can be taken away from you, but your faith will always continue for as long as you seek it with open hearts. This seemed to be a constant message throughout the day of always prioritising your faith. Overall it was such an enjoyable experience and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it!‘

Our students walked away feeling a greater sense of the universal Church in which our Dominican family is a part – and the great role models we have in the saints to strive for holiness in everyday acts. 

Ms Carla Beshara
7-12 Mission Coordinator

Enrichment in August

Junior Thinkers Conference

Ten Years 8 and 9 students attended the annual Junior Thinkers Conference hosted at Ascham School.

The students were spoken to by Julie Arliss, an educator, scholar and speaker whose expertise lies in philosophy and theology.

Julie runs conferences to challenge high potential students to think about big questions using science, philosophy and religious perspectives, asking young people to make up their own minds about pressing global issues.

Student reflections:

One of the main topics discussed at the conference was the existence of the soul, and we learnt that the topic was a debatable one that had been viewed quite differently by different philosophers for thousands of years. Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, believed that the soul was eternal and non-physical, but his student Aristotle thought that the soul was a ‘blueprint’ for all living things, and that the soul dies with the body. It was an interesting, opinionated topic that challenged us to think more deeply about the existence of ourselves, and whether or not we have a soul. 
Marie
Year 8

To wrap up the day, we watched and had the opportunity to participate in a debate concerning whether or not we believed patriotism was a virtue. It was interesting to hear what students from different perspectives thought about the topic. Some students believed patriotism fostered community and pride, while others believed it led to issues that cultivated political conflict and nationalism. It challenged me to consider the long term effect of patriotism and resulted in a healthy dispute between schools. Overall, the debate helped revise our beliefs and change our opinions.
Isla
Year 9

Meeting of the Minds

A small troupe of junior students journeyed to Newington College on 11 August to take part in Meeting of the Minds. The students were separated from their peers and placed into mixed groups to engage in abstract thinking activities led by FAPSA-trained facilitators at the College’s Center for Critical thinking and Ethics.

Student reflections:

The Meeting of the Minds was very insightful as we were heavily encouraged to discuss philosophical dilemmas with students from other schools. Even though we were reluctant at first, strange cases (like if favouring people in the present can be likened to favouring a certain race or gender) allowed us to talk to people the same age as us.

It was especially interesting to hear from the different boys’ and co-ed schools. A topic that came up was gender equality as we discussed ‘present vs future people’ equality, and it was really fun and engaging to hear new perspectives on the idea.

Overall, meeting students from other schools allowed us to broaden our thinking and consider different points of view, allowing us to think outside the box in these cases.
Annabelle
Year 8

I learnt a lot of different things about how many different points of view there can be even in such a mundane, hypothetical situation. One of the situations we were asked to think about was what we would do if we were served a meal that we didn’t like at a friend’s house. Some people responded with reasonable ideas such as eating it anyway so as not to insult the person who made it; others suggested only eating half out of respect but also not having to eat it all, while some other theories that were put forward were a little more out there. Someone suggested to pretend to choke or be allergic, while someone else said to act like you were sick before you even ate it so that you could go home instead. The entire conversation opened my eyes to how other people see solutions to different situations, always trying to think of the best outcome that will satisfy both parties, but none of the ideas for this were the same.
Charlotte
Year 7

Being with other people who were interested in philosophical discussions but had different views and perspectives on different topics was truly educational and inspirational, for it changed my opinions on many different topics, including time travelling to the past or future and how it would affect different events and people; how to get out of a situation regarding dinner and your least favourite meal; and many, many more. Some people offered thoughts similar to mine, and others provided entirely new perspectives that completely altered my thinking about the topic, which was really refreshing. As Mark Twain once said, ‘Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).’ Discussing with other people has completely changed my view for the better and helped me learn that I don’t have to feel obliged to be on the side of the majority, and instead I can do my own thinking.
Abby
Year 7

It can be challenging to tease out what you would do in an ethically tricky situation. This is exactly the situation we found ourselves in when discussing the hypothetical problem of being served a dish you very much disliked at a friend’s home. It was up to us to come up with as many possible responses to this scenario as possible and ultimately, choose the best one. Our group wrestled with the conflict of competing values. We asked ourselves who and what had higher priority, as well as, what we would be willing to sacrifice for the wellbeing of others. Together, we concluded that we would prioritise the host and sacrifice a little of our personal comfort so as to avoid hurting their feelings. While there appears to be no clear cut way to make an ethical choice, I believe it involves considering options that are for the greater good, where there is more gained than lost. 
Lucy
Year 8

Festival of Dangerous Ideas

The College was able to send some senior students to the Festival of Dangerous Ideas at Carriageworks to attend the students day on 21 August. Students previewed some of the exhibitions and had the opportunity to engage in philosophical thinking with some of the festival’s contributors. 

Student reflections:

The most compelling dangerous idea that we learnt about at the Festival was about Artificial Intelligence, and how when using AI, it can either be in the form of centaurism or reverse centaurism. Centaurism is when AI and humans work with a clear and fair system where humans use judgement with AI to assist, while reverse centaurism is where humans are used by AI as a tool, resulting in humans being controlled by a machine. The dangerous idea discussed was about the importance of the ability to recognise how AI is used, or rather if it is using you, so that AI can be used to aid humans, and allow the platform’s user to remain in control when using this technology. 
Natalia
Year 11

Over the course of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, we were encouraged to adopt a different way of thinking and approaching situations; yes, if… and no, but… This allowed us to question the dual sides of a debate or issue we were faced with, particularly during our discussions with philosopher Tim Dean. Inhabiting the opposite viewpoint ensured that our mindsets were not rigid, and served a way of challenging ideas that conditioned us to question our opinions and biases. This was a really simple thing that made issues discussed throughout the day become more layered, especially in the Agree to Disagree segments of the day, in which we undertook debates with other students.
Harper
Year 11

The Festival of Dangerous Ideas addressed the looming issues of AI by providing us with information about how AI works and its negative effects on society as a whole. All the schools took part in a poll where we answered questions to do with AI. The results of the polls were put up on a large screen allowing the philosophers to look at the percentage of answers and expand on the question/statement that was given. This conversation allowed us to think about the consequences and effects of using AI, and how it could damage our future, which really helped us come to our own realisations and form our own opinions using the information we were given.
Holly
Year 10

Biological Diversity Day

On 4 August students from the HSC Year 11 biology cohort attended a Biology Diversity Day consisting of visits to the Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

At the museum, students examined a range of fossils from extinct and extant species to trace the evolution of Australian fauna. Students handled the skulls and feet of the mighty Diprotodon and compared it to skeletons of modern day wombats. This allowed the cohort to partake in comparative anatomy, one of the key pieces of evidence that supports Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Girls also got the chance to explore the museum’s vast array of preserved animal species, some of which were collected in the 1800s and are still being used as teaching-aids in the 21st century.

Our biologists were then treated to an interactive talk from an educator from Taronga Zoo. They engaged with real specimens including a tortoise, a python, a shingle backed lizard and a ring-tailed possum. These specimens allowed students to examine vertebrate adaptations to the harsh Australian environment.

They ended the day with a stroll around the Botanic Gardens. Students calculated the size of Eucalyptus trees and learned about how climate is accelerating bushfire risk faster than the pace of evolution and trying to use science to find hopeful solutions.

Student reflections:

It was fascinating being able to handle genuine fossils from the species we are studying in HSC Biology. It has made learning theory content so much more exciting and easy to understand having had the opportunity to touch and compare the fossils of real animals. Getting to learn from people who are experts in the field and extremely passionate about biodiversity, and environmental conservation has really inspired us to grow our own learning in this area. 
Amelia 

Having the opportunity to engage with the animals after learning about their adaptations was really interesting, as we could see how the concepts we had studied applied in real life. It was also a great reminder of the biodiversity we have in Australia and the different ways animals have evolved to survive in their environments.
Angelina

It was a beautiful day to step outside the classroom and explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Australian Museum to apply our Biology knowledge to real life. From examining fossils and observing adaptations in living animals and exploring the diversity of Australian plants, the excursion allowed us to see concepts such as evolution, adaptation and biodiversity in action. This made the experience both educational and memorable.
Mina

We are blessed to have a cohort of young biologists who show such genuine engagement, curiosity and respect for nature.

Ms Grace Li and Mr Matthew Mountford
Biology Teachers

Museum of Human Disease Competition — congratulations to our finalists

In celebration of National Science Week 2026, themed ‘Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All,’ the Museum of Human Disease partnered with DonateLife NSW to invite high schools across the state to take part in a competition raising awareness and understanding of organ and tissue donation. Students were challenged to create either a short video or a six-tile social media story campaign on the topic.

We are proud to share that two groups from Santa Sabina College were selected as finalists among approximately 300 submissions from 50 schools across NSW. Our students achieved second place in both the Year 7–8 and Year 12 divisions, with judges praising their entries as thoughtful and professionally executed.

Congratulations to Emily and Charlotte (Year 8) and Shardai (Year 12) on this outstanding achievement.

As finalists, the girls spent the morning of Thursday 20 August in the Museum with students from other schools learning more about organ and tissue donation, including hearing first-hand from two bone marrow recipients about the impact donation has had on their lives. They also took part in a blood typing experiment and explored the Museum’s exhibits.

We congratulate the girls and commend them on this wonderful achievement, representing our school with distinction.

Ms Jacqueline Iskandar
Science Teacher

International Chemistry Quiz

Earlier this term, students from Years 7-11 participated in the International Chemistry Competition hosted by Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). This international competition is a unique education initiative which provides a dynamic and focused exploration of chemistry. It aims to kindle interest in chemistry and underscore the crucial role of chemists in society thereby acting as a platform to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in chemistry. Going beyond standard syllabus content, the Quiz is designed to be engaging and thought-provoking, with questions that encourage students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. ICQ is a truly international competition, attracting participants from Australia and across the world.

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

High Distinction

Year 7:
Zerene Doshi

Year 8:
Lorelai Cheung

Year 11:
Cheylene Leung

Distinction

Year 8: 
Holly Chan

Year 11: 
Mia Bek
Carol Wang

Credit:

Year 8:
Sophie Yang

Year 10:
Analee Arranz
Abigail Yang

Year 11:
Annabel Cantali
Lillian Gill
Louisa Guigni

Ms Natasha Kempers
Head of Department – Science

Music at Gioia House (Curricular)

Gioia House Instrumental

Our Gioia House musicians are buzzing with energy as they prepare for a wonderful season of performances.

Year 5 and 6 Mini Maestros are deep in rehearsal for their Fra Angelico items.

• Year 5 Mini Maestros are polishing selected works from Essential Elements, with a strong focus on ensemble skills, teamwork, and confident group performance.
• Year 6 Mini Maestros are preparing pieces from Essential Elements alongside A Shaker Hymn, developing blend, balance, and musical independence.

Our Gioia House Strings are also working towards two exciting events. Year 5 and 6 students are preparing for their combined Breakfast Concert with Sinfonietta on Monday 14 September, where they will join forces to form an orchestra of almost 200 performers. They will present Festival Fanfare by Kathryn Griesinger — a joyful, energetic work that showcases their growing confidence and ensemble cohesion.

Gioia House Choral

The Gioia House Choir is singing beautifully as they prepare for several upcoming performances.

They are currently rehearsing for the Father’s Day Mass on 3 September, shaping warm tone, unified vowel sounds, and expressive phrasing. Alongside this, they are preparing their Fra Angelico repertoire: Lakeside Lullaby and I Found Something I Was Searching For by Pink Zebra. Students have been working thoughtfully on tone production, breath support, and clear diction to bring these pieces to life.

Their commitment, teamwork, and joy in music-making continue to shine each week.

Assistant Head of Gioia House

Gioia House Action Girls

Congratulations to our nominated Action Girls who are outstanding role models within our school community. They consistently show that being a great student is about more than academic achievement – it is also about being kind, caring, respectful and inclusive. They look out for others, make people feel welcome, offer encouragement and demonstrate genuine compassion towards those around them.

Our Gioia House Action Girls are recognised for the positive impact they have on their peers and for the way they live out these qualities through their everyday actions.

Congratulations to the following Action Girls:

Year 5:
Olivia Lai
Isabelle Lee
Audrey Wong
Anna Yang

Year 6:
Alana Boumelhem 
Eleanor Cheong 
Isidor Moussa
Laura Touma

Community Time Bullying No Way – National Week of Action

During Community Time, the Gioia House students worked with their House buddies, focusing on the ‘Bullying No Way – National Week of Action’. Our students engaged in meaningful discussions about kindess, respect, inclusion and the importance of being an upstander.

Through a range of creative activities, students worked in pairs to develop posters, write a song or rap, or create a kindness challenge to demonstrate ways we can make everyone feel valued, be inclusive, be respectful in our words and actions, and stand up for what is right.

It was wonderful to see our Gioia House students working together to promote a positive culture of kindness, respect and belonging, while recognising we have an important role to play in making our school a safe and supportive place for everyone. 

Gioia House Be Active – Sports Rotation sessions

Our Gioia House students have been enjoying our Be Active – Sports Rotation sessions, developing their skills, fitness and teamwork across a range of different sports. Students are participating in Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey and AFL sessions led by experienced coaches from different sporting organisations. Our teachers are also supporting each rotation and developing their own skills. We also have an Athletics & Fitness activity and Dance rotation, led by our talented teachers. 

It has been wonderful to see our students embrace new challenges, work collaboratively and encourage one another. Some students have shared that they have enjoyed trying a new sport, while others have enjoyed being part of a sport they love and are familiar with. Well done to all our Gioia House students for getting involved and giving their best. 

Ms Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House

What’s happening in Year 5

Barometer

Year 5 has turned into a team of meteorologists this week as students continue exploring weather and how scientists observe changes in the atmosphere. As part of their learning, students took on the exciting challenge of building their very own barometers, simple tools that measure air pressure and help predict shifts in the weather. Students are tracking and recording their barometer readings daily over the fortnight. Next science lesson, they’ll compare and analyse their results to see how air pressure changed over time and what those changes might mean for the weather.

Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience

The Year 5 girls had a wonderful time at their Outdoor Education Experience at Tallong from Wednesday 19  Friday 21 August, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and courage. From tackling the low ropes to climbing the high ladder, they pushed themselves and discovered new strengths. Their bushwalk led to an exciting surprise when they found a hidden cave tucked away in the landscape. The sit and service activity gave them a chance to care for the environment by pulling out weeds and a quiet moment to reflect, while mountain biking brought plenty of speed, laughter, and fun. 

Cheffrey’s incredible food kept everyone fuelled and happy, becoming a highlight all on its own. Evenings were filled with fun cabin moments, where new friendships blossomed and old ones grew stronger. The egg drop challenge brought creativity and teamwork to life, with lots of creativity, plenty of cheers and just a few dramatic splats. There were opportunities for growth everywhere; stepping outside comfort zones, trying new things and cheering each other on. Some sleep was had, though excitement often won out, and many girls are already looking forward to returning next year.

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

What’s happening in Year 6

LIFE EDUCATION – HEALTHY HAROLD

Year 6 recently participated in a Life Education – Healthy Harold session focusing on the topic ‘Decisions’. This engaging experience complemented our current Personal Development and Health unit and allowed students to explore safe practices, decision-making, and how to feel confident asserting themselves and voicing their views. The session helped students develop important knowledge and skills aligned with our curriculum outcomes.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the session and gained valuable information about making safe, healthy and informed decisions. It was wonderful to see all students actively engaged, asking questions and reflecting on how their choices can impact their wellbeing.

Impromptu Speeches

This week, Year 6 students participated in an exciting lesson on impromptu speeches. They were given a surprise topic and challenged to brainstorm ideas within a short time limit. Once their preparation time was up, students spoke confidently to a partner for one minute, sharing their thoughts and opinions. The activity encouraged quick thinking, clear communication, and active listening skills. Students enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the challenge and embraced the opportunity to think on their feet. It was a fun, engaging lesson that helped build confidence in public speaking.

STEM

In STEM, the Year 6 students have commenced an investigation into how digital systems help us reach the stars! – The exploration of space using Digital Technology. They are looking into how a digital system isn’t just a computer. It’s a combination of hardware, software, and data that people (users) interact with. As a springboard to their inquiry, they looked at how a digital system works, specifically a telescope. They discovered that the telescope first captures starlight (input). The computer then turns light into code (processing). The data is then saved to a drive (storage). And finally how the Scientists view the image (output).

For their first inquiry they worked in pairs to investigate digital systems used for space exploration, including the Mars Rover, the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA Space Probes.

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

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

PASTORAL UPDATE 

BULLYING NO WAY WEEK: SMALL ACTS. BIG IMPACT.

This week, we joined schools across Australia in recognising Bullying No Way Week, promoting safe, respectful and inclusive communities where every child feels a sense of belonging. Inspired by this year’s theme, “Small Acts. Big Impact,” students took part in activities including creating origami kindness cranes, as symbols of hope and inclusion, and making guest appearances in our “Be the I in K_ND” photo wall. Guided by our Dominican values and the example of St Martin de Porres, these experiences encouraged students to recognise that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER THROUGH CONVERSATION

R U OK? Day is fast approaching, providing an opportunity for our school community to join thousands of others across Australia in promoting meaningful conversations, connection and a sense of belonging. Grounded in our Dominican values of compassion, community and care for the dignity of every person, this day reminds us of the importance of noticing, listening and supporting one another.

R U OK? Day promotes a simple but powerful message: taking the time to check in with family, friends, and colleagues can make a significant difference. A genuine conversation can help someone feel seen, heard, valued and supported. By reaching out to others with kindness and empathy, we strengthen the relationships that help individuals and communities flourish.

To celebrate R U OK? Day, on Thursday 10 September, students are invited to wear a yellow accessory to school, such as a yellow ribbon, bracelet, hat, hair accessory, or socks. Throughout the day, students on the P-4 campus will participate in a range of age-appropriate activities designed to foster kindness, empathy, connection, help-seeking, and a sense of belonging.

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing. We encourage families to use R U OK? Day as an opportunity to check in with their children and create space for open and honest conversations about feelings, friendships and mental health. Simple questions such as, “How are you?”, “How are you travelling?”, or “You don’t seem yourself lately. Would you like to talk?” can open the door to meaningful discussion.

Listening with curiosity and an open mind, asking questions to better understand your child’s experiences, and reassuring them that support is available can help them feel safe, valued and understood. Letting children know that they can return to the conversation whenever they need, and encouraging them to seek help from trusted adults when required, builds confidence, resilience and a strong sense of connection with others.

GIFTED EDUCATION UPDATE

YOUNG VOICES, BIG STORIES

Students in Years K-6 are invited to participate in ABC Education’s News in My Neighbourhood competition this term. This exciting opportunity encourages students to become young journalists and storytellers by sharing a story about a community or culture that is important to them. Students may submit a short video, written piece or an artwork that highlights a newsworthy event, achievement, issue or celebration they believe others should know about. The competition is a wonderful way for students to develop their creativity, communication skills and understanding of the world around them. Submissions are due in Week 10. Further information can be found in the Term 3 Flyer, the Competition Rules and on the ABC News in My Neighborhood website.

FINAL MATHEMATICS COMPETITION PAPERS

Students participating in the Maths Explorer, Maths Games and Maths Olympiad programs will complete their final assessments during Week 8. Competition days and times are summarised in the table below. We wish all participating students every success as they apply their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in these challenging competitions.

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

Religious Education in Del Monte

Loving God

Like St Dominic, help us to seek truth, grow in faith and share Your love with others. Bless our families, our school and our parish community. May we always walk in the light of Christ, serving others with kindness, compassion and joy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Father’s Day Mass and Morning Tea

Families are warmly invited to join us for our Father’s Day Mass on Thursday, 3 September at 9:15am in the Santa Sabina Chapel.

A breakfast will be held before Mass, providing an opportunity for our fathers, grandfathers, carers and special father figures to gather and celebrate together as a community.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion preparation classes at St Martha’s Parish have commenced. Families seeking further information about the sacramental program are encouraged to contact the parish directly.

Please keep the children preparing for this special sacrament in your prayers as they continue their faith journey.

Armed with prayer and nourished by study, may we, like St Dominic, bring the light of Christ to all we meet.

Ms Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P–6

Music at Del Monte and MBH (Curriculum)

Pitch explorations are so much fun! We get to look at the many different ways pitch is notated – using solfa, standard music lines and spaces, and even our own bodies. We are playing on the xylophones in most lessons, applying our knowledge.

Singing is always a wonderful part of our lessons, and we are preparing for our Mass in Week 7.  We are learning our third mass setting for the year – not an easy task – but we are doing really well.

In Week 5 we held a Music Assembly at Del Monte, led by the Arts Action Team and the leader Ophelia. The team led Del Monte in prayer and in song. The Assembly String players accompanied the College Song, National Anthem and Happy Birthday. We certainly did make a joyful noise to the Lord!

The instrumental program for Years 2, 3 and 4 is well underway with planning for Fra Angelico Festival and recorder workshops coming up this semester. Our Year 2 string players had a special visitor to conduct them on Monday. Ms Yu was impressed with their learning and encouraged them in their instrumental journey.

Santa Sabina Shines at VEX IQ Robotics Competition

On Friday 14 August, our Santa Sabina VEX IQ Robotics teams travelled to Loreto Kirribilli to compete in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition alongside students from Shore School, Reddam House and St Catherine’s School. This year’s challenge, Level Up, required teams to design, build, program and operate a robot capable of navigating a complex field featuring obstacles and multi-level goals. Students demonstrated their engineering and problem-solving skills throughout the day, while also documenting their design process in an engineering notebook and participating in interviews with judges to explain the thinking behind their creations.

The competition tested much more than technical ability. Teams were required to collaborate with students from other schools, adapt their strategies, and work together under pressure to achieve the best possible results. Through this process, our students showcased outstanding communication, teamwork and resilience, embodying the values of respectful competition and innovation.

Santa Sabina enjoyed an exceptionally successful day, with all four of our teams qualifying for the final rounds of competition and one team achieving an impressive third-place overall finish. Each team was also recognised for its unique strengths, earning the Judges Award, Build Award, Think Award and Design Award respectively. These awards celebrate excellence across a range of areas, including teamwork, robot construction, problem-solving, innovation and the application of the engineering design process. 

We congratulate all participating students on their outstanding achievements and commend them for a fantastic day of collaboration, critical and creative thinking, perseverance and sportsmanship. Their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to embrace new challenges were evident throughout the event, and they represented Santa Sabina with great pride.

Mr Edward Wang 
Leader of Learning Technology P-6

Discovering the magic and lessons of Pinocchio

Italian lessons are teaching more than just language and culture

This term, our Primary students embarked on a magical journey to Tuscany, Italy, through the classic tale of Pinocchio. While the famous wooden puppet captivated our young learners with his adventures, the story served as a powerful springboard for vital classroom discussions about this character and his choices.

At the heart of our exploration were three core values that resonate deeply with our school community: truthfulness, kindness and bravery.

Through Pinocchio’s famous growing nose, students learned that truthfulness is not just about avoiding trouble, but about building trust with family, teachers and friends. Our students reflected beautifully on how honesty keeps our hearts light and our relationships strong. The puppet’s journey also highlighted the power of kindness. Students analysed how Pinocchio’s selfish choices hurt those who loved him, particularly the devoted Geppetto. By contrasting these moments with the Blue Fairy’s compassion, our classes discussed how small acts of everyday kindness – like sharing and including others – can transform our school yard.

Finally, the dramatic rescue of Geppetto from the giant shark showed our students what true bravery looks like. Pinocchio’s courage proved that being brave means putting others first, even when we are scared. When Pinocchio finally becomes a real boy, it is because he chooses to be honest, kind and brave. We are incredibly proud of how our Primary students have taken these timeless lessons to heart, applying them to their own lives every day.

Ms Daniela Panico
Italian Teacher

Outreach at Del Monte – Crazy Sock Day on Friday 11 September

At Del Monte, we are committed to making a positive difference in our local community. As part of our Social Justice initiatives, we encourage our students to learn about compassion, generosity and ways to support those experiencing hardship.

To help raise funds for local community members in need, the Del Monte Year 4 Social Justice Team will be hosting a Crazy Sock Day on Friday 11 September. Students are invited to wear their brightest, funniest and most colourful socks with their school or sports shoes.

We ask all students to bring a gold coin donation, with all funds raised going towards supporting people and families in our local community who may need a helping hand.

Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. Together, we can show kindness, build community spirit, and support those around us.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

The Year 4 Social Justice team

Del Monte curriculum

Happy Book Week! 

We are so excited for our book week parade on Friday the 28th August. The book parade starts promptly at 9am. Please make your way to the main playground where you will be invited to sit or stand and watch our wonderful students parade their costumes and books! Look out for our teachers in disguise!

Science Week

The 2026 school theme for National Science Week was Seeds of Science – Nurturing Knowledge for All. Del Monte celebrated on Friday the 21st of August with a series of experiments.

Prep experimented with mentos and coke to see how a chemical reaction is created. Kindy worked with Oobleck, while Year 1 found out how to create a rainbow with refracting prisms and light. Year 2 was testing the conditions that living things need to grow and survive and Year 3 experimented with growing light. Year 4 enjoyed planting their seeds for their living things unit and hypothesised how long it would take for the beans to grow. It was an eventful afternoon full of curiosity and big questions!

Competition Time

To celebrate Book Week 2026, Campion Education is inviting primary school students across Australia to put their imaginations to work and enter our Short Story Competition.

Whether it’s an adventure in another world, a funny tale, a mystery, a poem or a story inspired by everyday life, we want to see where your imagination takes you. With more than $1,300 worth of prizes up for grabs, including a $500 Campion retail voucher and a book prize pack for our major winner, it’s time to get creative and start writing!

Entries close Friday 4 September, 2026. Click here for entry criteria and to enter your piece. Alternatively, you can send your short story to myself or Ms Petroni to be entered.

ICAS Assessments

Congratulations to all of the students who sat through the ICAS tests this term. The test windows are now closed and we look forward to celebrating wonderful results in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for the next few weeks of wonderful learning experiences here at Del Monte.

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

Year 4

Year 4 students have recently completed publishing their public speaking speeches after spending several weeks researching, planning, drafting and refining their work. This year’s speeches focus on environmental topics including Caring for Country Helps Ecosystems Thrive, Why Every Living Thing Has a Role in Nature and Protecting Australia’s Environment Starts with Us. Throughout the program, students have developed their understanding of speech structure, language features and the PEEL paragraph, while learning how to engage an audience through strong speaking techniques. Students are now preparing for the next stage of the program, creating palm cards and practising their presentations in readiness for the Year 4 Public Speaking Heats, which will take place in Week 7. We look forward to seeing our students showcase their confidence, creativity and communication skills as they share their speeches with their classmates.

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

Year 3

Year 3 recently visited the Santa Sabina science labs, where they engaged in a series of hands-on experiments supported by the Science faculty and a group of enthusiastic Year 10 students. Working in collaborative groups, the students explored a range of investigations connected to their current unit of study on heat and light energy.

Throughout the session, students examined how shadows change, how light behaves when it strikes different materials and whether all materials conduct heat in the same way. They also participated in an engaging activity modelling the structure of the eye. The students’ thoughtful contributions and collaborative approach highlighted the strong inquiry skills they have been building in class. This experience provided a valuable opportunity for students to extend their scientific thinking in a real laboratory setting and deepen their understanding of key concepts in heat and light energy.

Ms Kelly Garcia and Ms Louise Harris
Year 3 Teachers

Year 2

The power of kindness and inclusivity

Year 2 stepped inside the iconic Life Education van to visit Healthy Harold for an engaging session all about building positive relationships. Guided by Harold and the educator, the students paired up and joined in with their classmates to play interactive games that put team building into practice. Through these fun, hands-on activities, the children explored what makes a great friend, learning that trust, active listening and sharing are key ingredients for growing healthy, supportive connections that make everyone feel safe and happy.

A central focus of the visit was understanding the power of kindness and inclusivity both in the classroom and on the playground. Harold showed the students how small acts like inviting a classmate to join a game, offering a helping hand, or using encouraging words can instantly make a huge difference in someone’s day. Year 2 walked away with a clearer understanding of how to celebrate each other’s differences, stand up against left-out behaviour and actively create a welcoming environment where every friend feels valued.

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

Year 1

Young scientists at work: National Science Week in Year 1!

Friday 21 August was filled with wonder as our Year 1 students stepped into the role of junior researchers for National Science Week. This year, our focus looked to the sky as we investigated the physics of light, colour and the sun’s impact on our environment.

Before jumping into hands-on testing, students practised critical predicting and hypothesising skills by analysing two central questions:

• What colours do you see when you look at a rainbow?
• How does the sun make rainbows?

To test their ideas, the children conducted investigations using two different light sources: natural sunlight focused through glass prisms and artificial light via torches.

Through this hands-on exploration, they discovered the concept of light refraction, learning that white light actually bends and separates into a magnificent spectrum of individual colours when passing through a different medium.

It was wonderful to see the students think, question, and experiment like realscientists, developing both their critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills.

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

Kindergarten

For Science Week, Kindergarten headed outside to make their own oobleck, mixing corn flour, water and food colouring. Working with partners from across the grade, students found that pressing, squeezing or tapping the mixture made it feel solid in their hands, while leaving it still let it slowly ooze and drip like a liquid. Students tested, compared and got their hands well and truly covered in oobleck. It’s a lesson we don’t think they’ll forget any time soon!

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

Prep

Building strong foundations: letter formation in Prep

Our Prep students have been working hard to develop their letter formation skills as part of our Pre-Lit Program. Through explicit instruction and regular practice, students are building confidence in correctly forming letters, an important foundation for reading and writing success. One of the key tools we use each day is individual whiteboards, which provide students with valuable opportunities to practise letter shapes, pencil movements and handwriting patterns in a fun and engaging way.

Science Week sparks curiosity and explosive learning!

In Science, Prep students enjoy participating in hands-on experiments each week to explore the world around them. This week was particularly exciting as we celebrated National Science Week across Australia. After investigating the concept of bubbles and learning about where they come from, students eagerly took part in a spectacular Coke and Mentos Bubble Explosion experiment. The students made predictions, observed the chemical reaction, and discussed what they noticed as bubbles rapidly formed and burst from the bottle. It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage curiosity, scientific thinking, and a love of discovery.

Ms Rebecca Saba and Ms Monique Evans
Prep Teachers

Director of Music P-12

What a joy-filled, action-packed few weeks it has been in the Music Department! Thrilling to witness the remarkable self-direction emerging in our students’ music-making; whether in the energy of our after school Rock Bands, or in the bustling industry happening every recess and lunch as students fill Holyrood to prepare for their various recitals! HSC Trial performances are done and dusted, and our seniors are in fine form, preparing for their final performances in a fortnight. Our students’ collective initiative, creativity, and commitment continue to shape a vibrant musical culture across the College.

As we move toward the end of term, we look forward to so many wonderful performances and student contributions across Masses, Discovery Tours, and Assemblies, in addition to the usual exciting large scale Music Showcases and College Events. 

We’re firing on all cylinders until the very last day of term, culminating with our College and Chamber Choirs in a concert with the Australian Boys Choir – touring from Victoria. It will be a wonderful way to wrap term 3 and head into the break!  

Below is a snapshot of what’s been happening – and what’s still ahead.

Reach out if we can assist you in your music journey in any way.

Mrs Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Music and Service 

Thank you to our Chamber Orchestra members who gave of their Friday evening on Friday 7 August to serve the community through the provision of Music as guests arrived for our special Gala Dinner. Their vibrant playing and fun repertoire certainly helped set the tone for the memorable evening that followed.

A Symphony of Stories – Bookweek Collab!

When Mr Moses suggested a creative writing / music-making collab as part of bookweek, we couldn’t resist! Thank you to the Chamber group who serenaded the budding authors as they wrote a short story during lunchtime on Tuesday!

International Opportunities

DR Ji HYUN KIM

On Friday 14 August, we were delighted to welcome Dr Ji Hyun Kim who audited our program for the day as part of a research grant from Albion College in Michigan (USA). Dr Kim is a highly regarded proponent of new and chamber music, and gave generously of her time while at Santa to mentor our aspiring young artists.  We look forward to this international relationship growing in future.

Chamber Music Recital

On Tuesday evening in the Chapel, the annual Chamber Music Recital beautiful recital featured students from our string programs in a glorious arrangement of trios, quartets, and quintets. The concert also showcased our Chamber Choir and commenced with a special performance by our Bell Choir under the direction of alumna Ruby Bron (Class of 2023). My sincere thanks to Victoria Jacono and our extraordinary team of String specialists for their support, and congratulations to all students on an excellent outcome.

Open Recital Series

Our recent Open Recital on Friday 14 August featured the studio of Voice Specialist Tanith Bryce, who presented a lively and animated concert celebrating the expressive power of voice. The next Open Recital will be held on Friday 18 September, and we look forward to welcoming families and friends to support our young performers in this valuable learning space.

Australian Boys Choir Concert – Friday 24 September, 4:00pm

On the final day of term, our Santa Sabina College and Chamber Choirs are delighted to host the Australian Boys Choir as part of their national tour. The afternoon will include a combined workshop, followed by a world-class concert from 4:00-5:00pm featuring contributions from our choirs.  As a gift to the Santa Sabina community, and in light of our partnership for this event, the Australian Boys Choir have generously announced this as the only free concert they will be offering as part of their tour series – and it is likely to draw a crowd from around Sydney.  We encourage our whole music community to attend in support of this partnership, and as a delightful way to round out Term 3 together!

Registrations for Music Programs

We are always happy to welcome new participants into our co-curricular Music programs! There is still time to enrol and be part of all the wonderful Term 4 happenings! Registrations can be made via the College App. For any questions, please reach out to our Music Office at music@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Ms Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Director of Sport and Co-curricular

Sport & Co‑curricular: The Energy Never Stops at Santa Sabina College

Santa Sabina College continues to buzz with excitement, determination and extraordinary student spirit. Week after week, our young athletes and performers show us what it truly means to represent the College with pride — often rising above challenging conditions with resilience, teamwork and joy. Watching them do so is one of the great privileges of being part of this community.

Our heartfelt congratulations go to our netballers, dancers, athletics representatives and volleyballers for their recent outstanding achievements. Their results speak for themselves, but just as important is the commitment shown by every Santa student who steps forward to represent the College — and the unwavering support of parents who stand behind them. College representation is a whole‑community effort, and we celebrate every single contribution.

As we look ahead to another exciting Saturday of Sport, I want to extend my gratitude to our entire community. Your encouragement, enthusiasm and partnership make it possible for us to deliver the Sport and Co‑curricular programs that shape confident, capable and connected young people. It is a privilege to facilitate opportunities that set our students up to succeed.

Students and teams achievements

After two years, Santa Sabina is back in the semi‑finals of the Sydney Volleyball League — a remarkable milestone for our program.

Our Year 10 team (SAN02) delivered a thrilling 2–1 victory over Endeavour Volleyball Club, securing their place in the SVL semi‑finals. They will take the court this Sunday at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, and we could not be prouder of their determination, teamwork and growth.

Co-curricular Reminders

Sports Registrations for IPSHA, IGSA and Invitational Volleyball close this Sunday, 30 August.

Late registrations may be accepted for selected activities.

To join a Term 4 team, please email sport@ssc.nsw.edu.au.

Co‑curricular Clubs still open for registration: 

• Fencing,
• Athletics,
• Strength & Conditioning (Years 9–11),
• Volleyball Skills (Years 5–6),
• Mandarin,
• Boxing.

Netball Update

After a very wet finish to round 14 with a majority of our games cancelled, our remaining 11 teams took to the courts with vigour to play round 15 / semi finals last weekend. We now have 6 teams progressing to finals on 29 August and wish them all the very best of luck.

NSWCCC Netball Championships

It was a tough day on the asphalt out at Penrith on last week and while the junior, intermediate and senior teams only came away with a win and a few draws between them, they got plenty of practice in and took a renewed approach to their games at IWNA on Saturday with the juniors beating second on the ladder, the LWNC Black Eels in a 2 point thriller and the seniors securing a finals berth beating their opponent BUNC 40-33.

Umpiring Achievements

Congratulations to all of our umpires on a very successful season.  Our most recent recognitions include Sienna Di Santo receiving her National C Badge and Isabella Grasso, Eloise Hall, Keira Toal and Elise Robinson all receiving their club badges.  Well done ladies.

Junior Presentation

The junior presentation will be held on the senior campus courts next Wednesday 2 September from 3.30-5pm. Teams SSC16 to SSC26, our Mini Magpies, their coaches and all assistant coaches are invited to attend.  Students are encouraged to change into their sports uniform if they wish to participate in the afternoons activities.

Spring Competition

We warmly welcome all Santa students to participate in the IWNA spring competition at Cintra Courts in Concord.  We have received some interest from some of our Santa mum’s and hope to garner enough interest to put our first parent team together.

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

From the P&F Association

What a busy few weeks it’s been!

We began with the Gala Dinner – Threads of Connection – on 7 August 2026, and it was a beautiful night. It was the perfect relaxed setting to welcome Ms Brooks into our community, catch up with old friends, and make some new ones too. On behalf of the P&F Association, we donated $2,000 to the school, which will go towards installing air conditioners — starting with Del Monte Hall.

Next week, our Father’s Day celebrations begin. A big thank you to all the parents who helped wrap the Father’s Day gifts — your help was much appreciated. The Father’s Stall runs next week, and we could use a few more helping hands, so if you are able to lend some time, see below for details.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without the Father’s Day Breakfast! We’ve already had over 500 RSVPs, so if you have not locked in yours yet, please do — it really helps us with catering. We are also looking for a few volunteers to help out in the morning, so if you can spare some time, let us know.

To all our dads, grandads, and father figures — we hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day next week!

Past events

Year 5 Bounce & Dine

It was a fun-filled evening of dinner, laughs and plenty of bouncing! It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to enjoy some time together outside of school while families caught up in a casual setting.

Year 1 Family Dinner

Our Year 1 families came together for a night out at The Concord. The kids had a ball playing under the stars while our parents kicked back to enjoy some great food and even better company. 

Father’s Day Stall Preparations 

A huge thank you to our parents who volunteered their time to wrap gifts for our upcoming Father’s Day Stall. A great deal of time and energy goes into preparing this ‘market style’ event that brings our St Lucy’s – Year 6 students so much joy.

Upcoming events

Father’s Day Stall

We are calling out for volunteer parents of Prep to Year 6 students to assist with our Father’s Day Gift Stalls. If you can spare some time on either of the days below please join our WhatsApp Group via the link (you will have the opportunity to nominate what day you can volunteer via a poll in the chat later in the week)

Monday 31 August
9:30am-2:30pm: Gioia House (assist for all or part of the day)
Tuesday 1 September
9:30am-2:30pm: Del Monte (assist for all or part of the day)

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Volunteer here for stalls: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IV50q0ZeZzq1X1QizIruYJ?s=cl&p=a&ilr=4

Father’s Day Mass & Breakfast

Don’t forget our Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast on Thursday 3 September.

7:30am Mass – all students and their families are welcome

8.30am Breakfast – 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 are seeking volunteers to assist with the Breakfast from 6:30am to 9:00am — even if you can only spare 30 minutes or so, it would be a huge help.

If you’re able to lend a hand, please join the group below.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GqQ9p5WZivRDP63xg2Cyxq?mode=gi_t

Year Group Gatherings

Santa Sustainable Threads

Our next Stall will take place tomorrow (28/2) for Prep – Year 4 at this year’s Book Character Parade.

Jumana Commisso 
P&F President