Lent is not simply about giving something up; it is about making space \u2013 space for prayer, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude. As a school community, we encourage our students to embrace small but meaningful acts each day: showing compassion to a classmate, offering help without being asked or taking quiet moments for reflection. Through these simple actions, we grow in love, humility and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the past weeks, our teachers have intentionally focused on building strong rapport with their students while gathering valuable academic and pastoral data to determine each child\u2019s starting point for learning. This information is critical in informing our teaching practice, ensuring that learning experiences are responsive, targeted and designed to support growth for every student. Through careful assessment and observation, we are able to personalise learning pathways, extend students who require enrichment and provide additional support where needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Thomas Aquinas Scholars Program continues to provide rich extension opportunities for students demonstrating high potential, fostering critical thinking, creativity and intellectual curiosity. At the same time, our Diverse Education Program <\/em>ensures that students who require additional support receive tailored interventions and adjustments that enable them to thrive academically and socially. This balanced approach reflects our deep commitment to knowing every learner and nurturing their unique strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we implement our Kindergarten Connect and Grow Program<\/em>, we provide young learners with a strong, developmentally aligned foundation for early school success. Grounded in contemporary early childhood research and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our child-centred, inquiry-driven pedagogy thoughtfully balances explicit instruction, structured play and meaningful opportunities for exploration. This approach intentionally builds social and emotional readiness; strengthens early literacy and numeracy foundations; supports independence and positive school routines; and fosters critical thinking, creativity and curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs such as Zones of Regulation<\/em> and Friendology<\/em> further enhance students\u2019 emotional literacy, co-regulation skills and the development of positive peer relationships, equipping our youngest learners with practical language and strategies to navigate social situations. To support early identification and timely intervention, we also conducted Occupational Therapy and Speech screenings in Prep and Kindergarten. These screenings allow us to better understand each child\u2019s individual needs and implement targeted supports early, laying the groundwork for confident, capable and resilient learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Year 6 students recently participated in a Character Building Day, engaging in a range of practical, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen relationships and deepen their understanding of leadership. The workshop provided valuable opportunities for students to build new and stronger connections across the grade while participating in diverse character-building activities that required collaboration, resilience and trust. A key focus of the day was exploring different leadership styles, recognising that true leadership is not always about standing at the front. Students reflected on the importance of sometimes leading from behind, encouraging others to step into the spotlight and shine, and at other times confidently leading from the front by drawing on their own strengths and the collective strengths of their peers. It was a meaningful day of growth and self-discovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Welcome Mass was a beautiful and reverent celebration, as we gathered as a Primary community to commission our student leaders for 2026 in the Santa Sabina Chapel. Because of the wet weather, we postponed the traditional Kindergarten dancing on Dom’s Plot <\/strong>to Thursday 5 March at 2:15pm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We congratulate all students who put themselves forward for student leadership roles this year. It takes courage to step outside one\u2019s comfort zone, to prepare a speech, share personal aspirations and offer oneself in service of others. We were thrilled to see such a large number of students apply for these positions, which is a true reflection of how deeply our students value leadership, community and the opportunity to take responsibility as positive role models within our school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are immensely proud of the way our newly elected leaders have stepped forward with enthusiasm and humility. Their appointment reflects the confidence their peers have in their character and capacity to lead with courage and compassion. At Santa Sabina, leadership is not simply about wearing a badge; it is about service, modelling our Dominican values, nurturing a love of learning and contributing positively to our community each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To all families, thank you for the support, guidance and values you nurture at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congratulations to the 2026 student leaders and we wish them a great year ahead. Embrace every opportunity and enjoy your journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Santa Maria Del Monte Student Leadership Team \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/02\/Ash_Wednesday-13-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nP-6 MEETING STUDENTS AT THE STARTING POINT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEARLY YEARS PROGRAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYEAR 6 CHARACTER BUILDING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nK-6 WELCOME MASS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n