February 24 2016
‘Education is an important mission,
which draws young people to what is good,
beautiful and true’.
Pope FrancisForms
Dear Families,
Pope Francis’ words are a compelling reminder that education cannot be reduced to competitive ranking of schools on league tables. Our children are too important to be measured on the basis of which rung on the ladder that they mind find themselves. All children and young people deserve the opportunity to achieve personal excellence, to develop critical and creative thinking skills, and to build character. In this season of Lent we are encouraging our students across the campus to acknowledge what is good, beautiful and true through participating in ‘800 Acts of Kindness’.
An important part of the mission of education is to create an inclusive community in which students can thrive. The term ‘inclusive education’ is a relatively new one at Santa Sabina College, but it means that students feel a sense of belonging, and are supported to achieve their personal best. Your feedback on last year’s parent survey showed that there was not a strong understanding of inclusive education, and that we need to communicate the support available for your children much more clearly. We have previously used terms such as ‘learning support’, but as part of our alignment with the International Baccalaureate programs, ‘Inclusive Education’ now addresses learning support for students with particular difficulties or needs. At Del Monte, Mrs Susan Antonelli oversees inclusive education, assisted by teachers and teacher aides. Within inclusive education provision, Mrs Karen Campbell is responsible for gifted education.
On the 6-12 campus, Ms Karen Meagher (introduced last week in Veritas Voice) is the Head of Inclusive Education. These teams are responsible for identifying students with particular learning needs, assisting classroom teachers to meet those needs, and sometimes conducting additional testing. As well the English and Mathematics Departments 6-12 provide additional teacher support in particular classrooms. You will be receiving letters from these departments if your daughter has been identified as receiving this support.
One of the ways that students have different opportunities to shine can be seen in our outdoor education program. Visiting Year 7 camp at Tallong last week was the highlight of my week as I witnessed the buzz and positive energy of the group of teachers and students. Whether it was watching students challenge themselves on the ‘giant ladder’, or the mountain bike courses, or indeed learning about the story of Dominic, the Dominican crest and the House identity, I was struck by the sense of community that has been so quickly achieved with Year 7. We are very lucky to have Tallong, and Campus Manager, Mr Brad Griffiths, is excited about possible new experiences for our school and others. Outdoor education is much more than ‘camping’; it is an authentic context where students test and stretch themselves, supported by their peers and staff. It was also great to see our Year 10 students as leaders at the camp, acting with genuine care and interest for their Year 7 ‘buddies’. While I was not able to see Year 6 earlier in the week, I have been assured that they had an equally good time.
Congratulations to the Santa Sabina Cricket team who competed in the CGSSSA Championships. Though they were beaten in the Grand Final they represented the College with distinction. Congratulations also to volleyball players, Mikaela Stevens (Y12) and Bridget O’Malley (Y12), who were selected to attend the final selection camp in Adelaide (10th to 13th April) for the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) & Asian Junior Women’s Championships tour of the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. Both events are in July.
Our U17- Australian Youth Girls Team comprising Year 10 students, Laura Marshall, Alexandra Molloy, Sophie Palmer, Angelina Smerdely, and Brigitte Vanderham have been selected to attend the Australian Junior Women’s Development Program- Thailand Development Tour from 23rd April to 8th May. This tour includes an international training camp, friendly matches, and competing in the Thailand Under 20 Women’s Championships. Congratulations girls!
You will all receive letters within the coming week that identify the major parent feedback on last year’s independent survey conducted by the Macquarie Marketing Group (MMG). Thank you again for the time and consideration given in providing such significant feedback.
Dr Maree Herrett
College Principal
