Principal’s Update 2018 – 2

Our first student day last Wednesday was joyful, in spite of the “danger zone” wrapping around our bunya pine tree, and the continued presence of the fence around the Siena Centre. Always ready to turn a challenge into an opportunity, teachers have suggested that the fallen 3.5 kilo bunya pine cones are a brilliant mathematical resource – fibonacci spirals. However, we believe that the TAS department has already claimed them, so will keep you informed. Unfortunately, the hazard represented by the falling cones, despite regular maintenance, means that we need to remove the tree. This has been approved by Burwood Council, and will take place as soon as possible. In the meantime, the “danger” signs remain in place. On a very positive side, the fence surrounding the beautifully landscaped area of the Siena Centre has been removed. The completion of Stage 2, the learning spaces and café beneath the hall, is still on track for an end of month completion. We can’t wait!

The new uniforms have arrived, ready for the launch on the Tuesday 27 February. They look crisp, smart and contemporary, and most importantly will offer students some choice of what to wear.

Nicole Larkin’s sculpture is installed and providing an interesting, alternative gathering space for students. We are delighted that Nicole Larkin can join us for the launch, also on 27 February, and inspire our current students to imagine, create and build.

Please RSVP for catering purposes.

It was wonderful to welcome our new Prep and Kindergarten students last week, and to see amongst them several children of Santa Sabina ex-students. This continued engagement with the Santa Sabina community reminds us that school is much more than a training institution. It is a big extended “family”, and I sincerely hope that all of our students find their place here, and create his or her own stories. That sense of community and continuity was evident at the Tallong Open Day on Sunday where we celebrated 20 years of this important Santa Sabina campus. We were privileged to have with us Merle Hurcombe, former Director of Sydney City Mission and the previous owner, who established Tallong as an alternative place and program for troubled youth. While its purpose as a campus of Santa Sabina is different, the opportunities it provides for spiritual and physical renewal; for learning about the natural world and our indigenous heritage; and for a digital detox make it an important part of a Santa Sabina education. Thank you to all of the parents and students who joined us on Sunday to celebrate.

Congratulations to 2017 College graduate, Joya Nicholas, who has been named Burwood Council’s Young Citizen and Sportsperson of the Year. Joya managed to combine her academic and sporting pursuits while working very hard supporting the outstanding work for the St Merkorious Charity Association.

I appreciate that many parents are concerned about cyber safety, and the kind of practices we should encourage at home and school. So, it was great to see Primary Years students lead the way on Internet Safety Day, on 6 February. Coordinated by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner nationally, and celebrated in 130 countries, this year’s theme is: “Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you”. Santa Sabina College supported Safer Internet Day by exploring the impact that bullying and hurtful behaviour can have on others and creating essential agreements to remind to act if we witness bullying behaviour. Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the safe and positive use of digital technology, and to explore the role we can all play in creating a better and safer online community.

The feelings of joy and optimism may be the natural ones we expect at the beginning of a new year. But as a Catholic community we have a special focus this year “to open new horizons for spreading joy”. Pope Francis’ words at World Youth Day 2016 inspired the Catholic Bishops to declare the liturgical year of 2018, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent (3 December 2017), as a national Year of Youth.

Pope Francis speaks about Jesus as the “Lord of risk…Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set on new and uncharted paths”. What a great message for all of us as we begin this academic year.

We had our first Family House Mass yesterday evening for Gungulla, Kurrawa, and Mundowora which was a wonderful gathering of community. Next Tuesday at 6:00pm it’s the turn of Teangi, Weelya, and Yetinga. I look forward to seeing you there. Attending your House Mass is an important way of supporting your children’s faith development, and to have the opportunity to meet Senior College Staff, and relevant Homeroom or Classroom teachers.

Dr Maree Herrett
College Principal