Community Mass this Thursday morning marked the mid-way point of Lent, and we reflected on the significance of Lent in our modern context. The idea of ‘slow Lent’ has a very contemporary feel, and is appropriate for the six week period leading up to Easter. Slow Lent might refer to the time it takes to reach Easter, or it might be about an attitude towards time. We are all very busy with our lives timetabled to the nth degree sometimes. Beginning the day with Mass is one way of finding the time to slow down, pray, think about the day ahead, and just wonder about what truly matters.
The weekly Lenten Masses held in the Santa Sabina Chapel are special as they are led by a different House each week. So we have good student representation, as well as the presence of parents and Dominican Sisters. This Thursday Sister Loretta from the Solomon Islands joined us. There was a great community feel which was enhanced by the ‘sound of music’ from nearby rehearsals. At 8.00 am the school was alive. It was wonderful. I encourage students and parents to find the time to join us at our weekly Community Mass.
Part of my Lenten reflection is on the role of Santa Sabina families and their endless support of their children and the community. Thank you to all of you who contribute in so many ways. Just this week, we held ‘Coffee and Conversations’ on both the primary and senior campuses, to discuss a range of matters including ‘Veritas Online’, ‘sport’, launch of the new uniform, and the Middle Years structure. In such relatively small groups, we get the opportunity to talk rather than ‘present’, and so will continue to host these conversations each term. We encourage you to attend, have a voice, meet other interested parents and members of the College staff leadership teams. Thank you as well to all those who attended last week’s Launch event, and who contributed to making it such a celebratory night. The positive response to the new uniform has extended to media interest with the College being seen as a trailblazer for the choice that it offers students. Our first P&F meeting of the year is next Tuesday night and you are very welcome to attend, and meet with this generous group of parents who support the College tirelessly. Our College Counsellor Tanya Luangsangthong will be addressing this first meeting on Tuesday 13 March.
Most of you will have now logged on to Veritas Online (VO) which we hope is the place to be for parents, students and teachers. While it has now been introduced, we are setting a realistic timeline that sees ongoing development and support for the rest of 2018. You will have increasing access throughout the year to curriculum, course content, assignments, and samples of your children’s work on their eportfolio. Please contact communityrelations@ssc.nsw.edu.au if you any questions about accessing VO. We will also hold IT support evenings again this year at the IT Hub in the senior library. One of the resources that you will find in in the parent community of VO is a link to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. I urge all parents to visit the site, particularly ‘iparent’, where you will find a range of very useful tips and resources about keeping your children safe and competent online.
Santa students have again shone in a range of fields in the short time since last Updates.
Year 11 music student, Angela Kim, is currently in New York, playing the piano in Carnegie Hall, after being chosen as a 1st Prize winner at the 2018 “Golden Classical Music Awards” International Competition. This is a very significant milestone in Angela’s musical journey, and the College is proud to support her as she combines the challenge of study and music. In sport Isabella and Karla Pirina are congratulated on being selected into the NSWCCC Opens Tennis Championships, and hopefully serving their way into the prestigious NSW All Schools Tennis Championships. In public speaking five students made it through the Zone Final of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition.
Students across the College have also enthusiastically endorsed this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #pressforprogress. At the Years 6-12 Assembly, the Senior and Middle Years leaders engaged students with the ways Santa girls defy gender stereotypes; Primary students have been exploring the lives and achievements of inspirational women; and on Friday, students from Primary, Middle and Senior Years were present at the UN Women’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. We look forward to them sharing their learning and insights with peers and teachers.
I sincerely hope that the next Principal’s Update will be able to celebrate the opening of the Siena Centre for our senior students. The furniture is due to arrive and be set up next week, with hopefully only minor building adjustments to be made. Watch this space!
Dr Maree Herrett
Prayer for Lent
God of all peoples and nations,
you accompany us on our Lenten journey.
May we learn to walk your way of justice and compassion with all your people.
…who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.
In this Year of Youth, may we support young people …
…as they recognise that through their efforts, their desire to change and their generosity
they too are participating in the building of a better world.
Bless our prayers, our fasting and our Lenten gifts to Project Compassion
Through these actions, may our hearts be open to receive your grace…
….as we work towards a just future for all your creation.
Amen
