Latest News

Christmas Hampers

All members of the College community are involved in creating Christmas hampers for groups in our city who would miss out on something extra at Christmas. Groups which the College is supporting in 2009 include the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry at Penrith, the Sudanese refugee community through Josephite Community Aid, the St John of God Casa Venegas project and families whose children have disabilities through Catholiccare in Cabramatta. Secondary school students have honed their gift wrapping skills while parents on the primary campus are having a packing day to ensure the best distribution of the Christmas cheer.

Living Library

As part of their English unit this term Changes to the Santa Sabina Community Year 6 students have had the opportunity to ‘borrow’ staff members to learn more about how Santa Sabina College has changed over the years. Students listened to guest speakers from our Living Library, whose topics ranged from Uniforms, Student Life, Being a Boarder, Buildings and their purposes, School Leadership and Sport.The students enjoyed learning about our College history this way!

Sports Breakfast

Students from the Sports Committee attended the Sydney Schoolgirls’ Breakfast with the Stars. This event acknowledged some of Australia’s elite sportswomen. Anastassia Tsaloukas, an Australian baton twirler, sat with the girls and answered some of their many questions. Students engaged in cricket, basketball, tennis and Rugby League activities, and saw gymnastic and cheerleading performances by some young, aspiring athletes. Students came away inspired by the sportswomen they encountered!

Learning in Action!

Year 7 Geographers have seen first hand the coastal processes and landforms they had learned about in class at Dee Why beach. With a strong south-easterly and a two metre swell, it wasn’t hard to imagine the role that the wind and waves play in shaping the coastline. Girls were also given an opportunity to practise some active citizenship by spending part of the day removing the noxious weed Bitou Bush. They were also lucky enough to arrive on Fisherman’s Beach just as the tide was going out, allowing them to explore the many tiny and colourful life forms on the rock platform. Year 8s visited Taronga Zoo to enhance their study of threatened habitats by investigating the role that zoos play in protecting endangered species. The fast growing and very cheeky baby elephant provided the students with a fine example of the zoo’s successful breeding program!

Celebrating St Martin

Middle School students have celebrated the feast of their patron, Saint Martin de Porres, by coming together as a community in the College Chapel for a liturgy. An ex-student and mother of current students shared with the girls her recent experience of visiting the home of St Martin in South America. Students continued their celebrations with some games of bowling and a picnic lunch in their homerooms.

Experiencing South Africa

Santa's fifth group of staff and students have travelled to South Africa to experience life at our 'sister school' in Montebello, and at Kopanang near Johannesburg, as part of the College's Social Justice Education Immersion Program. At Our Lady of the Rosary school students spent time in the classrooms in the high school, interacting with the students and 'teaching' classes about some aspect of Australian life and culture. Each afternoon was spent at the orphanage playing with the young children and painting and 'Under the Sea' wall mural. At Kopanang students and staff stayed with families involved in the women's project established by our friend Sr Sheila Flynn OP. The girls helped out in the creche, prepared lunch in the kitchen for a feeding scheme for orphans and learned to embroider with the Kopanang women who support their families from the sale of their handcrafts. 'We now know the names and faces of some of the children at Montebello and women of Kopanang for whom we raise funds. This has been a life changing experience.'

Santa Sings for the Gift of Sight

The Santa Sabina Motet Choir have sung for the Concord Hospital 'Gift of Sight' memorial service. The service is an annual event for family and friends of those who have donated organs for transplant, or who have been the recipients of organs. In particular the service recognises the work of the Concord Eye Hospital, who conduct ground breaking work in the field of corneal tissue transplant. The congregation heard from Dr Stephanie Watson, of the Sydney Eye Hospital, who spoke of her most recen operation: a successful corneal transplant for a 6-week old baby. Santa's Motet Choir were privileged to sing at such an occasion, at which they have sung in previous years.

Rotary Award for Santa's Early Education Director

Jackie Baxter, Director of Mary Bailey House has been honored with an Award from Rotary for Pride of Workmanship. Jackie is an outstanding educator. Her leadership and commitment to early education are exemplary and she is a role model for many in her profession. Mary Bailey House, located on the Primary school campus, has a reputation as one of the best childcare centres in Australia, thanks in no small way to the visiionary practices and programs Jackie and her staff implement for the children. The Centre has a very important place here at Santa Sabina, where it is so integral to our K-12 community. We are very proud of this award which recognises Jackie's professionalism, innovation and contribution to early childhood education, and to Santa Sabina.

Celebrating World Teachers' Day

In celebrating World Teachers' Day, College Principal Kate Clancy has thanked the College's teachers for the ways in which they encourage, inspire, support and nurture our students to be their best selves. She particularly commended the ways in which they constantly engage in professional development and evaluation to ensure that their teaching and learning programs can best meet the needs of each individual. 'They have a significant responsibility in preparing our students for their futures and it is not a role that any of us take lightly! I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the genorisity and giftedness of our teachers here at the College, and I thank them for their daily work with and commitment to our students.'

Designing Dreams

Year 7 students have been inspired by a presentation from fashion designers Daniela Puglisi and Lidia Senese. Daniela, and ex-student from the class of 2002 specialises in couture fashion and has designed wedding dresses, bridal dresses and cocktail wear. Lidia Senese is a shoe designer for a leading brand. Each designer gave a presentation on their background such as where they trained and the types of courses they studied. They also spoke about the design process they follow and issues that designers face. Students enjoyed hearing from the speakers and viewing some of their designs.

The Compass and the Word

During the recent holidays a contingent of Santa Sabina College staff members attended the Dominican Education Conference in Adelaide. this conference is a gathering of Staff and Dominican Sisters from across Australia and New Zealand who belong to Dominican-inspired schools or communities. The intention of the conference is to facilitate a deepening of our understanding of the Dominican heritage and spirit. The motif that ran throughout the conference was that of a compass which assisted us in exploring our Dominican journey and the future directions that lie ahead. The keynote address given by Sr Bernadette Kiley OP, reminded us of out mission as Dominicans in bringing the Good News to the world. Through the various workshops and activities offered over the course of the conference staff were offered opportunities for enhancing stronger networks between the delegates from the various Dominican schools; sharing strategies and ideas for promoting Christian leadership within out contemporary world; creatively engaging in ways of justice and developing a greater appreciation and respect for the uniqueness of our Australian spirituality through which the Dominican story can be told.

Building program commences

During the October school holidays the demolition of the Rivers building and sections of the Hall took place as planned to prepare the site for construction. Precautions were put in place to ensure the safety of all involved on the site.

Air quality monitoring took place. The test results from this monitoring were undertaken by Airsafe on behalf of the builders with additional separate monitoring undertaken by Noel Arnold and Associates commissioned by the College. The test results at a total of eight separate locations have indicated that no asbestos fibres were detected during the removal of the asbestos cement sheeting.

Building the Education Revolution

A presentation containing information about the Del Monte Building program is available for perusal by members of the College community on SSConnect. This presentation was displayed in the Del Monte Hall at the end of last term and gives some insight into the plans for the wonderful new facilities which will soon be available to our students and community from the Federal Government’s Primary Schools for the 21st century initiative. The work on Holyrood made possible by funding from the National Schools Pride Program continues and we look forward to this restoration work being finalised later in the year.

To see persepectives of the Santa Maria del Monte development please click on the link below:

Del Monte Building Project (PDF 280kb)

Year 12 Students Looking Forward

The College community bids farewell to the Year 12 students of the class of 2009. The activities of the girls' last few weeks have included House lunches for Year 12 with the Principal and Head of the Secondary School, Homeroom lunches and prepartion for the Graduation Awards Ceremony, Liturgy and Dinner. Year 12 2009 have been recognised as an extremely talented and generous group. They have been excellent role models for other year groups and through their thoughtful actions and enthusiasm they have engaged the College community in their spirited initiatives. They demonstrate great promise for the future and our community wishes them every blessing.

Celebrating 60 Years

Santa Maria del Monte's 60th birthday was celebrated with much joy and excitement. Children researched and presented the Primary School's story and history and enjoyed viewing an archival display celebrating the past. In the company of special visitors such as former principals, staff and students, and three Dominican sisters who were in the first class to move to Del Monte in 1949, they created a recipe for Del Monte, sang the school song and honoured the traditional owners through dance. Of course no birthday is complete without a cake and games! The day ended with the jump off for Jump Rope for Heart.

Enviroweek 2009

Santa Sabina's commitment to the conservation of our environment for a sustainable future has been demonstrated across the College during our inaugural Enviroweek 2009. Primary, Middle and Secondary students constructed sculptures out of recycled materials and displayed their artworks at lunchtimes. There was daily environment trivia carried out in homerooms and collections points were created to deposit old mobile phones for the protection of the threatened African gorillas. Secondary students were given the opportunity to participate in a national vote against climate change as part of the National Youth Votes Campaign. The week concluded with the Clean Up Santa Day. Our youngest children from Mary Bailey House also prepared planter boxes and planted pumpkin seeds for the Junior Landcare project, while the Primary students prepared their garden beds for planting.

Rainbow's Ending

The College's Drama Ensemble has followed its Term 1 A Midsummers Night's Dream success in presenting Rainbow's Ending. Actors from Years 9, 10 and 11 told the story of the Dolphin people who lived in the shadow of the giant who was threatening to devour their world. The production was a physical, dynamic piece of play-acting with the actors taking on a variety of roles throughout. This unusual 'fairytale' offered hope as Rainbow and her friends reclaimed their lives!

Creative Computing!

162 additional computers are now available to the Secondary students for use in class. Teachers and students have been finding new uses for these small, lightweight notebooks. Wireless capability in the classrooms means that students are able to access the College network and Internet from within their classroom to create sound recordings of interviews, script their wikis and undertake research.

St Lucy's Camp

Eighteen Year 11 students have attended camp at Tallong with 23 ten-to-twelve year old children from St. Lucy's School for children with disabilities. Over the 3 days they shared adventures on low ropes and ladders; they bush walked, rafted and more. The St. Lucy's children showed such enthusiasm, bravery and love and the Santa students learnt much about themselves and others from the experience.

Hands On Engineering Day

Five Year 10 Santa Sabina students have ventured to UTS for a Hands On Engineering Day. Activities included exploration of road design, basic aerodynamics, artificial heart surgery and soil moisture - the latter involved making a probe robot to measure moisture in soils. An engineering challenge required the girls to create a shelter using only newspaper and masking tape. The students found the day inspiring!

Scientriffic!

This year we had a record number of students take part in the very challenging National Chemistry Quiz, which takes over 120 000 entries from schools throughout South-East Asia and India. Over 23% of our students gained an award, with four students gaining High Distinctions. Following their success in the NSW Chemistry Titration Competition, where they finished 7th out of 312 teams, our Year 11 students went on to compete in the national competition, gaining silver medals for their achievement.

Talking it Up!

Our Primary students have participated in Public speaking activities throughout Term 3. Finalists from each grade presented their prepared speeches and an impormptu speech at school assemblies, demonstrating great confidence and skills of a high standard. Middle School students have enjoyed some social debates, while our Secondary students attained excellent results in the AHIGS' Festival of Speech.

College Fair 2009

The College Fair was a wonderful community day! There was a great spirit and so much to experience and enjoy. Many members of our community worked tirelessly to make the day such a success – the Parents and Friends’ Association and their team of stall holders and workers, families who gave so generously in the preparations for the event and our students who were very involved in the day. There were some vibrant performances and so many students face painting, stall helping or meeting and greeting. We are indeed fortunate here at Santa Sabina to have such a spirit of community and the dedication and commitment of so many to make the College the great place that it is!

100% Netball

The Santa netballers achieved a 100% win rate in the netball grand finals. Santa 15 won 18 – 16 after a slow start against a team that had many centimeters of height on our girls in a very exciting and hard fought match. Our Santa 7 team, who had gone straight to the grand final defeated their semi-final opponents by 41-39.  Five members of our club also received their National C badges for umpiring, while Santa players won four awards for the most valuable player in each grade in a new award judged by the competition umpires.

Maths Masters

Year 1 students have claimed the State award for excellence in Mathematics in their section of the Mathematics Association of NSW annual competition. Merits were also achieved by students in Year 2 and Year 5. Our Primary School students enjoy a very successful history with this competition, with Kindergarten taking the award last year.

Celebrating Wisdom and Fathers' Day

It was wonderful to have so many Fathers and grandfathers from across the College join us for Mass and breakfast to celebrate Fathers’ Day 2009.On both days on which the celebrations occurred the Halls and Chapel were overflowing as proud fathers joined their daughters and sons in thanksgiving for the gifts of family and community. Grandparents, carers and wisdom figures for our Middle School students have also gathered in celebration and thanksgiving for their special place in our students’ lives.

Year 8 Camp

Year 8 students have pushed their comfort zone on camp at the College’s Outdoor Education Centre at Tallong in the Southern Highlands. They experienced mountain bike riding and the high ropes, and undertook navigation work using compasses and maps. Initiative activities involved using problem solving skills and the low ropes. The trivia and talent night were also highlights for the students.

Thinking Middle Schoolers

Middle School Students are showcasing their learning and use of higher order thinking skills in a project they have named ‘Upgrade Your Learning’. The students have chosen from a range of 20 photographs for a guided enquiry research -based project which has allowed them to pursue an area of interest, and achieve some outstanding outcomes. They have critically explored their chosen image from five different aspects or lenses: Self, Faith, Learning, Community and World.

Tournament of the Minds Finalists

Teams from both the Primary and Secondary School competed in the 2009 Tournament of Mind Challenge, demonstrating their flair for creative problem solving and team work. The Secondary team were highly successful again this year and will go on to compete in the State Finals.

HSC Showcase

The Santa Sabina College Community is invited to experience a fantastic showcase of talent at the HSC Design and Technology and Visual Arts and Visual Design Exhibition. The exhibition will be launched by inventor and judge of ABC’s New Inventors, Christine Kininmonth on Thursday September 10 at 6pm.

Join us for supper and meet our Year 12 artists and designers. The exhibition will also be open on Friday 11 and Monday 14 from 9am-5pm, and on Tuesday 15 from 9am-12pm.

Central Australia Immersion 2009

Dining on witchetty grubs, making clap sticks and viewing ancient cave paintings were some the experiences the 19 students and three staff encountered on the annual Central Australia Immersion trip. The group spent nine days immersed in the traditional life, culture, spirituality and beliefs of the Aboriginal community. Santa Sabina College supports Immersion experiences as part of our commitment to Social Justice Education. Groups of students have also travelled to the Solomon Islands, The Philippines, East Timor and South Africa.

Santa's own MasterChef

MasterChef contestant and Santa Sabina Ex-Student Justine Schofield returned to the very room in which she had cooked as a student. Here, she presented a master class for the inspired Year 9 – 11 Food Technology students. Justine cooked her mother’s  recipe , stuffed tomatoes served on a bed of risotto with a tomato sauce. As she demonstrated the steps, she spoke to the students of her experiences since leaving Santa, and her four months on the show. She spoke with them of the importance of team work and believing in yourself, and was a most inspiring guest, of whom the College is very proud!

Think Climate, Think Change Schools Competition

Congratulations to the two Year 8 students who were finalists in the Years 8 -9 category of the National Schools “Think Climate, Think Change” competition. Over 7600 entries across Australia tackled the question “What does Climate Change mean to me?” The finalist judges said the two students produced entries that were of excellent quality and were impressed with their extraordinary effort and creativity.

Try Year 5

Twenty three Year 4 students from various schools visited Santa Maria del Monte to experience Year 5.

Students engaged in PE, Italian and Music lessons and visited the Library and computer room. The students enjoyed participating in Year 5 activities in their classroom and meeting many new students. The Del Monte students did a wonderful job facilitating the tours and making the guests feel welcome.

Celebrating St Dominic’s Day

Our annual celebration of the feast of St Dominic gathered together students K-12, staff, parents, ex-students, Dominican Sisters and friends. With a theme of ‘With God at the Centre’, readers, musicians, dancers, painters and story tellers reflected upon St Dominic’s founding of his Order of Preachers in the 12th century, and the 115 years of education in the Dominican tradition here in Strathfield at Santa Sabina. Year 12 students ‘danced on the plot’ and released 6 doves as St Dominic received his traditional ‘crowning’. The celebration was followed by a concert and activities on each campus.It was indeed “the day we dreamed together” and was a wonderful celebration of our community.

Computing Awards

Students from Santa Sabina College have received University of NSW awards for their academic achievement in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). This is an annual competition which is conducted in Australia and 12 other countries. This year 19 students from the Years 9 & 10 Information and Software Technology classes participated.

Mathematics Enrichment for Talented Students

Mathematics Extension 2 students have attended a Gifted and Talented Mathematics Day at Macquarie University. Students were given the opportunity to attend a series of lectures and seminars regarding the application of mathematics in everyday life, and to share their passion for Maths.

Year 6 Journalism

A Year 6 student, who is a member of the Middle School Talented Writers’ Club, was one of the winners of a diary competition in the August issue of the magazine TOUCHDOWN. Entrants were required to create a diary entry describing a day in their extraordinary life, in the style of ‘My Secret Diary’ by Marcia Williams.

CSDA Grand Final Winners

Congratulations to the Year 8 debating team who have claimed the Year 8 trophy at the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association (CSDA) Grand Finals, arguing that it is the complicated things in life people value most.

The team of five is the same that won the Year 7 trophy in 2008. The girls ploughed through five rounds, won the play offs, eliminations, quarter finals and semi finals before securing a spot in the finals against Holy Spirit College, Lakemba. The Year 9B team was narrowly defeated in the semi-finals.

SSC Running with the South Sydney Rabbitohs

Round 18 of the NRL kicked off Better Buddies style as 17 Kindergarten and Year 4 students met the Rabbitohs players before their game against Penrith. Dressed in their Better Buddies shirt and headbands, the students were introduced to the players before escorting them onto the field. This exciting opportunity helped to increase awareness and promote The Better Buddies Framework, part of the Alannah and Madeline foundation.

Australasian Dance

Congratulations to the two Year 7 students who competed in the ATOD Australasian Dance competition in Melbourne. The girls are cousins, with one winning the international title for both Ballet and Jazz and gained a third for Tap (the only competitor in the entire competition who attained a place in all three genres and won more than one section), and the other gained third in the Junior Jazz section.

Skype Talking

The magic of technology allowed a Year 7 class to talk with a group of about 30 students from Year 2 to 10 who attend Dominic College in Tasmania. Using internet base video-conferencing tool “SKYPE”, the students discussed and compared many things about their schools such as celebrations and fundraising events, uniforms, the school campuses, and the subjects they learn.

HSC Economics Students Meet an Economic Guru

During Term 2 the Year 12 HSC Economics students attended a Lecture Day facilitated by the Economics Teachers Association at Hurstville Civic Centre.

One of the key presenters was Mr Ross Gittins who is the Economics Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald. His articles frequently provide updates and critical analysis of contemporary Economic issues and are often a source of class discussion.

Meeting Mr Gittins was quite a thrill for the girls, as he has a cult following amongst NSW HSC Economics students!