15 September 2014
As we commence the final week of Term 3, and the last days of school for our Year 12 students, we have much to celebrate. Our Dominican Sisters celebrated Foundation Day on Wednesday 10 September, and to mark the 120 years of their presence at Santa Sabina College, the College Executive were invited to share a special part of their celebrations. We joined the Sisters as they planted a Jacaranda tree in front of Rosary Lodge to signify their vital, life-giving contribution to all that Santa Sabina has been in the past, and will continue to be. Sr Judith Lawson, Congregational leader, presented me with the original trowel used by Cardinal Moran to symbolise the foundation of the College in 1894. It is entrusted to us for safe-keeping and as a reminder of our story of origin for all future generations.
Our parents, students and staff have been ‘Under the Stars’, and reaching for the stars in all kinds of ways over these final weeks of term. The P&F’s ‘alternative’ fair held on Saturday evening – Santa Under the Stars – demonstrated the generosity and ingenuity of our parent community. A first of its kind, our twilight event showcased our student film-makers from years 3-8 with our own version of Tropfest. A spectacular light show animated our beautiful heritage buildings with swirling patterns, colours that seemed to dance around the illuminated statue of St Dominic. The open air pop-up cinema with ‘Frozen’ as the star attraction offered a wonderful family experience with groups sitting on picnic rugs, cinema treats being passed around, and an amazing array of food stalls in the nearby Piazza. Thank you to all parents who worked so hard to make Santa Under the Stars ‘shine’.
Our Music staff and students from right across the College reached for the stars last week in our inaugural Choral Festival. In the aptly named Angel Place, and in front of an audience of over 800, students performed in ensembles, as a massed choir, and in collaboration with students from St Aloysius College and St Mary’s Cathedral College with joy and aplomb. We appreciate the efforts of so many Dominican Sisters in celebrating with us, and in the words of our Congregational leader, Sr Judith Lawson OP, As we Dominican Sisters celebrate Foundation Day today, I think there would be much rejoicing in heaven by those pioneer sisters (as they listen to the angelic choirs!) who made the journey to Australia, and then in 1894 settled at Strathfield. Not only did the students sing like angels – I thought their behaviour was equally angelic as they moved, sat, stood and sang. Congratulations to both staff and students who shared their gifts and skills, and offered this tribute to the whole community.
HSC students have shared their talents in a series of creative exhibitions. We have had the privilege of seeing outstanding works in Design and Technology, Visual Arts, and English Extension 2. Congratulations to students and teachers of these subjects. It is always a partnership, and students certainly expressed their appreciation of teachers’ mentoring, support and persistence in just being there throughout the life of these demanding projects.
I take this opportunity to wish all families well as we complete this term, thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing many of you at the Year 12 Graduation Day and evening ceremonies. Our Year 12 students are outstanding young women who will always be part of the Santa Sabina community, long after their formal school days end.
Dr Maree Herrett
