Santa Sabina College students have wrapped up a remarkable semester of social justice initiatives, led by the passionate Prefects team and supported wholeheartedly by the College community. From creative fundraisers to joyful celebrations, students and staff came together to make a meaningful impact – raising over $16,500 for causes that matter.
Term 1: carrying compassion with Caritas
The term kicked off with the annual Caritas Project Compassion fundraiser, which raised an impressive $11,000+. Traditional favourites like the Gioia House bake sale and Shrove Tuesday pancake sale were met with eager participation, but it was a new event that truly stole the show.
Introducing the ‘Carry for Caritas’ relay race – a fun and symbolic challenge where House teams raced to fill buckets with water using various containers. As donations rolled in, teams unlocked better tools and even whimsical costumes for their teachers.
‘It was incredibly heartening to see the enthusiasm this generated,’ said Kate Pitman-Fernandez, Social Justice Prefect. ‘Every single House not only met their targets, but greatly exceeded them.’
Special congratulations go to the students of Gioia House, who raised over $4,500 and took first place in the race, followed by Yetinga and Weelya.
Term 2: Santafest brings joy and generosity
In Term 2, the College celebrated SantaFest, a beloved tradition supporting the Kopanang Community Trust and our sister school Montebello in South Africa. Over $5,500 was raised during this week-long celebration of community spirit.
Highlights included:
- A Homeroom dance-off to ABBA’s Dancing Queen, with Yetinga claiming victory
- A students vs teachers debate on whether school is harder for students or teachers – teachers won, but students earned some well-deserved sympathy!
- Teachers in Santa Sabina uniforms, parading during a lively busking concert.
And that’s not all! The week was packed with fun:
- Hot chocolate sales on chilly mornings
- A cake stall by the talented bakers of Gioia House
- A sizzling sausage sizzle
- A free dress day themed ‘One of a Kind’
- A busking performance showcasing student talent
- A delicious Domino’s pizza lunch shared among friends.
‘None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the whole Santa Sabina community,’ Pitman-Fernandez reflected. ‘We are so thankful for the enthusiasm, joy and energy that everyone added to these initiatives.’
From water relays to festive debates, this semester has shown the power of community and creativity in making a difference. There will be more fundraising and social justice activities next semester, beginning with the feast day of our patron saint, St Dominic. Santa Sabina College continues to lead with heart, proving that when people come together, great things happen.
