ANNUAL APPEAL 2025
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
As Principal of Santa Sabina College, it is my honour to introduce our Annual Appeal, with a special focus on scholarships. At Santa Sabina, we believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing opportunities for all students to excel, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Our scholarship program is designed to support talented and deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to our values. By contributing to this appeal, you are investing in the future of these students, enabling them to
access the exceptional education and holistic development that Santa Sabina offers.
Your generosity will help us continue to nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.
Thank you for your constant support and commitment to our mission.
Warm regards Paulina Skerman College Principal
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
As we reflect on another remarkable year at Santa Sabina College, we are reminded of the profound impact that education has on shaping the future of our students.
The Santa Sabina College Scholarship Fund plays a pivotal role in ensuring that deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances, have the opportunity to benefit from the exceptional education we offer. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to a world of possibilities, empowering students to achieve their full potential.
This year, we would like to share the inspiring story of Deanna, a scholarship recipient who has truly exemplified the spirit of Santa Sabina.
EVERY DONATION,
Deanna joined us in Year 10 supported by the Veronique Sakr scholarship. Deanna’s mother was initially unsure if she could afford to send her to Santa Sabina. However, thanks to the Sakr family, Deanna was able to pursue her education at our College.
Deanna, now in Year 11, has excelled academically, consistently achieving top marks in her classes. She has also been an active participant in various co-curricular activities including completing her Certificate of Speech and Communications and is currently working towards her Diploma of Speech and Communications. She has also been given the opportunity to participate in a range of public speaking and debating competitions including
NO MATTER THE SIZE, MAKES A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Festival of Speech parliamentary debating and the Mock Trial competition organised by The Law Society of NSW.
Her main focus and interests have been on social justice, environmental sustainability, hospitality, and innovative change.
Deanna’s journey at Santa Sabina has been life-changing.
In Deanna ‘s own words:
“My scholarship has changed my life. It has given me multitudes of opportunities to help pursue my dreams and give back to the community. I am incredibly grateful for the Veronique Sakr Scholarship that I have been so fortunate to receive.”
Deanna’s story is just one example of the incredible impact that the Santa Sabina College Scholarship Fund can have on the lives of our students. I would welcome a discussion with you to if you wish to establish and fund a new named scholarship. Any support of the College’s Scholarship Fund, large or small, is helping young women to pursue their dreams.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and belief in the transformative power of education. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
With heartfelt gratitude
SCHOLARSHIPS
Your support of our Scholarship Fund supports a wide program which currently includes, but is not limited to, these named scholarships.
The Mother M Bertrand Walsh OP Scholarship
Our first scholarship was named after a Santa Sabina College pioneering Sister who was the First Prioress of the Dominican Order of Eastern Australia (from 1882) and an outstanding educator of three generations of Dominican students. Mother Mary was also our first benefactor. She established the College’s first bursary in 1930 when she used the gift of £25 given to her by the Dominican
Ex-Students’ Association in recognition of her Diamond Jubilee to establish a fund so that a girl could complete her education at a Dominican secondary school. This two-year scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees.
Sr Judith Lawson OP Scholarship for Leadership
Named after a former College Principal, his scholarship is open to a girl who has demonstrated significant leadership within the College and wider community.
Wilcox Scholarship
Named after an ex-student, this scholarship’s awarded to a Year 11 student who excels in the area of science. Hillary Wilcox
continues to support the College through this scholarship in honour of her sister Maura.
The Veronique Sakr Scholarship
Named after one of our students, Veronique, who was tragically taken from us, this is awarded to a student who would otherwise not be able to attend Santa Sabina College. This scholarship has been funded by the very generous support of Bridget Sakr and Craig McKenzie along with their business partner Michael Tartak through their business Quartre Café in Strathfield.
Miela Ocello is the Sr Judith Lawson OP Scholarship for Leadership recipient and an outstanding ambassador of the College