Santa Scholars 2021

The graduating class of 2021 certainly has much to celebrate. We were absolutely thrilled with the Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. Two of our students who studied the IB achieved Perfect Scores with ATARs of 99.95. This is the first time in more than 20 years that the College has recorded ATARs at this highest level. The Sydney Morning Herald publishes a league table that ranks schools according to Band 6 results in the HSC. This year the College was ranked 62 on this list.

When the International Baccalaureate results were calculated and included in the data for this ranking, Santa Sabina came in at 46 in the State, remaining in the top 50 schools.

These results are testimony to the capacity of our community to support one another in extreme circumstances. Despite having to learn remotely through Term 3 and facing high levels of uncertainty as government decision makers kept shifting the goalposts, our students did succeed. I know that there were times our girls lost motivation, felt frustrated and powerless and anticipated the worst, and yet supported by the whole community and their families, they were able to stay the

course. These young women have a bright future and their excellent results will ensure that they have many choices open to them with their post schooling options.

ATAR results are just one measure of academic success, our girls leave us as intelligent, articulate and compassionate women who have had the benefit of an

holistic education. You will see the many different opportunities afforded to all of our students as you read through our Santa Scholars magazine.

PAULINA SKERMAN College Principal

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JACQUI PUGH

For the first time in 20 years, we celebrate two students who achieved the highest rank with an ATAR of 99.95. The success continues with 5% of students achieving an ATAR of 99 or above, 40% achieving an ATAR of 90 or above and 70% with an ATAR of 80 or above.

IBDP

● Across the world 16,860 students sat for November session examinations. In Australia, 2,644 students sat for these IB Diploma examinations. Australian students' average result was 37 out of a possible 45 with a pass rate of 98%. The global average was 32 with a pass rate of 87%.

● At Santa Sabina,14 students completed these examinations and all passed and received their Diploma. Our average result was over 39 (ATAR 97.10) with 93% of the students scoring above 34 which equates to 13 of the 14 students achieving an ATAR of over 90.

● Two students – Sophia Juarez and Anastasia Gikas –achieved an IBDP score of 45 which equates to an ATAR of 99.95, a perfect score. Rachel Frecker and Naomi Ghosen achieved 43 out of the 45 points which equates to an ATAR of 99.45. Hannah Svoboda, Clarissa Kalamvokis, Clara Elias

and Sarah George all achieved 40 and above which equates to an ATAR of above 97.90.

● We saw significant growth in excellence across all subjects with 76% of candidates achieving the highest two grades (Grade 6 and Grade 7) across 25 subjects compared to 51% in 2020. In 12 subjects, 100% of candidates achieved in the highest two grades (Grade 6 and Grade 7) compared to three subjects in 2020. These subjects that warrant specific mention are Italian B SL (Standard Level), Philosophy HL (Higher Level), Music HL, Sport Exercise and Health Science HL,Business Management HL and SL, Geography SL, History SL, Biology HL,Chemistry HL and Physics HL. These outstanding results demonstrate the strength in achievement across a diverse range of subjects.

● We also saw significant growth in the number of students who achieved their three Core marks from their Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge results. In 2021 50% of students were awarded the three marks compared with 23% in 2020. This increase can mainly be attributed to the outstanding results achieved by the students in their Extended Essays. We wish to extend a big thank you to Ms Katrina O’Shea and the Santa Sabina teacher supervisors for their insightful guidance over the two years.

‘The Santa Sabina graduating Class of 2021 has excelled despite the challenges of the past two years, with 14 students obtaining the Diploma in the International Baccalaureate and 113 Year 12 students and 23 accelerants completing courses for the Higher School Certificate.’

Director of Teaching & Learning P-12

● After only our third Diploma cohort, we have now firmly established ourselves as an experienced school that excels in the Diploma Programme.

HSC

● Santa Sabina students appeared 150 times on the NESA Distinguished Achievers List, with several students appearing more than once. We saw outstanding results across many HSC subjects, with 28 courses noted on the list mentioned above, celebrating the diversity of our success. Subject highlights include PDHPE, English, Mathematics, Music, TAS, Visual Arts and Languages. PDHPE results increased significantly in 2021, with 43% of students achieving a Band 6 compared to the state average of 6.9%. In Italian Continuers, 50% of the class received a Band 6 and Loredana Leonard of Year 11 earned second place in the state. Similarly, 100% of the Italian Extension students received an E4, equivalent to a Band 6. Music students have excelled with 66% of students in Music 2 receiving a Band 6 and 50% of students in Music Extension receiving an E4.

● Other highlights came from the nominations in showcases ARTEXPRESS, ENCORE, OnSTAGE, Shape and and one selection in Texstyle.

BALANCED

● This resilient and adaptable Class of 2021 also balanced their academic study with their passions outside of the classroom. They represented the College on the sporting field, in the debating room, on stage, and in concert halls. Following Dominican traditions, many also found time to serve in the community with creative outreach programs to suit a year dominated by COVID restrictions. Packing donations of clothes and books for the people of the Solomon Islands, cooking for Night Patrol and creating new forms of digital entertainment for the locked-down residents of aged care homes were activities our Year 12s undertook to benefit the wider community in 2021.

● These outstanding results would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the teaching staff at Santa Sabina as they guided and challenged this cohort throughout their learning journey. We wish to acknowledge in particular the resourcefulness of their Year 11 and 12 teachers as they navigated the challenges of remote and hybrid learning.

JACQUI PUGH Director of Teaching & Learning P-12

93% of our IB students received results equivalent to an ATAR of over 90 .

Dean of IB Julie Harris

with

the graduating IB students of 2021

IB – TOP ACHIEVERS – GRADE 7 IN ONE OR MORE COURSES

ISABELLA AZZOPARDI

● ENGLISH LITERATURE HL

● HISTORY SL

CLARA ELIAS

● ENGLISH LITERATURE HL

● BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HL

● ITALIAN B SL

RACHEL FRECKER

● ENGLISH LITERATURE HL

● HISTORY OF EUROPE HL

● ITALIAN B SL

● PHILOSOPHY HL

● BIOLOGY SL

SARAH GEORGE

● PHILOSOPHY HL

● FRENCH AB INITIO SL

● SPORTS EXERCISE AND HEALTH SCIENCE HL

● PHILOSOPHY HL

● ITALIAN B SL

● MATHEMATICS AI (APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATIONS) SL

● BIOLOGY SL

ANASTASIA GIKAS

● ENGLISH LITERATURE SL

● FRENCH AB INITIO SL

● BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SL

● CHEMISTRY HL

● PHYSICS HL

● MATHEMATICS AA (ANALYSIS & APPROACHES) HL

SOPHIA JUAREZ

● ENGLISH LITERATURE HL

● SPANISH AB INITIO SL

● PHILOSOPHY HL

● SPORTS EXERCISE AND HEALTH SCIENCE SL

● MATHEMATICS AA SL

● MUSIC HL

● GEOGRAPHY HL

● FRENCH AB INITIO SL

● BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HL

● SPORTS EXERCISE AND HEALTH SCIENCE SL

● FRECH AB INITIO SL

CATHERINE RYAN

● FRENCH AB INITIO SL

HANNAH SVOBODA

● FRENCH AB INITIO SL

CLARISSA KALAMVOKIS

NAOMI GHOSEN

MAYA LEE

‘For the first time since we introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, half the cohort received the full number of bonus points for their Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (ToK).’

Congratulations to these students Sophia Juarez, Anastasia Gikas, Hannah Svoboda, Isabella Azzopardi, Clara Elias, Naomi Ghosen, Clarissa Kalamvokis

JULIE HARRIS Dean of

IBDP

HSC – TOP ALL-ROUNDERS AND TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE

PIA CURRAN

ALYSSA MCKEON

LOREDANA LEONARD

● ALL-ROUNDER (10 UNITS TOP BAND)

SOPHIA JUAREZ 99.95

ANASTASIA GIKAS 99.95

PIA CURRAN 99.7

RACHEL FRECKER 99.45

NAOMI GHOSEN 99.45

CLARISSA KALAMVOKIS 99.1

CLARA ELIAS 98.55

SARAH GEORGE 97.9

HANNAH SVOBODA 97.9

BRUHATHI CHALLAPALLI 97.65

VICTORIA HANZEK 97.6

ELISSA BAKER 97.3

PARIS EL-MASRI 97.3

TIA CHARBEL 97.25

MAYA LEE 97.1

ISABELLA AZZOPARDI 97.1

JADE RICHARDS 96.6

ALYSSA MCKEON 96.3

● TOP ACHIEVER IN COURSE: 2ND IN NSW FOR ITALIAN CONTINUERS

● ALL-ROUNDER (10 UNITS TOP BAND) 2021 – TOP MARKS FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HSC AND IB STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED ATARS GREATER THAN 95.

GEORGIA HASSARATI 96.3

HANNAH DUCK 95.95

EMMA SOUTHON 95.75

MARIAM AMIN 95.7

OLIVIA SALIBA 95.55

LUCY PALMER 95.2

KEY

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 28 % IT 2 %

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY 22 %

ENGINEERING 6 %

MEDIA 7 % HUMANITIES 13 % EDUCATION 4 %

UNIVERSITY OFFERS AREAS OF STUDY ECONOMICS, COMMERCE, BUSINESS 13 %

OTHER 10 %

UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES 7 % WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 7 % A USTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY 6 %

LAW 5 % VETERINARY SCIENCE 1 %

UNIVERSITY SOCIAL WORK 1 %

OF SCIENCES 10 % ARCHITECTURE 4 %CONSTRUCTION 1 % DESIGN 9 %

ANASTASIA GIKAS

ATAR 99.95

University of Sydney Chancellor's Award Scholarship

HIGH ACHIEVERS – PROFILES

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney.

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

I feel very blessed to have received countless academic and extracurricular opportunities. My teachers were incredibly supportive, always pushing me to reach my goals and reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. They never turned me away from the staff room even with my millions of questions! The nurturing environment at Santa enabled me to realise my passion for science and solidify some of my career goals in the years to come – our school's focus on community and helping others inspired and furthered my interest in a healthrelated career.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

Do not hesitate to ask for help! Year 12 is full of challenges and hurdles, and I know I could not have excelled without my amazing support network of friends, family and teachers.

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

I've created so many beautiful memories with my friends, and I am especially grateful for the fun times we had in class. Being part of a small IB cohort brought us all very close, and I will cherish the friendships forever. Dressing up as characters we studied in English was a perfect way to end our journey, despite this happening during lockdown. Finally graduating in person after being online for so long in Year 12 was also a great highlight for me.

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Arts/Law at the University of Sydney (Arts majors: Spanish and Philosophy).

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

The genuine support of my teachers, peers and family inspired me to set big goals, work collaboratively toward them and nurture a real love for my subjects. I feel so grateful to have been surrounded by mentors who were so generous with their time and always willing to listen to my questions and ideas. The collaborative peer culture at Santa where we help and motivate each other every step of the way has made my senior experiences so much fun and meaningful. Santa has never failed to offer me opportunities to extend myself, immersed in the rich co-curricular life through pursuing my interests in music, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and debating. Leadership opportunities have also been a very special part of my time at Santa.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

Choose subjects you genuinely love, take every opportunity for feedback, collaborate and support your peers, ask for help when you need it, pray, reflect on your progress. Your small actions and habits are often those with the greatest results, being consistent with homework and study, your sleep routine, having positive digital habits, bringing joy into your life by keeping up activities you love! And most importantly, truly believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities and give your best effort with the confidence you’ll benefit from the effort you put in no matter the tangible results – don’t just measure your progress through the marks.

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

So many to choose from! The 2019 European music tour was one of the best experiences of my life and my Year 12 leadership experiences are also so special to me. Ultimately, I think simple lunchtimes with friends, orchestra rehearsals and classes with my peers and teachers will be some of my most lasting memories.

SOPHIA JUAREZ ATAR 99.95 College Captain University of Sydney Chancellor's Award Scholarship

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Arts/Law at the University of Sydney or the University of NSW.

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

I feel very fortunate for the many opportunities provided by Santa Sabina, helping me to challenge myself, pursue diverse interests and develop holistically. I always felt that Santa offered a creative and inspiring environment for me to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them along the way, and most importantly, to connect with my peers. I have been especially grateful for the tireless support of our passionate, dedicated teachers, who were always willing to provide extra feedback or clarify my understanding. I am equally grateful for the encouragement and motivation provided by my peers, with our opportunities for collaboration forming some of my most memorable learning experiences at Santa.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

Focus on working towards your personal best whilst making sure to take time to recharge and relax. Truly enjoy the moments that aren’t related to school or study as they are just as important, particularly with all of the milestone occasions that occur in Year 12! Seek

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney.

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

There was never a shortage of support from my peers and teachers. In particular, my IB teachers ensured that we worked in a cooperative and comfortable environment where we could feel confident to ask questions and expand our knowledge. The school also provided me with countless opportunities to delve into a specific interest such as participating in the Ethics Olympiad, science and engineering challenges, volunteering at Mary Bailey House, and so much more. These helped me determine what I was really interested in and what my future career could look like. Being a House Captain also allowed me to challenge myself and gain confidence especially in my communication. These skills are invaluable and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to develop them.

and embrace teacher feedback wherever possible, and don’t underestimate the benefits of working collaboratively with your peers. A consistent study routine can help keep you on track whilst preparing for assessments or exams, as well as ensuring you fit in downtime as well. Most importantly, be proud of yourself and celebrate every achievement or bit of progress along the way!

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

I was very fortunate to enjoy both moments that connected me to my peers and to our College community, as well as a rich variety of learning opportunities that challenged me to grow. Some of my best moments are those where the strength and warmth of the community was exemplified, such as through our sporting carnivals or celebrations of Dom’s Day. Other highlights have been learning experiences where I was challenged to develop new skills and worked closely with a team, such as the Ethics Olympiad, Science and Engineering Challenge, or the da Vinci Decathlon. Another core highlight was undertaking the IB and forming an incredibly close bond with our small cohort. Working collaboratively and sharing the highs and lows, I was able to thrive in a supportive and encouraging environment and am so grateful to have made some lifelong friends.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

Take advantage of every opportunity presented to them. We are so blessed at Santa to have the ability to participate in such a wide range of experiences; you may not know you have a passion for something until you really try it out. Prioritise creating a balance in your life between work, friends, and other commitments. When too much of your life is overcome with one aspect over another, it becomes so much more stressful. Stress is a fact of life but it should never become a way of life.

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

My best moments at Santa have been defined by the connections I have formed with others. Having the opportunity to go to NASA and the St Lucy’s Camp has allowed me to collaborate and work with people I otherwise would never have met. But, the smaller scale connections created between my peers, teachers and me made my Year 12 experience so incredible.

PIA CURRAN

ATAR 99.70

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Arts/Law at the University of Sydney

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

Santa Sabina has been a really supportive learning environment ever since Year 7. There’s no way I could have achieved these marks without the constant support of all my teachers. And I don’t mean just the academic support. They were helpful and compassionate with other things like dealing with perfectionism and general life advice. You can tell it’s more than just the job of teaching, they really care about the students.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

If you do subjects that you like and you are passionate about, doing the work will not be a chore. You should be able to enjoy it as much as possible. Do not worry about scaling or what you think you are going to do well in –just do what you genuinely like and you will maximise all your chances.

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

It is so hard to pinpoint just one. Graduation was really fun especially with all the sunflowers. I really liked time spent in the classroom – the classes, the environment, learning, asking questions and having class discussions – just everything really!

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

I’m planning on continuing my studies at uni, I’m not set on a course yet, but probably a combined Bachelor of Commerce.

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2022?

Take care of yourself first, make sure you continue doing the things you love, and remind yourself of your goals if you become lost along the way!

ATAR 99.10

Since Year 7, Santa has provided me with an abundance of opportunities to further my learning as well as maintain balance through co-curricular activities like sport and Duke of Ed. These opportunities allowed me to collaborate with others to challenge and enrich myself. Further, I am so grateful for the teachers that were there every step of the way through the last two years, allowing me to strive for my goals even through difficult and unprecedented times.

BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?

The memories I will cherish forever from Santa include the co-curricular sporting activities, the NASA Space Camp I had the privilege of attending and the final year milestones we were able to celebrate as a cohort. The sense of community – whether it's through the friendships I’ve made, house activities or just the classroom environment –is definitely something I’ll miss from my time at Santa

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2022?

Year 12 at Santa Sabina with the following HSC subjects: English Advanced, Mathematics Ext 1, Biology, Chemistry, Studies of Religion 1

HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

really miss studying Italian this year but I am so grateful that I will always have this skill in the future. I am really excited to continue with the subjects I love in the upcoming year and to graduate with the fabulous class of 2022

LOREDANA LEONARD Year 11 Accelerant 2nd in NSW for

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be an accelerant student at Santa. My teachers have been absolutely incredible and without their support and genuine care of my improvement and growth in all of my subjects, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I will

Italian Continuers

CLARISSA KALAMVOKIS

SELECTED FOR TEXSTYLE

FOCUS AREA Apparel

STUDENT/ARTIST Caitlin Snoch INSPIRATION Ancient Greece

De bbie Bachmann, Department Headof the Year

Our Head of Technological and Applied Studies (TAS), Debbie Bachmann, was honoured by the organisers of the Australian Education Awards 2021, as a finalist and Excellence Awardee in the category of Department Head of the Year.

Debbie Bachmann has been Head of the Santa Sabina College TAS Department since 2001. She is our longestserving Head of Department and TAS is our most successful department for consistently high academic results.

The students of Information Processes & Technology, Design & Technology, Food Technology and Textiles & Design receive consistently high HSC results year after year. Exceptional results achieved in 2021 include 92% of HSC Design & Technology students receiving marks in the top two bands. Every year a number of students are nominated and some selected for the NSW Government HSC Showcases SHAPE and Texstyle. Ms Bachmann’s ex-students have used their TAS skills in careers as fashion designers, architects, IT and engineering experts and TV cooking show presenters.

At Santa Sabina we see ourselves as leaders in STEM education and the TAS department leads STEM within the

College. In our TAS subjects the students apply scientific concepts and applications, they use technology, they employ mathematics and numeracy concepts.

STEM is embedded in the curriculum as well as in co-curricular activities. Year 7 students in 2021 used industry based software such as Autocad and Adobe Illustrator. Santa Sabina provides cutting edge equipment for students including a laser cutter, robots, 3D printer as well as the latest designing apps. Ms Bachmann identifies individual students who are passionate about STEM, providing them with opportunities to compete in specialised state and national competitions, often as winners.

Santa Sabina was also named Excellence Awardee in the 2021 Australian Education Awards in these categories:

• Best Co-curricular Program

• Best Remote Learning Program

• Best STEM Program.

TECH GIRLS

Zero hunger

Our Year 4 Techgirls Team – Verona Di Santo, Charlotte Don, Aria Guild, Juliette Martin and Tatijana Sesar –received a UN Sustainable Development Goal Award in the 2021 Techgirls competition for their app design.

The girls showed empathy, commitment and maturity beyond their years to develop their app: 'Zero Hunger.' They explained their app, ‘Zero Hunger is for people who are elderly, homeless, low-income families, don’t have a kitchen or can’t cook. Zero Hunger helps them find food either using a charity that can provide food or a food service with cheaper options. Volunteers can use Zero Hunger to donate time, food and/or money.’

Animal Awareness

Sienna Di Santo, Harper Klein, Xinyi Li and Jazelle Poon of Year 6 developed an Animal Alert Awareness App which was selected as a finalist in the NSW Primary School division of the Tech Girl Superhero competition of 2021. The girls worked collaboratively applying problemsolving and critical thinking skills while focusing on two areas of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of Life Below Water and Climate Action.

In the Tech Girl Superhero competition students are mentored by an industry professional to help solve problems, and develop leadership skills. Teams use the design thinking process to identify a problem in their local community to solve, research and document a solution in a business plan, build a working app prototype and pitch it in a public video.

Our tech girls report that research shows that over one million marine organisms die from fishing nets every year.

‘Many species are becoming endangered. Animal Alert Awareness (AAA) 2.0, is a platform that aims to keep marine animals away from fishermen’s nets by sending a targeted sonar to that specific animal. The sonar mimics the predator of that marine life so that it swims in the opposite direction to stay safe. The app includes a blog and location function so the fisherman can advise other fishermen on sightings of marine life so they can turn their sonar on in that fishing spot.’

Scan the QR code to watch the Zero Hunger video.

Scan the QR code to watch the AAA video.

Ethics winners

Santa Sabina won both the Middle School Ethics Olympiad in November and the First Junior School Ethics Olympiad in October.

The Junior team of Violet Addabbo, Metaxia Dionatos, Angelina Filipovski, Alannah Quinn and Mia Sorial, competed against teams from across Australia and New Zealand. They engaged in clear, succinct discourse and were polished in the way they presented their arguments and responded to the judges’ questions.

In the Middle School Ethics Olympiad, the students explored the ethics of charitable donations, gender roles and bullying and the ‘right to be forgotten’ on the internet.

Our first place Gold medal recipients –Edith Barrett, Kate Fernandez, Isabel Marturia, Charlotte So and Matilda Stephens – have been invited to the International Olympiad in February 2022.

Medals are awarded to teams that draw clear considered conclusions, address issues with a good understanding of multiple perspectives and where they respond well to critiques of their argument.

Matilda Stephens summed it up, ‘It has truly been phenomenal to gather all of this new insight and become more aware of the many philosophical issues present in our society today. I have seen the world through a new and incredibly interesting perspective’.

Santa Sabina encourages collaboration across different year cohorts and it’s no different in competitions such as the Ethics Olympiad. The teams were mentored by a group of experienced Ethics Olympiads winners from Year 10. Mentor Rosanna Cartwright was proud

of the younger students’ success and also explained the mentoring process.

‘In our weekly training sessions, we discussed the ethics cases, explored alternative points of view and provided detailed feedback’, she said.

‘Santa Sabina achieved amazing results this year and our two Middle School teams were awarded first and fifth place respectively. Both teams discussed the cases thoroughly and insightfully, in a respectful manner, which led to their success.’

● GOLD MEDALS AT BOTH ETHICS OLYMPIADS

GOLD MIDDLE SCHOOL ETHICS

GOLD JUNIOR ETHICS

Silver Screen Slam

Aditi Kamath of Year 9 won the Burwood-Strathfield Heat of the Australian Poetry Slam competition with a mesmerising performance of her poem ‘Silver Screen’. The poem is a powerful commentary on the role and experiences of social media influencers. Aditi then represented Burwood and Strathfield at the Sydney competition placing an impressive sixth against tough competition.

Aditi is a veteran slam poet and is usually inspired by nature, school and role models including her mother and father

‘A lot of my poems reflect the world that we live in and the youth’ she says. ‘ “Silver Screen” was influenced by the harsh truth surrounding social media and the “predominant influencers” we all know and love. Another particular topic I’ve explored in one of my poems (“I’m just a Kid”) is how youth perceive world issues. In this poem, I talk about

WINNER

Lockdown breakaway art

Remote Learning in 2021 provided new challenges for Santa Sabina students including a new approach to co-curricular art. Annual external co-curricular art competitions give students the chance to unleash their imagination and create artworks unrelated to the requirements of the NSW Visual Arts subjects set down by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). This year our own internal competition, Lockdown Breakaway, gave students the opportunity to find the silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic. We congratulate the winner of the Santa Sabina College Co-curricular Art Competition, Eva Kalotheos in Year 8, for her outstanding drawing collage depicting the thoughts, emotions and dreaming that occurred in lockdown.

a variety of issues ranging from global warming to homelessness to the ongoing pandemic.”

Aditi is passionate about writing and hopes to use her creativity to entertain and influence positive change.

‘Slam poetry is something that has no limits and so I hope with the help of others, I can continue to create and foster my passion’.

● AUSTRALIAN POETRY SLAM COMPETITION

WINNER

SLAM POETRY

Decommissioned past

An evocative charcoal and white pencil drawing, by Valentina Guarna of Year 12, was awarded runner-up in the Inner West Young Creative Awards (16-18 division). Decommissioned Past looks at the way dementia ‘decommissions’ parts of the brain, leaving fragmented memories and mental anguish.

Valentina explained that her grandmother was the subject, and her artwork sought to reveal a rich life filled with relationships, experiences and memories.

But Valentina also said, ‘I have witnessed her rapidly age and battle against her constant physical and mental anguish, represented through the rigidly shaped memory with fragments indicating missing pieces from her mind. Our elderly, particularly with dementia, are frightened by the uncertainty of time and the unknowing future, and through my charcoal piece, I would like to express their struggle in order for the audience to understand and connect.

●

Shakespeare Bachelor

Year 11 Drama's major production, a comedy, Shakespeare Bachelor by Kristen Doherty, was to be performed live in Term 3. But…that pandemic got in the way. So, while in our Remote Learning program, the students adapted the play into a video titled

Solo Scenes. Each scene gives us some insight into the ‘ups and downs’ of being a contestant on Shakespeare Bachelor . The students’ inventive interpretations of Shakespeare’s heroines were a highlight of a strange year.

Scan the QR code to watch highlights.

Top public speaker

Preethika Mathan of Year 10 won the South West Sydney regional division of the Plain English Speaking Award. The Award is the most prestigious of public speaking competitions that is open to all NSW schools – both government and independent. Preethika’s prepared speech focused on racism and was based on her personal experience and analysis. She also wowed the audience with her three-minute impromptu speech on prioritising the needs of elderly people (drawing on her research for a recent school project).

Scan this QR code to watch the whole show.

● INNER WEST YOUNG CREATIVE AWARDS

WINNER PUBLIC SPEAKING

Congratulations

The

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● Year 1 Class for Math-ATHLETICS.

The

Science Research Journal 2021

Scan below to read our inaugural compilation of outstanding papers from Secondary Years students

Little Big Idea

During 2021, Emilia Sarayar in Year 3 invented the ‘Awe-sun Home’, a solar powered mobile home cart for homeless people. Her project was selected as one of four national finalists in the Little Big Idea competition –Year 3 and 4 category

As a finalist, Emilia received a mentoring session with Joanna Nelson, Origin’s General Manager of Future Energy & Technology, where she refined her idea and developed a video to repitch her idea for a chance to become the national winner and win the major prize.

FINALIST SCIENCE

Crystal chemists

Co-curricular chemistry has a strong following at Santa Sabina and in Term 2 the chemistry club members created a variety of different crystals using alum and copper sulfate as well as common household items such as sugar. Two students from Year 9, Aditi Kamath and Tanisha Chari, entered their crystals into the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s Crystal Growing competition.

Aditi and Tanisha made it to the finals of the NSW competition with their impressive crystals.

‘Crystal growing is something that we enjoyed and thoroughly recommend.’

FINALIST YEAR 3 & 4

The Little Big Idea Competition promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths learning, and champions creative thinking. It encourages students to create innovative ideas to help solve realworld problems that will shape the future, that they themselves will live through. One little idea is all it takes!

Students had to generate ideas, possibilities and actions, reflect on their thinking by transferring knowledge to new contexts and analyse, synthesise and evaluate by explaining and justifying their ideas.

● THE LITTLE BIG IDEA COMPETITION

OUR SCHOOL LEADERS DELIVER THEIR SPEECHES

Speech Night

Speech Night on 3 December was adapted for COVID and moved from the Sydney Town Hall to the College Hall. We were graced with the presence of Guest Speaker Anne Harris of the Class of 1986 and the Chair of the College Board, Steven Graham.

Ms Harris presented prizes and also spoke of the challenges and rewards of her work as Managing Director for Pfizer Australia and New Zealand – a company which delivers life changing medicine and vaccines.

Ms Harris described how Santa Sabina College had impacted her career and life.

‘A few things stand out – my love of science, my belief that women can do anything and how to embrace diversity as a strength… I cannot remember the words “female empowerment” specifically being spoken when I was at Santa, but it permeated every experience. There was a breadth of choice for learning. We had the opportunity to explore our interests whether that was music, arts, sport, academics, or many other areas. There were examples of excellence in every discipline. Being constantly surrounded by impressive girls in an environment which celebrated diverse achievements shaped my mindset. Let me be clear, I was not one of those getting the top awards. Still, the message that “women can do anything” was quietly being embedded into my beliefs. I left Santa never really thinking too much about whether my gender would be a disadvantage… Over the years I have grown to embrace and value diversity in all its aspects. In Year 11, a few of my friends and I were short of one study unit after we had picked our main subjects. We did not have any classes together, so I convinced them

Above: College Principal Paulina Skerman Below: Chair of the College Board Steven Graham and outgoing College Captains Emma Graham and Sophia Juarez

all to pick Religious Studies because it worked with our timetable. Our ideas of hanging out and taking things a little easy during this unit changed when we found out our teacher was Deputy Principal Sr Philippa.

‘I was beginning to regret my decision. My main experience with Sr Phillipa was from Year 7 Latin and she was SCARY. So, I was incredibly surprised when Religious Studies turned out to be one of my favourite learning experiences at Santa. Sr Philippa still ran a tight ship, but I discovered she was an intelligent, thought-provoking teacher, who genuinely wanted to hear our opinions. A dedicated Dominican Sister, Sr Phillipa taught us about Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Christianity. We openly discussed and debated different viewpoints. She took the time to listen, and all views were given their due respect. I was so impressed by Sr Phillipa’s example: to be able to dedicate your life in service of your beliefs and at the same time see the value in a different belief system. It has had a lasting impact on me.’

As well as listening to inspiring speeches, at Speech Night we honoured and celebrated the highest academic success of our students with prizes, pomp and ceremony. Our Chamber Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble, String Quartet and Piano and Senior Taiko gave our guests wonderful musical performances and we viewed an excerpt from Bella Merlino’s multi-international award-winning film, Dementia

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NIGHT

Above: Guest Speaker Anne Harris, Class of 1986 Below: Award recipients on stage

‘A few things stand out – my love of science, my belief that women can do anything and how to embrace diversity as a strength…’

ANNE HARRIS Managing Director, Pfizer Australia & New Zealand

CLASS OF 20 19

Rafqa Touma is a renowned early-career journalist. She is currently a reporter at The Guardian and freelance blogger and book reviewer. She studied law and journalism at the University of Technology Sydney and also at the School of the New York Times. She is the recipient of the Adele Horin Prize as well as an inaugural JNI Opportunity Fellowship with Guardian Australia. She has volunteered at Radio 2SER, and previously worked in overnight television production with the ABC. She sent us this inspiring update in 2021.

'It is Santa Sabina that taught me to be a critical thinker. It instilled in me the Dominican legacy of courage and passion. To be independent, and unapologetically strong in what you believe in. To be empathetic, and fair. To be driven by curiosity.'

It has been two years since I graduated from Santa Sabina in 2019. What a chaotic, unprecedented and uncertain two years it has been.

During my final year at Santa, I received news that I had been admitted to the School of the New York Times’ 2020 Spring cohort. I deferred my university degree, and left in January for an academic immersion in Manhattan and the classrooms of the New York Times. After two months, however, the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic, and I left New York as soon as I could.

Although my time there was short lived, I learnt more than I could have anticipated. It was my first insight into an industry I hope to one day contribute to. It was also my first time living away from home. I learnt about ethical journalism, the dynamic of a complex newsroom, and the diversity of storytelling across mediums. I also realised how greatly the curiosity, courage, passion and resilience that Santa nurtured would serve me far beyond the College gates.

As was the experience for most people, getting back on track through the thick of 2020 was hard. I was fortunate to begin my law and journalism degree at UTS online, and to enter the workforce as a law clerk at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers. There, I learnt how far the reputation of a Santa girl extends. The firm’s Managing Partner, Hanaan Indari, is an ex-Santa girl who I have grown up admiring and who is respected by Australia’s legal community, and by her staff, for the values she instills through her leadership in the work culture in line with the values of our College.

When an opportunity to apply for a full time internship with Guardian Australia came up later at the end of the year, I felt a renewed sense of excitement. On the interview panel was Monica Attard, Walkley-award winning journalist, ex-ABC Russia correspondent, and another ex-Santa girl. When we both realised the connection, there was

an immediate feeling of camaraderie, and from my end, admiration. At that moment, I felt so proud to call myself an ex-student of the College.

To then be offered the 2021 Adele Horin internship in the Guardian newsroom was a surreal experience I still can’t believe was mine. I was able to go to work every day, surrounded by journalists I have followed and looked up to for so long. Those same journalists became my mentors. My time there taught me what it means for journalism to be a force for progress, to have high ethical standards, and to be a confronting and empathetic means of truth-telling.

These opportunities defined both my career and my person, and led me to winning an Opportunity Fellowship at the 2021 Walkley Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism, sponsored by the Judith Neilson Institute, to return to the Guardian newsroom full time for three months at the end of 2021.

While awaiting this opportunity amid our state being thrown into another COVID lockdown, I received news that with a peer I have been selected for the inaugural Google News Initiative Creator Program for Independent Journalists. This is an

international program that includes a grant from Google to assist starting up an independent news channel on YouTube, and a year-long curriculum led by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

I am so fortunate for this opportunity to practise as an independent journalist. And I am so grateful for the values Santa Sabina instilled in me, for they will come to guide the standards and the goals I set for my own work.

I owe so much to the school and every teacher who recognised and nurtured the potential of each student. Santa gave me the experience to learn responsibility, integrity and confidence as Vice-Captain, as well as a cohort of peers, who entrusted me with the honour of presenting our Graduation address, and whom I love, admire and still call family to this day.

It is Santa Sabina that taught me to be a critical thinker. It instilled in me the Dominican legacy of courage and passion. To be independent, and unapologetically strong in what you believe in. To be empathetic, and fair. To be driven by curiosity. Santa saw me become a dreamer, a leader, and a lifelong learner.

Rafqa (left) at the 2021 Walkley Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism

2001

really valued attending a school that put such an emphasis on contributing to social justice and believing in the inherent dignity of every person. '

Dr Catherine Gascoigne is a sessional lecturer in Law at the University of Technology Sydney. She has pursued a distinguished academic career at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Sydney and her PhD, Causation in the Law of the World Trade Organization , is due to be published by Cambridge University Press in June 2022 .

Santa Scholars spoke to Catherine in 2021 about the factors contributing to her success, her advice for current students and her plans for 2022:

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS YOU LEARN T DURING YOUR TIME AT SANTA SABINA?

I really valued attending a school that put such an emphasis on contributing to social justice and believing in the inherent dignity of every person. Those core beliefs have contributed to my own personal and professional goals ever since. I have also learnt so much from my school friends (with whom I am still in touch) about the importance of long-standing friendships, loyalty, forgiveness and personal growth.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO YOUR SUCCESS?

I have an amazing husband, parents and friends, all of whom have been incredibly supportive and have always believed in me and my dreams (even when it involved living overseas for so many years)! I have also had some fantastic role models, teachers and mentors, who have given me confidence and inspired me to do things, even when I was full of selfdoubt. I also run by the mantra that it is better to give something a go and fail than never to try at all, and that mantra

has got me places that I never would have thought possible!

DO YOU HAVE AN Y ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS?

● Success will follow if you pursue what interests you and what is congruent with your value system. Don’t waste your time doing something just because it is popular, prestigious or lucrative – if you’re not passionate about it, you will just wilt.

● Become self-aware: get to know your strengths and weaknesses and follow your strengths.

● Wherever you go in life, always cultivate role-models who can inspire you to be a better version of yourself.

● Keep in touch with your school friends – even though you might grow in different directions, they are like breadcrumbs, reminding you of where you have been and how far you have come.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2022 ?

I am finishing the process of turning my PhD into a book with Cambridge University Press (due in June 2022), whilst also looking after my three-yearold daughter, Amelia, three days a week. I am also due to give birth to my second child in June 2022, and then will be on maternity leave for the rest of the year

'I

ACADEMIC

● B achelor of Arts (Honours Class I) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I) University of Sydney

● Bachelor of Civil Law (Distinction) University of Oxford

● Doctor of Philosophy in Law University of Cambridge

●

Biology SL (IB)

Rachel Frecker

Naomi Ghosen

Business Studies (HSC)

Myia Denney Hannah Duck Eloise Ellacott Isabella Pirina Karla Pirina

Business Management HL (IB)

Clara Elias Clarissa Kalamvokis

Business Management SL (IB)

Anastasia Gikas Chemistry (HSC)

Tia Charbel Paris El-Masri Lucy Palmer Chemistry HL (IB) Anastasia Gikas

Chinese & Literature (HSC – External)

Baihui Han Design and Technology (HSC)

Mia-Jade Attie Lucy Dolan Emma Graham Stephanie Gregory Teagan McDonnell Jade Richards Lauren Wise

Economics (HSC)

Tia Charbel

Alyssa McKeon Olivia Saliba

English Advanced (HSC)

Mariam Amin

Alberta BucciarelliStournaras Bruhathi Challapalli

Pia Curran

Amelia Dillon

Carissa Fitzgerald

Emma Graham

Victoria Hanzek

Alyssa McKeon

Anna Munns

Olivia Saliba Emma Southon

Taylor Tran Caitlin Zocco

English Extension 1 (HSC)

Zahra Alam Alberta BucciarelliStournaras

Pia Curran

Hope Elias Emma Graham Emma Southon Caitlin Zocco

English Extension 2 (HSC)

Zahra Alam Pia Curran

English Literature HL (IB)

Isabella Azzopardi Clara Elias Rachel Frecker Sophia Juarez

English Literature SL (IB)

Anastasia Gikas

Food Technology (HSC)

Grace Azzi Natalie Fasanella Joanne Lipman Sienna Pirto Sarah Saab Antonia Savoca

French Ab Initio SL (IB Diploma)

Sarah George Anastasia Gikas

Clarissa Kalamvokis Maya Lee Catherine Ryan Hannah Svoboda

Geography (HSC)

Elissa Baker

Angelique Chartres Alyssa McKeon Olivia Saliba

Geography HL (IB) Clarissa Kalamvokis

History Extension (HSC)

Pia Curran Taylor Tran

History SL (IB) Isabella Azzopardi

History of Europe HL (IB) Rachel Frecker

Information Processes and Technology (HSC)

Bruhathi Challapalli Stephanie Roberts

Italian Beginners (HSC) Madison Piredda Italian Continuers (HSC)

Ariana Camporeale Alessia Di Bella Victoria Kim Loredana Leonard Sienna Ters Sophia Witting

Italian Extension (HSC) Tiana Castellari Georgia Hassarati

Italian B SL (IB) Clara Elias Rachel Frecker Naomi Ghosen

Legal Studies (HSC)

Pia Curran Alyssa McKeon Taylor Tran

Mathematics AA SL (IB) Sophia Juarez Mathematics AI SL (IB) Naomi Ghosen

Mathematics Advanced (HSC)

Mariam Amin Tia Charbel Sophia Chin Amy Douglas Sonya Jayatillake Charlotte Kang Victoria Kim Mridhini Koyalkar Loredana Leonard Lara Nero Lucy Palmer Stephanie Roberts Keira Van Emily Vellar Sophia Witting

Mathematics AA HL (IB) Anastasia Gikas

Mathematics AA SL (IB) Sophia Juarez

Mathematics Extension 1 (HSC)

Elissa Baker Bruhathi Challapalli Tia Charbel Sophia Chin Paris El-Masri Carissa Fitzgerald Victoria Hanzek Lucy Palmer Jade Richards

Mathematics Standard 2 (HSC)

Madison Piredda Sarah Rahme Leah Reeves Ava Rohan Felicity Yau

Modern History (HSC)

Mariam Amin Elissa Baker Angelique Chartres Pia Curran Eleanor Dillon Stephanie Roberts Taylor Tran

Music 1 (HSC) Oriana Chan Eleanor Dillon

Music 2 (HSC) Alexandra Bennett Emilie Choi Amelia Dillon Felicity Yau

Music Extension (HSC) Alexandra Bennett Emilie Choi Amelia Dillon

Music HL (IB) Sophia Juarez

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (HSC)

Hannah Duck Isabella Pirina Karla Pirina Sienna Pirto Emma Southon Caitlin Zocco

Philosophy HL (IB)

Rachel Frecker Sarah George Naomi Ghosen Sophia Juarez

Physics HL (IB) Anastasia Gikas

Science Extension (HSC) Eloise Struthers

SEHS SL (IB) Sarah George Clarissa Kalamvokis Sophia Juarez

Spanish Ab Initio (IB) Sophia Juarez

Studies of Religion I (HSC)

Elissa Baker

Bruhathi Challapalli Tia Charbel

Angelique Chartres Pia Curran Amelia Dillon Eleanor Dillon Paris El-Masri Victoria Hanzek Georgia Hassarati Alyssa McKeon Isabella Pirina Sienna Pirto Jade Richards Stephanie Roberts Antonia Savoca Emma Southon Caitlin Zocco

Studies of Religion II (HSC)

Valentina Guarna Olivia Saliba

Textiles and Design (HSC)

Beatriz Arellano Alberta BucciarelliStournaras Sarah Rahme Caitlin Snoch Anastasia Wyndham

Theory of Knowledge/ EE (IB)

Isabella Azzopardi Clara Elias Naomi Ghosen Anastasia Gikas Sophia Juarez Hannah Svoboda

Visual Arts (HSC)

Alberta BucciarelliStournaras Eleanor Dillon

Francine Geronimo Valentina Guarna Joanne Lipman

The Santa Sabina College HSC and IB Diploma Honour Roll acknowledges students whose results include outstanding achievement. This includes students who achieved a Band 6 or Extension Band 4 within a particular HSC course. It also includes IB Diploma students receiving Grade 7 – Excellence within an IB Diploma course – or Grade 3 – Excellence for core components for Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. The HSC students’ names were published by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) on their Distinguished Achievers List.

SANTA SABINA – HSC AND IB DIPLOMA HONOUR ROLL