• Rochelle Dias • Madeline Douglas • Yvette Graniero • Cassandra Hanna • Victoria Harper
• Julie Harris • Molly Hoogland • Lauren Imber
• Lucia Juarez • Jacqueline Pugh • Georgia
Rowda • Paulina Skerman • Natalia Sukkar
• Jane Sulis • Brian Walker • Isabella Yang • Brigida Zagora
Santa Scholars is published by Santa Sabina College 90 The Boulevarde Strathfield 2135.
The entire content is the exclusive copyright of Santa Sabina College.
PHONE 9745 7000
Established in 1894, Santa Sabina College, an independent Catholic school, educates students to achieve personal excellence, act with justice and compassion, and embrace the future with an optimistic global vision. The College is coeducational from Prep to Year 4 and girls only from Year 5 to Year 12.
FROM the Principal
Huge congratulations to our 2024 Year 12 HSC and IB students on their outstanding achievements! A milestone was reached for Santa Sabina College, with our IB cohort achieving the strongest results ever recorded in the six years since introducing the program.
We also had the wonderful news of our NAPLAN results in December. It was reported in the Daily Telegraph (5 December 2024) that Santa Sabina was one of NSW’s most improved high schools. For Year 9 results, the College moved from 72 to 39 in state rankings.
At Santa Sabina, we have high expectations that our students will strive to fulfil their academic potential and we encourage our students to do their best in all they undertake. Study is a Dominican Pillar and learning is at the heart of all we do. Alongside this, our students are also given every opportunity
to extend themselves more broadly and to excel in the music, sporting, arts and cultural life of the school. Our holistic focus means that learning is happening in every context and interaction and this is what sets our students up to be well-rounded people. Students also commit to service and to citizenship, to contributing their time and talents to make the world a better place. The Class of 2024 has been a joyful, cohesive, kind and dignified group of young people. Their strong results reflect their dedication and resilience. Congratulations to them, their families and their teachers who travelled alongside them on their school journey.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2024 HSC/IBDP Results
In 2024, 114 students completed their senior secondary school qualification through either the NSW Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. This made them eligible for an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for access to a range of university courses throughout Australia or overseas.
When incorporating the IBDP ATAR results the College ranked 55th in NSW.
On the release of results, The Sydney Morning Herald ranked us as the topscoring IB school in NSW for students scoring 44 or above, with an impressive 12.5% of our cohort receiving a score of 44 or above, equivalent to an ATAR above 99.5.
We are incredibly proud of Tanisha Chari and Rochelle Dias, our joint duxes, who each achieved a perfect IB score of 45 and ATARs of 99.95. Warm congratulations also to Lucia Juarez and Isabella Yang, who achieved IB scores of 44 and ATARs of 99.5.
Santa Sabina’s IB students continue to outperform global benchmarks, with the global IB average in 2024 sitting at 29.20, compared to our College’s average of 37 (ATAR 93.3).
In addition to the success of our IB students, 86 students completed their Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 2024. Special congratulations to Natalia Sukkar, our highest ATAR recipient, with an impressive 98.30, and to Cassandra Hanna, who earned recognition as a Top All-Rounder for achieving Band 6 or equivalent across 10 units. This year, 16
Jacqueline Pugh Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning
accelerants (Year 11) sat exams in Italian Continuers and Mathematics Advanced. We are especially proud of these students who achieved strong results.
As always, the major works of many of our students were either selected or nominated for inclusion in the HSC showcases. Each year the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) showcases outstanding student project work in a series of exhibitions and performances. The 2024 selections and nominations can be found later in Santa Scholars
2024 HSC/IBDP results in focus:
• 40% of our Year 12s achieved an ATAR of 90 or over
• 19% achieved an ATAR of 95 or over
• 3.5% achieved an ATAR of 99 or over
HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
HSC OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
In 2024, 86 students completed their Higher School Certificate, studying 29 NESA Developed Courses. Sixteen accelerants (Year 11 students) also studied one or more HSC courses throughout the school year.
One Santa Sabina student featured on the HSC Top All-rounders List. This list acknowledges students who achieved in the highest performance band in 10 or more units in the HSC.
2024 TOP ALL ROUNDER
Cassandra Hanna
COURSE DATA
• Forty-eight students (including eight accelerants) received a result in the highest band possible for one or more courses and are recognised on the NESA Distinguished Achievers List.
• Eight of the 16 accelerated students received a Band 6 result on the Distinguished Achievers list.
• This means 47% of students attempting an HSC course achieved a Band 6.
• Santa Sabina students appeared 106 times, for many students more than once, on the NESA Distinguished Achievers List across 29 Courses, celebrating the diversity of our success.
• The 2024 results reflect strong performances particularly in the following courses:
» Music 1 – one student received Band 6 (100% of cohort)
» Visual Arts – seven students received Band 6 (58.33% of cohort)
» Textiles & Design – three students received Band 6 (50% of cohort)
» Economics – three students received Band 6 (37.5% of cohort)
» Mathematics Advanced – 14 students received Band 6 (35.89% of cohort)
» Italian Continuers – five students received Band 6 (33.33% of cohort)
» Music 2 – one student received Band 6 (33.33% of cohort)
» Legal Studies – eight students received Band 6 (32% of cohort)
» Biology – seven students received Band 6 (28% of cohort)
» Design & Technology – six students received Band 6 (26.08% of cohort)
» Food Technology – three students received Band 6 (25% of cohort)
• Impressive Extension results:
» English Extension 2 – 1 student received E4 (50% of cohort)
» History Extension – 3 students received E4 (37.5% of the cohort)
• In six of the 22 2-unit courses, 100% of candidates achieved in the highest two performance bands possible.
• In 17 of the 22 2-unit Courses, 50% or more of students achieved in the highest two performance bands possible.
• In three of the six Extension Courses studied by SSC students in 2024 100% of students achieved in the highest two performance bands possible.
2024 HSC EXAMINATION MEAN DATA
Santa Sabina performed above the state HSC Mean in 22 out of 29 Courses
Santa Sabina performed better than five marks above the state HSC Mean in 15 out of 29 Courses.
Santa Sabina performed better than 10 marks above the state HSC Mean in two out of 29 Courses.
Lauren Imber Director of Studies
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
IBDP OUTSTANDING RESULTS
Twenty-eight students received the Diploma at Santa Sabina. The global average result was 29 out of a possible 45, Australian students’ average was 34, Santa Sabina students averaged 37 (ATAR 92.55).
• Grade 7 results were achieved in 16 courses out of 25 subjects offered internally.
• Forty-two Grade 7 results were achieved by the cohort across these 25 courses.
• Twenty-eight percent of the cohort (nine students) achieved the full three marks for EE and TOK.
• Ninety-one percent of the cohort achieved above two of the three marks for EE and TOK.
• The 2024 results reflect strong performances particularly in the following subjects/subject areas with the Santa Sabina average being one grade or more above the global average:
• French ab initio SL
• Mandarin ab initio SL (Pamoja)
• Digital Society SL (Pamoja)
• Global Politics SL
• Business Management HL
• History HL
• Biology SL
• Physics SL
• SEHS SL
• Mathematics AA SL
• Visual Arts HL
• Music HL and SL
IBDP Summary Statistics:
Santa Sabina average ......... 37
Australian average 34 Global average .................... 29
Sixty-four percent achieved an ATAR of 90 or over.
Thirty-nine percent achieved an ATAR of 95 or over.
Fourteen precent achieved an ATAR of 99 or over.
Mean ATAR: 92.50
IBDP Terminology:
EE Extended Essay TOK Theory of Knowledge
SL Standard Level
HL Higher Level
SEHS Sports, Exercise and Health Science
AA Analysis and Approaches
Congratulations to the HSC and IB students who achieved ATARs greater than 95.
Julie Harris Dean of IB
HIGH ACHIEVERS – PROFILES
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Law & Psychology at the University of Sydney or the University of NSW.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
My teachers have always been very supportive both personally and academically. There have been countless times that each of my teachers have met to give me extensive feedback in their own time, answered questions on emails, and constantly made their classes interactive and engaging. Santa has also helped me achieve my goals by offering so many extracurriculars and enrichment. For me, these events were a great space to discover my passions in fields I had never previously considered, to meet new friends and to improve my confidence. I’ve always loved the relaxed and collaborative environment of Santa Sabina, which meant that usually stressful tasks could be done in a low-pressure, fun way.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
My advice would be to sign up for extracurriculars, especially throughout your younger years. It’s a great way to find your interests and meet new friends! I’d also say to pick your Year 11 and 12 subjects based on what you truly enjoy – that way, the most mundane tasks become interesting.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
There’s so many! Some of my favourite moments are from camps, including Duke of Ed to retreats, where I’ve made some of the best memories that I’ll never forget. Looking back, some of my other favourite moments are the celebrations that define Santa, like Dom’s Day and the school concerts. The starting of Year 7, and the ending of Year 12 with the Year 12 concert in its 125th and 130th years were some of my favourite celebrations – even though they mark very different points in life, I felt they were similar in being the best moments of community.
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Bachelor of Biomedicine/Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne or Advanced Computing/Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Having the unwavering support and guidance of my family, friends, and teachers throughout my studies has been invaluable. I truly owe my success to this incredible support system, who were there to encourage me when things didn’t go as planned and offered feedback to keep me pushing forward. Their genuine care for my success, both academically and personally, gave me the confidence and determination to pursue my aspirations.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
Enjoy every moment of Year 12. The coming year is filled with unforgettable milestones
– finals, theme launch, formal, graduation, and the last time you’ll walk through those school gates. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of exams and future plans, but don’t forget that these moments are rare and precious. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s also exciting and full of opportunities. Make the most of every experience, and remember that the friendships, memories, and lessons you gain now will stay with you long after you leave school. So, enjoy every moment –because it goes by faster than you think!
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
It is a difficult task to encapsulate 13 years of wonderful memories in just a few lines, but one thing I know for certain is that the friendships I have made during my time here will always remain close to my heart. It wasn’t just the big school events, but the simple, everyday moments – like the conversations and shared laughter at lunchtime and in class – that made each day brighter and more special.
TANISHA CHARI IB – ATAR 99.95
JOINT DUX
HIGH ACHIEVERS – PROFILES
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa provided me with incredible opportunities of enrichment which helped develop my skillset outside of the classroom. Moreover, the dedicated teaching staff at Santa Sabina were incredibly supportive throughout our senior years and were pivotal in my academic journey.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
Focus on consistency and feedback from your assessments throughout Years 11 and 12 rather than the number grades themselves. This will ensure you can progress with your learning no matter what level you start at.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
Being part of the many communities which Santa has to offer such as the Year 12 IB cohort and the music and arts community.
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Radiography at the University of Sydney or Business Information Systems at the University of NSW.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
My teachers were always incredibly supportive, and challenged me to go beyond what I thought was possible. This, coupled with Santa’s positive atmosphere and variety of co-curricular opportunities, motivated me to stay inspired and strive for excellence every day. Because of this, I was able to reach and even exceed my academic goals.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
Year 12 is always about growth, rather than perfection. There will be many times throughout the year when you will make mistakes or even fail, and that’s okay! Always use that chance to seek support when you need it and be open-minded as much as possible. This mindset is what really got me through Year 12 and I’m confident it won’t be different for anyone else.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
My favourite moments were all the music opportunities I gained throughout my years at Santa. Being able to work with all kinds of people to create such wonderful art will always be long-lasting memories I’ll treasure.
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Arts/Law at Australian National University or Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Sydney.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
My teachers were instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. Their passion and patience helped me inside the classroom, and their reminders to remain self-driven motivated me to study consistently at home.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
My advice would be that you have to set goals that you want to achieve, not goals that somebody else wants you to achieve.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
My favourite moments at Santa have been moments spent with my friends in class, laughing with our teachers or working together to learn something new.
LUCIA JUAREZ IB – ATAR 99.60
ISABELLA YANG IB – ATAR 99.60
MOLLY HOOGLAND IB – ATAR 98.55
HIGH ACHIEVERS – PROFILES
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Commerce at the University of Sydney. HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa Sabina provided me with exceptional teachers who not only believed in my potential but also offered unwavering support and valuable resources. Most importantly, they pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to grow both academically and personally. The school also nurtured a strong, faith-filled community, which served as a foundation for my growth and gave me the strength to reach my full potential.
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney. HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa provided immense support and evident dedication to ensuring my success in my senior years, particularly the incredible teachers who gave me the resources and reassurance needed to strive in my studies. This ongoing support helped me to achieve my academic goals, inspiring me to pursue my aspirations post-school.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
It’s never too late to start putting in the effort – success begins with taking that first step. Believe in yourself, even when no one else does, and stay true to your goals. With faith and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
One of the best moments I had at Santa Sabina was reflecting on my improvement in Mathematics and seeing the difference an incredible teacher can make.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
To enjoy every moment spent at school with your peers and appreciate everything Santa has to offer. I also think finding a good balance between study and other commitments is crucial, as it will promote your mental health and wellbeing as the stress of Year 12 accelerates.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
My best moments at Santa include embracing the many co-curricular activities offered, particularly committing to sports which were a perfect release from the academic stress. I also enjoyed progressing through Year 12 with my cohort and appreciating all the last moments in the final few weeks.
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism) at the University of Technology Sydney.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa Sabina helped me to achieve my goals through the ongoing support of my teachers. Their assurance and assistance throughout my academic journey was immeasurable. Most importantly, they fostered an environment where peers work together, support each other and lift one another up, which I am so grateful for.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
My advice to the Class of 2025 would be to simply try your best. There is not much else
you can do other than to put in as much effort as you can, and whatever the outcome may be, the true reward is the satisfaction you get when you know you’ve tried your hardest. However, it’s important to realise that life goes on – don’t place too much pressure on yourself.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
As someone who commenced at Santa from Kindergarten, I have truly grown up with all of my friends. Every moment spent in their company over the past 13 years are memories that I will forever cherish. I have also loved the moments spent with my teachers in my favourite classes, who have laughed with me, supported me and encouraged me to do nothing other than my very best.
NATALIA SUKKAR HSC – ATAR 98.25
MADELINE DOUGLAS HSC – ATAR 98.10
CASSANDRA HANNA HSC – ATAR 97.55
HIGH ACHIEVERS – PROFILES
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Software Engineering and Science (double degree).
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa Sabina helped me achieve my goals by keeping every class enjoyable and making me aware of all the opportunities available.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
Advice I would give is to take every opportunity available but also to have fun.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
My best moments at Santa were when I was enjoying my classes with my friends (I love Ms Palmer).
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO IN 2025?
Civil Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney.
HOW DID SANTA SABINA HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
Santa Sabina offered an abundance of resources and support throughout my time at school, particularly during Years 11 and 12. The guidance and encouragement I received from all my teachers, especially in the completion of my DT Major Work, was invaluable and I will remain eternally grateful for their constant dedication and mentorship.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CLASS OF 2025?
One piece of advice I wish I had received entering Year 12 is that not everything is the be-all and end-all. There will be exams that go really well and there will be others that may not go as expected. But, as long as you give your personal best, you should take pride in knowing you did all you could in the conditions you were given – and that is something to be truly proud of.
BEST MOMENT/S AT SANTA?
The most memorable moments of my time at Santa were undoubtedly in the final week leading to graduation. During these days our cohort became visibly stronger, as we also developed deeper connections to our teachers.
HILARY CHAN HSC – ATAR 97.40
GEORGIA ROWDA HSC – ATAR 96.05
HSC SHOWCASES Selections Nominationsand2024
VISUAL ARTS
Each year the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) showcases outstanding student project work in a series of exhibitions and performances. Exhibitions are held in various locations across NSW and Sydney. The 2024 selections and nominations were:
Zigi Badcock
Armani Jamieson
Hilary Chan
Anabel Mabon
Sophie Stirling
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
MUSIC 1
TEXTILES AND DESIGN
SELECTED FOR SHAPE
MUSIC 2
SELECTED FOR TEX Style
Georgia Rowda
Tina Cassimatis
Verina Tadros
Abigail Salmon
Daniella Scarcella
Chloe Batchelor
Rose Hart
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION with national recognition
During 2024 Santa Sabina College was awarded an Excellence Award and shortlisted for the Australian Education Awards for Secondary School of the Year –Non Government. Along with this national recognition of our school, Brigida Zagora, our Head of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, was also awarded an Excellence Award and shortlisted as Department Head of the Year. These awards are given by the Australian Educator, a resource for senior educational professionals and decision makers.
SPEECH NIGHT 2024
Ahighlight of the year, Speech Night at the State Theatre honoured the academic, pastoral, and social justice achievements of our students in Years 3-11. The evening was also filled with performances from our Chamber Orchestra and Choir, Senior Jazz team, Primary Strings as well as our new Zheng Ensemble. We were thrilled to welcome 2024 Australian of the Year and alumna, Professor Georgina Long AO, as our distinguished guest of honour and her speech was inspirational.
THE PRINCIPAL’S HONOUR MEDAL
The highest awards to be presented annually at Speech Night, are given to students who have demonstrated the following character traits throught the year: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Self-Regulation and Humility.
Year 7 Emilia Srdanovic
Year 8 Sophie Hickey
Year 9 Amelia Woods
Year 10 Charlotte Salameh
Year 11 Kate Pitman-Fernandez
BUSINESS STUDENTS ENGAGE IN INNOVATIVE LEARNING AT HSIE Business Breakfast
Successful business students are able to engage with innovation and think creatively and critically to foster future-based entrepreneurial solutions. The authentic learning instructional model, which applies textbook theory to contemporary realworld scenarios, encourages students to better understand business relationships and apply business concepts.
To reinforce classroom learning, Years 11 and 12 Business Studies and IB Business Management students were invited to attend the HSIE Business
Breakfast Workshop at Santa Sabina. Keynote speaker Michael Karakatsanis, Managing Director – APAC, FaberCastell Australia, generously answered student questions about marketing strategies, operations, and the key external and internal influences on Faber-Castell in a post-COVID and highly digitalised world, with warmth and good humour.
The presentation included an interactive workshop with ideas to be explored further within Business classroom lessons. This before-school event was
attended by more than 60 students and HSIE Business teachers.
Year 12 student Tina Cassimatis shared her thoughts with Santa Scholars, describing the Business Breakfast as enlightening and engaging.
‘We delved into the complexities of a global business, gaining valuable insights into its internal and external influences. It was a hands-on application of what we’ve been studying in our Business Studies course,’ she said.
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
takes students on virtual journeys
Students of History, Geography and Commerce and members of the History and Geography Clubs have been exploring future-focused and immersive technologies using the fabulous Santa Sabina Lumination Labs, VR headsets and augmented reality tools. Students have accessed the earth’s topography, overseas natural wonders and UNESCO-preserved historical and cultural sites. This future-focused learning has challenged students to think critically.
In the Amazon Odyssey application, students went on a journey into the Amazon Rainforest where they
parachuted into the jungle and made a fire, before exploring the rainforest’s biodiversity, threats, and current preservation techniques. Students then collaborated to complete a progressive brainstorm on what they had learned in these simulations and illustrated their newfound knowledge in a 3D space with Tilt Brush virtual reality. They adopted the role of the critical and creative thinker and used the three-dimensional brush strokes, light, fire and special effects to consolidate their knowledge on an interactive canvas. Through these authentic learning opportunities, students were thoroughly engaged
in their learning and the question that dominated the next lesson back in the classroom was: ‘When can we use the Lumination Labs again?’
Sophia Karakatsanis of Year 8 told Santa Scholars that using Google Earth VR is like going on an exciting journey where you can explore different places in 3D.
‘The experience helped me learn about how people live so differently in different cities around the world’, she said.
‘It was really eye opening for me. I love how the Lumination Labs make learning fun and interactive.’
Santa Sabina’s two Lumination Labs – automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms – are in use every day across all curriculum areas and are transforming our teaching to support students to achieve exceptional results. We are the only school in Sydney’s Inner West to build such labs.
HISTORY EXCELLENCE –The Australian History Competition Awards
Santa Sabina students excelled in the 2024 Australian History Competition – the largest and most prestigious national contest for History students. Across Years 7, 8, and 10, six students achieved High Distinctions, 20 achieved Distinctions and many others earned Merits and Credits. The students listed demonstrated exceptional historical excellence.
The competition aims to challenge participants – more than 32,000 across Australia in 2024 – to showcase their analytical, creative, and interpretative historical skills.
Year 10 High Distinctions
Christie Huang
Year 10 Distinctions
Poppy Haigh
Ellie Kwon
Claudia Lee
Sienna Maciel
Annelies Notelaers
Charlotte Salameh
Calliope Stewart
Monterey Tam
Emily Wong
Year 8 High Distinctions
Phoebe Cunneen
Elyssa Georges
Chloe Xu
Abigail Yang
Year 8 Distinctions
Hayley Chan
Annie Cordony-Jones
Karissa Poon
Una Quinn
GIOIA HOUSE AND ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE UNITE FOR STEM DAY and beyond
Year 6 boys from St Patrick’s College, Strathfield joined our Gioia House girls (Years 5 and 6) at our annual STEM Day – a dynamic celebration of curiosity, inclusivity, and hands-on learning. The boys and girls dove into the fascinating realms of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Working side by side, they experienced the power of teamwork and the richness that diverse perspectives bring to problem-solving.
Throughout the year, Gioia House students enjoyed several enriching
Year 7 High Distinctions
Mulan Deng
Amanda Liu
Louise Thill
Year 7 Distinctions
Alicia Bouatoun
Emma Lizier
Aaliyah Ngo
Jessica Price
Ashleigh Sedgers
Isla Socratous
Year 10 Distinction winners
2024 SCIENCE SHOWCASE: unleashing the power of science to save our planet
The inspiring presentations of our 2024 Science Showcase challenged us to think critically about the role science plays in preserving our planet and its diverse species.
Many outstanding experts from our College community joined us to deliver a TED Talks style event where they shared their wealth of experience from various STEM fields, including engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and
opportunities to collaborate with Year 6 students from St Patrick’s College. At the start of the year, student leaders from both schools came together to explore ways they could make a positive impact in their communities, laying a foundation of shared purpose and teamwork. They also participated in friendly public speaking competitions, which provided a fantastic platform for enhancing their oratory skills while appreciating different perspectives and speaking styles.
At the heart of this collaborative program is the goal of strengthening bonds between our schools while creating memorable learning experiences.
research. The work of all our speakers is making a real impact on species survival and sustainability, positively impacting our world. The after-school event was eagerly attended by students of diverse ages and their families.
Parents and alumni who presented: Charbel Antoun Head of Grid Connections at Spark Renewables
Powering Progress: An Engineer’s Role in the Renewable Energy Transition
Jade Greenhalgh
Solicitor and Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance –ANSTO
Using Nuclear Science & Technology to Understand Our World
Linda Losurdo
Applied and Plasma Physics PhD candidate at The University of Sydney Four Ways You Can Change the World Using the Fourth State of Matter
Dr Annalise Crane
Aviation Medicine Specialist and General Practitioner
Aviation Medicine: Surviving in the Sky
Bernard Zanic
Group Operations Manager at Oatley Wines
Doing More with Less in Modern Supply Chains: What Impact Could I Possibly Have?
Dr Laura Kerrison Veterinarian
Fur, Feathers, and Fun: A Veterinary Career
MATHS OLYMPIAD GOLD
Congratulations to Annabelle Wong of Year 6, who obtained a perfect score of 20 out of 20 in the Maths Olympiad Junior Division, winning a special gold medal. As many as 36,860 students across Australia competed in the Olympiad, with only 126 achieving the perfect score. This placed Annabelle in the top 0.34% of participants.
Significant results were also achieved by Victoria Hidalgo, Pheodora Jayaseelan, Gabriella Tadros and Emily Ng, whose marks placed them in the top 25% of participants.
YEAR 4 PIANIST SHINES on the international stage at Carnegie Hall
Star pianist Soopia Chang of Year 4 won First Prize in piano in the Junior Division of the international 2024 New York Golden Classical Music Awards. Soopia received the ‘Golden Classical Award’ and her prize included the singular experience of performing in
New York’s famed Carnegie Hall in December.
Among many other accolades during 2024, Soopia also won her divisions in the Wollongong Eisteddfod, Hawkesbury Eisteddfod and the Australian National Eisteddfod.
In Carnegie Hall, Soopia performed Carl Czerny’s Etude Opus. 740 No 24
Our Director of Music, Amy Richardson, praised Soopia’s hard work and dedication which positioned her to receive these accolades. She also shared her deep appreciation for this message received from Soopia’s mother:
‘We are deeply grateful to the music department, especially Miss Angela Kim (Santa Sabina College alumna, Class of 2019), for inspiring Soopia from a young age. Her guidance, along with the opportunities to perform at the Friday Music Recital, has significantly enhanced Soopia’s confidence and experience in public performances.
We are proud to be part of the Santa Sabina community, which fosters such a supportive and enriching musical environment.’
YEAR 1 STUDENTS
EXCEL IN YEAR 2 ICAS Competition
Jonathan Lin and Joseph Hoang, both Year 1 students, have achieved remarkable results in the Year 2 ICAS international competition and assessment. Accelerated in Maths and English, Jonathan and Joseph earned through our enrichment program Distinctions and Credits, showcasing their exceptional abilities and dedication to learning.
The ICAS competition, designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, typically sees participation from Santa Sabina students in Years 2-4. This year marks the first time Year 1 students have entered the competition.
ICAS English Assessment
Jonathan Lin – Distinction
Joseph Hoang – Credit
ICAS Mathematics Assessment
Jonathan Lin – Distinction
Joseph Hoang – Credit
KINDERGARTEN STUDENT WINS STATE AWARD in Italian language competition
We are thrilled to announce that Abbie Thompson from Kindergarten was named the state winner for NSW in the national Italian language competition, Premio in classe. This prestigious event was part of the XXIV edition of La Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo (Italian Language Week in the World).
The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Italian and books: the world between the lines’. Students were required to read a specific Italian book appropriate for their grade and then express their understanding through a drawing and a text written entirely in Italian. Abbie, along with her peers in Prep, Kindergarten, and Year 1, embarked on a literary journey through Italy by reading about the adventures of La macchinetta rossa (Little Red Car) and the Italian dog ‘Pimpa’.
Abbie’s winning entry beautifully depicted her dream travels in Italy with her family in a little red car, inspired
by the story of La macchinetta rossa Congratulations to Abbie for her outstanding achievement and for bringing the vibrant culture of Italy to life through her creative work!
All students in Santa Sabina’s Primary Years study at least one second
language – Italian from Prep to Year 4, French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish in Years 5 and 6. The Italian competition won by Abbie was organised by Co.As. It. Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney, Il Globo TV, and the Italian Consulate in Sydney.
Jonathan Lin Joseph Hoang
REFLECTING ON 2024: Action Research Projects drive student success across all stages
Santa Sabina College’s unique Action Research Program undertaken by our teachers has led to breakthroughs, professional learning and improvements in student outcomes. Our Action Research Coordinator, Kate Corcoran, reflects on the research undertaken during 2024:
As our 2025 Action Research Program drew to a close, it was exciting to reflect on the significant impact that these projects have had on student outcomes across all stages of learning.
While it is not possible in this space to give credit to all of the projects conducted this year, here is a snapshot of some of what was achieved:
Our preschoolers at Mary Bailey House and Santa Sabina Prep are now more able to demonstrate self-regulation and respect in the learning environment as a result of their teachers applying and measuring the impact of a range of research based behaviour management practices. Furthermore, by explicitly sharing these strategies with parents and encouraging reinforcement of them at home, children are more readily able to develop routines and habits that indicate a growing readiness for school next year.
In response to concerns about students’ growing reluctance to tackle challenging learning tasks, some of our Prep-Year 4 teachers took on the task of developing strategies to build a growth mindset in their students. With the focus on rewarding effort rather than results, a range of strategies including the use of visual aids and new vocabulary around classrooms, the introduction of the performance zone for older students and other fun activities such as the affirmation mirror for the younger ones,
students quickly discovered the power of ‘Not Yet’. As teachers observed a much greater willingness of students to take risks with their learning and grow from their mistakes, these strategies will now become part of the universal approach to teaching and learning at Del Monte.
Our Gioia House (Years 5 & 6) teachers responded to Dr Judith Locke’s presentations at the start of the year by focusing on developing Responsibility, Self-regulation and Resilience in our middle schoolers. In building on their well-established Action Girl and Rock & Water Pastoral Programs, teachers introduced a range of activities designed to encourage greater student voice and reflection around developing independence and confidence in their learning, feeling known and valued and interacting positively with their peers. Through ongoing correspondence, the strong and positive partnership with parents was maintained so that parents could discuss and reinforce these strategies with their children outside of school.
A vast and varied range of research topics were investigated by project
teams in the Senior School. With our writing group developing a draft continuum of how writing is currently taught across the College, this group is now ready to develop a common language and structure to ensure consistency and fluency across stages and subjects. Research findings from our team of English teachers into the use of modelling and from the Science team on responding to command terms will be valuable in adding specific strategies to complete this continuum next year. With a number of groups focusing their research on the use of GenAI in the teaching and learning process, we will undoubtedly be seeing a much greater and more confident uptake of these tools in the development and delivery of our 2025 programs.
EX-STUDENT ELIZABETH YOUNAN is now at Juilliard
Our wonderful Composer-inResidence, Music Tutor and ex-student Elizabeth Younan (Class of 2011) was accepted into the doctoral program of New York’s prestigious Juilliard School on a full tuition scholarship with stipend for composition.
Only eight doctoral candidates are accepted every year across all disciplines (instrumentalists, conductors, composers, singers). Elizabeth says, ‘As always, I look forward to continuing to pass down my knowledge to our students in the meantime, and continue to faithfully and dutifully serve our school in the rich spirit of our Dominican tradition.’
EX-STUDENT ELLA CURRAN SHINES in History Extension Essay Prize
Ella Curran (Class of 2023) was honoured by the History Teachers’ Association of New South Wales in early 2024, receiving the Runner-Up award in the History Extension Essay Prize. Her project, titled Poetry and the ‘Just War’, explored the impact of trench poetry on the teaching of First World War history and its influence on British cultural memory and perceptions of the war. Ella’s remarkable achievement was celebrated at the inter-school High Achievers’ Ceremony held at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum. She was guided and
supported by her History Extension teacher and essay supervisor, Lauren Jenkins.
Reflecting on the eight-month journey of research, drafting, and editing, Ella expressed that she ‘would actually do it all again.’ She highlighted the rewarding experience of seeing her essay evolve from a few initial questions into a 2500word piece that engaged with complex historiographical debates, such as ‘Does truth exist?’ and ‘Are there merits to postmodernist approaches to historical analysis?’
SANTA SABINA – HSC AND IB DIPLOMA HONOUR ROLL
HEADING – SUBHEADING
The Santa Sabina College HSC and IB Diploma Honour Roll acknowledges students whose results include outstanding achievement. The Honour Roll 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 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.
ANCIENT HISTORY
Olivia Radford
BIOLOGY (HSC)
Genevieve Bitar
Emily Dannaoui
Elvira Guan
Rose Hart
Aleana Hunter
Hayley Khuu
Lillian Rochester
BIOLOGY SL (IB)
Ella Hodge
BIOLOGY HL (IB)
Tanisha Chari
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HL (IB)
Rochelle Dias
Lucia Juarez
Denise Wong
BUSINESS STUDIES (HSC)
Zara Barakat
Tina Cassimatis
Cassandra Hanna
Sienna-Marie Maroun
Natalia Sukkar
CHEMISTRY HL (IB)
Rochelle Dias
CORE: EE AND TOK (IB)
Tanisha Chari
Rochelle Dias
Lucy Gee
Ella Hodge
Lucia Juarez
Aditi Kamath
Sofia Kearns
Georgia Long
Sonika Saxena
Isabella Yang
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (HSC)
Tina Cassimatis
Anastasia Cataldo
Marissa Hanna
Alysia Rostirolla
Georgia Rowda
Verina Tadros
ECONOMICS (HSC)
Madeline Douglas
Hayley Khuu
Natalia Sukkar
ENGLISH A: LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE HL (IB)
Tanisha Chari
Rochelle Dias
Lucy Gee
Ella Hodge
Molly Hoogland
Lucia Juarez
Zoe Kearns
Georgia Long
Vasiliki Pahos
Bronte Sprotte
Isabella Yang
ENGLISH ADVANCED (HSC)
Cara Cuzzocrea
Madeline Douglas
Eloise Forrester
Cassandra Hanna
Alysia Rostirolla
Georgia Rowda
ENGLISH EXTENSION 1 (HSC)
Cara Cuzzocrea
Eloise Forrester
Cassandra Hanna
ENGLISH EXTENSION 2 (HSC)
Cara Cuzzocrea
FOOD TECHNOLOGY (HSC)
Chiara Afonso
Tina Cassimatis
Madeline Douglas
FRENCH AB INITIO SL (IB)
Lucy Gee
Molly Hoogland
Carmel Mayo
GLOBAL POLITICS HL (IB)
Sienna Evans
Molly Hoogland
Zoe Kearns
GLOBAL POLITICS SL (IB)
Tanisha Chari
HISTORY EXTENSION (HSC)
Elise Armour
Eloise Forrester
Olivia Radford
HISTORY HL (IB)
Molly Hoogland
ITALIAN B SL (IB)
Tanisha Chari
ITALIAN CONTINUERS (HSC)
Olivia Glass – Year 11 accelerant
Tamara Jabbour – Year 11 accelerant
Gianna Leonard – Year 11 accelerant
Alessia Mancuso – Year 11 accelerant
Matilda Stephens – Year 11 accelerant
LEGAL STUDIES (HSC)
Zara Barakat
Madeline Douglas
Eloise Forrester
Cassandra Hanna
Sienna Mattson
Alysia Rostirolla
Abigail Salmon
Brodie Whelan
MANDARIN AB INITIO SL (IB)
Denise Wong
Isabella Yang
MATHEMATICS AA SL (IB)
Tanisha Chari
Rochelle Dias
Isabella Yang
MATHEMATICS ADVANCED (HSC)
Genevieve Bitar
Hilary Chan
Cara Cuzzocrea
Rose Hart
Aleana Hunter
Alessia Mancuso – Year 11 accelerant
Sienna-Marie Maroun
Teresa Mayo
Ava Nakhle – Year 11 accelerant
Zara Powter – Year 11 accelerant
Georgia Rowda
Matilda Stephens – Year 11 accelerant
Natalia Sukkar
Jayden Xie – Year 11 accelerant
MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1 (HSC)
Hilary Chan
Hayley Khuu
Teresa Mayo
MATHEMATICS STANDARD 2 (HSC)
Tina Cassimatis
Zara Chehine
Cassandra Hanna
Madeleine Rudd
Abigail Salmon
Brodie Whelan
MODERN GREEK CONTINUERS (HSC – STUDIED EXTERNALLY)
Apostoleia Moulos
MODERN HISTORY (HSC)
Elise Armour
Eloise Forrester
Olivia Radford
MUSIC 1 (HSC)
Chloe Batchelor
MUSIC 2 (HSC)
Rose Hart
MUSIC HL (IB)
Eloise Dahm
Lucia Juarez
Isabella Petersen
Isabella Yang
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (HSC)
