ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we learn; the Dharug people of the Wangal Clan. We pay our respects to their elders past and present. We ask the ancestors of this land to be with us in spirit as we seek to learn and understand, to grow in knowledge and compassion.
Inspired by Catherine of Siena who perceived the way of life and spirituality shaped by Dominic to be ‘very spacious, gladsome and fragrant, a most delightful garden’ – the College has created our next Strategic Plan to inspire a holistic education, one that is rich in human spiritual values and aspirational in reach.
David Bowie once famously said that ‘tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming’. As educators we need to be attuned to what tomorrow will bring so that we can equip our students with the competencies they will need to function and flourish – not only in the world of work but in their lives. At the same time, we need to slow down and teach our children that in a fast-paced world, there is room to be present in the moment, be conscious and considered and make space for reflection and self-awareness. Thus we prepare our students to live in a busy world while at the same time inspiring them to live a more balanced, meaningful life. To live with intentionality is to find the time for relationships, deep thought, innovation, creativity, sustainability and a connection to community. As we head towards a time of intelligent machines, the very ability to create and innovate with originality will represent key competitive advantages for us as humans.
Our five-year Strategic Plan, with our Holistic Learning Framework as a foundation and our Dominican Charism as our guide, will focus on several key areas: Faith, Scholarship, Wellbeing, Community and Momentum. This Plan is the culmination of extensive collaboration with the Board, our staff and students.
The way forward is exciting and stirs our community to live and learn according to the four Dominican Pillars of Study, Service, Prayer and Community while responding to the signs of our times, and staying committed to our motto, Veritas. We are committed to delivering an education that will nurture our students to flourish, come what may.
Paulina Skerman College Principal
Santa Sabina College, a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition, educates students to achieve personal excellence, to act with justice and compassion, and to embrace the future with an optimistic global vision.
To Gently, Boldly, Fearlessly, Confidently, Justly, Courageously Shake The World
VERITAS – Truth
As a Dominican community, we live in accordance with the core Dominican pillars of community, service, prayer and study.
1. Faith
2. Scholarship
3. Wellbeing
4. Community
5. Momentum
We nurture our community to embrace the Gospel teachings and the Dominican Charism by living out their faith through their actions and their words.
EMBRACE THE GOSPELS:
• Enhance understanding and appreciation of Catholic Gospel teachings to foster the virtues of faith, hope, love, and compassion.
LIVE THE CHARISM:
• Embrace our Dominican Charism by fostering Disputatio, engaging in Formation, and embracing the love of the beautiful.
CELEBRATE LITURGICAL LIFE
• Honour and elevate our liturgical practices to deepen spiritual life, celebrate our faith, and enrich the communal worship experience.
CHAMPION JUSTICE:
• Commit to social justice, guided by ethical principles and moral integrity.
FOSTER A CULTURE OF SERVICE AND OUTREACH:
• Encourage meaningful service and outreach programs that engage the community and cultivate inclusive partnerships.
EMPOWER LEADERSHIP:
• Develop leaders who uphold the Dominican values of service and foster collaboration.
We inspire our students to pursue academic excellence by striving for their personal best. We respond to an ever changing world by ensuring our programs are future focused so that our students are world ready.
• Foster a culture of scholarly inquiry rooted in ethical and reflective practices.
• Encourage the pursuit of academic and personal excellence with a focus on holistic development.
• Develop students’ ability to discern truth and make informed, thoughtful decisions.
• Personalise learning experiences to individual student needs.
• Diversify teaching methods to accommodate various learning preferences.
• Offer specialised programs for gifted students.
• Ensure inclusive education for equal access to learning opportunities.
• Stimulate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Expand horizons with global study tours.
• Utilise Lumination Labs for hands-on, exploratory learning.
• Provide strategic guidance for career development.
• Implement reading initiatives to foster curiosity and knowledge.
• Strengthen analytical abilities.
• Develop disciplinary expertise.
• Develop capacity for deep thinking and extended concentration.
ADVANCE TECHNOLOGICAL PROFICIENCY:
• Boost technological literacy to prepare students for the digital era.
• Ensure ethical teaching is incorporated into technological literacy.
We choose for our students to enjoy an holistic education, one that advances the whole person. We aim to provide an environment that develops responsibility and resilience where students gain selfawareness and manage self-regulation. We nurture this development by exposing students to a broad range of co-curricular and outdoor educational experiences while delivering an evidence based wellbeing program to help students flourish.
STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS:
• Build a supportive and inclusive community.
DELIVER HOLISTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
• Offer a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures all facets of student growth.
PROVIDE OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING:
• Enrich education with experiential learning and outdoor activities to facilitate personal growth.
BUILD SELF-EFFICACY:
• Foster self-reliance and confidence in students. Build resilience, self-regulation, responsibility and independence.
We create an inclusive place for our community where everyone feels welcomed. We value our alumni and seek to strengthen our connections with all stakeholders and the broader community in an effort to work together to sustain our school.
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY:
• Recognise and value the diverse backgrounds and cultures within our community.
ENCOURAGE DISPUTATIO:
• Promote respectful dialogue and engagement through thoughtful discourse.
EXPAND NETWORKS:
• Build broader connections and improve communication channels with industry and educational partners.
SHOW APPRECIATION:
• Celebrate and express gratitude for the contributions of all community members to enhance our reputation and build a strong national profile.
ENGAGE ALUMNI:
• Connect with former students to strengthen relationships and facilitate networking opportunities for students.
ADVANCE PHILANTHROPY:
• Cultivate philanthropic efforts to bolster community projects.
We encourage our community to be responsive to the signs of our times – this is at the heart of our Dominican Charism. We aim to preserve our heritage and traditions while committing to sustain social, economic and environmental resources. Our desire is to retain and attract a dedicated and dynamic workforce where people feel valued and have opportunities to engage in meaningful professional learning in a collegial and collaborative environment.
ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY:
• Enhance information technology; systems and processes to streamline operations and drive innovation.
DEVELOP STAFF:
• Recruit and inspire dedicated and dynamic individuals who are driven by a strong sense of moral purpose and committed to the College values.
GOVERN EFFICIENTLY:
• Implement effective governance to ensure strategic and operational excellence.
PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY:
• Champion environmental sustainability to reduce our ecological footprint and promote green practices.
MANAGE RESOURCES PRUDENTLY:
• Grow enrolments and oversee financial resources with prudence and transparency to ensure long-term stability.
IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES:
• Modernise facilities to provide a conducive, safe, and contemporary environment for learning and collaboration.