SCHOOL OF CHALLENGE: TAS UPDATE
This semester, our students in the School of Challenge have been hard at work on diverse projects across their courses, showcasing impressive skills and innovation One of the standout achievements belongs to Jacob Sinka and Hamish Hyatt, who competed in the CSPD STEMMAD Competition and were selected to represent CSPD at the National Competition in Brisbane on November 19th Their unique Wind Project integrates coding with Micro Bits, along with 3D printing and laser cutting, demonstrating advanced technical skills.
We wish Jacob and Hamish the very best as they represent Santa Sophia on the national stage!
In this issue: Intro and Upcoming Events (video)
From the Classroom: Mrs Meaghan Staples (video)
Student Spotlight: Emma and Lorren Lee (video)
Closing Message: Mr Chris Hersey and Miss Charmaine Cobol on East Timor (video)
Year 9 Food Technology students held a Snack Project event, designing, creating, and packaging their own unique snack foods to share with their peers.
In Industrial Technology, Year 9 & 10 students have been hard at work on their final projects for the year, crafting Toolboxes and Bedside Tables
Meanwhile, Year 11 Industrial Technology and Textiles & Design students have transitioned into Year 12, beginning the exciting journey of planning their HSC major projects
To support future VET Construction students in 2025, we’ve welcomed new tools and equipment, opening more pathways beyond the classroom!
CAREER MENTORING PROGRAM
In Terms 3 and 4 of 2024, Santa Sophia launched its Career Mentoring Program, giving students the chance to explore careers in law, psychology, early childhood education, and primary/secondary teaching. The program allowed students to connect classroom learning to real-life applications, boosting their understanding of career pathways, employability, and essential life skills.
The program began with mentor and mentee training, followed by four insightful sessions. In the first session, mentors and mentees got acquainted, learning about the career paths ahead and signing a ‘Rules of Engagement’ as a commitment to the program. Sessions two and three focused on goal-setting, with students working toward a SMART goal under the guidance of their mentors Many students also observed their mentors on the job, gaining valuable insight into the realities of each profession.
In the final session, mentors and mentees will share a one-minute reflection on their journey, celebrating the skills and knowledge gained. The College is deeply grateful to the mentors for their dedication in supporting students' career exploration and future planning!
(If you’d like to be a mentor please click below.)
CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIP 2025
We are delighted to offer our current Year 10 & 11 students a unique opportunity to participate in a Cultural Immersion Tour to Timor-Leste in 2025 Designed to be educational and personally transformative, the immersion program incorporates Outreach, Cultural Exchange and Social Justice in order to provide students with holistic opportunities for growth and development
Immersions prepare students for life beyond school by fostering compassion, responsibility, and global awareness. This inaugural program to Timor-Leste will allow students to support and learn from local communities, visit schools and participate in outreach programs as part of a broader cultural experience. CLICK
COST: 10 - 19 July 2025 (during the Term 2 School Holidays) Timor-Leste 10 Days $4,820
Mr Chris Hersey visiting classrooms
CREATING SUPPORTIVE SPACES FOR WELLBEING AT SANTA SOPHIA
Santa Sophia has introduced new spaces and programs to support student wellbeing and emotional regulation On Level 2, the K-4 Sensory Zone provides a calming area with activities like gardening, sand play, drawing, and fidget toys. This safe space allows staff to help students manage emotions, effectively reducing anxiety.
For Years 5-12, the St Sophia Centre on Level 4 offers a collaborative environment where students can easily connect with Wellbeing and Diversity staff. The space includes a quiet zone for emotional support and will soon feature additional resources and signage.
Supporting cultural identity, our Level 1 Yarning Circle celebrates Indigenous heritage, alongside collaborative artwork.
This term, we’re also running small group sessions to help Year 1 and Year 4 students manage anxiety, reinforcing our commitment to student wellbeing across all levels
Please note that all of our school policies and procedures may be found on our website, including the Complaint Resolution Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy and Mobile Phone
