2025: Term 2 Issue 1
YEAR 11 RYDA ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM
Our Year 11 students recently travelled to Homebush to take part in the RYDA Road Safety Program an important step in their journey toward becoming active and responsible citizens. The day featured six engaging and thoughtprovoking sessions, including scenario-based group work, presentations, interactive activities, and realworld demonstrations Students explored critical topics such as driver fatigue, speed and stopping distances, the importance of peripheral vision, truck blind spots, and the legal responsibilities of drivers from passenger limits to mobile phone usage and in-car technology.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was hearing from an inspirational car crash survivor. Despite her traumatic experience in a fatal crash caused by driver fatigue, she shared her story with courage and grace. Her words left a lasting impression on the students, reinforcing the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel.
In one of the sessions, students took on the role of "crash investigators," analysing the causes and consequences of accidents The key message throughout the day was clear: drivers hold immense power in the choices they make from the speed they travel, to whether they wear a seatbelt or check their phone.
In this issue: Intro and Recent Events (video)
From the Classroom: Estelle Fragalle (video)
Student Spotlight: Beau Krebs (video)
Faith Message: Dr Chris Hayman on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV (video)
It was a meaningful and eye-opening experience for all involved, equipping students with knowledge and awareness that will stay with them well beyond the classroom.
RYDA
SANTA SOPHIA SHINES IN GIFTED AWARENESS WEEK!
Santa Sophia proudly celebrated Gifted Awareness Week with exciting achievements and opportunities for our gifted learners. From Maths and Writing extension programs to STEM MAD - Making a Difference projects about to be launched this term.
The aim of the Gifted Education Program at Santa Sophia Catholic College is to: Celebrate and nurture the unique talents, potential, and capabilities of gifted students by providing exceptional enrichment opportunities that foster deep thinking, creativity, challenge, and growth.
Santa Sophia now has over 80 students in our Gifted and Talented program spanning Years 2–8.
The DaVinci Decathlon - State Finals held at Knox Grammar School
The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and inspire high-achieving students through rigorous, creative, and collaborative problemsolving across ten disciplines. Named after Leonardo da Vinci, the competition reflects his wide-ranging genius by combining science, art, and the humanities.
Santa Sophia competed for the first time with our Year 5, 6 and Year 8 Gifted and Talented students.
A major highlight was our Year 5 team's 1st place victory in the Legacy section. Santa Sophia hopes to attend each year selecting a team of 8 students from years 5-10. Planning is also underway to host the 2026 Regional Da Vinci Decathlon at our College!
Year 5 team came in First Place in the Legacy Station
22 May 2025, DaVinci Decathalon Year 5 and Year 6
20 May 2025, DaVinci Decathalon- School of Connect
PRIMARY AND K-2 ATHLETICS CARNIVALS
It’s been an exciting term of sport at Santa Sophia, with both our Primary and K–2 Athletics Carnivals bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of fun to the field! Earlier this term, our Primary students took part in their Athletics Carnival, enjoying a range of events including the 100m and 200m sprints, shot put, long jump, tug of war, and relay races. It was fantastic to see students giving it their all, cheering on their peers, and showing great sportsmanship throughout the day.
More recently, our youngest learners from Kindergarten to Year 2 had their turn in the spotlight, participating in a variety of fun and inclusive activities. These included tunnel ball, over-and-under relays, javelin, parachute games, rob the nest, and a 70m running race. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of movement!
As we celebrate these successful events, we’re also looking ahead. The Secondary Athletics Carnival has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, Week 8 (16 June). We look forward to seeing our secondary students compete and show their school spirit in what’s sure to be another fantastic day.
Well done to all students, staff, and volunteers who made these carnivals such a memorable experience!
CHILDREN’S EUCH ADORATION
Thursday, 12 June at 3:30 am in the OLA Church, Rouse Hill . Light refreshments served afterwards.
To register your c
MARRIA
Topic: “The Art o
Details: Saturda OLA Parish , Rou
RSVP your attend
Please note that all of our school policies and procedures may be found on our website, including the Complaint Resolution Policy, AntiBullying Policy and Mobile Phone Policy.
Student Spotlight
WELLBEING WISDOMS
Recent Events
Welcome to Wellbeing Wisdoms, a new segment in our School Newsletter! This section aims to provide parents with valuable tips and strategies to support them in navigating the challenges of parenthood. Each edition will be thoughtfully crafted by our three College school counsellors - Jessica Valvason, Juliette Youssef, and Paul Smith - along with our College Wellbeing Leader, Anoushka Houseman.
HEALTHY HABITS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can impact teens’ mental health - contributing to anxiety, sleep issues, and low self- esteem, especially with too much screen time or exposure to negative content. Staying involved helps protect their wellbeing. Here are 7 quick tips for parents:
1.Set daily screen time limits
2.Use parental controls if needed
3.No phones in bedrooms at night (use an alarm clock to wake up instead of a phone!)
4.Follow their accounts
5.Check privacy settings
6.Talk regularly about online life
7.Model healthy screen habits
Santa Sophia Catholic College is seeking interested parents within our community to share their industry experience, knowledge and skills with our students. Sign up here.
