JULY 2025: Term 2 Issue 2
e-Newsletter
TERM 2 SOIRÉE: A CELEBRATION OF STUDENT TALENT
On Tuesday, 17 June, we proudly held our Term 2 Soiree an event that has become a cherished tradition in the life of Santa Sophia. While it's hard to say exactly how many Soirees we’ve held since our foundation, the very first took place in the John XXIII Hall at our Schofields Campus, setting the stage for what would become our premiere performance event each semester.
This term, we had over 30 students audition for the Soiree, making the selection process incredibly difficult We commend every student who put themselves forward and encourage them to keep practising and to audition again for our Term 4 Soiree. There may also be other opportunities to perform next term, such as at assemblies or lunchtime concerts
The evening featured an impressive lineup of student talent, including standout vocal soloists Beau Krebs, Talia Galardi and Liam Capco, and expressive piano performances by Chloe Lin. We also enjoyed stunning violin solos by James Trinh and Marco Soriano. Our ensembles brought incredible energy and collaboration to the stage, with performances by the Jazz Band, Senior Choir, Stage 2 Choir, Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra.
A heartfelt thank you to our IT team for their work behind the scenes with sound and lighting, and to the dedicated teachers who supported the event Mr Hudson, Mrs Makdessi, and all staff who contributed on the night.
In this issue:
Intro and Recent Events (video) From the Classroom: NAPLAN Online (video)
Student Spotlight: Eli Mateo (video)
Closing Message: Mr Ralph Loyola on Social Justice Initiatives (video)
Special thanks to our Year 9 MCs, Shardare Wright and Chelsea Humfrey, for hosting with enthusiasm, and to Year 8 student Sharaf Yousuf for capturing the evening through video and photography
We invite our school community to relive the night by following and liking the performances shared on our YouTube channel and school social media platforms Congratulations to all involved on a truly memorable evening of music and performance
VINNIES WINTER APPEAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES
Our students came together to participate in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout, showing powerful solidarity with those experiencing homelessness. Through this event, they raised awareness about the struggles faced by people who are homeless and helped raise vital funds to support the incredible work of Vinnies with marginalised members of our community.
The evening began with a warm pizza dinner and fun icebreaker games to build community spirit. We were honoured to have Peter Sullivan from the Vinnies Riverstone Conference share a moving presentation about the reality of homelessness and how Vinnies supports those in need
Afterwards, our senior students stayed back for the sleep out portion exploring who the homeless are and reflecting on what Scripture calls us to do: act justly and respond with compassion. They engaged in a creative micrography activity to express their thoughts and faith in action.
As night fell, students built their own cardboard shelters and bravely slept outside in near zero-degree temperatures a humbling experience that brought them closer to understanding the hardships of homelessness
Thank you to the generosity of our school community, and combined with the Hoodies for Hope fundraiser, we have proudly raised nearly $12,000 for Vinnies! This incredible support will make a real difference to people in need.
60 Students participated in the sleepout
Friday 20 June- Saturday 21 June, Group Photo
Micrography Activity
Building beds out of cardboard boxes
VISUAL ARTS GALLERY SHOWCASE EVENING
The Visual Arts and Photography Showcase was a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring an incredible array of student works from Years 5–11. Highlights included Year 11’s striking sculptural forms, Year 7’s Aboriginal-inspired pieces, Year 6’s colourful Impressionist works, and powerful photographic series from Years 9 and 10, among many others. The evening drew a fantastic crowd of parents and community members who gathered to celebrate the imagination and skill of our young artists.
Guests enjoyed delicious catering by our Hospitality students, led by Mrs Leanca Merring, while live music by our talented Year 12 students, under the direction of Mr Andrew Hudson, added to the atmosphere.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Visual Arts and Photography teachers, Mrs Karolina Ortega, Mrs Natasha Swan, Mrs Chloe Ralston, and Miss Natalie Donaldson, for their passion and efforts in bringing this inspiring evening together.
Student Spotlight
WELLBEING WISDOMS
Closing Message
It’s normal for children and teens to feel anxious from time to time - whether it’s about schoolwork, friendships or change. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming or gets in the way of daily life, extra support can help
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY: HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
What you might notice:
Avoiding school or social situations
Trouble sleeping or frequent stomachaches
Reassurance-seeking (e.g. "What if something bad happens?") or negative thoughts (e.g. "I'll fail", "Nobody likes me", "Something bad will happen").
Big emotional reactions to small changes
If your child is struggling, reach out to the school counselling team - we’re here to help with strategies, support, and someone to talk to.
How parents can support:
Stay calm and listen - Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel worried, and avoid minimising their feelings.
Keep routines predictable - Structure and routine help reduce anxiety by creating a sense of safety.
Help them face fears gradually - Support them to take small steps instead of avoiding the things that make them anxious.
Model coping strategies - Share how you manage your own stress - through deep breathing, taking a walk, or positive selftalk.
Use calm, encouraging language - Instead of saying "Don’t worry", try "Let’s figure out a way to handle this together".
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.
