VET IN SCHOOLS
In this issue:
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
written by Mrs Grenfell (HSIE Teacher)
If you were asked to describe Andre in two words, it would be hard-working. There are many more that could describe him: focused, dedicated, determined. Last year, when I saw the email about these awards, I immediately thought of him. The NSW Training Awards recognise students who have applied their learning in our VET subjects to their lives outside school. What better ambassador for Business Services than Andre? He applies everything he learns in our classes. Teamwork, communication, critical thinking and organisational skills are important 'soft skills' taught in Business Services. He has taken these skills and applied them in his Debating, social justice advocacy, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh application. Andre's willingness to learn, to act on feedback, and his consistent drive for improvement have kept him focused on learning. VET courses prepare students for their future careers. During Andre's work placement, his supervisor and colleagues praised his initiative and willingness to 'give things a go' He would set daily goals to work towards, set aside any reservations, and
Finalist in NSW Training Awards - VET in Schools
Student of the Year, Y11 student Andre C
challenge himself to step outside his comfort zone to achieve them.
His teachers and I are deeply proud of this well-deserved nomination. Andre's quiet achievements serve as a powerful reminder that outstanding dedication and hard work will always outshine natural talent alone Good luck next week, Andre!
GIFTED AWARENESS WEEK AT SANTA SOPHIA
This week, Santa Sophia Catholic College proudly celebrates Gifted Awareness Week by recognising the many ways our students are extended, enriched and challenged in their learning every day. Across every classroom, teachers provide opportunities for high potential learners to think critically, solve problems creatively and pursue excellence through authentic and engaging learning experiences
Now in its third year, Santa Sophia’s Gifted and Talented identification process has identified over 100 students across Years 2–8 into our Gifted and Talented Program Through a combination of school-based data, observations and cognitive testing, students are provided with opportunities to further extend their learning and connect with likeminded peers.
One part of this program allows students to participate in enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom and, just last week, Santa Sophia proudly represented the College at the Da Vinci Decathlon State Finals at Knox Grammar School
Five teams from Years 5–9 competed against more than 460 teams from across NSW over three days of competition, tackling challenges in Mathematics, Engineering, Science, English, Ideation, Code Breaking and Creative Producers
We congratulate all students involved for representing Santa Sophia with pride, courage and excellence. We are incredibly proud of the way you embraced the opportunity to extend and enrich your learning
Image 3-6: Da Vinci Decathlon at Knox Grammar with Stage3 and 5 Students
Image 1: Da Vinci Decathlon at Knox Grammar with Stage3.
YEAR 12 TRIP TO ASPECT WALK WITH AUTISM
Twenty Year 12 students, guided by Mr Charlton and Miss Lawne, volunteered to support our friends at Aspect School for Autism during their annual Walk for Autism fundraiser and awareness event. The day was a huge success, with Aspect Gables raising over $24,000 (and counting) while also increasing awareness for Autism. Santa Sophia students encouraged participants around the circuit with plenty of highfives, encouragement, and dancing along to the music The day concluded with a sausage sizzle hosted by Rotary, with the strongest outcome being the continued partnership between both schools and the shared spirit of community building.
Student reflection of the experience:
“Participating in the Aspect walk was an incredibly meaningful experience that I am very grateful to have been part of. Throughout the day, we were stationed around the hockey fields cheering the students on, giving high fives, and encouraging them as they walked past. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they realised people were there supporting them was genuinely rewarding and created such a positive atmosphere. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was speaking with some of the students and learning more about their individual personalities and perspectives, when they welcomed us back to their school. In particular, interacting with a young non verbal girl who communicated through sign demonstrated an incredible level of intelligence and awareness that challenged many common assumptions surrounding autism.
The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of inclusion, patience, and understanding, while also showing me how positive and resilient many of these students are in their everyday lives. I think the walk was not only enjoyable, but also extremely eye opening, and it is an experience that I will continue to value and reflect on.”
- by Rianshi Mittal, Year 12
Student Spotlight
Closing Message
We are pleased to introduce Mrs. Keira Ippolito as part of the Santa Sophia school counselling team Our team includes full-time counsellor Stacey Black, counsellor Paul Smith, who works Wednesdays to Fridays, and we warmly welcome Keira to the team. Keira will be with us four days a week from Monday to Thursday Together, the counselling team works collaboratively to support the social, emotional and wellbeing needs of students across the school community
School counselling provides students with a safe and supportive space to talk about challenges that may be impacting their wellbeing, learning, relationships or engagement at school. Counsellors can assist students with emotional regulation, coping strategies, problemsolving, friendship concerns, anxiety, family changes and other personal difficulties, while also working closely with families, teachers and external supports when needed.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school or counselling team if you have any concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing.
-SSCC Wellbeing Counselling Team
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.