AUG 2026: Term 3 Issue 1
e-Newsletter
2026 ROTARY YOUTH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS
Santa Sophia Catholic College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students at the 12th Annual 2026 Rotary Youth VET Awards, held on Tuesday 25 August. Congratulations to our award recipients:
NEWSLETTER: TERM 3 ISSUE 1
In this issue:
I n t r o a n d R e c e n t E v e n t s ( v i d e o ) Student Spotlight: Yr 11 students Xavier, Isabella and Abbey on Fiji Immersion Trip (video) Closing Message: Mr Bano on the Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time (video)
Susannah, Year 12 – Business Services Jacob, Year 12 - Construction Pathways Peyton, Year 12 - Fitness Navah, Year 11 – Hospitality Supported by the Parramatta Rotary Clubs, these prestigious awards recognise excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Western Sydney. Being nominated by their teachers and recognised for their dedication, talent and contribution to vocational learning is an achievement our students can be incredibly proud of. We also congratulate Mrs Leanca Meiring, who received a Certificate of Excellence for her delivery of Hospitality. A special thank you to our dedicated VET teachers for the countless hours of preparation, administration and support they provide. Your passion and commitment help our students discover their potential and develop valuable skills for life beyond the classroom. SANTA SOPHIA E-NEWSLETTER
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HSC MAJOR WORKS SHOWCASE The 2026 Santa Sophia Catholic College HSC Major Works Showcase provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, technical skill and dedication of our Year 12 students. The evening brought together an impressive collection of major works from Industrial Technology, Textiles & Design, Design & Technology and Visual Arts. The Showcase represented the culmination of months of research, experimentation, problemsolving, design development and practical work. More than simply presenting a finished product, the exhibition provided an insight into the processes students undertake to transform an initial idea into a resolved major work. Across the evening, visitors were able to see the diversity of approaches taken by our students, with each work reflecting individual interests, influences and areas of expertise.
Design & Technology students approached their major works by identifying needs, investigating problems and developing innovative solutions. Their projects demonstrated the application of research, user-centred design, digital technologies, prototyping and evaluation. The Visual Arts exhibition provided students with a platform to explore personal, social and conceptual ideas through individual bodies of work. The works demonstrated a diverse range of artistic approaches, media and perspectives. We congratulate all of our Year 12 students on their achievements and thank the TAS and Creative Arts staff who supported, challenged and encouraged them throughout the development of their major works. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the creativity, capability and ambition of the Class of 2026.
The Industrial Technology Timber works showcased the craftsmanship, precision and technical knowledge developed throughout the course. Students produced a diverse range of functional and decorative pieces, including furniture, storage solutions, cabinetry and specialised products. The Textiles & Design works demonstrated creativity, technical skill and a strong understanding of design development. Students explored fashion, performance costume and historical and contemporary influences to create highly resolved textile works.
Image 6 Timber submission Study Desk
TERM 2 ISSUE 1
Images 4 and 5: Visual Arts Major works submission
Image 7 Timber submission
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VOICE OF YOUTH CLUSTER FINALS
UPCOMING EVENTS Term 3 2026
written by Ms Amanda Cassar
26 Aug
We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 representatives, Scarlett Graham and Justin Aguilera, who recently represented our school at the Voice of Youth Cluster Finals.
PRIMARY CAPTIVATE DANCE EISTEDDFOD
31 Aug
Teachers Aide Appreciation Week
02 Sept
Father’s Day Breakfast (Surname A-K)
03 Sept
Father’s Day Breakfast (Surname L-Z)
07 Sept
K-4 Assembly (Yr3 Presenting)
08 Sept
SECONDARY CAPTIVATE DANCE EISTEDDFOD
After working hard to prepare and refine their speeches, Scarlett and Justin had the exciting opportunity to present their ideas alongside representatives from four other schools. Speaking in front of an audience of approximately 300 people, both students demonstrated genuine passion for sharing their messages. The judges had the incredibly difficult task of selecting just one speaker to progress to the next round, with all students delivering thoughtful and engaging speeches on important issues. While Scarlett and Justin did not progress to the next round this year, their achievement in reaching the Cluster Finals is something to be celebrated. A special congratulations to Scarlett, who was awarded the Social Justice Award, recognising her speech for raising awareness of an important and relevant social issue.
10 Sept RUOK DAY 11-22 Sept Preliminary Exams 17 Sept
Mass and Blessing of the Altar (Live Streamed for families)
18 Sept SANTA SOPHIA FEAST DAY 23 Sept Year 12 Graduation Day (at the College Hall) 23-24 Sept Year 11 Leadership Day 24 Sept Year 11 Last Day of Term 3 Fri 25 Sept
K-10 Last Day of Term 3
POLICIES & PROCEDURES 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.
Year 6 Scarlett winning Social Justice Award
We congratulate Scarlett and Justin on their fantastic achievement and thank them for representing our school with such confidence, enthusiasm and pride! SANTA SOPHIA E-NEWSLETTER
PARISH NEWS Parish Mass Times Full Parish Notices (here)
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Student Spotlight
Closing Message
WELLBEING WISDOMS written by Mrs Stacey Black
For this newsletter we wanted to include some great resources and information about the Butterfly Foundation
who
support
Australians with eating disorders and body image issues. They have a great initiative called Body Kind to support body image and create safe and positive environments which encourage everyone to be kind to their own bodies and to others. They have a helpline as well that anyone can access which is on their website.
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. TERM 2 ISSUE 1
Santa Sophia Catholic College's e-Newsletter is released twice per term. For queries, contact santasophia@parra.catholic.edu.au
CAREER PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER AUG 2026
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