NOVEMBER 2025: Term 4 Issue 2
e-Newsletter
OUTSTANDING HSC SUCCESS
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in the 2025 Higher School Certificate examinations. These exceptional results represent the strongest HSC performance in the history of Santa Sophia Catholic College and mark a significant milestone for our young and growing school community. Most notably, we were honoured to have Mankirat Kaur place first in the state in English Standard, achieving an ATAR of 95.45. English Standard is the largest HSC subject in New South Wales, with more than 33,400 students sitting the course statewide. For a school that is only eight years old, and with this being just our third HSC cohort, this achievement is nothing short of extraordinary and stands as a testament to the dedication, perseverance and excellence of our students and staff. In addition to this remarkable individual success, our overall school performance continues to strengthen: Our state ranking improved by 107 places, positioning Santa Sophia Catholic College firmly within the top 250 schools in New South Wales 75% of our subjects performed above the state average 240 results exceeded CSPD predictions across selected courses SANTA SOPHIA E-NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER: TERM 4 ISSUE 2
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 ) From the Classroom: with Mathematics Instructional Coach Mrs Rebecca Jones (video) Student Spotlight: Y12 student Talia Gardi and TAS teacher Ms Emily Bailey (video) Closing Message: Mrs Rachel Vecchio on Advent and Christmas (video) A 131.25% increase in Band 6 results compared to 2024 Among our Year 11 accelerated students, 18 students achieved a Band 5 or Band 6 in the subjects they accelerated in, strongly affirming the effectiveness of our acceleration program.
An interview with Mankirat with her English teacher Mrs Kihi and Head of School Mrs Kalcsai PAGE 1
YEAR 12 RETREAT
written by Mr James Charlton, Wellbeing Leader
Year 12 class of 2026 ventured down to Stanwell Tops (south coast), embarking on their spiritual journey of reflection and renewal. On the first day, students were challenged literally to take a leap of faith and courage, as they conquered the giant swing and the appropriately named 'leap of faith'. There were also team building activities that involved hoola hoops, dancing and sport. The first night came to a close, with team trivia and Mr Awny's creative challenges (who can forget the 'dry weetbix' challenge? I won't), prayers of Examen and writing thoughtful affirmations for one another. Day two, saw students challenged again and working together on bush survivor tasks, free time in the afternoon with the pool party being a favourite, and celebrating Mass to conclude the day. On night two, students undertook the Emmaus walk up to the campire, for plenty of marshmallows cooking (and eating), taking thousands of photos and singing along while the boys demonstrated their musical talents on their acoustic guitars. As the retreat drew to a close, students were noted as saying- " why can't we stay on retreat", and when asked about their highlights- there were too many to list, but included- the writing of affirmations, the campfire and the letter writing activity. Students also attested to solidifying existing friendships, re-kindled previous ones and begun new friendships, which has to be a highlight. I strongly believe Yr 12 have returned renewed and motivated to tackle the HSC year that lies ahead. A huge thank you to the dedicated staff that joined Yr 12 on retreat- Mrs Maybury, Miss Mitchell, Miss Lawne, Mrs Cobal, Mrs Kihi, Mrs Kalocsai, Miss Rubbo, Mr Awny, Mr Faccin, Mr Adams, Dr Hayman, Mr Paul Smith and Mr De Vries. TERM 4 ISSUE 2
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SOCIAL JUSTICE CHRISTMAS INITIATIVES written by Mr Ralph Loyola
This year’s Christmas Appeal invited our College community to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and in need, giving students meaningful opportunities to put their faith into action. Through a series of weekly initiatives, students lived out the call of Scripture: “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18, NIV). By upholding human dignity, solidarity, and care for the vulnerable, our community helped spread hope, compassion, and Christmas cheer to those who needed it most. Across the Appeal, our community supported Vinnies Christmas Hampers, the Connect Movie Night, and the Cuddly Toy and Baby Drives. With over 70 boxes of food collected, funds raised through Movie Night, and over 10 boxes of toys and baby essentials donated, we were able to support St Vincent de Paul Society and families at Blacktown Hospital, responding to Jesus’ reminder that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40, NIV). We extend our heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, and families for living out Catholic Social Teaching through these acts of generosity and service. Your commitment reflects the Gospel call to “act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8, NIV), allowing our students to be the hands and feet of Christ and to bring light, hope, and love to our wider community this Christmas.
UPCOMING EVENTS Term 4 2025-2026 15 Dec
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
16 Dec
Parent Teacher Interviews Surname A-K (ZOOM)
17 Dec
Parent Teacher Interviews Surname L-Z (ZOOM)
18-19 Dec Professional Learning Day
TERM 1 2026 Mon 02 Feb Years 5,7,11,12 Commence Tues 03 Feb Years 1,2,3,4,6,8,9,10 Commence Wed 04 Feb Kindergarten Commence SCHOOL PHOTO YEAR 7-12 (Sibling and Staff Photos) Thur 05 Feb SCHOOL PHOTOS Year 1-6 (Sibling Photos) Mon 09 Feb Y7 Vaccinations HPV Yr7, dTpa Tues 10 Feb Stage 6 Information Evening Wed 11 Feb Secondary Swimming Carnival Wed 11 Feb K- 4 Parent Information Session Thur 12 Feb KINDY PHOTOS
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.
SANTA SOPHIA E-NEWSLETTER
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Student Spotlight
WELLBEING WISDOMS
Closing Message
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024, with the laws due to come into effect on 10 December 2025.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN AHEAD OF NEW SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTION Under this legislation, most social media platforms will be required to restrict access for children under 16 years of age. In preparation for these changes, families
Building digital resilience, including teaching
can support children by:
children how to identify unsafe content, manage peer pressure, and seek help if
Starting conversations early about the
something worries them.
upcoming age changes, why they are
Setting clear, consistent expectations at
happening, and how they promote safety
home, including screen-free times and
online.
device-free bedrooms overnight.
Reviewing current social media use
Maintaining open communication, reassuring
together and gradually adjusting
children they can talk to trusted adults about
boundaries where needed.
anything they see or experience online.
Encouraging safer online alternatives, such
We have had a wonderful year at Santa
as age-appropriate messaging platforms
Sophia, and we wish all families a very Merry
or supervised digital activities.
Christmas and a safe, happy New Year.
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 4 ISSUE 2
Santa Sophia Catholic College's e-Newsletter is released twice per term. For queries, contact santasophia@parra.catholic.edu.au
CAREER PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER DEC 2025 PAGE 4