2025: Term 1 Issue 2
SCHOOL OF CONNECT!
Santa Sophia Catholic College’s School of Connect has been named a Middle School of Excellence by Adolescent Success for its innovative approach to middle years education; an esteemed endorsement program for middle years education across Australasia At present, there are only 6 schools in Australasia with this recognition. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to fostering student-centred learning, wellbeing, transitions, middle school identity, pedagogy, teacher development and engagement during this critical stage of development We are proud of the culture and community we are building for our middle years students in the School of Connect, and thank our community for the large role they play in supporting our excellence.
In this issue: Intro and Recent Events (video)
Student Spotlight: Josip P. (video) and Chloe L. (video)
Closing Message: Mrs Kim Roffman on Stations of the Cross (video) Term 1 2025: Middle School of Excellence
Knowledge Hub
The Knowledge Hub on Level 3 has been a buzz of activity for School of Connect students. Students make use of the quiet space to play board and card games, borrow books and read quietly. The Knowledge Hub is open every day except Wednesday Our self checkout machines are available for every student to borrow books any day of the week.
LEARNER CAPABILITY REPORT -SEMESTER
1, 2025
This Friday, 11 April, families will receive their child’s 2025 Semester 1 Learner Capability Report, available via Compass under the Reports section for your child.
This report focuses on three essential elements of Learner Agency that are central to our approach to teaching and learning at Santa Sophia: Feedback – Seeking, using, and giving constructive feedback
Purpose – Understanding what you're learning, how you're progressing, and identifying next steps
Courage – Embracing challenges, contributing in class discussions, and creating new knowledge
The Learner Capability Report is divided into three key sections:
1. Self-Assessment
Kindergarten to Year 4: Students have completed a learning task that demonstrates their development of Courage Families will receive a direct link to this task via Seesaw, which includes the student’s own reflection and self-assessment.
Years 5 to 11: Students have reflected on their strengths in Feedback, Purpose, and Courage. Their self-assessment is displayed in a visual chart within the report.
2. Teacher Observation
For K–4, classroom teachers have provided individual observations based on day-to-day learning
For Years 5–11, three different subject teachers have contributed feedback. These observations have been combined to provide a well-rounded view of each student’s development as an agent of their own learning.
3. Next Steps
This section includes personalised, practical next steps to help students continue growing in their learner agency skills empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.
This report is more than a snapshot of progress it’s an opportunity for students, teachers, and families to partner in nurturing confident, capable learners who are ready to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
ACYF for Year 9-11 students
YEAR 10 CAREERS EXPO!
Year 10 students attended the Sydney West Careers and Employment Expo on March 14, 2025, at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. This was an amazing opportunity for students to gather a range of resources from over one hundred exhibitors which will assist them in making informed decisions for their upcoming subject selection in Term 2. Students had the opportunity to learn about courses available through TAFE NSW and several educational institutions including some smaller organisations such as AIE Academy of Interactive Entertainment and SFC Pilot Academy Tamworth. They could also engage with a few recruitment groups such as MEGT and industries seeking apprentices including Toyota who have technician apprenticeships and Affinity Education Group offering childcare traineeships as well as charities including Vinnies and Story Factory where they could choose to volunteer.
Congratulations Year 10 on being complimented for the genuine interest you showed as you interacted with various presenters on the day.
(Click each to watch the videos)
Student Spotlight
WELLBEING WISDOMS
In our first instalment, we want to help you strengthen your connection with your child after school.
Closing Message
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.
15 WAYS TO ASK YOUR CHILD ABOUT THEIR DAY (BEYOND “HOW WAS YOUR DAY?”)
10. What was the hardest rule to follow today?
11. What kind of person were you today?
12. What is something that challenged you today?
13. What’s one new thing you learnt today?
14. If you did today over, what would be different?
15. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
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.
