3 minute read
Speech Night
OUR SCHOOL LEADERS DELIVER THEIR SPEECHES
Above: College Principal Paulina Skerman Below: Chair of the College Board Steven Graham and outgoing College Captains Emma Graham and Sophia Juarez.
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Speech Night 2021
Speech Night on 3 December was adapted for COVID and moved from the Sydney Town Hall to the College Hall. We were graced with the presence of Guest Speaker Anne Harris of the Class of 1986 and the Chair of the College Board, Steven Graham.
Ms Harris presented prizes and also spoke of the challenges and rewards of her work as Managing Director for Pfizer Australia and New Zealand – a company which delivers life changing medicine and vaccines.
Ms Harris described how Santa Sabina College had impacted her career and life.
‘A few things stand out – my love of science, my belief that women can do anything and how to embrace diversity as a strength… I cannot remember the words “female empowerment” specifically being spoken when I was at Santa, but it permeated every experience. There was a breadth of choice for learning. We had the opportunity to explore our interests whether that was music, arts, sport, academics, or many other areas. There were examples of excellence in every discipline. Being constantly surrounded by impressive girls in an environment which celebrated diverse achievements shaped my mindset. Let me be clear, I was not one of those getting the top awards. Still, the message that “women can do anything” was quietly being embedded into my beliefs. I left Santa never really thinking too much about whether my gender would be a disadvantage… Over the years I have grown to embrace and value diversity in all its aspects. In Year 11, a few of my friends and I were short of one study unit after we had picked our main subjects. We did not have any classes together, so I convinced them
ANNE HARRIS Managing Director, Pfizer Australia & New Zealand
all to pick Religious Studies because it worked with our timetable. Our ideas of hanging out and taking things a little easy during this unit changed when we found out our teacher was Deputy Principal Sr Philippa.
‘I was beginning to regret my decision. My main experience with Sr Phillipa was from Year 7 Latin and she was SCARY. So, I was incredibly surprised when Religious Studies turned out to be one of my favourite learning experiences at Santa. Sr Philippa still ran a tight ship, but I discovered she was an intelligent, thought-provoking teacher, who genuinely wanted to hear our opinions. A dedicated Dominican Sister, Sr Phillipa taught us about Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Christianity. We openly discussed and debated different viewpoints. She took the time to listen, and all views were given their due respect. I was so impressed by Sr Phillipa’s example: to be able to dedicate your life in service of your beliefs and at the same time see the value in a different belief system. It has had a lasting impact on me.’
As well as listening to inspiring speeches, at Speech Night we honoured and celebrated the highest academic success of our students with prizes, pomp and ceremony. Our Chamber Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble, String Quartet and Piano and Senior Taiko gave our guests wonderful musical performances and we viewed an excerpt from Bella Merlino’s multi-international award-winning film, Dementia.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NIGHT
Above: Guest Speaker Anne Harris, Class of 1986 Below: Award recipients on stage
