SANTA SOPHIA HOSTS GROUND BREAKING DA VINCI DECATHLON
written by Mrs Leanne Duval
Santa Sophia Catholic College was proud to make history this term as the first Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) school to host the Da Vinci Decathlon Regional Competition, an initiative of Knox Grammar School. Across three exciting days, our campus welcomed 30 teams each day (approximately 240 students each day) from Catholic (CSPD), Independent and Anglican schools for an unforgettable celebration of academic challenge, creativity and teamwork.
With this year’s theme “Time” , students tackled ten fast-paced disciplines including Mathematics, Science, English, Engineering, Art & Poetry, Cartography, Creative Producers, Ideation, Code Breaking and Legacy. From constructing pendulum clocks and pulley systems to cracking codes and developing innovative solutions under pressure, the energy and enthusiasm across the competition was outstanding. Many visiting students left saying, “Wow we had the greatest time!” Adding to the excitement, our very own Leonardo da Vinci made special appearances, bringing humour, creativity and a wonderful sense of occasion
Santa Sophia proudly fielded teams selected from our Gifted and Talented cohort, alongside other high-performing students identified through a range of school learning data
In this issue:
We were delighted to see Santa Sophia achieve excellent discipline results, including:
Year 6 – 1st place in Art & Poetry and Creative Producers;
Year 7 – 1st place in Mathematics and Cartography;
Year 8 – 1st place in Cartography, Code Breaking and Legacy;
Year 9 – 2nd place in Creative Producers with 3rd place in Engineering and Code Breaking.
Hosting the Da Vinci Decathlon reflects Santa Sophia’s commitment to challenging and extending high potential and gifted learners, aligned with the CSPD vision to enrich learning and provide opportunities for every student to thrive. We are excited to share that Santa Sophia will host the Da Vinci Decathlon again in 2027.
A heartfelt thank you to our Santa Sophia student leaders and School Bands, led by Andrew Hudson and Phil Rooke, whose enthusiasm, leadership and hospitality helped create an inspiring event that truly celebrated curiosity, creativity and the joy of learning
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
written by Mrs Meaghan Staples
Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award participants at Santa Sophia Catholic College held their inaugural Adventurous Journeys across December 2025 and February 2026. The practice trip was around Berowra Waters and the qualifying trip from Parsley Bay Boat ramp to Cowan Station with bronze participants paddling for one day and hiking for one day and silver participants hiking for one day and paddling for two days.
Students learnt much about the flora and fauna in the areas. A highlight for the silver group was observing sting rays as they left the Pinta Cove bush camp and set off beyond the mud flats and mangrove trees as well as the numerous jellyfish they encountered as they headed towards Cottage Rock. The bronze group loved relaxing in the playground and playing chess at lunchtime to rest from kayaking and learning how to assist a pelican stuck near Parsley Bay. Coming together at the campsite near Brooklyn Dam was a highlight for students as they joined as one group for their first night enjoying a campfire and card games.
Thanks to Out and About Adventures staff led by Peter Vaughan for providing equipment, training students and ensuring this was an amazing experience as well as Santa Sophia Catholic College staff Mrs Currall and Mr Awny.
Students reflected on the times of working well together when navigating with compasses during the hike and topographic maps while kayaking. They enjoyed the amazing views as they hiked and encouraged each other with karaoke and singing their favourite songs in challenging sections. Students viewed lovely waterfalls and strived to navigate efficiently enough to be in front as they kayaked While students commented on their exhaustion due to the extreme heat experienced especially during their days of hiking in the sun one student captured the overall mood saying, ‘this trip was very memorable, although it was hard, the company was nice and made the trip fun’.
Image 1: Bronze Qualifier
Image 2: Cottage Rock
Image 3: Silver Great North Walk
LAUNCHING OUR CLASS FAMILY MASSES
written by Mrs Rachel Vecchio
This term, we are very excited to have introduced Class Family Masses as a way for students to attend and actively participate in the Mass alongside their classmates and family members
Year 3 was the first grade to celebrate Family Mass, and we are deeply thankful to all the parents for being a part of this special Eucharistic celebration. By their presence, parents beautifully modeled that they are the first educators of their children in faith. Students and parents participated together, reading the Scriptures and bringing forward the Offertory gifts, showing deep reverence throughout. This experience is vital preparation for our Year 3 students as they move toward receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist later this year.
Fr. Carlos expressed his great joy at the prayerful atmosphere and the beautiful witness of parents and children worshipping side-by-side.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Clergy
We are incredibly grateful to our clergy for their generous commitment to our spiritual life:
Wednesdays: Fr. Carlos Visits
7:45 am – 8:10 am: Confession available in the Chapel (for parents, staff, and students)
8:15 am – 8:45 am: Class Family Mass (focusing on Years 3 and 4 this term)
8:45 am – 9:30 am: Class Visits
Fridays: Fr. Walter Visits
7:45 am – 8:10 am: Before-School Mass (all welcome)
8:15 am – 10:10 am: Class Visits
10:10 am – 10:40 am: Confession available in the Chapel (Years 5–12 students and staff)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Adoration in the Chapel (Years K–4 students)
Join Us
We invite all members of our community to engage with these sacred experiences. Whether it is your child’s scheduled Class Mass or our open Friday morning celebration, these moments are the heartbeat of our College charism.
We look forward to seeing you there!
UPCOMING EVENTS Term 1 2026
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Please
Student Spotlight
Closing Message
COUNSELLING TEAM UPDATE 2026
We wish to inform our community of recent changes to our school counselling team. At the beginning of this term, we farewelled Juliette from her role as School Counsellor We apologise if the timing of her departure did not allow her to meet individually with all students and appreciate your understanding during this transition. Jess has now commenced maternity leave. We extend our best wishes to her at this special time.
We are pleased to welcome Stacey Black as our new full-time School Counsellor. Stacey brings extensive experience working in schools across the Parramatta Diocese and previously served as a Clinical Social Worker at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Paul Smith will continue in his role and will be onsite Wednesday to Friday each week.
Students previously supported by Juliette or Jess will be allocated to Stacey or Paul where possible Please note that we will be operating with reduced staffing this term while a maternity leave replacement is appointed.
We appreciate your continued understanding and encourage families to contact the school with any concerns regarding their child’s wellbeing.
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.
(Image 4: Paul Smith and Stacey Black)