Year 7 student Jessica Bollard was the first student to enrol at the Santa Sophia Catholic College. Pictures: David Swift
SANTA Sophia Catholic College, Box Hill, opens its doors for its first intake of 28 students at a temporary accommodation in Schofields this week, with founder principal Mark De Vries confident the new learning environment will enhance their learning experience.
Santa Sophia Catholic College is being constructed at 40-46 Terry Rd, Box Hill, and is expected to be ready by 2020.
Until then, the school will function at St John Paul II Catholic College’s Schofield campus, adding Year 8 next year.
Mr De Vries, who was assistant principal at St Mark’s Catholic College before his present posting, said it’s exciting times for the students and the new school.
“We are starting with a batch of 28 and three teachers and hopefully enrolments will increase to Years 7 and 8,” Mr De Vries told the Times.
“We have taken the NSW curriculum for Year 7 and reimagined it to teach future work skills for our students.
“The design of our learning spaces are very different to what you find in traditional schools.
“We have done all our planning and now the challenge is in the implementation.
Read the full article online in the Rouse Hill Times
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30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Marcus in Year 7 for placing 3rd in the Digital Art category at the Hawkesbury Show over the weekend. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects his dedication and commitment to his creative practice. We look forward to seeing his continued growth and success in the Visual Arts. 🎨🖌👏 #Artcompetition #youngartists #hawkesburyshow #VisualArts
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Just a reminder this Friday to wear blue for Mary 💙 Let’s honour the Queen of Heaven through prayer, mission, and by wearing blue. Students are invited to wear a blue accessory with their uniform. Donation via QKR app— all proceeds will support our Fiji Immersion Trip in July. #MaryMotherofGod #BlueforMary #Fundraiser
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud to celebrate our students’ success at the Timmy the Tractor Painting Competition at the Hawkesbury Show, competing against schools across our district! 🎨🚜 A huge congratulations to Mrs Ralston’s group for taking out 1st place with their incredible piece “Creatures of the Deep”, created by Year 5 students Valentina, Maya, Vince and Hugo. Their work was inspired by their ocean conservation unit and the sculptures of artist, Jason DeCaires Taylor 🌊🐠 Well done also to Miss Matthews’ group for placing 3rd with their vibrant outer space truck 🚀✨, and to Mrs Ortega’s Year 9 class whose striking cubist design was proudly displayed on the day. We are incredibly proud of all the students involved. Your creativity and hard work truly shone through. Congratulations to these outstanding groups! 👏 🖌🎨👏✨ #youngartists #hawkesburyshow #visualarts
28 Apr 2026
From Facebook
7 weeks to go until our school musical Matilda Jr. 🎭 Get excited—it’s going to be a great one! Coming in Week 9… stay tuned! ✨ #SchoolMusical #MatildaJr #PerformingArts
27 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Audrey Verzosa’s outstanding achievements in archery! 🏹 Through dedication, discipline, and a passion for excellence, Audrey has continued to develop her skills while competing at club, state, and national levels in the Under 14 Compound Bow division. Representing Warringah Archers, she has shown remarkable focus and sportsmanship throughout her journey. Her hard work has delivered impressive results, including 1st place at the NSW State Target Championships, along with gold and silver at the NSW State Indoor and Field Championships. These achievements are a true testament to her commitment and perseverance. Most recently, Audrey competed at the 2026 Archery Youth National Championships in Launceston, Tasmania, where she proudly represented New South Wales as part of the NSW State Team—an incredible honour and milestone in her sporting career. We congratulate Audrey on her achievements and look forward to seeing what’s next in her journey. Your Santa Sophia community is so proud! 👏 #youngathlete #sportsachievement #archery2026 #archery
26 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our winners of the Easter Raffle 🐣 and Guessing Competition from our Project Compassion Fundraisers 👏🎉 A huge thank you to our entire school community for your generous support of Project Compassion this Lent. Your contributions are helping support the important work of Caritas Australia and making a real difference in the lives of others. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our students, families, and staff in putting Social Justice into action 💜🌏 #SocialJustice #EasterRaffle #Easter2026 #SchoolFundraiser
25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Santa Sophia was represented by College Captains Adi and Abby, and Alexander and Harrison, at this morning’s Anzac Dawn Service at Riverstone. Harrison proudly wore his father’s recently awarded Australian Operational Service Medal for his time in the Solomon Islands. Lest we forget.
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today the Santa Sophia community came together to commemorate ANZAC Day. Across three ceremonies led by our College Leaders, we honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who have served. We were also privileged to have our cadet students form a catafalque party, led by Mr Hersey. Lest we forget 🙏🏻 #ANZAC #ANZACDay #commemoration #Australia #Community Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Wear blue for Mary this 1 May 💙 Let’s honour the Queen of Heaven through prayer, mission, and by wearing blue. Students are invited to wear a blue accessory with their uniform. Donation via QKR app— all proceeds will support our Fiji Immersion Trip in July. #MaryMotherofGod #BlueforMary #Fundraiser
23 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our talented finalists in the 2026 Columba’s Art Prize 🎨 Chloe and Isadora (Year 12), and Kaylee (Year 7) have been selected as finalists—an incredible achievement. We are so proud! 👏🏻 The Youth Prize Giving Afternoon Tea and Finalists’ Exhibition will be held at St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood on Friday 1 May at 4pm. The exhibition will also be open to the public on 2–3 May, 10am–4pm.
23 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Last term our Year 4, 5 and 6 School leaders attended the National Young Leaders Day at Darling Harbour. The event exists to inspire and influence a generation of young people to lead themselves and others well. We listened to guest speakers, participated in learning exercises and asked questions. The focus is to produce a generation of leaders who will burn bright on behalf of those they lead. #StudentLeaders #NationalyoungLeadersDay #FutureLeaders
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Huge win this morning! ⚽️ Our Girls Bill Turner team dominated their opening round with a 13–0 victory. Fantastic effort from all our students and their coaches, Ms Fergale and Mr Morgan! 👏