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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13 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our talented students who gave amazing performances at our College Soirée! 🌟 From the school choir and orchestra to solo acts, boy bands, and piano performances — the night was filled with incredible talent and passion. 🎶 A huge thank you to our music teachers — Mr Rooke, Mr Hudson, and Mr Victoria — for putting together such an outstanding evening, and to all the parents and families who came along to support. 💛🎵 Stay tuned for videos of the performances coming soon! 👀✨ #CollegeSoiree #SantaSophiaTalent #PerformingArts
12 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday, we welcomed our Kindergarten 2026 students for their second Orientation Day! 😊 There were lots of big smiles as they recognised familiar faces and enjoyed classroom activities like cutting and matching numbers. ✂️🔢 They’re already showing they’re ready for big school next year! ✨ #kindyorientationday #Kindergarten2026 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
12 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday, our Year 5 students were treated to an unforgettable experience with the Cosmodome Planetarium! 🚀✨ This immersive digital dome took students on a journey through constellations, distant nebulas, and a stunning 3D film, Oasis in Space. They also explored the night sky in real time using Stellarium—bringing learning to life beyond the classroom. The excitement didn’t end when they stepped out of the dome — our budding astronomers couldn’t stop talking about the experience! It was a fantastic way to extend their science learning and spark a deeper curiosity about our universe. 🌌💫 #planetarium #year5 #SchoolofConnect #Cosmodome
11 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Remembrance Day, our Santa Sophia joined the Riverstone-Schofields RSL sub-Branch to lay a wreath at the War Memorial in Riverstone. We also commemorated the day with a short ceremony, and our leaders Kayley K. and Harry D. laid a wreath in our memorial garden. Lest we forget. 🌹 #RemembranceDay #LestweForget @catholicschoolsparra
10 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Exciting News, Santa Sophia! 🐾🌟 We’re thrilled to introduce Carlo, our newest (and furriest!) member of the Santa Sophia family! 🐶💖 In 2026, Carlo — a playful Wire Fox Terrier with a heart as big as his wagging tail — will begin his journey as our Wellbeing Puppy as part of a 12-month Support & Wellbeing Dog trial. Named after Saint Carlo Acutis, the inspiring young saint known for his joy, kindness, and love of community, our little Carlo will remind us each day to live with compassion, courage and faith. Just like his namesake, he’s adventurous, brave, and full of heart — a true “boy wonder in fur!” ✨ Carlo will be learning, growing and training to become a calm and caring presence for our students — following in the pawprints of our beloved Arlo. 🐾 Over time, we’ll also be cheering him on in the show ring 🎖️, celebrating his confidence and discipline as he represents Santa Sophia with pride. Keep an eye out for Carlo the Cutie around our College — spreading smiles, snuggles and the Santa Sophia spirit wherever he goes! 💕 Stay tuned for updates, adorable photos and Carlo’s very own “pupdates”! 🏫🐾 #SantaSophia #MeetCarlo #WellbeingDog #BlessedCarloAcutis #FaithInAction #SantaSophiaSpirit #PawfectPartnership #CarloTheCutie Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Nov 2025
From Facebook
A big congratulations to our Stage 6 Construction students, the first cohort at Santa Sophia to complete their Brick and Block Competency Task! Hosted at CathWest Innovation College, the day was a great success — full of learning, teamwork, and pride in practical achievement. We’re incredibly proud of this milestone and the dedication our students have shown in developing their trade skills for the future. 👏🧱
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
This morning, students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of the Angels Parish were invited to a special Confirmation Breakfast. The celebration began with a reflective meditation in the Chapel on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fr Walter then shared an inspiring message focused on three white coloured cornerstones of our Catholic faith: the Eucharist, Mary, and the Pope. Congratulations to all our newly Confirmed students — may the Holy Spirit continue to guide you always. 🕊️✨ #Confirmation #FaithFormation #Sacraments Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
🏑 Hockey Clinic Opportunity! Santa Sophia students are invited to join Come & Learn hockey sessions at The Gables Hockey Complex over the next 6 weeks — Friday evenings and Saturday mornings! Junior players and those interested in developing their skills are welcome. Enjoy a 50% discount exclusively for our school community. Register via the QR code or link! Friday Evening for Year 5-8: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/bhhc/events/323120 Saturday Morning for Kindy-Year6: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/bhhc/events/323122
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Senior Dance Team had an incredible experience attending Continuum by renowned choreographer Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company. 💫 The day began with a pre-show talk and Q&A, where our talented students Abby C. and Lilly H. had the amazing opportunity to ask the professional dancers questions about their training, performance, and creative process. 🎤💭 After watching the breathtaking performance of Continuum, students took part in a workshop at Sydney Dance Company, learning repertoire from the show and exploring movement through improvisation and breath work. 💃✨ #SantaSophiaDance Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
06 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday Santa Sophia welcomed almost 70 new future Year 7 students (for 2026) for their transition to Santa Sophia Day. Led by their future Year 7 Wellbeing leader, Miss Plaatjes, our current Santa Sophia Year 6 students welcomed their new peers with enthusiasm and inclusiveness, for a day of fun activities. Additionally, students were mentored and explored the College with various School of Challenge Leaders. #schoolofconnect #Year7
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Over 200 students from Tokyo visited the college last Thursday and Friday. They took part in a variety of integration activities, tried Australian snacks, and shared a bit about themselves in classes. The Takanawa students also joined the college for sport, playing traditional Aussie favourites with our Stage 3 and Stage 5 students. It was wonderful to see them connecting with our students across both Connect and Challenge during recess and lunch. #JapaneseExchange #InternationalSchool #SchoolofConnect
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
✨ Kindergarten Orientation Day ✨ Yesterday we welcomed our 2026 Kindergarten students for their Orientation Day — and there were so many excited smiles! 💛 Students enjoyed story time, recess, playtime, drawing, and most importantly, making new friends. Some even said they can’t wait to come back! 🥰 We loved meeting you all and can’t wait to welcome you officially in 2026! 🎒 #OrientationDay #Kindergarten2026 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese