Mark De Vries poses for a photograph at St John Paul school in Schofields, will be the Foundation principal for the new Santa Sophia Catholic School in Box Hill. (AAP Image/ Justin Sanson)
As the learning and teaching environments evolve, so too does the creation of new schools.
In keeping with an ever-changing technology-savvy generation, the plan for Catholic Education’s newest school Santa Sophia Catholic College in Box Hill is set to make children ready for the workforce of the future, according to foundation principal Mark De Vries.
“My motto is: ‘we are here to help students invent their future, not prevent it’,” Mr De Vries said.
With 30 years of teaching experience, Mr De Vries will be setting the platform for new students to the school which has started to accept enrolments for Year 7 and Year 8 for 2018.
Read the full article from the Rouse Hill Times online
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17 Sep 2025
From Facebook
๐ถ Calling all Year 5โ8 students! ๐ถ Last Friday, the Lecture Theatre came alive with an epic performance of "Superstition" by three of our incredible visiting instrumental teachers: ๐บ Mr Pax Echevarria โ Trumpet & Trombone ๐ท Mr Jack Hwang โ Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone ๐ฅ Mr Jackson Foster โ Drums & Percussion Weโre excited to announce that brand new instruments have arrived at the school โ clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones โ and lessons are now available for students in Stage 3 & 4! ๐ผ Interested in your child learning an instrument? ๐ฉ Contact Mr Rooke, Co-Curricular Music Coordinator: santasophiamusic@parra.catholic.edu.au Don't miss out on the chance to join the beat! #SantaSophiaMusic #InstrumentalProgram #BandLife
17 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Schoo of Curiosity (Years 3 & 4) Vinnies Presentation ๐โจ Our students had the privilege of hearing from Vinnies, who shared an inspiring presentation about social justice, homelessness, and supporting vulnerable people in our community. The talk explored what social justice really means โ standing up for fairness, equity, and the dignity of every human being, especially those experiencing disadvantage. Students learned about homelessness, the challenges faced by families struggling to access safe housing, and the barriers confronting refugees and asylum seekers who arrive in Australia seeking safety and hope. ๐๐ Vinnies shared how their work goes beyond providing food, clothing, and emergency relief. They advocate for systemic change, support refugees and asylum seekers navigating difficult circumstances, and create opportunities for connection, belonging, and hope. This ensures that every person, no matter their situation, is treated with respect and care. We are also thrilled to announce the launch of Mini Vinnies in Years 3 and 4! ๐ Through this group, our younger students will have the chance to lead social justice initiatives, raise awareness, and put compassion into action โ living out Catholic Social Teaching by defending human dignity, helping those in need, and promoting fairness in our community. A huge thank you to Vinnies for inspiring us to reflect on our role in creating a more just and caring world, and for showing that every act of kindness makes a real difference. ๐ #Vinnies #MiniVinnies #SocialJustice #HumanDignity #SchoolOfConnect #CatholicSocialTeaching #RefugeesWelcome #FaithInAction #HelpingOthers
16 Sep 2025
From Facebook
๐๐ Japanese Cultural Exchange โ Aki Fuchu High School Visit ๐ฏ๐ต๐๏ธ To wrap up our Japanese exchange program for Term 3, we were thrilled to welcome students from Aki Fuchu High School! They delivered a fantastic cultural presentation to some of our Year 8 students, where they: โจ Shared insights about school life in Japan ๐ฆข Taught the traditional art of origami โ๏ธ Helped students write their names in Hiragana and Katakana using calligraphy pens It was a fun and enriching experience that gave our students a hands-on connection to Japanese culture. A huge thank you to Aki Fuchu High School for such a special visit! #CulturalExchange #JapaneseCulture #Origami #Calligraphy #LanguageLearning #AkiFuchuHigh #GlobalLearning
16 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Well done to Ahaan, Akshat, and Chloe for earning enough points to trade it in for Arlo Reward Time! ๐พYour positive behaviour and consistent effort in the classroom have truly paid off. Keep up the great work! #PBS4L #ArloRewardTime #positivebehaviour
15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
๐ญ Big News! ๐ถ Weโre thrilled to announce our 2026 School Musical โ but youโll have to watch the video to find out what it is! ๐โจ Watch till the end for the big reveal! Auditions and rehearsals kick off in Term 4, 2025 โ and trust us, you won't want to miss this one! ๐ค๐ฌ #SSCCMusical #SchoolMusical2026 #MusicalReveal #ComingSoon
15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) - School of Challenge (Years 9-11) ๐ฌโจ In light of Social Justice Sunday (31st August 2025), our School of Connect students took part in a powerful presentation from Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), an organisation committed to walking alongside refugees and asylum seekers in our local community. JRS provides practical support such as casework, food assistance, legal help, and community programs โ often stepping in when government support is not available. ๐๐ Students were especially moved by Thanush, who shared his personal story as an asylum seeker and his painful experiences on Manus Island. His testimony highlighted the human cost of displacement and the urgent need for compassion, justice, and action. This experience connected strongly to Catholic Social Teaching, which reminds us that every person has inherent dignity, and that as a community we are called to act in solidarity with the vulnerable. We are challenged to put the needs of those on the margins first, to work together for the common good, and to ensure that the voices of those who often go unheard are included in shaping a more just society. As we reflect on Social Justice Sunday, students were reminded that our faith calls us not only to learn about injustice but to respond with compassion, welcome, and hope. ๐ #JRS #JesuitRefugeeServices #SchoolOfConnect #SocialJusticeSunday #CatholicSocialTeaching #RefugeesWelcome #JusticeInAction JRS Jordan
12 Sep 2025
From Facebook
๐โจ This term, our School of Connect students had the privilege of hearing from the House of Welcome, an organisation that supports refugees and people seeking asylum right here in our local community. They shared stories of resilience and highlighted the vital work they do โ from providing accommodation and employment support to running a food bank that ensures families have access to essential groceries. ๐ฅ๐ฅซ๐ In response, our students have been bringing in food donations over the past week to help stock the House of Welcomeโs food bank. This simple act of giving makes a real difference to families in need and puts our faith and values into action. ๐ A huge thank you to the House of Welcome for inspiring us to live out Catholic Social Teaching and reminding us of the power of welcome, compassion, and justice. ๐ #SocialJustice #HouseOfWelcome #SchoolOfConnect #CatholicSocialTeaching #WelcomingTheStranger #FoodBankSupport House of Welcome
12 Sep 2025
From YouTube
12 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday, the Year 12, 2026 jerseys were blessed by Fr Carlos following the morning Mass. This meaningful tradition symbolises the start of an exciting journey filled with growth, challenges, and achievements ahead. Wishing all Year 12 students a successful and memorable year as they proudly wear their jerseys! ๐๐
11 Sep 2025
From Facebook
This year, our College launched a teacher-led initiative to collect Dignity Bags in support of the amazing work of Share the Dignity! ๐ With the generosity of our wonderful teachers and inspiring Year 11 & 12 students, weโve been able to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. ๐ These Dignity Bags will go directly to women and their children escaping domestic violence, as well as to those experiencing homelessness and hardship. Each bag is filled with essentials ๐งด๐งผ๐ชฅ and, more importantly, love and hope โreminding people that they are cared for and not forgotten. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative, especially our Social Justice students for all their efforts in promoting and collecting these goods! Together, weโre helping restore dignity, compassion, and hope to our community. ๐๐ #SharetheDignity #SocialJustice #SSCCsocialjustice
11 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Awards all around at this weekโs School of Connect Assembly! ๐ Congratulations to our Cross Country and Athletics Age Champions, Touch Football Gala Day winners, and performers from the Arts Factor Primary and Secondary Dance Eisteddfods. ๐จ A special shoutout to Sylvia and Charlotte for winning the Peopleโs Choice Award at the SSCC Art Showcase for their collaborative visual artwork. ๐ญ And bravo to Delyla C (Year 7) for shining on stage during her drama audition for the CSPD Captivate Immersion Program. Well done to all our talented and dedicated students โ we are so proud of you! ๐ #SSCCAwards Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to all the students of the School of Connect who have been awarded the Principalโs Bronze, Silver, and prestigious Gold Awards. Your commitment and diligence in the classroom are highly commendable. ๐ #PBS4L #GoldAward #SilverAward #BronzeAward #PrincipalsAward Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese