Teachers and students at Santa Sophia Catholic College posing with their credentials. From left to right: Mark De Vries (Principal), Lisa Kalocsai (Head of School), Prabesh Rajbhandari, Nicole Bugeja, Anthony Theodosiadis, Chris Maguire (Leader of Innovation and Digital Learning).
Shaping Future Leaders: Santa Sophia Students Excel with the Australian Learner Competency Credential.
As Santa Sophia Catholic College prepares to celebrate the achievements of our foundational Year 12 cohort with their HSC results, we are thrilled to enhance their academic accomplishments with the Australian Learner Competency Credential (Australian LCC).
This pioneering initiative, led by the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Assessment research unit, recognises vital competencies such as Agency in Learning, Quality Thinking and Communication.
Our participation in this groundbreaking programme, alongside eight other esteemed schools across Australia, highlights our commitment to a holistic educational approach. The Australian LCC complements traditional academic measures, offering a broader perspective on our students' abilities and potential.
Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan, Executive Director of Melbourne Assessment, notes the Australian LCC will help students prepare for a rapidly changing future: “Traditional metrics of learning and schooling success report what a learner knows about a particular subject or topic, or what they can do under timed, high-stakes tests or examinations. But to thrive in a modern AI world, students need to demonstrate more than that. They need to be collaborative, build and maintain connections, act ethically, be entrepreneurial, be critical thinkers and reflective. These are the qualities the Australian LCC is designed to recognise.”
Nicole Bugeja, our 2023 College Captain, is pleased with the support from Santa Sophia Catholic College in developing “skills that are really fundamental for success,” and “really useful for the workplace.” Sholto Marti, a Year 12 student at Wurun Senior Campus in Victoria, has already secured an offer to the ANU for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science through their early offer system, which considered his capabilities in Year 11 and 12. This type of entry to further study is enhanced by their engagement in new assessments.
The Australian LCC is more than a certificate; it's a reflection of our students' readiness to meet future challenges and opportunities. As Santa Sophia Catholic College continues to innovate in education, we remain dedicated to equipping our students with the skills for the workplace of the future.
Santa Sophia Catholic College
www.santasophiaboxhill.catholic.edu.au
Latest News More news
30 May 2025
From YouTube
In this first issue of our e-Newsletter for Term 2, 2025, join us as we delve into the following highlights: 1️⃣ Introduction & Recent Events Dr Chris Hayman and Mark De Vries discuss the election of Pope Leo XIV during this Jubilee Year. 2️⃣ From the Classroom Meet Miss Estelle Fragale, our PDHPE teacher and Australian Futsal Representative, who recently competed in the 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup. 3️⃣ Student Spotlight Year 8 student Beau Krebs is interviewed by CAPA teacher Mrs Natasha Swan about his musical achievements. Stay informed, inspired, and connected with our Santa Sophia community through this engaging newsletter! 0:00 Intro and Recent Events 1:40 Dr Chris Hayman and Mr Mark De Vries discuss the exciting news of our newly elected Pope Leo XIV 3:55 From the Classroom: Miss Estelle Fragale and Mr Dermott Morgan 8:50 Student Spotlight: Mrs Natasha Swan with Year 8 student Beau Krebs
29 May 2025
From Facebook
An early start for an exciting adventure to Canberra with our Year 6 students! 🇦🇺🚌 A big thank you to all our amazing parents for the early drop-off yesterday morning. First stop: the Old Parliament House – Museum of Australian Democracy, where students learned about the design and purpose of our nation’s capital. 🏛️ The day continued with fun and learning at the National Electoral Education Centre and the Royal Australian Mint. So many valuable insights and great memories made! ✨ #Year6Camp #CanberraAdventures
29 May 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 11 Ancient History students spent the day exploring the Chau Chak Wing Museum at Sydney University! 🏺📚 They had the opportunity to engage with a fascinating range of artefacts and deepen their understanding of topics connected to their Historical Investigation. A valuable and inspiring experience bringing history to life! 🏛️✨
28 May 2025
From Facebook
Year 9 students had a fabulous first day at camp! The sun was shining for this afternoon’s activities which included canoeing, standup paddle boarding, archery, bike riding and rock climbing.
28 May 2025
From Facebook
💼🎨 Careers Breakfast: Banking, Finance & Visual Communication On Tuesday 20 May, students took part in a Careers Breakfast exploring opportunities in Banking and Finance and Visual Communication. They heard from a Regulatory Reporting Senior Manager at Macquarie Bank, who shared insights on building a career in finance using the ABCDE approach: A – ATAR B – Build skills C – Choose a course D – Deliberately network E – Engage in internships & grad programs Students also learned about career paths in Visual Communication, including designing billboards, websites, VR games, and more. They explored degree transfer options and unique opportunities through UTS, including intensive international units. A big thank you to Jennifer and Tamsyn for inspiring our students and supporting their career journeys! 🌟
28 May 2025
From Facebook
Last Friday we celebrate ‘Our Lady Help of Christians’ Liturgy which was led by our Kindergarten students ✝️ Their families were then invited into the kindergarten classrooms where they joined their children in a mini Geography lesson and drew a picture of a special place 🏠 Kindergarten also taught their parents how to play one of their favourite maths games 🎲
27 May 2025
From Facebook
Well done to our Bill Turner boys on a great win over Kingswood! ⚽ Despite tough weather conditions, the team showed incredible skill and spirit to come away with a 5–2 victory. Best of luck in the next round, boys — we’re behind you all the way! 💪🔥 #BillTurnerCup
27 May 2025
From Facebook
Exciting news from The DaVinci Decathlon! Our talented Year 5 and Year 6 students proudly represented our school at the Da Vinci Decathlon — an academic competition designed to challenge and inspire students in areas like engineering, mathematics, code breaking, poetry, art, philosophy, and more. With over 200 teams competing, this was our first time attending, and we couldn’t be prouder of the results! A huge congratulations to our Year 5 team, who took home first place in the Legacy section — an incredible achievement and a testament to their creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. 👏🏆 Well done to all our students who took on the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. We’re so proud of you! 🌟 #SantaSophiaCatholicCollege #DaVinciDecathlon #LegacyWinners #AcademicExcellence Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
26 May 2025
From Facebook
Our K–2 Athletics Carnival was a day full of fun, energy, and house spirit! 🏃♂️🎉 Students gave it their all in activities like javelin, egg relay races, running races, parachute games, and Rob the Nest. Even our amazing parents joined in the fun with a race of their own! Smiles, laughter, and team spirit were everywhere—what a fantastic day! 💛💙❤️💚 More photos to come 📸 #SantaSophiaAthleticsCarnival #SantaSophiaSport #HouseSpirit Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
26 May 2025
From Facebook
Last week, our talented debating students competed in the 6th and final round of the CSDA Debating Competition against Loreto Normanhurst. We’re incredibly proud of all our teams, with special congratulations to our Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 teams who brought home well-earned victories! 🏆👏 Well done to all students involved — your confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork continue to inspire us! 💬✨
23 May 2025
From Facebook
Year 11 took part in the RYDA Road Safety Program at Homebush, exploring what it means to be active, responsible road users. 🚗💡 Through six engaging sessions—including real-life scenarios, expert presentations, and hands-on activities—students learned about driver fatigue, speed and stopping distances, truck blind spots, driving laws, and safety features in modern vehicles. A standout moment was hearing from an inspiring car crash survivor, reminding us all of the power of safe choices behind the wheel. A powerful and eye-opening experience for all involved. 👏
22 May 2025
From Facebook
Year 8 had an amazing day at their Spirituality Day this week! They were led by the Youth With a Mission team who engaged the students in meaningful activities on gratitude and trusting in God's plan for us all. The day was filled with games, quiet reflection and deep conversations, allowing the students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. ✨