Principal

Alchemy: Celebrating Creativity, Transformation and Achievement

Our College community recently gathered for Alchemy, an inspiring exhibition showcasing the HSC Major Works of our Year 12 Visual Arts students alongside selected works from younger artists. The evening celebrated creativity, imagination and transformation, highlighting the remarkable talent, dedication and artistic vision of our students. 

The theme Alchemy provided a fitting lens through which to view the exhibition. Just as ancient alchemists sought to transform ordinary materials into something precious, our students transformed ideas, experiences, emotions and imagination into works of extraordinary depth and meaning. Each Major Work represented months of experimentation, inquiry, perseverance and refinement, reflecting not only artistic skill but also significant personal growth. 

In opening the exhibition, guests were reminded of Pablo Picasso's famous observation: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” This sentiment was evident throughout the exhibition as students demonstrated the courage to share their unique perspectives, challenge assumptions and make sense of the world through their creative practice. 

The evening also celebrated the strength of the College's Visual Arts Program. Last year, every HSC Visual Arts student achieved a Band 5 or Band 6 result, with every student attaining a mark of 80 or above. These outstanding outcomes reflect both our students' commitment and the quality of teaching, mentoring, and support provided by our Visual Arts staff. 

Alongside the HSC Major Works, the exhibition featured pieces from younger students, highlighting the vibrant artistic culture that exists across the College. Their work reminded everyone that artistic excellence begins with curiosity and that the next generation of creative thinkers is already developing its voice and vision. 

A special acknowledgment was made to Mr Anthony Porra, Head of Visual Arts, whose passion, leadership and commitment to his students have helped foster a culture in which creativity is valued, and excellence is expected. Appreciation was also extended to Mr Ruben Fela and the wider Visual Arts team, including Ms Chelsea Fyffe, Ms Emma Walker, Mrs Karanfilovski and Ms Buda, for their contribution to the growth and success of our young artists. 

Closing the evening was a quote from Edgar Degas that captured the spirit of the exhibition perfectly: “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Through Alchemy, our students invited us to see the world through their eyes, reminding us of creativity's transformative power and the importance of imagination in shaping the future. 

We congratulate all our exhibiting Year 12 students: Nathan C, Nicolas C, Michael D, Luke D, Dante G, Marc G, Hamid H, Brandon L, Xavier L, Kristian M, Jack M, Simon N, Isaac N, Levi S, Adrian S, Leon S and Guy W and thank the many families, staff and guests who joined us in celebrating this outstanding showcase of artistic achievement and creative transformation. 

Council of Catholic School Parents

Parents and carers are invited to the Council of Catholic School Parents’ Term 3 FREE WEBINAR FOR PARENTS with the expert eSafety Commissioner team: 'Influencers, Ideology and Impacts - How algorithms influence and reinforce harmful beliefs'.

Lunch and learn! Grab your lunch and a cup of tea and join the CCSP during the day for this 45-minute session.

Wednesday 16 September     12:30 PM - 1:15 PM.            REGISTER HERE.  

This webinar explores both the benefits and risks of recommender algorithms and offers practical strategies to help parents and carers to support young people build more positive and safer online feeds:

• the role of algorithms and recommender systems in driving engagement and shaping online experiences

• how platforms and online communities keep young people engaged, expose them to harmful content and reinforce gendered stereotypes

• strategies to shape algorithmic feeds and build more positive and safe online experiences

• how eSafety can support people experiencing serious online harm.

   

Not suitable for those under 18.

Our Sector Voice: Independent Schools NSW

Our Sector Voice is ISNSW’s termly advocacy newsletter. Four times a year, ISNSW will update you on their advocacy activity with government, media and other stakeholders. I hope you enjoy this second edition.

Staff News

I wish to advise that Mr Adam Leslie has decided to conclude his tenure as Head of English at the end of the 2026 academic year and will return to his substantive role as a teacher of English from 2027. This decision has been made for personal and family reasons, including increased caring responsibilities. Mr Leslie has served as Head of English for the past ten years and has made an outstanding contribution to the College through his leadership of the English Department, his commitment to academic excellence and his dedication to the formation of our students. During his tenure, the Department achieved some of its strongest HSC English results, and he has played a significant role in supporting and mentoring colleagues. 

From the commencement of the 2027 academic year, Mr Leslie will continue as a valued member of the English Department under an approved flexible work arrangement which will enable him to balance his ongoing commitment to the College with his family responsibilities. The College will now commence a recruitment process for a Head of English position to lead the Department into its next chapter and build on the strong foundations established under Mr Leslie's leadership. I know you will join me in thanking Mr Leslie for his exceptional service as Head of English and in wishing him every success as he enters this new phase of his professional journey. He will remain a highly valued member of our teaching staff and College community. 

In Memoriam

We pray for Joshua R (Year 11), Old Boys Joseph ('22) and James ('24) Raheb and the Raheb Family on the loss of Joshua’s grandfather, Mr Joseph Daher.  

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero