‘All guests who present themselves should be welcomed as Christ.’ (Rule of St Benedict 53:1)

Our College is a Christ-centred community who live out our Catholic faith inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan; a compelling story told more than 2000 years ago.

We have been gifted the Rule of St Benedict which guides us to seek wisdom in our lives by ‘listening with the ear of the heart’ (RB Prologue 1).

We encourage our community to act with compassion and to engage with our neighbour, especially with the most vulnerable in today’s world.

Liturgy and Prayer

Liturgy and prayer are central to our life here at the College. Students will engage in daily prayer during homeroom, at assemblies and during Chapel time. Students will have the opportunity to attend Masses throughout the year including St Scholastica’s Day Mass, celebrating our Patron Saint’s Feast Day and the Opening of the Academic Year, as well as significant days in the Church calendar. Students will take part in the College Reflection Day program focusing on developing the values of the Gospel and Benedictine Spirituality.

Curriculum

Our spirituality has its foundation in the teachings of Christ and forms the basis of education at the College. Religious Education is a key learning area and plays an integral role in developing our Catholic tradition and faith formation of our students.

Social Justice and Student Immersion

Social Justice is a very important aspect of a Good Samaritan Education. When Archbishop John Bede Polding founded the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in 1857, he chose this name because he firmly believed that their work was about being neighbour to the poor and destitute women and children of Sydney. Today we carry on their legacy supporting the ministries of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Caritas and St Vincent de Paul. Students are also involved in awareness raising campaigns and initiatives throughout the year.

When available, students can participate in the Good Samaritan Education (GSE) immersion program during their time here at the College. The Immersion experiences include visits to ministries and experiences established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan including the Ministry Outreach program here in Sydney, Santa Teresa, Alice Springs, and The Philippines.

Houses

There are seven Houses at the College: Adamson, Byrne, Clarke, Gibbons, Hart, McLaughlin and Ronayne. The students chose to have as a patron a Sister of the Good Samaritan, and each House is named after their patron. The Houses each have a formal emblem, and refer to this using both the English word and the Gadigal name for the plant. You will find out what House you are in when you arrive for your Launch week at the start of 2022.

Homeroom

Every student starts her day in Homeroom, which is in House groups. Year 7 Homerooms are visited by the Big Sisters and also by Prefects and House Captains, who are all keen to help each girl participate and feel a part of community life at Schols. Year 7 Homerooms will choose two Class Captains as representatives for House Councils, and as leaders of the room.

College Celebrations

We come together as a community when possible. This connection can happen as year groups, as Houses and as a whole school. There are regular assemblies and year group meetings, We also enjoy community days, first with St Scholastica's Day in Term 1, and PAX Day in the middle of the year. Our House communities work with the Social Justice committee and key staff to make sure we have great activities and opportunities for engagement on these days.

Carnivals

When possible we have a Swimming and Athletics Carnival each year. These are wonderful fun, even for those who may never become age champion, with House themes, cheers and dances, and lots of staff involvement. Transport is provided for Year 7 students and boarders, and there is information for families ahead of these and all events.

Friendships

One of the most challenging aspects of starting high school is the forging of new friendships with a much larger group of peers than most primary schools. At St Scholastica's College we welcome students from over 50 primary schools, and we understand the need to support the social work of our new students.

Tips:

• Please encourage a variety of friends, even if friends from primary school or sports clubs are also coming to the College.

• Support outside friendships and interests as well as those that form during school time.

• When there are changes in friendships be ready to talk. Encourage resilience even on uncertain days. If any serious concerns arise, the Head of Year, Ms Stella Koulianos, is ready to help.

Supporting healthy use of social media

Social media can present some challenges, but many can be managed with effective strategies. At the College we work with the students on developing necessary skills to navigate digital spaces, building on the work many have started in primary school. At home the following suggestions also really do help:

1. Make a family plan before the year begins, for example, phones away from dinner time onwards.

2. No devices including computers or phones in bedrooms. It is too tempting to stay part of a conversation, or to respond to an alert. Most teenagers do not make very good decisions after midnight! Alarm clocks are your friend. No one needs their phone in their room to wake up in the morning. Many local chain stores have great alarm clocks for under $40.00 right now.

3. Encourage computer use in common areas or with the bedroom door open so that family can sense mood changes or times of distraction.

4. Talk with the family about social media. What sites is everyone using? Show and tell.

5. Discuss how your family treats each other, how you want to be treated by others, and how you treat other people, even in times of conflict or tension.

Remember, the start of high school is a wonderful time of change. The opportunity exists to form good habits which can become the foundation for good communication and effective strategies for navigating the social world.

St Scholastica’s College: Canteen overview

At St Scholastica’s College Canteen, we not only provide regularly available food and drinks, such as burgers, salads, hot drinks, and water, but also offer you our daily specials with a variety of international cuisines. Our canteen is open for breakfast, recess and lunch.

Online Order System

The easiest way to buy from our canteen is to open a MunchMonitor account and order over the Internet. Just simply go to www.munchmonitor.com to register a new account,
then enter:

• • • • Username: scholastica

      • Password: munch2037

Once you have an account, you will be able to see our menu online and place orders in advance (cut-off time is 9.00 am on the day of the order). Students with an account will also
be issued with a tag to purchase food using their account balance.

There are other benefits, too:

• Order up to 4 weeks in advance.

• Parents and guardians can monitor and restrict items to be purchased (can be viewed and set up in your account)

• Set up daily/weekly allowance to be spent.

• Top-up on the move with internet accessible devices (credit card accepted)

• Specify allergies (if any) that we need to be aware of

• Highly secure online ordering system

Card Payments Accepted

Apart from using cash or MunchMonitor to purchase food, we also accept credit/debits cards* for your convenience. (*Minimum and fee apply)

Food Allergies and Special Requirements

If you have food allergies or other special requirements, just come to see us any day and let us know the details and we will do our best to cater to your needs.