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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10 Feb 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our 2024 High Achievers! ๐๐ Today, we proudly presented awards to several outstanding students, including our Santa Sophia High Achievers of 2024 โ Kevin, Sairam, Meenal, and our College Dux, Jada Scoulou. Jada shared an inspiring reflection on her Year 12 journeyโthe dedication, sacrifices, and deep understanding that led to her success. She reminded our students that success isnโt just about memorising facts but truly engaging with learning. One quote that kept her motivated throughout the HSC was: "A winner is just a loser who tried one more time." Her speech was a powerful reminder to our current Year 12 students that perseverance makes all the difference. ๐โจ #Year12HighAchievers #HSC2024
06 Feb 2025
From Facebook
Every day at the College, we pray our official College prayer. It is our way of inviting God into our day, to calm our hearts and minds, and reflect on the people we are called to be each day. For any new families, you may want to save this prayer and pray this within your family to help your child remember the words to the prayer. ๐ For everyone else, here's a refresher ๐
05 Feb 2025
From Facebook
A great start to the year at Santa Sophia! ๐๐ซ Students have hit the ground running, reconnecting with friends and settling into new classes. Hereโs to an amazing year ahead! โจ #FirstDayofSchool
04 Feb 2025
From Facebook
Welcome Back to School! ๐ What an exciting day as we welcome back our Year 5, 7, 11, and 12 students! A special shout-out to all the new students and families joining us at Santa Sophia! โจ Hereโs to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and new experiences! Letโs make it amazing together! ๐๐ถ๐ซ
18 Dec 2024
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to our incredible Gifted and Talented students for their outstanding achievements in 2024! Your hard work and creativity have truly shone. ๐ Our 2024 students were presented with a certificate from Mr DeVries. As we look ahead to 2025, weโre excited to see our students take on exciting challenges like the Da Vinci Decathlon, Maths Olympiads, and Tournament of the Minds. The future is bright, and we canโt wait to celebrate even more success! ๐ก๐ #GiftedAndTalented #FutureLeaders
18 Dec 2024
From Facebook
Little League Stars Workshop ๐๐ Our students had an amazing time at the Little League Stars workshop, learning fundamental movement skills with a focus on rugby league! ๐ It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm, teamwork, and skill development in action. A big thank you to the Box Hill Buffalos for running this incredible program! ๐ช๐
17 Dec 2024
From Facebook
As part of the end of year celebrations for Year 8 in the School of Connect the students had the opportunity to go to Manly Beach guided by Surf Lifesavers, from Sea Australia, where they went through a series of activities to equip them with information, confidence, and knowledge, around water safety. They enjoyed learning how to Surf and strolled around to Shelly beach for some safety water tips.
17 Dec 2024
From Facebook
๐โจ Spreading Christmas Cheer at Blacktown Hospital! โจ๐ Last Friday, our students and staff delivered a bundle of joy to the pediatric ward at Blacktown Hospital as part of our Christmas Appeal. This year, Operation Cuddly Friend brought an extra dose of love, with our K-4 students donating cuddly toys to show love and care to the young patients at Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals who spent the holidays away from their family and friends. A special shoutout to Mrs Tucker and Year 12 students, who led the baby donation drive, showing how our oldest students supported the youngest patients with essentials like clothing, blankets, and baby care items. Their generosity truly reflects the spirit of love and compassion that defines the Christmas season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Christmas Appeal this year in making this Christmas special for those in need by supporting the work of Vinnies and the Pediatric Wards at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital in Hosptial to Together, weโve shared the gift of hope and joy with those who need it most. โค๏ธ๐ #OperationCuddlyFriend #Year12Giving #ChristmasAppeal #SharingLove #SpreadingJoy
16 Dec 2024
From Facebook
Celebrating New Metrics Success at Santa Sophia! ๐ This year, our second cohort of Year 12 students has proudly received the Australian Learner Competency Credential (ALCC). This remarkable achievement is part of the New Metrics for Success initiative, led by the The University of Melbourne in collaboration with key schools across Australia. The ALCC highlights the essential competencies and skills that empower students to thrive both in their schooling and in life beyond school. The three key pillars of the credential are: ๐ Agency in Learning ๐ง Quality Thinking ๐ฌ Communication A special thank you to our dedicated teachers, whose observations of our students' skills across various contexts have been instrumental in providing a warranted credential, validated by the University of Melbourne. We also thank our Year 12 students who have proudly shared this achievement and are showcasing their credentials on LinkedIn, paving the way for a bright future! ๐ก๐ #SantaSophia #NewMetrics #LearnerAgency #FutureReady
13 Dec 2024
From Facebook
Congratulations to Jackson H of Year 6 who was selected by Baseball Australia to represent Australian under 12s. Jackson made significant contributions during the tournament as both a batter and catcher. Australia took out the gold medal meaning they will represent Oceania in the World Cup in 2025. A truly outstanding achievement and a result of many years of dedication! We look forward to seeing what happens next. โพ ๐ฆ๐บ๐งข What an effort Jackson!
12 Dec 2024
From Facebook
Chuan-Pei (Yr 6) and Michael (Yr 10) have a great reason to be smiling. Michael recently achieved an โAโ grade in 4th grade cello and Chuan-Pei received an โAโ grade in 2nd grade violin in the Australian Music Examinations Board recent external music examinations Both students learn violin and cello from our College strings teacher, Mr Frank Ferenc. Mr Ferenc trained at the Conservatory of Music in Belgrad and is accredited as a music teacher with NSW Conservatorium. We are very fortunate to have visiting music teachers of his calibre and dedication at Santa Sophia Catholic College. Enrolment for the co curricular music lessons are now open for 2025 for students year 3 to year 12. If you have been enrolled for lessons this year, you need to re enrol for 2025, as enrolments do not roll over to term 1. More information and the terms and conditions can be found on the form. Please contact Mr Phil Rooke for any further information on music tuition for 2025. https://forms.gle/zcse3yDHVQsCwzQR9