Service Learning
We view service as central to school life. Grounded in our Dominican values, we empower our students to take meaningful action, reflect deeply and grow in both understanding and compassion.
For over 130 years, our students have actively engaged in service learning that goes beyond volunteering. It shapes their worldview and often their future careers. From our youngest learners at Mary Bailey House to our graduating students, service is woven through every stage of a Santa Sabina education.
‘Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection… Students link personal and social development with academic and cognitive growth.’– Janet S. Eyler and Dwight E. Giles, Jr.
A lifelong commitment to justice
Our students participate in a wide range of service initiatives that benefit the broader community while building empathy and gratitude.
Key programs include:
- Salamanca Model for Service Learning
- Dinner service at Matthew Talbot Hostel for homeless men
- St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol and sandwich making
- Christmas donations to CatholicCare HOPE program
- St Joachim’s School Homework Help program
- Gift collection for the Baabayn Indigenous Community in Mt Druitt.
These experiences instil a strong sense of moral responsibility and social awareness while challenging our students to reflect on inequality.
The Salamanca Model for Service Learning P–12
Students follow the Salamanca Model, a two-tiered approach to service learning based on action, reflection and academic integration.
Collaborative, Project-Based Learning
- Primary Years – Montesinos Program: Curriculum-linked projects with a focus on justice and service
- Gioia House: Initiatives using Salamanca’s principles
- Years 7–12 – Salamanca House Project: House-based projects that allow students to serve in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
Individual Service Records
- Montesinos Record (Primary): Individual service acts grounded in observation and action, inspired by the life of Montesinos
- Las Casas Record (Secondary): Personal and small group service tracked through learning portfolios, requiring deep reflection on the impact of service on personal values and future choices.