From the College Principal, Fiona Hastings
Thursday 31 July 2025
As we enter Semester 2 next week, there’s a strong sense of momentum at Sancta.
Semester 1 brought much to celebrate – our fourth consecutive win in the inter-college dance competition (you can watch the performances here – they’re truly something special), individual victories by Gen Kelly and Bridget Power in the inter-college oration and solo vocal competitions respectively, another round of excellent academic results, generous support through our Annual Giving appeal, a record-breaking number of enrolments for this year and next, and our biggest alumni reunion in recent memory, held in the Quad in April.
Our victories across dance, oration and solo vocal have placed Sancta at the top of the leaderboard for the 2025 Palladian Cup. There’s a real buzz among the students as they prepare for the events still to come – vocal ensemble, debating, art, drama ensemble and instrumental ensemble. I’m incredibly proud of their talent, teamwork, and the way they rally around one another to do their best.
We also saw a significant change in College leadership. In March, Cathleen Crossley (FR 1979) stepped down as Chair of Council. Over her many years of service, Cath led Sancta with vision and care, guiding us through the seminal Broderick Review process, championing a culture of growth and continuous improvement, and navigating the unknowns of COVID-19 with steadiness and care. She also helped strengthen our financial position and build on the work of her predecessors to bed down Graduate House. We are deeply grateful for Cath’s service and legacy.
Stepping into the role of Chair is Beth Boustead (FR 2010), who has served as a Councillor since 2021. Beth brings both professional experience and a clear commitment to Sancta’s future. Joining her are newly appointed Co-Deputy Chairs, Sarah Walters (FR 1984) and Clare Schnelle (FR 2010). The depth and breadth of experience they bring, along with their shared love for Sancta, set us up for a strong chapter ahead. Sancta is blessed to be served by such great women, and I look forward to working closely with our new Council as we move through our Centenary year and beyond.
Speaking of the Centenary, our 100-year celebration is just around the corner. We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you a series of events that will be a fitting celebration of our College. Over the coming months, you’ll receive invitations to events, including the Centenary Gala Dinner, along with details on how to purchase tickets. Please update your email and postal contact details to ensure you don’t miss out. And if you’d like to be a Table or Fresher Year Captain, we’d love to hear from you, too – please be in touch with Hayden Edwards.
There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m glad we’re heading into it together.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our College.
Fiona Hastings
Principal
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