ISSUE 5 | Week 9, Term 1 - Wednesday 26 March 2025
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
Dear Families,
As the weather begins to change (signalling that Autumn has set in) and as Term 1 draws to a close, our school community continues to operate, with a vibrant tapestry of learning experiences, personal growth, and collective achievements. This fortnight has been particularly noteworthy, with several events and initiatives that highlight the depth and quality of our educational environment.
OUR YEAR 11s TAKE TIME TO RETREAT
A day of retreat for students is beneficial because it provides a unique opportunity to step away from academic pressures and engage in other activities that foster personal and spiritual growth and community building. This break from a regular school day also allows each girl to reflect on her goals and hopes, enhancing her self-awareness. By participating in retreats, our girls can and do form deeper connections with their peers and return to their studies with renewed energy and focus. I had the privilege of attending part of the Year 11 Reflection Day on Friday, centred around the theme "Drawing on the inner well... the dwelling place of Hope within." This powerful theme provided our students with a vehicle to explore their hopes, dreams, and goals for the year ahead. Through a partner activity, the girls identified the qualities and character traits that will help them realise their aspirations. The day concluded with a beautiful group photo under an old fig tree, weaving together the threads of reflection and inspiration from the day.
IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN PRIMARY CLASSES
One of my priorities as Acting Principal has been to spend time in each primary class, from Reception to Year 6. I am pleased to report that as we near the end of the term, I have achieved this goal. These visits have allowed me to witness firsthand the engaging and interactive learning experiences taking place in our Junior Primary classrooms. From mathematics lessons to activities centred around our recently launched wellbeing framework, along with learning about 'ethics', I have observed our girls interacting with each other and their teachers in their learning spaces. It is clear that our students are fortunate to experience an outstanding education in a safe and welcoming environment, guided by excellent teachers. Thank you to our Junior School Staff who have welcomed me with great enthusiasm, into their classrooms!
SAFEGUARDING WORKSHOPS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
Our secondary school students have participated in a series of important safeguarding workshops recently. These sessions have been tailored to different year levels:
- Year 10: Crash Investigation
- Year 11: Road Awareness Program (RAP)
- Year 12: Encounter Youth Presentation
These workshops play a crucial role in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential risks and make informed decisions. They form part of our Pastoral Care Programs at the College. When you have a moment, you might like to ask your daughter what she learnt during her session about keeping herself safe.
NAPLAN SUCCESS
During Week 8 NAPLAN testing has been successfully conducted for our Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 students. I am pleased to report that the process unfolded smoothly, thanks to the careful planning and execution by our staff. A special note of gratitude goes to all key players involved, under the excellent leadership of our Acting Deputy Principal, Jo Surman.
GETAWAYS
Our Year 7s have almost completed one term of secondary school and at St Dominic’s, we mark this time by taking the girls away to their annual camp. At the same time, our Year 11 Geography girls are connecting with their environment in the Flinders Ranges. Both groups are due to arrive back this Friday. No doubt there will be tired eyes and lots of washing returning to your homes on Friday, coupled with stories of learning, friendship, and excitement. I have been kept updated and thank families for trusting our staff to do their important work in caring for your daughter/s during this residential camp experience.
As we reflect on these experiences, I am reminded of the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. Your continued support and engagement in your daughter’s education contribute significantly to their growth and success.
I look forward to a strong finish to Term 1, which is marked with a gathering together for staff and students at our Whole School, Term 1 Assembly.
PRAYER & LITURGY
On Friday 21 March, students held a lunchtime Busking Session, to raise funds for Project Compassion
This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
Project Compassion 2025 shares the stories of Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) from Samoa, Lam from Vietnam and Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Each of this year's stories reflects diverse challenges, yet they are united by the shared determination to overcome adversity and create better futures for themselves and their communities.
Photo Credit: Caritas Australia
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Through the I-SHINE program Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. He now runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income.
You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE
We are excited to announce that this year, for the first time, we are offering our Year 10 students a SACE Stage 1 unit in Spirituality, Religion and Meaning. This initiative provides numerous benefits, including the opportunity for students to get a head start on their SACE journey. Year 10 students will cover two main topics within this SACE unit:
- Topic One: Faith and Spirituality around the World
- Topic 2: Hands of Change: Exploring the Power of Volunteer Work
As part of our first topic, Year 10 students embarked on an enlightening excursion last week to various sacred sites in Adelaide, deepening their understanding of diverse religious and cultural traditions. The tour began at St Laurence's Church, a historic Catholic church built in 1867-68, known for its beautiful interior and rich history. Students also visited St Peter's Cathedral and St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, exploring different Christian denominations.
A highlight of the excursion was the Adelaide Kaurna Walking Trail, where students learnt about the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. This experience provided valuable insights into Aboriginal spirituality and connection to the land.
The group also visited the Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, broadening their understanding of Eastern Christian traditions.
Students also explored the Adelaide Himeji Garden, a serene Japanese-style garden that celebrates Adelaide's sister city relationship with Himeji, Japan. This tranquil space offered a glimpse into Japanese spiritual practices and the importance of nature in Eastern philosophies.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all staff who attended the excursion, and in particular Victoria Sayner who led the day.
Olivia Couch
LEARNING AREA LEADER - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
TWILIGHT SPORTS DAY
We warmly welcome families to join us at our Twilight Sports Day, which will take place at the Port Adelaide Athletics Club from 11:30am - 5:30pm on Friday 4 April.
On the day, the Port Adelaide Athletics Club will have its Canteen open, and the College will provide one sausage per person from a Sausage Sizzle organised by the College. To help make the Sausage Sizzle run smoothly, we are looking for volunteers to help run the BBQ. If you intend to attend Twilight Sports Day in support of your daughter/s, please consider volunteering an hour of your time to help cook, serve, or clean on the day. Below are available timeslots when help is needed.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
1:00pm - 2:00pm
2:00pm - 3:00pm
3:00pm - 4:00pm
4:00pm - 5:00pm (clean up)
Please email your availability directly to Dolores Heggs (dheggs@stdominics.sa.edu.au), specifying the time you are available, and whether or not you are happy to cook. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
The Twilight Sports Day will conclude at 5:30pm. All students MUST be collected from Port Adelaide Athletics Club at this time.
Thank you, as always, for your time, dedication, and ongoing support.
YEAR 9 NEWS
The first term holidays are fast approaching, and reflecting on all that has happened is a reminder that schools are a busy place with a myriad of different learning experiences occurring daily. Most Year 9 students have settled well; focussing on their studies and all that life at St Dominic’s offers them. Many have immersed themselves in co-curricular activities such as Sports, lunchtime and afterschool clubs, and the College Musical. Our wonderful team of Year 9 Homeclass Teachers, Emma Rawlins, Stella Love, Annelise Johnson and Courtney Day, are focused on ensuring that your daughter is supported in every way while at school. We are a community committed to maintaining a child-safe environment that is positive, inclusive and respectful. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you not to hesitate to contact your daughter’s Homeclass Teacher if you have any questions or concerns. It is in the best interest of your daughter, for you to work in partnership with us to support her wellbeing.
I draw your attention in particular to the ‘Student Code of Conduct’ which is now included on page 112 of the College Planner. Along with the Wellbeing Framework, this document provides guidance to students on behaviour, attitude and disposition. It is designed to foster a positive school culture that provides a safe, reflective, and productive learning environment. We ask that you take the time to read through this document with your daughter and discuss it in detail so that together, we can make St Dominic’s Priory College a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Your engagement with your daughter, your daughter’s teachers, and the wider SDPC community will help your daughter feel supported in her educational journey.
Earlier in the term, Year 9 students attended Tree Climb to focus on challenges, resilience and team-building skills. Many students stepped outside of their comfort zone to try activities that were indeed challenging. I have included a selection of reflections from our Year 9 students commenting on their experience of Wellbeing Day.
"It was fun to get out of the classroom for a day and participate in both familiar and new experiences. It was nice encouraging each other through the courses and having a laugh about our mistakes. We enjoyed how the courses were physically challenging and took us out of our comfort zones." - Isla Stanborough (9W), Bea Fernandez (9B), Hadiya Ahmet (9W) and Mya Spackman (9G)
"The day was great for experiencing new things and trying to overcome fears. We used the day to build stronger relationships and encouraging others to join and participate in the activities. The meditation allowed us to reflect on the challenges we faced throughout the day." - Sandra Nghiem (9W), Ivana Dojcinovic (9W), Mia Ma (9G), Roya Darabi (9G) and Molly Champion (9B)
Josie Revesz
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR
YEAR 10 NEWS
A warm welcome to all Year 10 families.
I am pleased to report that Year 10 has begun the year on a strong note, embracing new experiences and opportunities for growth. The term kicked off with a positive Wellbeing Day, at Carclew House, where students engaged in activities designed to foster respectful friendships and equip them with valuable stress management strategies. This initiative was met with enthusiasm and laid a solid foundation for the term ahead.
In their journey towards SACE, Year 10 students have embarked on their first taste of the curriculum through Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF). Students will explore potential pathways so as to make informed decisions regarding their SACE plan.
Hands-on learning has been a key focus this term, with educational excursions enriching classroom studies. From the picturesque Kangaroo Island to coastal explorations and a captivating Photography Zoo excursion, students have broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding beyond traditional learning environments.
Recently, we celebrated Harmony Day with great enthusiasm, led by our dedicated Year 10 SRCs. The theme, 'We all have a role to play', resonated throughout the day as students embraced diversity and unity within our school community.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on fostering a positive culture within Year 10 through the development of our Year 10 Positive Culture Policy. This ongoing initiative aims to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.
As we approach the next term, preparations are underway for Semester exams. Our Pastoral Care program will provide comprehensive support, equipping students with effective study techniques and strategies to excel during this important period.
With continued dedication and support, we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success throughout the academic year.
Ms Jo Riccio
YEAR 10 COORDINATOR
HARMONY DAY
FRIDAY 21 MARCH | EVERYONE BELONGS
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
YEAR 3 REPORT
The Year 3s have had a fantastic start to the school year, settling into new routines and embracing exciting learning opportunities. We extend a warm welcome to our new students, Arianna and Emily, who have joined our classroom community.
To begin the year with focus and intention, students created vision boards, setting personal and academic goals to guide their learning journey. This activity encouraged them to think about their aspirations and the steps they can take to achieve them.
In Religious Education, students have been exploring our school theme, reflecting on its meaning and how we can connect with it over the 2025 school year. The students unpacked Scripture from Corinthians, where they have considered what love looks like in actions; kindness, patience, forgiveness and care for others.
As we journey through Lent, students have deepened their understanding of this special season. Each child created a Lenten promise on a footprint, symbolising their commitment to following in Jesus’ footsteps over the next 40 days.
A highlight of our learning has been preparing for a class performance of the Stations of the Cross. Through drama and storytelling, students have engaged deeply with the events of Good Friday, bringing to life the journey Jesus took and the significance of his sacrifice.
It has been a meaningful and productive start to the year, and we look forward to all the learning and growth ahead.
Savannah Gargiulo
YEAR 3 CLASS TEACHER
ST PATRICK'S DAY
On Monday 17 March, the Junior School added a touch of green to their uniforms and celebrated St Patrick's Day with a fundraiser for Project Compassion - exchanging a gold coin donation for a yummy green jelly cup with lolly snake!
GROWTH MINDSET
EMBRACING MISTAKES: A PATH TO GROWTH
Learning from Mistakes - Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the learning journey. Each misstep holds the potential to teach us something new — but only if we’re willing to recognise it. Acknowledging mistakes isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a powerful step toward personal growth and development.
Own Your Mistakes You can’t learn from a mistake if you don’t first accept that it happened. By taking responsibility, you open the door to reflection, understanding, and improvement. Whether you are a student, educator, or lifelong learner, owning your mistakes is the foundation for meaningful growth.
Four Key Steps to Turn Mistakes into Learning Opportunities:
- Talk openly about mistakes. Create a culture where mistakes are discussed without embarrassment or judgment.
- Reframe mistakes as opportunities. Shift the narrative — mistakes aren’t failures; they are lessons in disguise.
- Spot teachable moments. Whether it's a personal mistake or one observed, take a moment to reflect on what can be learned.
- Build a habit of reflection. Regularly ask, “What went wrong? What can I do differently next time?”
Reframing Errors: A Mindset Shift The way you interpret mistakes shapes your reaction. If you view errors as failures, they can feel discouraging. But when you reframe them as valuable learning experiences, you build resilience and a deeper understanding.
Your mindset plays a pivotal role. A growth mindset — the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed — fosters the ability to see mistakes as part of the path to improvement. In contrast, a fixed mindset leads to avoiding challenges and fearing failure. By embracing a growth mindset, mistakes become stepping stones, not stop signs.
(Adapted from mindtools.com)
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE
The April Vacation Care program for the onsite YMCA Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service is now available here.
Families may book for Vacation Care at any time using the Xplor Home App, or by contacting the Children's Services Customer Support team.
BOOKING INFORMATION
When booking vacation care via Xplor, you only need to click on 'Vacation Care'. An orange dot will appear for all successful bookings under the 'bookings' tab.
All bookings for Vacation Care must be received by Monday 31 March to avoid a $3 Casual Fee.
Further information about Vacation Care can be found below.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the date of requested care to avoid payment.
- Bookings cancelled without two weeks' notice will be marked absent and charged to your account.
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
The two weeks of the April School Holidays fall within the same CCS fortnight period.
Please be aware of your fortnightly eligible hours with Centrelink. This can be found via your Centrelink app or by contacting YMCA Children's Services. Hours are based on session length and not the amount of time your child/ren are at the service. If you go over your eligible hours, you will be charged full fee for the additional sessions.
Please also familiarise yourself with Centrelink's rules in regards to absences and CCS: Services Australia - Absent Rules
YMCA Children's Services Customer Support Team
08 8200 2516 | oshc@ymcasa.org.au
TUCKSHOP NOTICES
We are pleased to see the increasing popularity of our school Tuckshop!
ONLINE ORDERS
Due to the high volume of food purchased each day, we kindly remind families to place lunch orders in advance, either online in My School Account (by 8:00am), or by filling out a lunch order bag by 9:15am. The selection of menu items available over the counter is limited and is sold first-come, first-served. Pre-ordering helps ensure a smoother and quicker service, where everyone can be catered for.
To view the Term 1 Tuckshop Menu CLICK HERE.
TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are calling for volunteers with adequate clearances to help in the Tuckshop from 10am until 2pm, on any day. If you are available to lend a hand, we would greatly appreciate your support. Duties include serving (no exp. needed), some stock filling/rotation, and packing lunch orders.
Should you have any questions about volunteering or would like to register your availability, please contact Tuckshop Manager, Michelle Macri, on 8331 5108 or mmacri@stdominics.sa.edu.au.
Thank you for your continued support.
Michelle Macri
TUCKSHOP MANAGER
SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
MONDAY 24 TO FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
We celebrate Safety Week in March as the National Safety Week that falls in October clashes with school holidays and our College Fete.
Staff members were asked what they would find hard to do if they injured themselves at work and these answers were collated for special PowerPoint slides.
Answers were varied, interesting, and included going home to family, pets, and being able to live actively and independently.
Cupcakes and safety quizzes were also available and staff were encouraged to participate in the activities throughout the week.
Sally Hermel
WORK, HEALTH & SAFETY COORDINATOR
SPORTS
TERM 2/3 SPORT
Girls have completed nominations for Term 2/3 Sport. Please ensure that they are committed to all practices and games for the season. Consent2Go will be sent out before the end of Term 1. First practice will be in Week 11 to organise teams.
SA LONG COURSE SWIMMING STATE AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
As reported previously, Rosie Welden (8G), Chloe Dhillon (7B) and Amy Le (9W) qualified to compete in the SA Long Course State Age Championships, held between 6-10 March. We are thrilled to announce that, after receiving a Silver for both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke in her age group, Amy will be joining Rosie at the National Age Championships in Brisbane this April. This pinnacle event on the national swimming calendar showcases only the very best age swimmers in the country (the top 3% to be accurate).
Amy Le
Chloe Dhillon & Rosie Welden
NORTH ADELAIDE DISTRICT SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Friday 7 March, a team of enthusiastic and talented swimmers from St Dominic’s Priory College proudly represented our community at the North Adelaide District Swimming Carnival. The day was filled with energy and anticipation as students from schools across the district came together for a celebration of swimming and school spirit. Our St Dominic’s team rose to the occasion, with outstanding determination and a strong sense of teamwork; taking part in events such as Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. A special congratulations to Grace Pham in Year 4 who was selected to represent North Adelaide at the State Swimming Championships in April, competing in Backstroke.
Well done to all students involved.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
TICKETS AT THE DOOR (Cash only) $25
For more information, CLICK HERE
