ISSUE 14 | Week 8 Term 3 - Thursday 11 September 2025

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

As Term 3 has unfolded I have continually been reminded of the strength and spirit of our community. St Dominic’s Priory College continues to thrive because of the joy, faith, and commitment that our students, staff, and families bring each day.

CELEBRATING STUDENT LEADERSHIP

We congratulate our newly elected Prefect Team for 2026. These young women demonstrate confidence, vision, and a deep commitment to our Dominican and Catholic values. This was evident in their applications and “pitches” where consistently the girls spoke of hope and the value of community. Their willingness to step forward in leadership is a sign of their desire to serve our community and I know they will do so with integrity and fun.  We celebrate their example and look forward to the many ways they will inspire their peers. In electing the 2026 Prefect Team, I acknowledge the excellent work of the 2025 Student Leadership Team. With Isabella and Lyana leading this team, they have proved that no task is too difficult and their commitment has been experienced across the College throughout the year. Thank you to the 2025 Student Leadership Team.

JOYFUL GATHERINGS

Our Year 2 Father’s Day Mass was a beautiful occasion of joy, prayer, and gratitude. We give thanks for the fathers and father-figures who nurture our students with such love. I delighted in the faces of the girls as they sang to their dads and gifted them each with a “new” tie. Thank you Ms Delloso for your care and leadership of our Year 2 class.

This week we also welcomed our incoming 2026 Year 7 students for their Transition Day. It was wonderful to see the excitement and anticipation as these girls begin their journey into our College community. I am very grateful to the current St Dominic’s Year 6 girls who led the way in warmly welcoming our new girls. I observed the excellent leadership of Ms Nankivell and her team of teachers. Ms Nankivell will continue in the role of Year 7 Coordinator in 2026.

VISITS AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

We were pleased to host the DEA Trustees, Board Chairs and Principals recently as they gathered for our regular meeting. Charged with the task of hospitality and welcome, our students led a walking prayer that concluded at the Conway Space. Along the way students confidently shared the energy and vision that guides the College into the future, all the while grounded in our story of faith.

Our much-loved College Fete is also fast approaching on Sunday 26 October! Thank you to our dedicated Convenors and volunteers, whose commitment ensures this cherished tradition continues to flourish. The 2025 Student Fete Ambassadors have been outstanding as we gather donations and promote the Fete to our school community. The Fete Launch on Wednesday evening was fun and practical. You may see a number of girls wearing Science Lab Coats in the coming weeks as this year’s funds raised will go directly towards the upgrade of our Junior Science Lab, ensuring that future generations of students will learn and thrive in a modern, space. Thank you to all families in anticipation of your commitment to this event.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to families for taking part in our Learning Conversations today. Your involvement in your daughter’s education is invaluable. Each time you share in this way, we come to know both you and your daughter more deeply, strengthening the partnership that lies at the heart of her learning journey at St Dominic’s.

SAINTS IN OUR TIME

Last weekend, the Church recognised the lives of two young men:

• Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Dominican tertiary from Turin who, though born into privilege, chose a quiet life of service to the poor. He died at just 24 from an illness contracted through his ministry.
• Carlo Acutis, a modern teenager who used his love of technology to share his faith. His courage in the face of illness at only 15 continues to inspire people worldwide.

Their stories remind us that faith is not something distant or reserved for the past—it is lived out in the everyday. They show us that generosity, compassion, and courage can shape ordinary life into something extraordinary. For our students, and for us all, their example is an encouragement to live with creativity, kindness, and joy. In doing so, we discover that the heart of the Gospel is found in how we treat one another, how we care for creation, and how we celebrate the love that is already present in our lives.

DOMINICAN BLESSING
May God the Creator bless us.
May God the Son heal us.
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten us,
and give us eyes to see with,
ears to hear with,
hands to do the work of God with,
feet to walk with,
a mouth to preach the word of salvation with,
and the angel of peace to watch over us and lead us,
at last, by our Lord's gift, to the Kingdom.
AMEN

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

2025 FETE NEWS

PARENT ROSTER

The 2025 Parent Roster for this year's Fete & Auction is now open for signups. Just an hour or two of a parent or guardian’s time over Fete weekend (25/26 Oct) can make an impact on the success of this community event, and would be greatly appreciated by our team of Parent Stall Convenors.

Please CLICK THIS LINK to sign up online. It can also be accessed via 'Useful Links' on the School Stream home screen.

THE CRAFT STALL IS UPCYCLING!

Wondering what to do with your old school uniform?  The team of creative minds behind the Craft Stall are endeavouring to recycle old uniforms into a range of handcrafted Dominican mementos to sell at this year's Fete!  So, if you have an outgrown or outworn former St Dom's Uniform item you wish to contribute to this initiative, it can be dropped off at the College Reception this term.  

The Craft Stall would also welcome inspiration for what to create from the uniforms.  Please feel welcome to submit your ideas directly to the Craft Stall team, care of parent convenor Belinda Vella, at belindavella4@gmail.com 

WEEKLY APPEALS

Along with the Classroom Hampers, there will be additional appeals throughout the term, to help our family-run stalls: These appeals will be communicated via the College's key communication channels: Student Daily Notices (SEQTA), event posts (Facebook), School Stream, and, of course, this College Newsletter. 

For those on social media, please be sure to mark yourself as 'interested' or 'attending' to follow the Facebook Event Page updates HERE. 

If you’d like to know more, attend the next meeting, help out, or join a team, please contact Fete Coordinator, Genesia McQuarrie at fete@stdominics.sa.edu.au 

DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

LOOKING AHEAD: SUBJECT SELECTION FOR 2026

Although 2025 is still in full swing, Term 3 is also the time when our students begin turning their attention to the year ahead. This includes consideration of subject choices for 2026.

Our Year 10 - 12 students have recently participated in Careers Week, engaging with industry professionals and tertiary providers, and exploring future pathways through Work Window Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

Year 10 and Year 11 students have also been learning about the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), how the ATAR is calculated, and the part that Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses can play in completing the SACE. These sessions, along with conversations with teachers, help students to reflect on their skills, strengths and interests, as well as to consider future careers and study pathways.

Students have been reflecting at school, and with you at home, on topics such as:

• What subjects do I really enjoy?
• In which subjects do I feel most confident and capable?
• What kinds of careers or pathways connect with my interests?
• If I am still unsure about the future, which subjects will give me the broadest range of options?

Our dedicated teachers know your daughter’s learning profile and have been providing guidance to help her select the combination of subjects that will best support her growth, wellbeing and future aspirations.

YEAR 12: THE FINAL STRETCH

For our Year 12 students, Term 3 is always the most challenging and important stage of the year. With coursework being finalised, external investigations underway and exams on the horizon. This demands focus and resilience from every student.

The holiday break at the end of Term 3 is an essential time for consolidating knowledge, preparing for exams and completing any outstanding tasks. We kindly ask families to keep this in mind when making holiday plans, so that students can give their full attention to their studies at this crucial time.

Our community’s love, encouragement and prayers will continue to surround our Year 12s as they work towards their final weeks of school.

Ms Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

FROM THE ENGLISH FACULTY

YOUNG WRITERS AWARDS

I am pleased to announce the winners of the Young Writer’s Awards 2025. This is a statewide competition where prose and poetry submitted by students from Reception to Year 12 are judged by a panel of expert teachers and professional writers. This year, it is with great pride that I share the success of our students and their superb creativity in being published authors in this year’s anthology.

YEAR 9/10 POETRY DIVISION
Eiyani Arikepudi (9B) - Beginning
Su Nguyen (9B) - Me Poem
Alexandra Hatzipalousis (9B) - House/Home

YEAR 11/12 POETRY DIVISION
Victoria MacKay (12B) - I Won't Forget Them

Further to this, Eiyani Arikepudi was awarded the distinguished prize as South Australian Young Writer of the Year 2025 for her poem Beginning. Congratulations Eiyani on such a remarkable achievement!

The English faculty are extremely proud of the achievements of all our students, where it is an honour to share in the creative talents of our girls. Special mention to Ms Ward and Ms Norman who supported these students in pursuing their creative talents.

Below is Eiyani’s work which no doubt you will appreciate for its stirring and evocative creativity.

Beginning

Dozens of waving hands—
but none lifted in welcome.
Eyes alight with ambition,
glowing with quiet hope,
bearing the weight of dreams passed down like heirlooms
from those who came before,
and the fragile wishes of those still to come.

They wandered streets that murmured—
back home—
with cumin and chili curling from roadside stalls,
mingling with exhaust and incense—
familiar, and full.
voices they knew echoing from open windows,
restaurants overflowing with the warmth of family meals.
Each face, known.
Each corner, a memory.
The hum of home pulsed beneath their feet.

But now—
a world not yet theirs.
Streets cold and quiet,
lined with unfamiliar signs and guarding fences.
Each step heavy,
as if trading bright saris and woven silks
for coats, the colour of concrete—
vibrance tucked away, unseen,
a life once lived in colour, now left behind,
melting into the dullness of a place yet to find.

They bore memories like delicate bundles,
wrapped between wrinkled fabrics in sturdy cases.
Hidden deep within the stillness of their unfamiliar,
unsettled lives.

It was a blur of airport gates and midnight skies—
the roar of the engine masking quiet goodbyes...
clouds swallowing tears no one dared to show,
as hearts held on to all they couldn’t let go.

Upon arrival,
they were drowned, in the murmur of foreign tongue—
each word sharp-edged,
too fast, too strange.
It filled the air like fog,
thick and impenetrable.
They opened their mouths to speak,
but the words dissolved before they formed,
lost in the haze of inexperienced sounds.

They came for opportunity—
a promise wrapped in possibility—
but it was nowhere to be found.
Chained behind doors
only the fluent could unlock.
They held their proof—
inked in degrees, thick with years—
but still, the answer rooted itself:
"We prefer locals."                                        

Love became silhouettes on a glowing screen,
Pixelated smiles, flickering memories,
the cost of connection too high
for it to be any more than a monthly routine.

But slowly—
things began to grow.
The unfamiliar tongue mellowed—
became something they could shape,
bend gently around their thoughts,
consonants which once scratched like sandpaper
now spread like honey on warm toast,
until fear was no longer foremost.

They stitched together a new life,
thread by thread,
with stubborn hands and hearts that refused to dim.
Australia—
once distant, grey, indifferent—
began to open like a flower to late sun,
hesitant at first,
but undeniably so.

I try to picture it—
the taste of bitter goodbyes clinging to the back of the throat,
just to chase
something as delicate as hope.
And honestly—
I cannot imagine
the strength it takes to rebuild yourself
in a place that doesn't know your name,
to carry on when nothing feels yours
except the dream you refuse to let go.

WRITE A BOOK IN A DAY

Write A Book In A Day was held on Monday 18 August – a special day where students from across the country write and illustrate a novel in 12 hours to raise funds for cancer research for The Kid’s Cancer Research Foundation. This year St Dominic's entered teams comprised of Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Under the guidance of Ms Reid and Ms Nankivell, the students worked as a team, taking on roles such as writers, editors, illustrators, and publishers. Conditional to their participation, the students need to raise money; this year the girls far exceeded our expectations where Team St Dom’s Storytellers raised $3446 and Team Not An Orange raised $2008; totalling $5455. We are so proud of our students and their passion for not only creative writing, but also their commitment to service and the community. We wish them all the best as their entries are now considered by the judging panel.

SPOKEN WORD POETRY: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Last year, as part of the Year 11 Pre-Literary Studies course, students were asked to compose a spoken word poem on an issue that they feel strongly about. Isabelle Misiajlo (12G), wrote about the conflict in Ukraine as her family grapple with the effects of war and the impact on their homeland, as Ukrainian descendants.

 Her poem was powerful, full of conviction and heartfelt; it left her class peers in awe. This year, Isabelle shared with me that she went on to deliver her poem to her Ukrainian community at the annual Taras Shevchenko concert for the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia to great applause and accolades. This spurred a number of other opportunities for her to perform her poem at other events across South Australia, such as the Dinner in Ukraine fundraiser, where all the proceeds went to rebuilding schools in bombed parts of Ukraine. From there, the President of the Vietnamese community who attended this event asked if Isabelle would be happy to share her poem so that they could display it through their community as well. We are so proud of Isabelle’s achievements and how it has afforded her the privilege of using her words and her voice to raise awareness about such an important issue.

YEAR 7 SPELLING BEE

Congratulations to the following Year 7 girls who have made it through to the State/Territory Final of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee Competition: Deeksha Bhagat (7W), Isabelle Nguyen (7B), Ella Menz (7B), Chloe Dhillon (7B), Soraya Askari (7N), Isabelle Goh (7B) and Liv Carpio (7G).  We wish you all the best as you embark on this next stage of the competition, and thank Ms Nankivell for her coordination of this event.

Ms Sara Nigro
LEARNING AREA LEADER - ENGLISH

BOOK WEEK 2025

Book Week 2025 turned its theme of “Book an Adventure” to reality as our school community participated in various activities last 18 – 22 August.

In the Junior School, the week began with a colourful start as students filled the lower court with vibrant chalk drawings showcasing Book an Adventure. Midweek excitement peaked with the Book Character Dress-Up Parade, where students and teachers arrived as their favourite characters. On the same day, Book Swap gave students the chance to exchange books and take-home new adventures to read. Later in the week, students were inspired by author Katrina Germaine, who shared her story and insights about book writing. On the last day of the week, Library Leaders also added to the fun by leading colouring activities.

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In the library, different activities encouraged students to develop their exploration, discovery and creativity. These activities are: Pick Attack where students are given prizes by borrowing books from the library. The Book Buffet displayed a selection of new titles and genres. Students took part in Bookmark Making inspired by the theme, became Library Detectives uncovering hidden gems from the collection, joined the quirky and creative Book Face Challenge, and showcased their artistic skills in an Art Exhibition Poster Making. Lastly, a special moment during the week was when secondary students read stories to primary students, fostering a love of reading.

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Book Week 2025 was more than just a celebration of reading—it was a time for students to express their creativity, collaborate with peers, and experience the power of storytelling. With its exciting mix of activities and shared experiences, our students truly embraced the theme Book an Adventure—reminding us all that the greatest journeys often begin with the turn of a page.

Camille Silvestre-Aquilar
LIBRARY OFFICER

JUNIOR SCHOOL BOOK WEEK WRITING COMPETITION

Engaging and suspenseful stories, written by all Primary students during Book Week, were a delight to read and very difficult to judge. With only 50-words to play with, give or take a few, our young writers penned short, captivating pieces to build on their visual prompt.

Enjoy the stories written by our three winners below.
Junior Category: Reception – Year 2, Violet Cooper (Year 1)
Middle Category: Year 3 – Year 4, Eliza Bok (Year 3)
Senior Category: Year 5 – Year 6, Olivia Kaporis (Year 5)

THE KEEPER
By Olivia Kaporis Year 5

In the depths of the forest, Keykeeper lay silently on the last remains of the forest, looking at six keys. Six possibilities. Six versions of herself.

The wind played with her scarf, and the keys shined like stars. One stood out. She snatched the key from her neck. The decision was final. This is her fate.

THE DOOR
By Eliza Bok – Year 3

“Is anyone out here?” Bern said quietly. She walked out of her treehouse and walked to the beautiful, shimmering lake. She bent down and wished her mother were still there. She got up and said,” I don’t think I’ll get her back.” She walked back to the treehouse and sighed.

FRIENDS
By Violet Cooper – Year 1 

Grace was lonely. She walked in the forest till it was dark. Grace then saw a shining star. Something flew, and it was a dragon. Grace was scared but then came friends with the dragon. Then they watched a movie in the tree. They even flew around.

They will be best friends forever. They did not leave each other again.

YEAR 3 MEDIA ARTS

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This term, the Year 3 class has embarked on an exciting Media Arts project, bringing creativity and technology together through the art of stop-motion animation. Using the Stop Motion Studio app, students are transforming their imaginative ideas into short films. The process began with each girl developing a storyboard to plan out her narrative, before moving into set design and character creation. Cardboard boxes, craft materials, and plenty of plasticine have been cleverly used to construct miniature worlds and characters full of personality.

The next stage has seen the girls step into the role of filmmakers, carefully capturing frame-by-frame movements to bring their stories to life. This hands-on approach not only develops technical skills but also encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and patience—essential qualities in the creative arts.

The Year 3 students are eagerly refining their films and look forward to showcasing their work to families later this term. The final showcase will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their innovation, persistence, and storytelling skills, while giving the audience a glimpse into the unique worlds they have built, one frame at a time.

Renee Edwards
YEAR 3 TEACHER

2025 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' MUSIC FESTIVAL

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' MUSIC FESTIVAL

We are proud to confirm that the Year  6 Choir and Senior Choir will be performing in the 2025 Catholic Schools' Music Festival on Wednesday 24 September.  Support Acts from our College will also feature throughout the four-day program. For further information and tickets, please visit the link below.

www.musicfestival.cesa.catholic.edu.au

We encourage as many members of our College Community to attend this magnificent celebration of musicianship and performance. 

YEAR 9 NEWS

In Week 4 of this term, all Year 9 students began to prepare for what is to come in 2026. Time was spent carefully selecting their subjects for Year 10, with teachers representing all learning areas presenting information regarding their subjects to give students an opportunity to ask questions about subject content and future pathways. In addition to these discussions, most students would have referred to our online Curriculum Guide for further detailed information.

On Tuesday 26 August, all students attended the Reflection Day, which was held at The Monastery in Urrbrae. It was truly a day of reflection led by our Director of Faith & Mission, Joseph Catania; where students were given the time to explore their identity, spirituality and place in the world.

The following day, students and teachers boarded the buses to transport a cohort of very excited students to the annual Year 9 Camp at the Baptist Adventure Camp in Mylor. This camp is always a highlight in the life of our students. It is one that is fondly remembered by all senior students as they graduate from St Dominic’s. Included in this edition of the College Newsletter is a reflection by our SRC students.

The much-anticipated annual Fete & Auction is fast approaching, and our Fete Ambassadors are very much involved in helping to promote all that is on offer.

As the end of Term 3 draws to a close, we look forward to Term 4 and continue to prepare our students as they move from their middle school years, more than ready to begin their exciting journey as a senior student at SDPC.

Josie Revesz
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

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YEAR 9 CAMP
WEDNESDAY 27 - FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2025

On Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 August, the Year 9 cohort went on camp to Mylor. It turned out to be a blend of fun, muddy, challenging moments with great memories made. The excitement was noticeable as we challenged ourselves in the variety of activities Mylor offered, most of them testing our teamwork and bravery.

The highlights where definitely the new friendships made and the activities. High ropes and the giant swing absolutely pushed people outside their comfort zones, it was awesome to see all the girls supporting and encouraging each other the whole way through. One of the best parts was spending time together away from school. Sharing dorms, helping each other through activities, and even just talking around mealtimes helped us get to know each other better and build greater friendships.

Not everything was easy. The weather tested us at times, but we made it work and that helped make camp so memorable. Certain activities pushed us to work together in ways we hadn’t before. Figuring out how to solve problems as a team helped us work on our communication skills making the success feel more appreciated.

In the end we came home tired but with stronger friendships and plenty of stories to share.

Alexandra Sullivan, 9B

PARENT NOTICES

TERM 3 KEY DATES FOR THE DIARY 

• Thursday 11 September: Learning Conversations from 1:50pm - 6:30pm. (Students dismissed at 1:00pm)
• Monday 22 September: Languages Day
• Friday 26 September: Last Day of Term 3. Students will be dismissed at the NORMAL dismissal time.
• Monday 13 October: First Day of Term 4
  
• Thursday 16 October: Secondary Music Jam Sesh - SAVE THE DATE
  

TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS

We are calling for volunteers with adequate clearances to help in the Tuckshop from 10am until 2pm, on a couple of days per term. 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.

ARE YOU ON SCHOOL STREAM?

We kindly request that at least one parent/guardian in each household enable notifications and access the app regularly, so that their family does not miss receiving vital communications from the College.   

For our systems to recognise you as a parent/guardian of the college, we ask that your account be created using the email address or mobile phone number you provided to the school. Login attempts via Facebook or Apple ID will not link you to messages sent to your daughter's Class.   

To find out more about School Stream, and to download the app from either Apple Store or Google Play, visit: https://www.schoolstream.com.au/download/ and then follow the prompts.To refamiliarise yourself with what platforms the College requires families to access, and why, please refer to the College Communication Policy. 

SPORTS NEWS

SAPSASA NORTH ADELAIDE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

On Monday, September 8, students from Years 4, 5, and 6 participated in the North Adelaide District Athletics Carnival at the SA Athletics Stadium. The competition was strong, and all students pushed themselves to achieve many personal bests. Notable results from the day included:

10 YEARS
Annabelle Parisi (Year 5) – 1st in Discus
Isabel Burgoyne (Year 5) – 1st in 1500m
Airlie Haskett (Year 4) – 3rd in Discus and Shot Put

11 YEARS
Ruby Le (Year 6) – 2nd in 100m and 200m
Saharah Chanin (Year 6) – 3rd in Shot Put

12 YEARS
Fiyin Adejoro (Year 6) – 1st in 100m and 200m, 3rd in High Jump and Long Jump

Congratulations to Fiyin, Ruby, Isabel, and Annabelle, who have been selected for the North Adelaide team. They will represent the district at the State Track and Field Championships at the SA Athletics Stadium on Friday, September 19.We wish them the best of luck!

SACPSSA TOUCH FOOTBALL CARNIVAL

On Tuesday 2 September, 40 students from Years 5 and 6 took part in the Catholic Touch Football Carnival. Throughout the term, these students have been developing their Touch Football skills as part of the HPE Curriculum, and it was wonderful to see them put their skills into practice during the Carnival.

The girls showed great effort, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the day. Their growth and sportsperson ship were impressive, making the event a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

“I liked being able to score lots of tries” - Fiyin Adejoro (6B)
“Interacting with students from other schools was a great part of the day” - Miah Vu (6B)
“I liked experiencing a new sport that I haven’t done before” - Aura Patel (6B)
"Some of the teams were really good which made it challenging, but still fun" - Ayla Do (6B)
"I liked participating in a sport that lets me have fun with team mates." - Natalie Michail (6B)
"Scoring tries made me feel accomplished." - Eva Vovos (6B)

Thank you to Rachel Zuener for assisting a team on the day.

Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL PE TEACHER