ISSUE 14 | Week 10, Term 3 - Wednesday 27 September 2023

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

I extend warm greetings to you from the picturesque Gold Coast, where I find myself immersed in the enriching experience of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) Biennial Conference. The conference has brought together Principals from across Australia, offering a platform to explore innovative educational concepts under the thought-provoking theme, "What Now, What Next?"

The discussions included delving into critical topics, such as the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence in schools and the wider world. We also had the pleasure of critically examining student wellbeing guided by the expertise of Dr Judith Locke, a renowned clinical psychologist with extensive experience in adult, child, and family therapy. Dr Locke's insights were truly enlightening, and I am pleased to announce that she will be visiting our College in 2024 to collaborate with both our staff and parents as we continue our journey of nurturing and educating our girls.

In another outstanding event, I had the honour of listening to our Year 10 and 11 students as they delivered their speeches for the 2024 Prefect positions. To say that I was inspired would be an understatement. Each girl displayed remarkable conviction and confidence as they shared their ideas, skills, and vision for St Dominic's. I wholeheartedly congratulate all who participated in the election process for the 2024 Student Leadership Team.

Speaking with confidence before a large audience is a skill we foster in our St Dom's girls from the very beginning of their enrolment. Throughout this term, I have had the privilege of attending Masses hosted by our Junior School classes, where each student offers a prayer, reflection or reading. This commitment to confident expression is also evident in our Primary Assemblies, where each class takes its turn to share their learning, with every girl confidently holding the microphone and delivering her knowledge to all those gathered. Just this week, we witnessed our Year 4 Class sharing their environmental movies, and last week, Year 5 girls delivering prepared talks without notes while acting out parts, in Night of the Notables. The Year 6 students led a touching presentation on their chosen biographies to their families. It was a display of wisdom, creativity, and respect, as the girls shared the stories of their family members, evoking pride, a few tears, and cherished memories.

As we approach the conclusion of Term 3, our Year 12 cohort have just two weeks of school days left before SWOT Vac and exams. Their Graduation is a momentous occasion that we eagerly anticipate celebrating. The College will bid farewell to our Year 12s on their last day with a special Mass and Assembly, followed by a symbolic guard of honour as they step into their futures.

In the midst of all these momentous events, the rhythm of College life continues to remind us of the joys of learning and our unwavering commitment to community and faith. Our fortnightly Newsletter serves as a conduit for sharing the daily stories of our community, and I hope you find time to savour the many celebrations we have to offer within each issue.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with St Dominic's Priory College. Together, we look forward to a future filled with growth, learning, and countless achievements for our exceptional students.

I wish the girls a restful term break and look forward with great anticipation to Term 4.

Warm regards,

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FETE NEWS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE FETE & AUCTION EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK, YET?  Check it out here.

UPCOMING FETE CONVENOR MEETINGS
Thursday 19 October 5:30pm - 7:00pm

All enquiries to fete@stdominics.sa.edu.au 

FETE POSTER

We invite families to do their part in helping spread awareness about next month's event.  Whether you have a bustling workplace noticeboard, a shopfront window, countertop display frame or community pinboard in the foyer of your local Parish church, we would be grateful if you could please print and display the below event poster throughout the month of October.

2023 FETE PARENT ROSTER

The PARENT ROSTER for the 2023 Fete & Auction is now live.

In the spirit of Community and Service, two of the Dominican values that form the foundations of our College, the dedicated parents and friends of the College that form the Fete Committee are calling out to their fellow parents and friends to support the success of this event by committing to a 2-hour roster over Fete Weekend.  This vibrant community event has been a staple of the College's Calendar for over half of its 139-year history, and is an experience your daughters will look back upon fondly in years to come.

To sign up to a roster, and support the fundraising and community-raising endeavours of the College, visit https://signup.com/go/bBEAGnb.  Many stalls are still in need of support, particularly over the lunchtime rush.

FETE + AUCTION APPEALS CHECKLIST

We are grateful to all families who have contributed to both the Auction and weekly Stall Appeals.  All appeals will remain open during the holidays to take receipt of last minute catch-up donations, or additional support, to help fill (Auction) Hampers and create additional packages for Chocolate Wheel prizes or Sweets Stall lolly mixes.  

Looking ahead to Term 4, the Week 1 Appeal is for Raffle Book returns, and Week 2 will be for fresh-baked items for the Cakes Stall.

Information about the 2023 Stall Appeals was sent to families via SEQTA on 11 August, or can be reread, here.  Information regarding the themed Class Hampers for Auction was communicated at the end of Term 2 (here) and further communicated in the Week 9 Fete Newsletter last week (here).  

PRAYER + LITURGY

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE & THE DOMINICAN CHARISM

Reflecting on the recently observed International Day of Peace, occurring annually on 21 September, I was reminded of the saying attributed to Martin Luther King Jnr, that, ‘...without justice there can be no peace’.  Equally, I have heard an extension of this which attests that, ‘...and without peace there can be no justice’. The International Day of Peace is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire; a goal that carries the aspiration of longer-term peace found also within local communities, nations and of course the world.  Pope Francis has said that 'Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, of law, of order — in short, of truth.' This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of peace that resonates deeply with our Dominican tradition.

In our pursuit of Truth, we acknowledged that peace is not a passive state but an active commitment. It begins with the study of truth – seeking knowledge, understanding, and empathy. By nurturing a culture of dialogue and critical thinking, we lay the foundation for peace. Our prayers are a powerful tool, not only in seeking inner peace but also in channelling our collective spiritual energy towards global harmony.  Community and service are inseparable components of our mission. We create peace by forging bonds of solidarity, celebrating diversity, and advocating for justice. Our commitment to service is a tangible expression of our dedication to a more peaceful society.

In the spirit of St Dominic, let us continue to be instruments of peace, embodying the truth that peace is not a mere absence of conflict but the presence of compassion, justice, and unity. As the nation prepares to participate in the upcoming Referendum on 14 October and vote Yes/No for Indigenous Recognition in the Australian Constitution and a Voice to Parliament, let our decision be grounded in the pursuit for justice, peace, and unity.  May the outcome be a catalyst for change and generate the principles that reflect the Human Dignity, Common Good, Solidarity, Subsidiarity and Participation, Preferential Option for the Poor, and Stewardship of Creation.  These you may recognise as the Catholic Social Teaching Principles that help guide good decision making, may the outcome certainly reflect our commitment to these.

As we conclude Term 3 and look ahead to the final term of the year, Term 4, we wish all our students a restful and enjoyable break.

Mr Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION

YEAR 9 REPORT

Earlier this term, as the Year 9 students prepare for what is to come in 2024, time was spent carefully selecting their subjects for Year 10. Teachers representing a variety of learning areas presented 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 information for further detailed information.

In Week 6 all students attended the Reflection Day which was held at the Bethany Centre in the Mary MacKillop Precinct. It was truly a day of reflection, led by Joseph Catania where students were given the time to explore their identity, spirituality and place in the world.

In Week 7 the annual Year 9 Camp took place in Mylor at the Baptist Adventure Camp. 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 are several reflections by students who attended.

The much-anticipated Fete is fast approaching, and our Fete Ambassadors are very much involved in helping to promote all that is on offer. Olivia Morgante, Grace Fuller, Anna Binu, Maija Krenc, Chloe Addison, Brie Boyle, Waverley Alternati and Vanessa Uszynski  have offered their services as Fete Ambassadors and wear their pink cap with pride.

As 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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STUDENT CAMP REFLECTIONS

Year 9 Camp was a great experience, especially given it was our last camp together as a cohort. Every day was filled with fun activities such as canoeing, bridgebuilding, high ropes, giant swing, and of course, the notorious challenge course which left many of us covered in mud. One thing we can all agree on is that the most memorable moments were those spent with our friends and getting to know each other more.
- April Fazackerley, Lily Donnellan, Maeve McGuire, and Olivia Morgante

I enjoyed venturing out of my comfort zone and pushing my limits when I went on the giant swing and zipline. I was extremely scared but once I tried it, I was glad I did. Overall, the camp was an amazing experience, and I had a blast.
- Brie Boyle

At the Year 9 Camp at Mylor we all embraced a positive mindset and were able to tackle all challenges faced to us. A memorable part of camp was the teamwork that was created during the activities, such as supporting each other during the giant swing and on the high ropes, sabotaging each other on the canoes and working together in the challenge course. Overall, this was a very fun and successful camp, which brought our cohort together and challenged one another. This was an amazing last camp.
- Morgan Hillman, Emil Paul, Natalie Burgess & Chanelle Cavallaro

JUNIOR SCHOOL WRAP UP

Throughout this term, we've had many opportunities for parent engagement, particularly over the last couple of weeks. Our Year 5 students took on the challenge of creating two-minute monologues and presenting them to their families at the annual Night of the Notables. They delved into the lives of remarkable women who have made notable commitments to society, and their presentations were nothing short of impressive. These young minds showcased not only their public speaking skills but also their ability to research, analyse, and convey the incredible contributions of these female role models.

We watched the excitement and creativity that our Year 1 Class brought to their classroom, with the grand opening of Meet the Author. During this special event, they had the opportunity to take their guests on a journey of discovery. They showcased their incredible achievements and shared their progress in various subjects. One of the highlights of the evening was when our young authors proudly presented their very own novelettes. These captivating stories were the result of their exploration of the Seven Steps writing structure. In addition to their literary accomplishments, our Year 1 students also displayed their knowledge and skills in Science, Mathematics, and Art.

Our Year 6 students began their exploration of migration stories by visiting the Migration Museum, where they delved into the rich tapestry of stories that make up the Australian immigrant experience. They listened, learned, and absorbed the diverse narratives that have contributed to shaping our nation. They then conducted interviews with relatives, family friends, or members of our community to capture the personal accounts of how they came to Australia. They transformed these narratives into beautifully bound books of biographies, preserving the experiences and memories of those who shared their migration stories. In culmination, the Year 6 Classes hosted a very special morning, during which they shared their books with their families and treated everyone to a delightful morning tea. It was a heartwarming event that allowed us to come together as a community and honour the strength and resilience of those who have journeyed to Australia in search of a better life.

Our Year 2 students embraced their role as hosts of last Friday’s morning Chapel Mass with remarkable grace and reverence. They read and sang with heartfelt dedication, creating a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere during the Mass. Their maturity and sincerity were truly commendable, reflecting the values and teachings we hold dear in our school community. We were grateful to all the parents, grandparents, and guardians who were able to attend the Mass and stay for morning tea afterward.

The Year 4 Class articulated to their parents, their understanding of how we could have a wonderful future, based on their ideas of what a sustainable world could look like. They researched composting and up cycling and using technology created iMovie documentaries based on a specific sustainable idea. We look forward to more meaningful gatherings and shared experiences in the future.

As we celebrate the end of this term, let us also celebrate the growth and achievements of our students. They have not only honed their academic skills but have also embraced the values of empathy, determination, and the importance of making a positive impact in their world.

Ms Cate O'Leary
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

LOTE NEWS

YEAR 8 FRENCH EXCURSION

On Friday 22 September, the Year 8 French Class went on an exciting excursion to the Adelaide Zoo. The excursion was a fun-filled day of animals, all while incorporating French words and skills our class has been practicing. While we were at the zoo, we were able to discover facts about most of the animals the zoo had to offer. Their lifestyles, diets and even some special skills.

The panda enclosure was definitely a class favourite, Wang Wang and Funi stealing the show with their playfulness and cuteness! The zoo was a wonderful experience, and on behalf of the class, I’d like to thank our teachers, Ms Bosco and Madame Patti-Reid for organising it.

Faridah Gandhi 8B

LANGUAGES DAY

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TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT

NEW PODCAST STUDIOS

St Dominic's Priory College is thrilled to announce the addition of two state-of-the-art podcast studios to our campus! These studios are fully equipped with top-of-the-line Rode Podcaster equipment and sound absorption panels, ensuring a professional-grade recording experience for our students. With studio lighting soon to be installed, we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the creative and educational masterpieces our students will produce in this cutting-edge environment.

Creating podcasts offers students a multitude of educational and developmental benefits. It encourages them to research thoroughly, plan content, and articulate their ideas clearly, honing both verbal and written communication skills. Podcasting also fosters teamwork as students often collaborate on creating episodes, thereby learning the value of different perspectives and skills. Through the editing process, students gain technical proficiency in audio software, enriching their digital literacy. Moreover, podcasts can be shared with a broader audience, allowing students to build a portfolio of work and even receive real-world feedback. Overall, podcasting serves as a multi-faceted educational tool that cultivates academic, technical, and social skills in students.

Recently, our Year 10 Religious Education students interviewed some of our Dominican sisters. They captured rich audio stories; about the history and transformative changes our college has undergone over its 140 years. It's inspiring to witness the deepening connections between the sisters and our students, all made possible through the innovative use of technology. We can't wait to share these insightful conversations with our wider community.

STEM ENRICHMENT

STEM enrichment is pivotal for our girls at St Dominic’s Priory College to ignite curiosity and spotlight real-world applications. Especially for our young women, STEM workshops break down stereotypes, fostering a sense of empowerment. As the Director of Technology Enrichment, I firmly believe in nurturing every girl's potential in STEM fields so they can step confidently towards future careers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and discovery.

Recently, I had the honour attending the HerTechPath Workshop, ‘Career Pathways for Girls’. The day commenced with an inspiring speaker Genevieve Ruegar, Helicopter pilot, Firefighter at SA Metropolitan Fire Service. “Gender doesn’t define you, let it empower you”, she said. Her pathway from school to the becoming a Black Hawk Helicopter Piolet has been about 'purpose and people'. Such a motivating speaker for our students, the highlight of the day!

We attended a workshop on App Development and a session on Generative AI and ChatGPT. During lunch, career specialists from Harrison McMillan took the time to review student resumes, offering invaluable tips for standing out in the job market. And representatives from Flinders University were on hand to provide personalized academic and course advice for those seeking higher education pathways.

Our College’s value of a love of learning through creative and critical thinking came to life as students from Years 9-11 connected through a common interest, STEM.

Joanne Villis
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT

JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Term 3 is always busy, and this one was no exception. Here are a couple of snippets from this term's activities. 

MATHS

This term, the Year 5 classes took their Maths learning outside. Motivated by the success of the Matildas, our girls tested their own kicking abilities. Each group recorded the lengths of each member's kicks. Back in the classroom, students noted the range of distances of kicks. They developed their understanding of mean median and mode by analysing the collected data.

ENGLISH

During Book Week, our Junior School students were challenged to write a 50-word story about what they are inspired to achieve. Our three winners, along with those who received an honourable mention, were presented with their certificates at our recent Primary Assembly. Congratulations girls!

Our winners were: R/1/2: Lieve Hwang (Rec), Year 3 & 4: Olivia Kaporis (Yr3), Year 5 and 6: Saanchi Patel (5B)

Honourable mentions went to Ananya Vishal and Charli Marinos, Year 1. Senna Sutterby and Airlie Haskett Year 2. Annabelle Parisi Year 3. Ayla Do and Mila Pethic Year 4. Soraya Askari 5B and Guneet Ghotra 5G. Adele Nguyen 6B and Macayla Kwok 6G.

Here is a selection of their stories.

I am inspired to…
I like to help the world.
I am inspired make people smile.
I am inspired to hug my dad and my mum.
I want to help people that are sad people to get food.
I am inspired to smile at people.
- Lieve Hwang

What I want to achieve...
is to make the world a better and a happier place!
Small acts of kindness can spread in a good way.
Just one small act can make a happier world!
People can be more confident with small, kind words.
Kindness is like a boomerang. Remember that!
- Olivia Kaporis

Within myself, I see a world,
a world with no hate, no racism,
a place where everyone can be loved and equal.
A place where people can chase their dreams without being judged or harassed.
Within myself, I see a world filled with love, kindness, peace,
and equality for all.
- Saanchi Patel

My friend Charlotte inspires me because she always greets me with a big smile. So, I just want to smile as well.
- Charli Marinos  

Reading is the power to grow, growing is the power to inspire others.
Reach out of your comfort zone, try new things, don't care about what others think.
I will be the one to fight for justice, light the world up, help others to inspire. 
So that is my inspiration.
- Soraya Askari 

Ms Deb Osborne
JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

GROWTH MINDSET
Shrugging off embarrassment

There are many occasions when having a Growth Mindset is important. We often think about it in relationship to our learning and taking on new challenges. But it can equally apply to everyday experiences.

It is a valuable life skill if we can brush off minor mishaps or mistakes with a good dose of laughter. If we are the first to laugh at ourselves, what is the worst anyone else can do to us? The important thing is that we learn from each of our slip-ups and think of them as character-building and a great anecdote to share later. Mistakes and mishaps are parts of life and our ability to 'bounce back' is beneficial to our general wellbeing.

SPORT NEWS

TERM 4 SPORT

Term 4 Sport nominations have now closed. Consent2Go information has been sent out. Please note: any students without consent or outstanding payment will not be permitted to play the first game.

Practices will continue in week 1 of Term 4.

VERTICAL REALITY CLIMBING (VRC) LEAD TITLES

Congratulations to Chloe Addison in Year 9G who competed in the VRC Lead Titles on Saturday 9 September, where she made the finals in Climbing and placed 1st, overall.

SAPSASA STATE ATHLETICS

Congratulations to Soraya Askari (5B) who won the Bronze medal in the 11 Years Shot Put at the State Championships at SA Athletics stadium recently. 

ONGOING NATIONAL COMPETITORS

Congratulations to Morgan Hillman (9G) and Annabel Johnson (10G) who are currently interstate competing in National Competitions.  Morgan headed to Canberra to represent South Australia in Water Polo, as Captain of the U/15 Girls' Team, and Annabel is competing in Ballarat, as a member of the SA State Team for Lacrosse.  We hope both girls, and their teams, have had a wonderful competition, and look forward to hearing how events unfolded upon their return in Term 4.

Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR