ISSUE 18 | Week 8, Term 4 Thursday 7 December
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
Dear Families,
There has been so much to celebrate in 2023 at St Dominic’s Priory College. I offer my sincere gratitude to students, parents, staff, and friends of the College for your great contribution to our community.
On-site, with the most beautiful backdrop of the setting sun, soft coloured lighting, outstanding music, solo performances, gracious speeches by our Head Prefects, Anya, and Isabella, and a farewell song sung by Year 12 Coordinator Victoria Sayner, the End of Year Liturgy acknowledged all that we are grateful for and proud to be. Under the leadership of Presiders Bianca, Elisabeth, and Caitlin we were drawn into prayer, reflection, hymn, and song whilst offering the traditional farewell to our Graduating Class of 2023. The roses received with gratitude, reminded us of our traditions, our founders, and our future. We were joyful in our gathering and not without gratitude for the weather! I offer my thanks to all who made this special event on the calendar a night to celebrate.
As this is the final newsletter for the year, I particularly draw your attention to the article by the Director of the Junior School, Cate O’Leary. She captures all that has happened in the primary years these past two weeks and her parting words of farewell capture the essence of her leadership.
I share the following extracts from my speech on Tuesday evening:
I take this opportunity to thank Stella Love, Angela Vaughan, Jaiden Wasley, Natasha Carson and Huaisa Teng who have undertaken contracts at the College this year. Thank you. I acknowledge Anam Dhanji who after serving as the Maths Coordinator and senior maths teacher for 9 years is leaving to explore new opportunities beginning in London. We are grateful for her leadership and her outstanding maths lessons. Thank you Anam.
Dr Stuart Hill has served at the College for nearly 10 years. Working mostly in the secondary school, Stuart works in digital technologies and has brought the joy of photography to the girls. Raelene White has worked at the College as both teacher and librarian in the primary years sharing her love for research and books with all. Elena Tarraran is an old scholar of St Dominic’s and our beloved Italian teacher who has now been a part of St Domnic’s for ... most of her life.
Cate O’Leary has served at the College for 20 years as both teacher and Director of the Junior School. Her commitment to excellence has meant that all girls in the Primary years, experience an education of distinction. The staff who work alongside Cate, do so with confidence. Cate brings out the best in others including her peers and you as parents.
Stuart, Raelene, Elena and Cate – we offer you our sincere gratitude for your service and commitment to St Dominic’s. We hope you know that your dedication and contributions have been instrumental, and you will be remembered with warmth and gratitude.
I take this opportunity to share with the community that it appears Ms O’Leary is indeed very hard to replace. We are yet to find someone to fill her shoes permanently. Perhaps her shoes are just a little too extravagant! I am however, pleased to share that for Term One, our very own Belinda Baker will take on the role of Director of the Junior School.
As we enter into the holiday time I wish all families a restful time nestled in the hope we have as people of faith. The birth of Jesus calls us to celebrate that we can be people of truth, of peace, and of love. Let this time find its way to our hearts and minds and in all we do.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
2024 INFORMATION
END OF YEAR LITURGY
Mr Joseph Catania
EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF BLESSED AND CHOSEN
Our End of Year Thanksgiving Liturgy, held on the beautiful grounds of our College on Tuesday 5 December, marked a joyous return to our cherished traditions. In these moments, we appreciate the importance of people, place, and story, as we celebrate the various seasons of our life. This year, our liturgy interwove the essence of the Dominican Charism with the advent anticipation, leading us towards Christmas. Inspired by the Scripture reading from Mark 1:9-11, we revisited the baptism of Jesus—a moment of divine affirmation and chosenness. This passage, resonating deeply with our theme 'Blessed and Chosen', a recurring motif since our St Dominic Feast Day Mass, reminds us of our unique gifts and the call to use them in the service of others.
Throughout the year, this theme has been a guiding light, reflected in our various school activities, encouraging us to live the Dominican Charism — Community, Prayer, Study, Service, and the active witness of faith. As we conclude this school year, we invite each member of our community to consider embodying these values in their daily lives. By living as the blessed and chosen, we inspire others to recognize and embrace their own sense of being blessed and chosen.
As we approach the Christmas season and the summer holidays, I extend my well wishes to the entire St Dominic's Priory College Community. May this time be a period of joy, peace, and abundant blessings for all. Let us hold close the message of hope and love that Christmas brings and thoughtfully consider how we can carry this spirit forward into the New Year and beyond.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas season, safe and happy New Year celebrations.
Mr Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Ms Cate O'Leary
A YEAR OF SUCCESS, GROWTH, AND GRATITUDE
As we conclude the 2023 school year at St Dominic's Priory College, it is a time of reflection, celebration, and heartfelt thanks. This year has been filled with wonderful achievements, collaborative efforts, and countless opportunities for our students to extend their skills, gain confidence, and connect within and beyond the classroom. I extend my warmest congratulations to all our primary students for their personal successes and my deepest gratitude to their dedicated teachers and parents who together are the driving forces behind our students' successful educational journey.
Camps, excursions, many incursions, and classroom showcases have been a significant part of this year's success story. These experiences have allowed our students to step out of their comfort zones, explore the world beyond the classroom, and connect with the community in profound ways. Whether it's conquering a challenging activity during a school camp, visiting historical sites during an excursion, or participating in hands-on incursions that bring learning to life, these experiences in all year levels have been instrumental in shaping our students' holistic development.
The opportunity to extend their skills and gain confidence in their abilities has been paramount. Students have had the chance to discover their passions, whether it's in the realm of science, ethics, mathematics, or other areas of interest. These experiences have not only nurtured their intellectual growth but have also provided them with the confidence to explore, ask questions, and pursue their dreams.
Our co-curricular programs have also provided a great forum for our girls to achieve much and create memorable moments in so many areas including, Netball, STEM, Athletics, Gardening Club, AUSKICK, Swimming, Running Club, Cross Country, team sport tryouts, Social Justice Committee, Junior Choir, or performing arts for Twilight Assemblies. In the last couple of weeks, we have celebrated much: Children’s University Presentation and Graduation for over 25 of our students in Years 4/5/6 and four Year 7s; where our students excelled in their training hours. Aria Sordillo, Liana Samuels, and Natanya Randeniya are noted as achieving excellent results this year and remarkable scores. We celebrated our R-5 Twilight Assembly, which was a joy for all to see; with much singing, dancing, and enthusiasm for learning. Last Week our Year 6s marked a significant part of their education journey with a very special and poignant night celebrating their Year 6 Graduation with strength of purpose, prayer, song, story, reflections, fun, and much laughter. Our College’s diversity of offerings ensures that every girl has the opportunity to participate and contribute her talents to our community.
I take this moment to extend my gratitude to our incredible teachers. Their commitment to providing stimulating, challenging learning environments and opportunities throughout the year has been the cornerstone of our students' success. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that our students are well-prepared, inspired, and motivated to reach their full potential. Their dedication to teaching and the wellbeing of our students has been exceptional.
As I retire from St Dominic's Priory College at the end of 2023, I look back on my 23 years spent here with immense gratitude and a sense of privilege. These years have allowed me to wear many hats, from classroom teaching to roles as a Literacy Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, and, most recently, as the Director of the Junior School. Through these roles, I have had the unique opportunity to witness the growth of our students in every aspect of their lives.
As I bid farewell, I carry with me a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I've had the privilege to be a part of this strong educational community. It's a community that values not only academic excellence but also the development of compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are poised to make a positive impact on the world.
I have every confidence that St Dominic's Priory College will always continue to flourish, and we look forward to the many celebrations our 140 Years has to offer. Thanks to the extraordinary team of educators, the unwavering support of parents, and the limitless potential. While this chapter of my life comes to an end, I look forward to the new adventures that await. I also look forward to seeing the continued growth, academic excellence, focus on individual student learning success, and depth of learning St Dominic’s Priory College maintains.
Ms Cate O’Leary
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
CATHERINE OF SIENA STUDY AWARD
Ariana LE (Rec), Charli MARINOS (Year 1), Charlotte WESTENBERG (Year 2), Emilia SAKI (Year 3), Alexis RAPPOLD (Year 4), Muskaan AGARWAL (5B), Matilda LAMBERT (5B), Jacinta CANIL (6B), Kara LANGE (6G)
MOTHER ROSE COLUMBA VISUAL ARTS AWARD
Caela TAN (Rec), Tara HONEN (Year 1), Evie SORDILLO (Year 2), Eleanor PERIC (Year 3), Alina MASHOUF (Year 4), Trang (Sherry) VO (5B), Aliya WALTERS (5G), Lakshana KUMAR (6B), Anita PHUY (6G)
SISTER ROSE MAYO PERFORMING ARTS AWARD
Madeleine BOK (Rec), Sienna DERMIS (Year 1), Sabia CZERWINSKI (Year 2), Shanice TINDALL (Year 3), Clare GILBERT (Year 4), Olivia OCCHIUTO (5B), Amanda VUONG (5G), Elvie SYKES (6B), Savreet KAUR (6G)
SERVICE AND COMMUNITY AWARD
Ellie LI (Rec), Charlotte SINTON (Year 1), Senna SUTTERBY (Year 2), Estelle KAMAR (Year 3), Joni ZHANG (Year 4), Ira POONGAVANAM (5B), Gracie CUTRI (5G), Izabel NGUYEN (6B) Indiana LE (6G)
ACADEMIC DUX AWARD
Elise Nguyen (Rec), Ananya VISHAL (Year 1), Sophie CHHOY (Year 2), Olivia KAPORIS (Year 3), Sofia GUBATINA (Year 4), Kaitlyn TRAN (5B), Sidak HANS (5G), Lucy BOYD (6B), Leah CREMER (6G)
YEAR 7 REPORT
As we wrap up Term 4 and bid farewell to what has been an incredible year for our Year 7 cohort, I am delighted to share some highlights of the past few weeks.
As we wrap up Term 4 and bid farewell to what has been an incredible year for our Year 7 cohort, I am delighted to share some highlights of the past few weeks.
In the opening week of Term 4, our girls dove into Water Safety lessons at the Aquatic Centre. With the sun beating down, it was a refreshing break from the heat. The laughter and camaraderie during these sessions showcased the strong bonds that have developed over the year.
Week 6 brought a delightful moment of unity as we gathered for a shared lunch. A heartfelt thanks to the families who contributed a diverse array of foods, from cultural dishes such as curries and pizza to homemade desserts and pastries, the feast was enjoyed with great enthusiasm. The speed at which the food disappeared was a testament to the girls' hearty appetite for both food and friendship.
Last week, Year 7’s headed out to UniSA for STEM Day Out, where students engaged in a spectrum of exciting hands-on activities, fostering their curiosity for science, engineering, and mathematics. It was a day filled with exploration, collaboration and discovery.
In the broader context of our school community, in Week 5, the current Year 6 cohort, alongside students joining us from other primary schools, embarked on their second 2024 Year 7 Transition Day. Guided by our Year 10 and 11 student leaders, the day was centred around the Dominican value of service. The girls engaged in bonding activities, mentoring sessions, and a service activity for St. Vincent de Paul. Together, the girls created 200 Christmas activity packs, a small but meaningful gesture to bring joy to those less fortunate during the holiday season.
As we approach the end of the school year, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Year 7 families. Your support, involvement, and partnership have been instrumental in making this year a success. Serving as the Year 7 Coordinator has been a pleasure, and I look forward to continuing this journey with your daughters as they prepare to enter their second year of high school.
May the holiday season bring joy and relaxation to your homes. I wish a safe holiday filled with excitement and rest.
Ms Anastasia Markou
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
LANGUAGES NEWS
YEAR 6 TRAVELLING THE WORLD IN FRENCH
On Friday 24 November, the Year 6 French students packed their “suitcases” and began a whirlwind tour of the more than 40 French-speaking nations of the world. They “visited” the countries researched by their classmates, completed a worksheet, and “stamped” their French passports at each location. As many students commented:
”..it was a good hands-on activity’ - Leah Cremer 6G
“I enjoyed finding out that there were many French-speaking countries in the world, not only in Europe” - Macayla Kwok 6G
SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES MERIT
Congratulations to Kara Lange in 6G and Daniella Pagano in 6B who were each presented with an Award of Merit from the School of Languages for their extra-curricular studies of French and Spanish, respectively. The girls received this award at a special ceremony, held at Elder Hall, on Tuesday 5 December.
Kara Lange 6G
Daniella Pagano 6B
YEAR 9 DIRECTIONS
This term, the Year 9 French classes have been learning how to give and follow directions given in French.
They directed each other around maps of different towns in the classroom, around different parts of the school and finally, there was an excursion where the students were asked to follow French directions around North Adelaide, with a delicious “casse-croute’ (snack) along the way!
The students thought the excursion was: “Amusant! Delicieux! Cher! Fatigant! Interessant!”
YEAR 9 REFLECTIONS
Mrs Josie Revesz
As the 2023 academic year draws to a close I would like to congratulate all Year 9 students on completing the year successfully. There have been many challenges and many things that have been learned. We have seen a group of lovely young people complete Year 9 wiser and hopefully ready to focus on all that Year 10 has to offer. There have been a number of activities and excursions this year, but probably the most memorable would have to be the Camp at Mylor. Many students stepped way beyond their comfort zone to participate in activities that they perhaps never dreamt possible.
Many thanks to the Year 9 SRCs, Tran Lam, Kelly Dang, Olivia Morgante, Maiya Krenc, Ngoc Nguyen and Selena Le, for their leadership and for helping me with a number of tasks. Year 9 Home Class Teachers, Lachlan Brannan, Dominique Limgenco and Stacey Matthews have been a constant source of support for the girls and myself. I know and witness every day that our teachers care absolutely about each student in their care.
I wish all families are blessed Christmas.
Mrs Josie Revesz
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR
2023 has been a rollercoaster of a year filled with lots of joyful memories and fun experiences. Our Year 9 cohort has been fortunate to engage in several events throughout the year. Some of our personal favourites were our Year 9 Volleyball Tournament, Parent Breakfast, and most importantly, our upcoming excursion to the Central Markets for our final gathering together as Year 9s. We’re so grateful for the adventures and meaningful experiences that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for our amazing home class teachers and even better Year Level Coordinator, Mrs Revesz. You have truly made our last year of middle school memorable. As we look forward to Year 10, we bring our positive attitudes for the new year and strive for growth and success. - Year 9 SRCs
SPORT NEWS
Congratulations to the 160 girls who played sports in Term 4. A big thank you to all of the coaches and supervisors. Nominations for Term 1 Sport will occur in Week 1 and 2 of Term 1, 2024.
SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS - FINAL ROUND RESULTS
COMMUNITY NOTICES
