St Dominic's Priory College eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Congratulations to our 2023 Merit recipients and high achievers

Thank you to our students and staff for a wonderful start to the school year. There has been such a positive energy across the College as we welcome our 140th year, celebrating the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide and St Dominic’s Priory College. I acknowledge the life and work of Sr Rosemary Campbell OP who died peacefully on Thursday 8 February. Sr Rosemary is a much-respected member of our community, having served as Provincial Superior of the North Adelaide Province from 1977 to 1985, and Library Coordinator at our College from 1973 until 1988. In her later years, Sr Rosemary continued to use her talents as the Archivist for the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide. May she rest in peace. A full eulogy will be shared with the community following her celebration of life.

I thank parents for attending the various welcome evenings. Whilst Monday was very hot in the gym, parent commitment was excellent. As we spread across the campus for the various Year Level sessions, I witnessed connections with families and appreciated the excellent input by our staff and guest speakers. Parent presence in the College matters significantly and starting the year this way speaks volumes about your commitment to our community. I am very much looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at our Family Mass and BYO Brunch Picnic and games to follow to celebrate the 140 years. It will be a relaxed opportunity to meet your daughter’s friends and their families. Mass begins at 9:30 followed by the picnic and games until about 12:00pm. Tea, coffee, and ice blocks will be available. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Thank you also to the Parents and Friends who held their first meeting of the year on Thursday 15 February. Your commitment to this group is very much appreciated. Thank you also to the parents who have offered to assist on Sunday with serving tea and coffee.

In other news this week we took great delight in celebrating with students who achieved excellent results in 2023 at the High Achiever and Merit Assembly. It was inspiring to hear from Dux of the College Isabella Jovel who talked about her Year 12 journey, and the value of perspective.

In my address to the students, I shared a short story from the writings of Mother Rose Columba that demonstrated something of her strong will, desire and steadfast commitment to God. In February 1884 she wrote: –

“What will 1884 bring? Who can tell? The good God is everywhere, watching over and loving all …" - MRCA February 6, 1884

SAVE THE DATE

To support you as parents, the College has invested in the work of clinical psychologist, Dr Judith Locke. Judith has authored The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student. In January she spent time with our staff and we were all inspired by her teachings, philosophy, and practical approach to raising girls. Judith will return in May to undertake two parent workshops. I am being very serious when I say I want all parents to attend one of these nights. Judith will help us to understand how we can live with, parent, and teach our girls to have confidence that helps her be truthful, Dominican adults attentive to both their needs and the needs of others. Her themes include Resilience, Self-regulation, Resourcefulness, Respect and Responsibility.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

LENT BEGINS

In recognition of this special day in the liturgical calendar, students and staff enjoyed a freshly cooked pancake in the summer sunshine.

ASH WEDNESDAY

This year, Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine’s Day – a perfect day to reflect on the love of God and the love Jesus tried to communicate about God. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent – a time of preparation for the great feast of Easter in six weeks. On Wednesday, we listened to passages from the Gospel of Mark:

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness, and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him….
….“You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

We might wonder why Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and nights and what he was tempted with. In my childhood, I suspected it was ice cream but over the years I came to realise it was much more than that. Jesus had a huge decision to make, and he needed the time and space to contemplate it.

He wanted to bring his people back to God and show them just how much they are loved by God. But how was he going to do this?

What kind of leader was he going to be and how would he get his message across?

How would he get the people to listen to him?

And what would be the cost for what he was about to do?

He probably feared there was going to be a huge cost.

There was the temptation to be the kind of leader that was typical of his time – one that ruled with force, one that had an army of protectors, one that had comfortable amenities, and instant unwavering authority.

So, he really needed the time and space to work things out and gain assurance from his loving God. So, he headed out to the desert where he could be alone and be at one with the elements of the earth – the vastness, the silence, the harshness of the desert, to think and discern. Into the desert.

May we enter into the desert in company with Jesus, who overcame the forces of temptation and dedicated himself to the will of his loving God.

May each one of us find that ‘secret place’, where during this time of Lent, we can be alone with our God in prayer.

May the land where Jesus entered into prayer for 40 days and nights come to experience the peace he desired so that all people there be delivered from war, violence, oppression and starvation.

God, as we begin this time of Lent, open the doors of our hearts and our minds.
May our actions during Lent help to renew the world in your ways of peace and justice.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.
AMEN

WELLBEING DAY

Welcome to Week 3 of 2024! As we dive deeper into the year, it's heartwarming to see our new students settling into the rhythm of our school community. With nearly 100 new girls enriching our 140-year legacy of Dominican education, there's much to celebrate at our beloved College.

One cherished, some might say a ‘young’ tradition, born in 2020, is 'Wellbeing Day.' This special day marks the beginning of each school year and serves as a poignant reminder of the uniqueness of each individual, beautifully crafted in God's image. St Thomas Aquinas (one of our very own Dominican saints) frequently pondered on wonder and awe in his writings, emphasising the sacredness of every person's existence. It's a day where we reaffirm our individual responsibility to care for ourselves and each other, fostering a culture of kindness and empathy.

Our Wellbeing Day is designed to immerse our girls in activities that showcase the wonder and awe surrounding them. Below, our Year Level Coordinators share reflections on some of the enriching experiences the girls were fortunate to partake in.

As we continue to journey through the year, let's carry the spirit of Wellbeing Day with us, embracing our uniqueness and nurturing a supportive environment where each member of our community knows they belong.

Ms Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

JUNIOR SCHOOL

On Wellbeing Day across the Junior School, students delved into nurturing wellbeing through mind, body, and soul. Engaging in gratitude exercises, mindful journaling, and connecting with nature, they explored holistic health. These activities fostered self-awareness and encouraged students to appreciate the interconnectedness of their mental, physical, and emotional states.

Mrs Belinda Baker
ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

HAPPY AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS
Look Like:
People smiling at each other.
Everyone having fun learning.
Feel Like:
Other people make you feel special.
Everyone is being included.
Sound Like:
People using their manners.
Positive chatter with no one being rude.

- Fiyin Adejoro and Ruby Le, 5B

YEAR 7

For our Year 7s, the day kicked off with an invigorating morning dance class, where the girls raised their heart rates while showcasing their moves. Following this, a soothing mind/body exercise session challenged the girls with intricate movements, promoting not only physical wellness but also mental balance.

In the afternoon, our girls delved into activities facilitated by Enlighten Education. These sessions covered vital topics such as transitioning from primary to secondary school, fostering friendships, building self-confidence, and spreading kindness. One highlight was witnessing the joy on our girls' faces as they read affirmation cards crafted by their peers. These cards overflowed with uplifting messages of praise and celebration of the unique qualities that make each girl special.

Ms Anastasia Markou
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR

YEAR 8

Year 8s explored the benefits of walking and being in nature and the positive impact this has on our physical and mental health. They started with a team-building Scavenger Hunt, followed by independent reading outside and then they were guided through some nature drawing activities. Our Liturgy Coordinator finished the day, by leading girls and staff in prayer and reflection.

Ms Jessica Spagnuolo
YEAR 8 COORDINATOR

YEAR 9

A day to focus on Gratitude, Empowerment, and a Sense of Worth.

In the first session, with Enlighten Education, presenter Rosie Panetta, spent the morning discussing these topics and how we can practically apply them to our lives. Her premise was that gratitude is linked to greater happiness, a more positive outlook on life, stronger social bonds and support networks, and higher achievement.

Students were provided the opportunity to recognise the people and things in their lives that boost their authentic thankfulness. They were also encouraged to communicate gratitude to the people who are important to them.

In the second session, Rosie spoke about negative stereotyping, sexism, and media images; just some of the issues today’s young people are facing. In this workshop, students were asked to critically evaluate the messages that bombard them every day and develop strategies that help them respond intelligently and objectively.

The afternoon was spent with MissFIT Movement who took everyone through several dance moves with a focus on building and maintaining fitness. The day was completed with a session of mindful movement and relaxation.

Mrs Josie Revesz
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

YEAR 10

SESSION 1: Students worked in randomly selected groups to establish a Code of Conduct on how the team is to treat each member during the day. The Code of Conduct guidelines were based on Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Locke’s 5 Essential Skills for Life: Resilience, Self-Regulation, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Responsibility. Students presented their Code of Conduct to the Year 10 Cohort. This enabled each team to families themselves on these life skills.

SESSION 2: A healthy cooking demonstration from Sprout Cooking School encouraged students to look at food as something to enjoy and share rather than something you have to eat. Alternative options were discussed if students wanted to adapt any recipes to their ‘taste’ or ‘preference’.

SESSION 3: At Mary Lee Park, teams strategised their approach to each challenge. It was great to see that their competitive instinct surfaced while addressing their established code of conduct.

Ms Jo Riccio
YEAR 10 COORDINATOR

YEAR 11

Year 11s enjoyed their day at Prospect Petanque Club where they engaged in a range of activities to nourish the body, mind, and soul. The girls took part in a body balance session under the shade of the trees, and also a service activity where purple hearts were sewn to be used by the Mary Potter Foundation. Later, girls made their own mini life terrariums and learned how the game of pétanque could help them set personal goals and how to stick to them. Overall, it was a great day which the girls found highly rewarding.

Ms Sara Nigro
YEAR 11 COORDINATOR

YEAR 12

The Year 12 cohort focussed on Mindfulness, and how to be present in the current moment. It is so easy for us to get caught up in constantly thinking about “what’s next?” especially in the busyness that is Year 12. During our activities of Mindfulness Movement & Relaxation, Mindfulness Drumming, and a Beach Walk, the girls were encouraged to switch off and connect with the environment and their peers in different ways. The girls learned breathing techniques to calm the mind, gentle movement to help get the body moving, and a new style of percussion through Hand Drumming. The day was finished off with a whole cohort drumming and body percussion performance, and of course, huge smiles and lots of laughter.

Ms Mel Fiacchi
YEAR 12 COORDINATOR

DUTY OF CARE

At this time of the year, I remind families of our joint responsibility regarding supervision and safety. This in schools is referred to as ‘duty of care’ and it is a legislative requirement.

Each school day, students will be supervised within the College grounds from 8:20am. Students are also supervised during recess and lunch times.
During the school day, no student is permitted to leave the College grounds without permission from a parent.
For safety reasons, students are not permitted to use playground equipment unless supervised by a teacher.
When dismissed in the afternoon, students are expected to leave the College grounds and proceed directly home. Students attending activities organised by the College outside of regular school hours (sports, drama practice, debating, etc.) will be supervised. We ask that parents collect their daughter/s promptly at the end of the school day and at the end of Co-Curricular activities.
When a student is absent, parents are asked to contact the College and advise of the absence. Parents will be contacted if the College has not been advised.

These measures allow both parents and staff to have a shared understanding and ensure a responsible degree of safety for the young people in our care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this communication. It has been a truly joyful start to the year.

Ms Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

RECEPTION NEWS

On Tuesday 30 January, our new Reception Class entered the school grounds in a very glamorous fashion. After a walk down the red carpet, a selfie in our “First Day of School” photo board, and a reassuring hug from Mum and Dad, the girls began their school life journey.

There are lots of things to get to know when you are new to school. So far, the girls have enjoyed playing in the Junior Primary courtyard, playing on the playground, meeting our Year 3 buddies, eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, and joining in the fun of Wellbeing Day. We are so proud of the way you have settled into school life girls.

Mrs Francine Saint
RECEPTION CLASS TEACHER

GROWTH MINDSET

As with anything in life that we want to improve, it takes persistent practice. Growth Mindset is no different. We want our students to develop Positive Mindsets about themselves as learners.

This is particularly important for our students as they navigate their new year level and new teacher expectations.

WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT YOUR POTENTIAL TO GROW AFFECTS HOW YOU BEHAVE
What are the implications for our St Dominic’s students?
How would their mindset affect the way they study, their effort, their enjoyment of learning?

STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMISING YOUR POTENTIAL

Develop a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset.
Combine reflection and action.
Focus on the big picture.
Time management.
Develop goals.
Big Dreams and take small steps to fulfill your potential.
Don't reinvent the wheel.
Set routines for regular to incorporate regular practice.

CLICK HERE for Growth Mindset video

WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE

Hello, I’m Millicent Jacobs. I’m a Year 11 student who was been at St Dominic’s since Reception. This March I am cutting my hair for the World’s Greatest Shave. I have been growing my hair for around eight years now. A couple of years ago my grandpa was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer called Polycythaemia Vera. I am raising funds for blood cancer research and would be grateful if you would consider making a donation.

I think it is important that we consider those less fortunate than ourselves and help where we can. As such I will be donating my hair so that it can be made into a wig for a child who has lost their hair whilst battling cancer. Below is my fundraising page: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/millicentjacobs.

I will also be running two fundraising events, one in February and one in March at school so I hope that this also raises awareness and allows students to donate to a good cause.

YEAR 12 FORMAL

The Year 12 Formal was held at The Playford Hotel on Friday 2 February; the end of the first week of Term. Here are some photos from this successful evening.

The Year 8 Class have begun the school year with enthusiasm, adapting to the many changes a new year brings academically, socially, and emotionally.

We started the year with Wellbeing Day, where the girls were involved in a range of mindful activities that explored the connection between nature and our mental health. Research has found that spending time in natural settings is linked to:

Reductions in stress, feelings of anger, and fatigue
Increases in happiness
Fewer symptoms of depression in adulthood

Nature provides us respite from the daily grind and demands of a busy routine, and it was great to see the Year 8s embrace this rest time in nature. All students participated in a Scavenger Hunt in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and explored the art of mindfulness in nature drawing and silent reading. All students were in high spirits throughout the day, despite being a little tired on the walk back!

Ms Jessica Spagnuolo
YEAR 8 COORDINATOR

For Year 8 Wellbeing Day, we spent the day at The Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Being in nature was so calming and beautiful. My favourite activity was the scavenger hunt, we were given a list of things to find and once we found them, we had to take a photo. It was so much fun (well except for the last 2 minutes when we were speed-walking to all the gates). I also loved when we had a reading session, we had a few little duck friends join us. Thank you Ms Spagnuolo for organising a very memorable day for the Year 8 community.
- Bella Civitillo 8W

SPORT NEWS

HOUSE ASSEMBLY

TERM 1 SPORT

Students have now nominated for Term 1 Sport (Basketball, Tennis, Touch, or Volleyball on Saturday Morning, or Water Polo on Thursday evenings).

As always, we ask that the students commit to both training and games. If a student is unable to attend for any reason they must let Mrs Pratt know in advance. Parents/guardians must complete the Consent2Go form along with payment which has been sent via email this week.

Live draws and results can be found at http://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/ (Please bookmark this site). Girls can also check the Sports Notice Board in the Gym or the Daily Notices for upcoming games.

It is important that all students are collected at the end of a game/practice PROMPTLY. Staff are taking time away from their own families to supervise these games/practices, and it is unacceptable to ask staff to wait around for girls to be picked up.

TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR TERM 1

SPORT	TIME	LOCATION
Water Polo	Mondays 4:00-5:00pm	Adelaide Aquatic Centre
Tennis	Tuesdays 7:15-8:15am	College Courts
Basketball	Tuesdays 3:30-4:30pm	College Gym
Touch	Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm	College Oval
Volleyball (Years 7-9)	Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm	College Gym
Volleyball (Years 10-12)	Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm	College Gym

Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Lyndall Pratt at the school if you have any questions about the Saturday Sport Program.

Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

Sports Draw Week 3 Term 1 2024

CONGRATULATIONS, CHARLOTTE

We extend our congratulations to Charlotte Kretschmer in Year 11W, who has been selected to represent South Australia in the U16 State Hockey Team. This achievement is the culmination of many years of hard work, and says so much about Charlotte’s perseverance, commitment, and dedication to sport. Later this term, Charlotte will travel to Hobart to participate in the 2024 National Competition, and we wish her and the SA side the very best of luck.

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS

PRIMARY SPORT PORTAL

On SEQTA Engage, families will find a Primary Sports Portal which contains all relevant dates and information about the 2024 sporting calendar. This portal is regularly updated with programs, maps, and nomination and training information.

SAPSASA SOFTBALL TRIALS

Year 5 and 6 students are invited to trial for the North Adelaide SAPSASA Softball Team playing in the State Carnival from 25-27 March. Trials will be held at the Walkerville Softball Club between 4:00pm - 5:00pm on Wednesday 28 February and Wednesday 6 March. Interested students can collect an Activity Sheet from their Home Class Teachers, or can find a copy on the Primary Sport Portal on SEQTA.

WATER SAFETY PROGRAM

In Week 2, the Year 5 and 6 classes participated in Water Safety lessons at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre. At these sessions, students learned water safety including survival swimming strokes, how to correctly wear a flotation device, actions to take if you are in trouble in the water, safe entry and exits as well as a clothed survival swim.

SWIMMING SQUAD

Thank you to all students who trialled for the St Dominic's Priory College Swimming Squad. Training will be held from 7:30 - 8:30am on Wednesday 21 February. Students have been informed of their selection (or non-selection) in the team competing at the SAPSASA District Carnival on Wednesday 6 March, and the SACPSSA Carnival on Tuesday 26 March, and have been sent a Consent2Go. Event lists and programs will be distributed after next week's training, and will also be available on SEQTA.

Mrs Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS

ISSUE 2 | Week 3, Term 1 - Friday 16 February 2024