ISSUE 3 | Week 6, Term 1 - Friday 8 March 2024
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
The College has been alive with activity over the last three weeks. I have enjoyed meeting parents on the side of the Saturday morning courts and playing fields. The weather has been perfect for sports and other outside events. We were delighted to host the Old Scholars' Annual Mass, with the special opening of the Old Scholar paving project - 140 years of memories. Friendships spanning many years were celebrated, and the Chapel played host to a beautiful Mass where past and present St Dominic’s students joined together in song, prayer, and connection. It was a joyful day.
The weather was a little warm for Field Day, but that didn’t stop our from girls flying through the air, running with great speed, and throwing with accuracy; all the while cheering for each other. We were all little Olympians on Monday. Many thanks to all who contributed to such a well-organised and fun day, especially Lyndall Pratt, Emma Rawlins, and Michelle Richter; the PE Teachers. The lead-up to the day was filled with enthusiasm and fun, with songs, chanting, and games led by the House Captains and the Sports Prefects. This enthusiasm rolled over into Tuesday and it was a very successful day. I am looking forward to our Twilight Sports Day, where we will finish off the activities, celebrate with families, and enjoy the traditional marching.
A highlight this week was the visit from Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC yesterday, Thursday 7 March, to speak at our Investiture Liturgy, held to acknowledge Year 12 students and all SRC students from Reception to Year 11.
We were well-rehearsed in preparation, and inspired by her presentation as she shared her story; highlighting that she did not always know what her path would be, but took every opportunity afforded to her. She reminded the leaders that listening was the most important aspect of leadership. Her Excellency warmly connected with the students, and her presence in the College was appreciated by us all. I thank Year 4 and 6 SRC students, Chloe, Sherry, Olivia and Katelyn, along with Head Prefects, Vanessa and Jasmine for their welcome and courtesy to the Governor before the service. I was also pleased to have so many parents of the SRC students join us for the event, followed by a light lunch. And to add to the excitement, we welcomed our 2025 Year 7 students for their first Transition morning. Thursday ended with an evening with the Prefects and their parents. The 2024 Student Leadership Team made pledges and thanked their parents for their support as they undertake both studies and leadership.
To conclude the week, we celebrated International Women’s Day with breakfast, guest speakers, visits to the Convention Centre, and a wonderful Q&A led by our College Prefects.
St Dominic’s Priory College is a beautiful place to work, and we are always offering gratitude for parents and their families. A new parent expressed to me today his appreciation of the College for his daughter describing St Dominic’s as an oasis – a place to revive, renew, and excel. It might not always feel like a holiday – but I agree, St Dominic’s is an oasis providing a pleasant contrast to the noise and bustle of the world around us.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
PRAYER + LITURGY
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT - 9 & 10 March
As the eldest child in a low-income farming family in rural Malawi, Memory (aged 26) faced many barriers to her education. But, with the support of Caritas Australia, she enrolled in a technical school and became the first female carpenter in her village.
Please donate to Project Compassion.
Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow, for all future generations.
You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes and envelopes available in Classrooms, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413.
Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia
TEACHING & LEARNING
The school year has only just begun and already there have been many opportunities for our students to engage in real-world curriculum experiences. Here's a glimpse:
- Year 5 and 6 participated in Water Safety at the Adelaide Aquatics Centre.
- Year 10 Geography students explored Adelaide's coastal regions, delving into various sites along the metropolitan coastline.
- Adelaide University’s Women in Chemistry breakfast enlightened Year 12 Chemistry students about chemistry's diverse applications in industry and potential career paths.
- Year 7 English students enjoyed a captivating performance of "The Tree of Light" at Slingsby’s Hall of Possibility.
- Year 9 students participated in Uni SA's Engineering Day, featuring sessions in Electronic, Software, and Civil Engineering at the Mawson Lakes campus.
- Stage 2 PE students analysed their golf swings at X-Golf Marion, reflecting on biomechanical theories.
2024 NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM
Year 12 students, Zashka Gunson and Alex Calica-Chavez, returned from the National Youth Science Forum held in the January holidays, brimming with enthusiasm about future career prospects and the valuable connections they made interstate.
“Attending the 2024 NYSF program in Canberra was a truly inspiring experience, where I got to meet like-minded people who are passionate about STEM and visit exclusive locations at the forefront of STEM industries. At the NASA Deep Space Communications Complex, I got an idea of how the communications dishes operate in collaboration with other stations across the globe to gather essential data from various missions.”
- Zashka Gunson
“One of my personal favourite visits was to the Griffith Criminology Institute, where we spent the day in the forensics lab analysing DNA samples. Career prospects aside, I was lucky enough to make some amazing lifelong friends who share my interests in science. I am thankful to my teachers for introducing me to the program and encourage any students passionate about STEM to consider it - the memories you will make are priceless!”
- Alex Calica-Chavez
WELCOME TOM DAWSON
(Middle School English and HASS teacher)
The College farewelled Claire Ward last week as she begins maternity leave. We wish her every blessing as she awaits the birth of her first child and welcome Thomas Dawson as her replacement. Thomas will be teaching Middle School English and HASS, while also taking on the role as Class Teacher for 7B.
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY HEADSTART
This year three Year 12 students secured placements in the Adelaide Uni Headstart program. These students will be studying a first-year university subject as part of their Year 12 studies. The subjects students have chosen are:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology 1A - Alana Nguyen
- Introduction to Comparative Politics - Bianca Scali
- Psychology 1A - Vanessa Phung
Headstart students not only learn about university life before they complete their secondary schooling, they also contribute to and benefit from, the diverse cultural and intellectual life of the University of Adelaide.
Additionally, please note the following:
- R – 12 Learning Conversations – will take place early in Term 2. We encourage all secondary students to attend with their parents.
- Year 12 Trial exams – there will not be a dedicated trial exam week this year. Instead, Year 12 subjects with an end-of-year examination, will schedule trial exams in their class time in the second half of Term 3, at an appropriate time for the class.
- SEQTA – Our staff members are fully embracing SEQTA Teach. SEQTA Engage serves as the parent platform, allowing parents to monitor their daughter/s' learning progress. Rest assured, our teachers are attentive to the needs of their students and will reach out if there are any concerns regarding your daughter's learning. With extensive feedback provided in class, and during drafting stages for senior students, we've made assessment task comments optional for teachers when grades are released. However, when grades are released, please do consider the rubric descriptors closely, as these form a useful feedback tool for continuous improvement.
Ms Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING
JUNIOR SCHOOL UPDATE
As we approach the halfway mark of term, we have enjoyed the way students and staff have enthusiastically engaged with the school year. We have welcomed many new students to the College from Reception through to the Secondary years. Our Reception students have shown incredible independence and resilience and we are very proud of them and their families too for trusting us. This year we have two Year 4 classes, and we have a unique situation to offer dynamic learning opportunities for our girls in a supportive, collaborative, and connected environment. All students across the College have settled into daily routines and we are all enjoying the sense of being in a community once again.
A number of important events have already occurred this term including Water Safety for Years 5 and 6, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, House Assembly, and Year 6 Reflection Day. It was also great to have many Junior School families attend the Cybersafe Families session offered as part of the Information Night in Week 3. This session was followed up by a student session for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6. Open communication, awareness, education, and trust between guardians and children, play a critical role in online safety.
In this, our 140th year, we continue to encourage families to embrace the opportunities and challenges College life presents, and we look forward to celebrating many successes with your daughters.
Mrs Belinda Baker
ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
TWILIGHT SPORTS DAY - FRIDAY 5 APRIL
Great excitement is building for Twilight Sports Day, the second of our biggest sporting events for 2024. Much preparation has been happening in the past 6 weeks, from Marching practice with our Year 6-12 students, to track & field event practices in PE lessons and at lunchtimes, to Monday’s successful Field Day event.
Detailed communication has been sent out via SEQTA, with some reminders below:
- The 2024 Twilight Sports Day will be held at Port Adelaide Athletics Club (Langham Place, Port Adelaide)
- Families are warmly welcome to attend. Chairs/picnic blankets are recommended.
- Arrive 11:30 for a 12:00pm start. Please indicate how your daughter will be arriving at the venue by completing the online form here: https://forms.office.com/r/5StZgJ4PKq
- Marching will start the program at noon.
- The day will finish at 6:00pm. All students are to be collected from Port Adelaide Athletics Club.
- Students are to wear their PE uniform with their coloured House shirt and hat. Predominately white sneakers with SDPC sports socks to be worn.
- Students will need to pack water and snacks. The Parents & Friends will have a sausage sizzle and a canteen onsite will be open.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs Olivia Couch
SCHOOL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DHS)
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (WWCC) EXPIRY
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Are you currently registered as a volunteer with the College?
- Is your Working with Children Check (WWCC) due for renewal this year?
Did you know WWCCs were first implemented in 2019 by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and are valid for five (5) years from the date of issue. If you received your WWCC in 2019 or 2020, then now is the time to check the expiry date. From July 2024, WWCCs will begin to expire.
Please be reminded that it is an offence to do child-related work without a valid WWCC. To undertake any volunteer work at St Dominic’s Priory College, you must hold a valid WWCC.
You can apply for a free WWCC as a volunteer, or check if your existing check will expire within six months by visiting SA.GOV.AU.
Renewed DHS WWCC details can be forwarded to the College at employment@stdominics.sa.edu.au. Persons will be only cleared to attend voluntary work at the College with an up-to-date DHS WWCC.
If you are interested in becoming a registered volunteer with the College please visit our website.
LANGUAGES NEWS
Welcome to the world of Languages!
The Languages Faculty has enjoyed a busy start to the 2024 school year. It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through Term 1 and the girls have been engaged in a variety of activities designed to help them explore the language and culture across the French, Italian, and Vietnamese curriculum.
We are very excited to share the news that this year we have introduced a new language option for our Year 9 Vietnamese-speaking girls, with the introduction of Vietnamese language lessons; offering the girls the opportunity to better explore the vibrant language and culture of Vietnam. Alongside language acquisition, students have also undertaken projects delving into both traditional and modern Vietnamese family dynamics, fostering a deeper understanding of societal values.
Meanwhile, our French students in Year 6 celebrated La Chandeleur by tossing pancakes, immersing themselves in the delicious tradition of this festive occasion, whilst the Year 8 French students honed their skills in Petanque, embracing a beloved French pastime that combines skill and camaraderie.
The middle school Italian classes delved into the romantic story of San Valentino, making paper roses accompanied by heartfelt messages written in Italian for loved ones. Meanwhile, the Year 10 Italian students showcased their creativity by writing messages of love and friendship for Baci chocolates, infusing Italian charm into their expressions of affection.
These projects not only deepened the language proficiency but also fostered cultural appreciation and understanding. Through hands-on experiences, our students have been able to embrace the rich tapestry of the diverse cultures surrounding them, enriching their educational journey.
We are very much looking forward to seeing where else our language journey will take the girls in 2024.
Ms Toni Riccio
LEARNING AREA LEADER - LANGUAGES
PARENTS & FRIENDS
UPCOMING PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETING
The next Parents & Friends Meeting will take place on Thursday 14 March, from 7:00pm until 8:30pm in the Adams Mayo Library. A key topic of conversation will be planning for April's Twilight Sports Day, and the projected Term 2 Calendar. All parents and/or guardians are welcome.
SCHOOL UMBRELLAS - $25ea
Don't find yourself caught off-guard by unexpected Autumn showers!! Get in ahead of the winter rush and grab an SDPC Umbrella for your schoolbag or car today. They are available to purchase directly from the College Office.
Payment can be made in person via cash or EFTPOS, or else ordered over the phone from the Finance Office (08) 8331 5100 and collected during school hours.
ENGLISH NEWS
It is great to welcome old and new students and families alike to another school year on behalf of the English Faculty. We are pleased to have Ms Natasha Carson, Dr. Juliet Paine, Ms Dominique Limgenco and Ms Abbey Norman back for another year and as essential and valued members of the 2024 English Faculty.
Term 1 has been a busy one, with many great initiatives rolling out across our classes. The Year 7s are about to venture out for an exciting excursion as part of the 2024 Adelaide Arts Festival and view ‘Tree of Light’ a reimagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Little Matchstick Girl’. It promises to explore the importance of environmental awareness in a cautionary dystopian world. The English faculty sees the live viewing of theatre as a special and valuable way for our students to engage with the magic of storytelling that moves beyond the page to a stage production; we are sure the students will enjoy this experience.
The SA Young Writers of The Year competition is also up and running, with students getting their creative juices flowing for a chance to be a published author. The Year 10s are about to jump into the new podcast studios to record their youth-based podcasts that will be later added to the St Dom’s Spotify channel, for the wider College Community to enjoy. These podcasts are made by young people, for young people, and cover topics such as anti-vaping, dealing with stress and anxiety in high school, and the way a drink bottle has become the new wellbeing gimmick targeting young people.
The Year 7s and 9s are also about to embark on their NAPLAN testing, with preliminary online practices rolling out next week. Students are busy with creative assessments focussing on persuasive and narrative writing as a lead-up to this testing and a way to build their capacity and confidence for these tests. We are always proud of the way the girls invest their efforts into NAPLAN testing; we wish them all the best.
Recently, the Year 11 and 12 students were gathered together to hear a presentation delivered by myself and Mrs Surman (director of Teaching and Learning), explaining new policies and procedures regarding SACE assessment and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These policies have been updated in the 2024 College Planner, and I encourage you to take a look at them to support your child in working with academic honesty in her studies this year.
Ms Sara Nigro
LEADER OF LEARNING - ENGLISH
WRITERS' WEEK MICROSTORY COMPETITION
The Adelaide Writers' Week Microstory Competition invites writers aged 18 and under to submit a story of fifty words or less. In 2024, stories focused on the following question: what does it mean to be human?
We are proud to share the news that 'Humane Ways' by Ashley Wijayarantna (10W) has won the 2024 competition. Ashley was awarded her prize of a $500 gift card and Young Adult book pack, at a public Writers' Week event on Sunday 3 March, where she was also invited to read her winning entry to the audience. Congratulations, Ashley!
HUMANE WAYS
In our hands lies the potential
To create the exceptional
To serve and shape
But too the ability to destroy
To devastate nature’s gifts
And yet should creation go rogue
Destruction inevitably
knocks
on
our
door.
Though human
let us not forget what it means to be
Humane
A special mention is also extended to Jasmine Guntner (9G), Megan Hoang (7G), Mehansa Fernando (12W), and Amelie Peach (11W), who received five of the 10 Commendations awarded to students in South Australia. Congratulations, girls - what an outstanding achievement!
YEAR 1 CLASS REPORT
We have had a wonderful start to Year 1! We have welcomed two new friends, Chloe and Gretl and have enjoyed a range of fun, interesting, and exciting learning opportunities already.
WELLBEING DAY
What a great way to begin the term – Wellbeing Day! We talked about our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing and completed activities such as painting terracotta pots to plant seeds for our science learning, yoga and dance, prayer, and outside play. We all wrote our names on a wooden round to add to our prayer space to show that we are all called by name and belong in our class.
INITIALIT
We have begun a new Literacy Program – InitiaLit, which compiles explicit phonics instruction, focused groups for reading instruction, and storybooks to build our comprehension and use of vocabulary. We have revised sounds and concepts covered in reception to launch us into Year 1 spelling and reading and enjoyed creating artwork linked to the focus words in our first storybook ‘Fang Fang’s Chinese New Year’ by Sally Rippin. We collaged ‘ferocious’ monsters and made ‘ferocious’ Lunar New Year dragons.
PALS
Our PALS sessions are a class favourite. Play and Learn time helps us build confidence, creativity, and relationships. We work together to improve our negotiating and teamwork skills to solve problems and be inclusive. This term, our classroom includes a pizza kitchen where we take orders, make pizzas, and serve our customers.
SHROVE TUESDAY
It was a significant day when we celebrated Shrove Tuesday. We learnt about the history of this traditional celebration and then of course shared pancakes as a reminder of our Catholic Tradition.
We look forward to a great year of learning ahead.
Mrs Tes Rodrigues and Ms Mel Lehmann
YEAR 1 CLASS TEACHERS
GROWTH MINDSET
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."
~ Confucius
Thomas Edison's teachers said he would never learn anything! He was fired from his first two jobs for being "non-productive." As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" Edison replied, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."
It is valuable to know how to handle mistakes. Staying calm is essential. A calm body helps the brain think and solve problems. If students can remain calm when grappling with a mistake, it will help them to think more clearly and solve problems efficiently and effectively. How we react to mistakes will affect how our students react. Can we be mindful to approach mistakes with calmness and a positive Growth Mindset, with a willingness to embrace a challenge? That way, like Thomas Edison, we can all learn from our mistakes.
(Adapted from ‘The New Social Story Book’ by Carol Grey)
Watch the Michael Jordan ‘Failure’ video with your children (only 30 seconds long!). Talk to them about what the last line of the video means. CLICK HERE
NEWS FROM YEAR 7
It has certainly been a jam-packed term for Year 7 students, who have been able to fully immerse themselves in the St Dominic’s community while adjusting to a high school setting.
A highlight was the Year 7 Parent Information Afternoon in Week 1. Year 7 students and their parents/guardians engaged in a workshop centred around the transition from Primary school to Secondary school. This was followed by a BBQ prepared by our 2024 Prefect team; a lovely opportunity for families to meet each other and their daughter’s class teacher. From this evening, old connections were discovered, as shared by Year 7 parent, Thuy:
“Mia, Megan and Izabel went to the same family daycare when they were toddlers. They met yesterday on the school grounds and rightly so, they did not have any recollections of being friends at the family daycare. 31/1/2024 was only day 2 of high school for the girls and they have found each other (without the parents knowing) and played together just like in their early years. Isn’t this a great news story?”
In Week 4’s Pastoral Care lesson, Year 7 students engaged in a student-focused session, looking at some of the challenges of transitioning to a high school setting, along with excellent tips and opportunities for peer bonding. The girls were highly engaged throughout the activity and took part with enthusiasm. The session left students with lots of helpful reminders and points of reflection, which we will revisit in the coming days.
Ms Anastasia Markou
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
SPORT NEWS
SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS
JUNIOR SCHOOL REMINDERS
THUNDER CUP NETBALL
Families of Years 4 - 6 students should have received an email regarding the Term 2 Thunder Cup Competition. Please reply to this email if your daughter wants to play, and she will be added to the Consent2Go.
RUNNING FITNESS CLUB
If your daughter is interested in participating in the Friday Running Fitness Club, please inform your daughter's class teacher and she will be added to the Consent2Go.
AUSKICK
We are once again offering an 8-week AusKick program to Reception, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 students in Term 2 on Monday afternoons. If your daughter is interested in participating, please email me at mrichter@stdominics.sa.edu.au.
Further details regarding sporting opportunities can be found on the Primary PE and Sport Portal on SEQTA Engage.
Mrs Michelle Richter
CO-CURRICULAR TEACHER (Junior School)