Issue 8 | Week 6, Term 2 - Friday 7 June 2024

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

Term 2 is unfolding with all the richness we can expect in learning, experience and faith.  I am delighted to share some of the recent highlights and achievements within our College community.

Firstly, our Year 12 Retreat has been an outstanding success. Our girls engaged deeply in the experience, fostering a sense of unity and reflection that will undoubtedly support them in their final months of schooling. The theme of the Retreat – Living by the Light of the Truth – tied in beautifully with the College theme In the Light of truth. My visit on Thursday morning revealed to me the commitment shown by our staff and students to developing a sense of self to become the truth in the world. I thank all involved in this significant event in the life of Year 12. 

Our Year 5 and 6 students showcased their innovation and creativity in the STEM MAD competition, impressing everyone with their projects and collaborative spirit.  No doubt families saw the wonderful images on social media and listening to the girls speak was truly inspiring. The STEM Mad Competition truly highlights the bright futures that lie ahead for our young female scientists and engineers.

During National Reconciliation Week, our community came together in meaningful ways to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of reconciliation. The activities were enlightening reinforcing our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

The History excursions provided our students with enriching, hands-on learning experiences, bringing historical events and contexts to life. Similarly, our Careers Expo was an invaluable opportunity for students to explore various pathways and gain insights into potential future careers.

A fun event was the Year 12 Halfway Day with its vibrant Mexican theme.  The joy and enthusiasm of the Year 12s were palpable, making it a memorable celebration as they mark this important milestone in their educational journey. We wish them every success with the second half confident they have the skills, knowledge and attitude to achieve their personal bests.

Another highlight for me this week was the Year 10 event – Listen to Her Success. Ms Jo Riccio, Year 10 Coordinator, invited three current St Dom’s parents  –  Yen, Michelle and Yvonne  –  to share their personal and professional success stories with the Year 10 girls. It was a genuinely wonderful opportunity to hear from three intelligent and articulate women discuss, overcoming hurdles, what brings them joy, their commitment to family and profession and their enthusiasm for life.  

Moving to other matters from the principal perspective, I remind all parents to drive safely, especially during pick-up times. Please be vigilant and cautious when reversing to ensure the safety of all our students. This is particularly important on Molesworth Street. Staff have often complained to me (and rightly so) that parents are not doing the right thing at pick-up time and it is very dangerous. I appreciate your support to please ensure that you are following all safety procedures.

Lastly, I encourage you to attend the upcoming Parents and Friends Meeting on Thursday at 7:30 PM. Your involvement and support are crucial to our school community, and these meetings are a wonderful opportunity to stay engaged and informed. At this meeting I look to share with you feedback on the Judith Locke visit along with news on the College Strategic Plan.

As part of the 140 Year celebrations, the College is hosting a past staff and student dinner with the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide. If you happen to be a past student or staff member you are encouraged to purchase a ticket to this beautiful event.  

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of our College community. As we embrace the Long Weekend, I hope you find time with your daughters to enjoy their good company, encourage them to do their chores and perhaps touch base about their studies.  

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

140 CELEBRATION DINNER

NEWS JUST IN: Booking extended until Friday 14 June - help us spread the word!
For more information about this event, please visit Humanitix here.

PRAYER + LITURGY

FORMING DOMINICAN STUDENT LEADERSHIP

On Friday 24 May, St Dominic's Priory College Prefects attended the annual Prefects Dinner, hosted this year at Blackfriars Priory School.  Student Leaders from the two schools enjoyed the occasion which included a get-to-know-you activity led by the Blackfriars Prefects, and two presentations both offering insights about leadership.

Veena Raymond provided a context of Acknowledgement of Country from a Kaurna perspective and the importance of this, particularly relevant as we approached Reconciliation Week.  Lynne Moten spoke of Servant Leadership, drawing on her own experience of witnessing this throughout her years of working alongside Christian Brothers as well as her own work in education, and overseas immersions and service outreach.

Fr Peter, Blackfriars Chaplin, offered a blessing over the wonderful young leaders as they shared dinner and conversation.  Special thanks to Angela Collins, Blackfriars Assistant Principal: Religious Identity and Mission and her team for coordinating a successful event.

‘To contemplate and share with others the fruits of our contemplation’

Another event that our College Prefects engaged with recently was an afternoon reflection session.  They reviewed their leadership pledges which were made at the beginning of the year, undertook self and peer evaluation of the activities they led in Term 1, affirmed what worked well and considered the areas for improvement and personal growth.  Overall, we are most grateful for our students’ commitment to service and the generative nature in which they positively contribute to our school and wider community. 

Mr Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL

Each year, St Dominic's Priory College is proud to participate in the Vinnies Winter Appeal, supporting homeless and vulnerable persons around Adelaide and South Australia.  From now until the end of the Term, we invite families to contribute donations of the following: 

• WARM CLOTHES (jackets, jumpers, shirts, pants, scarves, new socks and undergarments)
  These can be deposited into the white wheelie bins with blue lids (and Vinnies signage), located around the College.
• NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS (meal-based jars, meal prep packets, pasta, dried legumes, tinned food)
  Each year level has been provided with a tub to collect these in their classrooms.

To make a financial donation directly to Vinnies, visit
https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-sa/winter-appeal-sa 

DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

Let’s work together to give your daughters every chance to be the best version of themselves

Recently, Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Locke visited our College to speak with parents about the crucial role they play in building essential life skills in our young people. The presentation Judith gave was well received by parents, with a number requesting Judith return next year. Judith reminded us that, as adults, there are times we are faced with situations we would rather avoid. Despite the anxiety or stress these events may cause, we often cannot shy away from these situations and need to confront them head on. It is our responsibility to teach students how to manage difficult days within a supportive school environment. One quote from Judith that particularly resonated with me was:

“A child who has been given the perfect childhood can’t cope with the less than perfect, but completely normal, realities of life.”

An integral part of the learning process is to support students to face their challenges. When students stay home to avoid an event they may find difficult or because they haven’t completed work due, they miss out on a valuable opportunity to develop a life skill. Whether it’s a test, a presentation, an incomplete assignment or any other activity they may be nervous about, facing these situations is necessary for their growth. As educators, our goal is to prepare students for life beyond school, which includes learning to cope with adversity and setbacks. Rescuing students from difficult situations denies them the chance to overcome obstacles on their own. Therefore, we ask for your support in encouraging your daughters to attend school, even when they feel anxious about what the day may bring.

For instances where students have a genuine reason for not meeting a deadline, we offer an 'Application to Extension Form'. This ensures that all students have a fair opportunity to manage their responsibilities while remaining accountable for their learning. Sometimes, receiving a less than perfect score can be a valuable lesson, prompting them to reassess their approach and develop better strategies for the future.

Your support in promoting consistent school attendance and a positive approach to challenges will significantly benefit your children. By working together, we can help them acquire the skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Ms Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

IMPORTANT INFO

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY IS TUESDAY 11 JUNE

On Tuesday 11 June, students in Reception to Year 12 will be having their school photos. These photos will include class photos, student leadership photos and extra-curricular photos (other than sport photos).

By now, your daughter/s will have come home with an order envelope from MSP Photography; replacing the envelopes that were issued in Week 1.  MIssing or replacement envelopes may be requested via your daughter's Class Teacher.  Please ensure your daughter/s bring the correct envelope on Tuesday. Every student must return their envelope, even if you are not purchasing any photos.  

Family/sibling envelopes can be collected from the College Office

As a one-time offer to families who had prepaid Academy Photography for photos prior to their closure, MSP Photography will honour the packages that had been pre-purchased online.  This offer is an arrangement directly between MSP and affected families; the College is not an intermediary in this process.  For further information, please see the information sheet provided with your MSP Order Envelope.

Your daughter will need to be correctly attired in their formal Winter Uniform, as per College policy:

• Blazer
• Tie / top shirt button done up
• Jumpers to be worn under blazers
• Hair tied back with correct black or navy blue ribbon
• Correct brown socks pulled up or grey stockings
• Clean shoes
• No makeup, acrylic nails, coloured nail polish, fake eyelashes/lash extensions
• One small stud earring in each ear only. No other body piercings.

Thanks for your support with this event.  

Ms Olivia Couch
SCHOOL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

REMINDER - SCHOOL STREAM ROLLOUT

Families are reminded to ensure they have downloaded and activated their access to the School Stream app by the end of Term 2, in order to continue receiving vital communications from the College. In order for our systems to recognise users as a parent/guardian of the College, we ask that you log in using either the EMAIL address or MOBILE PHONE number you have previously provided the school.  Login attempts via Facebook or Apple ID may not be accepted.   

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.

PORT ADELAIDE TO ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE

Tickets for the private bus service between Port Adelaide and St Dominic's Priory College are now available for purchase, from the College Office.  The prices are as follows:

• $2.40 for a Single Trip
• $20 for Ten Trips
• $180 for a Term Pass (available for purchase from Term 3).

This service is provided by Grants Coachlines before and after school, exclusively for the use of St Dominic's girls in Years 5-12 (and accompanied younger sisters).  For further information, please refer to the service flyer here.  

No tickets will be available to purchase from the driver.

NEWS FROM YEAR 6

SCIENCE

Year 6 students are studying Physical Science and will investigate energy transfer and transformation in electrical circuits. They will explore potential and kinetic energy, and understand the roles of circuit components, insulators, and conductors. The unit covers simple circuits, as well as series and parallel circuits. As a practical project, students will design a shoe box room to demonstrate their grasp of these concepts, incorporating their knowledge of energy types, circuit design, and materials' properties.

“I’ve enjoyed experimenting with electricity and making different circuits. It was interesting seeing the insides of a torch.” - Liv Carpio

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Selected students competed in the SACPSSA Lacrosse Carnival on Wednesday 22 May. Students had the ability to transfer their movement and physical activity skills learnt during PE lessons.

“I really liked it as I got to incorporate the skills we learnt in our PE lessons; it was fun. We won all our games!” - Chloe Dhillon

MATHEMATICS

Students recently completed a 'Design Classroom Space' assessment, where they measured classroom equipment and designed the layout. This project required them to apply measurement skills and spatial awareness, fostering teamwork and real-world application of math concepts. The activity emphasised collaboration and practical problem-solving, enhancing their understanding of how math is used in everyday contexts.

“I really enjoyed the learning activity and mapping out the classroom. It gave me a greater understanding of spatial awareness.” - Isabelle Nguyen

LEADERSHIP

The Year 6 Wellbeing Leaders recently ran a lunchtime colouring competition, to create a positive, safe and fun activity for all students, particularly the junior primary.

“It was very successful, as there were students across all the Primary year levels. There was a lot of planning involved and it was extremely hard to decide the winners.” - Muskaan Agarwal

GROWTH MINDSET
and Successful Teamwork

The ability to work as part of a team and negotiate with others are important life skills. Schools work to develop students’ confidence when working with others and provide opportunities for practising group skills.

There is a continuum that exists between fixed and growth mindset perspectives and being aware of this sliding scale makes it possible to change your mindset in response to the environment. When group members enter into tasks, with a growth mindset it enables each person to accept the differences in group members’ abilities and maintain personal enjoyment in the process of growing together through the task. Contrarily, a fixed mindset can result in individuals feeling despondent early in a group project as others are not measuring up to firmly held beliefs or expectations. A growth mindset fosters healthy relationships with others as you see that part of your role as a team member is to help others in your group grow and in return, they will help you grow too.

Across Weeks 4 and 5, Year 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to apply their growth mindset and practise their group skills when they participated in STEM MAD 2024. STEM MAD is a 5-day program involving teams of students addressing a problem or need they have identified in the world.

Students worked on projects to address coral bleaching, assist people in managing medication and mobility, support environmental challenges including bushfires and help students within school communities diagnosed with ADHD.

The week provided opportunities to share knowledge and expertise. With negotiation, tasks were delegated, and projects progressed. By Thursday there were a range of prototypes created to showcase the students’ creativity in the area of STEM and the result was a celebration of how a Growth Mindset supports relationships and learning.

YEAR 10 REPORT

PREPARATIONS FOR SEMESTER 1 EXAMS

Term 2 has been a time of adjustment for many of our Year 10 students as they settle into the academic demands of the year. It is essential for all students to begin preparing for their first exams, which will take place from 25-28 June . These Semester 1 exams are an important learning opportunity, helping students to reflect and develop strategies that will build their confidence for future exams.

SACE PLANNING

Year 10 students have been encouraged to start thinking about their two-year SACE plan for Years 11 and 12. To help consolidate their ideas and aspirations, they attended the Mini Careers Event, organised by Louise Eustace, held in the College Gymnasium. This event provided an excellent opportunity for students to explore various career pathways, speak with experts about tertiary studies, and gather final information for their Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) task. This experience will help them feel confident when selecting their Year 11 subjects in Term 3.

In Term 3, further research and discussions will be conducted during Pastoral Care with class and subject teachers to support students in feeling confident about their Year 11 subject choices. Subject Selection Day will be held on Thursday 29 September, where parents/guardians and Year 10 students will make an appointment to finalise Year 11 subject choices for 2025.

INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES

We are delighted to announce that on Thursday 6 June, during Pastoral Care, three mothers of students from our school presented their 'success stories.' These inspiring women generously shared their journeys of aspiring to be the best version of themselves, even through challenging times.

Their narratives did not focus on careers; instead, they aimed to illustrate life's varied experiences and the notion that "success comes in many forms." Each mother shared her unique story, emphasising the significance of determination and resilience. This session aimed to motivate our Year 10 students, encouraging them to embrace these valuable qualities.

Ms Jo Riccio
YEAR 10 COORDINATOR

HEALTH & PE

The Health & PE faculty aim to continue to deliver an experiential curriculum that provides opportunities for students to develop; a strong sense of self, the skills to build and manage respectful relationships and the foundation for lifelong physical activity. As such the beginning of 2024 has been jam-packed with a variety of learning experiences across all year levels.

• Thanks to the support of the Sporting Schools program our Year 7 classes will have participated in workshops with the South Australian Cricket Association and Netball SA before the end of the semester.
• Before creating their own dance routine, our Year 8 students have gained inspiration from Dance SA instructors by participating in workshops that highlight different dance styles.
• The Year 9 classes are currently learning the importance of organisation, collaboration and problem-solving as they work together to coordinate their own sports season (Netball or Soccer) in the SEPEP unit.
• In Year 10 classes students are conducting their own research into a health concern relevant to their age group. Students are learning the research process, and how to gather primary data and then propose a school-based initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of their peers based on the conclusions drawn from their data.
• Inclusivity has been the focus for our Year 11 class as they have tried different modified sports such as Pickle Ball, Walk Soccer and Goal Ball to consider what changes can be made to accommodate all people in our community.
• And our Year 12 class played 9 holes of virtual golf at Golf X, West Lakes to help understand biomechanical principles and gather data to improve their performances.

Of course, excitement is building in our faculty as the Olympics & Paralympics draw nearer – less than 60 days to go! We hope these events can provide additional motivation for our students to continue moving their bodies for at least 60 minutes each and every day.

Mrs Emma Rawlins
LEARNING AREA LEADER - HEALTH / PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PARENTS & FRIENDS

PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETINGS IN TERM 2

The next Parents & Friends meeting will be held on Thursday 13 June, from 7:30pm until 9:00pm in the Adams Mayo Library.  All parents and/or guardians are welcome.

PARENTS & FRIENDS MEMORIAL GARDEN FUNDRAISER

In commemoration of our 140th Year, the Parents and Friends is seeking to raise money for a Memorial Garden, set to be completed by the end of the year.

To help raise money for this initiative, the Parents and Friends have organised a Dulwich Bakery Community Fundraiser. Let us celebrate St Dominic’s Priory College’s 140 Years with a sweet treat, in a form of some biscuits. Most packets of biscuits are priced at $10 per pack, with the exception of Funny Face biscuits and Gingerbread Men, which are $4.20 and $3.70 per unit, respectively. Biscuits are baked fresh, with mainly local ingredients that are preservative free.

Order online at: https://dulwichbakery.com.au/fundraising/fundraiser/st-dominics-priory-college/ 

Orders are open from Monday 17 June until Monday 15 July. Biscuits will be delivered to the College and sent home via your daughters on Friday 2 August. 

SAVE THE DATE

The St Dominic's Priory College annual Fete and Auction will take place on Sunday 27 October.  Information about the 2024 Class Auction Hampers has been sent home this week.  The parent-led Auction Committee will be very grateful for your support.

New laws have banned smoking and vaping in more public outdoor areas in South Australia.  Areas included:

• within 10 metres of the boudary of education and children’s services facilities (i.e including the footpath immediately outside the College) 
• within 10 metres of a sporting venue during an underage sporting event, training or practice session
• major events venues declared under the Major Events Act 2013.

SPORT NEWS

SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS

THERE ARE NO GAMES ON SATURDAY 8 JUNE DUE TO KING'S BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND.

Please note the details for the round on Saturday 15 June should be published within the next week. Live fixtures and results can be found at https://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/home

YEAR 9 / 10 STATEWIDE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

Congratulations to the 10 girls who were selected and then competed in the Year 9/10 Statewide Volleyball competition. These girls played against 5 other schools in their pool and were undefeated finishing in first place. The girls will now move into the final draw on Thursday 27 June. Congratulations to coach Vicki Dent and her amazing team.

Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SECONDARY SPORTS COORDINATOR

SACPSSA LACROSSE CARNIVAL
On Wednesday 16 May, 18 Year 6 students participated in the Catholic Lacrosse Carnival in Findon. Students played six games each against other Catholic Schools in SA. The Year 6 classes have been learning Lacrosse as part of an Invasion Games unit in PE, with only one student having played before. The improvement displayed by all students over the course of the day was remarkable, as they became more familiar with the rules and strategies of the game.  All of the students who attended are to be commended for their high level of collaboration, encouragement and school spirit. Thank you to Caydence Erbsland (Year 9) and Lucy Carlier (Year 8) who assisted with the coaching on the day. 

SEDA COLLEGE SOCCER CLINICS
Over the course of three weeks, Students from Reception to Year 5 have been involved in a Soccer clinic delivered by SEDA College Soccer students. The girls have enjoyed learning the skills, rules and concepts of the sport of Soccer through the use of isolated skill practice, lead up and modified games. 

SACPSSA NETBALL CARNIVAL
On Friday 28 June, all Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students will be participating in the SACPSSA Netball Carnival. This carnival not only gives students an opportunity to put into practice the skills and concepts learned in PE lessons, but also provides students with opportunities to develop their skills in collaboration, communication and decision making. The focus of the day is participation.   St Dominic’s requires the support of parent supervisors in order to be able to offer this opportunity to the students. Please note that parent supervisors are not required to have knowledge of the game of netball. If you are able to assist and have a current WWC check and current RAN, please email Michelle Richter at mrichter@stdominics.sa.edu.au by Friday 21 June. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. 

Mrs Michelle Richter
CO-CURRICULA TEACHER (Junior School)

COMMUNITY NOTICES