ISSUE 9 | Week 9, Term 2 - Thursday 27 June 2024

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

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Dear Families,

Following a warm welcome by College Head Prefects, Vanessa and Jasmine, and primary staff, our parents, grandparents, and friends of the College took to their seats on Tuesday 18 June for the annual Primary Arts Showcase. Arts Prefects Natasia and Grace stood at the microphone with an unbridled confidence. Their carefully crafted script of welcome and introduction along with their expression, warmth and good humour had the audience readied with the anticipation that rightly belonged to the performances they were about to experience.

As each class group entered the Hall, in a synchronised manner that reflected hours of preparation and practice, we let the pride and joy flood over us delighting in every student, every class, every performance and every sound. Anna Sordillo is an outstanding educator who demonstrates her belief that every child can sing, act and perform by ensuring that every student in the primary school learns to sing, to read music, and play an instrument. The xylophone was the prominent musical instrument across the evening and the much talked about (and fondly remembered) Recorder made its regular appearance. All of this was supported with speciality music students sharing their skills in string, percussion and keyboard. When the girls sang, the audience was transported from our College Hall to the beautiful theatres of yesteryear with the melodious sounds and harmonies resonating long after their performance.

Our Primary teachers hold high standards for their students and for themselves as professionals. Supported by excellent Education Support Officers, they worked to create dramatic performances, dances and synchronised movements that were glorious to watch. We witnessed confidence, resilience, success, laughter and beauty. The visual art pieces across all year levels were complex in design, technique and production - worthy of much more than a place on the fridge! I offer my sincere gratitude to all involved in the Primary Arts Showcase which is designed for parents to see, hear and experience the learning that takes place for their daughters in the Arts in a practical and engaging way.

In keeping with the theme of excellence, I turn now to the College whole school Assembly that was celebrated on Wednesday 19 June. A few sleepy-eyed primary students gathered with their secondary St Dom’s sisters and staff to hear of all we have undertaken this term as learners and contributors to our community. The College Student Leadership Team and SRC students led the assembly with grace, precision and consideration. Prayer and acknowledgement of country were thought-provoking and relevant. We began and ended with song that involved perhaps 100 students in total. In between we heard, personal stories of success (Ninja champion Isabella Burgoyne and Teresa Kennedy, recipient of the AMEB Performance Prize for Piano), student engagement in Year 5 Ethics Olympiad, Year 6 & Year 9 Da Vinci Decathlon, Year 5/6 STEM Mad, Year 10 Engineering Day, the Charter Ambassadors Parliament House Visit and an invitation to participate in the Period Poverty Drive along with various Sports Awards. The assembly was run by students who were expertly mentored by Muriel Noujaim, Kirsty Nankivell and Joseph Catania and music teachers Anna Sordillo and Courtney Day. I am genuinely grateful for the work that is expressed in our assemblies – a time for celebration and acknowledgement.

In other news around the College, I would like to extend an invitation to all interested parents to attend the next Parents & Friends Meeting on Thursday 8 August. The meeting will include an opportunity for parents to contribute to the Strategic Plan process by way of engaging in reflective questions in small groups. We will spend about an hour on this process. The meeting begins at 7:30pm and the Strategic Plan aspect should begin at 8:00pm. As this is an open invitation, I would be pleased to know numbers beforehand.  As such could you please register your attendance by CLICKING HERE.  Depending on numbers we will either meet in the Hall or the Library. The following questions provide a glimpse into what we need to reflect on in order to consider development and/or stability.

- What are the strengths of St Dominic’s Priory College?

- Does our Vision statement resonate with you as parents?

- In 2030 what skills, knowledge and dispositions will a St Dominic’s graduate have and how will we know this?

- What do we want to see more by the year 2028, 2030 and beyond?

- What will "community" look like, and sound like, moving forward? How will families be involved in the life of the College?

In other news from around the College, I am most pleased to welcome Clare Yeates as our Little Doms teacher for 2024. The Little Doms girls begin in July and we look forward to welcoming our newest St Dominic’s girls and their families. Additionally, due to some staff leave I welcome Kerrin McGlashan-Panozzo for Stacey Matthews,  Tom Colebatch for Michelle Richter, and Jo Vandepeer for Jessica Spagnuolo.  These staff will be with us for between 3-4 weeks, before our staff on leave return to work, after some much anticipated and well-deserved leave. 

Students are about to enter into a three-week holiday break and I thank all parents who have chosen this time to have their annual holiday rather than interrupt the school year of learning. It is important to remember that we report to the government on all matters relating to attendance and our goal is for students have a 95% attendance rate or better. Every time that rate is interrupted, the student’s learning is interrupted. All day – every day. This motto will help your daughter achieve her potential in learning and wellbeing.

I hope the girls enjoy their break and prepare to return for Semester 2 with confidence and commitment.  Term 3 commences on Monday 22 July.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

PRAYER + LITURGY

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION

In his latest weekly column, Ron Rolheiser asks, “What has been given you to carry?” His full article can be read here.  I was struck by his probing questions:

“Where do the needs and pains of others conscript your freedom? When is freedom mitigated by circumstance? What are the situations you are born into or encounter that demand a response, perhaps even at the cost of your life? What may you not walk away from?”

These questions led me to reflect on past conversations with my late father about how we respond to life's challenges.  We often discussed that, regardless of the situation, we all have the freedom to choose our response.  I was inspired by stories I had read of prisoners of war and concentration camp survivors who maintained their dignity and humanity despite horrific circumstances.

Although these conversations with my father happened several years ago, they continue to influence my thoughts.  This article also brought to mind the founding Dominican Sisters of our College, and how they might have responded to similar questions.  Guided by their commitment to truth and vocation, they clearly understood the responsibilities they were given.

An excerpt from a letter written by Mother Rose Columba on October 19 1885, after her illness, illustrates this understanding.  She wrote:

“If God had His designs in bringing us here, which the Bishop and priests seemed to think, what do the means matter?  We have had much to suffer, much to contend with.  If God is glorified, why should we dwell on the trial?  He has been very merciful to us.”

As we celebrate our College’s 140^th year through various events and activities, including the 140^th Celebration Dinner on Friday 5 July at the National Wine Centre; we do so with deep gratitude, humility, and honour.  We recognise the vocation of all the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide who, throughout our history, have carried their mission with dedication.  Alongside them, devoted laypeople, staff, families, and students have partnered and assisted in this mission.

Let us continue to draw inspiration from our founders and each other as we embrace the responsibilities given to us, carrying forward the legacy of our College with strength and conviction.

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 

IMPORTANT INFO

PARENT OPINION SURVEY

As communicated to families earlier this week, we are reaching out to invite our community of parents/guardians to participate in our Annual School Survey, conducted by National School Surveys. The feedback provided by this process plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our College.  The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time and will be open until Friday 26 July 2024 (the end of Week 1 of Term 3).  

Link to survey: https://www.research.net/r/stdominicsparent2024 

For more information about the Annual School Survey, please check your School Stream.

Ms Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

REMINDER - SCHOOL STREAM ROLLOUT

Families are reminded to ensure they have downloaded and activated their access to the School Stream app before the commencement of Term 3, 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.

SAFEGUARDING OUR STUDENTS

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS ABOUT EARBUDS, HEADPHONES, AND MOBILE PHONES

Since the start of the year the school has decided to limit the use of earbuds and headphone devices.

Only those students who have a teacher’s permission are allowed to use these - mostly for the purpose of reducing their anxiety.

We became concerned about the increased prevalence on four grounds:

1. From a social engagement perspective, it sends a very negative, anti-social message to those around that they are not wanting to participate in conversations. As human beings, our mental health improves with positive social engagement, and we encourage our students to continue to practise their interpersonal skills.

2. Wearing headphones and earbuds impacts their general safety around the school. If they are tuned into music, they are not aware of the dangers that may be immediately present.

3. Thirdly hearing loss becomes an issue if we are exposed to high volumes of over 95 decibels.

4. Finally, researchers have found students who revise whilst listening to music (especially if that music has lyrics) remember a lot less than those who revise in silence: https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/music-while-studying   

Please talk to your daughters about the safety and common sense when and where they are using these devices.

Mrs Georgia Meyer
STUDENT COUNSELLOR

PARENTS & FRIENDS

PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETINGS IN TERM 3

The Parents & Friends will meet during Term 3 on the following dates:

Thursday 8 August (Week 3)
Thursday 5 September (Week 7)

These gatherings will take place in the Adams Mayo Library from 7:30pm until 9:00pm. Of particular note, the August meeting will focus on our 2025-28 Strategic Plan, and intended attendees are kindly requested to RSVP here.

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.

Orders are open now, and will close on 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.  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.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE VISITS

YEAR 12 LEGAL STUDIES

On Tuesday 18 June, the Year 12 Legal Studies students were taken on a tour of Parliament House by Member for Adelaide, Lucy Hood. Lucy took us through both chambers of Parliament, the Parliamentary Library, and provided valuable insights into how Parliament operates today, whilst still incorporating historical traditions. Following the tour, we attended Question time, and got to witness Parliament in full swing! As this was the first day Parliament was sitting following the release of the State budget, much of the debate was centred around how government revenue will be spent. Overall, the day was rewarding and engaging, and provided invaluable insights to our Year 12 Legal Studies cohort.

Mrs Tina Caruso
LEGAL STUDIES TEACHER

YEAR 6 VISIT

GROWTH MINDSET AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

Attending a recent excursion to Parliament House, a group of Year 6 students had the opportunity to hear from three sitting Members of Parliament and find out about their journey into politics and what drives them today. Listening to their experiences, it became clear that growth mindset has been a major element in bringing about social change. It was the growth mindset of the Women’s Suffrage League in the 1800s that enabled South Australia to become the first colony in Australia and only the fourth place in the world where women gained the vote.

The idea of "votes for women" had been discussed in South Australia since the 1860s. The most influential South Australian group, the Women’s Suffrage League, was established by Mary Lee and Mary Colton and later joined by Catherine Helen Spence. Together these women applied a growth mindset to overcome setbacks and rejection as they fought for change.

At the time, it was suggested that women were not emotionally or intellectually capable of properly participating in politics and that giving women the vote would undermine a husband’s position in the family. Not to be deterred, members of the League travelled throughout South Australia speaking at public meetings and church gatherings, even holding afternoon tea meetings for women who would not come to public meetings.

Women in South Australia voted for the first time in the election of 1896.

Mrs Belinda Baker
JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM (Acting)

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

RECEPTION CLASS REPORT

This term has certainly been a busy one in the Reception classroom. One of the main themes we have been focusing on is ‘Food’. In our Health lessons, we have been eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables. We have been learning about how to keep our bodies healthy and active. We even have a farmer’s market play space in our classroom to bring our learning to life!

In our Visual Art lessons, we have been preparing for our Arts Showcase Evening. We were inspired by the famous French artist, Paul Cezanne who created wonderful still-life paintings, with fruit being his popular choice of subjects. We created our own “Still Life of Oranges on Canvas” and we were thrilled with our results.

Mrs Francine Saint
RECEPTION CLASS TEACHER

LANGUAGES NEWS

YEAR 6 FRENCH 

Bonjour a` tous!

In 6B French we have been 'Travelling the World' using our French 'Passports' and finding out about the more than 40 French-Speaking countries of the world.

Le Francais c’est vraiment une Langue Globale! (French really is a Global language!)

I found this activity fun because…

...I got to learn new things about different French-speaking countries! - Chloe Dhillon

...we got to learn about other places that speak French. - Olivia Occhiuto

...it made me imagine that I am travelling the world. - Nhien Vu 

We also found out about different French icons and symbols… and turned them into a French fashion statement… as you can see in the photos!

STUDYING A LANGUAGE BEYOND YEAR 9/10

AN OLD SCHOLAR REFLECTS

In Term 2, Year 10 students at Dominic’s Priory College consider their subject choices for Semester 2 and are faced with a number of decisions. With this in mind, in Week 6 I organized a zoom interview with old scholar (and my former student) Yasmin Bottos (featured here in an article for the Adelaide Advertiser, circa December 2010).

Yasmin was, and still is, a talented linguist who excelled in her studies and came top of the state in French in 2010! She also studied Japanese and Italian. Yasmin kindly took time out of her busy schedule in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Canberra) to answer questions and share her experiences with the Year 10 French class. Here Emily Canil (Year 10B) reflects on the experience:

“It was a very insightful and fun experience. Yasmin is clearly very passionate about French language and culture and the study of languages in general. She is currently learning Arabic! We got to ask her a range questions about the benefits of continuing with French beyond Year 10 and she shared her perspective on the joys of learning it brings. I personally learnt lots from her, especially study tips for such as reading a page of French every day and listening to spoken French as often as possible. It was also great to hear about different career possibilities which open up when speaking another language is one of your skills”.

We’re grateful to Yasmin for sharing her enthusiasm and proud of the achievements of this old Dominican scholar. We wish her “bonne chance” for the future as she takes up her appointment to the Australian Embassy in Pakistan.

Gabriella Patti-Reid
FRENCH TEACHER

YEAR 9 NEWS

Term 2 has seen the Year 9 students participate in a number of educational activities in addition to their regular timetabled subjects. The opportunities offered to our students to further develop their enthusiasm for learning are exciting additions to the daily curriculum. A STEM excursion, an Engineering Challenge, Da Vinci Decathlon, Brainstorm Productions performance, just to name a few of the activities where our students have been invited to participate and enhance their learning.

YLEAD ALTITUDE DAY

The Year 9 SRCs attended a leadership day where they were invited to participate in activities to develop their skills as a leader.

This term the Year 9 SRC attended the yLead Altitude Day alongside other schools at the Adelaide Town Hall. YLead Altitude Day involved inspirational talks from influential individuals as well as interactive activities. The influential individuals' talks revolved around what they have experienced throughout life, how they have got to where they are today, and how they have made a positive impact on society. This has brought the knowledge and understanding that there are several ways in which the girls could have a positive impact at their school whilst empowering others. Throughout the day, the girls were able to interact and build their relationships with others outside of school. From having a yLead Altitude Day ‘Bestie’ to continuously sitting with unfamiliar faces, pushing Year 9 students to step outside of their comfort zone.

Jenny Ngo, 9W SRC

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YEAR 9 PARENT BREAKFAST

On Monday 17 June, we had our annual Year 9 Parent Breakfast, where parents or perhaps another family member were invited to attend and spend some valuable one-on-one time with their daughter. The main focus of this event was to enhance and develop further the wellbeing of all those involved. We constantly hear in the media that good parent-school partnerships are one of the best ways to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Many parents commented as they were leaving that they were pleased to have been provided the opportunity to stop and spend time together. Students were given a series of questions to interview their parents, and perhaps uncover information they may not have known. A delicious breakfast was provided to share during this activity, with students serving their parents. As a class exercise, following this event, students will share some of the fun facts they have collated about their parents.

Mrs Josie Revesz
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

SCIENCE NEWS

In the Science Faculty at St Dominic’s, we promote the learning and understanding of science as observed in the real world, with a focus on problem-solving skills.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students recently completed a Titration Competition where teams of three students compete with students from other schools to determine the concentration of a solution using a chemical technique known as a titration. Two teams achieved a high level of accuracy, and we are awaiting their formal invitation to compete in the State Finals later this year. 

Other events in our science calendar include a visit by the Year 8 classes to the Adelaide Museum to observe their mineral and rock collections. This coincided with their study of ‘Rocks and Plate Tectonics’. 

Some of our Year 10 students participated in the Adelaide South Engineering Challenge on Friday 14 June, where schools competed against each other in challenge activities such as making bridges to carry different masses.

Last term the Year 11 Biology students went to the Aldinga Reef to explore and study marine ecosystems. 

Students at St Dominic’s are given many opportunities to observe and do science in many different contexts, such as in The National Youth Science Forum, the ABC Haiku Poem Competition, the Mary Anning Art Competition, Flinders STEM days, International Chemistry Breakfasts and The National Space Forum.

Stage 2 Nutrition has been introduced as a Year 11 subject this year at St Dominic’s. Students follow several nutritional career paths across the semester. During term 1, the students delved into the role of a dietician – to diagnose an undernutrition disease from a given poor diet. In Term 2 they took on the role of food scientists completing food tests and looking at microbiology.

This term we also had a resident lizard for one week for students to observe and learn about its food and habitat. Next term we look forward to organising Science Week in Week 4 with the theme being ‘Is Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability’. 

TECHNOLOGIES NEWS

Our Year 9 Product Design students have successfully completed their final 3D printing project, demonstrating remarkable skills and determination. Students were required to design, generate, modify, print and evaluate an object of their choice using Autodesk Fusion and FlashPrint 5. Examples of products ranged from laptop stands, chess set to jewellery boxes. Their hard work and creativity have resulted in impressive and functional designs.

Our Year 5 students have been applying AI to design tasks in Technology. Students selected a topic and then used Adobe Firefly, a generative AI tool to produce nine images. They then edited the images using BeFunky software to create a collage. Some very creative pieces were generated - see some samples, below.

Ms Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - TECHNOLOGIES

SPORTS NEWS

SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS

REMINDER - Please note that games will continue this Saturday 29 June.  We are hoping to NOT forfeit any games.  Please let Mrs Pratt know if you are unavailable for this round.

Next term, all practices and games will resume in Week 1.

Live fixtures and results can be found at https://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/home

YEAR 5/6 STATEWIDE SCHOOLS NETBALL

On Wednesday 5 June, St Dominic's Priory College hosted Round 1 of the Statewide Schools Netball Competition. The schools competing in our pool were Norwood Primary School, Dernancourt Primary School and Gilles Street Primary School.  In the first game, St Dominic's played against Norwood Primary, and despite an even start and excellent third quarter, Norwood was the winner of Game 1. In the second game against Gilles Street, St Dominic's started to work together as a team and proved too strong for their opponents; winning by 20 goals. The third game against Dernancourt saw a very even contest and St Dominic's scored a goal right on the fulltime siren to finish with a draw. 

Congratulations to all players for their positive attitude and team unity, and to Norwood Primary School, who were the winners on the day and now move on to Round 2. Thank you to Isla Cameron for assisting the team. 

 SCHOOL SPORT SA NETBALL STATE CARNIVAL

Congratulations to Emilia Rodrigues-Puopolo (6G) and Claudia May (6B) who were selected for the North Adelaide District Team and competed at the State Netball Carnival on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June.

The North Adelaide team were undefeated and won the gold medal in the event.

Well done, team!

LACROSSE CLINICS 

In Physical Education lessons, The Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 Classes have participated in Lacrosse sessions, delivered by Lacrosse SA as part of the Sporting Schools Program. We have welcomed back old scholar Lauren O'Callaghan who has facilitated these sessions. The students have enjoyed learning the skills and concepts of the sport of Lacrosse. 

Mrs Michelle Richter
CO-CURRICULA TEACHER (JUNIOR SCHOOL)

SACPSSA BASKETBALL CARNIVAL

On Thursday 13 June, ten Year 5 and 6 girls competed in the SACPSSA Basketball Carnival at Wayville. While we did not win any of our games, we had a lot of fun and tried our hardest.  As the day went on, we noticed improvement with our teamwork and skill level. Thank you to Mr Mortimer for coaching us.

Danielle Eaton and Sidak Hans Year 6

REMEMBERING SR ROSEMARY CAMPBELL

Earlier this semester, we shared with our Community the sad news of the passing of Sr Rosemary Campbell (11 April 1931 - 8 February 2024).  Featured below is an extract of her Eulogy, as published by The Southern Cross.

Rosemary Campbell grew up in the Depression and World War II eras and came from a family that was poor financially but rich in kindness and generosity.

Her parents were among the mainstays of the Catholic Church in working-class Kilburn and were always there for anyone who needed help in any way. This sense of community, kindness and selflessness became imbued in Rosemary’s character.

Educated at St Joseph’s Kilburn and then Rosary School Prospect, Mother Mary Vincent Conway was a powerful influence on her and she entered the Convent of the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide on Good Friday 1952, her 21st birthday.

She took the name Sr Mary John and the motto ‘I came to serve’. She served in a variety of ways in Dominican schools during the 50s and 60s, including as boarding house mistress, a demanding role which called on compassion, patience and a level of appreciation of the many different ages and circumstances of those who had to leave home to further their education.

Boarders now in their senior years speak with deep gratitude of her fair-minded and compassionate approach and have never forgotten her.

Adaptability was one of her key strengths and, like many of her contemporaries, Rosemary was sent to teach children in the Catholic schools opening up to waves of migration to Australia. She was on the founding staff of St Augustine’s School which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary.

She was Prioress Provincial of the North Adelaide Province from 1977 to 1985 and at the same time was library coordinator of St Dominic’s Priory College, a position she held from 1973 to 1988. The school’s new Adams Mayo Library has a section named the Campbell Study Corner in appreciation of her work, particularly in the design and building of the Conway Library.

She was also renowned for popping up with her camera to take photos of staff and students. In a tribute from St Dominic’s Priory College, Rosemary was remembered for her ‘patience, practicality and professionalism’ as well as ‘her generosity of spirit, great humour and empathy’.

As Provincial in the post Vatican II years, Rosemary led the congregation through a period of new possibilities but also major changes.

She demonstrated great courage in managing change. Many young women chose to re-evaluate their decision to remain in religious communities and Rosemary was a wise mentor in assisting those making their transition. They speak highly of her acceptance of difference and her respect for the dignity of each person.

After spending a year travelling overseas in 1986-87, she spent five years in administration at the Dominican House of Studies in Rome. This was a source of great joy and growth for her, as well as providing ongoing friendship with Dominicans from around the world.

In the publication about North Adelaide Dominicans, Chapel, Cloister and Classroom, editors Kathy Teague and Stephanie Burley received frank responses to probing questions about Rosemary’s motivation for religious life.

Early in the interview she acknowledged that a loyal and persistent boyfriend did not persuade her to marriage: ‘As far as I was concerned God was the only one to whom I could give myself whole heartedly.’ And the arrival of birthday bouquets of flowers annually for some time did not lead her to any second thoughts.

Rosemary generously shared her practical skills and gifts, including providing vital support for big celebrations and projects such as the congregation’s centenary celebrations.

She worked diligently in the background on the congregational history and archives, leaving a legacy for the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide.

An avid Port Adelaide supporter, she invested time and interest over her 92 years in a number of co-curricular activities ranging from the very active such as Tai Chi, surfing, woodwork and photography to the quieter comfort of stamp collecting, listening to classical music, watching the international tennis competitions and many more. Spiritually her activities included the leadership of a weekly meditation group at an Anglican Church in the city.

In the last days of her life Rosemary Campbell expressed heartfelt thanks for the life she had lived. She was always cheerful despite the continuous chronic back pain she suffered over many decades and which in the last two years left her completely bent over.

Although her mind was still so active and she did not relish losing her independence, Rosemary accepted with gratitude the kindness and company of the wonderful staff and her companion residents at Calvary Flora McDonald. And she never lost her sense of humour.

– Taken from eulogies by Sr Jill Havey OP and Paul Campbell

COMMUNITY NOTICES

A SYMPHONY - 29 + 30 JUNE

Congratulations to Celina Gregory (11N) and Lola Foti (7G) who, as part of the Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company, will be performing in A Symphony at the Adelaide Festival Centre on the 29 and 30 June.  This opportunity involved a rigorous audition process and six months of rehearsals, working around their school commitments.  We commend Celina and Lola, not only for the achievement of being selected to perform but for their ongoing dedication and commitment to their craft.  Congratulations, girls, and all the best for a successful run of A Symphony.   

FOR TICKETS: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au