ISSUE 12 | Week 6, Term 3 - Thursday 29 August 2024

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

A WANDER AROUND THE SCHOOL

As I strolled through the campus this week, I was delighted by the buzz of activity and learning in every corner. Our Little Doms girls, just six weeks into the school year, eagerly shared their progress with me. They’ve been mastering letters, short vowel sounds, and spelling words like "pat," "hot," and "hat" – all while enjoying their morning snacks and sitting attentively in their assigned spots. It was wonderful to see how Ms Yeates, with her gentle voice, captivated their attention so effortlessly.

In another part of the school, a Year 12 student was deep in concentration, recording her Technology assignment in one of our Podcast Studios. Nearby, a senior Science student basked in the sunshine, engrossed in an investigation – exploring how the size of a cup affects the temperature of coffee. The campus was alive with curiosity and discovery.

Today, the energy was heightened with the SACSSGSA Athletics Carnival, where our Year 7–12 athletes, cheered on by their sports teachers, proudly represented St Dominic’s. Our girls took every opportunity to participate with enthusiasm and determination, embodying the school spirit.

As I walked past the newly installed screens around the college, they displayed snapshots from last week’s Book Week Parade – a magical celebration that brought stories to life for our Junior School students. The library has been a hive of activity, with Mrs Mason and the Book Week team creating an atmosphere where books and reading are celebrated. A favourite among students is the "Guess the Teacher Behind the Book" competition, adding a fun twist to the festivities.

Over in the Adams Mayo Building, students worked diligently, whether in small groups or with teachers, all while soaking up the sunshine. They were preparing for their English task – delivering group speeches on the inspiring short film "One Small Step."

Our Reception girls took to the stage in their assembly; ready to shine and make their families proud.  They have been learning about Japan and shared their learnings including artwork in the form of origami and fans.  These girls in three terms have learnt to read, write, count and stand confidently in front of our Junior School students and their families to share their learnings and the joy of being at school.

As I reflect on my walk around the College, I am struck by the wonder of schools – places where learning comes to life through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students. Here at St Dominic’s Priory College, students are not just reading, writing, and exploring; they are gaining new knowledge, consolidating ideas, and honing skills in a safe, well-organised, and positive environment.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

At St Dominic’s Priory College, our strategic planning process has been a collaborative and enriching experience, thanks to the deep conversations and insightful surveys with our students, parents, staff, and College Board. Guided by Steve Bowman from Conscious Governance, our College Board, Leadership Team, and Year 11 students Isabella and Michelle, joined Sr Shirley, former Principal Kath McGuigan, and parent Rod Jensen to collectively shape the future of our College.

Steve led us through a structured process that sparked thought-provoking discussions as we explored key ideas through a SWOR Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Risks). The morning left us inspired and more committed than ever to advancing the vital work outlined in our Vision Statement.

COLLEGE FETE

One of the highlights of our current Strategic Plan is the emphasis on community engagement, something we proudly showcase each year. We have officially launched our much-anticipated College Fete with the help of our enthusiastic student Fete Ambassadors. For over 60 years, this event has been a cornerstone of our community spirit.

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Now more than ever, there’s a need to reconnect – in person, with real conversations and shared experiences. Our annual Fete on Sunday 27 October is the perfect opportunity to do just that. It’s a day filled with fun, food, rides, music, games, and more – not to mention our lively Auction. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributes, helps out, or simply comes along to enjoy the day. To sign up to a Parent Roster, and assist over Fete Weekend, please CLICK HERE.  Just an hour or two of your time can make an impact on the day's success and would be greatly appreciated by our team of Parent Stall Convenors.  And, if you haven't already, please ensure you frequent the Fete & Auction tab on the College's School Stream and keep your notifications switched on, so you can keep informed about this upcoming community event.

As Winter gives way to Spring, so too comes Father's Day; a time to honour and remember the incredible fathers, grandfathers, uncles, angel-Dads, and father-figures in our lives.  Thank you for all that you do; we wish you a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday, filled with joy, love, and family.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

PRAYER + LITURGY

TO HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION

As we enter the Season of Creation, a time dedicated to renewing our relationship with our Creator and all creation, we are invited to reflect on this year’s theme, 'To Hope and Act with Creation.' This global ecumenical celebration, spanning from September 1 to October 4, calls us to join together in celebration, conversion, and commitment to protecting our common home. It is a moment for us to deepen our understanding of how our choices and actions impact the world around us and to respond with hope, inspired by our faith, to care for the Earth and all living beings.

This year, as our college marks 140 years of nurturing minds and hearts 'In the Light of Truth,' we are reminded of our Dominican heritage, which emphasizes the pursuit of truth and justice. This Season of Creation challenges us to live out our commitment to truth by acting responsibly towards our environment. Let us use this time to engage in prayer, reflection, and action, ensuring that we leave a legacy of care and stewardship for future generations, guided by the light of truth that has been our foundation for over a century.

Ms Taheny, College Liturgy Coordinator, and one of the supervising staff of the Environment Club shared that most recently, the Environment Club purchased Solar Buddy lamps using the money raised from the can and bottle deposits. These solar lamps are distributed to communities in developing countries, providing a light source at night, enabling children to read and continuing with their learning. Environment Club students form Years 7 – 12 have assembled the lamps during their lunch time and written letters to the recipients.

This is where waste can be turned into use. 

Interestingly, Ms Taheny while sorting through the Religious Education shelving while undertaking an audit of resources, came across several dated Earthsong magazines, and on the back page on one of them, was the following poem by Tim Flannery.  She offers this as a reflection for the Season of Creation:

The beetle cannot live without the tree,
and the tree cannot live without its invisible partner,
a fungus so humble that it cannot be seen.
Fungus, beetle, bird, tree and the human sitting in its shade...
Our world is so interdependent, woven so closely
it sometimes becomes love.
Here on Earth: An Argument for Hope, 2010

Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SPORTS PHOTOS ON MONDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

Sports Photos will take place on Monday 2 September. This includes any sport undertaken in Terms 1, 2, 3 and/or 4. ALL STUDENTS will be individually photographed,  and from these individual photos, the team sport photos will be collated.

For ease of organisation, all students are asked to come in their correct PE uniform on this day and to be correctly attired for the occasion as per school policy, including:

• SDPC PE Top and PE Shorts (please note students will not be photographed if in track pants)
• Clean sneakers
• Correct SDPC sports socks
• Hair tied back with correct black or navy blue ribbon
• No makeup, acrylic nails, coloured nail polish, fake eyelashes/lash extensions
• One small stud earring in each ear only. No other body piercings

LEARNING CONVERSATIONS ON TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Learning Conversations for parents from Little Doms to Year 12 will take place on Tuesday 10 September from 1:50 - 6:00pm. Students will have an early finish on this day - we ask parents to make arrangements for their children to be picked up at 1:00pm. Please note that OSHC will run from this earlier time for Primary families.  Bookings are essential via YMCA's enrolment process (click here).

For Little Doms to Year 6 families, Learning Conversations will take place in the Lower Library.  Year 7 to 12 Learning Conversations will be held in the Adams Mayo Building. Please enter the College via Molesworth Street Front Reception.

Bookings are now open: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au
Event Code: bh4pb

Please contact me at ocouch@stdominics.sa.edu.au if you would like to book an Interpreter for your conversations.

Olivia Couch
SCHOOL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

TEACHING & LEARNING NEWS

OXBRIDGE SUMMER SCHOOL 

Recently Lara Shirokih (12N) returned from a four-week study course in Paris. She chose to study a major in Fashion and a minor in Studio Arts. This was organised through Oxbridge Summer School. Lara writes:

In July, I went to Paris as part of the Oxbridge Summer Program. I applied for this program in November last year. I applied as this seemed like a wonderful opportunity to not only study abroad, but to study fashion and art which are both career pathways I am interested in pursuing.

During this month away, I participated in a Major (Fashion) and Minor (Studio Arts) class. In my Major we were taught about natural dyes, upcycling second-hand clothes, how to draw fashion, pattern making, and how to be a ‘personal shopper’. The classes included hearing from guest speakers and visits to fashion stores and museums, such as the Dior and YSL museums. Our final project was to create an outfit from second-hand clothing which we sourced from local stores and then organise a fashion show. In my Minor class, we visited churches and art museums.  

Throughout the month I met new people and explored Paris while learning about careers in the fashion and art industry. 

NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM

Congratulations to Year 11 students Victoria MacKay (11B), Shivani Vinod-Kumar (11W), Ines Marcon (11B) and Lyana Huynh (11G) on their successful application to attend the 2025 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).  These students will head to Brisbane in January to participate in the 12-day program.

The NYSF is a highly respected program that brings together some of the brightest young minds in Australia to explore their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Over 12 days, participants will engage in immersive science experiences, including lab visits, lectures from leading scientists, and hands-on workshops. This opportunity will not only deepen their scientific knowledge, but also inspire the girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Selection for the NYSF is a significant honour, reflecting the students' academic excellence and their dedication to scientific pursuits.

Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

SCIENCE WEEK 2024

SPECIES SURVIVAL IS MORE THAN JUST SUSTAINABILITY

Science Week took place between 12 - 16 August (Week 4).  The theme for 2024 was ‘Species survival is more than just sustainability’ which refers to the fact that all living things are interconnected and rely on each other for survival. The Science department unpacked this theme and came up with a variety of activities for the week involving students across all Year levels.

On Monday students made bird feeders out of recyclable materials to attract birds to the garden, reusing materials around the home. On Tuesday and Wednesday guest speakers Dr Ruby Dawson (Cancer Researcher) and Abigail Davey (Chemical Engineer), talked about what it was like to study and work in Science. Their talks were very interesting and valuable to our students, particularly those in the process of choosing subjects and University courses. On Thursday, staff took on students in a popular sustainable food-eating competition. The participants had to eat a variety of foods such as organic bananas, oysters, seaweed, fermented soybeans, crickets and ant lollies. While this was occurring Mrs Vicki Dent educated us on why these foods are considered sustainable. The teachers were victorious, and I heard that the fermented soybeans were the biggest challenge. On Friday, students viewed eco-friendly vehicles such as a Tesla, hybrid car and electric bike. Throughout the week, students enjoyed observing four hopping mice which were in residence in the Junior Science Laboratory and the Year 7s created informative posters focusing on different endangered species and strategies to help their survival.

I thank the Science department for their work in creating the 2024 Science Week program, inspiring an interest in Science in our students.

Eleanor Marin
LEARNING AREA LEADER - SCIENCE (Acting)

YEAR 7 REPORT

GALA DAY SERVICE ACTIVITY

In Week 3, the Year 7 students joined the rest of the school in celebrating Gala Day. For many Year 7s, this Gala Day was their very first. The Year 7 classrooms were greeted by an array of characters and creatures alike, including dinosaurs, the SpongeBob SquarePants crowd and Mona Lisa herself even made an appearance. The day was not only a lot of fun, but also an opportunity for the girls to connect with a core value of our Dominican community: service. Working with local organisation Treasure Boxes SA, I was heartened by the generosity Year 7 students showed in the lead-up to Gala Day, by donating to girls who are in need within their community. We heard from Tammy who helped the girls connect with the purpose and impact behind their donations, followed by an afternoon of making carefully crafted handwritten cards that were passed on with the students’ donations. The afternoon was a touching reminder of our Dominican identity and the real meaning behind Gala Day.

 “This year I really enjoyed Gala Day, especially the talent show, there were so many different and talented acts this year and all of the acts looked amazing. I had a lot of fun just watching and singing along with friends.” – Jacinta Canil 7B

 “Gala Day was a blast, or should I say a blast from the past! My favourite part was being involved in the charity organisations. Tammy from Treasure Boxes SA came to our school to talk about what they do and why they do it. Year 7’s made cards to go with our donations of hygiene products for teenage girls in SA.” – Elvie Sykes 7G

 “Gala Day is an invigorating time for all!  The parade was my absolute favourite, because everyone showcased their phenomenal costumes. My favorite food was either Adele’s cream puffs, or Mrs. Day’s gingernut cookies. We all expressed great admiration for the participants in the talent quest.” - Eva Hynes 7W

Anastasia Markou
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR

JUNIOR SCHOOL UPDATES

YEAR 1 NEWS

The past few weeks have had our classroom buzzing with excitement as the girls embraced the joy of learning during Book Week and the enthusiasm of Gala Day. The girls have participated in a range of activities from, dress-up days, to storytelling sessions, and a magic show! This week being Book Week has been an opportunity to not only celebrate reading but also a reminder of the power of stories to ignite our imagination and foster a love of learning.

Speaking of stories, we are looking forward to sharing our efforts of Authors and sharing our book making skills with our families in a few weeks’ time. Please ensure that you have booked in your time as it is sure to be a proud moment in our classroom.  

Ms Melissa Lehmann & Mrs Theresa Rodrigues
YEAR 1 CLASS TEACHERS

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Come along to celebrate and support our St Dominic’s Priory College musicians at the Catholic Schools Music Festival.  Our Year 6 Choir will be part of the 370-voice Festival Choir on opening night – Monday 23 September – and talented St Dominic’s students will feature amidst the support acts and comperes in both the Monday and Tuesday program.

GROWTH MINDSET
Good Leaners go into the pit!

Many learners believe that if understanding or achievement doesn’t come easily to them, they must be doing something wrong. The truth is that struggle and persistence are what will help us reach our end goals. Struggle and persistence lead learners to develop a deep understanding of a subject or master a skill. 

UK educator James Nottingham describes the journey from struggle to accomplishment as the Learning Pit or the Learning Challenge (a student-friendly version of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development)

Watch James speaking about the Learning Pit at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IMUAOhuO78

PARENTS & FRIENDS

PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETINGS IN TERM 3

The next Parents and Friends Meeting will take place between 7:30pm - 9:00pm in the Adams Mayo Library:

Thursday 5 September (Week 7)

All parents and/or guardians are welcome.

CLASS HAMPERS FOR AUCTION - COLLECTION EXTENDED

POT PLANTING MORNING

We are in need of gardening pots for our Fete Planting Morning on Saturday 7 September.

If you have pots of any size suitable for planting, stored away in your shed/garden and no longer need them, we would love to take them off your hands.  It would be wonderful if you can bring them in before Tuesday 3 September.

Our pot planting will then be able to take place between 9:00-11:30am on Saturday 7 September, in the driveway of the Year 12 Centre (74 Hill Street).  All green thumbs are welcome. Children must be accompanied and supervised by their parent/guardian.

REMINDER - SCHOOL STREAM ROLLOUT

Families are reminded to ensure they have downloaded and activated their access to the School Stream app, 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 can be purchased 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.

YMCA OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC) ENROLLING NOW!!

From Monday 2 September, primary students dropped off at school prior to 8am, or not collected from Barnard Street by 3:30pm will need to be enrolled in our new onsite Out of School Hours Care; facilitated by YMCA Children's Services. This includes Primary-aged students who are waiting for a Secondary-aged sibling who is engaging in a cocurricular activity such as Sports training or Choir, and students who were previously being transported to/from external OSHC providers via shuttle bus.  This is in line with the joint responsibility families share with the College, regarding the supervision, safety - Duty of Care - of all students.

 If you are currently enrolled with another provider, you will need to re-enrol with YMCA. 
Please CLICK HERE to enrol. For all enquiries, contact YMCA's Children’s Services Customer Support Team directly via 8200 2516 or oshc@ymcasa.org.au

OSHC VACATION CARE AT ST DOMINIC'S THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!! 

SPORTS NEWS

SENIOR STATEWIDE BADMINTON TEAM

Congratulations to the six students who were selected to compete in the Senior Statewide Badminton Tournament at Glenunga Internation High School on Wednesday 7 August. The girls got off to a great start, beating OLSH and Adelaide International in straight sets. They then played against Glenunga who are the reigning winners of 2022 and 2023. Although the girls lost this match, they were competitive in every point. Well done to all girls involved.

SATURDAY MORNING SPORT

COMMUNITY NOTICES

DISCERNING GOD'S WILL IN YOUR LIFE
Community Retreat - Saturday 14 September

A Retreat Discerning God's will in your life when making big and everyday decisions will be held on Saturday 14 September 9:15am - 3:30pm At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church (420 Seaview Road Henley Beach). Speaker is Fr Manu Kumbidiyamackal MSFS.  All welcome - cost is by donation (BYO Lunch).

Enquiries and bookings phone Pauline 0403002240 by 12 September