ISSUE 14 | Week 10 Term 3 - Friday 27 September 2024

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families

Term 3 has unfolded with the richness of learning we have come to appreciate at St Dominic’s Priory College. Our dedicated staff, our confident students, our committed families; along with the positive culture of our community, have ensured every student has had every opportunity to achieve success in their study and wellbeing. I am conscious that in preparing lessons and units of work, teachers take every care to ensure they create a positive learning environment. In recent weeks, I have had the pleasure of engaging in meaningful conversations with parents who have shared their aspirations for their daughters. These discussions have provided valuable insights into how the College is meeting these expectations and highlighted areas where we can improve. This open and respectful partnership with parents is crucial as we work together to find the best ways to support your daughter/s in navigating the complexities of our world. By maintaining honest communication, we can ensure that our efforts align with the needs of each student, fostering a supportive and responsive environment for their growth. I thank all our families for their commitment to our community.

There is much to celebrate in this Newsletter. In the past week alone there have been two Camps, The Catholic Schools Music Festival, an outstanding Assembly led by the 2024 Prefect Team that included the launch of the new uniform and the announcement of our Head Prefects for 2025. Sincere congratulations to 2025 Co-Head Prefects Lyana Huynh and Isabella Bauer, the 2025 Student Leadership Team.

I hope that the Term 3 break is enjoyable for you all. Term 4 will begin with two significant events; the last day for the Year 12 girls, closely followed by the College Fete; which once again is a highlight on the College calendar.  

I draw your attention to some of the very important dates and times for Term 4 events. Please put these into your family calendar:

• Annual Music Concert - Music students                              Friday 18 October | 6:45pm for 7:00pm start
• College Fete - Staff, Students and Families                       Sunday 27 October | 10:00am - 3:00pm
  To sign up to a Parent Roster, CLICK HERE.  Student Rosters will be completed in class during Week 1 of Term 4.
  For those attending, there will be a 10:50am Late Start on Monday 28 October. OSHC will run an extended program during this time. 
• Farewell to the Class of 2024 - Students and Staff            Thursday 24 October   
• Opening and Blessing of the 140 Year Garden                   Sunday 10 November | 9:30am - 11:00am 
• End of Year Liturgy - Staff, Students and Families             Tuesday 3 December | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
• Graduation Ball - Year 12 students and families                 Tuesday 26 November | 6:30pm - 10:00pm  

In closing I share a reflection from John O’Donohue who reminds me to offer gratitude, to find beauty and to be present to every moment we have.

There is a quiet light, that shines in every heart.
Though it is always secretly there, it draws no attention to itself.
It is what illuminates our minds to see beauty,
our desire to seek possibility and our hearts to love life…
This shy inner light is what enables us
to recognise and receive
our very presence here as a blessing.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

TRAFFIC REMINDER

As this term draws to a close, and in preparation for a smooth start to Term 4, we would like to remind all families of the importance of adhering to the road rules when accessing the Kiss and Drop zones around the College.

It is essential that we keep the road accessible for all users, and that we are not blocking or pulling into the driveways of our neighbours. The Council has recently informed us that in the future, fines will be issued to any drivers who are stationary alongside parked cars, which is classified as 'double parking'. If you cannot pull directly into the Kiss and Drop zone, or park legally in the street, we encourage you to drive around the block and try again.

A reminder that it is a requirement that the driver remains in the vehicle when in the Kiss and Drop zone, and we ask that the zone is maximised by observing the following courtesies to other families:

• Refraining from pulling into the Kiss and Drop Zone unless you see your daughter/s waiting on the kerb. The car(s) behind you may have their daughter ready and waiting in sight, and we seek to avoid children running into the road.  

• When pulling into the Kiss and Drop zone, please ensure you are not leaving gaps on either side of your vehicle that another car can't pull into.  In Barnard Street, we ask that you drive up to the very top of the zone, and on Molesworth Street, pull in directly alongside the car next to you - not in the middle of the zone closest to the gate. 

This will greatly help to alleviate congestion in the Kiss and Drop zones, as well as in the street.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe while respecting our neighbours and the road rules. Together, we can maintain a safe and user-friendly environment for everyone.

INTRODUCING 2025 STUDENT LEADERS

We are pleased to share with you the College Leadership Team for 2025, as communicated with the Year 10 and 11 students on Tuesday 24 September.  Please join us in congratulating Head Prefects Lyana Huynh and Isabella Bauer, along with the Prefect body of:

2025 YEAR 12 PREFECTS

2025 YEAR 11 PREFECTS

AQUINAS HOUSE CAPTAINS

COLUMBA HOUSE CAPTAINS

GUZMAN HOUSE CAPTAINS

SIENA HOUSE CAPTAINS

PRAYER + LITURGY

UNIFORM ANNOUNCEMENT

INTRODUCING THE NEW ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE UNIFORM FOR 2025

St Dominic's Priory College is thrilled to officially launch its new uniform for the 2025 academic year. Throughout our 140-year history, the College uniform has remained loyal to the colours of French navy, white, and grey. In 2021, we embarked on a journey to collaborate with our community, seeking feedback on what is valued in the current uniform. We collated this feedback, mapped trends, and visited the archives to learn about the evolution of our uniform over time.

Drawing on this information, designs were produced and further feedback was sought to refine them. Sample uniforms were then created and presented to the College Board, students, staff, and our Parents & Friends for input. After incorporating minor edits, we are now ready to unveil the new College Uniform Suite that will be in place from 2025.

The transition period in introducing the new uniform will span three years, starting at the beginning of Term 1, 2025, and concluding at the end of Term 4, 2027.  

In partnership with Noone and Campus Schoolwear, we are delighted with the final design. To view sample uniforms and learn more about the new uniform, please visit College Reception during Term 4, where samples will be on display.

For frequently asked questions and more details, please visit: 

https://stdominics.sa.edu.au/community/college-uniform/college-uniform/ 

Please note, that in the first instance, priority will be given to fitting out our new incoming students who do not have a College Uniform yet.  Stock may not be in store, but a sample range will be available for sizing and ordering.  Thank you in advance for your patience with the uniform shop, who will begin accepting bookings for fittings, from the start of December.

A cohesive Uniform Policy, will be communicated to families during Term 4.

Ms Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

FETE AND AUCTION

Fete is now just FOUR WEEKS away, and things are starting to come together. We encourage families to keep an eye on the Fete & Auction tab on School Stream and follow the event on Facebook here, so that they do not miss news and updates. Please also be sure to spread the word to your network of friends and family, so that they can keep Sunday 27 October clear in their calendars and come along to join the fun!

ILLUMINATING THE FETE!
CHAPEL & MUSEUM TOURS ON FETE DAY | 10:30am to 12:30pm

Of the ‘must see’’ items at Fete 2024 are some rare and precious early examples of the highest quality illumination, the work of the pioneer English sisters and their successors.  Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to study the earliest sources of illuminating technique.  Some former students and parents will be delighted that Mrs Kathy Teague, former staff member and highly respected History teacher, will be present to share details of use by the students of the late 19th century, using Illumination in their Christmas examinations. Her expertise on this subject is showcased within the classic text, Chapel, Cloister & Classroom.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the display of our Year 7 students' recent illuminations; completed as part of their Religious Education study on our Dominican history. Among the many other items, is a display of the vibrant and spectacular history of the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide; an installation commemorating the College’s 140th year.  This timeline was crafted by dedicated College Archivist, Danielle Trewartha, with the support of current St Dominic’s families.

Sr Jillian Havey OP | Curator, Dominican Sisters Museum
Danielle Trewartha | College Archivist

ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT

ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE
ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT

'140 Beats Per Minute'

COLLEGE HALL
**NEW DATE** Friday 18 October **NEW DATE**
6:45pm for a 7pm start

Tickets $10 at the door

DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

This term all of the classes in the Junior School have had reasons to celebrate. There have been both individual and class achievements that we as a school community are very proud of. A special mention to Chloe Dhillon in Year 6 who came 2nd in the National Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee competition recently, and Emi Ichinohe in Year 5 who made it to the National Competition. A wonderful achievement! We have welcomed new students into our community, celebrated our Catholic faith and enjoyed incursions, excursions and transition days. Another big highlight of Term 3 was the opening of our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC). Many students and families are enjoying the flexibility that the Before and After School Care allows, and the excitement is building for the fun that will be had in Vacation Care. Many of our classes have also shared their learning with their families at various showcases. The level of dedication that each girl demonstrates to ensure she is striving for excellence in her studies and relationships with others is commendable, as is the unwavering support provided by the teachers and ESOs in the Junior School.

Term 4 is always a busy one with lots of learning to finish off the year, as well as a camp for our Year 5 & 6s, the much-anticipated Twilight Assembly, transition days and graduations. I am also pleased to advise that on Wednesday of Week 4, we will be hosting ‘Grandfriends Morning’ in the Junior School. More details will be shared next term, but we are excited to treat our Little Doms to Year 6 grandfriends to a short music performance in the Cloister Courtyard and then welcome them into our classrooms so that we can spend time sharing our learning and doing an activity together.  

I thank you for your support of your daughter/s and the College again this term and wish you all a peaceful term break. 

Natalie Cameron
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

TEACHING & LEARNING

Term 3 has been a hive of activity in the Junior School! Our teachers have planned rich and diverse learning experiences through integrated units. The culmination of these units has been showcased in various events during the final weeks of this term.

In Years 5 and 6, students focused on integrating HASS and English through the lens of biography. Year 5 students researched and wrote about notable women who have championed the greater good. Their biographies formed the basis of monologues, which they presented with poise and confidence to their families last week. Year 6 students took a more personal approach, interviewing family members or friends to share their migration stories, which they presented at a special morning tea.

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Our Year 4 class brought their sustainability unit to life by hosting a short film festival for their families, showcasing their learning and solutions to sustainability issues.

The Reception Class was awash with the colours of cherry blossoms and kimonos as the girls explored Japan and Japanese culture. 'Japan Day' provided an opportunity for them to present a traditional dance and share much of their learning from the term.

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Year 1 students delved into India's history, culture, religion, and wildlife, culminating in a virtual experience where they "flew" to India for the day. They packed their suitcases and had the chance to cook and taste Indian dishes. Additionally, they hosted a "Meet the Author" evening, inviting families to hear their daughters share their recently published books, followed by a tour of the class museum displaying their term’s learning.

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Learning has also extended beyond the classroom, with various classes embarking on curriculum-linked excursions. Year 1 visited the Adelaide Zoo, Year 2 explored the distant skies at the Planetarium, and Year 6 enjoyed an immersive experience at the Migration Museum. Year 4 students ventured further afield on their camp to Wirraway, which provided many enriching outdoor experiences.

Deb Osborne
JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

GROWTH MINDSET

NEUROPLASTICITY AND YOUR BRAIN
Encourage your child to develop a growth mindset by challenging them to 'Grow their Brain.' New experiences, challenges, and learning new concepts can all lead to the formation or strengthening of new connections in the brain, making it smarter by literally rewiring it.

Recent advances in neuroscience have revealed that the brain is much more adaptable than we previously thought. Research on brain plasticity has demonstrated how the connections between neurons can change with experience. Through practice, neural networks can form new connections, strengthen existing ones, and build insulation that speeds up the transmission of impulses.

These neuroscientific discoveries have shown that we can enhance our neural growth through our actions, such as using effective strategies, asking questions, practicing, and maintaining good nutrition and sleep habits. (https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/)

NEWS FROM YEAR 11

Term 3 has been a busy and fulfilling time in Year 11 Pastoral Care. Here are a few of our Term 3 highlights:

YEAR 11 FUTURES AND CAREERS FOCUS

The first six weeks of Term 3 focussed on providing our Year 11 students with resources, support and opportunities to help them decipher their future subject pathway for Year 12 as well as post school options in determining their career paths. This accumulated with Subject Selection Day, where students and parents met with staff to process their subject choices. Prior to this the Year 10 and 11 Subject Expo allowed students to speak with teachers about subjects and allow students to ask questions to assist in their decision-making process. This year, three SDPC old scholars were also invited to speak with the Year 11s; Bella Revesz, Cat Ward and Ava Scroop spoke to the students detailing their career paths, which often took unexpected turns and pivots, demonstrating there is no traditional route to how careers are forged. 

BLACKDOG INSTITUTE PRESENTATION

St Dominic’s invited Blackdog Institute back for its fourth annual visit. Year 11 students were asked to participate in a survey regarding their mental health and relationship to social media and phone usage. In a presentation led by a research assistant from Blackdog, there were some startling findings regarding adolescent behaviours.

• 28% of adolescents report spending 4+ hours a day using social media
• Higher daily hours of gaming is associated with depression, with those gaming 6+ hours a day
• When scrolling through other people’s social media content, there is a higher link to depression, anxiety, insomnia and disordered eating.

We are pleased to share with you an evidence-based resource to support your child’s well-being: ClearlyMe, a free app designed by the Black Dog Institute specifically for adolescents. This user-friendly app provides a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and access positive and helpful tools for managing their challenges. To learn more, you can visit the ClearlyMe website or download the app directly from the App Store or Google Play. Whilst this is an app designed for young people, as a parent, it is a great way to develop insight into your daughter’s wellbeing and offer opportunity to instigate conversations that could make a valuable difference to your daughter’s life.

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Year 11 Gathering

Our Year 11 Gathering took place on September 6^th on a chilly but well enjoyed evening. Planned, organised and led by the Year 11 SRCs and SRC Prefects, it was a great opportunity to exercise their leadership skills and be excellent role models to their peers. With a dress up theme of Rhyme with No Reason, the girls were both humorous and creative in their costumes.

A fun, reminiscent year level quiz was also organised where students looked back on fond memories such as who got stuck in a cupboard in Year 8! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pizza In Giro, a wood oven pizza company run by fellow St Dom’s parents Angelo and Rosa Caiazza. If you are looking for a catering option for your next event, please consider Pizza in Giro!

Ms Sara Nigro
YEAR 11 COORDINATOR

MASA QUIZ NIGHT

On Wednesday 14 August, six teams from Years 7-12 competed in the Annual Mathematical Association of South Australia's (MASA) Quiz Night. The Teams from each year level competed with students from other schools to answer questions on a range of topics including; general knowledge, mathematical problem-solving and puzzle-based questions. All teams were enthusiastic and worked well together to answer three different rounds of questions. Congratulations to all students involved in their excellent results, and a special congratulations to the Year 10 team, Linh Duong, April Fazackerley, Lysha Huynh and Desandi Juwan Badathuruge who won the Mathematical section for the Intermediate Division and the Year 8 team, Mali Walters, Amy Le, Mya Chhoy and Sophie Chen who were the Best Overall Junior Division team. 

Stacey Matthews
Mathematics Teacher

PARENTS & FRIENDS

PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETING IN TERM 4

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

Thursday 7 November (Week 4)

All parents and/or guardians are welcome.

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!!

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

ADVANCE NOTICE - CHRISTMAS VACATION CARE 

The YMCA will be offering a School Hours Care Vacation program between 9-23 December 2024 and 3-28 January 2025.  A schedule of activities is currently in development and will be available from Week 4, Term 4.

SPORTS NEWS

TERM 4 SPORTS

Term 4 Sport nominations have now closed. Consent2go information has been sent out. Please note, that students without consent or outstanding payment will not be permitted to play the first game.

Practices will continue in Week 1 of Term 4. Game schedules can be found on the SECTA Sport Portal and the official SACSSGSA website https://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sports

SHORT COURSE SWIMMING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to Rosie Welden (7G) who swam seven events in the 11-12 year old category across the weekend of 14-15 September; achieving podiums in EACH event, with a 100% Personal Best rate!

12 year old Women’s 50 Freestyle  28.61 SILVER
12 year old Women’s 100 Freestyle 1:032.17 SILVER
12 year old Women’s 200 Freestyle 2:15.07 SILVER
12 year old Women’s 50 Butterfly 31.09 SILVER    
12 year old Women’s 100 Butterfly 1:09.67 SILVER
11-14 year old Women’s 4 x 50 Freestyle relay BRONZE
11-14 year old Women’s 4x 50m Medley relay BRONZE

Rosie now begins preparations for Long Course season and hopes to convert these results into National Times in readiness for the National Age Championships in Brisbane next year.

SCHOOL SPORT SA SAPSASA STATE TRACK & FIELD

On Tuesday 17 September, Fiyin Adejoro (5B), Aliya Walters (6B), Gianna Walles (6B) and Soraya Askari (6B) competed in the School Sport SA SAPSASA State Track and Field Championships at SA Athletics Stadium.

These girls represented the North Adelaide District after winning their events at the North Adelaide District Athletics Carnival.

Fiyin competed as part of the Under 11 Relay Team and enjoyed the experience. 

Aliya won an individual Silver medal for her efforts in the 12 Girls Discus and a Gold medal as part of the winning 12 Girls Relay Team.

Soraya won the Silver medal for Under 12 Shot Put and Gianna won the Bronze for the Under 11 Discus. 

Gianna, Aliya and Soraya will now be considered to represent South Australia at the National Track and Field Championships in Sydney later in the year.

Congratulations to all athletes.

Mrs Lyndal Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

COMMUNITY NOTICES

CITY OF ADELAIDE FAMILY ACTIVITIES

O'CONNELL STREET HALLOWEEN CREATURE HUNT
4^th Oct – 3^rd Nov

Dare to venture down O’Connell Street, North Adelaide hunting for spooky creatures this Halloween! On both sides of the road, from Brougham Place to Barton Terrace West, creatures lurk in the shopfront windows, hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to discover them. Beware the footpath stickers to show you the way, follow them if you dare!

Pick up a postcard from any business with a footpath sticker, count the creatures and scan the QR code to enter the draw for a chance to win a handmade, spooky Halloween creature and a $100 voucher to spend at your favourite O’Connell Street haunt... if you make it back!    Find out more

FERMOY ON FOOT FOR FAMILIES
Ends 13^th Oct

Embark on a journey of discovery with your children along a fascinating outdoor art trail in North Adelaide – Fermoy on Foot. As you follow the trail through the streets and parklands, you will be fascinated by the reproductions of fine art and decorative pieces from the Fermoy Collection at the treasured David Roche Gallery. The kids will love answering fun and interactive questions about the art, sparking their creativity and imagination.

But that’s just the beginning - discover the hidden gems of North Adelaide as you go! Treat yourselves to delights from the charming cafés, an award-winning bakery or the best ice cream in town. There’s even a fabulous playground and friendly horses in the parklands along the trail!

This adventure offers a playful way to connect with art, nature, and each other. Download the quiz, start anywhere on the trail and aim for 1.5-3 hrs to enjoy all the fun and food along the way!   Find out more