St Dominic's Priory College eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families

Term 4 is always a time of great celebration, and the first two weeks are no exception for this time of rejoicing as a community. We began the term with our rescheduled Annual Music Concert, held on Friday 18 October. In a fitting tribute to our 140^th Year celebrations, the theme was ‘140 Beats per Minute’; with all in attendance treated to a repertoire of music that showcased the talent of each girl onstage. Under the guidance of Courtney Day, students performed with confidence and skill, uplifting and impressing their avid audience of family, staff and friends. Congratulations to all who were involved and thank you to Courtney Day, Anna Sordillo and Heather Day for their commitment to our music program. Families attending the Fete this weekend will surely enjoy our musicians, who will be performing alongside the Rose Café.

On Thursday 24 October we held the Farewell and Gratitude Mass for the Year 12 students. This event was born out of COVID, when we had to re-imagine how we would acknowledge our graduating class. A beautiful tradition was born, where students and staff farewell the Year 12s in prayer, song, ritual and gratitude – A Mass that concludes with a Guard of Honour as the girls symbolically leave the College.

Today, we have been busy preparing for the other great event of the Term, the 2024 College Fete and Auction. In this our 140^th year, we have much to enjoy as families and community come together to delight in the variety of food, drinks and festivities we have come to appreciate as hallmarks of this 70+ year tradition. So many highlights to bring to your attention; the Auction is overflowing with items generously donated to families, businesses and friends of the College. If you have yet to do so, the Auction Catalogue is well worth a browse. Thank you for your contributions. There are stalls, rides, games and plenty of opportunity to purchase food, with the Rose Café moving to the Cloister Courtyard alongside the Chapel, which will also be open for tours between 10:30 – 12:30. The Fete Ambassadors (watch out for the pink caps) have been wonderful supporters and promoters of the Fete and we look forward to seeing their unique contributions in our 140^th year. If you are looking for a way to help on the day, we are always looking for support with the set-up and pack-up. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing all families on Sunday 27 October.

As the 140-year celebrations come to a conclusion, I remind you that all families, past students and staff along with friends of the College are invited to the opening and blessing of the 140 Year Garden of Contemplation and Remembrance. This initiative came about as we wanted to remember, reflect, contemplate and give thanks for the story of St Dominic’s Priory College. We have chosen to expand upon the garden for Sr Mary-Anne Holland OP who passed away in 2017; creating an immersive place for reflection. With a view to the Sister’s Convent, we hope this connection will remind us of our past, present and future as a community of Dominicans. The opening and morning tea will be celebrated on Sunday 10 November between 9:30 – 11:00am. To register your attendance, please book here.

There are other important events set for Term 4, and you are encouraged to place these on your family calendar. Highlights include:

Little Doms to Year 6 Grandfriends Morning on Wednesday 6 November
Parents & Friends Meeting & Fete wrap-up on Thursday 7 November, from 7:30pm
Little Doms to Year 6 Twilight Assembly on Wednesday 20 November, from 6:00pm
Year 12 Art Exhibition on Thursday 21 November, between 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Year 12 Graduation Ball on Tuesday 26 November
Year 6 Graduation on Thursday 28 November, from 5:45pm
End of Year Liturgy of Thanksgiving on Tuesday 3 December, from 6:30pm

I leave you today with a short extract of the Gospel Reflection delivered on Thursday to farewell our Year 12 Class of 2024.

Through the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Jesus proclaims, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As Dominicans, we believe that truth is not just an idea but a way of life. We come to know this truth—and ultimately God—through prayer, study, community, and service. It is through these practices that we find ways to live out this truth and the truth leads to freedom, peace and love – all of which are found in the Gospels. And who is the protagonist of the Gospel? – Jesus!

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Dear Families,

Welcome to Term 4! I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after the school holidays. I’ve heard delightful stories from the girls about engaging playdates, activities like beach outings, ice cream trips, arts and crafts, family vacations, and even some much-needed downtime.

How is it that we are already in the final term of 2024? I find myself asking this question quite often — there has been so much to celebrate in our 140th year!

***p16 The Advertiser - Wednesday 2 October***

We wrapped up Term 3 with our Year 8 and Year 9 camps (Year 9 Camp pictured), and we can’t forget our New Uniform Launch. This topic has sparked much discussion, even making its way into The Advertiser. Thank you for your feedback, collaboration, and openness. The new uniforms are now on display in the College Reception for you to explore further. It’s fair to say that the girls are resoundingly excited about these changes, and I am pleased about this. As one parent shared;

“It is the girls who are tasked to wear it. Their opinion matters.”

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Reflecting on the past few weeks, last Friday we celebrated our rescheduled Annual Music Concert, which was a huge success. It was a joy to see our students showcase their talents and creativity. Thank you to all the families who attended and supported our young musicians, and congratulations to Courtney Day for her outstanding leadership.

As we end this fortnight, we bid farewell to our Year 12 students as they embark on their exam preparations. Their final days of school mark a significant milestone in their educational journey. We wish them all the best during this time filled with both excitement and reflection. We are proud of each girl’s achievements and resilience throughout their time at St Dominic’s Priory College.

AUCTION & FETE THIS SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

Mark your calendars for our community Auction & Fete this Sunday 27 October! This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your daughter's friends and their parents. We encourage all families to join us for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

PARENTING RESOURCES

During the two-week break, I engaged in professional reading focused on parenting. My close work with families is dynamic and ever-changing. This reading has reinforced my understanding that parenting is complex — it can be incredibly rewarding but also brings worries, especially when our young people face challenges.

To support our families in navigating these complexities, here are some valuable resources:

DEPRESSION

For Teens: The Black Dog Institute has recently developed ‘ClearlyMe’, an online evidence-based app based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Theory, designed with young people and specifically for adolescents going through tough times. This is available free on app stores. More information is available here: ClearlyMe information and resources

Further resources for students are available here: Reachout: Young people, depression facts and getting help and Headspace: Understanding and dealing with depression

For those supporting teens: For information on how to support young people, including how to recognise symptoms, causes, treatments and where to go for help and support with depression, please visit: Black Dog Institute resources and support for depression

ANXIETY

For teens: For information, strategies and where to go for help, students can access: Reachout: anxiety resources for young people and Headspace: anxiety resources for young people

For those supporting teens: If you are interested in learning more about anxiety, we recommend the following online fact sheet, which covers the common types of anxiety disorders, causes, treatments and where to go for more help: Black Dog Institute Comprehensive information about anxiety and where to get help

INSOMNIA

For teens: The Black Dog Institute has developed an app, Sleep Ninja, which is designed to help young people with their sleep. It is a free evidence-based app co-designed with young people and available free on app stores: Sleep Ninja information and resources

For those supporting teens: For more information about promoting healthy sleep in teens: Tips for supporting teens to sleep well

As we move forward into Term 4, let’s continue to support one another as a community. Together, we create an environment where our girls succeed academically, spiritually and socially.

Ms Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Anxious_Generation_Event_Flyer.pdf

END OF YEAR LITURGY

PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 1:00PM ON THE DAY OF MASS
The College will close at 1:15pm, and all students not otherwise enrolled in OSHC must be collected no later than this time.
All school buses will run at this earlier time.

FAREWELL CLASS OF 2024

How the year has flown. Somehow, it is already time to say our goodbyes to the Class of 2024.

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, many of our Year 12 students are putting the finishing touches on their essays, art pieces, investigations, and folios. While some are nearing the end of their studies, others are beginning the important process of preparing for their final exams, which mark the culmination of their hard work and dedication over the past years.

This past week has been filled with memorable moments that our Year 12s will carry with them. They celebrated their final Chapel Mass, participated in our annual Think Pink Day, and shared many enjoyable moments together as a cohort, highlighting the strong sense of community that exists at St Dominic’s.

As these young women prepare to step beyond the gates of St Dominic’s, we hope they leave with a deep sense of pride in the legacy they’ve created and with fond memories of their time here. It has been an incredible privilege for staff to witness their growth, from nervous Year 7s starting their journey through high school, to the confident and capable individuals they’ve become today.

We wish our Year 12 cohort all the best as they embark on their next adventure, knowing they are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Mel Fiacchi
YEAR 12 COORDINATOR

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness | Tuesday 22 October

“I love Music”

Perhaps an obvious thing for a Music teacher to say, but while some educators have reasons to fall out of love with a subject that they teach, it is hard to do at St Dominic’s Priory College. I have been profoundly struck by the power of Music in the last couple of months, watching students thrive at both the Catholic School’s Music Festival and the Annual Music Concert. Our representation in the state-wide event at the Festival Theatre was something to be truly proud of.

The Annual Music Concert in our College Hall was a powerful and positive evening, a celebration of personal and collaborative achievements from all the students involved. Students presented uplifting acts and strongly supported one another, demonstrating their creativity, authenticity, generosity and grit with their amazing array of talent. Enough to fill any educator with gratitude and joy. Heartfelt thanks to the Year 12 students who led the way at their last Music Concert which, for some, was a culmination of a long and rich journey in the Music Department: Natasia Lappas, Gabriela Bonilla, Grace Bui, Lara Shirokih, Dianna Vu, Vannessa Phung, Sylvie Prichard, Ayo Adejoro, Elizabeth Smith, Nadia Eiffe, Catherine Tojo, Maddie Hill, Alexandra Calica Chavez.

Mrs Courtney Day
KEY MUSIC TEACHER - SECONDARY

PRIMARY MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS and UPCOMING EVENTS

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of music at our school, I am thrilled to share the exciting involvement of our Year 6 students in the recent Catholic Schools Music Festival. This annual event celebrates the incredible talent and hard work of young musicians across South Australia. Our Year 6 students showcased their skills with enthusiasm and grace, performing a diverse repertoire that highlighted their dedication and love for music. Their participation not only allowed them to shine individually but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among their peers. It was a truly inspiring experience, and I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments.

Looking ahead, all primary students are diligently preparing for our much-anticipated annual Twilight Assembly, set to take place on Wednesday 20 November. This event is the musical highlight of our primary calendar, where we gather to celebrate the end of a wonderful year in music and the arts. The Twilight Assembly is more than just a concert; it is a joyful celebration that integrates various aspects of the Arts curriculum. Students will perform a range of musical pieces, showcasing their talents and creativity in an entertaining and festive atmosphere. Parents, families, and friends are warmly invited to join us for this special occasion, as we come together to applaud the hard work and dedication of our students from Little Doms to Year 5. Mark your calendars for an evening of music, joy, and community spirit!

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach these exciting events. Let’s continue to support and encourage our young musicians as they shine on stage!

Mrs Anna Sordillo
KEY MUSIC TEACHER - JUNIOR SCHOOL

FETE AND AUCTION

Fete is now just TWO SLEEPS away, and things are starting to come together. Thank you to all those families who kept an eye on the Fete & Auction tab on School Stream and responded to the various stall requests; many hands make light work, and your support has been very much appreciated by the Parent Convening Team.

AUCTION CATALOGUE

The Auction Committee is excited to present the 2024 St Dominic's Priory College Auction Catalogue, for this Sunday's Fete & Auction! A HUGE thank you to all the amazing businesses who have so graciously supported our Auction this year.

SILENT AUCTION 10am-12pm | LIVE AUCTION 11am-12pm | COLLEGE GYMNASIUM

2024 AUCTION CATALOGUE

The Old Scholars Cake Stall has relocated back to the College Hall, where they will gratefully receive any contribution of freshly baked goods / sweet treats on Sunday morning, to sell throughout the day. Please ensure you have affixed an ingredients label, clearly marking any included allergens.

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

YEAR 9 FRENCH QUIZ NIGHT

On Tuesday, 17 September, two teams from the Year 9 French Class represented St Dominic’s at the annual SA French Teachers’ Association Interschool Quiz Night at Walford Anglican School for Girls.

Having stocked up on nibbles ranging from fromage and macarons to Twisties and chips, our students were sufficiently fortified to compete valiantly against eight other schools in six rounds of questions. These ranged from French language, cuisine, history, sport, cinema, music, geography and popular culture. One of our teams came second and each member received a bag with some edible goodies!

Bravo to all the girls who participated and made it a fun night for everyone. The baton (French word!) now passes to the current Year 8 classes in 2025. Will they be up to the challenge?

Gabriella Patti-Reid
YEAR 9 FRENCH TEACHER

YEAR 4 CLASS NEWS

2024 has been a very busy year in Year 4 and it continues to be!

We recently held the Year 4 Sustainability Movie Night when the girls premiered their sustainability concept in an iMovie. A great deal of work went into the production of the movies, including hours of research, planning and creating. The rewards were reaped when their families attended the premiere and viewed their daughter’s hard work.

Over the weekend of 17 and 18 August, nine girls celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. The events were a special celebration in the religious journey of these girls’ lives. Throughout Term 3 we learnt a great deal about these Sacraments and why they are so important to us as Catholic people. Congratulations Ella Hornhardt, Celina Nguyen, Estelle Kamar, Emi Nguyen, Kiera Wood, Clarissa Tan, Eleanor Peric, Gisele Paglia and Annabelle Parisi on this very special occasion.

This was swiftly followed by Year 4 camp on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August, where we packed our bags set off to Strathalbyn for our first overnight school camp at Wirraway Homestead. From archery, to grooming horses, to sheep herding there was never a dull moment. The weather was kind to us, with only a sprinkle of rain here and there. Our camp provided the girls with valuable team building skills and a chance to bond in an environment other than school.

Throughout the year, a group of girls have participated in an enrichment opportunity through the University of Adelaide. ‘Inspiring Women in STEM,’ had rich, hands-on learning experiences for the students to encourage participation in STEM. Students’ engagement and involvement in the sessions were exceptional. A highlight was being involved in the Graduation held at the conclusion of the program, on Tuesday 22 October.

“I enjoyed the STEM because it pushed me further and it was fun. I wish I could do it again, it inspired me and made me feel stronger. I am very grateful to be chosen to do this excursion and I think other children would enjoy it to.” - Eleanor Peric
“I really like the STEM excursion because it taught me to never give up. I also liked it because the activities were fun and made me use my brain a lot more. I would like to do this again.” - Rochelle Wasala

Mrs Amy Parker, Mrs Ellen Daniels, Ms Cate Zanetti & Mrs Georgina Fenton
YEAR 4 CLASS TEACHERS

GROWTH MINDSET
Changing Your Mindset: The Power of Determination

Recent research highlights that determination is just as crucial as intelligence when it comes to achieving goals and finding success. While natural talents can provide a head start, it's your determination that ultimately carries you across the finish line.

Learning new skills can be challenging, and staying focused on your goals is key. It's important to remember that setbacks are part of the journey; they should never deter you from pursuing what you want to achieve. With determination, obstacles become opportunities, and failure transforms into a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

Last week, during Year 5/6 Camp, I witnessed remarkable examples of determination and grit among our students. On the rock-climbing wall, many of our girls demonstrated incredible perseverance, attempting to reach the top time and time again. Their resilience was truly inspiring!

Let’s continue to embrace this mindset, understanding that with determination, we can overcome any challenge and turn our aspirations into achievements.

LIBRARY & TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION

NEW SIGNAGE IN THE LIBRARY

Signage is one of the most vital components of a school library to ensure students have clear and unhindered access to the books and information they need.

With the existing signage requiring updating and improving, an opportunity arose to collaborate with Learning Area Leader (Information Technology) Ms Lana Weller to create new signs for the school library. Together, our ideas, teamwork and skill ensured the success of the project along with the use of the school’s new Cricut machine. The Cricut machine, can craft and cut with precision, cutting the vinyl words for the black backing signs, ultimately modernising the Library’s Fiction genre collection.

Magic has been created in this partnership with immediate impact, that is a visual and has practical implications for the future. There is no end to how we can improve and make iterations to the library signage, keeping the collection contemporary and meaningful for students. The Cricut machine is a wonderful tool that the whole school can benefit from, especially students learning to craft, design and create with the machine and honing their technology skills.

Moving forward, we have now established library signs that are affordable, sustainable and changeable which is a wonderful improvement to the library and a demonstration of the power of collaboration.

Ms Sandra Mason
LIBRARY COORDINATOR

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)

It will include a special Fete debrief and thank you to key parent supporters of our Fete & Auction.

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

DETOUR NOTICE: From Monday 28 October until further notice (approximately 12 months), buses to and from school will detour away from a section of Hawker Street and South Road, due to the reconstruction of Hawker Street by City of Charles Sturt. For an updated service map, detailing a detour via Chief Street and Torrens Road, please CLICK HERE.

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

This private bus 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 more information, please see the link above.

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.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DHS)
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (WWCC) EXPIRY

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To undertake any volunteer work at St Dominic’s Priory College, you must hold a valid WWCC. You can apply for a free WWCC as a volunteer, or check if your existing check will expire within six months by visiting SA.GOV.AU.

Renewed DHS WWCC details can be forwarded to the College at employment@stdominics.sa.edu.au. If you are interested in becoming a registered volunteer with the College please visit our website.

SPORT NEWS

MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Monday 21 October, Years 6 - 9 students set off for Unley Swimming Pool for the 2024 Middle School Swimming Carnival; an inter-house sporting event all about participation and fun! Swimmers and non-swimmers alike represented their Houses with pride, engaging in a spirit of healthy competition. From exciting submarine games, jet boat races and the 'Big Splash', to classic backstroke and freestyle heats, fun was had by all. Congratulations to all who took part.

RESULTS:

First place: COLUMBA
Second place: SIENA (who also won the Novelty Welch Trophy)
Third place: GUZMAN
Fourth place: AQUINAS

Year Level Champions were:

Year 6: Chloe Dhillon 6B (Runner Up: Olivia Ung 6B and Isabelle Nguyen 6B)
Year 7: Rosie Welden 7G (Runner Up: Kate Ma 7G)
Year 8: Amy Le 8B (Runner Up: Amelia Nguyen 8G)
Year 9: Kiva Gunson 9B (Runner Up: Mylene Le 9B)