ISSUE 02 | Week 3, Term 1 - Wednesday 12 February 2025
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
Dear Families,
As we embrace the rhythm of a new school year, it’s a joy to welcome new families into our community and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2024 Year 12 graduates. St Dominic’s Priory College continues to thrive as a place of excellence, joy, hope, and beauty, and I feel deeply honoured to lead such a vibrant and committed community.
A VISION FOR SUCCESS IN 2025
Meeting one-on-one with our Year 12 (2025) students has been a highlight for me. These young women shared their hopes and aspirations with clarity and purpose, demonstrating thoughtful approaches to their future. From conversations about their successful Formal, to discussions about cultivating effective study habits, I was inspired by their maturity, drive, and vision. It is always humbling to witness their growth and ambition firsthand.
A COMMUNITY IN PARTNERSHIP
The recent Parent Information Evening was a testament to the shared commitment we have in supporting our students. Your attendance reinforces the strength of our partnership and underscores the vital role families play in nurturing a culture of success. Thank you for your time, presence, and dedication. We look forward to welcoming Year 12 parents/guardians to the Year 12 Parent Information Evening on Monday 17 February, and Year 9 families across two events later in the year.
Additional opportunities for our community to come together in Term 1 include:
- The first Parents & Friends Meeting for 2025, tomorrow night - Thursday 13 February - from 7pm in The Space. Entry is near the 119 Student Entrance. All are welcome.
- Our Family Mass of Welcome will take place this Sunday 16 February, from 9:30am in the College Hall. If your family hasn't already done so, we welcome you to RSVP via Trybooking here.
- Twilight Sports Day on Friday 4 April (save the date).
FRAMEWORKS FOR EXCELLENCE
This term, we proudly launched our Teaching and Learning Framework and Wellbeing Framework — two documents that articulate our shared values, practices, and beliefs. Together, they lay a strong foundation for fostering a culture of achievement and care, guiding us toward even greater accomplishments. I encourage you to explore these frameworks, which reflect the collective efforts of our community to define and pursue excellence.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT
The High Achievers Assembly was a moment of pride and inspiration as we celebrated the extraordinary success of our Year 12 Class of 2024. Hearing the stories of their diverse achievements across a broad range of subjects — culminating in our Dux Alana Nguyen’s inspiring address — reminds us of the power of dedication, resilience, and the opportunities that education provides.
LOOKING AHEAD
As I take my leave until next term, I wish each of you a productive and fulfilling Term 1. May the Season of Lent be a time of renewal and hope for us all as we reflect on what it means to live with purpose and gratitude. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our College — a place where excellence is nurtured, partnerships flourish, and every day is an opportunity to grow together.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
MERIT ASSEMBLY
FOR SPECIAL AWARDS, MERITS, & HIGH ACHIEVERS | THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2025
DUX SPEECH
Good afternoon everyone. It is an honour to address you all on behalf of the Class of 2024 as we celebrate their achievements. I am sure the graduated girls here today can relate when I say it feels quite bittersweet to return to the school community that has shaped the past few years of our lives. I am forever thankful for the teachers, staff, friends, and family that have pushed me to strive for better. You have allowed me to leave high school feeling as though I have not simply survived, but also thrived.
To the current Year 12s, this year will be an experience that is uniquely challenging yet extremely rewarding. Having graduated just over two months ago, I would like to reflect upon my own journey and share some advice to help prepare you for the year ahead.
While it may sound obvious, your success begins with you. To finish the long marathon of a year, you need to enter Year 12 with the mindset that you are doing this for yourself. Set personal goals and commit to achieving them, knowing that accomplishing your dreams is dependent on your hard work. A quote that I like to remember is: “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do”. For the days when I felt too lazy or unmotivated to continue, I thought of the future I had promised myself, and it kept me going.
I also encourage you to not be disheartened by failure. I remember walking out of the Year 12 Centre feeling shaken up by an unexpectedly difficult methods exam. After briefly feeling those negative emotions, I collected myself and tried not to lose any confidence in my abilities, resolving to do better in the other exams I had that week. Because the best thing you can do when you fail is to reflect on your mistakes, learn from them, and just move on. Every new assessment is an opportunity to do better. Embrace these opportunities.
Of course, the achievements of those who stand before you were not accomplished individually, rather they are the collective result of the support from those around us. Although it can be scary to admit you need help or seek that much-needed criticism, know that you cannot get through this year alone. Book those consults to fix messy English drafts and ask constant questions when struggling with statistics. Rant to your friends about how you regret procrastinating, then motivate each other to actually study during your study sessions. Your support system will be your greatest weapon this year, so make good use of it.
At the end of the day, Year 12 is only one year of your hopefully very long lives. Enjoy and appreciate every big and small moment. Whether it’s singing Unwritten at the top of your lungs during your Year 12 Sports Day run, or making an unhealthy amount of instant noodle cups during lunchtimes- it will fly by all too fast. Your results do not define your life, so give yourself time away from your academic pursuits to make those lifelong memories.
Finally, I want to congratulate the Class of 2024 for all their hard work. There are so many personal success stories that were not shared today, and I take pride in having completed my senior year with such an incredible cohort. To the Class of 2025, remember that each one of you is highly capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to. I have no doubt that you will continue to inspire the next generation of girls that follow in your footsteps.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best.
Alana Nguyen
DUX OF 2024
PRAYER + LITURGY
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
The Sacrament Program at St Dominic’s in partnership with the Rosary Parish, Rosary School, and Blackfriars Priory School will begin soon and will involve predominately Year 3 and 4 students.
The first information evening will take place in the Hall at St Dominic’s Priory College on Wednesday 19 February from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. This information night will cover the Sacrament of Reconciliation but also cover some other details for the times of meetings and preparation for First Eucharist and Confirmation which will be celebrated on the weekend of 23/24 August, 2025.
If you have older children who have been baptised but not completed their Sacraments of Initiation and would like them to, we would be very willing to assist your family in the preparation and celebrating of these sacraments.
Please come along to the meeting on 19 February or contact Genevieve Taheny or Joseph Catania at the college for more information.
Genevieve Taheny
LITURGY COORDINATOR
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
“Children need to learn how to bounce back from adversity, solve problems, take responsibility for their actions, and build positive relationships with others. The 5 Rs give children the tools to thrive in the world, both emotionally and socially." - Judith Locke
The start to the school year is a great time to be reminded of the importance of empowering the young people in our lives to develop Resilience, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Relationships, or the 5Rs as Judith Locke would refer to them. These essential characteristics support young people in navigating life’s challenges and developing essential life skills.
Where it can often be easier to, or feel like the best option to save our children from disappointment or challenge, Locke would say these are the perfect opportunities for growth. ‘What can my daughter learn from forgetting to bring her sneakers for netball training, or for not bringing an essential book home to complete required homework?’ Rather than step in to ‘save’ them, how can you support them to develop their 5 Rs?
Last Friday we celebrated Wellbeing Day across the College. In the Junior School, the students participated in a range of activities designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of the importance of looking after themselves, both mentally and physically. One of the activities involved each of them decorating a paper flower, with their face at the centre, with words and phrases that shared many of the good things about themselves or positive affirmations. These are now displayed in the entrance foyer of Year 1 and 2. Feel free to pop past and have a look. They certainly brighten up the space! We also gathered in House Teams in the afternoon to enjoy a Zooper Dooper before being led through some gentle yoga and Just Dance by the newly appointed Year 6 House Leaders. They did a wonderful job!
This past week has seen us gather as a community for our annual Information Evening, where teachers were able to share valuable information to set each family up for a successful year ahead. Our Year 3 to 6 students and Year 4 parents participated in a Cyber Safety session with Cybersafe Families, and we all know the importance of keeping our home environments cyber safe!
The past week has also seen all Year 1 to 6 students participate in Water Safety lessons at the Thebarton pool. The smiles on the students’ faces told a story of lots of fun had and new skills learnt. A big thank you to the many volunteers who gave of their time to support with supervision. We are truly grateful, as without your support, this experience for our girls would not have been possible.
Over the past week, I have asked many students what they are looking forward to this year, and what they hope to learn about. Their responses have filled me with great joy, as I know they won’t be disappointed. There’s no doubt it’s going to be a year filled with lots of exciting learning experiences, new challenges, new friendships, and new adventures!
Natalie Cameron
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
RECEPTION CLASS NEWS
Starting school is such a special time and I have been so proud of our Reception students with the way they have begun their school journey. Our first day was extra special when we walked the red carpet and had selfies with our photo board.
So far we have had lots of new experiences, like playing on the playground, going for our first library lesson, playing partner Maths games and joining in with our first PALS (Play and Learn Session) with the Year 1 class.
Keep up the amazing work girls, we are so happy to have you as part of our St Dominic’s Community.
Mrs Francine Saint
RECEPTION CLASS TEACHER
GROWTH MINDSET
PROMOTING THE BENEFITS OF GRIT AND RESILIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD (PT. 1)
During staff week at the beginning of the school year, the Junior School Staff spent a session revisiting the principles of Growth Mindset. The work of Carol Dweck, particularly her research on Mindsets, shows us that a student’s belief in their ability to grow and learn can profoundly influence their academic journey.
PROMOTING THE BENEFITS OF GRIT, RESILIENCE, AND A GROWTH MINDSET FOR YOUR CHILD
As with anything we strive to improve, progress comes through consistent effort and practice. The same holds true for developing a Growth Mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. At St Dominic’s, we are committed to fostering positive mindsets in our students, empowering them to become resilient, persistent, and motivated learners.
As our students move into a new year level with new expectations, it is essential that they understand the power of their mindset. The way they think about their potential to grow can significantly impact how they approach their learning journey. The good news is that a Growth Mindset can be cultivated—and as parents, you play a key role in supporting this development.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR ST DOMINIC'S STUDENTS?
A Growth Mindset can have a profound effect on how your child approaches studying, tackles challenges, and enjoys their learning experiences. Here's how:
- Study Habits: Children with a Growth Mindset understand that learning is a process, not a destination. They see studying as an opportunity for growth, not a task to be completed. This approach helps them embrace challenges and stick with difficult problems, knowing that effort will lead to improvement.
- Effort and Persistence: When students believe their effort directly impacts their ability to succeed, they are more likely to put in the hard work necessary to reach their goals. They view setbacks as temporary obstacles to be overcome, not signs of failure.
- Enjoyment of Learning: When children adopt a Growth Mindset, learning becomes more enjoyable because they focus on progress, not perfection. They are more willing to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them—all of which are vital to long-term success.
BUILDING RESILIENCE AND GRIT
We encourage our students to develop grit—the determination to keep going despite challenges—and resilience, which helps them recover from setbacks. These qualities are fostered through a Growth Mindset, as students learn to embrace failure as part of the learning process, rather than as something to avoid.
YEAR 7 REPORT
Year 7s Begin Their High School Journey at St Dominic’s Priory College
The start of a new school year brings fresh beginnings, especially for the Year 7 students at St Dominic’s Priory College, as they take their first steps into secondary school. This significant milestone is met with excitement, a touch of nervousness, and plenty of opportunities for growth and new experiences.
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is an adventure. The Year 7 students are quickly adjusting to their new surroundings, meeting new friends, and learning the routines of high school life. They are navigating multiple subjects, different teachers, and the use of lockers and timetables—valuable skills that will support them throughout their journey.
From the first day, the focus at St Dominic’s is on ensuring that every student feels welcomed and supported. The two-day orientation program helped students settle in, build connections, and develop a sense of belonging. Support from teachers and peers has been invaluable in helping them feel at home in their new environment.
The Year 7s are already showing enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to embrace all aspects of secondary school life. Recently, they enjoyed some time outdoors for Wellbeing Day, taking a break from their busy schedules. During house team activities, students participated in a "flash mob" dance and a nature statue competition. They also explored mindfulness through reflective writing and silent reading. Spirits were high throughout the day, even if the walk back left a few feeling a bit tired!
As they continue to grow and thrive, it’s clear that the future is bright for these students. The St Dominic’s community looks forward to supporting them every step of the way.
Ms Kirsty Nankivell
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT
PROMOTING DIGITAL SAFETY AT ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE
St Dominic’s Priory College is a proud supporter of eSafety Office’s Safer Internet Day/Week, a global initiative bringing together communities, schools, organisations, and families across 180+ countries to promote online safety.
The internet is a powerful tool for learning, working, and connecting, but it also comes with risks—especially for young people and vulnerable groups. That’s why digital safety remains a key priority at our College.
- 💻 Years 3 to 6 students participated in engaging workshops facilitated by Cyber Safe Families, equipping them with the skills to navigate the online world safely.
- 👨👩👧 Year 4 parents attended an evening session led by Cyber Safe Families, reinforcing the importance of digital safety at home.
- 📢 Across the College, signage and Pastoral Care Lessons keep online safety conversations active throughout the year.
Together, we can create a safer, more positive online environment for all!
Joanne Villis
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT
AI AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, becoming an increasingly prevalent tool in education. To ensure students use AI ethically, it is essential that they are explicitly taught how and when it can be applied to their learning.
At St Dominic’s Priory College, all secondary students recently watched an instructional video created by our Director of Technology Enrichment Joanne Villis, which outlined the fundamentals of AI, our Academic Honesty Policy, and where to access it. The video also highlighted the responsibilities of both teachers and students in upholding high standards of academic integrity. Following this, students signed a Digital Agreement to acknowledge their understanding and accountability.
Fostering an ongoing informed, transparent, and collaborative relationship between students and teachers is key to maintaining academic integrity in the age of AI. By engaging in these conversations and setting clear expectations, we ensure that AI is used as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut.
Our Academic Honesty Policy can be accessed here:
https://stdominics.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SDPC-Academic-Honesty-Policy.pdf
EXPLORING THE INNER WORKINGS OF TECHNOLOGY
For the first time, our Year 8 Technology students have had the exciting opportunity to look inside a laptop and explore its internal components. Thanks to a collection of e-waste laptops that were destined for recycling, students were able to dismantle the devices and gain hands-on experience in understanding computing hardware. This unique learning experience allowed students to identify key components such as the motherboard, RAM, processor, cooling system, and storage drives. By linking their theoretical knowledge of computing hardware to real-life examples, students deepened their understanding of how these components function and interact within a system.
Beyond just identification, the activity also introduced students to basic troubleshooting skills. They explored potential points of failure, discussed common issues that affect hardware, and considered ways in which repairs and upgrades could extend a device's lifespan. This not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also encouraged them to think critically about sustainability in technology.
Mrs Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - TECHNOLOGY
SEMESTER 1 IN MATHS
Welcome to 2025 from the Mathematics Faculty!
The Mathematics Faculty extends a warm welcome to all parents and students as we embark on an exciting 2025! We are committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive in mathematics.
MATHS CLUB
We encourage your daughters to take advantage of our Maths Club, held every Thursday after school from 3:30 to 4:30pm in C6 (The Space). This is a fantastic opportunity for students in Years 7-12 to receive additional support with homework, assignments, and test preparation. Our dedicated maths teachers will be on hand to provide specialised assistance, much like having a personal tutor!
Students can also access extension problems and explore more challenging concepts.
Important Reminders for Maths Club:
- All students must be picked up promptly at 4:30pm, or make their way to catch their buses.
- Students are not permitted to leave before 4:30pm unless picked up at the Molesworth St gate to ensure duty of care.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES THIS SEMESTER
This semester, the Mathematics Faculty has a number of enrichment activities on offer for students.
YEAR 7 STEM DAY OUT
Our Year 7 students will be attending a STEM Day Out, where they will participate in three engaging STEM workshops focusing on: the science of flight, puzzling mathematics and the engineering design process. This immersive experience will provide students with valuable insights into each learning area, showcasing the tasks and challenges faced by professionals in these fields.
YEAR 9 ENGINEERING DAY
Year 9 students will experience applied mathematics through our Year 9 Engineering Day, exploring three distinct engineering fields: Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
Through a series of interactive, hands-on workshops, students will: be introduced to coding using Arduino IDE software and Grove Kit components, creating simple circuits. Learn about electronic components and their functions by constructing an electronic game board using soldering and assembly techniques. Learn about the Engineering Design Process through a Civil Engineering group work challenge.
We look forward to a productive and rewarding year in mathematics and working with you to support our students to achieve their best.
Stacey Matthews
LEARNING AREA LEADER - MATHEMATICS
SPORT NEWS
Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SATURDAY MORNING SPORT
Students have now nominated for Term 1 Sport (Basketball, Tennis, Touch, or Volleyball on Saturday Morning, or Water Polo on Thursday evenings).
As always, we ask that the students commit to both training and games. If a student is unable to attend for any reason, they must let Mrs Pratt know in advance via email.
Parents/guardians would have now received a Consent2Go this must be completed with payment before the first game.
Live draws and results can be found at http://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/ (Please bookmark this site as the draws are subject to change).
Girls can also check the Sports Notice Board in the Gym or the Daily Notices for upcoming games.
It is important that you collect your daughter(s) at the end of the game/practice promptly. Staff are taking time away from their own families to supervise these games/practices and it is unacceptable to ask staff to wait around for girls to be picked up.
TERM 1 TRAINING SCHEDULE
| SPORT | TIME SLOT | LOCATION | ||
| Water Polo | Mondays 4:00pm - 5:00pm | North Adelaide Aquatic Centre | ||
| Tennis | Tuesdays 7:15am - 8:15am | St Dominic's Tennis Courts | ||
| Basketball | Tuesdays 3:30pm - 4:30pm | St Dominic's Gym | ||
| Middle Touch | Mondays 3:30pm - 4:30pm | St Dominic's Oval | ||
| Senior Touch | Wednesdays 7:20am - 8:20am | St Dominic's Oval | ||
| Years 7 - 9 Volleyball | Wednesdays 3:30pm - 4:30pm | St Dominic's Gym | ||
| Years 10 - 12 Volleyball | Thursdays 3:30pm - 4:30pm | St Dominic's Gym | ||
Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Lyndall Pratt at the school if you have any questions about the Saturday Sport Program.
WATER SAFETY PROGRAM
This week, all students from Years 1 to 6 have participated in a Water Safety Program, as part of a Department for Education initiative to provide swimming and water safety lessons to school-age students. Some students do not have the opportunity to participate in lessons, so this has been a valuable opportunity to learn an important life skill. Throughout the week, instructors assessed each child's ability; making accommodations and offering support where needed.
Mrs Michelle Richter
CO-CURRICULAR TEACHER
