ISSUE 4 | Week 7, Term 1 - Thursday 13 March 2025

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

As we enter the holy Lenten season, our school has been filled with meaningful activities and reflections. On Monday, 4 March, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a pancake fundraiser. Students enjoyed pancakes in exchange for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting Project Compassion. This tradition not only brings our community together but also allows us to support those in need as we begin our Lenten journey. In our Religion lessons, we also explored the significance of Shrove Tuesday with the girls.

The following day, 5 March, our whole school gathered for a moving Ash Wednesday Liturgy, marking the beginning of Lent—a time for prayer, reflection, and renewal. It was a special moment when our students and staff came together in prayer and contemplation as we received the ashes, reminding us of our call to repentance and spiritual growth.  Thank you to our Liturgy Coordinator, Genevieve Taheny and Director of Faith & Mission, Joseph Catania who oversee the faith formation of our girls with careful care and consideration.

One of the highlights of this fortnight was our Years 3-12 Field Day. Our students showcased their athletic skills and school spirit, participating in events such as long jump, triple jump, high jump, javelin, discus, shot put, sprints, distance races, and hurdles. The cheers from the sidelines were just as powerful as the performances on the field, with students supporting and celebrating each other every step of the way. This display of teamwork and camaraderie is what makes our school community truly special. Congratulations to our Health & PE Department, under the excellent leadership of Sports Coordinator, Lyndall Pratt and Learning Area Leader, Emma Rawlins. Field Day results will contribute to our Twilight Sport Day, before the final winning team is announced.

Another significant event in our calendar was the Investiture Blessing on Thursday, 6 March, followed by a gathering with our Prefects’ parents in the evening. This ceremony was a powerful reminder of our College's rich legacy and the importance of leadership in our community. Our theme for 2025, "Awaken to the Spirit of Hope," resonated throughout the liturgy, inspiring our newly appointed leaders to embrace their roles with courage, compassion, and hope. In my reflection to the girls and staff, I highlighted the inspiring history of our school, founded by a small group of English Dominican Sisters in 1884. Their spirit of resilience and adaptability serves as a beacon for our current leaders. As we invested our Prefects, House Captains, Student Representative Council members, and recognised our Year 12 Seniors, I encouraged each girl to see her role as an opportunity to make a positive difference in our school community and beyond.

On Friday, we marked International Women’s Day (IWD) and its theme 'Accelerate Action', with around 70 students and staff attending either the virtual or in-person breakfast. The Adelaide IWD breakfast is the largest event celebrating IWD in Australia and has tremendous support from the Adelaide community, raising $150,000 in 2024. At St Dominic’s, we are proud to support IWD and had several activities throughout the day to mark this day, which is particularly relevant to our context.  Thank you to the staff and students who oversaw these activities and started their day a little earlier than usual, to be part of the breakfast.

Looking ahead, we have several important events on the horizon:

• Parents & Friends Meeting: Tonight, Thursday 14 March, at 7:00 pm in the Adams Mayo Library. All parents and friends are welcome to attend, with entry via the College Reception.
• Premiere of 'In Truth and Love', a documentary film exploring 140 years of the Dominican Sisters of the North Adelaide will be screened in the College Hall on Sunday 30 March.  For more details, please click here. 
  
• Twilight Sports Day: Scheduled for Friday 4 April, at Port Adelaide Athletics Club from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. More details will follow.

We wish our Year 10 students well as they embark on their Geography Field Trip to Kangaroo Island this Thursday and Friday. This excursion provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration of our region's unique geography.

In other good news, I am most delighted to share that Mel Fiacchi, one of our staff members currently on maternity leave, has welcomed a baby boy, Oliver John, born on 3 March at 4:41 pm, weighing 3.7 kg. Mel and her family are absolutely smitten, and we are overjoyed for her.

As we navigate school life, we constantly find ourselves experiencing moments of gratitude and celebration.  The bookends of these emotions are also the experience of times of worry, sadness, and grief. The recent impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred reminds us of the challenges faced by many Australians in Queensland and New South Wales. Although the cyclone has weakened, its aftermath has been severe, with flooding, road closures, weather warnings, school disruptions, and significant damage to homes and communities. We extend our thoughts and support to those affected as they work through the difficult times ahead.

We also wish to offer our condolences to three staff members during their time of loss:

• Abbey Norman and her family on the passing of Bill Norman (Abbey’s father-in-law).

• Loretta Lighezzolo and her family on the passing of Elvira Lighezzolo (Loretta’s mother).

• Olivia Couch and her family on the passing of Mary Couch (Olivia's mother-in-law).

May Bill, Elvira and Mary rest in eternal peace, O God, and may Your perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

As we progress through this Lenten season let us continue to support one another and embody the spirit of hope that defines our school community. May we all use this time for reflection, growth, and renewed commitment to our faith and values.

God bless,

Muriel Noujaim
ACTING PRINCIPAL

PRAYER & LITURGY

INVESTITURE BLESSING

Thursday 6 March 2025

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A READING FROM ST PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS

¹² God has chosen you and made you God's holy people.  God loves you.  So, your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others.  Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.  ¹³ Don't be angry with each other but forgive each other.  If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them.  Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.  ¹⁴ Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other.  Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity.  ¹⁵ Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking.  It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body.  And always be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly.  Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other.  Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  ¹⁷ Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord.  And in all you do, give thinks to God through Jesus.

- Colossians 3:12-17

LENT BEGINS

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This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.

Project Compassion 2025 shares the stories of Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) from Samoa, Lam from Vietnam and Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  

Each of this year's stories reflects diverse challenges, yet they are united by the shared determination to overcome adversity and create better futures for themselves and their communities.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a primary school student from Samoa faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her primary school now has a 10,000 L water tank. Teachers and students now have access to clean drinking water at their school and are able to focus on education.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

STUDENT LEADERSHIP NEWS

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

We have been informed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People that Eden Lee (10B) has been selected to represent South Australian secondary school students on this year's South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC).

An initiative of the Commissioner for Children and Young People, and supported by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), the SA SRC is a body of 150 students in Years 10, 11, and 12 from across the state, working together to create genuine, student-led change; demonstrating the efficacy of student voice, agency, and active citizenship.

We commend Eden on this accomplishment, which involved a rigorous selection process. Eden demonstrates an aptitude for being an inclusive and respectable representative of her peers, and we couldn't be prouder of her initiative and dedication to the Dominican pillars of community and service.

INTRODUCING THE 2025 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

WORK SUBMISSION POLICY

GOOD ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS ARE LEARNED

Organisation is a fundamental skill that supports students not only throughout their school years, but also in their future careers and personal lives. The ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and prioritise tasks is essential for success in any field. At St Dominic’s Priory College, we are committed to helping students develop these critical organisational habits. Our Work Submission Policy plays a key role in this process.

Our policy is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning. By adhering to deadlines, students learn the importance of time management, accountability, and self-discipline—traits that will benefit them beyond the classroom. We understand, however, that challenges arise, and our teachers are always available to support students in improving their organisational skills. Whether through guidance on planning assignments, setting milestones, or offering strategies to stay on track, teachers are partners in this learning journey.

Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and sometimes, missing a deadline serves as an important lesson. For this reason, if a student submits work late without a valid reason, a zero grade will be given. While this may seem a little harsh, it is an essential learning experience. In most cases, students quickly realise the consequences of poor time management and are less likely to repeat the mistake.

We seek the support of parents in reinforcing these expectations. Encouraging students to take ownership of their responsibilities will prepare them for future success, where meeting deadlines is not optional but necessary. By working together—teachers, students, and parents—we can instil lifelong organisational skills that will serve our students well in all aspects of their lives.

Jo Surman
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 2 CLASS REPORT

The Year 2 class have had a wonderful start to the new school year. We began the term getting to know our new class members, Mischa, Mia and Annabelle, and in Week 3, we enjoyed new challenges during Water Safety Lessons.

Students have been exploring what makes a good leader and a safe and positive classroom through the lens of the College Wellbeing Framework. The Framework’s 6 key factors have informed our investigation: Respect, Resilience, Regulation, Relationships, Responsibility and Resourcefulness. Students have designed posters and worked in small groups to define specific examples of what it means to actively demonstrate these factors.

Prayer and a spirit of gratitude is an important part of our daily classroom life. In Religious Education we discussed what it means to say Grace and the importance of being thankful and mindful when we eat our meals. Students have been writing their own prayers which will be made into a class prayer book.

Jane Delloso
YEAR 2 CLASS TEACHER

JUNIOR STRINGS

SWEET SOUNDS FROM THE PRIMARY MUSIC STUDIO

Sweet sounds are heard from the Primary Music Studio every Thursday morning as the Junior Strings Ensemble gathers for their weekly rehearsal. Now in its third week, the ensemble is showing wonderful dedication and enthusiasm as they develop their musical skills together.

Made up of students from Year 1 to Year 5, the girls are thriving under the guidance of conductor Nikki Von Bertouch. They are not only embracing the challenge of playing as an ensemble but are also enjoying the opportunity to form friendships across year levels. It has been a joy to see their confidence grow each week, and we look forward to hearing their beautiful music continue to flourish!

Anna Sordillo
KEY MUSIC TEACHER (JUNIOR SCHOOL)

TUCKSHOP NOTICES

We are pleased to see the increasing popularity of our school Tuckshop!  

ONLINE ORDERS

Due to the high volume of food purchased each day, we kindly remind families to place lunch orders in advance, either online in My School Account (by 8:00am), or by filling out a lunch order bag by 9:15am.  The selection of menu items available over the counter is limited and is sold first-come, first-served. Pre-ordering helps ensure a smoother and quicker service, where everyone can be catered for.    

To view the Term 1 Tuckshop Menu CLICK HERE.

TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are calling for volunteers with adequate clearances to help in the Tuckshop from 10am until 2pm, on any day. If you are available to lend a hand, we would greatly appreciate your support.  Duties include serving (no exp. needed), some stock filling/rotation, and packing lunch orders. 

Should you have any questions about volunteering or would like to register your availability, please contact Tuckshop Manager, Michelle Macri, on 8331 5108 or mmacri@stdominics.sa.edu.au.

Thank you for your continued support.

Michelle Macri
TUCKSHOP MANAGER

LANGUAGES NEWS

A VIBRANT START FOR THE LANGUAGES FACULTY

The Languages Faculty has enjoyed a dynamic start to the year, with students settling into their respective courses and embracing new learning experiences. Under the guidance of Sr Hieu Tran, we are pleased to offer Vietnamese at Year 7 for the first time, expanding our language offerings to three — French, Italian, and Vietnamese.

The use of didactic games has also proven to be successful in the language classroom, adding excitement and an element of healthy competition among the girls as they continue to learn and explore new vocabulary. These interactive activities have enhanced student engagement, making language learning both enjoyable and effective.

As students prepare for their first assessments, they have also been immersing themselves in the rich cultures associated with their chosen language. Recent lessons have explored important cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, San Valentino, and Carnevale. Looking ahead, our Year 9 French students will soon attend the annual French Film Festival, while our Middle School Vietnamese students will visit the Migration Museum to learn about the significant contributions of Vietnamese migrants to Australian society.

In addition, the faculty is thrilled to be collaborating with the Multi-Arts Faculty to plan our first Study Tour to Italy since 2019. The enthusiastic response from students and families has been exciting, and we look forward to sharing more details in the near future.

With so many exciting opportunities ahead, 2025 promises to be a fantastic year of language learning and cultural discovery at St Dominic’s Priory College!

Toni Riccio
LEARNING AREA LEADER - LANGUAGES

TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT

Exciting things are always happening in Technology classes! Year 5 students explored the aquaponic tanks and met the 11 different species of fish in The Space. With clear instructions, they conducted tests on the water's ammonia and pH levels to ensure the fish are living in a healthy environment. They then recorded the information in Excel and gained insights on how to use it efficiently.

Mackenzie Price (10W) was invited to work with the Year 5 students, sharing her knowledge and stories about the fish. Mackenzie is experienced with these aquaponic tanks and has been a key contributor to their upkeep, regularly monitoring the fish, tidying up the area, and helping with water changes during her lunch break. We thank Mackenzie for her dedication, and she is always excited to share her expertise with anyone interested in learning more about the fish.

Meanwhile, the Year 10 Photography class visited the Adelaide Zoo as part of their curriculum. Guided by Mr. Chris Short, the students captured beautiful moments of the animals, using the skills they have learned in class, such as adjusting depth of field and aperture.

I got to see so many cute animals, especially the otters! They are so affectionate with each other! Another fun experience was when I almost got swooped by a Giant Macaw during the bird show. - Melissa Sor 10G

This photo was my favourite because of the perfect timing when the tiger looked straight at my camera. - Sophie Wellings 10G

One of my best pictures was the meerkat picture. I really enjoyed going to the Zoo with my class.  We learned a lot of new skills in Photography. - Riti Patel 10W

These photos are from the Chihuly glass display at the Botanic Gardens. I enjoyed this Exhibition, as I got to spend more time with my friends and do something that I enjoy. - Maia Harrison 10G

Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE

The Australian Social Media ban has passed; what happens now?

The ban is in motion but won’t take effect for another 12 months. The eSafety Commissioner will define ‘reasonable steps’ for platforms to implement a block for under 16s from social media.  So, what does the Social Media Ban matter? To start with:

“In 2024, eSafety received 2,978 valid cyberbullying complaints, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. Of those reports, 1,385 (46%) were in relation to children 13 years old and younger. Children aged 12-13 accounted for 35% of reports in 2024.” - The Educator

The Social Media Ban will place...

“...greater responsibility of tech companies to ensure their products are safe, rather than simply blocking groups of people from accessing them. However, it is important to remember that parents remain the ultimate custodians of their children's online safety. Think of it like a car. Manufacturers make sure the car is fitted with safety features, but parents are responsible for ensuring their children know how to drive safely." - Quoria.com

At St Dominic’s Priory College, we like this analogy but think the last sentence should be worded to: Manufacturers make sure the car is fitted with safety features and should be accountable if deemed unsafe, and educators and parents need to work in partnership to ensure children know how to drive safely.

For parenting tips on how to prepare for the Social Media Ban, take a look at this resource from Qoria.com: Practical Tips for Parents to Prepare for the Social Media Ban

Joanne Villis
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT

SPORT NEWS

FIELD DAY

MONDAY 3 MARCH

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INDIVIDUAL GIRLS STATE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

On Monday 3 March, Charlotte MacKenzie (7W) and Elmira Shahul (7B) represented  St Dominic’s Priory College at the Individual Girls State Tennis Tournament, held at Peake Tennis Club.  It was perfect sunny conditions for tennis, with over 100+ girls in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 registered for the event.  Participants were placed into two Divisions as opposed to year levels. Early round matches were against their own year levels, but were skills-matched across different year levels as the day went on. The sportsmanship was great to see.

Charlotte and Elmira played well; both are strong baseline players with big serves and powerful groundstrokes. Sadly, it ended up being a St Dominic’s “Showdown” in the quarter finals where Charlotte and Elmira played each other. Both felt disappointed to be playing each other as they wanted each other to do well. Elmira progressed through to the semi-finals; however sadly lost in a great match against a tall Year 10 girl with a powerful stroke.

Both girls had a fantastic experience, it was a great opportunity to represent their school for the first time and gain some insights into what to expect for next year.

TERM 2/3 SPORT NOMINATIONS

Girls will nominate for Term 2/3 Sport in Week 7. Please ensure that they are committed to all practices and games for Terms 2 and 3. Consent2go will be sent out before the end of Term 1.

Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

COMMUNITY NOTICES

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

The April Vacation Care program for the onsite YMCA Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service is now available here.

Families may book for Vacation Care at any time using the Xplor Home App, or by contacting the Children's Services Customer Support team.

BOOKING INFORMATION

When booking vacation care via Xplor, you only need to click on 'Vacation Care'. An orange dot will appear for all successful bookings under the 'bookings' tab.

All bookings for Vacation Care must be received by Monday 31 March to avoid a $3 Casual Fee.

Further information about Vacation Care can be found below.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the date of requested care to avoid payment.
• Bookings cancelled without two weeks' notice will be marked absent and charged to your account.
  

CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

The two weeks of the April School Holidays fall within the same CCS fortnight period.

Please be aware of your fortnightly eligible hours with Centrelink.  This can be found via your Centrelink app or by contacting YMCA Children's Services.  Hours are based on session length and not the amount of time your child/ren are at the service.  If you go over your eligible hours, you will be charged full fee for the additional sessions.

Please also familiarise yourself with Centrelink's rules in regards to absences and CCS: Services Australia - Absent Rules

YMCA Children's Services Customer Support Team
08 8200 2516 | oshc@ymcasa.org.au 

MENTAL HEALTH WEBINAR

A webinar designed specifically for those who wish to support young people with their mental wellbeing will take place from 1:30pm Tuesday 18 March. 

This interactive event will feature a panel of three expert speakers, each bringing their unique insights and perspectives on youth mental health.  Each will share valuable strategies and tools to help parents and caregivers initiate meaningful conversations and effectively support the young people in their lives. 

Additionally, the webinar will spotlight findings from the Black Dog Institute's groundbreaking Future Proofing Study, and conclude with an interactive Q&A session.