ISSUE 7 | Week 2, Term 2 Thursday 8 May 2025
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,
Welcome to Term 2. I return from renewal leave with deep gratitude for the opportunity to reflect, rest, and reconnect with the mission that sustains our work at St Dominic’s Priory College.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff who ensured the smooth running of the College in my absence. I particularly acknowledge those who went into acting positions during Term 1. Your leadership has been outstanding, and the College is grateful for your professionalism, commitment, vision, and hard work. Thank you, Muriel Noujaim (Acting Principal), Jo Surman (Acting Deputy Principal), Ali McPeake (Acting Student Wellbeing Coordinator).
We also welcome our new colleagues for Term 2: Eric Staak, Nhi Tran, Nadege Otina-Griffin, Camille Silvestre-Aguilar, Brooke Simpson, Isabella Aronis and Jaiden Wasley.
We offer prayers for our dear staff member and colleague, Belinda Baker, who will be on medical leave for the remainder of the term. In her absence, we thank Ms Victoria Renney for teaching 5B on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Ms Jess O'Connor for covering Thursdays and Fridays. We look forward to welcoming Belinda back in Term 3.
Thank you to the many parents and caregivers who participated in our recent Parent–Teacher Learning Conversations. Your engagement is invaluable. These conversations affirm the vital partnership between home and school, and I trust they offered insight and encouragement as your daughter continues her learning journey.
This term, the College is undertaking a formal Child Safeguarding Audit — a significant and rigorous process to ensure that our policies, practices, and culture uphold the highest standards of student safety and wellbeing. Our ongoing commitment to the care of each child remains unwavering.
I note our Newsletter once again overflows with reflections from the College, giving readers a strong sense of who we are as a community of learners. I offer gratitude to all who have submitted their articles capturing our culture of celebration, acknowledgement, learning, commitment, and compassion. Congratulations to Su Nguyen (9B), whose poem '1914' was selected as one of two winning entries in the Inaugural 2025 ANZAC Day Poetry Competition, held by RSL Tanunda.
At this time, we mark a moment of global significance with the death of Pope Francis. A leader of great compassion and courage. Pope Francis challenged us all to walk with humility, seek justice, and live our faith with authenticity. His passing invites us to reflect on the values he championed — care for the poor, respect for creation, and mercy over judgment—and how these values continue to shape our Dominican identity.
I am looking forward to inviting parents to an evening where I will share with you my experience of visiting the places of significance in our school’s history including, Belgium and England. My experiences have affirmed in me the privilege it is to work in a College with such a rich history. I have much to share. Save the Date - Wednesday 4 June 2025 (details to come).
As Mother's Day approaches, may I take a moment to honour the incredible mothers, grandmothers, guardians, and mother figures in our community who light their family's lives with unwavering love, faith, and strength. Your devotion and sacrifices are a reflection of God’s boundless love, inspiring our young women every day. May this Sunday bring you all joy, peace, and the blessing of being surrounded by the love you so generously give.
With a sense of purpose and hope, I look forward to a successful and fulfilling Term 2 for all.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
PRAYER + LITURGY
REFLECTION ON THE LIFE OF POPE FRANCIS (1936 - 2025)
In recent weeks, the world has mourned the passing of Pope Francis – a humble shepherd, courageous leader, and servant of peace. His life was a bold witness to the Gospel, marked by simplicity, mercy, and truth.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he was the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, and the first to take the name Francis – inspired by St Francis of Assisi and his care for creation, the poor, and radical discipleship. These same values defined Pope Francis’ vision for the Church.
Throughout his time as Pope, he encouraged the Church to be outward-looking: to listen deeply, to walk with those in need, and to act with courage. In the Dominican tradition of Veritas, we saw in him a model of living truthfully – speaking out on injustice, ecology, and human dignity with compassion and conviction.
Through writings like Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis reignited a global conscience. He reminded us that care for our common home and each other is not optional, but central to a life of faith. He encouraged young people to dream boldly and resist the culture of indifference.
As we give thanks for his life, we are reminded of his call to be builders of hope – through encounter, kindness, and truth. Aligned to our college theme for the year ‘Awaken to the Spirit of Hope’, I offer the following excerpt from Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti (55); it is his message of hope – now ours to carry forward.
‘I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope “speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile”. Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope.’
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

I warmly welcome all students, families, and staff as we begin Term 2. Now two weeks into the term, I hope the recent school break was a time of rest and renewal for everyone, preparing us for another term filled with learning, growth, and community spirit.
A special welcome is extended to three new students joining us. Eloise Lee in Year 3, and two students, Pierina Bangara and Salena Raschella, who are in 10B. We are delighted to have you as part of our school community and look forward to supporting your journey with us.

As we return to school, we also take a moment to reflect on the joyous celebration of Easter, which occurred during the break. Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a cornerstone of our Christian faith, symbolising hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. This time reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the promise of new beginnings. May the spirit of the risen Christ inspire and strengthen us all throughout this term, bringing peace and hope to our school community. At St Dominic’s we mark this time with prayer, liturgy and our support of Project Compassion throughout Lent.

As we start the new term, I want to emphasise the importance of our ongoing partnership with families in maintaining the school’s uniform standards. Wearing the correct and complete uniform is more than a requirement - it fosters a sense of pride, discipline, and belonging within our community. Uniform compliance also helps minimise distractions and promotes equality, allowing students to focus on their learning.
We kindly ask for your support in ensuring your daughter arrives at school each day in perfect uniform. To assist you, our uniform policy is available here: COLLEGE UNIFORM POLICY. Together, we can uphold these high standards and continue to present our school community with pride.
Did you know that our Years 3 and 4 students have returned to beautifully refurbished learning spaces? These refreshed environments reflect our commitment to providing inspiring and supportive settings for learning. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm from students and staff alike as they settle into these upgraded classrooms, which will no doubt enhance the learning experiences offered at the College. We extend thanks to the Maintenance and Grounds Staff, under the excellent coordination of Andrew Heggs, who worked methodically throughout the break to ensure the school site was ready for the girls’ return.
It was fantastic to see so many families engage with teachers during our Learning Conversations day on Monday, 28 April. Dedicating a full day to these important discussions was intended to provide flexibility and ensure all families had the opportunity to connect and discuss their daughter’s learning progress.
These conversations are a vital part of our partnership with families, allowing us to celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and collaborate on strategies to support each student’s success.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Together let us make Term 2 a positive, productive, and inspiring term for all our students.
Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
UNDERSTANDING DEEPFAKES

DEEPFAKE CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN
St Dominic’s Priory College has recently released our Deepfake Crisis Response Plan, which is publicly available via our College Website: CLICK HERE. The purpose of this document is to provide the operating direction (Plan) for responses to deepfakes or synthetic digital assets that pose a reputational risk to our students or staff. In an era where digital misinformation can rapidly escalate, this plan is an essential tool for protecting the integrity and reputation of our school community.
WHAT IS A DEEPFAKE?
Deepfakes are pieces of media — video, images, or audio — created using AI that make it appear someone said or did something they never actually did. Early deepfakes were often easier to spot, but advances in AI are making them more realistic, creating new challenges for identifying what’s real and what’s fake online.
UNDERSTANDING DEEPFAKES AND AI: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our world, and one of the latest developments causing concern is the rise of "deepfakes" — highly convincing fake videos, images, or audio recordings. While AI has many positive uses, the Cyber Safety Project warns that deepfake technology is being used to spread misinformation, harass individuals, and even commit fraud. For parents, it's important to understand what deepfakes are and how to help children navigate a digital environment where not everything they see can be trusted.
RISKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
As the Cyber Safety Project highlights, deepfakes can be used in harmful ways — including to create fake celebrity videos, spread disinformation during elections, or target young people with harassment or scams. These risks make it essential for families to have open conversations about online trust and digital safety. Children and teenagers, who spend significant time consuming digital content, need support in developing critical thinking skills to spot and question suspicious material.

HOW TO SPOT A DEEPFAKE
Although deepfakes are becoming increasingly convincing, there are still signs you can teach your child (and practice yourself) to help detect manipulated media:
- Blurring and pixelation: Look closely for small box-like distortions (pixelation), especially around the mouth, eyes, and neck.
- Skin inconsistencies: Notice if skin texture or color looks overly smooth, patchy, or changes strangely.
- Glitches and lighting changes: Deepfake videos might have sections of poor quality, sudden lighting shifts, or mismatched backgrounds.
- Audio mismatch: If the sound doesn’t sync properly with the speaker’s mouth movements, or the voice sounds robotic or flat, be cautious.
- Unnatural movements: Irregular blinking, stiff facial expressions, or jerky movements can be signs of AI manipulation.
- Gaps in storyline or speech: If what’s being said doesn’t make logical sense, or seems out of place, it’s worth questioning.
- Check the context: Does the content match what you would expect that person to say or do, in that place and at that time?
HELPING YOUR CHILD NAVIGATE DEEPFAKES
While some social media platforms are beginning to flag or label manipulated content, it’s still vital for children to be active thinkers, not passive consumers. Encourage your child to:
- Question what they see and hear online.
- Talk to a trusted adult if something seems suspicious.
- Use reputable news sources for information.
- Understand that seeing is not always believing.

By staying informed and creating a safe space for conversations about online experiences, parents can empower young people to navigate the digital world with greater awareness and confidence.
For a detailed guide on how AI and deepfakes are impacting young people — and what you can do to help — read the full article here: Understanding AI and Deepfakes: What Parents Need to Know
Joanne Villis
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT
MULTI ARTS NEWS

TERM 1 HIGHLIGHTS
Term 1 has been an inspiring and enriching time for senior students in the Multi Arts Faculty. With a focus on research for their major coursework, students engaged in academic and creative exploration across drama, music, visual art, and design. The term also offered valuable opportunities to experience Adelaide’s vibrant festival season, including the Adelaide Fringe and Festival of the Arts.
A key part of their research involved attending a diverse range of performances and exhibitions. Early in the term, students were captivated by The Giant’s Garden by Slingsby Theatre Company — a magical production that showcased imaginative stagecraft and storytelling, prompting reflection on narrative, lighting, and movement in theatre.
Students were also fortunate to attend the highly anticipated Australian premiere of Innocence, the final opera by renowned composer Kaija Saariaho, presented by State Opera South Australia. The emotionally complex production explored themes of justice and guilt, sparking rich class discussions on music, libretto, and set design.
A highlight for many was Tabletop Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by UK company Forced Entertainment. Performed with household objects on a table, the piece offered a clever, minimalist take on a classic text and encouraged students to think critically about adaptation and innovation in performance.
Music students attended an Adelaide Symphony Orchestra concert as part of the Festival of the Arts. This provided valuable insight into ensemble dynamics, orchestral interpretation, and professional musicianship — all useful for their own compositions and performances.
Visual Art and Design students visited the 2024 SACE Art and Design Exhibition and the Radical Textiles exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia. These excursions offered inspiration and examples of how artists express ideas and reimagine traditional materials in contemporary contexts.
We are proud of the thoughtful and engaged ways students responded to these experiences. Their reflections are already shaping their creative projects, and we look forward to seeing their work evolve in Term 2.
Annelise Johnson
LEARNING AREA LEADER - MULTI ARTS

Tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 2025 College Musical Production of Legally Blonde Jnr; to be held from 7pm in the College Hall on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, and Friday 30 May 2025.
Tickets are $20 Adults | $15 Child/Concession (with valid ID)
Please CLICK HERE to secure your seats!
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
ANZAC DAY POETRY COMPETITION

Congratulations to Su Nguyen (9B), whose poem '1914' was selected as one of two winning entries in the Inaugural 2025 ANZAC Day Poetry Competition, held by RSL Tanunda. There were many entries received, with each subject to review by a panel of judges. Both Su and her co-winner read their poems at the RSL's Dawn Services, and again at an ANZAC Day Luncheon; where they were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Su's name will also be added to a Perpetual Plaque recognising the award recipients of this new annual tradition, and we are proud to share Su's winning entry with our community, below:

1914
The sky was never silent here.
Even in the breath between the barrage,
we heard the ghosts of yesterday,
boots sinking into the mire,
missives folded tight against our chests,
names whispered like supplications to the dust.
The trench is a purgatory of waiting.
Of hands, pallid and trembling in the cold,
of eyes fixed upon the ashen beyond,
of home distilled to a flickering spectre.
A sunburnt crest, a wattle’s golden flare,
a scream of rage, a battlefield’s bloodshed.
They told us we would be legends,
that we would inscribe eternity upon the earth,
but the earth only swallowed us whole,
consumed our marrow, our bodies, our very names,
and left behind only stillness;
sprawling from the ridges of Gallipoli
to the fields where poppies dare to rise.
Above, the ethers simmered in a furious red,
like a cauldron brimming and roiling over,
churned with embers, blackened and bitter,
ash swirling like pepper upon the molten soup.
But the flowers remain,
carmine as the dawn we shall never behold,
soft as the hands we longed to clasp.
They do not wail, nor do they weep,
yet in solemn grace, they endure.
A requiem in crimson.
Lest we forget.

CASA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Evie Sordillo (Year 4) who, on Saturday 12 April, was awarded the Calisthenics Association of SA State Championship title for the Sub Junior 9 Year Old Age Group.
The section started with over 70 girls competing in several elimination rounds and gradings, before progressing to finals. Finalists were scored by a panel of three judges, with Evie achieving a perfect score from all three - the highest score achievable by any age group contestant. This exemplary win was a testament to Evie's commitment to training and hard work, and we are proud of her achievement.
YEAR 12 REPORT


The Year 12 students have embraced the start of 2025 with great enthusiasm as they embark on their final year at St Dominic’s. The Semester thus far has been action-packed, with a variety of activities that have allowed the Year 12s to showcase their leadership, resilience, and spirit. From the Year 12 Formal and Leadership Nights to Wellbeing Day and Sports Day, it has been a vibrant beginning to what promises to be an exciting year.


Our Pastoral Care program this year is focused on preparing students for life beyond school, covering important topics such as:
- Managing stress and workload
- Balancing school and life commitments
- Building healthy relationships
- Developing financial literacy
- Maintaining mental health and wellbeing



Last term, the Year 12s visited their Junior Primary buddies, working together on creating Easter baskets ahead of a special visit from the Easter Bunny during the holidays. This term, the Year 12 students look forward to welcoming their buddies to the Year 12 Centre for their second session together.
Jessica Spagnuolo
YEAR 12 COORDINATOR
YEAR 4 VISUAL ARTS

In Term 1, the Year 4 class focused on Visual Arts and explored two exciting styles: the imaginative world of Yayoi Kusama and the bold, playful energy of Pop Art. Both projects encouraged creativity, experimentation and self-expression — and the results were a joy to see.




EXPLORING THE DOTS: The World of Yayoi Kusama!
The Year 4 class have been diving into the imaginative world of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, best known for her vibrant pumpkins, colourful flowers, and iconic polka dots!
We explored Kusama’s playful use of repetition, bold colours, and patterns. Girls were fascinated to learn how Kusama uses art to express her feelings and connect with nature, often turning everyday objects - like pumpkins and flowers - into extraordinary sculptures and paintings.
Inspired by her work, the students created their own Kusama-style masterpieces. They presented patterned pumpkins and whimsical flowers, experimenting with colour contrasts, dotting techniques, and organic shapes. It was wonderful to see the creativity bloom across the classroom, with each piece showing a unique take on Kusama’s joyful style.



BOLD, BRIGHT AND BEN DAY DOTS: Year 4's Pop Art Creations
Alongside their Kusama work, the class also explored the eye-catching world of Pop Art. Inspired by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, students learned how everyday objects can become striking works of art through colour, repetition and bold design.
They practised techniques like Ben Day dots, contrasting colour choices and stencil layering. For their final pieces, students selected a stencil and brought it to life using their own Pop Art twist. Each artwork was full of personality - loud, playful, and wonderfully original.
Georgina Fenton & Jessica O'Connor
YEAR 4 CLASS TEACHERS

GROWTH MINDSET
LEARNING THROUGH SUCCESS AND FAILURE
It’s easy to look at someone else's achievements and assume their success came effortlessly or that they were simply born talented. But when we talk to those who have truly succeeded, a different story emerges — one of persistence, hard work, and resilience.
Successful individuals often share how many hours of practice, trial and error, and problem-solving went into reaching their goals. They’ve faced setbacks, tried different strategies, asked for guidance, and, most importantly, kept going.
Sometimes, the fear of failure can stop us from starting something new or continuing when things get tough. American basketball legend Michael Jordan once shared that he missed over 9,000 shots and lost 300 games in his career. He credits these failures with helping him grow and ultimately succeed.
In our classrooms, we celebrate the power of persistence. We help students see mistakes not as roadblocks but as stepping-stones to success. Developing a growth mindset means believing that abilities can improve with effort — and this belief is key to building the confidence and determination to keep trying.
Jordan Growth Mindset www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3FCbP8rdRU
PARENT NOTICES
PHOTO DAY FRIDAY 16 MAY
School Photo Day is coming up on Friday 16 May. All families are encouraged to finalise their orders prior to Monday 19 May, in order to avoid an added retrieval/delivery fee.
Please CLICK HERE to visit MSP's ordering portal. Families who prefer to pay by cash, may collect an envelope from the College Office.

ARE YOU ON SCHOOL STREAM?
A Term 1 audit of our key communications platform, School Stream, identified a shortfall in engagement with important notices from the College. We kindly request that at least one parent/guardian in each household enable notifications and access the app regularly, so that their family does not miss receiving vital communications from the College.
For our systems to recognise you as a parent/guardian of the college, we ask that your account be created using the email address or mobile phone number you provided to the school. Login attempts via Facebook or Apple ID will not link you to messages sent to your daughter's Class.
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.To refamiliarise yourself with what platforms the College requires families to access, and why, please refer to the College Communication Policy.
TERM 2 KEY DATES FOR THE DIARY
- Thursday 15 May: Parents & Friends meeting from 7pm in The Space. Entrance is via the Student Entrance at 119 Molesworth Street. All welcome
- Friday 16 May: Cocurricular photos will be taken on this date.

- Wednesday 28 - Friday 30 May: College Musical production of Legally Blonde Jnr. Tickets on sale!
- Friday 30 May: Year 5/6 STEM MAD Expo (details to come)
- Thursday 5 June: Year 9 Parent Breakfast from 8:30am in the Year 12 Centre
- Monday 9 June: King's Birthday Public Holiday
- Thursday 12 June: Parents & Friends Meeting from 7pm in The Space. All welcome
- Thursday 19 June: Rec - Year 6 Arts Showcase, 6:00pm - 7:45pm in the College Gym/Hall
- Monday 23 June: Year 10/11 Study Day
- Tuesday 24 June: Little Doms Welcome Evening from 5:30pm
- Friday 27 June: Last Day of Term 2. Students will be dismissed at the NORMAL dismissal time
TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS
We are calling for volunteers with adequate clearances to help in the Tuckshop from 10am until 2pm, on a couple of days per term. 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.

SPORT NEWS




ST DOMINIC'S RECOGNISED AT TENNIS SA AWARDS
On Saturday 3 May, I had the privilege of representing St Dominic's Priory College at the Tennis SA Awards, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
We are proud to share that, out of 269 schools nominated, St Dominic's was named one of three South Australian finalists in the Most Outstanding School category. This award recognises schools that actively promote tennis through student participation, as well as building strong partnerships with local clubs and coaches.

At St Dominic’s, all students from Reception to Year 4, and in Year 7, have the opportunity to develop their tennis skills during PE lessons, supported by Tennis Australia and Theodora Kiparatoglou (TK Tennis, Prospect). Additionally, our Year 3 and 4 students take part in the SAPSASA and Catholic Schools Hot Shots Tennis Carnivals during Terms 3 and 4, and students in the secondary years can nominate to take part in a season of Tennis as part of the SACSSGSA Saturday Morning Sports program. These inclusive events welcome all students, regardless of experience, and encourage them to build confidence, resilience, communication, and teamwork through sport. In 2024, we saw our Secondary Saturday Morning Tennis enrolments double, which is a testament to the value of introducing students to Tennis in their formative years.
Congratulations to Maitland Lutheran School, who were named Most Outstanding School for 2024/25.
Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL PE TEACHER
SATURDAY MORNING SPORT REMINDERS
- Consent2Go must be finalised before the first game.
- Fixtures for sport are live and therefore changes can be made at any time. Please bookmark the following link https://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sports and double check your time and venue each week.
- Teams can be found on the Sports Noticeboard and St Dominic’s Sport Portal on SEQTA.
- Girls are to arrive 20minutes before the official start time to meet their coach and warm up.
- Please ensure your daughter has the correct uniform for the particular sport. These can be purchased from the Uniform Shop.
Good luck to all our teams.
Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

COMMUNITY NOTICES

2026 NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM - APPLY NOW
Applications for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open! Students from across Australia put their best selves forward for a chance to explore their STEM future with the NYSF Year 12 Program in January 2026. This leading STEM experience helps participants find their people, place, and passions. What’s in store? Visit real-world STEM facilities
Explore cutting-edge industry and research providers
Discover university, TAFE, industry, and STEM career pathways
Make new friends from all across Australia
Exciting social and team-building activities
Are you a current year 11 student or know someone who would benefit from this experience? Applications are now open! Financial support is available to help make NYSF accessible to all. Apply now: https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

CITY OF ADELAIDE DRAFT INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY CONSULTATION
The City of Adelaide is currently engaging on the Draft Integrated Transport Strategy, and would appreciate feedback from the College Community. The ITS engagement site can be accessed HERE and includes feedback surveys for both adults and youth.
A community drop-in event will take place at the North Adelaide Community Centre from 4:30 - 6:30pm on Wednesday 21 May.
CONSULTATION CLOSES SUNDAY 25 MAY
In Stage 1 of their consultation, nearly 800 people shared their thoughts on how we move around the city. The main messages heard were:
- A strong call to prioritise public transport, walking/wheeling and cycling
- A desire for safer, healthier, more connected streets
- A need to rethink how we manage street space, including parking
- A push for better cycling infrastructure, especially east-west connections
- Concerts about the impacts of through-traffic in the city.
Read the full summary here.
