St Dominic's Priory College eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

My office sits at the heart of the College, and each day I am reminded — in countless ways — that St Dominic’s is exactly who we say we are: a girls’ school of excellence, awakened to the spirit of hope.

The Year 7 girls regularly stop by my door to offer a cheerful greeting or ask how I’m doing. Music students pass by with instruments in hand — sometimes mid-song, often mid-laughter — as they move between lessons. Our talented instrumental students frequently pause to share how their tutorial went. I always ask the same question: “Did you practise this week?” More often than not, the answer is yes!

From the Drama girls rehearsing in the cloister, to the sports teams playing on the courts, to the unmistakable joy of recess play — there is a rhythm and energy to the day that is distinctly St Dominic’s. Under the gazebo, I often see students working collaboratively on assignments, helping one another as they go. The Environment Club quietly takes care of our recycling program, ensuring our school stays clean and cared for.

At lunchtime, I notice the Wellbeing Ambassadors in their bright pink vests, checking in with other students to make sure everyone feels safe and included. Just last week, our Cloister courtyard became an open-air classroom, with Mathematics students studying trigonometry and engaging deeply in their learning — confident, challenged, and happy.

To the east of my office, I hear rehearsals for Legally Blonde Jnr or liturgical singing — the sweet, soaring voices of our girls drifting through the air. It often draws me from whatever policy I’m reviewing to where the girls are gathered with their teachers, who are always present and attuned to each individual.

And through it all — staff walking, chatting, laughing as they move between lessons, the hum of learning and life carries on. It is a community in action.

I share all of this with you not simply as a collection of lovely moments, but as a lived testament to what it means to be part of St Dominic’s. We know that excellence in learning and genuine wellbeing are hallmarks of our College. We know every girl. We work in partnership with you, their parents. And I want you to know, I see this in action every single day.

The first plane of the day has just flown overhead as I write, a familiar sound of North Adelaide mornings. But the loudest, most powerful sound is that of a community of girls who study, live, create, take risks, learn, grow, and thrive.

As the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia affirms:

“Girls in single-sex schools have higher aspirations, greater motivation and are challenged to achieve more than their female peers at co-educational schools.”

And from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools:

“In an all-girls environment, there are no stereotypes about where girls should excel.”

Every day, I see that this is true. Every day, I know, we are who we say we are. Please enjoy this week’s Newsletter, overflowing with examples of how we are a girls’ school of excellence, awakened to the spirit of hope.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

TIMETABLE REVIEW - HAVE YOUR SAY

As part of our commitment to excellence in learning and wellbeing, St Dominic’s Priory College is currently reviewing the structure of our College timetable. The purpose of this review is to ensure that our daily rhythms continue to reflect best practice in girls’ education, support student wellbeing, and meet the operational needs of our whole school community.

We believe that parents are essential partners in education. Your perspective, grounded in both home and school life, provides valuable insight into how the school day supports (or challenges) your daughter’s learning, routine, and overall development. You are invited to participate in a short survey which will help us gather measurable and thoughtful feedback from families. The survey includes both scaled and open-ended questions and will take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.

To access the Parent Timetable Survey click here.

VINNIES MASS

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL

Each year, St Dominic's Priory College is proud to participate in the Vinnies Winter Appeal, supporting homeless and vulnerable persons around Adelaide and South Australia. From now until the end of the Term, we invite families to contribute donations of the following:

WARM CLOTHES (jackets, jumpers, shirts, pants, scarves, new socks and undergarments)
These can be deposited into the white wheelie bins with blue lids (and Vinnies signage), located around the College.
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS (meal-based jars, meal prep packets, pasta, dried legumes, tinned food)
Each year level has been provided with a tub to collect these in their classrooms.

To make a financial donation directly to Vinnies, visit
https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-sa/winter-appeal-sa

LEGALLY BLONDE JNR

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!

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

We began Term 2 by welcoming families to the College to engage in important conversations with class teacher/s to discuss the individual strengths, learning goals, and areas for growth for each of our students. These conversations are an essential part of the partnership between home and school and play a key role in supporting your daughter’s development. Thank you to those who prioritised this opportunity.

Over the Term 1 break, our Vacation Care program was abuzz with activity and fun. Many St Dominic’s students, alongside children from other schools, enjoyed a variety of excursions, incursions, and on-site experiences. A highlight for our girls was ‘Nitro Nat’, a science show at The Parks, as well as a visit to Wacky Warehouse. You may have noticed that our vegetable garden is now thriving, thanks to the care of our OSHC students and educators. If you’re considering OSHC or Vacation Care for your daughter, bookings can be made via the YMCA website.

In Week 3, we celebrated Asia Week in the Junior School, with a focus on Vietnam. A group of six talented Year 7 students led the festivities with a traditional Vietnamese dance performed at our Assembly on Tuesday. They later worked with our Year 3 and Year 5 classes, teaching them the steps and sharing their knowledge. Their leadership and generosity of spirit were truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to Kim Nguyen, parent of Myra Pham (7W) and Cynthia Pham (12W), and Sr Hieu for your guidance and support.

Our Year 4 and 6 students also enjoyed a hands-on cooking session where they learned to make Vietnamese cold rolls, thanks to the time and generosity of four of our Vietnamese mothers from across the College. A special thanks to Mrs Yen La, mother of Amy Ly (12N) for organising the food. The experience was educational and delicious, with many students saying it was a highlight of their week.

Asia Week concluded with a special shared lunch on Thursday. Junior School students were treated to a delicious serving of fried rice and a spring roll, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music as they gathered in the undercroft to eat with their Buddy Class. Our thanks go to Mr Binh and Mrs Lan for supplying the wonderful food that brought our celebration to a close.

Inspired by the words of Pope Leo XIV, may “Peace be with all of you” as Term 2 unfolds.

Natalie Cameron
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

LANGUAGES & CULTURE

Vietnamese is a language spoken by many families in the St Dominic's Priory College community. In recent years, students who choose to study Vietnamese have had the opportunity to learn it as part of the school curriculum.

During the first two weeks of Term 2, students in Year 9 and Year 7 participated in excursions to several significant historical sites. These experiences deepened their understanding of Vietnamese history and culture in Australia, particularly the journey and experiences of Vietnamese migrants. The excursions also provided meaningful, real-life contexts to apply their language learning.

Students’ reflections on the excursions were thoughtful and insightful. Many expressed a deeper appreciation for the Vietnamese community and the stories of their own families.

Sr Hieu Tran
VIETNAMESE LIAISON OFFICER

“The most powerful thing I saw today was the Boat Monument, as it tells many people about how Vietnamese migrated to Australia.”
“This excursion helped me understand that there wasn’t a choice for refugees. When coming to Australia, they were seeking a new life without war and exodus.”
“This excursion helped me to understand the history behind the migration of the Vietnamese to Australia and how external influences (such as conflict and war) changed the course of history.”
“I didn’t know much about how respected and large the Vietnamese community is in Australia until this excursion. I gained a better understanding of the hardships Vietnamese refugees went through just to find a better life.”

VALUE ME, VALUE YOU DAY

Last term, the Language and Culture Club hosted Value Me, Value You Day — a heartwarming celebration of self-worth, diversity, and community spirit. As part of the event, the College Community was invited to reflect on what makes them unique by completing the prompt: “I celebrate…”

The powerful and personal affirmations served as a reminder of the value each individual brings to our community. The Hall came alive at lunchtime with music, dancing, and laughter. It was a joyful and unifying moment, as students and staff shared in the celebration of individuality and belonging. Value Me, Value You Day reminded us that when we take time to honour our own worth and that of others, we build a stronger, more compassionate school community.

CAREERS EDUCATION

On Tuesday 13 May, a group of Year 11 and 12 students completed the first of three sessions of their Jump Start program. This is a Multiplex initiative designed to inspire and educate female high school students about the diverse career opportunities available in the construction industry through interactive workshops, site tours, mentoring, and hands-on activities.

The first session explored the fundamentals of the built environment through the lens of the Central Market Arcade Redevelopment. They learnt about diverse career paths, key industry roles, and experienced a site walk, gaining practical insight into construction processes, materials, and safety, while connecting with industry professionals.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET)

Well done to our VET (Vocational Education and Training) students who are in the process of undertaking their courses for the year.

It has been another very successful year of vocational training for our students, with wonderful stories about insights they have gained in their vocational choices. Courses that students are enrolled in this year include Business, Hospitality, Fitness, Early Childhood Education, Animal Studies, Cyber-Security, Fashion Design, Health and Beauty. Many of these courses involve structured work placements, which allow the students to develop their employability skills. On completion of a full Certificate III, the students gain an industry-recognised qualification, which is an impressive achievement!

VET is a great option for students in Years 10, 11 or 12. Girls can email me to make a time to discuss these options.

More information about VET can be found on the SACE Board website: CLICK HERE.

Mrs Stella Love
CAREERS & VET COUNSELLOR

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

YEAR 9 PHOTOGRAPHY

Our Year 9 Photography students recently explored the Adelaide CBD as part of an exciting excursion focused on urban architecture and street art. With brand new cameras in hand, they captured striking images of Adelaide’s iconic buildings, laneways, and vibrant public art. From contemporary murals to heritage facades, students observed how design and creativity shape the city’s visual identity. Back at school, they are using their photographs to create a series of postcards aimed at promoting Adelaide to tourists. This project combines technical photography skills with creative design, while also encouraging students to consider the stories our cityscapes tell.

YEAR 7 3D PRINTING

In Year 7, students are bringing history to life through 3D printing. As part of their Technology assessments and in connection with their History studies on Ancient Egypt, they are designing and printing their own miniature obelisks.

Each obelisk features their name translated into Egyptian hieroglyphs, engraved using digital modelling software. This cross-curricular project blends historical learning with digital technologies, allowing students to explore ancient symbols and architecture while developing skills in 3D design and fabrication. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce classroom learning by linking past civilisations with present-day creativity and innovation.

Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - TECHNOLOGY

YEAR 7 UPDATE

THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

Our Pastoral Care program is a vital part of building a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven school community. Rooted in the principles of truth, integrity, compassion, resilience, and kindness, the program nurtures each student’s emotional, social, and spiritual growth. A key initiative within our Pastoral Care program is the Year 7 – Year 11 Sisterhood program, which fosters meaningful connections between our students. Building a sisterhood means more than just friendship; it is about recognising the inherent worth of every individual and creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, heard, and appreciated.

Last term, students engaged in a powerful session that highlighted the strength of community and shared experience. Year 11 Prefects and SRCs formed a panel to respond to thoughtful questions posed by Year 7 students. This gave our senior students an opportunity to reflect on their own journeys and share their wisdom, while empowering Year 7s to feel seen and supported as they navigate their first year of high school.

The session continued with activities designed to build connection and spark conversation. “People Bingo” encouraged students to discover fun facts about one another, while “Campfire Conversations” invited small, mixed groups of Year 7 and Year 11 students to reflect on prompt questions, share stories, and find common ground. The day finished with the ever-popular “Game Plate Snatch,” bringing laughter and teamwork into the mix.

These moments of connection are what make our school community stronger. Through our Pastoral Care and Sisterhood programs, we celebrate the uniqueness of every student while building a positive culture.

LEADERSHIP IN YEAR 7

Our Year 7 Student Representative Council (SRC) members proudly welcomed prospective families to the Year 7 learning space during the recent SDPC Twilight Tours. Reflecting this year's focus on Relationships, Respect, and Resilience, students shared their firsthand experiences of transitioning from primary school to high school. They spoke about the highlights of their Year 7 journey so far and how they make the most of our dynamic learning spaces and breakout areas. The girls confidently answered questions and represented their cohort with enthusiasm and pride.

Kirsty Nankivell
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR

NEWS FROM YEAR 5

PAPER BAG REPORTS

The Paper Bag Book Report assignment is a fantastic way to see the interests of our students early on in the school year. In Term 1, students are required to choose a novel that interests them, and this is the basis for their assignment. Students read the novel and choose 6 items or characters from a particular scene that was memorable or that made an impact on them as a reader.

The next stage sees students creating written explanations about how these items fit within the scene and why they personally chose to use these items in their assignment. Students are taught about literacy devices to make their descriptions more appealing to the reader and the finished products immerse the viewers into the story excellently.

The final stage of the assignment gives students a chance to show their creative capabilities. They create their six chosen items using raw materials, which are then displayed with their written explanations.

Students presented their Paper Bag Book Reports to their peers in small groups as well as to their family at our presentation night, which was held in Week 10 of Term 1. All students were very professional and engaging on the night and we were very proud of their efforts.

“I liked making the scene because I got to use a long of different materials and show my creativity. The detail involved was time consuming but worth it.” - Estelle Kamar 5G
“I tried to be as creative as possible. The most challenging parts of the assignment were the house and the ghost that I created out of clay. Even though these were difficult, I had a sense of accomplishment when I had completed it” - Cartia Mitolo 5G
“I liked making the clay sculptures of characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for my Paper Bag Book Report. I enjoyed reading the book because the character’s life changed tremendously.” - Shayla Tran 5B

CHIHULY EXHIBITION

Today was the best school excursion ever! Our class went to see the Chihuly exhibition at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. We didn’t know what to expect, but when we arrived, we saw huge, colourful glass sculptures everywhere—some looked like giant flowers, spirals, or even fireworks frozen in time. A favourite of the Year 5 class was the big red and black sculpture that reminded me of fire and the desert pea flowers.

We walked around the gardens, and it felt like we were in a magical place. The glass shone in the sunlight as we viewed the work of American artist, Dale Chihuly. There was even a chandelier made of blue glass that looked like it belonged in an underwater castle!

We couldn’t believe how glass could be turned into something so cool.

“The artwork had an eerie vibe, it looked like nature. There were sharp and smooth edges. My favourite art piece was the large blue spike. “ - Madison Le 5G
“The excursion was fun, I really liked how we got to walk there. The art was in different designs that were really cool. Some were tall, some were short, and the colours just popped!” - Riley Huynh 5G

“The Botanic Gardens excursion was exciting and fun. We visited a lot of areas like the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion. My favourite glass sculpture was the Sapphire Star because it was pointy, spiky and unique” - Celina Nguyen, 5B
“We walked through big, beautiful gates of the Botanic Gardens. My favourite artwork was the Sapphire Star. It was blue but got lighter and lighter in colour.” - Katie Le, 5B

Mr Byron Mortimer
YEAR 5 CLASS TEACHER

PARENT NOTICES

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

Wednesday 28 - Friday 30 May: College Musical production of Legally Blonde Jnr. Tickets on sale! CLICK HERE
Friday 30 May: Year 5/6 STEM MAD Expo
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

AUSTRALIAN CALISTHENICS THEATRE COMPANY

The College is proud to share the news that Celina Gregory (12N) has been successful in her audition for the Australian Callisthenics Theatre Company's 2025 production of 'Mother Nature'. Celina will be joining 90 of the country's best Callisthenics dancers in one of only 22 principal roles in the production. This will mark Celina's second production with the company. The production of 'Mother Nature' will be performed on one night only at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday 4 July. We wish Celina and her fellow cast and crew, all the very best for a successful show.

Tickets for the production are available from www.mothernatureshow.com.au.

SATURDAY MORNING SACSSGSA SPORTS

Please note all fixtures are live and may have changes. Please bookmark and refer to this link weekly for fixtures and results. https://sacssgsa.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sports

Week 4 Results and Draws

SAPSASA CROSS COUNTRY

On Friday 9 May, 20 girls from Years 4 to 6 proudly represented our school at the SAPSASA Cross Country Carnival. The event was a true test of endurance, with the Under 10s competing a 2km course, while the Under 11 and 12 competitors tackled a 3km run.

The course was challenging, but our students showed great determination and resilience, with most girls successfully crossing the finish line. Special mentions:

Ava Lionello (Year 5): 6th place U11 Girls
Scarlet Diamandi (Year 5): 7th place U11 Girls
Isabelle Burgoyne (Year 5): 8th place U10 Girls
Sophie Chhoy (Year 4): 10th place U10 Girls

Well done to all participants for their fantastic effort. Thank you to Mrs Fenton and Marie Lionello for attending on the day.

SAPSASA NEBTALL

On Monday 5 May, three teams of Year 5/6 Netballers participated in a Netball Carnival at Netball SA. One team was entered into the Statewide Schools Competition and two teams played in the participation carnival.

The Statewide Schools team, coached by Ms Parker, played matches in the medium school's pool, winning two of their matches against Vale Park and St John's Grammar. St Dominic's narrowly lost to St Mary's College by three goals to then play-off for 3rd/4th place against Cedar College.

The result was a nail-biting draw which resulted in St Dominic's finishing equal 3rd on the day, which was a great result. All of the girls took on the challenge of playing different positions and listened carefully to coaching direction to make improvements to their game.

Congratulations to all of these girls for their teamwork, versatility, resilience and fair play. Thank you to Peta Saunders and Ms Renney for coaching the participation teams.

Mrs Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL PE TEACHER

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.

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.

Strategies_to_Manage_Bullying_for_Families.pdf

ISSUE 8 | Week 4, Term 2 - Thursday 22 May 2025