ISSUE 9 | Week 6, Term 2 - Thursday 5 June 2025

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: BRIDGING NOW TO NEXT

At St Dominic’s Priory College, our motto Truth calls each of us to be people of reconciliation, acceptance, and connection. As a community grounded in the Dominican tradition, we are committed to seeking truth — not only in knowledge but in how we live, how we listen, and how we walk with others in their stories.

We believe that reconciliation must live not only in our words but in our hearts, our minds, and our actions. As we seek Truth, we are called to build relationships that honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to imagine together a future where all Australians are united in respect and understanding.

Let us walk this journey of reconciliation with open hearts, courageous spirits, and a commitment to building bridges — from now to next.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 31

Next

LEGALLY BLONDE JR: A CELEBRATION OF CONFIDENCE & JOY

Last week, over 100 of our girls took to the stage in the wonderful production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. It was a joyous week where students across year levels discovered their strengths in acting, singing, and dancing, performing award-winning scenes with energy and heart.

A sea of pink seemed to flow over the College as we celebrated, with Elle Woods and her friends, the message that hard work, commitment, determination, and strength help us find who we truly are. As Elle herself says, “You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.” Don't judge a book by its hair colour! Believing In Yourself NEVER Goes Out Of Style!

Congratulations to everyone involved for an outstanding performance that truly showcased the spirit of St Dominic’s. I extend my congratulations to all staff involved: Jessica Spagnuolo, Victoria Sayner, Courtney Day, Annelise Johnson and Josie Revesz along with countless staff involved backstage, front of house and supervision. Congratulations and thank you.

I thank those of you who attended my presentation Herstory: A Journey of Renewal. Reflecting on my Renewal Leave has given me a strong sense of purpose as I continue my work as Principal of St Dominic’s, and I am grateful for your ongoing support.

YEAR 5 CONVERSATIONS: BUILDING CONNECTIONS

A heartfelt thank you to the Year 5 families who are engaging so openly in conversations with me and their daughters. I have learnt so much about each of you, and I am grateful for the honest and thoughtful dialogue. This partnership is so important in our shared work as a Catholic school community, and I look forward to continuing these connections in the weeks and months ahead.

A reminder that we will hold our next Parents & Friends meeting on Thursday 12 June.  We look forward to seeing you in The Space from 7:00pm.

Together, let us remain committed to the journey of truth, learning, and community that defines our College, founded by the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

PRAYER + LITURGY

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 

BUILDING RESILIENCE

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

At St Dominic’s Priory College, we believe that resilience is one of the most valuable skills we can help our students develop. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward, will serve our girls not just during their school years, but throughout their lives. As parents and educators, we play a vital role in nurturing this quality together.

One of the most effective ways we can build resilience is by allowing students to experience the natural consequences of their choices. For example, when a student is tempted to stay home to finish an assignment, it can be more beneficial in the long run to encourage her to attend school, even if her work is incomplete. While this may result in a lower grade than she hoped for, it teaches valuable lessons in time management, accountability, and perseverance. The experience often motivates students to plan ahead and be better organised next time.

Similarly, we sometimes see students wanting to avoid school on days when there is an activity or event they find challenging or uncomfortable. We encourage parents to insist on attendance, as these moments are opportunities for growth. Facing discomfort in a supportive environment helps students develop confidence and coping strategies for the future.

School life is full of resilience-building experiences such as group projects that require compromise, sporting matches that don’t always end in victory, auditions that may not lead to a role, and friendships that sometimes need mending. Each of these moments helps our students learn to manage disappointment, solve problems, and keep striving.

Clinical Psychologist Judith Locke reminds us that:

“A child who has been given the perfect childhood can’t cope with the less than perfect, but completely normal, realities of life.”

By working together, we can help our girls embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and emerge stronger. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our students become resilient, resourceful young women, ready for whatever lies ahead.

Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

YEAR 10 PASTORAL CARE

BUILDING CONNECTIONS TO START THE TERM

Term 2 can often feel high pressured for students, so we began with a fun and engaging bonding activity to foster teamwork and ease into the term. Students worked in groups to construct towers using only newspaper and tape. Each team was given identical materials and tasked with building a tower that met two key criteria: it had to be the tallest and remain standing—unaided—for at least three seconds while holding a tennis ball. The challenge sparked creativity, collaboration, and plenty of laughter, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead.

SUPPORTING YEAR 10 STUDENTS THROUGH EXAMS AND FUTURE PLANNING

As Term 2 progresses, our Year 10 students have been adjusting to the increased academic expectations of senior schooling. With Semester 1 exams approaching from 24-27 June, students have been encouraged to begin preparing early. During Pastoral Care lessons, they have explored effective study habits and strategies to help them revise and perform at their best.

These Semester 1 exams are not only an important milestone but also a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and build skills that will support them in future study. The results will also assist teachers in providing subject recommendations as students begin to consider their SACE selection.

LOOKING AHEAD: PLANNING FOR SACE

This term, Year 10 students have also started thinking about their two-year SACE plan for Years 11 and 12. Through their Emerging Identities & Futures (EIF) task, they’ve been exploring career options and identifying how their interests, strengths, and aspirations can inform their subject choices. These early reflections will help students make informed and purposeful decisions as they plan for their senior years.

YEAR 10 POSITIVE CULTURE PLEDGE

In a student-led initiative, the Year 10 SRCs have collaborated with their peers to create a Year 10 Positive Culture Pledge—a shared commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment. This pledge was officially launched today during Pastoral Care, with Principal Dr Steele and Deputy Principal Ms Noujaim joining the students to celebrate this important step in strengthening their bond as a Year 10 community.

Ms Jo Riccio
YEAR 10 COORDINATOR

HEALTH / PE REPORT

Living in a time where female sport has never been more celebrated (think the Matildas, AFLW and our female Olympians), you could be forgiven for thinking that our daughters are finally more engaged in sport and exercise than previous generations. Unfortunately, the research suggests otherwise.

The movement guidelines recommended by the Australian Government state that young people should strive to move their bodies for at least 60 minutes each day. Worryingly recent studies suggest that almost 90% of girls aged 11-17 are not meeting these guidelines and nearly 50% of girls aged 13-17 are disengaged in sport. Reasons for these concerning statistics include more time to study (48%), I can’t be bothered (39%), I’m not good enough (34%) and bodily insecurities (31%).

It is this information that continues to motivate the Health & PE faculty in delivering a curriculum that provides opportunities for our students to not only develop a strong sense of self and the skills to build and manage respectful relationships but also build the foundation for lifelong physical activity.

After recognising the very limited opportunities for our students to be active, here at school, when reaching the senior years, the Year 11 students this year have been provided with one lesson each week, for physical activity. Students can move their bodies through a variety of activities including dance, boxing, HIIT training, Yoga and running. The feedback from students has been positive and appreciative.

As parents you can be assured that during our lessons, we continue to reinforce with our students the benefits of regular physical activity including increased self-esteem and positive body image, decreased incidence of stress and depression and increased opportunity to build connections with friends and family. However, like all other areas of your daughter’s schooling, we acknowledge that we work in partnership with families. As such I ask you to consider what can be done at home that may encourage your daughter to increase the amount of time she is active each day.

Mrs Emma Rawlins
LEARNING AREA LEADER - HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

VIETNAMESE NEWS

A MORNING OF INSPIRATION:
TERESA TRAN VISITS VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE CLASSES

On Tuesday 27 May, students of the Vietnamese Language Subject were treated to a memorable incursion featuring a special guest — Mrs Teresa Tran — whose story lit up the room and left a lasting impact. Described by students as inspirational and truly meaningful, Teresa shared her journey, shaped by a deep love for language, particularly Vietnamese. Her passion has guided her across many roles: from a university student leader to a lawyer, international speaker, and founder of several influential organisations, including Asia Oasis Festival. Her powerful message is clear and compelling: Language is everything. In today’s interconnected world, being bilingual isn’t just a skill — it’s a golden key to connection, understanding, and opportunity. Teresa reminded us that language is not just a means of communication but a bridge to culture, identity, and empowerment. Many thanks to Teresa for sharing her story. Best of luck to the students who are beginning to feel connected to the language, and to those still on the journey of discovering that connection.

Sr Hieu Tran
VIETNAMESE LIAISON OFFICER | TEACHER

NEWS FROM YEAR 6

On Friday 2 May, the eight House Captains from Year 6 attended the 2025 SACPSSA Student Leadership Workshop Program held at St Michael’s College at Beverley. They attended with Year 6 Captains and Leaders from other Catholic Schools across Adelaide. The aim of the day was to foster Leadership within the school setting. The girls participated in activities, building leadership skills and developing their ability to show leadership amongst peers. They shared their ideas of what leadership is and how leadership is shown in Year 6. The girls are excited about what they learnt and are now working to implement ideas to share with the students in our school community.

We have recently joined forces with some Year 5 students to compete in the Advocacy Australia Trivia Quiz each week. Each Monday we get together at lunchtime for 30 minutes to answer a range of trivia questions online. While some of the questions really test our knowledge, we are having fun thinking about old and new learning to come up with answers. Our scores are improving each week, with one team even entering the top 10 (out of 24 teams) in Week 3. 

“I enjoy being the leader of my trivia group as it tests my knowledge on different subjects and pushes me to research widespread topics.” - Sophia Dang

“I enjoyed being challenged by the questions in the trivia competition each week.” - Sofia Gubatina

“I like trivia because it is a fun and engaging activity where I am able to use my brain and challenge myself.” - Natalie Michail

STEM MAD has been the recent focus for Year 5 and Year 6 students, with all four classes actively engaged in developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The process began with small-group brainstorming sessions, where students identified and explored current global issues. From there, they collaborated to generate ideas and refine them into a final solution, ensuring the integration of all STEM disciplines — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — into both their conceptual thinking and prototype development. The students took great pride in presenting their projects during Friday’s Expo, enthusiastically sharing their work with families and peers.

Rachel Bolt, Cate Zanetti and Amy Parker
YEAR 6 CLASS TEACHERS

PARENT NOTICES

ARE YOU ON SCHOOL STREAM?

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 

• 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

OSHC VACATION CARE PROGRAM

Onsite Vacation Care is available through the YMCA's OSHC for all three weeks of the July School Holidays.  To download the complete program, CLICK HERE.  For more information and to register, visit the YMCA website here, or book directly via the Xplor Home App.  

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.

FUSE CUP SUCCESS

CELEBRATING E-SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT

The FUSE Cup is an international eSports competition for schools that promotes safe, inclusive, and supportive participation while encouraging positive gaming behaviours and digital wellbeing. In partnership with Kids Helpline and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, the competition focuses on nurturing healthy gaming habits.

2025 marked St Dominic’s Priory College’s debut in the FUSE Cup, and our students made an impressive impact in the Mario Kart State Championship. All team members progressed to the state quarter finals, placing in the Top 16 players in South Australia.

We are especially proud of Matilda Prouza (12N), who represented our team in the SA State Grand Final and secured an outstanding 2nd place. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to our team: Matilda Prouza, Jenny Ngo (10G), Isabel Tym (10G), Mya Spackman (9G) and Yolanda Pham (9G) – for their dedication, sportsmanship, and the friendships they built with students from other schools. A special thank you to Mr Caiazza for his invaluable training and support of the team. These students have truly embodied what it means to be a St Dominic’s girl: innovative, rigorous, and inclusive, achieving excellence in their journey and confidence in their future.

There are two more exciting FUSE Cup competitions still to come.  We are currently recruiting more members to take part in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Years 9-12) and Just Dance 2025 (Years 5-8) competitions.  If you are interested, please contact Ms Weller or Mr Caiazza for more information.  Game on!

Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SPORT NEWS

SATURDAY MORNING SACSSGSA SPORTS

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 

Please note SACSSGSA are currently doing re-grading. No games this Saturday due to the Long Weekend. The new fixtures should be published within the next week.

SACPSSA LACROSSE CARNIVAL

On Wednesday 21 May, 29 students from Years 5 and 6 took part in the SACPSSA participation Lacrosse Carnival. This was an effective way for the students to apply the skills and understanding that they had been taught in the Invasion games unit in PE lessons.   Students participated in a round robin carnival against various other catholic schools. 

“I had a lot of fun at lacrosse as it was a new experience for me. It has made me want to more lacrosse in the future.” - Aura Patel, 6B

“I loved going to the lacrosse day as I was able to engage with people from other schools, and I liked working with my team.” - Paris Grammenos, 6B

“Lacrosse was fun and we were able to get to know some of the Year 5 students more. It is a very interactive game.” - Christina Tsirbas, 6G

“I was able to learn some new skills and I met some interesting people. It was a good day.” - Anna Calabria, 6G

COMMUNITY NOTICES

ANTI-BULLYING RAPID REVIEW

The Australian Government recently announced an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.  The Review will look at current approaches to addressing bullying in schools, what is working and what needs strengthening, with the aim of providing options for the development of a consistent national standard for responding to bullying and its underlying causes in schools.

The Review is now accepting submissions. The Review co-chairs, Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM, are seeking views from students, parents, teachers, and those involved in school education across the country. Submissions can be made anonymously if preferred.

To provide feedback through the submission process, please visit www.education.gov.au/antibullying-rapid-review. This page contains instructions on how to participate, along with the Review’s Terms of Reference.

2026 NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM - APPLY NOW

Applications for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program will close Friday 20 June.  Students from across Australia are invited to 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 open until Friday 20 June! Financial support is available to help make NYSF accessible to all. Apply now: https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/