St Dominic's Priory College eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families,

AUGUST AT ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY COLLEGE

Every August at St Dominic’s, we step into what I like to call the season of St Dominic, a time when his story and charism shape our celebrations, learning, and community life. I often imagine him on those long journeys across 13th-century Spain, dust on his shoes and in between his toes, Scripture in hand, and a mind ready to listen before he spoke. Dominic walked miles to debate people who thought differently. Instead of silencing them, he listened first. Whose story do I need to hear before I reply?

This year’s Feast Day Mass was a beautiful celebration, enriched by outstanding music from our choir and orchestra, led by Music Teachers Anna Sordillo and Courtney Day. We welcomed our Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide, along with guests from other Dominican schools, and we were grateful for the presence of Fr Olek.

Our celebrations continue throughout the season of St Dominic, which is part carnival, part call to action. Gala Day brought music, colour, and social justice awareness in equal measure. Led by our Student Leadership Team, it was a joyful reminder that community celebration can also be an expression of hope and solidarity. Mary Magdalene, the first preacher of the Resurrection, had no pulpit, only a heart on fire. She shows that every word, gesture, and post can announce hope. What does my life preach before I speak?

Spring’s longer days are a reminder that Fete preparations are underway. This year, we will be holding our Auction online, but we still need a couple of volunteers to join Alison Boyd-O'Reilly in convening this important element. If you can help, please email Genesia McQuarrie at gmcquarrie@stdominics.sa.edu.au.

Our Parents & Friends have also launched a refreshed fundraising focus for 2025–2027. Each year, fundraising will support one high-impact project that families can see, visit, and celebrate.

2025 Junior Science Lab upgrade, creating a modern space for science learning.
2026 Celebrate the completed Lab and launch the next major project, (potentially enhancing the College Hall).

This model allows us to celebrate completed projects, clearly communicate the next need, and invite ongoing support. At the 2025 Fete, we will showcase the newly rededicated Conway Space, a vibrant, collaborative environment where a Year 10 might guide a Year 3 in building a catapult or sewing a Gala Day costume, while Reception students explore with virtual headsets and older girls work on aquaponics, 3D printing, coding, and more. This refurbishment, and its renaming, was made possible thanks to the generosity and hard work of the 2023 Parents & Friends and Fete Committee.

MOMENTS OF CONNECTION AND CARE

We offer our deepest condolences to Year 12 student Annabel Baker on the unexpected passing of her father, John. We hold Annabel, her mother Jo, sister Kate (Class of 2020), and brother Harry in our prayers.

A MONTH IN THE COMPANY OF DOMINIC

As August continues to unfold at the College, there is much to celebrate and much to be grateful for. We are looking forward to next week's Year 12 Drama Production of 'School Dance' (details below), and commemorating St Dominic with our annual St Domimic's Day school closure day on Friday 22 August.

In the spirit of St Dominic and Mary Magdalene, may we keep listening before replying, and let our lives preach hope before our words do.

Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

2025 FETE NEWS

THE CRAFT STALL IS UPCYCLING!

Wondering what to do with your old school uniform? The team of creative minds behind the Craft Stall are endeavouring to recycle old uniforms into a range of handcrafted Dominican mementos to sell at this year's Fete! So, if you have an outgrown or outworn former St Dom's Uniform item you wish to contribute to this initiative, it can be dropped off at the College Reception this term.

The Craft Stall would also welcome inspiration for what to create from the uniforms. Please feel welcome to submit your ideas directly to the Craft Stall team, care of parent convenor Belinda Vella, at belindavella4@gmail.com

POT PLANT STALL - POTS NEEDED

Ahead of our Pot Planting morning on Saturday 30 August, we are calling out to the community for empty plastic grow pots. Donations can be dropped off at the College Reception.

All green thumbs are welcome to attend a Pot Planting morning on Saturday 30 August; 9:00 - 12:00 noon, in the Year 12 Centre Driveway. Children are welcome to participate; however must be supervised by a parent.

AUCTION CLASS HAMPERS

The Fete Auction has been a valued tradition for families, with students in each class working together to create a themed hamper. Themes and suggested donations are in the flyer below. Please donate new, unused items - either for your class, or another Year Level's hamper. Grey Tubs in classrooms will collect your contributions.

Donations are due by the end of Week 6, on Friday 29 August.

2025 Auction Appeal.pdf

WEEKLY APPEALS

Along with the Classroom Hampers, there will be additional appeals throughout the term, to help our family-run stalls: These appeals will be communicated via the College's key communication channels; Student Daily Notices (SEQTA), event posts (Facebook), School Stream, and of course, this College Newsletter.

For those on social media, please be sure to mark yourself as 'interested' or 'attending' to follow the Facebook Event Page updates HERE.

If you’d like to know more, attend the next meeting, help out, or join a team, please contact Fete Coordinator, Genesia McQuarrie at fete@stdominics.sa.edu.au

DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT

Gala Day was a wonderful celebration for students and staff alike—full of fun, community spirit, and a shared commitment to supporting those less fortunate. A highlight of the day is always the Talent Show, and once again, the talent on show was exceptional. It is heartening to see students embrace their gifts and confidently share them with their peers and teachers. Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the value of self-expression and the joy of celebrating one another.

This year, Junior School students from Years 2 to 4 who auditioned for the main Talent Show but didn’t perform on the main stage had their own special opportunity. They showcased their acts to an audience of Little Doms to Year 4 students and staff, while our Year 5 and 6 students took part in a workshop connected to Ronald McDonald House. It was a great experience for all involved. We’re already looking forward to seeing even more talent on show next year!

We now shift our attention to Book Week in Week 5, and the excitement is already building. As shared earlier this term, students can look forward to a range of activities designed to celebrate storytelling and spark a love of reading, including hearing from visiting author, Katrina Germein. This year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure’, invites all kinds of creative interpretations. Our Dress-Up Day will take place on Tuesday 19 August. We encourage costumes that are simple and easy to put together and can even be recycled from Gala Day. There’s certainly no need for anything elaborate. The Junior School students will come together for a fun parade before recess.

You may have already heard your daughter talking about our Annual Book Swap, also happening on Tuesday 19 August. Students are welcome to bring up to three books from home to exchange for ‘new-to-them’ titles. All swaps will happen within similar age groups to ensure appropriate book choices. Please ensure no treasured or sentimental books are brought in, as books cannot be returned once exchanged.

Finally, please keep an eye out for details regarding our upcoming Learning Conversations on Thursday 11 September. While these meetings are optional, they provide a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s classroom teacher/s to reflect on their learning journey thus far and discuss goals for the remainder of the year.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of your child and our Junior School community. Wishing you and your family a wonderful rest of the term.

Natalie Cameron
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

YEAR 1 NEWS

LEARNING IS FUN IN YEAR 1!

We finished Term 2 with a culmination of our learning across multiple curriculum areas – HASS, The Arts, Religion and English – when we celebrated ‘Travel to India Day’. The girls arrived at school with their suitcase and checked in at the classroom airport before being seated on the St Dominic’s flight to New Dehli. Dr Steele captained our flight and we travelled safely to land and explore the sights, flavours and culture of this beautiful country. We cooked our own lunch – naan bread, pappadums, butter chicken, rice and samosas, we collaged the Taj Mahal and used beautiful fabrics to dress dolls in a traditional Sari. We thank Mrs Baumber and Miss Brooke for their help on the day.

We have continued the fun in Term 3 with our classroom learning space now including a Pizza Shop and Florist. These both encourage learning through playful, real-world experiences where collaboration, cooperation and confidence is built through role play. Literacy and numeracy skills are also a focus. The girls use order forms to request their pizzas and bouquets and those working in the shops will read and deliver the orders. We share these spaces with our Reception and Little Doms friends during PALS and enjoy being older role models for their play.

This term, we welcome our Pre-Service Teacher from the University of South Australia, Miss Nye. We are excited that Miss Nye will be spending seven weeks working with us and teaching us across all learning areas. We have already very much enjoyed the lessons she has shared with us.

Tes Rodrigues and Mel Lehmann
YEAR 1 CLASS TEACHERS

2025 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' MUSIC FESTIVAL

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' MUSIC FESTIVAL

We are proud to confirm that the Year 6 Choir and Senior Choir will be performing in the 2025 Catholic Schools' Music Festival on Wednesday 24 September. Support Acts from our College will also feature throughout the four-day program. For further information and tickets, please visit the link below.

www.musicfestival.cesa.catholic.edu.au

We encourage as many members of our College Community to attend this magnificent celebration of musicianship and performance.

HASS WEEK

During Week 2, between Monday 28 July and Friday 1 August, the College came alive with all things HASS and Business. The primary students were first off the mark, competing in the Lego History Challenge during Tech lessons. The goal was to create a historic structure or event in 30 minutes. The final products showcased student knowledge about important historical moments, including the COVID-19 Pandemic, an attempted assassination, votes for women, and the Australian Gold Rush. Our senior students focused on historic buildings, including the Colosseum and London Tower.

In Year 7-9 Geography, students competed in the SA Geography Teachers' Photo Competition. The St Mary’s corridor was filled with over 70 entries, capturing this year's theme, Weather Watchers via student-generated photographs highlighting the impact of weather in South Australia.

Each morning students in Years 7-12 were challenged to complete the HASS and Business class quiz. It became so popular that we discovered untapped interest in the primary years. A tied finish meant that several classes had to compete for the coveted title of HASS and Business Quiz masters with a playoff!

The prayer focus for the week took students on an historical journey of major events including the Mabo Decision, the end of World War II and the global eradication of Smallpox. In the library, a display of books and an invitation to borrow from a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles enticed readers of all ages.

Lunchtimes gave students an opportunity to step into a range of activities which included visiting the Dominican Museum, hosted by our insightful, Sr Jillian Havey or attending the Heritage Walk led by our knowledgeable archivist, Miss Danielle Trewartha.

Games were afoot at lunchtime with over 40 students sent scattering to the winds on the Geography Scavenger Hunt. A small but dedicated group of Historians played “History Trivia” a tournament of knowledge and strategy, whilst others delved into a dramatic game of political intrigue and betrayal set in 1930s Germany called “Secret Hitler”.

The final event of the week was a massive undertaking, with all Year 10 students visiting Flinders University and UniSA to explore various HASS and Business subjects on offer. Tania Leiman (Dean of Law) delivered an excellent interactive law presentation in which students argued for or against the introduction of technology that could read a person’s thoughts. Overwhelmingly they were in support of the proposition, but the judges (aka the teachers) voted against the proposal on ethical grounds.

Aurora Reid
LEARNING AREA LEADER - HASS

NEWS FROM YEAR 11

YEAR 7 AND 11 BUDDY PROGRAM

In Term 1 Year 11s answered questions Year 7s had; ranging from how to develop good study habits, how to manage social media and how to build positive friendships. This was then followed by ‘campfire conversations’ and human bingo as a way for students to mingle and forge positive relationships between year levels. In late Term 2, the week before Year 11 examinations, the Year 7s and Year 11s connected once again to partake in a yoga session as a way to practice positive wellbeing in what can be a stressful time for our students. It was lovely that the Year 7s also took the time to write good luck cards to Year 11s as a way of supporting them and were well received by them. We look forward to continuing to build this important peer relationship with more activities to ensue next term.

YEAR 11 GATHERING 2025

A major calendar event this term is the Year 11 Gathering. Set for Friday 5 September, it is an opportunity for Year 11s to put aside the demands of their learning and make the most of socialising and building on already well-formed peer relationships. The Year 11 SCRs and SCR Prefects have been working hard behind the scenes to organise events, activities and prizes which will add to the night where Pizza In Giro mobile pizza van and Moo’s Ice-Creamery has been booked to cater the evening. With the fun dress up theme ‘Dress for the Wrong Event’ we are sure to have a great night!

YEAR 11 SERVICE FOR THE MARY POTTER FOUNDATION

Each term, the Year 11 Pastoral Care program prioritises allocating time to assist The Mary Potter Foundation with a number of service activities.

So far this year, we have assisted in creating Easter care packages, cards and setting up the Walk For Love path in Wellington Square. In addition to this, our Year 11s will also be making essential oils to be distributed to patients in Term 3. We are proud of our partnership and connection with this organisation and the way it teaches our students the importance of altruism and service, underscoring one of our four Dominican pillars.

Sara Nigro
YEAR 11 COORDINATOR

FROM THE TECHNOLOGY FACULTY

YEAR 9 GAMING AND PROGRAMMING VISIT UNISA

The Year 9 Gaming and Programming class enjoyed an exciting and inspiring excursion to UniSA, where they participated in a series of hands-on, educational workshops. The day began with 'Hack the Mainframe', a fast-paced escape room challenge that introduced students to key cybersecurity concepts. Working in teams, they used real networking tools and equipment to decode clues, crack passwords, and ultimately take down a simulated 'bank' network. It was a thrilling and practical experience that tested their logic, teamwork, and technical skills.

Next, in the 'Think Like a Game Developer' workshop, students explored the mindset and creative process behind successful game design. They considered what makes a game fun, challenging, and engaging - and were especially inspired by viewing examples of real game development projects created by current UniSA students.

Finally, students participated in Project LIVE (Learning through Immersive Virtual Environments), where they explored UniSA's cutting-edge technologies in virtual and augmented reality. A highlight was experiencing UniSA's latest planetarium technology, where students explored the movement of the sun and stars in a highly visual, interactive environment.

SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN - YEAR 9 ARCHITECTURE

On Monday 4 August, the Year 9 Architecture class welcomed two special guest speakers — our Business Manager, Ms Rogers, and eneral Maintenance Manager, Mr Heggs — who shared valuable insights into practical and sustainable interior design. They spoke about real-life design pitfalls and practical considerations, including the durability of materials in high-use areas, furniture and layout choices that can lead to maintenance issues, and how lighting, power point placement, and room design can impact usability, comfort, and safety. They also offered advice on making spaces easier to clean and maintain, and how to avoid common mistakes that might look good at first but become problematic over time. The session sparked plenty of curiosity and fresh thinking, inspiring students to tackle their upcoming design projects with greater creativity, practicality, and long-term vision.

FUSE CUP

Eight students from Years 5 to 8 proudly represented St Dominic's in the FUSE Cup - an international eSports competition that promotes safe, inclusive, and supportive gaming, while encouraging positive digital behaviours and wellbeing.

On Wednesday 6 August, they competed in the Just Dance State Championship and delivered an exceptional performance. Both of our teams progressed to the semi-finals and went on to achieve first and second place in South Australia. In an extraordinary outcome, the top four dancers in the state were all from St Dominic’s.

We are delighted to announce that our state champions: Olivia Caiazza (8G), Eliza Cocca (7W), Ella Hart (8G), and Mckenzie Kelso (7W) have been invited to represent South Australia at the Just Dance National Championship, to be held in Gold Coast in November.

Congratulations to Olivia, Ella, Eliza, Mckenzie, Natalia Tasovac (8B), Gursirat Kaur (6G), Samarah Laming (5B) and Saanvi Sharma (5G) on this remarkable accomplishment. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and teamwork were truly exemplary. We also commend them for the respectful and inclusive way they engaged with students from other schools, demonstrating the highest standards of sportsmanship. Well done girls!

Lana Weller
LEARNING AREA LEADER - TECHNOLOGY

AN INVITATION FROM THE OLD SCHOLARS

At the end of March, we celebrated the launch of our film ‘In Truth and Love’. This was a film made by ‘Living Stories’ and jointly funded by the Dominican Sisters and St Dominic’s Priory College to mark the 140th year celebrations. Over 100 people gathered in the College Hall to view this film, comprising interviews with Sr Jill, Stephanie Burley, Josie Revesz and Muriel Noujaim, and interspersed with photos, videos and memories of the Sisters and the College through the years. It was a fantastic day and the response was excellent. The event featured reunions among friends who had not met in many years, the sharing of experiences, engaging conversation, and an enjoyable afternoon tea thoughtfully provided by our Old Scholars. Although this project took months of planning and enormous input by Sr Jillian and many others, it was something we are proud to have been involved in as it has been a way to recognise the resilience, joy and pure hard work of the many Sisters since their arrival in the Colony of South Australia from Stone in England. It also reflects the enormous influence and constant evolution of the College. A special highlight was a video sent by our Principal, Dr Helen Steele, who happened to be visiting Stone at that time. She was able to share ‘In Truth and Love’ with some Dominican sisters who were once part of that community.

ENCORE SCREENING OF 'IN TRUTH & LOVE'

Please join us for the matinee screening of our ‘Living Stories’ film, ‘In Truth and Love’, exploring 140 years of the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide and St Dominic’s Priory College.

Where: St Dominic’s Priory College
When: Sunday 31 August. 2:00pm for 2:30pm (Concludes about 3:45pm)

Please join us after the screening for refreshments.

Please book by 27 August. Tickets available at $25.
Bank details: St Dominic’s Old Scholars BSB 065000 AC 00902787
Reference: Your name and no of tickets.

Any queries text Jo on 0411305042 or Elena on 0410205073.

We would love to see our current families. We would also appreciate you passing the word around.

Read the latest edition of the Old Scholars' Newsletter, In Black & White, online here.

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 3 KEY DATES FOR THE DIARY

Monday 18 - Friday 22 August: Book Week
Friday 22 August: School Closure Day (St Dominic's Day Holiday)
Thursday 4 September: Parents & Friends Meeting from 7pm in the Conway Space
***NEW DATE*** Wednesday 10 September: Fete Community Launch from 6pm in the College Hall
Thursday 11 September: Learning Conversations from 1:50pm - 6:30pm. (Students dismissed at 1:00pm)
Monday 22 September: Languages Day
Friday 26 September: Last Day of Term 3. 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

SACSSGSA SATURDAY MORNING SPORT

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

Girls can also check the Sports Notice Board in the Gym or the Daily Notices for upcoming games.

It is important that you collect your daughter(s) at the end of the game/practice promptly, and to let Mrs Pratt know in advance if a student is unable to attend.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Lyndall Pratt at the school if you have any questions about the Saturday Sport Program.

Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

SAPSASA SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

From Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 August, the Services FM Stadium at Gepps Cross was buzzing with excitement as the SAPSASA Soccer State Championships took place. We are thrilled to congratulate Ruby Le (6G), Danielle Lipapis (6G), and Eva Vovos (6B), who were proudly selected to represent North Adelaide at this prestigious event.

With over 40 students trialling for just 12 spots on the team, having three students from St Dominic’s chosen was a remarkable achievement. North Adelaide demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the carnival, winning five games, drawing two, and narrowly losing one. Their outstanding effort earned them a well-deserved close 3rd place finish.

Ruby, Danielle, and Eva showcased exceptional commitment, resilience, and teamwork, setting a wonderful example for all our students. We are proud of their accomplishments and the positive spirit they brought to the competition.

Congratulations once again to our talented trio for making St Dominic’s proud!

SACPSSA CROSS COUNTRY

A group of 20 students from Years 3 - 6 accepted the challenge of completing a demanding 2km cross country course in the wet and muddy conditions of Park 15 in the Adelaide Parklands. They displayed resilience, perseverance, and school spirit as part of the SACPSSA Carnival, which brings together Catholic Schools from across South Australia, with approximately 150 runners per race. Notable finishes:

Marley Anderson (Year 3, Division A) - 13th
Celine Paglia (Year 3, Division B) - 15th
Eliza Bok (Year 3, Division A) - 50th
Isabel Burgoyne (Year 5, Division A) - 39th
Ava Lionello (Year 5, Division A) - 44th

Congratulations to all the students who competed - every single competitor completed the full course with a smile on their face.

BEGINNER NETBALL SESSIONS

This term, students from Reception to Year 2 have had the opportunity to participate in after-school 'Come and Try' Netball sessions, held on Monday afternoons.

During these sessions, students have been developing the fundamental skills of netball and will begin to learn the rules and structure of the game as the term progresses.

As a special surprise, all participants received a brand new netball with their name on it, encouraging them to continue practising their skills at home.

Future Thundercup Netballers in the making!

Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL PE TEACHER

ISSUE 12 | Week 4, Term 3 - Thursday 14 August 2025