ISSUE 15 | Week 10 Term 3 - Friday 26 September 2025
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Families
The end of Term 3 provides an opportunity to reflect on ten weeks of study, futures planning and great contributions by students, staff and families. We are grateful to our students who consistently bring us joy as they work towards their goals. We (parents and staff) understand the value of patience, kindness, expectation, clarity and persistence as we work alongside each of your daughters to help her achieve her personal excellence. There have been an abundance of opportunities for students to engage in College life alongside their studies. I am mindful that it would take many pages to share all the highlights of the term. Indeed, our College Newsletter is always a good read as it captures the life and story of St Dominic’s.

As I type this, I am still riding the high of this week's Catholic Schools Music Festival. Held across four nights, the Festival is a showcase of outstanding music and song. Once again, thanks to the outstanding leadership of Courtney Day and Anna Sordillo, St Dominic’s was well represented on stage with stunning performances by 98 students (98!) as represented in the following:
- The Year 6 classes, who did a stellar job as part of the huge Festival Choir on Wednesday night!
- St Dominic’s Priory College Choir Support Act on Wednesday- 'The Seed'
Soloists in 'The Seed'- Tilly George, Lola Martin, Aria Sordillo, Isabella Fernandez, Gemma Moran-Machen, Charlotte Kruegar, Lucy Boyd, Leah Cremer, Sophia Ravida, Ysabelle Roque - St Dominic’s Priory College Secondary Girls Choir every night
- Secondary Girls Choir Soloists every night: Sophia Ravida, Lucy Boyd
- Alanna and Teresa Kennedy – Violin and Piano duet, playing an arrangement by Alanna
- Phuong Thai – Piano solo, Nocturne in C# Minor
- Festival String Ensemble every night: Alanna Kennedy, Amelia Nguyen, Isabelle Nguyen, Phuong Thai
- Student Compere on Wednesday: Ashley Wijayaratna
I offer my sincere congratulations to Ms Day and Ms Sordillo for their dedication to our girls, whose lives are enriched because of their professional investment and commitment to excellence.

In other news across the College, our Fete Ambassadors have been hard at work, already raising $1,000 to launch this year’s appeal (An upgraded Science Lab) and generating great excitement among the girls. Over the past fortnight we have also enjoyed two successful camps, vibrant year level showcases, and a most memorable Night of the Notables presented by our Year 5 students. Congratulations are also due to our Year 6 girls for their impressive migration project, and to the Year 4 girls for hosting an inspiring Environment Evening.
Our final Assembly for the term was a joyful celebration, overflowing with news and achievements that reminded us once again of the many opportunities to live richly at St Dominic’s. We were uplifted by the Year 12 Band’s performance of Don’t Dream It’s Over and inspired by the breadth of learning and creativity on display. Highlights included recognition of success in Australian History and Geography, Write a Book in a Day, and the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, as well as Year 7 presentations. We congratulated students recognised in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the MASA Quiz Night, Science Week activities, the State Titration Competition, the Young Writers Awards, and the Long Tan Award. Together, these moments reflected the spirit, talent and dedication of our students across the College.
I extend my warmest regards to all our families and thank you for continuing our great partnership where we work together to raise confident, clever, genuine and compassionate girls future future-ready for a world of possibilities. As I often say, may the term break find you in the good company of your daughters and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4 – The Celebration Term.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
TERM 4 KEY DATES
- 2025 Parents & Friends Cookie Drive orders close Friday 10 October (order here)
- First Day of Term 4 (for students still wearing the seasonal uniform, summer uniform is worn) Monday 13 October
- Annual Music Concert - Music students Friday 17 October | 5:15pm for 5:30pm start (book here)
- College Fete - Staff, Students and Families Sunday 26 October | 10:00am - 3:00pm
To sign up to a Parent Roster, CLICK HERE. Student Rosters will be completed in class during Week 1 of Term 4.
For those attending, there will be a 10:50am Late Start on Monday 27 October. OSHC will run an extended program during this time. - 2025 Parent/Guardian Opinion Survey closes Monday 27 October (click here to complete)
- Farewell to the Class of 2025 - Students and Staff Thursday 23 October
- End of Year Liturgy - Staff, Students and Families Tuesday 2 December | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
- Graduation Ball - Year 12 students and families Tuesday 25 November | 6:30pm - 10:00pm
2025 PARENT/GUARDIAN OPINION SURVEY
We need your help! We would love for you to take the time to complete a Parent/Guardian Opinion Survey.
This survey is conducted by National School Surveys and aims to help St Dominic’s Priory College Leadership understand parents/guardians' perceptions. The information gained from this survey will assist to address areas of concern, and make recommendations to facilitate improvements to your daughter's learning environment.
To complete the Survey, please CLICK HERE.
Please ensure that you complete the survey by Monday 27 October 2025.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FAITH + MISSION

SAVE THE DATE | End of Year Liturgy of Thanksgiving on Tuesday 2 December - details to come!

PEOPLE, PLACE & CULTURE - AWAKENED BY HOPE
As we come to the close of Term 3, I am reminded once again that the heart of our college lies in its people: the students, staff, families, and, of course, the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide. The Dominican charism continues to shape and inspire the living tradition we inherit.
Our place also calls us into awareness. Within and around the College, signs and symbols both large and small awaken us to a sacred connection to the land and to its original custodians, the Kaurna people, with whom we share the responsibility of stewardship and care for all creation.



We are also drawn into the Christian story, made visible in the crosses placed in classrooms and offices, and enshrined within the Dominican Crest. We see it, too, in the signs of hope expressed through community outreach, the pursuit of peace and justice, participation in prayer, and the proclamation of the Gospel in contemporary and relevant ways, following the inspiration of St Dominic and many others who constantly responded to the signs of our times.
Classrooms, courtyards, gardens, and gathering spaces are more than physical settings. They are places where young hearts and minds are formed, where friendships grow, and where truth is sought.

Recently, Dominican Education Australia (DEA) Trustees, Ministry Board Chairs, and Principals from Dominican schools across the country gathered at St Dominic’s for their annual meeting. To begin their day, a group of our Year 10 and Year 6 students led a prayer experience that began in the Sr Jillian Havey Centre and concluded at the Garden of Contemplation and Remembrance. At each stop, students shared aspects of the St Dominic’s Priory College story and invited our guests to reflect on the importance of people, place, culture, and story.
The St Dominic’s culture is the tapestry woven from these threads of people and place, enriched by the Dominican charism and grounded in the enduring motto of Veritas. It calls us to look beyond the surface, to think deeply and critically, to notice awe and wonder, beauty and joy, and to act with openness, courage, and integrity, values our world needs more than ever.
Amid the challenges of our times, we hold fast to the promise of hope. Hope is not naïve optimism; it is, for the Christian community, the steady light of Christ. Hope teaches us to trust possibility even when the way ahead is uncertain. It roots us in gratitude for what has been and strengthens us to imagine what can yet be.
One place where this becomes tangible is in the College Museum and Chapel. These spaces tell the story of our pioneering Sisters, whose hope guided them through times of uncertainty. Their courage and conviction became a compass, charting a path forward that continues to inspire us today. During the College Fete Day on Sunday 26 October, I warmly encourage you to visit these spaces and allow their stories to speak of the people, places, and culture awakened to the Spirit of Hope.
Joseph Catania
DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION
STAFFING ANNOUNCEMENT
As we look ahead to Term 4, we write to share with you some upcoming staffing changes.

Jessica Spagnuolo
on Maternity Leave

Emma Rawlins
Acting Year 12 Coordinator

Stella Love
Subject Teaching
We extend our best wishes to Jessica Spagnuolo, who will commence her maternity leave from next week. We thank Jessica for her work and commitment to our students, and we wish her every blessing as she prepares for the arrival of her little one. In her absence, Emma Rawlins will take on the role of Year 12 Coordinator. Emma brings a wealth of experience as a Year 12 teacher and is well placed to support and encourage our senior students as they complete their final stage of secondary schooling. Stella Love, a current staff member, will take over Jessica’s Stage 1 Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, Year 8 Drama, 8W History, 8W Religion, 7B Geography and 7B Religion classes.

Liana Bosco
We also take this opportunity to wish Liana Bosco a well-deserved and fulfilling long service leave break. We thank Liana for her dedicated service and trust this time will be both restorative and rewarding. During her leave, current Languages staff Toni Riccio and Nadège Otina-Griffin will step in to team-teach Liana’s secondary classes, whilst Tania Piotto will cover Year 6 Italian; ensuring continuity of learning opportunities for the students. In addition, due to these changes, we are pleased to share that Stacey Matthews will assume the role of Home Class teacher for 10W. Stacey Matthews is well known to the Year 10s and well equipped to support them in their final term of the year.

Stacey Matthews
10W Class Teacher

Toni Riccio
Subject Teaching

Nadège Otina-Griffin
Subject Teaching

Tania Piotto
Year 6 Italian

Francine Saint
Teacher Librarian

Tina Caruso
Welcome Back!
We are also delighted to welcome back Tina Caruso and Francine Saint from long service leave. Francine will take up the role of Teacher Librarian, whilst Tina will re-join the HASS and Business faculty; teaching Year 10 Economics and Business, 8B History, 7B Economics and 7G Economics. Emma Stanley, who has been a wonderful addition to our Junior School team during Francine's leave, will continue as Reception teacher in Term 4.
The College thanks you for your continued support of our staff as together we uphold the spirit of our Dominican community: one of collaboration, care, and excellence in learning.
Muriel Noujaim | Deputy Principal
Jo Surman | Director of Teaching & Learning
2025 FETE NEWS
"Inspiring girls through Science starts here. Help us build it."
In 2025, the College Fete & Auction is raising funds to refurbish and upgrade an inspiring science lab where our girls become innovators, creative thinkers and solution seekers who will shape our future. With your support of this community event, we can create a learning environment that sparks curiosity and empowers the next generation of female scientists.
Your support is an investment in education, community, and our future. Join us in creating a space where curiosity thrives and discovery begins.

PARENT ROSTER
The 2025 Parent Roster for this year's Fete & Auction is now open for signups. Just an hour or two of a parent or guardian’s time over Fete weekend (25/26 Oct) can make an impact on the success of this community event, and would be greatly appreciated by our team of Parent Stall Convenors.
Please CLICK THIS LINK to sign up online. It can also be accessed via 'Useful Links' on the School Stream home screen.

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



Collections for these stalls will be gratefully accepted until Wednesday 15 October (Week 1, Term 4)

WEEKLY APPEALS
To help our family-run stalls, additional appeals have been communicated via the College's key communication channels: Student Daily Notices (SEQTA), event posts (Facebook), School Stream, and, of course, this College Newsletter. Collections for these stalls will be gratefully accepted until Wednesday 15 October (Week 1, Term 4).
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

CHAPEL TOURS
& MUSEUM TOURS ON FETE DAY | 10:00am to 12:00pm
Of the ‘must see’’ items at Fete 2025 is our beautiful Chapel and adjacent Convent Museum, where we are privileged to safeguard rare and precious early examples of the highest quality embroidered vestments and tapestries; the work of the College's founding sisters from Stone, Staffordshire, and their successors. Visitors to the Museum will also have the opportunity to study the earliest sources of illuminating technique and see how our students have studied this art form as part of their Religious Education unit on Dominican history. Additionally, in the cloister adjacent to the main Chapel, visitors will have the opportunity to observe members of Calligraphy Society SA at work.
Sr Jillian Havey OP | Curator, Dominican Sisters Museum
Danielle Trewartha | College Archivist
ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT
CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

TURNING CONVERSATION INTO ACTION
This week, as we observe National Child Protection Week (7–13 September), our college joins communities nationwide in embracing the theme: "Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action." Children deserve not just to be listened to, but to experience genuine safety and care, a responsibility we all share. Chief Inspector George Fenwick from SA Police reminds us that child protection isn’t just the work of specialists or authorities. Every adult plays a critical role in children's wellbeing. Since the Royal Commission’s landmark findings over a decade ago, schools and child-focused organisations have worked tirelessly to change culture and build safer environments for every child.
Child protection in today’s world is complex and constantly evolving. Online spaces, including social media and gaming platforms, can appear harmless, but, as Fenwick warns, these environments can also provide cover for predators using fake profiles to groom and manipulate children. "Parents need to know what their kids are doing online—and kids need to know what to do if something feels off," Fenwick cautions. Recent police operations, which have led to the arrests of dozens of individuals for online child abuse offences, underscore both the seriousness of these dangers and the dedicated work of law enforcement in protecting children and prosecuting offenders.
Families can protect children online by:
- Using parental controls and privacy settings on devices and platforms.
- Keeping devices in shared spaces, and actively engaging with children’s online lives.
- Educating children about online risks and encouraging them to communicate anything that feels uncomfortable.
- Creating a household culture of open dialogue, understanding that children may need to tell more than one adult before they feel heard and that attentive listening is essential.











During Child Protection Week our college celebrated Wellbeing Week, driven by our Wellbeing Prefects, and our entire school also participated in "R U OK? Day." This highlights our commitment to building a culture of friendship, care, and thoughtful dialogue, where every student feels supported. School-wide initiatives like Wellbeing Fives, stress management strategies, carousel conversations, walk-and-talk sessions, and mindfulness activities foster connections and teach students to support themselves and one another.
Our commitment lasts all year. Through our learning programs we encourage students to ask "Are you OK?", honour every student voice, and enable staff to respond with empathy and proactive support. Through these efforts, be it peer support, wellbeing programs, or nurturing strong relationships in every classroom, we demonstrate that child protection extends far beyond dialogue; it involves daily, practical safeguards and careful care. National advocates are clear: conversations must lead to tangible change. The responsibility sits with all of us to listen carefully when young people speak, act decisively to address concerns, and remain accountable for preventative actions. Families, staff, students, and the broader community do their part to ensure every girl at our college is safe, supported, and genuinely heard.

To learn more or find practical advice, please refer to our Safeguarding Policies, Wellbeing Framework, or reach out to anyone on our pastoral care team.
Muriel Noujaim
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
INSPIRING CONFIDENCE ONLINE

YEAR 8 PASTORAL CARE
Our Pastoral Care theme for Term 3 in Year 8 was Inspiring Confidence Online. This term, students engaged with the digital literacy program titled Teens & Screens, produced by the Black Dog Institute.
Students learnt how to identify positive and negative experiences associated with being online, understand how persuasive design techniques used by technology companies draw adolescents online and keep them engaged and which strategies adolescents can use to enhance the positive effects of being online, while reducing potential harms. I encourage our families to utilise the resources on the Teens & Screens parents page (link below), which features a wide range of resources for families to support young people building healthy digital habits.
Students in Years 6-8 will be engaging in the Teens and Screens student presentation delivered by the Black Dog Institute at school next term.

Integrated into our Pastoral Care program this term were also relevant excerpts from the ABC iView series The Role of a Lifetime, which students will view in conjunction with follow-up discussion prompts and activities. This is an insightful, eye-opening and entertaining series about how to parent in the rapidly changing world. If you are interested in viewing the series in its entirety, you can do so for free via ABC iView app or website.

I would also like to take this opportunity to share with the College community an extraordinary achievement of Year 8 student Catherine Mackay. Catherine has been selected to join the YMCA South Australia Junior Parliament for 2025. As a Junior Parliamentarian, Catherine will learn all about parliamentary process, how to write a motion and how to debate in Parliament.
Catherine’s two years of experience representing the College in debating will certainly serve her well. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting opportunity. Congratulations Catherine!
Anastasia Markou
YEAR 8 COORDINATOR
TERM 3 IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
It has been another exciting term of learning and discovery across our Junior School.
Our Reception students explored the importance of healthy eating, learning about food groups and the benefits of ‘eating a rainbow.’ Many were adventurous in trying new foods – with mixed reviews!




Year 1 students enjoyed a delicious taste of Italian culture with Signora Piotto, preparing their own bruschetta. This hands-on experience linked beautifully with their Pizza Shop classroom play space.
In Science, Year 2 students visited the Planetarium, where they were fascinated by the wonders of the solar system and surprised to learn that the sun is not actually made of lava.
The Year 3s explored natural history at the South Australian Museum, building on their understanding of the world’s past, while our Year 4s had a fantastic time at AFL Max Camp, focusing on teamwork, healthy living, and having fun. A particularly special moment this term was celebrating with nine of our Year 4 students as they received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion.









Year 5 students experienced two memorable events. Their Coastal Excursion at West Beach deepened their understanding of caring for our environment, while the Night of the Notables shone a spotlight on women in Science. From Dian Fossey’s work to save gorillas to the stories of other inspiring figures, the students presented with confidence and pride.











Our Year 6 classes were equally busy, visiting the Migration Museum and creating biographies of migrants in their own lives, culminating in a celebration with their interviewees. They also proudly represented our school in the Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir.
Meanwhile, our Little Doms completed their very first term of school, quickly becoming a cherished part of our Junior School family.

Beyond the classroom, students enjoyed a rich sporting program, including Touch Football, Cross Country, the inaugural R–2 Netball Clinic, Athletics, Tennis, Netball, Soccer and much more.
As Term 3 draws to a close, we celebrate the joy, curiosity, and growth that have filled our classrooms and playgrounds. We look forward to all that Term 4 will bring!
Natalie Cameron
DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

YEAR 4 SUSTAINABILITY
SMART SOLUTIONS, BIG IMPACT
This term, the Year 4 students have been exploring the theme Smart Solutions, Big Impact through all of their learning areas. We investigated eight different sustainability solutions, including reusing tin cans, restyling fast fashion and planting for pollinators.


In Science, students researched their given solution in groups to understand environmental issues and how their solution could make a real difference for our world. In English, they crafted persuasive speeches and presented them to parents at our open night last week. Visual Arts gave students the chance to get creative by recycling and reusing materials such as cans and magazines to create striking artworks. We connected our learning to messages from the Bible and the late Pope Francis in Religion by reflecting on how we can care for our common home. In Media Arts, students used Canva to create infographics to share facts and statistics in a creative way.


This term I discovered e-waste, other ways to be sustainable and the impact of global warming and climate change on the Earth. I also perfected my persuasive writing skills to create a speech. At the showcase, my parents were proud of how I delivered my speech. I enjoyed speaking to the audience, answering questions and listening to friends read their snippet from their speech. - Sophie Chhoy
This term I explored fast fashion. Did you know that when clothes go to landfill the plastic-based materials in the clothing soon shed fibres that shortly make their way to the ocean? - Megan Frashni
This term, I learnt that tin cans take nearly 500 years to break down, which really surprised me. I also found out that it’s not just cars that let out carbon dioxide—everyone has a carbon footprint, and it follows you wherever you go. When it was my turn to speak at showcase, I felt nervous, but I was proud of myself. - Charlotte Westenberg
This term our class explored how to be more sustainable. We each got given a topic that we researched. My topic was ‘Plants for pollinators’. Did you know that beetles are pollinators? I didn't before this term. - Alexia Matej

The girls engaged deeply with these projects and showed a great deal of passion for protecting our planet. Their innovative ideas and enthusiasm remind us all that small actions can create big change.
Georgina Fenton
YEAR 4 CLASS TEACHER
PARENT NOTICES

We are pleased to report that we have so far sold $475.30 worth of baked goods, raising $142.59 (and counting!) for the College. Get your order in now, via the below link:

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.

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.

SECONDARY MATHEMATICS





Term 3 has been an exciting one for our Mathematics Faculty, with students across all year levels engaging in competitions that tested their problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.
MASA QUIZ NIGHT
On Tuesday Week 4, six teams of four students from Years 7–12 represented our school at the MASA Quiz Night. Competing against teams from other schools, students tackled an impressive range of mathematical problems, general knowledge questions, and tricky puzzles.
Our students not only had a wonderful evening working together and enjoying some snacks (and in some cases, feasts!) with their teams, but they also brought home some incredible results:
- Our Year 7 team won the Best Maths Award in the Junior Division. Congratulations to Isabelle Goh, Kristine Huynh, Trang (Sherry) Vo and Mia Nguyen (7B).
- The Year 9 team won the Best Maths Award in the Intermediate Division. Congratulations to Amy Le (9W), Sophie Chen (9W), Mali Walters (9G) and Mya Chhoy (9G).
AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
Earlier in the term, on Wednesday of Week 3, our students also participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). This is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students, the competition challenges students to apply their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills to various mathematical problems.
All students from Years 7–9, along with students from Year 10A Mathematics, Stage 1 Mathematics, and Stage 2 Mathematical Methods, took part. We are extremely proud of the strong results achieved by our students and would like to especially acknowledge those who achieved a Distinction in this competition. Congratulations to the following students: Shayla Tran (5B), Myra Vora (5B), Christina Huynh (5G), Ella Jiang (5B), Sophia Dang (6G), Trang (Sherry) Vo (7B), Isabelle Nguyen (7B), Xinyue (Katie) Shuang (7W), Lana Nguyen (8W), Samvidha Sittaramane (8G), Yolanda Pham (9G), Mya Chhoy (9G), Hannah Saju (9G), Diem-Ca Nguyen (9W), Shaniya Sami (9G), Jenny Ngo (10G), Mineva Maju (10G), Yenumi Kodituwakku (10B), Sienna Truong (10G), Linh Duong (11G) and Annemarie Pileggi (12G).
An extra special congratulations also to students achieving High Distinctions, including Gianna Walles (7B) and Amy Le (9W).
These results are a true testament to our students’ dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm for mathematics.
MATHS CLUB
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind students about Maths Club, held every Thursday after school from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in C6 (The Space). This is a wonderful opportunity for students in Years 7–12 to:
- Access additional support with homework, assignments, and test preparation.
- Work with our dedicated maths teachers, who provide specialized help, similar to having a personal tutor.
- Challenge themselves with extension problems and explore advanced concepts.
Important Reminders:
- All students must be picked up promptly at 4:30 pm or head to their buses straight after.
- Students are not permitted to leave before 4:30 pm unless picked up at the Molesworth St gate (for duty of care).
If you enjoyed the challenging problems of the Australian Mathematics Competition, Maths Club is the perfect place to push yourself further, explore new problem-solving strategies, and access a range of tricky extension activities. We encourage all students to come along, whether for extra support or to sharpen their skills even more.
Stacey Matthews
LEARNING AREA LEADER - MATHEMATICS
YEAR 7 NEWS




PASTORAL CARE
This term, the Year 7 cohort engaged in a pastoral session designed to strengthen resilience and personal growth. Delivered by guest speaker Kimberley Clements, the session encouraged students to identify and celebrate their individual strengths while exploring practical strategies to build resilience. A key focus was the HERO model, which students used as a framework to support goal setting and self-development. The program provided valuable tools that students can apply both in their learning and in everyday life, promoting confidence, perseverance, and a positive mindset.







REFLECTION DAY
In addition, Year 7 students participated in their Reflection Day, held at the Urrbrae Monastery and coordinated by Mr Joseph Catania, Director of Faith and Mission. Centred on the theme “Awaken to the Spirit of Hope”, the day provided an opportunity for students to gather as a year level in a new and reflective setting. Activities encouraged them to consider the qualities that build and sustain relationships, explore moments of awe and wonder in the outdoors, and work collaboratively on challenges such as the teamwork tower, which highlighted values of cooperation and friendship.
The day was not only meaningful but also filled with laughter and energy, as students enjoyed sharing time together outside the classroom. Isabelle Nguyen (7B) summed up the experience by saying, “Reflection Day was hilarious with people rolling down the hills and telling great jokes!” Similarly, Eve Rawlins (7B) reflected, “Reflection Day was amazing with Mr Catania providing us with information to help us grow and learn! We had fun playing with friends and having an oval to run around on!”

Both the pastoral session and Reflection Day offered rich opportunities for the Year 7 students to grow as individuals and as a community, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the year.
Kirsty Nankivell
YEAR 7 YEAR LEVEL COORDINATOR
SPORT NEWS
Term 4 Sport nominations have now closed and Consent2go information has been sent out. Please note: any students without consent or outstanding payment will not be permitted to play the first game.
Practices will continue in week 1 of Term 4.
YEAR 11/12 STATEWIDE VOLLEYBALL
Our Year 11/12 Statewide Volleyball Team delivered an impressive performance at the recent Statewide competition, advancing through to Finals Day. Facing a challenging draw against Immanuel College and Heathfield High School, the team displayed outstanding grit, determination, and resilience, fighting hard until the very last point.
In their crossover match against Pulteney, the girls secured 5th place in the State A Grade division – an excellent achievement at such a highly competitive level.
Congratulations to Ms Dent and the team on this remarkable result. We are extremely proud of your efforts and the way you represented our school.
YEAR 7-9 STATEWIDE VOLLEYBALL
Our Year 7–9 Statewide Badminton Team achieved an outstanding result in the minor rounds, going through undefeated to secure their place in the Finals.
The team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, not dropping a single game or rubber against Adelaide Botanic High School, Kildare College, and Immanuel College. Most importantly, they represented our school with respect and excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Well done to all team members on this fantastic achievement!

SHORT COURSE STATE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Rosie Weldon (8G), who recently competed in the Short Course State Championships. Overall, it was a productive weekend for her and I am pleased to share the following results:
3 Bronze Medals (100m Free, 50m Free, 200m Free)
5 Silver Medals (50m Back, 50m Fly, 100m Back, 4x100m Free, 4x100m Medley)

Plus, the two Gold medals she won with her team 2 weeks earlier at the Short Course State Relay Event.
U 14 years girls 4 x 50m Free
U 14 years girls 4 x 50m Medley
Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR

SAPSASA HOT SHOTS TENNIS CARNIVAL
On Friday 13 September, 18 enthusiastic Year 3 and 4 students represented our school at the North Adelaide SAPSASA Hot Shots Tennis Carnival. Throughout the day, students competed in modified games of tennis against students from other schools in the district. This event was a fantastic opportunity for them to apply the tennis skills and knowledge they've been developing during PE lessons this term.
All students demonstrated tremendous school spirit, teamwork, and a commendable sense of fair play. It was great to see our values in action on and off the court. A special congratulations to Khloe Vovos (Year 4) and Ananya Vishal (Year 3), who were recognised for their exceptional sportsmanship on the day - each receiving a drink bottle as a prize. Well done!

We are proud of all students who participated. Your positive attitude, school spirit, and enthusiasm made the day a great success.
Michelle Richter
JUNIOR SCHOOL PE TEACHER

