ISSUE 12 | Week 6, Term 3 - Thursday 31 August 2023
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
Dear Families,
In this past fortnight we have enjoyed a lot of celebrations across the College. A most significant celebration last week was that of the 140 years of the arrival of the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide 1883 – 2023. The College gathered in community with the nine (9) Sisters as guests of honour. Led by Anya and Isabella, we heard the stories of the Sisters' first years, we celebrated their success, their work and service. 140 roses were presented to the Sisters, one for each year of their presence in South Australia. It was a beautiful celebration and the applause for the sisters is still ringing in my ears. Next year we will celebrate 140 years of education at St Dominic’s Priory College.
Our Quiz Night was a fabulous success with much to enjoy. Participants dressed up according to the theme SDPC (some loosely), our Quiz Master, Derek, kept us guessing with challenging questions (thank you to Marcus Gunson) and quirky jokes. Boom, Boom! There was laughter, rivalry and disputes along with grinning winners and clever impersonations. Sincere thanks to all who attended and for your support in raising funds for The Space – a place for students to engage in design thinking, making and exploration. A big thank you to The Quiz Night Committee and supporters; Sandra and Derek Gregory, Jess Fazackerley, Naomi Misaijlo, Nick Anderson, Emilia Pace (Who made a very impressive impersonation of Cate O’Leary), Daniel Peric, and Marni Curtis.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation were celebrated at Rosary Church. We congratulate the Year 4 students and their families on this important step in their faith journey; Liv Carpio, Emily Cutri, Clare Gilbert, Sienna Cavallaro, Sofia Gubitina, Chloe Haddad, Mila Pethick, Alexis Rappold and Elise Zeuner.
Last night, we held our Fete Launch. This too was a wonderful celebration led by our Year 11 Fete Ambassadors who reminded us of the value of the Fete, the significance of the Chocolate Wheel and the importance of outward signs of leadership such as a pink cap! Many thanks to all Fete Ambassadors from Reception to Year 11 and especially their parents who willingly signed up to volunteer and support our generous Fete Convenors. I invite all families to assist with the College Fete by making donations and volunteering for Fete Stalls. Please click here to access the sign-up forms, and look out for a special circular next week that will be all about the College Fete.
Tomorrow night I look forward to attending the Year 12 performance of 'Between these Lines'. The Year 12 Drama Class and their teacher, Victoria Sayner, have been working hard on this very important assessment piece and we wish them every success. The performance will take place tonight, 31 August, and Friday 1 September in the College Hall. Tickets will be available from the door from 6:30pm ahead of a 7:00pm start.
This week families would have received communication from me announcing Cate O’Leary’s retirement from 2024. Cate has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of St Dominic’s. As the Director of the Junior School, Cate has inspired her colleagues, students and parents for nearly 25 years. We will acknowledge Cate’s work at the end of the year. Please see a copy of the letter sent to the community here.
Daylight is getting longer, the birds chirping earlier and signs of new life sprinklers our gardens. It is a perfect time to be energised by the beauty of God’s presence in nature, sunrises, fragrance and the warmth of the sun. Let us find time to give thanks for all that is good and joyful in our lives.
Dr Helen Steele
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
ST DOMINIC’S PRIORY COLLEGE 2024 ENROLMENT
At this time of year, schools begin their planning for the year to come.
The withdrawal of an enrolment affects many areas of the College. If your daughter is moving on from St Dominic’s at the end of the year, we request that you inform the College in writing - by either a letter or email addressed to the Principal - by Monday 18 September 2023.
A Term’s Fees will be charged if a minimum of One (1) Term’s notice is not provided.
Please see p7 of the 2023 Financial Information booklet for relevant policies.
PRAYER & LITURGY
CONDOLENCES
The College Community extends its sympathies to the Canil family, for the recent passing of Giovanni Canil, Nonno of Emily (9W) and Jacinta (6B) Canil. May he rest in peace.
We also pray for the Venetsanos family, following the passing of Milton Venetsanos, grandfather to Katerina Venetsanos (10W). May he find eternal peace.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Ms Jo Surman
NAPLAN Results
NAPLAN was conducted online by all students across the country for the first time in 2023. At St Dominic’s, we encourage all students to participate in NAPLAN and this year over 98% of the 1000+ tests were completed. By now, all families should have received their daughter’s NAPLAN results. Keep in mind that NAPLAN is just one measure of your daughter’s progress; the College uses a comprehensive range of data to ensure our students' continuous growth and development.
EXPANDING OUR CURRICULUM
Subject to student interest, we are excited to announce several new subjects are on offer in 2024. This broadening of our curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to further explore a diverse range of interests.
Year 9:
Unleashing Gaming and Programming
Year 10:
Innovations and Future Thinking
Year 11:
Stage 2 Information Publishing and Processing
Stage 2 Nutrition
Stage 2 Integrated Learning
Stage 2 Biology
Year 12:
Stage 2 Digital Technologies
Stage 2 Information Publishing and Processing
As you can see above, Year 11 students will have the option to study one Stage 2 subject in 2024. We encourage careful consideration of this decision, as our experience tells us that student learning outcomes tend to be higher when they complete Stage 2 subjects in Year 12. There is no advantage in gaining more than the required 200 credits for SACE completion.
2024 NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM
We are proud to announce that three (3) of our Year 11 students have been selected to participate in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). This not-for-profit organisation provides immersive programs to nurture young people's passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and more. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Catherine Tojo, Zashka Gunson and Alex Chavez, who will be heading to Canberra (Zashka) and Brisbane (Catherine and Alex) in January to participate in this wonderful two-week program.
They will stay at university colleges and be immersed in a variety of science and technology experiences such as:
- participating in tours of science and technology facilities, and learning about career pathways,
- learning about cutting-edge research,
- engaging with industry partners and research providers,
- mixing with other like-minded students from all over Australia.
The College is very excited for these students, and we look forward to hearing all about their adventures when they return for their final year of schooling in 2024.
Ms Jo Surman
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING
YEAR 12 DRAMA PRODUCTION
The Year 12 Drama Production of 'Between these Lines' will take place in the College Hall from 7pm on Thursday 31 August and Friday 1 September. Tickets (Students/Concession $10, Adults $15) will be available at the door from 6:30pm, ahead of the 7pm start. Entrance is via the 119 Molesworth Street Student Entrance.
FETE NEWS
2023 FETE PARENT ROSTER
The PARENT ROSTER for the 2023 Fete & Auction is now live.
In the spirit of Community and Service, two of the Dominican Pillars that form the foundations of our College, the dedicated parents and friends of the College that form the Fete Committee are calling out to their fellow parents and friends to support the success of this event by committing to a 2-hour roster over Fete Weekend. This vibrant community event has been a staple of the College's Calendar for over half of its 139-year history, and is an experience your daughters will look back upon fondly in years to come.
To sign up to a roster, and support the fundraising and community-raising endeavours of the College, visit https://signup.com/go/bBEAGnb. The 2023 Roster is open now, until the end of September.
POT PLANT STALL
The Convenors of the Pot Plant Stall are grateful for the support of the Primary Classes, that worked together on Thursday to start potting plants for this year's Stall. The donation of small growing pots was greatly appreciated by the girls who partook in this endeavour as part of a service activity in Pastoral Care.
The wider College Community is warmly invited to join with other like-minded parents, grandparents and students at the upcoming Pot Planting Morning on Saturday 9 September, between 9am - 12noon. Further donations of small pots, suitable for seed starting and growing small plants, will be much appreciated, and can be brought to the College during school hours in the week prior to the planting morning, or on the day.
Thank you.
FETE STALL APPEALS
In Week 7, the 2023 Fete Stall Appeals kick off with book donations for the BOOK STALL; followed by packets of sweets for the SWEETS STALL in Week 8. Students can hand in their contribution to their Class Teacher in the mornings, or bring to the College Office during school hours.
Information about the 2023 Stall Appeals was sent to families via SEQTA on 11 August, or can be reread, here.
AUCTION HAMPERS
Auction Hamper donations will continue to be gratefully received by the parent-led Auction Committee until the end of term. See below for each year level's theme, or reread the letter distributed in Term 2, here.
PARENTS & FRIENDS
SCHOOL UMBRELLAS - $25ea
Now available to purchase direct from the College Office!!
Payment can be made in person via cash or EFTPOS, or else ordered over the phone from the Finance Office (08) 8331 5100 and collected during school hours.
YEAR 7 REPORT
The change of semester has seen the Year 7 cohort well and truly settled into their first year of high school. The girls have been up to all kinds of fantastic things this term. I would like to start with a congratulations to Year 7 student Emilia Soda (7B - pictured), who has been selected as a co-compere at this year’s Catholic Schools Music Festival. Emilia will be centre stage at the biggest music event for SA Catholic Schools. The College is very proud of her achievement, and we wish her the very best. Well done, Emilia!
In their Religion classes, the Year 7s visited the St Dominic’s Museum, led by Sr Jill. Students were able to view the various artifacts and learn about our pioneering North Adelaide Dominican Sisters; the sacrifices they made and the vision they had for the school. For their associated assessment task, the girls will be designing and creating their very own illuminated initial, inspired by the intricate work they have seen at the museum.
Earlier in the term, the College got behind our beloved Matildas and encouraged all students to don green and gold ahead of the semi-final match against England’s Lionesses. It was uplifting to see the Year 7 classes roll in with their scarves, beanies and guernseys; excited to cheer the ‘Tillies’ on that night. Though the result was not what we wanted, the way the students banded together in the spirit of sisterhood as history was made, was something to behold.
In Week 8, we will be hosting both current and incoming Year 6 students at the first 2024 Year 7 Transition of the year. This first day will be centred around the Dominican pillar ‘Community’, and will include a jam-packed day of fun, reflection, and connection. The current Year 7 Class look back on this day with fond memories and surprise at how quickly the time has flown since they were looking forward to this day.
Ms Anastasia Markou
YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
SCIENCE WEEK
Ms Denise Kennedy
St Dominic’s observed National Science Week in the week of 14 - 18 August. The theme for 2023 was “Innovation: Powering Future Industries”.
To celebrate this theme, the College's Science Faculty organised activities. On Monday, we held a Treasure Hunt around the campus, with questions about historical innovations. This was enjoyed by students from Primary School to Year 11. On Tuesday, Justyna Dutka (Class of 2021), who is currently completing a medical degree, spoke to the students about her journey of getting into medicine. She spoke about completing the UCAT twice and never giving up on her passion. Justyna was a student who involved herself in the life of the College by joining many clubs and now at university is involved in organising the Global Health Conference. She recommended students take up the opportunities offered during their schooling, as this can benefit them at university and in later life. The girls enjoyed hearing about her journey and what life is like at university. On Wednesday and Thursday students made paper planes which emphasised the theme of innovation. Students flew their designs and were judged on the length of flight. The competition was fierce, and the innovative designs suggest that our students will be ready for any changes to industry that are coming. Thank you to the science staff who worked to plan and provide these opportunities to students.
Ms Denise Kennedy
LEARNING AREA LEADER SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT
Ms Joanne Villis
Technology and Science Enriched PALs
Play and Learn (PALs) occurs every Friday afternoon for Little Doms, Reception and Year 1 students. Play-based learning is a pedagogical approach that uses children’s natural inclination for play as the base for learning. Some of the ways play-based learning supports students is in relation to their cognitive development through stimulation of children’s imagination and creativity, social skills development as they learn to work in groups, share and negotiate and autonomy as play allows children to make choices and lead their own learning.
Recently, PALs took place in The Space and play was enriched further through technology and science tools, enabling students to learn about their environment. Virtual Reality (VR) headsets were used to deliver a playlist to students consisting of VR and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. Students viewed a penguin in AR, a view of the world where an object, in this case a penguin was augmented in the real world. Then though VR, students were immersed in a penguin’s habitat, a computer-generated simulation of their three-dimensional environment.
Students explored logic through programming our Bee-Bot robots. Bee-Bots are designed specifically for use by children. The colourful robots are easy to operate and through exploration, teach sequencing, estimation and problem solving.
Students wore lab coats and gloves as they used magnifying glasses to view caterpillars, flowers, and leaves. They also had access to a microscope to view smaller creatures which live in pond water. The sensory mats and outdoor area with bubbles also ignited play-based learning.
I am looking forward to welcoming the cohort back to The Space in Week 8 for another technology enriched PALs session.
Ms Joanne Villis
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT
GALA DAY
Thank you for helping your daughters to support our biggest outreach fundraiser event on our school calendar. With the theme: Moments in Media, the girls turned up to school with creative costumes and enthusiasm to have fun, and an appetite for food and spending!
Gala Day 2023 saw our community learn about and contribute much needed donations to the following local charities. We are proud to share that this year we raised $6,307.21 which will be shared among this year focus charities.
- Ronald McDonald House Adelaide: Ronald McDonald House Adelaide provides a ‘home away from home’ for seriously ill children and their families.
- Treasure Boxes: Treasure Boxes works with 170 support agencies across South Australia to ensure that every child has access to the essential items they need during times of crisis.
- Hutt St Centre: Hutt St Centre is a place of connection and support, where people facing homelessness are empowered to rebuild their lives, rediscover their identities and reconnect with those who love them.
- Backpacks 4 SA Kids: Backpacks 4 SA Kids provides resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of dislocation.
- Catherine House Adelaide: Catherine House Adelaide provides crisis, longer term accommodation and support services to women experiencing homelessness in South Australia.
- The Mary Potter Foundation: Through community support, The Mary Potter Foundation ensures that the necessary care, and facilities along with staff skills and knowledge are continually improved to provide the best possible environment and standard of care for everyone at the Hospice.
Miss Claire Ward
- The Village Co.: The Village Co. is a not-for-profit organisation passionate about seeing all South Australian new mothers, regardless of their background or disadvantage, embraced and supported as they begin the life-changing journey of motherhood.
Again, thank you to the students, families and staff for supporting such a successful Gala Day in 2023.
Miss Claire Ward
STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR
YEAR 3 NEWS
Year 3 Class Teachers
The Year 3s have been working hard, and have been involved in a wide variety of rich learning experiences throughout Term 3. In Health and PE, we have been learning about wellbeing and the importance of being well physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The students have been working on their gymnastics skills through gymnastics circuits that have included balance, landings, locomotions (movements), rhythmic skills and inversions.
“I feel like I’m getting my body moving and I’m getting my body fit.” - Emilia Nguyen
“In gymnastics, I love that we’ve been learning how to push ourselves, learn better skills and do different skills in the circuits.” - Annabelle Parisi
“I’ve liked learning about wellbeing, because I feel calm and relaxed.” - Madison Le
“I would spend it on a couple of books because I love reading.” - Olivia Kaporis
“I would buy a bunch of roses because my Mum likes them and I would give them to her.” - Shanice Tindall
“It was great because we got to pick our buddy which a new person in Year 4.” - Esmee Pradhan
Ms Amy Parker & Mrs Tania Piotto
YEAR 3 CLASS TEACHERS
GROWTH MINDSET
THE TOP 3 BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE
GRATITUDE AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Practicing gratitude is known to impact our emotions and emotional health. Evidence has shown that a regular “attitude of gratitude” can…
- Makes us happier
Simply journaling for five minutes a day about what we are grateful for can enhance our long-term happiness. Noticing what we already have can make us feel more positive about our lives, those who pay attention to what is good in their life instead of what is bad are more likely to feel positively about their life. - Increase psychological wellbeing
A high level of gratitude has a strong positive impact on psychological well-being, self-esteem, and depression. Basically, this means that we can reap the best benefits of gratitude by embodying gratitude and truly living a life of gratitude, a state that we can get to through regular practice and commitment. - Enhance our positive emotions
Feeling grateful every day keeps the envy at bay! Research has shown that gratitude reduces envy, facilitates positive emotions, and makes us more resilient
Adapted from Positive Psychology.com
YOUTH PARLIAMENT
This year I was fortunate to participate in the Youth Parliament of South Australia, where I collaborated with other young people passionate about making a difference. Voted in as one of this year’s parliamentary leaders, I was given the title of Deputy Youth Premier of South Australia when our party won the election.
This title came with responsibilities – from March to until Parliament Week in July, each committee attended regular meetings to develop Bills on issues we saw in our state. My committee presented a Bill that would support former inmates for minor crimes as they reintegrated into society. It was something we were all very keen on, since our Bill was passed in both Houses. As a leader, I also oversaw meetings and got to run campaigns for my party. The leaders for both the Government (that’s me) and the Opposition were all so kind and supportive, which I needed since it was my first year.
Parliament Week was held in the July holidays. Finally, our hard work came together, and we spent the week debating in Parliament House. Leaders participated in the Opening Ceremony, and then we went right into a debate. During the week, I facilitated nightly meetings to help my members form speeches and debates. It was a rewarding time, listening to the ideas and passion people had, and the aspirations they had for the future. We were also invited to Government House, where we had afternoon tea with the Governor. She was incredibly kind and engaged in the work we were doing, and I am incredibly grateful to her for allowing us into her home.
Aside from the parliamentary things, I was able to make some incredible friendships, fueled with our shared love for youth advocacy and change in South Australia. It was one of the most enlightening, fun, and crazy moments of my life; I still can’t believe that it was real. The experience made it very clear that a future in social justice is something I want for myself, in whatever form that takes. Though I will say, I can get very used to the idea of sitting in Parliament House…
Youth Parliament has opened doors to so many opportunities; at the recommendation of some of some of the friends I made there, I applied and was accepted into the UN Youth Student Ambassador Program. I was also invited to take part in a consultation for the Department of Human Service’s Youth Action Plan, where I was able to further delve into the ideas and issues we raised in Parliament House. I am so grateful to have taken part in this program. Not only have I explored the world of law, politics and social justice, but I have created pathways for myself, and made unforgettable memories with even more unforgettable friends.
Alexandra Calica-Chavez, 11N
SPORT NEWS
SA STATE SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Amy Le (7B) whose team won SILVER in both the 10-14 Year-Old 4x50m Medley Relay and 4x50m Freestyle Relay at the 2023 SA State Short Course Championship; held at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre between 10 - 13 August.
REMINDER
Term 4 Sport Nominations are now closed. Please note, payment for Term 4 sport will need to be made through Consent2Go before the beginning of Term 4.
Mrs Lyndall Pratt
SPORTS COORDINATOR
SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS
COMMUNITY NOTICES
