Week 2, Term 3

Last Thursday two Year 9 teams took part in the annual Aurecon Bridge Building Competition, a state-wide event which demands a high degree of perseverance and focus on STEM skills.  We congratulate our two St. Dominic's teams who won the middle school prizes for the strongest bridge, and the most innovative bridge.  Each student was awarded $50 and brought home $1,000 for the school. Congratulations!

Meet St. Dominic De Guzman Patron of our School

In Australia, schools in all states are, over the next week and a half, celebrating the life of St Dominic, that humble "Trail Blazer" for Christ.  A little of our Dominican history here in SA is recorded in this Bulletin.  Out there are some Old Scholars who would remember that in 1986, when Old Scholar Rachel Kearney was editor of the College Magazine, we documented the completion of a fine Statue of Dominic by nationally and internationally recognized sculptor, Silvio Apponyi.  One of the great things about his work was that it was done on site and we could observe its many stages.  In this week's Bulletin, take a few moments to read how Apponyi's understanding of Dominic is revealed in his sculpture.

The Week 2, Term 3 Bulletin is online now

Welcome to Term 3

Term 3 could certainly be a contender for the most interesting and action packed term in a school year!  This week sees a party of Year 11s visit the nation's capital, the Year 12 Trial Exams begin, and on Friday the Year 2s will be leading our Chapel Mass in the presence of their grandparents.  Yesterday we had a visit from two Dominican preachers from the USA who are visiting to work with students in our Dominican schools in understanding the nature of Dominic's mission and the ways in which his fidelity to the Gospel can be carried out by Dominicans young and otherwise.  Do read the article written by our Year 11 Representatives who joined students from Dominican schools in Australia and New Zealand at the conference called, "Common Ground" during the term holidays.

This term will also include the orientation of our Year 8 2019 students, as well as the new Year 7s 2019 as they transition from Parish Primary Schools. 

Over the road on the site of our new Year 12 Centre, work is progressing at an excellent rate.  The photo shows some of the building committee viewing the interior work.  One of the most "High-tech" operations was last week's installation of fibre optic cable under the road from our new Hill Street site to our current campus.

FETE 2018

Our school community needs assistance as we all bring together a successful 2018 Fete in a year when our new building is drawing on additional funds.  Parents new to St. Dominic's need to be aware that your generous response to every week's appeal for help will be of enormous value in stocking the wonderful Auction and the stalls which make up our grand Fete.  More than that however is our need for people to join the teams of convenors who run each stall and the wonderful Auction. 

Please spend a little time reading the FETE and AUCTION overview in this week's Bulletin, available online here.
 

The final Bulletin for Term 2

This week's Bulletin photos capture the essence of the beautifully staged 2018  production of "Peter Pan".  The energy and obvious commitment of the cast communicated the story and its characters to maximum effect.  The dancing sequences were stunning.  Everyone, whether lead characters or members of the ensembles, did their part.  The rapid and professional scene changes speak highly of the backstage crew.  Front of house and publicity, sound and lighting were equally professional.  The students know that they were in the fortunate position of being in the hands of an outstanding Director Ms Victoria Sayner, her highly skilled assistant Jessica Spagnuolo and the imaginative staging skills and commitment of David Curran, recently retired member of the SDPC staff.  Many other staff members supported this production and their names also appeared on the program.

Last Day of Term is a special day for obvious reasons.  Included in the events is a major end of term Assembly at which we will welcome two representatives of organisations who work in special ways for the community.  A dentist from Mercy Ship will come to receive a cheque from the 2018 Gala Day fundraising.  Mercy Ship takes health professionals into many disadvantaged places around the world where their services are given freely.  Closer to home are the North Adelaide Prospect St. Vincent De Paul group who will offer thanks to our community for their contributions to the Winter Appeal.

Dismissal on Friday 6 July will be at the normal time.

Term 3 will commence on Monday 23 July.

Have a good holiday everyone.

Get your Week 10 Term 1 Bulletin online here.

Peter Pan

The curtain goes up on Thursday night, with around 100 St. Dominic's students taking part onstage or backstage.  Prepare to be taken back to the first time you entered Neverland with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, Pirates, and Indians all taking to the stage with great authenticity and energy!  Online ticket sales will close 9am Friday (9am Thursday for tomorrow's show) but there will still be plenty of great seats available AT THE DOOR on the night! 

For Parent Attention:

• Careers Education Survey: Sincere thanks to those Year 10-12 parents who have so far taken the time to read the survey and send back their thoughts on our key programs for Careers Education.  We currently have about 48 replies and would love to get to 70 before reporting results.  Hardcopies of the survey can be requested from the College Office, or you can respond online here.

• The annual Parents & Friends Chocolate Drive is one of the College's most successful fundraisers.  Chocolates have arrived and will soon be distributed.  We ask that if your family does NOT wish to receive a box, that you please let us know by completing the form at the back of the Bulletin and returning to the Office by tomorrow, Thursday 28 June.  Donatons in lieu of participation would be gratefully accepted, but not required.

Year 12 Centre is Taking Shape!

The roof form and the steel work announce the arrival of a place in which all our students will experience an excellent learning environment.  Also in the vein of building frameworks...

• Year 10s and Year 11s are dealing well with their half year exams this week.  While it can be a nervousness producing exercise, especially for Year 10s, exam week is certainly valuable practice for the years ahead in preparing students to work under time pressure.

• St Dominic's Priory College will be hosting the Combined Schools Careers Expo in 2020 and the parent survey on Careers Education, being sent home with Year 10-12 students this week, will greatly assist in both its planning and in the delivery of careers education in the future.  A paper copy will be sent home in both English and Vietnamese, or you can take a moment now and complete the survey online here.  

• The annual Parents & Friends Chocolate Drive is one of the College's most successful fundraisers.  Chocolates will be distributed in Week 10 and we ask families to refer to the back page of the Bulletin for important information about their family's participation.

Get the Week 8 Bulletin online here.