Dear Parents and Caregivers,
WELCOME
Next year we welcome the following 5 new teachers to our staff.
Jessica Lennard- Reception class teacher. Jessica brings over 10 years of Early Years teaching experience to this role and is a very passionate educator.
Lauren Bennett- Reception class teacher. Lauren’s bubbly personality and warm nature, together with her vast experience in the Early Years, makes her a wonderful addition to our Reception team.
Skye Van de Vlies – Year 1 class teacher. Skye is a passionate educator who is excited about having her own class and forming respectful relationships.
Nick Johns- Year 2 class teacher (Term 1). Nick is looking forward to working collaboratively in the Year 2 unit.
John Mazey- Year 5/6 class teacher. John comes with a wealth of experience and is looking forward to sharing his skills and talents for teaching with his new class.
We look forward to having Jessica, Lauren, Skye, Nick and John as part of our Dominican teaching team and we are blessed to have them on staff.
FAREWELL
At the end of this year we will be farewelling the following teachers: Lisa-Marie Siviglia, Olivia Andrew, Michael Hunjet, Sue Brogden, Sally Guthrie, Karlee Cave and Alison Tanti-Clark.
- Lisa-Marie Siviglia is having a year off as she begins her amazing new adventure of motherhood. We wish her all the best and can’t wait to find out if she is having a girl or boy.
- Olivia Andrew is relocating to Townsville for a year and then hopefully we will see her back at Dominican.
- Michael Hunjet is leaving to take on a permanent classroom teaching position at St Columba.
- Sue Brogden is resigning from her permanent position at Dominican to enjoy some well-earned time for herself, but she will be definitely be back in a trt capacity in 2025.
- Sally Guthrie is moving to West Beach Primary as an ESO.
- Karlee Cave is taking on the position of Inclusive Education Pastoral Coordinator at St Michael’s College.
- Alison Tanti-Clark has accepted a permanent Religious Education Leadership role in Catholic Education.
On behalf of the Dominican School Community, I would like to sincerely thank all of these staff members for their passion and contributions to our school community and wish them all the best in their new endeavours.
I am also pleased to announce that Nick Ryan has won the Assistant Principal, Learning and Wellbeing, at Star of the Sea starting in 2025.
Nick’s departure to join the team at Star of the Sea is bittersweet for our community. While we are saddened to see him go, we are deeply grateful for the many contributions he has made to our school. Mr Ryan’s wealth of experience has been a true blessing, and his presence has enriched our community in countless ways.
Although his role will be challenging to fill, we are confident that he will bring the same dedication, expertise, and passion to his new position.
We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Mr Ryan as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.
We also sadly farewell all of our Year 6 students who will be embarking on new and exciting opportunities at high school. We have no doubt they will be amazing leaders and truly live out our vision of ‘Inspiring hearts and minds to be the best they can be.’
2024 YEAR 6 AWARD WINNERS
We are delighted to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the following Year 6 students who have received awards for 2024. These students have demonstrated exemplary leadership and are a testament to hard work, dedication, and community spirit.
As a school, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these students. They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and accomplishments, and we are equally proud to have them as part of our school community.
Well done to all award recipients—you are an inspiration to us all!
Outstanding Community Award - Isabelle C
Outstanding Achievement Award - Addison D
Dominican Awards for Outstanding Overall Achievement - Luisa Z and Elijah W
The following students will also be leaving our Dominican community and we wish them all the best in 2025: Jed J, Evie R, Beth R, Sammy W, Ariana B, William M, Ivy M and Samuel M.
END OF YEAR IMPORTANT DATES
As we draw to the end of 2024, please note the following important dates:
Thursday 12 December at 9.00am - Final Assembly led by Year 6 students.
Thursday 12 December - Last day of Term 4 - Regular dismissal time, 3.05pm.
Friday 13 December - Pupil Free Day. OSHC is also closed on this day.
Please note that the 2025 School Year commences on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
END OF YEAR CHRISTMAS CONCERT
What a magnificent celebration of song, dance, and community spirit! This event provided a wonderful opportunity for both students and staff to showcase their exceptional talents in honour of the true meaning of Christmas.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Performing Arts Teacher, Louisa Martino, for her tireless dedication, passion, and vision in bringing this event to life. A sincere thank you also goes to our talented students, supportive parents and caregivers, our broader school community, and our staff for their hard work and contributions.
This memorable evening truly exemplified the spirit and unity of our Dominican School community.
2025 NEW UPGRADES - CONVENT AND ADMINISTRATION AREA
Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that the current staffroom will be converted into a Reception class and will be ready to be used at the end of Term 1. The Convent restoration and upgrade will be starting in approximately July/August next year and this will be completed by the end of 2026, along with the extension of the current admin area. These refurbishments have been designed to enhance the learning environment, foster collaboration, and provide innovative spaces for our students to learn.
SCHOOL BOARD AND P&F
I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our School Board Representatives and our P&F committee members. Their commitment to fostering a positive school environment and advancing the school’s vision and mission is to be commended. A special thank you to the following Board reps who will be finishing their tenure on our school board:
- Ben E - Current Chairperson of our School Board
- Kevin B- Parent Representative
- Greer T- Parent Representative
- Angela P - Parent Representative
- Lisa Osborne- Staff Representative
I would also like to extend a special thank you to Deacon Tim for all his pastoral leadership within our school community.
Please email tweber@dominican.catholic.edu.au if you would like to receive information about the Board and be considered for nomination in 2025.
2025 School Board Nomination Form
2024 REFLECTION
As we approach the end of the school year and the joyful spirit of Christmas fills our hearts, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to our dedicated students, teachers, parents, and the entire school community.
This year has truly highlighted the resilience, hard work, commitment and faith that define us. Our students have not only grown academically but also developed in character, kindness, and compassion.
As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, let us embrace the values of love,
peace, and goodwill towards all. Christmas is a season of joy, a time to treasure the blessings of family, friendship, and unity. It reminds us of the power of generosity, kindness, and empathy in shaping a better world.
To our graduating students, as you move forward into the next chapter of your journey, take with you the lessons and values you have learned here. You are the future, and we have full confidence in your ability to make a positive impact in the world.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our teachers and staff for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Your passion and commitment have created a nurturing environment in which our students can flourish and reach their full potential.
To our parents and caregivers, thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. Your continued support and partnership are essential to our mission of nurturing both the minds and hearts of the next generation.
As we celebrate this festive season, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and share love, kindness, and joy with those around us. May the peace and blessings of Christmas be with you and your families throughout this season and into the year ahead.
Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season to all!
With warm regards,
Angela Scodella
PRINCIPAL
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER AT 7PM - OLV CHURCH
Are you attending the Family Christmas Eve celebration with your family? I encourage all families to attend. Once again OLV School (Frank & staff) will be coordinating this celebration with the parish.
We need our children to assist with the Liturgy as:
Readers - (Reading of the Word and Prayers)
Actors - (enactment of Nativity Story)
A rehearsal will take place on Friday 20 December 11.30 – 12.30 at OLV Church
Please contact Our Lady of the Visitation School (8440 9700) or info@olv.catholic.edu.au if you're interested we hope to see you there!
or email Frank DeTullio – fdetullio@olv.catholic.edu.au if you are attending
It will be great to see as many children from the parish & school’s involved.
2025 MUSIC TUITION
At Dominican there are opportunities for your child to to learn piano, guitar, drums and singing.
Music lessons, incorporating music theory and harmonies, are run during school time. These lessons are taught by private tutors for a reasonable cost. Payment for tuition fees are made by the parents.
Please complete the attached form and return to the Front Office if your child is interested.
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