Term 3, Week 9 2024

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we enter Week 9 of Term 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress and achievements we’ve seen so far. Our students have been actively engaging in their learning, participating in enriching extracurricular activities, and making strides both academically and personally.

SCHOOL DISCO

Tonight we have the School Disco! This is always a great night of dancing, singing and good fun and I’m sure this year’s disco will not disappoint! I am looking forward to putting on my dancing shoes, lighting up my glow sticks and dancing the night away.  It’s always so nice to see so many of our students enjoying each other’s company and singing and dancing the night away. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the P & F and all the registered volunteers, who do an amazing job at organising and running the event.  I would also like to thank all the staff who are giving up their Friday evening so willingly to attend.

I have no doubt that it will be a successful night; one in which the students will talk about and remember for a very long time.

SCHOOL PHOTOS - TERM, WEEK 2 - PHOTO PACK COMING HOME IN WEEK 1

This is a friendly reminder that school photos will be taken on Friday, 25th October (Term 4, Week 2). To ensure your child is well-prepared for their photos, please note the following important details:

• Photo Packs: These will be sent home in Week 1. Kindly review the pack, make the necessary payment, and return it as soon as possible.
• Uniform: Students are required to wear their full summer uniform. Please ensure they adhere to the dress code, including having their hair up if it is below shoulder length and wearing the correct jewellery.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to capturing these special moments!

FACEBOOK

I’d like to remind you about the importance of staying connected with our school community through our official Facebook page. Our page is a valuable resource for receiving important updates, news, and announcements about school events and activities.

By liking and following our page, you’ll be among the first to know about key information and changes that affect our students and families. It’s a great way to stay informed and engaged with everything happening at school.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DominicanSem/ and encourage other family members to do the same.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL

I want to wish our talented Year 5/6 students who will be performing at the Festival Theatre this coming Monday night all the best . This is an incredible opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and dedication in front of hundreds of eager audience members.

It has been truly inspiring to see our students' commitment to their music. Their enthusiasm and passion have shone through in every rehearsal. We are so proud of the progress they have made and can’t wait to see them light up the stage.

A special thank you goes out to our choir trainer Cathy Lainio and parents who have supported our students throughout this journey. Your encouragement and guidance have made all the difference.

We wish our performers all the best for their performance! We’ll be cheering them on from the audience!

SWIMMING - TERM 4, WEEK 1

Our school swimming program for all Reception to Year 5 students will take place in Term 4, Week 1. Swimming is a vital survival skill, especially given our proximity to the beach, and we believe it’s essential for every child to have this important ability.

Consent Forms: Please ensure that all relevant paperwork and consent forms have been completed and returned to school as soon as possible. This is crucial for your child’s participation in the program.

Volunteers: We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with the swimming sessions. If you are a registered volunteer and are available to help, your support would be greatly appreciated. We require a certain number of parent volunteers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all students. Without adequate volunteer support, we may not be able to proceed with this excursion.

Your involvement not only helps us provide a safe and engaging experience for the students but also enhances the sense of community within our school.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. We look forward to a successful swimming program and hope all students enjoy this valuable learning experience!

LATE ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS

Arriving to school daily on time is of the upmost importance.  Timeliness is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment, and arriving late on a regular basis can significantly impact a child's education, learning, and overall wellbeing.

Why Punctuality Matters:

1. Maximising Learning Time: Each school day is structured to maximise learning and engagement. When students arrive on time, they can participate fully in the day's activities from the start, including important instructions and the beginning of lessons. Arriving late means missing out on key parts of the lesson, which can hinder their understanding and progress.
2. Building Good Habits: Regular punctuality fosters a sense of responsibility and helps students develop good habits that will benefit them throughout their education and future careers. It instils discipline and a respect for time, which are essential for academic and personal success.
3. Minimising Disruptions: Late arrivals can disrupt the class and distract both the teacher and other students. It can take time for the late student to settle in and catch up, which can affect the flow of the lesson for everyone.
4. Emotional Wellbeing: Consistently arriving late can create stress and anxiety for students. It may lead to feelings of being rushed or disorganised, which can affect their mood and overall attitude towards school.
5. Building Positive Relationships: Being on time helps students build positive relationships with their peers and teachers. It shows respect for others' time and contributes to a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.

We understand that occasional delays can happen, but we encourage families to make punctuality a priority. Establishing a consistent routine and planning ahead can help ensure that students arrive at school ready to start their day on a positive note.  Your efforts play a vital role in their success and happiness at school.

SCHOOL UNIFORM AND HATS

With the warmer weather fast approaching, students are allowed to wear their correct summer uniform to school for the remainder of the term.  It also means that hats must be worn when outside.  If students forget their hats, they must play in the under-croft area. It is also recommended that students apply sunscreen before coming to school each morning.   Hats can be purchased from the front office.

TERM 4 UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

Next term, students will be required to wear their summer uniform, however, there will be a two week period to facilitate changeover from winter to summer uniform. It is important that students wear their correct school uniform as it instils in them a sense of pride and responsibility.

The current uniform policy states, ‘At Dominican, the school uniform is an important part of the school’s identity.  By wearing the uniform, it helps to promote a spirit of community and gives our students a sense of belonging. All students are required to wear the approved school uniform to school each day and they are expected to show pride in themselves and their school by meeting requirements relating to grooming and presentation.’

View Dominican School Uniform Policy

As we approach the end of what has been an incredibly busy and rewarding term, I want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of our school community for your unwavering support and dedication.

This term has been a whirlwind of activity and growth for our students and staff alike. From engaging classroom projects and dynamic extracurricular activities to our successful school events, it has been inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm that our school community brings.

As we head into the holiday break, I encourage you to take this opportunity to pause and cherish quality time with your family. The holidays are a special time to reconnect, create lasting memories, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s sharing a meal, engaging in family traditions, or simply relaxing together, these moments are invaluable.

As we look forward to the holidays, I hope you all find time to rest and recharge. The term break is a well-deserved chance for everyone to enjoy some downtime and to prepare for the exciting opportunities that Term 4 will bring.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the new term with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Have a great holiday break.

Angela Scodella
PRINCIPAL

CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENTS

As a school community, we congratulate Addison, Brooklyn, Brax, Robben, Sophia and Scarlett on becoming full members of the Catholic Church.  These students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday 18^th September where they confirmed the promises made by their parents and godparents when they were baptised. This weekend, they will celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion where they will receive the Eucharist for the first time at Mass with our Catholic parish community. These Masses will take place on Saturday 21^st September 6pm Sacred Heart Church, Sunday 22^nd September 9am OLV Church and 11am at Sacred Heart Church. All families and community members are warmly invited to attend.

We keep our sacramental students in our prayers as they continue to journey in faith. Special thanks to Bernadette Smith for her coordination of the Family Faith Formation Program. If you would like information about the Family Faith Program or the next sacramental cycle, contact the Lefevre Catholic Parish office or myself.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES MONTH

Charity is at the heart of living Catholic and each September we celebrate Catholic Charities month. Catholic Charities is our South Australian organisation that provides support to agencies making a difference to the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community, including Our Lady of La Vang and St Patrick’s Special Schools, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry SA, Centacare Catholic Family Services, and the Hutt Street Centre.

Our Justice Leaders are raising awareness of Catholic Charities and holding a CASUAL DAY on Friday 27^th September to fundraise for the appeal. We ask that all students wear their casual clothes and bring in a gold coin donation which will go towards supporting people in need within our community.

To further celebrate Catholic Charities month, last Tuesday our Justice Leaders attended a Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Mass and Expo. Mass was held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral and led by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan. Following the Mass, the Justice Leaders participated in an expo where they learnt about the Catholic Charities we support through our fundraising efforts and witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of these donations. A heartfelt thank you to our Justice Leaders for their unwavering commitment and for inspiring us all to put our faith into action. Their efforts truly make a difference in our school community. We also extend our deepest gratitude to all our families for your generous participation in out fundraisers. Every bit of giving helps make a significant impact.

SEASON OF CREATION

The Season of Creation is an annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation. It unites our Christian family around the world to listen and care for our common home.The Season of Creation begins on September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and concludes on October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

This year’s theme is ‘To Hope and Act with Creation’ with the symbol ‘the first fruits of hope’, inspired by Romans 8:19-25. During this Season of Creation, we are called to work together for a future of hope and action to make our world a better place. To celebrate this special time, on Wednesday 25^th September we will be going on a whole school Creation Walk to Semaphore Beach. While there, our Sustainability Committee and Justice Leaders will lead us in a Liturgy and then all students will engage in activities designed to deepen their appreciation for nature and reflect on their role in its preservation. All families are welcome to join us at the Dominican sand dunes section of Semaphore Beach for our Liturgy.

 Martina Kovacev
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

YEAR 5/6 JAPANESE

Do you know we have friends in Japan? Our friends are from Fuji Girls’ School, Sapporo, Japan. They are Year 8 girls who are learning English. After our online meeting with them, Year 5/6 students received letters from Japan. Each student has a penfriend in Japan now, and we are working hard to write a reply to their letters. It is beneficial for both students from Dominican School and Fuji Girls’ School. Year 5/6 students are very keen to write some sentences in Japanese, and we are sending our letters to Japan soon.

Mayumi Wong
JAPANESE TEACHER

TERM 3 VACATION CARE PROGRAM

Spaces for our OSHC Holiday Program are filling up fast! Don’t miss out on the chance to book your spot. Remember, availability is limited and spots are snapped up quickly.

To secure your place, please book via the Spike app or email us directly at oshc@dominican.catholic.edu.au. Act fast to ensure you don’t miss out!

Paula Northeast
OSHC DIRECTOR

SOCCER SEASON 2024: A MEMORABLE FINISH AT THE END OF SEASON CARNIVAL

The 2024 soccer season has officially come to a close, and what a fantastic journey it has been for our Under 6 to Senior teams! The season culminated in an End of Season Carnival held on Saturday, 14 September, where players, families, and supporters gathered to celebrate a successful year of competition.

The Carnival was a day filled with joy, laughter, and exciting matches, showcasing the talent and determination of our young players. 

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated coaches: Carlee L, Simon M, Jono B, Simon D, Troy J and Adrian T. Their passion, commitment, and guidance have played a significant role in the development of our players this season. We are incredibly grateful for their time and effort. 

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the various team managers, ground stewards, and first aiders whose hard work behind the scenes ensured an enjoyable experience for everyone.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next season 2025!

GIRLS SAPSASA FOOTBALL

Congratulations to Isabelle C and Luisa Z who were selected in the Port SAPSASA Girls Football Team. The girls will be participating at the carnival early Term 4. We wish the girls all the best for the upcoming carnival.

Matthew Annetta
PE TEACHER AND SPORTS COORDINATOR

CHARACTER STRENGTHS

Focussing on and talking about character strengths helps children to recognise and build confidence about their signature strengths. Signature strengths are the strongest of your personal strengths. They are the strengths that matter the most to you and that are most central to your identity. Understanding these strengths can help students how to deal with tough moments. (friendship fights, making mistakes, setbacks, sadness, challenges etc). Knowing your signature strengths helps you to achieve your goals, problem solve, stay focused and to flourish.

Discuss what strength might help you/us now when a problem/challenge arises.

• Spot strengths in your child and be specific with how they demonstrated that strength.
• Name a strength you plan on growing today
• Spot strengths in books you and they are reading. Follow Grow Your Mind on instagram, for “What are We Reading Wednesday”

When talking about their day, ask if you used any character strengths today?

Courtney Quigley will be running ‘The Strength Switch’ course; evening sessions in Term 4. Please see the flyer for more details.

Lisa Osborne
SCHOOL COUNSELLOR