Term 4, Week 6 2021

Dear Community Members

Welcome to Week 6!

I am delighted to provide you with our Plans for Stage 1 of our Master Plan which will be commencing in the new year. Stage 1 captures our Catholic Identity as a Dominican Community and our Proud Heritage, it epitomises Progressive and Contemporary Teaching and Learning, it Connects the Indoors with New Outdoor Spaces, and it promotes Student Wellbeing as well as developing a More Connected Campus here at Semaphore.

This will be a $2.2 million project that is a result of a lot of hard work and support from the Catholic Education Office and the School Board.

If you would like to look at the plans for this exciting new development there is a display in the front office. Please feel welcome to come in and I would be more than happy to have a chat with you about what we are about to embark on.

Have a great week.
Kind regards

Phil Holmes
Principal

We wait in joyful HOPE for the coming of CHRIST, the Light of the World

We will soon be coming into the Church Season of ADVENT.  The word Advent means ‘to come’ and during this time we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. 

The duration of this season is four weeks and begins on Sunday November 28.  At Dominican School, it has been our tradition to begin Advent early so that we experience the full cycle.  Our theme for Advent this year is LIGHT, which centres on Christ as the Light of the World.  During Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ, and as followers of Jesus, we are all called to shine God’s Light of Hope and Love on Earth.

We will mark the beginning of our Advent journey with community prayer as part of our whole school assembly this Friday November 19.

Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world... let your light shine for everyone.’  Mt 5:14-16

One of the ways we can be a sign of the light of Christ in our world is by supporting those in need in our local community.  Each year at Dominican, we commit to helping those less fortunate by providing donations for Christmas Hampers to support the VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL. 

We will have a Giving Tree in the Front Office and a Christmas box in each classroom for the collection of goods.  We invite all students to contribute an item so that together we can bring some comfort and cheer to the needy this festive season.  Such items might include: packaged foods such as pasta, noodles, and biscuits; tinned foods such as vegetables, soups, baked beans, and spaghetti; Christmas items such as bonbons, decorations, puddings, and tinned hams; long life products such as tea, coffee, milo, milk, juice, jam, and honey; and small gift items such as puzzles, books, stationery, and toiletries.  We will be collecting donations until Week 9 Monday December 6.

Our Dominican community is always very generous in giving at this time, and we thank you in advance for your support.

Alison Tanti-Clark
Assistant Principal Religious Identity & Mission

In Week 4 the Year 6's went to camp at Nunyara in Belair. They participated in a variety of teamwork and leadership development activities and showed an impressive improvement in their team skills over 3 days. We were so proud of their behaviour, enthusiasm and bravery to try new things. 

I enjoyed doing Initiative + especially the ramp. A funny moment was when Mr Kosta and Ms Osborne did the makeup play in our skits - Jed

I enjoyed doing the flashlight commercial on the first night. It was very fun to make - Seb

I enjoyed doing the water obstacle relay, even though I got soaked it was very fun - Madi B

I enjoyed the food and when Ms Osborne did Mr Kosta's makeup for the acting night. I also loved the tree climb when I was captain of the rope team and got to yell at everyone, that was fun! - Isla

On Thursday 4th November, we had 25 students from Year 4-6 attend the SACPSSA Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival at Santos Stadium, Mile End. The enthusiasm and participation from our students was outstanding. Their behaviour was exemplary and they continuously showed great sportsmanship. Well done to all the students on their fantastic effort. A special mention goes to Portia for winning Year 6 age champion, Caitlin for setting a new record in Year 5 shot put and our Year 5 girls for being overall winners on the day! Many thanks to our parent volunteers that gave up their time to assist with duties at the carnival. Your efforts were a valuable contribution to the success of the day. Thank you!

Martina Kovacev

Congratulations to all the students who graduated Children’s University on Wednesday 10th November at Bonython Hall, Adelaide University.  They received certificates for hours they earned throughout the year for extracurricular sport, clubs, excursions, and learning activities.

Congratulations to the following students on receiving a Dominican Pillar Certificate in Week 5.

Study Certificate  - Ashley Hocking, Dylan Dworak, Emma Sibbin, Isabelle Clark, Liam Gillick, Ashlee Kocuiba, and Izla Meers.

Prayer Certificate - Angelique Juric, Zane Tatrai and Kaitlen Oxlade

Community Certificate - Sanna Macdonald, Ella Yates, Georgia White and Jed Flowers

Ministry Certificate - Zoey Freeman and Harisson Holt

All articles of lost property found in the school grounds are sent to the Lost and Found Box outside the Staff Room. Named items are then easily reunited with the owner, and other unidentifiable articles are stored for possible claiming. As we approach the end of the school year unclaimed items will be used as spare items in the office, or donated to charity. If your child has lost something, please encourage them to check the Lost and Found box.

Last week all students received a small booklet of raffle tickets to take home and encouraged to sell. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be in the running to win one of the fabulous prizes, with the first prize valued at over $250!

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today. Approved by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis O’Brian 2004