From the Principal
Last week, our Holy Week liturgies and PARISH services invited us to walk closely with Christ as we remembered His final days: Jesus’ loving service at the Last Supper, His suffering and Death on the Cross, and the quiet waiting of Holy Saturday. These days prepared our hearts for the joy of Easter Sunday, when we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus and the triumph of life over death. As a faith community, Easter calls us to renew our trust in God’s love and to live as people of hope, forgiveness, compassion and joy in our daily lives.
As we are fast approaching the conclusion of Term 1, I am delighted to share the latest updates from our vibrant College community. The redevelopment of our Valdocco Precinct is progressing smoothly, and we continue to witness the positive attitude of our students and staff as they graciously navigate changes to their learning environment.
One of the standout moments this term has been how seamlessly new and returning students have come together as they embark on their journey into secondary SCHOOL. Our Year 7 Camp and the Alternate Program have provided invaluable opportunities for students to form friendships and personal growth. While our youngest learners, the Kinder students, have enthusiastically embraced the Bush Kinder Program, immersing themselves in outdoor activities that foster curiosity and a love of nature.
I would like to commend our students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 for their engaged participation in NAPLAN. Despite minor technical challenges, their commitment to learning and adaptability is truly commendable. The HOME that welcomes spirit was also showcased during the Year 7 Family BBQ and Twilight Tour, where prospective Year 7 families for 2028 experienced the warmth and energy of our school firsthand.
This term, we were privileged to host Year 8 students and staff from Shizuoka Salesio School for a brief homestay. The hospitality extended by our student leaders and host families exemplifies the Salesian ethos of welcome and generosity. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all involved in making our guests feel at home.
The COMMUNITY drive and dedication of our students were evident in their participation in many events; Relay for Life, Year 7-10 SSATIS and SATIS Athletics Carnivals, Year 3-6 JSSATIS and STCPSSA Swimming Carnivals. Each event was a testament to the spirit and camaraderie that define our College. Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported and cheered on our teams.
As Term 1 draws to a close on Friday, 17 April, I extend a sincere blessing to our entire community. We pray for all those in our community who are currently experiencing illness or hardship. May the upcoming holiday bring us rest and renewed energy. Let us continue to be guided by our 2026 Strenna; being BELIEVERS, ready and willing to SERVE.
Mr Steve Casni
Dominic College Principal
Deputy Principal's Office
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Term 1 a success. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of our school community.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Monday 4 May. This will be a student-free day for all K-10 students.
These interviews are an opportunity for Parents and Carers, along with their child, to meet with teachers and discuss their Term 1 Expectations Report. Instructions on how to use the Schools Online Booking System (SOBS) will be issued via email when you are notified that your child’s report will become visible on SEQTA Engage on Thursday 9 April.
We look forward to meeting with you for this important opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in their learning at Dominic.
Students return for Term 2 on Tuesday 5 May.
Mother’s Day – 10 May
On Wednesday 6 May, Parents & Friends are running their annual Mother’s Day Stall. Students will have the opportunity throughout the day to visit the stall with their class to purchase a gift. All gifts are $6 each.
Families are invited to celebrate all the mothers and special women in our lives by attending our Mother's Day Mass, which will be held in the College Chapel on Friday 8 May at 7.45am.
Student Free Day - 5 June
For your advanced planning, please note that Friday 5 June will be a student free day.
Every School Day Counts - Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance is essential for every student’s success. When children attend each day while healthy, they build strong routines, deepen learning, and maintain friendships. Missing lessons can create gaps that are hard to close.
Allison Lowe - Deputy Principal: Primary
Janet Marcenko - Deputy Principal: Secondary
A Home That Welcomes
Two weeks ago, on Saturday 28 March, members of our College Community came together to help fight and raise funds against cancer at Cancer Councils annual event, Relay for Life. It was a successful day filled with laughter, love and laps, as people walked laps of the 400m track at the domain and remembered those who fought and survived their battle with cancer, and those who unfortunately lost. Towards the end of the event, everyone gathered for the Luminary Ceremony where the candles of Rememberance, Hope, and Celebration were lit to celebrate the continuous support to fight against cancer and the hope shared in our community. With the help of students, teachers and the rest of our College Community we were able to raise $10,599! A big thank you to everyone who helped support this cause by showing up and by donating. I hope you all had as much fun as we did!
In addition, we are excited for the upcoming Cross Country event taking place on Friday 8 May, Term 2. This event is held at school and involves students running a set distance based on their year level. We encourage every student to take part, no matter their athletic ability, as Cross Country is all about giving it a go, having fun, and showing perseverance. It is also a great opportunity to earn valuable points for your House and see school spirit proudly on display across the course.
We hope everyone enjoyed their first term, and we look forward to another fantastic term and a great year ahead.
Tanishka Kumrai and Kane Tran - College Vice Captains 7-10
When children build towers together, invent imaginative worlds, or experiment with sounds and symbols, they’re strengthening the social skills that help them collaborate and communicate with confidence as well as help them build strong social skills. Through playful exploration, they naturally develop early literacy as they share stories, recognise letters, and engage with language, while hands‑on activities like counting blocks or sorting objects lay the groundwork for strong numeracy. In our Early Years classrooms, play creates a joyful foundation that helps young learners thrive academically and socially, feel confident, curious, setting them up for a lifelong love of learning.
Ruth Scanlon - Lead Teacher: Kinder/Prep
Our new Year 7 students have quickly found their feet, supported by older students who have shown genuine leadership and care in helping them settle into secondary school life.
A highlight of Term 1 was the Year 7–10 Athletics Carnival. Bosco House once again triumphed overall, making it three consecutive years of success. While the result was impressive, the real achievement was the level of House spirit on display throughout the day. Students were willing to step outside their comfort zones and enthusiastically supported one another. There were also several outstanding individual performances, reflecting the hard work of our students.
This term has also brought change, with the redevelopment of the Valdocco Precinct requiring the temporary relocation of Bosco Morning Oratory groups and student lockers. I am proud of the way students have responded to these adjustments. Their flexibility and resilience have set an excellent tone for the year ahead.
Bosco House can look forward to the remainder of 2026 with confidence, as we continue to build on this strong start together.
Liam Binning - Lead Teacher: Bosco House
At Dominic College, we are blessed with a wonderfully diverse range of families and cultures. Harmony Week gave us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate this richness through meaningful conversations, creative activities, and shared experiences.
In Kinder to Year 2, students contributed to our vibrant “Sea of Diversity” display. Each child designed their own unique fish, symbolising individuality and the idea that although we are all different, we move forward together as one community.
In Years 3–6, students created Belonging Flowers, each one capturing personal qualities, cultural stories, and what belonging means to them.
Throughout the week, students and staff added a cheerful splash of orange, the official Harmony Week colour. Our celebrations concluded with a joyful Harmony Day gathering in Years 3–6, reflecting on the importance of respect, acceptance, and unity.
Harmony Week reminded us that at Dominic, everyone belongs.
Vanessa Young - Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Early Primary
Hayley Joyce - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Upper Primary
A Parish that Evangelises
We began by welcoming Jesus with joyful hearts, waving palms and recalling his humble entry into Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, students and staff came together to break bread, remembering the Last Supper, and to participate in the moving ritual of the washing of feet, a powerful reminder of service and love.
Later in the week, we paused for quiet reflection as we prayed the Stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus on his path of suffering and hope. These sacred moments invited us to slow down, reflect deeply, and renew our commitment to compassion, humility, and faith as we prepared our hearts for the joy of Easter, as a united, learning community together always.
After Easter, we returned to school to reflect on the wonder of the Resurrection and the joy of new life. Through prayer and discussion, students were reminded that hope, love, and new beginnings are always possible through Christ’s risen life.
Cecilia Lomi - Director of Mission and Religious Education K‑10
We recently held our first RAP Working Party meeting for the year and were honoured to welcome Uncle Rodney, who spoke about the importance of cultural safety. His insights provided valuable guidance and helped shape our shared understanding as we move forward together.
Harmony Week offered wonderful opportunities to come together as a community, including our First Nations Eat, Meet and Greet Breakfast. It was a warm and welcoming morning, where families, students and staff shared food, stories and conversation.
During our Harmony Day Gathering at the luwutina Centre, we were proud to present leadership badges to our newly elected First Nations SRC leaders. Students in Years 3–10 participated in the election process, with nominees confidently sharing their ideas and what matters to them. We congratulate those elected, who will play an important role in strengthening First Nations student voice across the College.
We have also begun our second year of Bush Kinder, led by Chris Hass from the Sustainability Centre. Through play and guided exploration, students are building confidence, connecting with the natural environment and developing a deeper respect for Country. The program embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives while encouraging curiosity, safe risk-taking and a growing sense of environmental stewardship.
Next week, our primary students will take part in their first cultural immersion experience for the year, Stories in Movement, with Linton and Kade Burgess. This workshop will explore storytelling through dance, offering students a meaningful and engaging way to connect with culture and Country.
We look forward to continuing this work into Term 2, where National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week will be recognised across the College, providing further opportunities for learning, reflection and celebration.
Michelle O'Grady - Lead Teacher: Aboriginal Liaison K‑10
We are delighted to share that we exceeded our fundraising goal of $10,000, raising an outstanding $10,599 in support of Cancer Council Australia.
A total of 42 students participated alongside staff, making the day and evening a true celebration of community spirit. Throughout the relay, staff and students enjoyed spending time together, strengthening connections, creating lasting memories, and standing united for an important cause.
We extend our sincere thanks to all members of our community who donated and supported our team. Your generosity has made a real difference.
Adam Lapolla - Director of Learning & Wellbeing: Secondary
A School That Prepares For Life
As a year level, we gathered in the chapel, where students participated beautifully through their singing, with some students confidently taking on reading roles in the liturgy.
We also joined with our Lower Primary classes, providing a wonderful opportunity to come together as a wider community and reflect on the significance of this special time. Throughout the week, students have been engaging in discussions and activities focused on themes of kindness, humility and hope.
We are very proud of the way our Year 1 students represented themselves.
Bradi McGee, Carly Hodgkinson and Amanda Brown - Year 1 Teachers
We love to learn through movement, exploration and investigation and have been engaged with hands-on practical learning tasks. As Maria Montessori said, “What the hand does, the mind remembers”. This is certainly true for our tuti crew.
In Ms Hills class a clear highlight has been investigating ‘Animal of the Week’ and exploring space.
Mr Kunesch’s class has been fiercely competitive in the tuti 2 table tennis tournaments at lunchtime.
Tuti 3 with Miss Tamba and Mrs Taylor have been enjoying hands-on learning opportunities involving clay, craft and cooking.
These photos are just a few examples of the learning that has taken place during a very busy Term 1.
Kellie Hills, Konnor Kunesch, Abigail Tamba and Bridget Taylor - Year 2 Teachers
Our Year 4 and 5 students recently enjoyed a fantastic excursion to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for their Cartoon Classics concert. The orchestra performed a range of well‑known and much‑loved tunes from classic and modern cartoons, bringing the music to life in a fun and engaging way. The concert was highly interactive, encouraging student participation throughout, and was energetically compared by the Easter Bunny, much to the delight of our students. It was a memorable experience that showcased the power of live music and introduced many students to the sound and excitement of a professional orchestra.
We are also thrilled to see our co‑curricular arts groups off to such a strong start this year. Tech Theatre Club, Drama Club, After‑School Art, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Concert Band, and Stage Band have all begun with excellent attendance, enthusiasm, and creativity. It has been wonderful to see students collaborating, rehearsing, and developing their skills in these groups, and we look forward to sharing their progress and performances throughout the year.
Our private instrumental music program has also started very successfully, with a large number of new students beginning lessons in 2026. We currently offer private lessons in piano, guitar, drums, woodwind and voice, and it is fantastic to see so many students taking up the opportunity to learn an instrument or further develop their musical skills.
If you would like to sign your child up for private music lessons for Term 2, you can find all relevant information and enrolment details here https://www.dominic.tas.edu.au/parent-lounge/co-curricular-sign-up
We look forward to another inspiring year of creativity, performance and artistic growth across our school.
Katherine Denholm - Lead Teacher: The Arts K‑10
Students camped at the Fortescue Bay campground, and for many, this was their very first night sleeping in a tent. With periods of rain and cooler weather throughout the week, conditions were challenging at times, however, students demonstrated resilience and maintained a positive attitude.
A highlight of the camp was the stand-up paddleboarding program, delivered by Coastrider Surf Academy. Students developed their skills and confidence in the lagoon before progressing out into the bay, where wind and waves added an extra level of challenge. It was great to see students persevere, support one another, and grow in confidence through this session.
Students also participated in beach rafting activities led by Aardvark Adventures. This session focused on teamwork, communication, and leadership within house groups. Students worked together to problem-solve and complete challenges within their rafts, with many demonstrating strong leadership skills and a willingness to encourage their peers.
The camp also included a challenging bushwalk towards Cape Hauy. While groups did not reach the final lookout, students enjoyed views across Eaglehawk Neck and towards Tasman Island. The walk left students with a strong sense of achievement.
Overall, the Fortescue Bay camp was a valuable and memorable experience for our Year 7 cohort. Students should be proud of the way they supported one another, took on new challenges, and represented the school so positively. We thank all staff who made the camp possible and look forward to seeing students apply the skills and confidence they gained throughout the year.
Liam Binning - Acting Lead Teacher: Camps and Outdoor Education
A highlight was the bridge-building challenge, where students used skewers to design and construct their own structures before testing their strength and durability. This activity encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
In English, students explored their creativity by writing imaginative stories based on mystery objects, sparking curiosity and originality in their work. Meanwhile, in Maths, students collaborated in group competitions that involved solving puzzles and tackling a variety of engaging challenges, promoting both logical reasoning and collaboration.
It was fantastic to see such high levels of engagement, with students supporting one another and embracing each activity with enthusiasm. The program provided valuable opportunities for students to develop key skills while enjoying their learning in a dynamic and interactive environment.
Sunita Kumrai - Director of Learning and Curriculum: Secondary
During their visit, the students explored Hobart and its surrounds and attended classes at Dominic for two days. While at school, they enjoyed learning about our spacious campus, interacting with our animals, cooking together, and taking part in PE, Maths, Music and Drama lessons. They also joined us in prayer and song in the Mary Help of Christians Chapel.
Our Dominic host students demonstrated exceptional intercultural understanding, kindness, and enthusiasm as they supported and cared for their new friends. It was truly heartwarming to witness.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful host students and their families, who generously opened their homes, often making room for two (or even three!) additional children, and contributed so warmly to this special experience.
Belinda Kumashiro - Lead Teacher: Languages K‑10
Students proudly demonstrated their house spirit with amazing costumes and colour. There was a buzz of excitement as students participated with enthusiasm and great team spirit.
At the Aquatic Centre, races were held in both the 25m and 50m pool. Students gave their absolute best in their races, showing determination and competitiveness. The sportsmanship on display was commendable as students cheered their friends and housemates and supported them to the finish. Whilst waiting for their races, students spent time outside dancing to music and enjoying games and activities with their peers.
At school, students had the opportunity to participate in novelty events and activities outside of the water. Novelties included a sandcastle competition, relays (including a fun ‘clip board’ relay), classroom activities, sprinklers and outside play.
The parent help and family support for the carnival was fantastic! Thank you to parents who volunteered to time and help with other jobs at the carnival and created a wonderful cheering environment for students to compete in.
The scores were tight and house points were tallied and double checked. A big congratulations goes to Savio who was our winning House.
The JSSATIS and STCPSSA Swim Teams are selected based on the 50m Events at the Carnival and we wish our team all the best as they represent the College.
Hayley Joyce - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Upper Primary
Kylee Chivers - Sports Administrator
Our Boys Division Two Team faced a very strong draw, finishing with one win and three losses. Despite the results, the team played several close and competitive games. A big thank you to Mr Golding for coaching the team and generously giving up his weekend.
The Boys Division One Team performed strongly in the pool stages, recording some impressive wins. Unfortunately, they were defeated in the semi-finals and finished the tournament in fourth place overall.
Our Division One girls also had an outstanding tournament, winning all of their pool games and ultimately finishing as runners-up.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Scharvi and Kylie Davie for coaching our Division One teams, and to all parents who gave up their weekend to support the students.
Congratulations to all our players on a wonderful effort and a successful tournament.
We look forward to the Year 3-4 Tournament after Easter.
Kylee Chivers - Sports Administrator
