Newsletters

From successes in the classroom to participation in co-curricular activities, our students have demonstrated resilience, commitment and a willingness to serve others. I thank our dedicated staff for their care, expertise and encouragement, which continue to inspire our young people to strive for their personal best each day. A huge thank you to our P&F and their supporters for organising the ‘Sparkly Disco’ last Friday which was a fun way to celebrate a busy term. My thanks also to all volunteers who have supported our sport and learning programs. Your ongoing support is very much appreciated.

NAIDOC Week – 5-12 July

This week, our community proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, taking time to recognise and honour the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A highlight of the celebration was our Sea of Hands activity, where students and staff created colourful handprints to show their respect, support and commitment to reconciliation. The display served as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of listening, learning and working together to build a more inclusive future for all Australians.

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 reports are now available to view. Congratulations to all students on their achievements. I encourage families to review these together, focusing on effort and positive work habits to celebrate growth. Use the feedback to co-create two or three specific goals with your child for Semester 2, adjusting home study routines where needed. To prepare for our upcoming Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews on Monday 27 July, please involve your child in the process, review any teacher comments together, and bring a few targeted questions about how we can best partner to support their academic progress when you meet with teachers.

2025 Annual Report

The Dominic College Annual Report 2025 has been completed and approved by the Governing Board for ratification. It is a requirement under the Australian Commonwealth Education Regulations for all schools to make publicly available an annual report that includes information on a set of indicators about the school, aimed at families and the community. The latest Annual Report is now available on our website and can be accessed here: https://www.dominic.tas.edu.au/our-college/annual-report

Wishing you all a Restful Term Break

As Term 2 comes to a close, I wish all students, staff and families a safe and restful break. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect, pray, enjoy some reading for pleasure, and travel safely if heading away. Enjoy time with friends and family as we all refocus and prepare for a new term of learning.

Steve Casni

Dominic ​​​​​College Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews

Yesterday, you received an email alerting you that Semester One Reports have become visible on SEQTA.

Our Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Monday 27 July. 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 2 Report. Instructions for how to use the Schools Online Booking System (SOBS) were issued via email when you were notified that your child’s report became visible on SEQTA Engage yesterday

We look forward to meeting with you for this important opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in their learning at Dominic.

e-Safety Reminder

Term breaks tend to be a time when some students are online. Please read the e-safety reminder under the Learning and Wellbeing Update in this newsletter for a range of resources and guidance on topics such as online safety, cyberbullying, privacy and much more. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Together, we can create a safer and more positive online environment for our young people to thrive.

A Good Book Is the Perfect Holiday Companion

As we head into the term break, we encourage every student to make time for reading. Whether it’s a thrilling novel, an inspiring biography, or a book about a topic you love, reading is one of the best ways to relax while continuing to build important literacy skills.

Just 20 minutes of reading each day can improve vocabulary, comprehension, creativity, and concentration. It also provides an opportunity to explore new ideas, perspectives, and worlds beyond our own.

Visit your local library, revisit a favourite book, or challenge yourself with something new. Set a reading goal for the holidays and see how many pages or books you can complete.

Business Office Closure – School Holiday Period

Please note that the College Business Office (Grantleigh) will be closed from Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July 2026 due to essential electrical infrastructure upgrade works associated with the Valdocco Yr 7-10 Redevelopment Project.

The Business Office will reopen on Monday 20 July 2026. We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.

Allison Lowe - ​​​Deputy Principal (Primary)

Janet Marcenko - ​​Deputy Principal (Secondary)

Students have made a variety of sandwiches, including club sandwiches, sweet chilli chicken open sandwiches, and steak salad wraps. At the start of Term 2, Year 10 students from the VET Hospitality classes spent the day at Drysdale TasTAFE. Throughout the day, they completed various theory and practical activities to earn their RSA certificates. These certificates contribute towards the completion of one of the units in their VET course and can also help students with future employment opportunities.

Students have also recently completed catering assessments, where both classes had the opportunity to cook for a teacher of their choice. One class also prepared ingredients for the salad rolls served at our recent Feast Day. During the teacher cook practicals, students prepared a meal or treat of their teacher's choice and personally delivered it at the end of the lesson. This was a great experience for the students and an exciting day for teachers, who enjoyed receiving some of their favourite meals and treats for morning tea.

The VET Hospitality students have now moved on to their 'Simple Dishes' unit and are eager for next term's practical lessons, where they will make meals such as carbonara and Caesar salad.

Mid-Year Exams

During Weeks 6 and 7 of this term, the Year 10 students completed their first-ever mid-year exams. In total, there were five core subject exams: English, Religion, HaSS, Science, and Mathematics.

The exams assessed what the Year 10 students had learnt during the first term and a half of the school year. Each exam ran for 90 minutes and was divided into different sections, assessing a range of learning criteria. The exams were conducted under proper examination conditions, helping to prepare students for future assessments.

Overall, the Year 10 mid-year exams were a success and marked an important milestone for the cohort as they continue working towards graduation and their future pathways.

Science

Throughout the first two terms of this school year, students have experienced a range of opportunities to explore interesting scientific concepts.

In Term 2, some students were fortunate enough to compete in the Science and Engineering Challenge, where they competed against other schools in a variety of STEM activities, completing challenges and solving problems as a team. Dominic's team worked incredibly hard and achieved an outstanding result, placing second in the competition.

There are also some exciting opportunities later in the year, including National Science Week, which we are all looking forward to. Alongside these events, students have continued to work hard in the classroom, developing a strong understanding of scientific concepts. For example, the Year 10s have been taking a deep dive into biology and the study of cells this term.

The first two terms have been an exciting start to the year in Science, and we are all looking forward to what the rest of the year has in store.

HaSS

Over the past two terms, the Year 10 cohort has studied a variety of topics in HaSS.

During Term 1, we studied World War II, including the lead-up to the war, how the Nazis rose to power, life in Nazi Germany, and the war itself. Learning about this was especially interesting as it gave students a deeper insight into what the world was like only 80 years ago. This topic was also assessed in our mid-year exam, which many students completed successfully.

This term, we have moved on to the American Civil Rights Movement and Civil Rights in Australia. We have studied legal and direct action, protests, and the people who fought for change in our world. These topics have helped students understand the progress that has been made throughout history while recognising the changes that are still taking place today. We have learnt about both the successes and challenges of the past, helping us move forward with a greater understanding of how positive change can be achieved.

The Australian History and Geography Competition was also a great success this year. Many students from across the high school participated and gave the competition their very best effort. Although many found it challenging, those challenges encouraged students to think more deeply and broaden their understanding of Australia's history and geography.

Overall, every student who participated should be proud of themselves for taking on the challenge and giving it their best. We are sure many are proud of their achievements.

Willoby Simpson, Demi Pigden, Liliana Escobar and Xavier Morrison - Academic Captains 7-10

A highlight this term was SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Shorts Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and encouraging meaningful conversations. By pulling on a pair of shorts and joining in the activities, students and staff showed their support for the important message that no one should have to face challenges alone. The day highlighted the importance of checking in with others, speaking up when we need support, and staying connected through everyday conversations.

Our K–2 students also enjoyed a visit from Bravehearts, with the much loved lion cub, Ditto, helping to deliver important personal safety messages in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Students learned valuable strategies for recognising unsafe situations, identifying trusted adults, and understanding their right to feel safe.

Supporting friendships and social connections has remained another key focus. Through wellbeing lessons during Oratory, classroom discussions, and individual support, students have continued to develop skills in communication, empathy, inclusion, and conflict resolution. It has been wonderful to see these skills reflected in positive interactions across classrooms and in the playground.

As we head into the school holidays, many young people will be spending more time online connecting with friends, gaming, watching videos and exploring new apps. The eSafety Commissioner encourages families to take this opportunity to have regular conversations about safe and respectful online behaviour. Checking privacy settings, discussing who children interact with online and reminding children not to share personal information are simple but important steps in helping them stay safe. Parents and carers are also encouraged to stay involved in their child’s digital world by showing interest in the games, apps and platforms they use. The holidays are a great time to establish healthy technology habits by balancing screen time with outdoor activities, physical activity and face-to-face social connections.

Families are also reminded of Australia’s social media age restrictions, which prohibit children under 16 from holding accounts on age restricted social media platforms. While these measures are designed to help protect young people from online harms and pressures, no online platform is entirely risk free. Further information, resources and practical advice for families can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website: Online safety | eSafety Commissioner

The holidays are also a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of kindness and positive communication, helping students understand that the same expectations for respectful behaviour apply both online and offline. By working together, we can help our students develop healthy digital habits and enjoy a safe and positive online experience throughout the break. We wish all families a happy, safe, and restful holiday.

Vanessa Young - ​​Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Early Primary)

Hayley Joyce - ​​​Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Upper Primary)

Adam Lapolla - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Secondary)

The Triple P Parenting Program is completely free and fully online, making it easy to access from a phone, tablet, or computer. Sessions can be completed at a time that suits your family's schedule. There are videos along the way and the content is fully backed by research.

You might also be interested in support around:

Preventing Temper Tantrums How to prevent tantrums, meltdowns | Get proven parenting strategies | Triple P

Bedtime Routines Prevent bedtime battles, positively | Get proven parenting strategies | Triple P

Listening skills Helping kids develop listening skills | Triple P

For more information on these courses, more courses and for further resources, please visit: Positive strategies for even the most challenging parenting moments | Triple P

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome a new staff member to the counselling space, Ms Anushani Tilakaratne.

Anushani has recently moved to Tasmania from Melbourne and is excited to join the Dominic College community. We welcome Anushani and wish her all the best as she settles in.

Best wishes everyone for the holiday break, looking forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

Belinda Dooley - College Counsellor 

The week began with First Nations students, families and staff joining the wider community for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Mass at St John’s Catholic Church. Students also represented the College at the NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony at piyura kitina / Risdon Cove, celebrating culture, connection and pride.

Back at school, the College community gathered for a special NAIDOC Prayer Service, which included the creation of a ‘Sea of Hands’ installation symbolising respect, recognition and reconciliation.

A highlight was the presentation of a football guernsey to Lana Cowley, winner of the DOSA Indigenous Round Guernsey Design Competition. Students from Kinder to Year 10 engaged in learning linked to this year’s NAIDOC theme, '50 Years of Deadly'. Kinder to Year 6 classes participated in a Deadly Door Competition incorporating palawa kani. Throughout the week, students and staff celebrated culture, language, learning and community.

Michelle O'Grady - ​​​​Lead Teacher: Aboriginal Liaison K‑10

The day began with a vibrant and prayerful Eucharist for Years 3 to 10, accompanied by the school choir and band, and attended by invited guests. The occasion was filled with active and joyful participation, a truly Salesian celebration. The liturgy beautifully reflected the Salesian charism, reminding us of Don Bosco’s vision of joy, community, and holiness in everyday life.

Later in the morning, our junior students from Kindergarten to Year 2 gathered for a liturgy led by the older students. With music and the reenactment of the Gospel, it was once again a joy-filled celebration, one that Don Bosco himself would have delighted in.

Following the liturgies, the College grounds came alive with energy and laughter as students participated in a variety of games and activities organised across curriculum areas. The much-anticipated five-minute challenges brought friendly competition and creativity to the fore, encouraging collaboration and strong House spirit.

A highlight of the day was the extended lunch, where students eagerly enjoyed freshly prepared salad rolls, generously made by staff. This simple yet meaningful gesture captured the essence of our community—care, service, and ‘One in Heart.’

Throughout the day, all were reminded of Don Bosco’s dream to form young people into 'good people' and 'good citizens'. He offered a programme of life, simple yet profound, that continues to guide us:

• Do your duty well
• Be cheerful
• Keep an eye out for each other

Such a programme creates communion, fosters a sense of family, and brings joy. The celebration was a wonderful expression of our identity, honouring the legacy of Don Bosco and Dominic Savio, and strengthening the spirit that unites us as a faith-filled and joyful learning community.

Happy Feast Day!

Fr John Muphy - College Rector

Cecilia Lomi - Director of Mission and Religious Education K-10

It was heartening to witness students embracing this message as they considered how they can live out their faith through service to others. We extend our sincere thanks to Lauren and Ben, our special guests, who enriched the day by sharing inspiring stories of Salesian Missions and highlighting meaningful opportunities for our students to make a difference.

Continuing with this spirit, our Year 8 students participated in their Retreat Day on Thursday 2 July, engaging in meaningful Acts of Service that brought this year’s Strenna theme to life. Through reflection, generosity and action, students discovered that living out their faith means serving others with compassion, hope and kindness.

Together, these retreat experiences reminded us that faith is lived through action. We are proud to see our young people growing into faith-filled leaders, inspired by the Salesian charism and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Cecilia Lomi - ​​Director of Mission and Religious Education K‑10

Families and members of our community were warmly invited to celebrate this important milestone at the Confirmation Mass, held at St John’s Church, Glenorchy, on Sunday 28 June. In a beautiful and prayerful liturgy, our candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Anthony, surrounded by parishioners, families and friends.

It was a joyful occasion as our young people publicly affirmed their faith and were strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We congratulate all of our Confirmation candidates on this significant step in their faith journey and thank the families, parish community and staff who supported them throughout their preparation.

Cecilia Lomi - ​​Director of Mission and Religious Education K‑10

Despite a busy calendar, our students have remained focused, engaged, and committed to their learning.

Throughout the term, high-quality learning programs have been delivered to meet the interests, strengths, and individual needs of every student.

In Early Primary, students have enjoyed a rich variety of learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom. Our Prep students participated in National Simultaneous Storytime at the Glenorchy Library, fostering a love of reading and storytelling while engaging with the wider community. Kindergarten students recently visited the Sustainability Centre, where they explored concepts of environmental responsibility through hands-on learning experiences. Students have also been highly engaged in their classroom learning, continuing to develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social skills. In addition, our Year 1 students and one Year 2 class participated in the Learn to Swim Program at The Friends' Pool, building water confidence and essential safety skills. The remaining Prep and Year 2 students are looking forward to their swimming sessions later in the year.

In the Upper Primary, there has been a wide range of learning experiences for our students inside and outside the classroom. There have been some great opportunities, including a Year 5 visit to Parliament House and a Year 3 trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Our First Nations students have attended some amazing cultural experiences, and Learn to Swim has been a great opportunity for our Year 3 and 4 students, while others have had the chance to represent the school in a number of sporting fields.

In the Secondary School, students have continued to develop their reading, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills across a broad range of learning areas. In Religious Education, students have explored topics including Scripture, the Early Church, the Black Death, and ethics, examining their historical and contemporary significance while being encouraged to think critically and compassionately. In English, Year 10 students have been creating multimodal poetry, refining both their creative and communication skills. Year 8 Humanities and Social Sciences students have investigated the Spanish Conquest, developing their understanding of historical perspectives and their lasting impact. In Mathematics, Year 8 students have applied their knowledge of measurement by calculating the area and perimeter of a variety of plane shapes. Science students have explored plant and animal cells, organ systems, and the ethical considerations surrounding organ transplantation. In Health and Physical Education, students have studied body image, puberty, and reproduction, building their knowledge and understanding of personal health and wellbeing. Together, these learning experiences are designed to deepen students' understanding of key concepts, strengthen subject-specific knowledge, and foster higher-order thinking skills.

Students have also been encouraged to develop a lifelong love of reading beyond the classroom. The MacKillop Learning Centre continues to provide an extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction resources, catering to a wide variety of interests and reading levels.

The hard work and achievements of our students are reflected in their Semester 1 Academic Reports, which is available on SEQTA Engage from this Thursday. We encourage families to review the report with their child, celebrating their successes while identifying areas for continued growth. We also invite families to book a Parent-Teacher Interview via SOBS. Interviews will be held on Monday, 27 July, the first day of Term 3. Please note that this will be a student-free day.

Vanessa Young - ​​​Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Early Primary)

Hayley Joyce - ​​Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Upper Primary)

Sunita Kumrai - ​​​Director of Learning and Curriculum (Secondary)

In Science, students investigated Earth and Space Sciences, examining how Earth’s tilt, rotation and revolution create observable patterns such as day and night and seasonal changes in daylight hours.

In English, students have been developing their persuasive writing skills by composing letters to environmental ministers about issues impacting our common home. Students have also been reading 'Us Mob Walawurru' by Lisa Wilyuka and David Spillman, exploring themes of culture, Country, community and connection to the environment while deepening their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

As part of our Care for Common Home Day, inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, students completed a labyrinth walk, explored native plants and animals at Tolosa Park, and gained valuable knowledge from guest speaker Linton Burgess. We are very proud of their enthusiasm, engagement and efforts throughout the term.

Isabella Franklin, Jenna Sheppard and Benjamin Crick - Year 6 Teachers

I put the proposition of how migration and multiculturalism has built modern Australia to students, confident that the viewpoint of the young would be worthwhile. One of our College Captains’ contribution is as follows.

Over the last 80 years, Australia has experienced extensive and transformative changes in migration and multiculturalism that have helped establish the modern and prosperous Australia that we call home today. Following the Second World War in 1945, Australia appointed its first Minister for Immigration, Arthur Calwell, whose post-war vision aimed to establish the foundations of mass migration and gradually dismantle the racist ‘White Australia Policy’ that had been in law since 1901. Calwell declared that 'We must fill this country, or we will lose it' and this led to the introduction of the ‘Populate or Perish’ policy. This policy introduced mass migration programs such as the ‘Ten Pound Pom’ Program and the ‘Displaced Persons’ Scheme which collectively strengthened the nation’s workforce and industries for future protection. Not only did Australia see the arriving of approximately two million immigrants, but it also brought countless cultures, foods, customs, and traditions into Australian society, significantly shifting multiculturalism and evolving the attitudes around race and identity. These decades following the war spread cultures around the nation and saw the forming of a variety of communities across major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Ultimately, migration and multiculturalism have significantly reshaped Australian society, and helped mould the inclusive, diverse, and culture-rich Australia that exists today.

With this positive world view as a frame, I was drawn to test its merits by reflecting on our Dominic and Glenorchy context. We can immediately be drawn back to our origin story of the young migrants who left the UK at the end of the Second World War and arrived at a place called Boys Town, established by the Salesians of Don Bosco. Their journey was difficult and profoundly painful, thousands of miles away from family and yet they gathered skills, knowledge and the resilience necessary to establish themselves and make a meaningful contribution to their new home. Throughout the story of our College, the Salesians themselves have enriched our community and the lives of the students they have served by bringing the rich cultures of Italy, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Malta and so many other countries where they have shared their mission. Their embrace of cultural diversity is clearly reflected today in the congregations that gather at St John’s Glenorchy and in the families that make up our College community, whose diverse origins represent the breadth of humanity, from our original custodians to cultures from around the globe. We are richer for the journeys they have made to this place and for the journey they invite us to share with them.

I talked with my mum (former Teacher of Dominic College and Principal of Guilford Young College) about her recollections of the impact of multiculturalism on the growth of our community. She was immediately taken back to her memories of the many European migrant families who arrived in Glenorchy in the sixties. They had very little, and for years they were homed in Houghton House, the old property located on the grounds of Savio Primary in Bowden Street. One family would move on to a Housing Commission home and another one would move in. Gradually they settled, raised their families, worked hard and helped to build a healthy, safe and vibrant local community. They came with nothing but their values, strength and hope in a future they could help to create.

She reflected further on the extraordinary contribution of another migrant who arrived in Berriedale, just north of her family home, back in 1947. Claudio Alcorso (1913–2000), textiles manufacturer, winemaker, and arts patron, was born Claudio Piperno in Rome, Italy having both Jewish and Catholic identity.

He relocated Silk and Textiles Pty Ltd to Derwent Park, the factory capitalising on access to cheap hydroelectricity and a female workforce that was being displaced from other occupations by soldiers returning to their jobs after the war. It became a major employer with an excellent reputation for its treatment of workers, which included providing housing for immigrant workers, a profit-sharing system, and the introduction of the first forty-hour week in Tasmania.

In 1948, Alcorso purchased a small peninsula of land on the Derwent River. He named it Moorilla and built a distinctive modernist neo-Tuscan villa known as the Courtyard House (completed in 1957). Beginning with cuttings provided by the winemaker David Wynn, he defied agricultural sceptics who claimed that wine could not be grown in Tasmania’s cool climate, later producing award-winning cabernet sauvignon and Rhine riesling varieties. Alcorso also joined with emerging Tasmanian winemakers to form the Vineyards Association of Tasmania. This site is now the place we know as MONA, an internationally renowned icon of the arts, and in our own Glenorchy!  He was an Italian migrant, a jew, incarcerated in Australia during the war because of his nationality. He came to Glenorchy and made an extraordinary difference to our community, economy, the arts, human rights, celebrating multiculturalism.

Fast forward to more recent times and she recalls with admiration and affection two young men amongst many migrants and refugees she cared for at GYC. One, Cedric from the Congo, who arrived at the College with nothing, asking for a place and the possibility of qualifying for university…all this happened and in a short period of time he was on the world stage in the Hague talking about human rights and equal rights for the most disadvantaged. The second was Dominic, a boat person who fled from Vietnam because of religious persecution of his Catholic faith. He too came with nothing except his belief, his courage, his generous heart and want to give back for the privilege of being welcomed into our community. He became College Captain, was deeply connected to our St John’s Parish, won a scholarship to Monash, graduated as a civil engineer, is working for the Victorian Government and has just recently become an Australian citizen. Their stories inspire and provide us with a profound sense of gratitude that they came to our shores, bringing their culture with them but more importantly their goodness, generosity, resilience and unconditional positive regard for the community that welcomed them.

Bonnie Court - Lead Teacher: Humanities and Social Sciences 7-10

The newly developed coaching program at Dominic College is designed to build the capacity of teachers so that they are consistently working at improving their practice. It gives staff the opportunity to grow as learners, and provides them with a framework through which they are able to develop their teaching skills in a way that is collaborative, reflective and data-driven. In doing so, teachers are empowered to hone their craft and make changes in their classrooms for the benefit of their students.

Teachers participating in coaching meet with their coach on a fortnightly basis, and utilise different coaching frameworks to improve an aspect of their practice. Teachers reflect on observation notes, student feedback and video recordings of their lessons to identify something they would like to improve, learn about different teaching strategies that could be implemented in their classrooms, and hone their teaching practice by collecting data, reflecting on successes and challenges, and constantly working at improving the learning experience of their students.

As we move through the year, students are likely to see their teachers being observed in the classroom and be asked for feedback on what could make learning more engaging for them. In turn, our teachers will continue to identify, learn and improve, so that they can continue to provide innovative and creative learning experiences that support individual student growth.

Thomas Kershaw - Lead Teacher: Instructional Coach (Secondary)

One student reflected: 'Working on this production was such a memorable experience. From the moment we read through the script, I knew this was going to be a great few weeks and I was right. Having it in Term 2 instead of Term 3 provided us with some challenges. However, with the help of our very understanding drama teacher, Mr Edge, we were able to come together as a class to produce something we are proud of. As this was my last production together with my fellow student directors, it was an emotional experience. However, having such a welcoming class and a supportive teacher made it truly unforgettable.'

Another student director said: 'I would summarise the experience with the 9/10 Drama Production as being one that was worth it. I would 100% do it again if asked and the opportunities were amazing. Being a student director and it being our last production, we wanted to make it really special and we each contributed ideas to set and/or props. It was so amazing to see the drama class come together and support each other in the making of the show. I can say that all three of us are so grateful for the opportunities to collaborate with each other. It was incredible to see the dedication from Mr Edge throughout the whole process. As a whole, we are so extremely grateful and thank you so much Mr Edge and the drama class, you guys are amazing.'

A third student commented, 'As this was my first production, working on such an elaborate, visually intricate play was very challenging in the most fun way I can possibly describe. The play explores ridiculous instructions for surviving an apocalypse. As a class we managed to get the play running for two nights by Term 2, which was at times stressful but overall created bonds that are now unbreakable. The immense support from our drama teacher, Mr Edge, has also been a factor that has pulled us through when deadlines seemed too close. We truly can’t thank him enough and appreciate all of his efforts.'

Thank you so much to the drama class of 2026!

Katherine Denholm - ​​​​Lead Teacher: The Arts K‑10

The Year 9/10 Dance class competed in the Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod, earning first place in the Year 9/10 Educational Section. This outstanding achievement reflects the students’ dedication, commitment, and many hours of preparation. The class should be immensely proud of their performance and the way they represented the College. Congratulations to their teachers, Miss Amy Fiddaman and Miss Hannah Lawless, whose expertise, encouragement, and dedication have been instrumental in the students’ success.

In the evening, our recently formed Boys Choir took to the stage as part of the Festival of Voices – Next Gen Voices Event. Under the direction of Mr Brett Budgeon, the students have spent the term rehearsing alongside singers from The Hutchins School and The Friends’ School as members of a combined schools Tenor and Bass Choir. The boys performed two pieces with confidence and enthusiasm, representing Dominic College with pride and professionalism.

We congratulate all students and staff involved on these wonderful achievements and thank them for their commitment to fostering a vibrant and successful Arts community.

Katherine Denholm - ​​Lead Teacher: The Arts K‑10

On Wednesdays, the library offers a quieter space away from the playground for reading and colouring. Students visiting the library as part of their fortnightly class sessions have described the space as inviting, comforting and 'a little bit magical'.

Each year, the K–6 Library hosts the Scholastic Book Fair, converting the library into a vibrant little bookshop for two weeks. The Book Fair helps our school purchase valuable resources that enrich student learning and foster a love of reading. The right book can ignite a lifelong passion for reading, by expanding minds and nourishing imaginations. By promoting a strong reading culture and providing access to a wider range of books, the Book Fair encourages students to discover stories they truly want to read.

More than just a place to borrow books, the K–6 Library is a warm and welcoming community space where curiosity and creativity can flourish every day. As our library continues to grow and evolve, we hope it remains a special place where every student feels inspired to explore new ideas, discover new stories and experience the joy of reading.

Chantal Pettit - College Librarian

Secondary Netball

The Term 2 SSATIS Netball roster saw Dominic College field five teams across Years 7–10. There were significant improvements across all teams, with plenty of enjoyable moments, great sportsmanship, and competitive matches throughout the season.

Several divisions were highly competitive, and we were delighted to see both our Year 7 and Year 9–10 Representative Teams earn places in their respective Grand Finals.

Year 7 Grand Final

The Year 7 Team faced the undefeated MacKillop White, who had previously defeated us convincingly earlier in the season. Entering the match as underdogs, Dominic made a strong start and competed with determination throughout the game. The entire game was a tight contest, with only a few goals scored throughout. Dominic’s six-goal fourth quarter sealed the game, with Dominic winning 18-16.

A special thank you to Miss McDevitt for generously giving up her time to coach such a wonderful group of girls. Your guidance and encouragement throughout the season have been greatly appreciated.

Year 9–10 Representative Grand Final

Our Year 9–10 Representative Team came up against Sacred Heart Blue in a fitting Grand Final. Having met twice during the season, with each team claiming one victory, the decider promised to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

The game did not disappoint. Dominic scored first and managed to hold the lead the entire game, winning in the smallest of margins 22-21.

Thank you to Miss Farr for always sharing your netball antics with the team.

Congratulations to both teams on becoming SSATIS premiers for 2026.

Primary Netball

The JSSATIS Netball Roster encourages students to step outside the classroom, have fun, stay active, and build new friendships through sport. It was wonderful to see the improvement across all four of our Year 3–6 netball teams, along with the outstanding encouragement and support shown by families and coaches throughout the season.

The students' commitment to Term 2 sport was incredible. Watching them develop their skills, build confidence, share plenty of smiles, and enjoy being physically active was a highlight of the season.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated coaches: Ms Millikan, Paul and Gabe McMaster, Renee Godfrey, and Mr Scharvi. Your time, enthusiasm, and commitment made this season such a positive experience for our students.

Year 5–6 Hart Netball Championship

This year, Dominic College proudly entered its inaugural team into the Year 5–6 Hart Netball Championship. The team worked exceptionally well together, finishing second in Pool B to earn a place in the finals. They were defeated 15–6 in the quarter-final by a strong Sacred Heart Team, but should be extremely proud of their efforts and achievements.

We are excited to see this championship become an annual event in our netball program.

A special thank you to Renee Godfrey for stepping up to coach the team. Your knowledge, encouragement, and dedication to the players is greatly appreciated.

Secondary Hart Netball Championships

Term 3, netball continues, with our representative teams taking part in the annual Hart Championships. The Year 7-8 team will be announced soon.

• Tuesday 25 August (7-8 Girls)
• Thursday 27 August (9-10 Girls)

Good luck to our Year 9-10 Representative Team who will also play in the 2nd College Roster.

Kylee Chivers - ​​​Sports Administrator

This term, our LIL families enjoyed going on two exciting incursions. We visited the library to explore the Scholastic Book Fair, fostering a love of reading and books, and visited the Animal Husbandry Program, where the children were very excited to meet and learn about a variety of animals in the program. Both experiences were thoroughly enjoyed by the children and adults alike.

To celebrate the end of the term, LIL joined in on the College's Pyjama Day festivities. The children loved wearing their favourite pyjamas, proudly showing them to their friends, and enjoying a warm hot chocolate together. Another highlight was our celebration of NAIDOC Week, which was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Our Dance, Music and Movement sessions were also a highlight this term, with the children enthusiastically participating in these sessions.

We have another exciting and enriching term planned for Term 3, filled with many opportunities for learning, play, exploration, and friendship. We warmly invite families to join us and be part of the LIL Community next term. We wish all our LIL families a restful and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for another wonderful term together.

 Amelia Hill-Mundy - Launch into Learning Facilitator

The theme was embraced with enthusiasm, as the room shimmered with a sea of sequins, glitter, and sparkling outfits. Colourful disco lights danced across the hall, creating a magical atmosphere while glowing wristbands and neon glow sticks lit up the dance floor.

The canteen kept everyone energised throughout the evening, offering a selection of delicious treats and glowing goodies that were a big hit with our young partygoers.

A huge thank you to our wonderful P&F volunteers, staff, and families who helped make the night such a memorable success. It was heartwarming to see so many smiling faces enjoying an evening of fun, friendship, and dancing. Events like these help build a strong sense of community, and this year's A Touch of Sparkle Disco certainly gave everyone a night to remember!

Amberley Harrex - P&F President

NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers