Newsletters

When visiting classes during Learning Walks, it has been wonderful seeing actively engaged students participating in their learning. Students have shared with me that they are finding their classroom environments supportive and safe, where sharing their thinking with peers is strongly encouraged. Students have been able to explain their learning tasks and outline the steps they need to be successful. They have also shared that they feel teachers are preparing them well for success and that lessons are meaningful and engaging.

I wish all students well as they continue their studies this term and wish all our Year 10 students success as they commence their mid-year exams.

Bosco/Siena Redevelopment Update

Works across the Bosco/Siena redevelopment continue to progress steadily, with several key milestones recently achieved.

The completion of the basement pit and coring works for the new two-storey lift were set. Across the middle lawn, major site works are well underway, with excavators and heavy vehicles preparing the area for the next stage of development. The demolition of the old stairwell has been completed, with remaining works on track for completion by the end of May.

Excavation near the former Siena corridor has uncovered the original footings of the historic Boys Town building, offering a powerful reminder of the generations of young people who have shaped the life of this site and the legacy that underpins our College today.

In addition, the new flagpoles have now been installed in their permanent, central location and awaiting their new flags. This space provides a prominent and respectful space for the display of our flags and the opportunity to assemble for special occasions.

As we continue this work, we are reminded of the enduring Salesian spirit that calls us to build not only for today, but for the young people who will learn, grow and belong here in the years to come.

Steve Casni

Dominic College Principal

St Dominic Savio & St John Bosco Feast Day

Our Feast Day will be celebrated on Wednesday 24 June. This special occasion brings our school community together to honour our Salesian heritage through Mass, shared food, and fun activities—reflecting the spirit in which Don Bosco connected with young people in 19th-century Turin.

A highlight of the day will be our well-loved Feast Day salad rolls, provided for lunch. Students are asked to wear their sports uniform, with the option of their sports polo if preferred.

We look forward to a joyful and engaging day for all.

Reminder: Every Day Counts

Regular school attendance is essential for your child’s success. At Dominic College, every day at school provides important opportunities for learning, friendships, and personal growth. Missing even a small number of days can make it harder for students to keep up, feel confident, and stay connected with their classmates and teachers.

Attending school every day helps children build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, develop positive routines, and feel a sense of belonging. Over time, frequent absences can lead to gaps in learning that become difficult to close. Establishing good attendance habits early supports your child throughout their schooling and beyond.

We understand that there are times when absence is unavoidable, such as illness. However, we ask families to prioritise school attendance wherever possible, schedule appointments outside school hours, and notify the school if your child is away.

If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school, please reach out. We are here to support you and work together to ensure your child feels safe, engaged, and ready to learn.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership—because every day counts.

Social Media Reminder for Families

We would like to remind families that in Australia there are clear guidelines regarding social media use for children under 16. Many popular platforms have age restrictions in place to help protect young people from online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy concerns. We encourage parents and carers to actively support these guidelines by monitoring their child’s online activity, setting clear expectations, and delaying access to social media where possible.

We also recommend visiting the eSafety Commissioner website (www.esafety.gov.au), which provides trusted, practical advice for families. The site includes resources on safe online behaviour, setting parental controls, and how to respond to online issues.

By working together, we can help create a safer digital environment for our students and support their wellbeing both at school and at home.

AusAlert Communications School 

The Australian Government is introducing a new emergency warning system later this year called AusAlert. We are making you aware early so you can be prepared. AusAlert uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters. These messages aim to keep communities informed so they can take action, saving lives and property.

In the lead up to AusAlert being used, there will be some testing of the system during June and July. This will involve compatible mobile devices receiving a loud, unique alarm and a test alert message.

 Devices may include:

• Mobile phones

• Smart watches

• Children’s safety watches

• Tablets

 Don’t be alarmed when you receive these alerts. You don’t need to do anything. There are two upcoming tests to be aware of:

 • Monday 15 June 2026 at 11am - a regional test of the Priority Alert in the greater Launceston area only

• Monday 27 July at 2pm - a national test of the Critical Alert A Priority Alert

For further information and useful resources, including advice about how to support children and young people, visit https://www.ausalert.gov.au/

Allison Lowe - ​​​​Deputy Principal: Primary

Janet Marcenko - ​​​Deputy Principal: Secondary

When we have big feelings, the thinking part of our brain can switch off. We call this 'flipping our lid'.

We have learnt that it is okay to have big feelings, but we must act on them in the right way. Across pulana, we use the Zones of Regulation to help us identify what zone we are in and to identify strategies we can use to help us return to a calm, happy state before we ‘flip our lid’ and our thinking brain turns off.

As adults, we can model healthy ways to manage big emotions. 'Talk alouds' where grown-ups model talking through something that upsets them or talking as a family about ways to handle situations that make us feel upset or angry can help children see that everyone must manage big feelings sometimes.

The biggest message for our children is: all feelings are okay and should be expressed. But not all actions are okay. We can find ways to show and manage big feelings in safe, healthy ways.

Allison Cooley - Acting Lead Teacher: Year 1/Year 2

A highlight of our strong start to Term 2 has been our success at the Years 3–10 Cross Country Carnival, where Guzman proudly claimed the overall shield. This achievement is particularly significant, marking the first time in many years we have reached this milestone. It is a testament to the collective effort of our students, those who competed with determination, those who stepped outside their comfort zones, and those who supported their peers every step of the way. While this was a whole-house success, we also acknowledge the outstanding individual performances that contributed to this result.

As the term has progressed, we have faced the added challenge of wet and cold winter mornings. Despite this, our students have continued to show resilience and positivity, ensuring that Morning Oratory Groups remain warm, welcoming, and supportive spaces where all can connect and thrive.

Guzman House looks ahead to the remainder of the term with confidence and pride, continuing to build a culture where every student belongs and every success, big or small, is shared together.

We look forward to a strong 2026 and wish our Year 10 students every success in their upcoming mid-year exams.

Liam Ward - Lead Teacher: Guzman House

Sport has a strong positive correlation with adolescent wellbeing, with regular participation linked to improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. Being part of a team or training group also fosters a sense of belonging and identity, which is particularly important during teenage years. Even individual sports can support wellbeing by building confidence, goal setting skills, and personal achievement. Encouraging adolescents to focus on enjoyment, effort, and personal growth rather than results helps them develop a healthier long-term relationship with physical activity.

Parents and carers can support adolescents by encouraging varied physical activity, prioritising rest and recovery, and maintaining open conversations about how sport makes their child feel. Monitoring signs of burnout, overtraining, or withdrawal from activities can help ensure early support when needed. Emphasising enjoyment and personal progress over performance outcomes helps sustain long-term engagement.

Trusted resources for families include Headspace, Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, and Raising Children Network. These organisations provide practical guidance on youth mental health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.

Parents can also access evidence based advice and support materials online through Headspace, Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline and Raising Children Network to better understand adolescent wellbeing, manage sport related stress, and encourage healthy balanced participation in physical activity at home and in the community over time with consistency and communication support.

Kiera Farr - ​​​Acting Lead Teacher: HPE 7-10

Liam Binning - ​​​Lead Teacher: Bosco House

On Friday 22 May, many of our energetic students, families, and staff took part in Walk Safely to School Day. It was a wonderful way to begin the day, with everyone enjoying the sunshine and some healthy exercise together.

Participants walked just over two kilometres up Tolosa Street to the College, supported along the way by a friendly local Police Officer. Some students enjoyed the chance to have their photo taken with the officer and her car. Upon arrival at school students were greeted with a fresh piece of fruit – a perfect way to finish off a positive and healthy start to the day.

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

With the guidance of staff, families and parish partners, some of our students and others from the parish have begun their faith journey supported by a strong, caring community.

We also gathered with gratitude for our Mother’s Day Mass, a special celebration that honoured the love, faith and dedication of mothers and mother figures. It was a beautiful time of prayer, giving thanks and celebrating the gift of family and community that enriches our school. The Mass was further enriched by the beautiful music and singing of our Senior Choir, creating a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere. Following the celebration, families enjoyed a delicious breakfast expertly prepared and served by our VET students, making it a truly memorable and uplifting start to the day.

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

This week, our Year 6 team brought this commitment to life through an integrated learning experience, Care for Our Common Home Day. To start the day, students took part in a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, providing a respectful and powerful way to connect with Country and recognise the significance of Aboriginal culture.

Students then rotated through a series of activities. One rotation involved a walk through Tolosa Park, where students explored palawa/pakana perspectives within the broader theme of 'Caring for Our Common Home', inspired by Laudato Si’. This provided a meaningful opportunity to experience the environment firsthand while deepening their understanding of the connections between people, land, and responsibility for caring for Country.

A highlight was learning from Linton Burgess, who shared his knowledge of local trees, grasses, and their traditional uses. Students discovered how Country provides for all needs—described in a way they could relate to as your 'Bunnings', your 'Woolworths', and your 'pharmacy'. This helped bring to life the idea that caring for Country means sustaining life itself.

Students also explored how First Nations peoples have cared for the land for thousands of years, including the use of cultural burning to regenerate and maintain healthy ecosystems. They examined how introduced species have impacted native plants and animals, reinforcing the importance of protecting Australia’s unique environment.

Experiences like this enrich learning for all students, helping them grow into respectful, informed, and responsible members of the community.

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

We visited Divine Mercy School Malololelei, Don Bosco College Savai'i, and Don Bosco Technical College Alofou, where we observed classrooms, shared educational practices, and witnessed the dedication of Samoan educators in nurturing young people through faith, learning, and community.

A highlight was the homestay experience with local teachers and their families. Their generosity, strong faith, and hospitality provided a rich insight into Samoan culture and allowed us to form meaningful connections, living out Don Bosco's vision of becoming 'one in heart'.

We also explored Samoa's stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches to spectacular sea caves and coral reefs, offering moments of reflection and gratitude.

I return to Dominic College with renewed purpose, deeper appreciation, and a strengthened commitment to the Salesian mission of accompanying young people with hope, compassion, and joy.

Alexandra Olejniczak - ​​​Classroom Teacher

The story also inspired a series of art works. Students used watercolours to depict aspects of the stunning Kimberley landscape and combined watercolours with other media to create detailed observational artworks of the red-tailed black cockatoo featured in the novel.

Our study of Black Cockatoo was particularly timely as it coincided with National Reconciliation Week, providing opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of First Nations perspectives, culture and the importance of reconciliation.

Students made the following comments about ‘Black Cockatoo’:

A student:  "It's been an interesting read. I didn't expect to learn about all the Aboriginal culture, so it was a good chance to learn."

A student: "It's the reality of Aboriginal people that I had no idea about."

A student: "It was great to show respect to Aboriginal people."

Therese McDevitt, Michelle O'Grady, Molly Baker, Rebecca Meissner and Holly Edge - Year 5 Teachers

Pythagoras’ Theorem and Trigonometry are vital for solving problems involving right-angled triangles. The applications of these two concepts are so vast and varied making them indispensable in both theoretical and practical realms. Their utility spans from the microscopic scale of engineering components to the astronomical scale of the universe, demonstrating their fundamental importance in our understanding and interaction with the world around us.

Fractions and percentages are used every day to represent parts of a whole and make comparisons. Fractions are commonly used in cooking recipes, measuring materials, and dividing items equally among people. Percentages are used in shopping discounts, calculating taxes and tips, understanding interest rates, and interpreting statistics such as exam scores or survey results. Together, they help people make informed decisions in finance, education, business, and daily life.

Box plots are widely used in real life to summarise and compare data distributions. For example, businesses use box plots to analyse sales across different stores, hospitals use them to compare patient recovery times, and schools use them to compare test scores among classes. They quickly show the median, spread of the data, and any unusual values (outliers), making it easier to identify patterns and differences.

Conditional probability is used when the likelihood of an event depends on another event having occurred. In healthcare, doctors use it to estimate the probability that a patient has a disease given a positive test result. Insurance companies use conditional probability to assess risk based on factors such as age or driving history, and weather forecasts use it to predict the chance of rain given current atmospheric conditions. It helps people make better decisions when additional information is available.

By building a strong foundation in these mathematical concepts we try to empower students to approach complex mathematical challenges with confidence and skill.

Sunita Kumrai - ​​Acting Lead Teacher: Mathematics 7-10

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read out loud, simultaneously in libraries, schools, bookshops and many other places around the country. NSS is an event that celebrates literacy, imagination and connection through the joy of shared reading. Our 2026 story, ‘Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller’ by Adam Jackson, Adrian Lloyd and Jake A Minton was a full-throttle, tail-thumping, goal-scoring, underdog adventure that brought the excitement off the pitch and into an unmissable storytime.

This year, the wet weather forced our live reading into the luwutina Centre where students wore their best fan gear to cheer on Luna Roo while they enjoyed their lunch. K-6 students across the College could be heard yelling 'GOAL!' as they joined together in their classrooms, library or with their buddy classes to enjoy the story and participate in soccer inspired activities!

This opportunity showcased their creativity, resilience and most of all their teamwork. Through various challenges they demonstrated the true spirit of scientific inquiry – designing practical solutions, testing bold ideas, and persevering through failure. It was encouraging to see their confidence grow as they tackled real-world problems as the day progressed. In conversation, they reported that the day affirmed their view that science is not about answers – it’s about curiosity, collaboration and persistence.

As a school, we believe with continued participation in fora like the National Science Challenge, our community’s continued support and celebrating our students’ involvement in science, we will continue to nurture a generation that is ready to innovate and impact the world positively. Science starts with curiosity and our students are leading the way!

Lifeas Kapofu - Lead Teacher: Science 7-10

Teachers from a wide range of subject areas hosted engaging displays that showcased what students can expect in each elective. Families were able to speak directly with teachers and gain valuable insights into course content and the skills developed through each subject.

We were also pleased to welcome staff from Guilford Young College (GYC), who were available throughout the evening to answer questions about pathways beyond Year 10. Their expertise provided families with valuable information about senior secondary options, future study pathways, and career opportunities, helping students understand how their elective choices can support their longer-term goals.

The evening encouraged meaningful conversations about students’ interests, strengths, and future aspirations, helping them make informed decisions about their elective selections. It also highlighted the diverse range of opportunities available across the curriculum, ensuring students can tailor their learning experiences to suit their individual goals.

Thank you to all staff who prepared displays and shared their expertise, to the GYC representatives for their support and guidance, and to the many students and families who attended. We look forward to supporting our students as they take the next step in planning their educational journey.

Sunita Kumrai - Director of Learning and Curriculum 7-10

It was wonderful to see such strong involvement across all year levels, with students demonstrating resilience, determination, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the event.

Congratulations to Siena for winning the Year 3-6 shield, Savio for winning the Year 7-10 and to Guzman for winning overall.

Final scores:

On Wednesday 13 May, our Kindergarten to Year 2 students had their opportunity to compete in their Cross Country. Once the fog lifted, the sun shone across our ovals, which lifted the spirits of both students and staff. The younger students demonstrated great enthusiasm and energy as they completed their races, with many showing determination and perseverance to reach the finish line.

It was delightful to see the smiles, encouragement, and sense of accomplishment shared throughout the event, making it a positive and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Kylee Chivers - Sports Administrator

Kiera Farr - Acting Lead Teacher: HPE 7-10

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

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

The Easter Raffle is always a highlight on the P&F calendar, and even more exciting for the lucky students who take home a prize! This year marked the first time the raffle was held entirely online. Feedback from the Dominic Community was overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to running the raffle online again next year.

Term 2 began with our wonderful Mother’s Day Stall. This is always a special event and a favourite for our P&F mums, who get a sneak peek at the thoughtful gifts available while helping unpack and prepare them for sale. Due to current high school renovations, the stall was held in the luwutina Centre within the K–2 Precinct. It was such a joy to run, with so many excited children carefully choosing meaningful gifts for the special women in their lives.

Unfortunately, the P&F Prep-6 Disco has been postponed until Friday 3 July. Please keep an eye out for further communication and updated details regarding this.

A heartfelt thank you to our new and existing volunteers. These events simply would not be possible without your time, enthusiasm, and hard work.

The P&F Committee is also seeking a Secretary to join the Executive Team. If you are interested in this role, or would like to learn more about getting involved in any capacity, please contact us at parentsandfriends@dominic.tas.edu.au.

Have a wonderful weekend from the P&F Team!

P&F Committee