Newsletters

There have been many successes and achievements, and I encourage all students to continue to take up opportunities both in and outside of the classroom to get involved in all that Dominic has to offer. I also thank all students, families and staff who attended the ANZAC Day ceremonies on 25 April. Your presence showed great respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Commemorating ANZAC Day each year is important as it helps us remember the courage, mateship and resilience of past and present service personnel, and ensures these values are passed on to future generations.

Thank you to all who were able to attend the recent Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences. I hope these meaningful conversations, along with the Term 1 Expectations reports, help students to reflect and set learning goals for the remainder of this semester. I take this opportunity to congratulate all Term 1 Diamond Award recipients in our Secondary school who were presented with certificates at this week’s assembly and encourage all students to aspire to achieving full bars for the Term 2 Expectations which are based on positive attitudes towards learning and engagement.

The Bosco/Siena Redevelopment is well underway with structural demolition approximately 85% complete. The lift pit overrun was completed in April, and vertical lift precast shop drawings have been submitted for approval. A key milestone was achieved during the school holidays with new fibre and mains power successfully installed to the building. Over the next month, scaffold and edge protection will be installed to enable roof tile works to occur in the Bosco building and metal roof cladding to the 80’s building, commencing late May. Demolition of stairwells and the adjacent façade will also occur to allow construction of the new feature stairwell. I would like to thank the work of Mr Ken Steele (Facilities and Projects Manager) for overseeing this major project and our Facilities and Maintenance Team for their work on preparing our grounds and classrooms for Term 2. Work has also been achieved as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan to move our flags to a more permanent and central location. We look forward to seeing our flags respectfully and prominently displayed in the garden adjacent to Grantleigh (Business Office).

We are delighted to welcome several new students and staff this term, and I have been moved by the kindness and warmth shown by everyone to make them feel at home. We welcome back Ms Sue Cunningham from a period of Long Service Leave. Mrs Cunningham has taken on a new role for the remainder of 2026 as Director of Special Projects. Her work will involve preparing us for 2028 School Re-registration, a review of human resourcing functions and processes at the College following growth in staffing levels over the past few years, review of curriculum and learning and supporting me and our College Board in finalising the 2027-2030 Strategic Plan. Thank you to Ms Hayley Joyce who will remain in the role of Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing – Upper Primary and Mr Michael Voss who will continue as Acting Lead Teacher – Year 3 and 4 for the remainder of 2026. 

I would like to thank all families for always working with us to ensure that Child Safety remains our number one priority to support student learning and wellbeing. We continue to educate students about online safety and child welfare through the Don Bosco Oratory Program to support conversations taking place at home. I encourage all parents/guardians to subscribe to the following resources on the E-Safety Commissioner website. They are a great support in helping adults and young people understand how to stay safe online - Parents | eSafety Commissioner

The recent communication sent from Directors about Term 2 dates, events and activities provided a link to the School and Family Communications Chart to help us continue working positively together and keep lines of communication open. Below is a summary table of who to contact if you have any questions about your children's learning and wellbeing. This outlines the appropriate communication pathways and supports clear, respectful, and effective communication within our community. The full chart can be found on our website. Thank you for working with us and following this structure to ensure matters are dealt with fairly and appropriately in a large College such as ours. General inquiries not related to student matters can be directed to dominic@dominic.tas.edu.au and will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff or team.

I wish you all a very happy and successful Term 2. May we continue to be guided by our 2026 Salesian Strenna - ‘Believers, Free to Serve’ as we embrace all that the new term has to offer.

Best wishes,

Steve Casni - College Principal

These interviews are a wonderful opportunity to support student learning and engagement. We will conduct another Parent-Teacher Interview Day later in the year, but do not hesitate to contact your teacher throughout the year if the need arises. The Parent and Family Communication Chart has been shared with you via our Directors’ Correspondences at the start of this term.

Cross-Country 3-10

Our annual 3-10 Cross Country Carnival was held today and was a wonderful opportunity to come together to build House and community spirit. Congratulations to all students who participated and to the many staff involved in running the event.

Mother’s Day

As Mother’s Day approaches on Sunday 10 May, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who fill our lives with love, warmth, and boundless support. This morning we had the privilege of celebrating with a beautiful Mother’s Day Mass in the College Chapel.

Thank you to our Parents and Friends for organising and assisting with the sale of gifts at the Mother’s Day Stall on Wednesday. Students really enjoy this opportunity to browse and purchase gifts.

Academic Pathway Planning Evening - 3 June 2026

Our Year 8 and 9 students, along with their parents and carers, will have the opportunity to learn more about the electives on offer for 2027 when the College holds it Academic Pathway Evening on Wednesday 3 June. More information will be shared closer to the date along with a link to the 2027 Subject Handbook.

Student Free Day - Friday, 5 June 2026

Please note that Friday 5 June will be a student free day. Monday 8 June is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.

Allison Lowe - ​​​​Deputy Principal: Primary

Janet Marcenko - ​​​Deputy Principal: Secondary

About Kids Hubs

Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs provide a safe and welcoming place where children, their families, carers, and kin can access free mental health and wellbeing support and services.

Kids Hubs are designed for children aged 0 to 12 years who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges.

Belinda Dooley - College Counsellor

It has been wonderful to see all of our students return, reconnecting with their friends and teachers and settling back into their classroom routines so smoothly. We also welcome the new students and families who have started with us here at Dominic this term.

Our focus this term is ‘We are Responsible.’ This will be explored in classrooms and also through our Oratory lessons in ways that are meaningful and age-appropriate for our students.

As Maggie Dent reminds us, the early years are such an important time for children to begin building their toolkit of life skills. At school, we will be gently supporting students to develop responsibility through simple, everyday tasks like:

• taking care of their belongings

• following classroom routines

• learning from their choices

We know that children learn best through modelling, practice and encouragement, and we will continue to guide them in different settings – whether in the classroom, playground or specialist lessons.

We encourage families to support this learning at home too, by helping children build independence and confidence in caring for their own needs in ways that suit their age.

We’re also really looking forward to celebrating our students as they grow in responsibility. This will be recognised alongside our Being a Learner and Heart of Friendship Awards.

Vanessa Young - ​​Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Early Primary

Through readings and reflections, students recognised the importance of values such as courage, resilience, and mateship, demonstrating respect and maturity throughout the service.

It was also pleasing to see many students and staff represent the College at local ANZAC Day services in Glenorchy, Lenah Valley, New Norfolk, and Brighton. Whether marching, laying wreaths, or attending in reflection, they represented the College with pride and dignity.

These experiences help our students connect with the significance of remembrance and their role in upholding the ANZAC spirit.

Diamond Awards

Diamond Awards were presented during this week’s Secondary Assembly, recognising students from Years 7–10 who achieved 100% Expectations on their Term 1 Reports. These awards celebrate consistent effort, positive attitude, and a strong commitment to learning across all subjects.

What makes the Diamond Award especially significant is that it is attainable by every student. It is not based on academic results alone, but on demonstrating respect, being prepared for class, using time effectively, meeting deadlines, and striving to produce quality work. Award recipients are students who engage actively in their learning and seek feedback to continually improve.

Over 110 secondary students achieved this outstanding standard. We congratulate all recipients for their dedication and commend them for modelling the behaviours we value at Dominic College.

Adam Lapolla - Acting Director of Learning & Wellbeing: Secondary

The weeks ahead will demand your full attention as they offer you new challenges and new opportunities. Yet with the support of your teachers and your families, I am sure these weeks will be weeks of growth both in knowledge and wisdom.

Mother’s Day Mass

We extend our sincere thanks to our families, students and staff who joined us this morning for our Mother’s Day Mass. It was a beautiful celebration as we came together as a community to honour mothers, grandmothers and all those who lovingly take on a mothering role in our lives.

The presence of so many families made the liturgy especially meaningful. The singing of our student choir added a special dimension to the celebration, uplifting our prayers and enriching the spirit of the Mass. Ms Denholm shared a heartfelt reflection on her experience of motherhood, alongside students who spoke lovingly of their own mothers. Together, their voices reflected the love, care and appreciation at the heart of this occasion.

We are grateful to all who helped prepare and lead the Mass, and for the shared moments of reflection that reminded us of the gift of love, guidance and sacrifice shown by mothers each day. We wish all mothers and mother figures a joyful and blessed Mother’s Day, and we hold in our prayers those whose mothers are absent, remembered, or especially close in heart on this day.

Fr John Murphy - College Rector

This year, Bridget Taylor continues in the role of Lead Teacher - Learning Diversity: Early Primary in the K-2 pulana precinct.

Louise Zegveld commenced as Acting Lead Teacher - Learning Diversity: Upper Primary in the 3-6 Prouille precinct.

Kylie De Calmer commenced in the Lead Teacher – Learning Diversity: Secondary working in a job-share role with Kate Le Rossignol who is returning to the Lead Teacher – Learning Diversity: Secondary in the 7-10 Valdocco precinct.

Our roles include:

• Developing Learning Plans for students with additional learning and language needs;

• Assisting teachers and LSAs with implementing support strategies for students;

• Developing and running intervention programs; and

• Conducting testing and data collection.

We work closely with classroom teachers, Lead Teachers and Wellbeing staff to help connect students to the supports they need.

Our wonderful team of LSAs support students in a number of ways across the classrooms, small group interventions and the playground.

The Learning Support Assistant roles include:

• Assisting teachers to support students’ learning and participation in classrooms activities;

• Assisting students in the playground and social situations;

• Running small group interventions, including InitiaLit, SAGE, MacqLit, Bond Blocks and the Flourish Program; and

• Providing learning and safety supports in specialist learning areas, including kitchens, design spaces and Animal Husbandry.

NCCD Annual Collection of Data

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to provide the government with deidentified information about supports provided to students with disability. For further information, please follow the link:

Fact sheet for parents, guardians and carers - Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

Bridget Taylor - Lead Teacher: Learning Diversity (Early Primary), Louise Zegveld - Lead Teacher: Learning Diversity
(Upper Primary) and Kate Le Rossignol & Kylie De Calmer - Lead Teacher: Learning Diversity (Secondary)

As May is known as the Month of Mary in the Catholic tradition, this time also gives us a chance to reflect on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the care, kindness and love she shows. Students have been considering how they can show these qualities to others in their everyday lives.

In Science, we are starting our learning about living and non-living things, building our understanding through a range of activities. It has been lovely to see the care and effort students are putting into both their learning and their Mother’s Day preparations.

Bethany Cooper, Annie Peacock, Gihan Gunadasa and Anna Attuoni - Year 3 Teachers

We were fortunate to welcome Emilio Reale, CEO of Glenorchy City Council, for an incursion. He shared an overview of his role and how the council works to support the local community. Students engaged enthusiastically throughout the session and asked a range of thoughtful and curious questions, showing particular interest in the development of local parks and pools in the area.

Throughout the unit, students have developed their understanding of their local community through discussion, questioning, and reflection on how local government decisions impact everyday life.

Alexander Firth, Christina Giameos and Jenny McGuire - Year 4 Teachers

Students attended Guilford Young College (GYC) Bowden Street, where they participated in hands-on cooking classes in a commercial kitchen environment. Working with high-quality, industry-standard equipment, students produced marshmallow rabbits and café-style muffins, developing their precision, presentation, and teamwork skills. The experience allowed students to step beyond the school kitchen and gain confidence operating in a more advanced culinary setting.

In addition, students visited Smith’s Pies in Cambridge, owned and operated by Dominic College Old Scholar Kristian Farrow (Class of 2001) and his wife Sarah. During the excursion, students were given a tour of the production facility and gained insight into the day-to-day operations of a successful food business. Kristian shared his career journey, offering valuable advice and highlighting the pathways available within the hospitality industry. Students also had the opportunity to sample the products, which was a clear highlight of the visit. We thank Kristian, Sarah, Damien and the staff at Smith’s Pies for having us.

Both experiences provided authentic, real-world learning opportunities, allowing students to engage with industry professionals, explore potential career pathways, and better understand the expectations of the hospitality sector. These excursions continue to play an important role in preparing our students for future study, employment, and success within the industry.

Cameron Golding - ​​​Lead Teacher: Technologies and VET

These conversations focused on celebrating progress, sharing insights from both school and home, and identifying next steps to support continued growth. Families and teachers worked in partnership to reflect on Term 1 achievements and set clear, achievable goals for the term ahead.

The collaborative and positive tone of the interviews highlighted the strong connections within our school community. Teachers shared feedback on academic progress, classroom engagement, and areas for development, while parents and carers contributed important perspectives and asked thoughtful questions.

We sincerely thank all families who attended and engaged in these meaningful discussions. Your partnership plays a vital role in supporting student success and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing this strong collaboration throughout the year.

Vanessa Young - ​​Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Early Primary and Hayley Joyce - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing: Upper Primary  

Sunita Kumrai - ​​Director of Learning and Curriculum 7‑10