Principal's Office
Over the past weeks, I have spent time in classrooms throughout the College and have been encouraged by the positive learning engagement I have observed. Students are focused and approaching their learning with enthusiasm, supported by staff who are committed to providing high‑quality educational experiences.
During Staff Preparation Week, we reflected together on the importance of maintaining high expectations for every student and continually striving for excellence in all that we do. As staff we examined what it means to work in a Salesian school and basing our work on the principles of belonging, reflecting, learning and celebrating based on the work of Fr David O’Malley SDB. This shared commitment underpins the positive learning culture we seek to foster across our community.
As we begin the year, our 2026 Strenna calls us to be “Believers - Free to Serve,” reminding us of the values that guide our work with young people each day – being people with faith and people of service to others. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year as we support your children to grow, to hope, and to learn at Dominic College.
New Additions to the College Leadership Team
This year we welcome the addition of four new members of staff to our College Leadership Team (CLT): Mrs Allison Lowe (Deputy Principal – Primary), Mrs Vanessa Young (Director of Learning and Wellbeing – Early Primary), Mr Adam Lapolla (Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing – Secondary) and for Term 1, Ms Hayley Joyce (Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing – Upper Primary) We wish our new senior leaders every blessing as they commence their new roles to support the growth and improvement of our College.
P&F and DOSA Meetings
The year has already begun on a positive note, with both the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) and the Dominic Old Scholars Association (DOSA) coming together for their first meetings of 2026. Due to our Year 7-10 Valdocco redevelopment, these meetings have been relocated to our K-6 Library located in the Year 3-6 Prouille Precinct.
The P&F AGM and opening meeting was well attended, reflecting the strong support and enthusiasm of our parent community. The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate key highlights from last year and to share the focus areas and aspirations shaping our plans for 2026.
- President – Amberley Harrex
- Vice President – Rebecca Cooper
- Treasurer – Amanda Page
- Secretary – Kerryn James
- Events Coordinator & Fair Coordinator – Renee Godfrey
The Dominic Old Scholars Association also met for the first time this year, led by Mr Matthew Taylor, Chair of DOSA. Members enjoyed reconnecting through shared stories and reflections on past years, while also turning their attention to planning upcoming activities in preparation for the 2026 school year.
We would like to sincerely thank both volunteer groups for the time, energy and dedication they give so generously to our College. Their ongoing commitment plays an invaluable role in enriching our community, and we look forward to seeing the P&F and DOSA working together on shared initiatives throughout the year ahead.
Farewell to our Visiting Salesian Brother
We were fortunate to have Br Cirilo visit us at Dominic for a period of two weeks, where he enjoyed visiting classrooms and playgrounds across K-10 to help him gain some knowledge into what life is like in Salesian schools in Australia. We wished him all the very best as he returned to Melbourne to continue his Theological Studies as he journeys towards his vocation of Priesthood. We thanked Br Cirilo for visiting us here at Dominic.
Every blessing for the 2026 School Year!
Steve Casni - Dominic College Principal
Deputy Principals' Office
NAPLAN 2026
The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing period will take place from 16-23 March for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. During these dates, students throughout the country will be sitting a variety of assessments with a focus on literacy and numeracy. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so. It is just one aspect of the school’s assessment and reporting process, and it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about students’ performances. We ask that students involved avoid making any outside appointments during the testing times.
Please find below a link which will the official National Assessment Program (NAP) website.
NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers
Leave in Term Time
Dominic College cannot support nor approve the taking of holidays during term time. This is a legal mandate in the 2016 Education Act and has been put in place to ensure that sound academic progress can take place with students being present at school in all classes. Schools have a legal responsibility to maintain accurate records of student attendance and as such, any holiday leave that is applied for will be recorded as unapproved.
We ask that you plan carefully in advance to schedule holidays during term breaks.
From time to time there will be students who are involved in interstate competitions or extraordinary circumstances that may warrant the need to take more than three days leave. Applications for such leave can be lodged to Deputy Principal Primary or Secondary, via the leave request form which can be obtained through our Student Services Office. Once an application for leave has been received, you will receive either an email response or a formal letter from the Deputy Principal’s office informing you of the status of the application. We thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Year 7 Student, Staff and Families Welcome Gathering
As we welcome our new Year 7 cohort to the beginning of their secondary education journey, we look forward to bringing together Year 7 students and their parents and guardians for an informal afternoon of connection and community. Key staff who work closely with our Year 7 students will be in attendance and look forward to meeting families as the academic year begins. This gathering will take place on Friday 13 March from 3.30pm - 5.00pm on the Savio Centre Lawns outside the Savio Centre.
Relay for Life 2026
Dominic College is excited to take part in Relay for Life 2026. The event is Saturday 28 March, 10am-10pm (note: the event is no longer overnight).
Students in Year 5-10 are invited, with Year 9 and 10 students permitted to stay from 6pm-10pm.
If you would to join or donate to the Dominic College team, here is the link:
https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/DominicCollege
Reminder
The Eight Hour Day Public Holiday will take place on Monday 9 March. We hope you all enjoy the long weekend.
Allison Lowe - Deputy Principal (Primary)
Janet Marcenko - Deputy Principal (Secondary)
A Home That Welcomes
These bells hold significant historical value; each one represents a chapter in Dominic College’s story and contributes to our rich heritage.
The Belling In symbolises new beginnings; welcoming students into a community where opportunities, friendships, and challenges await. Likewise, the Belling Out Ceremony in Term 4 farewells our Graduating Class of 2026 and offers our best wishes as they begin the next stage of their journey.
We hope our Year 7s are settling in well and that everyone is ready for a fantastic year ahead.
Lucy Martin and Jujhaar Jhajj - College Captains
Tanishka Kumrai and Kane Tran - College Vice Captains
I was reminded during the holidays of the magnitude of kindness and its flow on effects. The power of the impact from gestures of good will can be hard to put into words, especially when the gesture is from a complete stranger.
In a world where we are so often flooded with negative news, the good that is still out there and still surrounding us can be often overshadowed and forgotten.
When moments like acts of unexpected kindness come along, it brings a raft of positive feelings, emotions and a warming of the heart like no other.
It's common to kick off a new year with resolutions, new goals, new hopes and new dreams. May each of us have kindness at the top of our list and commit to practising acts of kindness each and every day. Being kind to ourselves and to each other is not only full of intrinsic rewards but its a gift that costs nothing.
Remember, even the small things matter and every act of kindness makes a difference.
Belinda Dooley - College Counsellor
A warm and heartfelt welcome also to our Kindergarten students and their families who are joining the College community for the first time. We are so proud of how beautifully our Kinders are settling, learning new routines, exploring their spaces, and building those early foundations of belonging.
The pulana playground has been buzzing with energy as students reconnect, make new friends, and explore the spaces around them. Our Kindergarten children, bright in their coloured vests, have been embraced so warmly by our older students who continue to show kindness, patience, and leadership in helping them navigate their first few weeks. One of the loveliest moments each break time has been seeing older siblings and friends stopping by to check in on them with such genuine care.
Year 2 students are especially excited to have the oval as part of their break times this year. The extra running space, along with dedicated access to playground equipment and swings during Break 1, has been a much anticipated milestone as they enjoy their final year in the pulana Precinct.
Our Buddy Program has also launched for the year, with Kindergarten–Year 2 students enjoying connecting with their buddy classes. These partnerships are such a valuable part of our community culture, and we look forward to many more shared learning and play experiences throughout 2026.
Supporting Families – SchoolTV
This year, we are also encouraging all families to explore SchoolTV, a fantastic resource available directly through the College website. SchoolTV provides an extensive library of short, accessible videos designed to support modern families - covering topics across child development, wellbeing, digital habits, emotional regulation and more. It’s an excellent tool for navigating the challenges and opportunities facing children in today’s world.
Home Page SchoolTV | Dominic College
Looking Ahead
Please keep an eye out across the year for opportunities for our pulana community to come together. We are planning a number of gatherings and connection events designed to strengthen relationships, build belonging, and celebrate our shared journey in Early Primary.
We’re looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and community across the pulana Precinct.
Vanessa Young - Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Early Primary)
Our Year 3 students, in particular, have navigated their transition from pulana to Prouille with confidence and maturity. Their enthusiasm and adaptability have been wonderful to see.
At Dominic College, our four overarching expectations guide all that we do: we strive to be respectful, responsible, honest learners. These expectations are unpacked within each classroom to ensure students understand what they look like in action. We are incredibly proud of how well our students have embraced these values and commenced the year.
Being respectful means listening to other people, including others and treating others as you want to be treated.
Being responsible means wearing our uniform with pride, caring for belongings and reporting things when they are not right.
Being honest means owning mistakes and behaviours and learning from our mistakes.
Being a learner means we take pride in our work, learn from our mistakes and try our best even when it is hard.
The term is already rich with activity, including year-level gatherings, House meetings, buddy sessions, and a special visit from the CEO of Glenorchy City Council, who spoke to Year 4 students as part of their HaSS inquiry.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Swimming Carnival. Next week will also be a significant one for our Year 3 and Year 5 students as they participate in NAPLAN testing.
Hayley Joyce - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Upper Primary)
Our new Year 7 cohort has settled excellently into the Valdocco Precinct. It has been a pleasure watching them build new friendships, connect with students in older year levels, and establish supportive relationships with their teachers. As they continue adjusting to the expectations and routines of secondary schooling, we encourage any student who feels unsure or overwhelmed to speak with their Oratory Group and subject teachers. We are committed to ensuring that every Year 7 student feels safe, supported, and confident as they navigate this exciting new chapter.
Working in strong partnership with families is essential to supporting every student’s learning, wellbeing, and success. Open, early communication helps us work proactively; addressing concerns before they become challenges and ensuring that students feel supported both at home and at school. We encourage families to reach out as soon as questions or worries arise. The morning Oratory Group teacher is the first point of contact for general wellbeing matters, while subject teachers are available to discuss anything related to specific classes or learning areas.
Dominic College is proud to once again take part in Relay for Life in 2026. This important community event brings people together to honour those affected by cancer and to raise vital funds for cancer research and support services. By participating, our students and staff help shine a light on hope, resilience, and the ongoing fight against cancer. We look forward to another meaningful year of walking, supporting, and making a difference together. Don Bosco reminds us: “If we are one in heart, we can achieve ten times as much.”
This year’s event will be held on Saturday 28 March, 10am–10pm (note: the event is no longer overnight).
Students in Years 5–10 are invited to participate, with Year 9 and 10 students permitted to stay from 6pm–10pm.
If you would like to join or donate to the Dominic College team, please use the link below:
https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/DominicCollege
For students to attend, they must join the Dominic College team using the above link.
More information will be sent out via email.
SchoolTV is a trusted online resource designed to support parents in raising happy, resilient and confident young people. It brings together leading experts, research-based guidance and easy-to-watch video content that helps families navigate the modern challenges faced by children and teens.
Through SchoolTV, parents can access practical advice on a wide range of topics, including:
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Online safety and managing screen time
• Friendships and bullying
• School stress, exams and study habits
• Sleep, nutrition and healthy routines
• Alcohol, vaping and other risk-taking behaviours
Families can access SchoolTV through the College website or using this link:
Adam Lapolla - Acting Director of Learning and Wellbeing (Secondary)
A Parish That Evangelises
Receiving the ashes, or a blessing for those who preferred, reminded us that we are invited to start again, to make space for God, and to care for others. As a community, we now walk these forty days with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraged by Don Bosco’s belief that small daily actions, done with love, can transform hearts and lives.
Fr John Murphy SDB - College Rector
Liz Lomi - Director of Mission and Religious Education K-10
Our core scripture for this year’s Salesian Strenna, “Do Whatever He Tells You – Believers, Free to Serve.”
The heart of this message invites us to listen first: to God, to one another, and to the needs of our community. Just as Mary attentively noticed what was needed at Cana, we are called to slow down, pay attention, and respond with generous hearts.
Our students showed great reverence and respect throughout the celebration, creating a prayerful atmosphere that reflected the unity of our whole College. Coming together in this way reminds us that we begin the year strengthened by our faith, our relationships, and our shared commitment to serving others.
Fr John Murphy SDB - College Rector
Liz Lomi - Director of Mission and Religious Education K-10
A School That Prepares For Life
While some butterflies still flutter in those early moments, they will quickly fade as children settle in and begin to feel at ease. Each new activity becomes an opportunity for them to feel a little braver and a little more at home. Before long, smiles spread across the room, conversations spark, and friendships begin to form. Happy, confident faces light up the space, reminding us how special these first days of Kinder truly are. Their enthusiasm, wonder, and readiness to learn set the tone for a year filled with growth, connection, and joyful discovery.
Evie Oates, Rachel Mackonis and Linda Douglas - Kindergarten Teachers
Five days a week, I walk through the door,
New faces smiling—who could ask for more?
Backpacks swinging, footsteps quick,
Finding my classroom, choosing a seat to pick.
Each morning starts with something new,
A game, a laugh, a “Hey, me too!”
Friends appear like sunshine does,
We share our stories, just because.
Learning letters, numbers, art,
But the best bits live inside the heart—
Sharing crayons, lunchtime chatter,
Little jokes that really matter.
By Friday comes a happy sigh,
The week went fast—how did time fly?
Five days of school, and it’s clear to see,
I’m settling in, just where I should be.
Kylee Terry, Jess Duggan and Nicole Shanny - Prep Teachers
A Playground Where Friends Meet
The program offers families an insight into play-based learning, where children play and learn simultaneously. LIL is a great way for families to connect with other families in the greater community and highlights the College’s philosophy of the significant role parents play in their child’s educational journey.
The LIL program provides a welcoming, supportive, nurturing and inclusive environment, where parents, carers and children are able to actively engage together in a variety of learning experiences and opportunities.
Come and join us! Sessions are held every Monday and Friday during term time in the luwutina Centre. The session times for LIL this year are as follows:
Mondays - 9.15am-10.30am
Fridays- 9.15am-10.30am and 11.15am-12.30pm
We look forward to welcoming new and existing families back to the program for more fun-filled learning and friendship-building this year!
Amelia Hill-Mundy - Launch into Learning Coordinator
Across the day, students demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm, resilience and sportsmanship. From track finals to field events, it was wonderful to see so many students having a go, supporting their peers and representing their Houses with pride. The energy in the House areas was electric, and the encouragement shown between year levels was a real highlight.
A special thank you to our Sports Captains who led with positivity and integrity, setting the tone for a respectful and inclusive day. We also acknowledge the efforts of our staff, officials and student helpers who ensured events ran smoothly and safely.
Beyond the ribbons and records, the carnival showcased what we value most as a College community, effort, teamwork, and spirit. Whether students were competing, cheering, or assisting behind the scenes, every contribution mattered.
Congratulations to all placegetters, and to the winning House for 2026. Final results and photos will be shared in the near future.
We look forward to seeing many of our athletes progress to the SSATIS Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 10 March.
Kiera Farr - Acting Lead Teacher HPE (Secondary)
Kylee Chivers - Sports Coordinator
Reminders
