Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

There has never been a more joyful time to be Dominican

Over the past week, students across all parts of our College have provided powerful reminders that the Dominican story is not simply part of our history. It is a living tradition that continues to be shaped and expressed through the voices, actions and witness of our students every day.

Our celebrations began on Thursday 30 July with the Dominican Education Australia Mission in Action Afternoon Tea, where guests from across the Dominican family gathered at Santa Sabina to learn more about the mission and ministry of Dominican Education Australia. The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many ways our students understand and embody the Dominican charism.

One of the highlights was the contribution of our Del Monte students, who used the Dominican family dolls to retell the story of St Dominic, Blessed Jane of Aza and the family whose example shaped his life and mission. Through storytelling, our young students demonstrated a deep understanding that the values of faith, compassion, generosity and service first learned by Dominic continue to guide us today. Their confidence and enthusiasm were a wonderful reflection of the rich faith formation experiences that help keep the Dominican story alive in our community.

Guests were also privileged to hear the voices of our senior students as they participated in a panel discussion exploring what Dominican education looks like today, how it shapes lives and what makes Santa Sabina distinctive. Through thoughtful and authentic reflections, our students spoke about community, truth, service, belonging and the impact of a Dominican education on their own lives. Their insights reminded us that the Dominican charism continues to find new expression in every generation.

These celebrations continued as our community gathered for the St Dominic’s Day Mass and Principal’s Commissioning. Throughout these events, students from across the College contributed in countless ways through prayer, music, leadership, storytelling and service. Each contribution reflected a community united by the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service. 

A particularly moving moment was the crowning of St Dominic by our Year 12 students. As our graduating students take on the responsibility of leading our community, this symbolic act serves as a reminder that they are also custodians of a rich Dominican heritage. Their leadership, faith and example continue to inspire younger students and demonstrate what it means to live the charism with integrity and courage.

This week also saw students from across Prep to Year 12 contribute to a video being prepared for the forthcoming Dominican Education Australia Symposium. Students engaged with the provocation: ‘There has never been a more important time to be Dominican.‘ In responding to this question, they explored themes of truth in a digital age, human dignity, justice, service, discernment, presence and the future they hope to help shape. Their reflections revealed both a deep appreciation for the Dominican tradition and a strong belief that Dominican values remain vital in responding to the challenges of our contemporary world.

What has been most striking throughout these experiences is the way our students have embraced the opportunity not only to learn about the Dominican story but to see themselves within it. Whether through storytelling, prayer, music, service, leadership or thoughtful dialogue, they have demonstrated that the Dominican tradition is not confined to our past. It is alive in the choices we make, the relationships we nurture and the ways we seek truth and justice in our world today.

As we celebrate the Feast of St Dominic, we give thanks for our students whose voices, gifts and witness continue to ensure that the Dominican story is faithfully carried forward, bold for the future and alive in our community every day.

Mrs Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care