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Wellbeing

Learn more about our middle school's wellbeing programs.

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Inclusive Education

We understand the importance of nurturing the different learning styles of our diverse community of students, offering the support they need to get the most out of their time at the college.

What starts in the classroom with differentiated teaching strategies, extends to a number of additional Learning Support and extension programs conducted in small group sessions in breakout spaces near the classroom and in our Centre For Learning (C4L) classroom.

  • The C4L is a small classroom for students to unwind, socialise, and access support resources for their studies. The C4L is open a few times a week before school and during lunchtime.

    In this informal setting, students who require additional support are invited to attend a before-school reading club, “Fast Forward”, with teacher support to access specific intervention programs (such as MultiLit) that will help students strengthen reading comprehension strategies. As required, students may request additional support to navigate tasks in subjects they may find challenging.

    During lunch sessions, students engage socially and reinforce problem-solving strategies through playing board and card games or collaborate to complete a puzzle together.

  • Replace text in this section with: Students who need some additional support throughout their studies have access to:

    • in-class support
    • small group support
    • before school/lunchtime tutoring
    • 1:1 support

    Additional support is tailored to the individual student, working to their strengths and preferred learning styles.

    For those with diagnosed learning difficulties, disabilities or social/emotional difficulties, a Personal Plan for Learning (PPL) is developed in consultation with students and parents to ensure students are getting everything they need to thrive.

    The Inclusive Education Team, families and classroom teachers work in partnership with identified students to ensure the right level of support occurs through regular monitoring, and review of learning of adjustments, to set our students up for success.

  • Alongside the Director of Teaching & Learning and the VET and Careers Coordinator, our Inclusive Education Coordinator plays an integral role within the St Dominic’s Priory College teaching staff. They ensure that students with additional learning needs can access and participate in the regular curriculum alongside their peers, with appropriate adjustments. The Inclusive Education Coordinator works closely with the VET and Careers Coordinator to ensure these students can access appropriate university, VET or employment pathways during or post-school.

Pastoral Care

As our girls move into Middle School, our Pastoral Care program continues to build their sense of agency, independence, and wellbeing. The year begins with a whole school Wellbeing Day. This is a time to connect, reflect and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Guided by our Dominican Catholic principles, the program celebrates each student’s individuality, encouraging self-esteem, personal growth and spiritual development. Finding their voice and growing in confidence is a key part of each girl’s Middle School experience, alongside her intellectual and physical development.

  • Students take part in a double Pastoral Care lesson each week, engaging in the Child Protection Curriculum and other age-appropriate topics, mindfulness, and physical activities.

    In Years 7 –9, a Year Level Coordinator oversees activities such as guest speakers, community outreach, and year-level assemblies.

  • Positive relationships and responsible choices: Students develop skills in self-discipline, responsibility, digital citizenship, and empathy, helping them to grown socially and emotionally.

    Connection and community: We encourage students to build meaningful relationships within their school, where older students mentor younger peers to create a strong sense of belonging.

    Safety and wellbeing: Students learn strategies to make healthy, informed choices and to lead safe and fulfilling lives.  The College’s Wellbeing Framework is used as a guide for this important part of our program.

Houses

By the time they reach Middle School, students will have already enjoyed many years connecting with one of the four College houses:

Guzman

In honour of St Dominic (Blue house)

Siena

In honour of St Catherine of Siena (Green house)

Columba

In honour of Mother Rose Columba Adams (Red house)

Aquinas

In honour of St Thomas Aquinas (Yellow house)

These houses give our girls an extra sense of belonging during their time at St Dominic’s – and encourage some friendly competition.  

A highlight of the St Dominic’s Priory College sporting calendar, Track and Field Day, sees students from Years 3–12 compete in traditional events. This is followed by our Twilight Sports Day, where families from Reception to Year 12 come together to watch their daughters compete in ball games, athletics and novelty events.  This twilight event is open to parents and includes a whole range of fun-filled activities. Ball games and athletics are boosted by team spirit and marching activities, while a Parents & Friends Sausage Sizzle and Coffee Van brings the community together, adding to the day’s vibrant energy.