Following an acknowledgement of country, Principal, Veronica McLoughlin, commenced the ceremony sharing her journey over the years of St Dominic’s transformation.

“2017 and 2018 have been monumental for our school and its history, resulting in contemporary and flexible learning zones throughout our school.

“Our team has been committed to ensuring our environment reflects the work we do with our students and the pride we take in it. We have an exemplary staff, delivering excellence in teaching and learning in a setting that shows a strong system commitment to all students.

“As a team, we are very proud to be part of a system that shows such unconditional support for our most marginalised students. We talk very openly with our students about our relationship with Jesus and how we are inspired each day by what he achieved,” she said.

The new facilities at St Dominic’s are:

• New playground – incorporates different learning zones including sensory, social physical play, creative arts
• Emotional regulation zones – movement room and The Sanctuary. These spaces allow students to use specialist equipment to assist them in self-awareness and self-regulation
• Specialist toilet – full automatic hoist and state of the art changing facilities
• Prac room – a space to teach agriculture, TAS, woodwork, textiles and Hospitality. This gives students the opportunity to gain living skills that will support them post-school

“These facilities are a vehicle to unlock the potential that we see in each and every student,” said Veronica.

All students showed great involvement and enthusiasm during the opening, through songs, prayers of the faithful and creating a sacred space.

While Bishop Bill declared the new amenities ‘open’, he was invited to wander throughout the school to bless the new facilities with holy water as the primary students performed the song, “Hearts on Fire”.

To conclude the ceremony, all guests were invited to share a delicious morning tea while admiring the school’s new facilities.

Mrs McLoughlin shared her thanks with the Dominican Sisters for leaving an immeasurable legacy of vision, tenacity, determination and love. “To the strong, feisty women who started our school, we thank you for the courage you showed in leaving what was safe and crossing boundaries and barriers to establish something that has positively impacted on so many lives.

“It is a testament to your adaptability and dedication to making a difference that St Dom’s is evolving to continue your legacy.”

To find out more about St Dominic's, visit their website.