St Dominics Camberwell
St Dominic’s in Camberwell, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, represents a cornerstone of the local Catholic community with a long-standing tradition of faith and education. Established over a century ago and closely tied to the Dominican friars, this parish has cultivated a space not just for worship, but for pivotal community interaction and service. With its imminent centenary in 2024, it demonstrates a commitment to evolving needs while staying true to its founding values.
The associated St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School is a vital part of the community, reflecting the parish’s principles of education and moral development. As a beacon of learning within Camberwell, the school takes pride in contributing to the personal and academic growth of its students, aiming to equip them with values and skills for life. While focusing on a faith-based education, St Dominic’s maintains an inclusive atmosphere fostering community engagement, social justice, and a well-rounded curriculum.
Key Takeaways
- St Dominic’s is a historic Catholic community and education centre in Camberwell.
- The parish and school are dedicated to faith-based learning and community service.
- Enrolment at St Dominic’s is centred on holistic development and academic excellence.
About St Dominic's
St Dominic’s represents a Catholic community in Camberwell with a focus on educational excellence underpinned by faith and gospel values. This section will outline the school’s vision and values, its history and tradition, and a welcome from the current principal.
School Vision and Values
St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School in Camberwell fosters an educational environment where gospel values are at the core, guiding students to achieve educational excellence and personal growth. The vision of the school is to empower students to become compassionate, informed individuals who contribute positively to society. In alignment with Dominican traditions, the school emphasises the following values:
- Truth (Veritas)
- Justice
- Compassion
- Community
History and Tradition
Founded with the support of Archbishop Mannix, the rich history of St Dominic’s is a testament to its enduring commitment to education and faith. The school continues to celebrate its associations with the Dominican Sisters who have played a significant role in shaping the institution’s character and ethos. The school honours its history by maintaining traditions that reflect its Catholic identity and foundations in education.
Principal’s Welcome
At St Dominic’s, the principal extends a warm welcome to all prospective and current families, emphasising their honour and privilege in leading a community that is deeply rooted in Christian faith. They highlight their dedication to fostering a learning community where every child is valued, achievements are celebrated, and educational aspirations are nurtured in accordance with the Gospel values. The principal’s message reinforces the school’s identity as part of the ‘Who We Are’ narrative, focusing on building an inclusive and vibrant Catholic educational setting for all.
Learning and Curriculum
St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School Camberwell prioritises a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. A dedication to differentiated learning ensures that every student can reach their full potential through a blend of innovative programs and supportive well-being strategies.
Academic Programs
At St Dominic’s, the curriculum is diverse, with a particular emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), English, and Inquiry-Based Learning. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for lifelong learning. The school also offers language education in Italian, nurturing cultural awareness and communication skills.
- STEM: Interactive and practical experiences that build resilience and confidence in scientific and technological fields.
- Visual Arts: Encourages creative expression and aesthetic appreciation.
- English: Strengthening literacy with a focus on comprehension, writing, and speaking abilities.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
St Dominic’s provides numerous extra-curricular activities that promote confidence, resilience, and social skills:
- Performing Arts: Opportunities to learn and perform guitar, vocals, and keyboard.
- Physical Education: A program that emphasises teamwork and physical well-being.
- Chess Coaching: Enhancing strategic thinking and concentration.
- Sustainability & Garden: Hands-on learning in environmental stewardship.
Student Wellbeing
St Dominic’s ensures student well-being is at the core of its educational approach, supporting the development of emotionally resilient students. The school’s philosophy embraces the notion that a safe and nurturing environment is critical for students to thrive and become confident, capable learners.
- Emotional Support: Programmes that foster a sense of security and belonging.
- Resilience Building: Initiatives to help children adapt and overcome challenges.
- Confidence Enhancement: Activities designed to empower students to explore and develop their abilities.
Each facet of the curriculum and the extra-curricular offerings at St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School Camberwell is crafted to support the development of well-rounded individuals prepared to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and a love for learning.
Community Engagement
At St Dominic’s Church in Camberwell, community engagement is driven by a commitment to partnership, family involvement, and the pursuit of social justice initiatives. The integration of these elements fosters a vibrant parish environment where the sense of community extends beyond the walls of the church.
Parental Involvement
St Dominic’s values the vital role that parents play in the education and development of their children, recognizing the family as the first teachers. Engaging parents is central to supporting students to excel both within and outside the classroom. The Sunflower Kids Playgroup is an example of an initiative that places emphasis on family engagement and parental involvement, providing a stimulating environment for early learning.
Parish Connection
The parish prioritises cultivating strong connections with its members, embracing them as part of an extended family. Recognised not only for its focus on worship, St Dominic’s Parish strengthens its bond with congregants through an assortment of groups and activities that champion community involvement and togetherness. This approach reinforces the church’s dedication to unity and fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages parishioners to take an active part in parish life.
Social Justice Initiatives
Justice and social justice are foundational to the ethos of St Dominic’s. The parish consistently seeks to channel its resources and congregation’s energy towards addressing issues of justice at both local and broader levels. Through various programmes and groups, the church not only talks about social justice but also acts to implement change, living out their mission of evangelisation through tangible community action.
Enrolment Information
St. Dominic’s Catholic Primary School offers a comprehensive enrolment process, values its strong school community, and provides a co-educational experience. It promotes smaller class sizes to ensure quality education. The school is located at 145 Highfield Road, Camberwell VIC 3124.
Enrolment Process
Enrolments at St. Dominic’s are open to children who turn 5 years old by 30th April of the year they start school. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office at (03) 9836 8300 for assistance with enrolment queries.
- Contact school office
- Child must be 5 by 30th April of start year
- Complete enrolment form from website or office
School Tours
Prospective families are welcome to tour St. Dominic’s to familiarise themselves with the school community and facilities. Tours can be arranged through the school office, providing an opportunity to see the school in action.
- Arrange tours via school office
- Experience school community and facilities
Fees and Affordability
St. Dominic’s is committed to providing affordable education options. The school fee structure is designed to be accessible to a diverse range of families while ensuring the necessary resources for high-quality teaching and learning.
- Affordable fee structure
- Diverse family access to education
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides answers to common queries regarding St. Dominic’s Church and its associated entities in Camberwell, such as mass times, school enrolment fees, and historical context.
Mass times at St. Dominic’s Church in Camberwell vary throughout the week. Parishioners are encouraged to contact the church directly via their provided contact details or visit their official website for the most current schedule.
To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on enrolment fees for St. Dominic’s Primary School in Camberwell, prospective parents should reach out to the school’s administration office. They can provide detailed fee structures and additional financial requirements.
The St. Dominic’s School community can be found on Facebook by searching for the school’s official page, which may include updates, events, and community news. Users can follow or like the page to stay informed about school activities.
Saint Dominic was the founder of the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans. His work was crucial in the spread of the Catholic faith in the thirteenth century, and he is recognised for his commitment to teaching and preaching.
Devotees might pray to Saint Dominic for guidance in fostering religious education, for help in the pursuit of truth, or for intercession in times of spiritual need, as he is known for his dedication to the propagation of the Gospel.
Saint Dominic Savio is celebrated for his model life as a student of Saint John Bosco and his emblematic piety as a young person. He is often invoked by the youth seeking inspiration to lead a devout and upright life.