St Dominic’s Priory College in North Adelaide was established in 1884 by the English Dominican Sisters, led by Mother Rose Columba Adams. In its 139-year history, the College has become known for its excellence in education of girls in the Catholic Dominican faith tradition. The College is affiliated with Dominican Education Australia, and shares the charism of Dominican Schools, Colleges and Universities around the world. This Dominican tradition is based on a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a respect and enthusiasm for learning in all its branches. Veritas – Truth is the motto which unites us.
The enrolment profile at St Dominic’s Priory College is richly diverse by birth, culture and ethnicity. It offers for each student an opportunity to interact with, and learn from, their peers on a daily basis, and gives added impetus for a real understanding of Gospel justice. To this end, student wellbeing is nurtured by purposeful programs which are designed to enhance a student’s self-esteem, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and capacity to deal with stress and build resilience.
Students at St Dominic’s Priory College consistently achieve academic results that provide young women with the foundation for a fulfilling and vibrant future. In a variety of careers, they go on to make a significant contribution to the community.
Principal's Message
Welcome to the St Dominic’s Priory College website. As a Reception to Year 12 Catholic girls’ school, we are inspired by the Gospel to nurture each child as she grows in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Encouraged by highly committed staff, students at St Dominic’s are motivated to achieve personal excellence whilst maintaining a collaborative approach to their learning.
Supported by a strong community of parents, old scholars, and friends, together we celebrate our history as an outstanding school for girls since 1884. The Dominican motto, Veritas (Truth) unites us with Dominican education across the world and guides our students to find and nurture their own truth while supporting others to do the same. St Dominic’s girls develop positive relationships with each other where they value honesty, resilience, and respect. Our College is a school of excellence where girls are challenged, nurtured, and inspired to grow into confident and compassionate women.
Dr Helen Steele College Principal
Quick Facts
When you wander the grounds of St Dominic’s Priory College, you will get a strong sense of the history, tradition and values that shape how we educate girls.
The story of the Dominican Sisters who founded our college is reflected in our Chapel – a beautiful heritage building first built in the late 1800s. The St Mary’s and St Edmunds Cloisters have a similarly rich history, with the St Mary’s wing hosting the delivery of our performing arts program.
The Conway Library supports our Little Doms (Transition) through to Year 12 students in Inquiry Learning and Information Literacy, while fostering an appreciation of good books and reading.
Our classrooms have been enhanced with the latest digital technologies, while traditional Science and Technology Labs are ideal spaces for girls to expand their knowledge with innovative equipment. Our art studios have been designed especially for flexible, creative learning, while the Year 12 Centre gives senior girls a stimulating space to study independently for their SACE courses and examinations.
The College Hall dates back to the 1900s and continues to provide a space for our rich Arts program, equipped with sound room, orchestra pit and a stage for students to shine in plays and musicals.
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Media Gallery
Facilities
St Dominic’s Priory College is nestled in the quiet suburb of North Adelaide. The Chapel, built in the late 1800s, is a place of beauty reflecting the appreciation the Dominican sisters have for the sacred. It is in the Chapel and the cloisters that Dominican girls can appreciate the school’s heritage as they remember the story of the Dominican Sisters of North Adelaide who have lived and worked here for 136 years. The St Mary’s Cloister is now home to our performing arts with designated Drama and Music rooms. Beyond the peaceful front courtyard, the school campus unfolds, bordered by Molesworth, Barnard and Hill Streets.
The primary classes provide a stimulating and inviting environment. The girls enjoy dedicated outdoor learning and play spaces. Traditional secondary classrooms are enhanced with digital technologies whilst specialist labs for Science and Technology allow the girls to interact in groups accessing innovative equipment. The Art and LOTE rooms are designed for flexible and creative learning. The College Gym is spacious with a mezzanine floor for parents to view school Sport. Dating back to the 1900s, the College Hall has been enhanced to include an orchestra pit and large stage, along with a sound and lighting booth. The College Master Plan includes renovations to existing classrooms and the construction of a multi-storey Year 7 and 8 Learning Hub. The design will reflect our current Year 12 Centre on Hill Street. This beautiful centre has modern, versatile facilities where senior students study independently.
2021 NAPLAN Results
Year
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar
Numeracy
Year 3
474
452
433
464
412
Year 5
539
537
542
529
511
Year 7
574
565
589
583
588
Year 9
620
606
621
621
620
This table above shows the average student results for the year 2021. Data sourced from: https://www.myschool.edu.au
2022 NAPLAN Results
Year
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar
Numeracy
Year 3
471
436
441
426
402
Year 5
530
525
529
518
499
Year 7
559
565
583
556
563
Year 9
618
602
619
616
615
This table above shows the average student results for the year 2022. Data sourced from: https://www.myschool.edu.au