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- Principals Report Week 2 Term 3
- Religious Education News
- Dates for your Diary
- Rosary Reads
- Book an Adventure! Book Week 2025
- Author Visit - Katrina Nannestad
- Dance Club at Rosary Term 3
- Whole Day Absences via Parent Portal
- Clothing Pool Opening Hours
- Extracurricular Activities at Rosary
- Community Services #1 - Out of Hours School Care @ Rosary in 2025
- ACT 2025 STUDENT ATTENDANCE DATES
- Rosary Canteen Menu 2025
- Car Park Reminder
- ACTION Tae Kwon-Do
- artKids @ Rosary
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to Week 2, an important week with the celebration of the feast day of our school’s patron saint, St Dominic.
Year 2 Assembly this Friday 1 August
Good luck to Year 2 for their assembly this Friday in the hall at 2.20pm. Oops, forgot to put this event in the reminders last week. This will be a wonderful opportunity for Year to showcase their learning and events this year.
St Dominic’s Feast Day and Mass
In Australia we celebrate St Dominic’s Feast Day on 3 August each year as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast day is celebrated here on 8 August annually.
Holy Rosary Primary School Watson was founded by the Dominicans here in 1963, along with the adjacent buildings of Signadou Teachers’ College (now the Australian Catholic University) and our parish, Blackfriars Parish. The last Dominican priest in Watson, ACT, in 2023 was Fr. Mannes Tellis. He was the parish priest of the Blackfriars Parish in Watson, and his ministry concluded at the end of November, with a final Mass of thanksgiving held on December 3, marking the end of the Dominican order's 60-year presence here in Canberra. The Dominicans returned the pastoral care of the parish to the Archdiocese due to a decrease in the number of friars.
Today, Rosary School continues to honour and value its Dominican tradition and history. Our students wear the black and white colours in their uniform (and staff on their badges) as a symbol of the Dominican Order and their black and white habits. The white represents the joy and purity of Christ, while the black symbolizes humility and penance. Together, these colors embody the Dominican's commitment to truth, holiness, and service.
This Friday 1 August Rosary School will celebrate St Dominic with a special Feast Day Mass at 10.00am in our parish church. You are all welcome to attend.
August 8: Saint Dominic, Priest
St Dominic (born 8 August 1170 – died 6 August 1221) was a Castilian Catholic priest. He was also known as Dominic de Guzmán. He founded the Dominican Order, a group of religious people. Saint Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers and scientists. Dominic was born in a town called Caleruega in Spain.
An early story says that before Dominic was born, his mother had a dream. She dreamed that a dog with a flaming torch jumped out of her. This dog seemed to set the world on fire. This story became popular because his order was called the Dominican order. In Latin, “Dominic” is translated as “The Lord’s Dog.”
Dominic was raised by his parents, Juana and Felix. His mother, Joan of Aza, was later recognized as a blessed person by the Church. When Dominic was 14, he went to study at a monastery and then at schools in Palencia. He spent six years studying the arts and four years studying theology. In 1191, there was a terrible famine in Spain. Young Dominic gave away all his money and sold his clothes and books to help feed people.
At 24, Dominic became a priest. He joined the group of priests at the cathedral of Osma. In 1198, the bishop, Diego de Acebo, made Dominic a leader among these priests. In 1203 or 1204, Dominic travelled with Bishop Diego de Acebo on a special trip for the King of Castile. On their way back, they met monks who were trying to preach against the Cathars. The Cathars were a Christian group with different beliefs that the Catholic Church considered wrong.
Dominic and the bishop noticed that the monks were not very successful. They thought it was because the monks lived in luxury, while the Cathars lived very simply. So, Dominic and the bishop decided to live a simpler life. They began to preach in the south of France to try and convert the Cathars.
Saint Dominic is closely associated with the Rosary, which he is said to have received from the Virgin Mary in a vision. While the Rosary existed in some form before him, Dominic and the Dominican Order played a significant role in popularizing and spreading the devotion of the Rosary. According to Dominican tradition, Mary appeared to St. Dominic in 1208 and presented him with the Rosary as a weapon against heresy and a means of spiritual growth. St Dominic prayed the Rosary everywhere he went. Miracles that God worked through St Dominic resulted in conversion and new followers.
In 1215, Dominic gathered six followers and started a community in a house in Toulouse. He believed there was a need for a new type of religious group. This group would focus on education and preaching in the growing cities. They followed strict rules of prayer and penance. In 1215, with the Bishop of Toulouse’s permission, Father Dominic founded an order of men dedicated to evangelization. They lived communally; prayed together; embraced poverty, obedience, and chastity; studied the faith; and went on preaching and evangelizing missions. The following year, Pope Honorius III gave formal consent to the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. In 1217, the pope gave Father Dominic the Church of Santa Sabina in Rome as the order’s second home and made Father Dominic the pope’s chief theological adviser. Still, Father Dominic slept on the floor and often walked barefoot when entering a new town. Dominic travelled a lot to stay in touch with his growing group of friars. However, his main base was in Rome. Dominic also spent time in Bologna, Italy. He helped establish a convent there and held the first two big meetings for his order in that city.
Dominic lived a very simple life. He avoided meat and often fasted. He chose the plainest clothes and never slept in a bed. When he travelled, he would teach and pray. He often walked barefoot and would praise God even when it rained or was uncomfortable. Dominic died at the age of 51 in Bologna. He was very tired from all his hard work and simple living. He asked the monks to lay him on some sacking on the ground. He spent his last moments telling his followers to have love, stay humble, and value poverty. He passed away on 6 August 1221.
In 1234, Pope Gregory IX declared Dominic a saint. His remains were later moved to a special shrine in the Church of St. Dominic in Bologna. In the years following until Dominic’s death in 1221, other houses were founded in Paris, Madrid, and Bologna. After his death, the order continued to expand. By the mid-1200s, hundreds of Dominican houses had sprung up across Europe and in other parts of the world.
The spread of the Rosary, a special prayer to Mary, is often linked to Saint Dominic's preaching. For many centuries, the Rosary has been very important to the Dominican Order. Pope Pius XI said that the Rosary is the main reason the Dominican Order exists. Dominicans have played a big part in sharing the Rosary and teaching about its power.
Saint Dominic is one of the few historical figures who has two countries named after him: Dominica and the Dominican Republic. The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, also carries his name.
I hope the story of Saint Dominic and the Rosary helped you to better understand why it's important to regularly pray the Rosary. It sure is easy for people to get off the track as we learned in the story. We don't ever want to get off track! We really need to stay connected to Jesus. We really need to stay connected to Mary, our loving Blessed Mother. By praying the Rosary, it keeps us connected!
Saint Dominic’s heart was moved with compassion for those who suffered or who were misled by heresy (mistruths). We pray that we can recognise those around us who need to help. Below is the prayer our students pray each week at Wednesday morning assemblies:
Dear St Dominic,
We gather together to ask God's blessing and guidance on our day.
We ask you to bless our EYES that we may recognise God's gift to us in creation;
Bless our EARS that we may listen to God's word and respond with sensitivity and love;
Bless our MOUTHS that we may always speak the truth with courage and justice;
Bless our HEARTS that we may accept and respect all God's people;
Bless our HANDS that we may reach out in reverence and gentleness to others;
Bless our FEET that we may walk with care and concern for the environment.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord,
AMEN.
Happy St. Dominic’s Day for Friday!
Rosary School Counsellor on Leave Weeks 3-10 this term.
Marymead CatholicCare has let me know that our school counsellor Mrs Sarah Foley will be on planned leave for the remainder of Term 3. Unfortunately Marymead CatholicCare is unable to replace Sarah at this time but normal services and student care will resume in Term 4.
However, if your child has an urgent need that requires support please contact the school office and a referral can be made with Marymead CatholicCare central office and services for support.
Year 5 Wakakirri Night
Good luck to Year 5 students and staff involved for their big night at the Canberra Theatre next Monday 4 August. This week Year 5 presented a ‘rolling’ dress rehearsal for all the students at the school. Each time they presented they were even better so we can’t wait for their time on stage at the theatre.
Thank you to our Year 5 teacher Mrs Mogan and Mrs Scott for their coaching, input and patience. Also thank you to Mr O’Brien who is heavily involved in our Wakakirri production and does so much behind the scenes. Thanks to our 2025 choreographer Emily for her expert instruction and creativity.
Thank you to the parents and staff who have helped with Wakakirri tasks, including Mr Read, Mrs Nascimben and Mrs Welsh.
Let’s hope they lift the roof off Canberra Theatre on Monday night! Go Rosary!
Kindergarten Students 100 day milestone!
Next Monday 4 August marks 100 days at ‘big school’ for our Kindergarten students. A great milestone in their learning and development! They have worked hard during this time and have earned the right to have a bit of fun at school on Monday including dressing up and a few special activities. Enjoy!
2025 National Science Week - Open to Rosary Students!
This week we launched the 2025 National Science Week at Rosary. Our students can again participate in learning more about science by participating in a research project based around this year’s theme:
Theme: Decoding the Universe!
This term National Book Week (Week 5) and National Science Week (Week 6) are only one week apart in the calendar - so we have spread things out to give students a chance to participate in both.
Last year over 60 students completed projects and displays on the theme of “Save our Species”, so we are hoping the space theme this year will also inspire many students to take part! So many students LOVE SCIENCE and STEM!
Students can choose to take part by doing a HOME project which relates to the 2025 theme - Decoding the Universe! Handouts are given to the students who were interested at a morning assembly this week. A copy of the invitation to take part will also be sent in Compass this week.
Class learning is very important so this is an extension type project for home time. Students can work on the projects any time from now until Week 7 this term. Then projects can be handed into the school office and they will be displayed in the main corridor at school.
We don’t want Science Week to affect Book Week (which is in Week 5) so we have separated the two events.
Wishing you well for the week ahead.
God Bless.
Greg Walker
Principal
Confirmation Preparation
Last week the Year 6 students who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation attended a Faith Formation Session as part of their preparation. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend.
St Dominic’s Feast Day Mass – 1 August 10am
This Friday, the whole school will celebrate our Patron saint, St Dominic’s Feast Day by attending Mass at Holy Rosary Church. All welcome!
St Dominic de Guzmán, was born around 1170. He was a Spanish priest and the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. He dedicated his life to preaching and combating heresy, through reasoned arguments and a life of poverty and study. He is known for his emphasis on preaching, scholarship, and the importance of truth.
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year C | Sunday 3rd August | green
“To whom will all this wealth of yours go?"
Please click on the link below to access the readings and reflections for this Sunday
Liz Higgins
Religious Education Coordinator
- St Dominics Mass - Friday 1st August - Holy Rosary Church 10.00am
- Year 2 Assembly - Friday 1st August - School Hall 2.20pm
- Kinder 100 Days - Monday 4th August
- Author Visit - Katrina Nannestad - Tuesday 5th August
- Chess Competition - Burgmann College - Thursday 7th July
- Rosary Athletics Carnival - Friday 8th August - Dickson Playing Fields
- Feast Of The Assumption Mass - Friday 15 August 10.00am - Holy Rosary Church
- Year 1 Assembly - Friday 15 August 2.20pm - School Hall
- Book Week - Book an Adventure - 18th- 22nd August (Week 5)
- Book Fair - Monday 18th - Friday 22nd August
- Book Week Dress Up Parade - Friday 22nd August at 9.15am - Quad
- Book Week Assembly - Friday 22nd August at 2.20pm - School Hall
- Science Week - Decoding the Universe - Monday 25th - Friday 29th August
- Year 3 Liturgy - Friday 29 August - Holy Rosary Church 10.00am (please note the change of date from the school calendar)
Thank you to the over 100 students from Years 2 to 6 who have submitted recommendations for Rosary Reads. Students can recommend a fiction or factual text.
We are now also seeking recommendations of poems, especially those that can be fun to read aloud. Here's one by Sheila Norton (Poems to Read Out Loud!) , slightly adapted for Rosary:
An elephant came to my classroom one day. He sat at my table and wanted to play. My teacher said, "Shoo! All the children are scared!" But the elephant stayed where he was, in my chair. Mr Mogan came in with his bucket and broom. "I'll sweep that elephant out of the room!" He pushed him and pulled him- "You shouldn't be there!" But the elephant stayed where he was, in my chair. Mr Walker came in and read him a speech about elephants being too awkward to teach and not knowing the rules. But he just didn't care: the elephant stayed where he was, in my chair. Camera teams came from the ABC news. "Want to be in a feature," they asked him, "On zoos? What to be in Celebrity Animals? Yeah?" But the elephant stayed where he was in my chair. Next day when we went in the classroom, he'd gone. My teacher was pleased and said now we'd get on with spelling and maths, which was why we were there. But I want that elephant back, in my chair!
Congratulations to Sophia G in Year 2, our second winner of a $20 book voucher. The next raffle draw will be in Friday 22nd August.
Happy reading
Karen Green
English Lead
Book an Adventure! Book Week 2025
This year the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week Theme is Book an Adventure! I would like to alert all Rosary families that this year’s Book Week falls in Week Five of this term (18th-22nd August). Book Week is an annual celebration that is the highlight for all students! Each week next term, there will be an intensive literature study on one of the Children's Book Council of Australia shortlisted picture books. By the end of this term, students will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite and find out what the Australian judges have voted as theirs – an interesting discussion in itself! As part of Book week celebrations, I will be asking the students to come dressed as a book character ensuring that they have the book the character relates to with them on the day. I am happy to assist with any book choices. The children will be asked to come to school in their costumes on Friday 22nd August. Please be mindful of the suitability of props e.g. swords.
Our annual Book Fair will be held in the library from the afternoon of the August 18th – 22nd inclusive. There will be a large selection of books to purchase for your children with a percentage of sales being returned to the library in books and resources.
Chess Club- Chess Club has re-commenced for this term and runs every Tuesday weeks 1-9 from 3.10-4.30pm operating in the same capacity as previous terms. We are fortunate enough to have a small number of spots available for keen chess players.
Author Visit - Katrina Nannestad - Tuesday 5th August
Rosary is very fortunate to have Katrina Nannestad visiting Rosary on Tuesday 5th August.
Katrina is an award-winning children's author who writes humour, adventure, action, mystery and history.
Attached is some information about how to order one of Katrinas books to be signed and delivered at the visit.
Book orders close Friday 1st August.
Get ready to groove!
Incredible lunchtime dance classes are now running every Wednesday at Rosary Primary School, led by professional instructors from Canberra’s top studio - PLAY The Dance Company. Classes will run from weeks 2-9 for students in Kinder to Year 4.
✨ Fun, active, and perfect for all levels
✨ Boosts coordination, confidence & creativity
✨ Run by expert instructors from Canberra’s best!
Enrolling now using the link below!
Don’t miss out.
Let your child move, express, and shine all with the convenience of no after-school running around!
https://www.playagency.com.au/product/2025-term-3-school-program-rosary-primary-school/
Whole Day Absences
If your child is absent from school for a whole day or longer, please submit details of the absence via the Parent Portal. This should be completed within 7 days of the absence. There is no need to adjust times for whole day absences.
If your child will only be absent for a partial day, the absence will be recorded as your child is signed in or out via the kiosk at the front office. You do not need to add an early pick up or late drop off via the Parent Portal.
Unexplained absences for your child will be displayed on your homepage when you log in to Parent Portal.
If an unexplained absence appears that you believe to be incorrect, please send an email to the front office for investigation.
Access to the clothing pool will now be as follows:
Monday - Friday - Before and after school only
Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who maintain the space for our community.
Please note: All donations of preloved uniforms (in good wearable condition) are welcome at the front office.
There are many extracurricular activities available onsite for our Rosary Students. Please note all of these activities attract a fee and are delivered by external providers. Please see the timetable below for details:
- French Lessons - Wednesday 8.00am - 9.00am (beginner) from week 2
- Italian Lessons - Friday 8:00am - 9:00am (beginner)
- Action Tae Kwon-Do - Monday 6.30pm Children class / 7:30pm Adult class
- Chess Club - Tuesday 3.10pm - 4.30pm (Weeks 1-9)
- Zanshin Martial Arts - Tuesday 6.30pm Junior class / 7:30pm Senior class
- Artkids - Thursday 3.10pm - 5.00pm
- Musicorp (various instruments) / Piano Lessons - Friday 8:20am and during class time throughout the day
- Block Crafters - Tuesday and Wednesday from Week 2 - 3.15pm - 5.00pm Coding and Robotics After School Programme for interested students aged 8-12 years
- Dance Club - PLAY - The Dance Agency - Wednesdays at Lunchtime from Weeks 2-9 - Kinder to Year 4
Please contact the school if you require further information.
| 2025 | TERM BEGINS | TERM ENDS |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 4 February | 10 April |
| Term 2 | 29 April | 3 July |
| Term 3 | 22 July | 25 September |
| Term 4 | 14 October | 18 December |
The Rosary School Canteen is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch orders and counter sales at recess and lunch. The menu is attached for your referene.
Orders can be placed online through Flexischools (orders close before school) or written on a brown paper bag with cash enclosed. Manual orders need to include your childs name, class and order and can be posted through the canteen "mail chute" located near the table tennis tables before school.
Just a few reminders about the car parking and drop off / pick up arrangements:
- The speed limit is 5 km/hr in the car park and all road rules apply.
- Pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Park only in the designated parking spaces, facing forwards towards the university.
- The white markings relate to traffic flow and parking (coloured markings relate to the children’s playing spaces.)
- The area closest to the Peace Gates is reserved for Set Down Only in the mornings. Parents can stop in the marked bays long enough for children to alight from the vehicle on the quadrangle side and then enter the school through the Peace Gates.
- For pedestrian safety there is no parking or stopping against kerb near Peace Gates after school.
- Please note that no reversing is allowed from the bays marked on the courts.
- Please follow the white arrows and drive in and drive out again in a forward direction only. This is to reduce the risk to children who cannot be seen by reversing vehicles.
- Due to the spacing of the bays, parallel parking is only available in the area adjacent to the shade shelter on the oval. This area should be used by larger vehicles and trucks wherever possible.
- Parallel parking is not available adjacent to the university grounds as this space is needed for vehicles to exit the parking area in a forward direction.
- Parking on the courts is not permitted between 9:15am and 2:45pm as they are used for play at recess and lunch and by classes for sport throughout the day.
- There is ‘Long Stay’ parking available in front of the hall for parents who spend time at the school after 9:00am. (This is the only area in which reversing to exit is permitted.) This ensures that the courts area is free for classes to use for sports lessons.
- After school, some parents may need to see teachers or the front office staff. If this is the case, please leave your cars outside in the bus bay or behind the hall on Higginbotham Street as the gates are locked at 3:30pm.
- All students travelling home by car are to wait in the quad until collected by a parent/carer.
- Parents waiting for their children after school are asked to move well into the quad to assist access.
- When children arrive at school, they are to enter via the Peace Gates in the quadrangle. Children are not to enter through the front office foyer. Likewise, children are not to leave through the front office at the end of the day unless catching a route bus.
- No child is to meet a parent/carer anywhere other than the quadrangle area at the end of school.
- The children must be supervised in the car park – they are not permitted to go to a parked vehicle without a parent/carer with them.
NOTICEBOARD