On Thursday 10 November, the College celebrated International Men’s Day with a breakfast in the Savio Centre for over 100 of our boys and men.
International Men’s Day is celebrated in over 60 countries across the world. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and, in particular their contributions to community, family and child care while highlighting the particular challenges they face.
The Dominic College event, which is now in its fifth year, brought together Year 5-10 boys, male family members, staff and old scholars to share ways to inspire boys at the College. College Vice-captain, Jack Harry spoke at the breakfast about the roles of men in modern families and society and how the role of men has changed over time.
The men’s breakfast aims to showcase for our boys, positive and successful men who work to make a real difference with their lives. Dominic College Old Scholar, Mr Andrew Palmer (Class of 1995), was the 2016 special guest.
Mr Palmer is a well-known Tasmanian dancer who has achieved national and international recognition. He now runs his own very successful dance studio in Launceston.
At the breakfast, Mr Palmer encouraged students to do everything they can to pursue their passions and dreams. His story to success reflected clarity of goals, hard work, tireless practise and focus on mastery.
Andrew has constantly taken risks and has been prepared to move to take up opportunities as they arose. He thanked Dominic College for the life-long friendships he had formed and the great support he had received from his Year 10 peers and Principal Fr Bernie Graham SDB.
The event also showcased the talents of Year 6 musicians, Harry and Oscar Breslin. Our Year 8 music students Will Parkinson, Reese Newton and Connor Brown performed Fast Cars by Tracy Chapman and Year 9 dancer George Pongco captivated the gathering with his lyrical performance.
I would like to thank the boys and men in our community who generously supported this event and our Year 7-10 Pastoral Care Coordinator, Mr Aaron Davey, who was a great master of ceremonies. Proceeds from the breakfast are to support disadvantaged boys to attend school at the Don Bosco Technical School in Alafua, Samoa.
You can see more photos from the breakfast on our website gallery: Men's Day breakfast.
Ms Beth Gilligan - Dominic College Principal