Outstanding support for Relay For Life by students, staff and families

On 25 and 26 March, Dominic College participated in the Relay for Life, for the second time.

2017 was an extra special year following the shock news our loved College Principal, Ms Beth Gilligan, was diagnosed with cancer. Together, the students and staff wanted to make the 2017 Relay extra special.

In total, Dominic had over 160 students and 40 staff sign up for the Relay and we fundraised over $15,000.

Like always, these events are never successful without the support of many people. Thanks to the students: you rose as one, as a community, as a family. Lead by our special student leaders you showed that if someone in our family needs support, we show it together. The students together, in their blazers, were a spectacular sight, as they led the opening ceremony.

Thank you to the teachers who did shifts throughout the day and night, giving up times from their families to support the College and our students. These included:

Jane Gysen, Sunita Kumrai, Graeme Harris, Daniel Bellinger, Hayley Joyce, Katherine Hewitt, Alex Olejniczak, Nicole Millikan, Ben Fulton, Kathy Caplice, Chris Donnelly, April Hooper, Janine O’Hea, Michele Guy, Fred O’Leary, Sonia O’Leary, Audrey Durbridge, Rosemary Street and Judy Scaife. Thanks to Ganga Fraser and Selina Kinne for visiting too.

The support from the 7-10 Pastoral Care Team was amazing as always, especially doing some of the long night time shifts: Andrew Pritchard, Chris Wright, Brad Parkin, Jessica Brownrigg and especially Jo Jeffery for going all night.

Other special mentions go to Nanette and Paul Dowling for their fundraising, help with setup and work signing in students.

Priscilla Brouwer for her support of students and staff. Pat Meaney and Rod Butterworth for again doing the graveyard shift. Also to Jane Myers, who again showed why she is so loved by our students by bringing her family up for the long haul. Thanks also to the Connellys who donated some well needed sugar in the form of cupcakes and kiss biscuits. Thanks to my in-laws, Darren and Deb Brown who donated 70 litres of Valhalla Ice Cream to help the students on the long haul and to my dad Phil Davey, who helped with the setup on Saturday.

Final thanks goes to Natalie Davey, who supported the Team for the weeks leading up to the event. She stayed the full haul, doing any and every job that was needed. Without her support, things would not have been done.

A highlight for many was the arrival of Beth who hadn’t been seen since she left for surgery. The reaction from the student body exemplified the impact she has had on Dominic College.

Beth was in amazing spirits and I am sure was lifted and strengthened by the support and love she received.We hope our combined strength, determination and will help and encourage Beth as she continues her treatment. Some highlights included:

Thanks for your support. Salesian Schools are built on a foundation of working with and for the students. Watching staff and students interact, support and care for each other makes Dominic such a special place. You can see photos here: Relay For Life gallery. Go to RFL video for a tribute to the students.

Thank you for your support.

Mr Aaron Davey - Coordinator of Pastoral Care 7-10