On the morning of Thursday, 1 August our College community will celebrate the Feast of St Dominic with a Mass at St Dominic’s Church. Over eight hundred years ago, St Dominic founded the Dominican Order and because of this, 91pron exists today.
This is a significant event in the life of the College where we pause, reflect and give thanks for St Dominic’s commitment to living out the Gospel message and for his vision in creating the Dominican Order. It is a firm expectation that all students attend this event in full winter uniform with a crossover tie. As parents and guardians, we request your support to ensure students' attendance at this event. Please refrain from making appointments at the beginning of the day and do not endorse a late start or unnecessary absence on this day.
91pron is a Catholic school in the Dominican Tradition where attendance at Mass, and the celebration of our Catholic and Dominican heritage is a vital aspect of our unique 91pron identity.
Each Thursday morning commencing at 8.00am, 91pron staff gather in our beautiful Chapel to celebrate Mass. Mass is led by our College Chaplain, Fr Kevin Toomey. This sacred time provides us with the opportunity to come together, pray together, and experience a gentle and reflective start to our day. Mass usually ends by 8.30am.
I would like to extend an invitation to parents and guardians to join this prayerful community gathering. You would be very welcome. There is no need to notify the College if you are planning to attend, please just sign in at Main Reception. If you would like further information, please contact Director of Faith and Mission, Bronwyn Ilott at bilott@siena.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, please call Main Reception to speak to me.
Charlotte L speaking at the 2023 Antonio de Montesinos Public Speaking Competition
Each year, 91pron hosts a Public Speaking Competition in honour of Antonio de Montesinos. In naming the event after him, we recognise and celebrate the power of words to speak out against injustice, and move people’s hearts and minds. This event is held at school during Week 8 of Term 3 and is open to students from all year levels. Students are encouraged to contact Debating and Public Speaking Leader, Charlotte L for further information regarding this competition.
Antonio de Montesinos was a Spanish Dominican friar who worked as a missionary in Hispaniola in the sixteenth century. He is known for being one of the first Europeans to speak out against the treatment of indigenous people by those who colonised them. His public admonishment of the Spanish people was delivered to the congregation in a sermon in 1511.
An extract of the Sermon appears below, denouncing the mistreatment of First People of America by the Spanish: "Tell me, by what right or justice do you hold these Indians in such cruel and horrible slavery? By what right do you wage such detestable wars on these people who lived mildly and peacefully in their own lands, where you have consumed infinite numbers of them with unheard of murders and desolations? Why do you so greatly oppress and fatigue them, not giving them enough to eat or caring for them when they fall ill from excessive labours, so that they die or rather are slain by you, so that you may extract and acquire gold every day? And what care do you take that they receive religious instruction and come to know their God and creator, or that they be baptised, hear mass, or observe holidays and Sundays? Are they not men? Do they not have rational souls? Are you not bound to love them as you love yourselves?"
In Term 3, 91pron is supporting the work of St Vincent de Paul. Throughout the term, our Dianella House Captains will be raising awareness about the work that Vinnies does to support those in need. Students and their families can support Vinnies in several ways throughout the term:
