Opening & Blessing of The 'pulana' Precinct
The Reverend Fr Shammi Perera - Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Hobart, Fr Peter Hoang SDB, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco and many distinguished dignitaries joined our K-2 staff and students today to take part in a special liturgy to officially Open and Bless the K-2 pulana Precinct.
The development of the Precinct was first envisaged in 2013 as part of a review of the Dominic College Master Plan. Planning began in 2018 and building commenced in November 2019. Former Principal Beth Gilligan in consultation with staff, students and the College Leadership Team, had a vision to develop facilities that aligned with our unique culture, reflected our strengths and aspirations for the future, and which reinforced our identity as a Catholic school in the Salesian tradition. Informed by the College’s growth strategy, values and strategic plan, the development has come to life and will ensure that the College can continue to evolve and deliver contemporary education in a competitive landscape.
I would like to express our sincere gratitude to:
- Architects, Elvio Brianese, Peta Heffernan and their team at Liminal Studio
- Builders, Scott Cordwell and Ethan Byard from Cordwell Built
- The Catholic Education Tasmania Resources and Sustainability Standing Committee and
- All the staff, students and friends of Dominic College for their input and insight during the development phase and for those part of the completion of the development.
The combined expertise and dedication of these individuals and organisations has helped bring our vision to life. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence have resulted in a space that not only inspires learning but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
I commend the members of our Reconciliation Action Plan Team, for their shared vision and commitment to acknowledging our Aboriginal cultural heritage on whose land the College lays. With the approval from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, the precinct and the buildings were named using the indigenous palawa kani language.
The name pulana, which means star, is the overarching name for the whole precinct and references an existing historic symbol within the College shield which forms the College crest. Our K-2 classrooms are named after animals that represent a journey through the story of our First Nations people, allowing our students to understand and respect the true origins of the land on which our school stands. Our Kindergarten classes are named tuminana meaning 'Little Fairy Penguin'. Prep classrooms are named larila meaning 'Platypus'. Year 1 classrooms are named timita meaning 'Possum' and Year 2 classrooms are named tuti meaning 'Sand Crab'.
The pulana Precinct, guided by the Charter for Salesian Schools, is a HOME that welcomes, a PARISH that evangelises, a SCHOOL that prepares for life, and a PLAYGROUND where friends meet and enjoy themselves. The pulana Precinct is a testament to our dedication to providing students with the very best opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in faith.