Our Identity
Cabra Dominican College is an educational ministry of Dominican Education Australia which provides an inclusive, caring and welcoming Catholic education in the Dominican tradition. Read more about this here
Our vision
Cabra Dominican College, as a Christian community in the Catholic tradition, strives to nurture and develop the unique gifts of individuals, to liberate them in the search for truth, and to empower them to create a better world.
Our Mission and identity
The Dominican Mission and Identity is at the heart of Cabra Dominican College. As a Catholic community, we are inspired by the life of Jesus and endeavour to reflect His values in our attitudes, policies and practice. Guided by St Dominic’s living of the gospel values, our College is a vibrant place of welcome for all people, nurturing the dignity of one another as unique individuals. With an inherent love for the good, the beautiful and the true, our inclusive community provides a framework for our young people, fostering within them a pursuit of excellence.
The Director of Mission and Identity and the Mission Coordinator work closely with the Principal and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring the ecclesial nature of Catholic education and the Dominican ideal is recognised and lived, by supporting Cabra staff to actively contribute to the mission of evangelisation.
Our College is proud to live out its focus on Mission, as instigated by our Dominican Sisters and as further supported by Dominican Education Australia and Catholic Education South Australia. We do so by constantly considering and responding to the needs of our students in today’s ever-changing world. At Cabra Dominican College, we provide:
- relevant, real and contemplative religious education teaching that seeks truth explored in dialogue,
- meaningful and engaging liturgies,
- daily prayer and regular opportunities for self-reflection
- opportunities to show faith in action through our thriving spirit for Social Justice, and
- an impactful and much-admired retreat program that is age and year appropriate for students.
Our Song
In late 1999 Cabra’s Ethos Committee proposed that the students and staff would work together to design and choose a ‘Cabra song.’’ The committee invited students and staff to enter a competition for the lyrics and/or music. There were many entries, and the selection process took almost a whole year. The winning entry came from two Year 12 students, Katia Labozzetta and Sarah Croser, and their song was called The Good, The Beautiful and the True. The winning entry was officially accepted as the college song in June 2001.
The song picks up many themes from Cabra’s history. The title comes from a quote attributed to St Thomas Aquinas and is a common expression within Dominican communities. The bridge, “Learn to learn, learn to live, learn to fly” comes from a staff retreat in 1995. The selection panel was pleased that in the year 2000 the theme of reconciliation was included, by acknowledging that Cabra stands on Kaurna land. Finally, it was the Sisters themselves who suggested that the lyrics refer to the founding Dominican Sisters as Celtic, not only because they came from Dublin, Ireland, but also because the Celtic expression of Catholicism continues to be important.
‘The Good, the Beautiful and the True’
(by Katia Labozzetta and Sarah Croser, Year 12 2000)
Chorus: On a journey together we search for truth
Valuing our difference embracing our youth
Celebrating freedom in all that we do
To find the good, the beautiful and the true.
On Kaurna land Cabra now stands
With open hearts and open hands
Proud of its history and the Dominican way
Sharing dreams and hopes for today.
Chorus
A rich heritage of courage and strength
Celtic sisters came with intent
Inspiring us to never give up
Living the Gospel of love
People of God using our gifts
Our mission’s strong to work for justice
Including all and welcoming too
Forgiving each other is what we learn to do.
Chorus
Bridge:Learn to learn, learn to live, learn to fly …
To find the good, the beautiful and the true.
Chorus
Coda:To find the good, the beautiful and the true