St. Dominic’s Parish commenced in 1924 and is of particular historical importance as the first location of the Dominican Order in Victoria, and also a rare example of a Catholic parish in Melbourne that is run by a religious order. While the construction of the church-school was underway, arrangements were made for its use as a school at the beginning of 1925. The school opened in February 1925 and was staffed by lay teachers whilst Dominican nuns were sought. The lay teachers generally arrived by tram so the children found they could play around the green tram shed in Wattle Valley Road until the Teachers’ Tram came over the hill! In August 1926, the Dominican Sisters took over from the lay teachers, when 4 pioneer Dominican sisters arrived from West Maitland, New Zealand, Mother M Concepta O’Donoghue, Sr Loreto Cockerill, Sr Perpetua Hermann and Sr Placid Flaherty. They resided at Siena Convent which became the first foundation in Victoria for Dominican nuns.

Land was acquired for the present school in Highfield Road and records of Boroondara Council indicate that permission was given on 28 April 1939 to build a 12-room brick school.
The new St Dominic’s Parish School was blessed and opened by his grace, Archbishop Mannix on 8 October 1939, and the transfer to Highfield Road was a great milestone in the history of the school. When the school first opened, it had an impressive main entrance and pathway flanked by well-kept lawns. During the war years 1939 until 1945, air raid trenches were dug along the northern boundary up to where the P4 playground is now sited. During this time also, the main hall of the school was used for fortnightly Saturday night dances. 

Fast forward to 2025…..

The Dominican motto, ‘Veritas’, connects us to the 800 year Dominican tradition and to Dominican communities across Australia and the world. ‘Truth’ is grounded in prayer and contemplation, commitment to study, relationships, community, and justice, inspired by Gospel values. In the tradition of our Dominican Charism and in the context of our ever changing world, at St. Dominic's Primary School, both now and in the century past, we work to empower our students in Faith & Prayer, in their Learning, as active citizens in the Community, and as people of Service to others, making a difference in the world.

Our St. Dominic’s Primary School Centenary Book will be published and launched early in the 2025 school year, a culmination of many months of research, generous sharing of stories by alumni and a compilation of conversations and celebrations of the richness of St. Dominic’s history; published and shared for the community to embrace, share and enjoy for generations to come! More details via our Merchandise tab….