April 2012 News

DOMINICAN PREACHING IN ACTION

SAN DOMENICO'S ECO-LITERACY PROGRAM
SAN ANSELMO, CA
 
In this month, when we celebrate "earth awareness," we congratulate San Domenico school in San Anselmo, CA for their very successful Eco-Literacy program. The content of the program teaches students about natural systems and our connection to them from a social, spiritual, cultural and health perspective. David Behrs, Head of School at San Domenico, truly believes "that teaching ecological literacy will be the most important role of education in this decade. Students need to be informed on "green" issues. Most importantly, they need to learn how to become change agents in building a better world and a healthier planet."

GLOBAL AWARENESS WEEK AT DOMINICAN ACADEMY
NEW YORK, NY
 
Each year, Dominican Academy students participate in a Global Awareness Week. This year's theme is Genocide. Activities are planned and carried out by DAPs (Dominican Academy Preachers)--girls who have attended the High School Preaching Conference or who are selected to be part of this special group. Each day, students are sent reflections on a question around this topic and short video about the question. The questions include: What is genocide? How many have there been and where? Why are there genocides? What happens to those victims of genocide? And, lastly, How can we help? The final question includes a focus on how bullying can be a part of actions leading to genocide. Students will be asked to pledge not to participate in bullying. An important part of the week was a speaker, Taylor Krauss (from Voices of Rwanda), whose documentary give voice to the survivors of the genocide in Rwanda.

 
GLOBAL AWARENESS WEEK AT ST. AGNES ACADEMY
HOUSTON, TX
 
As part of the Dominican mission, St. Agnes once again dedicates an entire week every spring to discerning more about humankind's complex relationship with Planet Earth while renewing their commitment to be better stewards of God's awesome creation. Students participate in a series of activities and learning sessions sponsored by the Academy's Green Club. This year's sponsored activities  will include a lunchtime organic food fest, an incandescent light bulb exchange for environmentally-friendly CFL bulbs, and battery/cartridge recycling collection. Past earth weeks have focused on climate/global warming, conservation and recycling.
 
VIDEO ON "HUMAN TRAFFICKING" PRODUCED BY ST. MARY'S DOMINICAN STUDENTS
NEW ORLEANS, LA
 
Inspired by a presentation given at last summer's Dominican High School Preaching Conference, the young preachers from St. Mary's Dominican High School in New Orleans have just completed a six-month video project on Human Trafficking.  The five-minute video entitled "Human Trafficking, Close to Home" was recently presented to the faculty and students at the annual Social Justice Mass. The video was also posted on You Tube and entered into a contest sponsored by the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center. 

http://youtu.be/lIvP_GCBekE



GOLDEN SLIPPER PROJECT, FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL
OAK PARK, IL
 
Fenwick demonstrated its Dominican commitment to service by taking part in the "Glass Slipper Project." The goal of this project is to alleviate some of the financial pressure felt by those students in the Chicago metro and suburban areas who would like to attend their school proms. This past March, the Community Outreach Team collected gently used dresses, shoes, and other accessories appropriate for high school proms. These items will be purchased in "boutiques" set up throughout the Chicago area. Underprivileged young women will then be able to choose their own dresses from the wide array of those available, thanks to the donations of participating schools.

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DATES TO REMEMBER:
 
SPECIAL TWO-DAY MEETING FOR ALL DASS SCHOOL/CONGREGATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:
October 15-16, 2012 
Mt. St. Dominic Academy - Caldwell, NJ
 
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM:
Monday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.
Presentation by Sr. Sharon Holland, IHM (Canon Lawyer) on the topic of "Future Possibilities for Our Schools" followed by questions/discussion
Tuesday Morning, October 16, 9:00 a.m. 
Presentation by Alice Hession, Sponsorship Director, Xaverian Schools. Topic "Mission Formation for School Personnel"
Tuesday afternoon, October 16 
Annual DASS Meeting (concludes at 3:00p.m)
 
REGISTRATION/HOUSING/ TRAVEL  INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON-LINE BY JUNE 15, 2012

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