Spirit of The Dragons

by Ashley Fortin, St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School

St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School (DOM) in Bracebridge is well known for its sense of school pride and involvement within the local community as well as the global community. Even when enjoying a week of school spirit and fun, St. Dominic’s always embraces the opportunity to give something back. During the week of November 20th-24th, St. Dominic Student Council hosted their yearly spirit week that took DOM by Storm: Dragon-Fire Week. The week was full of excitement and included various events such as spirit days, special celebrations, and even fun activities in the cafeteria. The week culminated with the OFSAA AA Girls Basketball Tournament hosted by St. Dom’s and other Muskoka schools. The first day of Dragon-Fire week offered some warmth to students after the first snowfall. Students wore comfortable sweaters with their uniforms and enjoyed games in the cafeteria at lunch. Adding to the excitement of Monday was the announcement that DOM students will have the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Tanzania in the spring of 2019! Supporting our global community through mission trips every two years has become an important aspect of life at St. Dom’s. Tuesday brought an array funky socks to the halls of St. Dominic’s. Students could be seen sporting neon socks, taco socks and anything in between to support anti-bullying week along with other schools in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. The day also included activities involving food in the cafeteria at lunch. Dragon-Fire Week is not only a week of spirit, fun, and giving back – it is a week to celebrate student achievement. On Wednesday, November 22nd honour roll students and their families enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared and served by hospitality students. Throwback Thursday (#TBT) took everyone on an adventure through time with students in throwback-themed “civvies” (not uniform clothes) from the 1920s through to today. #TBT was extremely popular with the students, and a vast majority participated in the day. #TBT also brought back the students’ (and staff’s) favourite fundraiser – the delicious cake auction! Fundraising for the Rohingya crisis, 15 amazing cakes were auctioned and $660 was raised for the cause, with the Government of Canada matching the donation. In true fashion, throwback music was played throughout the event and during lunch. With the week coming to a close, the OFSAA girls AA basketball tournament started. St. Dominic students supported the teams competing and cheered them on. Student Council organized a relaxing end to the week and students were invited to participate in a pick-up volleyball game, watch a movie (Moana) in the cafeteria, or play board games in the library. Dragon-Fire Week brought a ‘spark’ to a normal November week. From funky socks to Throwback Thursday, it was all about celebrating St. Dominic’s and the dragon community, as well as student successes.