30 Jun 2025
Did you know the orange tree at St Dominic’s School in Innaloo is a symbol of the Dominican charism of spreading truth and love for others?
Just as a tree grows and gives fruit, St Dominic helped others grow in their faith. The tradition of planting orange trees in honour of St Dominic began in 1867, when Dominican nuns brought seeds from the Santa Sabina tree, planted by St Dominic, to Maitland, the first Dominican foundation in Australia.
Recently, the school’s Year 3 students explored special symbols around the school that honour St Dominic, including the orange tree, school crest, mural and the St Dominic statue. Through their journey, students discovered that the orange tree is a special symbol that reminds us of St Dominic as we continue his work of spreading God’s love to others. The tree serves as a beautiful reminder within the school to be kind, caring, and to follow St Dominic’s example.
“Saint Dominic was born near an orange tree in Spain and the same tree still grows there,” said Year 3 student, Facundo.
“The orange tree at our school gives us peace and give us joy,” added Maisie, also Year 3.
“Here at St Dominic’s School, we have our own special orange tree, which serves as a living reminder of St Dominic and our very own commitment to growth, spiritual nourishment, and the spreading of the Good News.
“Our children, and in fact our whole community have embraced the living symbol of an orange tree in our very own school courtyard.
“As the tree grows, blooms and nourishes young fruit into ripeness, we symbolically embrace our Dominican traditions, the story of St Dominic himself and the wonderful inspiration of a simple orange tree which has so humbly, yet so profoundly shaped our calling to grow, learn and serve in Christian unity here at St Dominic’s School, Innaloo,” said Principal, Sheldon Carey.
