Welcome
Director, St Dorothy's Schools Malta
As the Director of the Maltese Dorothean Schools, it is my privilege to lead three vibrant Catholic schools committed to academic excellence, faith formation, and the holistic development of every student. Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered education, based on the teachings of St Paula Frassinetti, the foundress of the Sisters of Saint Dorothy. We strive to nurture not only academic success but also spiritual growth and moral integrity, with an emphasis on a special love and care for the weakest and poorest.
Our schools offer a supportive environment to shape future leaders, guided by compassion, simplicity, and a love for learning. We invite you to explore our schools.
Caroline Anastasi
director@stdorothys.edu.mt
In Semplicitate Laboro
The School's Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
Our Vision
History of St Dorothy’s Schools
Foundress: St Paula Frassinetti
Personal Life
Only daughter of John and Angela Frassinetti, was raised in a pious environment. Paula was the only daughter among four brothers who eventually became priests. Paula’s mother died when the girl was nine years old. In need of a substitute mother, Paula turned to Our Lady.
One of Paula’s aunts moved in to help with the family, but she died three years later, and at age twelve, Paula took over as homemaker.
Because of the endless chores at home, Paula was not able to attend school. However, each night her father and brothers would pass on to her what they had learned that day. Likewise Paula was able to receive a good education.
At age 20 she developed respiratory problems, and moved in with Her brother Don Giuseppe who was serving in the Parish of Quinto in Northern Italy.
When she recovered, Paula, with her brother’s help, opened a parochial school for poor girls in the area. In 1834, with a group of like-minded young women, she founded the Sisters of Saint Dorothy, a congregation dedicated to education on a wide spectrum.
The Dorotheans soon opened foundations in Italy, Portugal, and Brazil, and were noted for their work with the sick in the cholera epidemic that ravaged northern Italy in 1835. The Sisters received papal approval in 1863.
Biography
Born: 3 March 1809 at Genoa, Italy
Died: 11 June 1882 of pneumonia following a series of strokes. She was entombed at Saint Onofrio, the Dorothean mother house in Rome, Italy. Her body found incorrupt in 1906
Venerated:15 August 1928 by Pope Pius XI (decree of heroic virtues).
Beatified: 8 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized:11 March 1984 by Pope John Paul II
OUR SCHOOL PRAYER
Once a Dorothean, Always a Dorothean
St. Dorothy’s was more than just a school for me – it was a place that shaped who I am. The teachers weren’t just educators; they were mentors who truly cared, always pushing me to do my best while also supporting me through challenges.
They taught me not just academics but also values like kindness, perseverance, and faith, which have stayed with me long after I left the classroom. Beyond the lessons and textbooks, St. Dorothy’s gave me a sense of community. I made friendships that I know will last a lifetime and learned what it means to serve others with compassion.
Whether it was through leadership opportunities, extracurricular activities, or simply the everyday encouragement from teachers and classmates, I grew into a more confident and well-rounded person. Looking back, I can say without a doubt that St. Dorothy’s didn’t just prepare me for school—it prepared me for life.
Ms Victoria Thuli
St Dorothy’s is not merely a school to me; it is a safe space and a family that helped me understand my true self. St Dorothy’s helped me grow not just academically but also personally and spiritually. The teaching and guidance extended beyond the classrooms – to the yard for the anticipated Sports Day, where I learned respectful competitiveness, and to the big hall for Soirée, where I discovered new talents.
More than just teachers, I found role models who guided and inspired me to become the best version of myself – they believed in me even more than I did. The staff, whom I consider mentors, equipped me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.
Dr Susanna Grech Deguara
I once heard the saying, “A family that prays together stays together,” during a prayer meeting at school, and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since. My years at St Dorothy’s were filled with learning and personal growth, providing me with the chance to forge meaningful friendships.
The school itself was a safe and welcoming place, with plenty of opportunity to engage in sports or enjoy some quiet time in the library during break-time. I would recommend this school to anybody who has the chance to be a student there!
Dr Maria Angela Gauci (Grima)
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Dorothy’s school, where I had the opportunity to learn from the ground up. From the basics of reading and writing to being well-prepared for my future academic choices, my educational journey there was truly enriching. I attended Junior School in Sliema onto the Senior School in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.
One of my most memorable experiences was the way some teachers helped me open my true self, which had a significant impact on my academic growth. The education I received at St Dorothy’s has shaped my future goals and aspirations. I am particularly grateful for the guidance and support of all the educators, who made a lasting impression on my education.
Ms Jade Caruana (Vella)
I attended St. Dorothy’s School from Junior to Senior Level. Looking back I only have words of praise and no regrets at all of having received my initial educational formation there.
My teachers always encouraged me to ask questions and explore my interests. It felt great to know they were there for me every step of the way. This support helped foster a sense of belonging among us students, making the learning experience more enjoyable. There was a strong sense of community. St Dorothy’s School is known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
I believe that St Dorothy’s does an excellent job preparing students for future challenges—whether that means higher education or entering the workforce directly after graduation. In my case, I directed myself towards a journalistic career and I can vouch that the job satisfaction I experience is also partly owing to my educational upbringing acquired at St. Dorothy’s. Our teachers had prepared us so well.
Ms Fiorella Pace
St Dorothy’s School was more than just an institution—it was a second home that shaped my character and prepared me for the future. From the very first day, I was immersed in an environment that fostered discipline, resilience, and a love for learning. The dedicated teachers instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, while the school’s values taught me the importance of integrity and compassion.
Attending St Dorothy’s was more than just academics, it was an enriching experience that instilled in me invaluable life lessons. The nurturing environment fostered a strong sense of community, where the teachers, the sisters and fellow students felt like family.
The emphasis on respect, kindness and perseverance shaped my character and prepared me for the world beyond the classroom. Now, working at this same school, I am privileged to contribute to this vibrant community and continue to feel the warmth and belonging that defined my own educational journey.
Ms Laura Schnirel (Iraci)
The care and education I received from the nuns and teachers at St. Dorothy’s greatly enhanced my self-esteem and resilience. Their message – that I am a loving child of God – provided strength during life’s challenges. My Dorothean educators instilled in me a deep love for learning, particularly reading and writing, which later inspired me to author two children’s books promoting acceptance and love.
Choosing social work as my profession, I spent 12 years supporting children and families in crisis before transitioning to academia, where I now serve as a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Malta. My career has been deeply fulfilling, and I credit the values instilled by my education for shaping my commitment to advocacy. Even today, I remain profoundly grateful for my time at St. Dorothy’s, recognising its lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.
Dr Daniella Zerafa
To me, the words “St Dorothy’s” evoke fond memories of a happy childhood; a journey of growth from girlhood to womanhood, rooted in the Dorothean values of loyalty and social responsibility.
As a little girl with boundless reserves of energy and an insatiable curiosity, bent on challenging every boundary, most of the teachers and nuns — two of whom deserve particular mention: Sr Doreen Cuschieri and Sr Celia Agius Vadala — succeeded in channelling this enthusiasm, without crushing my spirit.
The lessons learnt, both inside and outside the classroom, equipped me with the valuable tools to navigate life; together with the added bonus of solid friendships that continue to endure. The sense of warmth, affection and pride towards St Dorothy’s is something I carry with me to this day.
Ms Ariadne Massa
