From the Principal

From the Principal

Prayer for the Feast Day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Like Mary, 

we pray for the courage and faith 

to continue along the paths 

God has mapped out for us, 

if we are to become 

the kind of disciples we are called to be.

(presentationsociety.org.au)

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

 
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students

This week, our College community came together to celebrate Presentation Week and the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Thursday, 21 November. This day holds deep significance for Presentation Sisters around the world, as they honour the Presentation of Mary in the Temple. For us as a Presentation community, it is a moment to reflect on the heart of our charism and to celebrate the profound legacy of our foundress, Nano Nagle, who drew strength and inspiration from Mary of the Presentation.

The Feast of the Presentation invites us to remember Mary’s parents, St. Anne and St. Joachim, who, in gratitude for God’s gift of Mary, brought their daughter to the Temple to consecrate her to the Lord. This act of devotion and Mary’s unwavering “Yes” to God remind us of the power of faith and dedication.

This Feast Day is a cherished celebration for Presentation Sisters and their communities worldwide. It is a time to reflect on their enduring vision and mission, whose spirit lives on in our College. Their commitment to spreading the Good News is alive in the words and actions of our students, staff, and the broader community.

At today’s whole-school assembly, we joyfully honoured this special occasion. Together, we prayed, paid tribute to Nano Nagle, and celebrated the rich Presentation heritage that continues to shape our College. We also took this opportunity to acknowledge the Presentation Sisters for their unwavering support, the wisdom and guidance they share, and their enduring presence as a source of inspiration to us all.

As we celebrate this significant week, may we continue to walk in the footsteps of Nano Nagle, bringing light and hope to the world around us.

Class of 2024  – Graduation Formal

On behalf of our College community, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 graduates. This past Wednesday, we gathered for a truly memorable Graduation Formal—a beautiful evening filled with joy, laughter, and moments that will be cherished for years to come.

For many, the Formal was a final opportunity to celebrate together with friends, classmates, and family, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in their lives. This special evening not only reflected the bonds they have formed throughout their journey but also symbolized the beginning of a new and exciting chapter ahead.

The love and support of their families, coupled with the friendships and memories they have forged, have laid a strong foundation for the bright futures that awaits them. As they embark on this next phase of life, may each young woman carry forward the hard work, resilience, and dedication that have defined her school years. Their potential is limitless, and we have no doubt that they will achieve remarkable things in the years to come.

We look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2024 once more at the HSC Morning Tea on Wednesday, 18 December, at 10:30 am – a moment to reconnect, reflect, and honour their accomplishments.

Congratulations again on a truly unforgettable Formal evening. As a community, we wish you all the best for a future filled with success, joy, and fulfillment.

 
Year 12 2025 – Seniors retreat

Our Year 12 students of 2025 recently embarked on a transformative retreat at Stanwell Tops under the theme “A Journey of Faith and Connection.” This special experience provided a welcome pause from the demands of daily life, offering a sacred space to reflect, bond, and deepen their faith.

Throughout the retreat, students engaged in activities designed to nurture personal growth and meaningful connections – both with one another and with God. Group discussions, prayer sessions, and shared experiences invited students to reflect on their individual journeys and the collective path they are forging as a cohort. Quiet moments for prayer and introspection further enriched their understanding of themselves and their relationship with God.

Set against the serene backdrop of Stanwell Tops, the retreat encouraged moments of clarity, renewal, and connection. Bonds of friendship were strengthened, and a deepened sense of community emerged as students shared their stories and insights. The retreat truly encapsulated the theme, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and faith to guide them in the challenges ahead.

I am profoundly grateful to the students and staff who contributed so openly and honestly to this shared journey. A special thanks goes to the incredible team of teachers who accompanied and guided our students over the three days: Monica Ribeiro, Serita Vari, Les Rozsnyoi, Badya Gebrael, Kelly Smit, Nicole Kanis, Cristina Peros, Glenn Magson, and Lucy Silva. Their presence and dedication made this experience truly memorable.

End of Years 7-10 Exams

Congratulations to our Years 7-10 students on successfully completing your exams! Their hard work and dedication have been commendable. However, as we enter the final four weeks of the term, it is essential to remain focused and committed.

Now is not the time to ease off; instead, it’s an opportunity to consolidate your learning and finish the year on a high note. I encourage all students to maintain their effort, stay motivated, and give their very best during these remaining weeks. Let’s finish strong together!

Christmas season approaches

As the Christmas season approaches, lights are twinkling on our beautiful Delapre building.  A stunning tree, wreath and reindeers adorn the front of the College. They look delightful during the day but incredible when the sun goes down! A walk past at night definitely gets you into the spirit of Christmas!

Finally…

As you peruse this newsletter, you will see once again there is much to celebrate within our College. Our continued growth and outstanding achievements in the sporting arena never fails to impress, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of our young women. Their brilliance fills me with immense pride, and I couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished!

Our Music Showcase takes place next Tuesday 26 November which will be spectacular as always. we look forward to seeing many of you there.

Our annual Celebration of Excellence evening will take place on Wednesday, 11 December, at 7:00 pm in the Brenda Quinn Hall. This significant event highlights and celebrates the achievements, successes, and talents of the young women of Domremy. Preparations are well underway, and we are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share this special occasion with you, your family, and friends.

A link with further details will be provided closer to the date. Please note that attendance at the Celebration of Excellence evening is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 11. We look forward to coming together as a community to honour and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students.

The Parent/Student/Teacher Interview Portal is now open for parents to book their appointments.  All interviews will be conducted via Zoom and the links for each interview can be found on the document below.  This is a valuable opportunity to gain insight into how your daughters can enhance their learning growth in preparation for 2025. 

Years 7 to 11 Semester 2 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews via Zoom are scheduled to take place on Monday 16 December from 8:30am to 6pm.  

Semester 2, 2024 Zoom Links

Bookings will open today and close on Friday 13 December.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. 

Blessings on you and your families,

Antoinette McGahan