From the Principal

Prayer

Feast of Mary Help of Christians – 24 May

Almighty God,

Deepen in our hearts our love of Mary Help of Christians. 
Through her prayers and under her protection,

May the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, Pray for us.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

As I sit to write this week’s message, it is impossible to ignore the profound impact the recent record-breaking rains and severe storms have carved across New South Wales. The very “Living Waters” we discussed at the recent Principals’ Conference have, at times, manifested in challenging ways for our communities. Our thoughts have been drawn to the incredible hardship faced by countless families beyond our Domremy College gates, who are navigating the complex aftermath of unprecedented flooding and, for some, repeated devastation.

It is in these moments of adversity that the true strength of connection and resilience shines brightest. We have seen and heard stories of profound disruption and immense courage. Our hearts go out to everyone grappling with the ongoing challenges of property damage, displacement, and the slow process of recovery and, as we have sadly learned, those having to face the loss of loved ones. As a community, we hold all those affected in our prayers, acknowledging the immense spirit required to face such challenges. This real-world experience of “living waters” deeply reminds us of the powerful spirit of human endurance and the vital role of community support. Let’s continue to be a source of understanding and care for one another as we navigate these times together.

Inspired by Nano Nagle: Reflections from the NEAA Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) Staff Conference alongside three of our dedicated staff members: George Lavidis, Bridget Malloy, and Katherine Hoban. For me, as a first-time attendee, it was truly inspirational to be part of such a strong and deeply connected community.

The conference provided a powerful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the enduring legacy of Nano Nagle. We felt invigorated to be present amongst so many passionate advocates who continue to live out her vision in Catholic education. It was a wonderful reminder of the shared mission that binds Presentation schools across Australia.

We came away from the conference with a wealth of uplifting experiences and inspiring ideas. Many of these resonate deeply with our own values and aspirations for Domremy College. We are particularly excited about exploring several of these concepts further, as they hold immense potential to enrich our community and enhance the educational experience for our students.

It’s clear that the spirit of Nano Nagle continues to guide and empower educators, and we are eager to bring these renewed insights and energy back into our daily work. 

Reflecting on the Association of Catholic Schools Principals’ (ACSP) 2025 Conference – “Living Waters: Leading with Hope and Inspiring Faith Communities”

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 ACSP Principals’ Conference, “Living Waters: Leading with Hope and Inspiring Faith Communities.” It was a truly enriching experience, offering thoughtful insights and inspiring perspectives that deeply align with our mission at Domremy.

One of the central messages of the conference was the importance of nurturing student voice and agency. Rather than calling for sweeping changes, we were encouraged to plant the seeds of possibility through small, meaningful shifts – asking “what if?” and embracing change with curiosity and courage.

A particularly powerful idea was the reframing of the question we so often ask young people: not just “What do you want to be?” but “How do you want to be remembered?” In a world of constant change, where many future careers have yet to be imagined, this focus on character, impact, and legacy speaks directly to our values. It challenges us to equip our students not just with skills, but with a strong sense of purpose and hope.

There was also timely discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in education. Rather than fearing this technology, we were urged to embrace it as a tool to enhance learning and teaching – while also approaching it thoughtfully, with ethical awareness and discernment.

The conference closed with a powerful keynote on Leading with Hope: Empowering Staff Wellbeing inSchools. We explored the concept of Psychological Capital – represented by the acronym HERO: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism. By fostering these qualities in ourselves and our teams, we create a positive, supportive culture that allows our whole community to thrive.

As we reflect on these ideas at Domremy, I look forward to the opportunities they offer – to strengthen student voice, lead with hope, and prepare our girls to meet the future with confidence, faith, and resilience.

Celebrating Domremy Day 2025!

Domremy Day is undeniably one of the most cherished and significant events on our College calendar. It’s our annual community celebration, commemorating the Feast Day of St. Joan of Arc, the patroness of Domremy College, on May 30. In recognition of this special day, our entire College community will come together on Friday, May 30, to celebrate this meaningful occasion.

This event is always a highlight of the College year, and I have no doubt that 2025 will be no exception. The festivities will begin with a celebration of the Eucharist in our College hall, starting at 9:00am. This Mass is a vital part of our tradition, uniting us in a shared expression of faith and community.

Following the Mass, the day will be filled with a myriad of engaging and enjoyable activities designed to foster community spirit and provide fun for all. We’ll have exciting rides and games, delicious food stalls offering a variety of treats, live music performances, and a talent show showcasing the incredible abilities of our students. These events not only offer entertainment but also strengthen the bonds within our community, highlighting the diverse talents and enthusiasm of our students.

Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the parents who were able to participate in the Parent/Teacher/Student Zoom Meetings for Year 12 earlier this week. Your active involvement in these meetings is crucial for fostering a collaborative partnership between families and the school, ultimately benefiting your daughter’s educational journey.

If you were unable to attend but wish to discuss your daughter’s progress with her teachers, please feel free to contact the College. We are here to assist and support you in any way we can.

For parents of students in Years 7 – 10, please be advised that Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings will be held at the end of this term. Information regarding dates, times and format will be communicated over the next week. We encourage you to make note of these dates and plan to attend, as they offer valuable opportunities to gain insights into your child’s academic growth and well-being.

Once again, we appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to your daughter’s education. Together, we can ensure her continued success and development both academically and personally.

A Final Note…

Earlier this week, we held our much-anticipated Athletics Carnival – and what a fantastic day it was! We were incredibly lucky the rain held out despite the forecast, allowing our students to shine on the track and field.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms Angellitta, all staff, students, and volunteers who played such a pivotal role in making the day so successful. Your energy, organisation, and enthusiasm helped create a memorable event full of school spirit and friendly competition.

In this week’s Parent Weekly we have an important message to all parents and carers about Illegal and Unsafe Parking around the school at drop off and especially at afternoon pick up times. The safety of all our students, staff and general community is paramount. I urge all parents to read it and to please adhere to the legal parking and safe drop off and collection of students at the school. 

And finally,  as our students gear up to tackle their assessments in the coming weeks, let us all take a moment to reflect on the invaluable learning opportunities and friendships that our school community consistently provides.

May each student approach their assessments with diligence, determination, and a growth mindset, knowing that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and development.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your ongoing cooperation and unwavering support. Your dedication contributes immensely to the success and well-being of our students, day in and day out.

Blessings to you and your families as we navigate through this busy period together.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan 

College Principal