From the Religious Education Coordinator
In our Church …
THE FEAST DAY OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY- 21 November
The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary invites us to pause and reflect on Mary’s lifelong openness to God. Tradition tells us that Mary was presented in the Temple as a young child, offered wholly to God’s care and purpose. 
This moment symbolises her readiness to listen, to trust, and to say “yes” long before the Annunciation. Mary’s life becomes a reminder that holiness is not achieved in a single moment but is shaped over time—through quiet faithfulness, small acts of love, and a heart continually willing to be guided by God. As we honour this feast, we are encouraged to consider how we, too, can offer ourselves to God each day, trusting that even our smallest “yes” has the power to open the way for grace.
Together with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the founders of Domremy College, we give thanks to God for the many blessings we have, and continue to receive, since the establishment of the Congregation by Nano Nagle in Ireland in 1775
Like Mary, Nano Nagle responded by saying ‘yes’ to God’s plan for her. As a woman of faith, hope and virtue, her vision and work transformed the lives of many who live on the margins of life. Her vision has spread throughout the world and is part of our mission here at Domremy College today.
Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s plan in her time, Nano said ‘yes’ to God’s plan and responded to the needs of her time, We too are asked, like Mary and Nano, to be people of faith and action bringing the light of Christ to those in need in our time.
The eye and the heart of God was what Nano Nagle became as she responded to the call of God’s Spirit in her life as she did something about the injustices in her world. Today we are invited to reflect on, How am I, as a Domremy Presentation person, the eyes and the heart of God in my world?
Prayer
Loving God,
on this Feast of the Presentation of Mary, we thank You for her example of openness, trust, and courage.
May her quiet faith inspire us to bring our lives before You with the same willingness and hope.
Teach us to listen for Your voice in the ordinary moments, to say “yes” even when the path is unclear, and to trust that Your grace is at work in and through us.
Guide our hearts, shape our choices, and draw us ever closer to You.
Mary, our Mother, pray for us.
Amen.
Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.
CELEBRATING PRESENTATION WEEK
Presentation Week invites us to pause and remember the extraordinary vision of the Presentation Sisters, founded by Nano Nagle in 18th‑century Ireland.What began as one woman’s courageous response to the needs of the poor and uneducated has blossomed into a global mission of compassion, justice, and education.
Nano Nagle Prayer
Lord God,
you raise up people from age to age
to speak anew Your Word to us
and to show us your ways.
Such is Nano Nagle.
In da
ys when courage is needed,
you give us this woman of strength
to walk before us with conviction.
In days of great change you
present us with a prophet
whose faith is firm.
As the light of her lantern brought hope
into lives made wretched
by poverty and oppression,
so may she inspire us
to compassionate action
for those in need around us.
Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us
In our Community …
10:10 Retreat
On the 18th to the 19th of November, we had the privilege of attending the 10:10 retreat held at the Benedict XVI centre. This experience included opportunities to not only bond with fellow year 10 students, but to also strengthen our connection with our faith. Mariam
This meaningful experience helped us return to school feeling refreshed and encouraged, with one of the highlights being meeting like-minded students from other schools in creative and interactive ways. It was inspiring to connect with new people who we share similar values with and support one another, feeling part of a wider faith community. Alanah
As part of the experience we were able to partake in a series of different talks and activities. We experienced team building opportunities through games such as a faith based escape room and the amazing race. Whilst these games were fun, they were also a chance to grow in friendship with those around us. On the second day we participated in an activity called ways of praying in which we prayed, the rosary, heard a talk from Ivanka and experienced the lectio divina in the bush chapel. This was extremely beautiful because we were surrounded by nature and whilst meditating on scripture we could hear all the sounds of God’s creation. Alongside this beautiful activity we attended a “girls talk” where Ivanka shared her testimony of her journey back into the faith after experiencing several challenging moments in her marriage. This then transitioned into a talk about our inherent worth as daughters of God and the inspiring message that our lives are a gift and that we should treat them as such. During the retreat we also had moments for prayer such as Adoration in the beautiful chapel, reconciliation and Mass. Emma
Overall this retreat allowed us to grow in faith and love for God. It taught us important lessons on our faith and was an opportunity to meet likeminded people.
Social Justice at Domremy …
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal – Bringing Hope This Christmas
As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the importance of generosity, compassion, and community. This year, more than ever, the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) needs our support to help families who are struggling to make ends meet.
The cost-of-living crisis has reached a worrying new low. Right
now, 3.3 million people in Australia are living in poverty—that’s more than one in e
ight. Many are skipping meals so they can afford to feed their children, pay rent, and keep the lights on. Others are searching for a safe place to sleep at night.
In recent months, thousands of families have reached out to Vinnies for the first time, while many others are now relying on short-term relief just to survive day to day. Without urgent support, more people risk being trapped in a long-term cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
At this special time of year, we invite our school community to make a difference through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Every contribution—big or small—can help provide families with immediate relief and the lasting support they need to rebuild their lives.
Families and students can donate by:
- Bringing in non-perishable food items (such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and Christmas treats).
Together, we can bring hope, joy, and dignity to those who
need it most this Christmas. Let’s continue the mission of compassion and service that defines our community—because every act of kindness can make a world of difference.
Families and students can have a look at the link below to see what each House has been asked to bring in.
“No act of charity is foreign to the Society of St Vincent de Paul.”
Please give generously.
Ms Cristina Peros, Social Justice Coordinator
In the life of our new Year 12 2026 students …
This week our new Year 12 term 4 students were extremely fortunate to come together for their Year 12 Retreat at Benedict XVI Retreat Centre.
The students unpacked the theme of integrity with a focus on vulnerability, trust and courage. They were challenged to explore these themes through a variety of activities that pushed them out of their comfort zone. The Year 12 students were also challenged to recognise the worries
and struggles they have been facing this year with a focus on overcoming these challenges through guidance, support, and the presence of faith in their life. We had a wonderful time and the weather and scenery were beautiful. The Year 12 students were also able to relax, taking time out of their busy lives and reconnect with themselves.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the
following teachers for joining the Year 12 Retreat: Ms Badya Gebrael,
Ms Lucy Silva, Ms Maria Xaffelis, Ms Claudia Carbone, Ms Mary David, Ms Kavita Kshatriya, Ms Katherine Hoban, Ms Isabella Bechara, Ms Alyssa Inti
li, Ms Serita Vari, Ms Jacinta Milhem and Ms Cristina Peros. Their presence, experience, wisdom, support and encouragement made a significant impact on our year 12 students.
I would also like to thank Father Bernie Thomas from Mary Immaculate Church, Waverley for celebrating mass with our Domremy Community.
Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator