Class of 2024: Graduation Mass and Evening Assembly
Wednesday, September 25, marked a significant milestone—the culmination of 13 years of education for the Class of 2024. The day was truly special, beginning with a beautiful and moving Graduation Mass led by Father Tom. This reverent celebration not only marked the end of the girls’ academic journey but also the completion of their spiritual journey at Domremy. The Year 12 girls played a meaningful role in the Mass, participating in readings and processing with symbols that are the cornerstones of life at the College, reinforcing the values they’ve carried with them throughout their time here.
A heartfelt video created by Cassidy, our talented Promotions Prefect, captured the cherished memories and tight-knit bond of the Class of 2024, leaving not a dry eye in the room. At the end of the Mass, each Year 12 student received a lantern and bracelet from our Principal, Mrs. McGahan. These gifts, symbolic of their growth over the past six years, serve as a gentle reminder to carry the Domremy values of friendship, justice, integrity, love, and truth with them as they step into the next phase of life.
The evening celebration began with light refreshments prepared by the Year 11 hospitality class and the cutting of the Graduation cake. The room was filled with excitement and anticipation as the formalities commenced with a warm welcome, followed by a prayer to bless the occasion. We were privileged to hear from Domremy alumna Alexia Puglia, Class of 2017, who inspired the graduates with her story of perseverance in the medical field. Her powerful words, “everything is impossible until it isn’t,” reminded the girls to embrace both the challenges and the triumphs that lie ahead.
The moment became even more poignant as Ms. Kshatriya, the Year 12 Coordinator called each girl to receive their graduation certificate which was presented by our College Principal Mrs McGahan. Ms Kshatriya spoke from her heart at her final address, commending the girls for their resilience and achievements and thanking them for the unforgettable journey they shared. Her words of wisdom – encouraging them to navigate life at their own pace – resonated deeply with all present.
A musical interlude followed, showcasing the exceptional talents of the graduates. Annabelle Corbett wowed the crowd with a breathtaking performance of Chopin’s “Fantaisie Impromptu” on the piano, while Estelle Nunes delivered a powerful rendition of “Quiet” by Jonathan Reid Gealt that left everyone in awe.
Academic and special awards were then presented by Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Smit, acknowledging the hard work and dedication the girls had poured into both their studies and their contributions to the wider school community.
For the final time, the College Captain, Mireille Karam, and Vice Captains, Catia Screnci and Sophia Ghantous, addressed the audience, sharing heartfelt reflections before receiving their leadership medals. Their words, full of gratitude and hope, perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. Mrs. McGahan’s closing speech encouraged the girls to embrace the future with strength, tenacity, and purpose, congratulating them on all they had accomplished together.
The night ended on a bittersweet note, as Year 12, led by their Captains, processed out of the hall while singing “La Verite,” the school song, for the very last time. It was an emotional and fitting close to not just the evening, but to their incredible journey at Domremy, officially marking the end of their 13 years of schooling and the beginning of the next exciting chapter of their lives.
Sophia Gahntous,2024 College Vice-Captain
Transcripts of speeches appear in the next article – ‘Graduation Assembly and Supper”.
