From the Principal

Prayer for The Feast of the Assumption

15 August 

Almighty and everlasting God,

You have taken up body and soul

into the heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Mother of Your Son: Grant, we beseech You,

that, ever intent upon heavenly things,

we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us.

Feast of the Assumption – 15 August

On Thursday, 15 August, our community came together to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This sacred day commemorates Mary’s miraculous assumption into Heaven, where she was taken up body and soul. For Catholics, this event holds profound significance as it not only marks Mary’s divine passage into eternal life but also serves as a reminder of her role as a powerful intercessor. 

This special feast calls the faithful to participate in Mass, reflecting on Mary’s exemplary life of faith and obedience. As we honoured this solemn event, staff and students were encouraged to celebrate Mass within their parishes, deepening our connection to this important Marian feast. It gave our community time to reflect on the virtues of Mary and to seek her intercession in our lives.

Feast of St Mary MacKillop – 8 August

On 8 August, we celebrated the Feast of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and a woman whose life and work continue to inspire us. St Mary MacKillop was not only a passionate educator but also a courageous leader who stood up against injustice and dedicated her life to serving the poor. Her guiding principle, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it,’ reflects a deep commitment to action, a call that resonates strongly within our own community. Similarly, Nano Nagle, another figure central to our values, devoted her life to educating impoverished Irish children and caring for the oppressed, embodying her own motto, “Not words, but deeds.”

As Presentation people, we find a kindred spirit in St Mary MacKillop, whose legacy of compassion and service mirrors the life and work of Nano Nagle. Our students continue to uphold this legacy through various initiatives aimed at helping those in need. In recent weeks, and in the coming days, activities such as our Knitting Club, the Year 10 Market Day, the upcoming Mufti Day, and our participation in the Bringing Them Home Memorial Service all serve as tangible expressions of our commitment to social justice. These efforts not only provide for those in need but also cultivate a spirit of empathy and service within our students, preparing them to be agents of change in the world.

Japanese Exchange Students

This term, we have had the immense pleasure of welcoming a group of Japanese exchange students from Osaka, who immersed themselves in the life of our school. Their presence has enriched our community, offering both our students and the visitors a unique cultural exchange. The friendships formed and the experiences shared have been mutually rewarding, fostering greater understanding and respect between our cultures.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the families within our community who generously opened their homes to our visitors. Your hospitality has made their stay truly special, and I am confident that the memories created during their time here will last a lifetime. Much appreciation goes to Ms Rebecca Godfrey who played a significant role in overseeing this initiative. The exchange has not only been an opportunity for learning, but has also strengthened the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our school and our visitors from Japan.

Senior Leadership 2025

The process of selecting our Senior Leadership team for 2025, which began last term, is now well underway. This is a time of great anticipation and responsibility as we identify the students who will lead our school community into the future. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the students who have put themselves forward for leadership roles. Your willingness to serve and your commitment to our school are deeply appreciated.

Leadership at Domremy is more than a title; it is a call to embody the values of our school and to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision. As we move through this important selection process, we continue to hold all our candidates in our prayers, trusting that the right leaders will emerge to guide us in 2025. Their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of our school and ensuring that we continue to thrive as a community rooted in faith and excellence.

NEAA Student Conference

Next week, from Tuesday 20 August to Friday 23 August, I will have the privilege of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) 2024 Student Conference, alongside Ms. Claudia Carbone, Ms. Monica Ribeiro, and four of our Year 10 students. The NEAA, an organisation dedicated to upholding the Presentation Charism and the legacy of Nano Nagle, represents a vital connection to our shared mission and values.

This year’s conference, hosted at St Rita’s College in Clayfield, Brisbane, will focus on Social Justice Workshops, providing our students with the opportunity to engage deeply with issues of equity and justice. These workshops are designed to inspire and equip young leaders to make a meaningful impact in their communities. We eagerly anticipate bringing back the insights and experiences gained from the conference to share with our Domremy community. I am confident that the lessons learned will enrich both our students and staff, furthering our commitment to social justice and leadership.

During my absence, Mr. Matt Ryan will be serving as Acting Principal, ensuring the smooth operation of the school.

Year 12 Trial Examinations

As we approach the conclusion of the HSC Trial Examinations on Monday 19 August, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Year 12 students. This period of intense preparation has been supported not only by their teachers but also by the broader school community, including the after-school Study Hub and the generous contributions of Domremy alumnae, who have offered their time and expertise to assist our current students.

The Trial Examinations are a critical step in our students’ journey toward their final HSC exams. In particular, those studying Society & Culture, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and Design & Technology are now focused on completing their major works. These projects represent the culmination of their creativity, hard work, and dedication, and we are eagerly anticipating the showcases of their work, which will take place on Tuesday 3 September:

• 5:00pm-6:30pm – TAS and VA Showcase in the NNLC Maker Space
• 6:15pm-7:15pm – HSC Music Showcase in Classroom PW03

We warmly invite parents, carers, and family members to join us at these events to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Year 12 students.

As they move forward in their preparations for the HSC, we continue to hold our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers, offering them our full support as they strive to reach their goals.

Father’s Day Mass & Breakfast

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Fathers’ Day Mass and Breakfast on Thursday 29 August. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community to celebrate and honour the fathers and father figures in our students’ lives. The Mass will be a meaningful way to express our gratitude for their guidance, love, and support, followed by a shared breakfast where we can continue to connect and enjoy each other’s company. I truly look forward to sharing this memorable morning with you and look forward to seeing you then.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

Our Year 11 students are nearing the conclusion of their HSC Preliminary courses, with examinations scheduled to begin on 11 September. This is a pivotal moment in their academic journey, as the groundwork they lay now will set the stage for their success in the HSC courses they will commence in Term 4.

Consistent effort, hard work, and perseverance are key to achieving their best results. I encourage our Year 11 students to stay focused and to approach these exams with determination and confidence. The habits and skills they develop now will serve them well as they continue to grow and excel in their studies.

And finally …

As this term unfolds, we find ourselves sharing many moments of joy and accomplishment, as highlighted throughout this newsletter. Time seems to be passing quickly, and soon our Year 12 students will be presenting their HSC Practical work in Drama and Music, marking another milestone in their final year at Domremy.

Preparations for the Year 12 farewells and celebrations are well underway, and our students are eagerly embracing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As they continue their preparations for the HSC, I ask that we keep all these young women in our prayers and thoughts.

My message remains consistent: ‘success is not an option but an expectation.’ Each young woman at Domremy has the potential to make a significant impact—whether in her studies, her sports, her social interactions, or her contributions at home and in the wider community. The qualities that drive success—determination, agility, passion, commitment, persistence, and hard work—are within each student’s reach. It is through embracing these qualities that our students can achieve their dreams and make a positive difference in the world around them.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we will continue to nurture and guide our students as they strive for excellence in all that they do.

May blessings be upon you and your families as we journey through this term together.

Antoinette McGahan