From the Principal

Prayer

Loving Father,

As we come to the end of another term,

we turn to you in confidence

and place any difficult relationships

into the healing hands of Jesus, your Son.

Enable us to leave behind any pain of the past

and any regrets or bitterness,

entrusting the past to your mercy,

the present to your love, and the future to your providence.

Help us appreciate the need to keep a good balance in our lives.

May the holiday be for us a time of rest and recreation to help restore us

and re-create us in your image and likeness,

as we enjoy more of the love and presence of our families,

on whom we ask your blessing.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

Welcome to the final edition of La Verite for Term 1.

As we close the chapter on these first ten weeks, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the energy, growth, and transformation we have experienced. The beginning of a new academic year always brings change – fresh opportunities, new faces, evolving routines, and, naturally, a fair share of challenges. From adjusting to new timetables and subjects to building connections and adapting to heightened expectations, the term has also called on all of us at different times to be resilient and flexible.

Transition is never without its trials; academic demands intensify, social landscapes shift, and expectations evolve. Yet, it is through these very challenges that we grow, not just as individuals, but as a community.

And throughout this time, I have been deeply inspired by how our community has risen to meet these moments, embodying the spirit of Nano Nagle. Her courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service continue to guide us. We see this spirit in the student who takes time to help a peer, in the teacher who goes the extra mile, and in every effort to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Nano’s legacy of “deeds not words” reminds us to face each challenge with action rooted in empathy. We have seen this in the formation of new friendships, the excitement around new clubs, committees and subjects, and the way we have supported each other in times of uncertainty – echoes of Nano’s own commitment to building communities of care.

This term, our community has demonstrated adaptability, creativity, and solidarity. We have turned obstacles into opportunities and continued to deepen our understanding of what it means to live out the Presentation values. We have truly embodied Nano’s call to “spend ourselves for the poor,” not just in service, but in spirit, by lifting each other up. Examples abound in the stories over the term reported in our Newsletter.

As we head into the break and look forward to the terms ahead, may we carry with us the strength we have found in one another and the lessons we have learned. Let us continue to walk in the footsteps of Nano Nagle, meeting every challenge with grace, courage, and a heart for service.

May the spirit of La Verite, The Truth, continue to guide us all.

The Domremy Parent Representative Group

The Domremy Parent Representative Group, (DPRG), met for the first time last week.

We discussed a range of items including our College goals for 2025. We are grateful for the support of our DPRG and their work in maintaining the strong parent-school partnership.

I would like acknowledge and thank the following who have agreed to be the DPRG Year Representatives for 2025:

Year 7: Elisa Grant, Amanda Pestana, Arman Merchant, Nguyen Tran
Year 8: Lon Guglielmino, Paul Guglielmino, Heather Hilton
Year 9: Siu (Mary) Chu, Katherine Taravel, Meagan Leslie, Lucy Hartmann, Alex Limneos
Year 10:Christine Bouchahine, Meaghan Roche, Kate Campbell
Year 11: Doomara Aprim, Mirela Zimonjic, Andrew Pelizzari
Year 12: Stav Contellis, Nicola Barrett

Optional HSC Holiday Revision Workshops

During the upcoming Easter School Holidays, Year 12 teachers are offering our Year 12 students a variety of HSC Holiday Revision Workshops. I encourage students to make the most of these opportunities to engage in review activities that will refresh their understanding of content and develop their skills in applying their knowledge. Information has been sent home via Compass and The Parent Weekly.

What sets Catholic schools apart and why do they hold such value for parents?

As we come to the close of the first term, it is a meaningful time to reflect on what truly sets Catholic schools apart and why they hold such value for parents.

Walk through the doors of any of our schools and you will witness something special; the shared mission between families and educators to build a strong academic foundation, preparing children to confidently face the challenges of today’s world.

Catholic schools stand out for their unwavering commitment to values that matter, not only in school, but in life. These values are sought after in the workplace, in leadership, in sports, and in our communities.

At the heart of our education is a deep respect for the dignity of every child. Guided by the Catholic tradition, we nurture each student with love, compassion, and a recognition of their unique worth. This isn’t just part of what we do. It is the essence of who we are.

Our holistic approach to learning integrates academic excellence with moral and spiritual formation, rooted in the Gospel. This balanced and values-driven education helps children grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually – empowering them to thrive in all areas of life.

It is this unique blend of faith, values, and academic rigour that makes a Catholic education such a meaningful choice for families today.

At Domremy we take great pride in not only knowing these values but in living and delivering them each day. It is through our shared commitment to fostering a community grounded in truth, compassion, and service that we continue to honour Nano Nagle’s legacy. This deep sense of purpose is what sets our school apart, and it is something we carry with us in every classroom, every interaction, and every step forward together.

Farewell – we wish you well

It is never easy to farewell a valued member of our Domremy community. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Ms. Monica Ribeiro, our Acting Religious Education Coordinator, who has been a much loved and valued staff member since October 2021 and has served in a number of significant leadership positions. Ms. Ribeiro has consistently brought gentleness and strength to every role she has undertaken, demonstrating joy and pride in all her endeavours. We offer our heartfelt congratulations on her appointment as the Religious Education Coordinator at Brigidine College, Randwick. We will certainly miss her presence here, but we know she will continue to do brilliant work in her new role.

On a final note …

As Easter approaches, it is an ideal time to pause and reflect on our own faith journeys. The Gospel stories of Holy Week invite us to see Jesus through the eyes of faith and love, recognising the light of God even in the darkness of His passion and death. Viewing Jesus’ passion in this way reveals a divine love stronger than sin, a light that shines in our darkest moments, a power that brings new life from death, and a poverty that enriches us deeply.

Often, we hear the story of Jesus’ final journey condensed into a brief narrative. However, Holy Week encourages us to experience this journey more slowly, day by day. We are invited to see through the eyes of the anointing woman, the centurion, Joseph of Arimathea, and the faithful women. By looking beneath the surface and listening deeply, we can recognize the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us, so that we might have life to the fullest.

Each year, through our faith, God grants us this joyful season to prepare for the celebration of the Paschal mystery with renewed minds and hearts, as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ. Easter, transitioning from the darkness of Good Friday to the radiant light of Easter Sunday, is a beautiful time for families to gather, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the unique gifts each person brings.

I take this opportunity to wish each of you and your families the peace and blessings of a Holy and Happy Easter. I thank all our students and our Domremy families for your support during this term. I also extend my thanks to our remarkable staff for all their efforts and support this term.

I wish you all a safe and relaxing break. All students resume classes on Tuesday 29 April in full winter uniform.

Next term promises to be another fantastic term, with the main highlight – GREASE – our College musical!

Thank you for your continued support of what we do. Blessings on you and your families,