From the Principal

Spirituality Day Staff Prayer 

(with comfort cross)

Jesus as I hold on to this cross, help me remember

that the journey of your cross leads to hope and to light.

Help me embrace courageously the struggles I encounter each day.

Your love knows no bounds.

Be with me in my care for others.

Let me not lose heart.

Give me courage to trust in you, seek you and love you.

Let your light shine through me.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

What we are learning about Pope Leo XIV…

In his first month as Pope, Leo XIV has set a tone of humility, compassion, and missionary zeal. As the first American and first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy, his early actions reflect a commitment to inclusivity and peace. His inaugural Mass emphasised the Church’s role as a beacon of hope in a secular world, urging believers to embody holiness in daily life. He has also advocated for press freedom and the release of imprisoned journalists, highlighting the importance of truth and the voices of the marginalised. 

Pope Leo’s Augustinian formation, rooted in community life, service, and a restless search for God, aligns closely with the values of the Presentation Sisters and their foundress, Nano Nagle. The Augustinian emphasis on unity and charity mirrors Nano’s dedication to education and care for the poor in 18th-century Ireland. Both traditions prioritise active ministry and communal living, striving to address societal needs through faith-driven action. This shared ethos underscores a mutual commitment to serving the marginalised and fostering spiritual growth within communities. 

As we reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s early leadership, we continue to pray for our new Pope, asking that the Holy Spirit guide him in his mission to lead the Church with wisdom and compassion. May his Augustinian roots and dedication to service inspire us all to live out the values of unity, charity, and humility in our own lives.

Staff Spirituality Day

On Friday, as a staff, we gathered at Coogee Diggers’ Club for our Spirituality Day which led by Vivian Mourani and Cheryl Fernandez from Sydney Catholic School Mission and Identity Team. The focus on  this year’s SCS retreat theme, “May we always seek what is good, true, and beautiful” as well as the Jubilee Year of Hope. Staff were asked to bring along one personal item that, to them, reflected this theme of beauty, truth and goodness. The theme for our Domremy Spirituality Day this year was the Jubilee Pilgrimage: Walking in the Footsteps of Servant of God – Eileen O’Connor.

Eileen Rosaline O’Connor (1892–1921) was an Australian Catholic laywoman whose profound faith and compassion led her to co-found Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor, affectionately known as the Brown Nurses, in 1913. Despite suffering from severe spinal tuberculosis and enduring constant pain, Eileen was deeply committed to serving the marginalised and impoverished in Sydney. Her physical limitations did not deter her; instead, they fueled her determination to establish a religious order dedicated to providing free nursing care to those in need. 

Eileen’s health challenges were formidable. Diagnosed with tuberculous osteomyelitis, she experienced periods of paralysis, blindness, and intense nerve pain. Despite these hardships, she exhibited remarkable resilience and leadership. In 1913, she and Father Edward McGrath MSC founded the Brown Nurses in Coogee, Sydney, with the mission to care for the sick and dying poor in their homes. Her dedication earned her the affectionate title “Little Mother” among the congregation. 

The process toward Eileen’s canonisation began in 2018 when she was declared a Servant of God by the Vatican. Her cause gained momentum, culminating in the official opening of her sainthood inquiry in 2024. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP led the Sydney tribunal, acknowledging Eileen’s exemplary life of virtue and service. The Brown Nurses continue her legacy, providing compassionate care to Sydney’s most disadvantaged communities. 

Eileen O’Connor’s life exemplifies unwavering devotion and selfless service. Her journey from a young woman enduring immense suffering to a revered figure of faith and compassion inspires many. As her cause for sainthood progresses, Eileen’s legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Brown Nurses, embodying her commitment to serving the poor and marginalised.

Staff were privileged to visit her home and the Eileen O’Connor Centre and museum.

Staff then attended a beautiful Mass at St. Brigid’s Church, Coogee, celebrated by Fr. Bernie Thomas. During the Mass, Fr. Bernie blessed olive wood comfort crosses, hand-crafted in Bethlehem, which were then given to all staff. These comfort crosses are designed to fit comfortably into the palm of one’s hand, serving as a spiritual companion and aid to prayer or meditation. The comfort cross, also known as a holding cross, is available from the Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo Abbey.

Domremy Day

Together we commemorated the Feast Day of St Joan of Arc, the Patroness of our College, with our annual College feast day, Domremy Day. This day brings us together in a wonderful show of community both past and present.  Our Presentation Sisters, Sr Cecilia Wiltshire and Sr Mary Walsh joined us again this year and we are always thankful when they are able to celebrate with us.

The theme for Domremy Day was ‘Childhood Throwback’ and, after a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr Tom Stevens from St Patrick’s Mortlake Parish, and enriched by our full College Choir who led us beautifully in song, both staff and students immersed themselves into the spirit of the day by dressing up in some extraordinary costumes!  

Much appreciation and gratitude to Mrs Vari, our Events Prefect Isabella and our Year 12 leaders for their meticulous organisation as well as the many others who worked behind the scenes to ensure a superb day for all. 

Preparations for the End of Term 2

Semester One Parent Teacher Student Meetings will take place on Thursday 3 July from 9.00am – 7.00pm via Zoom and Friday 4 July from 8.30am to 2.00pm via Zoom. Relevant information will be sent to families regarding the process and expectations. These meetings are an opportunity for parents/carers to gauge their daughter’s academic progress thus far. Students are expected to attend with their parents in full school uniform. Hence, the last day of lessons for Term 2 will be Wednesday 2 July. On this day we will also be holding our La Verite Asembly.

And finally…

As this term races by, students are currently undergoing a variety of assessments across all their subjects. It is important that the girls remain focussed, be prepared and organised. 

I wish you all the very best for the extended long weekend on Monday 9 June for the King’s Birthday public holiday.  

Blessings on you and your family.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

College Principal