From the Principal

Prayer 

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us. 

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students 

As we come to the close of the year, our hearts are heavy following the horrific acts of violence and terrorism on Bondi beach last Sunday. News like this shocks us to our core and reminds us how fragile peace can feel when confronted by hatred and fear. On behalf of our school, we extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to all those directly affected, and in particular to members of the Jewish community who are once again carrying the weight of grief, anxiety and sorrow.

Moments like these test us, but they also call us to live out our Presentation values. Acts of violence and terror do not define us as a community, a nation, or a people. What defines us is how we respond; with courage and compassion rather than fear, with integrity and unity rather than division and with care for one another even when the world feels uncertain. We stand in solidarity with Jewish families and communities, and with all who are hurting, reaffirming that there is no place for hatred or intolerance in our society.

As a school community, we believe deeply in the power of connection, respect, and kindness. In the days ahead, may we look out for one another, speak with empathy and model the values we hope to see in the world. By standing strong together and supporting one another across faiths, cultures and backgrounds, we send a clear message: our shared humanity is stronger than violence and our commitment to each other will always endure.

We ask God to comfort those who grieve and heal the injured. We pray especially for those who have died:

Please find a copy of my letter sent to our community on Monday,  here.

Gratefulness as we come to the close of the 2025 Academic Year

I find myself reflecting on the wonderful journey we have shared together this year. It has been a year marked by significant growth, meaningful achievements, and the combined efforts of our entire school community. This has truly been a successful year, and I wish to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to making it so.

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and express my genuine appreciation for our outstanding staff. Their commitment, professionalism and care for our students are exceptional. Each day they go above and beyond to support our students’ learning and wellbeing. I feel fortunate to work with such a skilled and passionate team and I am immensely proud of the difference they continue to make in the lives of our students.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your continued trust and support. Your partnership with the school is invaluable and your engagement in your daughters’ education plays a vital role in their achievements. We are also deeply thankful for the ongoing guidance, encouragement and prayers of our Presentation Sisters, whose faith and wisdom continue to inspire and shape our community.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to our students. Their enthusiasm, commitment and spirit are at the heart of what makes Domremy College such a positive and thriving learning environment. Through their many contributions, they help foster the strong sense of community we cherish and we are incredibly proud of the young women they are becoming.

As we conclude this school year, I encourage everyone to continue embracing the values of collaboration, care and excellence that define Domremy College. Together, we have accomplished so much and I look forward with optimism to the opportunities and successes that lie ahead.

Thank you once again to all who have helped make this year such a rewarding and successful one.

Celebration Of Excellence

What an absolutely remarkable way to ring in the accomplishments of 2025! Our Celebration of Excellence evening was a brilliant tribute to the dedication and success of our students, brimming with the energy and enthusiasm that define our Domremy spirit. 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in making the event such a resounding success, both in the days leading up to it and on the night itself. The glowing feedback we have received from our guests, parents, students and staff has been incredibly uplifting and inspiring. As we look ahead to 2026, there is no doubt it will be an even more exciting and extraordinary year!

A special thank you goes to all of our esteemed guests who joined us, with a heartfelt mention to Dr Rosemary Habib, our Class of 2003 alumna, for delivering an incredibly motivating keynote address. Her inspiring words resonated deeply with us, reinforcing the message to our young women that their potential is limitless. You can read Dr Habib’s address later in this issue.

HSC 2025

Congratulations to the young women of the Class of 2025, their parents and families, and their teachers on these outstanding achievements. This cohort has demonstrated a persistent commitment to excellence and a determined pursuit of excellence. More information has been included in this newsletter.

ACU Cardinal Pell Leadership Program – Rome & London

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible privilege of accompanying a group of student leaders from a number of schools, on the ACU Cardinal Pell Leadership Program in Rome and London. The tour’s objectives were to inspire, challenge and develop their leadership skills. It was a joy to witness their growth, curiosity and engagement throughout the experience.

For me, the program was also a deeply enriching opportunity to reflect on leadership in the context of our Catholic mission and the values of Jesus that guide us every day. Observing these young men and women take on challenges, engage with new perspectives and demonstrate courage, empathy and collaboration, brought the principles of servant leadership to life. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about guidance, but about presence – walking alongside others, listening deeply and supporting the growth of those around us.

I returned inspired by these students’ energy, creativity and commitment to making a positive difference. Experiences like this highlight the importance of nurturing leadership in our young people, encouraging them to live out our values with integrity, compassion and courage. It is an honour to accompany them on this journey and to continue supporting their development as future leaders in our community and beyond.

Thank you

I am delighted to be back home and with my Domremy community! I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude for the incredible work all staff undertook while I was away. Their dedication, effort and collaboration ensured that everything ran seamlessly and it made a real difference to our school community.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Melissa Vassallo and the College Leadership Team for their exceptional support and leadership during my absence. 

I am also especially grateful to Ray Wooby for stepping in as relieving principal, managing every detail and ensuring that all operations continued smoothly. His commitment and professionalism exemplify the strength and spirit of our staff and I am truly grateful for each of you.

Thank you also for allowing me this time to undertake this purposeful journey with these young leaders. I hope that what I have learned, observed and been inspired by, will help me better serve our students and continue to strengthen the incredible learning environment we share. I look forward to incorporating the insights from this experience back to benefit our school community.

My daily reports and reflections on the tour are available to read here.

On a final note …

During this sacred season, we gather in celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Saviour. His coming into the world holds enduring meaning, reminding us of His profound sacrifice and the gift of salvation. The timeless messages of love, joy and peace continue to illuminate our lives, offering hope to our world.

As we share gifts with those we hold dear, may we pause to remember the deeper truth that we are loved, valued and never alone. This is a time to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy and for the guidance and wisdom Jesus offers through His life and teachings.

As we look ahead to 2026, may God lead us with wisdom and courage, inspiring us to live with purpose, show compassion to others, speak out for justice and work together for peace.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026 and extend a warm welcome to the new families joining our community. 

May the year ahead be filled with joy, growth and abundant blessings for all.

School commences on:

• Thursday 29 January 2026: 

• • • Year 7 2026 students: 8.30am: 12.30pm to start their orientation 
    • Year 11 2026 students as part of the ‘Big Sister’ Program: 8.30am – 12.30pm 
    • New students in Years 8-12: 8.30am – 12.30pm

• Friday 30 January 2026:

• • All students starting at 8.30am

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Blessings on you and your families,

Antoinette McGahan

College Principal