From the Principal

Prayer

As we step into this new school year,

we turn to You, our source of hope, peace, and strength.

Bless our students, their families, and the wider community.

May parents and carers feel supported and strengthened,

and may our school be a place of welcome, belonging, and care.

Guide us with Your wisdom,

that we may teach with clarity,

lead with compassion,

and nurture each student with patience, dignity, and love.

Inspired by the vision of Nano Nagle,

and the enduring witness of the Presentation Sisters,

may we walk in faith, courage, and service to others,

bringing light to those in need and hope to all we encounter.

Illuminate our path, Lord, so that in all we do,

we reflect Your truth and grace.

Help us to seek Your kingdom first,

trusting that You will provide all that we need.

May our work be a blessing to those we serve,

and may our hearts remain steadfast in Your will.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for Us

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the Domremy Community,

A Symphony of New Beginnings

There is a unique and unmistakable energy that fills the air during the first week of a new school year. It is a blend of nervous excitement, the joyful noise of reunited friendships and the quiet determination of students setting new goals. As I have moved throughout the College over the past few days, I have been struck by the incredible sense of purpose that our girls have brought back to campus.

To our returning students: welcome home. To our new families, and particularly the Class of 2031, our Year 7 students: welcome to the Domremy sisterhood. You are now part of a story that spans generations, rooted in the courage and grace of the Presentation Sisters.

Letting Your Light Shine True

Our College motto, “Verite”, “Truth”, and our vision to “Let the Light shine true” are not just historical sentiments. They are our daily call to action.

In 2026, our focus remains firmly on the “whole person.” While we celebrate and pursue academic excellence, we are equally committed to the development of character, faith, and resilience. As we begin to unpack Sydney Catholic Schools’ Magis 2033 vision, we are asking our girls to be “Magis”, that is to be more. More courageous in their learning, more generous in their service, and more confident in the unique gifts they bring to our community.

The Power of Partnership

A successful school year is never the result of a single person’s effort; it is a partnership. I want to publicly acknowledge our dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, navigating the complexities of new systems and curriculum planning, to ensure that our girls stepped into a seamless and supportive environment this week.

To our parents: thank you. We are honoured by the trust you place in us. Whether we are meeting at our upcoming Information Evenings or chatting at Open Day on Sunday 1 March, please know that we value your partnership immensely. The “Domremy Difference” is found in the strength of this community.

College Leadership Team

Leadership at Domremy is a collaborative and collegial approach that fosters a growth mindset.

The College Leadership for 2026 is as follows:

College Principal – Antoinette McGahan
Acting Assistant Principal – Melissa Vassallo
Religious Education Coordinator – Caroline Morizzi
Curriculum Coordinator – Vitalba Clarke
Instructional Specialist – Lucy Silva
Leader of Learning & Teaching – Kelly Smit
Leader of Wellbeing – Badya Gebrael
Business Manager – Lisa Barnsley
Leader of School Administration – David Thomas

Leadership Appointments

We congratulate the following staff on their appointments to the following positions for 2026:

Diana Arida/Jade Lynch – Careers Advisor – Pathways and Partnerships
Sarah Bermingham – Stage 5 Assistant Coordinator/VET Coordinator
Isabella Bechara – Assistant REC
Lucy Bragg – Diverse Learning Coordinator (Job share)
Lisa Ganderton – Leader of Inquiry & Enterprise
Ebony Ginty – Year 10 Coordinator
Alyssa Intili – Stage 6 Assistant Coordinator
Giulia Laurenzi – HSIE Coordinator (Term 1)
Greg Sciortino – Year 9 Coordinator
Isabella Soueid – Youth Ministry Coordinator
Serita Vari – Year 7 Coordinator

New and Returning Staff

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome our New Staff, recognising that each of them will bring to our community new energy, enthusiasm and a wealth of expertise and experience. All new staff were presented with a lantern symbolising the carrying of Christ’s light forward in our vocation and as Presentation people:

Daniella Carini – Lab Tech
Vivian Davelis – Maths
Lisa Ganderton – Music, RE & English
Christine Graham – Teacher/Librarian
Tina Gulisano – Italian/RE
Rachel Kleiner – Teacher/Library
Giulia Laurenzi – HSIE
Michelle Salem – TAS
Isabella Soueid – RE
Lisa Tang – Japanese
Sophia Tryfonopoulos – Learning Support Officer
Connie Voutos – Diverse Learning Teacher

We also welcome back Le Tran who returns from maternity leave.

Year 12 Student Leadership 2026 College Theme

Last week, our Year 12 leaders launched our College Theme for 2026:

“Together our light shines brighter… will you light your lantern?”

This theme is a call to action for every student. It reminds our young women that while each of them carries a unique and individual flame, it is when we stand together that we truly illuminate our community. By seizing the opportunities before them, the girls learn that everyone has a vital part to play – whether they serve as leaders, mentors, creative thinkers, or quiet supporters. At Domremy, every role matters.

Moving forward as people of hope, our girls are encouraged to walk with purpose. We challenge them not to let obstacles or adversity dim their light, but to use setbacks as fuel for resilience. By striving for personal excellence and looking beyond their perceived limitations, they create a place of genuine belonging where every girl is invited to participate, contribute, and shine. When we each light our own lantern, we ensure that no one walks in the dark.

Information Evenings

Our Year 7 Welcome and Meet your Homeroom Teacher and Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) Assessment Information Evening earlier this week received a fantastic response from parents, with strong attendance and positive feedback. We are grateful for the affirmations and support we have received from our parent community.

Our Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) Assessment & Year 11 Assessment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday 11 February – Stage 5 at 6.00pm followed by Year 11 at 7.00pm . We look forward to meeting parents during these events.

HSC 2025 High Achievers Assembly

Let’s talk about excellence. Our Class of 2025 didn’t just finish; they exploded onto the state rankings! 68 Band 6s, 35 Distinguished Achievers, and a state rank of 134. But here is the secret: that success is not built in a day. It is built in the small moments, the “one more page,” the “one more question,” and the “one more try” that happens right here.

Excellence is not a gift; it is a habit. The success of each young woman depends on her daily effort, her resilience when things get tough, and her willingness to push beyond her comfort zone. We want our students to look at these results and realise that they are next. We want each girl to be the creative thinker and problem solver who does not just navigate the world but transforms it.

Looking Ahead

We know that any journey worth taking will have its challenges. There will be difficult math problems, complex social navigations, and moments where perseverance is tested. But we face these together. My hope for every girl this year is that she finds the courage to take risks, the wisdom to seek help when needed, and the joy that comes from truly “shining her light.”

I look forward to an exceptional year of growth, learning, and community.

Blessings for the year ahead,

Mrs Antoinette McGahan, College Principal