From the Principal’s Desk

Prayer for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Dear Lord, 

Your ascension into heaven

fills me with joy

because the time for me to stand around looking

at what you are doing is over.

It’s time for me to be involved.

What you have entrusted to me

cracks the shell of my individualism

and of my standing around looking,

making me feel personally responsible

for the salvation of the world.

Lord, you have entrusted your Gospel to me

so that I might proclaim it on every street in the world.

Grant me the same strong faith

that your first apostles had

so that I might not be conquered by fear,

that difficulties might not stop me,

that misunderstanding might not dishearten me,

but that always and everywhere,

I might be your glad tidings,

that I might reveal your love,

just as the martyrs and saint did

throughout the history of all the peoples of the world. Amen 

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

(Dominican Fathers, Roman Province of Saint Catherine of Siena)

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends

Finding the Light Within

In a world that often feels overshadowed by uncertainty and challenge, I recently found myself reflecting on a powerful sentiment shared by Pope Francis:

“From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.”

This quote serves as a beautiful reminder of our mission here at our Presentation school. As we look to the example of our foundress, Nano Nagle, we see a woman who did not wait for the darkness of 18th-century Ireland to disappear before she began her work. Instead, she took her lantern into the narrow lanes of Cork, becoming a beacon of hope for those forgotten by society.

Following in Nano’s footsteps means recognising that we don’t need to solve every global crisis to make a meaningful difference. We are called to “illuminate” the darkness through small, consistent acts of faith and service. This is how we live the Charism: by carrying the lantern.

Living the “Divine Spark”

As a school community, we put this “divine spark” into practice by:

• Valuing the Individual: Nano Nagle believed in the inherent dignity of every person. By nurturing the unique spark in every student, we ensure that our school is a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

• Courageous Service: In the spirit of Nano’s “deeds, not words,” we encourage our girls to step outside their comfort zones, whether through social justice initiatives or simple acts of kindness in the hallway.

• Resilience in Faith: Pope Francis notes that light may not always “dissolve” the darkness. Our Catholic identity provides the lantern of faith that helps us navigate the path forward, even when the destination is not yet clear.

A Call To Action

As we move into the coming weeks, I invite every family to reflect on how they can be a spark for someone else. Perhaps it is a word of encouragement to a neighbour, or a moment of quiet gratitude at the dinner table. 

You will read later in this Newsletter of our charitable drive for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and the Vinnies “Not” Sleepout. Let us see if we can make this one of our biggest drives yet, creating a spark for those in our community who need it most. 

When we collectively lean into our Presentation charism, we don’t just talk about the light, we become it. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students grow not only in knowledge but in spirit.

Reflecting on the Past Fortnight 

The vibrant energy filling the College over the past few weeks has been remarkable. From the determination on the sports fields and courts to the creative spark in Eisteddfod performances, it has been a period of immense growth.

Whether navigating the pressure of a finals game or perfecting a performance, our students have demonstrated a resilience that extends far beyond the classroom. It is heartening to see them embrace these opportunities with such enthusiasm, supporting one another and pushing the boundaries of their potential. By leaning into their passions, our girls are discovering their unique God-given talents and letting that inner light shine.

Looking Ahead

Domremy Day: Friday 29 May  

We will soon celebrate the Feast Day of St. Joan of Arc, the patroness of Domremy College. To honor this occasion, our entire community will come together for our annual Domremy Day celebrations, beginning with a College Mass. This is a highlight of our calendar, and we look forward to making 2026 a truly memorable experience.

• Note: This is a compulsory day for all students, and attendance will be noted on Homeroom reports. Please refer to the Compass letter for the full itinerary and expectations.

Staff Development & Spirituality Days 

A letter has been sent via Compass regarding two upcoming pupil-free days:

• Friday 5 June: Staff Spirituality and Formation.
• Tuesday 16 June: Staff Professional Learning and Curriculum Reform planning.

These days are vital for the spiritual and professional renewal of our staff as we prepare for upcoming curriculum changes. Students are not required at school, and we encourage them to use this time for revision and assignment work.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students grow not only in knowledge but in spirit.

Blessings on you and your families,

Mrs Antoinette McGahan 

Principal