From the Principal’s Desk

School Community Prayer for the End of Term 

Lord God,

We pause at the end of this term to look back with grateful hearts

on the journey we have shared so far this year. 

We thank you for the vibrant spirit that defines our school community,

and for the pride we feel in the growth and achievements of our students.

Thank you for the blessings of friendships made, lessons learned,

and the challenges we have overcome together.

As we look back on the days that have passed,

we ask that you bless our staff, our students, and our families. 

May your grace continue to guide us as we rest,

and may we always walk forward together in faith, hope, and love.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for Us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,

As Term 2 ends, it offers us a wonderful opportunity to pause and look back on the journey we have shared so far this year. In doing so, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the vibrant spirit that defines our school community.

The first half of this year has been dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Our students have conducted themselves with remarkable grace and integrity, bringing the enduring values and legacy of the Presentation Sisters to life in everything they do. We see this not only in their academic pursuits and faith formation, but also in their dedication to social justice and their enthusiastic energy in co-curricular activities. Their passion for learning and their genuine care for one another have been true highlights of this semester.

Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or through our various community service initiatives, the joy and purpose our students bring to school each day is inspiring. Of course, these achievements do not happen in isolation; they are a testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and the constant, invaluable support of our families, for which I am deeply grateful.

Years 7 – 10 Reports and PST Interviews: Engagement between school and home

We hope that parents found the Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews and the discussions with your daughters’ teachers held over the last couple of days both productive and insightful. Thank you for taking the opportunity to connect in this way as we work together to guide your daughter forward. Research consistently shows that active engagement between school and home is one of the most powerful drivers of student success. When parents and teachers align, it creates a robust support system that not only boosts academic achievement but also enhances a student’s confidence and emotional well-being. This collaborative partnership is vital; it ensures we are all speaking the same language and working toward the same goal – helping your daughter thrive and reach her full potential. 

Investing in the future of our school

“The work of a teacher —

exhausting, complex, idiosyncratic, never twice the same —

is at its heart an ethical enterprise.

Teaching is the vocation of vocations.”

(William Ayres – educator and author)

As we approach the upcoming holiday break, my focus naturally turns to reflection and renewal. For educators, these periods are not just a time to recharge, but a vital opportunity to look outward, upskill and bring fresh perspectives back into our classrooms.

With that in mind, I will be spending a significant portion of the break attending two major educational events: the Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA) National Conference 2026 and the Catholic Schools NSW Education Law Symposium 2026 (this one with the company of Melissa Vassallo, our Assistant Principal).

Inspiring Leadership – Celebrating Faith, Learning and Wellbeing into the Future

I have the privilege of serving on the organising committee for this year’s National Conference for Catholic Secondary Principals Australia. It has been a deeply uplifting experience to collaborate with colleagues nationwide, reaffirming that the future of Catholic education across our country is in exceptionally capable hands.

The core of our vocation as Principals rests on purposeful leadership and inspiring hope. In today’s complex, rapidly changing world, our young people need learning environments that offer stability, clear purpose, and optimism. Our ultimate mission is to provide outstanding opportunities across the three pillars of faith, learning, and wellbeing, ensuring our students graduate as well-rounded, resilient young women equipped to navigate both the challenges and successes of their lives.

However, impactful leadership never happens in a vacuum; it is a shared journey. The strategic insights and national perspectives gained through CaSPA will directly enrich our school’s own practices, influencing our staff learning and professional development. By continuously refining our leadership frameworks, we can better support our teachers, equipping them with the collaborative tools and pedagogical design they need to thrive.

When our staff are inspired, aligned, and united in their mission, that energy flows directly into the classroom. It creates an environment of excellence where our students feel profoundly supported to discover their purpose and achieve their absolute best.

Navigating a changing world – Law, technology, and safety: We live in a rapidly evolving societal and technological landscape. To ensure our school remains a safe, cutting-edge and nurturing environment, Melissa Vassallo and I will also be attending the CSNSW Education Law Symposium. This event will address the unique governance and modern challenges that Catholic schools face today.

I look forward to exploring critical and contemporary issues including:

• Safeguarding and Risk Management: ensuring our child protection and safety protocols remain gold-standard
• Codes of Conduct: strengthening the ethical framework that guides our community.
• Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI): navigating the profound impacts of AI on teaching, learning, and academic integrity
• Hate Speech Regulations: and exploring how we strengthen and continue to foster an inclusive, respectful environment in a diverse world.

The need for continuous education by educators – modelling lifelong learning

As educators, we cannot ask our students to be lifelong learners if we are not modelling that behaviour ourselves. The educational landscape is moving faster than ever, particularly in areas like AI and digital literacy. Staying static is not an option.

By staying at the forefront of educational law, technology and faith-driven leadership, we ensure that our school is not just reacting to the future, but actively shaping it. We owe it to our students to be thoroughly educated and prepared for the world they are inheriting.I look forward to returning next term with a wealth of knowledge, ready to share these insights with our staff and further strengthen the presentation of our learning programs, ensuring our students continue to receive a world-class, faith-filled education.

An Holistic Education

Sydney Catholic Schools has published an article “Why more parents are seeking an education for the whole child” which I commend to you. “Increasingly, families are seeking an education that supports the whole child — one that nurtures academic growth alongside wellbeing, character, confidence and a sense of belonging.” 

At Domremy that is exactly what we do. We firmly believe that a true education extends far beyond exam marks or ATAR rankings and why we work to providing a range of cocurricular and social justice platforms for our girls so they all have the opportunity to shine – all that we do centres around nurturing our girls. We are deeply committed to providing a welcoming community where every student is genuinely known, safe, and encouraged to grow, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and socially. By balancing robust academic and co-curricular opportunities with strong values and the dedicated pastoral care our staff provide, we ensure our students are not just prepared for their final exams, but are truly grounded and prepared for life.

On a final note – A Moment for Balance

While the mid-year break is a vital time for our younger students to step away from routines and recharge, it is also a critical window for our senior students. For those preparing for the upcoming HSC Trial Exams, these weeks offer a valuable opportunity to consolidate their learning and stay ahead. We highly encourage our seniors to strike a healthy balance between well-being and preparation, combining restful downtime with focused preparation and utilising the optional holiday workshops designed to support them during this crucial phase. 

Looking forward

We keep our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers these holidays, as they consolidate and revise in preparation for their HSC Trial Examinations next term. The HSC Trials commence Monday 3 August and end on Monday 17 August.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage every student, staff member and family to take this time to rest, recharge, and celebrate the milestones we have reached together.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready to embrace the second half of the year as we continue to grow in courage, compassion, and wisdom. School resumes for all students on Monday 20 July.

Wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and blessed holiday break.

Blessing on you and your families

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

Principal