From the Principal

Prayer 

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends,

As we reach the close of Term 2 and pause to reflect on the journey thus far, I’m filled with deep pride and gratitude for the spirit that continues to animate our school community.

It has been a vibrant, demanding, and rewarding first half of the year. Our students have carried themselves with grace and integrity, embodying the values and legacy of the Presentation Sisters in all that they do – whether in their academic achievements, faith formation, service to others, or their enthusiastic participation in co-curricular and extracurricular life. Their commitment to learning and their compassion for one another have truly stood out.

Across classrooms, stages, playing fields, and service initiatives, the dedication and joy our students bring has reminded us all of the power of purpose-driven education. This reflection is also a testament to the tireless efforts of our staff, the support of families, and the strength of our community.

As we now step into a well-deserved break, I encourage all to rest, recharge, and take pride in what we’ve accomplished so far. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the second half of the year; refreshed and ready to continue growing in courage, compassion, and wisdom.

A Celebration of Talent, Teamwork, and Tenacity – Grease

This term, our school community was treated to an unforgettable musical production, Grease, one that truly showcased the depth of talent, creativity, and commitment that thrives within our halls.

Behind the curtain, countless hours of preparation unfolded. From early rehearsals and after school and evening run-throughs to line-learning marathons and choreography fine-tuning, every member of the cast and crew poured their hearts into bringing the story to life. Students challenged themselves, grew in confidence, and discovered the joy of performing as part of a team.

Our dedicated staff also went above and beyond; coordinating rehearsals, organising and making costumes, setting the stage, coaching vocals, and guiding each student to shine in their own unique way. Their encouragement and unwavering belief in our students helped make this dream a reality. I would like to thank in particular our Drama Coordinator and Musical Director, Ms Julie Mathers, our Music Coordinator, Mrs Romina Zappulla, assisted by Mr Glenn Magson and Mr Joseph Zaccheo, our Choreographer, Ms Kristy O’Mahony and our Visual Design expert Stephanie Ricciuti.

The end result was a spectacular production that drew in glowing praise from our audiences. We have received many positive comments, highlighting not only the polished performances, but the evident passion and unity that radiated from the stage.

A heartfelt congratulations to all involved. You’ve reminded us of the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift – and I couldn’t be prouder.

A Special Thank You to Stephanie Di Pasqua, MP

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Stephnie Di Pasqua, MP, a proud alumna of our College, for her generous support and inspiring presence this term. Stephnie kindly took time from her parliamentary duties to join us in celebrating the achievements of our student rowers, presenting them with certificates in recognition of their hard work and sporting excellence.

Ms Di Pasqua has also formally acknowledged our College and the accomplishments of our student leaders in the Legislative Assembly in the NSW Parliament, ensuring that their efforts and spirit are now part of the official parliamentary record in Hansard. This lasting recognition is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for our entire community.

We are truly grateful for her ongoing connection to the College and her commitment to uplifting and celebrating the next generation.

And Finally…

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 4 August and end on Monday 18 August.

Thank you for your continued support. I wish all our staff and students a happy and safe holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone back next term. All students start on Tuesday 22 July.

Blessings on you and your family,

Mrs Antoinette McGahan
College Principal

Prayer

Loving Father,

As we come to the end of another term we turn to you in confidence,

And place any difficult relationships into the healing hands of Jesus, your Son.

Enable us to leave behind any pain of the past and any regrets or bitterness,

Entrusting the past to your mercy,

The present to your love,

And the future to your providence.

Help us appreciate more the need to keep a good balance in our lives.

May the holiday be for us a time of rest and recreation

To help restore us and re-create us in your image and likeness,

As we enjoy more of the love and presence of our families,

On whom we ask your blessing.

Amen.

(Author: Brother Nicholas Hutchinson: https://www.columba.vic.edu.au/news/June-30-2017-A-prayer-for-the-endof-term)

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

A Prayer for Peace

We share here a Prayer for Peace, sent to us by Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Danielle Cronin last week.

“Chosen” – Pope Francis Award Retreat – 19 and 20 June

My friends and I recently had an amazing experience at the Pope Francis retreat, organised by Sydney Catholic Schools. The theme was ‘Chosen’  and we focused on how we were all chosen by God for a special purpose. The retreat was a fantastic opportunity to explore how we can strengthen our relationship with God and volunteer in our community. The day started with a mass and some fun ice breaker games which helped us connect with everyone. After that, we listened to inspiring talks from guest speakers. We also had some really insightful sessions where we brainstormed and learned about various ways to make a difference in our local area. A significant part of the day was the evening reconciliation, followed by an adoration. While it was challenging to sit through at first due to its length, we quickly learned to be reverent and found peace in the reflection. We ended the day with a fun games night. This retreat was a great experience that not only brought us closer to God but also encouraged ideas for how we can provide service to our community, (Mataali, Yr 7). 

Miss Cristina Peros, Social Justice Coordinator

From the 2025 College Captain

As Year 12 students finish the second-to-last term of school, we encounter experiences that no one can warn you about, which are nonetheless unavoidable: finishing our last ever high school assignment and attending our very last Domremy Day and Athletics Carnival. It’s the quiet storm before the emotional highs of our final term. 

With the academic pressure forever at the forefront of our minds, every assignment and exam gave a little glimpse of what the HSC has to offer. But amidst the studying, the realisation that this is our final year hit us in more ways than one, especially through the unforgettable events held this term that have, somehow, become our very last.  

To begin the term, many Year 12 students celebrated with their mothers at our very last Domremy Mother’s Day Mass. It was a beautiful moment, where we came together in gratitude and reflection, surrounded by mothers, grandmothers, and loved ones, a true reminder of how supported we are as a community. 

Following Mother’s Day, Year 12 participated in their very last Athletics Carnival.  Many embraced the theme with great wild west costumes, which made the competition for best dressed harder than expected! Together, we ran, cheered and participated in events – something that we will truly all miss. 

Domremy Day followed close by, with Year 12 dedicating countless hours to make sure their routine and costumes were the best ‘Childhood Throwback’ anyone had seen. We had amazing costumes from ‘Rio’ to ‘Toy Story’, even the iconic ‘Dance Moms’, complete with amazing dance routines that could easily win competitions. The day was filled with fun, laughter and a little bit of chaos, but this truly showed the spectacular community of Domremy. 

To wrap up the eventful term, many students, including Year 12, supported the spectacular musical ‘Grease’, where some of our very talented classmates used their performance skills to put on a sensational show that brought so many of us together. 

This term was everything all at once, hectic, exhausting, heartwarming and overall truly unforgettable. We are not quite at the finish line, but we can all see it and, after this term, we are ready to see what next term brings. 

Olivia Azzi, 2025 College Captain

GREASE, the Musical – Take a final bow!

What a performance!

La Verité Awards Assembly

On Wednesday, our College community gathered for the La Verité Awards Assembly, celebrating the remarkable achievements of students from Year 7 to Year 12. It was an inspiring occasion where we recognised those who have demonstrated a commitment across cocurricular activities, service, faith, and learning.

At Domremy, we believe in developing in a holistic way, every aspect of our students, fostering their growth not just academically, but in all areas of their lives. The awards presented this week are a testament to this approach, highlighting the diverse talents and dedicated efforts of our students with the support of our staff and teachers. From the sporting field to the stage, from acts of community service to deep engagement in their faith journeys, and of course, their unwavering commitment to learning, our students continue to impress and inspire us.

The assembly was also enriched by the incredible talents of our student performers. Their amazing dance, signing, and band performances added an extra layer of celebration to the morning, showcasing yet another dimension of our students’ abilities.

The assembly also held a bittersweet significance as we celebrated with our Year 12 students in their final La Verité Awards Assembly. While it was a moment of immense pride for their achievements, it was also a time of mixed emotions as we acknowledged their upcoming departure. Their leadership throughout the year has been admirable, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

Congratulations to all our award recipients! Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable. To our entire Year 12 cohort, thank you for your inspirational contributions to our College community. We look forward to celebrating your future achievements!

Mrs Serita Vari, Year 12 Coordinator

Allocating Grades to students in Years 7-10: an explanation

With Semester 1 Reports now distributed, this is an opportune time to take a closer look at how grades are allocated to students in Years 7 to 10.

NESA has adopted a standards-referenced approach, with Schools in NSW using this to report student achievement. The following Allocating Grades information sheet explains this in more detail.

Mrs Vitalba Clarke, Curriculum Coordinator

Year 8 Amadeus Music Concert

Year 9 Global Connections elective – culture and diversity in today’s world

Year 9PDM class at Callan Park

Year 10 welcome Dr Sarah Ayoub, Writer In Residence

Year 10 students were treated to an incredible Writer In Residence double period with Dr Sarah Ayoub, author, journalist and lecturer at the University of Sydney and the University of Notre Dame.

Dr Ayoub spoke to our students about characters, setting, dialogue as well as ‘showing not telling’. She emphasised asking, ‘what if’ and how this can propel writing into an entirely different direction with one minor tweak. Sarah also spoke about the power of observation and making sure dialogue is authentic. Students learnt about the importance of being avid and keen observers of life and the people and situations we come across – this feeds our writing and infuses creativity.

Dr Ayoub ran a very interactive and student participation session encouraging our Year 10 students to challenge themselves with a number of small writing interludes.

It was a delight to see so many of our students benefit and be inspired by honing their writing skills. It was fabulous to see a number of girls asking Dr Ayoub to take the time to read passages they had personally written for feedback, and we thnak her for her generosity.

An invaluable session for our girls!!

Below is a reflection from one of our students:

Today we had the chance to hear from the amazing author Sarah Ayoub and her workshop was such a great experience. She spoke about how characters can be revealed in subtle ways through what they say, do and even what they own. I really enjoyed the way she encouraged us to notice the little things in real life and bring them into our writing. It made storytelling feel more real and exciting. (Lucy, Year 10).

Mrs Nicole Harada, Teacher/Librarian

Meet the Tech Explorers

Meet the Tech Explorers: Olivia (Y10), Bronte (Y8), Alice (Y8), Hannah (Y8), Shennah (Y8) and Rosanne (Y8).

The Tech Explorers group has been meeting every Thursday after ASP during Term 2.  The students have been programming Lego robots in preparation for the Super Cyborg Smackdown which was held on 1 June 2024 at lunchtime in the theatre.

I want to thank each student for their dedication and perseverance to develop skills in problem solving and coding.  The “Smackdown” pitted two robots against each other in a round robin format.  The battles were competitive and fierce. Due to wet weather on the day, we had the added bonus of a large audience who helped to cheer on the competitors.  The final was between Olivia and Alice’s group with Olivia declared the winner.  

Mr Sam Fleri, STEM Coordinator

Mock Trial Team Making Their Mark in 2025 Season

The College Mock Trial team has had an impressive season so far, showcasing critical thinking, teamwork and confidence under pressure. Competing against a range of schools in the NSW Law Society Mock Trial competition, our students have demonstrated resilience and rapid growth with each round.

From opening statements to cross-examinations, the team continues to refine their courtroom skills and deepen their understanding of the law. Their strengths lie not only in their ability to argue cases persuasively, but also in their commitment to collaboration and thorough preparation.

They are such a formidable team and we are incredibly proud of their achievements and how well they represent our College.

Ms Jade Lynch, HSIE Teacher

Work Studies Excursion

Last week the Year 11 and Year 12 Work Studies students attended the Western Sydney Careers Expo. Students were able to speak with tertiary providers and explore their post school options. 

There were over 100 exhibitors including UNSW, ACU, Macquarie University, TAFE, The Fashion Institute, Australian Border Force, NSW Ambulance, as well as corporations such as Toyota, Meriton, Pace and of course, the very popular Schoolies stand!

A very informative day for all the students with opportunities to interact directly with many tertiary providers.

Mrs Lia Suine, Diverse Learning Teacher

Domremy Senior Netball Team Crowned Champions in Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 Grand Final

Our rowers recognised by Stephanie di Pasqua MP for their dedication and achievement

A dedicated group of Domremy girls recently completed their inaugural journey into the world of rowing, participating in a beginners program at Drummoyne Rowing Club, that introduced them to the fundamentals of this demanding sport. Over the course of eight weeks, these aspiring rowers learned proper technique and teamwork while building strength and endurance on the water under the guidance of experienced coaches, Sarah and Phil.

Beyond technical skills, the program fostered valuable life lessons in commitment, discipline, and mutual support. The girls demonstrated remarkable perseverance, encouraging one another through challenging weather conditions each week. Their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the program exemplify the spirit of teamwork and personal growth.

The program culminated in a special certificate presentation ceremony featuring Stephanie Di Pasqua MP, who recognised each rower’s dedication and achievement. The formal acknowledgment of their hard work and progress added a meaningful conclusion to their beginners program experience.

“Ready all row/Ready row/Row/Row/Row”

Ms Melissa Alamango, PDHPE Teacher

Year 10 ASP Cheerleading – A wonderful performance

A wonderful performance by our Year 10 ASP Cheerleading Squad

Ms Nicole Kanis, Assistant Sports Coordinator

Last bike ride for ASP Sport

What a glorious spot to stop and chill on a such a fabulous day for a bike ride! Last bike ride for ASP Sport this term.

ViVA! HSC Music 1 and Music 2 Showcase

Supporting Our Students’ Future Pathways: College Careers website and JobJump Platform

Following on from the recent Work Studies Excursion to the Western Sydney Careers Expo, attended by our Year 11 and 12 students, this is a timely moment to remind families of the valuable Careers resources available on our College website. Under the Careers tab are the following links:

• • Domremy College Careers website – a rich and regularly updated source of guidance maintained by our dedicated Careers Officer
  • JobJump platform – which provides lots of information to assist students in exploring study options, job trends, and future possibilities.

We encourage all senior students and their families to explore these platforms as they begin planning for life beyond school.

College Tours

If you know of family or friends considering Domremy College for their daughter’s high school education, please let them know of our small group College Tours conducted each term. Enrolments for Year 7, 2028 will not be opened by Sydney Catholic Schools until later this year, however, families can, in readiness, book a College Tour to learn more about and familiarise themselves with the College. Next term, the first College Tour is on Wednesday 30 July. All College Tours can be booked online.

Celebrating 100 Years of St Martha’s Catholic Primary School – Gala Dinner

St Martha’s Catholic Primary School is holding a Gala Dinner on August 2nd to celebrate 100 Years of St Martha’s.

Happy Term Break. All students return for Term 3 on Tuesday 22 July