From the Principal

Prayer for our students

Dear Lord, 

Inspire our students with the acuteness 

to understand what they have studied, 

the power to remember it, 

the discernment to interpret it, 

and clearness in expressing it. 

Give them the wisdom and the confidence 

to remain focused and calm,

firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens 

You are with them every step of the way! 

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. 

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Welcome Back

It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone back to Term 3. I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for the exciting challenges ahead. This term is already shaping up to be successful on many fronts, as highlighted in this newsletter. From academic milestones to extracurricular achievements, we have much to look forward to. I am confident that with your dedication and enthusiasm, we will continue to achieve great things together.

Year 12 Trial Examinations

A special welcome back is reserved for our Year 12 students. This Term will be their last term as Domremy students. It will be one filled with memorable events, especially for our Year 12 cohort. 

HSC Trial Examinations commence on Monday 5 August and end on Monday 19 August.

I ask that you keep our young women in your thoughts and prayers during this last term as they undertake their HSC Trial Examinations and finalise their preparation for their HSC. Likewise, we pray that their preparation will be an inspiration to all our students at the College. 

Senior Leadership 2025

The process of choosing the Senior Leadership for 2025 began last term, culminating with the announcement last week of our College Captain and Vice Captains for 2025. 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 College Captain, Olivia Azzi, and College Vice Captains, Jessica De Freitas and Sophia Pollicina. 

Selecting the Senior Leadership Team is a challenging yet exhilarating task. It brings the excitement of phenomenal possibilities and the responsibility of ensuring the best outcome for our College community. One valuable lesson I have learned at Domremy is our unwavering commitment to excellence in all our endeavours. The leadership selection process has been no exception, marked by extraordinary effort, time, and discernment. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the 2024 Year 12 Leadership Team, for their exemplary leadership and dedication. Now, Year 11 has the task of carrying this light forward. I am confident that they, too, will prove to be a formidable and inspiring cohort. Each young woman has exhibited strong leadership qualities, and I eagerly anticipate working with them as a year group. The year 2025 promises to be remarkable!

In the first few weeks of this term there will be  meetings for our Year 11 2024 students as they discern  whether to nominate themselves for leadership roles in 2025 as Prefects and House Captains. Please extend your prayers and good wishes to them as well, as they work through this process.

Japanese Students

Next week we will be welcoming eleven Japanese students from Osaka, Japan, who will be immersing themselves in College life here at Domremy. They will spend some time with their allocated buddies in classes and sport, attending Japanese classes with our students and will also be studying English while here. The Japanese students will also be billeted out to some of our families and I would like to thank those who are opening their homes to our visitors. 

And finally …

Our Year 12 HSC Textiles Showcase this week was a great success. We will publish photos of our students’ projects once they have been marked. Rest assured, however, that the calibre of our students’ Major Textiles Projects was very high.

The HSC Visual Arts and TAS Showcase will be held later this term, on Tuesday 3 September, and that too is one not to be missed.

Monday 5 August is a Staff Professional Learning Day.  It is not a pupil free day for Year 12 students who commence their Trial Examinations on Monday. Staff will continue their focus on the Curriculum Reform agenda. If your daughter requires supervision for this day, please complete the form which is included in the Parent Weekly. The following has also been placed in the Parent Weekly and I would like to reiterate it. Students are expected to be preparing for upcoming assessment tasks, moving ahead with their reading and work in classes and/or studying. Individual staff may ask students to complete certain tasks and this will be communicated by individual teachers to their students. 

I expect that each of our young women is ready and will continue to give her very best in all that she does this Semester. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. 

Blessings on you and your families.

Antoinette McGahan

Prayer ✞

Prayer for students doing exams

Dear Lord,

As students prepare to take their exams
we remind ourselves that their value is not
based on their performance or results.
Help them not only with this test but the
many tests of life that are sure to come
their way.

Help them to remain focused and calm,
confident in their facts and ability and
firm in the knowledge that no matter
what happens today you are there with them.

We also think of the parents and families of our exam students who will also
experience the stresses and strains of this period. May they be blessed with
patience, understanding and resilience.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us

2025 College Captain and College Vice Captains – Congratulations

 (Sophia’s mum and brother are away at time of publication)

HSC Trial examinations: 5 – 19 August

We wish our Year 12 students the very best as they sit their HSC Trial examinations.

Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

We offer this prayer for HSC students, who are commencing their HSC Trial Examinations next week, to encourage and support them in their educational journey.

Lord,

pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on Year 12 students,

help them to remain calm and confident,

to attend carefully to the questions asked,

to think clearly, to remember accurately,

and to express themselves well.

Grant that they may reflect on the best of the learning they have done

and the best of the teaching they have received from their teachers.

May your love be upon them, O Lord,

as they place all their trust in you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for them

(Adapted from The Veritas Book of Blessing Prayers)

Year 12 HSC Textiles Showcase

Congratulations to Year 12 Textiles and Design students who have worked diligently over the last three terms to develop and refine their design processes to produce extraordinary Major Textiles Projects. 

This is worth 50% of their HSC mark; including textile item/s and supporting documentation. The project focus is selected by the student from one of the following areas: apparel, furnishings, costume, textile arts or non-apparel.

Our students have explored, experimented and incorporated a variety of creative techniques into their projects, including pattern drafting, laser cutting, beading, cutting vinyl, applique, fabric manipulation, fabric painting and more.  

The work was on display for all to admire at our Year 12 Textiles & Design Showcase this week.

Congratulations to our students. Once marked, we will post photos of their amazing Major Textiles Projects.

Ms Stephanie Ricciuti, Acting TAS Coordinator

Sydney Philosothon 2024

The Sydney Philosothon celebrates the virtues of critical, creative, collaborative and caring inquiry through a series of opportunities for students to engage in inter-school discussions known as Communities of Inquiry (COIs).  The development of these skills is vital as we need both our reason and imagination as we pursue matters of truth and justice and we recognise that rigorous thinking never takes place in true isolation from society. Students who take part in the Philosothon are encouraged to tackle big questions in the spirit of fair-mindedness, respect and community.

This year was the first time that Domremy participated in the Philosothon, entering two teams, each including a student aged 14, 15, 16 and 17 years. Our Year 10 (15 and 16 year old) students had some experience in COIs from their Philosophy classes but our Year 9 and Year 11 students were new to this style of discussion.

The first two inquiries of the evening were based upon provided stimulus and asked Is it ethical to breach someone’s privacy for the sake of safety and security? and Do you have a right to believe whatever you want? The third inquiry was based upon a presentation about knowledge, after which each group worked collaboratively to consider and discuss a question arising from the presented material.

Our students felt a little nervous participating in this challenging event for the very first time, within an impressive field of students mostly from independent and selective schools across Sydney. However, they soon found their feet and each of them made thoughtful and valuable contributions to the inquiries in a highly respectful, open-minded manner.

We congratulate the eight students involved for taking an academic risk, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and representing our College with pride. 

Student reflections

• The Philosothon was, at first, a very nerve racking experience, but as soon as I got used to the people and the questions there it was easy to settle into the inquiries. I definitely have a more open mind coming out of this experience, since I’ve learned just from listening to other students’ opinions and perspectives. It was a great opportunity to connect with those who all enjoy philosophy, and I’m glad I was able to be a part of the 2024 Philosothon.
• The Sydney Philosothon was an incredible experience where we had the opportunity to meet new people and take part in interesting discussions regarding philosophy and ethics. The evening consisted of 3 COI’s where we participated in conversations surrounding the morality of breaching privacy and whether we have the right to believe what we want. In between these discussions, we were given the chance to meet and socialise with new people. By sharing our thoughts and ideas with our peers and hearing from various perspectives we were able to broaden our minds by listening to learn. The Philosothon overall was an extremely worthwhile experience as we were able to develop our communication and thinking skills in a new environment.
• The 2024 Philosothon was certainly a step outside of my comfort zone! However, this step allowed me to not only expand my knowledge, but also allowed me to gain confidence in my ability to share ideas regarding various ethical dilemmas, as well as connect with others through a shared passion in philosophy.

Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

Year 8 Reflection Day: YMT – Social Justice

A sincere “Thank you” to YMT Australia (Youth Mission Team) for a wonderful Year 8 Reflection Day held on the first day of term for our Year 8 students. We are blessed to have an amazing hall to use for the day and be fed with Dominos Pizza from Five Dock for a special lunch time treat. The icebreaker games warmed up all the year group and set the scene for a day of fun and thinking about challenges that surround every one of us. The sharing sessions provided by the individual team members were stories that Year 8 could relate to and the messages were reiterated throughout the day that we all need to realise the need to respond to injustice in the world. Most importantly this begins by appreciating the dignity and uniqueness of every human person regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or social status. Rather than suppressing those unique qualities, we should appreciate and respect them in ourselves and in others through kindness, empathy and humility. The needs of our world can appear so overwhelming that we can easily underestimate the difference we can make. Yet it’s possible to impact the whole of humanity, affirming human dignity one person at a time.

Sometimes it is easy to label others and relate to them in a way that does not respect their uniqueness and individuality. It is important to recognize the potential we have to up-build and empower others through the acceptance we show them. This session looked at the challenge to treat others with respect, and in turn, also allow others to see us as we are.

The prayer focus at the completion of the day reminded us of the unconditional love that God has for us. Despite our shortcomings, God loves and accepts us for who we are. While wanting us to know our value in His sight, Jesus doesn’t force Himself into our lives but waits patiently for us to open the door. We celebrated this with a prayer and a candle that little by little shone light in the darkness.

Year 8 – your involvement in the day was sensational. What an awesome group of young people; our biggest year group at the College!

Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator

Year 9 Reflection Day

Tuesday 30 July was an amazing day for Year 9 students and the staff involved in the many activities that will certainly make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young women across the world. Domremy College was able to host the inaugural joint ‘period poverty awareness’ workshop in collaboration with Good Neighbours Australia partnered by Days for Girls Australia in the sessions before lunchtime, and then hear the story of Shukria, a psychologist from Afghanistan, who escaped the wrath of the Taliban on 24 August 2020. We are very grateful to Sr Mary Walsh (pbvm) who is working with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA).

Through the questions asked by Sr Mary and the Domremy students, we were able to gauge the complexities and challenges of life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, and also learn that Shukria hopes that her two-year-old son, will grow up to make a difference in the world, and hopefully be able to return to Afghanistan one day to meet his grandfather. Both experiences of the day were a wonderful opportunity to remind the students of the value of education, which many girls are robbed of for various reasons in other parts of the world.

The facilitators of the day commented that the whole team was so impressed with the student cohort and how well-organised the event was. We look forward to working in partnership for future events to produce these life-changing gift packs, knowing how valuable the packs are to girls in developing countries. The volunteers from the groups ran an effective and organised session to ensure the young girls will be able to continue to be educated every day of the month.

If you are looking for an inspirational book to read, The Powers of Days by Celeste Mergens may provide more insight into why Year 9 Domremy students are confident that they will be able to make a difference in the lives of “every girl, everywhere, period.”

The theme of the day was inspired by the Greatest Commandment found in:

Mark 12:30-31

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 

Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator

Knitting Club is back!

SCS articles on Domremy’s latest initiatives

Please see the following articles on the SCS website:

Domremy’s light focus brightens hearts and minds

New festival shines light on learning

Welcome to students from Kaimei High School, Osaka, Japan

Next week we welcome eleven students from Kaimei High School, Osaka, Japan, who will be attending Domremy from 5 – 16 August. They will attend some classes with their buddies and also sport, as well as taking English lessons from their program coordinator. 

Please extend our warmest of Domremy welcomes to:

Mao, Azuna, Ayako, Miu, Saeko, Sachika, Yoko, Anna, Marimo, Nodoka and Yuzuki.

Ms Rebecca Godfrey, Japanese and EAL/D Teacher

In the Fireworks find your Flair – Spotlight on Paris (Y11)

Paris has been crowned Miss Dance America, is the Senior Title Winner as well as the highest scoring senior soloist in her division with her lyrical and contemporary routines!!!

 

What an awesome achievement Paris, we are so proud of you, of all your hard work and of your truly deserved success!

   

In the Fireworks find your Flair – Spotlight on Chloe (Y10)

Congratulations to Chloe (Y10), who earlier this month competed in the Table Tennis Australia 2024 National Championships at the Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre, WA.

Chloe’s national results are impressive:
Open women’s team – 4th
U21 mixed double – 1st
U21 women’s double – 2nd
U21 single – top 8 lost in quarter
U19 single – top 8
U17 girls – double 3rd
U17 single – top 8

Fabulous results Chloe!🏓🥇🥈🥉👏💪🤩

Are you leaving at the end of 2024?

If any student/family is leaving the school at the end of this year, please advise the school office as soon as possible.

We have families who are interested in a spot for their daughters across various year groups, if any open up for 2025.

College Enrolment Officer

Enrolments for Year 7 generally and Enrolments for Year 7 2027

Year 7 2027 (currently Year 4) students – The Enrolment Application period will be opened by Sydney Catholic Schools later in 2024.

Year 7 2026 (currently Year 5) students – Applications for Year 7 2026 have now closed pending receipt of Acceptance of Offers.

Enrolments generally – Please note: 

Domremy College enrols students for Year 7, two years before their start date, in accordance with Sydney Catholic Schools’ policy.

• • There is no automatic entry to the College for either families at feeder Primary Schools or existing families with older siblings already at the College. 
  • All families must complete and submit an Application to Enrol their daughter at the College.
  • More information can be found on our website’s Enrolment page.  
  • An Application to Enrol can be made either via an existing sibling’s Compass portal, or via the “Existing Parents (in Sydney Catholic Schools)” link found on our website’s Enrolment page. 

Connect with us: Follow and like us on social media

Follow and like us on our social media platforms, for the most up to date and regular news stories on what is happening at the College and what our wonderful students are doing. 

Our primary means of communication with, and information to, parents and carers, is via Compass and The Parent Weekly. Our social media platforms are not a source of communication to parents and carers about the day to day running, organisation or administrative matters of the College.

Both the La Verite fortnightly Newsletter, however, along with news on our social media platforms, principally highlight what we do at the College, our Domremy community and, importantly, acknowledge and promote our students and their achievements.

Let your family and friends know about our social media so they can be a part of what we love about Domremy College, our students and teachers.

Facebook: @domremycollege

Instagram: @domremycollege

YouTube: Domremy College, Five Dock

Alumnae News: Class of 1994 Reunion

The Domremy College Class of 1994 is having its 30 Year Reunion. Details about the event and for the purchasing of tickets can be found in the linked Eventbrite Invitation Domremy College Class of 1994 – 30 Year Reunion – Saturday, 14 September 2024.

This is not a College run event – all details are in the Eventbrite link provided. All enquiries are to be directed to the organiser as set out in the link.

If you know of someone from the Class of 1994 please feel free to pass on the Eventbrite link.

Community Notices: 2024 Bringing Them Home (Interment of those without means)

Each year members of Domremy College attend and support the annual Bringing Them Home Memorial Service (Interment of the homeless and those without means or family), to provide a dignified burial.

The Memorial Service and Interment on August 7th at 11am in the Charles O’Neill Walkway, is an annual opportunity for us to gather and remember all those who have been interred and who will be interred on the day.

This year we are extending the invitation to parents and carers in our community, who may like to support this initiative that is organised by Grief Care. Four students in Year 10 will be representing the College on this day.

If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP By 1 August 2024 | team@griefcare.com.au

Connect Newsletter – Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Newsletter

Please see the link to the latest edition of the Connect Newsletter by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, dated 1 August 2024.