From the Principal

Prayer for The Feast of the Assumption

15 August 

Almighty and everlasting God,

You have taken up body and soul

into the heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Mother of Your Son: Grant, we beseech You,

that, ever intent upon heavenly things,

we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us.

Feast of the Assumption – 15 August

On Thursday, 15 August, our community came together to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This sacred day commemorates Mary’s miraculous assumption into Heaven, where she was taken up body and soul. For Catholics, this event holds profound significance as it not only marks Mary’s divine passage into eternal life but also serves as a reminder of her role as a powerful intercessor. 

This special feast calls the faithful to participate in Mass, reflecting on Mary’s exemplary life of faith and obedience. As we honoured this solemn event, staff and students were encouraged to celebrate Mass within their parishes, deepening our connection to this important Marian feast. It gave our community time to reflect on the virtues of Mary and to seek her intercession in our lives.

Feast of St Mary MacKillop – 8 August

On 8 August, we celebrated the Feast of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and a woman whose life and work continue to inspire us. St Mary MacKillop was not only a passionate educator but also a courageous leader who stood up against injustice and dedicated her life to serving the poor. Her guiding principle, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it,’ reflects a deep commitment to action, a call that resonates strongly within our own community. Similarly, Nano Nagle, another figure central to our values, devoted her life to educating impoverished Irish children and caring for the oppressed, embodying her own motto, “Not words, but deeds.”

As Presentation people, we find a kindred spirit in St Mary MacKillop, whose legacy of compassion and service mirrors the life and work of Nano Nagle. Our students continue to uphold this legacy through various initiatives aimed at helping those in need. In recent weeks, and in the coming days, activities such as our Knitting Club, the Year 10 Market Day, the upcoming Mufti Day, and our participation in the Bringing Them Home Memorial Service all serve as tangible expressions of our commitment to social justice. These efforts not only provide for those in need but also cultivate a spirit of empathy and service within our students, preparing them to be agents of change in the world.

Japanese Exchange Students

This term, we have had the immense pleasure of welcoming a group of Japanese exchange students from Osaka, who immersed themselves in the life of our school. Their presence has enriched our community, offering both our students and the visitors a unique cultural exchange. The friendships formed and the experiences shared have been mutually rewarding, fostering greater understanding and respect between our cultures.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the families within our community who generously opened their homes to our visitors. Your hospitality has made their stay truly special, and I am confident that the memories created during their time here will last a lifetime. Much appreciation goes to Ms Rebecca Godfrey who played a significant role in overseeing this initiative. The exchange has not only been an opportunity for learning, but has also strengthened the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our school and our visitors from Japan.

Senior Leadership 2025

The process of selecting our Senior Leadership team for 2025, which began last term, is now well underway. This is a time of great anticipation and responsibility as we identify the students who will lead our school community into the future. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the students who have put themselves forward for leadership roles. Your willingness to serve and your commitment to our school are deeply appreciated.

Leadership at Domremy is more than a title; it is a call to embody the values of our school and to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision. As we move through this important selection process, we continue to hold all our candidates in our prayers, trusting that the right leaders will emerge to guide us in 2025. Their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of our school and ensuring that we continue to thrive as a community rooted in faith and excellence.

NEAA Student Conference

Next week, from Tuesday 20 August to Friday 23 August, I will have the privilege of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) 2024 Student Conference, alongside Ms. Claudia Carbone, Ms. Monica Ribeiro, and four of our Year 10 students. The NEAA, an organisation dedicated to upholding the Presentation Charism and the legacy of Nano Nagle, represents a vital connection to our shared mission and values.

This year’s conference, hosted at St Rita’s College in Clayfield, Brisbane, will focus on Social Justice Workshops, providing our students with the opportunity to engage deeply with issues of equity and justice. These workshops are designed to inspire and equip young leaders to make a meaningful impact in their communities. We eagerly anticipate bringing back the insights and experiences gained from the conference to share with our Domremy community. I am confident that the lessons learned will enrich both our students and staff, furthering our commitment to social justice and leadership.

During my absence, Mr. Matt Ryan will be serving as Acting Principal, ensuring the smooth operation of the school.

Year 12 Trial Examinations

As we approach the conclusion of the HSC Trial Examinations on Monday 19 August, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Year 12 students. This period of intense preparation has been supported not only by their teachers but also by the broader school community, including the after-school Study Hub and the generous contributions of Domremy alumnae, who have offered their time and expertise to assist our current students.

The Trial Examinations are a critical step in our students’ journey toward their final HSC exams. In particular, those studying Society & Culture, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and Design & Technology are now focused on completing their major works. These projects represent the culmination of their creativity, hard work, and dedication, and we are eagerly anticipating the showcases of their work, which will take place on Tuesday 3 September:

• 5:00pm-6:30pm – TAS and VA Showcase in the NNLC Maker Space
• 6:15pm-7:15pm – HSC Music Showcase in Classroom PW03

We warmly invite parents, carers, and family members to join us at these events to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Year 12 students.

As they move forward in their preparations for the HSC, we continue to hold our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers, offering them our full support as they strive to reach their goals.

Father’s Day Mass & Breakfast

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Fathers’ Day Mass and Breakfast on Thursday 29 August. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community to celebrate and honour the fathers and father figures in our students’ lives. The Mass will be a meaningful way to express our gratitude for their guidance, love, and support, followed by a shared breakfast where we can continue to connect and enjoy each other’s company. I truly look forward to sharing this memorable morning with you and look forward to seeing you then.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

Our Year 11 students are nearing the conclusion of their HSC Preliminary courses, with examinations scheduled to begin on 11 September. This is a pivotal moment in their academic journey, as the groundwork they lay now will set the stage for their success in the HSC courses they will commence in Term 4.

Consistent effort, hard work, and perseverance are key to achieving their best results. I encourage our Year 11 students to stay focused and to approach these exams with determination and confidence. The habits and skills they develop now will serve them well as they continue to grow and excel in their studies.

And finally …

As this term unfolds, we find ourselves sharing many moments of joy and accomplishment, as highlighted throughout this newsletter. Time seems to be passing quickly, and soon our Year 12 students will be presenting their HSC Practical work in Drama and Music, marking another milestone in their final year at Domremy.

Preparations for the Year 12 farewells and celebrations are well underway, and our students are eagerly embracing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As they continue their preparations for the HSC, I ask that we keep all these young women in our prayers and thoughts.

My message remains consistent: ‘success is not an option but an expectation.’ Each young woman at Domremy has the potential to make a significant impact—whether in her studies, her sports, her social interactions, or her contributions at home and in the wider community. The qualities that drive success—determination, agility, passion, commitment, persistence, and hard work—are within each student’s reach. It is through embracing these qualities that our students can achieve their dreams and make a positive difference in the world around them.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we will continue to nurture and guide our students as they strive for excellence in all that they do.

May blessings be upon you and your families as we journey through this term together.

Antoinette McGahan

Prayer

Feast of the Assumption

Most glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary,

I rejoice today with you and with the whole Church for the most glorious things that God has done for you.

You are beauty beyond beauty,

Immaculate in every way,

and worthy of our deepest love.

As you now share body and soul in the glories of Heaven,

please pray for me and for all your dear children on earth.

Cover us with your mantle of love and pour forth the mercy of God upon us always.

Mother Mary, assumed into Heaven,

pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us

Ministry of Consolation – Bringing Them Home: Interment of those without means

On Wednesday, 7 August, eight students from Year 10 and Mr Joe Zaccheo had the opportunity to attend the Bringing Them Home: Interment of those without means Memorial Service. This Service celebrated in the Charles O’Neill Walkway is an annual opportunity to gather and remember all who have been interred, and who will be interred on the day.  

Various agencies joined the service, particularly the St Vincent de Paul Society. Thank you to Mrs Sinead Kent, from Catholic Cemeteries, who invites members of the Domremy Community to support this ministry each year. 

We were privileged to attend and contribute to this worthwhile ministry, reassured that there is always hope. Each individual had managed through their struggle to form close bonds with caring groups such as St Vincent de Paul, Cana Community, and Matthew Talbot Hostel. Bishop Terry Brady reminded us that when we get to heaven, we will recognise Jesus Christ because we have encountered him many times throughout our lives. Our conversations with those gathered reminded us of the value of love and care for all people.

Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator

Service in action – Knitting Club

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Program

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has a long history in the Catholic Church. It is a structured program that prepares candidates to be received into the Catholic Church and thereafter live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Sydney Catholic Schools has a diverse and growing mixture of students and parents from non-Catholic religious backgrounds. There is also a significant number of students from Catholic families entering our primary and secondary schools, who have yet to receive baptism or other sacraments of initiation. Hence, a need for an adapted parish-school RCIA program to address these needs.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Jane Sullivan via email: jane.sullivan@syd.catholic.edu.au

Farewell – さようならSayounara, to our Japanese students

Domremy students had a wonderful time hosting students from Osaka, Japan over the past two weeks. The eleven students participated in a range of lessons with their Domremy host buddy, sport and recess/lunch breaks. During the day, they also completed English lessons facilitated by their tour group coordinator, Margaret. We were all very excited to see them practise their English skills, and share their culture with our students. The Domremy community wishes them a safe trip back home. The memories and friendships created will endure. Thank you to all our generous host families for taking our visitors into their homes and families.

Ms Rebecca Godfrey, Japanese and EAL/D Teacher

Benvenuti alla lezione d’Italiano

Year 7 has begun their Italian taster course for semester 2 and are enjoying their time learning along with the Italian language assistants from Co.As.It. Lucia and Martina are supporting the students to learn all about La bella Italia. They will later have the opportunity to choose their language of choice for Year 8. We know they will enjoy these classes and look forward to sharing their experiences with the community.

Languages Faculty

Biomes in a Bottle – Year 9 Geography

Year 9 Geography students have recently delved into the fascinating world of biomes through an engaging and educational activity designed to enhance their understanding of the natural world and its intricate ecosystems. In groups of three or four, students were tasked with choosing a specific biome or ecosystem to research its production capabilities, focusing on food, fibre, and industrial materials.

Project Highlights:

• Biome in a Bottle Creation: Students crafted miniature biomes inside bottles and jars, creatively using elements to reflect the unique characteristics of their chosen ecosystems. This hands-on activity brought the concepts of biomes to life, showcasing the diverse abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors.
• Dynamic Concept Maps and Infographics: Each group produced vibrant concept maps or Canva infographics to accompany their biome bottles. These visual tools explained their choices, highlighted the distinctive features of their biomes, and explored how climate, soil, and vegetation influence productivity.
• School Display: The biome bottles and infographics will be on display in the Study Hub. This showcase invites the entire school community to appreciate the creativity and effort of the Year 9 students while learning about the diversity and complexity of different biomes.

This project has not only deepened the Year 9 students’ comprehension of geographical concepts but also provided them with a platform to express their learning creatively. We invite everyone to visit the display and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our young geographers!

Mr Greg Sciortino – HSIE Teacher

Tournament of Minds – Preparation

This year, the College has 28 students currently preparing for the Tournament of Minds  which will be held on 8 September. This is our largest group of students to be involved in this creative problem-solving event. Students are required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from one of the following disciplines: The Arts, STEM, Language Literature and Social Sciences. Our group is working very well, navigating the challenges of critical and creative thinking in a collaborative setting. 

Below are some reflections about their journey so far and accompanying photos.

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

Chelsea and Aria (Year 8)

Tournament of Minds is a competition between schools in which teams of seven students from years 7-10 work together to solve a challenge from one of four areas: STEM, Language and Literature, Social Sciences, and the Arts. 

Teams have to solve a challenge and present their solution by writing a script for a play and perform it in front of judges. We have to create all of the props and source most of the resources ourselves without the help of teachers or parents, making it an awesome way to gain teamwork skills and make new friends in your year or others!

This year, Domremy has four teams with students from each year group competing: Two Language and Literature teams and two Social Science teams. Our team is doing language and literature, and our challenge says that two publishers are about to release a biography about a character, but the character comes back from the dead and notices a critical flaw in the book. We have to pick from a list of fictional characters for the book to be about, and we chose Sadako from “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr.

Some problems we have faced so far were getting roles in the team organised and discussing what each of our contributions had to be for us to be able to complete the challenge in time, but now we are working well together and are on track to complete our play and be ready to perform by the competition date in early September.

So, if Tournament of Minds sounds like something you’d be interested to participate in, look out for Ms Thompson’s email and sign up next year!

Sienna and Anita (Year 7)

As we have embarked on this new experience so far we have learnt how to compromise, make new friends and accept any challenge that comes our way. Through Tournament of Minds we are building a new sense of resilience, courage and friendship. As a team we have worked together to solve the TOM challenges and chosen to undertake this challenge as a whole. In our weekly team meetings we have discussed new ideas and put those concepts into practice. Throughout the course of this experience we have already grown as people and become closer together. 

Year 10 Commerce Market Day

On Friday 30 August, Year 10 commerce students will be running Domremy’s Market Day 2024. Year 10 students have been studying the topic ‘Running a business’ where they are learning about all of the areas that are required in order to run a successful business. These include operations, marketing, human resources and finance. The girls are learning about important skills that are required if one day they want to run their own business. 

Market day is an opportunity for Year 10 students to actually run a small business. They are required to write a business plan outlining the logistics of their small business as well as how they will finance and market their product. They are selling a range of goods from cakes and cookies to beauty packs and the famous Dubai chocolates. These products will be available for students to sell on Friday 30 August in the science courtyard. 

Students are now able to pre-order now via the google forms using the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZtvKHyTEzNwTohIqud7kDy3HrZ4hK7nYwHD3CLELgiY/edit?usp=sharing 

All profits will be going to the Nagle Centre Macarthur, which is part of St Vincent de Paul. So please get behind our Year 10 students to help support this great cause. 

Ms Diana Arida, Acting HSIE Coordinator

Marketing Flyers

Year 10 Food Technology Students Excel in Catering Challenge

Year 10 Food Technology students recently participated in an exciting practical cooking assessment that gave them a taste of the fast-paced food service and catering industry. The task was designed to simulate real-world business scenarios, challenging students to step into the shoes of small business owners in Sydney’s inner west.

The brief required students to pitch their imagined catering business for a prestigious function. They had to demonstrate why their business would be the best choice to cater and serve the event. Following the pitch, students were tasked with designing a function menu, and developing a dish of their choice. The culmination of their hard work was a practical assessment where they brought their culinary creations to life.

Throughout this task, students showcased their creativity, business acumen, and culinary skills. They developed unique menu items tailored to the function, focusing on flavour, presentation, and the dining experience. The assessment tested their cooking abilities as each student chose to create something which would demonstrate a new skill – from handmade pasta and meatballs to freshly made sushi and high tea cakes, the class excelled in their cooking skills!

This hands-on experience offered Year 10 students a comprehensive look into the food service and catering industry, blending creative culinary practice with essential business skills. It not only honed their cooking abilities but also gave them a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in a competitive industry. This practical task has equipped them with valuable knowledge and experience that could inspire future culinary and business endeavours – our very own Five Dock Foodies!

Ms Elizabeth Forbes, TAS Teacher

Annabelle to perform at the SCS Classical Music Recital

Invitation: Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast

We are delighted to invite you to our Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast on Thursday 29 August.

The Mass, in our Brenda Quinn Hall, will commence at 7:30am and will conclude at 8:30am, after which a light breakfast will be served.

We hope you can join us as we celebrate the wonderful fathers and father figures in our community.

Please RSVP, for catering purposes, with the number of people from your family who will be attending this event on this TryBooking link.

Staff Professional Development Day – Update

From The Study Hub – Book Week Competition 2024

Book Week 2024 is next week!

Book Week Competition details for 2024

There is a category for everyone and prizes to be won, so get involved!

All details were sent home via Compass – if you have any questions please see staff in the Library

Domremy features in SCS News

New festival shines light on learning

Domremy’s light focus brightens hearts and minds

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

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 15 August 2024.