From the Principal

A Prayer of Blessing for Our Fathers

Lord, bless our fathers. 

May their hands be a source of strength and support. 

May their hearts be a wellspring of compassion and patience. 

May their voices be a comfort and an encouragement. 

Fill them with your spirit, 

so they may be steadfast examples of faith, hope, and love. 

May their lives be a testament to your goodness, now and always. 

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,

It’s hard to believe we are already six weeks into the term! The energy and vibrant spirit of our community have been palpable since day one, and it is a true joy to see all that has been accomplished in such a short time.

Last Friday’s assembly was a powerful reminder that hard work, persistence, and passion are indeed the keys to success. While a dedicated article in this newsletter delves into the full message, I want to reiterate how deeply proud I am of our students and staff. The stories of achievement and dedication shared in these pages are a testament to the incredible drive and passion that make our college community so exceptional.

Every accomplishment highlighted here is a direct reflection of that extraordinary spirit.

Father’s Day

With Father’s Day approaching, we extend our warmest wishes to all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our community. We thank them for their love, guidance, and unwavering support.

We look forward to celebrating this special day together at our annual Father’s Day Mass next Wednesday, 3 September. It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to give thanks for the significant role fathers play in our lives. We hope to see many of you there as we share in this beautiful celebration.

NAPLAN 2025

It is with pleasure that we are able to share with you our NAPLAN results for 2025.

The graphs below present a graphical summary of the performance of students at Domremy College compared to the State of NSW.  The following two figures present the percentage of students who received one of four performance bands: exceeding, strong, developing and needing assistance across the five domains: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation, and Numeracy in Year 7 and Year 9.  

Parents of Years 7 and 9 should have received their daughter’s results a few weeks ago – please contact the College if you have not received them.

Year 7 NAPLAN

Domremy students in Year 7 were above the state in the top two bands for Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar & Punctuation. A few students require additional support particularly with their Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Numeracy.

Year 9 NAPLAN

Domremy students in Year 9 were above the state in the top two bands for Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation. Compared to the State, Domremy students were under-represented in the “Exceeding Band” in Numeracy and more work needs to be done to improve the skills of students in this area. 

Students growth from Year 7, 2023 to Year 9, 2025

Overall, the initial growth estimates from Year 7, 2023 to Year 9, 2025 appear to be quite significant for Reading, Spelling, Grammar and punctuation as well as Numeracy. The above graph is for Reading. It compares our growth specifically to Sydney Catholic Schools.

Building on these Results

Our results are very satisfying and students and teachers should be commended for the ongoing improvement and growth in our students’ literacy and numeracy skills.  The NAPLAN data also points to areas we need to continue to strengthen.  

Overall, these NAPLAN results demonstrate that we are making progress in building students’ literacy and numeracy skills but they also underline that we need to continue to make skill development a priority for the years ahead.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

Let’s keep our Year 11 students in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare to begin their Preliminary exams on 4 September. This is a significant milestone in their academic journey, and your support and encouragement during this time are greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Hard Work and Achievement

Congratulations to our remarkable Year 12 students on the completion of their major works and performances across a variety of HSC courses. These final projects are a powerful testament to the incredible talent and dedication within our student body. We also extend our best wishes to those who will be completing their performance components in the coming weeks. A heartfelt thank you to all their teachers for the tremendous guidance and support they have provided.

I hope you can join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students at the Showcase of Year 12 Major Works and Performances on Tuesday, 2 September:

• 5:00pm – 6:30pm: TAS, VA and Ext English Showcase in the NNLC Maker Space

Finally … 

We are in the final stretch of the term, with only four weeks remaining—and even less for our Year 12 2025 Graduating Class. I will conclude this message on the same note that I began with, expressing my confidence that our young women, with the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers, will continue to exhibit the hard work, persistence, and passion that are the true keys to success.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. I wish you and your families a blessed and beautiful Father’s Day, and may God’s blessings be upon you as we move forward through the reminder of this term.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan 

College Principal

Prayer

Addressing the faithful gathered for his weekly General Audience, 

Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts once more to the world’s many conflict zones.

In recalling the upcoming liturgical commemoration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

which is celebrated on Friday, 22 August,

Pope Leo invited the faithful to celebrate that day by praying and fasting for peace.

“Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is remembered 

as the Queen of Peace,” 

the Pope said.

As our world continues to be wounded by wars – in the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in other parts of the world –  

the Pope invited all the faithful to take part in 

“a day of prayer and fasting” 

for all those who suffer because of war, 

“imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, 

and to wipe away the tears of those who 

suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts.”

“May Mary, Queen of Peace, 

intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace,” he added.

Pope Leo also greeted Polish-speaking faithful making 

a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa 

at Jasna Góra, who were attending the audience.

“I ask you”, he said, “to include in your intentions the 

supplication for the gift of peace – a peace that is disarmed and disarming –

 for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East.”

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

In our Chapel … did you know?

History of Domremy’s Chapel

In 1881 – 1882: The large Italianate Victorian mansion is built on the site by Arthur William Sutton and named Delapre. 

1910 – 1911: The Presentation Sisters purchase the property (1910), rename it Domremy after St Joan of Arc’s birthplace, and open the school on 25 January 1911 with 12 pupils. The first classroom was the mansion’s grand ballroom – the space that is now the College Chapel. 

Today

Today, our College Chapel continues to be a special place for our students, staff, and community to grow in faith together. It offers a quiet and welcoming space to pray, reflect, and worship. Students have the opportunity to take part in the Rosary, Bible study, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, quiet prayer, Adoration, morning prayer, and liturgies that enrich their spiritual journey.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

From the Religious Education Coordinator – The Passion of St John the Baptist

Today, 29 August, we celebrate the Passion of St John the Baptist. 

 Saint Bede the Venerable has written:

There is no doubt that blessed John suffered imprisonment and chains as a witness to our Redeemer, whose forerunner he was, and gave his life for him. His persecutor had demanded not that he should deny Christ, but only that he should keep silent about the truth. Nevertheless, John died for Christ. Does Christ not say: “I am the truth”? Therefore, because John shed his blood for the truth, he surely died for Christ.

Through his birth, preaching and baptising, he bore witness to the coming birth, preaching and baptism of Christ, and by his own suffering he showed that Christ also would suffer. Such was the quality and strength of the man who accepted the end of this present life by shedding his blood after the long imprisonment. He preached the freedom of heavenly peace, yet was thrown into irons. He was locked away in the darkness of prison, though he came bearing witness to the Light of life and deserved to be called a bright and shining lamp by that Light itself, which is Christ.

Prayer

Saint John the Baptist, you were given a holy mission.

You never deviated from your calling and always pointed the way to Christ, the Savior of all.

Please pray for me, that I will have the same courage you had

and the resolve to fulfill my duties, no matter the cost.

Saint John the Baptist, pray for me.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

[https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2014-08-29]

The Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence

The Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence is an annual recognition by the Archbishop of Sydney, of the outstanding young women and men in our Catholic schools. Each year, the awards acknowledge the students’ commitment to their faith, academic life, community and social justice. It is an important way of highlighting the very positive contribution that young people make to their school and local community.

Specifically, these awards recognise those young people who give witness to their Christian values and who actively contribute to the faith life of their school. Recipients of the award are practising Catholics who show responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community. It is also an affirmation of the support that families offer their children, and public acclaim for the commitment and dedication of their teachers.

On Tuesday 26 August, Krista Orias-Cabasal, was presented with the Archbishop of Sydney Award for Excellence. Krista was chosen for this distinguished award as a young woman of great faith, generosity and humility. She is a model of living a life of genuine service to others. Krista is an exemplary role model for her peers. Her integrity as a student leader and as College 2025 Faith and Mission Prefect, has enabled her to give witness to service, empowering other students to take responsibility and use their talents to serve the community.

Krista lives an authentic Catholic life and is truly a woman who will make a difference in the world. She is known for her consistency and reliability in being witness to the faith at the College and truly lives the College motto: ‘La Verite – The Truth.’

Congratulations to Krista on this wonderful achievement and many thank you to Remy Girdwood for reading the citation during the ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Citation

Krista Orias-Cabasal is a young woman deeply committed to her faith, living out the Gospel values through her role as Faith and Mission Prefect at Domremy College, Five Dock. She is actively involved in Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church, Croydon, where she regularly attends Mass with her family and has served as an altar server for many years. Krista demonstrates a strong sense of justice and compassion through her involvement in Social Justice initiatives such as Project Compassion and the Vinnies Winter Appeal. She has also participated in the Catechist for Primary Schools Program and the Sydney Catholic Schools’ 10:10 Program.

Her commitment to the College’s liturgical life is evident in her role as an altar server and lector at school Masses, and her leadership of the Rosary Group and Daughters of Grace Bible group. She was also a pilgrim at World Youth Day 2023, and by her own admission found the experience deeply enriching to her faith journey. Her contributions to the religious life of the College and Parish are highly valued.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography

Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography

Assembly Wrap-up

Our Assembly last week was a powerful reminder of what makes our school community so special – our shared commitment to compassion, faith and service. It was a call to action, a moment for us to reflect on our values and find practical ways to live them out. The Assembly focused on Faith and Mission, Book Week, our recent achievements in various Eisteddfods, our Athletics Carnival results and a beautiful reflection from our College Principal, Mrs McGahan which is reproduced in the link below. 

A Call for Community Compassion

Miss Peros kicked things off by launching this term’s St Vincent de Paul Winter/Spring Appeal. While we are all fortunate to have warm clothes, a hot meal, and a safe place to sleep, many people in our community are struggling. The Vinnies appeal is our chance to lend a helping hand. We have put out a call for donations of blankets, beanies, scarves, gloves, socks, singlets, and rain ponchos over the next four weeks in Homeroom. This is a simple but impactful way for us to demonstrate the kindness and compassion that are at the heart of our College. 

Embracing Faith and Fellowship

Our 2025 Faith & Mission Prefect, Krista Orias-Cabasal and Ms. Milhem shared several wonderful opportunities for us to deepen our faith and connect with one another.

• The Rosary: Krista spoke beautifully about the Rosary as a powerful, scripture-based prayer that brings us closer to Christ and Mary. By meditating on the mysteries of their lives, we can find peace, strengthen our faith, and gain a sense of calm and resilience. Rosary sessions are held on Thursday A’s and Wednesday B’s from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel.
• Daughters of Grace Bible Study: Ms. Milhem extended a warm invitation to the school’s new Bible study group, “Daughters of Grace.” This is a safe space to explore different topics through scripture, discussion, and shared experiences. All are welcome to join every Friday at the start of lunch in the Chapel to discover the strength and grace that comes from walking in faith together.
• Confession: We also heard a heartfelt reflection on the Sacrament of Confession. Ms. Milhem reminded us that God’s love is unconditional and that confession is a beautiful gift – a way for us to be healed and strengthened. A local priest will be available to hear confessions on Thursday 29 August, during the first half of lunch in the Chapel.

The Chapel: A Space for Reflection

Krista concluded by reminding us that our beautiful Chapel is open daily as a quiet and sacred space for prayer, contemplation, and reflection. It is a peaceful sanctuary where we can pause and recharge. There is also a prayer box available for anyone who wishes to share intentions, questions, or suggestions.

Celebrating Book Week

A Week of Literary Adventures

This year’s Book Week, running from August 16 to 23, was a true adventure! With the theme “Book An Adventure,” students at Domremy College were encouraged to explore new worlds, from dystopian landscapes to fantasy realms, all through the power of reading.

Inspiration from Acclaimed Authors

We were privileged to host two fantastic authors who shared their insights and creative journeys with our students. On Wednesday, Years 9 and 10 heard from Gabrielle Tozer, a best-selling author who was incredibly inspiring for students to hear her talk about her craft and the process of writing.Following that, Years 7 and 8 were captivated by Lisa Shanahan, a prolific children’s and young adult author. 

Hearing from authors like Gabrielle and Lisa provides immeasurable benefits, showing students firsthand the possibilities of a life dedicated to storytelling.

Celebrating Our Literary Stars

A huge part of Book Week is the annual competition, and this year’s entries were nothing short of spectacular. Students submitted their work in categories including short stories, poetry, essays, and even visual and multimedia storytelling. Mrs. Harada and Mrs. McGahan were delighted to present awards to the many students who showcased their talent and creativity.

A special congratulations to the following winners who each received a $25 Dymocks Gift Voucher and a certificate:

• Poetry: Alessia Y10, Bella Y7, and Tahlia For.
• Short Stories: Olivia Y11, Grace Y7, Aanya Y7, and Sabrina Y7.
• Graphic Design: Bronte Y8 for her entry The Great Escape and Ava Y7 for her ingenious A life map adventure.

We also want to give a special shout-out to the many students who received Highly Commended certificates for their exceptional work. Your creativity and dedication to storytelling were evident in every entry! Congratulations to Emily Y10, Emily Y8, Bronte Y8, Zoe Y7, Ira Y7, Seyara Y7, Tiffany Y7, Sabrina Y10, Sandra Y7, Ava Y7, Deniz Y7, Alysse Y10, Tiana Y7, Alexia Y8, Amelia Y7, Janice Y10, and Madeleine Y7.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made Book Week 2025 such a memorable and inspiring event!

The Spotlight Shines on Our Ensembles!

Our assembly was a true celebration of our students’ extraordinary talent, hard work, and dedication. We acknowledged the outstanding individual achievements but also the powerful collaborative spirit of our performers in the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod. This year’s competition was a huge success, with our students showcasing their skills against the “best of the best” in Sydney Catholic Schools.

Our ensemble performers didn’t just compete; they spent countless hours throughout the first semester rehearsing, devising, and polishing their performances. Their commitment and teamwork truly paid off.

A Showcase of Excellence

The Dance Ensemble, under the guidance of Ms. Angiletta, Ms. Hayley Macri, and our dedicated tutors, showed us the magic of their craft. Some students competed in up to three dances over two days, their tireless rehearsals culminating in incredible performances. Congratulations to all Dance Ensemble members.

Our Choir left us in awe with their performance in the highly competitive Large Vocal Ensemble category. Their renditions of “Circle of Life” and “Light To Our Path” were nothing short of inspiring, earning them a fantastic second-place finish. A special thank you to Mr. Magson, whose beautiful accompaniment elevates every performance and well done to the members of our Choir. 

The Year 11 Drama students also showcased their incredible talent. Despite many of their peers being busy with the College musical, six students took on the challenge of writing and performing their own piece. Their “Self Devised Performance” earned them a well-deserved second place in the Small Ensemble competition. Congratulations to our Drama students.

And finally, our talented String Musicians stole the show. With two ensembles – our College String Ensemble and the Year 8 Extension String Ensemble – they delivered beautiful performances that secured them second and third place. The second-place group was just one point away from first, a testament to their skill and the wonderful guidance of our Amadeus tutors. Huge congratulations to our String musicians.

Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to all our performers for their dedication and incredible achievements. The Performing Arts teams invite every student to join an ensemble and further develop their skills. The best of our school’s performers have always been a part of these groups, and we thank every student for their contributions and commitment.

St. George Eisteddfod Award Recipients

Congratulations to all the St. George Award recipients who have shown outstanding dedication and sportsmanship.

• Year 9: Sienna, April, Lily
• Year 8: Gabriella, Blake, Sonia
• Year 7: Indiana, Amelia, Millie-Rose, Madeline, Angeline, Havana, Scarlett, Iyla, Vivianne, Sienna, Elyssa, Erin, Alessia, Erica, Shireen, Havana, Siera and Melanie.

Athletics Carnival Results

Back in Term 2, we held our annual Athletics Carnival, and we’re excited to finally announce the results! Ms. Angilletta took to the stage to talk about the Carnival and announce the winning House. We heard about the incredible effort from all students before the big reveal. The atmosphere was electric!

The winner of the 2025 Domremy Athletics Carnival was…Siena House

A big thank you to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s Athletics Carnival. Your hard work and dedication made this a truly memorable event!

Hard work, persistence, and passion are the keys to success – Introduction by Principal, Mrs Antoinette McGahan

Mrs Melissa Vassallo, Assistant Principal

Thank you to our generous community and our VSM vollies

Year 12 – Girls’ Night In

On Friday evening 22 August, Domremy’s Year 12 students came together for a much-needed Girls’ Night In, a perfect way to unwind after the stress of Trials and celebrate the final chapter of our school journey. The evening was filled with laughter, energy, and plenty of snacks as we enjoyed everything from board and card games, basketball and dodgeball games, to intense Just Dance battles. 

A picnic style dinner with pizzas, kept everyone fueled for more dancing and games late into the night. What made the night so special wasn’t just the fun activities, but how it brought everyone together. It was one of those moments where the cohort united, leaving the stress of exams behind and enjoying each other’s company before graduation.

Importantly, the night also had a purpose beyond celebration. We collected items for Save the Dignity and Keith’s Closet, such as women’s necessities and sanitary products, supporting those who are in need within our community. It felt good to know that while we were having fun, we were also making a small but meaningful difference for others.

A big thank you goes to our amazing teachers for organising, supervising and visiting on the night – Mrs McGahan, Mrs Vassallo, Mrs Kshatriya, Ms Malloy, and Mrs Vari – their effort and time made the whole event possible and so memorable. 

Overall, Girls’ Night In was a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections, create lasting memories, and finish our final term on a positive note.

Allegra, Year 12

Global Connections in Action: A Cultural Encounter With Mrs. Kshatriya

Mr Greg Sciortino, HSIE Teacher

”Book an Adventure” – Book Week

From 16 to 23 August, Domremy was enthralled by the spirit of adventure as 2025 National Book Week was embraced by all. The theme this year, if you haven’t already guessed, was, ‘Book an Adventure.’

Years 9 and 10

Years 9 and 10 were delighted to be addressed by the wonderful Gabrielle Tozer! Gabrielle is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor based in regional New South Wales. She is the author of eight books, including, ‘The Unexpected Mess of it All’, ‘Before We Met’, ‘Can’t Say It Went to Plan’, ‘Remind Me How This Ends’, ‘Peas and Quiet’ and ‘The Intern’. She is currently working on three new books with HarperCollins (including two more picture books with Sophie Beer!). Her book, ‘The Intern’ won the Inky Book Awards.

Gabrielle spoke to the girls about remaining open and curious, embracing inspiration from everywhere. She emphasised the importance of recognising that rewriting is essential – no one writes a perfect first draft (not even the most experienced and prolific of authors). Students learnt that embracing mistakes is essential and a must for improvement.  She also emphasised not being pigeonholed into any one aspect of creativity and that writing can be found in a plethora of areas including script writing, songs, web sites, comics and novellas. All are valid and present opportunities for avid writers.

Here are a few observations from our students:

Last week Gabrielle Tozer visited Domremy to talk about her life as a writer. She shared her experiences and gave relevant advice to students such as her writing process and how she balances work and personal life. It was a fun and engaging opportunity to learn from her! Reine,Year 10

Gabrielle was an incredibly captivating speaker, sharing her passion for books, journalism and stories. It was extremely helpful to have her as a speaker for concrete tips on overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration, and learning that mistakes are what teaches us. The author’s presentation was a valuable and engaging experience that has left me feeling motivated and inspired to be more observant and using my mistakes as a learning opportunity to grow. Janice,Year 10

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 had the awesome privilege of hearing from Lisa Shanahan, one of Australia’s most prolific Picture Book writers. Lisa has also written books for Young Adults such as, ‘The Grand, Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler’ and ‘My Big Birkett: The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly, Completely Lost it.’ Both these novels received many accolades and awards and culminated in Lisa being a highly acclaimed CBCA Book Award recipient.

Lisa asserted  to the girls that genius writers observe breadcrumbs of conversations, interactions, and experiences which feed inspiration for a story. She talked about the ‘four doorways’ of story telling; Character, plot, setting and language.

Again, some observations from our students:

This Book Week activity with Mrs. Shanahan has greatly inspired me. Her personal journey helps me understand that a great story comes from an inadvertent moment. I really appreciate Mrs.Shanahan and our amazing school staff for letting me participate in this inspirational event, to have a great writer sharing her personal stories with our school community. Kaya Year 8

I loved the author’s visit and Lisa Shanahan was very inspiring. She spoke  of how you can keep your imagination even until you are an adult. We learnt how to get over writer’s block, listened to her stories and were taught to see images in new ways. I am very glad we had this opportunity! Jessica Year 7

Both Gabrielle and Lisa reinforced to students the importance of receiving feedback and editing when writing. 

We thank them both for their time and advice to our students.

Mrs Nicole Harada, Teacher/Librarian

Years 9 and 10 with Gabrielle Tozer

Years 7 and 8 with Lisa Shanahan

Meeting of Minds 2025

Last week, a group of Year 8 students attended the Meeting of Minds, held at Newington College’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Quarter. This event consisted of three sessions, each asking students to consider separate stimulus materials and issues arising from these. This year’s topics were Knowing and Perceiving, Mind and Body and Identity. 

Students had their perception challenged when wearing some upside-down goggles and reflected upon how we know how to do things such as riding a bicycle. Newington College’s Principal, Mr Michael Parker, expertly led the group through a Philosophical Thought Experiment involving a brain swap and then students returned to small groups to engage in a ranking task and Community of Inquiry. 

A reflection from some of the students who attended follows.

“Today we went to this event called Meeting of Minds with some friends from school, and it was a fun and interesting day. We had three sessions all up. In one of them we were given these cards and had to pair up with people from other schools. There were about 8 people in the room, two from each school, and we got mixed around so we weren’t with our own friends so we could make new ones. Each card had a topic on it, and we talked about it with our partner. It was really cool hearing other people’s perspectives because everyone saw things a little differently, and it made the conversations a lot more interesting and engaging.

After that session, we had a break and some snacks which was a nice rest. Then everyone came together in the big hall for a talk with the headmaster. He spoke about this idea of switching minds and it was such an unusual but interesting concept. We got to answer questions while thinking about people’s minds being switched. It really made us think about how we see other people and how different situations can look if you imagine them from another perspective.

Next was a well needed lunch break, where we got to meet people from other schools. A few of us played sports on their massive sports court which was super fun. Then in the final session we looked at lots of photos and talked about the stories and meanings behind them. The discussion even led to talking about colours and how they affect how we see the world. It all connected back to the idea of looking at things through other people’s perspectives, which was such a good way to end the day. Finally, we said our goodbyes to the people we’d met and then headed home. 

Overall, it was such a great experience, we learnt a lot, met new people, and had fun at the same time. We were very appreciative that we got to attend this event and hope to do something similar soon!” Zoe, Bailey and Chloe 

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

Socratic Summit 2025

This week a group of Year 9 and 10 students attended the first ever Socratic Summit at Newington College’s Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics.  

Students began the day by forming groups with students from other Sydney schools where they began to consider what is Art and what is not, by forming tentative and firm criterion. They developed their judgement and reasoning skills and explained their position while being open-minded to challenges from others with different perspectives. 

Next, students undertook a taste test of ten jellybean flavours and considered qualities such as texture, taste and flavour intensity before selecting their most and least favourite flavour. After polling the group they considered whether the taste of a jellybean can be universally good or whether goodness is relative to personal taste. This introduced the students to the concepts of subjective taste and objective criteria, which was then applied to other art forms. 

After lunch, students questioned if Art is Art because it has been created by an artist. Once they began to contemplate this, their perspectives were challenged as they looked at art works created by a pig and then a gorilla before being shown some AI generated images. Students reflected upon their earlier definition and criteria of Art and whether this had changed.

To conclude the day, students considered a variety of factors that contribute to living a good life and then ranked these in order of importance. They discussed whether it is necessary for us to reach consensus on what we do or don’t like and whether we like things because they are good or if it is because things are good that we like them. 

The entire event stretched all participants’ thinking skills and the girls spoke very positively about their learning and enjoyment of the day. Thank you to Dr Britta Jensen and her team for organising the day, which was very valuable for all.

Below follows reflections from two of the students who attended.

“Attending the Socratic Summit was a really memorable experience as it challenged me to think in other ways and step out of my comfort zone. Meeting students from different schools made the discussions even more interesting, as we realised how many possibilities there were to one given question. The activities were engaging and hands-on allowing us to collaborate effectively.  The day reminded me that Philosophy isn’t about finding the “right” answer, but about staying curious and open-minded to explore new things.” Olivia (Year 10)

“Taking part in the Socratic Summit at Newington College was a memorable and fun experience. We were put into groups with numerous students from other schools, and in those groups we participated in many activities and philosophical discussions based on the topic ‘aesthetics’. This event allowed us to think critically and gain insight into other people’s perspectives.” Hannah (Year 10)

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

Nano Studios – Film Festival and Workshops

Last year we launched Domremy’s Multimedia and Production Club – Nano Studios. Interested students met to discuss what they would like the Studio to create. In 2024 we ran a Logo Design Competition and a Photography Competition as part of Domremy’s Light Festival. In 2025, the focus has shifted towards film and we are delighted to announce that we will host a Short Film Festival/Competition in Term 4! 

We are very proud to have engaged Cassidy Morris, HSC Class of 2024 alumna and current Media and Arts student at UNSW, to share her expertise with the Club this term. Cassidy has begun a series of five lunchtime workshops which will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a short film. She is also providing support for students as they work on their films after school. 

Last week, in her first session, Cassidy provided an outline of short film features. She spoke about including only minimal characters, a simple storyline and one action which creates the film’s structure. Cassidy taught the girls to consider visual aspects such as colour grading and lighting and to communicate ideas with very little or an absence of dialogue. Cassidy also outlined the different roles in film-making and gave advice about how to divide these roles when working in a small group.

This week, Cassidy spoke about the need to devise a script which outlines the characters, scenes, location and dialogue and defines the pace and tone of the film. She gave an example of a film’s storyboard and then posed some guiding questions to help the students come up with and develop their initial ideas. At both workshops, students have also watched short films, to enhance their understanding and generation of ideas.

This year’s theme is ‘goldfish’ and the students are already planning some interesting films. Watch this space for more information about the Festival/Competition which is open to all students to enter.

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

Supporting a Smooth Transition to High School: Domremy Transition program ‘Connect 627’

Domremy is in a collaboration with four of our feeder primary schools: All Hallows Five Dock, St Mary’s Concord, St Patrick’s Summer Hill and St Patrick’s Mortlake, in shaping and strengthening the transition from Year 6 primary school to Year 7 at high school.  

On Day 1, 6 August, we welcomed our primary colleague teachers to Domremy where they spent the day engaging in professional conversations with our staff and observing a range of Year 7 classes. This experience gave them valuable insight into the high school learning environment and the kinds of routines, expectations, and teaching practices that are an expectation of the College. This building understanding will support students in making a confident and successful start to secondary school.

Domremy faculty leaders of Maths, English and Science, Mark Pangilinan, Julia Vengsarkar and Katherine Hoban then accompanied Lucy Silva (Domremy’s Leader of Pedagogy) in a school visit to St Patrick’s Summer Hill, where we observed a number of Year 5 and 6 literacy and numeracy and science blocks. Visits to All Hallows Five Dock and St Mary’s Concord will occur over the next few weeks.

The collaborative program offers insights for teachers into both worlds of primary and secondary schooling and great inspiring ideas about teaching and learning that we can take on board from each other’s worlds.

This initiative forms part of our broader goal to ensure a connected, supportive, and student-centred transition experience for all incoming Year 7 students.

Mrs Lucy Silva, Leader of Pedagogy

Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast – Wednesday 3 September, 7.30am

Thank you to all who RSVP’d to our Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast on Wednesday 3 September at 7:30am. 

We look forwaard to welcoming you and your daughters next week. 

St Vincent de Paul Winter/Spring Appeal – Pleae give generously

Each Winter, St Vincent de Paul runs an appeal to collect warm clothing essentials and blankets to support those who are struggling through the coldest months of the year. Even though it is a little late this year our school community is proud to support the Vinnies Winter/Spring Appeal. And this is where we need our school community to help. Students are asked to donate generously in Homeroom from the following list of items (it is requested that the items donated be new, not used, items):

• Blankets

• Beanies 

• Scarves

• Gloves 

• Socks

• Singlets 

• Rain ponchos

Every little bit counts. Let’s remember that compassion, kindness and action are at the heart of what we do here at Domremy College. Supporting and being actively involved in the Winter/ Spring Appeal is a simple but powerful way to live out these values and help build a better, more caring community. If these donations could be brought in by Week 9 Wednesday 17 September it would be greatly appreciated.  Together, let’s make this winter and spring a little warmer for those in need.

Ms Cristina Peros, Social Justice Coordinator

Domremy hosting the Mother and Daughter Self Care Workshop – Friday 19 September

Domremy College is delighted to host the Mother & Daughter Self Care Workshop, an evening focused on a holistic approach to physical, spiritual and mental health, organised by St Joan of Arc, Catholic Primary School, Haberfield, on Friday 19 September, 6pm – 7.30pm.

Mothers and their 8 – 14 years old daughters are invited to this Workshop run by Belinda Bayssari, Family Educator at St Joan of Arc, together with Rita Ferraina, Beauty Therapist, TAFE NSW Teacher and Podcaster. The workshop will be held in the College’s Brenda Quinn Hall.

Please see the flyer below and Register via the QR Code if you and your daughter would like to attend.

This invitation is extended to all students enrolled to commence Year 7 in 2026 and 2027 at Domremy College.

All information and booking details are contained in the flyer and QR code.

Parent Talk – Council of Catholic School Parents: Parent Webinars and Conference

The Council for Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) is offering a series of Parent Webinars and October Parenting Conference.

The CCSP is the peak representative body supporting parents and carers of children in Catholic schools.  Here is a link to the CCSP’s newsletter “Parent Talk” which parents may wish to bookmark or subscribe to. Going forward it will be a regular feature in our fortnightly Newsletter, La Verite.

The CCSP is offering a conference for parents and more information and registration links can be found in the linked Information Sheet:

• Conference: Supporting Families – Working Together in a Modern World – Saturday 25 October, all day

A heads-up: Year 7 2028 Enrolments

• A heads-up: Year 7 2028 enrolments: We anticipate that enrolments for Year 7, 2028 will open later this year, most likely later in Term 3 or early Term 4. We will be sure to announce the opening on our website and social media channels as soon as Sydney Catholic Schools gives the official go-ahead.

• For our existing families with daughters already at the College, please note that you must complete an Application for Enrolment and are subject to the same enrolment process as new parents to the school:
  • There is no automatic entry into the College from existing families with daughters already enrolled at the College – existing families must complete an Application to Enrol their daughter at the College.
  • There is no automatic entry into the College from feeder Primary Schools – all families at feeder Primary Schools must complete an Application to Enrol their daughter at the College.

Remaining College Tours – Term 4

There are two remaining College Tours this year in Term 4:

• Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 5.00pm
• Friday 14 November 2025 at 9.30am.

If you have family or friends who might be considering Domremy College for their daughter’s secondary education please let them know and have them contact us.

Enrolments for Year 7 2028 will open later this year and if parents are hoping to have a look at the College whilst they are considering enrolment, a small group Tour whilst school is in session is a fantastic way for them to familiarise themselves with the College. 

Register online, or call our Enrolments Officer on 9712 2133 or email at enrolments@domremy.catholic.edu.au

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. 

SCS Child Safety Team: Parenting tips Newsletter – effective behaviour management for children

The SCS Child Safety Team has developed newsletter articles addressing key trends affecting children and families, based on data from 2024. These resources are designed to support our parent community by providing timely and relevant information, so that together, we can help create a safer and more informed environment for families.

Parenting tips Newsletter – effective behaviour management for children

Invitation to have your say at the Sydney Synod 2026

Archbishop Anthony Fisher,OP, has called for a Sydney Synod in 2026 in response to Holy Spirit-inspired longings from Sydney Catholics for more prayerful liturgies, more Christ-centred communities, and a more mission-oriented Church.

Within our Archdiocese, there is much to give thanks for: vibrant parish communities, increasing vocations, dedicated lay faithful, and a rich variety of initiatives in evangelisation, pastoral care and social outreach. 

In preparation for the Synod, the Archbishop invites staff, students and families in our community to share your positive, faithful and practical ideas on how we can become a more prayerful, Christ-centred and missionary people. You can do this by attending any of the three regional consultations organised for later in the year.

You are encouraged to get involved by discussing these hopes within your communities, and bringing forward your collective ideas on how these can be met to our regional consultations.

More information and instructions on how to register can be found here. 

You can also directly register to attend any of the consultations below:

Holy Family, Menai

Saturday, 30 August 2025 | 9 AM – 12 PM

Register at: trybooking.com/DAVZB

St Mary’s Cathedral

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

Register at: trybooking.com/DAVZE

All Saints, Liverpool

Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

Register at: trybooking.com/DAVZF

Please:

• click here to view the Sydney Synod Launch short form video
• click here to view the Sydney Synod Launch long form video

Further information can be found in this Catholic Weekly article and on the Archdiocesan Synod Webpage.

Finally, we have been supplied with a limited supply of brochures and Prayer cards. An image of the Prayer card is below. If you wish to collect a Prayer card, you can do this by sending your daughter to the Student Office to collect one.

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 28 August 2025.