From the Principal

Prayer for Spring

Creator God,

Thank you for Spring and the hope of

warmer, longer, brighter days.

Thank you for the coming of growth

and life and birth.

Thank you that things are awakening in the world.

This is what our calendar says,

and we do see some signs that it is real.

But we also still struggle with the

residual layover of winter.

Now we ask that you bring into reality all that belongs in this season.

Your word says that we will have provision, 

and hope,and joy, and health and loving relationships here 

and now in this life.

We ask that what belongs in this season

would become actual in our practical lives.

We hope in you and in your promises.

We hope in your gift of Spring.

Let us value the great gift of creation and

do our best to conserve it. Amen

(author unknown)

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for Us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends, 

Spiritual Reflection: Models of Courage, Selflessness and Compassion

In this Sunday’s Gospel, (Matthew 16:21–27), Jesus reminds us that following him requires courage, selflessness, and taking up our daily crosses. When life presents challenges, it is tempting to seek the easy way out. Jesus calls us to see beyond our immediate comfort and align our minds with God’s purpose. 

As a Presentation school community, this is a beautiful reminder that real growth happens when we serve others, show resilience through difficulties, and lead with compassion every day. 

Father’s Day

Father’s Day, celebrated this year on Sunday 6 September, is a meaningful time that evokes a wide range of emotions. For many, it brings joy and an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the bond we share with our dads. For others, particularly those who have lost a father, the day can carry a poignant sense of sorrow.

At its heart, this day invites us to grow closer to our dads and father figures, who, alongside our mothers, offer us a profound taste of unconditional love. It also offers a quiet moment to reflect on our heavenly Father, whose love for us is boundless and unfailing.

I wish all our fathers and father figures a truly blessed Father’s Day. May you continue to be an encouraging, life-giving presence for your children as they navigate the journey into young adulthood.

I look forward to seeing our fathers, grandfathers and father figures at next week’s Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast.

Father’s Day Prayer & Blessing

God our Father,

We give you thanks and praise 

for fathers young and old.

We pray for young fathers, 

newly embracing their vocation;

May they find courage and perseverance

to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.

We pray for fathers around the world

whose children are lost or suffering;

May they know that the God of compassion

walks with them in their sorrow.

We pray for men who are not fathers

but still mentor and guide us 

with fatherly love and advice.

We remember fathers, grandfather, and great grandfathers 

who are no longer with us

but who live forever in our memory

and nourish us with their love.  

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for Us.

2027 Leadership Team Announced

It is with great pleasure that I announce our newly elected 2027 Student Leadership Team.

Please join me in congratulating our Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects and House Captains.

Introducing the new Sydney Catholic Schools Logo

Drawing inspiration from the beauty and symmetry of the central rose window at St Mary’s Cathedral, the new Logo launched by Sydney Catholic Schools last week connects us all to our shared spiritual home and celebrates the diverse communities that make up Sydney Catholic Schools. It is a symbol of the formation we offer every child in our care and the story we live every day through our classrooms, staffrooms, playgrounds and parishes. You can read more and view the SCS video explaining the creative process behind this logo later in this issue in the communication by SCS Executive Director, Danielle Cronin. 

Bullying No Way! Week

At Domremy College, we are unequivocal in our rejection of all forms of bullying behaviour. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive and connected learning environment where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to be her best.

As part of our ongoing Wellbeing Program, I outlined our Anti-Bullying Policy in last week’s Parent Weekly. Our policy aligns with the Sydney Catholic Schools Prevention and Management of Student Bullying Policy and reinforces our shared responsibility to ensure that every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect.

I was particularly delighted and proud to see our newly appointed 2027 College Captain and Vice Captains embrace this important message during Bullying No Way Week. As our next group of student leaders, they have already demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and an understanding of the influence they can have within our College community.

Our new leaders used their platform thoughtfully, preparing and delivering a presentation at Assembly and organising a range of activities throughout the week. Through these initiatives, they encouraged students to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, to stand up for one another and, importantly, to understand that everyone has a role to play in creating a culture where bullying is not tolerated.

I commend our 2027 College Captain and Vice Captains for their initiative, courage and leadership. Their willingness to champion this message is a wonderful example of student leadership in action and reflects the values we seek to nurture in every young woman at Domremy. 

I also thank our students and staff for engaging so positively with the activities throughout the week. Bullying No Way Week provides an important opportunity to reinforce a message that must extend well beyond one week: kindness, respect, inclusion and courage matter every day.

I encourage all members of our College community to continue to look out for one another, speak up when something is not right and ensure that Domremy remains a place where every girl feels safe, known, respected and connected.

Details of the activities organised by our student leaders during Bullying No Way Week can be found in their poster.

On a final note…

The completion of HSC Trial Examinations is a huge milestone, but the weeks leading up to Graduation remain a crucial time. In particular, our Year 12 students are busy currently finalising their Major Works and preparing for their practical HSC Performances over the next 4-6 weeks. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this intense final push as they bring months of hard work and creativity to completion. Family and friends are warmly invited on Tuesday 1 September to the: 

• Visual Art, D&T & Extension English 2 Showcase, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, and
• Music Showcase from 6:00 – 7:15pm. 

The girls have worked incredibly hard all year, and these showcases are an important recognition of their hard work and dedication and a wonderful opportunity for us all to show our support; staff and classes have been dropping in to admire the works throughout the week. A wide range of impressive works are on display and  catering is provided.

As highlighted recently with our Year 12 cohort this week, our conversations have centered on empowering them through these exciting and critical final weeks. Maintaining momentum during this period is key. We reflected on three core pillars, daily attendance, consistency, and collegial collaboration, celebrating how much our students thrive when they learn together and lift one another up. With the unwavering encouragement and guidance of their teachers behind them every step of the way, I am confident our Year 12s will finish their school journey with strength, unity, and pride.

Blessings on you and your families.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

Principal

Prayer

“An Educator’s Blessing”

Author: Sr. Raphaela Sender, PBVM

May your heart be attentive to the subtle ways your students learn,

and your spirit patient with the struggles they encounter.

May the light of wisdom guide the words you speak,

so that truth is handed on not as a burden, but as a gift.

May you see in every learner the reflection of the Divine,

and find joy in opening doors to the mind and soul.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

From The Religious Education Coordinator – In our Church

 The Passion of St John the Baptist 

This weekend is the Passion of St John the Baptist.  Scripture tells us that many people followed John looking to him for hope, perhaps in anticipation of some great messianic power. John never allowed himself the false honour of receiving these people for his own glory. He knew his calling was one of preparation. It is John the Baptist who has pointed the way to Christ. John’s life and death were a giving over of self for God and other people. His simple style of life was one of complete detachment from earthly possessions. His heart was centred on God and the call that he heard from the Spirit of God speaking to his heart. Confident of God’s grace, he had the courage to speak words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation.

Let us remember that we are always in the Holy presence of God.

O God,

who willed that Saint John the Baptist should go ahead of your Son both in his birth and in his death,

grant that, as he died a Martyr for truth and justice,

we, too, may fight hard for the confession of what you teach.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 St John the Baptist…Pray for us.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

From the Religious Education Coordinator – Bringing Them Home: Honouring Every Life

   

From the Religious Education Coordinator – Our Lady of the Assumption Procession – A Faith‑Filled Community Moment

Last Sunday, 16 August, members of the Domremy College community were honoured to take part in the Our Lady of the Assumption Procession, held as part of the City of Canada Bay’s Ferragosto celebrations. Invited by the Mayor, our staff, students and families joined with the wider community in a beautiful expression of faith, unity and tradition.

Gathering together as Domremy, we walked in prayerful solidarity, carrying with us the spirit of our Presentation heritage and the values that shape our College. It was a joyful opportunity to witness our faith publicly, to stand alongside local parishes and community groups, and to celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual life of our area.

The procession was a truly wonderful and faith‑filled experience for all involved. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and represented Domremy with such warmth, reverence and community spirit.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

From the Religious Education Coordinator – NEAA Student Conference

Two weeks ago, a group of Domremy students had the privilege of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia Student Conference at Iona Presentation College in Perth. Over four inspiring days, they deepened their understanding of Nano Nagle’s story, explored the rich heritage of the Presentation Sisters, and connected with students from Presentation schools across Australia.

Guided by the theme Carriers of the Lantern, the conference invited our students to reflect on how Nano’s legacy continues to shape their lives today. It was a faith‑filled, joyful and transformative experience — one that strengthened friendships, broadened perspectives, and renewed their commitment to carrying the Presentation charism into their own community.

Below, our students share their reflections on this unforgettable week.

“Two weeks ago we had the honour of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia student conference at Iona Presentation college in Perth. The conference was an unforgettable experience that took place over four days where we had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about Nano Nagle, her life and particularly learn about the journey of the presentation sisters both around the world and in different parts of Australia.

With the conference theme, Carriers of the Lantern, it specifically captured our attention in the importance of carrying out the presentation charism and provided us with a memorable chance to form deeper connections with other schools and create friendships with people all over the country.

My favourite highlight was the friendships we made with others but I also enjoyed learning more about other presentation traditions and initiatives that can be introduced to our own presentation school, as well as meeting the sisters and hearing their stories. Over the days we had the opportunity to participate in various activities that helped us learn about the Journey of Nano Nagle and the presentation Sisters. From their bravery and courage to their charitable works, good deeds and the legacies they began which still live on today.

It truly was a highlight to meet students from fellow presentation schools around Australia, coming from such different backgrounds yet uniting over the same shared legacy. One of the most enjoyed and memorable activities was learning and participating in Irish dancing.

It was a new experience for us to step out of our comfort zones whilst having a laugh together whilst we all struggled to keep up and look coordinated. It was fun but also a special way to connect to celebrate Nano Nagle’s Irish heritage and learn more about the culture that shaped her life and legacy.

Another highlight of the conference was being able to learn from other Presentation schools around the country seeing and hearing about the different initiatives and traditions they have within their own communities. It was inspiring to see the different ways each school continues Nano Nagle’s legacy and bring the Presentation charism to life. We were able to share ideas, learn from one another and discover new initiatives that we can bring back to our own Domremy community.

From this wonderful experience, we have gained insight on new experiences, traditions and ideas from other schools across Australia, in which we hope to use for our community to strengthen our Presentation spirit and charism.”

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

Save the Date – Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast

Save the Date!

We invite all fathers, grandfathers and father figures to join us on Wednesday 2 September from 7:30am for our annual Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast.

We look forward to welcoming you to share in this special morning of celebration and community. if you missed the RSVP date and would like to attend, for catering purposes, please call the Principal’s EA, Donna Malpass to RSVP if you and your daughter(s) will be attending the breakfast.

Bullying No Way! Week – From your 2027 College Captain and Vice Captains

Thank you to all at Domremy for participating in and acknowledging Bullying No Way!, Australia’s national initiative (from 17-21 August) which recognises and supports families and communities in understanding, recognising and preventing all types of bullying and cyberbullying.

As one community, we can inspire, celebrate diversity and create safer, more inclusive spaces where all feel respected and heard.

The College community took part in the key initiatives set out in our poster this week, with a view to fostering more positive and respectful environments. Prioritising small everyday actions makes a difference!

Don’t forget to continue to engage in small everyday acts of kindness that have a vast impact on the people around you!!!

We would like to thank everyone for their involvement this week and for taking part in the activities – your positivity and engagement was inspiring!

Lara Moussa, 2027 College Captain, Addison Lipiec and Zara Djuricin, 2027 College Vice Captains

Celebrating National Science Week

Every activity in this year’s program was chosen with purpose, and seeing our students engage so enthusiastically was nothing short of inspiring.

Here is a look back at the week that was:

• Future You Film Festival: We began the week watching short clips highlighting women in real-world STEM careers, showing students that whatever you can imagine, you can become.
• ANU STEM & Engineering Challenge: Students discovered that engineering is built on resilience—testing, failing, redesigning, and ultimately making things work.
• Seeds of Science Incursion: We explored how Australian scientists test bold ideas to create inventions that improve daily life and protect our planet.
• Homeroom Paper Airplane Challenge: Experimenting with lift, drag, and flight paths using a single sheet of paper proved that scientific principles are at play all around us.

The absolute high point of the week was hearing from our guest speaker, Dr. Renee Goreham from the University of Newcastle. Dr. Renee is an extraordinary scientist working on a technology to detect cancer in its early stages through a breathalyser device.  Her work is a powerful reminder that a career in STEM provides the power to change human lives. 

National Science Week may be over, but the mindset doesn’t end here. Students have been encouraged to keep asking why, keep testing ideas, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible!

Lisa Ganderton, Leader of Inquiry and Enterprise

Philosophers in the Making: Domremy Students Take on the Socratic Summit

On Tuesday 25 August, students represented our school at Newington College for the 2026 Socratic Summit – a day dedicated to collaborative debate, philosophical inquiry, and critical thinking.

Sitting in mixed circles of inquiry, participants kicked off the day with a warm-up exercise debating contentious claims and practised respectfully agreeing, disagreeing, and evaluating arguments.

The inquiry expanded across four core sessions:

• The Moral Domain: Categorising actions as MORAL or NOT MORAL and building criteria to test logic.
• Judging Right & Wrong: Examining societal norms to question whether doing what is “normal” or “natural” makes an action right.
• Good Taste & Aesthetics: Debating subjective preference versus objective quality (“It is good because I like it ” vs. “I like it because it’s good“) and questioning expertise in art and music.
• Ethics in Art: Analysing real-world scenarios to tackle complex questions surrounding censorship and aesthetic value.

Throughout the day, students reflected continuously on their process – focusing on active listening, turn-taking, and acknowledging different points of view.

They left with a final puzzle to ponder: Is ‘good’ a subjective or objective concept, or does it exist outside human judgment?

Congratulations to all participants for representing our school with outstanding curiosity and intellectual courage!

Lisa Ganderton, Leader of Enquiry and Enterprise

Book Week

Years 7 and 8 celebrated Book Week on Tuesday 25 August with an inspiring and engaging talk from award winning author and editor, Sue Whiting.

Sue writes for many age groups, from picture books through to Young Adult, including the best selling novels, ‘Missing’ and, ‘The Book Of Chance, ‘ as well as ‘Promises And Other Lies.’

Sue talked about the importance of being an idea collector. She talked about ideas as lego blocks, imagining how they interconnect. She also asked the girls to begin world building, creating tension and suspense with a menacing and eerie setting atmosphere.

On Wednesday 26 August Years 9 and 10 were treated to a thought provoking and hugely informative talk about the craft of writing by author, Allison Tait. Allison is a multi genre writer, journalist, creative writing teacher and speaker, writing many Young Adult novels including ‘The Mapmaker Chronicles,’ ‘The Maven and Reeve Mysteries’ as well as ‘Danger Road.’ Allison is co- founder of the ‘Your Kid’s Next Read,’ podcast and community as well as former co- host of the top rating ‘So You Want To be A Writer,’ podcast.

Allison spoke to the girls about making as much trouble for your character, when writing, as possible, and making them uncomfortable. She encouraged the girls to be observant in daily life; If it makes you ask ‘Wow’ or if it makes you ask, ‘Why?’ – Write it down!

Wednesday also saw some interesting book characters lurking about! Our dress up day was a sight to behold with creative and imaginative characters everywhere, all raising money for the CWF (Catholic Charitable Works Fund).

Mrs Nicole Harada, Teacher/Librarian

Farewell to our Kaimei High School Osaka visiting students and teachers

After a wonderful two weeks with our visiting students and teachers from Kaimei High School in Osaka, we look back with happy hearts. We loved sharing our lessons and daily life with them and they taught us so much about Japan. Not only that, but Domremy students loved getting to know the Kaimei girls and becoming friends. Thank you to the host families, for opening their homes, sharing their lives and making our guests feel like family. Thank you also to the Domremy teachers and buddies, for guiding our visitors and helping them feel safe and included every day. It is hard to say goodbye, but this is not a final farewell, as our students will be visiting Kaimei High School in October on the Domremy Japan Study Tour.

Ms Lisa Tang, Teacher of Japanese

Vinnies Sandwich Making

HSC Showcases on 1 September

SCS Secondary Conference 2 Athletics Carnival 2026

Congratulations to our Athletics Team – our students participated in the SCS Secondary Conference 2 Athletics Carnival 2026 on 18 August at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre and represented the school with distinction..

Domremy College finished 3rd overall for female athletes on total points. 

 

The following students placed in the top 5 for Age Champion in their given age group:

12yrs – Eloise Bitmanis (equal 4th place)

14yrs – Annalee Lemura (1st place)

15yrs – Eisla Scully (1st place)

15 yrs – Gabrielle Buckman (2nd place)

15yrs – Erin Cook (equal 3rd place)

16yrs – Grace Parker (5th Place)

 

Furthermore, an impressive 6 records were broken by Domremy students at this event! Congratulations to the following students:

 

 

Below is a list of students who progressed through to the SCS Sydney Championships, which took place today – results in our next issue.

 

Ms Nicole Kanis, Assistant Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to our Evelyn (Y11) – Australia are the Women’s U18 Water Polo World Champions 2026, Spain

We congratulate Evelyn O’Neill, one of our future stars of water polo, who competed at the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships 2026, which took place between 16-23 August 2026 in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain.

Australia played 6 six games ultimately winning the Gold Medal against Spain!

• Game 1: Australia 35 – 7 Brazil
• Game 2: Australia 22 – 5 Serbia (Australia tops Group F)

Congratulations Evelyn,  seen here on the podium as a key contributor to Australia’s gold medal success!

Upcoming College Tour – Friday 4 September, 9.30am

Prospective families are invited to join us for our next College Tour on Friday 4 September at 9.30am. Our student lead tours offer prospective families the opportunity to explore the College community. To register or to view additional tour dates throughout the year, please visit the College website. If you have family or friends considering their daughter’s secondary school education, please let them know so that they can register their interest.

Year 7 2029 Enrolments Open Soon!

The enrolment period for Year 7 2029 will open late Term 3/early Term 4.

If you have family, friends, or neighbors considering Domremy College for their  daughter’s secondary school journey, please encourage them to follow the College on our official social media channels and to check our website for all the latest news and updates. Following our pages is the best way for prospective families to stay up to date with key enrolment dates, open days, and important news and events across our school community.

Sydney Catholic Schools – renewed logo

Many months ago, as part of the development of Magis 2033, we undertook a comprehensive consultation on our system logo and branding.  

Today, I am proud to share with you the renewed visual identity for Sydney Catholic Schools, which reflects a bold and invigorated expression of who we are and who we are becoming together. 

The logo is not a departure from our tradition, but a hope-filled continuation of it. 

Our new logo draws its inspiration from the central rose window of St Mary’s Cathedral, the spiritual heart of our Archdiocese and one of the most enduring symbols of the Catholic Church in Sydney.  

While Sydney Harbour and its icons have often been used as a visual shorthand for the city, it reflects only a small part of our geographic reach. Our schools span diverse communities across metropolitan Sydney from east to west, and north to south. This new logo deliberately shifts the anchor point to our spiritual home, uniting every school, regardless of location, within a shared Catholic identity and mission. 

You can also view this video to see the creative process that has brought this symbol of our mission to life.   

Danielle Cronin
Executive Director

SCS Empower Night Towards Eucharist 28

Sydney Catholic Schools is launching its journey to the International Eucharistic Congress 2028 in Sydney! Enjoy an inspiring evening of praise and worship, personal testimony and Eucharistic adoration, featuring special guests – the Most Reverend Bishop Richard Umbers, Fr Rob Galea and Dr Robert Haddad. Connect with Catholic ministries and organisations, explore a marketplace of Catholic vendors and stalls, and enjoy an evening of community, conversation and spiritual renewal.

Support Our Local Community: St Joan of Arc Second Hand & Craft Market

Support Our Local Community: St Joan of Arc Second Hand & Craft Market: Saturday 12 September 10.00am – 12.00pm.

Whether you are looking to shop for great finds at unbeatable prices or want to declutter and sell your own goods, it promises to be a fantastic day out for everyone.Want to host a stall? Stall spots can be purchased for $50 each, and stallholders keep 100% of the profits made on the day! Come along to enjoy a fun day of bargaining, craft browsing, and supporting our neighboring school community. All are welcome!