La Verite – Issue 14/2024 – T3W8 - Sep 13, 2024

From the Principal

A Prayer for Leaders

“Do it Anyway” – Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable,

irrational and self-centred.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere,

people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating,

others could destroy overnight.

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

In this edition, we once again see our community’s values shining brightly. Compassion, service, and generosity are woven throughout all that we do. Our students demonstrate these values in many ways, from volunteering to adjudicate local primary school public speaking events, to our Vinnie’s Sandwich Making, volunteers preparing meals for those in need and so Do we 'need to' help one another? | Opinion much more. From lunchtime knitting and crocheting beanies for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, to writing novels and raising funds for the Kids Cancer Project, these small acts of kindness leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s the incidental charity fundraising during the Year 10 Commerce market, or the personal time dedicated to sandwich making and knitting, every effort matters. These are just a few of the countless ways our students and staff embody the Presentation values of compassion, service, and hospitality, which continue to thrive in our vibrant and wonderful community.

Student Leadership 2024/2025

This week, we gathered with parents, friends, staff, and students to honour our current leaders and celebrate our newly appointed leaders. In a cherished tradition, our outgoing leaders passed on the lantern of Nano Nagle, symbolising the beginning of a new journey for those who will guide our College into the future. This handover is a hallmark of our rich Presentation heritage.

Our current College Captain, Mireille Karam, has been an exemplary leader, showing remarkable strength and commitment, not only to her peers but to the entire College community. We are deeply grateful to Mireille and her Leadership Team for their authenticity, courage, and integrity in upholding our Presentation values and traditions with grace and dedication. They are certainly a very impressionable legacy for future leaders to aspire to.

Lead, Bless, Grow

Our Year 10 and 11 students have engaged in meaningful conversations about leadership, reflecting on their passion for leading our College. Each of these young women has thoughtfully considered the challenges and responsibilities that leadership entails. They recognise that leading with courage, compassion, conviction, and commitment is no easy task—whether in Nano Nagle’s time or today. Yet, they also understand that we can look to those who have come before us, like Venerable Nano Nagle, whose legacy teaches us that leading with heart and soul is not only possible but profoundly rewarding. We are never alone on this journey.

School Fees

A gentle reminder that Term 3 school fees are due by the end of term. If you are facing difficulties meeting this deadline, I encourage you to reach out to discuss flexible arrangements that can best accommodate your family’s needs. All discussions are private and confidential.

And finally…

Other Morning Prayers — My Catholic Life! Please keep our Year 11 students in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their Preliminary Examinations, and our Year 12 students as they prepare for their HSC examinations. Your support and encouragement during this important time mean the world to them.

With only a few weeks left in the term, we are entering a busy and exciting period, especially as we prepare for the Year 12 farewells and celebrations. As we approach the end of Term 3, I want to remind all students—particularly our Year 12s—that it is never too late to make a difference. Whether it’s in academics, sports, music, or relationships, I urge everyone to embrace a growth mindset and continue challenging themselves. Remember, “If you are all that you should be, you will set the world on fire.” With dedication and perseverance, you are capable of achieving extraordinary things.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and partnership.

Blessings to you and your families,

Mrs. Antoinette McGahan

Prayer

In Times of Transition

We keep in our prayers our Year 12 students about to graduate,

our Year 10 students about to move into their senior years

and our Year 6 families about to start their high school journeys.

All will experience transitions to new times in their lives, as we all do from time to time.

May God be with each of us as we experience these transitions uniquely and with God.

God of Love,

You are with us in every transition and change.

As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety,

we recall your deep compassion, presence and abounding love.

We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills which you have blessed us.

We thank you for the experiences that have brought us to this moment.

We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work.

Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

Student Leadership into 2025 – Investiture Ceremony

It was with great pleasure and immense pride, that the Year 12 HSC Class of 2025 were formally acknowledged as the Student Leaders of Domremy College this week.

At the Investiture Ceremony, on Monday 9 September, the leadership positions were formally conferred on the members of the 2025 Student Leadership Team. They were formally called upon by Mrs McGahan, College Principal, to serve as leaders, the challenge of which was accepted. As the incoming 2025 leaders, each gave the Pledge of Leadership. Parents of the Leadership Team were invited to mark this significant occasion.

During the ceremony, all Year 12 2025 students were also recognised as leaders. In recognition of them as role models for the younger students, we acknowledge their responsibility to set a positive tone and provide leadership for the College.

We were honoured that our Graduating Year 12 2024 Leadership Team was an integral part of the Ceremony, which is rich in tradition and valued at Domremy. Our outgoing Leaders passed the light to illuminate the path for our incoming Leaders in leading the community. The light symbolises Nano’s commitment to making a difference in our world.

In the Holy Gospel according to John, John reminds us of the power of servant leadership, modelled by Christ, which provides an example for each of us to emulate [Gospel Reading: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13: 3-17)].

Certificates of Leadership were presented to our outgoing 2024 Student Leaders.

Congratulations to our new Student Leaders and many thanks to Mrs Sullivan, Mr Magson, and Ms Ribeiro.

Mr Matthew Ryan, Assistant Principal

Thank you to our outgoing 2024 Student Leadership Team

Presenting our incoming 2025 Student Leadership Team

Called to serve as leaders

Call accepted – “We will”

Pledge of Leadership

Family and Community behind our Leaders

Gallery – Investiture Ceremony

A ‘heads-up’ – Year 12 2024: Pre-HSC Holiday Study Workshops

In order to best support our HSC students as they prepare for the upcoming HSC Examinations, the KLAs listed in the below tables, are providing an opportunity for students to attend holiday study workshops.

These workshops are designed to provide revision and preparation, giving students the best possible chance to succeed in their exams. We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity and avail themselves of this possibility to work with their peers, supported by teachers, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for their HSC examinations.

Further details will be sent home to students and parents in Weeks 9 and 10, including the focus of each session and the expectations and requirements for these holiday study workshops.

Mrs Kelly Smit, Leader of Learning and Teaching

Annabelle (Y12) performs at the 2024 Studio Series Classical Music Recital

Congratulations to Annabelle (Y12) who performed at the 2024 Studio Series Classical Music Recital on Saturday 31 August, at Southern Cross College by invitation from Arts HQ – Sydney Catholic Schools. An outstanding performer, Annabelle played so beautifully on the evening and gave a wonderful performance. A great tribute to all her hard work and dedication. A shout out too to our wonderful Music and Creative Arts Faculty for the mentoring and support of Annabelle and all of our students.

A wonderful accomplishment Annabelle, you made us proud.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations 11 – 19 September

We continue to keep our Year 11 students, who are half way through their Preliminary examinations, in our thoughts and prayers.

This is a significant milestone in their academic journey and we provide our support and encouragement during this time and we wish them all the very best!

Year 10 Commerce Market

In one of our earlier publications, we reported on the Year 10 Commerce Market Day which was to occur on Friday 30 August and provided their Marketing Flyers..

The Market day went off without a hitch. Students were tasked with an assessment to develop a business plan for a market stall, which included outlining the logistics and the sourcing, marketing, packaging, human resources, financing and distribution of a product. Students learnt important skills that are required if one day they wish to run their own business. Market day was a hugely successful venture, with a large range of products for sale and all profits, which came to over $1600, will be donated to the Nagle Centre Macarthur, which is part of St Vincent de Paul. Well done Year 10 Commerce!

Ms Diana Arida, Acting HSIE Coordinator

Year 9 Design and Technology – Logo Design

Year 9 Design and Technology students were tasked with designing the brand identity for a couture jewellery brand, ‘Praxi Carta’. ‘Praxi Carta’ is currently experiencing trouble standing out amongst their competitors as their brand identity is outdated. Within the students’ brand identity, they were required to design, produce and evaluate a logo, business card and one other piece of branding of their choice for the company. They were also required to use illustrations and other graphic techniques as a niche to make the brand identity stand out.

Please see some of their work below!

Ms Stephanie Ricciuti, TAS Coordinator

Ivy

Lily

Olivia

Tiziana

Beth

Emily

Al Cinema – Year 9 and 10 Italian

On 5 September, our Year 9 and 10 Italian students enjoyed a fun and educational excursion to the movies, followed by a pizza lunch.

The students watched “La Guerra dei Nonni”, a heartwarming and comedic film about two grandfathers, Gerri and Tom, who engage in a hilarious rivalry to win the affection of their grandchildren. The film, directed by Gianluca Ansanelli, provided both laughter and insight into Italian family dynamics, set against the beautiful backdrop of Rome.

After the movie, the students walked to Bar Italia, where they shared delicious pizzas and gelato. The owners of Bar Italia also gave the students a brief history of the cafe’, established in 1952 and its significance to the Italian community. A place where many grandfathers would enjoy gathering with their friends to share an espresso and chat and locals could enjoy the traditional dishes with family and friends. This made the experience both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

It was a memorable day for all, and we’re sure the students have gained not only a deeper appreciation for the Italian language but also its vibrant culture.

Mrs Vitalba Clarke and Mrs Serita Vari, LOTE Department

Debating and Public Speaking Adjudicators

Such is the strength of Debating and Public Speaking at Domremy College, we are often asked to send students to some of our local primary schools to assist with adjudication. This week, Isabella and Lara had the opportunity to adjudicate at St Mark’s Drummoyne. The standard of public speaking is lifting across the many primary schools and Domremy College benefits enormously from this, through our enrolment of students with a desire to compete in public speaking and debating, but also the ability to sit on the other side of the table and adjudicate, helping our students become more familiar with the techniques and criteria for success in this area. All of this, of course, has great benefits across a number of subjects and courses.

Well done to Isabella and Lara!

Mr Matthew Ryan, Assistant Principal

Vinnies Sandwich Making

“Vinnies Sandwich making is an enjoyable experience that I look forward to participating in each year, not only because it is a fun and exciting experience but also because I know I am doing something good to help others less fortunate than me. Vinnies Sandwich making is a well run experience by dedicated teachers, who enjoy giving back to the community. Every sandwich is made with equal amounts of love and quality to bring a little bit of happiness for each person who gets to eat one. All the food to create these sandwiches are provided by the students and teachers and are put together to create amazing and delicious sandwiches which are then given to Vinnies and provided to the people who have less.” (Amelia Year 8)

Miss Cristina Peros, Social Justice Coordinator

Domremy Knitters and Crocheters Outreach

This year our knitting and crocheting community have reached out to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to produce warm and snuggly beanies and scarves for Australians dealing with challenging cancer treatment.

This life changing cancer treatment centre, opened on 19th November 2013, is the culmination of Professor Chris O’Brien’s vision. Chris, a cancer surgeon, patient, and family man had this vision and his wife Gail brought it to fruition.

The mission of the Lifehouse is ‘to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families, by advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, care, cure and prevention of cancer using a holistic approach.’ This provides a powerful message of inspiration and a guiding light for the Domremy community.

Whilst a number of our beanies have been produced by the Domremy community, a special thanks must go to Sarah Kaber, a generous spirit who has been brought into the fold by Ms Alyssa Intili.

As the beanies were dropped off on Friday and received by Gail O’Brien, it was a wonderful reminder of the value of gifting simple home made items to those in need. Special thanks to Mrs Litherland who coordinated a meeting and photo opportunity with Gail O’Brien.

Our knitting and crocheting club is in need of donations of 8 ply or thicker wool and crochet hooks.

Ms Donna Atkins, Convenor of the Domremy Knitting and Crochet Club

‘Write a Book In a Day’ initiative for the Kids’ Cancer Project

Last week, ten students from Year 10 took part in the ‘Write a Book In a Day’ initiative. This challenge asks students to write a collaborative book in a day and raise money for the Kids’ Cancer Project, for research into childhood cancer.

The girls were given a number of parameters that they had to include in their story, all of which they didn’t receive until the morning of their writing day – this ensures that the students have indeed written their story in one day and not pre-prepared.

The Domremy Team wrote a book, 3687 words in length, which needed to include a spy, a garden gnome, a bowling green and a number of keywords (swept, dazzling, faded, wrinkled, quirky). The title of the book is, ‘Timmy And The Code Of The Cracked Gnome.’

Their book will be read by sick children in hospital, brightening the lives of many in need.

The students have already raised $728.29 to date and their fundraising page remains active until 30 September.

Well done to Jessica, Grace, Sophie, Olivia, Sienna, Michayla, Tiana, Sandra, Annaliese and Antonia!

How marvellous that this activity is still going strong at Domremy – here is a flashback to 2014, (taken from the 2014 College Yearbook), when students were similarly engaged in this worthwhile initiative!

Mrs Nicole Harada, Teacher/Librarian

Congratulations to our athletes

Some incredible results from the SCS Athletics Championships 2024 – Domremy placed 5th overall out of all SCS schools from all four Conferences; Eisla took the 13 Yr Age Champion title; and Sophia took the 17+ Age Champion title. Congratulations ladies and congratulations to all our Domremy atheletes!

Cheerleading – Congratulations Alyssa

Congratulations to Alyssa (Year 10) who recently competed at the Global Games for Cheerleading, with her team taking first place!

Wonderful news Alyssa – we are all very proud.

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 12 September 2024.

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.

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