La Verite – Issue 2/2025 – T1W4 - Feb 28, 2025
Prayer for Pope Francis
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Loving and Merciful God, We come before You in prayer, lifting up Your servant, Pope Francis, in his time of need. You are the Source of all healing, and we ask You to surround him with Your loving presence, granting him strength and recovery. May Your divine grace rest upon him, restoring his health and filling him with renewed vigor to continue leading Your Church with compassion and wisdom. “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” We place Pope Francis into Your hands, trusting in Your eternal care. May he be comforted by the love of the Church and the prayers of all the faithful. We ask, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that his recovery be swift, and his spirit be strengthened in Your peace. May Your will be done in his life, O Lord, and may Your healing power be with him always. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for Pope Francis |
Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Lenten Penance 2025
Please find attached the Lenten Penance 2025 from Archbishop Anthony Fisher.
From the Principal
Prayer for Ash Wednesday
Blessed are You O Lord
who gives us life and all things.
Lead us into repentance and
renew our lives with your grace.
May the crosses of ashes that mark our
foreheads be a reminder that we belong to your Son.
May our worship and prayer be sustained
throughout these days of Lent.
I ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
[Source: Easter Prayers for Lent and Easter, a Lenten booklet.
This prayer resource is from the website of St Columban’s Mission Society]
Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff
Prayers for Pope Francis
As we are all aware, Pope Francis has been facing significant health challenges recently. Our Holy Father was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago with a reported severe respiratory infection, which later developed into double pneumonia, placing him in a critical condition, with more recent reports of him being stable and showing signs of improvement. A Holy See Press Office communiqué on Thursday evening (Rome time), confirms that Pope Francis’ clinical con
dition continues to show improvement. You can read more here.
Prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery have been pouring in from around the world. Interfaith groups, world leaders, and Catholic communities have all expressed their support and well-wishes, and nightly rosary prayers are being held in St. Peter’s Square. Let us join with the global Catholic community, united in prayer, to pray for the Pope’s swift return to health. We trust in the Lord to hear our prayers for the Holy Father’s full recovery and return to his apostolic mission.
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
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.
Amen.
Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for Him.
Excerpt from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. [ Courtesy of: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-pope-francis]
Lenten Season
The Lenten season commences this Wednesday, 5 March. A time of reflection, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. During this period, as we mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, many Christians practice fasting, giving up certain luxuries or habits, and engaging in acts of charity and devotion. It is a time for personal growth, spiritual renewal, and deepening one’s faith. We are encouraged throughout this season to focus on repentance, self-discipline, and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. We are guided in this season by Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Lenten Penance, which you will find later in this issue.
In other news
I hope this issue finds you well. As we embark on a new month, I would like to take the opportunity early on in the year, to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the students, teachers, and parents for their dedication and hard work over the past weeks. Your continued support and enthusiasm are what make our school a truly special place to learn and grow. It is heartening to have the academic year start on such a high and it promises to be a great year.
One of the highlights of March is our annual College Open Day, which stands
as our largest community event of the year. This event is of paramount importance as it offers a unique opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore our campus, engage with our dedicated faculties
and our wonderful students, and experience firsthand the vibrant and inclusive community that defines our College. We look forward to welcoming you all and showcasing the exceptional educational opportunities we provide.
Looking ahead, we have our annual Swimming Carnival next Friday, which brings an element of additional excitement this year, as it will be the first official event at which our two new colour Houses, Joseph 
and Siena, are participating! I encourage all students to participate and showcase their talents. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate sportsmanship, and create lasting memories and, with the current warm weather, the Carnival’s Beach Party! theme is particularly well chosen!
Last but certainly not the least, as we look ahead to Term 2, I want to highlight our College Musical, a remarkable production that you won’t want to miss. If you haven’t had the chance to experience one of our College Musicals before, I highly encourage you to mark your calendars and join us! The rehearsals are progressing well and will soon enter their final stages. From 
what I’ve observed during the after-school practices, we are truly in for another phenomenal treat. I want to commend our talented students and dedicated Musical Staff for their enthusiasm and the countless hours they are pouring into this spectacular show. The grand reveal is just around the corner, and believe me, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
On a final note …
I would also like to thank all the Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) and Year 11 parents who attended the Curriculum and Assessment Information Evenings last week. These meetings are incredibly important for fostering open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, ensuring that every student receives the support and guidance they need to succeed. Your involvement and dedication are greatly appreciated.
I wish our Public Speakers the best of luck for Round 1 of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition which commences this evening at Catherine McAuley College, Westmead. Knock it out of the park ladies! We are all behind you.
Our Try Domremy for a Day Program is back again this year, building on the successes of previous years. Information on dates and how to register online is available later in this issue. I encourage you and any family and friends who may wish to have their Years 4, 5 and 6 daughter attend, to register online as places are highly sought after and limited. Registration for Year 5 students has now opened.
At this time of year Applications for Enrolment are also coming in. If you know of family or friends considering a high school education for their daughters, please extend an invitation to them to join us for Open Day on Sunday 9 March, and/or call our Enrolment Officer about submitting an Application for Enrolment. Applications for Year 7 2027 are filling quickly and interviews are being scheduled for March.
I look forward to seeing you at our Open Day.
Blessings on you and your families,
Mrs Antoinette McGahan, College Principal
New Joseph and Siena House Crests
The College is delighted to announce that voting by students, staff and our Presentation Sisters, on designs for the emblems of our two new Houses, is now in. Thank you to all who cast their votes on what is history in the making for our wonderful College. Our two new Colour Houses, Siena and Joseph, now have their own beautiful Crests.
JOSEPH HOUSE: Drawing inspiration from the Presentation Sisters and named in honour of Mother Joseph Dunne, the Foundress of Domremy College, this House is represented by the colour Pink, a colour that reflects empathy, kindness and community spirit. The values of Joseph House will align with the mission and vision of Mother Joseph Dunne and the Presentation Sisters. The new House Crest is our interpretation of the Celtic Cross which features prominently in the Icon of Nano Nagle.
SIENA HOUSE: Honouring St Catherine of Siena, this House is represented by the colour Orange, symbolising flame, happiness, enthusiasm and youthful connections. These values will serve as a guiding light for all members of Siena House as they embody the spirit and legacy of St Catherine. The new House Crest attributes the Crown of Thorns, representing St Catherine of Siena’s devotion to God and the lily flower, a symbol of her purity.
Our new Houses and associated Vertical Homerooms now join Martina, Nagle, Notre Dame and Orleans.
Let the Light shine true …
Joseph
Named after Mother Joseph Dunne, the Joseph House is identified by our more modern version of the Irish Celtic heart. Mother Joseph was Irish, and the Celtic Heart forms part of the Nano Nagle icon.
Siena
Named after St Catherine of Siena, Siena House is identified by the Crown of Thorns, representing St Catherine of Siena’s devotion to God and the lily flower, a symbol of her purity.
Existing Houses
Martina – Nagle – Notre Dame – Orleans
Congratulations to our 2025 House Captains and Vice Captains
Congratulations to our 2025 House Captains and Vice Captains.
2025 Student Leadership Team
With the addition of our two new colour Houses, there are additional members to our 2025 Student Leadership Team.
Primary School Visits
Our Primary School Visits which took place over the last couple of weeks have now finished.
Thank you to all our feeder Primary Schools for their warm welcomes. It was a delight for our students to see the primary school students so enthused about high school, asking some gre4at questions and being so engaged.
A big thank you to all students who volunteered to attend. Thank you to our Year 12 2025 Student Leadership Team for accompanying and mentoring our Year 8 student volunteers, and thank you to our Year 8 students, for challenging themselves to go and speak to the primary students, and recognising that being of service can take many forms. You were all wonderful ambassadors for the College and a credit to yourselves.
Thank you to our Year 12 2025 Student Leadership Team and to the following Year 8 student volunteers: Isabella, Sienna, Alexis, Siera, Emily, Amelia, Mila, Arianna, Annalee, Elyssa, Allegra, Angelina, Mia, Lilyana, Elissa, Zoe, Abia, Emily, Liliana, Mariah, Hannah, Chloe and Eva.
Well done ladies!
(Photo Credit: Holy Innocents Catholic Primary School, Croydon)
Years 7 and 8 Police Liaison Visit
Years 7 and 8 recently had the opportunity to engage with our Police Liaison Officers who spoke to our students about important topics that directly impact their safety and wellbeing: cyber safety, cyber bullying and road safety. Officers provided valuable insights on how to stay safe online and the importance of respectful behaviour both in person and online. Moreover, students were equipped with essential information about the dangers of how to recognise cyberbullying and how to respond if they encounter or witness it online. Students were given practical advice on staying safe on social media, understanding the emotional impact of online behaviour, and how to seek help if they or someone they know is being targeted.
Our students were encouraged to speak up, practice empathy and always report any form of bullying they experience or witness. The talk also gave our students the opportunity to ask questions and learn practical strategies to navigate these issues confidently.
We believe this conversation is vital in today’s digital world and we encourage you to continue discussing these topics with your daughters. Together, we can ensure students are well-informed and prepared to make safe choices both online and in the community.
Ms Mary David, Year 7 Coordinator
Clean Up Australia Day – this Sunday, 2 March
This Sunday, 2 March is Clean Up Australia Day 2025. You can join in and help to make a real difference in our local community by taking part in Clean Up Australia Day! This invitation is open to students from all year groups and parents/carers and family members.
Join us in helping to protect our environment, reduce waste, and be involved in environmental initiatives at Domremy. We would like to see as many people as possible participating in this important event on Sunday 2nd March. Meet at 8:50 am in Nield Park, then the Clean Up will run from 9am-11am.
NOTE:
- Students must Register their details and registration can be found at the following link.
- Students are to stay for the duration of the Clean Up event and a roll will be marked at the beginning and end of the event.
- Consent on Compass is required for all students participating on the day.
Mr Greg Sciortino, HSIE Teacher – on behalf of the Environment Committee
CSDA Public Speaking kicks off the season with Round 1 this evening!
We wish our Public Speakers the very best of luck as they begin Round 1 at Catherine McAuley College this evening.
A full report will follow in the next issue.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Safety – Student and Parent Information Sessions
Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations including to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues.
Paul has worked with many organisations including Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to develop and deliver training sessions to players around alcohol and other drug safety, as well as to assist in the development of alcohol policies for the respective sports.
Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues.
He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug education.
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- Student Sessions: Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students will participate in student sessions with Paul on 24 March. The times will be on the College Calendar.
- Parent Information Session: There will also be a parent information session for parents from Years 7-12, on Monday 24 March 2025, from 6.00pm – 7.30pm, in the Brenda Quinn Hall.
Mrs Badya Gebrael, Leader of Wellbeing and Student Wellbeing Officer (NSWP)
College Musical – Save the Date
Our much anticipated College Musical is on again this year. This is definitely an event you don’t want to miss! Our College Musicals are a cut above the rest and the rehearsals have well and truly commenced each Monday afternoon and are sure to ramp up. These involve a lot of goodwill and time on a weekly basis. Much gratitude and appreciation to all involved at this stage and especially to our committed Musical Team – Ms Julie Mathers, Mrs Romina Zappulla, Mr Glenn, Magson and Mrs Kristy O’Mahony.
The big reveal is coming soon!
For now though, all you need to do is ensure you have the dates saved in your diaries.
College Musical
Evening Performances
Brenda Quinn Hall
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 June 2025
Swimming Carnival – Let’s Beach Party!!!
The Leadership Team is extremely excited to announce that the 2025 Swimming Carnival is approaching fast! We are delighted to reveal this year’s theme:
BEACH PARTY !!!
The decision to select this theme was made with great thought, ensuring it captures fun, inclusivity and school spirit that makes our Swimming Carnival such a special event. We would love to see everyone embrace the theme with creativity and enthusiasm!
We hope you can all participate and support one another both in and out of the pool. We can’t wait to have fun and make this an unforgettable day!
Thank you!
Chloe Gao, 2025 Sports Prefect
Open Day 2025 – Sunday 9 March 2025
Open Day 2025 is coming up next week on Sunday 9 March, 11am – 3pm.
Please feel free to pass on this information to family and friends considering Domremy College for their daughter.
Please find linked our Open Day Program and Open Day FAQs.
Attending Open Day is highly recommended as part of the enrolment process.
All are welcome and there is no prior registration required.
Try Domremy for a Day Program – Years 4, 5 and 6 primary students
Our TRY DOMREMY FOR A DAY program for students in Years 4, 5 and 6 in 2025, is back.
Successfully transitioning students from primary to secondary school can make a significant difference to a student’s achievement, engagement and wellbeing outcomes.
Try Domremy For A Day is an opportunity for Years 4, 5 and 6 primary students to attend the College and experience aspects of high school for a day.
Registrations are now open for Year 5 2025 students for Try Domremy for a Day on Friday 4 April.
If you have a daughter in primary school in Years 4, 5 or 6 this year and would like her to participate, or you know of family and friends who may be interested, please note that online registration is essential for all families and places are limited due to the participation activities organised.
Visit our website to register at https://www.domremy.catholic.edu.au/trydomremy
You can also find out more about the program at our Open Day on Sunday 9 March, 11am – 3pm.
Enrolment for Year 7 2027 and associated news
Applications for Year 7 2027 (current Year 5 students)
We have had a large number of applications already and enrolment interviews will be scheduled for March this Term.
If you have any queries at all about enrolling at Domremy College, or the enrolment application process generally, please do not hesitate to either email or telephone our Enrolment Officer: enrolments@domremy.catholic.edu.au and 9712 2133.
Domremy College follows the Sydney Catholic Schools’ policy of enrolling students for Year 7 two years prior to the start date. Please note the following:
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- There is no automatic entry for students from feeder primary schools.
- There is no automatic entry for families with older siblings already enrolled at the College.
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All families must submit an Application for Enrolment.
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
SCS All Abilities Sports Program
An Inclusive program that caters for all levels of ability.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
SCS Child Safety Team – Newsletter article: Understanding Mandatory Reporting Obligations
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.
School Safety Newsletter – Understanding Mandatory Reporting Obligations
St Joan of Arc Primary School – Family Fair – Saturday 8 March 2025, 10am – 3pm
St Joan of Arc Parish, Haberfield: Education for Peace and Hope Mass and World Day of Prayer
Education for Peace and Hope – Sunday 2 March
On Sunday March 2, as part of the Jubilee events in the Parish, the Parish 9am Mass will celebrate the theme ‘Education for Peace and Hope.’ Mrs Antoinette McGahan will be one of three Principals sharing their experiences as educators of peace. All are welcome.
World Day of Prayer 2025 – Friday 7 March
St Joan of Arc Parish, Haberfield has extended an invitation to attend World Day of Prayer 2025, on Friday 7 March. Morning Tea at 9.45am and Mass at 10.30am. Please RSVP. Please see the World Day of Prayer flyer attached for more information.
St Joseph’s Enfield: Sacrament Program 2025
The Parish of St Joseph’s Enfield would like to welcome all children who have missed out and would like to complete the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Dates are as follows:
Enrolment date for Reconciliation is Wednesday 5th March at 3pm to 4pm in the parish meeting room.
Sacrament date Reconciliation Thursday 3rd April at 7pm in the Church.
All class lesson times and dates are published in the parish website as well as the enrolment form.
Enrolment date for First Holy Communion is Wednesday 20th August at 3pm to 4pm in the parish meeting room.
Sacrament date First Holy Communion is Thursday 28th November at 6pm in the Church.
All class lesson times and dates are published in the parish website as well as the enrolment form.
Enrolment date of Confirmation is Wednesday 4th April at 3pm to 4pm in the parish meeting room.
Sacrament date for Confirmation is Sunday 8th June at 1pm in the Church.
All class lesson times and dates are published in the parish website as well as the enrolment form.
Parish Office, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 126 Liverpool Road, Enfield NSW 2136
www.stjosephenfield.org.au. Email: admin@stjosephenfield.org.au. Ph: 02 9747 4884
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 27 February 2025.