Prayer

May Lent be for us
A time of learning to look,
A time of learning
To recognize the complex roots of injustice,
To recognize the Gethsemanes
in our global community.

May Lent be for us
A time of learning to become
An Easter people,
A time of learning
To recognise the deep roots of compassion,
To recognise we are called
To announce the hope of the Resurrection.

Amen

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us

(by Jane Deren, Education for Justice, www.educationforjustice.org

https://www.mothercabrini.org/spirituality/prayers-petitions/a-lenten-prayer/)

From the Principal

For International Women’s Day

This day is a celebration for women all around the world,

Ladies who’ve dared to dream big, ever since they were little girls.

For the diversity and talent that lie within a feminine heart,

For the courage and determination that prevents us falling apart.

We can raise families and build businesses and be proud of all we’ve achieved

Where once over, visions of that scale, could never have been believed.

Ladies, stand up and be counted, smile at how far we have come

And Cherish every single day, as daughter, wife, companions or mum.

Don’t let anybody tell you that there are set paths for you to follow

As a little girl with a passion, is an inspiring woman of tomorrow.

So celebrate all women, and acknowledge the great things they do

And tell a lady close to your heart, just how much she means to you.

Loving God,

We celebrate your faithfulness and love. On this day we commit ourselves to the promotion of the full humanity of all women everywhere. We know that whatever denies, diminishes or distorts the full humanity of women is not of God. Help us to be faithful to your call of love. Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

International Women’s Day

At our assembly last week I spoke about the importance of coming together to honour International Women’s Day. A day that holds deep meaning for each and every one of us. It is a day to reflect on the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the work that still lies ahead in the journey toward gender equality.

As we gather within the walls of our all-girls’ school, we are reminded of the incredible power and potential that resides within each of us. Here, in this nurturing environment, we have the unique opportunity to shape the future—not only for ourselves but for generations to come.

The powerful theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Inspire Inclusion,” resonates deeply within our school community. It reminds us that inclusion is not just about numbers or representation; it is about creating a culture of belonging where every voice is valued and every perspective is heard.

In our school, when we inspire one another to understand and cherish inclusion, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable society. We recognize that true progress is achieved when we work together to break down barriers and challenge the status quo.

As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the incredible achievements of women who have paved the way for us. From trailblazing scientists and activists to groundbreaking artists, sportswomen, mathematicians, doctors, politicians and leaders, their contributions have shaped the world we live in today.

Nano Nagle, a woman of immense courage and compassion, serves as a guiding light for our College community.  Let us draw inspiration from Nano’s legacy and commit ourselves to fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.

But our celebration today is not just about looking back; it is also about looking forward with hope and determination. It is about recognizing the potential within each and every one of us to make a difference, to stand up for what is right, and to inspire positive change.

Here, at Domremy, we have the power to be agents of change. We can challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and open minds.

On this International Women’s Day, let us remember that inclusion knows no bounds. It belongs to everyone, everywhere. It is our shared responsibility to raise awareness, take action, and drive positive change within our school and beyond. I believe our school theme for 2024, “In the Fireworks, Find your Flair!”, lends itself to the theme of inclusion as it encourages each young woman to embrace her uniqueness and self-expression. This theme celebrates diversity and individuality within our community, likening each person to a firework, with her own distinct qualities to offer.

As we imagine a world where the inclusion of women is not just a dream but a reality, let us remember the impact of our collective efforts. Together, let us inspire inclusion, empower one another, and shape a brighter future for all. Many thanks to our Senior Leaders, in particular Aoife, for organising our wonderful guest speaker, Ms Hannah Darlington. 

Thank you, and Happy International Women’s Day! Let us lead the way as champions of equality within our beloved Domremy.

Open Day, College Tours and Try Domremy for a Day

Our enrolment season is well underway and on the back of the amazing response to our feeder Primary School visits and our Open Day, we are very busy with the enrolment process. 

Open Day: I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every member of our community for the spectacular day we experienced last Sunday at our Open Day. Our College was alive with activity, radiating a vibrant and welcoming energy. Our students exemplified the spirit of Domremy with pride, and our staff demonstrated excellence in showcasing their talents. I believe we had upwards of 2000 people come through.

I want to express my gratitude for all that each of you contributes to our remarkable Domremy community. 

I would like to personally thank our parent representative, Mrs Hahnel, for speaking so beautifully and from the heart about her, her daughter’s and her family’s experience with Domremy. Thank you also to our student leaders, Mireille and Sophia, who presented at the Open Day addresses, and to Penelope in Year 8 who spoke with courage and confidence about her experience at Domremy. 

Thank you also to the parents who volunteered to assist with the BBQ on Sunday. They were busy the entire day, and notwithstanding the heat, continued to cook and serve our many visitors and they were an asset on the day! 

We will be conducting College Tours throughout the year, together with our Try Domremy for a Day program for primary students in Year 4, 5 and 6. All these are accessible on our website and advertised through the Parent Weekly and our social media. Dates and more information can be found in the links above mentioned. Please invite family and friends to register for both if they did not get a chance to attend our Open Day and if they have a daughter in Years 4, 5 or 6 and would like to attend Try Domremy for a Day. We have had a phenomenal response to date to the Year 5 day on Friday 5 April with more than 80 registrations – registration is a prerequisite.

Building on Year 7s confidence through Learn to Learn 

As our Year 7 students begin their first year in secondary school, it is the perfect time to begin to establish good study habits and organisational skills. It is equally important for us as educators to assist them to build upon their confidence in learning. Later in this issue you will read what our students have been working on in our Learn to Learn program. It isn’t enough that students simply understand what they need to do in their study, the challenge in any study skills program is getting students to use and apply the skills they learn with confidence. Our Year 7 students have given very positive feedback on the program and made some interesting observations on the value of the program..

On a final note…

Before I conclude, I want to publicly thank and acknowledge all the Year 8 & 12 students who came along on our primary school visits over the last few weeks to promote our Open Day. They were all brilliant! As you all know, this Sunday is a huge day and you will shine brightly as always and I thank you in advance for all that you do on this day!

As we advised, please remember that tomorrow, Friday 15 March, is a day in lieu for Open Day for our community and as such the College will be closed – no staff or students will be in attendance.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. 

Blessings on you and your families.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

Open Day snapshots

With well over half of the student body volunteering, performing, catering, guiding or demonstrating in subject spaces, Open Day was a huge success again for 2024. The number of visitors on such a wonderful day for the College was testament to all we offer at Domremy. Our Tour Guides shone as they took tours around our campus, with many visitors impressed with the knowledge of our girls, especially the younger students of the College.

The catering and the performances were a hit, as were the challenges and experiments in the Sport and Science areas, as well as the displays across the rest of the subject areas. The TAS area is always a busy area for Open Day and 2024 was no exception with lots of printing and making going on throughout the day.

Our visitors heard from our College Principal, Mrs McGahan, in the Brenda Quinn Hall along with one of our College parents, Mrs Hahnel, our school leaders, Mireille and Sophia and Penelope (Year 8). An all round perspective of what the College has to offer was shared with a full house of eager visitors.

The warmth, welcome and hospitality, a very strong part of our Presentation charism, were on show for all to see. Most importantly, our Open Day was a genuine demonstration of our core values, our Learning and Wellbeing Framework, and our strong family community.

Many thanks go to all staff and students on the day, and also to our parent volunteers who helped throughout the day on the BBQ to ensure our students and visitors were well-nourished. 

Mr Matthew Ryan, Assistant Principal

Inspire Inclusion #InspireInclusion – IWD 2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8. The designated theme for 2024 Inspire Inclusion with the hashtag #InspireInclusion.

We celebrated a great International Women’s Day at Domremy and were honoured to welcome our guest speaker, Cricket NSW superstar and All-rounder, Ms Hannah Darlington, at our #IWD2024 whole school assembly. Our Humanities Prefect, Aoife Foley’s introduction, “Today … is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality,” fits perfectly alongside the theme for this year, “Inspire Inclusion.” Hannah is testament to this year’s theme. At 22 she has already played cricket at state and national levels, became the youngest captain in the history of the Women’s Big Bash, made her ODI Debut in September 2021 and T20I Debut in October 2021. She has championed and inspired young girls to get involved in Cricket.

We thank Hannah for sharing her experiences and remarkable sporting career with us.

Young Women’s Leadership Seminar – NSW Parliament

#IWD2024: Young Women’s Leadership Seminar – NSW Parliament

Last week we had the opportunity to attend this year’s Young Women’s Leadership Seminar held at NSW Parliament on International Women’s Day. It was an amazing experience we shared with 130 students in Parliament and 800 attendees online. Our keynote speaker,  Associate Professor Lisa Williams, a social psychologist from UNSW, discussed the ever-changing role of women in society. Lisa, along with a panel of female Members of Parliament, shared their personal experiences, challenges, and how they overcame them. This was done through a question and answer panel where students had the opportunity to ask questions about these women, their roles in their field, and offered valuable advice for young women approaching male-dominated fields such as STEM and politics. 

During the seminar we had the chance to reconnect with Stephanie Di Pasqua, a College alumna and member for Drummoyne. We asked Stephanie about her inspiration to join Parliament. She shared that her grandmother, a migrant from Italy, served as a powerful inspiration by ensuring she took every opportunity presented to her. It displayed an importance to Stephanie, recognising that her grandmother did not have had the same opportunities. Furthermore, Stephanie spoke about her time at Domremy, highlighting how the foundational values of our Presentation Charism and care for others instilled by our Presentation foundress, Nano Nagle, influenced her. Nano depicted as a guiding light, dedicated her life to helping and supporting people during difficult times. 

Stephanie was kind enough to give us a tour around NSW Parliament House, outlining its rich history and operations of its evolution and since its establishment and the evolution of women in Parliament over the years. 

The seminar was an inspiring and empowering experience to see so many young women following their dreams and standing up for what is right and each other in the very place that influences our lives as Australians.

Mrs Serita Vari, Year 11 Coordinator

Public Speaking

The team now gears up, with many already excited for the CSDA Debating season in Term 2. 

and Term 1 topics

Year 7 
Zoe – Is it worth it?
Evangeline – Is it worth it?

Year 8
Penelope – Starting over
Natalie – Starting over

Year 9
Arabella – Is it worth it?
Charlotte – Stop, listen

Year 10
Myra – Starting over
Lilly – Is it worth it?

Senior
Niamh – Starting over
Astrid – Strong and constant
Alannah – Is it worth it?
Charley – Stop, Listen

Reserves
Jana – Strong and constant
Madeleine – Turmoil

  

Clean Up Australia Day 🗑️

On Sunday 3 March, it was wonderful to see 43 members of our Domremy community comprising students, staff and parents, coming together at the Bay Run, to participate in Clean Up Australia Day.

Together we collected 10 bags of rubbish from the mangroves, beaches and pathways, helping keep our local environment clean. A full report by our Environment Prefect, Mila Faine, follows.

Mr Gregory Sciortino, HSIE & Religion Teacher

On Sunday 3 March, we had an amazing experience representing our Domremy at Clean Up Australia Day.

Clean Up Australia Day has been an annual tradition since 1989! The day is not just meant to be a time to clean up our community, but to bring attention to the waste issues that plague our waterways and environment – and to emphasise the importance of maintaining our environment clean for not only us, but also for the plants and animals that inhabit them.

43 members of our amazing community, which included teachers, students, family and friends, all met up at the atrocious time of 8:45 am on Sunday to help out. From Nield Park we spread out to clean the waterways and parkland across the bay run. We cleaned through the mangroves, the grass and the rocks to get all of the rubbish that we could find. Our volunteers ended up filling 10 bags of rubbish – filled with everything from old plastic bags and lolly wrappers, to wine bottles and cigarette butts, even a hubcap from a car! Our girls definitely showed that they were unafraid and were willing to get messy for the sake of our environment. 

I would like to thank every single one of you who came on Sunday (and those who cleaned their own communities), it was an honourable, and most successful effort! Thank you girls! Know that the world is sparkling because of you. I would also like to thank all of the teachers that accompanied us, Mr Rozynoi, Miss Ribero, Mrs Haggios, Miss Daidone, Mrs Alamango and last of all, the amazing Mr Sciortino.

In this community, we found our flair in helping our environment.

Mila Faine, 2024 Environment Prefect

Year 7 Learn to Learn Program

Our Year 7 students continue to build their confidence, embracing new challenges with impressive determination. This week in the Year 7 Learn to Learn program, students discovered their learning styles, developed study strategies, learned about assessment preparation, and were introduced to Turnitin for electronic submissions. Some of our students’ reflections appear below.

Mrs Ebony Ginty, Year 7 Coordinator/Mrs Kelly Smit, Leader of Learning and Teaching

We have been engaging in a Learn to Learn program (L2L) at the beginning of Year 7. This program is designed to assist teachers to identify the different learning styles and homework strategies for students. It also helps new high school students to become more confident learners! During this program, students have the opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy the fun activities that have been provided. In this program, teachers help us identify what type of learner we are and how this can affect or improve our learning. Throughout this program, Year 7 students will gradually feel more comfortable with starting high school and getting used to the new environment. Zoe

During this week’s Learn to Learn program I got the opportunity to discover more about the way I learn. I learnt things that I didn’t even know about myself. We did a fun activity in a group of 20. This activity helped to build better listening and teamwork skills. Then we filled out this booklet and answered questions that led to the result of finding out your preferred way to learn such as auditory, visual and kinaesthetic.  I felt that this was a very helpful session and I hope to do more in the upcoming weeks. Hannah

Since the start of the school year, Year 7 have been participating in Learn to Learn sessions run by Mrs Smit. In these sessions Year 7 have successfully learned how to use all the necessary apps and websites we need to navigate the web which included learning how to use compass, google docs, google classroom and box of books. Another one of the sessions we had, was learning about the 3 different styles of learning which are visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Knowing what these mean helps us to distinguish what type of learner we are and the best way to make sure all the information we have learnt has really gotten through to us. In our most recent session (11 March) we learned about how to set up for assessments and check for assessment updates through compass. We were also given a handout about the best ways to study and revise the work we’ve been taught, in preparation for assessment time. To summarise the Learn to Learn sessions have helped us get a head start on high school. Eva

A Good Deed for Lent!

Lenten good deed – Haircut for a great cause! 💇‍♀️✂️

On Saturday 9 March, Alessia and Jasmine, (Year 10) made the decision to cut 30cm of their hair to donate to the Kids with Cancer Foundation. They were inspired to do this good deed as part of their Lenten journey. They also have a family history of people with cancer and, with some research, found that donating cut hair to the Foundation can help a child with cancer feel more confident – the hair is recycled as a child’s wig. 

A thoughtful and useful act!

Ms Monica Ribeiro, Year 10 Coordinator

St Valentine’s Day Poetry Competition

Well done Angelica – Winner of the St Valentine’s Day Poetry Competition

To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Domremy held a Valentine’s Day Poetry Competition, open to students in all year groups. Astrid Mavroudis, our Public Speaking and Debating Prefect, coordinated the competition with the assistance of Year 12 student leaders. Students demonstrated their unique flair through their poetry and all entries received were impressive, of a high standard and showed how much talent we have in poetry writing at Domremy! Students embraced their own interpretation of Valentine’s Day and it was wonderful to see their creativity! Well done to all of the girls who submitted their poems, with a special shout out to Angelica (Y 7) who submitted the winning entry and won five points for Nagle House!

Mrs Badya Gabrael, Leader of Wellbeing and Student Wellbeing Officer

TEXStyle HSC Exhibition

On 14 March, the Year 12 Textiles class had the amazing opportunity to attend the TEXStyle HSC Exhibition at the Embroiderer’s Guild of NSW, Concord West. 

The TEXStyle HSC Exhibition is an annual event, designed to showcase excellence and promote Textiles and Design by showcasing exemplary work samples. The exhibition itself showcases Major Textiles Projects and portfolios from students who studied Textiles and Design for the Higher School Certificate in 2023. 

The students had the opportunity to view the TEXStyle HSC Exhibition at their own pace while answering questions and studying the projects on display. Some of their favourite Major Textiles Projects included a textile art garment inspired by the environmental impact of coral bleaching, an apparel outfit inspired by the Portugal church – Santuario di Santa Lucia in Viana do Castelo and a dress that beautifully reveals butterfly wings that can be innovatively hidden through snap fastenings. 

Overall, the experience was invaluable in ensuring the student’s future success and encouraging them along their HSC journey within Textiles and Technology.

Ms Stephanie Ricciuti – TAS Coordinator

Swimming Carnival 🏊‍♀️

Domremy College held our Annual Swimming Carnival at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre on Friday 1 March. The day was filled with loads of fun, excitement, sportsmanship and success. Students showcased their team spirit, competing in a variety of swimming events. The highlight of the day were the amazing dress ups and cheers all centered around the theme of Disneyland, which created a magical and festive atmosphere, elevating the competitive spirit and camaraderie from each House group. A massive shoutout and thank you to all the volunteers who generously contributed to making this event a wonderful success. Your efforts were greatly appreciated. The unity and friendships shared on the day will no doubt have created lasting memories for everyone who attended. 

Ms Rina Angilletta, Sports Coordinator

Enrolments for Year 7 – 2025, 2026 and 2027

Year 7 2026 (currently Year 5) students:

The College is currently enrolling students for 2026. We will begin interviewing for 2026 later this term (see below). 

If you have a daughter currently in Year 5 who you wish to enrol at Domremy College, please submit an Application for Enrolment as soon as possible.

If you have family or friends considering enrolling their daughter at the College, please let them know.

Please note that 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, even if they have an older daughter already enrolled at the College.

Please head to our website’s Enrolment page.

Year 7 2026 Interviews: Our Enrolment Officer will be in touch with you, over the coming weeks, about an interview time either this term or next term, for Applications which have been lodged and which have no outstanding information or documents. If there is any outstanding information or documents which need to be supplied in support of your Application, our Enrolment Officer will be in touch with you about this first, and once supplied, an interview can be scheduled. In the case of scheduling of interviews, we thank you in advance for your patience – we are working through a large number of Applications, all of which have to be scheduled into the College Leadership Team’s diaries.

Year 7  2025 (currently Year 6) students:

We have limited vacancies for 2025. Again, the above applies.

Any late Applications for Enrolment for 2025 must be submitted without delay.

Planning will begin shortly for Orientation of 2025 students.

Year 7 2027 (currently Year 4) students: 

We have received a large number of enquiries since both our feeder primary school visits and Open Day, about enrolment for 2027.

Domremy College enrols students for Year 7, two years before their start date, in accordance with Sydney Catholic Schools’ policy.

Sydney Catholic Schools has not yet opened up enrolments for 2027 and will do so later this year.

We encourage you, your family and friends, to check back with our website regularly. As soon as SCS opens up the enrolment portal for 2027 it will be updated on our website’s Enrolment page.

We will also be advertising this in our Newsletter, the Parent Weekly and on our social media channels.

Enquiries:

If there are any enquiries about Enrolment please email enrolments@domremy.catholic.edu.au or telephone the College Enrolment Officer on 9712 2133.

Try Domremy for a Day – Year 5

Try Domremy for a Day – Friday 5 April, for students in Year 5 in 2024

Domremy College is again running its “Try Domremy for a Day” program for Years 4, 5 and 6 students this year.

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. 

Registration for students in Year 5 in 2024 only has opened. Please visit our website and register online for Year 5 “Try Domremy for a Day”  which is on Friday 5 April.

Registration for students in Years 4 and 6 will open later – keep an eye on our website and social media. Please note that registration is essential. https://www.domremy.catholic.edu.au/trydomremy

If you have a daughter or know of family or friends with a daughter in Year 5 this year considering Domremy College, please head to our website for more information and to register.

College Tours commence Wednesday 27 March

Throughout the year the College hosts small personalised group tours. These have been very popular and well attended in past years.

We encourage all interested families to register their interest to take part in a College tour.

The tours take approximately 60 minutes.

2024 College Tour Dates 

Term 1 – Wednesday 27 March, 9.30am

Term 2 – Wednesday 22 May, 4.30pm

Term 2 – Friday 21 June, 1.30pm

Term 3 – Monday 29 July, 1.30pm

Term 3 – Friday 6 September, 9.30am

Term 4 – Wednesday 16 October, 5.00pm

Term 4 – Tuesday 12 November, 9.30am

If you have family or friends who are interested in taking a College Tour please encourage them to register online here.

Feeder Primary School Communications

Parish notices

St Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Enfield : Sacrament of Confirmation

Please see the following information from Fr Kim Ha, Parish Priest, St Joseph’s Parish Enfield, about the Sacrament of Confirmation

St Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Enfield will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 26 May 2024 at 1pm at St Joseph’s Enfield.

The Parish invites Catholic students who have not received this Sacrament to take up the opportunity to receive it at the Parish.

All students from Year 6 and above are eligible.

For more information and the Enrolment Application please refer to St Joseph’s Enfield Parish Website the and the attached Parish Flyer here.

FOLLOWING DATES TO REMEMBER FOR THIS SACRAMENT

Enrolment Day: Wednesday 3 April at 3:30pm – 4:30pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Classes:

Wednesday 10 April at 4pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Wednesday 1 May at 4pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Wednesday 8 May at 4pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Wednesday 15 May at 4pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Rehearsal:

Wednesday 22 May at 4pm in the Church

SACRAMENT DATE: Sunday 26 May 2024 at 1pm at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 126 Liverpool Road, Enfield

Catholic Schools Guide Competition – 1st prize offering $2000 worth of school fees

Domremy College is featured in the Catholic Schools Guide 2024.

As part of its 2024 launch, the Catholic Schools Guide is giving entrants the opportunity to win a number of prizes, including taking home the 1st prize – $2000 worth of School Fees paid directly to the school.

Domremy College families can find out more about the competition and how to enter at catholicschoolsguide.com.au/competition

Competition closes 5pm Friday 6 September 2024.

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 7 March 2024.