From the Principal

Prayer

An Irish blessing

There is but one and only one,

Whose love will fail you never.

One who lives from sun to sun,

With constant fond endeavor.

There is but one and only one

On earth there is no other.

In heaven a noble work was done

When God gave us a Mother.

Amen

(Author Unknown)

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, and Staff,

Welcome back to Term 2!

We commenced the term with a poignant Assembly honoring the life of Venerable Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Charism that holds a special place in our hearts. We also paid tribute to the brave souls lost in the ANZAC, whose sacrifices grant us the freedoms we cherish today. The ANZACs epitomized sacrifice, with many giving their lives for a greater good – our freedom. Their willingness to sacrifice for strangers is both admirable and deserving of our utmost respect.

As we mark the Presentation Sisters’ Sesquicentenary, commemorating 150 years since their arrival, we reflect on Nano’s story. Nano Nagle, a beacon of courage, selflessness, and service, stands as an exemplar of unwavering dedication to uplifting the marginalized and spreading hope and joy to those in need. Her life story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and determination.

With unyielding courage, Nano defied the oppressive British laws of her time to establish clandestine schools, known as hedge schools, for Catholic children who were denied education. Despite the risks and challenges she faced, Nano remained resolute in her mission to empower the disadvantaged through learning.

Her selflessness knew no bounds as she tirelessly devoted herself to the welfare of others, often sacrificing her own comfort and safety for the greater good. Nano’s unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized communities of her era was driven by a profound sense of empathy and compassion.

Through her acts of kindness and generosity, Nano brought hope and joy to countless individuals who had been marginalized by society. Her compassionate spirit and tireless efforts continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative impact of service and the enduring power of love.

Nano Nagle’s legacy serves as a timeless reminder of the boundless potential for positive change that lies within each of us. Her example challenges us to confront injustice with courage, to extend a hand of compassion to those in need, and to strive tirelessly for a more just and equitable world.

Mother’s Day

As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, May 12, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the mothers, grandmothers, and the remarkable women who play significant roles in our lives. May they always be cherished as the special individuals they are. It is their boundless love and unwavering guidance that shape us into the people we become. May God’s protective gaze be ever upon them.

In this time of remembrance, we also honor the memory of those mothers who are no longer with us, holding them close in our thoughts and prayers.

This week, we had the privilege of celebrating with those who could join us for a beautiful Mass, followed by a delightful morning tea prepared by our talented Hospitality students. It was a small token of our appreciation for the incredible mothers in our community.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I hope all mothers find joy and warmth in the love and gratitude expressed by their families and loved ones. May it be a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga – Sesquicentenary

On 29 May as Presentation People we will join in celebrating the Wagga Wagga Congregation’s Sesquicentenary of Foundation. On 29 May it will be 150 years since the first five Presentation Sisters arrived in Wagga Wagga from Kildare, Ireland in 1874, responding to a call to bring Catholic education to Wagga Wagga. We will be celebrating at Domremy on 12 June. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

During the holidays …

There is much to celebrate as we reflect on the remarkable achievements of our students during the recent holidays. From memorable experiences to outstanding accomplishments, our students have truly excelled in various endeavors.

We applaud the Italian students who participated in the Inaugural Domremy Italian Tour, enriching their cultural understanding and creating lasting memories. Heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to their teachers, Vitabla Clark, Serita Vari and Lucy SIlva who made it all possible.

Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Annabelle, Estelle, Georgia, and Donna for their exceptional results in the SCS Eisteddfod, showcasing their talent and dedication in the arts.

Annie’s acceptance into the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is a testament to her passion for learning and her commitment to excellence.

Additionally, we commend Daisy, Ivy, and Lily for successfully completing the Duke of Ed Bronze camp, demonstrating their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.

Lastly, we celebrate Chloe’s selection by Diving Australia for the TYR Junior Americas Cup in California, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the sport of diving.

We invite you to read more about their inspiring endeavors and join us in congratulating these remarkable young women for their hard work, determination, and dedication to excellence. Their achievements are a source of pride for our entire community.

Year 7 2026 Enrolments

I strongly encourage anyone considering Domremy College for their daughter’s education to lodge an Application for Enrolment as soon as possible. The enrolment process for Year 7 2026 is well underway, with the majority of interviews having been carried out. In the course of this term offers of enrolment will be sent out. Our numbers for Year 7 2026 are almost at capacity, which is just great for our College Community. If you, or any friend or family member you know wish to apply for Year 7 2026, please do so without delay.

And finally …

We have had a wonderful start to Term 2 and I can see already that we will continue along this path. I thank you for your continued cooperation and support. 

Blessings on you and your families

Antoinette McGahan

Prayer ♰

As we begin a new school term, we pray for our busy lives, for rest and rejuvenation

O God, we thank you for the gift of connectivity, through which you strengthen relationships and communities, allowing shared pursuits to proceed.

We thank you for the gift of meaningful work and gainful employment, even as we pray for those unjustly excluded from the benefits of these blessings.

We thank you for the gift of technology, those tools and spaces that help us work and play in ways that were once unimaginable to us.

We know these gifts are good, dear Lord, and we confess that we do not always use them wisely. We know as well that there are times when you call us to set them aside, to step away.

Help us remember that unplugging from our daily cares makes space for us to connect more deeply with you, with our dearest ones, and with ourselves.

Help us in this time to drink deeply from the well of your love. Help us to rest, and to know your peace.

You have given us much to do, O Creator of Life and Sustainer of the World. Help us remember that you do not need us to do it all.

Be with us all our lives as we learn the sacred art of letting go.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us

https://www.creativecommonsprayer.com/occasion/prayer-for-unplugging/

ANZAC Service and March – Five Dock RSL Sub Branch #anzacspirit

ANZAC and Nano Nagle Assembly

Anniversary of the death of Nano Nagle – 26 April

Presentation People the world over celebrated the Anniversary of Nano Nagle’s death in 1784 on 26 April.

As a school we did so at our whole school Assembly last week and reflected on the legacy of Nano Nagle. 

We thank our Presentation Sisters, they are a constant source of inspiration to us all and thank them for their continued guidance.

This year is an especially momentous one for our sisters and for our College. It marks 150 years since the first five Presentation Sisters arrived in Wagga Wagga on 29 May. ON 29 May we will be celebrating the Congregation’s Sesquincentenary of Foundation.

Let the Light shine true …

Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.

We thank sister Susan Miller, pbvm, for her good wishes on our return for Term 2 and for sharing the reflection sheet (below) prepared for the Sisters’ Wagga Wagga Congregation.

Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast

What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with the mums who were able to come to Domremy College on Thursday 9 May. We are grateful to Fr Michael McLean from St Mark’s Parish Drummoyne, who celebrated a beautiful Eucharistic Liturgy, and shared a touching story about his own mother.

The Domremy College Choir provided reflective and uplifting music to make our celebration even more special. I want to thank Mr Glenn Magson and Mrs Romina Zappulla for always making sure the music is special for College celebrations – particularly for our mums and grandmothers who came along.

Thank you to Mrs Linda Chiandotto, who inspired all with her engaging reflection (a copy of which is linked here). Her words of wisdom surrounding her experiences of motherhood and her passion for lifelong learning shed positive and powerful light on what is important regarding our role and responsibility to our children along the journey.

The hospitality students shone brightly making and serving a delicious breakfast, which was a treat for our gorgeous mums. Thank you to all the staff, including Mrs Sarah Bermingham who made the catering for the event possible.

Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator

Our choir performs at HALT Summit 2024

We were delighted to receive an invitation from Arts HQ – Sydney Catholic Schools for our Choir to perform at the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s (aitsl) Sydney 2024 Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Summit at the Shangri-La Hotel. “The Summit provides an opportunity for HALTs to work with leading thinkers to develop skills that equip them to lead and inspire colleagues and collaborate with other Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers.” 

Our young women represented Catholic Schools NSW.

Our choir attended the HALT Summit today beautifully performing “You will be found“.

Congratulations ladies on your joyous performance and for being wonderful ambassadors.

Bentornate ragazze! Our Inaugural Italian Tour was a huge success!

Our travellers’ unforgettable adventure was showcased on our social media platforms. If anyone missed this and would like to see it, you can catch our travellers in Italy in the compilation video on our YouTube Channel here.

CONGRATULATIONS to our SCS Eisteddfod soloists 🥇🥈🥉👏

Congratulations to all our soloists who competed in the SCS Eisteddfod during the holidays. Domremy College had 18 Soloists competing in various sections as seen in the Eisteddfod Digital Program 2024.

Huge Congratulations to the soloists who placed, as seen in the below photographs! 👏👏👏

Mrs Romina Zappulla, Music Coordinator

Congratulations Annie – Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

Congratulations to Annie Condor in Year 12 for successfully being accepted into the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy.  The College received formal notice that Annie had been successfully accepted into the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy. The Academy is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency to provide support to students through senior high school and into university careers. The goal of the Academy is to build a generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female leaders, role models and game changers in the STEM fields. Annie will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of STEM extension activities, experiences, information and support from Academy staff.  Annie is excited for this opportunity saying, “I feel really excited and am honoured that I’ve been chosen to be a part of this enriching program“.  

Ms Vanessa Cashin, Indigenous Liaison Officer

From the English Department and The Study Hub – On Reading

Wide Reading Lessons

Research on the benefits of reading have been long documented. It not only helps students’ language development and written expression it exposes them to new ways of understanding and thinking about the world.

While the English Department has always implemented wide reading lessons, we have restructured our program this year so students will reflect on and respond to the content they read. Wide reading lessons will continue to run across Years 7,9 and 10 once a fortnight for 40 minutes, with the last 10 minutes of the lesson dedicated to students responding to a series of critical inquiry questions in their reflection journal. These questions will be related to plot, character building, textual form and the ways in which the author prompts readers to think critically about key ideas in the novel. The reflection journal will inform the Learning Profiles on the half yearly and yearly Report.

We believe the combination of reading and reflecting on what is read will help students build their applied reading skills, vocabulary and prompt them to think about the ways in which writers craft their creative writing and so, this will enrich students’ own creative and critical responses. 

Assessment Feedback Process 

We will also continue our post-assessment feedback process Rewrite: Working to Get it Right. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on teacher feedback by reviewing what they did well, what needs improvement and how to improve. They will then be given time during class to rewrite an aspect of their task. A requirement of this process is that parents look over their daughter’s assessment feedback and sign this document. We believe this process will keep you informed and up to date with your daughter’s strengths and areas requiring improvement in English over the course of each term.

Your daughter’s English teacher is always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about her English learning. Please also feel free to contact me to discuss your daughter’s progress.

Ms. Lavinia Scarfone, English Coordinator

Year 8 Literature Circles in The Study Hub

To build student investment in reading more widely and their ability to draw comparisons between literary texts, the College librarian, Mrs Harada, will work closely with the English department and Year 8 English classes to implement a specialised reading program that extends student learning in each unit of work studied this year. The program will be collaborative in the sense that students will be grouped together to read aloud and discuss supplementary literature. Each student will then be responsible for responding to what they have read with the benefit of peer discussion.

The program will, for example, extend a student’s understanding of the refugee experience in Australia by exposing students to refugee literature beyond the core novel Mahtab’s story, which they study in Term 1. In Term 2, students’ study of monologues and Shakespearean excerpts will be broadened through engaging critically with supplementary theatrical texts, while in Term 3, students’ understanding of the dystopian genre will again be enhanced through close group reading and discussion of the different ways writers construct these texts for different purposes and audiences. In Term 4 students will be introduced to the bildungsroman genre to supplement the performance poetry unit that explores notions of identity and selfhood.

At the end of the Literature Circles lesson, students will be encouraged to borrow books and this will be registered on OLIVER (The College Library Management System). We will be checking and rewarding our best borrowers throughout each Term.

Mrs. Nicole Harada, Teacher Librarian

Year 12 Food Tech visits Homebush Cakes

On Wednesday 8 May, Year 12 Food Technology visited Homebush Cakes. This experience provided a fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes operations within the food manufacturing and processing industry.

Homebush Cakes was started by Val Leone in 1974 in her home. Val’s treats and recipes​​ became so popular she was forced to move out of her home into a commercial kitchen. Fifty years later, the business has 35 employees and they supply customers such as Qantas, Michel’s Patisserie and Coles.

During the excursion, the students saw food product development in action, as the business was on day three of developing a range of new cookies for sale in Coles! Students watched some cake decorating (black forest cake) and a packaging line, as well as large scale facilities to mix, dispense, bake, cool, pack, store, freeze and distribute bakery products.

They also sampled delicious treats such as cookies, lamingtons and brownies! 

We would like to thank Jamie at Homebush Cakes for the insightful tour. It was incredible for our Year 12 students to see a thriving local business, which no doubt inspired their own culinary journey. 

Ms Elizabeth Forbes, Food Technology Teacher

2024 Senior Secondary Students Ethics Olympiad

Mimi, Year 11, Senior Ethics Green Team Captain 

The Senior School Ethics Olympiad is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and perspectives on a range of topics. My team and I found varying perspectives not only from the other teams competing but from one another as well. This allowed us to experience situations in which we need to compromise with one another and take time to truly evaluate our own ideologies in comparison to others. This competition is also an opportunity to make connections with students from many different locations and backgrounds.

Georgia, Year 10, Senior Ethics Orange Team Captain

Domremy Newman Maths and Science Initiative – Domremy Light Festival

Domremy Newman Maths and Science Initiative

Domremy Light Festival

Coming Soon/Save the Date

Wednesday 19 June 2024

6.00pm – 8.00pm.

Please save the date! More information to follow.

Let There Be Light

In a collaboration with Ashfield network schools, Year 5 Newman students will be paired with Year 9 Domremy Newman students as mentors, for the College’s “Let There Be Light” Project-Based Learning Collaboration. The students will also have the opportunity to present their experiences and learnings at the Domremy Light Festival on Friday 19 June 2024, 6.00pm-8.00pm.

SAVE THE DATE!

Mrs Lucy Silva, Instructional Specialist and Mrs Kelly Smit, Leader of Learning and Teaching

College Athletics Carnival

From The Study Hub – Wombat Books Illustrator Competition 2024

An exciting illustrations competition from Wombat Books has been launched, that will allow students to become a published illustrator.

The competition deadline is 1st July 2024.

Students interested should read the information below and follow the link to Wombat Books’ website at https://wombatrhiza.com.au/illustration-challenge/
 

“We’re seeking original illustrations from Australian school-aged students (aged 5-18) to publish in a unique picture book by the team at Wombat Books.

The Challenge has been established in order to provide aspiring young illustrators with the opportunity to be published in a professionally produced children’s book and gain an introduction into the world of illustrating.

Winning illustrations will be published in a new book which is due for release in 2024. Illustrators will receive two free copies of the book. They will also be acknowledged on the Wombat Books website. Judging decisions will be made by Wombat Books.

This is the sixth challenge Wombat Books has run. We want to create a unique and special picture book by Aussie children for everyone to treasure and have fun with”.

Good luck to any aspiring illustrator entering the competition!

Mrs Nicole Harada, Teacher/Librarian

Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze Adventurous Journey Camp

We are extremely proud of our Year 9 students, Daisy, Ivy and Lily. They learnt many new and challenging skills; skills which end up being life skills!

Congratulations ladies! 

Student reflections

During the first week of the April holidays, my friends and I completed our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Adventurous Journey Camp. This camp provided me with new skills, such as learning how to navigate, solve problems and tested my social skills. The camp offered me a balance of outdoor activities and personal development. Everyday was full of adventure, from navigating challenging hiking trails to learning survival skills. The instructors and my group members encouraged me to achieve my best and pushed me when I felt like giving up. Each day pushed me in so many ways and has helped me feel confident in my abilities, By the end of it I felt beyond proud of myself. An experience I’ll never forget. (Daisy, Y 9).

In the April school holidays, my two closest friends and l completed our DOE Bronze Adventurous Journey Camp. This experience taught me how to navigate, problem solve and tested my social skills in many different ways. Even though on the first day l wasn’t enthusiastic, this camp has pushed me to new strengths and has given me a sense of accomplishment. (Ivy, Y 9).

Ms Cristina Peros, PDHPE Teacher

Congratulations Chloe – International Diving Selection

Huge congratulations to Chloe Gao (Y11) who continues to impress with her diving.

Last week Diving Australia announced that “Chloe has been selected to represent Australia at the TYR Junior Americas Cup, in Mission Viejo, California. This is a fantastic achievement and one that Chloe should be incredibly proud of. This competition is designed to help Diving Australia prepare athletes to qualify for and compete at the Junior World Championships in November 2024 as well as exposing athletes to outdoor competition and training ahead of the Olympic Games in LA in 2028.“

Chloe was announced in 2023 in Diving Australia’s Dream 2832 Squad as one of the “… young divers … identified as athletes of the future, with the potential to achieve excellence at the 2028 and/or 2032 Olympic Games”. (Diving Australia).

Enrolments for Year 7 – 2026 and 2027

Year 7 2026 (current Year 5) students:

The College is currently enrolling students for Year 7 2026. The interview process for 2026 has already commenced. 

Places are finite and we encourage families to lodge an Application for Enrolment as soon as possible. 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.

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.

To lodge an Application for Enrolment just head to our website’s Enrolment page.

Year 7 2027 (current Year 4) students: 

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 advertise this in our Newsletter, the Parent Weekly and on our social media channels.

Any Enrolment Enquiries:

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

Try Domremy for a Day – Year 6 students

Try Domremy for a Day – for Year 6 students 

Friday 14 June

Registration open

Registration for students in Year 6 in 2024 is open. WE have had a huge response to this day in the first two weeks of term since registrations were opened. Register your daughter’s place online on our website or telephone our Enrolment Officer on 9712 2133. Registration is essential.

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. Our Year 5 day was very successful and well received and photos and a r4eport of the day can also be found on our website. Our Year 4 day will be taking place next week.

College Tours

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

Our next College Tour is on Wednesday 22 May at 4.30pm and you can register online on our website.

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

The tours take approximately 60 minutes.

Remaining 2024 College Tour Dates 

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.

Connect with us: Follow and like us on social media

Follow and like us on our social media for 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.

Our 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

Twitter: @DomremyCollege

YouTube: Domremy College, Five Dock

Schools Guide Competition

Be in it to win it! Catholic Schools Guide Competition – 1st prize: $2000 worth of school fees

Domremy College is featured in the annual 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 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. Good luck!

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 9 May 2024.

PARISH NOTICES – 27th Women’s Night of Spirituality: Parish of Our Lady of the Way, North Sydney

The Parish of Our Lady of the Way, North Sydney/Kirribilli/Lavender Bay, invites senior students, their mothers, grandmothers and carers and College staff, to its 27th Women’s Night of Spirituality on Wednesday 15 May 2024 from 7pm – 9pm at St Mary’s North Sydney. The invitation is equally extended to fathers and male senior students.

Please find further information and a flyer advertising the evening here.

Community and external organisations’ notices

Domremy College will, from time to time and at its discretion, include notices from external organisations or providers to our Domremy College community.

The College does not endorse the organisations or providers included below.

Parents and carers should undertake their own checks in connection with anything advertised by the organisations or providers included below.

City of Canada Bay: Youth Week Photography Competition 2024

Photography submissions are welcomed by entrants between 12–18 years of age at the time of entry. All entries younger than 18 years, must be made with consent of a guardian or adult over 18 years old. All entrants must be residents of the City of Canada Bay.

For more information and how to enter please click on the link to the Youth Week Photography Competition 2024.

Submissions close Friday 31 May 2024 at 5pm.

Good luck to all entrants!