From the Principal

Prayer for Holy Week

Lord, 

Let everything I do this Holy Week 

be inspired by You.

Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life

unless it glorifies You in some way.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life.

Help me to enter fully into your Passion

through my Lenten promises

and always be reminded that You went to the desert,

the garden and the Cross for me.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends

As we reach the conclusion of a vibrant and productive Term 1, I would like to sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Your commitment to your daughter’s learning and wellbeing is the foundation of our school community, and it is deeply appreciated.

We are mindful that as this term ends, many in our community are navigating the practical challenges of a changing economic climate, specifically the recent rise in fuel prices. We understand the additional pressure this creates for family budgets and daily routines. Please be assured that the College is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with Sydney Catholic Schools and the NSW Government; at this stage, all school operations, transport, and programs will continue as scheduled.

As we enter Holy Week and follow the journey from the Cross to the Empty Tomb, let us hold onto the promise of the Resurrection. May the hope and peace of Easter bring renewal and joy to you and your loved ones.

I emailed our students today, following our beautiful and solemn presentation of the Stations of the Cross during our Easter Liturgy. I would like to replicate my words to your daughters here.

A Term of Extraordinary Richness – Term 1 has been, in a word, brilliant. From the spiritual foundation of our Opening Mass and the launch of the Year 12 theme, to the academic pride of our High Achievers Assembly, it has been a term brimming with vibrancy. We have welcomed new faces at our Belonging Day and Open Day, showcased our talents in Public Speaking, and demonstrated our competitive spirit at the SCS Sports Championships.

To our new students and staff, it warms my heart to see how quickly you have made Domremy your home. To our existing community, thank you for being the architects of such a welcoming culture.

Gratitude for our Staff – Before we break, I want to publicly acknowledge our dedicated staff. They don’t just teach lessons; they carry the heart of this College every day. I ask all students to take a moment before you leave today to personally thank your teachers for their tireless efforts this term.

The Hope of Easter – As we enter Holy Week, we solemnly commemorate the Passion of our Lord. But we do so as “Easter People”, people of joy and unwavering hope.

While we reflect on the journey from the darkness of Good Friday to the radiant light of Easter Sunday, let us also hold in our prayers those for whom life feels like a “perpetual Lent”, those facing war, loss, or hardship beyond their control. May the discovery that Jesus is alive remind us all that love and light will ultimately conquer all.

And finally, Ladies, as you enjoy this well-deserved rest, I encourage you to attend Easter ceremonies in your local parishes. Remember to carry our values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience with you beyond the school gates. Be helpful to your parents, kind to your siblings, and never take your many blessings for granted.

Optional HSC Holiday Revision Workshops

During the upcoming Easter School Holidays, Year 12 teachers are offering our Year 12 students a variety of HSC Holiday Workshops. These are optional, but I strongly encourage students to make the most of such opportunities to engage in review activities that will refresh their understanding of content and develop their skills in applying their knowledge. 

Year 7 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

These interviews are an important opportunity for us to connect early in your daughter’s secondary school journey, to share insights about her learning, and to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Establishing this shared understanding in Year 7 lays the foundation for a positive and successful path ahead. We thank all parents who attended the interviews remotely on Monday 30 March.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 Camp to the Great Aussie Bushcamp lake Macquarie will take place in the first week back in Term 2, from Tuesday 21 to Wednesday 22 April. We strongly encourage all students to participate in this important experience. Camp provides a wonderful opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop independence in a supportive environment. 

We understand that some students – and parents – may feel a little apprehensive, but please be assured that our dedicated teachers and staff are with the students every step of the way. Every year, students return from camp with big smiles, new friendships, and stories of challenges conquered, and we look forward to seeing this year’s group enjoy the same positive experience. 

Please note that Thursday 23 April will be a day in lieu for both staff who attend the camp and for all Year 7 students – there will be no Year 7 classes that day.

Try Domremy for a Day – Year 5

On Friday 27 March, we were delighted to welcome more than 100 Year 5 girls from our local and feeder primary schools for Try Domremy for a Day. Our young visitors met our teachers, participated in lessons across a range of subjects, and formed many new friendships along the way. A heartfelt thank‑you to our wonderful Year 10 students, whose preparation and mentorship ensured the day ran smoothly and joyfully. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, making it a truly successful event. We now look forward to hosting our Year 4 students next term on Wednesday 6 May, followed by our Year 3 experience day on Friday 26 June, with registrations for Year 3 opening early in Term 2.

Year 7 2028 Enrolments

Our main round of enrolment applications for Year 7, 2028 closed last week, and we have now commenced enrolment interviews with prospective families. These interviews will continue into next term as we work to ensure each student is supported in making a smooth and successful transition to high school. We look forward to meeting many of our future students and their families over the coming weeks.

On a final note…

Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast will be on Friday 8 May at 7.30pm. Please save the date as we would love to see our mothers, grandmothers and maternal figures join us – a formal invitation will be sent out early next term.

I wish you a safe and holy Easter break, and we look forward to welcoming staff and all students back for the commencement of Term 2 on Monday 20 April.

Just a reminder also that, shortly after our return, Monday 27 April (Week 2) is a NSW Public Holiday for ANZAC Day which falls on Saturday 25 April.

Blessings on you and your families.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan 

College Principal

Prayer

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

Matthew 28:6

Lord Jesus,

I thank You for rising from the dead and giving me the gift of eternal life.

Fill my heart with joy and gratitude, helping me live each day in Your light.

May I always recognize Your blessings,

share Your love with others,

and remain mindful of Your sacrifice and victory.

Let my life reflect the hope and renewal of Easter,

guiding me to walk faithfully with You in every circumstance.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church …  

THE CELEBRATION OF EASTER

At the heart of the Catholic faith is the celebration of Easter – the moment when darkness is 

overcome by light, and death gives way to new life. Easter is not just a single day but the culmination of the sacred journey of the Triduum, the three holiest days of the Church’s year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.

The Triduum invites Catholics to walk closely with Jesus. On Holy Thursday, we remember the gift of the Eucharist and the call to serve others with humility. On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the Cross, reflecting on the depth of Christ’s love – a love willing to suffer and sacrifice for all. Then, in the stillness of Holy Saturday, we wait in hope, preparing our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection.

Easter reminds us that suffering and sin do not have the final word. Through the Resurrection, Jesus brings hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. For Catholics, this is not only something to remember but something to live. We are called to be people of the Resurrection – bringing light into darkness, hope into despair, and love into the world.

The journey of the Triduum teaches us that faith is not just about celebration, but about transformation. By walking with Christ through His Passion, we are renewed in His Resurrection, called to live as witnesses of His love every day.

Loving God,
As we journey through the sacred days of the Triduum,
help us to walk closely with Your Son.

Teach us to serve with humble hearts,
to trust in You in times of suffering,
and to wait with hope in moments of uncertainty.

May the joy of Easter fill us with new life,
renew our faith, and strengthen our love for others.
Help us to be people of the Resurrection,
sharing Your light and peace wherever we go.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us

In our Community …

EASTER LITURGY

During the final week of term, our Domremy community gathered together for a reverent and moving Holy Week Liturgy, where students prayerfully reenacted the Stations of the Cross. This special liturgy provided an opportunity for our school community – students, staff and families – to pause, reflect and enter more deeply into the meaning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar.

Holy Week invites us to journey with Jesus through the final moments of His earthly life – from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through His suffering and death on Good Friday, to the hope and joy of the Resurrection at Easter. By reflecting on the Stations of the Cross, we remember Jesus’ path to Calvary and are reminded of the depth of His love, sacrifice and forgiveness.

Our students brought the story of Christ’s passion to life with great reverence and care. Through thoughtful narration, prayer, music and dramatic representation of each station, they helped our community to reflect on the suffering of Christ and the hope that His sacrifice brings to the world. The students demonstrated remarkable maturity and respect as they led us through each moment of the journey.

We congratulate all the students who participated in the liturgy. Their commitment, preparation and prayerful presence made the experience truly meaningful for everyone gathered. It was a beautiful example of our Domremy community living out its Catholic identity and coming together in faith.

As we continue through Holy Week and prepare to celebrate Easter, we are reminded that the story of the Cross ultimately leads to the joy of the Resurrection. May this sacred season inspire each of us to live with faith, compassion and hope.

We thank Ms Bechara and Ms Soueid for overseeing the Liturgy. A thank you to all students who contributed to this special liturgy and helped make it such a reflective and memorable experience for our community.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

Harmony Day

On Friday 20 March our school came alive with culture and pride as we celebrated Harmony Day.

Harmony Day is about recognising and valuing the cultural diversity that shapes Australia, and it encourages everyone to reflect on the message that “everyone belongs.” It’s a day dedicated to respect, inclusivity and understanding.

Students and staff dressed in culture‑inspired outfits that showcased the rich diversity of our community. Alongside the mufti, we came together in generosity by contributing gold coin donations to support Project Compassion, reminding us that harmony is not only about celebrating our differences but also about caring for others especially during lent.

The cultural showcase was a standout highlight, featuring performances, music, dance, and presentations that allowed students to proudly share pieces of their culture with the school. It was a joyful, educational, and inspiring event that strengthened our sense of belonging and reminded the Domremy community of the beauty of unity and diversity.

 Annaliese Tannous, 2026 College Captain 

Japanese Haiku – winning entries

Soft wind through pine trees (5)

Morning light on quiet paths (7)

A moment held still (5)

Recently, students in Year 10 Japanese learnt how to wrtie a seasonal haiku in Japanese!

We are delighted to report that two of our Year 10 Japanese students entered the Japanese Teachers’ Association NSW’s Haiku Contest 2026 and were awarded 1st and 3rd place prizes in a pool of many great entries!

Congratulations to Olivia, who placed 1st and Lauren, who placed 3rd.

Their Japanese haiku is reproduced below (with English translation, which translates with different syllables!)

Lisa Tang, Languages Teacher

Olivia’s Haiku

I like spring

Beautiful flowers

The flowers of spring

Lauren’s Haiku

Alliance Française French Film Festival 2026

On 25 March, the Year 11 French Beginners students attended the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2026 at Palace Norton in Leichhardt. Students watched the film Treasure Hunters (Le Secret de Khéops) and were able to practice their French listening skills. The film was also full of iconic Parisian sites which allowed students to make cultural links between lifestyle and language as part of the syllabus. Their experience of culture continued as they visited the Four Frogs Crêperie and Renaissance Café in the Rocks to taste traditional French crêpes, gallettes and cakes. Overall, the students had a wonderful time and at the same time enhanced their learning of French with hands-on experiences of skills demanded by the course they are studying. 

Year 9 Cheerleading end of term performance

A few happy snaps from our Year 9 cheerleading end of term performance. Students participate in Cheereleading for ASP during Thursday afternoon sport with our professional cheerleading coach, Laura. They rehearse all term for a performance at the end of term – a performance which is always a highlight!

Nicole Kanis, Assistant Sports Coordinator

Year 7 History Excursion at The Rocks

Last week, Year 7 swapped their exercise books for the historic cobblestones of The Rocks, learning about the early chapters of Sydney’s story to life. Our young historians spent the day navigating the narrow laneways of the Rocks precinct, focusing on how we piece together the past from both the physical landscape and the fragments left behind by those who came before us.

The day began with an immersive walking tour through the heart of The Rocks district, where students explored the enduring history of the Gadigal people. Rather than just looking at exhibits, the group moved through the environment to learn about traditional Aboriginal practices and the deep spiritual connection to the land and shoreline that existed long before the arrival of the First Fleet. By observing the natural sandstone and the layout of the harbour, students gained a better understanding of how the Eora nation managed resources and maintained a complex society for thousands of years. This firsthand look at the transition from ancient landscapes to a colonial port helped everyone see how a single location can hold layers of meaning.

The experience took a more hands on turn at The Big Dig on Cumberland Street. Standing over one of Australia’s most significant urban archaeological sites, students looked directly into the foundations of colonial homes that were once packed with families and shopkeepers. Our archaeologists spent time analysing genuine artefacts found on site, such as shards of hand painted pottery and old clay pipes. By examining these everyday items, students were able to reconstruct the lives of the people who lived there, proving that even a broken plate can tell a powerful story about class, trade and survival.

Beyond just seeing the sights, this excursion allowed Year 7 to practice the skills of historical inquiry in the real world. They returned to school with a much deeper appreciation for the work that goes into uncovering our shared heritage and a clearer understanding of why these physical traces of the past are so vital to protect. It was a fantastic day of discovery that reminded everyone that history isn’t just found in a textbook, but is often buried right beneath our feet.

A huge thank you to the staff who attended, the leaders at both venues and students for making the day so engaging!

Mrs Marissa Watson, Assistant HSIE Coordinator

Science and Engineering Challenge – Domremy College Third Place Overall

Domremy College participated in the 2026 Science and Engineering Challenge. Students were set a variety of tasks requiring problem-solving skills and teamwork. Each task had a time limit and points were awarded for demonstrating competence in various engineering fields.  

This year, Domremy college students achieved top marks for “Grab Lab” with Tessia and Ruby, “Flight” with Angelique, Crystal and Emily. Domremy also topped the showcase event, the bridge building task.  

The highlight of the day was the bridge load test event. All participating schools watched each school’s bridge tested to destruction by running a trolley over the bridge with progressively increasing loads. Congratulations to Domremy Y10 iSTEM students, Anastasia, Henrietta and Sienna who constructed the winning bridge.  

I would like to thank all Y9 and Y10 iSTEM students for their participation, enthusiasm and determination in all the activities.  Their efforts contributed to Domremy’s Third place overall for the competition.  

Mr Sam Fleri, Science & STEM Teacher

Women in Business Breakfast – Club Five Dock RSL

The Women in Business Breakfast hosted by Club Five Dock RSL on 24 March, was an inspiring opportunity to hear from all the women that have succeeded in the corporate environment. It allowed me the opportunity to be part of a discussion about the challenges that local business owners often have to overcome within the business setting. Keynote speaker Emma Jensen, Optus’ Vice President of Small Business, acknowledged the importance of self awareness as a business owner and understanding the purpose of one’s business. Her presentation gave us insight into the positive change that local business owners are aiming to achieve within the community. 

The breakfast provided by Five Dock RSL was an enjoyable part of the morning and being able to talk to local business owners during the breakfast allowed us to develop a more holistic understanding of the professional, personal and social aspects of the business environment. It was motivating to see the many different entrepreneurial career possibilities that women can succeed in, which encouraged us to consider our own future in a business environment. 

We would like to thank Club Five Dock RSL for hte invitation to attend and the wonderful opportunity it presented.

Portia, Y12

Thank you to our Vinnies Sandwich making vollies

Meet the 2026 Peter O’Malley Junior Masters age division Champion

Our students never stop inspiring us. From school life to their pursuits beyond the classroom, they are out there achieving amazing things. We love celebrating them; their passions, their hard work, and every achievement both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication shines in so many ways, and we’re proud to cheer them on in all their endeavours.

Today, we’re excited to spotlight Tirzah, Year 7, who, over the weekend, won the 2026 Peter O’Malley Junior Masters in Bathurst. Tirzah was crowned Champion of her age division and finished Runner-up across the entire field! Such an impressive achievement, showcasing incredible commitment and talent. 👏🏆⛳️🏌️‍♀️

The two-day tournament (28–29 March 2026), organised by Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf, featured some of the top junior golfers under 18.

Tirzah recorded outstanding rounds of 72 (E) and 71 (-1), securing a 17-shot victory in her division and an impressive overall runner-up finish.

We are incredibly proud of Tirzah’s effort, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the event. 🤩

Easter Holidays – Optional HSC Workshops 2026

Year 12 teachers are offering our Year 12 students a variety of

HSC Holiday Workshops.

Save the date – Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast – Friday 8 May

We warmly invite all our mothers, grandmothers and significant maternal figures to join us for our annual Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast on Friday 8 May 2026.

This is always a beautiful morning in the College calendar, providing us with time to pause and celebrate the incredible women who nurture, guide and inspire us every day.

The morning will begin with Mass at 7:30 am, followed by a light breakfast. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.

A formal invitation will be sent out early next term.

Would you like to host a Japanese student in August?

Domremy College will be hosting Japanese students from 8 – 21 August, 2026.

We are looking for interested families to host a female student by sharing their lifestyle and home whilst experiencing another culture. They will be attending school on weekdays and enjoy family life with you on the weekend. They will be required to have their own bed. Payments provided to cover some costs. Japanese language is not necessary.

If you are able to host a student and/or would like more information, please contact Lisa Tang, Japanese Teacher.

Domremy Parent Representative Group (DPRG)

We value strong partnerships with families at Domremy College, recognising their role in shaping the College’s future. Regular feedback from staff, students, and parents helps guide our ongoing improvements. The Domremy Parent Representative Group (DPRG) is a key platform for communication between the College and our parent community, allowing parents to stay informed and offer valuable input. We extend our sincere thanks to returning and new DPRG members for their dedication and support for their ongoing commitment.

We are looking for a small number of new parents, particularly from Year 7, who might be interested in joining our DPRG. This small, focussed team that meets once a term, typically on a Thursday morning at 8am in Week 8, to touch base on school initiatives and provide feedback. If you think you might be interested in joining the group, please contact the Principal’s EA, Donna Malpass, donna.malpass@syd.catholic.edu.au

Try Domremy for a Day for Year 3 students – Registrations opening early Term 2

Our final Try Domremy for a Day for the year, for Year 3 students, will be on 26 June. Registrations will open early Term 2 – be sure to mark it in your calendar so you don’t miss out! If your daughter is in Year 3, this is a fantastic opportunity for her to step into the shoes of a Domremy student for a day of fun and learning.

• Registration: Essential (places fill quickly). 
• Registrations to open early Term 2: visit our website here.

Auxilliary Bishop in the Archiocese of Sydney, Danny Meagher, appointed by Pope Leo as Bishop of Rockhampton

Please see the latest communique from Sydney Catholic Schools here and more information can be found in the Catholic Weekly here.

Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation – Parish of St Joseph’s Enfield

The Parish of St Joseph’s Enfield would like to welcome the children who would like to complete the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St Joseph’s Enfield. For those who would like to participate in the program here are the details:

• First Holy Communion
  • Enrolment date for First Holy Communion is Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 3pm to 4pm in the parish meeting room.
  • Sacrament date First Holy Communion is Sunday 30 August 2026 at 3pm in the Church.
  • All class lesson times and dates are published on the parish website.
• Confirmation
  • Enrolment date of Confirmation is Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 3pm to 4pm in the parish meeting room.
  • Sacrament date for Confirmation is Sunday 17 May 2026 at 1pm in the Church.
  • All class lesson times and dates are published on the parish website.

Fr. Kim Ha, Parish Priest, St Joseph’s Catholic Church

www.stjosephenfield.org.au, Email: admin@stjosephenfield.org.au, Ph: 02 9747 4884   Fax: 02 9747 8086