From the Principal’s Desk

Prayer 

An Irish blessing for Mothers’ Day

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, Staff, Students and Friends

Welcome back, everyone!

I hope the recent break provided each of you with a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. Whether you headed away for a change of scenery or simply enjoyed the slower pace of life at home, I trust you have returned with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

There is always a unique “buzz” in the air at Domremy at the start of Term 2. The nerves of the new year have settled, and we are now ready to dive deeper into the heart of our academic and co-curricular programs. It is a season for growth, focus, and building on the foundations laid in Term 1.

Honouring Sacrifice and Service

We officially marked our return this week with a moving start of Term Assembly. It was a significant moment for our community to gather and reflect on the values that define us.

As we recently observed ANZAC Day, our assembly included a solemn tribute to the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We spoke about the “ANZAC Spirit” – qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, and of how we can embody those same traits in our daily school lives by looking out for one another and standing up for what is right.

A New Tradition: Celebrating 250 Years of Charism

Our assembly also provided a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with our school’s spiritual identity. This year is particularly momentous as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the foundation of the Presentation Sisters by Venerable Nano Nagle.

In light of this milestone, we have introduced a new tradition at the College. As you will read later in this newsletter, we have committed to formally acknowledging the Presentation Sisters and the Charism in which Domremy is grounded, at every formal occasion. It is fitting that we anchor our community gatherings in the legacy of Venerable Nano Nagle, who walked the streets of Cork with her lantern, bringing education and hope to those in need.

As we start this new term, I challenge our students to be “people of the lantern” in their own way:

• By showing compassion to those who are struggling.
• By being resilient in the face of academic challenges.
• By leading with action, just as Nano did.

Inquiry and Review: A Resounding Success

The Inquiry and Review process is a rigorous, cyclic evaluation that all systemic schools undergo every five years. It is designed to ensure that the College is not only meeting its regulatory obligations but is also continuously improving the quality of education and spiritual life offered to students. 

I am delighted to report on the conclusion of our five-yearly Inquiry and Review. The Review Panel met with us this week, and I simply cannot be prouder of everyone involved.

I want to extend my deepest congratulations and deepest gratitude to our students, parents, and staff on this outstanding achievement. The feedback we received from the panel is a true testament to the dedication, passion, and professionalism that you bring to Domremy every day.

A special thank you must go to our College Leadership Team. Their preparation was meticulous, and their leadership throughout this rigorous process was flawless. I am also incredibly grateful to the teachers, parents, and students who contributed their time and insights to ensure the panel saw the very best of our community.

Once the final report is received, I look forward to sharing the details with you all. For now, please take a moment to celebrate this wonderful affirmation of our school and the vibrant learning environment we have built together.

Mother’s Day – Honouring the Women Who Shape Us

There is a unique kind of energy that fills our school when our students’ mentors, caregivers, and role models walk through the doors. As we approach the second Sunday of May, we are preparing for one of the most cherished traditions on our school calendar: our Mother’s Day Mass followed by a light breakfast.

This event isn’t just about a date on the calendar; it is a dedicated moment to pause and recognize the incredible women in our community. Whether you are a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, or a mother figure who provides that essential “maternal” guidance, your influence is the bedrock upon which our students build their lives.

We see your impact every day in the kindness, resilience, and curiosity of our students. You are their first teachers, their loudest cheerleaders, and their safest harbours.

We invite all mothers and mother figures to join us on Friday 8 May for a morning of reflection, gratitude and, of course, plenty of conversation, coffee and treats prepared by our Hospitality students.

Please kindly RSVP by Wednesday 6 May for catering purposes via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DLUBX

Looking Ahead …

Term 2 is always a busy one, filled with winter sports, mid-year assessments, and various community events. I encourage all students to set clear goals for the weeks ahead and to remember that my door – and those of our dedicated staff – is always open.

Let’s make this a term defined by kindness, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in all we do.

Blessings on you and your families.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan 

College Principal

Prayer

God of peace and compassion,

On this ANZAC Day we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice,

and service of the men and women who have defended our country.

We honour the ANZACs – their endurance, their mateship,

and their willingness to place others before themselves.

May the memory of their bravery inspire us to live with generosity, integrity,

and a deep commitment to peace.

We pray for all who continue to serve today, in Australia and around the world.

Keep them safe, guide their decisions,

and surround their families with strength and comfort.

We remember also the cost of war – the lives lost, the communities changed,

and the wounds that remain.

Today, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, freedom, and peace.

May we be granted the wisdom and fortitude to strive towards creating a brighter and more harmonious world. Amen.

Teach us to be people who build peace in our homes, our school, and our world. Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

In our Church … From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church …

May – The Month of Mary

As we begin May we are reminded that this is the month the Church especially remembers Mary, the Mother of God.  The following is taken from a resource Mr Anthony Cleary, Director of Mission and Identity for Sydney Catholic Schools, published for schools to use to honour Mary throughout this month.

In what ways can Mary be honoured in May?

In what ways can Mary be honoured in May? The ways of honouring Mary are as varied as the people who honour her. The most common way is through praying the Rosary, either at home or in parishes. It is common for parishes to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May, and many parishes erect a special ‘May altar’ with a statue or picture of Mary as a reminder of Mary’s month. It’s also traditional to crown a statue of Mary during May – a custom known as ‘May Crowning.’ Usually, the crown is made of flowers representing Mary’s beauty and virtue, a reminder how we should strive to imitate Mary’s virtue in our own lives.

In addition to the Rosary, there are litanies and specific prayers such as the Angelus, the Regina Coeli, the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen. Readings from Scripture can accompany these prayers, especially from the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke relating to Mary’s role in salvation history. Mary’s great prayer of praise and thanksgiving – the Magnificat – can also be recited and/or reflected upon.

Why have devotion to Mary? Because she is Jesus’ mother and hence Mother of God. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St John to be our spiritual mother, to care for all the followers of Jesus day-in-and-day-out without fail, interceding before the throne of God on our behalf for all our needs. For that, Mary deserves an entire month in her honour.

Reflection: Carrying the Lantern

Nano Nagle’s feast day is technically celebrated on April 26, marking the day she died (26 April 1784).

The Feast of Nano Nagle is a moment for the Domremy College community to pause and honour the “Lady of the Lantern.” Nano’s life was defined by “Not words, but deeds,” as she risked her safety to bring education and hope to the marginalised in 18th-century Ireland.

For Domremy, the Presentation Sisters are the heartbeat of our identity. They instilled in our college a mission of social justice, hospitality, and the belief that education is a light meant to be shared. Today, we don’t just remember Nano; we become her “lantern bearers,” committing ourselves to courage and service in our own backyard

A Prayer for Nano Nagle’s Feast

Leader: Let us pray, Lord, we thank you for the life of Nano Nagle, whose courage turned the darkness of poverty into the light of hope.

All: May her lantern guide our feet toward those in need.

Leader: We pray for the Presentation Sisters, who brought Nano’s vision to Domremy. May we honour their legacy by being people of action, not just words.

All: Grant us the strength to be brave, the heart to be kind, and the wisdom to use our education for the good of all.

Leader: May the flame of faith burning in our hearts never grow dim. We ask this through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

In our Community … From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Community …

Honouring the ANZAC Spirit: A Reflection on Courage and Sacrifice

This week, the Domremy College community gathered for a moving assembly to commemorate ANZAC Day. Led with grace and solemnity by our Student Leadership Team, the service provided a meaningful space for students and staff to reflect on the profound legacy of those who served.

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Tasked with capturing the peninsula, Australian and New Zealand soldiers faced unimaginable hardships, fierce resistance, and a grueling campaign. While more than 8,000 Australians lost their lives in that conflict, the values forged in those trenches – bravery, endurance, and mateship – became the cornerstone of our national identity.

Since the first commemoration in 1916, this day has grown to honour all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. We remember not just the dates and battles, but the human stories of resilience and the enduring commitment to one another.

A Community Prayer for Peace

We concluded our assembly by coming together in prayer, invoking the spirit of our foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle, to guide us in becoming people of action and peace.

God of peace and compassion,

On this ANZAC Day we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have defended our country. We honour the ANZACs – their endurance, their mateship, and their willingness to place others before themselves.

May the memory of their bravery inspire us to live with generosity, integrity, and a deep commitment to peace. We pray for all who continue to serve today; keep them safe and surround their families with strength. We remember the cost of war – the lives lost and the wounds that remain.

Today, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, freedom, and peace. Grant us the wisdom to strive toward a more harmonious world.Teach us to be people who build peace in our homes, our school, and our world.

Amen.

Lest we forget.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

From the Assistant Principal: Welcome Back – Embracing Heritage and New Beginnings in Term 2

On Monday, 20 April, the Domremy community gathered for our first assembly of Term 2. The morning was a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection and practical preparation, setting a positive and focused tone for the weeks ahead.

A significant highlight of the assembly was the introduction of a new tradition: the ‘Acknowledgement of the Presentation Sisters.’ Our Faith and Mission Prefect, Sandra, alongside Presentation Prefects Marina and Olivia, shared the significance of the 250th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters’ foundation. From Christmas Eve 2025 through to the end of 2026, we celebrate Nano Nagle’s enduring legacy of education and social justice.

To ensure this history remains a living part of our school, we will now formally acknowledge the Sisters at every major occasion:

We acknowledge the Presentation Sisters, the founders of our school, whose dedication has shaped generations of learners.

By walking a path of compassion, justice, and service, they taught us to be people of hope –

bringing light to those in need and inspiring us to carry their legacy forward.

We are proud to continue in their Charism.  

Continuing in the spirit of the Easter season, the community participated in a prayer for new life and transformation. The prayer focused on the power of our voices, asking for the courage to use them for justice, reconciliation, and hope rather than gossip or malice.

As we continue in the season of Easter we are reminded of our call

to travel with Jesus through the reality of death to new life.

Like Jesus, Christians are called to surrender the pain and suffering of our world

into the arms of our compassionate God.

Our God walks with us as we respond to the hardships in our lives. 

Through the events of Holy Week, we experienced intimacy and rejection, joy and sorrow,

despair and hope, betrayal, and faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, Risen Saviour,

You broke the silence of the tomb with the triumph of Your voice.

Through the power of Your Resurrection, transform my voice into an instrument of Your light, hope, and peace.

As Mary Magdalene was sent to speak Your name, guide my tongue to proclaim Your victory over darkness and sin.

Help me to use my voice not for idle gossip, fear, or malice, but to lift up the vulnerable,

to reconcile broken relationships, and to echo Your gentle truth.

Give me the courage to speak up for justice and to bear witness to my faith,

making me a resonant voice of hope in a world crying out for healing. 

May the sounds of this Easter season—joyful praise, loving words,

and truth-telling—show that You are truly alive.

Amen.

Venerable Nano Nagle. Pray for us.

Mrs. McGahan addressed the assembly to welcome everyone back and to re-establish our collective goals as we journey together in Term 2.

The assembly concluded with a spirited National Anthem rehearsal led by Mrs. Zappulla, uniting the school in song before we headed off to our first classes of the term.

It is wonderful to have the College filled with the spirit of Nano Nagle and we look forward to a term filled with growth, light as we follow in Nano’s footsteps. 

Welcome back to Term 2!

Mrs Melissa Vassallo, Assistant Principal

Five Dock RSL Sub‑Branch March

Students Recognised in the Five Dock Sub Branch ANZAC School Awards

Students were proudly acknowledged in the 2026 Five Dock RSL SubBranch ANZAC Activity Schools Award, an annual program that encourages young people to engage with the history, meaning, and ongoing significance of ANZAC Day.

This year, a wide range of local schools participated across creative, written, and research based categories. Domremy students once again demonstrated thoughtful reflection, strong historical understanding, and a deep respect for the ANZAC legacy.

President’s Recognition Award

Ava Ngo (Year 8)

Individual Awards – Year 10

1st Place: Henrietta Robinson

2nd Place: Ruby Jose

3rd Place: Aurelia Graham

These achievements highlight the commitment of our students to honouring Australia’s servicemen and servicewomen through meaningful inquiry and creative expression. Their work reflects the values of remembrance, gratitude, and community that lie at the heart of ANZAC Day.

We congratulate all Domremy award recipients and commend them for representing our school with pride.

Mrs Giulia Laurenzi, Acting HSIE Coordinator

SCS Eisteddfod Congratulations

Congratulations to our SCS Eisteddfod perfomers

Aashana worked incredibly hard to prepare this piece while balancing her recent exams, and we are so proud of the dedication she showed.

 

 

Stadium Lap at Allianz Stadium for Sydney FC v Perth Glory FC A-League clash

Report of Try Domremy Day for Year 5 students

Domremy College buzzed with enthusiastic young learners on Friday 27 March, as we warmly welcomed over 100 Year 5 students from twenty-two different schools for our annual “Try Domremy for a Day” event. Read the Report for parents on the day, by our Leader of Learning and Teaching, Mrs Smit. 

Making a Splash at Sydney Catholic School Championships: Gold and Bronze for Domremy

Accompanied by Ms O’Mahony and Mr Pangilinan, the Junior and Intermediate Water Polo teams travelled to Sutherland Leisure Centre on Thursday, 23 April, to compete in the Sydney Catholic School Championships. Both teams qualified for the Sydney Catholic Schools Championships as they came first in Conference 1 at the end of the Term 1 competition.

The Junior squad performed admirably, demonstrating solid defensive play and persistence; after a 4-6 defeat in their initial match, they successfully secured the bronze medal with a 9-6 win. 

The Intermediate team truly made a splash, clinching gold with two straight wins—all while expertly navigating some unexpected, feathered competition from a few local ducks in the pool!

Please see the following reflections from two of our students.

Erin

It was a great experience to be able to play at the Sydney Championships Water Polo at Sutherland Aquatic Centre last Thursday. We had an early start to the day as we left in the morning to drive out the pool in time to play our game. There was a mixture of excitement and nerves as the first game would decide whether we would get to play in the finals round. In the first two quarters, the score was fairly close and we were quite even with the other team, however, as we got into the last half of the game, our team began to score more, helping us work our way closer towards the final. It was a great game and we ended up winning 7-4, putting us through to the finals. 

The final game was also fairly even to begin with, however, as the game went on, we were able to maintain better teamwork and communication. This helped us create more scoring opportunities and stay strong in defence. In the end, we came away with an 8–6 win. Overall, it was a very successful day and it was great to win the Championships and to see the rewards of our hard work in both games we played as well as others we played throughout the season. 

Simaema

The students delivered a commendable performance characterised by great sportsmanship. We look forward to building on this momentum in future events.

Mr Mark Pangilinan and Ms Kristy O’Mahony

Gold, Silver and Bronze for Eliana at Dragon Boat Championships

18U Women 10s – 1km Turn Race: Gold

18U Mixed 20s – 500m: Gold

18U Women 10s – 500m: Gold

18U Mixed 20s – 500m: Silver

18U Women 10s – 200m: Bronze

 

Alexa places in top ten – Australian Athletics Nationals

From the Careers Department – For Year 10 and Year 12 students

As part of the Year 10 Subject Selection Program, students will complete the Morrisby Online Assessment on Thursday, 14 May. Morrisby is a comprehensive online career guidance tool, based on psychometric assessments, designed to help and inspire your daughter to explore a wide range of career and education pathways, and gain insight into future opportunities.

The Morrisby assessment includes timed tasks in Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning. It also features untimed questionnaires that explore Career Interests, Personality Type, and Study Interests, providing a well-rounded profile of each student.

Further information for both students and parents will be shared next week.

Additionally, UAC applications have now opened for Year 12 students. We have been working closely with students to support them in completing their applications, including understanding course preferences, early entry opportunities, and the application process. Further guidance and reminders will continue to be provided to ensure all students feel confident in submitting their applications.

Ms Diana Arida/Ms Jade Lynch, Careers Advisers

From The Study Hub: Reading for Mental Health Afternoon

On Wednesday 27 May, Domremy will be hosting a Reading for Mental Health Afternoon to which all students, parents, siblings and staff are invited. There is a wealth of research which has found that reading fiction for pleasure increases mental health and wellbeing as well as emotional intelligence, global understanding and empathy.  We are inviting you to join your daughter as you model positive reading habits  and relax with a book from anywhere from 20 – 90 minutes from 3.30pm – 5.00pm in our Study Hub. We will be serving herbal teas and hot chocolate. Please fill out the Expression of Interest Form sent home in the Parent Weekly. Please mark the date in your diary (and build momentum by regularly encouraging and modelling reading at home). 

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.

Try Domremy for a Day – Year 3

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Parent Talk – Council of Catholic School Parents – Newsletter Feature

From time to time, we will include a link to ‘Parent Talk’, the Newsletter from the Council of School Parents NSW/ACT. 

Parents can access past editions and the website from the following link. Parents may wish to bookmark this link or subscribe to receive the Newsletter.

Parent Talk