Prayer

Prayer to St Joan of Arc

In the face of your enemies,
in the face of harassment, ridicule, and doubt,
you held firm in your faith.
Even in your abandonment,
alone and without friends,
you held firm in your faith.
Even as you faced your own mortality,
you held firm in your faith.

I pray that I may be as bold in my beliefs as you, St. Joan.
I ask that you ride alongside me in my own battles.
Help me be mindful that what is worthwhile
can be won when I persist.
Help me hold firm in my faith.
Help me believe in my ability to act well and wisely.

Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,

The Feast of the Sacred Heart on June 7 invites us to deepen our awareness that all of life is embraced by God’s love. This spirituality of the heart calls us to recognize that Christ dwells in our hearts through love, urging us to “clothe ourselves in love” (Colossians 3:12) and radiate this love to others.

Throughout His life, the Gospels show that Jesus acted from His heart, the place of union with God. He confronted injustice, shared meals with outcasts, and was moved with compassion for the sick, lonely, heartbroken, and wounded.

Nano Nagle’s devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus exemplifies this love in action. Her life was a testament to living out this deep union with God by serving those in need, founding schools for marginalised children, and showing unwavering courage and compassion. Inspired by her example, we too are called to embody the love of the Sacred Heart, allowing it to guide our actions and interactions with others.

To celebrate this feast, the Domremy staff gathered at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Gymea on Friday 7 June for Staff Spirituality Day, where we were privileged to witness the display of the Miracles of the Blessed Eucharist as designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, who is soon to be canonized as the first millennial saint. This experience enriched our celebration, connecting us to the profound faith and devotion exemplified by both Blessed Carlo Acutis and Venerable Nano Nagle.

Domremy Day

Together, we commemorated the Feast Day of St. Joan of Arc, the Patroness of our College, with our annual Domremy Day celebration. This event fosters a strong sense of community, uniting both past and present members of our College. This year holds special significance as we celebrate the Presentation Sisters’ Sesquicentenary, marking 150 years of their dedication and service.

The theme for Domremy Day was ‘MTV,’ and after a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. Sebastian from All Hallows Parish – enriched by our full College Choir who led us in song – both staff and students embraced the spirit of the day by dressing up in extraordinary costumes.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. Kavita Kshatriya, our Events Prefect Chloe, and our incredible Year 12 leaders for their meticulous organization. Additionally, we thank the many others who worked behind the scenes to ensure a superb day for all.

Furthermore, the Presentation Sisters will join us in further celebrations at our College on 12 June, when representatives from 11 other Presentation schools will be joining us to celebrate their Sesquicentenary.

National Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week is a vital time for all Australians to reflect on and actively contribute to the healing and unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The 2024 theme, “Now more than ever,” emphasizes the critical role each of us has to play in advocating for justice, equity, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This theme encourages us to continue to carry forward the stories, struggles, and triumphs of past generations while fostering a future where Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and integrated into the fabric of our national identity. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, education, and actions, we honor the resilience and contributions of Indigenous Australians and commit to a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.

Preparations for the End of Term 2

Semester One Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings will take place on Thursday 4 July from 1.00pm – 7.30pm and Friday 5 July from 8.30am to 3.00pm. These will be face to face. Relevant information will be sent to families regarding the process and expectations soon. These meetings are an opportunity for parents/carers to gauge their daughter’s academic progress thus far. Students are expected to attend with their parents in full school uniform. Hence, the last day of lessons for Term 2 will be Thursday 4 July, when students will be dismissed after their final lesson for the day.

And finally…

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and congratulate all the wonderful successes achieved by so many of our amazing young women. This newsletter is filled with these awesome achievements.

As this term races by, students are currently undergoing a variety of assessments across all their subjects. It is important that the girls remain focussed, be prepared and organised.

I hope you enjoy the extended long weekend on 10 June for the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Blessings on you and your family.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

College Principal

Happy Sesquicentenary to our Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga and The Mount Erin Heritage Centre Wagga Wagga

Happy Sesquicentenary to our Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga.

150 years ago, on 29 May 1874, the first five Presentation Sisters arrived in Wagga Wagga from Kildare, Ireland in 1874, responded to a call to bring Catholic education to Wagga Wagga. From Wagga Wagga, in 1911, Domremy College was founded. You can read more about our Presentation Sisters on our website https://www.domremy.catholic.edu.au/presentation-sisters

Wishing all Mt Erin Heritage Centre and our Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga a very special anniversary! There is a very interesting video in the linked Mt Erin Heritage Centre Facebook page demonstrating the journeys taken by the Presentation Sisters from Ireland.

We look forward to celebrating with our Presentation Sisters on 12 June 2024.

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us.

Let the Light shine true …

Domremy Light Festival – Wednesday 19 June – All welcome

Domremy Light Festival – Let there be Light

Careers Expo 2024 – Save the date – Monday 24 June

Save the date: The DOMREMY COLLEGE CAREERS EXPO 2024 is on again this year, on Monday 24 June 2024, from 5pm to 7pm, in our Brenda Quinn Hall.

The Expo will introduce parents and students to various Universities, Private Colleges, as well as numerous other Institutions. The evening will assist Year 11 and Year 12 students to make informed decisions for their transition from school to further education, gap years, or the workplace, as well as assist Year 10 students in the subject selection process as they prepare for their transition to the HSC years.

Parents and students will have an opportunity to visit exhibitors’ stalls but also have more in-depth conversations about the various pathways. The Expo provides an excellent opportunity to talk to educational institutions representing many comprehensive and specialised pathways beyond Year 12.

Information has been sent home via Compass about this event.

Ms Julie Mathers, Careers Advisor

Exhibitors include:

University of NSW
Australian Catholic University
Western Sydney University
Academy of Interactive Technology
Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia
The Australian College of Physical Education
University of Notre Dame
National Fashion College
Campion College
International College of Management, Sydney
NSW Police Force recruitment
Le Cordon Bleu Australia
Real Estate Training Solutions
University of Technology Sydney
Bedford College
American Summers – Camp Jobs – IENA
Macquarie University
Sydney Actors School & Sydney Film School
University of Notre Dame Australia
University of Sydney
The Hotel School

SCS Spotlight on the Arts podcast feat. Mrs Zappulla, our CAPA and Music Coordinator

Sydney Catholic Schools Arts HQ has released its latest Spotlight on the Arts podcast, Episode 4, which features our very own CAPA and Music Coordinator, Mrs Romina Zappulla.

You can listen to the podcast on this link or on spotify.

CONGRATULATIONS to our SCS Eisteddfod performers

Congratulations to our Senior Vocal Ensemble, receiving a Highly Commended and placing 3rd in the SCS 2024 Eisteddfod, performing their piece at home! Awesome ladies!

Year 11 Drama Ensemble performing at SCS Invitational Showcase

In exciting news, our 1st place getters in the Drama Small Ensemble category, the Domremy Year 11 Drama Ensemble, has been invited to the Arts HQ – Sydney Catholic Schools 2024 Eisteddfod Invitational Showcase!!!

We congratulate Georgia, Katherine, Sophia and Sophia.

Awesome and well deserved ladies!

Ms Julie Mathers, Drama Coordinator

(Photography acknowledgement: credit to Arts HQ – Sydney Catholic Schools and Sydney Catholic Schools)

#NRW2024 National Reconciliation Week

#NRW2024 We celebrated National Reconciliation Week last week. Our First Nations students, together with our Indigenous Liaison Officer, each lent their voices to a presentation which was shown to all Homerooms during Reconciliation Week. This included a fun quiz for all to participate in, sparking meaningful reflections, including reflecting on this year’s theme, “Now more than ever, we need reconciliation”.

When it comes to reconciliation, we all have a role to play.

Let the Light shine true …

A copy of the National Reconciliation Week 2024 presentation is linked.

Mrs Vanessa Cashin, Indigenous Liasion Officer

Domremy Day’s MTV and thank you

From Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator

The celebrations for Domremy Day began with a Mass to honour the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, officiated by Father Sebastian, Parish Priest, All Hallows’ Five Dock, who emphasized in his homily the importance of Mary’s unwavering faith, courage, and dedication; qualities that continue to inspire our school’s mission and values. During this Mass, the Domremy community also acknowledged St Joan of Arc, as her Feast day is celebrated on 30 May; her steadfast commitment to her beliefs, even in the face of adversity, serves as a powerful example for our students and staff. The challenges faced by today’s youth, require encouragement and inspiration drawn from women like St Joan of Arc, to embody her spirit of perseverance and leadership in the battles young people face.

The choir and the musicians, under the guidance of Mrs Romina Zapulla, opened the Mass with a beautiful rendition of “Daughter of God,” filling the BQH with harmonious voices that paid homage to many of the women who feature in Biblical narratives that have had an impact on history.

The event concluded with closing remarks thanking our wonderful staff reflecting on the importance of the virtue of patience and gratitude in our daily lives. Heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and students who continue to share their gifts and make this celebration a success. As we continue to draw inspiration from Mary, the Mother of God, St. Joan of Arc and Venerable Nano Nagle, let us strive to embody their principles in our educational journey and beyond. May their example guide us in our quest for truth, justice, and faith.

********

From the 2024 Student Leadership Team

I just wanted to say what a wonderful day today was and thank you to everyone who put in all the hard work to make it happen.

To Mrs McGahan and Mr Ryan for allowing us to run such community events and for leading our incredible community.

To Mrs Sullivan, Mrs Zappulla, the tech crew and all those who made this morning’s mass beautifully reverent.

To Ms Barnsley for helping us coordinate all the costs to ensure we could have all our festivities.

To Ms Kshatriya for everything she has done for our year group, for supporting and helping us in the planning of the day.

To Chloe, 2024 Events Prefect, for her work organising literally everything, to Estelle, 2024 Creative and Performing Arts Prefect, for the incredible afternoon show, to Cassidy, 2024 promotions Prefect, for all the promotion and to the whole Leadership Team for their work before and on the day.

To Year 12 for their dedication and enthusiasm in trying to make this a great last Domremy Day together.

And to all the students and staff who were there today. Whether you danced on the dance floor, dressed up or cheered during the performances, thank you for getting involved and kindling the Domremy spirit.

Once again another brilliant event to showcase our spirit of friendship, justice and integrity.

Sophia Ghantous, 2024 College Vice Captain, on behalf of the 2024 Leadership Team

********

From Mrs Kavita Kshatriya, Year 12 Coordinator

I would like to add my heartfelt thanks. It is so true that this would not have happened without the support of our beautiful Domremy community. I would like to also extend my special thanks to the Hospitality staff and students, for their support and assistance with all the food service right from planning to serving.

I would also like to thank the Year Coordinators and our lovely support staff who do a lot of work behind the scenes to assist with such community days.

I always feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing community.

********

From Mrs Antoinette McGahan, College Principal

Dear Domremy Community,

Congratulations and huge thanks to our phenomenal Year 12 Leadership Team and Year 12. Domremy Day is indeed a very special day for our Community and last Friday was no exception, absolutely fantastic, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of our incredible community.

Sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Zappulla, the tech crew, and everyone who contributed to making our Mass so meaningful and special, your efforts created an authentic spiritual start to the day.

Heartfelt thanks to Mrs Kshatriya and the Year 12 Leaders as well as the whole year group for their unwavering support and leadership in running such engaging and energising community events. Your hardwork and commitment have made this day another memorable day for our community.

I echo Sopia Ghantous’ words in acknowledging all the students and staff who participated, thank you for embodying the Domremy spirit. Whether you danced, dressed up, or cheered during the performances, your involvement made the day vibrant and full of joy.

Domremy Day was indeed another spectacular day truly showcasing the spirit of friendship, justice, and integrity.

********

Mass

PARTY TIME

Year 12 Ancient History Excursion – Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs at the Australian Museum

Our Year 12 Ancient History class, together with Mrs Bird, had an incredible opportunity to visit the ‘Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs’ exhibition at the Australian Museum. It was a once in a lifetime chance to explore the legacy of one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, and was an eye-opening experience which transported us back in time to the 13th century BCE when Egypt was at the height of its power.

This new multi-sensory exhibit showcased the life and accomplishments of the renowned Ramses II, a prominent pharaoh who ruled Egypt for 67 years. With over 180 well preserved artefacts on display, including his sarcophagus – one of the most impressive royal coffins from ancient Egypt – the exhibition revealed the superb workmanship of Egyptian artisans and allowed for an immersive experience and a great understanding of Ramses II’s profound role and contribution during his reign.

As we walked through the dimly lit rooms surrounded by large statue busts, building replicas, mummified animals, priceless jewellery, and numerous other artefacts, the atmosphere was spectacular, but also humbling. Multimedia presentations and displays brought Ramses’ and the ancient world to life, showcasing his military conquests, ambitious building projects and diplomatic efforts.

As a class we were particularly in awe of Ramses’ coffin. Towards the end of the exhibition we were guided into a room and faced with his coffin as it stood alone in the centre, encased in glass. It was a beautiful carved cedar coffin adorned with hieroglyphs which showed his cartouche and told the story of his journey from tomb to cache. We were all taken aback by its profound stature and fascinated by the fact that Ramses’ remains were once inside of the coffin right in front of us.

This exhibition was educational and helpful as it directly ties to our current HSC studies of the Egyptian pharaohs from and including the reign of Amenhotep III to Ramses II, highlighting their roles and contributions to both Egypt and external nations. Seeing artefacts in person and learning about their historical context has enhanced our understanding of Ramses II’s impact as a pharaoh who expanded Egypt’s influence through both diplomacy and warfare.

Thank you to both Mrs Bird, and to Mrs O’Halloran for organising the event as well.

Annie and Chloe, Year 12 Ancient History

Year 9 Visual Arts – Excursion to the Chinese Gardens and the Art Gallery of NSW

Year 9 VA students spent a morning sketching the beautiful Chinese Gardens last week. During the afternoon they explored traditional and contemporary art practice at the Art Gallery of NSW. Next week students will experiment with eastern sumi ink painting plus western landscape painting inspired by our excursion.

Ms Louise Smyth, Visual Arts Coordinator

Dairy Incursion 2024

On Tuesday 28 May, Year 7 Technology classes along with Year 12 Food Technology students enjoyed an educational visit from A Smart Farmer, a mobile dairy. Jess, the farmer, along with her assistant, Tiana, came to Domremy with three cows from her farm in Camden. Two cows were Jersey Cows and the third was a Holstein Friesian named Lucy.

During the incursion students had the opportunity to milk a cow, make soft cheese and also watch the process in which milk and cream are separated.

Farmer Jess also spent time explaining how a dairy farm worked, described the different types of cows we have in Australia and also went into detail about milk production. Overall the experience for both Year 7 and Year 12 was fun, engaging and educational.

Ms Stephanie Ricciuti, Acting TAS Coordinator

Year 10 Textiles Millinery Workshop

On Wednesday 5 June, Year 10 Textiles undertook a Millinery Workshop run by famous Australian milliner, Catherine Kelly from Embellish Atelier. Catherine and her team design hats, fascinators, and headpieces to suit their clients’ personalities, occasions and attire.

In the workshop, students learnt how to make a variety of silk fabric flowers that can be applied to their various design projects. They used various tools, techniques and materials to make their silk flowers. Year 10’s next textiles project is Fairie-ality, where they will design and make a three piece fairy costume.

With the skills and new techniques they learnt in the workshop, they will be able to incorporate their beautiful works learned in the workshop.

Have a look at some of their work!

Ms Stephanie Ricciuti, Acting TAS Coordinator

s4p – Speaking 4 the Planet Competition at Domremy

Domremy College was honoured to host the Speaking 4 the Planet Competition on 5 June 2024, World Environment Day, hosting representatives from 10 local schools from the City of Canada Bay, Strathfield Council and Burwood Council LGAs.

Thank you to Our Environment Committee and 2024 Environment Prefect, Mila Faine, who worked tirelessly for months behind the scenes with Climate Action Burwood Canada Bay to prepare for the day.

We welcomed all participants and special guests who attended and judged the competition.

Well done to our 12 students who entered each category of the competition which this year was themed, “Journey to a Greener Future”.

Students from participating schools each entered various categories of the competition including speaking, writing, drama, visual and digital art. Many great ideas were shared amongst politicians, council staff, teaching staff, community groups and most importantly the students who are our future.

Domremy placed second

for our Year 9 Drama Performance, themed around our collective “Journey to a Greener Future”. Well done!

We thank all who attended the event and the many special guests who attended including:

Stephanie De Pasqua MP, State Member for Drummoyne (via zoom)
Jason Yit Sen Li MP, State Member for Strathfield (via zoom)
Sally Sitou MP, Federal Member for Reid (via pre-recorded video)
Michael Megna, Mayor of Canada Bay City Council
Canada Bay City Council
Strathfield Council
Burwood Council
Climate Action Burwood Canada Bay
Canada Bay Zero Carbon Community
Climate Change Balmain Rozelle
Westfield Burwood
Drummoyne Art Society
New Ghosts Theatre Company
Mr Josh Dykgraaf – digital artist

Mr Greg Sciortino, HSIE Teacher

Year 10 Commerce Incursion – App prototype

On Monday 3 June, both Year 10 Commerce classes participated in a commerce incursion on entrepreneurship and evolving our problem-solving skills.

We worked collaboratively in groups, coming up with a problem that required solving. My group and I developed an application (app) for teenage girls that will solve issues caused by society’s expectations and pressure to stay on trends and have a particular appearance to feel accepted within social norms. We produced a prototype of our app that will boost their self-confidence within the contemporary community. Our app has an array of features that assist in young teenage girls’ growth and development, with their uniqueness and individuality, as well as freedom of clothing choices and appearance within this society. Our app effectively solves this problem as it allows young girls to feel they are being supported through their hardships and challenges, by providing them with this platform to talk about their concerns and issues. This can help as teen girls don’t always feel comfortable or confident talking to their parents about certain issues. This app provides them with others who experience similar problems to help each other.

Overall, this app aims to boost teenage girls’ self-confidence through positive reassurances. The incursion was a great experience as it benefits our next upcoming assessment task and will aid us in the skills that are required to complete the task with a high level of accuracy. (Jasmin, Year 10)

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections

The Poster

App Layout – Prototype

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

YouTube: Domremy College, Five Dock

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 this Term is on Friday 21 June at 1.30pm 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 – 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.

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.

SCS News – SCS Holiday Camps

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is providing a number of exciting opportunities for students to participate in during the upcoming Term 2 holiday period.

These programs cater for all abilities and are designed to provide students with a holiday experience filled with joy, growth and unforgettable memories with their friends attending these active offerings:

Rugby 7’s: Year 4 – 9
Martial Arts: Year 4 – 9
Badminton: Year 4 – 9
Volleyball: Year 4 – 9
Golf: Ages 9 – 14 year olds
Cricket: Year 4 – 9

For more information regarding these holiday camps please see the SCS Sport Website here.

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 6 June 2024.