Loving God,
awaken our hearts and quiet our minds,
so that we may know your presence deep within us.
Grant us awareness so we are mindful of your presence in the beauty of nature
and the beating of each heart as we gather together in your name.
Inspired by Mary the Mother of God,
Venerable Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters,
may we seek Christ and the gift of peace in the stillness of our hearts.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us
Heavenly Father,
Following our inaugural Domremy Light Festival,
we offer our heartfelt gratitude for its success and impact.
We thank you for the opportunities it has provided,
and the positive effects it has had on all who participated.
Help us to take a moment of reflection, Lord,
to consider the lessons learned and the growth experienced.
May we carry these lessons forward in our hearts,
and use them to guide our future endeavors.
We are grateful for your presence throughout this event,
and for the blessings it has brought.
In your name, we pray.
Amen.
Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.
The Sesquicentenary celebrations for our Presentation Sisters provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize and honor the profound impact these extraordinary women have had. Their legacy is not merely to be remembered but to be cherished and passed on through generations. The spirit at these celebrations was uplifting, fostering a sense of belonging and integrity.
In this edition of our Newsletter, our Religious Education Coordinator, Jane Sullivan, offers a detailed report on the splendid celebration held at Domremy, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters’ arrival in Wagga Wagga. We were deeply honored and privileged to have all ten Sydney Presentation Schools present for this very special event.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our special guests who attended this memorable occasion, including staff and student representatives from the city Presentation schools. To our Presentation Sisters, I express my gratitude for all they have done and continue to do to carry forward the charism of Nano Nagle. We are truly blessed. Special thanks to Sister Susan Miller, PBVM, the MC of our ceremony, for her informative and beautiful presentation. Finally, I extend my thanks to Mrs. Jane Sullivan for her exceptional organization and meticulous preparation of the event. With so many guests and students, everything ran smoothly, and her efforts are greatly appreciated.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and congratulations for the spectacular Domremy Light Festival community event. It was a wonderful occasion that brought our community together in celebration and joy.
The hard work and dedication of our teachers and students were evident in every detail of the event. The beautiful displays, the vibrant atmosphere and the seamless organisation all contributed to making the Light Festival a memorable and successful evening.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this event – from the organisers to the volunteers, performers, and attendees. Their collective efforts showcased the spirit of our community and made the evening truly special and so magical.
Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone in our wider community who attended the evening. It was heartwarming to see so many families mingling, sharing the moment together, having dinner together, young and old. Thank you for your support.
Parents and guardians will receive their daughter’s Semester 1 report electronically on Thursday 27 June. Reading the reports certainly highlights how our students are constantly striving to reach their personal excellence. The girls are to be commended on their hard work and conscientiousness especially over the past few months. I know that our girls will look to see how they can further improve their best during the remainder of the year. We will be congratulating students on their academic excellence and learning growth across their studies, at our internal school La Verite Assembly on 3 July.
Years 7 – 10 Parent Student Teacher Interviews take place on Thursday 4 July from 1pm – 7.30pm and Friday 5 July from 9am – 3.00pm, face-to-face in the Brenda Quinn Hall. Bookings are open and can be made through Compass. Students are to attend their interviews in full winter uniform.These interviews provide the opportunity to engage with your daughter’s teachers about her performance and how you can assist her in achieving her personal best. I would like to thank the teachers for their dedication and hard work in assisting the girls to achieve their goals and in motivating them to continue to strive for excellence.
A report outlining how grades are allocated to students in Years 7 – 10 can be found later in this issue. It is recommended that parents refer to this whilst reading their daughter’s report.
As we race towards the end of the term, I want to thank our staff for consistently providing enriching and challenging opportunities for the young women in our care.
This issue is a celebration of our Domremy and wider community. We have much to be grateful for, including our recent successes at the SCS Eisteddfod, where all of our College Rock bands received awards. Additionally, we received an invitation to perform at the SCS Invitational Showcase, had a representative selected for NSWCCC rugby, and witnessed the youngest members of our school community embodying the Presentation tradition by participating in the SCS Pope Francis Award.
We keep our Year 11 students in our thoughts and prayers as the College begins the Student Leadership Processes for 2025, encouraging them to consider stepping forward for leadership positions.
Let us always remember to keep all members of our community in our prayers. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Blessings on you and your families.
Mrs Antoinette McGahan
Wednesday 12 June 2024, was a momentous occasion at Domremy College, when we celebrated the Sesquicentenary of our Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga, along with representatives from 11 other Presentation schools and special guests. It was a time to honour those five brave Sisters who travelled from Kildare, Ireland, 150 years ago to Wagga Wagga, and a time to honour our Presentation Sisters since. The celebration marked 150 years of excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the values and mission that have guided the Presentation Sisters through the generations. It was an opportune time to pause and reflect on the achievements of many, and renew our commitment to the Presentation values that have sustained our Sydney Presentation Schools that evolved due to the determination of others along the journey.
The day after the Sisters arrived in Wagga Wagga they opened the original school to 130 children in their stable. From there the community of Heritage Schools grew. Currently, there are 20 schools who claim their Presentation Heritage in our community. The 10 schools in the Riverina celebrated in Wagga Wagga on 31 May. On 12 June we gathered at Domremy as the group of 11 “city schools”.
We welcomed each of our current Presentation Heritage Schools and their student representatives. Many of the schools were founded by other Congregations, among them Charity Sisters, Mercy Sisters, Sisters of St Joseph and Christian Brothers. When those congregations needed to move to other ministry places, Presentation Sisters were invited to take over their education ministry:
All the schools played a part in the celebration, including the ceremonial tree planting. Our Presentation Sisters donated a Jacaranda tree, which was planted next to the Nano Nagle Learning Centre. Students from our visiting schools brought a bucket of soil to be used to plant the memorial tree. When the 5 Irish Sisters left Kildare to come to Wagga Wagga, 5 trees were planted in the Kildare convent garden. Planting the memorial tree using the soil from the schools’ grounds, connects us all to that beginning.
Trees are a symbol of a lot of things. They don’t provide shade just for themselves but for others who seek shelter under them. They don’t eat their own fruit but provide food for the hungry. They remind us of seeds and small plants that spread their roots and grow into the future. Planting this tree together also shows our commitment to looking after our Earth. With that in mind, we do the small things we can do to spread our love and care. Planting the memorial tree was our way of thanking those first 5 Sisters and those who followed them, and our way to commit ourselves to continue the story as Presentation People. (Sr Susan Miller, pbvm, MC for the day)
The formalities ended, some 1,000 students from Domremy and visiting schools enjoyed a sausage sizzle cooked by Domremy staff, while our Presentation Sisters and some 45+ special guests enjoyed a lovely spread prepared by our Domremy canteen.
Thank you to all who attended:
A wonderful tribute appears in the June 2024 newspaper issue of Together, in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga which is linked here.
Mrs Jane Sullivan, Religious Education Officer
A full report will follow in our next issue, together with a report on the associated Newman Year 5 and Year 9 Let there be light initiative.
Catia and I had the pleasure of attending the Archbishop’s Lunch on Tuesday 28 May, at which we were able to consider the importance of prayer in our lives and the lives of everyone in our school community. The afternoon kicked off with a few icebreakers, allowing us to get to know the other leaders before we were all seated at our tables. We were provided with a lovely lunch over which we had discussions led by four prompting questions. This insightful discussion about the significance and value of prayer we then shared with Archbishop Anthony Fisher when he came around to join our table. This was followed by a Q&A with the Archbishop in which each table was given the opportunity to ask the Archbishop all sorts of questions, ranging from current social issues to his favourite colour (which, as a matter of fact, is blue). To wrap up the day we had members of organisations, such as University Catholics, talk to us about the faith opportunities open to us both outside of school and beyond it, looking ahead to our transition into university.
Overall, it was a wonderful event that allowed us to meet leaders from other schools and understand the similarities and differences in how we each express and connect with our Catholic faith.
Sophia Ghantous, College Vice Captain
On Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June two of our Year 7 students, Mila and Abia, attended the SCS’ Pope Francis Award retreat, themed ‘Chosen’. The Pope Francis Award provides students with a unique faith-based volunteering opportunity and is offered to Year 7 students. It requires Year 7 students to complete acts of service throughout the year in their school, their community and their parish. It is an opportunity for the girls to really get involved within the wider community and further develop their relationship with God. It allows the girls to truly be disciples of Christ.
The retreat began with a Mass, where students from multiple schools came together to share in the Eucharist. They were also given the opportunity to take part in adoration and Reconciliation. Students were then given ideas as to how they can serve their community and get involved within their parish.
Mila and Abia took part in the Rosary as well as learnt about the importance of living out the Gospel values in their everyday lives. They unpacked the idea of ‘chosen’ and how they are all chosen by God to try and make a difference in the world; through the Pope Francis Award Program they are able to do this.
Finally the girls brainstormed ideas about what they can do to try and connect with the Parishes within the area. They had the idea of ‘Food for the Lord’, which would take place on a Sunday after morning Mass, as a way to share a meal and talk to other members of the parish as well as raise money for the local parishes.
It was great to see how reverent and respectful the girls were on the retreat. They had a great time, made lots of friends and truly understood the meaning of being chosen by God to participate in this Program.
Congratulations girls and we wish you all the best as you continue to provide services to the parish and school communities!
Ms Claudia Carbone, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Year 8 students have been working hard in the timber workshop, designing and constructing a unique storage box. Students used the software program Adobe Illustrator to design a decorative panel, inspired by an Asian country. This design was etched onto their timber using the laser cutter, which became a decorative panel on the box. Students then honed manual skills using the scroll saw and disc sander, to cut each piece to size, then construct an aesthetically pleasing pine wood box, suitable for a teenager’s room.
I am really proud of these students, and how they progressed throughout the term in learning new wood working skills. It was challenging at times, when corners were not flush and edges were not smooth, but each student was able to problem solve and come up with a solution. Some boxes were finished with varnish, tint or beeswax, and had brass hinges for a closing lid. Congratulations to all the girls who have been in the workshop so far this year!
Ms Elizabeth Forbes, Food Technology Teacher
Thank you to all involved in the 2024 Debating CSDA Competition this year. Whilst we had no teams go through to the Elimination Rounds or Quarter Finals, the quality of debating increased each week this year, and the more current topics helped focus the debating on speaking and team skills. All of this stands us in good stead for 2025.
Our students were ably supported by Ms Atkins, Ms Freckmann, Ms Rombola, Ms Souter, and Mr Capizzi, as well as a host of ex-students and a parent who stepped up this year to support the teams and adjudicate. We were also very fortunate to have wonderful parental support this year with many parents on hand to watch home and away rounds. Many thanks to all of you for your great support of the students in this increasingly popular co-curricular event.
I would like to add that there were some great students assisting this year, in particular, Astrid Mavroudis, our Debating and Public Speaking Prefect, who kept the ball rolling and hosted the home rounds during the season. Well done Astrid! Aoife Foley, our Humanities Prefect, was also instrumental in ensuring our students were well prepared with current topics to draw examples from, creating a summary document of current events which enabled our students to move beyond well-worn examples in their arguments. Aoife was also the driver behind the slick organisation of the Timekeepers and Chairpersons for our home rounds.
Some things to note from the 2024 season:
We will shortly wrap up the season with a celebration for all students involved in CSDA Debating in 2024.
Mr Matthew Ryan, Assistant Principal
Year 8 Italian students recently completed a project titled “La Mia Famiglia,” where they created online Google slides describing family members. This engaging activity allowed them to showcase their learning and reinforce their language skills. The students enjoyed the task immensely, embracing the opportunity to be as creative as they liked. This project highlighted their growing proficiency in Italian and their creativity and enthusiasm for the subject. We are proud of their hard work and thrilled to share their accomplishments with the school community.
Here are some of their works:
La mia famiglia by Madeleine, Michelle and Claire.
Mrs Serita Vari, Italian Language Teacher
Congratulations to our Year 8 Rock band, receiving a Highly Commended at the SCS Eisteddfod (Section1cii Rock Band: Secondary).
Ladies, you rocked!
Congratulations to our Year 9 Rock band, placing 2nd at the SCS Eisteddfod (Section1cii Rock Band: Secondary).
Ladies, you rocked!
Congratulations to our Year 10 Rock band, placing 2nd at the SCS Eisteddfod (Section D: Secondary).
Ladies, you rocked!
Congratulations to our Senior Rock Band, placing 3rd at the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod! 
You rocked!!!
In more exciting news, Estelle Nunes, has been invited to perform in the Arts HQ – Sydney Catholic Schools 2024 Eisteddfod Invitational Showcase to be held at Marist College, Eastwood on 3 July. Estelle will be performing in the Contemporary Vocal Solo: 15-17 years.
Congratulations and we wish Estelle the very best for the Showcase!
Mrs Romina Zappulla, CAPA and Music Coordinator
With Semester 1 Reports shortly to be distributed, this is an opportune time to take a closer look at how grades are allocated to students in Years 7 to 10.
NESA has adopted a standards-referenced approach, with Schools in NSW using this to report student achievement. The following 2024 Allocating Grades report explains this in more detail.
Mrs Kelly Smit, Leader of Learning and Teaching
Follow and like us on our social media platforms, for the most up to date and 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.
Both the 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
Our last College Tour for this term took place today and again it was well attended.
Our smaller personalised group tours have always been very popular and well attended.
Our next College Tour is on next Term on Monday 29 July, 1.30pm and registration is online on our website.
We encourage all interested families to register to take part in a College tour. Please invite family members or friends to take up this invitation when considering secondary education for their daughters, which is an additional avenue to see the College whether of not they have attended our Open Day in March.
The tours take approximately 60 minutes.
Remaining 2024 College Tour Dates
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.
The Domremy College Class of 1994 is having its 30 Year Reunion. Details about the event and for the purchasing of tickets can be found in the linked Eventbrite Invitation Domremy College Class of 1994 – 30 Year Reunion – Saturday, 14 September 2024.
This is not a College run event – all details are in the Eventbrite link provided. All enquiries are to be directed to the organiser as set out in the link.
If you know of someone from the Class of 1994 please feel free to pass on the Eventbrite link.
Anthony Cleary, Director, Mission & Identity Directorate, Sydney Catholic Schools
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:
For more information regarding these holiday camps please see the SCS Sport Website here.
Please see the link to the latest edition of the Connect Newsletter by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, dated 20 June 2024.