{"id":20721,"date":"2025-09-13T07:11:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T21:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/?post_type=article&p=20721"},"modified":"2025-09-13T07:16:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T21:16:54","slug":"from-the-principal-72","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/article\/from-the-principal-72\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Principal"},"content":{"rendered":"
Prayer for the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis<\/b><\/em><\/h6>\n

O God, our Father,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

thank you for giving us Carlo,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

a model of life for young people and a message of love for all.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

You made him fall in love with your son Jesus,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

making the Eucharist his ‘highway to heaven.’\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

You have given him Mary as a very beloved Mother,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

and you have made him, with her Rosary, a singer of her tenderness.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Receive his intercession for us.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Look above all at the poor, whom he loved and helped.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Grant me also, through his intercession, the grace that I need…\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

And make our joy full,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

leading Carlo among the saints of the universal Church,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

so that his smile continues to shine for us and for the glory of your name.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Amen.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends<\/i><\/b><\/h5>\n

It is with joy and a sense of inspiration that I can write about last Sunday\u2019s historic ceremony at the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV declared two new saints of the Catholic Church – Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. They were canonized together on September 7, 2025, by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Carlo Acutis, a “millennial saint,” was a 15-year-old computer whiz who used his skills to evangelize online before his death from leukemia in 2006. Pier Giorgio Frassati was an Italian student and avid outdoorsman who died of polio in 1925 at the age of 24.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is, in particular, Saint Carlo Acutis, who serves as a powerful and modern example for us all, that I wish to focus on today. <\/span>Pope Leo<\/span><\/a> highlighted how <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>the examples of these two young Saints invite all of us, especially young people, to direct our lives upwards to God and make them masterpieces of holiness, service, and joy.\u201d <\/span><\/i>On 28 April 2023, while on a Pilgrimage\u00a0to the Holy Land and Italy, I was blessed to have the opportunity to visit then, Blessed, Carlo Acutis who is\"\"<\/a> laid in Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi, Italy. Visiting Carlo\u2019s place of rest I saw his exposed relics. I prayed before this young man and thought about how beautiful that I had the opportunity to take his story back to our young women, as an example of what each of us can do to make a difference around us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may have heard of Carlo, often referred to as “God’s influencer”, the “patron saint of the internet\u201d or a \u201cmillennial saint\u201d.\u00a0 Born in 1991, he was a regular teenager who loved soccer, video games, and spending time with his friends. Yet, he lived an extraordinary life of faith that shows us that holiness is not something reserved for another time, but is achievable right here and now, in our digital world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carlo used his remarkable computer skills and passion for technology to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He saw technology not as a distraction, but as a powerful tool to spread the Good News and connect people to their faith. His famous words, <\/span>\u201cThe Eucharist is my highway to heaven,\u201d<\/span><\/i> remind us of the central role of the sacraments in our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carlo’s example resonates deeply with our school’s mission and our Presentation values. Just as our foundress, Nano Nagle, walked the streets of Cork with a lantern to bring light to the marginalised, Carlo used the light of his computer screen to illuminate the faith for others. Both figures demonstrate a radical compassion and a commitment to using their unique gifts to serve God and others.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the spirit of Nano Nagle’s passion for the poor and marginalised, Carlo used his own allowance to buy sleeping bags for homeless individuals and gave his lunch money to those in need. He embodied the core Presentation values of compassion, justice, and community. He reminds our students that they, too, can be agents of change in their everyday lives. He shows us that by embracing our passions, be it technology, sports, or art, and dedicating them to a greater purpose, we can make our lives a masterpiece for God.<\/span><\/p>\n

A New Chapter of Leadership – 2026 Student Leadership Team<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

Last week we announced the balance of our 2026 Student Leadership Team of Prefects and House Captains who will work alongside our College Captain and Vice Captains.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is with great pleasure and pride that I introduce to you the 2026 Student Leadership Team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected 2026 Student Leadership Team. This group of dedicated students has been entrusted with the significant responsibility of guiding their peers and representing our school. I am confident they will lead with integrity, passion, and a commitment to making this a memorable and successful year for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

To those who ran for a position but were not elected, I want to personally commend you. It takes \"\"<\/a> immense courage to put yourself forward as a candidate, and your willingness to serve is a true reflection of your character. That very act of courage is a form of leadership in itself, and I hope you will continue to use your voice and talents to contribute to our school community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every single Year 12 student holds a special leadership role. Whether you have a title or not, you are all role models for our younger students. Your actions, your attitude, and your dedication set an example for the entire school, and your influence helps shape the positive culture we all value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I look forward to working all together – the new leadership team, the entire Year 12 class, and all our students – to make 2026 another year of growth, collaboration, and success.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be an Investiture Ceremony for our 2026 Student Leadership Team next week and photos will follow in our next fortnight\u2019s issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

I also congratulate our House Vice Captains for 2026<\/strong> who will assist the House Captains in their roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thank You to our 2025 Student Leaders<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

I would also like to take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to the outgoing 2025 Student Leadership team. Your commitment and service to our school community over the past year have been nothing short of exemplary. You have led with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, and the positive impact you have had on our school is clear to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Your legacy is one that truly embodies the qualities of our Presentation charism. You have shown remarkable <\/span>hospitality<\/b> by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. You have demonstrated genuine <\/span>compassion<\/b> through your tireless efforts to support your peers and advocate for positive change. And you have led with <\/span>humility<\/b>, serving others without seeking personal recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and for being such outstanding role models. We are all better for your leadership, and we wish you all the very best as you begin your final chapter of high school.<\/span><\/p>\n

We will thank our outgoing leaders at next week\u2019s Assembly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

Our Year 11 students have completed their Preliminary examinations and I would like to congratulate them on the maturity and dedication they have shown throughout, qualities which will hold them in good stead as they enter their final Year 12 year of schooling next term. Many thanks to our College staff for their work and commitment to our students.<\/span><\/p>\n

Year 12 Graduating Class of 2025<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

Some of our Year 12 students have already begun their HSC exams – Visual Arts Bodies of Work have been submitted to NESA, Language oral exams and Music Practical Examinations are half way through being completed. Let us keep these students in our thoughts and prayers as they complete these practical components of their HSC courses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last week a comprehensive letter was sent to all Year 12 parents detailing, amongst other things, the numerous events, activities and celebrations to mark the end of secondary schooling for the 2025 cohort. I ask parents and students to familiarise themselves with the information contained in that letter, be across the dates and reservation details for graduation events, so that both students and families can enjoy this very special time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As our Year 12 students continue their preparations for the HSC, let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers, offering them our unwavering support as they strive to reach their goals and their personal excellence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Principals’ Spirituality Retreat<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

This week I had the privilege of attending the SCS Archdiocesan Day for Principals, A Liberal Arts Symposium, and a three day residential Principals\u2019 Retreat at Kincumber organised by Sydney Catholic Schools. It was a precious opportunity to <\/span>stop, pause, and reflect<\/b> on the Catholic tradition of <\/span>Truth, Beauty and Goodness<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Truth,<\/p>\n

This was more than just a theoretical discussion. We explored how these profound concepts are not simply ideals but how they are actively lived out in our Catholic schools and how they can be woven into the very fabric of our curriculum. We reflected on how we encounter <\/span>Truth<\/b> not only in our faith and academic pursuits, but in the honesty of our relationships, in the beauty of the moment or the beauty of a word. We considered how <\/span>Beauty<\/b> is found not just in art and creation, but in the dignity of every person and the simple kindnesses shown each day. And we affirmed that <\/span>Goodness<\/b> is a lived experience, seen in acts of service, compassion, and our shared commitment to a more just world.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was an inspiring time that reinforced our purpose: to ensure our schools are places where students are formed in a holistic way, where they can encounter and live out Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in every aspect of their education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you to Melissa Vassallo for standing in as Acting Principal during this time as well as the our amazing College Leadership Team who continue to lead with grace.<\/span><\/p>\n

School Fees<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

A gentle reminder that Term 3 school fees are due by the end of term. If you are facing difficulties meeting this deadline, I encourage you to reach out to discuss flexible arrangements that can best accommodate your family\u2019s needs. All discussions are private and confidential. Please contact the College\u2019s Business Manager.<\/span><\/p>\n

And finally\u2026<\/i><\/b><\/h6>\n

With Term 3 swiftly nearing the end, I remind all students, and especially our Year 12s at this important time, that it is never too late to make a difference. Whether it\u2019s in their studies, sports, music, hobbies, or relationships with family and friends, I encourage every student to adopt a growth mindset, continually stretching and challenging themselves.<\/span> With hard work, determination, and positive thinking, students can achieve results beyond what they ever imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, thank you for your continued support and cooperation and may blessings be upon you and your families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs Antoinette McGahan<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Prayer for the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis O God, our Father,\u00a0 thank you for giving us Carlo,\u00a0 a model of life for young people and a message of love for all.\u00a0 You made him fall in love with your son Jesus,\u00a0 making the Eucharist his ‘highway to heaven.’\u00a0 You have given him Mary as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":20886,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","class_list":["post-20721","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/20721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20721"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/domremy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}