Welcome back to all our families, students and staff. We have had a wonderful start to the year.
On Tuesday 31 January, we welcomed the Year 7 and Year 12 students. One year level beginning their journey at OLMC and another looking to how they can make the most of their last year. The Year 7 students spent a day getting to know the school, their teachers and each other. They all received their computers and now they are logged in and have access to all that they need for class. They are now truly OLMC young people. Year 12 students began with a specific program aimed at supporting them to begin their VCE journey.
Wednesday 1 February, the school year began in full. It is always a joy to watch the excitement of the new school year as all the students arrive full of anticipation for what lies ahead. The sounds of joy and laughter as the students reconnected was heartening for all of us. We wish all students the very best for the year and look forward to sharing in new challenges and successes.
Our Gospel Theme this year is:
‘And, who is my neighbour?’ (Luke 10:29b)
As I outlined in the Parent and Student Information Booklet sent to families at the beginning of the year, the text, chosen by our Year 12 Student Leadership Team, challenges us to live our Mercy heritage, welcoming all and understanding who our neighbour might be, both from within the school and beyond. It empowers us to open our lives to the needs of others, especially those who suffer. Catherine McAuley challenges us to put our whole confidence in God so that we can be Mercy. We hope that this year we will explore the many ways we can be neighbours for each other.
Today we had the privilege of celebrating the outstanding academic performances of the Year 12 Class of 2022. It was a joy to welcome back students and their families and to share as a community in the success that has come from long hours of hard work and dedication. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the extensive and ongoing support provided to all our students by our dedicated teaching staff. Of course, the support of their families was key for all our students in achieving success. As was the case for the last two cohorts who went before them, the Class of 2022 also contended with the challenges presented by a world coming to terms with a global pandemic. It is a testament to their courage and commitment that they were able to achieve such success. This is true for all who completed their studies in 2022.
The students are now readying themselves for their next big steps and we wish them well for the future. We hope all that they have learned from their time at OLMC carries them forward. We also look forward to a time when we can welcome them back. Congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2022.
We also hosted two Parent Information Evenings this week, with our Year 7 and 10 families. We look forward to welcoming our Year 8 and 9 families next week. The information nights are designed to help us connect with families and to establish our partnership in supporting our young people to flourish. In addition to sharing important information, the nights are also a time to connect with other parents and to meet staff who are key in the lives of your child this year. Thank you to all who joined us for the evenings. For those who were unable to join us, the information shared is available on PAM.
We are hopeful that during this year we will continue to build our community and provide opportunities for all to grow and flourish.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day (SID), celebrated on Tuesday 7 February, is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces. In Australia, the day is promoted by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, and their theme for 2023 is "Connect, Reflect, Protect";
Connect safely and with purpose
By keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.
Reflect before we act
By taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.
Protect ourselves and others with knowledge
This link will take you to the eSafety Commissioner Website where you can explore the resources available for parents.