November is a time of remembrance. Today is the Feast of All Saints and tomorrow is the Feast of All Souls. On these days we call to mind all those loved members of our families and communities who are no longer with us. It is a chance to remember and celebrate their lives and achievements and the blessings that they brought to our lives. On Monday 11 November it is Remembrance Day, a time to pause and remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country. As wars and conflicts rage around the world, we hold in our prayers all who are living in fear, suffering the loss of loved ones, their home and their security.
The first of the Year 12 exams have occurred and our students are well into the rhythm and routine of exams. Soon Year 10 and 11 students will begin their exams. We wish them all well and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Following the exam period, Year 10 and 11 students will begin the Orientation Program designed to help prepare them for the next phase of their VCE studies. The program has been developed with the specific future needs of the students at its heart. It will be a chance for students to gain some understanding of the course content and will prepare them for the study routines for the holiday break and the beginning of Year 11 and 12 in 2025.
On Tuesday evening, along with Marcellin College, we hosted a session for parents from both schools with Dr Judith Locke. Judith is a teacher, psychologist and author of Bonsai Parent, Bonsai Student and Raising Anxiety. Her insights into shifting parenting trends and the challenges that come with them, resonated with many and her tips for how we support our children to grow and thrive were very well received. Thank you to all parents who attended.
In the coming weeks we welcome our Year 7 2025 families to their first information night. We hope the evening will be an exciting time for families beginning their journey with OLMC. For those families who are introducing another child to OLMC, we hope that it remains an exciting time for you too. The night marks the beginning of our partnership in the learning of each child.
This weekend is a long one for many staff and students at OLMC. A number of Year 12 students will have an exam on Monday and a number of staff will also be working to ensure that all runs smoothly. Nevertheless, this is a significant weekend in Melbourne. It is Spring Carnival Time and this year it appears to also be bringing some beautiful weather. We hope that, whether you celebrate the Melbourne Cup or not, this is a wonderful weekend.