It has been another busy fortnight at OLMC. Students and staff have been acknowledged by others for their outstanding work. Their endeavours required courage and compassion for themselves and others. It is with great joy that we celebrate with them.

The Annual Celebration Concert was held on Tuesday evening. Students used our theme, ‘And who is my neighbour?’, as their inspiration and shared with us music from all over the world. Thank you to all the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends who came to support our young people as they performed musical pieces they have learned and perfected throughout the year. Our Arts Captains Isabella K and Alessia K, along with the Music Captains Abbey P and Lillian M, did a fabulous job hosting and sharing the journey of each performer, linking their musical choices to the country of origin.

Congratulations to the Voice Choir team who placed first and Sarah G (11LMGL) who won the public speaking section of the Frayne Speech Festival. The Frayne Speech Festival is hosted each year by a different Mercy school. It provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the skills and talents of students in a variety of different types of public speech performance. This year we travelled to Mount Lilydale Mercy College. To all who represented OLMC, we offer our thanks and congratulations; the students were all excellent ambassadors for the College. It was also announced that in 2024 OLMC will be the host school. We are very much looking forward to welcoming all Mercy schools.

This morning we hosted the annual Parents’ Association Father’s Day Breakfast. It was wonderful to see students share some breakfast and conversation with significant men in their lives. Thank you to the Parents’ Association who each year work tirelessly to provide opportunities for community engagement and also raise money to support the school. We are blessed to have such committed and dedicated parents.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews for Year 7-9 will be held next week online. As always, we encourage all families to take the opportunity to meet with teachers to both celebrate the successes of your child and to discuss next steps to support their growth. This is an important opportunity for us to come together as partners in your child’s learning growth and development.

Mercy Day will be celebrated on Thursday 14 September. This is one of the most significant days in our year. It is a time when we pause to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful legacy that has been gifted to us by the Sisters of Mercy. Student Leaders from all year levels take a role in the preparations, encouraging all to be involved. The day also raises money for the very important work done by Mercy Works, who support communities who are struggling with poverty, poor access to healthcare and other vital services. This year the Student Leaders have chosen to support Mercy Works projects that aim to benefit First Nations people.

Mercy Day is a great day of celebration, fun and food. It is a moment in time when we can appreciate all that it means to belong to the OLMC Mercy Community. I cannot stress enough how important it is for our students to be part of the day.

This Sunday is Father’s Day. We wish the fathers, grandfathers and men who are our significant mentors all the very best for a wonderful day. It is also important to acknowledge and remember with gratitude those who may not be with us this year. We hope you feel special and spoilt.

Today is the first day of Spring. In the busyness of life, let us pray this prayer written by Erasmus, a 16th century Dutch theologian:

Almighty Lord Jesus Christ, as you make all things new, for us you have made this world most beautiful. You have spangled the heavens with so many lights, that the day might be fruitful and the night be safe. With changing seasons you rule the earth, and make it the kind nurse of all animals and people. Now, as you have been brought to life again, all things live, and they confirm our hope of the resurrection which you promised.

The meadow, which was dressed in black, now grows green again. The flowers are like bright gems, the wheat-ears sprout, buried seeds arise from their furrows, dead forests grow young with new leaves, and the sight of fresh bloom gives us hope of bounty.

The sun's rays grow brighter and more generous, and wherever we cast our eyes, the sights of all nature, as if it were reborn, speak your goodness to the human race. When we were driven from paradise by our fault, because of your goodness you softened with many comforts the exile we deserved.

As in baptism we have received new life in you, have put aside our old selves, and been made new creations, may we never slip back to old ways, but may we grow strong in lasting innocence by the pleasant breath of your Spirit, and in a better day be adorned with flowers of virtue, bearing fruit worthy of your Good News, as You with the Father and the Holy Spirit reign forever and ever. Amen.

A heartfelt thank you to all the students and staff who brought in products for Period Poverty Day! We have collected around 300 packets of disposable products as well as a great selection of eco-friendly reusable sanitary items. These will be passed along to McAuley for Women and Children, who provide accommodation and essential support for those fleeing domestic violence and poverty in Melbourne.

Thank you to the Social Justice Club who prepared 1200 bracelet making kits to show solidarity with those experiencing period poverty, and for making a wonderful video to raise awareness and to help reduce the stigma around this most normal human experience.

Well done to all the Pastoral Groups who participated in the ‘Period Trivia Challenge’ and to the winners, AJGU!

Thank you to all the Year 9s in Term 3 Horizon who made informative and thought-provoking posters to educate all students about period poverty, and for the beautiful painting of the collection boxes which will be used every Period Poverty Day in the coming years.

This was a wonderful effort to create a meaningful difference to those in need in our community.

Lauren Marquet
Social Justice Coordinator

Greetings, creative enthusiasts! We are thrilled to share an inspiring journey undertaken by a select group of Year 8 students who embarked on a unique artistic adventure: an offsite immersion program centred around the captivating world of ceramics.

Leaving behind the confines of traditional classrooms, these aspiring artists ventured beyond their comfort zones to delve into the fascinating realm of ceramics. The Artist Within program aimed not only to teach them the techniques of working with clay but to immerse them in an environment where their creativity could flourish.

Led by skilled ceramicist Keiko Matsui, the students were introduced to the foundations of ceramics. From shaping raw clay into intricate forms, to applying glazes that transform into vibrant hues after firing, the participants got their hands dirty in every sense of the phrase. The program emphasised hands-on learning, allowing students to learn by doing, exploring, and even making mistakes — an integral part of any artistic journey.

One of the most valuable aspects of this Artist Within Program was the opportunity for mentorship and collaboration. Students received personalised guidance from Keiko, who shared her insights and techniques, helping students refine their skills and develop a deeper understanding of the art form. With Keiko’s guidance, students created small, discrete objects that represented their own understanding of ‘home’. Not only were they skillfully crafted, they were infused with their unique personalities. From delicate vases adorned with intricate patterns, to sculptures that captured the essence of what is commonly found in a home, each piece told a story.

Alexandra Seit
Design, Art and Technology Learning Leader

We congratulate Year 10 students Alyssia S and Elizabeth C who were awarded first and third place respectively in the Collarts School of Design Creative Futures Competition.

Students had to submit a design that ‘helps envision the future we want to live in and design for a more equitable, accessible and sustainable world’.

Alyssia looked closely at sustainable principles. She upcycled an old pair of jeans and remade the garment into a corset. Alyssia researched the Indigenous seasons, concentrating on the Guling orchid to inspire her print design on her corset. She also used sinamay in light pastel colours flecked with gold to signify the changing nature of the seasons.

Elizabeth wanted to create a unique multi-purpose outfit out of recycled materials. Through hard work and lots of thread, Elizabeth created a versatile design - two skirts, seven dresses and two tops. This garment was intended to minimise waste and fast fashion, making it an innovative garment for our future.

As we celebrate our latest achievements, let us also be inspired to nurture our own creativity, wherever it may lead us. Until next time, keep exploring, imagining, and creating!

Alexandra Seit
Design, Art and Technology Learning Leader

If you thought that the recent success, role-modelling and inspiration of the Matildas’ World Cup campaign was exciting, you haven’t seen anything yet! The classrooms, co-curricular activities and learning happening inside and outside of a Humanities class is on par with a Matildas vs Sweden game. In fact, perhaps even more thrilling!

Consider: both Humanities classes and the World Cup have moments of exhilaration. During the Model UN at Trinity College on Friday 11 August, our student delegates were seen collaborating, discussing, encouraging each other and debating - much like a centre back might do with the referee on game day. Our students were given three countries to represent - South Sudan, Canada and Japan - and every student participated, researched and networked to the very best of their abilities. Well done, team!

Humanities and the World Cup campaign both have moments of disappointment, too - our Year 10 Civics cohort were looking forward to listening and learning from the Federal Member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites. Kate has visited our Civics classes before and she was due to hold a ‘round table’ style of conversation again in August. However, like some of our Matildas, Ms Thwaites was sidelined for the session and will return refreshed and recovered in early September.

Year 7s are looking at Ancient Rome throughout this term, marvelling at the history of the Colosseum. The parallels between the excitement of the gladiatorial games and the Matilda penalty shootout are clear and intoxicating. In Year 9 Australian history, the timeline can resemble the progression of the World Cup fixture, and in Year 9 Economics and Year 11 Global Politics, students could easily be examining the disparity between male and female athletes’ remuneration.

So many opportunities to compare the thrill of the Matildas’ march and prowess to the thrill of Humanities learning. As with the mastery of anything - whether it be a goalkeeping save, a throw-in, a penalty corner, responding to short answers in a Legal test, writing a history essay, memorising definitions, embedding contemporary examples - there are times when it all seems monotonous, laborious and just really tiring.

Listening and learning in class can be a bit dull. So can kicking the ball for accuracy 100 times and doing interval training every third day to maintain fitness. Writing an extended response can be hard, as can getting back a grade that seems lower than expected. So can three months of training and recovery, only to lose in a final match and not get another chance until the next year.

Humanities 2023 is continuing to try and help our young people make sense of an ever-bewildering world as they consider the politics, finances, geography and laws of the land, all the while thinking about what got us to this point via that historical lens. Just as the Matildas had to work consistently and thoughtfully before the fabulousness of the World Cup, so do we put in the hard yards to get better at our skills and understanding. We are lucky to be part of this team.

Rosemary Jones
Humanities Learning Leader

Year 12 VTAC Applications

A virtual parent information session covering the VTAC application process was held during the Parent/Student/Teacher Interview Evening on Wednesday 2 August. A recording and slides are available for parents to access via PAM, along with key dates for Open Days and Tertiary applications.

An information session for students was held during Lesson 3 Pastoral on Tuesday 15 August. Slides and details have been emailed to all Year 12 students and are available also on SIMON. Any student intending to apply for Semester 1 2024 courses at TAFE or University will need to create an account and should be in the process of considering their course options and the order of these for their VTAC preference list.

SEAS and Scholarship applications can also be submitted through the VTAC application with key dates for these listed below.

The details of course applications submitted by each student is confidential and no information can be provided by VTAC or OLMC to anyone except the student themselves.

Please diarise the dates listed below.

Key dates for 2023-2024 applications

I will be available to support students throughout the Change of Preferences period after their results are released on Monday 11 December. Details will be made available closer to this date on how to access this one-on-one support.

SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)

Students who have had their academic results affected due to personal circumstances are encouraged to submit a SEAS application through their VTAC account. Based on the assessment, aggregate point adjustments may be applied, improving the Selection Rank calculated for courses at participating institutions. The four categories for SEAS are:

• Category 1: Personal Information and Location
• Category 2: Disadvantaged Financial Background
• Category 3: Disability or Medical Condition
• Category 4: Difficult Circumstances

Students who feel their educational results have been negatively impacted due to financial disadvantage, a disability or medical condition or difficult personal circumstances they have had to cope with either short-term or long-term, are encouraged to carefully consider applying for adjustments. For SEAS applications relating to Category 3 or 4, students will need to write their own Impact Statement and ask an appropriate person to provide a Statement of Support. For Category 3, it is preferred that a medical or allied health professional provide this Statement of Support and students are encouraged to book appointments well in advance of the Friday 6 October deadline to ensure these requirements can be met.

Tax File Numbers

To enrol in their tertiary courses early in 2024, all students will need a Tax File Number (TFN) so now is a good time to apply if your Year 12 student does not have one. TFNs can only be obtained through the Australian Tax Office.

Upcoming Events

An updated list of events, workshops, tours and various other career and tertiary activities running in the coming weeks are available on SIMON and PAM for students and parents to consider, especially those in Years 10-12.

Industry Insight Series Breakfast Q&A Panels

Launched during Careers Week in May 2023 and running every Tuesday morning since, our Industry Insight Breakfast Series will have welcomed more than 50 professionals to OLMC by the end of this term, many of whom are alumni. Whilst the winter mornings saw a bit of a decrease in our audience numbers, our panellists and attending students have found these sessions to be so valuable, with many of our returning past students commenting on how much they’d wished they’d had such an opportunity when they had been students at OLMC.

This week saw OLMC alumni Chiara Di Girolami (Class of 2001) and Lauren Caffyn (1999) speak about their experiences in the Defence Forces and Corrections whilst joined by current member of Fire Rescue Victoria, Briody Walker. Their insights and advice was welcomed by students keen to learn more about careers in emergency services.

Our final two panels for this year are focused on Design and Humanities and interested students are invited to register via the link on SIMON. Parents too are welcome to join us for these sessions if interested.

As we turn our attention to building on this careers initiative further in 2024, we ask any parents, past students or local community members who are interested in sharing their professional career journey with our students to contact OLMC Careers Coordinator Melinda Williams via email mwilliams@olmc.vic.edu.au.

Monash Scholars Program

Every year, Monash University offers high achieving Year 10 students an opportunity to join the Monash Scholars Program, an extension program aimed to support them as they complete their senior secondary school studies and transition successfully into tertiary education. This year, we congratulate two Year 10 OLMC students who were successful in their application to this program: Chantel G (10MMWI) and Amelie B (10AHRA).

After attending their first welcome event to the program, the students offered this reflection:

Monash Scholars is a program where students are selected to attend special events at Monash and become familiar with the campus, courses and tertiary life as a whole. Our first event involved a team-building session in which we were able to explore some of the amazing facilities at Monash Clayton and meet like-minded individuals and bond through various activities and challenges. We hope this program will enable us to explore a range of different courses and careers and gain knowledge that will further benefit our transition into university.

Year 9 Real Industry Job Interview Program

The Year 9 Pastoral program in Term 3 has had a very practical focus in supporting students make sense of the formal job application process. We know that many Year 9 students have or will very soon be looking to apply for their first job. This can be an exciting time as it marks an increase in independence and maturity but it can also be a daunting time filled with uncertainty and trepidation as a young person is pushed out of their comfort zone.

With this in mind, OLMC has partnered with the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning and Employment Network for the Real Industry Job Interview (RIJI) program, which aims to provide students with the knowledge and tools to confidently enter the job market. The program involves students submitting a mock job application and culminates with their participation in a mock interview with experienced local business owners and recruitment professionals.

The fortnightly lessons this term have seen Year 9 Pastoral Teachers provide students with resources, activities and samples, all aimed at demystifying the written application elements of a cover letter and resume. Having been provided with a choice of job advertisements, students have selected one of these to apply for, crafting their cover letter and resume, and participating in an interview early in Term 4.

The mock job interviews will take place on Thursday 19 October offsite at Bellfield Community Hub. As we get older, interviews for all manner of reasons become a normal part of lived experience, be it for job opportunities, academic programs and initiatives, or support and review conversations. Being able to consider, prepare for and participate in these activities with a sense of readiness and confidence is an important life skill which can have a positive impact on our lives. The more practice and exposure to these scenarios we can create for young people, the more likely they are to develop this readiness and confidence. We look forward to supporting our Year 9 students as they prepare for their job interview and hearing their reflections on the value gained from this experience.

Melinda Williams
Careers Coordinator

During a recent Pastoral lesson, Year 7 students were visited by the team at ySafe and participated in an online safety and wellbeing session. The presentation covered a range of topics including real case studies to help young people behave more protectively and be more aware of the real-life impact of their words and actions online. They were also given useful tips to help establish balance in their own general use of technology.

In a feedback session after the presentations, the Year 7 Class Captains said one of the reasons this incursion was effective was that the presenters acknowledged how important a phone or device is to young people. While many adults lament the amount of time young people are spending on social media, the Year 7s found it refreshing to hear presenters recognise the benefits and understand how much young people enjoy interactions between peers on their phones and platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. According to the class captains, this made them feel more open to hearing the safety and wellbeing messages.

This reminds me of the challenge that parents, guardians and trusted adults like myself are continuously faced with as we try to guide young people through this complex time of adolescence. Adolescents feel a strong need to fit in with their peers and naturally become more independent and start looking to their peer group for models of behaviour. However, our challenge is to achieve a balance that recognises this and allows them to grow and become resilient while also knowing they still need boundaries and support and guidance from people with more life experience. The online safety and wellbeing presentation achieved this balance as it acknowledged all the things that young people are going to do in their online interactions, but provided advice to help them monitor themselves, think about the risks and consequences of their behaviour, and know what to do if they get into a difficult situation.

The session began with a focus on helping students identify online bullying, understand the impacts of abusive behaviour online and know how to report bullying to the E-Safety Commissioner through the easy online process.

‘Overall, listening to the cyber safety chat was a really good experience as it informed us about the concerns and worries about being online and exposing yourself. We learnt about how dangerous the online world can be and to make sure we are cautious when online.’ - Olivia S (7RTH)

The session also explained the laws around posting or sharing inappropriate content, including the legal age of responsibility, which is 10 in Victoria, and the consequences for young people who may keep illegal content even if they didn’t create it or share it. The meaning and importance of consent even within friendships and with regard to the sharing of images and information online was also discussed. A short video about the importance of consent being ‘freely’ given, without external influence, also emphasised the importance of letting friends make choices without pressuring them.

‘I enjoyed learning about cyber safety and how to keep safe online. Finding out about all the things that are illegal or not was very interesting.’ - Lucy B (7JBR)

‘At the cyber safety information assembly, I learned that if an inappropriate photo gets sent on a group chat, even if you still don't save it or you didn't ask for the photo, you may still get in trouble. The taker and receiver who keeps the photo could get fined.’ - Giselle M (7RTH).

The end of the session concentrated on the impact of too much screen time on a young person’s wellbeing, school life and relationships. They suggested helpful, practical tips to encourage the Year 7s to create healthy boundaries for their online interactions with peers. For example, they discussed the importance of giving friends time to respond and respecting that we all have other commitments beyond our social groups and cannot always respond quickly to messages or posts.

Knowing that harmful adolescent behaviour is often linked to impulsivity, one of the messages from this session also aimed to help the Year 7s slow down, think through their actions and weigh up the potential risks and consequences before posting or sharing online. At ySafe, they use the acronym #PROBS to help young people think about their online behaviour and make better choices. The Year 7s have been encouraged to consider each of the letters before posting to help them decide if their actions will be positive or will create problems:

P - Perceive - how will people perceive this post?
R - Reach - who will see this post?
O - Outcomes - what could be an unexpected outcome of the post
BS - Better Strategy - is there a better strategy to manage this?

We will continue to promote online safety and wellbeing strategies and hope students will apply the valuable information they have gained so they can safely thrive and feel connected online, and in life.

Sarah Nash
Year 7 Level Coordinator

On Wednesday 16 August students from Years 7-12 gathered to perform at our highly anticipated annual House Arts, showcasing their love for the arts. Throughout the event, our students watched and cheered on their peers as they demonstrated their talents across various art forms including music, dance, performing arts and acting, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity and celebration.

On Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 August, members from OLMC’s magnificent choirs gathered at Amberley Retreat to rehearse for the Celebration Concert. Under the skilled guidance of our Choir Director, Ms Russo, and the accompaniment of the talented Ms Mileto, choir members rehearsed across the two days undertaking morning vocal warm-ups, focused rehearsals, team-building activities and challenges.

At each rehearsal choir members worked hard to learn their repertoire for the Celebration Concert and upcoming Mercy Day Mass. Both the Senior and Junior Choir refined music for the mass, ‘Baba Yetu’ and ‘Welcome to the Rock’. Both of these pieces were performed at the Celebration Concert. Students also had some time for entertaining games with our Year 12 Leaders and a mini talent show on the final day.

Madalena Broadbent
Performing Arts Learning Leader

The 2023 Celebration Concert held on Tuesday 29 August followed the theme of our scripture focus, allowing our students to learn and perform pieces representing a wide range of cultures and traditions. Performances ranged from our beginning Year 7 students in String Prodigy and Concert Band, to our talented VCE students performing works for their final assessments. There were also guest performances from Elite Dance and Voice Choir. We were also privileged to have a traditional Indian Dance performed by Neha Mathew.

Not all the songs were performed in foreign languages; some rocked, some portrayed a character and others displayed technical skill. The concert opened with a combination of choirs and staff performing ‘Welcome to the Rock’ the opening song from the hit musical Come from Away based on the people whose flights were redirected to Newfoundland during the 9/11 attacks. Our finale was ‘Babu Yetu’ which is not only the theme music to the videogame Civilisation, but also ‘Our Father’ in Swahili, a moving celebratory prayer. This was an appropriate ending to the Celebration Concert as it was a culmination of an evening where students, families and music from countries round the world were explored and represented through music.

All students who performed on this night are to be congratulated and we look forward to hearing more performances on Mercy Day and during Term 4.

Madalena Broadbent
Performing Arts Learning Leader

OLMC competed at the Frayne Speech Festival on Friday 25 August at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, with some fantastic and exciting results.

After five weeks of rehearsals, 24 students attended and represented OLMC in debating, public speaking and Voice Choir from Year 9 to Year 12. Despite our debating teams winning both debates and receiving best speakers, they just missed out on going through to the finals.

However, Sarah G (11LMGL) and Caitlyn A (11MMWI) were selected for the finals for public speaking and Sarah G (our Debating Captain) won overall.

We had 17 students participate in Voice Choir and their performance was so strong that they received first place.

A huge thank you to staff for their support of our students and assistance with the event.

Deb Butterworth
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

OLMC's Intermediate Netball Team have been crowned State Champions at the Netball Victoria School Championships, achieving an incredible feat on Tuesday 29 August.

Building on their Term 2 GSV Premiership win, the team's dedication led them to this remarkable achievement. The team showcased their skills in pool games, progressing to a Semi-Final showdown. A series of nine hard-fought matches secured their spot in the Grand Final against Maribyrnong Sports School. Despite an early 0-5 setback, the team rallied valiantly, clinching victory by a single goal.

Sarah B, Grace E, Mackenzie W, Alice C, Chiara S, Aprila D, Ava A, Olivia D, and Hanna W have each contributed their unique talents, which has fostered an unbeaten record throughout the 2023 season. This triumph speaks volumes about the team's cohesion, determination, and sportsmanship. Their victory not only makes us proud but also serves as an inspiration for other budding OLMC netballers. Congratulations to our Intermediate Netball Team on this historic win!

Lara Tierney
Health and Physical Education Teacher

On Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 August, 31 Students in Year 7 – 11 participated in the Gymnastics Victoria Interschool Secondary Gymnastics Competition at the State Gymnastics Centre in Windsor.

Under the supervision of Ms Daly, all OLMC students did very well and it was a fun experience for all. Our coaches were impressed watching every single student step into the competition and give it their best go.

Our team had a wide range of experiences and abilities; from first timers trying something new to very experienced gymnasts showcasing their amazing talents with OLMC coming away with some fabulous Individual and Team results and achievements.

Individual Results

• 1st Sierra M (Junior E)
• 3rd Alyssa R (Level A1)
• 3rd Lillian M (Senior E)
• 4th Emilia C (Junior B2)
• 4th Charlotte D (Senior B2)
• 6th Natalia B (Junior E)

Team Results

• 1st Junior E (Sierra M, Addison H, Chloe K and Ella W)
• 2nd Senior E (Emily B, Hannah H, Lillian M and Romaine V)
• 3rd Junior E (Natalia B, Laila B, Alyssa C, Ava D, Sienna S and Mia W)
• 4th Junior B2 (Poppy B, Emilia C and Michaela C)
• 5th Junior C (Jessica K, Callista L, Brooke W and Scarlett W)
• 5th Junior E (Olivia B, Celeste F, Arlia M, Karen N, Marissa N and Lola P)
• 6th Senior B2 (combined team with Mater Christi: Charlotte D and Maddie G)

And the 2023 Interschool Gymnastics School Spirit Award went to OLMC!

Trevor Robertson
Sports Coordinator

On Friday 11 August, the OLMC Parents’ Association hosted their annual Comedy Gala Night in the Heagerty Room. It was a fantastic community night filled with a lot of laughter, fun and an opportunity for parents to let their hair down and enjoy some great Melbourne comedians. Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, Johnny Kats and Anna Perry were hilarious and kept everyone in stitches all night.

As they say, the best medicine is laughter, and these three comedians definitely delivered what the doctor ordered! I must admit, I haven’t laughed so much in a very long time. I can still remember my cheeks feeling sore and my stomach hurting as the jokes kept rolling. These comedians are truly great at what they do, dedicated to delivering the best comedy stand-up acts, in an absolute hilarious fashion!

A big thank you to Lehmo, Johnny and Anna for this fun filled night.

Congratulations to the door prize winners. We are sure you will use some jokes from those books at some point.

The OLMC Parents’ Association would like to thank everyone who was involved in helping make the night a success, from setting up the room, organising the drinks and snacks, to selling the drinks at the bar. It was a brilliant night!

OLMC Parents' Association

On Sunday 27 August the annual ‘High Tea in Heidelberg’ was held to support the work of McAuley for Women and Children. Each year McAuley assist women and children who are affected by family violence or homelessness. The event was a great success and we are delighted to confirm that the event and the raffle raised nearly $8,000 for McAuley.

The 170 guests who came were delighted with the lavish afternoon tea and the exceptional service they received from the Year 8 and 9 students who volunteered their time to help at the event. The students worked extremely hard all afternoon and ensured that no table went without constant refills of tea and coffee. Our beautiful collection of vintage crockery adorned the tables and made a huge impression, eliciting many discussions and fond memories from the guests.

We welcomed a number of Mercy Sisters and other members of the Mercy community as well as past pupils and many current families. Some of our guests have been supporting this event for many years and we appreciate their ongoing support. Hayley Marriott from McAuley was the guest speaker and she shared with us the story of McAuley and the vital work they perform. Julia M and Katelyn D, our Faith and Justice Captains, were our very competent MCs for the day and we thank them for taking on this task so brilliantly.

The College was supported in its efforts by some very generous sponsors and donations. We thank the Wilson Family, the Pickett/Harris family, Natio, Miles Real Estate, and the Biotto family who all supported the raffle. A big thank you goes to Lia Heim, who was a very resourceful seeker of donations of a number of the sweet items on the menu. Thank you to the Year 9 class who helped set the tables, to the volunteers who worked tirelessly on Sunday morning to prepare the food and to Lauren Marquet who organised and supervised our team of student volunteers.

The College is grateful to all the volunteers who came together to make this event a success and to those who came to join us for this entertaining and worthwhile event.

Congratulations to the raffle winners:

• 1st Prize: Katrina Pavone
• 2nd Prize: Belinda Kelava
• 3rd Prize: Anne
• 4th Prize: Lia Heim
• 5th Prize: Carlyn Groves
• 6th Prize: Paula Peek
• 7th Prize: Anna Tilbrook

Marie Jenkins
Community Development Coordinator

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