This week was an important one for Mercy Education as the Mercy Education Limited Board of Directors, Principals, Leadership Teams, staff and students gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate the Commissioning of the new Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Education Limited, Ms Louisa Rennie. The 13 Mercy schools from across Australia were represented with students leading prayer, readings, instrumental music and choir. It is with great pride that we listened to the String Ensemble from OLMC fill the Cathedral with such beautiful music.

The Commissioning was an important opportunity to reflect on the legacy that has been gifted to all of us by Catherine McAuley and, in Australia in particular, Mother Ursula Frayne. Our students are very familiar with our story but it was a great joy to see them experience the strength and breadth of Mercy in Australia. The students from OLMC from Year 9 who joined us at the Cathedral were outstanding ambassadors for OLMC and Mercy Education Limited.

On Wednesday the Annual House Arts celebration was held, showcasing the talents and community spirit of our students. It is always a wonderful event and a great example of what can be achieved when students develop and lead something that is for all students. Congratulations must go to all who participated not only for sharing your talents but also showing courage and joy.

On Friday 30 August we will have another opportunity to share at the Frayne Speech Festival. It is a competition for Mercy schools across Australia. It is a great honour and privilege for OLMC to host students and staff from 10 schools competing in Public Speaking, Debating and Voice Choir. It will be another important opportunity to celebrate the friendship and breadth of Mercy Education. While a number of Year 7 and 8 students have volunteered to help on the day or be part of the Choir, all other Year 7 and 8 students will be working from home on that day.

Right to Disconnect Legislation

As most of you are aware, on Monday 26 August the Right to Disconnect legislation will come into force. This means that teachers and support staff at OLMC have a right to disconnect from their devices outside of work hours. Staff are not expected to monitor, read or respond to emails outside of their work hours.

The primary responsibility of our teachers is to plan for and lead learning and assessments in the classroom. As such even during the school day they may be unavailable to respond to emails because they are teaching or on yard duty. It is also important to remember that some teachers work on a part-time basis and will have days or part days when they are not working. They are also entitled to disconnect from their work devices at those times.

As is currently the case, teachers are asked to respond to emails within 48 hours. We continue to strive to work in productive and respectful relationships with families, however, it is important for parents/guardians to be aware of the legislation and the need to enforce this. We appreciate your support as we all make adjustments to the new arrangements.

As a Mercy community named in Mary’s name, the Feast of the Assumption (15 August) holds profound significance for us. This feast commemorates the belief that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. While this belief has deep roots in early Christian tradition, it was formally defined as dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950 through the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus.

In contemporary understanding, the Assumption is a joyous celebration of hope and the promise of eternal life. It reflects the Catholic belief in the resurrection of the body and the dignity of the human person. Mary’s assumption is also a sign of God’s kingdom at work, offering all a model of discipleship and faith.

The Assumption symbolises God’s closeness to humanity. Mary, the mother of Jesus and a central figure in the Church, represents a bridge between the divine and the human. Her assumption reminds us of the interconnectedness of body and soul, emphasising that salvation and redemption involve the whole person, not just the spirit.

Thus, the Feast of the Assumption is a sacred time for the faithful to reflect on the mysteries of life, death, and what lies beyond. It encourages us to live in hope, trusting in God’s promises and striving to follow Mary's example of faith and obedience to God's will.

God of all blessings,
We celebrate the Assumption of Mary in heaven.
With hearts full of gratitude, we turn to you,
seeking to learn from her.
Mary, our inspiration, you said ‘yes’ to God
with courage and trust.
Help us to follow your example in our own lives.
Teach us to be open to God's will, with joy, and to serve others with love.
As young people facing many challenges and uncertainties,
we ask for your strength and wisdom.
Help us to navigate our journeys with faith and resilience,
knowing that God walks with us every step of the way.
Guide us, Mary, to be voices of hope and instruments of peace in our communities.
May we bring light where there is darkness,
love where there is hatred and faith where there is doubt.
We entrust our dreams, fears, and hopes to you,
knowing that with your maternal care, we are safe.
May we always remember that, like you, we are called to greatness in God's eyes.
Amen.

Image from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/7469399228

On Tuesday 20 August, the College Captains, along with 9GGL, the String Ensemble, and Year 10 students, represented our school with grace and pride at the Commissioning Mass for Louisa Rennie, the new CEO of Mercy Education.

Our readers powerfully recounted the founding narrative of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia, honouring the first sisters and the establishment dates of our 13 schools across Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. The String Ensemble blessed the Mass with beautiful music, particularly during the Offertory, and our College Captains led the procession with joy and love.

This joyous celebration underscores our connection to the broader Mercy family as we continue to walk in Catherine McAuley’s footsteps—loving God and sharing mercy with all.

On Wednesday 14 August, the staff were blessed to spend the day exploring our Biblical tradition and the Magisterium around Catholic Social Teachings: Recalling, Recognising, and Reinvigorating the Reign of God.

These sessions draw on key texts in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures that focus on God's presence in the world. We also paid attention to Fratelli Tutti, which calls for a new kind of solidarity to address the crises of the contemporary world.

This day was led by Professor Peta Goldburg RSM, a sister of Mercy and current congregational leader of the Brisbane Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. She was Foundation Chair of Religious Education at Australian Catholic University and works extensively with Catholic Education authorities across Australia. Her most recent publications include Faith-Based Identity & Curriculum in Catholic Schools (Routledge, 2020) and Religion: Contexts and Expressions (Cambridge University Press, 2020).

As we move past the midpoint of Term 3, it is clear that our Year 7 students have had an incredibly busy and productive few months. The term began with an informative incursion led by Elevate Education, focusing on the essential skills of time management and overcoming procrastination. These sessions provided students with practical strategies to help them balance their academic workload and develop strong study habits.

In addition to academic skills, our Year 7s have also been working on social and emotional learning. They recently completed a series of workshops on friendship and conflict resolution, conducted by our College Counselling Team with support from our Year 9 Peer Support Leaders. These workshops were designed to help students build positive relationships and develop strategies to effectively navigate conflicts when they arise.

This term also saw our students taking a stand against bullying during the National Week of Action, as they participated in activities observing ‘Bullying No Way Week’. These initiatives emphasised the importance of creating a safe and supportive school environment for everyone. In addition, our commitment to digital citizenship continued with the completion of eSmart Digital Licence modules, where students learned about the significance of having a digital heart and showing kindness online. These lessons are crucial as our students navigate the complexities of the online world and social media.

Over the past month, many of our Year 7 students have been working closely with student leaders to prepare performances for House Arts. This culminated in a vibrant celebration of creativity and teamwork on Wednesday and we congratulate all students who performed!

This week students were introduced to their Year 8 Language options for 2025 and staff reviewed the process students will follow to select their preferred Language for next year. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's options with them. Students will have the next week to make these selections.

We are very proud of our Year 7 students for their hard work and dedication this term and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Kylie Willis
Year 7 Level Coordinator

The Year 10 French class were lucky enough to recently participate in the Alliance Française Olympiads Excursion.

Students firstly participated in an Olympic-themed ‘Amazing Race’ where they took part in challenges around the city centre, speaking French and playing sport-related games.

We then headed to the Alliance Française de Melbourne on Swanston Street where we enjoyed a French goûter (afternoon tea) and the students competed in an Olympics Quiz in French. The winner across the day, Lucy S (10CCTR) won a set of Badminton rackets!

Lauren Marquet
French Teacher

Our Year 7 Health and Physical Education (HPE) students are currently engaged in a Rhythmic Gymnastics program. This unit is designed to develop skills such as balance, coordination, flexibility, and rhythm, while also enhancing their ability to work creatively and collaboratively. As part of their assessment, students will collaborate with their peers to create a routine.

This term, our Year 8 students have been working through invasion games in their HPE classes. This unit is designed to introduce students to a variety of team sports where the objective is to invade the opponent’s territory to score points while defending their own. Sports like basketball, netball, handball, indoor hockey and lacrosse are just a few examples of the games that will be featured.

This term, some Year 9 students are stepping into the shoes of game designers in their HPE classes. The ‘Design a Game’ unit challenges them to unleash their creativity and collaborate with their peers to invent original games. This unit is not just about physical activity; it's about thinking critically, solving problems, and understanding the fundamentals. Some of the games are so impressive that HPE teachers have begun incorporating them into their own classes, expanding their repertoire of games.

Teresa Cerra
Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader

Students seeking an opportunity to extend their learning in Humanities were invited to test their geographical skills and knowledge in the 2024 Australian Geography Competition earlier this year. We have recently received the results and were very pleased with how OLMC students have performed.

Over 54,000 students from across more than 600 schools entered the competition this year. They were tested across the three cognitive domains of knowing, applying and reasoning. Students used the stimulus materials and their own geographic understanding to analyse, synthesise and generalise, often in unfamiliar and complex contexts. The competition aims to encourage student interest in Geography. It is an important subject bringing together the physical and human dimensions of our environments, helping students to develop a deeper understanding of the world and its challenges.

Special mention goes to the following students:

High Distinction

Charlotte M (9NWA)

Distinction

Naeve C (7RTH)

Dinara D (7RTH)

Mrs Rowena Thomson
Humanities Teacher

2024 has seen a shift from students only participating in music to also leading some new initiatives in the department. It has been very exciting to see students lead, create and work collaboratively with others to enable their vision to come to life. We have also been very lucky to have students from other areas of the performing arts help us to create videos and scenarios that will be on show at our upcoming performances. ‘Broadway Bound’ was an ensemble which students advocated for after the success of our school production Chicago – Teen Edition and our leaders were very excited to plan these sessions and run the rehearsals.

This semester, our talented Arts Captains have launched an exciting new initiative for all musical theatre enthusiasts: the ‘Broadway Bound’ ensemble. Recognising that students interested in musical theatre previously had only one semester to explore their passion through the school musical, we created this ensemble to provide continuous opportunities for students to develop their skills and gain stage experience.

Broadway Bound meets once a week, allowing students to select two pieces they are excited to be a part of. Whether they choose a lead role or contribute as a vital ensemble member, each participant engages in rehearsals where each week focuses on one of the three core disciplines—singing, dancing, or acting. Additionally, the program emphasises the importance of stage presence, characterisation, and the invaluable experience of simply being on stage. Under the expert guidance of our experienced Arts Captains, students not only refine their technical skills but also grow in confidence and expressiveness.

Jasmine P (11AMJE)
Drama Captain

All music ensembles are currently preparing for our Music Camp Experience and Celebration Concert with a theme of ‘Let’s Go to the Movies’. To tie in with this theme, Angelique M (12ADWR) and Estelle C (12MCMI), have taken charge as directors and are filming a video clip of the choir to debut at the opening of the concert. We are very lucky to have a number of non-music students volunteer to help with lighting, sound, choreography and filming on this project. The choir students who have taken part are enjoying being part of this new experience and we can’t wait to see the final results on Wednesday 11 September.

This year, we are thrilled to present our Year 10 – 12 Cabaret showcase with the empowering theme of ‘Strong Female Leads.’ This selection celebrates powerful female characters and voices in musical theatre, offering students the chance to explore and embody strength and resilience through performance.

The showcase is set for Week 2 of Term 4, and we cannot wait to share the hard work and dedication of our ensemble with the school community.

Jo-Anne Mileto
Instrumental Music Coordinator

The Parents’ Association invites you to a breakfast to celebrate Father’s Day on:

Wednesday 28 August 7.30 am – 8.30 am

Heagerty Room, Yarra Street, Heidelberg

This is a chance for all students to do something special for Dad, Grandad or a special person in their life by enjoying a delicious breakfast together and sharing a special time. All are welcome.

Tickets $35 per family

Book via Trybooking.com: https://www.trybooking.com/CUGJN

If you are unable to attend but still wish to support the work of the Parents’ Association, we invite you to purchase a raffle ticket.

You can do this by going to: https://www.trybooking.com/CUGXZ

Tickets are 1 for $5, 3 for $10 or 10 for $30 and the array of prizes is outstanding.

Prizes

1^st Prize: Piccoli Portraits Photographic Portrait Gift Offer Value: $1000

The photographic gift certificate includes an initial inspiring 30 minute planning session, a 60-90 minute creative portrait session and a finely crafted matted and mounted portrait.

2^nd Prize: Snap Fitness Father & Daughter Fitness Package Value: $598

Get in shape for Summer with this amazing offer from Snap Fitness Heidelberg who have kindly donated two three-month Gym Memberships.

3^rd Prize: Heidelberg Golf Club Value: $250

Enjoy a game of golf with friends or family at the beautiful 18-hole golf course at Lower Plenty (Voucher for golf for four people, conditions apply)

4^th Prize: Men’s Fragrance Gift Pack One Value: $270

Perfect office scents for the modern man! (Calvin Klein Euphoria 50ml, Burberry London for Men 50ml & Issey Miyake Pour Homme 40ml)

5^th Prize Farm Vigano Dining Experience Value: $200

Enjoy a delicious and elegant lunch or dinner at Farm Vigano, South Morang

6^th Prize Men’s Fragrance Gift Pack Two Value: $195

More bold yet sophisticated masculine scents captured in a bottle! (Guess Seductive Homme Noir 100ml, Montblanc Legend 50ml)

7^th Prize Chocilo Hamper Value: $80

A delicious assortment of chocolates kindly put together by Chocilo Ivanhoe

8^th Prize Heide Museum of Modern Art Twin Pass Value: $50

OLMC Parents' Association

Our annual High Tea in Heidelberg is on Sunday 8 September at 2.00 pm and we invite you and your friends and family to share in this special event.

The event will support the work of McAuley for Women and Children, an organisation committed to advocating for a better, safer and just society through working with women and children affected by family violence, mental illness or homelessness.

Sunday 8 September 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

OLMC Nalleijerring Centre, Yarra St, Heidelberg

How to Book

Tickets are priced at $50 for Adults and $25 for Students.

You can purchase tickets online by going to https://www.trybooking.com/CTBND

OR by contacting Marie Jenkins T: 9455 7571 E: mjenkins@olmc.vic.edu.au

To book a group/table, you can either purchase the whole table in one booking or purchase a ticket on an available table and then notify your guests of the table number they should specify when booking. If you want to rename the table so that your fellow guests can identify the table easily please contact Marie Jenkins. Tables will seat 10 people.

To book individual tickets, purchase the required number on any table.

High Tea Raffle

We will also run a raffle to support McAuley. You can purchase tickets at the event or, if you are unable to attend but still wish to offer your support, you can purchase tickets online prior to the event.

1 ticket for $10, 3 tickets for $20 or 10 tickets for $50

To purchase a raffle ticket please go to https://www.trybooking.com/CTBNO

• 1st Prize Two nights accommodation in the penthouse suite of Wytonia Beachfront Accommodation in Port Fairy. Donated by The Wilson Family.
• 2nd Prize $250 voucher for your choice of restaurant in the Scott Pickett Group. Donated by the Pickett/Harris Family.
• 3rd Prize $250 voucher for your choice of restaurant in the Scott Pickett Group. Donated by the Pickett/Harris Family.
• 4th Prize Natio Cosmetic Pack valued at over $150. Donated by Natio.
• 5th Prize Hamper from Miles Real Estate, Ivanhoe. Donated by Miles Real Estate.
• 6th Prize Heide Museum of Modern Art - Twin Art Pass valued at $50.00. Donated by Heidi Museum of Modern Art.
• 7th Prize Baby Blanket and Hamper.

Raffle will be drawn on 8 September 2024 at the High Tea in Heidelberg.

Winners will be notified by phone and/or email and results will be in the College Newsletter.

We do hope that you can help us to support the work of McAuley for Women and Children by joining us for this very special event or by purchasing a raffle ticket.

Marie Jenkins
Community Development Coordinator

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