OLMC has continued to be a vibrant place over the last two weeks. The Senior Production of Chicago – Teen Edition played their final performances to packed houses. The students, while sad to see it come to an end, are embracing the evenings and weekends they now have back, whilst waiting in anticipation for the next opportunity.

Year 7 and Year 12 students headed off to camp and retreat last week. They were both wonderful experiences for students. One group getting to know each other and extending their connections in their first year at OLMC. The other group, renewing their connections and affirming each other, celebrating their journey over the last six years. Both groups had time to enjoy some challenges, reflect on their strengths and affirm new and established relationships.

Year 10 and 11 students have been completing mid-year exams. The exam supervisors have commended students on their approach to the exams and the way in which they have embraced it as an important opportunity to learn. Congratulations to all students for your dedication and commitment to your self-care, your goals and your ambitions. We hope that this has allowed you to develop some key skills and strategies that will stand you in good stead for your future exams.

On Tuesday 18 June all students undertaking a Units 3 and 4 study will undertake Section A and B of the GAT, while those undertaking the VCE Vocational Major will be completing Section A of the GAT. This is the first of the external assessments for many. In addition to the role the GAT plays for Year 12 students, it is also a chance to practise exam skills and time management. We wish all students the very best for this assessment.

Tuesday 18 June will be a student free day. This will provide some time for students to finalise any assessments and prepare for Semester 2.

As 2024 Refugee Week begins on Sunday, Sacred Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to widows, orphans, strangers, and refugees. Both canons from our Judaic-Christian tradition make this extremely clear. In a world marked by displacement and the search for refuge, this year’s Refugee Week theme, 'Finding Freedom' – with a focus on family – encapsulates the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience. This Refugee Week, we aim to shed light on the transformative power of familial bonds, as well as chosen bonds, in the face of adversity and emphasise the crucial role families play in providing solace, support, and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.

Let us pray in the words of Janet Dickson…

Our Father,
You are in Heaven,
We are your children on earth.
We are your family,
And we cry out to you.
Father, you see your children in warzones and conflicts,
In Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar,
Haiti, Afghanistan, Sudan…
Too many to name, but you see them all.
Father, comfort the terrified, the injured, the orphaned,
The families trying to protect their children. Father, pour out your love.
May they experience your sheltering care.
Our Father, you see your children
In the years after wars, in makeshift camps.
Millions trapped endlessly in the waiting rooms of the world.
Grant hope to the families who have waited for decades.
May parents see a pathway of life for their little ones.
Grant freedom to those who have lost all hope.
Our Father, you see the lonely ones,
The fathers, sons, daughters,
Who find work far away, to support their loved ones.
May their workplaces be safe, may employers be kind.
Pour blessing on their sacrifice,
And reunite their families.
Our Father, you see millions without freedom,
And yet in heaven, there is room for all.
Father, why is it so hard for your children on earth,
To find a place for all?
Why have we not found a way?
Our Father,
Show us how to change our ways,
Our actions, our hearts,
So that it may be on earth,
As it is in heaven.

Amen.

Janet Dickson is passionate about faith and justice. She has been engaged with refugees and new arrivals in Australia for decades, in the education and settlement sectors. She co-authored Searching for Paradise, the newly released biography of Charles Nombo Lapa, a Papua New Guinean tribal chief, exploring the tensions of faith, colonisation and culture.

Image from refugeeweek.org.au

From Wednesday 5 June to Friday 7 June, our Year 12 students embarked on a transformative retreat led by the Passionist Youth Team. One hundred students gathered at Lake Dewar, while another hundred convened at Arrabri Lodge. The retreat aimed to guide students towards an increased awareness of themselves and their true nature, fostering a deeper intimacy with their peers and their God. Through a series of reflective activities, discussions, fun activities and communal experiences, students had the opportunity to strengthen their relationships and explore their spiritual journeys in a supportive and inspiring environment. This retreat encouraged personal growth and a sense of community among our Year 12 cohort. We are grateful for how students participated and to the staff who gave their time to allow this retreat to happen.

On Wednesday 12 June, 200 Year 8 students joyfully participated in their Reflection Day, led by Fr Luke and the Passionist Youth Team. Through games, stories, and rituals, students were encouraged to see the world and their place in it as companions of others with God as the centre.

Our enthusiastic team of Year 7s once again headed to Trinity Lane in Ivanhoe to visit residents in the Villa Maria Aged Care facility. They are getting to know their new friends better with each visit.

This week Sr Cathy Solano RSM presented to the group about the world’s most basic and precious resource, water.

The session was interactive and allowed everyone to ask questions and participate in the discussion. I was particularly impressed with our students’ scientific and geographical knowledge in this area, and their intelligent and creative questions.

The following are reflections by our students about the experience.

Lauren Marquet
Social Justice Coordinator

At Trinity Lane yesterday, Sr Cathy Solano shared the importance of water and the urgent need to protect it. It was really eye-opening to hear how some companies selling bottled water take water away from people who need it to make a profit. Something Cathy said that left a lasting impression on me was, ‘Water is like air and people don't get charged for air, so why should people pay for water?’ This experience educated me about the importance of water and how we need to take action in protecting it if we want to preserve our planet's water supply.

Annabelle T (7LSA)

On Tuesday myself and several other Year 7 students went on our fortnightly trip to Trinity Lane in Ivanhoe. We were selected for this program at the start of the term and have loved it ever since day one!

When we arrived, we were informed that we would be hearing a talk about how important water is and how its supply has been challenged throughout the years. Sister Cathy Solano had offered to give us and the Trinity Lane residents this discussion and it was quite an interesting afternoon.

We learnt all about Nature’s Rights and how these rules are enforced. By the end we were all happily discussing Sister Cathy's talk! To finish off our visit, we enjoyed an afternoon tea of biscuits and juice. As we farewelled Trinity Lane, we students were leaving with valuable information. We all loved the discussion that took place and we can’t wait for our next visit!

Dinara D (7RTH)

The Languages Learning Area staff and students have been busy in recent weeks. We are currently preparing for a visit from our Japanese sister school, Seirei High School, in July. In addition, some of our French and Italian students recently participated in state-wide poetry competitions.

The College will host a visit from Seirei High School from Sunday 21 July to Sunday 28 July. We will be hosting twenty-four students and recently, at an information evening, details of the exchange were outlined to our host families. They are very excited to have a Japanese student stay with them and are looking forward to showing them a glimpse of family life in Australia. At school, the Seirei students will participate in English lessons, visit OLMC classes and have exchanges with our Japanese language students. We are still seeking some more families who are able to host. It is not necessary that your daughter studies Japanese. We ask you to please consider hosting if you can, as it is not only an enriching experience for our visitors but also our students, whether you study Japanese or not. If you are keen to host or would like to know more about the exchange, please do not hesitate to contact me (James Stavretis – Languages Learning Leader) at the College via email: jstavretis@olmc.vic.edu.au.

French students from Years 8, 9 and 10 recently participated in the Alliance Française Poetry Competition and Italian students from Years 9 and 10 in the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition. In both of these competitions the students were required to recite a poem to a judge online. This was a great experience for the students, who were able to display their linguistic skills to a different audience. I am pleased to announce that Veronica H from 10MMZI and Lara E from 10ASWU have made it through to the finals for the Alliance Française Poetry Competition. Well done girls! Some of the participants have reflected on their experiences below.

James Stavretis
Languages Learning Leader

Recently in French, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Alliance Française's 'Berthe Mouchette' Poetry Competition. We selected a French poem, studied it, and memorised it for recitation in front of a French judge. It was a fantastic experience to work on, in and outside of class, giving us something to work towards. Not only did it improve our French comprehension and pronunciation, but it also provided an excellent chance to engage in active and immersive learning.

Being able to perform our poems with such complicated language as well as artistry was such a fulfilling experience, allowing us to appreciate how far we've come. This is just one of the many opportunities that language students at OLMC can choose to partake in, enhancing not only your fluency but also your confidence, helping you grow in all aspects of life. The competition gave us the chance to embrace challenge, celebrate our progress, and deepen our appreciation of French culture!

Veronica H (10MMZI) and Lara E (10ASWU)

Each year the OLMC Italian students participate in the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition run by the University of Melbourne. We were required to recite our poems online with a judge. This year we were motivated to participate in the competition because it improves our Italian oral skills and gives us the experience of speaking with examiners. But most of all, we all love the Italian language and will take any opportunity to immerse ourselves in its culture!

The experience was extremely beneficial and fun! Our examiner was amazing, she was so kind and understanding of our nerves, offering us lots of support through the screen. Overall, this experience was amazing!

April D (10AJIN)

As Year 10 students, we recently took on a fascinating project: building and launching water bottle rockets. The main goal was to better understand motion and see how different variables like acceleration and distance are influenced in real-world scenarios. A bottle rocket, in simple terms, is a plastic model similar to a real rocket, but safe for school experiments. It works by using a launcher connected to a pump that fills the bottle with compressed air. When released, the air forces the rocket to shoot up into the sky, beautifully demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

We constructed our rockets using basic materials like plastic bottles, cardboard for fins, and hot glue. Inspired by real rockets, we designed fins to attach to the bottles, which helped stabilise the rocket and improve its flight. The building process required precise teamwork, especially when attaching the fins, to ensure they were evenly placed for optimal flight stability. Our team worked together from the design stage right through to the launch, making our successful launches a testament to our collaborative efforts.

Launch Day was filled with excitement and a bit of nervous energy. Watching our rockets ascend at incredible speeds and heights—some as tall as buildings—was more thrilling than we had imagined. We learned a lot from this project, especially about how the design and construction of an object can significantly affect its motion. This project was a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning, and we saw first-hand how theories from our textbooks come to life. If we were to do this project again, we would launch our rockets in a clearer area to avoid any accidental roof landings! Overall, this practical approach to learning about physics and motion was both educational and extremely memorable.

Lucy K (10ADWR), Rianna J (10CCTR), and Emily G (10ADWR)

It has been a busy few months for Year 7-9 Health and Physical Education classes. We are proud of the students' enthusiasm and dedication, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and achievements in the next semester.

In Year 7 Health and Physical Education classes, students have been exploring cultural and historical games. This unit has provided an exciting opportunity for students to learn about and engage in traditional games from various cultures around the world, especially traditional Indigenous games. This unit has fostered teamwork, creativity, and an understanding of the cultural significance and history behind these games.

Year 8 Health and Physical Education classes have been immersed in a ‘Net and Wall Games’ unit. Throughout this unit, students have actively participated in sports such as Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, and the recently popular Pickleball. The introduction of Pickleball has added a fresh and exciting dimension to the curriculum.

Year 9 students this semester have been participating in a ‘Design a Game’ unit. This innovative unit has encouraged students to use their creativity and to design their own games. Working in small groups, students have brainstormed, planned, and tested their original game ideas, considering elements such as rules, objectives, and equipment. The students then present their games to their peers and teachers to be enjoyed by the entire class.

Teresa Cerra
Health and Physical Education Learning Leader

Year 10 and 11: Preparing for Success

Our Year 10 and 11 students have been diligently preparing and studying for their exams. Their hard work and dedication are truly commendable. In addition to their regular studies, they have been participating in Pastoral lessons focused on new study techniques. These sessions, led by their teachers, aim to equip students with effective study strategies and stress management tools to enhance their academic performance and overall wellbeing.

We encourage families to support their students during this intensive study period by helping them establish a balanced routine that includes time for relaxation and self-care.

Year 12: Spreading Kindness and Gratitude

Our Year 12 students have been busy with some wonderful activities centred around gratitude and kindness. Last week, they created beautiful cards and friendship bracelets for their Year 7 buddies, fostering a sense of community and support among students. Additionally, they contributed to a kindness wall in the Marian Centre, where they shared messages of positivity and encouragement.

On Thursday, the Year 12s and their Year 7 buddies celebrated 100 days of the school year with a special recess event. They enjoyed delicious cupcakes and created identity wheels, which served as a fun and insightful activity to reflect on their personal growth and shared experiences. This celebration not only marked an important milestone but also strengthened the bonds between our older and younger students.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting our students in their academic and personal development. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the sense of community they continue to build. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community.

Cyvonne Scarica
Mercy House Coordinator

On Wednesday 5 June our Year 7 students embarked on a memorable adventure to Phillip Island Adventure Resort, set against the stunning backdrop of one of Victoria's most picturesque landscapes. We experienced ideal weather conditions, with clear skies and mild temperatures that made outdoor activities even more enjoyable.

As our students departed, they were sent off with the heartfelt blessings of the College community. Their Year 12 buddies had prepared handmade cards and bracelets, adding a personal touch of warmth and encouragement. These tokens symbolised the unity and support that is a hallmark of our College spirit.

Throughout the camp, our Year 7 students exemplified the College values of compassion, joy, justice, and courage. They supported each other through various challenges, demonstrating compassion as they continue to build a sense of community. Joy was evident in their laughter and smiles as they participated in activities ranging from high ropes courses and canoeing to team-building exercises and beach games. Justice was practised as students ensured fairness and inclusion, making sure everyone felt valued and respected. And courage shone brightly as they stepped out of their comfort zones, whether it was conquering a fear of heights, trying new activities, or engaging with new friends.

The camp was not just about individual achievements; it was also about forging new connections and strengthening existing relationships. Students bonded over shared experiences, and these interactions helped to build a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging, which will be an integral part of their ongoing College journey.

As the camp drew to a close, it was clear that the students had created many lasting memories. From the thrill of new experiences to the comfort of strengthened friendships, the Year 7 Camp marked another amazing chapter in their OLMC journey. They returned with a greater sense of self-confidence, a deeper connection to their peers, and a stronger alignment with the values that our College holds dear.

Kylie Willis
Year 7 Level Coordinator

Camp Reflections

On Year 7 Camp I participated in many exciting activities, and had the privilege of sharing a cabin with all of my close friends. In this experience I met new people from my activity group, grew closer with my friends, and had the opportunity to participate in many exciting activities.

Gemma S (7RTH)

My experience at Year 7 Camp was amazing. I had my wonderful friends in my cabin, which was good. I got to experience things I had never done before like canoeing. I developed new friendships with people from other classes and made heaps of memories.

Liana P (7RTH)

I really enjoyed the experience of Year 7 Camp, I made lots of new friends and memories. Camp was also a good experience because it pushed me to try new things I never thought I would do.

Charlotte S (7RTH)

My camp experience was so much fun. I made heaps of new friends and they all have things in common with me. I hope that the new people I have made friends with stay in contact with me. I pushed myself to do things that I didn't do in my Year 6 Camp. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and I am glad I did now.

Pia A (7RTH)

I enjoyed camp because it was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, strengthen connections and try new things. One of my favourite things was the movie night.

Stephanie S (7RTH)

St Martin of Tours Parish is hosting an information evening for Dads called 'Raising Fathers' on Wednesday 21 August from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. It will be facilitated by menALIVE, an organisation with over 20 years’ experience of engaging with men in Australia and New Zealand. menALIVE offers practical advice on fathering in current times.

menALIVE will also host a retreat weekend in mid-November 2024 for those who would like to attend. Please see the flyer below for more information.

Further information can also be found at the following sites:

• General Information on menALIVE Victoria: menALIVE
• Raising Fathers Evening Event: Raising Fathers
• Parish Men’s Retreat: Fathers' Weekend Retreat

Follow the official Our Lady of Mercy College accounts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We’ll be sharing regular news, student achievements and stories from around the College.