Welcome back to Term 3 and another busy time at OLMC.
As you are aware, I was on Enrichment and Long Service Leave in Term 2. I am grateful to have had the time to travel, immerse myself in our Mercy charism and also do a little further study.
During my time away, I had the very great privilege of travelling through Ireland following the path of the Sisters of Mercy. As I travelled, I was struck by the many plaques, statues and other public displays of gratitude for all that the Sisters of Mercy did in support of those who were in need throughout Ireland. I have included an image from Ennis, a small town but one that has expressed gratitude so beautifully. My photography skills are not amazing and so it may be hard to read the message, but it says; 'In appreciation for the Sisters of Mercy in Ennis since 1854.'
I have also included a photo of the iconic image of Catherine McAuley, which is outside Mercy House in Baggot Street, Dublin. Mercy House was the first ministry built by Catherine and holds enormous significance for all who work in Mercy Ministries the world over. My experience gave me a great insight into the past and the present work of the Sisters of Mercy and the many people who carry on that work throughout the world. It is really a privilege and a blessing to be part of something so great, doing so much for so many across the world.
I also had an opportunity to spend time in the Vatican City, attending Mass at St Peter’s Basilica and also the praying of the Angelus led by Pope Leo XIV. As part of his address to the audience, gathered to share in prayer, Pope Leo spoke of the Church as ‘a place to encounter love, and live where heaven and earth already touch.’ Pope Leo XIV reminded us that the life of the Triune God ‘gives peace to our heart, which is often very restless.’ (The Vatican Newsletter, 31 May 2026)
There is much to take from this message of the Pope. It highlights our role as people of peace and hope, such an important role for all who work or live with young people.
As I reflect each year, Term 3 is an important one for making decisions. Almost everyone is contemplating where they want to be and what they hope to achieve in 2026 while casting an eye to what might be possible for them in 2027. It was heartening to see so many parents and students attending all of the events over the last two weeks. The information evenings and the Subject Expo held on Monday afternoon have been very well attended, with many parents as well as students, taking up the opportunity to learn about what is involved in the VCE subjects on offer.
In the evening, a large contingent of OLMC alumni returned to share their experience in a broad range of industries. This event was also highly subscribed and very much appreciated by all who attended. It was a privilege to host one of the rooms and listen to very experienced, successful and committed people talk about their work. Thank you to all alumni involved and if you would like to be involved in 2027, please contact our careers office here at school. It is wonderful to see OLMC students, no matter when they were students here, continuing their involvement in our community. It was also our privilege to celebrate the success of so many women who attended OLMC over so many years. It is one of our great blessings.
Term 3 is also one with many important community events. Some of the important events include Parent Teacher Student Interviews, the Celebration Concert and the Father’s Day breakfast. This year, Friday 14 August will be a student free day to allow our staff to participate in a faith and spirituality experience, immersing themselves in our faith and charism.
The Celebration Concert and Mercy Day will soon be upon us. Both occasions provide students with an opportunity to share in an enormous amount of fun as we watch so many of our students shine. They are also important moments which enable the development of community connections amongst students; therefore, we expect to see all students at school, particularly on Mercy Day, in order to be fully immersed in the joy of our Mercy Community.
AusAlert Test Monday 27 July at 2.00pm
On Monday 27 July at 2.00pm in Victoria, mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches will receive an alert as part of the testing of a new Critical AusAlert system. At the time of the test, a single Critical AusAlert test will be sent to every mobile device in Australia. Everyone with a compatible phone or other device in Australia can expect to receive the alert.
Devices will vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.
An AusAlert message will appear on device screens. It will clearly say it is a test.
Exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.
Even if phones are on silent, the alert will still activate with a siren-like sound and vibration.
As this is a Critical Alert, it cannot be silenced through normal device settings. The only way to avoid receiving it is to have the device switched off or in aeroplane mode before the test.
The timing of the test coincides with a period of movement from the lunch break to Lesson 4; therefore, we will not be asking students to switch their phones to aeroplane mode. We are aware that for some of our students, loud noises can be concerning, and we will do our best to ensure that they are prepared.
Further information is available here:
https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vohK4pETFA
We are looking forward to a wonderful Term Three and witnessing the achievements of our students as they wholeheartedly embrace all that is on offer at OLMC.
