This is our last newsletter for Term 2. It has been a term filled with many events and learning opportunities for students in the very full academic and co-curricular life of OLMC.
Our theme this year is ‘Don’t be afraid. Go and be… (Mark 5:36b)’. Our week long ‘Learning beyond the classroom’ program certainly enabled students to challenge themselves to ‘go and be’, and there were many instances of students showing a willingness to go beyond what they might normally feel happy to do.
Today, we celebrated Dare2Donate. The Year 12 student leaders have been working very hard with students at all year levels to raise money for McAuley For Women and Children. The day always culminates in a wonderful lunchtime program where all students arrive freely to participate in the celebration of all of the dares. This day is only possible because our teaching staff so generously agree to meet the dares the students ask of them. We have seen amazing costumes, entertaining performances and some teachers doused in very cold water.
Days like Dare2Donate rely on strong trust between teachers and students. It requires a lot of work from students but incredible courage from teachers who are happy to show our students how a little courage and a great deal of joy can make a difference. A testament to the connections and strong positive relationships between staff and students is never more evident on days like today.
This term has once again seen students give themselves wholeheartedly to the participation in so many individual and team pursuits. It has been especially pleasing to see our Year 7 students so readily engage in clubs, sporting and music opportunities. Our GSV sporting teams have once again experienced success. Students working in music and the performing arts have been part of the very successful Senior production of The Addams Family along with opportunities in Music. Our Social Justice team has led some wonderful initiatives throughout the term and engaged with all students to help support others. Our science students have also been successful in the STEM opportunities.
On Tuesday evening this week, Year 7 Music students performed for their families and others in their first concert for the year. The evening was a chance to celebrate the gifts of students shared with family and friends. They were supported by their instrumental music teachers, Jo Mileto, Instrumental Music Coordinator, Gabriella Russo and Anne Couch. It was another evening where our values of courage and joy were evident amongst the students.
Beginning today and continuing next week, Year 10 students will be participating in a program specifically designed to support them in the discernment of their post school options. They will work with a variety of speakers and presentations, along with discussions and workshops. In Term 3, they will be making choices about their VCE pathway, and this week will be an important event for them.
Throughout Semester Two, students from Year 7-12 will be involved in making choices about their learning program for 2026. They will be challenged to consider their strengths and talents, along with their hopes and ambitions. There are opportunities provided during this time for students and families to access information and support. I encourage all students and parents to make the very most of the supports available.
As we go into a much-anticipated break, I hope that all students have the chance to rest, rejuvenate and get ready for another very busy and eventful Semester Two.