Last week Sr Emma and I had the privilege of attending the Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC) Conference. MMC is the Ministerial Public Juridic Person who has an overarching governance role for many Mercy ministries, including Mercy Education Limited. The conference was entitled 'From Encounter to Positive Change'. The focus was on the role we can all play in bringing about positive change through encounter, which has as its intention a positive outcome. We were called to focus on ensuring that when we encounter, we do so with compassion informed by listening carefully and responding with justice. Catherine McAuley very much believed in and led encounter for positive change and it is her legacy that we continue to serve.
Yesterday we celebrated Mercy Day, one of the most significant days in the OLMC calendar. Not only do we celebrate the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, we raise funds to support Mercy Works. At OLMC we are empowered together to be Mercy people and this privilege means that we are called to act with compassion. Students at OLMC show us time and again that they know and understand this message when they give so generously to organisations like Mercy Works. This year they have particularly focused on raising funds to support the provision of Remote Laundries to remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory. Remote Laundries provide health benefits, employment opportunities and dignity for communities.
Mercy Day was a wonderful celebration of all that it means to be part of the OLMC Community. Mass was a beautiful celebration and the Choir led us so expertly. The stalls, disco, games and food were all fantastic as was the participation of the students. Students from all year levels participated in the House Arts extravaganza in the afternoon. Congratulations to Mercy House, who made a clean sweep of the Junior, Senior and overall competition.
Mercy Day is one of the most special days in our school calendar and again this year, I was filled with immense pride in our community as students looked out for each other, celebrated the talents of others and worked together to sell all sorts of baked goods, fairy floss or books. It was enriching to see our students engaged whole heartedly in the day taking every opportunity to have fun and celebrate our community.
On Tuesday evening we celebrated the skills and talents of our GSV sporting teams at the 2026 Sports Evening. Holly Griffiths, alumni of OLMC from the class of 2022 was our guest speaker. In her speech, she shared with us her journey to become a College Basketball player in the USA. She was inspirational, generously sharing with us moments of joy and those of challenge. The wisdom she shared with the audience was inspirational. So many of our current students spent time with Holly at the end of the night. Her generosity and commitment to OLMC is very much appreciated.
Our students have participated in GSV, other organised external sporting competitions and House based sporting activities in very strong numbers. It was a privilege to be part of the evening recognising the grit, determination, commitment and skill of all who have represented themselves and our school so admirably. Congratulations to all who received an award.
This is our last newsletter for the term. For our senior students this is the beginning of the most challenging part of their year as we go into the break our Year 12 students are beginning their exam preparations and we wish them all the very best. Trial exams will take place during the break for all students undertaking a Unit 3 and 4 study.
We wish all at OLMC a wonderful break and a chance to enjoy some time with family and friends.
