November is a season of remembrance and reflection. Through All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, we pause to remember those who have gone before us, to give thanks for the lives they lived and the gifts they shared, and to honour those whose deep faith called them to lives of service, particularly in support of those most in need.
This week we also marked Remembrance Day, a time to honour all those who have served in times of war and conflict. As we remember their courage and sacrifice, we are also reminded of our shared responsibility to work for peace, to seek understanding through dialogue and to bring healing and reconciliation where it is needed.
For OLMC and the broader Mercy community, 11 November holds a special significance as the anniversary of the death of Catherine McAuley. Catherine’s legacy continues to inspire us through the way we live our Mercy values and respond to the needs of others. Her example reminds us that small acts of courage, compassion, justice and joy can make a profound difference in the lives of those around us.
This is also an exciting week for the cast and crew of the M² Junior production, I Hate Shakespeare!, led by the team from Marcellin College. Our students have worked with great energy and commitment through rehearsals and preparations, and we are looking forward to seeing all of that hard work come together on stage. We wish everyone involved a wonderful opening night on Friday and every success for the performances ahead.
Across the College, students are now nearing the end of their formal assessments, whether through classroom-based tasks or examinations. Soon, attention will turn to Orientation and transition activities in preparation for the year ahead. This important period provides students with an opportunity to reflect on what they have achieved, while also beginning to look forward with confidence and optimism to the next stage of their learning journey.
The coming weeks have been carefully planned to help students understand the expectations, opportunities and strategies that will support them as they move into their next year level. Every part of the program has a purpose, and we expect all students to be present, engaged and fully involved. We greatly appreciate the support of families in ensuring students make the most of these important experiences.
As the year moves quickly towards its conclusion, we will soon enter the season of Advent and begin our preparations for Christmas. Before then, however, there is still important work to be done. I encourage every student to make the most of these final weeks: stay engaged, finish well, support one another and continue striving to achieve your personal best.
As we move through this season of remembrance, transition and anticipation, may we do so with gratitude for all that has been, confidence in what lies ahead, and a continuing commitment to living with Courage, Compassion, Justice and Joy.
As I do each year, I share this prayer for exams in the hope that you might also share it with your child. In a small way, it may help to bring calm in the exam room.
Prayer For Exam
Come still my heart,
O Lord, calm my nerves and focus my mind.
Father, I lay before you everything I have studied.
May I channel all I have learnt into this exam.
Please give me the faith to believe I can pass this test,
Yet the peace to know that all is well.
Thank you that you are with me no matter what the result,
Thank you that your friendship is eternal.
Amen.
(a prayer for students taking an exam from www.lords-prayer-words.com)