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.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy is celebrated on 24 September, the same date on which Catherine McAuley opened the doors of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin in 1827.

Across the world and throughout different cultures, Mary has long been honoured as Our Lady of Mercy, the mother who reflects God’s compassion and extends her loving protection to those in need.

She is known:

• in Italian as Madonna della Misericordia – Mother of Mercy
• in German as Schutzmantelmadonna – Sheltering-Cloak Madonna
• in Spanish as Virgen de la Merced or Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia
• in French as Notre-Dame de la Merci
• in Polish as Matka Boża Miłosierdzia
• in Portuguese as Nossa Senhora das Mercês
• in Catalan as Mare de Déu de la Mercè
• in Greek as Παναγιά του ἐλέους

Although expressed through different languages and cultures, the image is the same: Mary as a mother of mercy, compassion and protection, gathering people into her loving embrace.

It is fitting that Catherine's House of Mercy opened on this feast day. Like the traditional image of Our Lady of Mercy extending her cloak to shelter those in need, Catherine opened the doors of Baggot Street to women and children who needed education, protection, dignity and care. From those doors grew the Mercy tradition that continues throughout the world today.

On this Mercy Day, may Mercy people everywhere continue to look for ways to extend that same embrace, becoming God’s loving and merciful presence in our world, especially to those most in need.

Happy Mercy Day!

God of Mercy

You call us to follow the example of Jesus

and to make Your

compassion visible in our world.

As we give thanks on this Mercy Day

and for 180 years of Mercy in Australia,

help us receive this tradition as a responsibility for today.

May we act justly, serve humbly, walk alongside others and,

whatever we do, do it with all our heart.

Through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Image from: https://www.worldhistory.org/i...

Happy Mercy Day to all members of our OLMC community! This was a wonderful occasion of community, connection and celebration on Thursday 17 September, with time for us to pause, pray and ponder during our special Mass; engage in fun activities and festive food; and share talents across our year levels and houses during our House Arts Performances. Thank you to all students and staff who attended, supported and enjoyed our celebration of Mercy Day.

For Mercy Day 2026, Melbourne-based Sister of Mercy, Mary Wickham RSM, has published a new poem called Septembers:

September in Ireland can be mild, as the days mellow into Autumn.

Inevitably there will be rain, but the sun still tinges the scene,

the pungency of peat smoke intensifies

and the land hunkers down for the darknesses.

Born in a September and given a name,

Catherine Elizabeth gazes from one of the windows of Coolock,

its panes and muntin wood recalling the Cross,

the mystery that owns and guides her.

She surveys with affection the expansive fields,

a fertile region of crops and limestone quarries-

her home, her workplace, her circle for twenty years.

The air here is clear and healthy, brisk from the Irish Sea.

Perhaps she idly imagines mellowing into her own Autumn-

as a spinster nudging fifty, she has lived well beyond

the average lifespan of an Irish woman of her time,

and already done her share of care and sheltering,

faithful tending and wound watching.

Despite mild appearances, she is not average,

what beckons her is neither Autumn nor Winter,

and what calls her is not mild but bold,

bolder than she can ever envisage- a Spring for the ages,

seeds long latent splitting open to push the friable darkness

and greet the sun and the inevitable rain,

to become an unlikely flourish of blossom and fruit

in the midst of the fretfully fetid air of the city.

As she gazes from the window,

in these busy interim years between Coolock and Baggot St,

years of change and finish, loss and unexpected gains,

where grace introduces hope to opportunity,

she does not yet know that Septembers will soon change forever.

She will have the key to the door in Baggot St by September 1827,

to deal with and heal the aftermath of an enslaved people,

a deprived society: denied education, worship, property, language-

deprived but rising in a liberation ripe for guidance.

She does not yet know that she and the house will begin life together

of all days on day twenty-four of a September-

Feast of the liberation of the enslaved,

feast of the strongest and most tender of women.

Catherine Elizabeth will then let play on her tongue the word mercy,

that has long been a tenant in her heart,

and she will release her heart to inhabit the house

so gracefully and gratefully named.

For now, these Septembers before, she is between.

In right time she will cross the threshold of her new home,

a home for others, a home with others,

a home for nourishment of mind, spirit and body-

school, shelter, soup kitchen, singing-sanctuary,

sacred-solace, society of good works, circle of friends.

Born, like her, in September, a September yet to come,

and given a name - The House - of Mercy.

In the lead up to the official Mercy Day (24 September), you might like to engage in this Zoom hosted by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG). Click here or see the flyer below for more information.

Once again, Happy Mercy Day! Best wishes and every blessing for a safe and restful break during these September school holidays.

We've had a busy term with great collections and donations to our initiatives.

- The best total ever for our Horizon Stalls! $1026 donated to the Exodus Community

- A small but positive gathering for our Sudan Crisis Fundraiser

- A big collection for the Period Poverty Drive, with Year 7s and 8s doing particularly well with their donations of toiletries for McAuley for Women and Children

We had a lovely visit again from Nahla and Shereen. They are supported by PARA and Exodus, and we were pleased to hear of their successes in receiving visas, studying, and obtaining driver’s licences since they arrived two years ago, fleeing war in Palestine. Nahla created a beautiful artwork on wood, an image of a tree, which depicts our learning and has student names at its roots. The power of education to bring growth, stability and opportunity, was evident from listening to Nahla and Sheree. Their message was warmly received by the students.

Anita Galli
Social Justice Coordinator

Conversations about the role of technology in education continue to evolve as schools seek the best ways to support student learning. Recent international research, including findings from the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), has highlighted concerns about increasing device use and declining achievement in areas such as reading and mathematics among adolescents. In response, Victorian secondary schools will be expected to incorporate planned device-free learning time into classroom programs from Term 1, 2027, while technology will continue to be used where it has a clear educational purpose.

Victoria is not alone in this approach. The NSW Government has announced recommended daily screen time limits for public schools from 2027, with plans for these measures to become mandatory from 2028. Under the proposed guidelines, device use will be capped according to year level, reflecting a growing national focus on ensuring that technology enhances learning rather than becoming the default mode of instruction.

At Our Lady of Mercy College, this direction aligns strongly with our LEARN Instructional Model, which already promotes a balanced approach to teaching and learning. LEARN intentionally combines the benefits of digital technologies with dedicated opportunities for students to learn away from screens through reading physical texts, writing by hand, direct teacher instruction, classroom discussion, collaboration and practical learning experiences. Technology remains an important tool in the learning process, but its use is purposeful, targeted and designed to enrich student understanding rather than replace high-impact teaching practices.

By balancing online and offline learning experiences, we aim to develop students who are both confident digital citizens and thoughtful, engaged learners. This approach supports the development of literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, communication and concentration while ensuring our students are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital world.

At OLMC, we are not reducing learning in our use of technology. We are ensuring technology is used with purpose, while preserving the rich learning experiences that occur through reading, writing, discussion, reflection and human connection.

Over the past few weeks, students across Years 7 to 12 have been busy completing a wide range of assessments. From preparing and performing scenes from Romeo and Juliet, to applying measurement skills while designing a park, to demonstrating their understanding of astronomy, students have been drawing on the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the semester.

As we move into Term 4, attention will increasingly turn to examinations and tests. Our Unit 3 & 4 VCE students will soon commence their final exams, while students in Years 10 and 11, and those in 9A to 9D, will undertake end-of-semester examinations from mid-November.

One of the challenges of any test or exam is being able to successfully recall what has been learned and then apply that knowledge in the way the assessment requires. While many students are tempted to leave their revision until the last minute, research tells us that effective learning is not achieved through a night of cramming. Instead, long-term success comes from revisiting, recalling and applying knowledge over time.

This idea is supported by the work of German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. In the late nineteenth century, Ebbinghaus conducted a series of experiments to better understand how memory works. His research led to the development of what is now known as the forgetting curve’. The forgetting curve demonstrates that, unless we actively revisit information, much of what we learn begins to fade soon after we have encountered it and continues to diminish over time.

Fortunately, the research also points to an effective solution. To strengthen memory and improve retention, students need to interrupt the forgetting curve through a process known as spaced retrieval practice.

Spaced retrieval involves repeatedly recalling information over an extended period of time. Rather than studying a topic intensely in a single session, students revisit content regularly, gradually increasing the time between reviews. This might begin with revising material several times in a week, then moving to weekly reviews. The effort involved in trying to remember information helps strengthen memory, making it easier to recall in the future.

Importantly, effective revision requires students to actively engage with their learning. Simply re-reading notes, while common, has been shown to be one of the least effective revision strategies. Instead, students are encouraged to use approaches that require them to think as they consolidate their understanding, and as they retrieve information from memory.

Across the year levels, students are introduced to a variety of evidence-based revision strategies that support long-term learning. These include creating summary notes using structured templates, developing mnemonics, constructing mind maps, using flash cards and completing practice questions. Each of these approaches helps students strengthen their understanding and move knowledge from short-term memory into long-term memory.

As families support students in the lead up to the Semester Two exam period, encouraging regular, spaced revision sessions can make a significant difference. Short, consistent periods of revision completed over several weeks are far more effective than last-minute cramming, and ongoing retrieval practice helps students build confidence in their ability to recall and apply what they have learned.

Our Year 12 students in French, Italian and Japanese, in addition to some students that study a language externally to school, will soon undertake one of the most significant assessments in their language-learning journey: the VCE Oral Examination. They are now busy preparing in and out of class for these exams that are scheduled for the first week of Term 4.

This external assessment allows students to demonstrate their speaking skills, cultural understanding, and ability to communicate confidently in another language. The oral examination consists of two parts. In the first section, students participate in a general conversation with assessors. They discuss topics such as their family, interests, school experiences and future plans. This allows students to demonstrate their ability to communicate naturally and respond spontaneously in real-life situations.

The second section focuses on a detailed study that students have researched in class. Each student selects a topic connected to the language and culture they are studying and develops an in-depth understanding of the subject. In 2026, the French students focused on the topic ‘Feminism in France’, the Italian students on ‘Made in Italy’, and the Japanese students on ‘Ekiben’ (Japanese train lunch boxes). During the exam, they present their knowledge, discuss their findings and answer questions from assessors. This component enables students to showcase more sophisticated language skills while demonstrating independent learning and critical thinking.

Our students have participated in conversations and mock oral exams to build both fluency and confidence. In addition, each language area has a conversation tutor with whom they have weekly one-to-one sessions. In the coming weeks, they will continue practising their speaking skills, refining their detailed study responses and developing strategies to manage nerves and perform at their best.

The benefits of language learning extend well beyond the classroom. Studying a language helps students develop communication skills, cultural awareness and adaptability. It also encourages them to view the world from different perspectives and prepares them for opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global community.

The Languages team would like to wish our students all the best for not only the upcoming oral exams but also the written language exams later in November.

Bonne chance! In Bocca Al Lupo! Ganbatte!

James Stavretis
Languages Learning Leader

Congratulations to our DAT Year 12 students who have now submitted their SATs (folios) for final assessment!

These SATs represent between 40–60% of the total final study score in Media, Art and VCD, making this a truly mammoth task. It has been fantastic to see the commitment, creativity and perseverance of our students, and the quality of the outcomes they have produced.

A huge congratulations also to the parents and teachers who have supported our students throughout the process. Getting these folios completed is truly a team effort, and it is wonderful to see that hard work come together!

To see all the fruits of our labour this year, please come to the annual Art Show being held on Wednesday 14 October between 4.00 - 5.30pm in the Frayne Building at OLMC. More details to follow!

SAVE THE DATE!

Mark Jenkinson
Design, Art and Technology Learning Leader

What an incredible Term 3 it has been for our Year 7 students! As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, we have much to celebrate and be proud of.

Our students have achieved some wonderful results across a range of activities. We are particularly excited to celebrate the achievements of our Year 7 Aerobics students, who have performed exceptionally well, with a couple of groups earning their place at Nationals. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a wonderful reflection of their dedication and teamwork. We cannot wait to hear how they have gone and wish them every success as they take on this exciting opportunity on the Gold Coast.

Our Year 7 students have enjoyed some excellent results in DAV Debating. It has been fantastic to see students confidently developing their ability to communicate ideas, listen to different perspectives and express themselves thoughtfully. We may well have some future politicians, lawyers and public speakers in the making!

Academically, the effort our Year 7 students have demonstrated throughout the term has been impressive. Their approach to assessments, along with their commitment to their daily learning, continues to develop. We are particularly pleased to see the motivation and persistence students are demonstrating, even when learning becomes challenging.

Beyond their academic achievements, it is the growth we are seeing in our students as young people that is perhaps most pleasing. The continual respect shown towards teachers and one another is to be commended. Students are developing greater resilience and maturity when faced with challenges, and we are seeing an increasing willingness to take initiative when dealing with difficult situations. Most importantly, our students are learning that their voice matters. Seeing them speak up in a respectful manner, share their ideas and contribute positively to their community is a wonderful part of their Year 7 journey.

Another highlight of the term was celebrating their first Mercy Day. The excitement and enthusiasm shown by our students made the day particularly special. They also embraced the opportunity to perform at House Arts, with students rehearsing throughout the term and putting in an enormous amount of effort to prepare their performances. Their commitment, creativity and willingness to contribute to their Houses has been wonderful to see.

It is hard to believe that we have only one more term before we begin looking towards Year 8. This year has certainly flown by! Term 4 promises to be another busy and exciting term, with students looking forward to participating in GSV Basketball, as well as preparing for a range of assessments and continuing to build on the progress they have made this year.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 7 students have embraced the opportunities and challenges of 2026. We look forward to finishing the year strongly and beginning to prepare them for the exciting next chapter of their journey into Year 8. For now, we wish all our Year 7 students a restful, safe and wonderful holiday.

Deb Butterworth
Year 7 Level Coordinator

GSV Representative Cross Country

On Friday 21 August, Lucy C represented OLMC at the 2026 GSV Rep Cross Country Event at

Caulfield Grammar! Running against tough competition from APS, AGSV, and CGSAV, she

crossed the line 6th overall with a fast time of 14:34.4. Even better, that placed her 2nd for the

entire GSV squad! Amazing job, Lucy!

Results -

• 1st – GSV (47)

• 2nd – AGSV (61)

• 3rd – APS (97)

• 4th – CGSAV (110)

2026 Gymstar Secondary Competition

Also taking place on Friday 21 August, 29 OLMC students, ably coached by alumni Hayley Game and Charlotte Daffey, participated in the Gymnastics Victoria Gymstar Secondary Competition at Knox Gymnastics Centre. OLMC Students trained all of Term 2 to master their routines and under the supervision of Ms Daly, were rewarded with many placings and medals for their efforts. A big thank you to Hayley and Charlotte for their coaching and to Ms Daly for her commitment to this program.

Netball Vic School Secondary Championship Qualifiers

Huge shoutout to our nine Senior students who competed at the Netball Vic State Championships on Thursday 3 September. After an intense afternoon of netball, the girls finished 4th overall in their division.

Such a fantastic achievement, we’re so proud of their effort! A massive thank you to Lara Tierney and alumni Sarah Bult for coaching and supporting the team throughout the day.

GSV Athletics Finals Night

After an incredible performance in the Athletics Championships, we are pleased to announce that we had 10 students from Year 7 to 12 proceeding to the GSV Finals Night on Tuesday 8 September. Congratulations to Natalie M and Emily M for winning their respective throwing events.

Herald Sun Shield Grand Final

Our Senior Football team made the Grand Final against Padua College. It took place at Latrobe University, Tony Sheehan Oval on Tuesday 8 September. OLMC lost to Padua College in a hard-fought match with the final score OLMC 22 points to Padua College 72 points. Congratulation to all players and coaches.

Celebration of Sport Awards Night

OLMC Sport Department conducted the 2026 Celebration of Sport Evening (recognising sport achievements of OLMC students in GSV and other sporting events from Term 4 2025 – Term 3 2026) on Tuesday evening this week.

Our special guest speaker was Ms Holly Griffiths (Class of 2022). Holly is an accomplished alumni who has taken her game to the highest levels of U.S. Division 1 college basketball. She shared her journey, key lessons, and insights with our sporting community.

Congratulation to our 2026 Sportswoman of the Year - Hanna W (12M4) and to the many other winners on the night.

2026 OLMC Aerobics Program Nationals Championships

A total of 32 OLMC students qualified for the Gymnastics Australia - Aeroschools Championships on the Gold Coast. Each student has been training to master their routines to perform at this event which took place Wednesday and Thursday this week. Congratulations to all our competitors.

Trevor Robertson
Sports Coordinator

Recently, I participated in the GymStar gymnastics competition, representing Gymnastics Victoria. Before the competition, I was nervous and excited at the same time.

I competed in bars, beam, floor, vault, rings and parallel bars. My favourite event was floor, and my favourite part of my routine was the Spiderman handstand because it is something I am really good at.

I received seven medals in total — one team medal and six individual overall medals.

When I first received my medals, I felt unsure. I pointed to myself, questioning whether I had really won! When I got onto the podium, I felt happy and thrilled. I was most proud of myself when I stood on that podium, even though I had been completely shocked and speechless beforehand.

There were challenging moments during the competition as well. I almost fell headfirst off the bars and had to bring my hips back to the bar while doing my chin-up pullover into two casts. I have to give a special mention to Natalia B (12M2), the captain, and my teammates, who helped me keep going because they were really supportive and encouraging.

If another student was feeling nervous about trying something new, I would tell them:

‘Don’t give up and try your best. Even if you’re feeling nervous, that means you care about what you’re doing. You can always take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves, but always try your best.’

Even the world's most accomplished gymnasts, including Simone Biles, have spoken openly about experiencing nerves and pressure. This is a reminder that trusting your preparation, giving something a go and continuing when things become difficult are achievements in themselves, regardless of the final result.

For me, this competition was an opportunity to do just that, to try my best, keep going and appreciate what I achieved.

A special thanks to Mr Robertson and Ms Daly for organising this competition and many others for OLMC students who participated and attended the Sports Awards evening.

Ruby E (12A5)

OLMC in conjunction with Marcellin College, are proud to host Jocelyn Brewer – a psychologist, cyberpsychology expert and founder of Digital Nutrition. Jocelyn will be presenting on raising calm, capable and connected teens in the age of algorithms and AI. For further information, please see the attached flyer.

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.