This week, our Year 12 students celebrated the conclusion of their journey at OLMC with a fun-filled series of themed dress-up days. The highlight came on the final day, when the entire year level arrived dressed as Minions, bringing colour, laughter, and a wonderful sense of unity to the College. It was a joy to celebrate with them.

Today, we gathered for our final Year 12 Assembly, where we recognised and celebrated students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and successes within and beyond the classroom. These awards acknowledged both formal and informal leadership across many aspects of school life, and we congratulate all recipients for their contributions to our community.

On Monday evening, we will celebrate our Year 12 Graduation Mass and Graduation Ceremony. This special occasion provides an opportunity to acknowledge our students' achievements and to pray for God's blessings as they embark on the next stage of their journey. Following the ceremony, families, students, and staff will gather at the Hyatt Place Event Centre, Essendon Fields, to share a celebratory dinner, reflect on six memorable years at OLMC, and express gratitude for the support of parents, carers, and one another.

While these celebrations mark the end of formal classes for our Year 12 students, they do not signal the end of their relationship with OLMC. Our graduates will always remain part of our community, and they will continue to be remembered in our prayers and welcomed back as valued members of the OLMC family.

As they prepare for their final examinations, we wish all Year 12 students every success and offer the following prayer:

Prayer for Year 12 Students

God, we ask that they feel Your presence and closeness during this time.

Grant them calm hearts and quiet confidence, knowing that they are held safely in the palm of Your hand.

Bless them with clarity of thought, keen understanding, and a retentive memory.

Guide them in their learning, help them to grasp concepts clearly, and support them as they complete each examination to the best of their ability.

Holy Spirit, fill them with Your gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and courage.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Author: Mr John O'Sullivan

This week, we were delighted to host our annual Art Show and the Year 10-12 Cabaret Evening. These events showcased the remarkable artistic and musical talents of our students and provided families and friends with the opportunity to celebrate their achievements.

It was wonderful to see such strong support from our community; however, even more inspiring was the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the creative, courageous, and thought-provoking work produced by our young people. Creating art is a deeply personal process and sharing it with others requires great courage. We thank all our students who generously allowed us to see the world through their eyes and experience their unique perspectives.

World Teachers' Day – Friday 30 October

Australia will celebrate World Teachers' Day on Friday 30 October. This year's theme, promoted by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), is ‘Shine a Light on Teachers.’

World Teachers' Day provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication, passion, and expertise of teachers. Every day, our teachers support not only the academic development of students but also their personal growth, wellbeing, and aspirations.

We encourage students, families, and the wider community to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge teachers, both within OLMC and across Australia, for the invaluable contribution they make to the lives of young people.

As Term 4 progresses, students are engaged in their final units of study for the year. Students in Years 9-11 have now made important decisions regarding their programs and pathways for 2027 through the subject selection process. We hope these choices provide inspiration and motivation for students to continue striving for their personal best as they look ahead to the opportunities that await them.

Mental Health

This month, Pope Leo XIV invites the Church to pray for those experiencing mental health challenges and for all who support them. He calls us to be an ‘open house’ where every person is welcomed with compassion, dignity and hope. The Pope also encourages us to acknowledge the stigma that can surround mental illness and to work together to create communities of understanding, care and inclusion.

Prayer

Loving God,

We pray for all who live with anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, or other mental health challenges.

May they know they are deeply loved, never alone, and always welcome in our community.

Bless families, friends, teachers, health professionals and carers who walk alongside those in need.

Help us to be people of compassion, ready to listen, to support, and to bring hope.

Through the intercession of St Dymphna, patron saint of mental health, may your healing peace be with all who are struggling today.

Amen.

Image above from: https://novena.com/2016/05/11/saint-dymphna/

Class Masses

During Terms 3 and 4, our Year 7, 8 and 9 Religious Education classes have had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist together in the College Chapel. Gathering in this sacred space, where generations of Sisters of Mercy, students, and staff have encountered God's loving presence, has been a meaningful experience for our young people and a reminder of the central place of the Eucharist in our community's faith.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our College Chaplain, Fr Vinh Nguyen, Parish Priest of St John's Parish, Heidelberg, and to the Passionist priests who have so generously celebrated these Masses throughout the year: Fr Kevin Hennessy CP, Fr Tri Cao Van CP, Fr Erick Niyiragira CP, and Fr Joseph Dominic Tan CP. Their ministry, presence and willingness to share their faith have enriched the spiritual life of our College and helped our students deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and the Gospel.

We thank them for their generous service to our OLMC community.

Reconciliation Action Plan

As a Mercy community committed to justice, respect and reconciliation, OLMC is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This important work is being guided by local Elders, First Nations students and their families, and College staff as we seek to deepen our understanding, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful opportunities for reconciliation within our community.

We warmly invite members of the OLMC community who have a particular interest, experience or expertise in First Nations perspectives, cultures or reconciliation to become involved in this journey. If you would like to contribute, please contact Shane Taylor at staylor@olmc.vic.edu.au.

Together, we hope to continue building a community that listens, learns and walks respectfully with First Nations peoples.

Young Mercy Links: Mercy Beyond OLMC

Last Friday, our Year 12 students welcomed Angela Scarafilo from Young Mercy Links Victoria, who spoke about the many ways the Mercy charism continues to be lived in Australia and around the world. Through stories of partnership, service and advocacy, Angela highlighted how Mercy Works supports communities experiencing disadvantage and works alongside people to create opportunities through education, community development and social justice initiatives.

As our Year 12 students prepare to complete their time at OLMC, Angela's visit offered an important invitation: that graduation is not the end of their connection to the Mercy tradition, but the beginning of a new chapter in living it. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, community involvement, professional work or daily acts of compassion, students were encouraged to consider how they might continue Catherine McAuley's mission of responding to the needs of the world around them.

We thank Angela for sharing her experience and passion with our students and for reminding them that the call to live with mercy, justice and courage extends far beyond their years at school. As they prepare for life beyond OLMC, we hope they will continue to be women of Mercy who make a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of others.

Young Mercy Links Victoria

Welcome to Term 4! I hope our OLMC students and staff had a lovely break, with opportunities for R&R and time with loved ones, and that Term 4 has started well. I am conscious that our VCE students and teachers have been busy with the completion of their final assessments and/or preparation for exams. As we celebrate and farewell our Class of 2026, we give thanks for their contributions and achievements during their time at OLMC. May our shared values of courage, compassion, justice and joy continue to inspire our Year 12 students beyond OLMC, and we wish them well for the next chapter of their life journey.

Sunday 4 October was the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1181/82-1226), which also concluded the 2026 Season of Creation. This year marked 800 years since the death and transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, which was celebrated with great gusto in Italy with a national holiday (for the first time in half a century) and special commemorations in Assisi. For more on this, click here and here.

Last Monday 12 October was the second Feast Day of St. Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), who was recently canonised on 7 September 2025 and is being called ‘the Millennial Saint,’ having died of leukemia at 15 years of age on 12 October 2006. English-born St. Carlo was known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist, generosity and charitable works, as well as his positive use of computers, coding and programming to proclaim the Gospel, and is the patron saint of computer programmers and youth; therefore, he serves as a modern role model for young people of faith, especially in this digital age and time of artificial intelligence. A first-class relic of St. Carlo is currently making its way around Australia, including Melbourne around this time. For more on this, click here and here.

'The best thanksgiving consists in amendment of life, silence, meekness, charity, humility and generosity.’ ~ attributed to Venerable Catherine McAuley (founder of the Sisters of Mercy), taken from According to Catherine: Words of Wisdom from Catherine McAuley, A Thematic Approach by Sr Bonaventure Brennan RSM (Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy Dublin, 2003).

Like Sts. Francis of Assisi and Carlo Acutis, Venerable Catherine McAuley regularly prayed and received Holy Communion, acknowledged her faults and failings, counted her blessings, and reflected on how her life imitates Jesus Christ and emulates the Gospel. As members of a Catholic school community that is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, guided by the example of Mary, the Mother of God, and grounded in the charism of mercy and spirituality of Catherine McAuley, we are encouraged to do the same. May we find time and space for silence, stillness and savouring of all God’s creation, and to soak up this spring sunshine.

We enjoyed spending three days with children from the Exodus Youth Group over the September holidays. On Monday, we had a magician visit and entertain us, with lots of balloon animals made at the end - for kids big and small! On Tuesday we enjoyed an Australian endangered animals and reptiles incursion. Wednesday gave us good weather for our Possum Hollow excursion, we had fun in the park and breakfast out.

Every day, we shared meals made by OLMC students, did craft and games together, and lots of cricket and other sports in the gym and Marylands. It was the amount of time shared that really built relationships and a sense of community. We know that parents would have appreciated holiday activities for their children and down time for themselves, too.

A very big thankyou and well done to our OLMC staff and students in Years 9 to 11. They gave a significant amount of time in their holidays to allow this program to run. It's a much-anticipated annual event that the primary school aged children in the Exodus Community really enjoy.

The buddies, helpers, and chefs did an exemplary job in creating fun and meaningful memories for the children who attended.

Thankyou!

Anita Galli
Social Justice Coordinator

As we commence Term 4, I extend a warm welcome to all students, families and staff as we begin what is always a vibrant, rewarding and eventful final term of the school year. There is a distinctive sense of energy that accompanies this time of year. Longer days, warmer weather and the anticipation of key milestones create a renewed focus as we work towards the celebrations, achievements and important moments that mark the conclusion of another successful year.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 12 students for the commitment and determination they demonstrated during the practice examinations held over the school holidays. These examinations are not intended as a final measure of achievement; rather, they provide students with a valuable opportunity to experience examination conditions, refine their strategies and strengthen their preparedness. The most important reflection after a practice exam is not, ‘What mark did I receive?’ but, ‘What have I learned that will help me improve?’ We encourage students to use the insights and feedback gained to guide their final preparations.

The weeks ahead are especially significant for our Year 12 students. This final chapter of their secondary schooling is often accompanied by excitement, anticipation and, understandably, some nervousness. The upcoming Graduation Mass will provide a meaningful opportunity for our community to gather in gratitude and celebrate the journey our students have undertaken. It is also a time to acknowledge the families, staff and friends who have supported them throughout their years at OLMC.

Beyond these celebrations lies the final phase of preparation for the VCE examinations. These remaining weeks present an opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, deepen their understanding and approach their studies with focus and purpose. Success is rarely accidental; it is the product of consistent effort, discipline and perseverance. We strongly encourage students to continue to access to their teachers’ expertise and support in the lead-up to each examination and make the most of this opportunity.

For students in Years 7 to 11, the message remains equally important: stay focused, stay engaged and finish the year strongly. Consistent attendance, positive learning habits and sustained effort throughout the term will ensure a successful conclusion to 2026 while laying a strong foundation for future growth and achievement.

As we embark on this final term together, I encourage every member of our community to embrace the opportunities ahead, support one another and take pride in the achievements that will undoubtedly unfold in the weeks to come – ‘Finish Strong. Step Forward.’

Protecting Children’s Privacy Online

The online world offers many opportunities for learning and connection, but it also requires children to navigate how their personal information is used. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is currently developing a Children’s Online Privacy Code to strengthen protections for children and young people under 18. The Code will place additional responsibilities on online services to ensure children’s personal information is handled safely and responsibly.

Families play an important role in supporting children’s online privacy. Simple steps such as reviewing privacy settings, checking app permissions, discussing what information is appropriate to share online, and encouraging children to seek help from a trusted adult can make a significant difference in promoting safe digital participation.

Recent changes announced by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will see a range of safety features automatically enabled for young users. These changes follow concerns about the impact of some app design features on children’s wellbeing and mental health. I encourage parents and carers to explore these settings with their children and use them as an opportunity to promote safe, responsible, and balanced engagement with technology. These changes were highlighted in a recent article in The Guardian.

The following resources will provide families with additional information and support:

OAIC Children’s Online Privacy Code

Advice for Parents around Privacy

The Learning Commons and English Learning Area work closely together throughout the year to provide students with a range of creative writing opportunities. Each Tuesday, students are invited to work with teachers and other students to hone their writing skills and workshop their writing.

An annual tradition took place late last term with 23 enthusiastic students participating in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ competition. This involves students working collectively to write and illustrate an entire story in just one day based on a range of provided prompts.

The staff involved were impressed with the way the students worked together to support and encourage one another to make their shared story the best it could be. You can read their final stories below:

Plummeting with Pizzazz

The CAW-cophony At The CAW-ncert

The Elf of the Sydney Opera House

All students who are keen to explore creative writing are encouraged to get involved with the Creative Writing Club next year and to enter one of the many competitions on offer.

Anna Apfelstedt
Learning Commons Coordinator

Anne Morrison
English Learning Area Leader

A Look at Learning in Religious Education

We've been very busy and engaged in the Religious Education (RE) classrooms!

Our Year 8 RE students have started a fascinating unit as they delve into all things Christmas. Specifically, they are studying the Nativity stories as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This close examination helps them understand the similarities and differences between the two stories and their impact on how we celebrate Christmas today.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 Religion and Society students have been showcasing their historical understanding and presentation skills. They are currently delivering their Socratic Circles Oral Presentations on the compelling topic of how religion has changed throughout history in Australia. The level of research and thoughtful debate has been great to see.

Year 11 Reflection Day: Preparing for Leadership

On Thursday 22 October, our Year 11 students will participate in their special Reflection Day. It is a valuable opportunity for them to step away from the usual classroom structure and focus on community and personal growth. They will spend the day connecting with each other and, significantly, focusing on their crucial role as leaders for the upcoming 2027 school year. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the school community.

Grace Austin
Religious Education Learning Leader

This term, our Year 8 students are getting active on two wheels as they develop their confidence, skills and knowledge through our Bike Riding unit. The unit provides students with opportunities to improve their bike handling, fitness and safety awareness while developing the skills needed to participate confidently in active recreation.

Students begin on the Maryland Field, focusing on bike checks, safe riding practices and fundamental riding skills. In their second session, the students head out onto Heidelberg’s local bike trails. These sessions provide an authentic opportunity to practise riding with others, navigating shared pathways and making safe decisions in a public environment. We are so lucky to be surrounded by Heidelberg’s beautiful network of bike tracks, which allows students to take their learning beyond the school grounds.

Teresa Cerra
Health and Physical Education Learning Leader

Performing in front of an audience takes confidence and courage, particularly when performing as a soloist in an intimate cabaret setting. On Tuesday this week, approximately 40 of our Senior students embraced this challenge, sharing their musical talents with an audience of more than 100 family members, friends and teachers.

The Senior Cabaret Evening provides students undertaking instrumental music lessons at OLMC with a valuable opportunity to showcase their learning and celebrate their musical progress. With performances on drums, saxophone, violin, viola, piano and voice, the evening featured an impressive variety of styles and repertoire, ranging from Chopin to Metallica. Every student brought their own personality and musicality to the stage, making for a confident and entertaining evening.

For our Year 10 students, this was their first experience performing in this setting, while for our Year 12 students, it marked their final cabaret performance as OLMC students. We are incredibly proud of every performer and the dedication they demonstrated throughout the process of preparing, rehearsing and presenting their work.

The evening also provided an opportunity to thank our 2026 Arts Captains, Olivia and Lara, for their contributions, and to welcome our enthusiastic 2027 Arts Captains, Ava and Amelia.

To our graduating Year 12 students, thank you for the commitment, enthusiasm and joy you have brought to the OLMC Instrumental Music Program. We hope you continue to pursue music in whatever form it takes in your future and that you look back fondly on the friendships, experiences and wonderful memories you have made as part of our music community.

Jo-Anne Mileto
Instrumental Music Coordinator

OLMC Second-Hand Uniform Sale - A fundraising opportunity for the Exodus Community, West Heidelberg

Each year OLMC Parents’ Association support the Second-Hand Uniform Sale to raise much needed funds for the Exodus Community in West Heidelberg. The outgoing Year 12 students kindly donate many items of Summer, Winter and PE uniform.

This is a great opportunity to pick up any uniform items you may need for your child in 2027. There are many items in a variety of sizes available at only 50% of the retail price.

The 2026 Second-Hand Uniform Sale will be held on the following dates:

Friday 27 November 4.00pm to 7.00pm

and

Saturday 28 November 9.00am to 1.00pm

OLMC Heagerty Room, 39 Yarra Street, Heidelberg

Bookings are essential and will run in 15-minute time slots.

Bookings will open at 9.00am on Friday 13 November.

To book a time slot please go to https://www.trybooking.com/DQLEJ

or go to Trybooking.com and search OLMC.

Please note - Payment is by eftpos or credit card.

If you have any queries please contact Monica Agius, Community Development Coordinator.

T: 9455 7571 E: magius@olmc.vic.edu.au

Monica Agius
Community Development Coordinator

The OLMC Parents' Association is excited to announce the 2026 End of Year Raffle! Ticket sales open Friday 23 October.

St. John's Catholic Parish Heidelberg invite you to join with them in celebrating their 175th Anniversary Weekend on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026.

St Martin of Tours Primary School invite you to their Trivia Night on Friday 6 November. All funds raised will go towards St Martin's new senior playground.

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.