Welcome back to Term 2 and another very busy and lively time at OLMC.

On Easter Monday, the world learnt of the passing of Pope Francis. As a Catholic community, we are now in the nine-day period of mourning. Each day staff and students are invited to share in prayer for Pope Francis. We are now looking forward to the election of a new Pope, and we pray for all the Cardinals who are eligible to vote, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit to elect a Pope who will lead us through the tumultuous times the world finds itself in at the moment.

It is important as a community that we reflect on the legacy Pope Francis has gifted us. His encyclical Fratelli Tutti emphasised the importance of our humanity, reminding us that we are all fellow human beings, no matter our race, colour or faith. Pope Francis spoke powerfully about our role in caring for all of God’s creation. His encyclical Laudato Si' reminds us of our responsibility to care for our common home, the Earth and all who are vulnerable to poverty and displacement.

Furthermore, we saw those words lived in the efforts of Pope Francis towards building bridges rather than walls within our diverse and interconnected world, the ability to listen respectfully to different perspectives and work towards common goals supporting all on the margins.

The final day of official mourning will be Sunday 4 May.

Last week we welcomed home a group of students accompanied by Ms Anita Galli and Ms Megan Edwards from a tour of Italy. No one would have anticipated that students from OLMC would be in Italy at the time of the passing of the Pope. Our students experienced a moment in history that I am sure they will hold in their memories forever. Congratulations to all students who were exemplary ambassadors for OLMC during their tour. We look forward to learning more about their adventures.

This year, in the week beginning Monday 2 June, we are trialing a new approach to the timing of camps and activities for students. It will be a busy week for staff and students but one we hope is energising. We are expecting all students to be fully involved in the activities planned for their year level and look forward to the support of our community.

We hope Term 2 is a successful term for all our students as they challenge themselves to reach new goals and experience all that OLMC has to offer.

OLMC’s Novendiales: Remembering Pope Francis

A Nine-Day Prayer Journey for our students, staff and community.

In our Catholic tradition, when a pope dies, the community enters a special time of prayer called the Novendiales — nine days of mourning and reflection. Each day focuses on the values and legacy the pope shared with the world.

Day 1: God’s Mercy is for Everyone

What did Pope Francis teach?
He told us that God never gives up on anyone. Mercy means love that forgives and welcomes.

Quote: ’Mercy is the Lord’s most powerful message’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Be kind and merciful, just like your Father in heaven.’ – Luke 6:36

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, help us show kindness and mercy, just like Pope Francis did.
Help us to forgive and love, even when it’s hard. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 2: Stand with the Poor

What did Pope Francis teach?
He said the Church should care most for people who are struggling—those without homes, jobs, or help.

Quote: ‘The poor are at the heart of the Gospel.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, open our eyes to people who need help.
Show us how to share what we have, and to be generous like Pope Francis. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 3: Care for the Earth

What did Pope Francis teach?
He said the Earth is a gift from God, and it’s our job to look after it—for ourselves and future generations.

Quote: ‘The Earth herself… cries out because of the harm we have done.’ – Laudato Si’
Scripture: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.’ – Psalm 24:1

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, help us take care of Your creation.
Let our actions protect the planet, like Pope Francis taught us.
Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 4: Talk with Respect

What did Pope Francis teach?
He encouraged people to talk, even when they disagree, and to always treat others with respect.

Quote: ‘Dialogue is born from respect for others.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.’ – James 1:19

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jesus, help us to listen first and speak kindly.
Teach us to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, like Pope Francis. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 5: Live Simply. Smile Often.

What did Pope Francis teach?
He lived simply and reminded us that joy is part of faith. Even small acts of love matter.

Quote: ‘Let us not lose the joy of the Gospel!’ – Evangelii Gaudium
Scripture: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always!’ – Philippians 4:4

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, thank You for the joy Pope Francis brought to the world.
Help us to be joyful, thankful, and kind each day. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 6: Go and Make a Difference

What did Pope Francis teach?
He said our faith should lead us to help others, not just stay in our comfort zones.

Quote: ‘The Church must go to the edges of society!’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ – Matthew 28:19

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, give us the courage to speak up, help out, and love boldly.
Like Pope Francis, may we live our faith in action. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 7: Everyone Deserves Respect

What did Pope Francis teach?
He believed every person is valuable—no matter their background, choices, or situation.

Quote: ‘Each person is holy and deserves our love.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘You are precious in my eyes, and I love you.’ – Isaiah 43:4

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jesus, help us to treat every person with care and respect.
May we see others the way You do. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 8: Listen with Your Heart

What did Pope Francis teach?
He wanted the Church to be a listening community, where everyone has a voice.

Quote: ‘The Church is called to listen.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Speak, Lord, I’m listening.’ – 1 Samuel 3:10

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, help us to listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts.
Like Pope Francis, help us make space for every voice. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 9: Always Choose Hope

What did Pope Francis teach?
He believed no matter how hard life gets, we should never give up. God is always with us.

Quote: ‘Let us not be robbed of hope!’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘May the God of hope fill you with peace.’ – Romans 15:13

Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God, thank You for Pope Francis and his faith in You.
Help us to be hopeful, joyful, and loving.
May we live with the trust that good will always rise. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

As a Mercy college, we live in the light of Easter. The Resurrection of Jesus assures us that death is not the end, but a doorway to eternal life. It is a promise that suffering will be transformed, darkness overcome, and love will have the final word.

Yet today, we also feel the weight of grief. With the death of Pope Francis, the Church mourns the loss of a humble shepherd, a courageous voice for the poor, the marginalised, and for our common home. He was a living witness to the Risen Christ—his life echoing the compassion, mercy, and simplicity of Jesus.

In this Easter season, we are reminded that resurrection does not deny the pain of death, but transfigures it. Pope Francis, who proclaimed the joy of the Gospel, now shares fully in the promise of the Resurrection he so faithfully preached.

Let us hold together our sorrow and our Easter hope. We give thanks for Pope Francis’ life and leadership, and we entrust him to the loving embrace of the God he served with his whole heart.

So we pray…

Risen Christ,
You broke the power of death and rose to bring us life.
In this Easter season, we rejoice in the empty tomb,
and the love that could not be defeated.

But today, our hearts are heavy.
You have called home your servant, Pope Francis,
who led your Church with humility, courage, and joy.

We thank you for his witness:
for the way he walked with the poor,
spoke out for justice,
and reminded us of your boundless mercy.

As we grieve, let us not be overcome by sorrow,
but renewed in faith—
faith in your Resurrection,
faith that Pope Francis now rests in your eternal peace.

Comfort your Church, O Lord.
Guide us through this time of mourning
with the same Spirit that raised you from the dead.
May we carry forward the joy of Easter,
in memory of a shepherd who loved your flock.

Amen.

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pope_Francis_hugs_a_man_in_his_visit_to_a_rehab_hospital.jpg

As we move into Term 2, we know that many students are seeking to find ways to extend themselves and prepare well for their end of Semester 1 exams. With exams for students in Years 10 and 11 in early June, students will be building revision time into their homework and study routines, as the evidence indicates that frequent spaced repetition leads to greater memory retention than cramming the night before.

In order to support students manage their time well, feel confident, organised, and challenge themselves to achieve their best, we have set aside some time to continue the development of their revision techniques and exam skills.

Year 10 Students

On Thursday 8 May Year 10 students will have two lessons designed to prepare for their first set of exams. Presenters will be both OLMC staff and external presenters from Elevate Education. Students will not only have the opportunity to develop exam preparation skills, but also how to manage stress and often an important skill, how to move on from an exam, even if it did not go as well as planned.

Year 11 Students

Year 11 students experienced the Year 10 program in 2024 so now is the time to refine their skills even further. Their focus will be on reviewing their revision strategies from previous years and managing their worries in the assessment, as well as in the lead-up to exams. This session for one lesson on Thursday 8 May will be led by Elevate Education, with their workshop ‘Study like a Sensei.’

Resources to support revision, time management and the exam experience can be found on the OLMC Study Skills website, with the link on SIMON.

On Friday 7 March, we caught a train to Melbourne Central and walked to RMIT University. There, along with several groups of students from other schools, we participated in an introduction to the BrainSTEM challenge.

We built a Lego model to illustrate our solution towards one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Then we discussed ‘Soft Skills’ as we completed a task to evaluate our shortcomings and objectives and upcoming experiences at BrainSTEM.

We had lunch and then met Elly, who is our mentor from Swinburne University of Technology. We have since met with Elly over Zoom, as she is guiding us through our project where we will be exploring a solution to a researched issue we are developing.

Overall, it was a great experience and we all enjoyed it.

Mirelle L (9H), Ritu A (9H), Alex B (9H) and Janet L (9H)

Last term, all Year 7 classes had an unforgettable experience when the Wild Action Zoo came to OLMC. The incursion was all about Australian animals.

We learnt about their classification, diets, habitats, and how each animal has adapted to survive in the wild. From sharp claws to sticky feet, every creature had a unique way of coping with its environment. For example, we were amazed to learn that the green tree frog has a grip like ‘super glue’, helping it stick to almost any surface!

We met an exciting mix of mammals, birds, and reptiles — including a python, flying fox, green tree frog, tawny frogmouth, a crocodile and even a wombat named Arthur. Some of us were even lucky enough to hold a few of the animals and have our photo taken!

A favourite in our Pastoral Group was the iguana. Its bold appearance gave some students a fright and others a thrill.

This incursion was a fantastic way to see animal adaptations in action, deepen our understanding of Australia’s amazing wildlife and help us to prepare for our own animal presentations!

By Anya H and Eloise B 7E

Reading

Struggling to find something good to read? Why not try one of the books in our general recommended reading lists? We also have ebooks and audiobooks available for students to borrow. Year 7 and 8 students also visit the Learning Commons fortnightly as part of their English program to discuss books and participate in various activities.

• Year 7 General Reading List
• Year 8 General Reading List
• Year 9 General Reading List
• Year 10 General Reading List
• OLMC eBooks and Audiobooks platform

Lunchtime Clubs and Activities

All students are welcome to get involved in the lunchtime activities on offer in the Learning Commons this year. Activities begin at 1.30 pm each day and further information will be available for students on SIMON.

• Creative Writing Club - Tuesday
• Craft Club - Wednesday
• Book Club - Friday (fortnightly)

For avid readers in Year 8-11 there will also be an opportunity to get involved in the Shadow Judging program again this year. Information will be available on SIMON in the coming weeks.

Anna Apfelstedt
Learning Commons Coordinator

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope you all had a fantastic three-week break and are feeling refreshed and ready to dive back in. We want to congratulate everyone for your incredible commitment, positive attitude, and dedication throughout Term 1. With the participation in the Swimming Carnival being better than ever, managing the anxiety of the first tests and SACs of the year, and relationships with new people blossoming - we should all be proud of the term that has passed as we look ahead to an even bigger, better and busier Term 2!

Coming up very soon... we have our Athletics Carnival! Make sure to bring your energy, pack some sweet treats, get involved in all events, and have loads of fun with your friends. May the best House win!

To continue the streak of sharing laughs and getting involved with your peers, Week 6 is filled with camps for all Year 7 students, Year 8 students, Term 1 and 2 Horizon groups, as well as Year 12 Retreat. During this period, the Year 10 and 11 students will have the school to themselves, a peaceful, productive environment for their Semester 1 exams.

One of our most exciting events, Dare2Donate, is just around the corner! This annual fundraising day for McAuley for Women and Children gives you the chance to see teachers complete your approved dares when we reach our fundraising goals. In the past, we’ve had a Maths teacher duct-taped to the wall, a No Direction performance, and an Ice Spice appearance. Stay tuned for more details coming soon from your school leaders, including your newly elected SRC members, for what’s next. Congratulations, we can't wait to see what these amazing leaders will accomplish for our school.

The 2025 SRC team has been appointed and planning for this year has already begun! With their hard work, dedication and interpersonal skills, these students are taking action to benefit the OLMC community, both year-level and school-wide. OLMC students, ensure that if you have any concerns, ideas or want to make change within our school, that you approach your year level SRC representative or any other SRC members. And to our Year 7s: your time is almost here! At the end of this term, you'll have the opportunity to apply to join our fantastic SRC team. Get ready!

Let’s have another amazing term!

Bianca C (12A4) and Jasmine P (12A3)
College Captains

Over the school holidays, Eliza C (11L4) competed in the Australian Swimming Age Championships in Brisbane. This was a huge achievement for Eliza. It was her first time qualifying for individual events at Nationals, after representing in the relays last year.

Competing at this level, against some of the fastest swimmers in the country for her age group, takes serious dedication, grit, and perseverance, along with the support of family, friends, and teachers.

Eliza raced in three events across the week: the 200m, 100m, and 50m breaststroke. She swam some impressive personal bests, and most notably finished 18th in the 200m and 23rd in the 100m breaststroke nationally.

A huge congratulations to Eliza - we’re all so proud of you!

Hayley Gamble Curran
Loreto House Coordinator

The OLMC Parents’ Association are very excited to be hosting a Mother's Day Celebration on Thursday 8 May 7.00 pm in the McAuley Hall, Cape St, Heidelberg and invite all students to come along with their Mother, Grandmother or a special person in their lives.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful women in our lives and to get to know others in the OLMC Community. The evening will commence with a short liturgy and will be followed by a delicious supper served by the Parents’ Association Committee.

To book a group/table, you can either purchase the whole table in one booking or purchase a ticket on an available table and then notify your guests of the table number they should specify when booking. If you want to rename the table so that your fellow guests can identify the table easily, please contact:

Marie Jenkins E: mjenkins@olmc.vic,edu.au T: 9455 7571

Tables will seat 10 people.

To book individual tickets, purchase the required number on any available table.

Tickets: $15 per person or $40.00 per family

Book at Trybooking.com https://www.trybooking.com/CZZHS

The Parents’ Association is also conducting a Mother's Day Raffle in support of McAuley for Women and Children.

If you are unable to attend but still wish to support the work of McAuley for Women and Children we invite you to purchase a raffle ticket by clicking on the link https://www.trybooking.com/DAAYJ

Tickets are 1 for $5, 3 for $10 or 10 for $30.

The array of prizes is outstanding and has something for everyone.

1st Prize: Health and Wellbeing Pack 1 - Value: $740

Gym membership for 6 months from Elite Training Bulleen (Value $490) and a Massage voucher from Osteopaths of Ivanhoe (Value $250)

2nd Prize: Health and Wellbeing Pack 2 - Value: $740

Gym membership for 6 months from Elite Training Bulleen (Value $490) and a Massage voucher from Osteopaths of Ivanhoe (Value $250)

3rd Prize: Home Beautiful Pack - Value: $500

Furniture voucher from Adriatic Furniture (Value $300) and a Portrait voucher from The Hampton Life (Value $200)

4th Prize: Feel Good Pack - Value: $345

A treatment voucher from Chakra Skin, Balwyn North (Value $295) and a voucher from Align Pilates Studio, East Ivanhoe (Value $50)

5th Prize: Getaway Pack - Value: $300

A mystery stay in Melbourne City from Meridian Travel, Heidelberg (Value $300)

6th Prize: Pamper Pack - Value: $300

A Photocare Facial treatment from Manhattan Skin and Laser Clinic, Watsonia Value $155) and a Ted Baker Clutch handbag (Value $145)

7th Prize: All the Essentials Pack - Value: $200

A generous assortment of essentials kindly put together by Chemist Warehouse (Value$100) and a $100 Woolworths Gift Card donated by Vascular Ultrasound Specialists.

8th Prize: Dine and Relax Pack - Value: $200

A Dinner voucher from Vasko Restaurant, Ivanhoe (Value $100) and a Readings Book Voucher (Value $100) donated by Vascular Ultrasound Specialists.

9th Prize: Tennis and Coffee Pack - Value: $200

Five tennis lessons from Vida Bulleen (Value $100) and a voucher from The French Lettuce Bakery in Bulleen (Value $100).

10th Prize: Dinner at Home pack - Value: $170

A Casacucina cook book, apron, and towel set (Value $90) donated by Daniela at Casacucina and a Cooked Roast Dinner Voucher from Glenferrie Gourmet Meats (Value $80)

11th Prize: Dinner and Coffee Pack - Value: $150

A Dinner voucher from Little Black Pig Restaurant, Heidelberg (Value $100) and a voucher from Alleyway Café, Heidelberg (Value $50).

12th Prize: Hair Treatment pack - Value: $112

A Blow Wave and Hair Treatment voucher from Three Blind Mice (Value $112)

We do hope that you can join us for this very special event.

The OLMC Parents’ Association

The Australian Army Cadets have provided opportunities for young people for over one hundred years. The 39 Army Cadet Unit at Simpson Barracks in Macleod celebrates 37 years of service to the local community in 2025. The 39 Army Cadet Unit has regularly planned activities and consistently offers opportunities for developing real life skills and leadership qualities.

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.