This week is National Reconciliation Week. At OLMC, our staff and students engaged in activities within our classes and throughout each day recognising the gifts of First Nations people as we explored culture, truth telling and treaty. It was also a time when we recognised the generational trauma for First Nations people that has occurred because of policies and practices of the past that did not respect their dignity, community or status. The whole school mass included prayers for hope, truth telling and treaty.

This week, Joanna De Bono, Shane Taylor, Nicolas Sulzberger, and I attended the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) conference for staff. The conference for staff and students is held once every two years in alternating years. The theme this year is ‘Community, Connection, Celebration’. Leaders and staff from Mercy secondary schools came together in Western Australia, from New Zealand and all over Australia to share in the charism of Mercy and to discern how we contribute to shaping the future of Mercy charism and works into the future. There are 67 schools represented in AMSSA, each sharing in and committed to the ongoing work of Mercy. The conference themes explored our role in leading charism, innovation in the education space, and our contributions to treaty and truth telling for First Nations peoples. It is a privilege to be part of such a strong charism lived so powerfully in all parts of Australia and New Zealand.

We have also been busy preparing for our week of activities next week focused on ‘Learning Beyond the Classroom’. Learning beyond the classroom has long been celebrated as an important means of extending the learning of students as they encounter opportunities to apply, in a practical setting, the skills and knowledge they have built up through their classroom learning. It also allows students to build connections with new members of the cohort or reinforce the connections that already exist.

A great deal of planning and organisation has gone into the development of all of the activities for the week. They include camps for Years 7, 8, and some in Year 9, along with Year 12 Retreat. Each year, as Year 12 students prepare for the end of their time at OLMC, the most frequent and fond memories shared are those from camp and Retreat. The moments away together are important ones for our students.

Year 10 and 11 students will begin their examinations, allowing them to trial their exam techniques in preparation for Year 12. In addition, there will be guest speakers, workshops and problem-solving activities held at school for a range of year levels. Classes for all Year 12 classes will run as normal on Monday and Tuesday.

We look forward to welcoming all students into new ways of learning and developing new skills. Parents are reminded that normal expectations remain in place for notifying the College of any absences. Please note anything that is missed during this week will not be available again this year for students to access.

‘What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ Micah 6:8

Loving Creator,

We thank You for the ancient wisdom, strength, and resilience of the First Peoples of this land. As we mark National Reconciliation Week, let us open our hearts to truth, healing, and justice.

Help us to listen deeply, to honour stories of sorrow and survival, and to walk forward together with courage. May Your Spirit guide us in building relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and genuine care.

Teach us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You and with one another. Inspire our community to be a beacon of hope and healing, committed to justice for all peoples and the care of the land we share.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week invites Australians to reflect on our shared history and commit to building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, challenges us to carry the lessons of the past into a future of justice, healing and hope.

At OLMC, we recognised National Reconciliation Week through a series of thoughtful and engaging activities that encouraged learning, prayer, service and community.

We began on Monday 26 May with a whole-school prayer and an introduction to the week, shared over the PA during Pastoral.

On Tuesday 27 May the school gathered for a special National Reconciliation Week Mass during Lesson 3. At lunchtime, the Horizon Team hosted a bake sale to raise funds for the Stars Foundation, supporting the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.

On Wednesday 28 May Year 7 students participated in a fun and educational Reconciliation-themed scavenger hunt during lunch.

On Thursday 29 May students explored the stories of significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders through the ‘Famous Faces’ activity, using supplied materials to guide reflection and discussion in each class.

Today, Friday 30 May, our pastoral groups led a short National Reconciliation Week prayer, followed by a Kahoot quiz designed to reinforce key messages in an engaging and student-led way.

Our commitment to reconciliation continues into next week. On Monday 2 June students from 9H will participate in ‘The Long Walk’, hosted by Aquinas College. Then on Friday 6 June all Year 8 students will engage in a special First Nations Encounter Day.

We thank all students and staff for embracing this important week with open hearts and minds. May our actions this week be a step forward in building a community grounded in truth, justice, and respect.

Image from: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

On Thursday 15 to Friday 16 May, I had the privilege of attending the Seeds of Justice camp, along with five other students. The conference was held at Holy Cross in Templestowe, a beautiful venue that helped provide a great two days filled with learning, reflection and connection. One of the most rewarding aspects of the camp was the opportunity to meet and build new friendships with other students from all over Victoria, all united by a shared interest in social justice and refugee issues.

During the camp, we had the incredible chance to listen to Michelle Foster, a renowned lawyer at Melbourne University, who gave a thought-provoking presentation on the legal challenges faced by refugees. She shared her expertise on the struggles refugees encounter when seeking asylum and the complexities of international law that govern refugee rights. Her insights were not only eye-opening but also inspiring, and I left the session with a deeper understanding of the legal systems that can either support or fail refugees in their search for safety.

Another powerful moment of the conference was the panel discussion, which featured five individuals who either had personal experiences as refugees or whose families had fled their home countries. Each speaker shared their unique journey, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the hardships they had faced. Some spoke about the pain of being forced to leave their homes, while others shared their struggles to adapt to life in a new country. Listening to their stories was incredibly moving and gave me a greater sense of empathy and appreciation for the refugee experience.

The entire experience at the Seeds of Justice camp was transformative. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge about refugee rights, but I also developed a stronger sense of social responsibility and a desire to advocate for those who are often marginalised in society. The connections I made with students from other schools and the powerful stories I heard will stay with me for a long time, and I feel more committed than ever to helping create a world where justice and compassion prevail.

Olivia B (10 L5)

I was lucky to be one of six students chosen to attend the Seeds of Justice camp for Mercy schools. The focus of the conference was refugees, and I had the chance to learn about this topic in a much more direct and meaningful way. It was also a great opportunity to meet other students from Mercy schools across Australia and connect with people who share the same passion for justice.

We started with a warm and engaging introduction to the topic and also the other students, with some icebreakers, in which I got to see how different so many people's lives are. Then we moved into learning more about refugees and how many times refugees were not allowed to come into Australia and having to find another landing place. One highlight was hearing from Michelle Foster, a well-known lawyer from Melbourne University. She gave an in-depth presentation about what refugees go through to find safety and a place to live. It was also a great chance to ask questions and hear from someone with real expertise on the topic. I gained a much better understanding of how the system works and learned more about refugee detention. I left this presentation with an expanded understanding of the refugee experience.

During our break, we had a more hands-on cultural experience with African dancing. It was a fun and energetic way to learn about different cultures and to understand more about the diversity within communities. Afterwards, a panel of refugees spoke of their experiences from refugee camps. This is the part that really stood out to me. They shared their personal experiences of seeking refuge in another country. Hearing their stories was incredibly powerful. It opened my eyes to what people go through and made the issue feel much closer to home. It was emotional, moving, and truly unforgettable. It helped me understand the many positives and negatives to them adjusting to a new environment.

Seeds of Justice was an experience I’ll never forget. I learned so much, both from professionals and from people who’ve lived through the refugee experience. I also found others who are like-minded and made many more new connections from around Australia. The sense of shared purpose made me feel more inspired and motivated than ever to keep learning and working for justice.

Rheanah R (10 C2)

This term our Year 8 Religious Education students have been investigating the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. The students have been learning about Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, and the beginnings of the order’s focus on the health and education of women. Students have also been researching the current work of the Sisters of Mercy in health and education in our world.

Students have worked in groups to research and present to the class on Mercy Works’ projects today. They have also had to imagine and create a new initiative of Mercy Works and the positive impact it will have on communities.

Grace Austin
Religious Education Learning Area Leader

The upcoming maths exam is your chance to demonstrate everything you've learned this semester. Focus your revision on key topics like algebra, linear and quadratic equations, indices and surds. Make sure you understand how to apply formulas, rather than just memorising them. Practise solving worded problems, sketching graphs, and checking your ‘working out’. Use past exams to test yourself under timed conditions and to identify any gaps in your knowledge. Don’t forget to review your calculator skills - speed and accuracy matter. Keep practising and approach each question logically.

Shirley Wu
Mathematics Learning Leader

On Wednesday 14 May, our Year 12 Physical Education students had the valuable opportunity to participate in an incursion with METS Performance Consulting. Students Charlotte, Hanna, Ariella, and Sarah were among those who had the unique opportunity to participate in advanced fitness testing and procedures, typically seen at an elite level. This included a VO₂ max bike test (which measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise while cycling) and a 30-second Wingate test (a cycling test used to assess anaerobic power and capacity).

The activities sparked engaging discussions, directly linking the collected data to core concepts covered in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 (AOS 2). These topics included acute responses, energy systems, fatigue, and recovery. Overall, it was an incredibly informative and stimulating experience for our Year 12 Physical Education students, providing direct relevance to their upcoming SAC.

Teresa Cerra
Health & Physical Education Learning Leader

Our Lady of Mercy College is incredibly proud to have been a significant part of the recent M² production of The Addams Family School Edition, where our talented students truly shone, both on and off stage!

The stage came alive with the macabre charm of The Addams Family School Edition, and several of our amazing OLMC students delivered outstanding performances, captivating audiences with their acting and singing. Three of our Year 12 performing arts students shone in their roles as Morticia, played by Madeleine K (12 A6), Wednesday, played by Jasmine P (12 A3), and Alice Beineke, played by Charlotte W (12 M2). Their dedication and hard work throughout rehearsals was evident, as they brought their characters to life. We extend a huge congratulations to all our performers for their incredible contributions to such a memorable show.

Beyond the spotlight, our students from the Live Production class have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the musical. These students have been working behind the scenes, gaining invaluable real-world experience in various crucial roles. From working the lighting design, to managing backstage operations, their professionalism and commitment were evident in every aspect of the production. They also took on the vital role of front of house, ensuring there were refreshments for the audience. They transformed the foyer of the theatre with their creative decorations, creating a spooky and fun atmosphere.

We extend our sincere gratitude to staff members Hayley Gamble-Curran and Felicia Taine. Their invaluable expertise and guidance empowered our Live Production students and the entire cast. They provided practical skills and fostered a collaborative, supportive atmosphere where every student could truly shine.

The M² production of The Addams Family School Edition has been a tremendous success, and it truly highlights the incredible, diverse talents of our students. Their dedication, alongside that of our staff, allow them to contribute to such a high-quality production.

Madalena Broadbent
Performing Arts Learning Leader

OLMC enjoys a special relationship with the Exodus Community of Heidelberg West with our staff and student volunteers participating in fortnightly dinners and Bread Runs. Please enjoy reading the newsletter of the Exodus Community - News from the Village.

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.