The Mercy Cross is a very special symbol for all who work within the global Mercy Community. The super-imposed pair of crosses on which the design is based - an ebony cross with an inset of a small ivory cross - originates with Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley. She believed each Sister must take up her own cross and symbolically place herself upon it, for only by offering her sufferings for others is she truly showing them mercy.

The Mercy Cross unites all across the globe who work in Mercy ministries. At the AMSSA Conference I recently attended, we were invited to decorate and share what Mercy means to us inside a Mercy Cross. The collections of crosses within the cross symbolise the spirit of Mercy schools from all over Australia. All the young people who work with us know this cross. When they see it, no matter where in the world they are, we hope that it will bring them back to the spirit of Mercy.

Congratulations to all the staff and students involved in every aspect of the production of ‘The Addams Family’. The students from Marcellin College and OLMC showcased their extraordinary talents and skills to packed audiences. Many students also demonstrated their talents and skills behind the scenes ensuring the seamless movement of sets and props and flawless make up. The number of students involved in the performing arts is growing each year. The living of our values of courage, compassion and joy are ever present amongst this dedicated team of staff and students.

‘Learning Beyond the Classroom’ week was a wonderful success, with students from every year level engaged in something that can inspire, challenge or bring them joy. There are many to thank for ensuring that the week went ahead. In particular, I would like to thank our students who engaged with the activities and guests so well. I would also like to thank our parent community for your support of the week shown in many big and small ways. To those who have taken the time to offer affirmations for the activities their child was involved in, thank you.

While it was not perfect and we have much to learn from our first venture, it has been a purposeful innovation designed to respond to the changing landscapes and needs of students and teachers. We will review the week and gather insights into how it might be even better next year.

In schools, Term 3 is often the term of big decisions for students as they look towards a future they imagine for themselves. The next few weeks are busy for all our students as they begin wrapping up assessments for the semester and getting ready to make some of those big decisions about pathways and subjects. We strongly encourage all to make use of the valuable resources and opportunities our Careers Coordinators provide to help students discern what might be right for them. The last weeks of Term 2 will see the commencement of Information Nights for parents, and we hope to see many of you there.

Mother Ursula Frayne (5 October 1816 to 9 June 1885)

This week we celebrate the 140th Anniversary of the life and legacy of Mother Ursula Frayne. Ursula Frayne was a woman of extraordinary courage and deep faith. At a time when few women travelled far from home, she left everything familiar and set sail from Ireland to the far edges of the world. She arrived in Australia with little more than her trust in God and her unwavering commitment to Mercy.

What made Ursula remarkable wasn’t just her leadership or determination, but her ability to see possibility where others saw obstacles. In the face of hardship, she chose hope. When resources were scarce, she chose creativity. And when her mission was challenged, she chose love, especially for those on the margins.

Her story invites us to ask ourselves: What does it mean to live Mercy today? Ursula didn’t wait for the perfect moment or perfect conditions. She responded to the needs before her, boldly and compassionately. In a world still marked by injustice, inequality, and indifference, we are called to that same spirit: to listen, to respond, and to act with courage and kindness.

So, we pray…

God of Mercy,
You called Ursula Frayne to walk with courage into the unknown,
trusting in your guidance and opening her heart to those in need.
Her life was a testimony to your love, alive in service and compassion.

Inspire us with her spirit.
Help us to see beyond our comfort,
to stand with the vulnerable,
to speak with truth,
and to act with love.

When we are afraid, give us courage.
When we are tired, give us strength.
When we are unsure, give us faith.

May we, like Ursula, be people of vision and hope.
May we live Mercy—not just in words,
but in the choices we make each day.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

On Tuesday this week, four of our Year 9 students had the special opportunity to attend the 140th anniversary celebration of Mother Ursula Frayne’s passing, held at the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy. As the first Sister of Mercy to arrive in Australia, Mother Ursula’s courage, faith, and leadership continue to inspire the Mercy community today.

The day began with a beautiful Mass in the Academy’s historic chapel, where the choral singing lifted the hearts of all present. The reverence, history, joy and spirit of the occasion moved our students. One highlight was the opportunity to meet Sr. Madeleine and Sr. Eileen Ann, both past principals of OLMC. Their stories and presence reminded us of the strong legacy of Mercy leadership that continues to shape our community.

Students also enjoyed connecting with peers from other Mercy schools and participated in a fun and informative trivia quiz about the life and work of Mother Ursula. It was a joyful way to deepen their understanding of her remarkable story and her lasting impact.

This experience offered our students a meaningful connection to our Mercy heritage and a renewed appreciation for the vision and dedication of those who came before us. We are proud to continue walking in the footsteps of Venerable Catherine McAuley, Mother Ursula and all who serve in the spirit of Mercy.

Please see below an invitation from our Archbishop.

Sunday 22 June 2025

Begins after 11am Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne

Concluding at Federation Square

In previous years, the Corpus Christi Procession has been a beloved tradition at our Seminary, held on its patronal feast day, and at our Cathedral — our light into our city. This year, we have a wonderful opportunity to carry the light of Christ into the heart of Melbourne CBD in an even more public way.

This will be a time for our whole Archdiocesan community to come together in all its vibrancy — parishes, schools, migrant communities, groups and movements, and families — joyfully united in prayer and song, proclaiming our shared belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

The Blessed Sacrament is a gift, the Bread of Life, the food for our journey to eternal life. May this procession be a moment of mission. For those who see our witness, may they encounter the face of Christ. For those who walk in it, may our hearts burn within us as He walks with us (cf. Luke 24:32), deepening our love for Jesus and neighbour, inspiring us to reflect His face to others, especially those in need.

Please be encouraged to bring a group from your community to take part. In previous years, many parishes have even organised bus trips to the Procession. You are also invited to bring your community’s banner as a sign of unity. The Proclaim team is available to assist you and may be contacted through proclaim@cam.org.au or your regional parish Animation Consultant. Up-to-date information and promotional materials are available at: https://melbournecatholic.org/corpuschristi.

As pilgrims in faith, may we share the living hope of Christ in the world with every step we take together.

Within the Archdiocese, there are many youth movements and events. If your child would like to participate, please see two opportunities below:

Elevate: Ignite Your Faith – Youth Event
Friday 13 June
6:30pm
St Oliver Plunket Parish Centre, 1 Landells Road, Pascoe Vale
Contact: north4youth@outlook.com

Youth Encounter – Burwood
Friday 27 June
6:30pm
St Benedict’s, 283 Warrigal Road, Burwood
trybooking.com/CYQJY

Congratulations to all students for the effort they have put into their studies. Students have been involved in exams and assessments to gauge their growth in learning.

Exams are only one measure of how students are progressing in their learning, and when results are released it is important that parents are mindful of this. The College's Learning Management System, SIMON (PAM), provides you with your child's academic progress. This includes achievement levels and feedback in assessment tasks.

John Hattie's research indicates that 'Feedback is among the most powerful influences on achievement.'

The ability to accept and respond to feedback is a valuable life skill as it enables all of us to achieve continuous growth, not just in an academic sense but socially, emotionally, personally and professionally.

Teaching and learning activities, including formative and summative assessments, provide opportunities for teachers to gather evidence about students' progress. This informs teacher feedback to students about their learning and what they need to do next to move forward.

At different points in the learning process feedback helps students understand what is to be done in order to improve.

Purpose

Feedback should identify and help continuously drive a student's understanding or performance towards a learning goal.

Focus

Feedback must answer one or more of these questions for the student (and the teacher):

• Where am I going?
• How am I going?
• Where to next?

Level

Feedback can be provided at one or more of four levels:

1. The learning activity - how well the task is understood or performed.
2. The process of learning - what the student has to do to perform the task.
3. The student's management of their learning - planning and self-monitoring.
4. The student as an individual - personal qualities shown by the student.

Spotlight - Reframing feedback to improve teaching and learning. Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.

Feedback can help students gain confidence, self-awareness and enthusiasm for what they are learning. Giving students relevant feedback can help improve outcomes.

In summary, when students receive a mark or written feedback, we need to help them learn from teacher feedback in a constructive way.

Correction Day and General Achievement Test (GAT)

Tuesday June 17 will be a student free day except for year 12 VCE and VCE VM students and all Year 11 students who are accelerating in a Unit 3 and 4 subject. These students will be undertaking the General Achievement Test (GAT).

On Thursday 22 May the Year 9 Student Representative Council (SRC), Class Captains and Vice House Captains attended the Middle Year Leaders Network at Whitefriars College with teachers Deb Butterworth and Maureen Fogarty.

Year 9 student leaders from other Catholic schools including, Catholic Ladies College, Sienna College, Mazenod College, Assumption College, Our Lady of Sion College, Parade College, Mater Christi College and Whitefriars College were also in attendance.

The workshop was led by the Middle School Co-Ordinator at Whitefriars College. The morning gave the students the opportunity to network with other schools and to discuss what they believed an inspiring leader should do for the school community and how they can be a voice for student empowerment. The idea of leading and working together in ‘Service Leadership’ was promoted.

Our 2025 College Co-Captain, Bianca C (12 A4) kindly attended and was part of a Q&A session with other Year 12 leaders from other schools. Bianca gave some excellent advice for our future leaders.

It was a wonderful morning. The middle leaders gained much from the opportunity and represented OLMC with pride.

Deb Butterworth
Year Level Coordinator – Year 9

In Week 6, the Term 1 Horizon students set off on an exciting three-day camp filled with challenges, laughs, and unforgettable experiences. From trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zones to building strong connections with each other, every moment was an opportunity to grow.

Some of the activities we did included caving, abseiling, rock climbing, electric fox hunting, the commando course and a fun MasterChef cooking challenge. Every night, our teachers ran activities that kept us laughing and working together. One of the most memorable parts was cooking our own meals, which was a great way to work as a team and learn new skills.

This camp was more than just having fun. It was a chance to live out our Horizon values of Independence, Resilience and Connection by taking responsibility for ourselves, pushing through challenges, and supporting each other in the activities.

Overall, Horizon Camp was an amazing opportunity to grow, try new things and create great memories with friends.

9B Camp Reflection

My favourite activity on camp was caving because it was thrilling, challenging, and completely different from anything I had done before. Exploring underground tunnels and chambers felt like an adventure into a hidden world. The darkness, damp air, and echoing sounds made the experience feel mysterious and exciting. I enjoyed the physical challenge of crawling through tight spaces, climbing over rocks, and navigating narrow passages.

It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me face my fears, especially the fear of small or dark places. I also found it fascinating to see natural rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites up close. Caving required teamwork, communication, and trust, as we had to work together to find safe paths and help each other through difficult sections. Being underground without phones or distractions made me feel present and connected to the moment. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that taught me confidence and resilience.

9A Camp Reflection

Behind the scenes of every well-run Design, Art and Technology (DAT) class is a team of dedicated professionals who ensure that everything is ready for learning to happen. Marisa, Janine and Liam — our invaluable DAT technicians — are the backbone of our learning area.

From managing materials and equipment orders to maintaining our busy kitchens and art rooms, their work keeps our spaces safe, functional and inspiring. But their contribution doesn’t stop there.

Our technicians work closely with teaching staff in the classroom, supporting lessons and engaging directly with students. Whether it’s assisting with a complex cooking task, troubleshooting an art project, or offering expert advice on materials and tools, they bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that enriches student learning every day.

Marisa comes to us from the food science industry. Before joining OLMC, she worked in a range of settings including as a Health Officer, a Sensory (taste testing) Researcher, and in food innovation laboratories. She brings with her a deep understanding of food safety and innovation.

Janine has an extensive background in five-star hospitality, having worked at venues such as The Como and The Alexandra Club. She’s also worked in childcare centres, where she developed a keen knowledge of food allergies and safe food handling. Her hospitality experience shines through in her attention to detail and eye for beautiful food presentation.

Liam, our newest team member, joined OLMC this year. A practicing artist and designer who works under the name Luna Tunes, Liam also designs for House of Darwin, an Indigenous-owned clothing brand. His creative ideas and design expertise are a valuable addition to the team.

With their calm presence, practical know-how and genuine passion for supporting education, Marisa, Janine and Liam play an essential role in our DAT program. Both students and staff benefit enormously from their dedication, care and insight.

We are incredibly lucky to have them as part of our school community. Thank you, Marisa, Janine and Liam, for everything you do!

Mark Jenkinson
Design, Art and Technology Learning Leader

Last week the College held our first 'Learning Beyond the Classroom' week. The focus of the week was to enhance the skills of our students to engage beyond the classroom and to develop their courage and resilience as they take on new challenges. Students engage in new and different learning opportunities, giving them knowledge and skills to navigate life. They also had the chance to renew or build new connections with each other and with teachers.

The week included the Year 7 and 8 camps, the Year 9 Horizon camp, the Year 12 Retreat and many and varied activities at the College.

The Heidelberg Artists Society Art Show is now open at Warringal Shopping Centre in Heidelberg.

This exciting exhibition showcases a wide variety of original artworks and handcrafted pieces created by the talented and multi-skilled members of the Society. All works are available for purchase at affordable prices, making it a wonderful opportunity to support local creativity.

What’s on offer:

• Framed and unframed original artworks.
• Prints and greeting cards.
• Handcrafted jewellery.
• Handcrafted woollen scarves and beanies.

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.