Alumnae March 2024

2023 HSC Celebration of Achievement

Our newest alumnae, the students from the Class of 2023, have achieved outstanding results in their HSC, bringing immense pride to our community. Here are some of the highlights:

The College was ranked 71st in the Sydney Morning Herald's Top 100 Schools List
6 students on the All-Rounders List
3 State placings: 4th place in Business Services, 2nd place in Croatian Continuers, 5th place in Tamil Continuers
14% of students achieved and ATAR greater than or equal to 95.00
27% of students achieved an ATAR greater than or equal to 90.00
70 students on the Distinguished Achievers List (students who scored 90 marks or higher - a Band 6 or E4)
167 Band 6 results, the highest number achieved in the College's history
1 student was selected into ARTEXPRESS as part of the HSC Showcase

The College Dux was Katherine Baker with an ATAR of 98.75.

Click here to read the OLMCelebrates publication on the achievements of the Class of 2023.

Class of 2023 - we eagerly anticipate hearing about all your journeys!

Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award

Each year, the Alumnae Association honours an exceptional former student who has positively impacted her community with the prestigious Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award. On 5 March 2024, the 2023 Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award was presented to Irene Barry (Maher, Class of 1962). In her acceptance speech, Irene recounted her journey from a rural town where she lived amongst the poor and disadvantaged to OLMC, where she first encountered the Sisters and their teachings on compassion. Her father's philanthropy further inspired her to aid the needy. Irene’s dedicated service to St Vincent de Paul and the Manning Foundation has positively impacted countless lives over decades. Her inspiring story resonated with the College community, highlighting the enduring legacy of Mercy women and the calling for current students to be courageous advocates. Following the Assembly, Irene, along with her family, friends, members of the Alumnae Committee and College staff, gathered for a celebratory morning tea in the historic Stanely Rooms.

Click here to read Irene's acceptance speech.

The Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award is awarded each year to an outstanding ex-student. Introduced in 2009, the award is a way of acknowledging and celebrating the great achievements of the OLMC Alumnae community. An ex-student may nominate another ex-student for the Award by submitting a written nomination to the Principal.

Click here to read more about the Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award, past recipients and how you can nominate an ex-student.

2024 Open Day - THANK YOU

Special thanks to the members of the OLMC Alumnae Committee who supported the College's Open Day on Sunday, 3 March. Serving as College ambassadors, they graciously welcomed our visitors into the historic Stanley Rooms, recalling tales of the past and fondly reminiscing about their own College experiences. Your dedication and enthusiasm made the day memorable. Thank you!

2024 Alumnae Reunion Day

The 2024 Alumnae Reunion Day will be held on Sunday, 22 September. Come as a year group or on your own. All Mercy Girls are welcome! CLICK HERE to register your attendance.

Class Reunions

Upcoming Milestone Reunions:

Class of 1994 - 30 years

Saturday, 1 June 2024

Organisers: Angela Connolly & Kate Martyn olmcparra94@gmail.com

Class of 1984 - 40 years

Saturday, 21 September 2024

Organiser: Katrina Harrison katrinaharrison@gmail.com

Class of 1964 - 60 years

Sunday, 22 September 2024

This Class of 1964 will be celebrating at the Alumnae Reunion Day. Registration for this event will open in April.

Contact: Susan Giacomelli susan.giacomelli@olmc.nsw.edu.au

Other milestone anniversaries:

Class of 1954 - 70 years

Class of 1974 - 50 years

Class of 2004 - 20 years

Class of 2014 - 10 years

Are you interested in organising a class reunion? We can assist in coordinating with your classmates and publicising your event. For inquiries, please contact Susan Giacomelli susan.giacomelli@olmc.nsw.edu.au

Women in Leadership Forum

The College is excited to announce its seventh annual Women in Leadership Forum to be held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. Join us to hear insights from accomplished women across various fields, as they share their perspectives on women in leadership and explore how each of us can be courageous advocates with limitless possibilities. Speakers to be announced in April. All are welcome. Save the date!

OLMC Board

A CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR DIRECTOR POSITIONS ON OLMC BOARD

Are you interested in joining the Board of OLMC, or do you know someone who might be interested?

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are sought from eligible, suitably qualified and experienced persons who are interested in joining the Board of OLMC Parramatta. Over the next 12 months, we aim to induct three new Board members to fill both current and future vacancies.

Our goal is to maintain a Board that reflects a diversity of gender, ethnicity and professional backgrounds.

Successful candidates will have:

- Executive or senior management experience

- A passion for the education of young women

- A commitment to develop and uphold the Catholic faith and Mercy charism

- Experience in one or more of the following areas

o education (either at school or tertiary level)
o   finance and accounting
o   business strategy
o   risk management
o   child protection
o   marketing
o   media
o   human resources
o   disability services
o   leadership
o   change management
o   social and community development
o   STEM-based areas such as building, computer technology and engineering
o   Governance
o   arts and cultural development

Applicants should understand and agree to accept the time commitment involved:

The Board holds eight (8) meetings annually on Monday evenings, along with other occasional events, activities and involvement in sub-committees. Additionally, ongoing professional development is a requirement of the Education Act. Board members do not receive any regular remuneration, in accordance with the Act.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a one-page CV to Kerrie Walshaw, Chair of the Board, via email kwalshaw@gmail.com

All EOIs will be treated confidentially by the Board. For any further inquiries, please contact Kerrie via email.

Careers Breakfast

Join us in empowering the next generation of Mercy Girls at our Careers Breakfast! As esteemed members of our alumnae community, your insights and experiences are invaluable to our current students. Share your journey, wisdom and expertise to guide them towards success. Come be a part of this enriching experience and help shape the future of our students' careers. Your presence will make a world of difference. CLICK HERE to register your interest.

Year 7, 2026 Enrolment Open

Applications are now open for Year 7, 2026.

CLICK HERE for more information and to commence an application for your daughter.

Thank you for Sponsoring a Seat

We thank the generous donors who contributed to the Sponsor a Seat campaign for the Brigid Shelly Auditorium. With their contributions, they have made a significant impact on providing a high-quality space for various events and activities. Thank you for supporting the College.

Foundation

Leave a Legacy for Future Generations

The Foundation supports the College and the needs of our students through which contributions and donations are directed and funds distributed. This financial support is essential to the continued success of the College. The Foundation activities are focused on supporting the College’s Scholarship Fund, Bursary Fund, College Building Fund, as well as its philanthropic support of the Mercy Tree Gift Fund. In addition, the Foundation supports Major Gifts programs and Capital Works projects.

Mission

The Foundation was established to ensure donors’ funds are well-directed to financially support the College in its commitment to excellence in Mercy education, now and into the future.

Foundation Objectives

There are several ways in which you can support the College through the Foundation:

1 Scholarship Fund
2 Bursary Fund
3 College Building Fund
4 Gifts in Wills
6 Capital Gifts

CLICK HERE for more information.

Mercy Tree Appeal

The 2024 Mercy Tree Gift Fund Beneficiary is the Maucater Health Project, Timor-Leste.

Maucatar is a remote mountainous area where there is severe malnutrition and high mortality rates. There is limited access to clean water, sanitation and health services.

Mercy Works has partnered with the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy to support their work with communities in the region. During 2024, the Mercy Tree Gift Fund will support Mercy Works through the Maucater Health Project, Timor Leste. This project aims to help 22 villages improve access to quality health services via community outreach and increased health knowledge to reduce preventable diseases and improve hygiene practices.

Funds from the Mercy Tree Gift Fund will be focussed on:

The Mobile Health Clinic provides much-needed health services for remote communities including the treatment of minor illnesses, screening and surveillance for those at high risk, education on STD’s and HIV and rapid laboratory tests. The project also trains village health volunteers to monitor the communities between mobile clinic visits.
The Dental Hygiene Program aims to help school-aged students with dental hygiene and nutrition. Empowering children with the knowledge to maintain good oral hygiene practices, the program aims to support dental health educators and professionals, facilitate dental screening and workshops and provide dental supplies for participating schools.

Please support this initiative by donating to the Mercy Tree Gift Fund.

CLICK HERE to donate.

Update your details

CLICK HERE to update your details on our database.

Kindly share this email with any Mercy Girls you remain in touch with from your days at the College. Encourage them to update their information to ensure they receive this newsletter along with invitations to reunions and other College events.

Update your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected to other alumnae and build your network.

If you have a LinkedIn account, please ensure you selected the Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta option that shows the new navy and white OLMC Parramatta crest in the Education tab.

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