International Women’s Day at OLMC is growing in significance and this year, many gatherings have extended to several days beyond 8 March. We recognise the importance of acknowledging our role in promoting universal recognition for women and we want our students to see the indispensable role of women in every facet of society. From classrooms to boardrooms, laboratories to legislative chambers, women are catalysts for progress and change.

On International Women’s Day (and every day), we celebrate all that women have achieved and how far we have come to achieving gender equity. We are proud of our efforts and recognise that to get to where we are today, women have stood up for this cause and have been passionate in the journey to create equality. 

Empowering women begins with instilling confidence and agency in our daughters from a young age. As parents and educators, we play a pivotal role in shaping their perceptions of themselves and their capabilities. It starts with something as simple as encouraging them to participate in various activities, such as sports or volunteering initiatives, and valuing their contributions.

When girls engage in different activities, they are not just honing their skills; they are also learning the importance of speaking up and having a voice. These experiences lay the foundation for them to become confident and educated women who will make invaluable contributions to society.

International Women's Day is a call to further our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our students can thrive to their potential; and to nurture the next generation of empowered female leaders who will shape a brighter future for us all.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week is celebrated this week around the world. It is dedicated to learning about world cultures and promoting acceptance, bringing together Australians from all different backgrounds to celebrate humanity’s commonalities and differences.

I am most pleased with our Student Leaders who have been busy preparing many activities for our College for Harmony Week and look forward to joining in the festivities with our student body. I thank our Wellbeing Team and Heads of Department for supporting the girls with this ambition.

Enrolments Year 7, 2026

Enrolments for Year 7, 2026, are now open. We invite families who share our vision and values to commence the enrolment process: please click here. Enrolments close on Monday, 8 April at 4.00pm.

If you have any questions regarding enrolments, please contact our Enrolments team on (02) 8838 1222 or via email registrar@olmc.nsw.edu.au. We look forward to welcoming new people into our Mercy family and continuing our journey of educational excellence.

Mary Mother of Mercy, pray for us.

Lucie Farrugia
Principal

Embarking on an educational journey, Year 10 History students ventured on an enriching excursion that spanned both ancient times and the modern era of social justice. Their first destination was the mesmerizing 'Ramses II and the Gold of the Pharaohs' exhibit, where students were captivated by the historical treasures of Egypt. The highlight of this visit was the awe-inspiring wooden coffin of Ramses II, alongside the exquisite artworks from the Middle Kingdom, which offered them a glimpse into the sophisticated culture and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt.

The journey continued at the State Library, where the students were immersed in a bespoke program centred on the Australian Aboriginal experience of Changing Rights and Freedoms. Through the lens of the Freedom Rides in Australia, introduced in the context of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement's Freedom Rides, the students explored a wide variety of sources, many of which were new to them. They delved into the significance of the 1967 referendum, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges of constitutional change and the monumental importance of this event in Australian history.

Throughout the day, the students demonstrated remarkable engagement and focus, representing the College with distinction. This excursion was not only a testament to their love of learning but also a significant enhancement to their classroom studies. By connecting past events with contemporary issues, they developed a deeper appreciation for history and its impact on the world today.

A final reminder about our upcoming workshop. We currently have 19 registrations which is a fantastic response. Please join us!

OLMC is proud to host our very first AI workshop for parents and families on Thursday, 4 April at 4:30pm in AG14.

We will cover topics such as:

•             What is AI?
•             How does it work in an educational setting?
•             What are some ways I can use AI in my life and work?
•             Tips and tricks 

We hope this highly interactive workshop will help begin your exploration of AI and give you a clear understanding of how OLMC intends to support students and staff as we explore this area ourselves.

Please click here to express your interest in joining us for this event.

If you can’t make the workshop but would like some insights into how AI might affect education, you can read more in this Mamamia article based on an interview with Mr Esterman.

International Women’s Day Morning Tea

On International Women's Day, the Chamber Ensemble performed at the Western Sydney International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Novotel Sydney in Parramatta. Thank you to Bailee Blackman, Rachael Gock, Haynin Lai, Erin Lee, Kate Lee, Serin Lee, Isabelle Liew and Jennifer Wang for giving up their morning to perform for this event, and to Ms Scanlon for assisting.

Instrumental Lessons

Students who are interested in learning a musical instrument or would like to continue their instrumental journey can apply for a one-on-one private instrumental lesson. These take place Monday–Friday during the school day. To submit an expression of interest for one of these lessons, please click here.

MASSH is our afterschool students’ study, homework, and assessment support. We offer general study support and subject-specific support every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

Subject-specific support is available on the days below.

Monday: Science and Maths

Tuesday: All subjects

Wednesday: Maths, TAS and Engineering

Thursday: Science and Maths

English support is available upon request every day.

If you would like small group or individual academic support please contact Mrs. Rugg, cheryl.rugg@olmc.nsw.edu.au with the following details:

• Name and Year group.
• Subject they want to work on with a MASSH Supervisor.
• Preferred afternoons.

Last week, our Year 12 students attended a presentation by the University Admissions Centre (UAC). Wendy Fisher from UAC explained the ATAR pathway to university and answered questions. Parents are encouraged to attend UACs Webinar – ATAR Calculation to Application, A Parent’s Roadmap to Uni Entry on Wednesday, 27 March at 6.00pm.

Next week, UNSW will be presenting to Year 12 students. If you have any questions about VET or Careers, please contact alison.dalby@olmc.nsw.edu.au

Week 7 proved to be a busy week for both staff and students in the Wellbeing space.

• Year 7 explored Empathetic Connections. This lesson aimed to build skills in empathy and develop meaningful connections with peers.   
• Year 8 Wellbeing Day by Inner Directions - The Year 8 Wellbeing Day was run by Susie Edmonds. The workshop focused on building internal resources and teaching students to foster courage, confidence and authentic self-expression. Students explored practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset for continuous personal development. The day also provided the girls an opportunity to interact positively with others, build confidence and step out of their comfort zones. More than anything it gave the girls a framework by which they can decide the way to manage their thinking, emotions and actions.
• Year 9 gathered as a year group to launch the BEYOND OURSELVES project. This year they will focus on thriving on a personal level, both in the College and in the wider community. The Beyond Ourselves project has a mercy-engaged focus, encouraging our students to think beyond and look towards our local community. Just like Catherine McAuley, they are encouraged to reflect on how they can be inclusive in a safe, positive and respectful way. 

Year 10 Study Skills Session - This week Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services www.enhanced-learning.net ran a study skills session with Year 10. The session focused on helping students identify changes and improvements they could make to their approach to their studies to maximise their results in their final years of high school.

The main areas covered with Year 10 included working effectively in the evenings and dealing with distractions, managing time efficiently, planning for assessments, making study notes regularly and using a wide variety of active study techniques to suit individual learning preferences.

Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with their daughters and discuss the areas identified where changes are needed. Parents can also find additional study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/. All students also have access to an excellent study skills website to help students develop their skills.

Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter:

• username: OLMC
• password:  64results.

There are lots of valuable handouts on the THINGS TO PRINT page on this site, and students can work through the units where they need additional help.

• Year 11 took time to develop skills and attributes to manage the demands of their assessment block. This included plotting their assessment schedules and then backward mapping to complete study schedules to prepare them for their upcoming tasks.
• Year 12 listened to a UAC presentation coordinated by Mrs Alison Dalby, Leader of VET Pathways.

LIFTED Leaders 2024 – Thursday, 29 February 

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese extended an invitation to our Student Leadership Team to attend a day at Rooty Hill with Student Leaders from other schools. The day was a wonderful opportunity for our Assistant Head Girl, Nikita Verghese, SRC President, Ruwindri Parndigamage, SRC Vice President, Patricia Youssef and Liturgy Leader, Chanel Elias. The girls met and heard from Bishop Vincent and Jack de Groot, the CSPD Executive Director of Schools. They engaged in opportunities to grow as student leaders in a Catholic faith community and were able to shareed some of their own team leadership goals and initiatives for 2024.

If you feel there is anything which we need to be aware of to care for your daughter please don’t hesitate to contact your daughter's House Mentor, Head of House or myself.

Ann-Marie Herd
Director of Wellbeing

Encouraging Body Positivity

Have you noticed how much time we spend on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram these days? Being a teen is tough as it is, with all those changes happening in their bodies and minds. But when you add in the pressure to look a certain way because of what we see online, it can impact us negatively and increase the likelihood of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and the development of some not-so-healthy eating habits.

Promoting a positive body image among teenagers is crucial. Here are some tips to encourage body positivity:

1. Encourage open and honest communication:
   Create a safe space where your daughter can openly and honestly discuss her feelings and concerns about her body. Listen attentively without judgment and offer support and reassurance.
2. Function > appearance:
   It’s important to recognise the difference between appearance and functionality. Encourage your child to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look. Instead of commenting on their physical attributes, emphasize the importance of being strong, healthy, resilient, and capable. This shift in language helps teens focus on their abilities rather than any perceived flaws.
3. Encourage positive self-talk:
   Help teens develop a positive inner dialogue by guiding them to recognise and challenge negative thoughts about their bodies. Encourage them to replace negative self-talk with affirming and empowering statements that focus on their strengths and individual talents.
4. It’s not real!:
   Help them understand that the images they see in the media are often heavily edited or unrealistic and promote realistic body expectations.
5. Lead by example:
   As parents, educators, and role models, it’s important to model a positive body image and self-acceptance. Avoid making negative comments about your own body and promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep.

If you have any concerns about your daughter or have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to her Head of House or a College Counsellor on 9683 3300.

Theodora Malik
School Counsellor

CSDA Public Speaking

The last two weeks have seen the culmination of the CSDA Public Speaking competition. Two of our girls reached the Grand Final: Georgia Baissari (Year 7) and Miriam Chacty (Year 9). This is the first time that two of our students attained that level in this event. Despite not being major prize winners in the final, both girls should be proud of their achievements throughout the competition.

The Grand Final was hosted by the College last Friday and thanks must go to so many people who made the evening such a success. Thank you to Mrs Susan Giacomelli, Ms Veronica Mouawad and Mr Ben Walsh who gave up their Friday evening to assist in so many ways. A special thanks to Mrs Giacomelli whose organisational skills were instrumental in ensuring that our visitors were treated to a professional and welcoming event. And of course, our student volunteers deserve the highest praise. No fewer than 25 girls covered important roles such as reorganising the many rooms for competition as well as acting as chairpersons, timekeepers and guides. They made an impression on everyone who was there and are to be congratulated on maintaining the reputation the College has for hospitality.

Upcoming Events

Next Monday, OLMC is hosting a heat of Rostrum Voice of Youth. Six of our girls have registered for this prestigious competition and their speeches are being fine-tuned at this moment. They are certain to be impressive. Good luck to Mia Siemsen (Year 8), Ellie Sibir and Amariah Tamaro (Year 9), Kaira Dasgupta and Siona Trivedi (Year 11) and Neha Sharma (Year 12).

The last week has been an exciting one for Year 7, with over 30 girls auditioning for 10 places available in the Interschool Debating teams. The quality of the auditions has been excellent and it is unfortunate that some truly impressive speakers have not been chosen. Nevertheless, all girls who missed out will be guaranteed they can still debate in the Intraschool competition in Term 3. The successful applicants for Interschool Debating are Gracie Holton, Divena Sundaram, Aarna Gaur, Georgia Baissari, Rose Rizk, Nirthika Nimalsiri, Halle Fleming, Janessa Patel, Madeleine Margiotta and Sienna Hayek. Congratulations to these girls who will no doubt be a force in Year 7 Interschool Debating.  

Christopher Ostrowski
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator 

The OLMC Music Department is happy to announce the launch of our newest ensemble – Rock Band!

Students who play Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Synth/Keyboard or Sing and enjoy Pop, Pop Rock, and Rock music are encouraged to join and be a part of this group. Sign up for the Rock Band via the Clipboard platform or email music@olmc.nsw.edu.au for more information. 

For the past six weeks, 20 Year 11 students have taken part in an online course in entrepreneurship facilitated by HEX called the HEX High Accelerator. This external course was taken on top of their senior studies and provided them not only with a rich and intensive educational experience but also connected them with mentors from companies such as Atlassian and UpBank who provided feedback on each stage of the process.

Ashwini Aravinthan was selected to present at the final pitch workshop on Friday, 15 March, laying out a compelling argument for establishing her business that helps connect Sri Lankan artisans with markets for their products and support to build their own business. This is a wonderful example of our ambition for our girls to be courageous advocates with limitless possibilities, not only making money but also making a difference.

As an outcome of HEX High Accelerator, students will receive a School of Record certificate from the University of Sydney, which can be used later towards credit in many courses.

We are very proud of our students and look forward to seeing them grow their businesses and stay in touch with their industry mentors.

HEX High Accelerator cohorts will be available in future, and we encourage students who are interested to email matthew.esterman@olmc.nsw.edu.au

More information on HEX programs can be found by clicking here. 

Matthew Esterman
Director of Innovation and Partnerships 

Variety night is a showcase night that enables students to showcase their talents by auditioning and performing for the wider OLMC community. This showcase will be taking place on 24 May in the Edith Angel Hall.

Audition dates will be in Week 10, Tuesday, 2 April, Thursday 4 April and Friday, 5 April.

Students received an email with an expression of interest form to complete last week. Please contact the Music Department music@olmc.nsw.edu or belinda.angilletta@olmc.nsw.edu.au for more information regarding Variety Night.

Sport trials/selections and Gala Days - OLMC Connect

Our new Co-Curricular Program, OLMC Connect, is now up and running. Information for all co-curricular activities, including sport, is available via the Clipboard platform. 

Students can select OLMC trials and Carnival nominations, but parental approval is needed for all other sporting activities.

Once students are selected in a team, their Sport Gala Day tile will then be displayed. Parents can then pay and approve online. You can view Saturday sport training days and game fixtures once confirmed.

A summary of all our co-curricular activities offered (in Semester 1 only) is available on Clipboard via the links below:

Student http://tinyurl.com/OLMCStudentCB

Parent/Guardian http://tinyurl.com/OLMCGuardianCB

If you have any queries about Sports on offer at OLMC this year, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

OLMC Cross Country Carnival

This year's Cross Country Carnival will be held on Wednesday, 3 April(Week 10) in Parramatta Park and will be for competitors only.

This is a normal school day, and students will be participating in the Cross Country during periods 1 and 2.

Any students in Years 7-12 who would like to participate will need to register on OLMC Connect. All competitors will compete together and will be eligible for selection in the PDSSSC Cross Country Carnival. Age groups will run the following distances: 

• 12 and 13yrs - 3km
• 14– 17+yrs - 4km
• Please note, 18yrs run 6km at PDSSSC

Students competing will need to change into their PE uniform when they arrive at school on the day and change back at recess. Please remember, students must wear the full summer PE uniform that complies with the College dress code. All students are encouraged to bring water, sun protection and medication.

The course can be viewed on the program which will be emailed to all students.

Carnivals

All students are now able to sign up on OLMC Connect for the OLMC Cross Country Carnival and the OLMC Athletics Carnival.

Serious competitors for Athletics can select the individual events they wish to compete in. Students can compete for fun in the 100m, 200m, Long Jump and 800m Walk without needing to register.

PDSSSC Swimming

On Friday, 8 March, OLMC competed at the PDSSSC Swimming Championships at SOPAC. Our team consisted of Sarah Loader, Sofia Lewis, Maci Lai, Madeleine Ede, Sarah Kenna, Isabel Li, Ellie Sibir, Rachel Sahabu, Matilda Webb, A’Ishah Ali, Stephanie Lake, Zoe McIntosh, Mia Cleary and Emily Shumack. The girls swam exceptionally well, with OLMC being crowned Champion Girls School. Stephanie Lake was awarded the 16yrs Girls Age Champion and Zoe McIntosh, the 17+yrs Girls Age Champion.

Congratulations to Mia Cleary, Maci Lai, Stephanie Lake, Sofia Lewis, Isabel Li, Zoe McIntosh, Emily Shumack, Matilda Webb who qualified for the NSWCCC Swimming Championships.

Thank you to Mrs McIntosh for all her help with the team.

Swimming 

The NSW Senior State Age Swimming Championships were held during the break. Congratulations to the following girls:

• Imogen Burns – 400m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 200m butterfly (final) and 1500m freestyle (placed 3^rd in 15 and Over).
• Stephanie Lake – 400m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 200m Individual Medley, 200m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 1500m freestyle.
• Zoe McIntosh – 400m freestyle, 200m Individual Medley, 200m freestyle,100m breaststroke,200m butterfly (final), 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50m breaststroke.
• Emily Shumack – 400m freestyle (placed 3rd in final), 200m freestyle (final), 100m backstroke (final), 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 200m backstroke (placed 4^th in final),

Imogen Burns, Stephanie Lake, Zoe McIntosh and Matilda Webb qualified to swim at the Australian Open Water Championships in Busselton, Western Australia. Imogen competed in both the 5km and 7.5km swims. The other girls were unable to compete due to other commitments.

Stephanie Lake, Zoe McIntosh and Emily Shumack have all qualified to compete at the 2024 Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast in April. Best of luck girls.

Triathlon

The School Sport Australia Triathlon Championships were held in Western Australia last week. OLMC was represented by Lucie Francis who was named NSW Team Captain. Lucie competed in the Senior Individual event finishing 7th as well as finishing 2nd in the Senior Mixed Relay. Congratulations Lucie on your amazing results!

Athletics

Congratulations to Matilda Webb who won gold at the NSW Junior Athletics Championships in the U17 5km racewalk.

Lifesaving

During January, Sarah Kenna competed at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships in Melbourne, as part of the New South Wales Development Lifesaving Team. Sarah performed exceptionally well, narrowly missing out on podium finishes in both the U14 and U16 age groups. Some of the events Sarah competed in were obstacles, CPR, line throw, manikin tow and manikin carry. Well done Sarah.

NSWCCC Golf

The NSWCCCC Golf Championships were held at Belmont Golf Course on 11 March. OLMC was represented by Anoushka Maikap who finished the event in 5th place with a 4 over par. This fantastic result saw Annoushka selected in the NSWCCC Team who will compete at the NSW All Schools Championships in June. Congratulations Anoushka and best of luck. 

AFL

The AFL recently announced it will celebrate AFL’s history in NSW with the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame. They will induct 100 members and 10 legends in the inaugural intake which will acknowledge many of the state's pioneers of the game. Ten women will be among the inductees, including one of our own staff members, PDHPE teacher, Amanda Farrugia. Amanda was the GWS Giants inaugural Captain from 2017-19.

Congratulations Amanda on an amazing achievement! 

Opening Hours  

The Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Thursday, from 8.00am – 9.30am and 3.00pm – 4.00pm on Monday and Wednesday (school days only). No  appointment is necessary. 

Online purchases can be made via the Online Uniform Shop and all orders will be delivered to the Student Centre for collection by students.  If parents/carers have completed an online purchase, please remind your daughter/s to collect the items from the Student Centre.
 
Term 1 - All girls are to wear the summer uniform. 

Terms 2 & 3 - All girls are to wear the full winter uniform.

Please note: Upon returning to the school after the April school holidays, there will be a transition time where students can choose between summer or winter uniforms. From the 13 May 2024, all students must be in winter uniform.

Winter Uniform Fittings 2024

Junior Uniform Fittings for Year 7 2024

Appointment times are now available online from the beginning of March until early April for junior uniform fittings. Appointments can be booked online via the Uniform tab on the College website.

Senior Winter Uniform

Tights and optional long-sleeve blouse will be available to purchase from the Uniform Shop.

If you have any concerns regarding uniform items, please don't hesitate to contact the Uniform Shop on 8838 1275 or uniformshop@olmc.nsw.edu.au