Dear families,
With the early bush fire season devastating vast areas of New South Wales and Queensland, please keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers. There will be many people suffering loss and requiring assistance over the coming months and years, but let us not forget the brave firefighters and volunteers who protect our communities, often leaving their own families and properties vulnerable to fires.
A FIREFIGHTER’S PRAYER
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage.
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late.
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout;
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and give the best in me
To guard my every neighbour and protect their property.
And if according to your will, in my duty I must answer death’s call,
Bless with your protective hand, my family one and all.
Author Unknown
Drought Awareness Week
In recognising those within our wider community experiencing the hardship of drought that risks ruining their livelihoods, the College is supporting the cause with bucket collections at the College gates and a Gelato Day where all proceeds were donated to Drought relief. Such generosity truly lives out our Mercy values of dignity, service and compassion.
Catherine McAuley Sculpture – Come Sit Awhile
On Monday, 11 November, the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy, together with the College community, unveiled and blessed the beautiful Catherine McAuley Sculpture by sculptor Gael O’Leary. The joint commissioning of the sculpture honoured 130 years of Mercy education in Parramatta. The Blessing ceremony involved the blending of water from the Parramatta River with water from the rill at Mercy International in Dublin, that was used to bless the sculpture. This symbolic gesture was a tangible expression of the College’s connection to global Mercy communities. Since the unveiling and blessing, Mercy Students and staff have enjoyed sitting with Catherine and I invite parents to Come Sit Awhile the next time they visit the College.
Year 12 Final Farewell
Our Year 12 students signed out of the College on the morning of Wednesday, 13 November and later that evening celebrated with their Formal at Waterview, Bicentennial Park. It was wonderful to see the students looking so relaxed and happy to be together again. They certainly enjoyed themselves, sharing a meal, dancing and catching up on news since last they met! Thank you to the staff who organised and attended the evening and who contributed to its success.
Year 7 2020 Orientation Day
The College is looking forward to welcoming our future Mercy Girls to the OLMC Community at their Orientation Day on Thursday, 28 November. It is always an enriching experience to have new members of our Mercy community and we look forward to the many contributions they will make. Welcome Year 7 2020!
By now the OLMC community will be aware that our College Principal, Mr Stephen Walsh, is taking some well-earned leave for the remainder of this year and early next year to focus on his health. I will be taking on the role of Principal (Acting) in his absence. I am sure that you will join me in wishing him all the best for his leave and we all look forward to his return in 2020. I also thank the College community in advance for the support I know that I will receive while I am in this acting role.
Save the date
Wednesday, 27 November | Carols in the Chapel |
Friday, 29 November | Public Speaking Day of Excellence |
Wednesday, 4 December | Celebration of Achievements Evening |
Friday, 6 December | School concludes for 2019 |
Warm regards
Mrs Marie Wood
Principal (Acting)