Alumnae News

The College’s Alumnae held its annual Reunion Day on Sunday, 22 September at the College. It was great to see over 200 ex-students gather for Mass in the Mother Mary Clare Dunphy Chapel. This was followed by a luncheon in the Edith Angel Hall where a special 130 Year Anniversary cake was cut by one of our oldest Alumnae members – Gloria McGrath. It’s wonderful to take opportunities such as these to celebrate the College’s long and rich Alumnae tradition which dates back to the early 20th century.

It was a delight to welcome back The Class of 2018 to the Alumnae Welcome on Thursday 1 August. Held in the Ailsa MacKinnon Community Centre, over 80  girls attended the evening where they were able to reconnect with each other and with staff. A strong message conveyed from the speakers at the event was that Mercy Girls will always be welcome at the College.

"We are a Mercy Family that just keeps growing," said Sister Mary-Louise Petro, Congregation Leader of the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta. 

Thank you to the Year 10 students who volunteered their time to assist with the special evening.

For the past 10 years, the OLMC Parramatta Alumnae has given an award to an ex-student who, in the years since she left the College, has made a difference, through her influence or service, to those whose lives she has touched.

Catherine McAuley wrote “… no act of charity can be more productive or good to society, or more conducive to the happiness of the poor and needy, than the careful instruction of women… since whatever be the station they are destined to fill, their example and advice will always possess influence…”.

As beneficiaries of a Mercy education at Parramatta, we have all been empowered to be compassionate, to lead with courage and act justly, and most importantly to make a difference in whatever sphere of life we have chosen.

The women who have received the Alumnae Award have all led very different lives, and their contributions to the lives of others have been demonstrated in many different ways – in their homes, local communities and on the national or international stage.

Do you know anyone who may be worthy of this Award? Click here for further instructions on how to nominate someone for the 2020 Catherine McAuley Award, that will be announced in 2021.

On Wednesday, 13 November the final Mercy Futures event for the year will be held.

The evening event will include a World Kindness Day Inter-faith panel with representatives from a number of different communities. Keep an eye out on Facebook for further details or contact mercyfuture@parrasom.org.au to express your interest.

To celebrate our 130th Anniversary Year in 2019, the College has launched an exhibition microsite where you can browse through images of objects from our archives that tell our story. Included is everything from books and uniforms to furniture and buildings.

Principal Stephen Walsh says the 130 Objects Project is a great way to celebrate our rich history. "Our story is made up of thousands of stories of the Mercy Women who were educated here and their families - their experience, their aspirations and their memories. The College has been an anchor for our community through one of the most turbulent periods of world history and these hallowed halls mean so much to so many people. Through this project, we honour all those women and their legacies."

The College is adding more items to the website each week. Click here to view the microsite.

At the beginning of Term 3, students shared their creativity and passion at the OLMC Exhibition and Showcase Evening. Displaying Year 12 Major Works from several subject areas including Visual Arts and Technology and Applied Studies, Mercy creative talent was on show to all. 

This year, talented Dance students joined the Showcase sharing a range of spectacular performances by both HSC students and junior school students. The performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. 

Year 12 Music students showcased their talent at the Music Showcase the following week, performing brilliant pieces which were harmonious and a delight to listen to. 

Principal Stephen Walsh,was extremely proud of the students' efforts and impressed by the quality of their works.

“Not only does the HSC Showcase celebrate the talent and ingenuity in design, creativity and the arts amongst students, but it also recognises the long tradition of excellence at OLMC in creative fields,” said Mr Walsh.

The Sisters of Mercy Parramatta are seeking a Mission Coordinator. Applications close October 27, 2019.

Click here for more details. 

In the Semester 1, 2020 OLMsCene Magazine, we are looking to profile ex-students who are making a difference through their work with the United Nations and related organisations (paid or voluntary). 

Please contact social@olmc.nsw.edu.au with the details.

The Mercy Music and Performance Academy cultivates and nurtures the creative talents of young performers. Building on the strong musical tradition established by the Sisters of Mercy at OLMC, the Academy mirrors the College’s Christ-centred approach and commitment to the Mercy Values, with a particular emphasis on excellence. Through a multitude of targeted programs and opportunities, the Academy aims to foster and grow a creative community of inspired educators and passionate, talented performers.

The Mercy Music and Performance Academy offers students a range of opportunities for excellence:

• Private music lessons (for boys and girls in Year 3 to Year 12)
• Opportunities to play in ensembles
• Weekend and holiday workshops
• Masterclasses
• Preparation for AMEB exams

CLICK HERE to visit the Academy website.

Women's Community Shelters (WCS) are the 2019 beneficiary of Mercy Tree Fundraising. 

WCS works with local communities to provide more safe havens for women (and their children). WCS offers vulnerable women at risk of homelessness or domestic violence shelter, active case management, support, dignity, self-esteem and a chance to start anew, through the establishment, operation and/or supervision and support of Women’s Community Shelters and transitional housing. 

WCS is currently working to establish and open a women’s shelter in Parramatta, which is due to open later in 2019 (the images below show the shelter in development).

CEO of WCS Annabelle Daniel said fundraising by OLMC would have a huge impact by allowing WCS to do more of what they do; “Every time we open a shelter, it’s full within a week and, with the help of the OLMC community, we can continue to offer more beds to more women and children to provide a safe and secure environment.”

You are invited to make a donation to the 2019 Mercy Tree Appeal.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The College is now on LinkedIN and Instagram!

On LinkedIN, you can stay in touch and see positions available as well as achievements of students, staff and ex-students!

Click here to see our LinkedIN page.

Click here to see our Instagram account.