Alumnae News

Sunday 17 September 2023, was a beautiful spring day for the annual Alumnae Reunion Day celebrations, providing a perfect backdrop for old friends to reunite, share memories, and reminisce about the past. Following a Mass in the Chapel, the alumnae were delighted with a guided tour of the College, after which they boarded the College bus for a lovely high tea. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Alumnae Committee, as well as the dedicated OLMC staff and students who contributed to the success of this event.

CLICK HERE for more photos.

Are you planning a class reunion? Would you be interested in organising a reunion event?

We're here to help you connect with your fellow classmates and promote your reunion. Feel free to get in touch with Susan Giacomelli susan.giacomelli@olmc.nsw.edu.au

Milestone Reunions

Class of 1973 (Year 10, 1971) - 50 years
Sunday, 5 November 2023. For more details, contact organiser.
Organiser: Susan Meade (Clune) olmcparra73@gmail.com

Class of 1974 (Year 10, 1972) - 50 years
Saturday, 24 February 2024. For more details, contact organisers.
Organisers: Jenny Woolman Atkins & Rosemary Lown olmcp6974@gmail.com

The Alumnae Association proudly sponsored two Careers events last term.

In June, an Alumnae Careers Breakfast provided our senior students with an opportunity to gain valuable insights from the following four successful alumnae, showcasing their personal experiences and diverse career paths:

Gemma Predergast (Class of 2012) - Radio Producer, Nova Entertainment

Chelsea Barton (Class of 2011) - Senior Investigator, Law Enforcement Conduct Commission

Kate Hannouch (Class of 2000) - General Manager, Community Engagement & Social Impact, Western Sydney Airport

Rebecca Chong (Class of 2015) - Exercise Physiologist

In July, we were delighted to host an Allied Health Careers Breakfast by the Physio Inq team, under the leadership of Irene Georgakopulos (Class of 1999). Senior girls and their parents were enlightened about the career opportunities in the allied health sector. The panel was comprised of seasoned professionals with expertise in the fields of exercise physiology, physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy. Four students were fortunate enough to be offered work placement with Physio Inq and we thank Irene for her generosity.

The OLMC community thanks the Alumnae Association for their support of these events and especially thanks those engaged alumnae for the opportunities they provide to the students. Should you or your business be able to support our students in a similar way, please get in touch with the College's Community Relations & Fundraising Manager, Susan Giacomellli susan.giacomelli@olmc.nsw.edu.au

The 20th OLMC Parramatta Alumnae Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 at 7.00pm both in person at the Catherine McAuley Library at the College and via Zoom.

This is an election year, so we are particularly keen to invite any Alumnae who are interested in joining our Committee by self-nominating. On receipt of an Alumnae's self-nomination, a Committee member will make contact and assist with the completion of the Nomination Form. Committee members are elected for two-year terms and meet officially four times per year either at the College or via a Video Conference. We are also invited to attend and/or participate in many of the College’s activities, allowing us to build and foster connections with our future Alumnae and keep abreast of developments at the College – physically, educationally and spiritually.

The flexibility of video conferencing allows any alumnae, regardless of where they live, to participate in the ongoing development of our growing strong network of women. Please consider joining a great group of ex-students. 

For information on the roles and responsibilities of Committee members, please click here. If you would like to nominate for a position on the Alumnae Committee, please complete the nomination form linked here below.

NOMINATION FORM

This year’s AGM Agenda comprises:

• Ratification of the Minutes from the 2022 AGM;
• Reports from the President, Treasurer and College Principal;
• Election of Committee Members; and
• Any general business specifically raised by a member prior to the meeting.

The President’s Report will be available on the College website after the AGM. Full documentation, including Financial Reports, can be provided to Alumnae on request.

If you would like to attend in person and via Zoom, please click here to RSVP by Monday, 23 October 2023. You will then be contacted directly with further information.

Finally, if you would like to raise any business, please contact the Secretary alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au

Andrea Kohler (1983)
OLMC Alumnae, Secretary/Treasurer

The College will be opening applications for OLMC Scholarships for students who have accepted a place in Year 7, 2025 at the College. In addition to Scholarships for General Excellence, Performing Arts and Sport, we remind our alumnae of the Alumnae Scholarship - open only to a daughter, granddaughter, or great-granddaughter of an OLMC Alumnae. Applications open: WEDNESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2023 CLICK HERE

As we put the finishing touches on the new Brigid Shelly Northern Wing, we express our gratitude to the generous donors who have sponsored seats in the new Brigid Shelly Auditorium. We are excited to be welcoming our donors to the Official Opening in November.

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 a number of 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.

Donate to the Mercy Tree this Spring for New Beginnings

In 2023, the Mercy Tree beneficiary is the Baabayn Mums and Bubs Group. Mercy Works partners with the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation to support the weekly Mums and Bubs Group.

The Group aims to empower young Aboriginal mums to enhance their parenting and life skills, promote the resilience of young families and reduce the likelihood of intervention by child protection authorities. At the same time, this program is educating the Early Childhood Adminstrator, Janaya Hickey, in Business Administration.

The Baabayn Mums and Bubs group provides necessary support and connectedness to uplift young First Nations Mums. The goal for them is to grow into their potential, to contribute to an Aboriginal-led movement for better outcomes for First Nations women and children.

OLMC Parramatta Principal, Lucie Farrugia said the objectives of the organisation work well with the College’s principles of empathy and service ‘We have been presented with a chance to make a positive impact with Indigenous mothers and their children, aiding them in establishing stronger ties within their communities and offering the necessary assistance throughout their motherhood journey. I am optimistic that, as a collective, we can wholeheartedly support this initiative.’

The Mercy Tree is a social justice initiative of the College that symbolises the growth of commitment to Mercy Values in the students at OLMC and our broader community. Standing as a burst of green in Kavanagh Place, the Chinese Elm tree has blossomed since it was first blessed and planted on the College grounds in 2012.

CLICK HERE to donate.

CLICK HERE to update your details on our database.

Please forward this email to any girls you are still in contact with from your time at the College, so they too can update their details and stay connected to their alma mater.

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

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

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