Announcement of Head Girls for 2021/2022
Last Friday morning I announced the Head Girls for 2021/2022. Congratulations to Maeve Nolan (Head Girl) and Moana Tuala (Assistant Head Girl). Maeve and Moana join a rich tradition of strong Mercy Leaders who have followed courageously in the footsteps of Venerable Catherine McAuley to lead our student community. The SRC President and Vice President and the Portfolio and House Leaders will be announced in the coming weeks.
2021 Women in Leadership Forum
Last Wednesday the College held the fourth annual Women in Leadership Forum. It was a wonderful and inspirational evening with an impressive line-up of speakers including ex-students Melanie Silva and Dr. Natalie Galea as well as Michelle Lee and Professor Deborah Richards. Sharing their varied stories of successes and challenges, the speakers spoke honestly and with humility. I was inspired by their messages of courage and service and how they resonated with our Mercy community. It was truly an extraordinary night where all our speakers inspired and ignited in us a sense of limitless possibilities.
We were delighted to have a surprise welcome message from Former Foreign Minister, The Hon Julie Bishop!
Thank you to all our families who joined us for this wonderful evening and to all staff who worked to make this event possible.
Classes of 2019 and 2020 Alumnae Welcome
Also on the evening of Wednesday 26 May, we held our Alumnae Welcome event for the classes of 2019 and 2020. This was a wonderful occasion where we welcomed back our most recent ex-students for a special event where they had the chance to pick up their copy of the Misericordia, chat to friends they may not have seen since graduating and speak to their former teachers. Thanks to Susan Giacomelli, our Development Officer, and our Alumnae Committee for organising this wonderful opportunity for our Alumnae.
HSC Course Preference Evening – Year 11, 2022: Wednesday 16 June
At OLMC we are very proud of the HSC learning experience we provide. Our girls thrive and achieve their potential and beyond, in a caring and supportive environment. We firmly believe that girls' schools produce the best outcomes for girls’ learning and the research supports this. In each newsletter leading up to this event, I will be sharing some research findings that support our position.
Event Details
The HSC Course Preference evening is a compulsory event for all Year 10 students and their parents. It will be a chance to hear from Leaders of Learning and subject teachers and the courses available, learn about HSC requirements and how the ATAR works.
Time: 4.45pm for a 5pm start. The event will include a light supper.
Venue: Ailsa Mackinnon Community Centre and Janet Woods Building, OLMC Parramatta (Enter via Gate 7).
A timetable detailing all the subject sessions will be emailed to all parents prior to the event.
University Open Days
Open Days are a great way to experience the university campus, listen to key note speakers and speak with current students about their experiences. Many universities offer Open Days over the August and September period. If you are interested in attending Open Days it is important to register your interest early due to COVID restrictions. Details for these events are listed below.
Not sure what you want to do post school? Visit the OLMC Careers website to utilise some of the available career exploration tools - career targets, career search or complete the career personality quiz in the student secure area.
DEBATING
The last two weeks have seen OLMC girls performing exceptionally well in debating competition. Apart from one week when four of our teams had nearly all regular members unavailable, each week has seen our girls win more than half of our debates. This is a consistently excellent result, something our girls and their coaches should be proud of. Special mention must go to our Year 7 teams, who have both been undefeated at this stage. The 7A team comprises Vishnu Gude, Isabella Homairi, Celeste Ieronimo, Sophie Tong and Shiloh Julien while the 7B team is A’isha Ali, Lizzy Butler, Pia Goradia, Bianca Mina and Celina Wassef.
With five rounds completed, our results reflect the hard work and talent of our girls and their coaches.
Year 7A 5 wins
Year 7B 5 wins
Year 8A 3 wins
Year 8B 3 wins
Year 9A 1 win
Year 9B 4 wins
Year 10A 3 wins
Year 10B 2 wins
Year 11A 3 wins
Year 11B 2 wins
Year 12A 3 wins
Year 12B 3 wins
It is important to remember that teams who have a total of four wins in the preliminary rounds are still capable of making semi-finals, depending on other results, so we hope to have many teams qualifying for the finals.
I would like to make special mention of several people who have contributed to the smooth running of our debates in the last two weeks, particularly Mr Gerard Altura as well as Mrs Gabby Scanlon, Mrs Ellen Lonergan and all the coaches and adjudicators. Thank you also to Sandwich Heaven of Winston Hills who, without charge, kindly delivered their delicious sandwiches when circumstances created difficulties with picking them up.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
The Parramatta Eisteddfod has once again confirmed the quality of our girls in Public Speaking. Over the last two weeks, our achievements have been exceptional.
In the Prepared Speaking event for 13-14 Years section, highly talented Year 8 student Sierra Lake confirmed her exceptional potential by winning first prize against some outstanding competition. Well done also to Allison John, Meihan Sun, Sahanna Sri and Vedika Kothekar who also performed extremely well. When it came to the Telephone Pairs event, our girls were simply amazing. In the two sections of that event that were entered by our girls, OLMC swept all major placings: first second and third, an achievement that is unprecedented. In one section, Kaira Dasgupta, Sierra Lake (again!) took out first prize, while London Ardeleanu and Alexandra Attard were second and Lucinda Dong and Byravee Nadarajah were third. In a separate event, Mia Fogolin and Olivia Nesci were first, Isabella Samaha and Jasmine Velasco while Tia Monga and Deeya Vashi claimed third place. Well done to our other teams as well: Janine Delapradit and Allison John, Gabrielle Blaine and Shanika Nawani, Chanelle Elias and Niamh Nolan, and Avni Mathur and Meihan Sun.
The Eisteddfod continues for another three weekends and we look forward to more outstanding performances by our girls.
Christopher Ostrowski
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator
Merits
A reminder that all students who compete in OLMC Sports can collect Merits from Mr Guthrie.
AMCC Gym
The AMCC Gym is open for students in Years 9 to 12 to use before school from 7:45 to 8:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
If students would like to use the gym (free of charge), please CLICK HERE to register.
NSW All Schools Swimming
The NSW All Schools Swimming Championships were held on Friday May 28 at Sydney Olympic Park. OLMC was represented by one of the biggest number of girls we have seen, including Ashleigh Hamilton, Amelia Harvie, Riley McIntosh, Kasey Bolt, Olivia Nesci, Tiana Karl, Mia Cleary and Emily Shumack. Congratulations to all the girls on making it this far. Ashleigh finished 2nd as part of the PDSSSC Multi-Class Freestyle relay and 4th in the 50m Backstroke, Amelia finished 8th in 100m Freestyle while the Open Freestyle relay finished 9th and the All-Age Freestyle relay finished 5th, unfortunately, they were disqualified for a false start in one of the legs though. But well done to all the girls and they should be commended for their efforts, teamwork and support.
NSWCCC Soccer
Congratulations to Tayla Milicevic who competed in the Open PDSSSC Football team at the NSWCCC Football Championships on May 25 and 26 at Valentine Sports Park.
Saturday Netball
With school holidays approaching there will be a few weekends where netball will not be on. There are no games on Saturday June 12 due to the long weekend. The final game for Term 2 will be on Saturday June 19 then we will have 2 weekends off. Term 3 games will then start back on Saturday July 10, which is the last weekend of the holidays.
The Rounds 5 and 6 results can be viewed HERE.
Saturday Soccer
The Saturday Soccer Season in nearly over. OLMC 1 has their final round game this Saturday against Frensham while OLMC 2 has a BYE and OLMC 3 finished 3rd overall in Yr7 Division 3. All the girls should be congratulated on their efforts and achievements this season. It was great to seem them all out playing and enjoying soccer again.
Here are the results from rounds 5 and 6 -
Round 5:
OLMC 1 were defeated by Roseville, 5 nil
OLMC 2 were defeated by St Scholastica’s, 5 - 1
OLMC 3 defeated St Scholastica’s, 4 - 1
Round 6:
OLMC 1 defeated SCEGGS, 2 - 1
OLMC 2 defeated St Vincent’s, 11 - 4
OLMC 3 were defeated in their Semi Final by Abbotsleigh, 6 - 1
On Friday May 21, 2021, the annual Athletics Carnival, after a year off, was held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre Warm Up Track. The College community, once again, entered enthusiastically into the spirit of the day. The track and field competitors enjoyed participating at the arena in cool conditions in a traditional carnival. Thankfully the weather was very kind and the rain held off.
A special thank you to the PDHPE staff for assisting in the set up and running of the Carnival. A big thank you also to all the staff who helped with the various duties on the day.
It is great to see that the OLMC spirit is still overflowing with enthusiasm and commitment, and obviously dominates wherever you may be. In the future we hope to again see the wonderful house “colourful” outfits that were on display.
A special thank you to the Sports Leaders, Annie Gittany and Haylee Shelton, and all the house leaders for their help in preparing for the carnival, and their enthusiasm and leadership illustrated on the day of the carnival.
| CLARE | MERCEDES | STANLEY | MCAULEY |
| Rose Parajuli | Isabella Carney | Katelyn Smillie | Khloe Anjanue Buere |
| Katrina Coorey | Charlotte Ryan | Olivia Towle | Aditi Mysore |
| CALLAN | CALLAGHAN | KAVANAGH | DOYLE |
| Marybeth Abraham | Fatima Caraan | Alyssa Laws | Tamsyn Houseman |
| Chanel Chidiac | Adriana Saab | Michelle Suwandy | Tatiana Harb |
Congratulations to Mercedes on their success again as House Champion and to Clare on their success as Spirit Champion for 2021. All Houses should be congratulated as the results were all extremely close.
Congratulations to the following girls on their efforts and achievements at the Carnival and as a result being crowned age champions:
17+ years – Annie Gittany
16 years – Brooke Luksic
15 years – Lucie Francis
14 years – Eleni Mestousis
13 years – Lily Johnston
12 years – Kasey Bolt
Finally thank you to the staff at SOPAC for all their assistance during the preparation and completion of the Carnival.
Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator
Please note that on Thursday June 17 the Uniform Shop will be closed.
Opening Hours and Purchases: The Uniform Shop is open Monday to Thursday, from 8.00am – 9.30am, and 3.00pm – 4.30pm on Monday and Wednesday (school days only).
Online purchases can be made via the Online Uniform Shop (https://shop.olmc.nsw.edu.au/) and all orders will be delivered to the Student Centre for collection by students.
Winter Uniform: Students are to wear their winter uniform during Term 2 and Term 3. For the senior winter uniform, the long sleeve shirt is optional.
Scarves: There are scarves available for purchase either online or at the Shop.
Tights: The Uniform Shop has tights available for purchase with the winter uniform. If you are purchasing these elsewhere, the requirement is 70 denier opaque, colour - Ink Navy.
Old College Uniforms: If you have any old-style College uniforms (green and white/red), these items can be returned to the Uniform Shop for recycling.
Black Tights: The Uniform Shop has a small number of black tights available for purchase for use outside of school, they are Kayser, 50 denier, opaques tights, $5.00 each. There are only 2 sizes available, M or XLarge. These tights are not available online, and can only be purchased by visiting the uniform shop.
If you have any concerns regarding uniform items, please do not hesitate to contact the Uniform Shop on 8838 1275 or uniformshop@olmc.nsw.edu.au.
A reminder that the Canteen is open daily before school from 8.00am (for breakfast) and during recess and lunch.
Parents can use Flexischools to order and pay for Canteen orders.
For more information about the College Canteen CLICK HERE.
June is the month when we welcome in Winter. Whilst we may struggle through the cold days and dark mornings, it is a season that is needed to allow for rest and rebirth.
“In the Midst of Winter” by Cal Wick, reminds us this Season:
Lord,
In the midst of Winter, when the days are cold and wind can pierce remind us of the warmth of your love.
In the midst of Winter, when days are short, dawn comes late, and dusk arrives early remind us that in the darkness your light still shines.
In the midst of Winter, when the flowers of spring lie hidden in the earth, when leaves are off the trees, and the world can seem bleakremind us that this Season of rest will slip away in a short time.
And when in our lives we feel as if we are experiencing a season of winter, reach out to us with the power of your resurrection so that we may feel the warmth of your love and see your light that alone can take away the darkness of our soul. Amen.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Thank you to all students and families who donated to our Winter Appeal. We delivered 150 snack packs and a carload of blankets, beanies, gloves and socks to the Night Patrol drop off centre.
We also donated over $300 to the Vinnies Winter Appeal thanks to the girls who did the Winter Sleep Out.
Riley Rodewald: SRC Vice President
What are the key responsibilities of your Portfolio? It is my job to assist our SRC President, Bella Barakat, to organise regular meetings with the elected Junior SRC leaders where we plan initiatives within the school community including our annual Wellbeing Week and SRC dance. Before each meeting we must attend the executive meeting to discuss new ideas and write an agenda. Additionally I work with the rest of the Student Leadership Team at College events such as Orientation Day or College Assemblies.
What is your vision as Leader of this Portfolio in 2020/21? The SRC is always working to deliver new opportunities for the student body to become involved in College life. Collaboration with different leadership portfolios will strengthen some SRC traditions to engage more students. I hope to be able to use the ideas of our community to stay connected and help each other out.
What is something about yourself that others might be surprised to know about you? I spend most holidays at my grandparent’s goat farm.
What would be your superpower? Why? Time travel. It would be very interesting to experience for myself how much the world has (or hasn't) changed over time.
Junior Mercy 6 Day
Mercy Girls joined other Mercy schools at Monte Sant Angelo North Sydney for the Junior Mercy 6 Day. This gave students the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, participate in activities and share ideas about initiatives we are running here at the College. Thank you to Mr Cook who accompanied students on this excursion.
Katie Smillie: Stanley House Leader
What are the key responsibilities of your Portfolio? Together with the other Stanley House Leader, we liaise with our House Mentor and the House Council. Within these discussions we establish actions which will enhance participation and strengthen the morale within Stanley.
What is your vision as Leader of this Portfolio in 2020/21? My vision is to lead and assist the students in Stanley to increase their confidence and strengthen the House community. I aim to develop activities that enhance participation and enable students the ability to work as a team, which I hope can be further extended to our Sister House, Kavanagh. I would like to see my fellow Stanley Sisters grow as individuals and built strong relationships.
Name one person whom you would like to share a meal with and why? There are many people - ranging from historical figures who hold answers to the countless questions of history, religious influencers or even activists for social justice. However, I would most like to share a meal with Jesus Christ. Growing up in an environment where Jesus has been at the centre of my life, it would be an honour to simply be in His presence and have the ability to listen to His thoughts.
What are your interests outside of school? I enjoy playing sports (especially netball and dancing) and love watching musical theatre.
Khloe Anjanue Buere: McAuley House Leader
What are the key responsibilities of your Portfolio? My responsibilities include enhancing McAuley students’ participation in a variety of House activities and upholding the Mercy Values.
What is your vision as Leader of this Portfolio in 2020/21? My vision is to engage my House in activities, making girls feel motivated and encourage them to perform to the best of their abilities.
What is something about yourself that others might be surprised to know about you? Even though I am quite small, I am very competitive in any sports I participate in.
What are your interests outside of school? Playing basketball, ice skating, reading, listening to music. I also play the piano and the violin.
World Bee Day
We celebrated World Bee Day by serving crumpets with honey in the morning and then made bee’s wax wraps at lunchtime with the EcOLMC girls. Money raised from the crumpets will be used to purchase plants for our school gardens which will be put in later this year!
Gabrielle Scanlon
Director of Mission
OLMC Parramatta Teaching Staff in 1978
Paralysis of Perfectionism
In our culture, perfectionism, defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect, is seen as a positive trait. However, in reality it is accompanied by critical self-evaluations, comparisons to others and concerns with how other people perceive you. Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that increases your chances of success, but it can make it harder to achieve your goals due to self-defeating thoughts and behaviours. It may also cause stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Brené Brown, a writer and research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, distinguishes between perfectionism and healthy behaviour. In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection she writes, “Perfectionism is not self-improvement. Perfectionism is, at it’s core, about trying to earn approval and acceptance. Most perfectionists were raised being praised for achievement and performance (grades, manners, rule-following, people-pleasing, appearance, sports). Somewhere along the way, we adopted this dangerous and debilitating belief system: I am what I accomplish and how well I accomplish it. Please. Perform. Perfect. Healthy striving is self-focused- How can I improve? Perfectionism- is other focused- What will they think?”.
Typically when you picture a person who strives for perfection, you think of a hard-working, driven, task-focused individual. However, perfectionism can also present as avoidance, procrastination, low engagement and putting in less effort than you know they are capable of. It seems counter-intuitive, however, for those who expect themselves to perform perfectly, the pressure to do so can mean that they avoid starting out of fear of “failing” to attain that perfection they expect of themselves, and think others too expect of them.
In our culture, we may not be able to remove the drive towards achievements, but we can start by building a sense of self-worth that is beyond achievement. We can choose a life that is values orientated rather than achievement orientated. We can offer praise to others based on their strengths rather than their achievements. We can value mistakes as opportunities to learn and not as failures. When we stop and think about the people that are most important in our lives, do we think about them in terms of their achievements, such as grades, awards they have won, or how perfect their skin is? Chances are, these are not the things that come to mind when we think of a loved one. Because these are not the things that define us. Perhaps with this in mind, we can move forward with more self-compassion and kindness.
Sandra Portela
Senior College Counsellor
