It’s natural to want others to like and accept us but worrying too much about thoughts other’s hold about you can negatively impact your mental health. When we get the answer wrong in class or don’t pass an exam, emotions such as embarrassment and shame can arise when we wonder how poorly others must think of us.

So often we spend untold energy worrying about how other people perceive us and any amount of praise is immediately overshadowed by one piece of criticism. Research shows that we consistently overestimate how much, and how badly, others think about our failings.

Jo Casamento from Mercy Works came out to a recent College Assembly to accept a cheque for almost $10,000 which was raised on Mercy Day. She was overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and shared how OLMC’s donation will assist families in Australia and overseas. This will support projects including purchasing chickens to provide eggs and vital protein to international families, support for women living in abusive relationships and programs for Indigenous children living in Australia.

We would like to thank all staff and students who supported Mercy Works through purchasing food and tokens on Mercy Day last Term.

On Wednesday, 9 November, 11 Year 8 students attended the Leadership and Eco-Justice Forum for 2022. We heard Gwen Michener talk about the seven goals of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si message and how they encourage us to care for the Earth. Gwen provided many ways for school communities to act on these goals and help sustain our Earth. We enjoyed discussing with other Mercy schools the best steps to achieve these goals.

We continue to remember our loved ones who have passed away throughout the month of November. Year 12 Liturgy leaders Joanna Davino and Katherine Baker have led students and staff in praying the Rosary during lunch time.

Judy Friedlander presented her research on the importance of pollinators and habitat regeneration in our local community. She outlined where our B&B Highway will be located and even helped us to plant some native plants in the Convent gardens. These Highways are plant and flower corridors that encourage bees, bird, bugs and butterflies to find safe places to rest, while encouraging pollination and the reproduction of pollinators, which are essential for life.

A final reminder for girls in Year 9 or 10 who are interested in applying for the Immersion trip to Central Australia next September. Please obtain an application pack from the Student Centre. The first round of student interviews will take place this week.

Year 10 used their artistic talents and wrote heartfelt messages onto Christmas cards which several Year 10 students will soon deliver to local nursing homes. These little messages of cheer are always well received and for some, are the only Christmas card received at this festive time.

We continue to collect for our Christmas Appeals, to ensure that our local families have the opportunity to celebrate this festive time in a special way.

• Vinnies food donations are still being received at the Staff Common Room door
• Christmas gifts with profiles from the Giving Tree are being arranged in Homerooms. We have another 30 profiles coming online this week from Australian Refugee Volunteers - so keep an eye out for new gift tags!

Mrs Gabby Scanlon
Director of Identity

At this point, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that our Debating and Public Speaking leaders, Olivia Easton and Tijana Pavlovic have made. Their enthusiasm and initiative have been exemplary whether hosting events, adjudicating in debates or initiating programs for next year, Olivia and Tijana have shown why they are exceptional leaders in their portfolio.

Mr Christopher Ostrowski
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

Swimming

The 2022 Metro South West Open Water Championships were held on Sunday, 6 November at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.

Congratulations to Imogen Burns (Year 9) who won her 7.5km event. Zoe McIntosh (Year 9) and Matilda Webb (Year 8) also competed in the 5km event.

The girls are looking forward to the State Open Water Championships in December.

Mr Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator

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 and all orders will be delivered to the Student Centre for collection by students. 

Uniform Fittings 2023

Appointment times for the Uniform Shop are available online and can be booked via the uniform tab on the College website. Please note there are separate times and dates for senior and junior fittings.

Senior Uniform Fittings for Year 10, 2023 have begun and will continue until Wednesday, 23 November so please ensure your booking is made before then. 

Junior Uniform Fittings for Year 7, 2023 will begin from Saturday, 26 November 2022 till Monday, 12 December 2022.

There will be no fittings over the school holidays, although, the Uniform Shop will be open before school on Monday, 23 January 2023. A booking is required if you would like to come in on this day.

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

Guest Speaker:  Steven Adams, Head of PDHPE (Acting)

All are welcome to the next P&F Meeting at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 22 November 2022. At this meeting, we will welcome Steven Adams who is presenting a proposal for the upgrade of the College Gymnasium. This meeting will be held in the Catherine McAuley Library (First Floor of Janet Woods Building) - access via Gate 7, Ross St (O'Connell Street end).