Australian Government – Your Career - Enhanced School Leaver Support Measure 

Every Year 12 student in Australia will receive information about this new service that includes a digital information kit, with a range of resources and information to help you understand all your education, training and work options. Students can also access tailored guidance and support, provided via phone or text through the School Leaver Information Service. Further information is available at this link:

https://yourcareer.gov.au/school-leavers-support/

“Project Based Learning engages students in learning that is deep and long-lasting, and inspires for them a love of learning and personal connection to their academic experience.” - Buck Institute for Education

Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been incorporated into the HSIE Department's Stage 5 Elective Courses this year. The Year 9 Aboriginal Studies class undertook their PBL in Term 3. They had to design and undertake an independent learning project that addressed two specific learning outcomes of the course. The students began their project by first examining the AIATSIS Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies. These guidelines needed to be embedded into each of the student’s projects and also guide all their decision making. The students workshopped potential research questions and utilised both peer and teacher feedback to shape their research project.

Throughout the Term, students were continuously reminded that it was the learning journey and skill development that was at the core for success not the physical creation of their project. To demonstrate this success criteria, students maintained a learning log that was updated weekly which evidenced ethical primary and secondary research. At the end of the term the students had a one on one interview with the teacher where they undertook a self-assessment of their learning. Students were reminded what an A, B and C grade would look like for each of the two outcomes of the project and were asked to self-assess their achievement of those outcomes. Students where then given the opportunity to utilise their reflection to refine their project before submission. Essentially, this ‘Critique and Revision’ stage provides an opportunity for students to control their learning and their learning success.  

While the academic success was evident, the student experience was even more meaningful. Students were given the space, encouragement, and guidance to examine areas of personal interest. This took many forms. For example, one student researched the use of Totems in Indigenous Culture, while another explored inclusiveness in the NRL and interviewed sports reporter Yvonne Sampson. Olivia, a Year 9 Aboriginal Studies student, provided the following feedback: “This project provided me with a wider understanding of Indigenous identity and allowed me to connect with an Indigenous mentor who could offer their own experience as an Indigenous person in the Australian Legal System. This was an extremely rewarding part of the project for me.“

PBL is currently being undertaken this Term in Year 10 Commerce, and already we are seeing diversity in student interests. A few of the current projects students will explore:  

• the financial status of asylum seekers after mandatory detention;
• minority representation in film;
• the use of sustainable indoor farming in Australia;
• the impact of fitness levels on mental health and the consequent financial impacts on society;
• the effect of economic, social and political barriers on an individual’s access to education in South East Asia; and,
• whether the study of criminal psychology helps to reduce crime rates.

The HSIE Department continues to focus on providing rich learning experiences that develop and refine skills and instill a love of lifelong learning in our students. PBL is just one of the ways we are doing this.

Ms Gillian Carpenter
Leader of Learning HSIE

An Olympic Change Maker

Congratulations to Year 11 Mercy Girl Annabelle Ruskin who has been selected for the 2020 Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award! The Change-Maker program provides recognition and a voice to emerging leaders. Congratulations Annabelle on your Award which recognises your sporting achievements and involvement in Futsal.

Gala Days

Several Gala Days are being prepared to run COVID safe manner. The Aquathon and Tennis Gala Days had to be cancelled due to poor weather.

Saturday Volleyball and Basketball

The Saturday Volleyball and Basketball seasons are continuing. Below are the results for Week 2 (Week 3 was cancelled due to rain):

VOLLEYBALL

Basketball

Don’t forget that OLMC Sport is now on Twitter - join in the conversation @OLMCsport

Mr Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator

The Max Potential Program is an annual scholarship program offered to Senior Students in the Parramatta Region. It is sponsored by Dooleys Catholic Club, Lidcombe. This year there was so much interest in the Max Potential Program that students had to attend group interviews. Mercy Girls Elizabeth Wong, Saydie Frim and Charlotte Duff were the three scholarship recipients for 2020.

This year the course was run completely online and our students demonstrated adaptability, flexibility and perseverance to produce outstanding Community Service Project Pitches. Each girl produced an original idea which could benefit the community. Charlotte produced a resource hub for Mental Health services for young people in the Pandemic, Elizabeth researched the effects of Racism in the community and Saydie focused on cultural activities for elderly people from the Lebanese community to keep them engaged through the Pandemic. The efforts and creativity of this year’s Max Potential Graduates has been remarkable. Elizabeth spoke at the graduation ceremony, representing the Class of 2020 Max Potential graduates. She spoke about her experiences of growth and the challenges she faced. Well done to all three girls on their personal growth, leadership and outstanding achievements!

Here below are excerpts from the speech by Elizabeth Wong:

My name is Elizabeth Wong and I’m a student at OLMC Parramatta. When I was asked, I had to write a speech for today I was pretty apprehensive, and to be frank, I’m quite glad you all are behind a screen and not sitting in front of me. My Max Potential journey started in a small conference room with a group interview about why we wanted to join the program. I knew that this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and I didn’t want to miss my chance. Three days later I receive an email saying that I was successful. I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to start. 

As soon as the introductory workshop finished, I knew that Max Potential would be something I had to dedicate a lot of time to. I had been allocated a Coach, named Vanessa, to assist me. I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say that our coaches helped us in so many ways to achieve our best. I always looked forward to our fortnightly meetings; her advice was invaluable, and her compassion is something I admire so much. 

When we were given the MAXI principals, I knew I could integrate them into my life. One of the ways I did this was through a gratitude journal. After 150 entries, my outlook on life has become more positive because of the fact I am looking for the positive aspects of my day. Implementing Maxi principals such as make it happen using the Healthy Habit Tool and "X"ing out the negatives helped me to complete tasks with minimal procrastination. 

On behalf of all the young adults, I want to thank everyone who has run this program and helped us on our journey.

Lastly to all the young adults - we did it! We made it through and graduated from the program. Max Potential has truly impacted my life and I'm sure you would agree that these MAXI principals are something we will all carry into the future. Thank you.

Trudi-Ann Harvey
Religious Education Teacher

1994 Peer Support Party

Parents and Friends Association Meeting

The last P&F Meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday, 10 November 2020. This meeting will be via Zoom (7.00-8.00pm) and we are inviting the first 25 parents to accept this invitation. If you would like to join the meeting, please click here to register. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming your attendance and a link to join the Zoom meeting.

Thank you from Stephen Walsh

The P&F Committee organised a farewell gift for Mr Stephen Walsh on behalf of the Parents and Friends of OLMC. I would like to share with you the lovely thank you note we recently received:

My sincere thanks to the P&F for the very generous gifts - the glasses, wine and especially the Akubra hat which fits perfectly.

I very much appreciated the wonderful words on the card.

I will always have a special place for OLMC and its wonderful community of girls and parents.

I am very well and I wish you all the very best into the future.

God bless and kindest regards
Stephen 

What is your Leadership Portfolio?

Mercy Action.    

What are the key responsibilities of your Portfolio?

My key responsibilities are to support and assist all members of the Student Leadership Team and to work closely with teachers and students to promote social justice awareness in our community. 

What is your vision as Leader of this Portfolio in 2020/21?

My vision as a Mercy Action Leader is to create a very inclusive and creative community of girls across all Year Groups who are passionate about social justice and working towards a more just world. My vision is to also develop initiatives and activities that inspire other girls to use their skills in order to create positive change in our world as well as work closely with organisations such as Mercy Works in order to support those in need.             

Name one person whom you would like to share a meal with and why?

One person I would like to share a meal with is Jacinda Ardern because she is a compassionate, smart and inspiring leader who embodies all the qualities of leadership which many of our world leaders today lack.

What would be your superpower? Why?

My superpower would be the ability to instantly teleport to places I need to be as I often run late to events!

Dealing with Rumours and Gossip

Whilst rumours and gossip may be slightly different, essentially they both cause harm to the person being spoken about. Rumours tend to be pieces of information or a story that has not been verified as true. Often the rumour will change slightly each time it is told, becoming more exaggerated over time. Gossip usually involves information that people do not generally share openly. The information is usually of a nature that would embarrass the person being spoken about. Most people share gossip without thinking about how it may impact the person being spoken about.

Adolescents spread rumours or gossip for a variety of reasons including: to feel better about themselves,to fit in with their peers, to get attention, to gain power in their social circle, to get revenge for a previous slight or perceived slight and to relieve boredom.

Teaching our children and adolescents how to respond when they hear rumours and gossip about someone else can be helpful in starting to break the cycle. Reminders such as “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all” and asking “Why are you telling me this”, can help your daughter avoid getting caught up in the drama.

Some ways to help your daughter cope with rumours and gossip include:

• speaking with them about what personal and private information they post online or choose to tell others. It is paramount that they develop an understanding that, once information is posted, it is no longer in their control.
• Remind your daughter that they may feel like seeking revenge but that it is not helpful to get revenge or retaliate by speaking ill of anyone else. This only continues the cycle of rumours and gossip. Rumours are like pebbles dropped into a pond, they spread quickly and once started, cannot be stopped.
• Whilst easier said than done - try to avoid dwelling on rumours or gossip. Instead, focus on activities and hobbies that your daughter enjoys. Provide your daughter with an opportunity to express how she is feeling, either by talking to you or another family member, or by engaging her in some counselling.
• Elicit support from school by encouraging your daughter to speak up about persistent rumours or gossip to her House Leader, teachers or College Counsellor.
• Be a supportive listener and encourage your child to maintain an open dialogue with you about the things that are bothering them.

Mrs Sandra Portela
Senior Counsellor

What is your Leadership Portfolio?

Liturgy Leader  

What are the key responsibilities of your Portfolio?

Bringing Christ closer to the OLMC community through prayer and religious activities.     

What is your vision as Leader of this Portfolio in 2020/21?

To see the girls of the OLMC community thrive in their faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

What are your interests outside of school?

I love Musical Theatre. It brings me joy as I love watching a story told through songs that are catchy and I love to challenge my vocal abilities through singing.