This is the first Newsletter of Term 2. A very big welcome back to everyone. We hope that you all had a great break and a wonderful Easter spent with family and friends. We also hope that it was a time to rest and rejuvenate ready for all that is ahead.
The start of the term has been busy; we began with Parent Teacher Student Interviews. Thank you to all who attended the interviews last term and at the beginning of this term. ANZAC Day was recognised last Wednesday, when students returned for the first day of classes, with a commemorative ceremony led by students and staff during morning Pastoral.
This week I had the privilege of travelling to Perth with the Principals of other Mercy schools from all over Australia. We had the opportunity to visit Mercedes College, Santa Maria College and St Brigid’s College in different parts of Perth. There is always a warmth and familiarity in all Mercy schools no matter where in Australia they may be located. We are all sharing in the legacy of Catherine McAuley and a common set of values and understandings. That we are ‘shining lamps for all around’ was one of Catherine McAuley’s well known quotes and directions for her sisters. As I traveled around the different schools, I was struck by how privileged I am to be part of this wonderful legacy and how important it is that our students understand that they belong to something so much bigger than OLMC. Catherine’s lamp is truly shining bright in Australia.
The next few weeks are busy times for students in the OLMC calendar. On Friday 12 May the Student Leaders are holding the annual Dare2Donate. The event sees teachers asked to commit to a dare set by students. Each dare has a fundraising target and will only be performed if that target is reached. It is an important way that OLMC can work together to support others in the community who need our help; in particular the Leaders have chosen to support McAuley for Women and Children.
The annual Parents’ Association Mother’s Day evening is also being held on Monday 15 May. This is always a wonderful evening shared by our community.
Tonight is the opening night of the Senior Production, Rock of Ages which is this year being led by Marcellin College. We are very much looking forward to celebrating the talents of young people from both schools. It is always a humbling experience to bear witness to the immense commitment and dedication of the staff and students from both schools, who support each other to rise to meet the enormous challenge of creating a wonderful and entertaining production. Both Marcellin College and OLMC are blessed to be able to provide this for our communities. We know you will enjoy it and thank you for supporting the young people involved.