This week we have had the privilege of hosting students from Seirei Women’s Junior College, our sister school in Japan. It is the first time we have been able to do this since 2018 and we were filled with excitement to once again share in the joy of this experience. Accompanied by Mr Kudo Sensei and Ms Sanchez Sensei and tour guide Ms Takako Oshika the students have fully immersed themselves in this experience. I would like to thank the teachers from Japan, who have accompanied the students, for their generosity and participation in all of the programs offered. They fully immersed themselves in all on offer at school and with their homestay families.

The OLMC students and their Japanese guests greeted each other with such excitement, keen to reunite with each other since OLMC’s trip to Japan earlier this year. The excitement in the College is tangible as students were welcomed into classes with their host sisters and joined in a range of activities including a trip to Healesville Sanctuary. Next week they travel to Sacred Heart College Geelong, where they will reunite with the students they met on the trip to Japan and enjoy the surf coast.

Thank you to the families who have hosted the students from Japan. I hope that your family has gained some enrichment through learning about Japan, its culture and language. Without your generosity this would not be possible and so we are truly grateful. Mr James Stavretis, Ms Cenza Basile and Ms Sally Durant have also given very generously of their time in both supporting and organising the program and host families.

Last week Year 8 students attended camp. Despite the cold and wet weather, they were able to enjoy a chance to challenge themselves with new activities while getting to know each other and their teachers a little better. The staff have spoken in glowing terms of their enthusiasm and participation. They engaged with every activity and spoke enthusiastically about all the activities they were trying.

Congratulations to Gemma R 9MKY, who has been selected for a squad of 16 players invited to participate in the 2024 Nike Premier Cup, an Under-15 girls tournament taking place in the USA from Monday 22 July. The team will face the ultimate test against some of the world’s very best junior talent. We wish Gemma every success in what will be an amazing opportunity.

Term 3 is an important one for making decisions. Almost everyone is contemplating where they want to be and what they hope to achieve in 2025. It is also a term with so many important community events. House Arts and the Celebration Concert will be upon us soon, as will Mercy Day. These are all occasions when we share in an enormous amount of fun as we watch so many of our students shine. The theme of this year, ‘Varieties of gifts, but the same spirit’ (1 Corinthians 12:4), could not be more appropriate for the full range of opportunities for students to share their many gifts and talents this term.

On Friday 30 August OLMC is honoured to host the annual Frayne Speech Competition. This is a competition between Mercy Education Limited Schools and affiliates. OLMC will welcome over 100 students and almost 50 staff to participate in Public Speaking, Debating and Voice Choir competitions. In addition to competing, many OLMC students will also be engaged in hosting duties.

We have certainly hit the ground running this term with a number of important events in the first two weeks. We look forward to another busy but successful and rewarding term.

God of love, today we remember St Anne (meaning ‘Grace’ in Hebrew) and St Joachim (meaning ‘YHWH’, ‘God prepares’), grandparents of Jesus and models of faith. They trusted in your promises and loved their daughter Mary, who bore your Son, Jesus. We also remember our grandparents, those still living and those who are now in heaven with you. We thank you for the example of all grandparents. Through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Image: Daniel Gran (1694 - 1757) ‘Mary's Instruction by Joachim and Anne’ - 4309 - Austrian Gallery Belvedere

Each fortnight, eleven Year 7 students spend quality time with some residents at Trinity Lane in Ivanhoe. Villa Maria offers this accommodation to vulnerable seniors in our community at very affordable rates. In addition, these residents are offered a 49-year lease. For many, this is their first-ever permanent home.

Here is one resident's message from last week:

Just a note to thank you for introducing us to the students from OLMC. It has helped to see my life in perspective, all the different teaching and learning roles and sharing lives with my loved ones. Telling them about family and friendships and now being here in the units at Trinity Lane. We shared many experiences meeting inspiring people overseas, yoga, dance, Tai Chi and now afternoon teas and sausage sizzles. Delights for me these days are renewed and new life and what we can save in the environment in any form, which we see daily in new grand nieces and nephews, students, early spring plants and birds that are beginning to wake us again after the cold winter. After an adventure with my health last year, everything is a bonus, and our interviews and visits have helped me to recognise and realise this. 🙏🏾We pray for peace in our wider world and trust ourselves and young ones worldwide who are doing their best 🙏🏾🌠😉💕🌏🌝Thank you again.

On the evening of Friday 12 July, Br Tri (Francis Xavier) Cao Van CP made his lifelong commitment as a member of the Passionist Order. This solemn occasion marked his perpetual profession, signifying his dedication to the Order for the remainder of his life.

Br Tri expressed his deep gratitude for the support he received from our students and staff. He specifically requested our community’s presence at the event, which took place during the school holidays. Maddy, Jas, Alana, and Bianca from Year 11 represented OLMC in their uniforms.

We thank Br Tri for the gift he has made to our community, his brother Passionists, the church and the world. We continue to pray for him and ask God to bless him.

Education improves the life opportunities of all young people, particularly the poor. Education enables people to be able to read and write, which helps them access systems and understand the world around them. It enables a young person to gain a better paid or skilled job, have better health, and to productively contribute to society.

So, can you imagine a country where schools did not exist? This happened in Cambodia. Historically Cambodia was profoundly affected by the brutal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, who ruled the country from 1975 until 1979. However, peace did not come to the country until the 1990s. Pol Pot had a radical plan for Cambodia and during this time hospitals and schools were abolished, and many educated people were killed, including nearly all doctors and teachers. Families were split apart and sent to work camps. This caused profound trauma that has lasted until today, and it also devastated the educational opportunities of many Cambodians.

After this terrible time modern Cambodia has had to rebuild its educational infrastructure and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Many schools in Cambodia still lack basic resources. Many country primary schools are built from wood with dirt floors and no toilets. Students are taught by chanting the Khmer alphabet as they have no materials to write the alphabet down. Imagine a school with no pens, no paper, no textbooks and no toilets! There are no computers, no gyms, no art rooms, no library, certainly no camps or excursions, and not even posters on the walls. Government secondary schools in urban areas have better facilities, but teachers often do not have access to computers and are desperate for textbooks and materials.

Recently Our Lady of Mercy College, with the blessings of our Principal Ms Weir, donated eight re-conditioned computers for use in Cambodia. These computers were distributed to a secondary school in Phnom Penh that teaches approximately 4,200 students. This, together with a corporate donation, has allowed Data Boards to be set up in four of the classrooms, and the OLMC computers will be part of a new computer lab for the school. Not only were students thrilled and excited, but so were the teachers! A group of teachers has now been trained in Data Board use and on the computers. Teachers will now create more dynamic lessons, whilst also having access to lessons and educational resources on the internet. The senior secondary school students using the computer lab will learn computer skills, access learning materials, and be more adequately prepared for university courses which require computer literacy. Our hope is that this will help ‘leap-frog’ education and provide quality teaching to these students. Thank you so much OLMC!

Caroline Bui
OLMC Teacher

The Year 8 Camp last week was a huge success due to the positive attitude of all the students and the enthusiasm and energy that was demonstrated. The Year 8 Pastoral Leaders are incredibly proud of the way the students supported each other and looked out for their peers. So many new friendships and connections were made amongst the year level.

Overall, the weather was good and this assisted in the students participating in canoeing, tunnelling, geocaching, the amazing race, kick bikes and the flying fox, which was the students’ favourite.

The students became very competitive with the Pastoral dance off and it was lovely to see the students collaborate on dance choreography as a Pastoral Group. Congratulations to 8BFA and 8BHO for winning the challenge.

It was wonderful to see the students being so respectful towards staff and each other and many memories were made. I believe that the Year 8 camp will be a highlight for the students this year.

Deb Butterworth
Year 8 Level Coordinator

Year 8 Camp was excellent and a really good experience. It brought me closer to my year level and it helped me step out of my comfort zone. A highlight was the flying fox as it was an exhilarating experience and so much fun.

Raavi M (8MWA)

Camp was an amazing experience. I think many of us really enjoyed this opportunity. We made greater bonds with each other and created new memories. The flying fox was an activity that we all loved.

Nevaeh B (8MWA)

Camp was such a great experience. We were able to make new friendships and connections, whilst also learning new skills. The food was really good and we loved the extra cabin time and being able to choose our cabin groups. A highlight was the flying fox and dance off. We had the best time.

Addi O (8BFA)

There is nothing that puts a pep in our step more than talking to students about their VCE pathways, especially if that involves a choice of one or more of the five Humanities subjects offered across Units 1 – 4 at OLMC: Accounting, Business Management, History, Legal Studies and Politics.

The annual Subject Expo, held earlier this week in the McAuley Hall, is an opportunity for prospective students to chat to teachers and current students about every VCE subject at OLMC. Humanities is always well represented at this event - along with our traditional lolly basket and colourful displays - everyone makes the most of the time to discuss all things related to senior learning.

It is always fabulous to witness the buzz and absorb the energy at the Expo. Some may feel it is a little competitive, with Learning Areas trying to spruik their subjects as the most positive and popular, yet this couldn’t be further from the truth. The interests and skills of each student are considered in any chat about subject selection. Teachers often direct students to other Learning Areas if they feel the student could benefit from specific advice from English, VCE VM, Maths, Science, Health and Physical Education, Design, Art and Technology or Languages.

Often our student subject ambassadors lead the way with pulsing anecdotes about the subjects they are studying and blood-pumping tales of amazing Humanities content. It is with a great deal of pride that staff watch and listen to their Year 11 or 12 students as they speak about the positives and negatives of studying Politics or History, Accounting, Business Management or Legal Studies.

We often contemplate (and are occasionally asked) why a student would consider a Humanities subject or an Arts-based pathway. Surely, it’s more important to pursue coding, science, digital technologies, mathematics, AI and algorithmic careers and educational endeavours?

We would always advise that the lifelong learner, and the well-rounded, neural-developing student, will have an interest in all that education has to offer, whether it be a fascination with genetics, gothic characters, Renaissance art, muscle growth or Eastern European politics. But we often hear students label themselves as a ‘Maths-Science person’, or ‘more an English and writing queen’.

We try to tap into those conversations and suggest how studying History, Politics, Legal Studies, Accounting or Business Management might work for them - how a Humanities subject might sharpen literacy skills, foster critical thinking, hone writing prowess. How History and Politics might have them reflect on their world, the turbulence and joys, and develop greater understanding of the planet and their place within it. How Accounting or Business Management might awaken a keen interest in people, products, the narrative behind figures, and how Legal Studies might illuminate understanding and empathy across a range of different scenarios and case studies.

Studying Humanities at senior level is not for everyone, but we only need to look at - and beyond - our screens to know that an understanding of these subjects is more important than ever.

AI can help us write. An algorithm can bring narrow joy to our feed, but diversity in our educational pathway can help us understand how to think about complex things - and it is with this in mind that we conduct our Expo conversations.

Rosemary Jones
Humanities Learning Leader

Year 8 Italian

The Year 8 Italian students successfully completed Term 2 with an engaging and creative weather forecast project. This project allowed students to apply their language skills in a practical and enjoyable manner. They learned weather-related vocabulary, expressions, and the necessary grammar to construct accurate and detailed weather forecasts. The culmination of their hard work was recording themselves presenting a weather forecast in Italian, which not only showcased their language proficiency but also boosted their confidence in speaking Italian.

The students' enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they took on the roles of meteorologists, preparing scripts, practising pronunciation, and finally recording their forecasts. This project not only reinforced their language learning but also allowed them to develop their presentation skills. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the progress they have made in mastering the Italian language. We look forward to seeing their continued growth in the upcoming terms.

Japanese Sister School Visit

We welcomed students from Seirei High School in Japan this week. The group of twenty-four students and two teachers have settled well into their one-week visit at OLMC. On their first day at school the group had a tour of the school, visited Japanese classes and began English lessons. Some of our OLMC families have also welcomed the students into their homes for a one-week homestay. There are many fun activities that they will do in their remaining time here. In a future Newsletter we will report back on the visit from the perspective of our students.

James Stavretis
Languages Learning leader

Meet our Design, Art and Technology students!

Recently we interviewed a group of Year 12 students studying Media, Art Creative Practice, Visual Communication Design and Food Studies about what it’s like to be a DAT student.

Thanks to Ella P, Caitlyn A, Angelique M, Genevieve Q, Indra L, Natasha A and Keira L for sharing your honest thoughts!

Are there any personal experiences at home or memories of earlier years at school that influenced your decision to choose it at VCE?

‘Doing both Fashion and Media in Year 10 influenced my passion in costume design that I never had before - and to start sewing. I now sew a lot of my own clothes!’

‘I’ve always really enjoyed photography - both digital and film. My siblings did Media at school and also loved it, so I got my passion from them. There is something really cool about the look of film photography that you don't get in digital.’

‘When I realised in Year 9 that Food Studies isn’t just about cooking or hospitality, I saw that it’s a subject that really aligns with my interest in health and the environment.’

What is something new that you have learnt in your DAT VCE Subject this year?

‘I've learnt ways of working with a number of new materials such as lino prints, oil painting and how to produce wearable art garments.’

Trying the oil paints with Jess (our artist in residence) was really interesting. I love how we get the chance to try so many things when we work with different materials that we would never be able to otherwise access.’

‘Something I’ve learnt in Media in particular is an understanding of the huge importance of lighting. I also never realised that every part of a media production involves really specific, creative choices.’

‘I was surprised to learn that our food systems are so global and interconnected and how that can also have such a big impact on the environment.’

Do you see any connections between your DAT subjects and other areas of study or personal interests you have?

‘You are given a lot of freedom to explore your interests and also develop life skills in creativity that will be really valued in whatever job you do.’

‘Media really focuses on critical thinking skills. We consume so much media every day but we don't often critically think about what the intention of the media maker is and who controls the media, which I think is an important life skill.’

Does completing this subject help in your future career aspirations or goals?

‘For me I see that Art has opened up a lot of horizons and new options for future jobs and careers that had never occurred to me before.’

‘Photography at this stage will probably not be my first choice of career, but it's a skill that I know I will be able to use in so many different contexts and professions. Already I have taken a lot of images for my local football club, which they have really appreciated.’

‘I’m interested in studying health and biology at Uni and studying food has really reinforced how important it is to understand nutrition.’

Does studying art play a positive role in your overall high school experience and sense of belonging to OLMC?

‘Art is something that I'm good at - I have never really felt a strong sense of that in my other subjects at school. My ideas and work are valued. I love that there can be so many possibilities and answers. Ideas and opinions are respected.’

‘For me doing a DAT subject is so different to my other ones - there is less of a focus on remembering the set knowledge presented to you by the teacher. You explore what interests you and then go about gaining the knowledge that comes from that. Sometimes it doesn't feel like school work in that traditional sense.’

‘The atmosphere in a VCE DAT classroom feels a bit different- more chilled.’

Do you have any advice for students thinking of choosing a DAT subject in VCE?

‘It’s not a bludge. It can be a lot of work - you can't leave this kind of work until the last minute. You need to stay on top of things or it can get really hard.’

‘If you've enjoyed your DAT subjects so far, then choose one! School is boring if you aren't following your passions!’

‘Art is a great way to express yourself - there's still a structure to the course to help guide you in what you create so you're not lost but within that there's lots of freedom as well.’

‘People don’t realise that Art isn't just painting - Media isn't just filming, VCD isn't just making logos - you can work in any medium - You can follow your interests!’

‘Don’t let people talking about scaling affect your decision. If you love it then you will get a good mark. It's easy to do well if you enjoy what you are doing.’

Mark Jenkinson
Design, Art and Technology Learning Leader

Term 3 is always a vibrant and bustling time in the Performing Arts at OLMC. Students are hard at work rehearsing in their music ensembles, honing their skills and creativity, while also diving into preparations for the M² Junior Production of A Christmas Carol. While we are busy in our ensembles, our classes are filled with energy as we kick off the new semester in drama, dance, and music.

We are in the middle of the VCE and senior subject selection period. We’re excited to offer three engaging strands in the Performing Arts: Theatre Studies (Units 3 and 4), Drama (Units 1 to 4), and Music (Units 1 and 2), including Music Inquiry (Units 3 and 4).

Currently, students in Music Inquiry are starting their Unit 4 Folio projects, which are driven by their personal interests. This year, they’re exploring a variety of styles such as pop, jazz, R&B, movie soundtracks and musical theatre. Each student develops a unique focus, investigating how different pieces of music, genres, and artists have influenced their own creative journeys.

As they analyse their chosen music, students are preparing for performances and compositions, with many works set to be showcased at our Celebration Concert in September. We encourage all students to consider the exciting possibilities that Music Inquiry offers!

Alexa, a gifted pianist in Year 11, is currently immersed in Music Inquiry Unit 4. Her focus revolves around analysing Hans Zimmer's techniques in crafting main themes that intricately capture the essence of characters and the overall ambiance of films. Specifically, she plans to delve into the contrasting approaches to time and place within the main themes of The Dark Knight and Interstellar. Her investigation will explore how composers effectively build tension and achieve release through strategic use of musical elements and repetition.

Another talented music student is Lillian, OLMC Music Captain. Lillian aims to investigate songs from female-led musicals, focusing on character development and journeys. Wicked and Waitress are the two musicals she will be focusing on. These musicals feature catchy melodies and portray female characters proving themselves to society or specific individuals through their compositional elements and devices. Key elements explored include melody, harmony, dynamics, and texture, with songs often culminating in grand, powerful endings as characters grow and understand their journey. Transition, contrast in tone, colour, dynamics, pitch, and texture, as well as repetition of melody, are significant compositional devices influencing the character development depicted in these songs.

Our Units 3 and 4 Theatre Studies students are currently immersed in the fascinating world of monologues, selecting pieces from the VCAA Monologue Exam list. This experience allows them to either perform these monologues as actors/directors or explore their creative talents by designing costumes, props, make-up, sound, lighting or sets. Some of the choices on this year's Monologue list include excerpts from plays such as Hamlet, Bombshells, Fangirls and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. These selections provide students with the opportunity to delve deep into character development, thematic exploration, and creative interpretation. In October, our students will showcase their hard work and creativity by presenting their monologues and designs to a panel of external assessors.

To further enrich their understanding and appreciation of theatre, our students will attend two professional performances this term:

• A Streetcar Named Desire at the Melbourne Theatre Company: An iconic play by Tennessee Williams, renowned for its emotional depth and complex characters.
• Romeo and Julie at Red Stitch Theatre: A modern adaptation that brings a fresh perspective to Shakespeare's classic love story.

These excursions are not only a treat but also an essential component of their preparation for the next School-Assessed Coursework (SAC) and the end-of-year exam. Experiencing these professional productions first-hand provides invaluable insights into acting skills, design, and interpretation.

Our Theatre Studies program offers senior students rich, hands-on learning experiences. By immersing themselves in both performance and design, students gain a holistic understanding of theatre. The subject provides numerous benefits, including:

• Confidence: Performing or presenting designs in front of an audience builds self-assurance.
• Collaborative Skills: Working on productions fosters teamwork and mutual respect.
• Creativity: Students tap into their creative potential, whether they are acting or designing.
• Communication Skills: Clear expression and effective communication are central to theatre and valuable in all aspects of life.

Theatre Studies not only nurtures artistic talent but also prepares students for a wide range of future endeavours by developing essential life skills. We are immensely proud of our Theatre Studies students and eagerly anticipate their continued growth and accomplishments as they progress through Unit 4.

Madalena Broadbent
Performing Arts Learning Leader

Hello and welcome back to Term 3! We hope the holidays were restful and filled with joy. Term 2 was a very busy term with Dare2Donate and the launch of OLMC’s very first Spirit Week. Our teachers dressed up for their dares and the Taylor Swift-themed mega dare saw many iconic outfits throughout the day! The Rock Paper Scissors Competition also concluded with the grand final round happening live during the lunchtime event. Congratulations to the winner! Thank you to all those who donated across the week. All funds were provided to McAuley for Women and Children to help support those in vulnerable situations.

Term 3 is just as exciting with many events planned. We would also like to congratulate our new Year 7 Student Representative Council Captains, Stephanie and Chiara! Welcome to the team! The SRC will be organising activities for the National Day Against Bullying and Violence on Friday 16 August and R U OK day on Thursday 12 September. Our House Captains are preparing for House Arts on Wednesday 21 August and we would like to encourage as many of you as possible to sign up and share your talents. There will be prizes and House Points! The registration form is on SIMON. So, make sure to keep an eye out for the many activities planned around these days!

Later in the term on Thursday 19 September, we will also be celebrating Mercy Day, our annual school feast day! The day will start with Mass and we will come together as a community to have lunch and partake in the many activities, stalls and games, so make sure to purchase your tokens early! All money raised on Mercy Day is donated to Mercy Works.

Nathasha J (12CRIV) and Jessica B (12MAMN)
College Captains

Our annual High Tea in Heidelberg is on Sunday 8 September at 2.00 pm and we invite you and your friends and family to share in this special event.

The event will support the work of McAuley for Women and Children, an organisation committed to advocating for a better, safer and just society through working with women and children affected by family violence, mental illness or homelessness.

Sunday 8 September 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

OLMC Nalleijerring Centre, Yarra St, Heidelberg

How to Book

Tickets are priced at $50 for Adults and $25 for Students.

You can purchase tickets online by going to https://www.trybooking.com/CTBND

OR by contacting Marie Jenkins T: 9455 7571 E: mjenkins@olmc.vic.edu.au

To book a group/table, you can either purchase the whole table in one booking or purchase a ticket on an available table and then notify your guests of the table number they should specify when booking. If you want to rename the table so that your fellow guests can identify the table easily please contact Marie Jenkins. Tables will seat 10 people.

To book individual tickets, purchase the required number on any table.

High Tea Raffle

We will also run a raffle to support McAuley. You can purchase tickets at the event or, if you are unable to attend but still wish to offer your support, you can purchase tickets online prior to the event.

1 ticket for $10, 3 tickets for $20 or 10 tickets for $50

To purchase a raffle ticket please go to https://www.trybooking.com/CTBNO

• 1st Prize Two nights accommodation in the penthouse suite of Wytonia Beachfront Accommodation in Port Fairy. Donated by The Wilson Family.
• 2nd Prize $250 voucher for your choice of restaurant in the Scott Pickett Group. Donated by the Pickett/Harris Family.
• 3rd Prize $250 voucher for your choice of restaurant in the Scott Pickett Group. Donated by the Pickett/Harris Family.
• 4th Prize Natio Cosmetic Pack valued at over $150. Donated by Natio.
• 5th Prize Hamper from Miles Real Estate, Ivanhoe. Donated by Miles Real Estate.
• 6th Prize Heide Museum of Modern Art - Twin Art Pass valued at $50.00. Donated by Heidi Museum of Modern Art.
• 7th Prize Baby Blanket and Hamper.

Raffle will be drawn on 8 September 2024 at the High Tea in Heidelberg.

Winners will be notified by phone and/or email and results will be in the College Newsletter.

We do hope that you can help us to support the work of McAuley for Women and Children by joining us for this very special event or by purchasing a raffle ticket.

Marie Jenkins
Community Development Coordinator

Save the Date! Wednesday 28 August 2024 7.00 am

Join us as we celebrate Father's Day with a delicious breakfast

Look out for your invite and raffle details!

Let's honour all the amazing fathers and father figures in our lives.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

The OLMC Parents’ Association

We would like to extend our sincere apologies for an oversight in our previous communication. It's important to acknowledge and thank all our generous sponsors for their contributions to this year's raffle prizes.

We are grateful to Living Room, Templestowe and Tesoro Gastronomia for their generous donations. Your support is deeply appreciated.

The OLMC Parents' Association

Parade St Damian's Junior Football Club are endeavouring to develop a girl’s football team for 2025.

Two free training sessions are on offer for any interested girls. Please see attached flyer.

Eaglemont Village is celebrating their 97^th anniversary on Sunday 11 August, and are hosting the annual ‘Heritage Day’ celebration. In honour of this event, the beautifully restored 'Red Rattler' Tait train will be back in service, shuttling passengers return from Eaglemont to Clifton Hill.

Alongside the train, the ‘Heritage Day’ Market located in the heart of Eaglemont on Silverdale Road will be in full swing. There will be plenty of entertainment, including:

• Street entertainers
• Live Music
• 96.5 Inner FM will be broadcasting live on the day
• Kids’ activities
• Food
• Artisan Market Stalls offering beautiful locally made products

For more information please visit:

www.eaglemontvillage.com.au

Follow the official Our Lady of Mercy College accounts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We’ll be sharing regular news, student achievements and stories from around the College.