Message from the Principal – Christine Harding
Welcome to the community of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer. Striving for excellence, we are the only specialist all-girls school in the Sutherland Shire.
Dear Parents and Carers,
The commencement of Term 2 has been marked by a plethora of educational opportunities, both within and beyond the classroom. This is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiastic participation of our students. Observing the collaborative efforts and active engagement in the learning process is truly encouraging, as it signifies a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
May – A Marian Month
May is traditionally a month when we pray to and celebrate Mary, the Mother of God. and ‘Our Good Mother’. Jesus, in his last moments on the cross, entrusted his own mother into the hands of his disciple John, saying to him “behold, your mother” (John 19:27). It was at this moment that we all became blessed to call Mary ‘Our Good Mother’. Mary is a constant reminder of how to live a life in Christ.
Mother’s Day has been celebrated in Australia on the second Sunday of May since 1924. But, Catholics have been celebrating a sort of mother’s day since the first few centuries of the Church. The fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, traditionally was a time to return to your mother church (home parish) and leave an offering.
Mother’s Day
Last weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day. This is an important and special day when we remember and give thanks to our mothers for everything they have done to guide and shape our lives. In our community I am conscious that for some this can be a day that is celebrated differently and will include grandmothers, aunties and mother figures. For some it may be a day of sadness as well, to those who have lost a significant mother figure in their lives.
A Prayer for Mothers
For our mothers, who have given us life and love, that we may show them reverence and love, and others who show us a mother’s love, we pray to the Lord.
For adoptive mothers and for the women who wish to give birth but experience challenges, that they know your care, we pray to the Lord.
For mothers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope, and their family and friends support and console them, we pray to the Lord.
For those who wish to serve as mothers, but are not able to do so, that they know your comfort, we pray to the Lord.
For mothers who have died, that God may bring them into the joy of his kingdom, we pray to the Lord.
Amen.
I hope all Mothers and mother figures had the opportunity to enjoy Mother’s Day with their families. Thank you to the mothers and carers who were able to join the OLM community at our Mother’s Day Breakfast.
Year 10 Thursday Sport with De La Salle Caringbah
This term, our Year 10 students are participating in a new combined sports program with Year 10 students from De La Salle Caringbah. Based on valuable feedback from parents, this initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in regular, interactive activities that foster collaboration between our girls and their peers at De La Salle Caringbah. The objective is to build stronger connections and promote teamwork within a dynamic and supportive environment.
The first rotation of activities kicked off with enthusiasm, allowing our students to try a variety of recreational sports, including Climbfit, Flag NFL, Oztag, Gym and Basketball/Pickleball. Last term, Year 9 students participated in a trial program for Art and Music. We are now exploring ways to integrate these subjects into the Year 10 Thursday sport afternoon into the future.
We eagerly anticipate the development of this program, as it fosters new friendships and promotes wellbeing throughout the term.
Silver Duke of Edinburgh Hike
We are immensely proud of our 17 Year 10 students for their outstanding success in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh hike to Jervis Bay, Currarong, Booderee National Park and Murrays Beach. Accompanied by Year 10 boys from De La Salle Caringbah, they exhibited remarkable resilience and teamwork. Big congratulations to all the participants for their fantastic achievements. Special thanks to Miss Polson and Mr Pagano for supporting the girls on their hike.
ANZAC Day at Cronulla Dawn Service
Accompanied by Mrs Treeves, our Year 12 Student Leaders commemorated ANZAC Day at the Cronulla Dawn Service.
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them
Lest we forget
Rostrum of Youth Public Speaking Regional Final
Saoirse O’Brien of Year 9 proudly represented Our Lady of Mercy College at the prestigious Rostrum Voice of Youth Regional Final, held last week at Presbyterian Ladies’ College.
Saoirse delivered a thoughtfully crafted and engaging speech on the impact of social media on adolescents, a topic both timely and relevant. Her presentation was met with great praise, and she tied for first place in the prepared speech component. Although she narrowly missed progressing to the State Final, her performance was an exceptional achievement and a testament to her confidence, poise, and skill in public speaking. We congratulate Saoirse on her outstanding effort and representation of OLM.
Thank you to Ms Kamp, our Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator, for her mentoring of Saoirse.
Christine Harding
Principal