Message from the Principal – Christine Harding

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,

As Term 3 concludes, we reflect on a rich array of educational opportunities offered to our girls, both within and beyond the classroom. The term culminated in a significant milestone for our community: the inaugural Year 12 Graduation. We are incredibly proud of the commitment demonstrated by everyone involved in these important school events.

A Prayer for our Year 12 Graduands – An Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Inaugural Year 12 Graduation

This week marks a significant milestone for the College, with the farewell to our first ever HSC cohort, the class of 2025. It has been a privilege to watch these remarkable young women grow and flourish.

This cohort has excelled not only in their academic pursuits but also in their character. They have embodied the Mercy values of compassion, justice, dignity, hospitality, and service, becoming true role models for our younger students. Their positive influence and leadership have left a lasting mark on our school community.

As our graduating students prepare to embark on their next chapter, we are filled with immense pride and excitement for the futures that await them. We are confident they possess the skills, spirit, and resilience necessary to succeed. We extend our best wishes and gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the College.

Clancy Prize Winner

Congratulations to Veronica Lattouf – Year 10 for winning an award for the 2025 Clancy Prize.

Your work has demonstrated not only exceptional artistic skill but also a profound reflection on faith, spirituality, and the human experience. This prestigious recognition is a testament to your creativity, dedication, and the supportive environment your school fosters in encouraging meaningful artistic expression.

To the students, your vision and ability to communicate deep truths through art are truly inspiring. And to the educators and mentors, thank you for nurturing the next generation of artists and thinkers with such care and wisdom.

Artwork by Jessica Hammon
Artwork by Veronica Lattouf

Father’s Day Breakfast

Our recent Father’s Day breakfast was a wonderful morning, and it was fantastic to see so many fathers and father figures in attendance. The event was a great success, creating an opportunity to celebrate the significant role our fathers play in our lives. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work, love, and support they provide every day. Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community.

Supporting Teen Mental Health – Free Parent Webinars

The Black Dog Institute is offering a series of free webinars for parents, co-presented by a Clinical Youth Psychologist and a Youth Lived Experience Advisor. These sessions are designed to empower parents with practical tools and insights to better support their children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The webinars cover:

  • Understanding adolescent mental health, with findings from the Future Proofing Study
  • Recognising signs of concern and when to seek help
  • Effective strategies to support teens through challenges
  • How to start meaningful conversations and foster a supportive home environment
  • Navigating professional, online, and digital support options
  • Encouraging healthy habits around sleep, screen time, and social connection

These webinars are a valuable opportunity for parents to gain expert guidance and connect with others navigating similar experiences. See below for session details and registration information.

R U Ok Day

“R U OK? Day” is a national day of action in Australia, held at OLM on Thursday 15th September, to raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to start conversations with those who may be struggling. 

The campaign encourages people to ask, listen, encourage action, and check in, emphasising that a conversation can make a real difference in someone’s life. The initiative aims to create a culture where discussing mental well-being is normal and to foster connections that empower people to seek support.  

Christine Harding, Principal