Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross

Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross

As we move through the penultimate week of Term 1, our Mercy girls continue to impress. To date, a staggering 4,261 merits have been awarded, averaging approximately 9 per student. This is a testament to the positive culture our girls are building.

  • Bronze Level: A special mention to those students who have already reached 20 merits.
  • Demerits: With only 163 demerits recorded across the entire College (fewer than 3 per student), it is clear that the vast majority of our girls are meeting—and exceeding—our expectations.

In the House competition, Baggot House currently holds a narrow lead. With one week to go, every merit and carnival participation point counts.  Our next opportunity for participation house points is our Athletics Carnival on 8th May.  I look forward to announcing the final Term 1 standings at our assembly in early Term 2.

I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all girls for the immense effort they have put into their studies this term.  Currently, our Year 12 cohort are showing great focus and resilience as they complete their Half-Yearly Examinations, while other year groups are finalizing their various Term 1 assessments. The dedication shown across the College during this busy period is highly commendable.

Library News

To support this academic drive, our library is a hub of collaboration;

  • After School: Every Wednesday until 4:00 PM (all year groups) and Monday/Tuesday until 4:00pm for seniors.
  • Peer Support: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, several 2025 graduates have been assisting with assessment preparation.
  • Participation: We are averaging 30 students each Wednesday, all working together and seeking assistance from staff and peers.

Attendance

Recent media reports have highlighted a decline in school attendance across NSW. At OLM, we strive for a minimum benchmark of 90% attendance for every student.

“Regular attendance is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.” > — Sydney Catholic Schools Policy

While many of our girls maintain 100% attendance, we are working closely with those falling below the benchmark. Parents can monitor attendance via the Compass profile. If you see “yellow” or “red” indicators in the attendance table, we encourage you to prioritize a return to regular attendance to avoid the need for a formal Attendance Improvement Plan (AIP).

College Dress Code

Term 2 commences for all students on Tuesday April 21. Please use the upcoming break to ensure your daughter’s winter uniform is organised and at an appropriate length. Students may return in either full summer or winter uniform, however if you wear the winter uniform students are required to wear their blazer each day. Winter uniform is compulsory from Monday 11 May.

  • Grooming: Please refer to page 21 of the College Diary regarding nails, jewelry, eyelashes and other grooming requirements.

Please note that adherence to the College Dress Code is not optional. Non-compliance will result in formal consequences:

  • General Breaches: Disregarding uniform guidelines will result in a demerit.
  • Nails and Eyelashes: Students arriving with acrylic/long nails or false eyelashes will be required to have them removed. In these instances, parents will be contacted to collect their daughter from school to rectify the issue before she can return to class.

Starting the new term with a commitment to the College Dress Code demonstrates respect for our community and our shared high expectations. A lack of respect for the College Dress Code is considered an act of defiance. I ask for your full support in ensuring all students meet our high expectations from Day 1 of the new term.

After a busy nine weeks, we have one final week of learning and connection ahead of us. I wish all members of our OLM community a productive final week and a restful, blessed break when it arrives.

Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal