Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg

2025 da Vinci Decathlon – State Final

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars. Da Vinci demonstrated an ability to perceive the interconnected nature of knowledge and embraced learning with a lifelong passion and determination to uncover the unknown. The Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity.

Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines:

Engineering
Mathematics and Chess
Code Breaking
Art and Poetry
Science
English
Ideation
Creative Producers
Cartography
Legacy

Fifty schools from across the state compete in each Year Group. We are very proud of all the students who participated in this event. They also performed well on the day with the Year 8 Team placing 14th in the Art & Poetry discipline and the Year 9 Team placing 15th in the Engineering discipline.

Congratulations to the following students who were part of this event. They have shown great commitment to the training for this Decathlon, perseverance and determination while competing.

Year 7
Esme Bowring
Emma Broadhurst
Lillian Greaves
Sophia Kheiri
Ava Kopke
Ruby Ryan
Lexi Usher
Harper Zmuda

Year 8
Zoe Andrews
Stella Bloom
Lauren Cuddihy
Alice Donohoe
Frankie Grocott
Charlotte Kain-Blatch
Eila Ponder
Mia You

Year 9
Mya Deguara
Sophie George
Jessica Hammon
Tamarli Haydon
Sophia Iffland
Molly Lewis
Saoirse O’Brien
Jenai Taleyarkhan

Year 10
Rosalie Barnes
Yeonee Branwhite
Eliana Maceri
Mia Murray
Rosie O’Connor
Avy Stockwell
Nikita Sullivan

Year 11
Amelia Baillon
Selena Contarino
Daniella Edwards
Chloe English
Cyan McKinnon
Sophie Mooney
Hannah Simonet
Isabella Smith

Thank you to Ms Berger for her wisdom and insight in training the da Vinci Teams during sport and lunchtimes over the past term and for navigating the difficulties of the rail system on the day which saw major delays due to cables on the track. We are very much looking forward to next year’s Decathlon.

Year 7-10 Parent, Student Teacher Conferences

We look forward to discussing your daughter’s learning in Semester 1 with you at the end of this term during our Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences

Please save the dates:

Thursday 3 July – 3:30pm – 7:45pm

Friday 4 July – 9:00am – 1:00pm

Reports will be released on Wednesday 2 July.

NEWMAN Symposium

For students in the NEWMAN cluster classes, students will be starting our NEWMAN Symposium planning and production this term. This symposium will be held in Term 3 and all students involved are expected to attend this symposium. We ask that parents assist their daughter’s to clear the afternoon calendar for Monday 11 August. We look forward to the many wonderful and creative projects that the girls will produce.

ICAS Tests

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College is pleased to invite students to participate in the ICAS Assessments^TM in Term 3 this year.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Science and we have recently added Mathematics. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised.

We encourage you to consider entering your daughter into ICAS this year. The opportunity to sit ICAS assessments at OLMC will continue to be optional, and students may sit one or all of the assessments on offer at OLMC. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment that has been running for 40 years. Your daughter will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.

2025 Participation – Parent payment system

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for all assessments. Through this system parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the following details to register and pay for your daughter no later than Friday, 25 July (Term 3 Week 1).

Access details for parents

OLM parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/GFC685

OLM school access code is: GFC685

Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind

How the Right Nutrition Powers Your School Success

Your brain is like a high-performance engine—it needs the right fuel to run at its best. The food you eat doesn’t just affect your body; it plays a huge role in your focus, energy levels, and overall mental health. When you fuel your body properly, you’ll find it easier to stay alert in class, power through study sessions, and handle the demands of school life. Here’s how to optimise your nutrition for both body and mind.

1. Start with a Balanced Breakfast

Set the tone for a productive day.

A good breakfast provides the energy and nutrients your brain needs to focus and retain information. Aim for a mix of protein (like eggs or yoghurt), whole grains (like oats or wholemeal toast), and healthy fats (like avocado or nuts).
Skipping breakfast can lead to brain fog and low energy—two things you definitely don’t want during a busy school day.

Tip: Short on time? Prep overnight oats or grab a banana and a handful of nuts for an easy, on-the-go option.

2. Stay Hydrated

Your brain thrives on water.

Dehydration can make you feel tired, unfocused, and even irritable. Keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
If plain water feels boring, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a splash of juice for flavour.

Tip: Get in the habit of drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning and before you start studying.

3. Snack Smart

Avoid the sugar slump.

When hunger strikes between meals, reach for snacks that provide lasting energy, like fruit, nuts, or whole-grain crackers.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks—they might give you a quick energy boost, but it’ll be followed by a crash that leaves you feeling worse.

Tip: Keep healthy snacks in your school bag or locker so you’re not tempted by vending machine treats.

4. Don’t Skip Meals

Your brain needs regular fuel.

Skipping meals might seem like a way to save time, but it can leave you feeling sluggish and unable to focus. Make sure you eat lunch every day, with a mix of carbs, protein, and vegetables.
For example, a chicken and salad wrap or a rice bowl with veggies and tofu are great balanced options.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, pack a sandwich or leftovers the night before to take with you.

5. Prioritise Brain-Boosting Foods

Feed your brain with the nutrients it loves.

Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, or chia seeds, to support brain function.
Other brain-boosting options include leafy greens, berries, eggs, and whole grains.
These foods help improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance.

Tip: Try adding spinach to your morning smoothie or swapping regular snacks for trail mix with nuts and seeds.

Small Changes, Big Results

Fuelling your body with the right foods and staying hydrated isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about giving your brain the tools it needs to perform at its best. By starting with a balanced breakfast, making smart snack choices, and staying consistent with your meals, you’ll notice a big difference in your energy and focus.

Start today by planning one brain-friendly meal or snack. With time, these small steps will become habits that help you achieve your best at school and beyond.

Challenge: For the next week, drink a glass of water with every meal and choose at least one healthy snack per day. Notice how much better your brain feels when it’s properly fuelled!

You and your parents can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

School username: OLMBurraneer

School password: Mercy

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning has started. This will be held in the Library each Tuesday afternoon from 3pm until 4pm.
This time will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students, complete any group tasks or learning experiences or provide a quiet space for study and home learning. In addition teachers will be available to assist students with their learning. This includes: assistance with time management and planning tips and tricks to developing study tools such as mind maps, study notes, flash cards subject specialists who can help answer questions.

Lisa Romberg, Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment