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.

Through this Lenten time, we are called to renewal:

Through this Lenten time, we are invited to deepen our prayer:

Through this Lenten time, we are urged to almsgiving:

Through this Lenten time, we are summoned to greater courage:

Through this Lenten time, we are encouraged to fast from self gratification:

Through this Lenten time, we are forgiven so that we may forgive: 

Animated by your gospel, O Christ, we accept the challenges of this holy season. Through its graces, may we take up our daily crosses with generosity, courage and love. May we draw near to you each day, preparing ourselves to live as people of resurrection. We ask this in your name, Jesus Christ, our model and guide. Amen. 

We are pleased to share the outstanding success of our recent Coin Line initiative, led with great enthusiasm and maturity by our Year 11 and 12 student leaders. This Lenten fundraising effort in support of Caritas brought our school community together in a wonderful display of generosity and compassion. Thanks to the leadership of our senior students and the generous contributions from staff and students alike, we raised $760.00 for Caritas’ Project Compassion, strengthening our community spirit and living out our core Mercy values.

The event was a wonderful display of community spirit, with our Year 7 Baggot and Coolock students showing outstanding support and enthusiasm for Harmony Day. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, $550.00 was raised for the Catholic Education Foundation. Congratulations to Year 7 on displaying Mercy values of Hospitality and Justice.

Last week, our six Year 12 leaders had the wonderful opportunity to join student leaders from across Sydney Catholic Schools for a leadership afternoon at St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove. This student led initiative featured an address from the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Mrs Danielle Cronin, who spoke powerfully about the call to servant leadership. Our students then worked in mixed school groups to share ideas, explore new initiatives, and build valuable connections with peers from other communities, a valuable and inspiring experience for our emerging leaders.

Our Year 8 camp was a joyful and memorable experience, with the girls showing remarkable grit, care, and encouragement toward one another throughout the activities. Each challenge was designed to stretch their skills, push them beyond their comfort zones, and help them discover just how capable they truly are, all accompanied by plenty of laughter and support. I congratulate our Year 8 students on the positive and enthusiastic way they embraced every aspect of the camp and thank Mrs Baila for her leadership and continued care of Year 8.

Our Year 12 exams are now underway, and it has been pleasing to see students approaching this period with focus and commitment. This is an important time for them to update their study notes, complete past papers, seek feedback from their teachers, and strengthen their understanding across all subjects. Their consistent hard work over the coming week will set them up for success as they move toward their final HSC year.

Last night, we gathered as a Catholic community and as a system of schools for a beautiful Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. It was wonderful to see so many new Catholic educators coming together in faith and fellowship. The celebration was a meaningful and fitting way to welcome the 2026 academic year, reminding us of the shared mission that unites our schools.

Staff Professional Learning Day – Monday 20 April 
Monday 20 April will be Staff Professional Learning Day. As a result there will be NO formal classes on this day and students will NOT be required to attend school. Please contact the College if you require supervision for your daughter.

School Resumes for Term 2 – Tuesday 21 April
All students should come prepared for Day 2.

All families are warmly invited to attend the Good Friday Liturgy at St Aloysius Parish at 10am on Good Friday. Our students will be reverently presenting the Stations of the Cross, offering a meaningful reflection for the Parish on this Holy day. We look forward to gathering together as a community.

Wishing all our students, staff, and families a blessed and joyful Easter as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. May this holy season bring peace, hope, and renewal to all.

Christine Harding, Principal