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,
Term 2 has moved quickly, and our students have been working with strong focus in the classroom, especially as they have completed their Term 2 assessment tasks. It is wonderful to see so many students involved in a wide range of extra curricular opportunities, contributing to the vibrant life of our college. OLM is truly a great place to learn.
Feast of Corpus Christi
The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated 60 days after Easter Sunday. This is a moment in our Church year when we pause to reflect on the profound gift of the Body and Blood of Christ that we receive in the Eucharist. It is also a reminder of our call to be the Body of Christ for others.
We are invited to recognise that we are the hands, the feet, the eyes, and the ears of Jesus today, called to bring His compassion, presence, and love into the lives of those around us. Each time we participate in the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit strengthens and energises us to live out this mission with generosity and courage. As a community, may we continue to embody Christ’s presence in our words, our actions, and our care for one another.
Prayer from Mother Teresa
Make our hearts small enough to be humble and wide enough to welcome every person we meet.
Teach us to serve with joy, to love without counting the cost, and to see Your face in the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten.
Fill our community with gentleness, courage, and compassion, so that in all we do, Your love may be known.
Amen.
Welcome Ms Lauren McCool to TAS
We warmly welcome Ms Lauren McCool to our TAS Faculty, bringing her expertise in Textiles and her deep connection to our community as a ex‑student of OLM who embodies the Mercy charism. She joins us while Mrs Chapman is on leave, and we are grateful for the continuity and enthusiasm she brings to the department.
Red Earth Immersion to Cape York
The journey to Cape York with Red Earth has been an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn, connect and grow in one of the most unique regions of Australia. During their seven night immersion, our Year 10 students spent time in remote communities, visited local schools, listened to stories, and built meaningful relationships with members of the Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji clan groups, who hold deep and enduring connections to Country.
This experience has offered our students a profound opportunity to deepen their understanding of culture, community and the importance of caring for Country. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and deeply grateful for the generosity of the communities who welcomed them so openly. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Owen and Miss Clemenson for accompanying our girls and supporting them throughout this significant immersion.
Please have a watch of the short video of our girls Great Barrier Reef experience:
OLM / DLS Business Luncheon
Our school was honoured to host the second DLS/OLM Business Luncheon this week, an event designed to strengthen partnerships between schools, businesses and universities, and to highlight the vital role these relationships play in shaping the future of young people. It was a privilege to welcome so many distinguished guests who share our commitment to supporting students as they prepare for life beyond the classroom. As Catholic school communities, our mission extends beyond academic achievement; we seek to form graduates who are intellectually capable, socially responsible and grounded in values that inspire integrity, critical thinking and meaningful contribution to society. We were particularly grateful to Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, for delivering the keynote address, in which she emphasised the essential contribution of industry partners in fostering the growth, confidence and aspirations of young people.
Musical
With only a week away and with great excitement, we look forward to our much anticipated school musical, Shrek. Our OLM girls and DLS boys have been rehearsing with dedication since Term 4, 2025, guided and supported by our dedicated team of teachers. The production is coming together beautifully and promises to be a remarkable performance. This musical is yet another example of the commitment of our staff and the rich opportunities we provide for our students to grow, shine, and share their gifts.
Sport with De La Salle Caringbah
We continue to strengthen meaningful interaction between OLM and DLS through our joint programs, which have been embraced with enthusiasm by students. Year 9 has undertaken sport with DLS this term, engaging in a wide range of sporting activities that help them form new connections and develop important skills. This partnership continues to enrich student learning and build a vibrant sense of community across both schools.
Year 7, 2027 Students
Last week, 120 Year 7 2027 students joined OLM for a curriculum day, giving them the chance to experience high school learning, make new friends, and familiarise themselves with life at OLM. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, curiosity, and genuine excitement for the journey ahead. They are already showing the spirit, kindness, and confidence that mark them as future Mercy girls.
Semester One Reports
Semester One reports will be put out through Compass in the last week of the term. To celebrate your daughter’s achievement, please find below some tips to make the most of Semester One Reports.
Harding’s Hot Tips to Make the Most of Reports
- Read together — Sit with your daughter as you read her report to show openness, encouragement, and support.
- Celebrate strengths — Begin by highlighting positive comments, grades, and effort before discussing areas for improvement.
- Value effort — Remind her that effort matters as much as grades, and that a C often reflects the middle 60% of students.
- Talk and listen — Have an honest conversation about the report, avoid blame, acknowledge any challenges, and help her identify what she can do next semester to improve.
- Set clear goals — Use the report as a springboard to set practical goals such as careful reading of questions, regular revision, asking for help, and extra practice in subjects that need strengthening.
When the goals are listed, display them in a prominent place – fridge, bedroom wall, notice board etc. so that they are a constant reminder to your daughter of what she can achieve.
Upcoming Parent, Teacher and Student Interviews
A reminder that Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews for Years 7 – 12 will be held on Thursday 2 July from 9.00am–8.00pm and Friday 3 July from 9.00am–1.00pm. Booking information has been sent to families via Compass. These interviews are an important opportunity for families and teachers to come together in support of your daughter’s learning, celebrating her strengths and identifying areas for growth.
I strongly encourage all families, especially those in Years 11 and 12, to book appointments with your daughter’s teachers. With HSC Trial Examinations and Preliminary Examinations approaching, these conversations are an important opportunity to understand where your daughter is progressing well and where she can make targeted improvements. Partnering together now will help set her up for success in the months ahead.
We are incredibly proud of our girls and thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing their growth and success.
Christine Harding, Principal