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,
Welcome back to Term 4. Our students have returned to Term 4 looking refreshed and ready for learning.
I am delighted to present our new House symbols for OLM. The journey to create these symbols began last year. Through consultations with students and staff, we gathered valuable insights into preferences.
This initiative evolved into the Mercy 5 project, led by Mrs McNamarra and Ms McDonald. Alongside our Dean of Mission, Mrs Marriott, we engaged in thorough revisions, reflections, brainstorming sessions and consultations to develop the following designs.
Resolve to do good today but better tomorrow.
Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Mark 16:15
The symbol of Frayne house, the Darah knot or the Oak Tree knot has no beginning and no end – it is a Celtic symbol of strength. The knot also embraces the heart image, as service is undertaken with love and requires the investment of the heart which is connected with those around. The Darah Knot reflects the strength and courage of Ursula Frayne, the first Sister of Mercy to set foot on Australian soil. In service there is the need for courage and strength, which Ursula drew from God and her fellow sisters, so too we can draw on that strength of God reflected in the cross in the centre of the image and the Mercy Cross below it.
We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.
Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Micah 6:8
The image of Coolock is that of a path to the sun, light of Christ. Catherine McAuley says that we should let our light shine out as lamps to others, but our light needs a source, and that is reflected in the image of Jesus our Light, the light of the world. Similarly in living the scripture quote from Micah, living out justice and merciful compassion, we must walk the path as seen in the image, humbly relying on our God as we journey throughout our lives to live in the light and life of Jesus. The path winds and bends, but we believe that we walk humbly with Jesus guiding us along the path, however, ultimately it is our choice to make.
The tender Mercy of God has given us one another.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7-8
Baggot Street in Ireland, the International Mercy Centre is a place of pilgrimage, a place of warm welcome and outreach to all who seek to connect with the vision of Catherine McAuley. Catherine McAuley had a particular devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the source of all love and mercy and that is represented in the Baggot Heart with the Mercy cross. In being mercy to others, we share that love as the heart of Jesus here on earth. In the outstretched hand, we see the offer to respond to the needs of others as we give the gift of hospitality and mercy to those who ask, seek and knock.
We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5
The House is named after Anna Marie Doyle, she was one of Catherine McAuley’s closest friends who helped her with her mission. The central image on the Doyle crest features a dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit, who bestows upon us all the gifts that we cultivate and nurture as we strive to achieve our own expression of excellence.
The book symbolises our learning community at OLM. The Holy Spirit grants us unique gifts that make each of us special. Embracing the dignity of our differences, we use these talents to pursue excellence in our own ways. In the routine tasks of daily life, we are challenged to do our best and be our best, striving to perform ordinary tasks extraordinarily well.
Europe Trip
Our inaugural school trip to Europe was nothing short of spectacular. From the bustling streets of Paris to the historic landmarks of Germany and the ancient wonders of Rome, every moment was a treasure trove of life lessons and wonderful experiences.
This trip was more than just a tour of beautiful places; it was a journey of personal growth and learning, it was a transformative experience that enriched our students’ knowledge and inspired them to continue exploring and learning about the world. The group built friendships, gained new perspectives, and created meaningful memories. None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts and unwavering support of our teachers, Mr Hughes, Mrs Watson and Miss Mahoney. Their dedication to OLM made this trip a resounding success.
Extended Leave
If you are planning an upcoming holiday or extended leave for 5 or more school days, it is essential that parents complete an Application for Extended Leave Application at least two weeks prior to the leave. Applications can be sourced at Student Services, via the assessment handbook and via our website.
Please ensure your daughter checks her Assessment Task schedule (located on Compass under School Documentation) to see if she will be absent for any assessment tasks. If she will be away, she is required to complete a Variation from Assessment Application and meet with Miss Romberg in person to discuss possible alternate arrangements. If we can accommodate your leave request and reschedule her assessment tasks, the revised conditions and dates are non-negotiable.
Note: The educational consequences of any decision to be absent from school will be fully borne by the student. It must not be assumed that assessment tasks will be re-organised around holidays or extended leave taken during school time.
As we work together, we appreciate your support in your daughter’s learning.
Christine Harding, Principal