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,
As we draw the 2025 academic year to a close, I extend my congratulations to all students and their families on a truly outstanding year. Our College concluded the year with our End of Year Award Presentation, where we proudly celebrated students’ academic achievements and commitment to their studies.
To our Award recipients, congratulations on your well deserved recognition. As a College community, we are immensely proud of the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments demonstrated by our students throughout the year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering commitment of our staff. Their hard work, professionalism, and care have been instrumental in supporting and inspiring our students.
Prayer
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events at Bondi Beach last Sunday evening. Such violence in a place of community and safety is profoundly distressing. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, the first responders, those recovering from injuries, and the wider Jewish community as they mark Hanukkah.
We ask God to bring comfort to the grieving, healing to the injured, and peace to our communities.
Loving God, In the wake of the tragedy at Bondi Beach, we turn to You with heavy hearts. Bring peace to those who grieve, healing to those who are injured, and calm to all who feel fear and distress. We ask You to surround our communities with Your love, to strengthen bonds of compassion, and to guide us toward understanding and unity. May Your light shine in the darkness, and may Your peace dwell among us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. Our Lady of Mercy Keep us under your protection and bless our school Catherine McAuley Pray for Us
End of Year Mass
Our school year concluded with a joyful celebration of the End of Year Mass. We are grateful to Fr James McCarthy for his inspiring words and for leading us in this special Mass. It was a fitting way to bring our community together in prayer and thanksgiving, marking the close of the academic year with faith and hope.
College Picnic Day – Luna Park
Our academic year concluded with a celebratory end of year picnic at Luna Park. It was a wonderful day, with many students attending. The event provided not only fun and laughter, but also an important opportunity for students to strengthen friendships, build a sense of belonging, and enjoy the social connections that enrich our school community.
Thank you to our wonderful students and families for your support throughout 2025. I wish all families a blessed, faith filled Christmas and relaxing break and I hope you enjoy spending the holiday period with your wonderful daughters.
Christine Harding, Principal
End of Year Mass – Gallery
Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross
What a magnificent finish to the school year. Congratulations to all our students on their exceptional effort and hard work throughout the final term.
College Picnic Day
Our recent Picnic Day at Luna Park was a wonderful success and a fantastic way to usher in the holidays. A huge thank you to the large number of students who attended. While the clouds certainly gave us a scare, they held off, and the rain stayed away. Between the rides and the indulgence in fairy floss, everyone had a brilliant time, providing a perfect end to the year.
Year 11 2026 Transition
Last week, we hosted our Year 11 2026 Transition Day for the students who will be continuing their senior studies with us. The day was filled with activities designed to prepare and inspire them. One highlight of the day was the time spent in Coolongatta House with our current Year 12 cohort. These senior students shared invaluable “tips and tricks” for navigating Year 11, passing on their wisdom and experience. Each student was presented with a new folder for their notes and books, along with a special Year 11 Survival Kit. I eagerly anticipate seeing their personalised decorations on those folders next year, our current Year 12s have demonstrated how effective and well organised these binders can be.
House Competition Results
The House competition has been a fierce and spirited affair throughout the year, offering numerous opportunities for students to earn points. This culminated in a final, highly competitive House vs. House Sports Afternoon last Thursday. House leaders were also very competitive and cheering louder than some of the students.
At our final assembly, I was delighted to announce the overall winning house for 2025. We will have the pleasure of presenting the prestigious House Shield to the winning House Captains at our first assembly of 2026.
I must also acknowledge the phenomenal effort in collecting merits this year. A staggering total of 13,971 merits were issued across the school, each one contributing to their House’s final score. This is a true testament to the outstanding commitment and positive contributions of all students.
Ensuring Safety: The e-Bike Safety Program
As we see an increasing number of students riding e-bikes to school, their safety on the roads is a paramount concern. To address this, we will be implementing the E-bike Safety Program in 2026. All students who intend to ride their e-bike to and from school must first complete a mandatory E-bike Safety course. This online course covers essential topics including:
Road rules and riding etiquette
Safe riding practices
Legal responsibilities and helmet use
Emergency response and hazard awarenessS
Upon successful completion of the online course your daughter will be issued an electronic ebike ID and a unique ID tag. The ID tag displays a number that is linked to the student and attached to the ebike when travelling to and from school. Further information regarding this program and the time frame for completing the course and displaying the ID tag on the e-bike will be sent to all parents prior to the commencement of the 2026 school year. This program is designed to work collaboratively with parents to ensure all our girls are equipped with the necessary knowledge of road rules, promoting safety for everyone on the road.
Important 2026 Return Dates and Reminders
I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting academic year in 2026.
Wednesday, 28 January: Year 7, Year 11, and Year 12 students return (summer uniform). Year 7 will be dismissed at 12.20pm.
Thursday, 29 January: All other students commence (summer uniform not sport)
Please use the holiday break to ensure uniforms are ready for the new year. A kind reminder that skirts must be at the correct length (on the knee), and College guidelines regarding jewellery and makeup (including nail polish) must be strictly followed. Let’s work together for a positive and compliant start to 2026.
I wish you and your families a blessed, safe, and restful Christmas break, filled with joy, family, and friends.
Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal
Calendar Update
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR LEAVING STUDENTS
From 1 January 2026, all students leaving the Sydney Catholic Schools system will lose access to their Sydney Catholic Schools Google Account and email.
This access cannot be restored.
Please make sure you:
Download any important files or emails you need from Google Drive and your inbox and ensure all past academic reports are downloaded from Compass before Saturday 20 December, 2025.
Term 12026 – Important Dates
January
Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January College office open
Monday 26th January Australia Day – Public Holiday
Tuesday 27th January OLM Staff Return
Wednesday 28th January Year 7 2026 commence – 8.40am – 12.20pm
Year 11 and Year 12 2026 – 8.40am – 2.50pm
Thursday 29th January Years 8, 9 and 10 2026 – Return to School
February
Tuesday 3rd February – Wednesday 4th February Year 7 Camp
Friday 6th February Parent Soiree By The Bay @ Coolangatta House – 5pm – 7pm
Monday 9th February Year 7 Parent Information Evening – 5pm
Wednesday 11th February Stage 6 Parent Information Evening – 5pm
Friday 13th February College Photo Day
Tuesday 17th February Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 18th February Ash Wednesday
Thursday 19th February Year 10 Vaccinations
Friday 20th February OLM Swimming Carnival – Caringbah Pool
Wednesday 25th February Year 12 Parent / Teacher Interviews
March
Tuesday 3rd March OLM Open Day
Thursday 5th March Cross Country
Friday 6th March Staff Development Day – No classes
Wednesday 11th February – Wednesday 18th March Years 7 and 9 – NAPLAN
Tuesday 17th March – Wednesday 18th March Year 8 Camp
Tuesday 24th March– Thursday 31stMarch Year 12 Assessment Block
Tuesday 31st March– Wednesday 1st April Year 11 Retreat
April
Thursday 2ndApril Last Day of Term 1
Friday 3rdApril Good Friday
Awards
Congratulations to the award recipients at Assembly this week.
Presentation of Academic Awards – Years 7 – 11
Year 7 Principal’s Merit and Commitment to Learning Award
Scarlett Allen Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Molly Anstey Principal’s Merit Award
Emma Broadhurst Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Kiani Broughill-Dowling Principal’s Merit Award
Alba Buckley Commitment to Learning
Imogen Clancy Principal’s Merit Award
Ellanore Cooper Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Quinn Crouch Principal’s Merit Award
Alyssa Dainton Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Emilia Danysz Commitment to Learning
Chloe Demir Principal’s Merit Award
Mia Dunham Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Jade Efthimiou Principal’s Merit Award
Harper Evans Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Kayla Felice Principal’s Merit Award
Lucy Fietz Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Emilia Hallett Principal’s Merit Award
Charley Hawkins Principal’s Merit Award
Ruby Howlett Commitment to Learning
Alexandra Jabel Commitment to Learning
Sophia Kheiri Principal’s Merit Award
Ava Kopke Commitment to Learning Principal’s Merit Award
Sofia Kounnafis Principal’s Merit Award
Natasha Krupp Principal’s Merit Award
Veronica Low Commitment to Learning
Chloe McIntosh Principal’s Merit Award
Luara McKinlay Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Chloe McLintock Commitment to Learning
Giselle Moussa Principal’s Merit Award
Isla Muir Commitment to Learning
Olivia Murphy Principal’s Merit Award
Elyse Murray Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Jessica Natoli Commitment to Learning
Abigail Perinich Principal’s Merit Award
Emma Prince Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Gloria Ray Gallego Principal’s Merit Award
Larissa Riccio Principal’s Merit Award
Abigail Russell Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Emme Sanders Commitment to Learning
India Sebastian Commitment to Learning
Tilly Smith Principal’s Merit Award
Abby Stiles Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Grace Stonham Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Petra Sullivan Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Tilly Swanton Principal’s Merit Award
Amaya Syed Commitment to Learning
Annabelle Terry Commitment to Learning
Ella Thomas Principal’s Merit Award
Victoria Trajcevski Commitment to Learning
Keira Tsoukalis Commitment to Learning
Alexis Usher Commitment to Learning
Ava Walkerden Commitment to Learning
Gabriella Welsh Commitment to Learning
Olivia Wrighter Principal’s Merit Award
Year 7
Academic Awards
Layla Becker Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Esme Bowring Commitment to Learning First place in Mathematics
Josephine Davis Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Equal first place in English Equal first place in History Equal first place in PDHPE First place in Technology Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Lillian Greaves Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Tahlia Hore Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning First place in Religious Education Outstanding Academic Achievement
Alba Hurst Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Equal first place in PDHPE
Mia Jury Principal’s Merit Award Equal first place in Music
Matilda Langshaw Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Sienna Lauro Principal’s Merit Award Outstanding Academic Achievement
Madeleine Smith Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Equal first place in English Equal first place in History First place in Geography Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sophy Wang Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Music
Harper Zmuda Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning First place in Science First place in Visual Arts Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Year 8
Principal’s Merit and Commitment to Learning Award
Mary Chen Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Evangeline Girgis Principal’s Merit Award
Annabelle Khoury Commitment to Learning
Bianca Kolderie Principal’s Merit Award
Meika McKinnon Principal’s Merit Award
Emily Ryan Commitment to Learning
Year 8
Academic Awards
Amelia Andrighetto Commitment to Learning First place in Italian Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Stella Bloom Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Charlotte Diver-Tuck First place in PDHPE
Alice Donohoe First place in History First place in English Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Frankie Grocott Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Geography First place in Visual Arts Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Charlotte Kain-Blatch Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Religious Education First place in Science Equal First place in Geography First place in Music First place in Technology Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Kami Nguyen Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Religious Education Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Eila Ponder Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Religious Education First place in Mathematics Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Nellie Schembri Equal first place in Religious Education Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Outstanding Academic Achievement
Elsa Schmidt-Liermann Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Year 9
Principal’s Merit and Commitment to Learning Awards
Isabella Antoon Commitment to Learning
Charlee Baden Commitment to Learning
Emily Brooks-Towers Commitment to Learning
Penelope Crimmins Commitment to Learning
Olivia Douglas Commitment to Learning
Sophie George Commitment to Learning
Sophia Iffland Commitment to Learning
Stephanie Kalfas Principal’s Merit Award
Paraskevi Kardoulias Commitment to Learning Emilee Karpathakis Commitment to Learning
Rhianna Lacey Principal’s Merit Award
Emily Lewis Commitment to Learning
Molly Lewis Commitment to Learning
Grace Libbis Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning Charlotte Libro Commitment to Learning
Ella McGuinness Commitment to Learning
Indie Ponder Commitment to Learning
Ellie Racomelara Commitment to Learning
Meika Rossini Commitment to Learning
Isabella Rumolo Commitment to Learning
Gianna Russell Commitment to Learning
Zara Salmon Commitment to Learning
Kayla Skapetis Principal’s Merit Award
Dana Trajcevski Commitment to Learning
Sienna Wood Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning
Year 9
Academic Awards
Siena Andrighetto First place in Italian
Lillian Bowring Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Visual Arts Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Katherine Chen Commitment to Learning First place in Child Studies Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Alia Fahs Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Mary Gilfillan First place in Marine and Aquaculture Studies 100 Hour
Anna Govindrulu Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Olivia Gregoire Commitment to Learning First place in Mathematics Standard
Jessica Hammon Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Jayde Hartup Commitment to Learning First place in Design and Technology 100 hour First place in PDHPE Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Outstanding Academic Achievement
Tamarli Haydon Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Religious Education First place in Commerce 100 Hour First place in English First place in Geography First place in History First place in Mathematics Advanced First place in Science Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Audrey Iffland Commitment to Learning Equal first place in Religious Education
Tenya Kotouc Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Hannah McConnell Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Kate Middlemiss Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Emma Romyn Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Jenai Taleyarkhan Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Deanna Tsotras Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2
Year 10
Commitment to Learning Award
Rosalie Barnes Commitment to Learning
Charlotte Burton Commitment to Learning
Lauren Carmody Commitment to Learning
Molly Gargett Commitment to Learning
Reese Krouskos Commitment to Learning
Allegra Little Commitment to Learning
Eliana Maceri Commitment to Learning
Zulai McTackett Commitment to Learning
Addison Metcalfe Commitment to Learning
Lola Norton Commitment to Learning
Amber Sullivan Commitment to Learning
Scarlett Tsigolis Commitment to Learning
Year 10
Academic Awards
Alexis Barnes Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Mandy Cao Commitment to Learning First Place History Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sophie Carrig Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Abby Daley Equal First Place Dance
Sienna Dunham Commitment to Learning First Place Mathematics Standard
Amabel Garvin Commitment to Learning First Place Music
Sahara Hannon Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Isabelle Hargreaves Commitment to Learning First Place Drama First Place Industrial Technology: Multimedia
Melina Hetherington Principal’s Merit Award First Place Textiles Technology Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Ruby Hoggan Equal first place in Visual Arts
Emily Hubbard Commitment to Learning First Place Marine and Aquaculture Studies 200 Hour
Charli Kelso First Place Mathematics Core
Isabel Lamb Commitment to Learning First Place Mathematics Advanced First Place Mathematics Enrichment First Place Science Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Mia Murray Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Sage Nicholson Commitment to Learning First Place Design and Technology 200 Hour Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Rosalie O’Connor Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement
Isabella Prany Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Mia-Grace Schembri Commitment to Learning First Place Geography First Place PDHPE First Place PASS Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Outstanding Academic Achievement Kayla Sewell Commitment to Learning First Place Independent Learning Project Skyla Sleeman First Place English Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Avy Stockwell Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Nikita Sullivan Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence Jessica Tassone Commitment to Learning First Place Religious Education First Place Food Technology Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence & Outstanding Academic Achievement
Roma Taylor Commitment to Learning First Place Commerce 200 Hour Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Layla White Commitment to Learning Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Eve Wilson Commitment to Learning Equal First Place Dance
Hayley Woods Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 2 Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Year 11
Academic Awards
Camila Alispahic Commitment to Learning Equal First Place Textiles and Design
Amelia Baillon Commitment to Learning Equal First Place English Advanced First Place Biology First Place Chemistry Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence Outstanding Achievement
Madeline Calabro Equal First Place Textiles and Design
Selena Contarino Commitment to Learning Equal First Place English Advanced Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence
Daniella Edwards Commitment to Learning First Place Mathematics Advanced First Place Mathematics Extension 1 First Place Business Studies First Place Economics First Place Legal Studies Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence Outstanding Achievement
Chloe English Commitment to Learning First Place Studies of Religion 1 Unit First Place English Extension 1 First Place Ancient History First Place Italian Beginners Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence Outstanding Achievement
Kobyfox Ennis Equal First Place Design and Technology
Peta Gover Equal First Place Health and Movement Science First Place Visual Arts
Sophie Hammon Principal’s Merit Award Commitment to Learning First Place Studies of Religion 2 Unit Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence Halle James First Place Studies in Catholic Though First Place Work Studies
Sophie Mooney Commitment to Learning First Place Mathematics Standard Principal’s Award: Academic Excellence
Catherine Palamara Commitment to Learning First Place English Standard Equal First Place Health and Movement Science
Hannah Simonet First Place Community and Family Studies
Isabella Smith Commitment to Learning
Angel Tawanda Equal First Place Design and Technology
Presentation of Debating and Public Speaking Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Debating
Year 7 Emma Broadhurst Lillian Greaves Ava Kopke Miranda Martin
Year 8 Alice Donohoe
Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking
Year 7 Emma Broadhurst
Year 9 Sophie George
Year 11 Sophie Hammon
Service to Public Speaking and Debating
This award recognises a student who has displayed ongoing service to Public speaking and Debating. The student has consistently coached, adjudicated and competed throughout the last 5 years of their time at OLM.
Congratulations to : Sophie Hammon.
Presentation of Sports Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Sport NSW CCC Team
The following awards recognise students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen sport, making a NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Team during 2025.
Charli Moses Touch Football
Maya Matthes Waterpolo
Jayde Hartup Athletics
Allegra Little Athletics
Layla White Athletics, Cross Country
Sportswoman of the Year Awards
The Sportswoman of the Year Award is presented to the student in each age group who contributes the most to a variety of Sports at OLM in one Year, contributing to both school teams and further representation.
12 Years Sportswoman Award Victoria Trajcevski and Olivia Wrighter
13 Years Sportswoman Award Veronica Rogers
14 Years Sportswoman Award Felicity Barnes
15 Years Sportswoman Award Layla White
16 Years Sportswoman Award Ellie Robertson
Presentation of Mercy Pins
As a Mercy School, service and giving back to others and our community is an important part of who we are. The Mercy Service Program is an outreach initiative at OLM which provides our students with the opportunity to serve others.
We acknowledge the following students who have obtained a Bronze, Silver or Gold Pin for their service to our local community.
Bronze Pin for Mercy Service
Year 7 Emma Broadhurst Josephine Davis
Year 8 Sandra Vasinova
Year 9 Tamarli Haydon Emma Romyn
Year 10 Melina Hetherington Isabella Prany
Silver Pin for Mercy Service
Year 7 Tahlia Hore
Year 8 Alice Donohoe
Year 9 Alejandra McKinnon
Year 10 Addison Metcalfe
Gold Pin for Mercy Service
Year 9
Ella McGuinness
Presentation of Catherine McAuley Award for Service
The Catherine McAuley Award for Service is presented to a student in each Year Group who has been part of the College’s MAG group and has given so generously of her time, service and leadership to our College. She is open with her faith and lives this out through her actions by her participation in Masses, Liturgical events and outreach initiatives. She is a positive contributor and is a wonderful ambassador for our College, continuously showing Mercy and service in all that she does.
Year 7- Abigail Russell
Year 8 – Charlotte Kain-Blatch
Year 9 – Isabella Antoon
Year 10 – Amabel Garvin
Year 11 – Sophie Hammon
Presentation of Awards
Special Awards
The ANSTO Award is presented to a Year 10 student who:
ANSTO is one of Australia;s leading science and technology organisations it aims to encourage students to participate in Science.
This year’s recipient has shown an excellent level of academic achievement coupled with a demonstrated enthusiasm, passion and dedication to Science.
The 2025 recipient is : Jessica Tassone
The Dorothy Barmby Award is presented to a student who:
Dorothy Barmby’s teaching career started in the 1960’s and she had the passion, charm and talent to engage all of her students to be interested in learning.
Dorothy taught ‘Needlework’ which is now known as Textiles Technology, and her students loved her classes. She was incredibly hard working and a mother of three. Dorothy retired from teaching in 1985. Dorothy passed away in 2014 and it was her family’s wish that an award be set up at OLMC for an aspiring Textiles student. The 2025 recipient has demonstrated her significant talent and aspiration for textiles throughout her time at OLM. She epitomises the enormous passion and talent that Dorothy Barmby instilled in her students.
The recipient of the 2025 Dorothy Barmby Award is : Melina Hetherington
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award, Year 10 is presented to a student who: has demonstrated motivation, innovation and achievement in a STEM related field. This award celebrates a student who is not just succeeding in class, but who is showing the innovative spirit that is critical for solving the technological challenges of the future.
The 2025 recipient is : Isabel Lamb
The ADF Long Tan Award, Year 10 – Leadership is presented to a student who:
This award takes its name from the Battle of Long Tan, fought in 1966 by Australian Soldiers in Vietnam. The extraordinary display of bravery, teamwork, and resolute leadership against overwhelming odds is the standard to which this award aspires. The ADF Long Tan award for leadership is presented to a student who displays leadership ability and fosters cooperation. They demonstrate respect for the values of the school and the community. The ability to work effectively with both staff and students are important skills that this student possesses.
Presentation of Mercy Award: School Spirit & Citizenship Awards
The Mercy Awards for School Spirit and Citizenship are the most significant of awards. They are presented to students who exemplify the best of the mercy qualities that we cherish at Our Lady of Mercy :
Maintaining good relationships with others
Displaying outstanding school spirit through engagement in school activities
Demonstrating respect, dignity, hospitality and values social justice
They are highly regarded by staff, students and the community
Year 7- Tahlia Hore
Year 8 – Sandra Vasinova
Year 9 – Emma Romyn
Year 10 – Melina Hetherington
Year 11 – Daniella Edwards
Congratulations to all of our 2025 award recipients.
Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson
As we come to the end of another year, we can give thanks for all the many blessings we have received. As we move towards Christmas, we should be constantly reminded of our preparation for the birth of Jesus. One great way of preparing is by going to Church. Making a habit of thanking God and including him in our week helps centre our hearts and focus on those things that truly matter. Normal Mass times are listed below and the Christmas schedule will be released on their website.
Adoration First Friday of the Month: 12:30pm-7:00pm Benediction First Friday of the Month: 6:30pm
Family2Family Christmas Appeal
This term, each Homeroom was partnered with a family through the St Vincent de Paul Society to keep in our thoughts during the Christmas season. These families are facing financial hardship and, without support, may not have been able to experience the joy of Christmas at all.
To help, the College organised a Gift Card collection. Over the past four weeks, our community has generously donated more than $2,600 in gift cards. Thanks to your kindness, families in our local area will now be able to celebrate Christmas with presents under the tree and food on the table.
Your generosity embodies the spirit of Mercy and continues to make a real difference. Thank you for your ongoing support of the College’s Mercy Actions.
SCS RE Test
Every year, Years 8 and 10 sit the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education Test. This test gives the College and Sydney Catholic Schools data about student growth and learning and school performance over time. The test is out of 50 marks. This year the College received their best results that we have on record. Our Year 8 and Year 10 students should be commended for their efforts in preparing for this task. Our highest achievers for each year are below:
Year 8 High AchieversYear 10 High Achievers
Alice Donohoe 46
Isabel Lamb 45
Jessica Tassone 45
Stella Bloom 43
Mia Murray 43
Emily Ryan 42
Mary Chen 42
Mia-Grace Schembri 42
Layla White 42
Nikita Sullivan 42
Lola Norton 41
Frankie Grocott 40
Kayla Hill 40
Sahara Hannon 40
Hayley Woods 40
ACYF 2025
On Saturday 29 November, I had the privilege of accompanying seven students to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne. The festival was a vibrant gathering filled with plenaries, workshops, expos, and even a pilgrimage walk. Each day, our group joined in the celebration of Mass and had the opportunity to participate in reconciliation and adoration.
ACYF united nearly 400 students from Sydney Catholic Schools and more than 6,000 young people from across Australia. Together, they shared their faith and celebrated what it means to be a young Catholic in the 21st century. Our students spent much of their time connecting with one another and with peers from the Sutherland Shire region—playing, praying, and rejoicing in the spirit of community.
Now that the festival is over, we can begin to shift our focus to the next World Youth Day which will be held in Korea in 2027, where millions of young people will gather from around the world.
May God bless you and your families this Christmas and bring you all back safely, ready for another year of learning.
Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson
Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg
Celebrating a Year of Achievement
As we come to the close of another year, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students who have applied themselves so diligently to their studies. It has been inspiring to see so many set ambitious learning goals and strive to achieve them. Beyond the results, the true success lies in the way students have reflected on their own learning, recognising growth, resilience, and the progress made along the way.
We also extend our warmest congratulations to the students who received awards at the Awards Presentation on Wednesday. Your dedication and accomplishments are a testament to the spirit of learning that defines our community.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making the Awards Presentation such a memorable occasion. In particular, we extend our deepest appreciation to Mrs Belinda Malley, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the event ran seamlessly. From producing certificates to organising medals and carefully collating each detail, her dedication was instrumental in creating a celebration worthy of our students’ achievements.
Together, these moments remind us that learning is not only about knowledge gained, but also about the community that supports and celebrates each step of the journey.
HSC Results
As we await the release of the HSC results next Thursday, we extend our best wishes to our inaugural Year 12 cohort. Their commitment to learning over the past six years has been exemplary, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements as they receive their results.
We also take this opportunity to sincerely thank our dedicated staff, whose guidance, encouragement, and expertise have supported these students throughout their journey. The collective effort of teachers, support staff, and families has been instrumental in preparing our students for this significant milestone.
The HSC results will mark not only the culmination of years of study, but also a testament to the strength of our school community in fostering perseverance, ambition, and excellence.
Book Lists and Core Classes
Book lists are available on the College Website via the right-hand navigation bar. They can also be accessed in COMPASS under Community → School Documentation → Book Lists.
Students will be advised of their core classes at the start of the 2026 school term, including those in the Newman cluster classes. Please note that English novels will be taught in Term 2 or Term 3, and therefore can be purchased at the beginning of Term 1, 2026.
Miss Romberg
Leader of Learning: Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment
Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica
ATARs are almost here! 2025 NSW HSC and ACT Senior Secondary Certificate students will be able to access their ATARs on the UAC website at 9am on Thursday 18 December.
NSW students, by 9am we’ll send you an email with a quick link to the ATAR login. If you are also a UAC applicant, you will receive both an email and an SMS.
16 December 2025 – 6pmATAR Deep Dive This session will cover:
• who qualifies for an ATAR
• how UAC calculates your ATAR
• where to get your ATAR on Thursday 18 December
18 December 2025 6am HSC results released
18 December 2025 9am ATARs released
18 December 2025 11.59pm December Round 2 change of preference deadline
23 December 2025 7.30am December Round 2 offers released
30 December 2025 7.30am January Round 1 change of preference deadline
8 January 2026 7.30amJanuary Round 1 offers released
Explore your post high school opportunities and improve your HSC study skills with our FREE Year 12 Future Me Program.
You will learn about university pathways, UOW’s Early Admission process, new study skills and more. Students attend five 90-minute sessions online or at their local UOW or CUC campus.
Spotlight on our SBAT
A school based apprenticeship / traineeship is a fabulous way to commence your career whilst also achieving your HSC at the same time. With the school based apprenticeship, you complete the first year of your apprenticeship across the two years of Year 11 and 12. With a school based traineeship you complete the full qualification within the two year period.
Most SBATs require a minimum of 100 days paid employment over the 2 years of Year 11 and 12. Students also undertake either a full Cert III or a Statement of Attainment towards a Cert III qualification at TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation.
Natalie is one of our students moving from Year 11 into Year 12. She has completed one year of her SBAT in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has completed half of her work days and coursework. Natalie is absolutely loving the traineeship. She works at Honeybears Early Learning Centre one day a week (the same centre she attended as a young child!). She is completing her coursework through METS who send her the training modules online, and visit her at the Centre once every 6 weeks to support her learning. At the completion of 2026, Natalie will leave school with a HSC, a Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care and two years experience working in a childcare centre. What a kickstart to her career as an Early Childhood Educator! You are working hard, Natalie, catching up on your missed school work and juggling your online studies and work. We are very proud of you.
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 10 have completed their work experience block and what a successful time they have had. We have had students experience a wide range of careers including primary school teaching, childcare, law, architecture, finance, retail, hospitality, fitness, plumbing, dentistry and veterinary services.
Our young ladies demonstrated professionalism, respect and a keen interest in the roles they experienced.
We are extremely grateful to all the employers who accepted our students and allowed them to experience the world of work, as well as tasting a career they have an interest in.
Transport and our bus operators provide a range of school bus services for student travel during the school term. These services operate in alignment with the gazetted term dates set by the Department of Education.
For next year, the Department of Education has gazetted 26 January 2026, to start Term 1. Noting that this date is a public holiday, school bus services will resume as normal on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
These arrangements also apply to trips and deviations on regular bus routes which are only timetabled to operate during school term.
We encourage you to please remind your school community to plan ahead on Trip Planner before travelling. Further information is available at School Bus Services
From mid-January 2026, you can use Trip Planner to plan trips that include school services.
To ensure school services appear as a travel option for students, click ‘refine’ and select the ‘school bus’ option. Students are reminded to tap on and off on all trips.
Getting to and from school can also be an adventure. It’s a chance to leave the car at home and enjoy a relaxing walk, with time to talk or go on a fun bike ride and burn up some energy.
Walking or riding together also helps parents and carers talk about road safety, reduce traffic congestion and is a greener choice for you, your family and the community. For more information, please visit Get Kids Active | NSW Government
