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,

High School Musical

It is with great pride that I share the incredible success of our recent school musical “High School Musical”, which took place last week. It was a spectacular event that showcased the immense talent and dedication of our students and staff.

First and foremost, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mrs Mason, Mr Lee, Mrs Bernie who made this musical a reality. Their countless hours guiding and mentoring our students was key to the success of the production.

Our students’ persistence and extraordinary talent were truly on display. They brought their characters to life with such passion and skill. Their hard work and commitment to their roles were evident in every performance, and I could not be prouder of each and every one of them.

I am also deeply grateful to our teachers, whose dedication and hard work behind the scenes ensured the smooth running of the production. Their unwavering support and encouragement helped our students shine on stage.

This musical has once again made me incredibly proud to be the principal of such a great College. It is a testament to the wonderful opportunities we provide our students, allowing them to explore their talents and grow in a supportive and nurturing environment.

ACU Step Up Into Teaching

Congratulations to Year 11 student Elani Moshous for being accepted into the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) early entry program. This program provides students currently in Year 11 considering a career in teaching the opportunity to experience learning in a university environment. Secondary school students participating in SUIT will have the opportunity to study one or two University-level Units while completing their school studies.

Elani will gain many benefits from this wonderful opportunity. These benefits include:

• Students who pass their SUIT studies will receive a conditional offer to study a Bachelor of Education degree at ACU.
• Studying university subjects through this program is HECS free
• Once enrolled in a teaching degree at ACU, students receive credit (recognition of prior learning) for the units completed in SUIT for early childhood, primary and secondary teaching courses.
• A real world experience at a university learning skills such as referencing, study skills and navigating a university campus.

Transport NSW has recently published e-bike and e-scooter advice for families. To ensure that your daughters stay safe, please view these links.

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.

Your daughter should also check if she will be away while assessment tasks are due. If so, she will need to complete a Variation of Assessment Application. Your daughter should see Miss Romberg in person to arrange an alternate date to complete any task that she misses however, please be aware that it can not be assumed that assessment tasks will be re-organised around holidays or overseas trips taken during school time.

Christine Harding, Principal

Principal’s Post on Empowering Young Women

Since 1935, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College has held a legacy of instilling the values of leadership, excellence and service, nurturing confident young women. We empower our girls to make their mark on society with confidence and compassion.

National Child Safety Week – 2 – 6 September 2024

As we approach National Child Safety Week, I would like to take a moment to emphasise the importance of ensuring our children’s safety, both at school and at home. This week serves as a vital reminder for us all to be vigilant and proactive in protecting our children.

The theme for Child Protection Week is “Every conversation matters”’, this ties in with the National Office of Child Safety’s “One talk at a time” campaign which you may have seen on TV, youtube or social media. Here is some parent information that supports keeping our children safe.

• Information about grooming – Information for parents about grooming so you reduce the opportunities of grooming occurring. 
• Safe mobile phone use – Information for students about how to use a mobile phone safely e.g. not giving your location away when you post photos on social media.

And a few key points to consider:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your daughter to speak openly about their day and any concerns they may have. A trusting relationship can help them feel safe and supported.
2. Online Safety: Monitor your daughter’s online activities and educate them about the potential dangers of the internet. Ensure they understand the importance of privacy and the risks of sharing personal information, such as not giving away their location when posting photos on social media.
3. Stranger Danger: Reinforce the concept of “stranger danger” and teach your daughter how to respond if approached by someone they don’t know.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Make sure your daughter know important contact numbers and what to do in case of an emergency.
5. Grooming Awareness: Talk to your daughter about grooming to reduce the opportunities of grooming occurring.

It is important that as parents we provide our daughters with guidance and structure as they navigate the teenage years. Having these conversations about safety both physical and online is like giving them a roadmap to navigate life’s challenges so that they can make decisions that will keep them safe.

Dean of School – Paul Hughes

Resilience & Social Media 

Today we continue on from our last newsletter that explored the topic of resilience and its importance for adolescents.

It is indeed true that Social Media can both positively and negatively impact resilience in young people, depending on various factors like usage patterns, content, and individual differences. Specifically, this article will explore how it might diminish resilience and provide some ways it can be used to potentially support it:

Ways Social Media might diminish resilience:

1. Increased Exposure to Negative Content: Frequent exposure to distressing or negative content, such as cyberbullying or sensationalised news, can impact mental health and reduce resilience by increasing stress and anxiety.
2. Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues: Social media often presents idealised or curated versions of reality, leading to comparisons that can undermine self-esteem and self-worth. This can make it harder for young people to deal with real-life challenges and setbacks.
3. Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Excessive use of social media, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep can negatively affect mood, cognitive functioning, and overall resilience.
4. Decreased Face-to-Face Interaction: Heavy social media use might reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing interpersonal skills and emotional support networks.
5. Addictive Behaviours: Social media platforms are designed to be engaging, which can lead to compulsive use. This can interfere with real-world responsibilities and coping strategies, reducing overall resilience.

Ways Social Media might support resilience:

1. Access to Support Networks: Social media can provide access to supportive communities, peer groups, and mental health resources. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can enhance resilience by offering emotional support and practical advice.
2. Educational Content: Many platforms offer valuable educational resources, including information on coping strategies, mental health awareness, and personal development. These resources can empower young people to build resilience.
3. Self-Expression and Identity Development: Social media can serve as a platform for self-expression and identity exploration. This can be beneficial for resilience if it allows young people to express themselves authentically and connect with like-minded individuals.

Positive Role Models and Inspiration: Exposure to positive role models and inspiring stories on social media can motivate and encourage young people to develop resilience. Seeing others overcome challenges can provide a sense of hope and possibility.

Balancing Social Media Use:

To offset the potential negative effects of social media on resilience, consider the following strategies:

• Set Healthy Boundaries: Encourage balanced social media use, including setting limits on screen time and promoting offline activities and face-to-face interactions.
• Promote Critical Thinking: Help young people develop skills to critically evaluate online content and manage comparisons, focusing on their own growth and well-being rather than external validation.
• Encourage Positive Engagement: Support involvement in positive, constructive online communities and discourage engagement in harmful or toxic spaces.
• Provide Education and Support: Educate young people about the potential impacts of social media on mental health and resilience, and offer resources and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.

Social Media may well now be a right of passage in an adolescent’s life. That said, It is commonly used to communicate and connect with others creating an element of belonging which is critical to a young person’s development. By being mindful of the possible pitfalls, adolescents can use social media as a tool to support rather than diminish resilience and connection in young people. Families need to play a critical role in this.

Paul Hughes

Dean of School 

Musical News

Dean of Mission – Marg Marriott

On Friday 9th August the Our Lady of Mercy family supported the Charitable Works Fund, which provides important ministry to seminaries, Catholic Care, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, prison chaplaincy and many other important works of mercy with the Olympic themed Green and Gold Mufti Day. We raised a record amount this year and had a great spirit within the College. 

For the Feast of the Assumption at both St Aloysius, Cronulla and OLF Caringbah our young ladies were able to join with parishioners and primary students from our feeder schools for the celebration of the Eucharist. Our Vocal Ensemble led the singing at St Aloysius and in both locations our students proclaimed the Word with great care. We are incredibly proud of our students and their dedication to preparation and training so that they may capably undertake ministry. Fr Adrian Sunyanto celebrated the Mass for us for the first time since his ordination and we were most grateful to share in this special occasion in honour of Mary our mother. 

Last Sunday, student leaders and volunteers took on an active role in the Eucharist on Sunday at 6pm at St Aloysius Parish. It was a Mass to honour fathers in the community, and it was very moving to have a father, and a grandfather involved in proclaiming the readings and bringing forward the gifts with their daughter, and granddaughter. Our students warmly welcome parishioners at the start of Mass with a smile, and the fathers were delighted with the lovely chocolates given in anticipation of Father’s Day.

Mercy Day is fast approaching and we invite students to bring in their money for tokens, to Student Services by cash or card. Last year we raised $5000 and we hope to exceed that, this year if possible. The Homerooms will run an array of stalls and activities to provide a fun and engaging experience for all following Mass at St Aloysius, Cronulla. As a guide, most students bought $20 / $15 worth of tokens as there is no cash used on the day. 

Year 10 Activity/Reflection Days will run from 7:45am – 3pm on Thursday 12th and again on Friday 13th September.  Students need to be punctual as the bus will be driving at 8am sharp to allow for the outdoor education programmed activities at The Stanwell Tops Retreat Centre. We are looking forward to great team building activities, and time for reflection. Note that in addition to the Compass permission, there is a permission slip from the venue.

Mrs Marg Marriott

Dean of Mission

Father and Daughter Breakfast

This week we celebrated the wonderful fathers of our Our Lady of Mercy family with a barbeque breakfast. 

Wishing all of our Dads, Fathers and Father Figures a wonderful day on Sunday. 

Calendar Update

Upcoming Dates

Thursday 12 September
R U Ok Day

Monday 16 to Monday 23 September
Preliminary HSC Examinations begin

Monday 16 to Tuesday 17 September
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (Hike 2)

Friday 20 September
World Teachers Day

Wednesday 25 September
Mercy Day

Friday 27 September
Last Day of Term 3

Monday 14 October
Staff Professional Development Day – (if you require supervision for your daughter please contact the College)

Monday 4 to Tuesday 5 November
Year 9 Camp – Deer Park

Thursday 8 to Friday 9 November
Year 11 Retreat

Monday 11 November
Remembrance Day

Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 November
Optional Marine Camp

Tuesday 19 November
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day
Year 7 2025 Parent Information Evening

Monday 25 to Friday 29 November
Year 10 Work Experience Week

Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 November
Optional CAPA Camp

Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 December
Year 10 PASS Camp

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

Year 10 Work Experience 25 to 29 November 2024

Monday, 2 September – 3pm – 4pm Student and Parent Work Experience Workshop

Students and their parents/carers are invited to participate in a workshop that will comprehensively explain the documentation process and provide detailed guidance on securing work experience.

Apprenticeship / Traineeship and Jobs Expo

Tuesday 10 September

Gymea Tradies 3pm – 7pm

Our annual Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expos have become widely recognized as the premier events of their kind in NSW. The timing of these expos is perfect for families, enabling parents to join their children for crucial career discussions with industry experts. Each year, the expos attract over 400 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors.

The Expos offer a unique opportunity for job seekers, businesses, industry professionals, education providers, and employers to come together under one roof. Exhibitors can collect resumes and promote their organisations in preparation for upcoming recruitment drives.

Free public admission.

For further information visit: https://www.brettcarterevents.com.au/

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships

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

Newman Symposium

On Monday the 12 August we held our Annual NEWMAN Symposium. Students presented their NEWMAN projects to parents and friends. There was an outstanding level of engagement by students as they delved deep into the theme of Utopia.

The variety of projects was as amazing as the presentations. These included:

• A Utopic world without dementia
• Two Worlds, One Volcano
• Nuclear Dystopia
• Utopic Sports
• Our sustainable utopian town; Havenville
• Two Worlds
• The Dystopian Future of Venice
• What happens to life in the future in a utopia
• Utopia paradox
• Events
• Utopia and dystopia/ First and third world countries 
• How Australian tax can influence a utopian world
• Story on dystopia and poverty
• Film a video asking people what is in their utopian world and what they love. 
• Filming a video finding out how other people see a Utopian World and ways to get there and we will also do a little bit of poetry.
• Making our idea of a utopian world in an app and videos of others idea of a utopian world
• Utopia in Minecraft
• Analysis of line city in Saudi Arabia
• Inequality is making us a Dystopia 
• Dystopia in films linking to real life
• Your perfect Utopia
• AI’s impact on Utopian or Dystopian society
• How can we achieve a utopia when its concept differs from person to person?
• Dystopian book to movie adaptation
• The change in society’s perspective of Utopia
• Flaws behind a perfect world
• Uniqueness in Utopia
• Dystopian Fashion
• Utopia can never be achieved, as represented in fiction
• Ancient civilisations view on utopia

Congratulations to all who participated in the 2024 Symposium, thank you for your dedication and effort as you grew in your passion for your topic. Thank you also to the NEWMAN team for all they did to support the students throughout this journey.

Photos

Congratulations to the Burraneer Best Nominees 

These students have been nominated by their class teachers as displaying a growth mindset in their learning. This has been demonstrated through areas such as: 

The highlighted students were randomly selected as the recipients of the Burraneer Best awards at Term 2, Week 10 assembly.

Monday Afternoon Open Learning

Our Monday Afternoon Open Learning started last term. We had 60 students who attended one or more weeks. This will be held in the Library each Monday 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

Awards

Congratulations to the students listed below, who received their awards last week.

Commitment to Learning Awards

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Science Faculty – Declan Hoban

Science News: Mid-Term Update

National Science Week 2024: Species Survival

This term, our Science Faculty enthusiastically celebrated National Science Week, which ran from 10 to 18 August. The theme, “Species Survival – More than just Sustainability,” inspired a range of engaging activities and learning experiences for students across the school.

The festivities began with a lively performance by Perform Education’s Marine Team on 7 August, captivating Year 7 and 8 students. This interactive drama creatively highlighted the importance of marine life and biodiversity, leaving students with a deeper understanding of species survival.

Throughout the week, students from Years 7 to 10 participated in Science trivia, testing their knowledge across various topics. The whole school participated in the Animal Figurine Hunt, where students searched for hidden creatures around the campus to win sweet treats. “The Great Battle” was another highlight, challenging students to identify as many native and invasive species as possible from a single image, this was a true test of their observation skills.

Year Group Science Updates

• Year 7: Our Year 7 scientists have been exploring the fascinating world of forces after completing an exciting unit on microorganisms. They got hands-on with microscopes, getting a close-up view of the microscopic world.
  – Why did the microscope break up with the slide? It felt there was no “focus” on the relationship!
• Year 8: Year 8 students have been delving into the wonders of chemistry, learning about the periodic table, and understanding the differences between compounds, elements, and mixtures.
  Remember, without the periodic table, we’d have no “elements” of surprise!
• Year 9: It’s been all about diseases in Year 9. Students have created impressive models and posters as part of their assessments, bringing science to life. In the lab, they’ve been culturing bacteria and fungi and even modelling pandemics.
  So, what do you get when you mix a science teacher with a petri dish? A “culture” of learning!
• Year 10: Our Year 10 students have recently wrapped up their studies on evolution and genetics. They’re now shifting gear to physics, starting with sports and athletics before moving on to the physics of cars and road safety, this is particularly relevant as many are beginning to learn to drive.

Declan Hoban, Instructional Leader of Curriculum – Science

PDHPE Faculty – Damien Trevillion

The girls are really enjoying the opportunity to get back into the surf on a Thursday for sport.  On a beautiful winter day, our surfers took full advantage of the conditions to show off their skills in the water.

Mr Damian Trevillion

Instructional Leader Curriculum – PDHPE

Instructional Leader – Co-Curricular – Danielle Polson

The College sent a team of 26 athletes and 2 student helpers to Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre for the Conference 3 Athletics Carnival on 30 August 2024. Our students took on the best from the other Catholic High Schools in the Sutherland Shire and St George Area. Congratulations on the following outstanding results:

Gold

• Allegra Little- 14 years 100m, Long Jump, Triple Jump
• Veronica Rogers- 12 years 800m, 1500m
• Layla White- 14 years 800m, 1500m
• Roma Taylor- 15 years 1500m
• Jayde Hartup- 13 years High Jump
• Lilliy Kate Mewton- 14 years Shot Put, Discus
• 14 years 4x 100m Relay- Allegra Little, Skyla Sleeman, Andie Smith, Montana Smith

Silver

• Jayde Hartup- 13 years 100m
• Allegra Little- 14 years 200m, Shot Put, Discus
• Layla White- 14 years 400m
• Charli Moses- 13 years 800m, 1500m
• Zoe Brown- 16 years Shot Put
• Ava Kome- 12 years Discus
• 13 years 4x 100m Relay- Felicity Barnes, Jayde Hartup, Semara Russell and Sianna Khoury

Bronze

• Sianna Khoury- 13 years 200m
• Felicity Barnes- 13 years 400m, 1500m
• Liesl Spinner- 14 years 800m, 1500m
• Ava Kome- 12 years Shot Put

Conference 3 Records

• Veronica Rogers- 12 years 1500m
• Layla White- 14 years 1500m, 800m
• Roma Taylor- 15 years 1500m
• Allegra Little- 14 years 100m, Long Jump, Triple Jump
• Lilliy Kate Mewton- 14 years Shot Put, Discus
• Jayde Hartup- 13 years High Jump
• Congratulations to Allegra Little who was 14 years Age Champion
• Congratulations to our Junior Girls who were Conference Champions

Best of luck to the 15 students now selected to represent Conference 3 at the Sydney Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival on 30th August.

NSW All Schools Competition

Congratulations to Matilda Fanning (Year 9) who has been selected in the NSW CCC Open Netball Team to compete at the NSW All Schools Competition. 

Danielle Polson, Instructional Leader Co-Curricular

Creative and Performing Arts Faculty – Ciara Gabriele

Georgia Hatton Year 9

We’ll Carry On

Triple J Unearthed High Songwriting Competition

Congratulations to Georgia Hatton of Year 9 who has been a successful applicant in the Triple J Unearthed High Songwriting Competition, with her original song We’ll Carry On.

Have a listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/georgia-hatton/

SCS Portrait Prize 2025

Entries are open for all SCS students who are interested in entering the SCS Portrait Prize Competition for 2025. 

Entries close: 22 November 2024

Theme: The portrait must be of a person who is special to you – someone who is known to you and who knows you and plays a significant role in your life.

https://artshq.syd.catholic.edu.au/artistsevolution/artistsevolution-visual-and-media-arts/portrait-prize

For more information please see Mrs Gabriele

Ciara Gabriele, Instructional Leader Creative and Performing Arts 7-8, HSC Music Teacher

Local News

2025 Parent/Guardian and Student Verification

We are reviewing and preparing your records in readiness for 2025, this is to ensure the correct changes are raised to your School Fees Account (including discounts), and that all correspondence is sent to the correct addresses.

Please answer the questions in the 2025 Parent/Guardian and Student Verification located in your Compass Events, and submit by selecting the consent button by the due date.

These questions need only be answered once for your child at our school. Kindly note, if we do not receive a response from you, your billing may not be correct for next year.

College Tours 2024

Before and After School Care Team

SCS Sport Holiday Program – Term 3