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.

Prayer

September marked a significant moment in the life of the Church, as Pope Leo XIV formally canonised Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who passed away in 2006, now recognised as the first millennial saint. This historic event was celebrated by thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

Saint Carlo Acutis is remembered for his deep love of the Eucharist, his commitment to living a life of virtue, and his use of technology to share the Gospel. In his address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the profound witness of Carlo, whose life continues to inspire people, especially the youth, to orient their hearts toward God and strive to make their lives masterpieces of holiness, service, and joy.

Reflecting on his legacy, Pope Leo shared Carlo’s humble motto, “Not I, but God,” 

As a College community, we offer these words as our prayer.

Our Lady of Mercy   Keep us under your protection and bless our school

Catherine McAuley  Pray for Us

HSC 2025 has begun

Our inaugural HSC 2025 cohort is well underway with their exams, and we’re delighted to see our Year 12 girls reaching the halfway point with focus and resilience. Their dedication has been commendable, and we continue to encourage them to stay committed, keep working hard, and finish strong.

Year 12 Student Success

World Teachers Day – 31 October 2025

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day on Friday, I would like to shout out to all our incredible teachers at OLM for their dedication and commitment to your daughters. Every day, our teachers bring passion, resilience, and heart into their classrooms, nurturing minds and shaping futures.

Their hard work often goes unseen, but the impact can be immeasurable. Whether it’s staying late to support a student, giving feedback for an essay on the weekend, crafting engaging lessons, or simply offering a thoughtful word, our teachers consistently embody the spirit of mercy, service and excellence.

To all our educators: thank you, you make OLM a great place to be.

European Tour – 2026

At OLM, our educational philosophy is rooted in the holistic development of each student. We are committed to fostering intellectual growth, personal integrity, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Central to this mission is the provision of enriching opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom.

In alignment with these values, we are pleased to announce that our Year 11 students in 2026 will have the opportunity to participate in a European cultural tour, offered in partnership with De La Salle College Caringbah. This immersive experience is designed to complement and enhance studies in History, Art, Languages, and Studies of Religion.

By exploring significant cultural and historical sites across Paris, Berlin, Naples, and Rome, students will engage directly with the heritage and traditions that have shaped our world. This journey promises to deepen their understanding, broaden their global perspective, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for learning.

Social Media minimum age laws come into effect in December 2025

The Australian Government is taking world leading action to reduce online harms experienced by young Australians by introducing a minimum age to access social media. From 10 December 2025, a new law will require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having a social media account, and deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by people under 16.

Delaying access to social media accounts until the age of 16 will protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development, giving them 3 more years to build real world connections and online resilience.

This change will reduce access for young people to some of the harmful aspects of social media, such as algorithms that recommend content, infinite scrolling, and other features designed to keep users continuously engaged. The law is intended to capture social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook and YouTube. 

However, this will not stop young people from staying in touch with friends online, playing games, learning new things and being entertained. In fact, they will still be able to access messaging apps, online gaming, professional networking and development services, and services that are primarily for the purposes of education and health support.  

This delay to social media will give young Australians more time to develop real world connections and digital literacy skills before they join global platforms.

For more information, and tips for helping under 16’s prepare for the change, visit the eSafety website. 

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 reorganised 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

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 make on society with confidence and compassion.

Building Self Esteem away from Screens

Martine Oglethorpe is a speaker, counsellor and educator with a passion for building resilient children in a digital world. Article taken from parentingideas.com.au

In today’s digital age, our children’s sense of self is increasingly shaped by their online interactions and the feedback they receive through social media. As educators and parents, it’s vital we help them build resilience and self-worth that isn’t dependent on likes, comments, or followers. This article explores practical ways parents can support young people in developing a strong, balanced identity, both online and offline.

As so much of a young person’s social world revolves around their online feeds and connections, it is no wonder that ‘likes’ and comments have become a social currency and a reflection of where young people see themselves amongst their peers. Whilst social media has the ability to ignite a flourishing self-esteem with glowing comments, hundreds of likes and thousands of followers, it can also have a negative impact. A lack of likes, followers or comments, or even just a small number of nasty or negative comments, can do irreparable damage to a struggling self-esteem.

In addition, because many of the social networks children are using centre around the sharing of visuals, this can lead to an over representation of aesthetics as the yardstick of popularity. Instagram and Snapchat are some of the popular networks now and all are based on photos, video and performance. Which is all well and good if you have a good sense of who you are and are not relying on the feedback from these networks to decide your worth. But for many, putting themselves out there can mean they open themselves up to judgement and even ridicule.

And even if they get hundreds of likes or lots of lovely comments, it is often the one nasty one they remember the most. We need children to know they are worth more than their likes and followers. We need them to know their sense of self is not based on what others, and even strangers, may think of them. But how do we do that in a world that sees children so attached to their screens and their online social connections? Well, like all things in parenting today, there is no one simple solution. However there are certainly ways we can help ensure that a sense of self  worth is based on the achievements, the values and the qualities that make each and every child unique.

Build their independence and resilience early

From a very early age, provide them with opportunities to build their independence, have responsibilities, learn to fail, make mistakes and problem solve when things don’t go to plan. These skills will become invaluable in a world that sees constant comparison and the inevitable negative interactions of the online world.

Stay relevant

Don’t resort to the “in my day we…”. We may well reminisce about the more carefree days where we got to switch off and hangout with friends in the neighbourhood oblivious to what the rest of the world thought of our latest picture. But that’s not particularly relevant to our children today. And shutting down their account, turning off their computer and walking away from social media altogether is really not an option for most. Be sure your children know that you understand the role the technology plays and the challenges they face. That way you put yourself in the best position to have the right conversations and put in place the right boundaries.

Provide other role models and community

Getting involved in outside pursuits and interests away from the screens can help them form connections with other parts of the community. Coaches, youth leaders and other role models can all play a part in mentoring a child about the importance of balance whilst reminding them that there is a life beyond the screens.

Give them opportunities to help

There is no better way to feel better about oneself than to feel useful. Helping at home, helping in the community and volunteering can be great ways for children to build self-worth away from the screens. It may be helping coach some children at the local sports club or getting involved in a cause or issue that matters to them. This will give them a sense of purpose that revolves around their actions and their input and not just what others perceive about them.

Family rituals

Regular meals and time where no devices are present can be crucial to providing the stability and security young people need. Mealtimes have been proven to be an effective way of letting children know they always have a place that is familiar, secure and unconditional. This may not be a reality for every family every night, but trying to incorporate any sense of ritual into a family, especially one where screens are not involved, will certainly provide a positive impact. We know that technology and devices are going to continue to play a huge role in the social and emotional lives of our children. Therefore we need to ensure that we are doing all we can to give them a balanced, true and positive view of themselves that continues to flourish both in real life and online.

2026 Student Leadership Team

Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross

It’s wonderful to see all our students return for Term 4 with such enthusiasm. Whether it’s the beautiful spring weather or the excitement that comes with the final term of the school year, the school is full of noise.

However, Term 4 also brings a crucial focus: assessment. As these are the final opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning, the emphasis across all year groups is high.

• Years 7–10: Students are preparing to complete their respective academic years with a strong finish.
• Senior Students (Years 11): Our seniors have hit the ground running, commencing their HSC studies. It’s been fantastic to see them taking initiative, actively seeking feedback, and asking critical questions about their new courses. This level of engagement is the key to a happy and successful HSC year.

Uniform:

With the warmer weather, blazers are no longer mandatory. However, this is not an invitation to neglect the rest of the school uniform. Maintaining our high standards is essential.

We’ve issued a reminder to all students regarding shirt and dress wear. Please help us by ensuring your daughter is dressed appropriately before she leaves for school:

• Shirts/Dresses: Only the top two buttons may be open.
• Collars: Please ensure collars are not deliberately flattened or “squashed” – they should be worn neatly.

Your support in upholding our uniform standards is greatly appreciated.

Coming into the summer months we must emphasise the importance of sun safety. It is highly recommended that students are sun smart during all outdoor activities. Please remind your daughter to:

• Apply sunscreen before school and reapply at breaks.
• Wear a hat for protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Protecting against UV exposure helps prevent sunburn, skin damage, and the long-term risks of skin cancer.

Attendance and Punctuality: Every Minute Counts

As we enter the final term, maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality is crucial for student success. Missed minutes at the start of the day can mean missed instructions and important learning time.

Last term, I issued a reminder about the importance of being punctual, recording instances of late arrival as a warning (a demerit with no attached points).

This term, we are moving to the next stage of our policy:

• Lateness to school without a justifiable explanation will now incur a demerit point.
• Students who reach five (5) demerit points will receive an after-school detention.

Please support us by reminding your daughter of the importance of punctuality. 

The session will cover:

• Recognising the signs your child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying
• Building protective factors at home
• How to support your child with strategies to respond, report, and stay safe in a fast-changing digital world

For: Parents and carers of upper primary and high school students
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Time: 7:00 – 7:45PM

Registration link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6906454095534944351

Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal

Calendar Update

Term 4 Important Dates

Thursday 16 October – Friday 7 November
HSC Examinations

Friday 31 October
Year 10 Assessment block begins

Friday 31 October
World Teachers Day

Monday 10 November
Year 9 Assessment Block begins

Tuesday 11 November
Remembrance Day

Wednesday 12 November – Thursday 13 November
Year 10 Marine Studies Camp

Monday 17 November – Wednesday 19 November
Duke of Edinburgh, Silver – Qualifying Hike

Monday 17 November – Wednesday 19 November
Year 9 Marine Studies Camp

Monday 1 December – Wednesday 3 December
Year 10 PASS Camp

Monday 24 November – Friday 28 November
Year 10 Work Experience

Friday 5 December
End of Year College Mass at St Aloysius Cronulla

Wednesday 10 December
College Awards Presentation @ De La Salle College Carinbah – 12.45pm – 2.15pm

Thursday 11 December
Last Day of Classes

Friday 12 December
College Picnic Day

Monday 15 December
Staff Professional Learning Day – No students

Tuesday 16 December
Year 7-11 Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences

Wednesday 17 December
Year 7-11 Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences

Wednesday 17 December
HSC Results released at 6am

World Teachers Day

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

Religious Education

As we move towards the end of the year, the Church has many great moments of celebration. The Church in her tradition will celebrate All Saints Day, All Souls Day, we will prepare for the season of Advent and end with the great feast of Christmas, Jesus being born into the world. Due to this, our College will be promoting these events and engaging students in the preparation and celebration of these events.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival – Pilgrims of Hope

In December, some of our Year 10 students will be travelling to Melbourne to participate in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF). On 24th October, those students attended a preparation night at Mt St Joseph College Milperra ,where they learned more about what they will be doing and met the students they will be travelling with. The night was one of fun and excitement, with dinner provided. The students are attending a pilgrimage where they will deepen their faith with other students from around Australia. Please keep our ACYF students in your prayers:

• Mia Murray
• Nikita Sullivan
• Rosalie Barnes
• Melina Hetherington
• Addison Metcalfe
• Eliana Maceri
• Hayley Woods

Halloween

Friday 31st October is Halloween. There are many misconceptions about Halloween in the media but ultimately, Halloween has Catholic origins and it is important to hold onto this, celebrate, but also to know how to celebrate this appropriately today.

November is the month we pray for all those who have died. The Church offers plenary indulgences for the souls of the deceased. There are a number of ways to attain these. If you would like to learn more about indulgences, please watch the attached video.

The word Halloween comes from a contraction of the words “All Halo’s Eve”. It is the day before all Saints Day. Throughout the middle ages in Europe, children would dress up the night before All Saints Day as their favourite Saint and knock on doors.  They would not say, “Trick or Treat”, but would offer prayers for the family inside the house and the souls of their family members in exchange for a “Soul Cake” and a promise not to return until next year.  These soul cakes, quite common in the middle ages, would also be baked and given to families who would visit at Christmas whilst carolling. The practice was called “Souling”. The earliest reference we have to the practice of “Souling” dates back to Sir John Mirk’s description in the 1400’s.

Over time, people began dressing as priests, nuns and bishops for the good that they did, and the community also wanted to acknowledge family members who had passed. From here, people began dressing as ghosts and skeletons.  Today people dress as witches and vampires, which is not really in line with the original ideas of dressing as a good person. If we wish to reclaim this holiday and celebrate in an authentically Catholic way, consider what is an appropriate costume for a Christian to wear, offer treats in good spirit, and never play that “trick” on someone who does not show support for the holiday. Below is a recipe for a Soul Cake you could try making with your families and a traditional song dating back to 1893.

Traditional All Halo’s Soul Cakes

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

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

Trial HSC Examinations

Congratulations to the students of Year 12 as they complete their HSC Examinations over the coming weeks. It has been wonderful to see their drive and determination as they approach each examination. Thank you to the teachers of Year 12 for their continued support of their students prior to each exam and at the conclusion of each exam. 

We would also like to thank the staff at  De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah for their warm welcoming of our students and for the extra care and administration involved in the organising of these HSC Examinations.

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Transform Your Inner Dialogue to Unlock Your Potential

The way you talk to yourself matters. Your inner dialogue—what you say to yourself when you’re facing challenges, setbacks, or achievements—shapes how you feel, act, and perform. Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring difficulties; it’s about reframing them to build confidence, resilience, and motivation. Ready to harness the power of your inner voice? Here are five ways to turn self-talk into your superpower.

1. Recognise Your Inner Critic

The first step to positive self-talk is noticing when your inner critic is holding you back.

• Pay attention to thoughts like “I’ll never get this right” or “I’m not good enough”. These negative beliefs often aren’t true—they’re just automatic responses to stress or fear.
• Challenge these thoughts by asking, “Is this fact or just fear talking?”.

Tip: Write down recurring negative thoughts in a journal and reframe them into more balanced, constructive ones. For example, change “I always fail” to “I’m still learning, and I’ll improve with practice”.

2. Replace Negativity with Encouragement

Turn self-doubt into self-support with intentional, positive statements.

• Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can figure this out”. Instead of focusing on what you lack, remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
• Practise affirmations, like “I am capable”, “I am resilient”, or “I can handle this challenge”.

Tip: Post your favourite affirmations where you’ll see them daily—on your mirror, desk, or phone lock screen.

3. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection

Negative self-talk often stems from perfectionism, which sets unrealistically high standards.

• Instead of saying, “I’ll never be as good as them” focus on growth: “I’m improving every day”.
• Recognise that mistakes are part of learning. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself that everyone has setbacks.

Tip: After a tough day, write down one thing you did well and one thing you learned. Over time, this practice builds a growth-oriented mindset.

4. Speak to Yourself as You Would a Friend

You wouldn’t call a friend ‘stupid’ or ‘a failure’, so why say those things to yourself?

• Practice self-compassion by imagining you’re talking to a friend. What would you say to encourage or comfort them?
• For example, replace “I’m so bad at this” with “It’s okay to find this difficult. I’m doing my best, and I’ll keep improving”.

Tip: When you’re feeling down, write a kind letter to yourself. Re-read it when you need a boost.

5. Stay Present and Positive

Negative self-talk often focuses on past mistakes or future fears. Positive self-talk keeps you grounded in the present.

• When you catch yourself worrying about ‘what ifs’, refocus with a statement like, “Right now, I’m doing what I can”.
• Pair positive self-talk with mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or visualising your goals, to calm your mind and build confidence.

Tip: Start your day with one positive intention, like “I will approach today with curiosity and patience”.

Rewrite Your Inner Story

Positive self-talk is a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. By recognising and reframing negative thoughts, speaking to yourself with kindness, and focusing on growth, you can transform your inner dialogue into a powerful tool for success.

Challenge: This week, pay attention to your self-talk. Whenever you catch yourself being overly critical, pause and reframe the thought into something constructive. Notice how it changes your mood, motivation, and confidence.

With time and effort, your inner voice can become your biggest supporter—and the key to achieving your best self.

You and your parents can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

School username: OLMBurraneer

School password: Mercy

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning has started. This will be held in the Library each Tuesday 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

CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC AND OTHER AWARDS

As the end of  the year approaches, I am taking this opportunity to communicate the criteria for the awards that are presented to students on 10 December, 2025.

The Principal’s Acknowledgement Letter for Commitment to Learning

The Principal’s Acknowledgement Letter for Commitment to Learning is awarded to students who have achieved consistently in each subject for each component of Commitment to Learning. They have displayed learning dispositions at a high standard, demonstrating commendable levels of initiative, persistence and engagement with the learning process.

Determined by School Report – Consistently for every subject for every area, allowance made for ONE subject for ONE component

ACADEMIC AWARDS

First place in course: is awarded to the student who has ranked highest based on their assessment results throughout the course.

The Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence: is awarded to students who have attained an A grade in the vast majority of the subjects studied throughout Semester 2. 

Determined by School Report 7-10 Awarded to students who have attained an A grade in ALL but 3 subjects of the total number of subjects studied – Year 7 a total of 6 or more subjects – Year 8 a total of 7 or more subjects – Year 9 & 10 a total of 5  or more subjects 11-12 – Six subjects – 4 or more subjects – Seven subjects – 5 or more subjects

The Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence: is awarded to students who have achieved a Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence for both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Outstanding Achievement Awards: is awarded to five students in each Year Group from Years 7 to 10 who have achieved consistently in the top 5 places across many of their subjects. 

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.

Outstanding Achievement in Sport NSW All Schools Team and NSW CCC Team

The following awards recognise students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen sport, making a NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Team and a NSW All Schools Team during 2025.

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. 

Students self nominate by Term 4, Week 5 via Google Form outlining the points they have received in the year.

Specific criteria can be found here.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The ANSTO Award is presented to a student who: has shown an excellent level of academic achievement coupled with a demonstrated enthusiasm, passion and dedication to Science.

The Long Tan Award, Year 10 – Leadership is presented to a student who: displays leadership ability and fosters cooperation. Demonstrates 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.

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. 

Mercy Award: School Spirit & Citizenship

The most significant of awards 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

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

Acting Leader of Operations – Luke Reynolds

School student travel information for parents and students School Travel Passes Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.  Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.  If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost. In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass. Terms of Use Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use. This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times. All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.Mail sent from the Stakeholder Liaison Team, Customer Technology. Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedbackYou’re receiving this email because you have been nominated as your school’s representative for all School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) news and information. If you’d prefer not to receive these emails or nominate a different representative, you can manage your email preferences by clicking here.

Luke Reynolds, Leader of Operations

English Faculty – Bernadette Coppock

Year 11 English Extension

Year 11 English Extension 1 enjoyed an immersion lesson for their first HSC lesson. The girls engaged with maps, scrolls, images and props (such as wands, potions, the Sorting Hat, spy glasses, astrolabe, and others) to explore literary worlds. 

The girls grappled with the question of why are we fascinated with literary worlds and why do we read and write them. We explored what makes a great opening line of a novel as well as how literary worlds create their own laws and rules for the fictional world to operate within. 

We ended with the girls brainstorming and pitching their idea for a literary world.

Ms Bernadette Coppock – Instructional Leader of Curriculum – English

Science Faculty – Michele Owen

Marine Studies

Our Marine Studies students have been diving deep (both literally and figuratively) into the wonders of the ocean this term.

Year 10 has been exploring The Abyss, discovering the fascinating creatures that inhabit this extreme environment, before shifting focus to Coastal Management. They’ve been investigating the challenges facing Cronulla Beach and exploring sustainable strategies to protect this vital coastline.

Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been getting hands-on with their studies of local estuaries, learning practical fishing skills and developing a stronger connection to the marine ecosystems right on their doorstep.

Both classes are now eagerly looking forward to their upcoming camps at Chowder Bay and Jervis Bay, where they’ll continue to apply their learning in the field and deepen their appreciation for Australia’s unique marine environments.

Michele Owen – Marine and Acquaculture Teacher – Science Faculty

Languages Other Than English – Vanessa Riga

LANGUAGES

OLM Exchange Students

We have some exciting news to share. Two of our very own Year 9 students will participate in an International Student Exchange Program for 3 months (October to January).

Kate Middlemiss will be heading to Paris, France, and Charlotte Wardle will be travelling to Foggia, Italy, two countries rich in history, culture, and incredible learning opportunities.

This is a fantastic chance for them to immerse themselves in new languages, experience the French and Italian lifestyles. Both students will be staying with host families and attend school. We know they will make the most of every moment and come back with stories, insights, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I would like to wish them bon voyage and buon viaggio as they embark on this unforgettable journey.

Ms Vanessa Riga (Italian Teacher)

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

Year 12

Year 12 are currently sitting their final HSC exams – good luck, and know you are well prepared. I am available to support you with any questions you have at any time, regarding your post school options. Just because you are not attending classes, does not mean you are no longer part of our OLM community.

UAC Key Dates

13 Nov 2025   7.30am First round of Schools Recommendation Scheme early offers released

18 Nov 2025   11.59pm Closing date for Educational Access Scheme applications for December Round 2

18 Dec 2025    6am HSC results released

18 Dec 2025    9am ATARs released

18 Dec 2025    11.59pm December Round 2 change of preference deadline

23 Dec 2025    7.30am December Round 2 offers released

30 Dec 2025    7.30am January Round 1 change of preference deadline

8 Jan 2026       7.30am January Round 1 offers released

Free HSC Kickstart Seminars

As Year 10 students approach their final term and Year 11 step into their HSC year, we invite your students and parents to attend our Free HSC Kickstart Seminars.

Over the past decade, these sessions have helped thousands of families feel more confident and prepared as they head toward the HSC.  Each year, the feedback from both parents and students has been outstanding.

Hosted by InspirationED in partnership with leading universities, the morning brings together senior HSC markers and counsellors to share practical strategies on:

• What exam markers really look for
• How to make smart study choices
• Managing motivation and wellbeing through Year 12

The dates and venues can be found below (9:30am-12:15pm):

• Sunday 2nd November – Macquarie University
• Saturday 15th November – University of Newcastle
• Sunday 23rd November – University of Sydney
• Full details here: https://events.inspired.edu.au

Christmas Casuals

If you are looking for a part-time job, now is a great time to be applying for Christmas Casual positions. Most employers are looking for students aged 14 or over (though some will accept you younger).

How do you apply for positions? In my experience, the most effective way is to prepare your resume, and then walk around shops and hand out your resume. Dress appropriately when you are doing this, as it is your first impression with a potential employer. Many employers will also ask you to apply via an online portal – this is particularly relevant for large employers.

Make sure you are letting family and friends know you are looking – this is networking, and is one of the most successful ways of obtaining employment.

Some employers will reach out to me, and I will send this information out via Compass – an example of this is City Beach who are looking for Christmas Casuals. All students in Years 9 – 11 received this information in Week 1.

ATTN: Year 9-12 students & parents whose children are considering a career in medicine.

The Future Doctors Australia program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. Over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career.

Don’t miss this chance to help your students gain firsthand knowledge and mentorship from medical professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare.

City	Date	Availability
Sydney (Chatswood)	22-25 January 2026	Full
Sydney (Chatswood)	9 – 12 April 2026	16 spots left
Sydney (Chatswood)	16 – 19 April 2026	20 spots left

Program Details | Fees | Enrolment Form

Photo gallery of previous programs

List of Medical Specialists & Clinical Staff Guest Speakers and Presenters

NB: This is an advertisement for NIE Careers and Future Doctors. Please conduct your own due diligence to see if this is of benefit to you.

The University of Sydney’s Parent Webinars and Resources 

The University of Sydney have recently launched a new Parents Webinar Series. Upcoming session, “Transitioning to Uni: What to Expect in the First Year”, will be held on Monday 27 October. Register: https://shorturl.at/4q7md. 

Free HSC Seminars — Macquarie University 

Saturday 2 November 9.30am to 12.15pm discover proven study strategies from senior HSC markers and counsellors. 

Designed for Year 10 and 11 students and their parents, these free sessions reveal how to study smarter, manage stress, and prepare effectively for success in 2026. Seats are limited — book now at: https://inspired.edu.au.

TAFE NSW

Register now for the TAFE NSW Open Week 2025, running from 17 to 23 November 2025.

Jump online and explore the digital hub packed with live info sessions, on-demand videos, and a fun career quiz to help students find their path. It’s all in one place, super easy to access and designed so they can get involved wherever they are. Throughout the week, students can learn about TAFE NSW courses, facilities and flexible study options.

Information Sessions
Gather detailed course information straight from our experienced teachers with Information Sessions running throughout the week online. 

Live sessions and on-demand videos
Students can learn how to enrol, understand payments, fees and scholarships, how to find an apprenticeship, discover student support services, recognition of prior learning and more at TAFE NSW.

Win great prizes
Simply by registering for Open Week events, students can enter the draw for the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Not sure where to start, take our Study Seeker quiz
It only takes a few minutes to find a perfect fit. Students can take our quick quiz to discover their strengths and interests, and we’ll recommend a range of TAFE NSW courses that are right for where they want to go.

Register now to join an information session, explore TAFE NSW’s wide range of courses, and enrol for 2026.

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships

Debating News

Congratulations to Emma Broadhurst and Sophie George who will progress to the Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Finals in their respective divisions.

All of the OLM girls who participated, delivered information and engaging speeches in this Pubic Speaking competition.

Ms Susan Kamp, Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

Welcome to Coolangatta House