Message from the Principal – Christine Harding

Welcome to the community of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer. Striving for excellence, we are the only specialist all-girls school in the Sutherland Shire.

Dear Parents and Carers,

​​Term 4 is certainly moving at a fast pace with great learning and a number of extra curricular opportunities given to our girls. 

Prayer

Remembrance Day, observed on 11 November, honours the men and women who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. At 11am, we pause for one minute of silence to reflect on their courage and to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

On this day, the College marked Remembrance Day with each Homeroom creating a wreath and offering a prayer, while staff wore sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance.

HSC Markers at OLM

• At OLM, we are proud to share that a significant number of our teaching staff are current HSC markers across a wide range of subjects. This is not only a testament to their professional standing and deep curriculum knowledge, but also a powerful asset that permeates the teaching and learning culture across all year groups.

HSC markers bring a unique lens to classroom practice. Their insight into syllabus expectations, marking criteria, and student performance trends ensures that our students, whether in Year 7 or Year 12 benefit from their high impact instruction

Student Success

Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Grand Final

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students at the Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Grand Final last week. Emma Broadhurst (Year 7) placed third in the Junior Division, and Sophie George (Year 9) earned third place in the Senior Division. Both students represented the College with excellence, poise, and confidence. Guided by Mrs Kamp, their performances were a testament to their preparation, and eloquence.

Year 7 Debating

With a narrow victory in their heat against St Patrick’s Sutherland this week, our junior debaters have secured a place in the Quarter Final against Kirrawee High. We congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best for the next round.

Camps and overnight learning experiences

At OLM, we are committed to nurturing the whole person, spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a wide range of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom to support growth and development. Our teachers ensure students receive a rigorous education while also engaging in enriching experiences that build lifelong skills and friendships. Through camps, team building activities, and outdoor adventures, students develop resilience, confidence, and character to thrive beyond high school.

Between Weeks 5 and 8 of this term the following overnight opportunities were afforded to your daughters:

Week 5

• Marine Camp 200 hours  (12-13 November). The Stage 5 elective Marine Camp at Jervis Bay offered students the chance to deepen their understanding and Marine knowledge. Highlights included swimming with seals and engaging in fieldwork that brought classroom concepts to life. The camp reinforced key outcomes of the Marine Studies syllabus while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love of the natural environment.

Week 6

• Duke of Edinburgh Hike (17-19 November) with DLS Caringbah at the Blue Mountains is the second hike to attain the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. This Award challenges participants to develop personal skills, engage in physical activities, and contribute to their community through volunteering. It encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and work towards achieving a sense of accomplishment and growth.

• Marine Camp 100 hours (17-18 November). The Stage 5 Marine Studies elective camp provided students with an immersive opportunity to broaden their knowledge and sharpen essential skills, including day and night snorkelling at Chowder Bay. Through these hands on experiences, our girls were able to connect theory with practice and strengthen their understanding of the key outcomes embedded in the Marine Studies syllabus.

Week 8

• ACYF, the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (30 November – 3 December) is held in Melbourne. This national gathering of young people from across Australia is a vibrant celebration of faith, friendship, and community. ACYF offers an inspiring program of prayer, music, workshops, and keynote speakers, all designed to deepen Catholic identity and empower young people to live out their faith with joy and courage.

• PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) Camp at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen (1-3 December). The Stage 5 elective PASS Camp enables students to gain a deeper understanding and build on key skills and syllabus outcomes, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the PDHPE syllabus through hands-on experiences. Some of the sports that our girls will be undertaking include stand up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking and abseiling.

Conference 3 Sport Awards

This morning, Marist College Kogarah hosted the Conference 3 Sport Awards. Congratulations to the OLM students honoured for their outstanding achievements in sport. Their hard work and dedication exemplify the spirit of excellence within our Mercy community.

STUDENT	LEVEL OF AWARD	SPORT
Charley Hawkins	Sporting Excellence Award	Taekwondo
Felicity Barnes	Sporting Excellence Award	Cross Country
Kiani Johnson	Sporting Excellence Award	Surf Lifesaving
Layla White	Certificate of Sporting Achievement	Cross Country & Athletics
Tannah Moore	Sporting Excellence Award	Baton Twirling
Victoria Trajcevski	Sporting Excellence Award	Oztag

I am incredibly proud of the way our staff continues to find new and innovative ways to engage and inspire your daughters. Their commitment, from thoughtful planning through to meaningful execution, reflects the care they bring to every experience.

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.

New legislation from the Australian Government is set to take effect, aiming to strengthen child wellbeing and safety across schools. Esteemed parenting expert, speaker, author, and researcher with a PhD in positive psychology, Dr Justin Coulson explores the rationale, timing, and implications of this reform.

A Safer Digital Future: What Parents Need to Know About Australia’s New Social Media Age Laws

Dr Justin Coulson November 3, 2025 (happyfamilies.com.au)

From December 10 this year, Australia will lead the world in a major change to online safety.
New legislation will restrict children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts — including popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). (Other platforms such as Roblox and Discord have not been identified as “in” or “out” at time of publication.)

It’s a huge and positive step. And for many families, it will mean big changes to how kids connect, communicate, and spend their time online.

Why the Change?

The decision comes after years of accumulating evidence giving more and more indications that social media — while fun, engaging, and sometimes even educational — can also be deeply dangerous for children and teens. These platforms are deliberately designed to capture attention, keep users scrolling, and reward comparison. They elevate extremism and outrage. They expose children to violent and explicit content, cyberbullying, unrealistic ideals, and a steady stream of social pressure that can erode wellbeing.

As Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant explained when she joined me on The Happy Families podcast, “Parents shouldn’t have to fight billion-dollar companies to keep their kids safe online — the responsibility belongs with the platforms.”

How it Works

That’s what this law does. It shifts the onus off parents and onto tech companies, requiring them to take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from having accounts or being algorithmically targeted. This means parents won’t face penalties. The responsibility — and the fines, which can reach nearly $50 million — will fall to social media companies that fail to comply.

To be compliant (and keep under 16s off the various platforms), big tech companies who are on the “banned” list will use a combination of age assurance tools — think AI-based content analysis, behavioural signals, and layered safety checks. Regular identification can be used, but if people are uncomfortable with that, the platforms will supply other methodologies for age verification.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger won’t be affected, but it’s likely that some online games and creative platforms (such as Roblox) could fall under review as rules evolve.

The law won’t solve every problem. Kids will still find ways to connect, and not every unsafe corner of the internet will disappear. But this new baseline gives parents a powerful ally — and a clear message that childhood deserves protection.

What Parents Can Do

These next few months are a chance to help your children make a healthy digital transition. Here are seven simple, practical steps to start now:

1. Start the conversation. Talk with your child about what’s changing, why it matters, and how it’s designed to protect them — not punish them. Keep it calm, curious, and compassionate.
2. Highlight the risks. Explain how social media can fuel anxiety, comparison, or exposure to harmful content, and why limits help everyone breathe easier.
3. Review and guide. Look at what your child is currently using. Help them save special memories, photos, or messages before their accounts change — and brainstorm other ways to connect with friends offline.
4. Stay informed. Visit esafety.gov.au for up-to-date resources, checklists, and webinars explaining how the legislation will work.
5. Watch for changes. Expect some frustration or FOMO (fear of missing out) when these changes arrive. Listen first. Reassure them that they’re not alone — no one under 16 will be able to use these platforms.
6. Know the exceptions. Messaging apps and most online games are currently exempt, so your child might migrate to those spaces. Keep guiding conversations about what’s safe and what’s not.
7. Understand the scope. The rules apply only to platforms with “social media” features — spaces designed for sharing and following others. New apps will continue to appear, so stay curious and connected.

Perhaps most importantly, create community. Build relationships. Find ways to encourage your children and their friends to be able to connect, communicate, and enjoy a play-based, rather than a screen-based, childhood. This takes effort on our part. But the effort is worth it. 

Get to know your child’s friend’s parents. Arrange for phone number swaps. Organise playdates and hangouts. Create the space your child needs to spend real-world time in real-world activities with friends and family.

Beyond the Legislation

Even with these changes, some parenting principles never change. Keep devices out of bedrooms. Set clear limits on screen time, especially before bed. Encourage real-world play, social time, and rest. And when you can, model healthy tech use yourself — that’s what your kids will notice most.

As Commissioner Inman Grant put it, “We expect car makers to install airbags and seatbelts — but we still teach our kids to drive safely.” The same applies online. The government can help make the internet safer, but it’s still up to families to model good habits, build trust, and keep the conversation going.

---

If you’d like to understand the new Social Media Minimum Age legislation in detail, visit esafety.gov.au for guides,

Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross

Congratulations to our Year 12 Class of 2025, who have successfully completed their HSC examinations. These young women have demonstrated dedication and sustained effort throughout their time at the College. They approached their final assessments with the confidence that comes from thorough preparation, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment. We now join them in eagerly awaiting their results and wish them every success for their future endeavours.

A Warm Welcome to Our 2026 Year 7 Cohort

This week marked an exciting milestone as we welcomed our incoming Year 7 students for 2026. Hailing from a diverse range of primary schools, it was truly delightful to see them embracing the College community and forging new friendships as they prepare for the transition to high school.

The orientation day provided them with a valuable opportunity to spend time in their house groups, learning about the foundational Mercy values that underpin our College identity. They engaged in team-building activities, working together to solve riddles and navigate the campus, all while embodying the spirit of a ‘Mercy Girl.’ I offer my sincere thanks to our Year 8 students who acted as mentors and guides throughout the day, ensuring our newest cohort felt genuinely welcomed and supported.

Preparing for the Social Media Ban

Following up on information shared at the end of last term, I want to remind all parents that the Social Media Ban is only a few weeks away (effective December 10). I strongly encourage you to continue having open and constructive conversations with your daughters about this change.

For students who spend a significant amount of time on social media, this adjustment may be challenging, and you might experience some pushback regarding the new restrictions.  To help your family prepare, I highly recommend reading this ySafe resource –  A simple FAQ of what parents need to know –  which clarifies the implementation and impact of the ban.

Additionally, renowned Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Michael Carr-Greg, suggests five key strategies for preparation:

• Talk now and often – don’t wait until December 10.
• Expect pushback.
• Fill the void (with other activities).
• Lead by example (with your own technology use).
• Make a digital family plan.

The Council of Catholic School Parents has also asked Michael Carr-Greg to produce a video (found here) which details the rationale behind the ban, how age restrictions will work, and the expected impact on both families and schools. I  strongly encourage all parents to take the time to watch this important resource.  

Sustained Learning and Attendance

As the academic year draws to a close, I ask for your continued support in reinforcing strong attendance for the remaining weeks of Term 4.

While formal assessments may be complete, I must stress that active learning and engagement continue right up until the final day. There is important curriculum work and skill consolidation taking place. Maintaining consistent attendance ensures that students remain connected with their peers and their learning, which is paramount for a successful finish to the year. The holiday break will be upon us soon enough; and I thank you for ensuring your daughters do not stay home unnecessarily.

College Picnic Day: Luna Park Excursion – Years 7 – 12

Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal

Calendar Update

Term 4 Important Dates

November

Monday 24 November – Friday 28 November
Year 10 Work Experience

December

Monday 1 December
Performing Arts Evening @ OLM Mercy Centre – 5pm

Monday 1 December – Wednesday 3 December
Australian Catholic Youth Festival – Melbourne

Monday 1 December – Wednesday 3 December
Year 10 PASS Camp

Friday 5 December
End of Year College Mass @ St Aloysius Cronulla – 9.15am

Monday 8 December
Year 7 Zoo Excursion

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

Thursday 11 December
Last Day of Classes

Friday 12 December
College Picnic Day @ Luna Park

Monday 15 December
Staff Professional Learning Day – No students

Tuesday 16 December
Year 7-11 Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences – 11.30am – 3pm (lunch 1.30-2.00pm)

Wednesday 17 December
Year 7-11 Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences – 9am – 11am

Wednesday 17 December
HSC Results released at 6am

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

The question we begin to ask ourselves should be, how do I prepare and what does this preparation look like in my life? Essentially we fast, pray and give alms (charity).

Both Lent and Advent are the seasons of preparation. I have always felt that there was something sombre about Lent. I suppose that in a Spiritual sense, our hearts are preparing for the Crucifixion, however, the crescendo of Lent is not the death of Jesus, but the Resurrection.

As humans we have a body and soul and we can use our natural senses to connect our souls with the seasons of Advent and Christmas, as stated above, our ears hear the Carols, our eyes the decorations, our voices to sing. Our whole self is essentially taken up with the season and celebrate. In our joyfulness, we also need to fast, pray and perform acts of charity.

When we think of fasting, we initially think of only giving up food, but fasting can be so much more meaningful. Is there a vice that has taken root in your life? Is Social Media affecting your health or your relationships with others? You can fast, give this up and make room in your heart. Fast from the things that are stopping a healthy relationship with God. Fasting is uncomfortable, but as psychologists point out, it can take as short as 18 days to break a habit and begin a new one. 

We are also called to pray. If we want friendship with God, we need to treat him as a friend. Speak to him. If you like, place an our Father at the beginning and or end of your day. You may even try talking to him, vocalising your thoughts and feelings to him as though a trusted friend is sitting next to you, because he is. You may feel comfortable meditating. Our Catholic meditation asks us to focus on an object of meditation. You may wish to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, or try reading a short bible story and thinking about it. 

Each homeroom at the College has been allocated a family to buy gift cards for. Letters went home to all families in week 5 with information about who your daughter is to think about and to contribute to. We as humans love to receive gifts. There is something special, maybe not in the gift itself, but in the knowledge that you are loved, appreciated and someone, somewhere is thinking about you. But as we grow up (and we wish to instill this in our children) there is no receiving without a giver.

That giving is far more powerful, rewarding and profitable than receiving. Acts 20 points out that, “It is better to give than receive”. What makes Family2Family so rewarding is that it embodies the Mercy value of Compassion. You are buying something small for someone who will never know you, be able to thank you or repay you. The scriptures continually draw on this point, no clearer than Luke 14 when Jesus said, “Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection”.

Many things are still occurring at the College. On 21 November, Year 7 OLM students held their bake sale. Students raised over $400 which was donated to Vinnies Christmas Appeal. This was a great opportunity to be involved in College life, especially building on our Community spirit.

Finally on 5 December the College is holding their End of Year Mass. All parents and friends of the College are invited to celebrate the Eucharist with us as we begin the wind down to the holidays.

I hope your Advent begins well. Enter the season with hope and joy with a sense of intention to grow closer as a family, community and as a Child of God.

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

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

2026 Textbook Lists

Textbook lists will be emailed to parents this week. They will also be available on the College Website. 

Newman classes will be communicated during Week 8 or early Week 9.

Where a student’s class determines the novel that is purchased, this will be communicated later this term, when classes have been formed.

For Stage 5 students, electives will be communicated in week 6, after assessments have been completed.

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

Public Speaking News – Susan Kamp

On 12 November two of our students competed in the Finals of the Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Competition, an annual competition open to all secondary school students in the Sutherland Shire.

The Junior Division is open to students in Years 7 and 8, while the Senior Division caters to students in Years 9 and 10. 

Sutherland Shire Council is the host venue for the finals with the Mayor of Sutherland Shire, Cr Jack Boyd presenting the finalists, runners up and winners with their certificates, medals and the winners perpetual trophy.

Our congratulations to all the OLM students who participated in the earlier heats, to the winners and place getters from our neighbouring schools and to our own Finalists for progressing through the competition.

Emma Broadhurst of Year 7 came third for her prepared 3 minute speech, ‘The Perfection Paradox’ and her impromptu speech, ‘It Does Matter’.

Sophie George of Year 9 also placed third for her prepared 5 minute speech, ‘What’s the Point of Generational Feuds’ and her impromptu speech, ‘It Doesn’t Matter’.

As Cr Jack Boyd iterated so well in his own introductory speech: communication skills are very important today with the continued growth of AI communication. Many people think they have them, but not all really do!

Ms Susan Kamp (Co-ordinator Debating and Public Speaking)

Instructional Leader – Co-Curricular – Danielle Polson

Duke of Edinburgh – Silver

Silver Duke of Edinburgh students completed their Qualifying Journey with enthusiasm and a commendable attitude throughout. Camping at Bulli Tourist Park, they embraced the challenges of expedition life and worked together with enthusiasm and resilience.

The first day began with a walk across the iconic Seacliff Bridge, then continuing from North Wollongong to Bulli. After a long day, the students cooked dinner on burners, putting their outdoor skills into practice.

On day two, the group explored the Royal National Park, trekking from Waterfall to Heathcote via the stunning Uloola Falls. A highlight was a refreshing swim at Karloo Pools, which provided a welcome break from the heat and after lots of walking.

The final day saw the team journey to Thirroul and then back into the Royal National Park from Bundeena along to Wedding Cake Rock. 

It was a great way to complete the Silver Duke of Ed Award. Thank you to Mr Pagano for joining us and well done to all students in their effort to complete the award.

Danielle Polson, Instructional Leader Co-Curricular

The following link has important information from Sydney Catholic Schools regarding sport.

https://sport.syd.catholic.edu.au/

Danielle Polson, Instructional Leader Co-Curricular

HSIE Faculty – Karla Treeves

Congratulations to Chloe English, recipient of the 2025 Campion Humanities Award!

We are proud to announce that Chloe has been selected to receive this award which recognises outstanding achievement in humanities subjects and demonstrates passion for lifelong learning. 

As part of this award, Chloe received a certificate and book voucher, a reserved place in a Campion College holiday program, and a scholarship towards future study in the Campion College Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts, should she choose to apply and be accepted into the 2027 intake. 

Well done Chloe!

Karla Treeves, Acting Instructional Leader of Curriculum – HSIE

Creative and Performing Arts Faculty – Verneen Mason

PDHPE Faculty – Alison Redman

Primary School Visits

During Term 3 our three Stage 5 Child Studies classes visited local primary schools on different occasions working with children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Cronulla and St Francis de Sales, Woolooware. The time spent working with the dedicated staff and the children during these visits was not only enjoyable but invaluable to OLM students as they have learned through practical experiences.

Virtual Babies

A worthwhile part of the Child Studies course is to put into practice the care for a newborn baby.

Virtual Babies, Hazel, Harry and Bambi have joined our community and for the first time have been going home with OLM students to experience what it is like to care for a newborn. The students have also been using the babies in class as they study the physical characteristics of newborns and their care requirements.

In addition, the Child Studies classes have listened to guest speakers such as a midwife and a mother of twins who had her babies prematurely.  Students learn about the special care required for newborns that arrive early and the important role that staff undertake in the hospital special care unit.

Mrs Alison Redman, PDHPE Teacher

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

YEAR 12

UAC Key Dates

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 7.30am January Round 1 offers released

University Update Days

Each of the universities holds an update day on 18 December to assist students as their ATAR and HSC results are released.

These days are valuable to assist you with change of preferences before midnight on 18 December, and to offer advice on courses.

Check the university websites for more details.

WEBINARS

University of Sydney

Parents and Caregivers Webinar

Date: Monday 15 December

Time: 5:00 pm (AEDT) 

Join our webinar to understand the week’s key decision making milestones and how you can support your child in preparing for a range of outcomes. Discover practical strategies to empower their future and help maximise their options for university study in 2026.

 Register here 

Media: Explore Sydney’s Bachelor of Media and Communications

Dive into the exciting world of media and communications with our Bachelor of Media and Communications degree. Discover how this degree can help you turn your passion for media, storytelling, content creation, journalism, marketing and public relations into a dynamic career. Learn about the entry requirements, course structure, career opportunities and the hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for the real world. 

Date: Wednesday 26 November

Time: 4 pm (AEDT)

Register here

MEDENTRY

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is required for entry into most medicine and dentistry courses across Australia.

Students who wish to enter such courses will need to sit the UCAT in July-August 2026. Year 11 students who are interested in medicine have under one year before their test. The best way to prepare for the UCAT is via distributed practice over several months. Medentry will be hosting a live seminar at UTS to guide students, parents and teachers through the journey into medicine. For those unable to attend in person we also run free online webinars.

DO YOU WORK AT MACCAS? DID YOU KNOW …

Earn uni credit for working at Maccas

McDonalds Australia have just announced that employees can earn credit towards a university degree in Business, Commerce, Management, HR, Technology, and IT, just by turning up to work and completing their training.

If you’re a Maccas worker, then all you need to do is earn up to 8 microcredentials, each of which counts for up to one university subject. You can even stack the microcreds together and score direct entry into an MBA program (Masters of Business Administration), potentially saving you up to $20,000 in fees.

Maccas have partnered with the following NSW / ACT universities at this stage (Nov 2025):

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
• Torrens University Australia
• University of Canberra
• University of New England
• William Angliss Institute

POSITIONS VACANT

Early Childhood Educator

Traineeship – Kirrawee, Miranda

Australian Careers Business College (ACBC)

Are you passionate about working with children and looking to begin your career in early childhood education? Australian Careers Business College is offering an exciting Early Childhood Educator Traineeship at a welcoming childcare centre in Kirrawee.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while completing nationally recognised training in Early Childhood Education and Care.

About the Role

Full-time traineeship in a childcare centre. Work while you study toward your qualification.

Centre hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm (shifts will vary within these hours; you must be available for both early starts and late finishes on different days)

Supportive environment where you’ll learn from experienced educators

Eligibility

Will consider someone under 17 years or older

Year 12 students are encouraged to apply –centre is happy to wait until after HSC exams are completed

No prior experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and willingness to learn

We’re Looking For:

• Enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their development
• Reliability and commitment to both work and study requirements
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Friendly, caring and professional manner
• Eagerness to build a career in the early childhood sector

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to:

Jackie Bannister

Australian Careers Business College

149-151 George Street, Liverpool NSW 2170

T: +61 2 9824 0000

E: jacqueline.b@acbc.nsw.edu.au

W: www.acbc.nsw.edu.au

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships

Local News