There is never a dull moment at OLMC, and the past couple of weeks have certainly reflected the energy and spirit of College life. From retreats and camps to celebrating our dedicated teachers and recognising the achievements of an inspiring alumna, there has been much to celebrate and be grateful for. We continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers our graduating Class of 2026 as they complete their final HSC exams.

Our Senior Retreat provided students with valuable time for reflection, connection and personal growth, while our Year 9 students embraced the challenges and experiences of camp. Both occasions offered opportunities to strengthen friendships, build resilience and create lasting memories.

Last Friday, we celebrated World Teachers' Day, recognising the dedication, passion and commitment of our exceptional OLMC teachers. Every day, our teachers make a significant difference in the lives of our Mercy Girls, inspiring them to achieve their best while nurturing their individual gifts and talents. I extend my sincere thanks to our Parents & Friends Association for generously providing a morning tea for staff. It was a thoughtful gesture and a fitting way to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our teachers and staff.

This week, we also had the pleasure of presenting the 2026 Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award to Jenny Gilchrist. In accepting the award, Jenny shared a heartfelt reflection on her time at OLMC and the lasting influence of her Mercy education. She recalled the compassion and support she received from teachers and friends following the loss of her mother during Year 11, an experience that helped shape her remarkable career in oncology nursing, patient advocacy and medical education. Jenny's message to our Mercy Girls was a powerful reminder that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it is simply about being there for someone, showing kindness, speaking up for what is right and having the courage to step forward. Her story beautifully reflects the Mercy values we strive to instil in our students and the lifelong impact of a Mercy education.

At yesterday's assembly, we were delighted to welcome Danielle Hayes from Mercy Works, who joined us to accept the College's donation of more than $7,000 raised through our Mercy Day celebrations. These funds will support Mercy Works' education initiatives in Papua New Guinea, helping to create opportunities and improve access to education for those in need. I am incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our Mercy Girls and their families. This is a meaningful example of our Mercy values in action, demonstrating how our collective efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the Dance Extravaganza this Friday evening, a celebration of the creativity, dedication and talent of our students. Our dancers have been working hard in preparation, and it promises to be an entertaining evening showcasing their passion for dance. I thank the staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event together and wish all our performers a memorable evening. Please note that this event has now reached capacity.

We look forward to welcoming families to our Summer Magic event on 27 November. Further details are available in the email sent yesterday. We also look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements at the Celebration of Achievement events on 3 December. Further information will be shared in the coming days.

As we move further into the final term of the year, I hope our students continue to embrace the opportunities ahead, celebrate their achievements and look out for one another. This is always a particularly busy time, and I am grateful to our staff and families for the care, encouragement and support they provide each day. It is these everyday acts of kindness and generosity that bring our Mercy values to life and make OLMC such a special place to learn and grow.

Mary, Mother of Mercy. Pray for us.

Ms Lucie Farrugia
Principal