From the Principal Important Dates

No. 8 / March 21, 2012
Important Dates
Thursday March 22
 Year 9 Visual Arts/Photography
Excursion
 Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion
Friday March 23
 PDSSSC Swimming
 Year 11 Design & Technology
Excursion
From the Principal
P&F Annual General Meeting
Last week the Parents and Friends Association held their Annual General Meeting. At the
meeting the 2011 Executive stood down from their positions and a new Executive for 2012
elected. I would like to thank the outgoing Executive for their hard work in organising a number
of events to provide opportunities for parents to meet and get to know each other such as the
Cocktail Party and the Trivia Night. The P & F are also very generous in providing catering for
College functions such as the Mother/Daughter and Father/Daughter Masses.
I would like to acknowledge and thank John Cutler who has been a member of the Executive in
the role of Treasurer since 1998. With John’s last daughter leaving the College in 2011, he has
made the decision to step down. It has been a long period of generous service to the College
and for that we are indeed very thankful. I would also like to thank Kerrie de Pagter for her many
contributions. Kerrie has been Co-President for the past two years and she has made the
decision not to stand for an Executive position.
The new Executive is:
Sunday March 25
 Opening of the Janet Woods
Building
Monday March 26
 Year 12 Work Placement
 OLMC Cross Country
PRESIDENT:
VICE PRESIDENT:
TREASURER:
SECRETARY:
SOCIAL COMMITTEE COORDINATOR:
PRC REPRESENTATIVE:
COMMITTEE:
KATHY MCGIFFEN
DAVID KING
DARREN MCGIFFEN
MARILOU FITZPATRICK
LEONIE MCGEE
JULIE DALY
DEBORAH WOOD
ANNA BELESSIS
SUE PILGRIM
Tuesday March 27
I wish all members of the new Executive well as they take up their new positions.
 Year 12 Work Placement
 PDSSSC Open Soccer
 CCC U15 Netball Trial
All parents are encouraged to attend a meeting of the Parents and Friends Association (the
dates are in the College Calendar) and to attend the functions organised by the P & F Executive.
Wednesday March 28




Year 12 Work Placement
CCC Open Netball Trial
CGSSSA Soccer
Rostrum Public Speaking
(Evening)
Table of Contents
From the Principal
1
Staff Profile
2
Curriculum
3
Cocurricular
5
Sport
6
Parents
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Janet Woods Building Official Opening
Next Sunday is the Official Opening and Blessing of the Janet Woods Building and Blessing of
Kavanagh Place. All families have received an invitation. If you wish to attend, please rsvp to the
College as soon as possible as we need to know numbers for seating and catering purposes.
Years 7 and 8 Camp
This week our Year 7 and Year 8 have been away on camp. The camp experience for all
students is a very important one as it does test the resilience of each one of the girls. At the
same time, the range of activities offered provides for lots of fun and challenge. I attended the
Year 7 Camp and the enthusiasm and excitement of the girls were infectious. Thank you to all
the staff involved as it is a big commitment from them.
St. Michael’s Family Centre Morning Tea
This week I attended with four Year 11 students a thank you morning tea at St Michael’s Family
Centre at Baulkham Hills, one of the ministries of the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta. It was an
opportunity for the staff at the Centre to thank many of their supporters and volunteers. It was
impressive to see the wide range of groups that make such a contribution to the Centre. The
outreach offered by the Centre in their various programs to families and children was equally as
impressive. OLMC Year 12 students raise money for St Michael’s – it is their specific charity for
2012.
National Athletics Championships
Congratulations to Natalie Apikitoa, Alexandra Hulley and Sarah Marvin who are competing in
the National Athletics Championships and Alexandra & Brittany Morrison who will be competing
at the NSWCCC Hockey Championships this week.
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CSDA Public Speaking
Five OLMC students competed in the second round of the CSDA Public Speaking competition: Bridget Kirwan and Breeanna Mathews
(Year 7), Anita Donovan and Helena Rainert (Year 10) and Elise Deprez (Year 10 but competing in the Senior division) which took place
last Friday night at St Ursula’s Kingsgrove. Congratulations to all the girls who participated and special congratulations to Bridget Kirwan
who goes through to the final round to be held at Loreto, Normanhurst this Friday. All interested students and parents are we lcome to
attend.
Kitty Guerin
Principal
Gold
Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded a Gold Merit Certificate:
Year 12 Michelle Martin
Year 10 Hayley Giles (2nd); Tanya Jardak; Melanie Walsh
Year 8
Brittany Turner
Silver
Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded a Silver Merit Certificate:
Year 8 Jessica Foran; Gabrielle Teklic
Bronze
Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded a Bronze Merit Certificate:
Year 10 Sikha Aryal (2nd)
Year 8 Sabrina Leung (2nd)
Year 7 Sophie D’Silva
Staff Profile
It is my pleasure to work at OLMC as the staff are very friendly and nice. I enjoy working here as the work is
challenging and innovative. Previously I worked for an American based Publishing Company before working for
Telstra for a short period. I also worked for the Ford Motor Company in Auckland before moving to Sydney for better
opportunities.
After doing my Degree in Electronics & Computer Science from a University in India, I worked for the Government of
India, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Telecommunications. I migrated to New Zealand to provide better
educational opportunities to my two gorgeous daughters. They are well educated and one is working in Auckland and
the other in Melbourne. Both are married. I am very proud of my daughters and what they have achieved.
Ven Manchiraju
Technical Support
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Curriculum
Music Department Term One
The Music Department is absolutely thriving in our wonderful new building. After the traditional Opening School Mass led by the Orchestra
and Choir at the beginning of term, the Chamber Ensemble and Mercy Chorale helped celebrate the combined openings of the Barabara
McDonough Student Centre and our very own Christina Creede Music Centre.
The Chamber Ensemble and Choir began the ceremony with an arrangement of Sub Tuum Praesidium, followed by The Suscipe of
Catherine McCauley and the ceremony concluded with Day of Celebration.
On March 8, the Chamber Ensemble performed at the International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parramatta Leagues Club. It makes for a
very early morning, with the Ensemble being required to perform from 6:30am. On the same day, the Year 7 Choir, Year 7 Percus sion
Ensemble and the Chamber Ensemble gave prospective parents and students a sneak-peak into the Music Department at Open Day.
Special thanks go to Vanessa Agius and Simone Badiu on piano who provided music for parents as they entered the Hall. We had a great
number of compliments from both parents and staff about the beautiful music on the day and we were very proud of all our performers. Our
Year 7 Choir and Percussion Ensemble, led by Mrs Isabella Mistry had only limited rehearsals in preparation for the day, so it is a great
testament to the teacher and students’ dedication that their performance was so entertaining and professional.
Auditions for Variety Night were held in Week 5 where we had a great number of very talented students audition and we are looking
forward to putting on another successful show on May 24 and 25. This year the theme is Cabaret, and the Chorus and Orchestra are
already working hard preparing items – stay tuned for more information!
In the second half of Term 1 we continue our trend of heralding new buildings with the Chamber Ensemble and Mercy Chorale being an
integral part of the opening of the Janet Woods Building on March 25.
We have limited positions available for Cello and Woodwind tuition, and welcome any student who is considering learning an instrument to
contact us at music@olmc.nsw.edu.au . If anyone is interested in joining one of our wonderful ensembles, please send us an email at the
same address.
Finally, studio concerts are coming up at the end of Term 2, so every girl who is learning an instrument should already be preparing for
this. We are very excited to hear the fruits of your labour!
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Paul Witney
Music Coordinator
Visual Arts
I would like to start my report with a congratulations to Visual Arts student Renee Filpi in Year 12 in 2011. Her work was preselected for Art
Express which means she performed very well in the Body of Work last year. She also received a Band 6 which is a great achievement.
Last year the 9 Visual Arts students (now Year 10) completed a mural in the Brigid Shelley Playground. Titled “Break through to Mercy” it
references street art with the broken bricks on the side and mirrors the architecture of the older part of the College with a Renaissance style
trompe l’oeil. The inclusion of the OLMC crest and College Houses demonstrate the school spirit within the OLMC community.
The project came about as an opportunity arose to change the aesthetics in the College’s main courtyard because of master plan building
works. It coincides with the planting of the new Mercy Tree in the middle of the courtyard.
This year we have had a really great opportunity for students to see a rare Picasso exhibition. Normally residing in Paris this exciting
exhibition documents work from throughout his life. All of Year 7 and the Year 12 Visual Arts students participated in the excursion with the
day being a great success. The students in Year 7 are doing some exercises in class based on Cubism and year 12 are doing a c ase study
on Picasso for the HSC. The students also viewed Art Express Works. The best works selected from all over the state from las t year’s HSC
Visual Arts submissions.
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Painting by Pablo Picasso titled Dora Maar Seated
On Monday and Tuesday this week Year 8 are involved in an Excursion to Dee Why Beach. This is part of a study of the Beach as a Cultural
Site, a significant and important part of Australian Identity. The students will be producing a series of artworks based on beach life and
culture.
Stephen Dufty
Visual Arts Coordinator
Cocurricular
PUBLIC SPEAKING
OLMC Open Day
On Thursday March 8, the College held its first Open Day for 2012, opening its gates to future students and their parents. Welcoming three
separate groups during the day were Sophie D’Silva and Amishi Handoo, two accomplished Year 7 public speakers. Sophie and Amishi
wrote their own combined speech, in which they revealed some of the wonderful opportunities available for students at OLMC. Their delivery
was informative and entertaining and there is no doubt their manner and presentation were outstanding examples of the best that OLMC has
to offer. Thank you to both girls. Everyone who listened to you was very impressed.
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CSDA SEMI-FINALS
Last Friday evening, five of our public speakers descended on St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove, to take part in the semi-finals of this year’s
CSDA Public Speaking. All our representatives had already proved themselves worthy semi-finalists by progressing through to this stage, but
now the real pressure was on. Bridget Kirwan and Breeanna Mathews (Year 7), Anita Donovan and Helena Rainert (Year 10) and Elise
Deprez (Year 10 but competing in the Senior division) were all excellent in their deliveries, but it was Bridget who managed to progress
through to next week’s final at Loreto, Normanhurst, on Friday night. Bridget spoke with feeling on the topic “Second hand”, telling us how it
only takes a second to give a smile, but that smile can affect everyone. Well done, Bridget, but each girl who took part can be truly proud of
their efforts.
Thanks must go to Mr Llewellyn-Evans, who coached both Year 7 girls, and also to Mrs Lynch whose coaching was also appreciated. Special
thanks go to Public Speaking Leader Laura Millson who went all the way to Kingsgrove (thanks, Mum!) to support the girls. Year 10 students
Vanessa Agius and Imogen King added their support (although Vanessa was torn between supporting OLMC or her own brother!). Thanks
also to Acting Assistant Principal Mrs Anne-Maree Donnelly who made the effort to come out and see the girls speak. “Such talent” was her
comment. We can’t disagree.
ROSTRUM VOICE OF YOUTH
This week, Imogen King (Year 10) travels to Hornsby to compete in the first round of this very challenging competition. We wish her luck and
know she will acquit herself well.
Next week, on Wednesday night (the 28th), OLMC is hosting a round of Voice of Youth. 74 students will be competing for a place in the
Regional Final, among them six OLMC girls. Gabby Mansour and Liana Roia (Year 7), Rohita Vimalarajah (Year 8), Melanie Galla (Year 9)
and Vanessa Agius and Jasmine Noud (Year 10) will undoubtedly have their public speaking skills on show. Good luck to them all.
Mention must be made of the many girls who have volunteered to act as guides and general helpers on the night. As there are three heats,
starting at 4pm and finishing at 9.30pm, the help of our students is essential in making sure our visitors are well looked after. The names of all
volunteers will be published in the Parragraph shortly, but a genuine thank you to all of them.
Christopher Ostrowski
Public Speaking Coordinator
Sport
OLMC Cross Country Carnival
This year’s Cross Country Carnival will be held on Monday March 26 through Parramatta Park. This is a normal school day. All Years 7 to 10
students will be participating in the Cross Country Carnival during Periods 2 and 3. Periods 1 and 4 will be as normal for Day 1. Any students
in Years 11 or 12 who would like to participate can fill in a nomination form from the Student Centre and will compete in with the other years.
Students in Years 7 to 10 will be allowed to wear their PE uniform to and from school on the day. Water will be provided but it is encouraged
that all students bring their own water, sun protection and asthma medication.
Swimming Australia - Olympic Trials
This past week OLMC was very proud to have 2 students competing at the Olympic swim trials. Alecia Anderson competed in the 50m and
100m Backstroke while Mikayla O'Connor competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m Butterfly. Unfortunately they did not make the finals but
both should be proud of their efforts as they swam exceptionally well. Well done girls, we are all very proud of you.
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Athletics Australia - Junior Championships
This past week OLMC also had 3 students competing at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships. Natalie Apikotoa finished 3rd in the
Under 20 Triple Jump, Alexandra Hulley finished 4th in the Under 16 SP, 1st in Hammer Throw and 2nd in the Under 18 Hammer Throw and
finally Sarah Marvin finished 3rd in the Under 16 1500m and 300m. Well done girls, fantastic results all around. You should be very proud of
your achievements as are we.
Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator
Parents
Parents & Friends Association contact details: pandf@olmc.nsw.edu.au
From the Uniform Shop
Shop Location:
Telephone:
Trading times:
4-6 Ross Street (corner of Trott Street)
8838 1275 (If unattended please leave a message)
Monday and Wednesday – before school - 8:00am - 9:30am
Saturday March 24 from 9:00am by appointment only
Friday March 30 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Please visit College website www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/generalinfo/uniformshop.html
uniformshop@olmc.nsw.edu.au
Price List:
Email:
Student uniform orders – Uniforms can be ordered and paid for over the telephone or via email. Ordered uniforms are then collected at the
Uniform Shop or the Student Centre.
Winter uniform trading times – as well as the normal Monday and Wednesday before school (8:00am – 9:30am) the Uniform Shop will be
open on Friday March 30 and May 5 between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. In addition the shop will be open on Saturdays March 24 and 31, April 21
and 28 and May 5. To purchase uniforms on a Saturday you will require an appointment and appointments can be made by calling the shop
on 8838 1275.
Gold Merit Certificate Students – Students who have been awarded the Gold Merit Certificate and want their blazer pocket embroidered
can now leave their blazer at the uniform shop. Blazers need to be at the shop by Wednesday March 21. Blazers can then be collected on
Wednesday March 28. Please have your letter of notification in the pocket.
Price change –
Black opaque tights 50 Denier $6.00 each or 2 for $11.00
Black opaque tights 70 Denier $8.00 each or 3 for $22.00
Winter uniform price list –
Junior tunic $155.00
Senior skirt $130.00
Mercy scarf $18.00
Junior Blouse $42.50 Tracksuit $100.00
Senior Blouse $42.50
Paul and Christine Bourke
Uniform Shop
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
On Friday March 16 OLMC girls in Years 9-11 showed their support for the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence by wearing
an orange ribbon in their hair.
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Monday April 2, 2012
OLMC Year 7, 2014 Enrolment Information Evening
The P&F is looking for volunteers to help out with the BBQ and be on hand to give a warm welcome to future OLMC
families in true Mercy spirit.
If you are able to assist, please email: p&f@olmc.nsw.edu.au
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
P&F Sausage Sizzle starts at 6.30pm assistance required from 5.30pm.
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