OLMsCene - Our Lady of Mercy College

OLMsCene
Semester 1, 2013
MERCY
COMPASSION
JUSTICE
DIGNITY
EXCELLENCE
HOSPITALITY
STEWARDSHIP
SERVICE
Principal’s
Report
Welcome to the first edition of OLMsCene for 2013. This is a very
special year for the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta who will celebrate
125 years of being in Parramatta. OLMC will celebrate its 125 years
in 2014. A committee which includes staff, a member of the College
Board and a representative of each of the Parents and Friends
Association and the Alumnae has been meeting over the past year
to plan this special occasion. Current Year 11 students will also
be involved in the planning. A number of exciting events are in the
planning stages as we look to involve all members of our community
in this special year of celebration in 2014.
At the end of Term 1, it was announced to the OLMC community
by Sr Catherine Ryan rsm, the Congregation Leader, and Ms Kerrie
Walshaw, the Chair of the College Board, that I would retire from
the position of College Principal at the end of 2013. It was a difficult
decision to make but after 10 years in the role, one I am comfortable
with. I have been entrusted with a very special position as the first
lay principal of OLMC after 115 years of excellent leadership by the
Sisters of Mercy. Their trust and faith in me have been inspirational
as they have allowed me to lead this great school with their support,
and that of the Board, staff and parents.
This year OLMC welcomed a new Deputy Principal, Mrs Tanya
Appleby, who came to us from another independent school where
she had been the Head of English and Coordinator of Gifted and
Talented Education. Mrs Appleby is an ex-student of OLMC Epping
and Parramatta. Her key role in the College is to lead teaching and
learning.
The College has produced a brand new prospectus this year. The
document showcases the College and its ethos and is given to
prospective families. If you wish to view the prospectus, you can
read it online at the College’s website (in the enrolment section).
I trust you read and enjoy this edition!
Kitty Guerin
Principal
Preparations underway for 125 Years Celebrations in 2014
A number of events are being planned for the 2014 celebrations including a major concert in the middle of the year. Any alumnae
who are interested in being involved in the concert, in the choir and orchestra, are asked to please contact the College’s Music
Coordinator Mr Paul Witney: paul.witney@olmc.nsw.edu.au.
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OLMsCene
NEWS
Congratulations HSC Class of 2012
Student Principal for a Day
Mercy girls again achieved impressive HSC results in 2012, including
a first in the state, reflecting the College’s well established tradition of
academic excellence. The College again significantly outperformed
the average for all schools, both public and private, and achieved
some superior results including:
In early June Year 9 student Gabriella Wehbe was selected ‘to step
into the shoes’ of the College Principal for a day. A member of the
College’s Student Representative Council, Gabriella was selected by
her peers to be the first OLMC student to take the reins as Principal.
Gabriella says she feels privileged and very fortunate to have been
given this opportunity.
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1st and 3rd in the state in Community and Family Studies
10th in the state in Studies of Religion II
Top ATAR of 99.45
Exceptional English results
Kitty Guerin says the class of 2012 demonstrates the benefits of a
Mercy education: “Mercy girls leave the College as confident young
women, armed with vital tools necessary to navigate 21st century life
and work and capable of going into any area they choose. Each year
we see over 95% of girls going on to tertiary studies and pursuing a
wide range of career options. We wish these girls every success in
their future.”
OLMC launches Project Compassion for
Parramatta Diocese
On Shrove Tuesday, OLMC hosted the Parramatta Diocesan
launch of Caritas Australia’s 2013 Project Compassion campaign.
The launch saw OLMC students hear from two Caritas speakers:
Annabelle Dulhuntly, African Latin America Group Leader at Caritas
Australia and the Secretary General of Caritas Sri Lanka, Father
George Sigamoney. Parramatta Diocese’s Social Justice Coordinator,
Sister Louise McKeogh then joined students to discuss issues arising
from the talks and distribute Project Compassion materials. To mark
Shrove Tuesday, pancakes were prepared by hospitality students and
served for students.
National Reconciliation Week at OLMC
To mark National Reconciliation Week (May 27 to June 3), the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags were raised together
with the Australian Flag on Monday May 27. These flags had been
presented to the College earlier in the term by Julie Owens, MP
Federal Member for Parramatta. Student leaders will raise the three
flags every day for the remainder of the year. Other activities in the
week included a lunchtime talk from musician, raconteur Jacinta
Tobin and students also had the opportunity to make wristbands out
of wool in the colours of the Aboriginal flag.
A national initiative of the Principals Australia Institute (PAI), Student
Principal for a Day saw Student Principals around the country
engaging in online conversations about leadership and the issues
relevant to today’s students. At OLMC, Gabriella participated in a
typical day as a Principal by running Year Group Assemblies, staff
briefings, doing playground duty and introducing the College’s annual
Variety Night matinee show.
Meet the new Deputy
Principal – Tanya Appleby
Before OLMC was Head of English
and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented
Education K-12 and Cross-Curriculum
Coordinator at another independent
School.
After attending OLMC Parramatta in the 1980s I
completed a Bachelor of Education and later, a Masters
of Education in 2005. I was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s
Award for Academic Excellence and then began a
Doctorate of Philosophy exploring Techno-Literacy in
Secondary Schools. I was later awarded the NSW Quality
Teaching Award by the Minister for Education and the
DET Scholarship and was the recipient of the Innovation
and Excellence Award in Teaching. I am currently the
AIS representative for National Curriculum in English and
Professional Development. I also support the NSW Institute
of Teachers with Observations of Best Practice. I love the
diversity of my job.
I enjoy working at OLMC because I love the collegial
spirit and the school’s connection to a tradition of strong
and insightful women. I also enjoy teaching the girls – they
are the heart of the school. Teenagers make me smile.
OLMsCene
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A Mercy Welcome
Opening doors to new Mercy families
“You must be cheerful and happy, animating all
around you” - Catherine McAuley
Open Day 2013
On Friday March 8 OLMC welcomed a record number of visitors to
Open Day. It was an opportunity to showcase the College to families
who are considering a Mercy education.
Before hearing from the Principal, Year 7 girls, the College’s Head
Girl and Assistant Head Girl and Year 8’s animated drumming piece
in the Edith Angel Hall, visitors enjoyed amusing street theatre in the
Francis Kearney Playground.
After the hall session, visitors were shown around the College by our
leaders who, as always, shone in their roles as ambassadors for the
College. Tour groups joined science and art classes in action, visited
the Chapel, hearing from the Director of Mission and Social Justice
Coordinator and saw Food Technology students cooking up a feast.
Visitors met with Subject staff in the library where they saw displays
and visited the Stanley Rooms to see a display on the rich history of
OLMC. At the afternoon tea that followed, visitors were treated to
an array of sweets while they enjoyed performances by many of the
College’s ensembles and individual musicians.
Open Morning Tours
The College holds multiple open morning tours each year, normally
on a Monday morning, to fit around the busy schedules of our future
families. The one and a half hour tours visit classrooms in action
and include a morning tea with the College Principal and Executive.
These tours are well attended and are open to Alumnae as well.
Please see College website to book.
Year 7 Welcome Evening
On Monday February 4, our new Year 7, 2013 families were
welcomed to the OLMC community at the Welcome Evening hosted
by the Parents and Friends Association. This was an opportunity for
new parents to meet each other and to get to know the new friends
their daughter has made in her first week of secondary school. At
the end of the evening, Year 7 students were issued with their new
notebooks. Year 7 Coordinator AnnMarie Herd says these evenings
are so important as OLMC is really focused on strong parent-College
relationships: “it’s also really beneficial for parents to be involved in
College life and get to know the parents of their daughter’s friends.
It’s about building that sense of community.”
A taste of Mercy Excellence for Year 7, 2014
In July this year, our future Mercy girls will be participating in O Day –
a chance for them to get connected to OLMC and make friends with
others in their grade before they start at the College next year.
The ‘getting connected’ event will take on an exciting new format
this year, aimed at giving girls a fun experience of learning excellence
at OLMC. Packed to the brim with exciting activities, the day is an
opportunity for girls to surprise themselves with their abilities by
taking on group challenges with the OLMC staff O Team including
a dance marathon, cupcake making, media madness with English,
forensic frenzy, and code cracking, all while making new friends in a
fun environment. Deputy Principal Tanya Appleby is looking forward
to the event: “O Day is about focusing on outstanding teaching and
learning experiences here at OLMC. The day is full of challenges
designed to allow students to extend, create and learn in amazing
ways. The O Team teachers have put in a great deal of preparation
and I’m convinced that the place be buzzing with excitement.”
“Visitors take every opportunity they can to visit the College; they love seeing the innovative ways we do
things, our great facilities, the passion and commitment of staff and most of all, getting a sense of our
Mercy stewardship and hospitality that always shines through on these days”
Rosalba Sorgiovanni Yee, College Registrar
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OLMsCene
Congratulations
MERCY GIRLS
Stephanie Symons (HSC
2012) was placed third in the
Charles Sturt University
Creative Writing Competition
with her Belonging creative
writing piece.
Rebecca Castor, Lauren
Goodwin and Sabrina Leung
of Year 9 were all offered a
place in a competitive Sydney
University Science Holiday
Program.
Year 8 students Claire
McKinley, Bridget Kirwan,
Vevien Fornolles, Kenisha
Pudun and Amelia O’Reilly
were accepted into a Forensic
Science holiday program
held at the Armidale School in
the April holidays.
In the 12 Years and under
individual public speaking
event at the Parramatta
Eisteddfod, Olivia Christie
(Year 7) won first prize.
Emily Harper and Nisha
Rahulan (Year 7) received
first prize in the Telephone
Conversation event in the 12
Years category.
Jessica Grubba (Year 8)
achieved the top Elite Award
in the Language Perfect
competition, gaining 10, 346
points.
A story by Jasmine Yiamkiati
(Year 10) entered into the
Cambridge Writing
Competition was chosen to
be part of the new Paper Clips
Anthology. Along with being
published, Jasmine received
a prize of $200 and will have
a short biography featured in
the book.
Sophie O’Reilly (Year 9) has
been notified that a story she
has written is to be included in
a published book.
Jodie Rodrigues (Year 12)
and Imogen King (Year 11)
competed at the World
Debating and Public
Speaking Championships in
Durban in March.
Year 8 students Olivia Murillo
and Sophia Calarco received
highly commended awards
for their creative writing
entries into the Sydney
Writers Festival’s Write Now
competition.
The OLMC European
Handball team became NSW
champions after winning
the Grand Final at the
NSW European Handball
School Championships
in April. Kaitlin McCaffery
(Year 11), Rachael Dray (Year
11), Marissa Mentis (Year
11), Ashley Gray (Year 11),
Hayley Goodfellow (Year 10),
Alexandra Colosimo (Year 10),
Daniela Milicevic (Year 10),
Madison Noud (Year 9), Abigail
Newton (Year 8) and Sheila
Roberto (Year 8) were part of
OLMC’s winning team.
Justine Sangalang (Year
10) competed in the US
Taekwondo Open in Las
Vegas where she reached
the quarterfinals. She will be
competing in World Junior
Championships and Youth
Olympics Australian team
selection this year.
Bronte Austin (Year 9)
competed in the Oceania
Continental Rock Climbing
Championships in New
Caledonia. Bronte competed
in the Youth (14 -15 year olds)
Lead division and finished 9th.
Bronte Owens (Year 9) was
selected for the PDSSSC
Representative Open
Hockey Team.
Alexandria Colosimo (Year 10)
was selected for the PDSSSC
Representative Open Soccer
Team.
Kaitlin McCaffery (Year 11)
was selected for the PDSSSC
Representative Open
Softball Team.
Year 11 students Kaitlin
McCaffery and Ashley Gray
competed with the PDSSSC
Representative Open Touch
Football Team. Kaitlin has also
been selected for the NSW
CCC Open Team.
Madielyn Nolan (Year 8) and
Madison Noud (Year 9) were
selected for the PDSSSC
Representative U15 Touch
Football Team.
Year 10 students Sarah Marvin
and Alexandra Hulley competed
at the Australian Junior
Athletics Championships.
Alexandra is the Australian U18
Hammer Throw Champion. She
qualified for IAAF World Youth
Athletics Championships
in Ukraine in July 2013 for
Hammer Throw.
Sarah Marvin (Year 10), Mikayla
Mestousis (Year 8), Rachael
Dray (Year 11), Abigail Newton
(Year 8), Rebecca Castor (Year
9) and Chloe Singleton (Year 9)
all competed at the NSW Little
Athletics State Championships.
Isabella Khoudair (Year 11),
Sarah Marvin (Year 10) and
Mikayla Mestousis (Year 8)
competed at the NSWCCC
Cross Country.
Mikayla Mestousis (Year 8)
competed with the NSW Little
Athletics team at the Australian
Championships.
Amber Rudgley (Year 7) and
Rachael Dray (Year 11) have
been selected to represent NSW
at the 2013 National Judo
Championships.
Olivia Milicevic (Year 7), Jessica
Grubba (Year 8), Katharine
Alphonse (Year 8), Madalyn
Incognito (Year 9), and Kathryn
Mater (Year 12) competed at the
NSW All Schools Swimming
Championships.
Madalyn Incognito (Year 9),
Mikayla O’Connor (Year 12)
and Kathryn Mater (Year 12)
competed at the Australian Age
Swimming Championships.
OLMsCene
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Spotlight on:
Leading the way in Science and Maths
In 2012, OLMC was one of only 3 independent
girls schools in Sydney to offer all possible
preliminary and HSC Science subjects –
Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental
Science, Physics and Senior Science. In the
same year, OLMC has the greatest percentage
of students participating in Maths out of
all Sydney independent girls schools with
92 percent of senior students studying a
Mathematics course.
Once through the College gates for the last
time, the number of girls who choose to return
to the world of algorithms, test tubes and lab
coats is impressive. On average, almost half
of OLMC students go on to study science
related degrees. This year, 48 percent of 2012
HSC leavers chose to study science. Many
of the highest achievers have begun degrees
in the areas of Materials Science, Biomedical
Engineering, Animal and Veterinary Bioscience,
Biodiversity and Conservation, Speech
Pathology, Surgery, Medicine, Veterinary
Science and Physiotherapy. In the Alumnae
pages of this magazine, there are interviews
with Mercy Girls who went on to very
successful careers in science.
So why do so many Mercy Girls excel at
science and choose to study it at university
and even pursue research careers? Principal
Kitty Guerin says it can be linked to a number
of things but it is essentially due to the culture
that permeates learning in all subjects which
draws on a history of excellence. An example
of this is the influence of Sister Janet Woods,
who the new building was named after. She
was educated at OLMC and entered the Mercy
Congregation in 1957. Sister Janet was the
first Parramatta Mercy Sister to gain a science
degree and she taught Religion, Mathematics
and Biology. A gifted Science teacher, Sister
Janet also served as Principal of OLMC from
1978-1989 and strongly promoted a Mercy
education that equips young women to shape
the future.
Deputy Principal Tanya Appleby, Head of
Science, Pascale Warnant and Head of
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OLMsCene
Mathematics, Piv Huot recently published an
article in In Alliance, the magazine of the
Alliance of Girls Schools, entitled Leading the
way with inventive thinking in STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
which goes some way in explaining OLMC’s
winning formula. In the article they state “OLMC
educators are applying a framework that uses
technology to support a culture of inventive
thinking that encourages students and teachers
to pose critical questions, develop open-ended
learning tasks and project based learning
in the context of multi-disciplinary learning
communities.”
“There has been a shift in paradigm from
teacher directed learning to student-driven
learning: students work with electronic blogs
to integrate photographs, images and videos
of their experiments in action. Empowering
students with the technological skills to voice
and showcase their works in multiple ways lies
at the core of the STEM education process.”
particular styles of music on learning, the effect
of acid on teeth, bacteria present on different
types on chopping boards, and investigating
whether cleaning products are effective at
reducing the amount of bacteria.
Girls achieve at OLMC because they are given
opportunities to do so. Girls in Years 8 and
9 were, this year given the opportunity to
apply for highly competitive holiday programs.
Rebecca Castor, Lauren Goodwin and Sabrina
Leung of Year 9 were all offered a place in the
Sydney University program. Year 8 students
Claire McKinley, Bridget Kirwan, Vevien
Fornolles, Kenisha Pudun and Amelia O’Reilly
were all successful in their applications to
attend the Forensic Science holiday program at
the Armidale School.
Combine a solid foundation and numerous
opportunities with continually improving
technology and facilities and ongoing staff
professional development and you have top
quality outcomes, says Kitty Guerin. In 2011,
the opening of the Janet Woods building saw
students begin to work in six fully equipped
science laboratories and a botany room. The
newly established science garden where
students can study adaptations of drought
tolerant plants and cutting edge technology like
touch screen data loggers and Ipads are
all examples of the breadth of innovative
teaching techniques. Science teacher Sheila
Peres Da Silva says ICT at the College supports
excellence: “Students are able to access, use
and create rich learning activities with the help
of teachers who direct these learning activities.”
The iScience Program sees five Year 10
students visit Sydney University once a week
for three weeks to work with students from
other schools and a mentor from the University
to design, carry out and report on a scientific
investigation. Between university visits they
communicate with their mentor and other
group members using Edmodo (on-line). The
girls also meet with OLMC Science Teacher
Cathy McNulty at school to work on their
project. The girls are investigating different
questions including the effect of listening to
Teachers in all subjects are developing their
skills outside the classroom by attending
professional development courses and
even presenting at conferences. And it’s not
just a traditional approach to professional
development: Science Teacher Felicity Briggs
is a mentor at her daughter’s primary school.
Working with primary schools students, says
Science Coordinator Pascale Warnant, gives
Felicity an insight into the type of work students
do in Science at primary school, which can be
useful when we design units of work for Year 7.
CELEBRATING WOMEN
of faith and excellence
“Wherever a good woman presides, peace and good order are generally to be found”
– Catherine McAuley
Inaugural OLMC Women’s
Interfaith Forum
On Tuesday February 26, the College held
the first Women’s Inter-faith Forum in the
Edith Angel Hall. Students and staff from a
number of other schools were also invited to
attend the event which was held on this date
to link in with United Nations Women’s Day
on March 8.
Sandy Hollis (Judaism), Alice Priest
(Christianity), Nada Roude (Islam), Ettianne
Anshin (Buddhism) and Year 12 OLMC
student Barkha Prasad (Hinduism) shared
their experiences of their respective faiths.
It was a chance to highlight and celebrate
the contributions of women to the religious,
social justice and educational spheres
in Sydney and become more aware of
the diversity and dynamism of the five
predominant religious traditions within
Australian society.
Mother Daughter Mass
On Thursday May 23, over 150 women and
girls packed the beautiful Mother Mary Clare
Dunphy Memorial Chapel for the College’s
annual Mother Daughter Mass. The well
attended mass is always, according to
Principal Kitty Guerin, something special
and a really valued shared experience.
Parramatta Diocesan priest, Father Suresh
affirmed mothers, grandmothers and the
women in the students’ lives, who often go
the extra mile to care, protect and nurture
our students. Director of Mission Claire
Thomas says the Mass is an important event
in the College Calendar; “It is through the
Eucharist that we give thanks for all that is
good in our lives”.
Playground Flashmob for
International Women’s Week
Though random and spontaneous dancing
in the playground is hardly a rare occurrence
at the College, on Monday March 11,
students and teachers were kicking up their
heels for a cause. At lunch time, to mark
International Women’s Week, students and
teachers joined a Flashmob in the Francis
Kearney Playground. OLMC’s focus for
the week was uniting with our worldwide
sisters and brothers to raise awareness that
violence of any form is not OK.
Catherine McAuley Alumnue
Award for 2012
Ex-student Jan Chivers OAM was awarded
the Catherine McAuley Alumnae Award for
2012. The Alumnae presented the award to
Jan at a College Assembly during February.
Jan finished her education at OLMC in 1963
and currently lives in Cowra in western NSW.
It was her community work in Cowra that led
to her being awarded the Order of Australia
Medal.
Jan believes OLMC was ahead of its time
in the education of young women and she
strongly identifies with the Mercy values of
compassion, justice, hospitality and service.
In her speech at the Assembly, Jan paid
tribute to the role OLMC played in her life
and shared wisdom with current students:
“Whatever path you choose in life, you can
live by the Mercy values and they will provide
you with a moral compass by which you can
chart your path. Strive for excellence in those
things that you undertake. One of the creeds
that I have lived by is to be the very best
person I can be. I hope you can model your
life on those values that you are learning and
experiencing at OLMC. Your time at OLMC
will see you grow from an OLMC girl to a
Mercy woman.”
A saintly cause
In 2007 the Mercy International Association
decided to revive the cause of Catherine
McAuley’s canonisation. This had been
lacking momentum since 1991 when
Pope John Paul II declared Catherine to
be Venerable, which is the second of four
stages in the canonisation process.
Sister Caroline Ryan RSM, Vice Postulator
for the Cause of Venerable Catherine
McAuley said an important reason for
the revival was that, increasingly, women
and men throughout the world including
those now leading and advising various
institutional Works of Mercy (such as schools
like OLMC Parramatta, hospitals and aged
care facilities) were finding in Catherine
a compelling model of Gospel faith,
compassion and justice.
Caroline Ryan RSM has stated that June
is the month the Sisters of Mercy have
invited the OLMC community to pray for the
canonisation of Catherine McAuley. As one
stage of the canonisation process involves a
miracle cure, Caroline Ryan RSM has invited
the OLMC community to support the cause
of canonisation of Catherine McAuley by
joining in prayer for Sister Maree Haggerty
RSM who is suffering from cancer.
“Whatever path you choose in
life, you can live by the Mercy
values and they will provide you
with a moral compass by which
you can chart your path.”
- Jan Chivers
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P&F Association
Q&A with P&F President & Treasurer - Kathy & Darren McGiffen
How long have you been involved in the
OLMC P&F?
We joined the P&F when our first daughter
came to OLMC at the beginning of 2009
- we now have three Mercy girls at the
College.
What sort of value do you think it adds
to the parent experience at the College?
I have a much better understanding of
what goes on behind the scenes, from
how decisions are made to the work that
goes into putting together special events
for the girls.
Do you feel your daughters’ student
experience is enriched by your
involvement?
The girls don’t always love that we know
everything happening at school even when
they don’t tell me! However, it means that
we are aware of all the opportunities and
activities available to them and often have
the chance to add our input to important
events.
Why would you encourage College
parents to become involved?
Besides the chance to discuss issues with
other involved parents, it is terrific to have
the opportunity to meet with the Principal on
a regular basis in a comfortable setting at
our P&F meetings.
What happens at P&F meetings?
While we do have an agenda so everything
is covered, our meetings are fairly informal,
with usually as much laughter as serious
discussion. We hear from Mrs Guerin
about current affairs at the College, plan for
upcoming events and raise questions and
concerns from parents. Sometimes we invite
speakers on subjects of interest, such as
counsellor services or the latest technology.
Parents and Friends
Association - Half Yearly
Report 2013
major fundraiser. The funds raised in 2013
at our Rock’n’Roll Trivia Night will go to the
Cambodian Immersion.
The OLMC Parents and Friends Association
has enjoyed a busy and successful start
to 2013. Our year began early in March
with the Year 7 Welcome Evening. This
event, sponsored by the P&F, provides
an opportunity for Year 7 parents and
students to connect with one another and
develop the social networks which continue
throughout the high school years and
beyond.
Other important events supported by the
P&F during the year will include: the Father
Daughter Mass supper, refreshments for
Mercy Day celebrations, supper for Stage
5 and 6 subject information evenings, and
morning teas for Year 7 Orientation, Year
12 sign-out and World Teachers’ Day.
In April, prospective Year 7 2015 students
and their parents had their first experience
of Mercy hospitality at the Enrolment
Information Evening. Despite less than ideal
weather, the informative afternoon included
guided tours by current students followed
by a sausage sizzle hosted by members of
the P&F.
The Mother Daughter Mass in May, always
a special event in the College calendar, saw
two, or sometimes even three, generations
come together to celebrate a beautiful liturgy,
before enjoying a lovely afternoon tea.
One of our main events, the Trivia Night,
was on June 15. A themed night packed
with games and prizes, this event is our
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OLMsCene
Every year sees changes to the P&F
Executive as experienced members have
had daughters graduate from the College
or move on to other challenges, and we
welcome our new members who have
taken on their roles with great enthusiasm.
The P&F remains committed to working in
partnership with our College community
to provide the best educational and life
experiences for our girls. The promotion
of opportunities for families
to be informed and involved
in College life remains the
continuing focus of the
Association.
The P&F looks forward to an
exciting year ahead, and a
warm invitation is extended
to all parents to attend the
monthly meetings held
Why did you choose a Mercy education
for your daughters?
It was the obvious choice! As a Mercy
girl myself, I am aware of how well OLMC
prepared me for life and I wanted the
same opportunity for our girls. On top of
academic excellence, a Mercy education
develops self-confidence and emphasises
values such as service and compassion.
How do you think your daughters have
benefited from a Mercy education?
We have seen our girls grow to become
very complete individuals. As well as
the academic support and the values
instilled in them, they have had wonderful
opportunities for a wide range of
experiences in other areas such as cultural,
music and sporting pursuits. When they
venture further into the real world, they will
be ready!
during term time. These are a wonderful
opportunity to gain insight into the school
and participate in planning the major
events on our calendar for the second
half of the year. Guest speakers on topics
relevant to our Mercy girls are another
feature planned for future meetings. Dates
are available on the College website and
Calendar of Events, and reminders are also
published in the College newsletter.
For further information on how you can be
involved with the P&F Association, please
contact the Executive Committee by email:
pandf@olmc.nsw.edu.au
The P&F would like to take this opportunity
to thank all OLMC families for their support
so far this year, and we look forward to
your ongoing participation.
Kathy McGiffen, President
MERCY
TREE
growing from strength to strength
Standing at three and a half metres tall and extending four and
half metres wide, the Mercy Tree is over a third of the way to its
maximum size. As we enter the chill of winter, the deciduous tree
is becoming dormant and will slowly lose its leaves. As it has
grown impressively over the past 6 months, so too has the cause it
represents: that of Mercy values.
Since July last year over $20,000 has been raised for the Mercy
Tree. This has come from all parts of the OLMC community
including students, staff, families, alumnae and suppliers to the
College. Many community members opted to donate to the Mercy
Tree on behalf of family member, colleague or friend by purchasing
Mercy Tree Christmas gift certificates.
There have been over sixty individual donors since July last year.
One of these was Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning who
donated $1000. Prue, whose company provides services to the
College, informs us that she is committed to donating five percent
of the company’s income to charities that help support children
and families. “We are all about education and trying to help children
so we like to give back in that way. The donation to St Michael’s
Family Centre in Baulkham Hills was the thing that caught my
eye. I also really liked the concept of the Mercy Tree: the idea that
little by little, leaf by leaf, the tree grows into something that helps
people and makes a real difference. Even by giving a little, you are
contributing to its growth which is great because so many people
can be a part of it.”
Mamre House and Farm were recent beneficiaries from the fund.
CEO Rosemary Bishop says that with the donation from the Mercy
Tree, a tank was purchased earlier this year and put in place in
April. Rosemary says it was a significant donation to the farm: “The
water is being used to irrigate the farm. It is part of our education
and support of the refugees to assist them in crop irrigation. It will
also help reduce the cost of our water bill.”
Planning is already underway to choose the 2014 appeal recipients.
The Sisters have asked that OLMC students choose the charity to
receive a donation out of the funds raised. Director of Mission Claire
Thomas has been coordinating the process for choosing a recipient
charity. “Year 10 has been selected to respond to this invitation
from the Sisters. The process has been incorporated into their
Religious Studies classes, following on from their Living Simply Unit
of study. This unit focuses on living simply with reference to – living
conditions to which all people should be able to reasonably aspire,
as a matter of justice.”
Students are required to create a video advertisement for the
charity they wish to nominate explaining why they chose that
charity, gospel stories which highlight why the College should
support the charity and which Catholic Social Teaching supports
their reasoning for choosing this charity.
Mercy Tree Gift Fund & Mercy Tree Fund
Nine Months Ended 31st March 2013
Mercy Tree Gift Fund (Public Ancillary Fund)
Opening Balance
Donations - Nine Months Ended 31st March 2013
$7,692
Interest Received
$95.26
Total Income - Nine Months Ended 31st March 2013
$9,679.61
$7,787.26
Donations:
Mamre Plains Limited
$5,000
St Michael’s Family Centre Limited
$2,000
$7,000
Bank Charges
$392.62
Fund Balance - 31st March 2013
$10,074.25
Tax Deductible Fund
Donate to the Mercy Tree
You can become a Custodian of the Mercy Tree by making
a tax-deductible donation to the Mercy Tree Gift Fund. If you
have already provided your generous support to the Mercy
Tree, you may wish to consider making the Mercy Tree a
focus for your annual charitable giving. Please visit the Mercy
Tree page on the College website to make a donation online.
Mercy Tree Fund
Opening Balance
Donations - Nine Months Ended 31st March 2013
$15,712
Interest Received
$680.13
Total Income - Nine Months Ended 31st March 2013
$17,258.94
$16,392.13
Bank Charges
Fund Balance - 31st March 2013
$33,651.07
Non Tax Deductible Fund
OLMsCene
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ALUMNAE
From robots to rural health, Mercy Girls are
making their mark in the world of science
“Mercy Girls are players, not spectators. They question the status quo and look
for ways to make a difference.”
Maryanne Williams
Maryanne Williams
When Maryanne noticed Michelle’s high
school on her application, she immediately
and quickly agreed to supervise her
undergraduate project.
My areas of expertise and research are
Robotics, Internet of Things, Artificial
Intelligence and Technology enabled
Business Innovation. I lead The Magic Lab
at UTS, an exciting research lab with 15
PhD students and 2 Post-Doctoral Fellows.
A typical day involves working closely with
my research team on projects we have with
IBM, Google and Visual Risk. We have a
PR2 Robot which is state-of-the art and
the only one in Australia. We are developing
decision making models for robots based
on an attention architecture. The PR2 Robot
can pay attention to objects and events,
and it can use emotions to make better
decisions.
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OLMsCene
Over my career I have received a number
of awards including a Pauli Fellowship, from
Wolfgang Pauli Institute, Vienna - Center
of Excellence in Mathematics, Physics
and Informatics/Computer Science, a
Commonwealth Fellowship, a British Council
Fellowship and a Best Australian PhD
Dissertation in Computer Science Award
from the Computer Science Association.
I chose to study science at university
because I was curious and enjoyed learning
how things worked. My interest in Computer
Science and Artificial Intelligence became
increasingly focused. I was working as a
Lecturer in the School of Management at the
University of Newcastle and wanted to learn
more about building intelligent computer
systems and robots. I graduated from OLMC
in 1978.
Science at OLMC was exciting. The teachers
were fantastic and made science fascinating
and fun. The fact that so many OLMC girls
go on to study science at university can be
attributed to extraordinary leadership over many
years which strives to create a culture that
encourages young women to pursue science
and innovation as a means to change the world.
Mercy Girls are players, not spectators. They
question the status quo and look for ways to
make a difference.
Michelle Youssef
I graduated from OLMC in 2008 and am
studying a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in
Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. My
work experience is based mainly on software
development, both for PCs and embedded
devices.
I chose this career because, besides having an
interest in engineering, studying engineering
opens up many career paths both in
Australia and overseas. Development is
becoming ever-more technology based
so it’s the right time to be in engineering.
Trying to understand how things worked
led me to science and engineering. I was
always fascinated by electronics and
automation, and I had a background in
programming from when I was young.
The subjects offered from Year 9 to Year
12 at OLMC also gave me the right
background knowledge to pursue a degree
in engineering.
There was always lots going on to get
involved in at OLMC. Balancing my many
co-curricular activities and studies is
something I learnt at OLMC that has kept
me sane in university life. I tried a little bit
of everything in my 6 years there including
netball, soccer, touch football, orchestra,
string ensemble, drama ensemble, science
club, debating, tutoring and various event
set-up roles
One of my fondest memories of OLMC
is the 4 unit Maths versus 4 unit English
soccer match we organised and played
with Mr Huot and Ms Archard! All of the
Mercy Day celebrations were legendary of
course. The robotic car races in the library
in Year 10 sparked my interest in robotics.
You know a Mercy girl when you meet one
because she’s living life her own way.
“The robotic car races in the
library in Year 10 sparked my
interest in robotics.”
Michelle Youssef
alumnae
Georgina Leggett
I graduated from OLMC in 2011 and am
currently studying a double degree of
Midwifery/Nursing at Deakin University,
Geelong Victoria.
I currently receive a $40 000 scholarship
from the Australian College of Nursing
(previously known as the Royal College of
Nursing Australia). While my academics
played a part, my ability to prove that I was
dedicated to becoming a midwife and nurse
through my willingness to move to another
state helped me secure the scholarship.
I have a number of placements coming up.
In April/May I will undertake a two week
midwifery placement at Werribee Mercy
Hospital. In June this year I am going on
a four week rural nursing placement in
Hamilton Victoria; I’m extremely interested
in rural health and nursing. I was also
selected to take part in a placement study
tour in October/November to Bhutan, a
small isolated country in the Himalayas. We
will work in the National Referral Hospital
in Bhutan and undertake some classes at
their Royal Institute of Health Sciences. I will
also get to experience the workings of the
Traditional Medicine Hospital. Alternative
forms of medicine and care are a passion
of mine.
While it definitely was not easy, I found senior
biology at OLMC extremely enjoyable. Ms
Peres DaSilva’s passion for the subject became
instilled in us and made us strive to make her
proud, which we hopefully have. The new
science classrooms put us at an advantage
since we were able to use the excellent facilities
to consolidate our learning with practicals.
“I believe that OLMC’s excellent
staff and facilities really
consolidates the love of science
that many of us have and shows
us that studying science based
degrees at university can lead to
a fulfilling career.”
Georgina Legget
I believe that OLMC’s excellent staff and
facilities really consolidates the love of
science that many of us have and shows
us that studying science-based degrees at
university can lead to a fulfilling career. The
teachers really helped me strive for more
and push myself harder. They were always
there to guide us and provide support
(either academically or emotionally).
Therese Canty
Therese Canty, Head Girl from 2007,
who recently came back to her Alma
Mater to help facilitate the social justice
conference, has also chosen to take the
path of studying science and is currently
completing a Bachelor of Science.
Developing an interest while studying Earth
and Environmental Science for the HSC,
her passions now lie in the area of waste
and pollution management and also how
climate change will affect small island
nations. She is considering a masters
focusing on the relationship between
science and development.
OLMsCene
11
ALUMNAE
Spotlight on 1983 reunion
As they get excited for their upcoming class of 1983 reunion
and delve through the photo albums, two current OLMC
staff members reflect on their time at the College and how it
influenced who they are today.
AnnMarie Herd – HSIE teacher and Year 7
Year Coordinator
My fondest memory of being a student at OLMC was, as clichéd
as it sounds, the staff and students. There is not one moment that
stands out for me. My memories are of people having fun but learning
– some of it “book” learning and some of it “life” learning. Academic
excellence was always the drive – I got a sense of this right from the
time Sister Janet came to visit us at OLMC Epping the year before we
arrived at Parramatta. But never once did I feel that “me as a person
wasn’t important” – I always felt that some one cared about who I was
and what I was doing.
I actually liked all my teachers but if I had to choose my
favourites I would select Cathy Parker – Geography and Jenny
Mathews – Economics. Both women were young, intelligent and
so passionate about their subject and the art of learning. They also
really made a point of getting to know who I was as a person. Their
encouragement and ability to open my eyes to the world around me
played a great part in my decision to become a teacher. It was also
in their classrooms that I came to an understanding of the injustices
in the world and that I was not a bystander – I had the ability and an
obligation to make a difference.
I am a teacher because of what I experienced at OLMC. I also
feel that because of my time here and in the company of the Sisters
throughout my schooling, I have learned a great deal about excellence
in all that I do – be it professional or personal.
Tanya Appleby – Deputy Principal,
Teaching & Learning
When I think back to my days at OLMC in the mid 1980s, a
number of memories emerge like a polaroid picture - each
image morphing then taking shape. Then in this reflective
state, I hear Cyndi Lauper, Mondo Rock and Icehouse. The
deep and heady songs of my youth that resonated with a
generation of girls who ‘just wanted to have fun’.
The 80s was a unique time to be a teenager. The world
around me was rapidly changing but other parts of my life stood
still - strong and resolute. The girls that formed my group came
from assorted backgrounds but there was a deep bond that
was formed all those years ago and one that I still cling onto
today.
Nourished by our common values and a shared knowledge
of what it was like to live through those moments, our
friendships have continued into adulthood. My memories of
the years that I spent here at the College are filled with laughter,
pranks, countless singing on the Cottage Green and a kind
of effervescence that life would continue in this state forever.
The memories of the teachers and Sisters create a comforting
kaleidoscope of experiences and fragmented conversations that
echo praise, encouragement and cajoling.
On returning to OLMC as Deputy Principal, the familiar
Alma Mater transports me to those sultry days of
scrunchies and lace fingerless gloves. While many of the
buildings have changed, the sense of the familiar brings me
much comfort and I can attest to the knowledge that girls,
despite the passing of time, have not really changed all that
much - they just still want to have fun.
1983 Reunion
Date: September 15, 10am onwards
Venue: OLMC Parramatta
For information about the reunion, please contact Tanya tanya.appleby@olmc.nsw.edu.au or AnnMarie AnnMarie.HERD@olmc.nsw.edu.au
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SPECIAL OLMC REUNIONS
40th Reunion - Class of 1973
Date: August 17 2013, Saturday Lunch
Venue: The South Steyne at Darling Harbour
Year 12, 1973 and Year 10, 1971 ex-students are getting
together for their 40th school reunion. Come and enjoy
catching up with many people from our year. It would be
useful to gather the contact details for as many of our year
as possible. If you are interested in hearing more about the
reunion, know someone who finished Year 12 in 1973 and
Year 10 in 1971 or would just like to keep in contact with our
Year, please email Sally Collignon (McNamee) on collignon@
webone.com.au
50th Reunion - Class of 1963
Date: September 14 2013, Saturday Lunch
Venue: Park Royal, Parramatta
An invitation is extended to all who completed the Leaving
Certificate in 1963 and/or the Intermediate Certificate in
1961. Reunion Day will be at the College in the morning of
Sunday 15th September. Please let us know by email or
post if you are interested in enjoying lunch on the Saturday
and/or on the Sunday. As we would like to celebrate with
as many as possible of our classmates, please pass on this
message to others with whom you are in contact or give us
their contact details so we can notify them. Contact Therese
Bolton (Walsh) on pjbolton@bigpond.net.au or through
postal address – PO Box 9, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 or phone
02 9636 1666 (work).
60th Reunion - Class of 1953
We have arranged a special celebration for several members
of this class who will be present at the Mass and luncheon
on Reunion Day, September 15.
alumnae
The 2013 Catherine McAuley OLMC
Parramatta Alumnae Award
Nominations are now called for the 2013 Catherine McAuley
OLMC Parramatta Alumnae Award. Our Award winners so far have
come from very different walks of life. Each, however, has made
a significant contribution to those whose lives she has touched at
home, in her local community or in her chosen profession, as a fine
Mercy woman.
Please consider nominating an OLMC ex-student for the award if
you:
• are an ex-student of the College and
• know of another ex-student who strives for excellence and displays Mercy values in her life and relationships.
Each nomination is presented to the selection panel, consisting of
members of the OLMC Parramatta Alumnae and Executive. This
panel will choose the recipient of the Award based on some or all
of the following criteria:
• commitment to and involvement in social justice activities
• personal, academic and professional achievement
• demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
• community involvement
• contribution to Mercy/Christian based activities
• contribution to local, Australian or international communities
• voluntary work beyond paid employment
• nature and length of service
A written submission, including supporting documentation, can be
sent to:
alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au or
L.M.B. 14 PO, North Parramatta NSW 1750 (Attention Alumnae)
Applications close: September 20, 2013
If you need any further information regarding making the
nomination, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
OLMC Boarders’ Reunion
Date: Saturday October 12 (buffet luncheon from 12 - 4pm)
Venue: Novotel Parramatta
All ex-boarders are invited to join us for the Boarders
Reunion on Saturday October 12. Please confirm your
attendance by email or mail and we will send you full details.
Email:boardersreunion2013@gmail.com
Post: Deretta Andrews, PO Box 5064
Kingsdene NSW 2118
rine
2012 Cathe
ward
McAuley A
n
Recipient Ja
M
Chivers OA
Please include your name, the year you finished at OLMC
and any special dietary requirements. If you are in contact
with any other ex-boarders, please encourage them to send
us their contact details so we can extend the invite. The
sub-committee for the Boarders’ reunion includes Kay Shaw,
Jenni Gordon, Barbara McDonough and Deretta Andrews.
OLMsCene
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ALUMNAE
OLMC REUNION DAY 2013
• Date: Sunday, September 15, 2013
• Schedule:
• Registration - from 10.00 am (enter by Ross St. gate). A cup of tea will be available before Mass, if desired.
• Mass - 11.00 am in the Chapel. OLMC “strings” and cantors will provide music for the Mass.
• AGM - follows Mass in Christina Creede Music Centre
• Light luncheon after AGM in Senior Common Room (Janet Woods Building)
• Registration fee: $20 (luncheon)
• payable on the day by cash or beforehand by direct deposit to:
Westpac 032-078 Account 35-9781 (Please make sure your surname appears in the description field)
• “I Am a Mercy Girl”- Alumnae mugs available at meeting ($5 each)
• Tours of the new sections of the College available (student guides)
• RSVP: Please RSVP by Monday, September 9 for catering purposes. If you have any special dietary requirements,
disabled parking needs or other requests or enquiries please email alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au or phone Bernadette Jackson on 8838 1215.
MASS INTENTIONS AND PARTICIPATION
Would you like to assist at the Mass?
In the liturgy we would like to make special inclusion of the following:
• names of Alumnae deceased, especially since last reunion (please notify us beforehand so that names can be read out)
• representatives of all groups holding special reunions (from the Year Groups 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983) to take part in the Mass:
- intentions of the group
- some symbols representing the group for the Entrance Procession.
• participation of some attendees as Readers, or in Offertory procession, Entrance procession
If you would like to participate or submit intentions and/or symbols please email alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au or phone
Bernadette Jackson on 8838 1215.
AGM - ELECTION YEAR
While some members of the current Committee are willing to stand for re-election, there is still a need for more Committee
members to widen the scope of ideas.
Nominations are called for the following positions:
- President
- Vice-President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Committee Members
Nominations can be made by any member of the Alumnae (prior to and at the AGM). A seconder is required for all
nominations on the day the election takes place.
Nominations should be sent to alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au or by post to LMB 14 , P.O. North Parramatta NSW 1750 by
September 9, 2013.
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alumnae
Engagements
Lauren Brighton (HSC 2008) got engaged on the January 16,
2013 to her boyfriend of 6.5 years Lucas Jones.
Marriages
Lauren Payne (nee Caruana) (HSC 2007) married her partner
of almost 5 years, Jayme, at Prince Henry Hospital Nurses War
Memorial Chapel in Little Bay on October 20, 2012. This was
followed by a reception at St Michael’s Golf Club, also in Little Bay.
Christine Caruana (HSC 2009) was a bridesmaid.
Vanessa Jackson
Deaths
Patrice Mary Heesh (nee Brien) passed away in Canberra, March
2, 2013, aged 89. Patrice attended St. Patrick’s Primary School
and later OLMC. She was the fourth generation (on the Munro side)
to attend the College. During her time there, Patrice met her lifelong
best friend, Giselle Cohen (nee Heideman). Patrice was married to
Paul Heesh for nearly 44 years before Paul died in 1990.
Lauren Payne
Vanessa Jackson (HSC 1997) married Glen Robinson on
November 10, 2012. They were married at St Patricks Church
Mortlake with proud Mum Bernadette walking Vanessa down the
aisle. The celebrations after the ceremony were held at the Marriott
Hyde Park. The happy couple honeymooned in Vietnam and
Cambodia.
Janette May Stokes passed away in November 2012 from a
cancer related illness. She was in her 70’s. The funeral was at Our
Lady of Mount Carmel church in Varrobille.
Updates
Dr Helen Watchirs OAM (HSC 1976) is the current ACT Human
Rights and Discrimination Commissioner. She was named 2012
ACT Business Woman of the Year (We intend to interview Helen for
a feature in OLMsCene).
Communicating with our Alumnae
Please notify us if:
- your email address has changed
- you have an email address to be added to our data base.
Would you like to help your association maintain its involvement in College activities?
If so, perhaps you would consider joining the Alumnae Committee.
What does it entail? Just three meetings a year (February, June and October) and the Reunion Day in September. Any
communications and/or decisions in between these meetings are done by email. The meetings are held with the College Principal in
attendance so we can coordinate with OLMC activities.
We are looking for two (or more) additions to our committee so that we can gradually allow those who have served for several years
to take a well-earned “retirement”. At present we have representatives from the 50s, 60s, 70s. We would like to have someone from
the 80s, so that the 50s can put their feet up. Volunteers from any year would be most welcome. We say “two” because, while there
is a great spirit among the team, it can be good to have with you someone you know already when you join.
To express an interest or obtain further information, please contact alumnae@olmc.nsw.edu.au and put “Attention Kay and Barbara”
in the subject heading.
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