From the Principal Important Dates

No. 12 / May 9, 2012
Important Dates
Thursday May 10
 Year 12 Retreat
 Year 10 History Excursion
 Year 10 Geography Excursion
Friday May 11
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Year 12 Retreat
PDSSSC Cross Country
CSDA Debating Round 2
Year 10 History Excursion
Year 10 Geography Excursion
Year 9 Social Justice Incursion
Year 11 Chamber Ensemble
Excursion
Monday May 14
 Years 9 and 10 French
Excursion
 Year 7 Science Incursion
(Period 1)
 Year 12 Leaders Afternoon Tea
From the Principal
National Conversation with Principals
Last week I attended the National Conversation with Principals which was organised by the
Australian Government and held in Canberra. Representatives from the peak principals groups
(primary, secondary, government, Catholic and independent) attended the two day meeting. The
three topics on the agenda were the Gonski Review of Funding for Schooling, Quality Teaching
and Harnessing Technology for Teaching and Learning.
The forum was addressed by the Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, the Minister for Education. In his
address he spoke of the considerable work that has gone on in terms of translating the
recommendations of the Gonski Review into a model of funding for all schools in Australia. The
Minister indicated his intentions of having the legislation necessary to be introduced in
parliament within the next few months. This is essential as non-government schools have their
funding guaranteed until 2013 so to have certainty beyond that date is very important.
The second topic related to the work of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School
Leadership and the release of the consultation proposal “Australian Teacher Performance and
Development Framework”. Research shows that the quality of teaching is the most significant inschool factor affecting student outcomes. The proposal outlines the components of a system and
the support that needs to be in place for improvements to occur in schools.
The final theme of the day related to the use of technology for teaching and learning. There is no
doubt that the resources provided in the past and still continuing by the government in the area
of technology through the Digital Education Revolution particularly in secondary schools has
been excellent. The National Broadband Network, as it is rolled out, will prove a boon for
schools. However the take up across schools and even within schools is erratic and listening to
the experiences of other principals, I must say that OLMC does stand at the forefront of
innovation in the area of technology. Our stable and secure network and the successful use of
notebooks by staff and students are definitely not widespread across the country.
Debating
Congratulations to all the debating teams for a very successful first round of the Catholic Schools
Debating Competition held on Friday night at OLMC. The OLMC teams debated against
Christian Brothers College, Lewisham and were successful in 9 out of 12 debates. Next week
the seniors debate at Loyola and Years 7 – 10 A Teams at St Agnes and Years 7 – 10 B Teams
at Clare’s Hasellgrove.
Tuesday May 15
 NAPLAN Years 7 and 9
Wednesday May 16
 NAPLAN Year 7 and 9
 Year 10 Parent/Teacher
Interviews
Last Friday, the Years 7 & 8 Mercy Action Representatives attended the Mercy 5 Junior Mercy
Action Day at Monte Sant’ Angelo College. Students from the five Mercy schools across Sydney
attended the day. It is an excellent way for the girls to connect with other Mercy girls and look at
ways they can take action to bring to life the Mercy values which are central to all five schools.
Director of Mission
Table of Contents
From the Principal
1
Staff Profile
2
Curriculum
2
Cocurricular
3
Social Justice
4
Sport
5
Parents
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I would like to welcome to OLMC, our new Director of Mission, Mrs Claire Thomas. Mrs Thomas
who is an ex-student of OLMC, is joining us from St Ignatius College, Riverview. Mrs Thomas
has had extensive experience in youth ministry in the Diocese of Parramatta and the Australian
Catholic University. Mrs Thomas brings to OLMC great experience in education, in working with
young people and in understanding the traditions and values of OLMC.
Kitty Guerin
Principal
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Staff Profile
Merlina Reid
When I landed a position at OLMC in 2009 I was very excited because now I finally had the chance to be a part
of the community I had admired for so long. I started at the College in a part time science teaching role and was
offered a full time position in 2010.
Before OLMC I studied a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology and a Diploma of Education and then went
on to teach science at a number of Catholic schools.
Growing up I always loved science and wanted to be an astronaut but now teaching is definitely my passion. I
love finding new and exciting ways of relating to my students: I’ve even been known to regularly include dancing
and singing in my science classes – what better way to learn than by singing the Atmosphere rap or the Water
Cycle song! I also feel privileged to teach is this era with the great things that the internet and technology
enables and it’s great that OLMC embraces these new technologies.
If I was to describe OLMC in 3 words I would say fun, happy and laughter – it really is a pleasant place to be and I think that in itself makes
for the perfect learning (and teaching) environment.
I chose to send my daughters here because I know they will be well looked after as all students are. Teachers here go the ext ra mile,
giving up their time to help students: the girls know the teachers are always there for them and I think that makes a real di fference. Mercy
girls are friendly, strong, compassionate and resilient and that’s what I want for my daughters.
In my free time, I love to travel with my family. One of my favourite trips was to the canyon lands in the USA. For me Bryce Canyon was
the standout – I have never seen anything like those rock formations! Of course the outlet shopping on the US east coast should also get a
mention as a truly memorable experience. Next on the travel to-do list? Visit the Swiss Alps.
Merlina Reid
Science Teacher
Curriculum
History Report
While all terms are significant, Term 2 has a special place in the year. For Year 12 students it is when the bulk of the cour se needs to be
taught, for Year 11 students they now have an excellent idea of what is expected and for Years 7-10 students they have tasks culminating
in Semester 1 reports.
So what is happening in the History Department this term? Firstly we need to welcome three prac teachers; Geogina Falloun from ACU,
Bronwyn Smith and Jessica Farrugia from Sydney University. I hope you enjoy your time within the Department.
For Year 12 students this is a significant term; they have had their half yearly examinations and have received extensive fee dback and
now need to act on that feedback. Each night should be devoted not just to completing/organisng current work but revising past work. This
is essential as your trial examinations are going to cover the whole course and if you are counting on the three week break t o revise
everything, you will be disappointed with your Trial marks. Now is the time to get organised, ask questions, complete extra work (essays,
or essay plans) or just have your teacher glance over your notes. The effort you make now will pay not only dividends for the Trials but
beyond.
Year 11 students are now well over half way through their Preliminary Course and from all reports, teachers are generally ple ased with
their effort and dedication. Our two Year 11 Ancient History classes are off to Macquarie University to visit the Ancient mus eum and get
some hands on experience with primary sources.
For Year 10 students we are well into the Vietnam conflict and very soon you will receive notification about your next assessment which
will take place during your assessment block (June 5/6). The exciting news for Year 10 students is that we are off to the Quarantine
Station for our site study this Thursday and Friday. Classes 4, 5 and 6 will be going on Thursday and 1, 2 and 3 on Friday. Please note the
time we are leaving and the requirements of the excursion.
Year 9 students are well into WWI and will be preparing soon for their next assessment task which will test their ability to analyse WW1
sources. Year 8 students are just completing an oral task on life in the Middle Ages which should be much easier after their incursion with
Mr James Adams last term. Mr Adams entertained the students with stories about this time period and allowed many of them to dress up
in armour, form a shield wall or pretend to be a lady. A great time was had by all and it was great to have Mr Adams back at the College.
Don’t worry geographers he is booked for October when you will be doing history.
Year 7 students have almost completed their study of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and will soon be writing an extended
response to their specific question and then we will be staying in the Ancient world visiting Greece, Rome or Egypt!
Our elective classes have been most busy. The Year 10 students are off to the Jewish Museum which is always a sobering and thoughtful
excursion as they examine anti-Semitism and its awful consequences for Europe between 1933-1945. The Year 9 class has completed an
extensive genealogical look at their families and some of the stories certainly could make the television series Who do you think you are?
Lastly our History club has been humming along under the guidance of Ms Davie and Ms Cheeseman with many students participating in
competitions, enjoying historical movies and generally discussing history. And that’s History at OLMC!
Anthony Llewellyn-Evans
History Coordinator
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Mathematics Report
On Thursday May 17, Years 7 and 9 will sit the NAP (National Assessment Program) numeracy tests. It includes all the Strands of
Numeracy; Number, Algebra, Function and Pattern, Space, Measurement, Chance and Data. The tests consist of two parts, each 40
minutes in duration. In one part, students are permitted to use a calculator and in the other they are not. The results of these tests will
provide useful information for teachers, students and parents.
We hope all students will perform to the best of their ability in the tests.
Furthermore, I would like to encourage all students to prepare well for their upcoming examinations or assessments.
Eighteen enthusiastic and talented Maths students in Years 7-10 participated in the Maths Challenge for Young Australians at the
beginning of this term. This program ran over a three week period. The Challenge is intended to foster greater interest in and awareness of
the power of mathematics. Students who participated in this worthwhile activity experienced the joy of solving challenging problems in
Mathematics. I would like to thank Miss Jouliany and Mr Stramandinoli for mentoring students in the competition.
Ms Leschev and Mrs Stramandinoli will be guiding students participating in “Investigating Mathematics”. Conducted by the Mathematical
Association of NSW, the competition aims to promote interest in mathematics. It allows students to investigate mathematics at an
individual, group or class basis and provides them with the opportunity to have fun with mathematics in real life situations and receive
some recognition in the process.
Finally, just a reminder that “Peer Mentoring”, which provides assistance any student who has difficulty with any aspect of mathematics, is
held every Wednesday lunchtime in room B217. Students who are interested in attending any of the sessions need to come along with
their books and lunch. I encourage more students to access this valuable program which is on offer at the College.
Piv Huot
Maths Coordinator
Cocurricular
Debating Report
While Friday night saw the first round against Lewisham (more about that later), debating really took off very early in Term 1! Our debating
leaders Melissa Psailia and Laura Milson began the season by holding tryouts for Year 7 which saw well over 20 candidates trying out for
the eight places in the two teams! After an exhausting process which involved a general knowledge test, a listening test and an impromptu
speech, we finally selected the best eight for Year 7 2012. For those who did not make the team, please try again next year a s it is very
rare for teams to stay exactly the same as they progress through the years.
Welcome to the latest group of students who have joined the long history of debating in the College:
Claire McKinley, Emily Dwyer, Jasmina Dang, Isabella Bettucci, Amishi Handoo, Breeanna Matthews, Amelia O’Reilly and Sophie D’Silva.
We also welcome their parents who will be supporting them over the next five weeks and beyond and I would also like to acknow ledge
Daniela Versace and Michaela Weston (two Year 12 debaters) who are assisting me in coaching the team.
It was not just Year 7 students who went through this exhausting process - most of the teams went through a selection process. By half
way through Term 1 many teams were meeting during lunchtime and after school preparing themselves for the forthcoming season. I
would also like to acknowledge my ‘other’ team, the Year 12’s, who, because of exams and other commitments, found it most difficult to
meet and consequently met for two hours after school on the last day of school! Such is the dedication of our debaters.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent the College for 2012:
Year 8 - Yasmine Biady, Erin Bliss, Jessica Bull, Alisha Panambalana, Paulina Pazidor, Manike Senanayake, Chloe Singleton and
Josephine Warnant . They are coached by two ex-students who have both been DAP’s leaders Shannon Usher and Laura Zournazidis. It
is a feature of the College that so many previous debaters wish to give something back to the College.
Year 9 - Lauren Attard, Fionn Byrne, Isabella Maurici, Madeleine Ocampo, Arefeh Hosseini Mahali, Chloe Farrington, Mina Tambrchi and
Katrina Magat. They are coached by the indomitable Mrs Hackett; without her assistance debating would certainly not run so efficiently as
it does at the College.
Year 10 - Anita Donovan, Annaliese Mathews, Imogen King, Jasmine Noud, Emma Daly, Beatrice Tan, Bernadette Weston and Kathryn
Zammit. They are coached by the all-conquering Mrs Vidot who is away at the moment. We are really grateful for the assistance of
Georgina Fajloun, a prac student from ACU, who is presently working with the History Department.
Year 11 - Sofia Jenson, Madeline Elkhouri, Alana Leabeater, Geraldine Smith, Bianca Van Vlimmeren, Jodie Rodrigues, Melissa Martin,
Alessandra Giglio and Annalise Buttigieg. They are coached by Mrs Guerin, who this year is doing a solo act while Mrs Brewer has long
service leave. We appreciated Mrs Guerin’s practical support of debating while running the College and the girls certainly feel special
having meetings in your office!
Year 12 - Laura Milson, Daniela Versace, Alison McGuirk, Mirna Farah, Melissa Psaila, Cassie de Pagter, Jessica McKeown and Michaela
Weston. As always, the Year 12 teams give generously of their time during a period of intense pressure and the College is always most
grateful for your dedication; once again the girls have to put up with my erratic coaching methods.
However, while the debaters are essential for debating I really need to acknowledge three other groups. Firstly our adjudicators; exstudents Shannon Usher and Charlotte Claxton are joined by two ex-students from last year Sarah Fernandes and Ellen Leabeater. These
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young ladies choose to give up their time on a Friday evening while coping with university studies and, for many of them, par t time work. I
would also like to thank Michelle Van Vlimmeren (whose daughter is in the Year 11 Team) and my daughter Sarah, who I convinced/told that
she was going to adjudicate seniors this year.
The second group is Ms Davie and Mrs Batten who for several years now have given up their Friday nights for home debates or when we
host finals to look after the serving of supper. The girls and I really appreciate your dedication – thank you.
The third group is the parents. Without your support in driving your daughters around Sydney, celebrating their wins and commiserating with
their losses we would not be able to run debating at the College. Your daughters may not tell you but they really do appreciate what you do.
This Friday (11 May) we are away – the 7-10 A teams to St Agnes (Evans Rd, Rooty Hill). The 7-10 B teams to Clare (175 Buckwell Drive,
Hassall Grove) and the Seniors to Loyola (91 North Parade, Mount Druitt) who hopefully they can stay awake after three days on retreat.
Round 3 (May 18) is against St Ursula’s at home, Round 4 (May 25) is away, far away with the A teams (both junior and senior) going to St
Patricks at Campbelltown (4 St.John's Rd, Campbelltown) and the B teams going to John Terry at Broadmeadow (Demetrius Road,
Rosemeadow). I would suggest an early start and a packed lunch for that evening! Our last round (June 1) is also away but much closer
when we do battle with a traditional rival, Parramatta Marist (2 Darcy Road, Westmead).
Now to the first round against the boys from Lewisham! Many thanks to our debating leaders (Melissa and Laura) who raced around
organising chair people/timekeepers. The evening got off to somewhat of a late start as the boys had to battle traffic (footy at ANZ) to make
their way here. There was certainly a buzz to the evening and a sense of anticipation for the first debate of the season and it wasn’t just the
Year 7 students that seemed nervous. Overall we had an excellent start with OLMC winning 9 out of the 12 debates. Congratulat ions to
Senior A and B, 11 A and B, 10 A and B, 9 A and B and 7B (well done ladies on your first win). To the 8A, 8B and 7A you get another chance
this week to kick off your season. Just an aside to my Year 7A team, by all accounts, you were beaten by an exceptional team but you held
your own and gave as good back which augurs well for this week.
The season has certainly started with a bang and I would like to wish all the teams the best of luck for 2012. Remember it is not about
winning or losing but participating and at OLMC, we do that with panache!
Anthony Llewellyn-Evans
Debating Coordinator
Social Justice News
Cake Stall Wednesday May 2
Thank you to everyone who participated in the cake stall on Wednesday. The cakes were sold for 50c each and we raised more than $430.
That means that almost 800 cakes, tarts and slices were brought in, sold and eaten in one day. That's a lot of cakes! All money raised will go
to Amnesty International, an organisation that defends human rights. Thank you for your support.
From Amelia O'Reilly and Sophie D'Silva 7.4
I would also like to thank the Mercy Action Representatives for working tirelessly and enthusiastically and everyone who brou ght in cakes/
slices for us to sell. The Amnesty International Leaders, Tamay Oskay and Kara Fernandes created an information sheet about the work of
Amnesty, the Mercy Action Leaders, Brianna Ng and Sandra Werdi ensured everything went smoothly and Mr Mustafa, Mrs Lilley an d Mrs
Ibarra were also a great help.
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Years 7 and 8 Junior Mercy Action Training Day
On Friday May 4, the Years 7 and 8 Mercy Action Representatives attended a training day at Monte Sant’ Angelo College, North Sydney. The
day was a great success and provided an opportunity to meet students from the four other Sydney Mercy Schools and learn about Social
Justice.
On Friday, May 11 OLMC will be hosting a Social Justice Conference. Our Year 9 Mercy Action Reps and 12 other Year 9 students will
attend.
FairTrade Fortnight May 5-20
FairTrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the
developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, FairTrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which
traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their
lives.
Today, more than six million people - farmers, producers, workers and their families - in around 63 countries benefit from the unique,
independent FairTrade system. FairTade provides farmers and producers in developing countries with a fair price (the FairTrade Price) for
their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (The
FairTrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical
facilities. FairTrade Certification standards also prohibit the use of forced and abusive child labour. See the following websites for more
information: http://www.fairtrade.com.au/page/what-fairtrade and http://www.fta.org.au/
The Year 11 Mercy Action Representatives are planning to host FairTrade Chocolate tasting for Year 7 in Homeroom on Friday. The aim is to
introduce the notion of FairTrade and to help students recognise the logo. Precautions will be taken to avoid food allergies – but if you have
any concerns about your daughter please let myself or Mrs Brooks know.
Barbara McBride
Social Justice Coordinator
Sport
OLMC Sport Photos
A reminder that all CGSSSA Gala Day, IGSSA and OLMC Carnival photos can be viewed and ordered at akphotos.com.au - login details
can be found on the MyOLMC Sport page.
Saturday Netball
Here are the results from Round 4:
ST GERARDS 11 (12) v OLMC 8 (22)
OLMC 7 (21) v NORTH RYDE RSL 24 (35)
OLMC 6 (11) v EPPING YMCA 13 (22)
OLMC 5 (13) v WEST RYDE ROVERS 25 (26)
OLMC 4 (8) v NORTH RYDE RSL 18 (36)
EPPING YMCA 10 (12) v OLMC 3 (24)
DUNDAS CENTRAL 2 (40) v OLMC 2 (17)
DURC 9 (25) v OLMC 1 (22)
Saturday Soccer
Although SCEGGS won on Saturday, OLMC played a fantastic game and should be proud of their efforts. So many close misses, the result
could have been very different.
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PDSSSC Touch Football
On Wednesday May 2, OLMC competed in the PDSSSC Touch Football Championships. The Junior team consisted of Madielyn Nolan,
Madison Noud, Chloe Deprez, Rebecca Castor, Madeline Ferguson, Hayley Goodfellow, Eleanor Jones, Meagan Sultana, Alexandria
Colosimo, Montana Eltakchi and Marissa Mentis. They had a very tough, even pool. They were able to narrowly defeat St Clare’s and Cerdon
and then were able to scrape through with a draw against Caroline Chisholm and Xavier. But this was enough to narrowly win th eir pool and
progress to the Grand Final against Gilroy. Unfortunately Gilroy was far too strong but the Junior girls should all be very proud of their efforts
finishing Runners Up.
The Senior team consisted of Taylor Mikaelian, Rhianan Karlic, Sarah-Jane Eltakchi, Natalie Apikotoa, Courtney Duguid, Sarah Wehbe,
Kaylah Franklin, Kaitlin McCaffery, Ashley Gray, Patricia LaHood and Natalia Larobina. Being undefeated for over three years, it was no
surprise that the Senior team easily won all their pool games, with some scores up around 10 nil in only 15 minutes. They progressed to the
Grand Final against St Columba’s with whom they always have a good battle, but the Seniors were again too classy, defeating them 3 nil.
Well done girls on a very successful time at OLMC.
Congratulations to Madielyn Nolan and Kaitlin McCaffery who were selected in the U15 PDSSSC Touch Team and to Sarah-Jane Eltakchi,
Ashley Gray and and Kaylah Franklin who were selected in the OPEN PDSSSC Touch Team.
A big thank you to Ms Farrugia for all her help and expertise on the day.
Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator
Parents
Parents & Friends Association contact details: [email protected]
School Fees for Term 2 2012
School fees were due on Friday May 4, 2012. If your account remains outstanding, please ensure that the College Finance Offic e receives
payment promptly.
Any queries on fees can be directed to the College Finance Office on 8838 1214 (between 8.00am and 4.00pm weekdays) or via email to
[email protected]
Frances Morgano
Assistant Finance Manager
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From the Uniform Shop
Shop Location:
Telephone:
Trading times:
Price List:
Email:
4-6 Ross Street (corner of Trott Street)
8838 1275 (If unattended, please leave a message)
Before school on Monday and Wednesday - 8:00am - 9:30am
Please visit the College web site www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/school/enrolments/uniformshop
[email protected]
Trading times: The Uniform Shop trading times reverts to its normal trading days Monday and Wednesday before school from 8:00am to
9:30am. If these trading times are not convenient for you to purchase uniforms or accessories, items can be ordered and paid for over the
telephone or email. Items can then be collected from the Student Centre or Uniform Shop.
Winter uniform price list:
Junior tunic $155.00
Junior Blouse $42.50
Senior skirt $130.00
Senior Blouse $42.50
Mercy scarf $18.00
Black opaque tights 50 Denier $6.00 each or 2 for $11.00
Black opaque tights 70 Denier $8.00 each of 3 for $22.00
Tracksuit $100.00
Buttons – Buttons for the blazer are available from the Uniform Shop free.
Paul and Christine Bourke
Uniform Shop
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER:
A weekend for married couples. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset . . . Your
Marriage! This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love
all over again!
Weekend date: 20 – 22 July at St. Mary’s Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, NSW
Bookings: Ardell & Bill Sharpe tel. 02 4283 3435 or [email protected]
Information: website www.wwme.org.au
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