Newsletter 15/8/2024
- From the Principal:
- Catholic Education Week Mass:
- Family Breakfast:
- News From Kinder:
- Exciting Gymnastics Excursions at Spreyton:
- Tool Skool Incursion:
- Deloraine Recreation Reserve Planning:
- Book Week Dress-Up Day:
- Parent Information Evening:
- Upcoming Dates:
- Parish Mass Times:
- Acknowledgement of Country:
From the Principal:
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week we have celebrated Catholic Education Week across the state.
I was working on a submission last week and came across this interesting piece of data collected from our enrolment forms which asks about religious denomination of the family/child.
19% Catholic
19% Other Christian religions
3% Other world religions
59% No religious denomination or non religious
The striking thing is that well over half our school population and their families do not identify as having any faith background. WOW our Catholic school must be doing something right to attract such a high percentage of families in this category. I am very proud of this. What is it that makes our school different from our local schools and what is it that attracted you, the parent body, to send your child to our school? Was it the quality of the education that the school offered? Was it the evident dedication of the teaching staff? Was it the sense that Catholic schools offered value formation for your child?
Did you choose Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School or Our Lady of Mercy School?
If we surveyed all parents I am confident it could be any of the above in a variety of combinations, with parents having different reasons as to why they choose to send their children to OLOM. There is of course nothing wrong with any of the reasons why parents choose to send their children to OLOM. All of the reasons are strengths and qualities that make our school what it is.
We have to also understand and appreciate what our school was and what it needs to be in the future, to maintain currency and relevance to new and emerging needs. In past centuries, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, Catholic education was offered as a way to help the young, vulnerable and marginalised escape from difficult circumstances through quality education. The Sisters of Mercy, the religious order that shaped and established our schools, was founded on the principle that giving children and young mothers skills was their way out of poverty.
Today these traditions continue in many schools in Australia and across the world. They all have at their heart a commitment to supporting the poor. They are committed to supporting all those that want a Catholic education for their child, irrespective of their ability to meet the payment fees. When we talk about our schools supporting the poor this is not just in terms of finance. We have families and students who need support around emotional, physical and social wellbeing as well as, now, their spirituality and faith.
Our schools are about supporting the development of people, their character, their values, their attitudes, their personal qualities, as well as their academic development. Sometimes I think we forget why we do this as a school. It is not because these are good things to do. It is not because as Principal these are my preferred things. It is because our Catholic faith demands it. The Gospel message is about how we treat others, how we live a life striving to be our best self and how across our life we need to keep striving to be better people.
Our schools are not just about good discipline and values, rather these are part of our faith. If we only do the first part separate or removed from our faith then we compromise our Catholic Identity and the tradition of almost 130 years of history at our school.
Catholic Education Week Mass:
Our Grade 5/6 Class represented the school at the Catholic Education Week Mass in Launceston on Wednesday. The Mass was presided over by Archbishop Julian Porteous and attended by hundreds of students and representatives from all our Northern schools.
Family Breakfast:
Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for our annual Family Breakfast. What an enjoyable morning it was celebrating Catholic Education Week!
We were also very fortunate to have Harrison Mills, son of our wonderful Business Manager Maree Mills and past OLOM student Ross Clippingdale from St Patrick's College providing some fantastic music.
News From Kinder:
As a part of our Catholic Education Week celebrations, Kinder students created stained glass windows inspired by the Mercy Cross. The children enjoyed further exploring what it means to be a part of a Catholic community while developing their fine motor and creative skills at the same time. We know these will look beautiful in our classroom, especially with the sun shining through the windows!
Exciting Gymnastics Excursions at Spreyton:
Over the past two weeks, our students have been participating in whole-school PE excursions to the Gymnastics facility in Spreyton.
The students eagerly showcased their skills, impressing everyone with their balance, tumbles, jumps, and agility on the ninja course. It was a thrilling experience for all, as they explored a new sport and embraced the challenges with enthusiasm.
A massive thank you to Miss Eastley for her exceptional organisation of these excursions, and to all the teachers for their dedication and support on the day.
The students had an amazing experience, and we look forward to more such activities in the future!
Feedback from Devonport Gymnastics Centre:
What a pleasure it was to have OLOM school visit to Devonport Gymnastics. It was wonderful to see the children having a go at everything!!
Please find attached Flyers for different activities that your child can do at the Devonport Gymnastics Centre.
Tool Skool Incursion:
On Monday we had Ash Cooper from Tool Skool at Our Lady of Mercy. Kinder-Grade 6 participated in in a variety of woodworking activities. A great day was had by all students.
Ash Cooper also does community events / holiday programs / birthday parties, you can look him up on Facebook.
Deloraine Recreation Reserve Planning:
A group of students have been engaged with Miriam Sheveland on planning and designing the nature based playspace at the Deloraine Recreation Reserve. This week these students were able to have a look at the first draft of work and offer further input. It is very exciting to be involved in this space along with other local groups.
Book Week Dress-Up Day:
Parent Information Evening:
Upcoming Dates:
Parish Mass Times:
Acknowledgement of Country:
