Newsletter 14/9/2023

From the Deputy Principal:

Dear Parents/Carers,

Over the past two weeks at Our Lady of Mercy there have been a range of activities occurring throughout the school. It has been wonderful to see students in the centre of their learning, being supported to learn in ways that will develop them academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. 

This week we have been fortunate enough to watch students dance, sing and perform in preparation for the upcoming Deloraine Youth Drama Festival performance of “Pippi Longstocking”, and also the Grade 5/6 Contemporary dance. We wish to congratulate all students representing our school tonight at the Youth Drama Festival. Thank you also to Jacquie Wood for all her hard work and dedication in preparing  students for this amazing event. Good luck everyone!

On Tuesday our Grade 5/6 students attended an 'On Country' experience at Tulampanga/Alum Cliffs, where they gathered on the land of the Traditional Owners and acknowledged Aboriginal ownership and custodianship. Uncle Hank Horton led students, sharing knowledge about his ancestors and their traditions.

Next Wednesday the 20th of September, we look forward to celebrating Mercy Day. It is a day to reflect on the wonderful contribution that Catherine MaCauley and the Sisters of Mercy have had on Mercy schools. We will celebrate the day with Mass at 10.15am, followed by whole school activities and a performance by Meerkat productions, “Frank’s Red Hat”.

As a community, may we take time to reflect on our achievements, learn from our mistakes, and continue to care for each other with the Spirit of Jesus in our hearts. 

Michelle Donohoe.

Students in the Spotlight:

Well done to Emme Keegan who represented our school in the All Schools Gymkana at Westbury on Sunday 10th September. Both Emme and Mexico represented our school with great determination and enthusiasm. Emme came away with 3 firsts, 2 seconds and Reserve Champion Small Pony.

Congratulations to Virgil Quiapo and Tahlia Atkins for recently being selected in the Tasmanian Basketball Future Development Program. What a wonderful opportunity for these students.

Annabel Gunton recently competed in the Tasmanian Gymnastics Championships, in Hobart, achieving pleasing results. Annabel competed in Level 4 events and managed a 4th placing in Uneven bars, 5th on the Vault, 6th overall. Congratulations Annabel!

Our thoughts will also be with all OLM students competing in the upcoming Country Gold carnival, on Thursday the 28th of September. May they represent our school well, and uphold our Mercy Values of Courage, Compassion and Respect. 

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Important Dates:

Youth Drama Festival: Thursday 14th September

Country Gold Trial Matches for all sports, East vs West: Friday 15th September

Mercy day Mass: Wednesday 20th September

Meerkat Production: Wednesday 20th September

Grade 5/6 Mercy Day Celebrations at St Patrick's Latrobe: Friday 22nd September

Country Gold Carnival: Thursday 28th September

Footy Colours/Favourite Sports Team Free Dress Day: Thursday 28th September, gold coin donation

Term 3 Concludes: Friday 29th September

Greetings From South Africa:

Here are some fabulous photos taken by our Principal, Mary Bennett, whilst holidaying in South Africa.

Rainbows Program:

At Our Lady of Mercy, we would like to offer children access to the Rainbows Program. The Rainbows Program is designed for children who are grieving a death, family change, or any other significant loss. It is a chance to chat about any emotions they are experiencing and find ways to cope with some of these changes in groups - early childhood, lower primary,  middle primary, and upper primary. 
When something significant happens in a family, the entire family is affected. Even though death, divorce, or other loss issues appear to be only grown-up problems, they have a profound effect on the children touched by these experiences.

If a parent or grandparent dies, a divorce happens, or some other painful loss occurs, not only do parents grieve, the children do also. Due to their age and limited life experience, our youngest children may find it difficult to verbalise their feelings of grief.
We have sensitive and caring trained members of staff to run Rainbows who will work with the children to help them put their feelings into words, work through their grief, build a stronger sense of self-esteem and begin to accept what has taken place in the family. The Rainbows Program is a great way for the children to express how they feel.
If you feel that your child could benefit from the support of this program, please speak to Michelle Durack on 6362 2323. 

St Patrick's College 2025 Enrolments:

St Patricks College are now taking enrolments for Grade 7, 2025.  If you happen to be considering  this College as an option for your child, please be aware that St Patrick's College require your enrolment to be in by April 2024.  They do not accept late enrolments due to the sheer volume of children applying. You can find enrolment forms on the school website: www.stpatricks.tas.edu.au

Children's University Activities:

This is a wonderful free activity and a great way for students to connect with the university, learn and have fun and of course claim up to 3 hours in their passport!

Stadium Cricket Free Come and Try:

JH Stadium Cricket are running another free "Come & Try" session at the Westbury Sports Centre. This will be held on Wednesday 20th September starting at 5:30pm. All family members are welcome to come along and have a go.