Newsletter 7/6/2024

From the Principal:

Reconciliation Week

Last week was National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The 2024 theme is, “Now More Than Ever.” The Holy Spirit is calling us to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians. As a Nation we have made some slow progress, but there is still much more to be done. Some of these steps are:

• The 1967 Referendum that ensured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.
• In 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam handed back land to the Gurindji people
  
• In 1992, The ‘Mabo decision’ recognised the land rights of traditional owners and overturned the myth that at the time of colonisation Australia was ‘terra nullius’ or land belonging to no one.
• In 1992, Prime Minister Paul Keating, in his ‘Redfern Speech’ publicly acknowledged the devastating impact of both colonial and contemporary government policies on Australia’s First Peoples.
• In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered an official apology for past government policies that resulted in the forced removal of First Nations children from their families.
• In 2022, the Federal Government;
• committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full,
• included the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags in official meetings and press conferences
• committed to enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution
• committed to establishing a Commission with responsibility for truth-telling and treaty.
• In 2022, the Premier of lutruwita (Tasmania), Jeremy Rockliff indicated he would support Australia Day to be moved from January 26 to a less divisive date.

May we all continue to listen to the Spirit of God stirring us to work for Reconciliation in our hearts, minds and land.

Warm regards,

Paul Mannion

Acting Principal

Prayer for Reconciliation

God of all creation,

as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

 creating a path of goodwill, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received.

Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.

Amen.

Reconcilliation Week:

Our Lady of Mercy students have celebrated and learnt more about Reconciliation Week - a time of acknowledging the truth of our past, saying sorry and thinking about how we can work together for a Reconciled Australia and a brighter future.
Grade 3's and 4's began our week by leading a beautiful assembly. The Grade 5 and 6 students went onto coastal country, visiting Tiagarra in Devonport. They took part in cultural activities, and learnt about the history and continuing story of local Aboriginal communities. The students were also taken on a tour of the bluff, viewing ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs.

King's Birthday Public Holiday:

Enrolments 2025:

Enrolments for Kindergarten are now open and are filling quickly. If you, or you know someone who has a child born in 2020, please contact the school office for an enrolment pack. We now offer a 5-day Kindergarten at Our Lady of Mercy.

We also have spaces available in all other year levels.

Cross Country & Interschool Cross Country:

OLOM Cross Country:

On Wednesday, May 29th, our school hosted its annual cross-country event at the picturesque Wildwoods in Deloraine. Despite a gloomy morning, the weather turned out to be perfect, setting the stage for an exhilarating day of racing. With the help of dedicated parents manning
the track, students from all grades eagerly gathered at the starting line,
ready to give their best effort on the course.The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as cheers and encouragement echoed across the terrain. Our young athletes tackled every twist and
turn with resilience and determination. With every stride, they pushed
themselves beyond their limits, fuelled by the support of their peers and
the thrill of the race. Beyond individual achievements, the spirit of teamwork was palpable
throughout the event. Students cheered for their classmates, offering
words of encouragement and support every step of the way. Our Year
5/6 students demonstrated outstanding leadership, assisting the K-2
students by running alongside them throughout the course. It was a true
testament to the power of unity and sportsmanship.

Interschool Cross Country:

On Thursday, June 7th, 26 of our Grade 3-6 students showcased their
dedication and talent at the NMPSSA cross country carnival held at
Deloraine Primary School. Competing against strong contenders, our 24
students gave their all, representing our school with pride and excellence.

Montanna Eastley

PE Teacher

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Kinder Excursion:

Yesterday, Kinder students enjoyed a Wonder Walk through town on a beautiful winter's day. Wonder Walks foster children's natural curiosity and tendency to wonder.

We enjoyed a walk through town, watching the ducks swimming in the river, having a play at the train park and visiting the local library. At the library, children listened to a story and chose some books to borrow and take back to school. 

It was a great day to enjoy what our beautiful community has to offer.

Premier's Reading Challenge 2024:

Premier's Reading Challenge:

Every year, thousands of students across Tasmania participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge. The Challenge encourages personal reading goals over 10 weeks, embracing diverse formats, including recommended books. The Challenge is not a competition, but a way to encourage you to develop a love of reading for life. No matter what you aspire to do or be, reading and literacy skills will help you get there.
This year students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 will have the opportunity to participate. A new part of the challenge is 'Student Reading Champions'. We will be looking out for students who are engaged in reading, smashing their reading goal, achieving their personal best, and sharing their reading experiences. At the end of the challenge, a selection of students will be awarded 'Reading Champion' badges as part of our celebrations.

The Premier's Reading Challenge begins on the 17th June

Happy Reading!

Alisha Mitchell, Literacy Practice Leader

Save the Date, Fiesta on Goderich 2024:

Winter Relief Appeal:

Vinnies Winter Relief Appeal - Every donation makes a difference!

This year, Our Lady of Mercy will continue to support Vinnies Tasmania with their Winter Relief Appeal. If you can, please support this cause by clearing out the wardrobe and donating pre-loved clothes, coats, and blankets. Donating clothes is a direct way of helping individuals and families who are facing hardships. Bagged items can be dropped off at the school until Monday, 24th June.

Parish Mass Times:

Term Dates:

2025 Term Dates