Newsletter 6/3/2025
From the Principal:
Next week, our Grade 3 and Grade 5 students will begin NAPLAN—the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy. NAPLAN provides a consistent and objective way to assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australia, helping ensure that educational standards are maintained nationwide.
At Our Lady of Mercy, the results can highlight areas where individual students or classes may be struggling, allowing us to address these gaps early. NAPLAN also holds us accountable for our teaching outcomes, driving improvements in teaching methods and resource allocation.
Sadly, the pressure to perform well in NAPLAN can cause anxiety and stress for some students, potentially affecting their overall well-being and performance. As parents and teachers, we must be mindful not to create additional stress by setting overly high expectations or pressuring children to perform well.
It's important to remember that NAPLAN only assesses literacy and numeracy, neglecting other key areas of learning, such as creativity, athletics, critical thinking, and emotional development. It doesn’t measure how good a friend they are or the joy they bring into our world.
The best thing we can do for our children next week is to ensure they get plenty of sleep, have a good breakfast, and remind them that NAPLAN is not a measure of their worth.
Kind regards, Simon Wood
Deputy Principal
Swimming Carnival:
Our Lady of Mercy's annual Grade 3-6 Swimming Carnival was held at the Deloraine Community Pool on Friday, February 28th. A fun day was had by all who attended. A highlight of the day was the Teacher vs Students relay race. Mrs Lyall was too keen to get swimming and false started, Mr Purdon also seemed to struggle with his goggles on the last lap of the race, but the teachers prevailed.
Congratulations to Walsh House who won the carnival.
Swimming Champions 2025:
Grade 3 Girls: Beatrice Hall, Grade 3 Boys: Wyatt Sloan
Grade 4 Girls: Amelia Vidler, Grade 4 Boys: George Van Rooye
Grade 5 Boys: Zaide Millwood (absent from photo)
Grade 6 Boys: Nick Jordens
Brixhibition Kids Lego Competition 2025:
Brixhibition Kids Lego Competition 2025
All students (Kinder-Grade 6) are invited to compete in an individual Lego competition.
Each creation should be completed and ready for display at Our Lady of Mercy between Mon 24th March and Fri 28th March.
The overall winner of our school will be invited to showcase their winning Lego creations at Brixhibition Launceston to compete against other school’s overall winners.
Each Lego display to be no larger than 52cm wide, 52cm high, 52cm deep or no larger than four 32x32 lug Lego base plates.
Each design must be original, not made with a Lego kit or instructions.
Some adult help allowed, however, the lego design should be the child’s own work.
We look forward with great excitement to see what you can create.
North West Catholic Primary School Instrumental Music Program:
St Brendan-Shaw College invites expressions of interest for the North West Catholic Primary School Instrumental Music Program for 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity for students in Grades 4 to 6 to discover the joy of music and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
What’s on offer?
Music tuition with all sheet music supplied.
Instrument hire available, including:
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium
Violin, Cello
Performance Opportunities
Students will have exciting opportunities to showcase their progress:
Music Soirées at least once a year.
Combined Schools Workshop Days throughout the year.
A Combined Schools Major Concert to celebrate their achievements at the end of the year.
Why choose music?
Research shows that learning to play an instrument can significantly enhance children’s abilities in learning, memory, and social interactions. Participating in music is also a key part of a well-rounded and balanced education, helping students build confidence, discipline, and a love of the arts.
If your child may be interested in this experience, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest.
For further information or to register, please click on the following link:
Enrolment Form: https://sbsc.me/3Z2jQ0W
We look forward to seeing you at the Arts Evening, if you can attend.
Warm regards,
Denine richards
St Patrick's College Enrolments 2026:
St Brendan-Shaw College Enrolments 2026:
Important Upcoming Dates 2025:
Parish Mass Times:
