Newsletter 12/06/2025

From the Principal:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for participating in the School Effectiveness Survey

We extend our sincere thanks to all families who participated in the School Effectiveness Survey conducted last term.

The results are in, and we have much to celebrate!

When compared to other schools surveyed, our school has performed exceptionally well. Many of our strengths align with the top 25%. Key areas of strength include:

• Parent Partnerships – 84
• Approachability – 87
• Student Safety – 83
• School Improvement – 87
• Connectedness to School – 85
  

These outstanding results reflect the strength of our community engagement, the positive relationships between families and the school, and our commitment to student wellbeing. Families feel welcomed, involved, and valued — something we are very proud of.

While all areas scored well, there are some identified as opportunities for continued growth and focus:

• Social Skills – 82
• Student Behaviour – 71

These results present valuable opportunities to further support peer relationships, social development, and respectful behaviours within our school community.

The overall results of your feedback highlight the strong performance of our school and reflect the trust and confidence our families have in the work we do. Parents have shared that:

• Their children have access to strong learning opportunities
• There is a clear focus on maximising academic growth
• Students feel connected to school and are motivated to succeed
• The school values parent input and fosters genuine partnerships
  

We’re incredibly proud of these results and grateful for your continued support in making our school a place of belonging, learning, and growth.

Kind regards,

Mary

Important Dates:

Kindergarten Enrolments 2026:

If you know anyone who is considering enrolling for Kindergarten in 2026, please tell them to get in touch as we have limited spaces available.

Cross Country 2025:

There has been a lot of running happening at OLOM lately. Our school's Cross Country event was held on Thursday 29th May, and the Northern Midlands Carnival on Thursday 5th June. Students from Grades 3–6 proudly represented Our Lady of Mercy.  The carnival was held at Deloraine Primary School.

It was a fantastic day filled with energy, encouragement, and achievement. Our students ran with incredible effort, showing great determination, resilience, and sportsmanship. Many achieved great results, with several placing highly in their age groups.

It was especially heartening to see the way our students supported one another throughout the day — cheering on teammates, celebrating efforts, and giving their all. The weather was a perfect turnout after a frosty morning, adding to the positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Congratulations to all our runners! You represented our school with pride and should be very proud of your efforts!

Cross Country Champions:

Kinder: Willow Picket-Lee, Angus Dornauf

Prep: Genevieve Vidler, Austin Hawkins

Grade 1: Lila Hind, Layken West

Grade 2: Mia Johnson, Frederick Lyall

Grade 3: Cora Francis, Saxson Wiltshire

Grade 4: Amelia Vidler, George Van Rooye

Grade 5: Zaide Millwood

Grade 6: Ethan Youd

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News From Grade 1/2 & 3:

Students have been learning about the life of Pablo Picasso and engaged in a discussion about his different art forms. We then looked at his famous portraits and discussed his techniques and how he changed the different facial features. Students then drew a picture of their design and their next step was to use cardboard, paint and crayon to complete their Picasso face.

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist known for changing the way we see art. He loved to experiment and helped create a new style called Cubism, where faces and objects are shown from many angles at once using shapes like cubes and triangles. His famous “Picasso faces” often have unusual features — like mismatched eyes or sideways noses — making his art fun, bold, and creative. Today, his unique style is known all around the world!

Reconciliation Week, Grade 3:

As part of their learning about the importance of Reconciliation Week, our Grade 3 students created thoughtful artworks using thin wooden boards. Each piece represents their personal reflections and responses to the themes of reconciliation, respect, and unity.

Student Wellbeing Information:

Wellbeing programs available in Term 3 2025:
Here at Our Lady of Mercy, we care about all our students. Sometimes, students need some
extra care and attention. To help these students we offer two specific programs that support
wellbeing. These programs are called Rainbows and Peaceful Kids.

Rainbows is designed to support children experiencing family change. Each participant can
compare, discuss and share feelings in the group, work through reactions and discuss skills
relating to their own life experience. Forms will be sent home to all students. If you would
like your child to attend the Rainbows program, please return the signed permission form.

Peaceful Kids is a mindfulness and positive psychology-based program to increase resilience in
children. The program gives children the skills, practice and support to utilise coping
strategies that lessen the symptoms of stress and build resilience. If you believe your child
would benefit from this program, they are welcome to collect more information and/or a
permission form from the office.

If there are any questions regarding these programs, please contact our Wellbeing officer Leigh-anne Newington, 63 622 323

Green Thumb Team News:

Tasmanian Association for the Gifted Inc:

If you are interested in participating in this seminar, please use the link below to register. 

https://www.trybooking.com/CZMDS

St Brendan-Shaw College Production:

It is with great excitement that the cast and crew of St Brendan-Shaw College bring to the stage, Legally Blonde. 

Legally Blonde is the story of the main character, Elle Woods, who follows her love to Harvard and studies Law to try and reignite their relationship. As her journey progresses, Elle discovers who she really is and what it takes to become a successful lawyer. 

Tickets will soon be available for our special school matinee of Legally Blonde. 

Date: Thursday 14th August 

Time: 12:00pm – 2:30pm (including interval) 

Venue: paranaple arts centre 

Cost: $5.00 per student.

Tickets: Available from St Brendan-Shaw College 

Phone: 6424 7622 

Email: admin@sbsc.tas.edu.au 

This show is a high paced, energetic show with some great music and dance numbers. However, there are a number of sexual references in the show, which are necessary and important to the context of the show. Many of these comments are delivered in a comedic way and laughter is expected. For any enquiries other than tickets, please phone 6424 7622. 

Community Events:

Meander Valley Mass Times: