Newsletter 31st July 2025
From the Principal:
Child Safety - attendance reporting
This week, a school bus did not complete its round. Mistakes happen.
What it highlighted for us as a school was the need for EVERY parent to respond to any SMS sent regarding student attendance at school. We do not know if children have been left on the side of the road, or if they are sick or elsewhere. It is a safety issue for your child/children, and we need parents to play their part and be responsive if we raise a concern. We understand that mornings are busy and you may forget to let us know, but all you need to do is…
- Open the Compass App on your phone
- Tap your child's image
- Tap on the attendance note that drops down.
- Select the applicable reason from the drop-down list and press save.
It should only take around 8 seconds.
The attendance for Tasmanian Children since COVID has dropped to below 90%. The Children’s Commissioner is concerned about this. Have a look at your child's attendance on their mid-year report; if it was 10 days or over, your child’s learning is being impacted.
Celebrating Catholic Education Week
Honouring the past, present, and future of Catholic Education in Tasmania
We will celebrate Catholic Education Week this coming week. It offers us a special moment to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable strengths and achievements of Catholic education in Tasmania. It serves as a reminder of the deep roots of Catholic education in our state, a tradition that has supported Tasmanian families for nearly 200 years. Through this ongoing commitment, we are proud to be partners in shaping Tasmania’s future, working alongside governments, families, and Church communities to achieve shared educational goals for our young people.
Catholic education has been a cornerstone of Tasmania's community for almost two centuries. Our Lady of Mercy has been a part of this for the past 130 years. It has provided a safe and enriching environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
This year, we celebrate Catholic Education Week under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, echoing the call of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 2025 Year of Jubilee. Occurring every 25 years, a Jubilee Year is a sacred time of prayer, mercy, and reconciliation. “Pilgrims of Hope” invites us all to embark on a spiritual journey, one of renewal, faith, and shared hope for the future. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.” In celebrating this theme, we look forward to walking this pilgrimage of hope together, inspired by the enduring light of Catholic education in Tasmania.
Next week, we also take time to recognise and honour the many staff members, supporters, and volunteers whose tireless dedication has contributed to the success of Catholic Education Tasmania. It is through their service, whether in the classroom, administration, or beyond, that the mission of Catholic education continues to thrive.
Two members of our community will be recognised for their outstanding commitment to Catholic education and will be presented with awards
- Mrs Anita Bowman | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
- Miss Leah Fitzpatrick | Outstanding Contribution as a Friend in Catholic Schools
We congratulate Anita and Leah on their contribution to Our Lady of Mercy and the impact they have had on our community.
Warm regards,
Mary Bennett
Important Dates Term 3:
100 Days of Prep:
Today Prep celebrated 100 days of school! We celebrated by wearing our most colourful and bright clothes because we are 100 days brighter. Prep students have enjoyed a day full of counting and fun.
School Photo Day:
School Photo Day will be held on Wednesday, 13th August. Please order your child's photos using the QR Code below. If you would like sibling photos taken these are required to be ordered by 11th August.
Country Gold Sport:
Congratulations to our Year 5/6 boys selected for the 2025 Country Gold teams! Zaide Millwood, Nate Walters, and Peter Lyall (Emergency) will represent Meander Valley in football, and James Badcock has made the Country Gold Hockey team.
The Country Gold Carnival will be held on the 25th of September (Week 10, Term 3). Well done, boys!
You’re setting a great example for others in our school community. Play hard and enjoy the experience.
Miss Montanna Eastley
Bus Safety:
This week, we were fortunate to receive a visit from Kinetic Buses, delivering an excellent presentation of Bus Safety lessons for all our students. Teaching students about bus safety is a vital part of helping them become responsible and confident travellers. Whether it's understanding how to wait safely at a stop, boarding calmly, or staying seated while the bus is moving, these lessons help prevent accidents and promote respectful behaviour. By reinforcing bus safety at school and at home, we work together to keep every journey a safe one.
Parents & Friends - Meeting:
The Our Lady of Mercy Parents and Friends Committee will be holding a meeting this Friday, 1st August at 11:30am at the school.
We’re always looking to welcome new members, and any contribution—big or small—is truly valued. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or thinking about helping for the first time, don’t be shy! We’re a friendly, supportive group and would love to see you there.
Come along, have a cuppa, and get involved in making a difference in our school community!
OLOM Chess Club:
We had a great turnout for our first of many chess lessons with Carl Gorka. Students learned about how the queen and the pawns move, and played a quick but surprisingly challenging game.
Carl was impressed with how engaged and focused the students were.
Book Week 2025:
Save the Date:
Community Care Tasmania are Hiring:
School Board Nominations:
Our Lady of Mercy is calling for nominations for interested and suitable persons for the re-establishment of our school board.
The Archdiocesan School Board is an advisory structure that supports the operation of the school at a local level. In accordance with the Board's Terms of Reference, the Church Trust Corporation delegates a range of functions to the Board. These include supporting the Principal across a range of governance issues such as strategic planning and local policy development.
The Board will meet at least six times a year.
If you would like more information, are interested in being nominated or would like to nominate someone to be considered for this position, please contact the school office.
Parish Mass Times:
