Newsletter 14/8/2025

From the Principal:

Dear Parents and Carers,

I had the privilege of attending the installation of Archbishop Tony Ireland as the new Archbishop of our Hobart diocese on Tuesday. 

Archbishop Tony informed us that he has a family connection to Tasmania…

“On 9th November 1824, a youth named John Carey Ireland stepped off the Princess Charlotte and onto the shores of Van Diemen's Land, Tasmania.  He was born in 1811 and was just 13 years of age when convicted of petty larceny, that is, pickpocketing, in Bristol, England and sentenced to 14 years of transportation. At an age when most young people dream of the future, John was sent to Tasmania, described by historian Geoffrey Blainey as a prison, with walls of 14,000 miles.  And yet in God's providence, here at the ends of the earth, he became the seed of something new.

201 years later, after John's arrival, I stand before you, thankfully not in shackles, but in hope as a shepherd of the Church and an ambassador for Jesus Christ in this place.  The story tells us that God's grace surprises us.  It turns exile into home and shame into dignity.”

Archbishop Tony spoke of learning of the wealth of this particular church in parishes, in schools, from elders and children, migrants and First Nations peoples, the estranged and the faithful. He recognises that this land has a spiritual geography of its own and that he is someone who wants to walk it with us. Archbishop Tony believes that the church will grow not by proselytising (converting or influencing), but by attraction. “People over programs, accompaniment over instruction, presence over efficiency, joy over anxiety. Joy, friends, is magnetic.” 

I look forward very much to being part of the future vision that Archbishop Tony will bring to us and our Catholic Schools.

Warm regards,

Mary Bennett

Catholic Education Week Mass 2025:

On 6th August, the Grade 5/6 class, along with Mr. Purdon and Mrs. Badcock, attended a special Mass at St Thomas More’s School to celebrate Catholic Education Week and to farewell Archbishop Doyle. It was a wonderful celebration filled with uplifting messages and joyful singing, centred around the theme of becoming pilgrims of hope. Catholic schools from across the region gathered for this meaningful event.

After the Mass, we visited the Shroud of Turin exhibition, which was held at St Patrick’s College. There, the Grade 5/6 students learned about the history, science, and scripture related to the significance of the Shroud.

Oliver Brunner - Grade 6

WWVP Card Volunteer:

All people wishing to volunteer at school must have a WWVP card, which means parents, grandparents, carers or friends of the school. There is a small cost for a volunteer application, but you never know when you might want to put your hand up to volunteer at school.

So why not put in an application so that you are ready to go when the occasion presents itself! 

Kanangra Visit:

Last week, some of our Prep and Grade 1 students had the wonderful opportunity to visit Kanangra Aged Care centre for an afternoon of games and connection. With bright smiles and boundless energy, the children played basketball, quoits and had lots of balloon fun. Laughter was shared with residents, creating joy that bridged generations. It was heartwarming to see our youngest learners engaging with older members of the community, showing kindness, respect and curiosity. These visits not only bring happiness to the residents but also help our students develop empathy and social skills in a meaningful way. 

We look forward to more opportunities to nurture these beautiful community bonds.

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Tool Skool:

Tool Skool Woodworking Incursion a Hit!

This week, students had the exciting opportunity to participate in Tool Skool, a hands-on woodworking incursion. Guided by expert instructor, Asher, students learned how to safely use real tools to build their very own wooden creations. The experience was both educational and empowering, helping to build confidence, coordination, and practical problem-solving skills. From hammering to sanding, every student proudly completed a unique project to take home. Teachers praised the program for its strong focus on safety and engagement. Tool Skool proved to be a memorable and enriching experience for all—sparking creativity and a love for craftsmanship.

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Grade 5/6 Creative Arts Studio Visit:

Grade 5/6 Pottery Art at the Creative Arts Studio - Hedley Hall, Grade 6 

On Tuesday 12th August, the Grade 5/6 students, along with Mrs. Badcock and Miss Heathcote, walked down to the Creative Arts Studio in Deloraine. We took part in a pottery painting session, decorating the mugs we had made during last term.

The workshop was led by Tracey White, a lovely and helpful artist who guided us through the painting process. The Grade 5/6 class had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the experience.

We hope to see Tracey again soon!

Science Week:

Prep has been busy exploring scientific experiments this week. Here are a few photos of our 'Magic Milk' and 'Dancing Sultanas' experiments.

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Science Week Grade 3:

To celebrate Science Week, our Grade 3 students have been busy taking part in a variety of exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) challenges. One of our trickiest tasks was creating a pendulum that swings for exactly 30 seconds — it wasn’t easy! We also had a blast building and racing balloon rockets, which helped us learn all about force and energy.

Building on this new knowledge, we’re now in the process of planning, designing, and constructing our own balloon-powered cars. We can't wait to test and race them this Friday!

Band Program - Brass:

So awesome to see the children embracing the Brass Band Program. They are making great progress.

Sunrise Bakery P&F Fundraiser:

OLOM Parents and Friends will be running a Sunrise Bakery Fundraiser for our school. This year orders will be placed using the QKR APP. This menu will go live on Monday 18th August and run until Friday 5th September. So now is the time to stock up your freezer full of yummy pastries, slices and lamingtons.

Price lists will be sent home on Monday with students. 

Book Week 2025:

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.

Easy Lunchbox Recipe:

Important Upcoming Dates:

Term Dates 2025: