Mercy SNAPSHOT Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 1
- Mercy Stories
- 23 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Issue 1, February 2026
IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 27 February: College Opening Mass and Mercy Games
Monday 2 March: Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 10 March: P&F Meeting
11 March - 23 March: Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN
Wednesday 1 April: College Athletics Carnival
The 2026 College Calendar can be found on our website.
Important Message from Principal Vince Bellini
Dear Parents and Caregivers, What an extremely positive and energetic start to the new year at Our Lady of Mercy College. I wish to extend a warm welcome to all students, staff and families. It has been genuinely heart‑warming to see our young people settling in so confidently, engaging in their learning, building connections and contributing to the strong sense of community that continues to grow across the College. Thank you for the support you show our school. Click to continue reading
Our Year 12 students recently enjoyed a memorable and beautiful evening at the Mantra Lighthouse for their College Ball. It was a wonderful way for them to mark the beginning of their final‑year journey. I would like to thank the dedicated staff who generously gave their time to supervise the event and help make it such a special night for our students.
Last week, we had multiple events for our Year 10, 11 and Student Leaders. The Year 10 and 11 Pastoral Days are important opportunities for our young people to pause, reflect and connect. We are grateful for the experienced external facilitators and our staff who guided these sessions and I commend the students on their positive engagement and willingness to participate fully. Our Year 11 students attended the RAC Road Ready Excursion and many told me that the day really opened their eyes to the responsibilities involved in having a motor vehicle licence. They clearly connected with the message of the program.
Our newest members, the Year 7 cohort, brought great enthusiasm to their Activity Days. They were fortunate to enjoy some cooler and very pleasant weather, which allowed them to fully immerse themselves in activities at Pelican Point and at the College. These days play a big role in helping students form friendships, build confidence and feel at home in their new environment. We are proud of how smoothly they have settled into college life.
Thank you to all families who attended the Parent Information Nights. By your attendance, it recognised the importance in establishing a partnership together, highlighting your commitment to the wellbeing and success of our young people. All information shared across these evenings is available to all families on SEQTA and we will gather feedback in the near future to help us continue improving these sessions.
I would like to gently remind families that students may only leave the College during the school day with parent or caregiver approval. All departures must occur through the Administration Office, where students are formally signed out. This ensures accurate records are maintained and that every student is accounted for at all times.
For student safety, I have asked teachers not to release students from class unless written confirmation from home has been received. If prior notice has not been provided, parents will need to speak with a staff member in administration who will organise for the student to be collected from their classroom. These procedures are in place to support the wellbeing of all students and I sincerely thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Thank you to the families who have reached out regarding the recent changes to Parent to Student communication via Direct Message on SEQTA. All your feedback has been taken onboard and has been appreciated.
Our intention in adjusting these settings is simple: we want to ensure communication during school hours supports our students. When concerns arise throughout the day, it is important students access the appropriate support available onsite rather than trying to manage situations on their own through direct messaging.
To assist with this, we have clear processes:
A dedicated student phone is available in the Administration Office for students who need to contact a parent or caregiver. Staff are always nearby to provide guidance and support.
If a parent or family member needs to pass a message on to a student, the Administration Office will relay this promptly.
This approach allows staff to provide the right supervision and context where needed and ensures matters are addressed appropriately and in real time.
We have notified our students of these procedures over the last few days and will continue to do so, to ensure clarity for everyone.
We understand changes to communication practices may take some getting used to, especially when families are accustomed to a different system. Please know, every decision made has been with careful thought and with student welfare at the centre.
Thank you once again for your continued partnership and support. Our community thrives when we work together and I look forward to the many meaningful learning experiences the term ahead will bring.
Vince Bellini Principal
Student Services Information
Administration Opening Hours
Tara Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays: 8:00 am–11:00 am
Thursdays: 12:30 pm–4:00 pm
Online ordering for pickup is available at https://www.tarauniforms.com.au/our-lady-of-mercy-college/
College Calendar
The 2026 College Calendar can be accessed via the College Website using this link: College Calendar – Please note that this is subject to change.
Important Notice: eRideables
Our College is committed to ensuring that our students are empowered to travel to and from school safely. We recognise that eRideable devices such as eScooters and eBikes are a popular mode of transport accessible to many within our School/ College community.
Equally, our College recognises that eRideables are subject to legislation that prohibit a child under the age of 16 from utilising these devices. Therefore, from Monday, 2 February 2026, students who are under 16 years of age will not be permitted to use or store an eRideable device on school premises.
Examples of eRideables include but are not limited to:
• eScooters
• eSkateboards
• hoverboards
• eSkates
• eUnicycles
The Road Safety Commission has developed a webpage with information about the Road Traffic Code (legislation) which can assist individuals in understanding their personal obligations where eRideables are concerned. For more information about eRideables please click here.
We thank you in advance for your support of this initiative which will ensure the ongoing safety of our students and broader school community.
Tutorials and Homework Giudelines
The College offers a successful tutoring program for our students during school hours and after school. It is important that students access these extra classes to assist them in the areas where they are experiencing difficulties. If you have any questions regarding your child's need to attend these tutorials, please feel free to contact your child's teacher or Head of Year.
You'll find the timetable for the tutorials offered in 2026, by visiting this page.
The following Homework Guidelines may also be helpful: A Guide to Homework and Study at Our Lady of Mercy College
School Documents
Following our recent Parent Information Nights, copies of the presentation slides are now available on SEQTA Engage. To access these, simply log in and navigate to the School Documents section, where you will also find other important College policies and key information for families.
We encourage all parents and caregivers to visit this section to review the presentations and stay informed about the year ahead.
Enrolment Information
Year 7, 2027 Enrolments: The Year 7, 2027 cohort is at capacity. If you have not yet submitted an application, please call Enrolments as soon as possible to discuss availability and waitlisting options.
Year 7, 2028 and 2029 Enrolments: Please submit your application now.
If you require any assistance or additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Enrolments Department on (08) 9720 3300 (option 1).
A Message from our Finance Department
Thank you to all families who have provided the College with their 2026 Payment Arrangement Forms.
Please note that our Financial Services Team will be proactive in 2026 to ensure payment of all school fees is in line with our School Fees Information Policy.
A gentle reminder that Friday 6 March 2026 is the due date for families who wish to receive a 5% discount on their fees if they pay the total balance in full.
It is also the same due date for the 1st of 3 Instalments for the BPAY, Direct Debit and Credit Card arrangements, for families who opted in for this option.
Statements will be emailed out shortly after the end of each month to the primary billing contact.
Furthermore, for eligible families that hold a Health Care and Pensioner Concession Card, please contact the College to apply for the available concession by Friday 2 April 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a payment arrangement, please contact Financial Services on (08) 9720 3300 or via email accounts@olmca.wa.edu.au.
More information regarding College Fees and Health Care Concession Forms can also be found on the website here.
Mercy Stories
Term 1 has been filled with big moments across the College. Our Year 12 students celebrated their Ball in style, our community came together for Shrove Tuesday and our Year 7 students embraced new challenges during their Activity Days as part of their transition into Middle School.
Please enjoy the highlights that have made the start of this year so special:
Community Notices
Gravity
Gravity hosts a monthly Gravity Groove Neon Disco on the last Friday of each month — an all-ages evening of music, movement, and active fun featuring a live local DJ, DJ Mill-Ay, designed especially for local families, kids, and teens.
Marist Hockey Club
HBL Junior Football Club
Australind Junior Soccer Club
Bunbury United Soccer Club
✈️ JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE CADETS – BUNBURY
Now recruiting for 2026
The Australian Air Force Cadets is a youth development program supported by the Australian Defence Force for young people aged 12–18.
Cadets experience:
Aviation and Air Force–inspired activities
Leadership and teamwork training
Confidence, discipline, and real-world skills
Strong friendships and a sense of belonging
Community service in a safe, structured environment
This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy challenge, structure, aviation, or hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
📌 Applicants must be turning 13 in the year they apply.
👉 Interested students and families can apply via the link below.Applicants will then receive details about our Recruiting Information Night, where they can learn more and decide if cadets are right for them.
🔗 https://www.airforcecadets.gov.au/how-to-join/wings/7-wing-aafc-wa/710-squadron-bunbury