Mercy SNAPSHOT Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 2
- Mercy Stories
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
Issue 2, April 2026
IMPORTANT DATES:
Thursday 2 April: Term 1 Concludes
Monday 20 April: Student Free Day
Tuesday 21 April: Term 2 Commences
Thursday 23 and Friday 24 April: Year 12 Kayak Camp Group 1
Monday 27 April: ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 28 April: Student Free Day & Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May: Year 12 Kayak Camp Group 2
Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May: Year 7 Retreat
Friday 22 May: College Cross Country
Friday 29 May: Catholic Day, student and staff free day
Monday 1 June: Western Australia Day Public Holiday
The 2026 College Calendar can be found on our website.
End-of-Term Message from Principal Vince Bellini
Dear Parents and Caregivers, As the term draws to a close, it is a timely reminder to step away from our busy schedules and reconnect with our families and take the time to rest and renew our relationships with each other. Click to continue reading
As Catholics, Easter is a deeply significant time in the life of the Church. It begins with Palm Sunday, marking the start of Holy Week, and leads us through the sacred celebrations of the Easter Triduum commencing with the Last Supper (Holy Thursday), the Passion and Death of Jesus (Good Friday), and His Resurrection (Easter Sunday). This holy period invites us into prayer and reflection, calling us to open our hearts more fully to God’s transforming love.
Easter reminds us that God’s love is stronger than death and His mercy is at the heart of the Resurrection. Pope Francis reminds us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”
This message lies at the heart of our Mercy charism to be people who receive God’s compassion and in turn show mercy through kindness, forgiveness, service and care for others, especially those most in need.
May the joy of the Risen Lord fill your hearts.
His light guides your steps, and
His mercy and love shine through everything you do.
Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful Easter.
Vince Bellini Principal
Student Services Information
Administration Opening Hours
Please find below the opening hours for the College Administration Office during the Term 1 school holidays and the commencement of Term 2.
Term 1 School Holidays
Friday 3 April – Friday 10 April: CLOSED
Monday 13 April – Friday 17 April: Open 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Term 2
Monday 28 April: CLOSED for Staff Professional Development
Tuesday 21 April: Normal office hours resume; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Please email all enquiries to olmca.admin@cewa.wa.edu.au and our staff will respond as soon as possible.
Our regular opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am–4:00 pm
More information, please email: admin@olmca.wa.edu.au
Tara Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Term 1 School Holidays Opening Hours:
Monday 20 April: Open 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
All other days during the holiday period: CLOSED
Online ordering for pickup after the holidays is available at https://www.tarauniforms.com.au/our-lady-of-mercy-college/
Regular Opening Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:00 am–11:00 am
Thursdays: 12:30 pm–4:00 pm
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.
Save the Date – Education Conferences
Our Year 7–12 Education Conferences will be held on Tuesday 28 April, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in the XR Gym. Families will have the option to attend either in person or via video conference.
Further details, including booking information and links to schedule conference times, will be shared with families via email.
School Photos
Please be advised that School Photo Orders will be distributed to students during PCG in Week 1 of Term 2.
2025 Yearbooks
As communicated via email, the 2025 Yearbooks were distributed in PCG during Week 8 to the eldest child in each family.
Tutorials and Homework Guidelines
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
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: We have commenced enrolment interviews for this cohort. If you haven't already done so, 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
All families will receive a copy of their School Fee Statement over the coming business days via email. Great news is that we are now able to send your statement to both parents and caregivers listed on the account.
The College will continue to maintain an active approach in the collection of School Fees throughout the year as we want to work in partnership with all families.
If you have any questions or need to discuss a payment arrangement, please contact our Finance Department on (08) 9720 3300 or via email accounts@olmca.wa.edu.au.
More information regarding College Fees can be found on the website here.
Mercy Stories
Term 1 has been full of big moments across the College. Our School of Rock cast has been hard at work in weekly rehearsals, Breakfast Club has kept everyone well fed, and it’s been a strong term in sport with great results in cricket, basketball and at our Athletics Carnival.
Please enjoy the highlights that have made the start of this year so special:
Community Notices
Wild West Youth Fest
South West Youth Week
Marist Hockey 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
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.