Mercy SNAPSHOT Newsletter - Term 3 Issue 2
September 2026
IMPORTANT DATES:
Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 4 October: Canberra/Sydney Tour
Monday 5 October – Tuesday 13 October: Year 12 Trial Exams
Monday 12 October: Term 4 Commences
Wednesday 14 October – Friday 16 October: Year 11 Surf Camp
Thursday 22 October: Year 12 Graduation
Friday 23 October: Student Free Day
Wednesday 28 October – Thursday 19 November: WACE Exams
Friday 30 October: Year 9 Grandparents Afternoon Tea
Monday 9 November – Friday 13 November: Year 10 Exams
Thursday 12 November: Year 11 Final Mass and Year 11 Final Day
Friday 13 November – Friday 20 November: Year 11 Exams
Wednesday 25 November: Annual Community Meeting
Tuesday 1 December: Presentation Evening
Friday 11 December: End of Year Assembly and Mass, Final Day for 2026
Wednesday 16 December: College Office closes for 2026, re-opening Monday 18 January 2027
The 2026 College Calendar can be found on our website.
Message from Principal Vince Bellini
Dear Parents and Caregivers, As I write this end-of-term reflection, our Year 12 students have just completed their final day of classes. It is one of those moments that reminds us just how quickly a school year passes and how much can be achieved along the way. Click here to continue reading.
This term has certainly been one of great achievement across our College. We have celebrated success academically, on the sporting field, through our faith and spiritual life, and particularly through the performing arts.
One of the great highlights was our very first College production, School of Rock. It was wonderful to see our students take to the stage and share their gifts with our community. For many, this was their first experience performing in any type of production. Stepping onto a stage for the first time takes courage. It requires a willingness to take a risk, trust those around you and allow others to see a side of you they may not have seen before. Our students certainly rose to the occasion.
What made the production so special was not simply the final performance. It was seeing students find confidence, discover new talents, form friendships and support one another. It was also seeing the many students and staff working behind the scenes, each contributing their own gifts to something much bigger than themselves.
In many ways, this is what our Mercy values call us to do: to show the courage to step forward, the respect to recognise the gifts of others, the hospitality to create a place where everyone belongs, and the service to use our talents for the benefit of others.
This spirit continued through the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, where our musicians, singers and dancers represented Our Lady of Mercy College with distinction.
Our College Choir received Excellence in Choral Singing, while our Dance Troupe received Merit in Creative Dance.
Our individual performers were also recognised, with the following students received the following awards:
Vocal Soloist
Outstanding: Alexie
Excellence: Iona, Adrian, Bella and Matilda
Merit: Francheska
Vocal Duets
Excellence: Bella and Matilda, Francheska and Adrian
These awards are wonderful achievements and deserve to be celebrated. However, what I am most proud of goes beyond the certificates and recognition. It is the student who found the courage to audition, who stepped onto a stage for the first time, who encouraged a friend when they were nervous, the dancer who kept working to perfect a routine and the staff member who gave countless hours so that our students could have these opportunities.
Our students continue to strive to be their best, but perhaps more importantly, they continue to discover who they are and the gifts they have to offer others. Not every student will receive an award, sing a solo or take centre stage, but every student has something valuable to contribute to our community.
I am incredibly proud of what our students have achieved. School of Rock and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival have reminded us that sometimes we simply need the courage to step onto the stage, trust in our gifts and see where they might take us.
For our Year 12 students, that message seems particularly fitting as they prepare to step beyond the familiar surroundings of Our Lady of Mercy College and into whatever comes next. I hope they do so with confidence in themselves, gratitude for those who have walked alongside them, and the courage to share their gifts with the world around them.
Because when our young people are given the opportunity to discover what they are capable of, they often surprise us and sometimes, even themselves.
Vince Bellini Principal
Student Services Information
Administration Holiday Opening Hours
The College office will be closed week one of the holidays. The office will be open in the second week from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Phone: (08) 9720 3300
Email: olmca.admin@cewa.wa.edu.au.
Tara Uniform Shop Opening Hours
The Tara Uniform Shop will not be open in the school holidays. They will be open an extra day at the start of Term 4: Monday 12 October 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Normal Opening Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:00 am–11:00 am
Thursdays: 12:30 pm–4:00 pm
For your convenience, online ordering is available through the Tara Uniforms website: www.tarauniforms.com.au.
Uniform Shop Phone: 0432 578 311
Email: customer.service@tarauniforms.com.au
Location: Mercy Centre at 101 Leisure Drive, Australind
Save Your Seat 2027
Schoolbuses have begun accepting applications for the 2027 school year. We encourage families to submit applications before 13 November 2026 to "save your seat" and support planning and allocation of services for the 2027 school year. Applications received after this date may not be processed in time for the commencement of Term 1, 2027.
*Note that families do not need to reapply if they are currently receiving transport assistance by way of bus or conveyance allowance, and there are no changes to their current circumstances. However, families will need to reapply for students transitioning from Kindy to Primary School and from Primary to High School, as this is considered a change of circumstances.
WA Student Assistance Payment Closes Friday 27 September
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 Enrolments: The Year 7, 2028 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, 2029, 2030 & 2031 Enrolments: 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
Thank you to all families for their continued support.
For families who have chosen to pay their fees in three instalments, please note that the FINAL instalment is due Wednesday 30 September 2026.
A reminder that all fees must be paid in full by Friday 30 October 2026.
For all other payment arrangements, a reminder that accounts must be finalised by Friday 30 October.
The College has been actively following up outstanding fees, with some accounts progressing to an external debt collection agency for further recovery action.
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
Please brows through our Mercy Stories to discover highlights from across the College, including The School of Rock Musical Production, an introduction to our 2027 Student Leaders, Book Week photos and much more.
Please enjoy this terms highlights: Mercy Stories
Community Notices
Binningup Surf Life Saving Club Open Day
Girls Got Cricket
The eight-week program will run on Wednesdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm from 21 October to 9 December. The program includes equipment, coaching and a trip to Perth to watch the WBBL.
Girls interested in taking part can register through PlayHQ: REGISTER HERE
Brunswick Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service
Floral Ministry Team
Christ the Living Vine Parish is looking for a creative person to join the Floral Ministry team.
You don’t need to be an expert. The team is happy to welcome new members and provide plenty of support and guidance along the way.
Your turn comes approximately every three months, working across two consecutive weeks. And there are no florals to worry about during Lent or Advent.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Pia Doyle on 0427 084 103.
It’s a lovely way to meet others, share your creativity and be part of our parish community.