Mercy SNAPSHOT Newsletter - Term 4 Issue 1 November 2026
Updated: 2 hours ago
IMPORTANT DATES: Term 4
Monday 9 – Friday 13 November: Year 11 ATAR Assessment and Excursion-Free Week
Monday 9 November: Year 10 Examinations commence
Wednesday 11 November: Remembrance Day
Thursday 12 November: Year 11 Final Day
Friday 13 November: Year 10 Examinations conclude and Year 11 Examinations commence
Friday 20 November: Year 11 Examinations conclude
Friday 27 November: Year 7 2027 Orientation Day
Tuesday 1 December: Annual Presentation Evening
Friday 11 December: Final Day for Students
The 2026 College Calendar can be found on our website.
Message from Principal Vince Bellini
As I stood before our Year 12 students at their recent Graduation, I found myself reflecting on just how much they had grown since I first met them as Year 9 students in 2023. Over those years, I have come to know many of them through conversations, shared experiences and the everyday moments of school life. I have watched them grow in confidence, strengthen friendships and embrace their responsibilities as leaders of our College.
Like any group of young people, they have experienced successes, disappointments and challenges along the way. Yet what has impressed me most has been the genuine care they have shown for one another, often without realising the difference their actions have made.
These are the moments that stay with me and remind me what a Mercy education is truly about.
As educators, we rightly celebrate academic results, sporting success, performances and the many opportunities our students embrace throughout their time at school. These achievements are important and deserve recognition. However, I believe a Mercy education is measured not only by what our students achieve, but by the people they become and the impact they have on others.
It is often the small moments that reveal character most clearly: checking on a friend who is struggling, including someone who feels left out, showing respect in difficult situations or having the courage to stand up for what is right. These actions rarely receive awards or public recognition, yet they tell us a great deal about the young people we are helping to shape.
For me, this is what the Mercy Way is all about.
Our College values of Respect, Courage, Hospitality, Service, Compassion and Justice are not simply words displayed on a wall or spoken about in the classroom. They are reflected in the choices we make and the way we treat one another each day.
As our Year 12 students leave Our Lady of Mercy College, they carry with them friendships, experiences and lessons that will help shape their future. Some are certain of their next steps, while others are still working out where life might take them, and that is perfectly okay.
My hope is that wherever life takes them, they continue to show kindness, treat others with dignity and use their gifts to make a positive difference.
Long after they leave us, I hope our students will be remembered not simply for their achievements, but for their character, the way they treat others and the contribution they make to their communities.
Because ultimately, the greatest legacy of a Mercy education is not what our students take away from the College, but what they carry into the world.
Vince Bellini
Principal
IMPORTANT DATES: 2027 College Calendar
On Friday 23 October, Principal Vince Bellini communicated several important dates and arrangements for the 2027 school year to assist families with their planning.
A key change for 2027 is the introduction of an extended three-week mid-year break for all students and staff, replacing the traditional two-week break. This change was communicated to families earlier in the year and is highlighted again to ensure everyone has plenty of time to plan holidays and other commitments.
Other important arrangements include a staggered commencement for students at the beginning of the year and an extended Easter break.
Please take note of the following key dates for 2027.
TERM 1
Friday 29 January – Year 7, 11 and 12 students commence
Monday 1 February – All remaining students commence
Friday 26 March to Tuesday 30 March – Easter Break
Friday 9 April – Term 1 concludes
Please note that the Easter break is separate from the scheduled Term 1 school holidays.
TERM 2
Tuesday 27 April – Education Conferences
Wednesday 28 April – Students commence
Friday 21 May – Pupil Free Day
Friday 25 June – Term 2 concludes
MID-YEAR BREAK
Monday 28 June to Friday 16 July – Three-week Mid-Year Break
TERM 3
Monday 19 July – Students commence
Monday 30 August – Pupil Free Day
Thursday 23 September – Term 3 concludes
TERM 4
Monday 11 October – Students commence
Friday 22 October – Pupil Free Day
Friday 10 December – Term 4 concludes
We encourage all families to familiarise themselves with these dates, particularly the extended mid-year break, when making plans for 2027.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Student Services Information
Administration Opening Hours
Tara Uniform Shop Opening Hours
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.
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.
A friendly reminder that all College fees are required to be paid in full by Friday 30 October 2026.
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 Year 9 Grandparents Afternoon Tea, Matildas experience in the Air Force, a visit from Australian netball star Jess Anstiss and much more.
Please enjoy this term's highlights: Mercy Stories
Community Notices
Fruit of the Vine Newsletter
Please find here the link to the October 2026 Fruit of the Vine Newsletter
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
Sausage Sizzle Australind Swimming Club
