Mercy SNAPSHOT Newsletter - Term 4 Issue 8
- Mercy Stories
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Issue 8, December 2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
Monday, 2 February 2026 – Term 1 commences for Year 7, Year 12 and new students
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 – All students commence
Save the Date – 2026 Parent Evenings
Monday, 2 February – Year 12 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
Wednesday, 4 February – Year 8 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
Monday, 9 February – Year 10 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
Wednesday, 11 February – Year 11 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
Monday, 16 February – Year 9 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
Monday, 23 February – Year 7 Parent Evening, 6.00pm
The 2026 College Calendar will be available on our website by the end of Week 10.
Important Message from Principal Vince Bellini
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we come to the close of another school year, let us pause to reflect with gratitude on the many blessings we have shared as a community. In the classrooms, on the sporting fields, in the arts, and through the spirit of service that lies at the heart of our Mercy charism.
Christmas reminds us that God’s greatest gift to the world was His Son, Jesus Christ – born in humility and bringing hope, peace and love. This holy season calls us to follow Christ’s example by serving one another with generosity and compassion. Whether through encouragement, by offering a helping hand, or a quiet prayer offered for someone in need. Each act of service reflects the light of Christ, shining at the centre of our lives.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
On behalf of the College, I wish everyone a Blessed and Holy Christmas. May the peace of Christ live in your hearts and homes, and may the New Year bring hope and grace to all.
God Bless,
Vince Bellini
Student Services Information
Please find below some key information and important dates to assist with planning for the 2026 school year.
Administration Holiday Opening Hours
Monday, 19 to Wednesday, 28 January: 8.00am–4.00pm Monday, 26 January: Closed for Public Holiday Thursday, 29 & Friday, 30 January: Reduced opening hours due to staff professional development.
More information, please email: admin@olmca.wa.edu.au
Tara Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Hours
The 2025 College Calendar can be accessed via the College Website using this link: College Calendar – Please note that this is subject to change.
Absentee Notification
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.
2026 Booklists
Please note that 2026 booklist orders are due by Monday, 15 December. Booklist and subject information have been emailed to families. Further details can be found at: www.olmca.wa.edu.au/booklists
Please be aware that there are some changes due to curriculum updates introduced by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) for Science and Humanities.
Because of these changes, several textbooks used in previous years will no longer be suitable. Updated resources will be included for the following subjects:
Science (Years 7–9): Students will use STILE, an interactive online learning platform.
Science (Year 10): Students will continue with the current digital textbook, supported by additional resources.
Humanities (Years 7–10): Students will require the Oxford Humanities and Social Sciences 7–10, 2nd Edition textbook.
For families interested in buying or selling second-hand uniforms and books, a community Facebook page is available. Please note this page is independently managed and not affiliated with the 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: Please submit your application now.
Year 7, 2026 Enrolments: Please note that this year group is currently at capacity. For further information, please contact our Enrolments Department on (08) 9720 3300.
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 and to all those families who have finalised their 2025 school fees.
A reminder that all fees were due on 31 October 2025. For any outstanding school fees, please settle these immediately, alternatively, please contact the College, if you have not done so already.
2026 School Fees
Annual fee invoices will be emailed to families before student commencement of the 2026 school year. If you would like to set up a payment arrangement prior, please contact our Finance Team.
If you have any questions or need to discuss a payment arrangement, please contact our Finance department on (08) 9720 3300 or via email at accounts@olmca.wa.edu.au. More information regarding College Fees can be found on the website here.
Mercy Stories
Term 4 has been full of big moments. Students enjoyed Surf Camp and Leadership Camp; the Year 12 students had their Graduation Ceremony; and there was a lot of talent on show at Iluka Visions, including Dance, Drama, and Music performances.
Please enjoy the highlights that made this term memorable:
Community Notices
Calling new Youth Ministry Leaders
The Diocesan Youth Ministry Office (DYMO) is looking for new Youth Ministry Leaders to volunteer and join our team. DYMO Youth Ministry Leaders are role models and witnesses of our faith to young people and help guide other young people through activities, events and faith experiences.
Leaders' training day is scheduled for the 21 December 2025, 9.00am – 4.00pm at the Bunbury Chancery. RSVPS essential. If you are interested or would like to know more contact us at dioyouth@bunburycatholic.org.au or 9721 0508.
Diocesan Summer Camp 2026
Connected in Christ – Diocesan Summer Camp 20268–11 January 2026 | Catholic Youth Camp Busselton | Ages 13–18
Join us for the 14th annual Diocesan Summer Camp, a four-day experience designed to strengthen faith, build friendships and create lasting memories. Held in the beautiful setting of Busselton, the camp offers outdoor activities, faith-focused talks, prayer and reflection and opportunities for young people to explore their spirituality in a supportive environment.
Places are limited. Register now: catholicdioceseofbunbury.brushfire.com/events/620238
For updates: @bunburydioceseyouth or facebook.com/BunburyDYMO