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(02) 9683 3300
Office: 8am–4pm (Mon–Fri)
We firmly believe that a positive approach to learning, a nurturing environment and quality relationships improve student performance.
Student Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is therefore a major focus at the College and is an integrated process of education and skill-building that is:
- based on relationships and affirmation
- supportive and celebratory
- preventative and esteem building
Barbara McDonough Student Centre and Student Wellbeing Facilities
The College has a dedicated student centre featuring facilities and staff focused on delivering student wellbeing services to students.
The Barbara McDonough Student Centre features student reception, sick bay and purpose-built counselling offices. The office of the Director of Student Wellbeing is also based at the Student Centre. The House Leaders also have offices in this centre.
Other student wellbeing facilities include the historic Mother Mary Clare Dunphy Chapel and the Year 12 Common Room.
Counselling
OLMC has on staff two counsellors on site every day with extensive experience supporting adolescents in schools who provide confidential counselling support to students. Our counsellors are trained psychologists registered with the National Psychology Board of Australia and are integral members of the OLMC Student Wellbeing team.
Student Wellbeing Program
The formal Program provides opportunities for students to foster confidence and competence in directing their personal, social and spiritual development while growing to accept themselves as worthwhile people who have the ability to shape their own lives.
Students are encouraged through the program to:
- demonstrate responsibility and reliability
- set personal goals
- develop decision making techniques by engaging in range of activities
- communicate effectively, both formally and informally
- effectively understand and manage feelings and emotions
The wide variety of session activities include:
- Guest speakers and presentations
- Videos/DVDs
- Workshops
- Camps (there are annual camps in Years 7-10)
- Social/peer relationship fostering events
- Skill building classes such as dancing
- Social justice activities
- Community activities
Transitioning to Secondary School
OLMC is committed to assisting new Year 7 students in making the exciting but sometimes daunting transition to secondary school by putting in place a number of initiatives including:
- Orientation Day – incoming Year 7 girls have the chance to meet other girls in their Homeroom Group and their House Mentor, organise administrative things, learn about the College and get an idea of what to expect in Year 7.
- Transition Program - designed to help students transition to their new high school environment and to develop skills which will help them to flourish throughout their time at OLMC. These skills vary from digital literacy and independent learning to team building and communication, mindfulness, resilience and more.
- Homeroom System – girls have the same Homeroom Group, House Mentor and House Leader for the six years they are at OLMC which helps them make a smooth transition and build lasting support groups. Each Homeroom includes girls from Years 7 through to Year 12.
- Year 7 Camp - a chance for the girls to have fun with new friends and challenge themselves with new activities.
- Student Wellbeing Program – formal and informal sessions and events aimed at building skills and relationships.
- Counselling – all students have access to College Counsellors.
Student Management
The College is committed to providing a safe and caring environment which fosters respect for others. OLMC’s whole school approach to student management:
- is based on gospel values of mercy and justice and the Gospel teaching of “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me”
- focuses on the overall well-being and growth of each individual as well as the welfare of the entire College community
- emphasises respect for self, respect for others and respect for the proper use of authority
- works in partnership with students and parents
- invites students to learn and grow from their mistakes
- promotes listening and forgiveness
- is underpinned by a commitment to the just and equitable treatment of students and the maintenance of their dignity
- aims to develop in students a genuine sense of social responsibility for themselves and the wider community
- is focused on developing student self-discipline and an understanding of consequences of actions
- affirms and rewards positive behaviours and intentions and applies sanctions for unacceptable behaviour.
Merit System
The Merit System is part of the College’s student management strategy and aims to recognise and acknowledge students for any outstanding academic effort and achievement, positive attitude towards uniform, cocurricular commitment, good behaviour and general positive contribution to College life . Students receive Merit Codes for their efforts and not their natural abilities.
Merit Codes are accumulated over a student’s entire time at the College and lead to Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates. Students who receive 7 Gold Merit Certificates during their time at OLMC are awarded the prestigious Mercy Bracelet (normally presented at Year 12 Graduation).