History:
In 1910, five Sisters of Mercy from the Convent of Mercy in Fitzroy came to Heidelberg, at the invitation of the local priest, to conduct the primary school and the proposed Catholic high school. On 2 February 1910, the sisters held the first secondary classes for six students in a room at Roma, a private residence that was the first convent. The first school building was completed in 1911 and was called the ‘Superior School’. It operated with an enrolment of 14 students, including boys. Further building followed, with the convent building completed later in the year.
In 1927, the school’s name was changed to Our Lady’s College and much later, in 1962, to Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC). The school grew slowly at first, but in common with many secondary schools began to expand after World War II. Further expansion occurred in the 1970s when the College took on its present form.
OLMC is governed by Mercy Education Limited (Mercy Education), which oversees the operation of 11 Mercy-sponsored schools in Australia. In addition to their governance roles through Mercy Education, the Sisters of Mercy continue to maintain a presence at OLMC, particularly at College events and celebrations. Sisters who have taught at the College, served as Principals and/or who are past pupils are faithful in their ongoing interest in and commitment to OLMC.
Description:
The College caters in the main for students from the Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Bulleen, Rosanna, Macleod, Greensborough and Doncaster areas. It is the school of first choice for 1120 students and their families and the employer of choice for 150 staff.
The community of Heidelberg is an important part of the heritage of the school and of its future. In the local community and surrounding areas, OLMC enjoys high levels of community confidence.
The core values of the College are justice, compassion, courage and joy. These values are inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, in particular by the spirit of mercy which Jesus lived and taught and upon which the Sisters of Mercy were founded.
Our learning environments feature technology-rich learning spaces and purpose-built facilities for sport, the performing arts and science. Our curriculum balances academic and vocational pursuits and provides learning support for students with distinct learning needs.
We are proud of our learning culture and hold fast to our maxim of being ‘a community with a passion for learning’. The learning environment is challenging and productive, with students supported to develop deep levels of thinking and application. We are continuously ‘raising the bar’ in providing learning experiences that will achieve higher levels of student motivation and engagement and we are steadfast in strengthening a culture of high expectations where the girls are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.
Features:
LANGUAGES: Studies in three languages are offered – Japanese, French and Italian – along with opportunities for overseas tours for students in Years 10 and 11. VCE numbers for language studies are strong, reflecting their popularity and the value of language learning to future career choices.
SCIENCE: The College derives maximum benefit from its recently constructed state-of-the-art science labs (six in all). Our Budding Biochemist@OLMC program brings cutting edge DNA technology and real-world science experiences into our classrooms. Another emphasis is on medical research, particularly in the fields of biology and chemistry.
SPORT: OLMC’s affiliation with Girls Sport Victoria provides students with opportunities to compete in up to 30 sports throughout the year. Another affiliation is with the Secondary Catholic Schools Association, which enables specialist sporting experiences and competition.
MUSIC: Tuition is available for over 14 instruments. Voice tuition and private singing lessons are also offered. Students can perform in two school orchestras, five ensembles, three choirs and at the annual Performing Arts Celebration Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
DRAMA AND DANCE: Studies in both are offered through to VCE level and there are multiple opportunities for students to perform in small concerts, at assemblies and through lunchtime clubs. OLMC and Marcellin College in Bulleen combine resources to stage a senior and junior musical each year.