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Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer welcomes first ever Year 12 Cohort

A new era has begun at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer as the school proudly celebrates its first-ever Year 12 cohort in 2025.

Led by Principal Christine Harding, the school is embracing this new chapter with a strong focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and community spirit.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for our College,” said Mrs Harding. “For the first time, we have Year 12 students preparing for the HSC, alongside our inaugural Year 11 group. Having been here as Assistant Principal when we were a Year 7 to 10 school, it’s truly special to now welcome senior students, especially in our 90th anniversary year.”

The growth to a full Year 7 to 12 model has been accompanied by significant developments in the school’s structure. As part of the Sydney Catholic Schools Sutherland Shire Precinct, Our Lady of Mercy Burraneer offers a broad range of subjects for senior students.

“We’ve been very deliberate about continuing to hire experienced teachers, many of whom are HSC markers and specialists, so that our students are getting the absolute best support possible,” Mrs Harding explained.

A cornerstone of the school’s commitment to supporting its senior students is the stunning new Coolangatta House, transformed into a dedicated Stage 6 wellbeing hub. 

This space is designed to provide a calm and supportive environment where senior students can study, collaborate, and recharge. It features quiet study areas, access to teachers, and resources to assist with both academic and personal development.

“The wellbeing hub is unique to our school. It’s a place where students can relax during recess and lunch, attend study sessions, and get the support they need,” said Mrs Harding. “Wellbeing and learning go hand …

Schools in Sutherland Shire primed for HSC success

Two Sydney Catholic Schools in the Sutherland Shire are increasing the number of teachers with specialised knowledge and expertise to ensure students are well equipped for HSC success. 

As Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer (Girls) and De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah (Boys) expand to include Year 11 in 2024, exciting new opportunities and career pathways are being introduced.

Joining the school in 2024 will be HSC markers and supervisors, exam authors and contributors, and experienced HSC teachers. 

These new teachers bring with them a wealth of HSC knowledge and proven track records of fostering student success in the senior years.

Providing this high level of bespoke support, teachers will act as mentors and drive an academic focus supported by extensive levels of coaching and mentoring.

An HSC Enrichment Program will further drive personalised attention. The program encompasses three integrated modes of student support including individual academic mentoring, wellbeing catch ups and dedicated social opportunities.

This places both colleges in an outstanding position to provide the best support to HSC students, making the final two years of secondary school personally rewarding and an enriching experience. 

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of System Performance, Kevin Carragher, is confident that students will be provided the support they need to maximise their potential during the pivotal HSC years.

“We are providing students with the opportunity to excel academically and cultivate essential life skills as they journey into adulthood.

“Students will feel empowered to achieve their individual goals regardless of their academic ambitions and be assisted every step of the way as they work towards making their dreams a reality,” Mr Kevin Carragher said.

Leonie Pearce, Principal at Our …

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