Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta (OLMC) is an independent Catholic secondary day school for girls, located in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Founded in 1889 by the Sisters of Mercy, the college operates as a nonprofit educational institution rooted in the Mercy tradition and Catholic values.

History

The college was established following an invitation from Cardinal Patrick Francis Moran, Archbishop of Sydney, to the Sisters of Mercy in Callan, Ireland. A group of nine sisters, led by Mother Mary Clare Dunphy, arrived in Parramatta in 1888[1][3][5]. The school opened in January 1889 with seven students under the leadership of Mother M. Alacoque Kavanagh, its founding principal[1][2]. Over its 135-year history, the college has maintained a connection to its Mercy charism while expanding its educational offerings and facilities[3][5].

Governance

OLMC operates under the oversight of the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta, and is affiliated with several educational associations, including the Combined Catholic Colleges and the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia[1][3]. In 2021, canonical sponsorship transferred from the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta to Mercy Partners, marking a significant institutional transition[3].

Curriculum and Ethos

The college provides education for girls in Years 7–12, emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others[3][5]. Its motto, Sub tuum praesidium ("Under Your Protection"), reflects its dedication to Marian spirituality and Mercy values such as compassion, justice, and stewardship[1][5]. The curriculum integrates faith-based learning with co-curricular programs in sports, arts, and community service[1][3].

Notable Features

OLMC is one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic girls’ schools in Australia, with approximately 1,000 students enrolled as of recent estimates[1][3]. The college’s historic ties to the Sisters of Mercy and its commitment to empowering young women through education remain central to its mission[1][5].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Mercy_College,_Parramatta [2] https://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/about-college/history-olmc/ [3] https://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au [4] https://www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au/school_print.php?school=1912 [5] https://www.parramattamercy.org.au/ministry/sponsored-works/olmc