Our Extensive Co–Curricular Programs
The co-curricular program is an important part of life at OLMC. It provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in areas of personal interest. The importance and value of student participation in the co-curricular program is reflected in the acknowledgement of participation and success in the Colours program, where students achieve points for their House and individual recognition through bronze, silver or gold bands for their blazer. This program aims to recognise individual student achievement across a wide variety of activities.
House System
Each student is allocated to a House when they enrol at the College. Our Houses are Carmel, Loreto, McAuley and Mercy. Numerous activities and competitions (swimming and athletics carnivals, arts festivals, debating etc.) are held during the school year to foster and encourage teamwork and develop a sense of camaraderie.
Drama, Dance and Performance
Drama and Dance are both offered through to VCE level and as a result there are opportunities for students to perform in small concerts, at assemblies and through lunchtime clubs.
In 2006, OLMC and Marcellin College Bulleen combined resources to establish the M2 Theatre Company. Each year a senior and junior musical production are staged. The productions are a highlight of the school calendar and have included Beauty and the Beast, Man of La Mancha, Westside Story, The Wiz, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, Urinetown the Musical, The Witches, Anything Goes and Babe.
Music
The music program at OLMC is extensive and continues to expand. Instrumental tuition is available for Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Trombone, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Cello, Percussion, Piano Keyboard, Guitar (electric, acoustic, bass). Voice tuition is also available. Students can have group or individual lessons. Private music and singing lessons attract additional charges and are billed separately.
Students come together to play in two school orchestras, five ensembles and three choirs. There are regular opportunities for these groups to perform, including the annual Performing Arts Celebration Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There is also an annual music camp for interested students.
Debating and Public Speaking
Students from Years 7-10 have the opportunity to compete in the Debating Association of Victoria (DAV) and House debating competitions. Senior students also participate in the Northcote Lions Club Plain English Speaking, Legacy Public Speaking Competitions and the Frayne Speech Festival. Festival.
Lunchtime Activities
The activities offered are extensive and varied. Included are drama and dance clubs. The school has an enthusiastic Yearbook committee who coordinate the production of ‘Duce Maria’, the College annual. The Library also sponsors book clubs, including one for senior students and staff.
Great Victoria Bike Ride
Each year about 20 students and 3 staff participate in the Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR). It is an eight-day ride in November/December. Students and staff train for six months to participate. It is a fantastic experience and a great sense of camaraderie and achievement for those involved.
World Challenge
World Challenge is a specialist company that plans and coordinates expeditions on behalf of schools. Most are for 3–4 weeks in duration and typically feature a range of cultural immersions experiences in a developing country, including trekking in challenging terrains and a community volunteering or conservation project. At OLMC, senior students are offered a World Challenge opportunity every 2 years. The most recent expedition (2012) involved 23 students and 4 staff trekking through the remote Ratanakiri National Park, on the Thai-Cambodian border, followed by volunteer work at the New Hope for Cambodian Children Project.
