Nestled beneath the imposing Western Tiers, Our Lady of Mercy (OLOM) School celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. With a rich and varied history, the school has evolved from its humble beginnings in the front bar of a derelict pub into a thriving primary school that values community, inclusivity, and academic excellence.
Principal Mary Bennett, whose own journey began within the very walls she now oversees, reflects on OLOM’s storied past and promising future. “This school’s actually got 130 years of history. We turn 130 this year,” Bennett says with evident pride. Originally established by the Sisters of Mercy, who were invited to Deloraine by a local priest from Goulburn, New South Wales, the school has undergone significant transformations, adapting to the shifting needs of its community while maintaining its foundational values.
Once a secondary school with a boarding facility catering primarily to young women from the North West Coast, OLOM has been solely a primary school since the mid-1970s. Despite its Catholic roots, Bennett notes, “By far, a majority of our students, particularly today, are not Catholic. They might be Christian, or they may have no faith, or we have quite a few families who have other world religions as their key faith.” This diversity, she says, enriches the school community, fostering an environment where inclusivity and respect are paramount.
Today, OLOM serves around 100 students with a staff of approximately 25 adults, including teachers and support staff. The small size of the school, Bennett explains, is one of its greatest strengths. “The nice thing about being in a really small school is that all the students actually know each other. The students themselves know each other by name, which is great.” This intimate setting, combined with a dedicated team of educators, creates a nurturing environment where students receive personalised attention and support.
Kindergarten at OLOM is particularly noteworthy. While technically a three-day program, the school offers an optional five-day schedule to accommodate working families and meet the needs of eager young learners. “Most students came five days by the end [of the year]. Not all, but most. Which is really great. It fits in really well for working families, especially if they have a child who’s already used to daycare,” Bennett shares.
Bennett’s connection to OLOM is deeply personal. “Ironically, this was my school. So I started here when I was four and a half,” she recalls. After completing her secondary education in Launceston and earning her teaching degree in Melbourne, Bennett returned to Tasmania, eventually finding her way back to Deloraine. She has served as OLOM’s principal since the middle of 2015, a role she embraces with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose. “Thoroughly enjoying it and getting to know the community again,” she says of her nearly decade-long tenure.
“You look at this community, you have people that innovate on farms, people that have innovated in business, and I think our children sometimes need a hand to actually have their eyes open to that.”
Recruiting and retaining staff in rural areas like Deloraine can be challenging, but Bennett notes a shift in recent years. “I would have said eight years ago, if I’d said there were jobs here, it was really hard to get staff here. But the last few years, no, it’s nice. We’ve had choice. So it means we’ve got really good staff, which is fantastic.”
For parents, OLOM’s appeal lies in its small class sizes, strong community ties, and tailored educational programs. “We try and provide for those who are gifted and give them extension programs, as well as giving a lot of support to those children who struggle at school,” Bennett explains. This balanced approach ensures that every student finds their place and thrives, regardless of their background or abilities.
The school’s future is bright, with significant building projects on the horizon. “There will be a significant building project done hopefully starting sometime this year,” Bennett reveals. Plans include the construction of three new general learning spaces, upgraded student amenities, and improved outdoor areas. These developments are part of a larger strategic plan aimed at enhancing the school’s facilities to better serve its growing community.
Bennett’s passion for teaching is evident in her advice to aspiring educators. “Teaching, I think, is a vocation. It’s more than just a job. You’ve actually got to like students, love students, really want to get to know them,” she emphasises. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment is reflected in every aspect of OLOM’s culture.
As OLOM looks to the future, its commitment to community, inclusivity, and excellence remains steadfast. “This community here has so much to offer children. Parents and schools need to open the children’s eyes to the possibilities,” Bennett says. With a rich history behind it and exciting developments ahead, Our Lady of Mercy School continues to be a cornerstone of the Deloraine community, nurturing the next generation of students.
