From the Deputy Principal – Coolock

Dear Parents, Carers and Students of the Coolock Campus,

I am writing to thank you for your support throughout Term 3.

In a term where we have continued to face the challenges of COVID restrictions and lockdowns, our staff and students have worked together to maintain a connection and support learning.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on their efforts to maintain connections with their teachers and peers, as well as taking on the challenges associated with learning primarily via the virtual space. I’m sure you join me in congratulating our staff for their work throughout the term to support the students.

We are looking forward to celebrating Mercy Day this Friday. Although it isn’t the traditional Mercy Day Celebration and Festival, we will be taking time during Period 1 classes to share a recorded Mercy Day Celebration. Students are asked to join their usual Period 1 Google Meets for this end-of-term gathering.

Our Mercy story began with Catherine McAuley and two companions; today, it’s continued by hundreds of thousands of people in hospitals, schools and community programs across the globe. The upcoming official Mercy Day on 24 September marks 194 years since Sisters of Mercy Founder Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. Its doors have remained open since 1827 to serve the poor, sick and uneducated. Nearly two centuries later, we continue Catherine’s legacy of caring and compassion, not only within our Mercy College, which was founded in 1876, but also within our communities where the need remains great.

As part of Friday’s celebration, we look forward to announcing the students and staff who will be recognised with a Spirit of Catherine Award for their achievements this term. These recipients are a great reminder of the lived example of Mercy at work in our community.

As we move into Term 4, we will remain informed by the Victorian Government directions in relation to accessing on-site learning and we will communicate this information as it comes to hand.

Please remember that students returning on-site in Term 4 will be required to attend in full summer uniform.

We have several staff changes that will occur at the start of Term 4. While we try to avoid this, where possible, as with any workplace, movement occurs. Rest assured that all classes will be covered with suitably skilled staff. Students and families impacted have been informed of these changes.

Mrs Ember Chittenden has accepted a position as Head of Programs at the Bendigo Tech School, and she will conclude working at Catherine McAuley College at the end of this week. Mrs Chittenden’s current role as an Interdisciplinary Learning Leader will be taken on by Mr Kerrin Smith. Mr Smith has been the Year 9 Year Level Learning Leader, along with Mrs Sharna Frawley, this year. In Term 4, Mrs Frawley will be supported in her role by Mr Len Watson, who will work closely with the Year 9 students and staff, whilst continuing as Director of Pastoral Care. As always, families are encouraged to contact their child’s Student Advocate as the first point of contact for support.

We wish the following staff well as they take leave:

• Mrs Ember Chittenden – Bendigo Tech School
• Mr Simon Darlow – Long Service Leave in Term 4.
• Mrs Sophie Reddin – Maternity Leave.

We welcome:

• Mrs Ashleigh Yeates, who is returning from Maternity Leave.
• Mr Sam Harreman. Formerly from Far North Queensland, Mr Harreman has worked at St Mary’s Campus during Term 3.
• Ms Claire Moulds continues to work with us in Term 4. Claire will team teach with Mrs Clare Welch.
• Mrs Jackie Crawford continues as a valuable replacement staff member at the College and will be covering Miss Sophie Reddin’s classes in Term 4.
• Mr Xavier Dunham joins our Maths Team and will teach Year 7 classes.

Please stay safe and enjoy a restful break.

Kind regards

Mr Tim Edwards
Deputy Principal – Coolock