Last week there were three major events running simultaneously for our St Mary’s students – the Year 10 incursion days, Year 11 Camp and Year 12 Retreat. Feedback has indicated that the events have been very successful and engaging, due to our students’ willingness to engage with the activities and each other, together with our staff’s excellent pre-planning and support throughout the events. These experiences were meaningful for our students and set a positive tone and culture for the remainder of the year.
This week we were able to bring the whole College together for the Opening Mass and Laureate Presentation, which had been rescheduled due to extreme heat. Our 2025 College theme is inspired by the words of Catherine McAuley: We can never say, ‘it is enough’. This was announced by the College Captains in their welcome speech, saying “These words challenge us to continue striving, growing and giving – not just for ourselves, but for each other and for our world. They remind us that we are called to be people of action, not content with simply doing the bare minimum, but always seeking ways to serve, love and lead with mercy”. They then posed the question, “How do we live this theme in our daily lives?” and reflected that we can find the answer in our Mercy Values: Service, Justice, Hospitality, Respect, Courage and Compassion. (Read more about Opening Mass)
In the presence of the entire College community, the Laureate Presentation Ceremony honoured the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2024. Their achievements speak volumes, in the unwavering commitment to academic excellence and in service to our community, exemplifying the core Mercy Values in action.
Our special guest speaker was Ms Leila Gurruwiwi, a past student, who went on to be one of the hosts of the Marngrook Footy Show for ten years and to work in Indigenous education. Her message was an inspirational one of hope and self-belief. She spoke about her overwhelming shyness at school, saying “I could never have imagined returning to speak in front of the whole school!”.
To our current students, let these achievements inspire you. They represent not just individual success, but the potential that lies within each of you.
Kind regards, Brian Turner
