Presentation Evening 2023

Our annual Presentation Evening on Wednesday 6 December was held for the first time in the newly-opened Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct. Students from Years 7 to 11, their families and College staff gathered to celebrate academic achievements across all subjects, as well as contributions to College life and outstanding sporting achievements.

2024 College Captains, Jack McMahon and Ella Hargreaves read the Acknowledgement and Prayer at the beginning of proceedings.

Students who have achieved academic excellence were acknowledged across all subjects and year levels. There were also scholarships and special prizes in a range of categories that recognised high achievements or dedication by students.

Term 4 Spirit of Catherine Awards were presented to students at each year level from Year 7 to Year 11. The Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise members of our community who epitomise the Mercy values and demonstrate Living Mercy in their words and actions.

The Seeds of Justice Award, which is given in memory of Sarah Slattery to a Year 9 or 10 student who has shown the greatest commitment to social justice, was awarded to Chloe Vincent. Shaye is a student who is committed to her studies and demonstrates the Mercy Values both inside and outside the classroom.

The Mercy Scholarship, which aims to foster leadership in the Mercy tradition, is awarded to a student who exercises genuine concern for others less fortunate, promotes school spirit and takes an active part in fundraising. This year’s recipient was Charlene Chau. Charlene is diligent, caring, empathetic and well regarded by all who have encountered her throughout her years at the College. This year, Charlene took significant steps towards supporting inclusion and building community spirit within the year level. This was exemplified through her enthusiasm at the Year 11 Camp, where she encouraged many of her peers to participate in areas outside their comfort zones. Students and teachers alike noted how Charlene made a significant positive impact on all who were there.

The 2023 Outstanding Achievement Awards recognised students who have been successful in co-curricular activities at State or National level during the year.

St Vincent’s College Past Students Association confers awards to Year 9 students who have demonstrated potential and are encouraged further in the areas of Agriculture and Technology. The Technology Award went to Xavier Kirke and the Agriculture Award to Brock Seiler.

Some awards are given in recognition of former teachers and students including in language, social justice and the arts. The 2023 Val Pinder Memorial Award for French was presented to Jorja Brauer.

The Jane Taylor Memorial Scholarship supports language students to travel and immerse themselves in the culture of their study. We were honoured to welcome Ms Loretta Prowse to present the Jane Taylor Memorial Scholarship to the 2023 winner, Tobias Sexton.

The Year 9 Art Award, Cavalier Scholarship, was awarded to Lucia Fitzpatrick while the Friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery Bursary was presented to Ezekiel Bourke.

Several awards and scholarships are also provided by La Trobe University, Melbourne University and the Australian Defence Force to high-achieving students. We thank Ms Ellyse McNish from La Trobe Bendigo, who attended the evening and presented the La Trobe School of Business Excellence Awards and the La Trobe Infinity Awards.

Congratulations to all the students who have achieved success in their academic studies and personal pursuits, as well as those who have represented Catherine McAuley College at high levels throughout 2023.