Spirit of Catherine Awards 2024

As a Mercy community, we strive to live by the values and teachings of Catherine McAuley. The prestigious Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise members of our community who epitomise the Mercy values and demonstrate Living Mercy in their words and actions.

TERM 3, 2024

Congratulations to the following award winners for Term 3, 2024. They were announced following the Mercy Day Liturgy on the final day of Term 3. The winners for Terms 1 and 2 (scroll down) were also acknowledged in the presence of the whole College community of students, staff, parents, carers and Sisters of Mercy.

• Year 7: Zara Beswick-Davison & Jobe Hutchinson
• Year 8: Ned Oldham & Kelsey Ketterer-Smith
• Year 9: Lani O’Brien & Madeline de Haan
• Year 10: Rebecca Hercus & Ryan Healy
• Year 11: Sophie Hughes & Bella Goggin
• Year 12: Jack McMahon & Mery Ku

Year 7

Zara Beswick-Davison: Zara exemplifies the values of Catherine McAuley by demonstrating outstanding leadership and service within the school community. She consistently stands up for her peers by embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone feels heard, included, and supported. Her bravery in applying for the school production showcases her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and take on new challenges, inspiring others to do the same. Zara’s positive impact on the school community reflects her deep sense of responsibility and dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Jobe Hutchinson: Jobe is a shining example of hard work and commitment, consistently dedicating himself to his academic pursuits with determination and focus. His willingness to be a volunteer at school events showcases his generous spirit and desire to make a positive difference in the school community. Whether in the classroom or beyond, his actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility, care and respect for those around him, making him an invaluable part of the school. As a role model for his peers, Jobe leads with kindness and compassion, embodying the values that inspire others to follow his example, just like Catherine.

Year 8

Ned Oldham: Ned is a valued member of our Year Eight cohort. He consistently demonstrates a positive and uplifting presence, supporting his peers with encouragement, and speaking gently and kindly to both staff and students alike. Ned’s reliability as a respectful member of the classroom is unwavering; he leads by example with his courteous behaviour and considerate interactions. Ned’s commitment to learning is evident in every lesson. He maintains a high level of attentiveness and work ethic. Ned remains focused and driven, embodying the values of Respect and Compassion that are central to our school community.

Year 8 Kelsey Ketterer-Smith: Kelsey displays numerous Mercy Values in her day-to-day life. Notably, she is a respectful and kind member of our community, displaying respect and empathy for all in her interactions. She goes out of her way to thank teachers for their time and help, she is always willing to invite others into her group. She makes decisions based on what is best for her, but is always mindful of her impact on others. In this way she is constantly displaying compassion with a strong sense of justice.

Year 9

Lani O’Brien: Lani displays many of our Mercy values in her everyday actions.  She is compassionate, going out of her way to ensure that everyone feels safe, comfortable, happy and included. Lani respects boundaries and shows this respect to others, both staff and students.  Lani always tries her hardest and, through her actions, choices, kindness and speech, she welcomes and is inclusive to all.  Lani supports her friends but also other students, even if she does not know them, through simple gestures like picking up dropped books or saying hello. Acknowledging others, their achievements and contributions, along with her impeccable manners, make Lani a great role model, a good friend and someone people trust and can rely on.

Madeline de Haan: Her leadership, although subtle, is evident in everything that she does here at our College. She always participates in learning tasks to a high standard; she is always helping her peers or the teacher to enhance the learning space and she continually strives to be the best she possibly can. Madeline’s respect for herself, other students and staff members is always evident. Madeline has recently participated in the Seeds of Justice Camp, showing her compassion for others. She is an active member of the Year 9 Leadership Team, often helping at assemblies and supports College activities such as the Edible Book Competition during Book Week.  Madeline is to be congratulated on her willingness to make the most of her time and opportunities here at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

Year 10

Rebecca Hercus: Rebecca embodies the Mercy Value of Hospitality as she spends her days quietly helping people and putting smiles on their faces. She never asks for praise or attention, it’s simply in her nature to want to make people feel welcome and happy. Rebecca is a caring and kind person, demonstrating the values of respect, compassion and hospitality daily. She works hard in her studies, is a supportive friend and is always willing to lend a hand.

Ryan Healy: Ryan demonstrates the values of respect and courage. He has focused on developing positive interactions with other students and on putting himself out there to make connections. Ryan had a really positive experience on Year 10 Camp. He actively and enthusiastically participated in all the activities and pushed himself out of his comfort zone to be involved and form bonds with other Year 10 students.

Year 11

 Sophie Hughes: Sophie is a dedicated and hardworking member of our Year 11 Team and is always respectful of staff and peers alike. She is friendly and caring, whilst also consistently living out the Mercy value of Courage. Sophie has had the courage to immerse herself in all facets of the College this year, including student leadership, the AMSSA conference, Seeds of Justice and all College events. She has the courage to follow her sporting dreams, whilst also committing herself to her schoolwork and friendships.

Bella Goggin: Bella exemplifies true leadership through service, engaging deeply in lessons, critically analysing learning goals and positively influencing the classroom environment. Her dedication inspires peers and sets a high standard. Reliable and respectful, Bella’s thoughtful interactions with teachers highlight her strong character, making her a deserving candidate of the Spirit of Catherine award.

Year 12

Jack McMahon: As a leader in our College, Jack has been an organiser and participant in a variety of activities throughout the year. His enthusiasm is always on display and he models leadership that is compassionate and respectful. This year Jack has had a strong focus on the wellbeing of all students and has worked with stakeholders to raise the profile of mental health throughout the College. Like our foundress, Jack is an active leader, always looking to where there is a need and finding ways to support the Catherine McAuley College community.

Mery Ku: Mery Ku embodies Catherine’s spirit of Compassion and Service. Mery has been instrumental in re-establishing the Seeds of Justice Group and ensuring that there are opportunities for Year 10 and Year 11 students to be involved in social justice. Mery has also elected to spend most of her Friday afternoons working in the ELAP classes at Coolock. Outside the College, she is works actively within the Karen community to assist those who require help accessing services. Mery has a strong sense of justice, caring for those who are vulnerable around her.

Staff

Mrs Amy Dickins: Mrs Dickins demonstrates the values of compassion and respect on a daily basis. She is highly respected by all in the College community for her teaching and her work as the Learning Diversity Leader at St Mary’s. Mrs Dickins’ positive attitude and enthusiasm for helping all those around her is appreciated and admired by both students and staff.

TERM 2, 2024

• Year 7: Georgia Bray & Jason Moore
• Year 8: Sophie Conway & Dustin Ketterer
• Year 9: Lance Luna & Griffin O’Shea
• Year 10: Mitchell Brown & Eve Steptowe
• Year 11: Sebastian Rossi & Bree Tuohey
• Year 12: Bailey Durrant & Ava Rifat

Year 7

Georgia Bray: Georgia is a kind and respectful member of the College community, consistently demonstrating our Mercy values. Much like Catherine, Georgia is driven by a desire to help others, always putting their needs ahead of her own. Her selflessness is evident in her every action, whether she’s volunteering to help at events, assisting peers and teachers, or applying for leadership roles. Georgia’s dedication and compassion makes her the perfect role model for her peers and she embodies the spirit of Mercy and service in all that she does.

Jason Moore: Jason is very respectful member of the Catherine McAuley College community.  He is always welcoming, positive and interacts maturely with both peers and staff. Like Catherine, he is a hospitable, caring and an inclusive individual, constantly going out of his way to help others and include them in conversations and activities. Jason has displayed excellent leadership qualities through his involvement as a volunteer during the Grade 6 tours and at the college open evening.  Jason always strives to do his best and his cheerful, inquisitive, and cooperative nature makes him a strong role model for other students.

Year 8

Sophie Conway: Sophie is a quiet, conscientious, and respected member of our Year 8 community. Sophie displays many of our Mercy values daily, including compassion, respect and Service. Her attitude towards staff and students is inclusive and kind. Sophie always puts others first. She ensures that those around her feel comfortable and welcome. She looks out for those who are struggling, or may need assistance, and does her best to help and support them. Sophie is an inspiring role model for her peers who is welcoming and generous with her time. Sophie is a dedicated and incredibly successful student who shows enormous modesty and humility in her achievements.

Dustin Ketterer: Dustin is also a quiet and respected member of our Year 8 community who exemplifies the Mercy values of respect, compassion and hospitality. Dustin has a fantastic ability to make everyone around him feel respected. He always shows respect to his teachers by actively listening and shows respect to his peers by valuing their opinions and listening when they are speaking. Dustin is driven with his schoolwork and encourages those around him to take pride in their work too. He is supportive to everyone and would happily work with anyone in our community. Dustin is mature and has an impressive ability to express empathy to those around him. Dustin is a supportive student both in and out of the classroom and a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Year 9

Lance Luna: Lance epitomises the value of respect. His gentle nature sees him respected by peers and staff alike and his respect for them is highly regarded. His respect in class is evidenced in his high-quality schoolwork, always being punctual and always prepared. His wearing of the uniform is exemplary and shows enormous respect for the College. He is incredibly generous to all our social justice initiatives and shows deep compassion for those for whom the social justice work is directed.

Griffin O’Shea: Griffin is a polite and respectful member of his classes, to both teachers and peers. He is an exemplary learner – willingly attempting all set learning tasks, helpful to his peers and seeking assistance when needed. Griffin is inclusive of all his classmates. Griffin always greets his teachers with respect and he always exits the classroom by saying goodbye and thank you.

Year 10

Mitchell Brown: Mitchell puts others before himself and shows empathy and compassion to his peers. He is a caring friend and is respected for his kindness and work ethic by all who know him. Mitchell is polite and respectful in his interactions with others and is always helping where he can – whether it’s picking up rubbish, helping other students with work or lending a hand to his mates.

Eve Steptowe: Eve is an excellent example of someone who lives out the Mercy values. She is respectful, mature and courteous in all interactions with staff and students. Eve is quiet and humble in her academic achievements. She always gives her best and willingly shares her knowledge during class to help others.

Year 11

Sebastian Rossi: Sebastian lives out the Mercy value of respect as he is always doing what’s right and striving to do his best. He is kind and friendly and shows respect to everyone every day. Sebastian works hard and is conscious of how his actions and words can impact others; he is a great member of the community.

Bree Tuohey: Bree consistently lives out the Mercy values in our community, particularly showing courage in her academic studies. Bree calmly finds what needs to be done and does it. She will ask for guidance to gain clarity and also take the time to help other students. She has the courage to follow her dreams, whilst also focusing on her school commitments.

Year 12

Bailey Durrant: Bailey consistently demonstrates the Mercy value of respect. He is consistently respectful of staff. He is a quiet achiever who always supports his peers when needed. Bailey works well in groups, regardless of whether they are part of his friendship group or not. Bailey is conscientious and is always prepared for class and often submits work ahead of time.

Ava Rifat: Ava is living out our College theme of ‘In Mercy we Serve’. In focusing on serving others, this term Ava has volunteered her time at Coolock and has also joined a volunteer group outside school. On a Friday evening, Ava spends time with the elderly in her community and assists the organisation in running a dance and other activities for the elderly.

TERM 1, 2024

Congratulations to the following award winners for Term 1, 2024. They were announced following the Easter Liturgies at each campus on the final day of Term 1:

• Year 7: Seb McGilchrist & Arianna Gibson
• Year 8: Millie Cail & Ella Tyrrell
• Year 9: Hudson Pianta-Cook & Laura Foster
• Year 10: Will Runnalls & Ned Howe
• Year 11: Olivia Dalton & Doll Pai Su Thay
• Year 12: Tobie Travaglia & Ella McDougall

Year 7

Seb McGilchrist: Seb is a very kind and considerate member of our College community, consistently demonstrating all of the Mercy values. Like Catherine, Seb is very supportive and caring of others. He makes his peers feel included, heard and respected and is always looking for ways to help and assist his teachers and peers alike. Seb is an excellent role model for other students through his willingness to challenge himself and step outside his comfort zone on a regular basis. Seb is a truly valued member of our College.

Arianna Gibson: Arianna is a highly respected member of our College, always displaying the Mercy values of respect and hospitality through her beautiful manners and interactions with staff and students. Like Catherine, Arianna leads by example, always striving to do her best and showing great care for others. In class, she regularly goes out of her way to show her thanks and appreciation for her teachers at the end of each lesson. Arianna has also performed well at sport, further demonstrating her versatility and why she is a wonderful asset to our College community.

Year 8

Ella Tyrrell: Ella consistently embodies the Mercy values of respect and compassion, exemplifying them in her daily actions. Her kindness and patience are evident in all she does, making her a pillar of support and empathy in our community. Ella’s dedication to helping others and her unwavering friendship are testaments to her outstanding character. Her thoughtful and considerate nature shines through in every interaction, making her a beacon of light and positivity to those around her.

Millie Cail: Millie stands out as a role model among her peers, setting a shining example of consideration and compassion. Her willingness to engage in activities and support others demonstrates her selflessness and leadership. During the recent Year 8 Camp, Millie not only met but exceeded the physical challenges, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in unfamiliar surroundings. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm were inspiring, motivating others to step out of their comfort zones. Millie’s consistent respect for all members of our community is commendable, as is her eagerness to embrace opportunities and actively contribute to our College community.

Year 9

Hudson Pianta-Cook: Hudson has made an excellent start to the academic year thus far. His journey at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has been one of courage and growth across all areas. He has enacted the College theme of ‘In Mercy we serve’ by offering to put the flags up every day and has been observed helping Year 7 students with their lockers at the beginning of lunchtime. Hudson has embraced many challenges and is overcoming these with courage and respect.

Laura Foster: Laura embodies the Mercy values of service, compassion and hospitality in her daily life at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo. She has welcomed new students into our College without having to be asked and has ensured they feel supported and cared for. She has demonstrated a consistent and rigorous approach to her studies, demonstrating that hard work and commitment to learning can produce fruitful results. Laura is also a proud House Captain, demonstrating her commitment to serve others.

Year 10

Will Runnalls: Will is an outstanding member of the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community. He is commended for his interactions with staff and students. Like Catherine, he lives the Mercy value of hospitality by taking time to consider the feelings of those around him and understand what is going on for other people. Will shows courage in the way he advocates for himself and takes responsibility for his learning.

Ned Howe: Ned shows great leadership within the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community. Ned is always treating others with respect and showing hospitality and service toward others. He goes above and beyond in his actions. Like our foundress, Catherine McAuley, he is welcoming and inclusive in his communication with both teachers and peers, uses initiative to help where he can and actively participates in all activities. Ned is always trying his best, has a positive attitude and creates a welcoming environment for all within our school community.

Year 11

Olivia Dalton: Olivia is a valuable member of the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community. Living our Mercy value of hospitality, she is always respectful and inclusive of every member of our College community. She contributes to a welcoming environment and actively looks out for her peers, particularly ensuring that all students are included in group activities.

Doll Pai Su: Doll is commended for living out the Mercy value of hospitality in her everyday life within the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community. She always presents with a smile and consistently welcomes others into her sphere. An example of her hospitality is welcoming a new student into her group and ensuring she always had a friend to rely on. This action exemplifies Catherine’s example of inclusiveness and hospitality.

Year 12

Tobie Travaglia: Tobie lives out Catherine’s vision to serve others. Tobie has worked tirelessly to create a strong community within the Year 12 cohort and the rest of the College. This has seen him develop several activities for the cohort as well as lunchtime activities for all students. He is enthusiastic and always willing to be of service within his leadership role. In the yard and the classroom he is inclusive and ensures that all students have a voice.

Ella McDougall: Ella is an outstanding member of the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community. Like Catherine, she is always looking out for other students, working her hardest to ensure others have a positive health and wellbeing by asking if they are okay. She respects the feelings of others and is always eager to help those in need.