Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

Over the last few days, I have had the privilege of attending the Australian Catholic Education  Conference in Cairns.   The theme of the conference was: Hope, anchored in Faith.  About 1500 educators from all over Australia explored this theme through keynote presentations, workshops and interaction opportunities throughout the three days.  The key event of the first day was the Opening Mass which saw 1000 students and 1500 delegates come together.  The Main Celebrant for the Mass was Bishop Joe Caddy, who was appointed Bishop of Cairns last year (he is actually the brother-in-law of Mr Joe Natoli - so a link to the Academy).  

In reflecting on the theme of the conference, I thought it was one that resonated with our community.  This weekend 20 students from the Academy and Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg, accompanied by staff from both schools, will travel to Cambodia for an immersion experience.  As well as exploring the richness of this country that has endured so much, they will offer their support through  being involved in a practical project that will make a significant and positive difference to the lives of people - an example of "Hope anchored in Faith".  Our group has actually been asked to create a much needed concrete path - a challenging project.  We wish staff and students a rewarding and fulfilling immersion experience.

Mercy Day is fast approaching, and,  I warmly invite parents to attend our Mercy Day Mass that will be celebrated on Friday, 12 September, 10.00am at St Patrick’s Cathedral.   Fr Michael McEntee will be the celebrant.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) will be celebrated in December.  The festival will be a national gathering of young people and is scheduled for 30 November – 2 December 2025.  It will be a key event in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, offering young people a chance to connect and deepen their faith.  This event will see some Academy students from Year 9 -11 participating.

At the present time there is much planning for 2026 - subject selection interviews, staffing of the College, student enrolments, election of our new student leaders… just to highlight some areas. 

I wish all fathers and father figures a Happy Fathers’ Day when it comes. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Every Blessing, 

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal