Director of Faith and Mission

Welcome back to the 2025 school year! 

I hope you had a restful break.

This year, our school theme was crafted by our Year 12 students. At the end of last year, they were tasked with developing a theme for 2025, considering their unique position as the first Year 12 cohort in many years. When asked about their choice of theme, they explained:

"The 'Guided by Faith' aspect reflects our experience at a Catholic school, where we learn what it means to live as Catholics and how to reflect this in our relationships, while also deepening our understanding of Jesus Christ. 'Driven by Purpose' emphasizes our commitment to receiving a quality education at St. Mary’s. In Year 12, we are encouraged to push ourselves to achieve our best."

I believe the theme "Guided by Faith, Driven by Purpose" encapsulates a call to live with intentional trust and belief in God. Our faith serves as a compass, providing direction and grounding in our lives. It challenges us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when the path ahead seems unclear. To be guided by faith is to nurture a profound connection with God, allowing His teachings and word to guide our choices. It encourages us to seek His guidance through prayer, scripture, and sacraments, trusting in His plan for each of us.

Purpose gives our lives meaning and motivates us to take action. Being driven by purpose means recognizing that each of us has a unique mission from God. It inspires us to use our talents and gifts to serve others and build God’s kingdom. We remain steadfast in pursuing goals that align with our values and faith, even in the face of challenges.

When faith and purpose unite, they generate powerful energy. Faith offers vision and assurance that God walks beside us, while purpose transforms this belief into action. Together, they remind us that life is a journey with direction and significance, and that each of us is called to contribute to God’s greater plan, regardless of how ordinary our actions may seem. Trusting in God gives us the courage to pursue our purpose with passion and resilience.

Our art work for our theme was created by Ms. Kerrie Royals. To delve into the interpretation of Kerrie’s art, we must first explore our College history.

St Mary’s Parish primary school was founded in 1880 in the original Parish hall, located where Area A grassed area stands today, establishing our primary roots 145 years ago. In 1900, five Mercy nuns arrived from Mansfield to establish Sacred Heart College. While awaiting the completion of the convent, the first secondary classes were held at the convent on the corner of Collas and High Street. This year on May 15th, we celebrate 125 years of our Mercy connection.

These significant milestones, coupled with our return to Year 12 this year, imbue the deep-rooted tree symbol in Kerrie’s artwork with added significance. The amalgamation of our primary and secondary schools in 1988, symbolized by the hands and circle shape in our new logo, signifies our unity as one community.

The tree's shape also forms a cross, universally recognized as a symbol across Christian faiths, particularly within our Catholic tradition. Each leaf design represents the icons of Mercy values: compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, service, and courage, as well as our school's PBL principles: respect, excellence, and integrity.

2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years as a period for reflection on our faith and spiritual life. It serves as a reset, inviting both land and people to rest and refocus on relationships with others and with God. Pope Francis has called us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ this year, embarking on a journey filled with hope that resonates within us, is recognized by others, and spreads throughout our world.

Much like the Sisters of Mercy were pilgrims of hope for the people of Australia and Seymour, we are called in 2025 to be pilgrims of hope for St Mary’s. We are called to be beacons of hope for each other. Our staff will be guiding our students to deepen their relationships with God and each other, and empowering them to lead lives of purpose and fulfillment so that they can making positive impacts in our world.

Rochelle Gough

rochelle.gough@smseymour.catholic.edu.au