Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

“Don’t be afraid to change the world“

Last week saw the conclusion of World Youth Day, an international event for young people organized by the Catholic Church.

At the closing Mass Pope Francis both encouraged and challenged young people with the words - “Don’t be afraid to change the world.” What an extraordinary challenge and one that obviously he believes is achievable by our young people who will, of course, be the leaders of tomorrow.

At the Academy the underlying message of the Pope’s exhortation is one that is familiar to our students and made possible through the living out of one of our six values - courage. We, too, hope that our students have the strength, resilience and courage to make a difference, to make a difference to a world that desperately needs strong, courageous women and men.  We often remind them of this and, in doing so, demonstrate our trust in them that they have the skills, disposition and heart to “change the world”.

Year 9 student, Mia Stibilj, participated in World Youth Day through her Parish.

We are now mid-way through term 3 and College life in all its fullness continues unabated. Over the last couple of weeks Paul Dillon has presented to students and parents on the areas of safe partying and on the dangers of vaping; student/parent and teacher conferences have taken place and students were able to demonstrate their dancing and musical expertise at the recent Performing Arts concert. 

Our Synergy students also had the privilege of being present for the inauguration of the new Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner. As the “city school for girls “ with “the city as our classroom” it is wonderful that so much of our student learning emanates from all that the City of Melbourne can offer us.

We have been inundated with student applications for next year’s study tour to Italy.  At the close of applications last Friday we had 54 students from Years 9 and 10 interested in participating in this study tour.  An extraordinary number which speaks to us of how much overseas trips have been missed.  Obviously we cannot take 54 students away so we will meet to discuss the way forward. We hope to let students and parents know in the next couple of weeks.

I take this opportunity to thank parents for their ongoing support of the Academy and of all that happens here. We are truly blessed by the supportive parent community we have.

A reminder that Mercy day is fast approaching - parents are warmly invited to the Mercy Day Mass at 10.00 am at St Patrick’s  Cathedral to join with staff and students in celebrating this important day. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr Peter Varengo, our College Chaplain - how privileged we are to have the support of Fr Peter who makes himself available for all Masses and other events.

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal

Feast of the Assumption August 15

Litany of Our Lady Reflection 

Mary

Mary without sin

Mary God’s Mother pray to the Lord of us

Mary the virgin

Mary taken to heaven

Mary at Bethlehem                               pray for all mothers

Mary at Nazareth and Cana               pray for all families

Mary at the cross                                  pray for all who suffer

Mary in the upper room                      pray for all who wait

Mary model of womanhood              pray for all women

Woman of faith, hope and love

Woman of suffering

Woman of anxiety

Woman of humility                              keep us in mind

Woman of poverty

Woman of purity

Woman of obedience

Woman who wondered

Woman who listened

Woman who followed him                remember us to God

Woman who longed for him

Woman who loves him

Mother of the Church                          be our mother always

Mother of the world

Mother we need

Mother who went on believing

Mother who never lost hope               we thank God for you