Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

Today we celebrated Mercy Day – the most important day  of the year for the Academy of Mary Immaculate community.   It was a rich and meaningful day acknowledging and celebrating our Mercy charism.   Many thanks to Fr Michael McEntee who celebrated our Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, to our choir and musicians who led the beautiful music and to Ms Hannah Hale, Director of Faith and Mission for her overall coordination of the liturgy.

The Senior Student Leadership Team proudly walked down the aisle of the Cathedral, holding high the College flags and carrying the message stick, the Vision, Mission and Values Statement and the College Register – the latter encapsulating the story of the College from 1857 to 2026.  

We were delighted to welcome a number of Sisters of Mercy, past Principals of Academy, representatives from both Mercy Ministry Companions and Mercy Education, College Advisory Council members, parents and friends.

Following the Mass, a BBQ lunch awaited all and I thank the many parent volunteers who worked all morning to ensure that the sausages were ready when the students returned to the College.  

Thanks, too, to Ms Renae Fraser and the Sports and House Captains for their overall organisation of the activities back at school.  They were supported by all members of the Senior Student Leadership Team and by Year 12 Wellbeing Leader, Ms Jodie Muller.

Please find below an excerpt from my speech of welcome, where I reflected on our 2026 College theme and linked it to our history.

Academy hosted another inspiring Fathers' Day Breakfast last Friday with guest speakers Ruby Tripodi AFLW player (North Melbourne) and Eliza Straford VFLW (Williamstown).   It was heartening to see so many fathers and daughters in attendance at the breakfast.

As we welcome back our students and staff from their Immersion to Cambodia experience last weekend, we wish safe travels to staff and students departing this weekend for Italy.  Both groups will gain valuable learning experiences and form memories that will last for years to come.  

We wish our Year 10 students well as they embark on Work Experience next week and thank the teachers who will be visiting them at their workplace.  Thanks too, to Ms Lauren Sach who has managed all the arrangements to make this week possible for students. 

Congratulations are in order for Holly of Year 11 who has been selected to represent Australia as a Senior at the Acrobatic Gymnastic World Championships in Pesaro, Italy. We wish her all the best for the competition later this month.  Over the years, Holly has competed in competitions in Poland, Germany, Portugal and now Italy as well as within Australia.   A remarkable achievement by Holly that highlights her dedication and commitment to her sport. 

Happy Mercy Day to all members of this strong and united community.

Every Blessing.

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal

Year 7, 2028

On Thursday, 27 August, the Academy community welcomed many new families to the college on what is always a wonderful event in our calendar - the Year 7 2028 Interview Evening.  

Academy staff had the privilege of meeting a number of prospective families and their daughters.  With a few nerves, but mostly excitement, there were many inspiring conversations had.  It is safe to say that the Year 7 of 2028 cohort will be filled with skilled musicians, avid readers and writers, and talented sportswomen and artists.  

It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with current families and to meet some sisters who will soon join our community.  

We wish to thank all families for taking the time to attend the event at the Academy.  We hope your daughters are excited about the prospect of becoming an Academy Girl.  We, too, look forward to welcoming them into our community!

Thank you, too, to the Academy staff who contributed to the success of the evening. 

Ms Alex Cowin

College Registrar