Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

Mercy Day is always such a significant day in the Academy year and the 2023 Mercy day celebrations certainly highlighted, once again, the importance of this day. Despite the cold and wind and the anticipated temperature of 12 degrees, the day was filled with joy and celebration. Our day began with the ringing of the Chapel Bell  announcing an event of significance was taking place. In the distant past the Chapel bell was rung to herald important events. Over the past years we have taken to  ringing the bell on Mercy Day (September) and Foundation Day ( April 20). Following the ringing of the bell staff and students walked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for our Mercy Day Mass.

This Mass is always the focal point of the day and the cathedral resounded with glorious music performed by our very gifted staff and student musicians. The Senior Student Leadership Team processed down the aisle of the cathedral with flags aloft and carrying  the message stick, our Vision, Mission and Values Statement and, most fittingly, the College Register of enrolments, with the Register opened on Day 1, 20 April 1857.

I take this opportunity to thank our two celebrants, Fr Peter Varengo  and Fr Michael McEntee, both very valued members  of our College community, who led us in prayer.

While the walk to the cathedral was at a steady pace , the walk home was at a much quicker pace in anticipation of the bbq lunch that awaited! Many, many thanks to the parent volunteers who worked all day to cater for the staff and students.  Following the solemnity of the morning, the afternoon was a time of fun - the DJ, the skits and the House Dance Performances.  Many thanks to all! A true celebration of the Academy Spirit.

It would be an understatement to say it has been a busy term but, despite everything we have survived and thrived.

I take this opportunity to inform you of some staffing changes for Term 4.  The teaching landscape, at the present,  as you know is one of uncertainty.

Ms Sue Moran, Justice Leader, Synergy and Religious Education teacher has resigned from the College after 14  years of outstanding service. Ms Moran has worked in a number of schools over the years and now feels it is time to officially retire from teaching and move on to other life adventures that await.

Ms Amy Prendergast, Food Studies and Humanities  teacher and Sustainability Leader is also leaving us after 8 years. I thank Amy for her contribution over those years.

Ms Jessica Dowton, our Science Laboratory Technician has also been studying over the past year to gain her teacher qualifications and has achieved this qualification recently. She has accepted a teaching position at Sacre Coeur, we wish Ms Dowton well.

Ms Trish Maguire, Learning Diversity, Leader is on LSL for Term 4 so all enquiries are to be directed to Ms Sally Dane who will assume that role for Term 4.

Ms Loucilla Sgambellone will be on LSL for this term also and we look forward to her return in 2024.

Term 4 will also see the return of four staff members well known to you all.

Ms Fiona Tassone (taking Ms Sgambellone’s teaching load and working in the Justice area and also teaching the Radical Women unit)

Ms Alex Cowin (taking a number of Religious Education classes)

Ms Liz Rush (English and Humanities classes)

Ms Jane Barrett (Food Studies)

We welcome these dedicated teachers back to the college.

Host Families

We are delighted that students from our sister school in Japan, Nishiyama High school in Kyoto, will be visiting us in March of next year.

We are now extending an invitation to Academy families to host these students for a two week period.  In terms of child safety regulations, all adults in the home  (over 18 years of age) must have Working with Children checks. If you would like to host please email Ms Elena Camera, International Programs Coordinator expressing your interest.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and we look forward, in hope and anticipation, to all that Term 4 will offer us.

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal