Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community.

So a very busy term is drawing to a close!

At yesterday’s Talk and Tour, one of the prospective parents quietly asked me if all our teachers at Academy were as passionate as the ones that he had just witnessed on the Talk and Tour?  I assured him they were.  He then went on to say that he had been on a number of Talk and Tours in other schools and nowhere had he seen such passionate teachers!!!   What a wonderful accolade and one that is so true.   Such an affirming statement that you will see exemplified through the many articles/reflections in this week’s Newsletter. 

Last week, the annual College Conversation took place where representatives of  teachers, students, parents, alumnae and members of the College Advisory Council met  to discuss how our 2026 theme “Courage to Care” could be lived meaningfully this year.  The ideas and suggestions were many and have certainly provided direction for the lived expression of this theme during the forthcoming  year. 

One of the participants was Merle, an alumna of 1947 and I share her reflections on the Conversation:

Thank you so much for again making it possible to be a part of that truly uplifting afternoon.  I felt so welcome, even in the ‘gathering’ time, it was so easy to chat to the girls—80 years younger than I am – I, about my lived experience, and they about how their lives will open up in the future.  They seem to be considering their options very wisely.  Wisdom was certainly displayed also in ‘exploring’ Mercy---as it can be, must be lived in the ‘here and now’. 

I remember, when you thoughtfully sent the magazine, how down to earth and inspiring the items about Faith and Mission were.  SO clearly shown again yesterday and the vision that we try to bring to life in our parish.  Thank you again.  May all you are doing be richly blessed.  - Merle

As a Mercy school, our ethos impels us to widen our circle and live Mercy and be Mercy in ever new and different ways.  One of the ways, of course, is being of service to others and teachers planning our new Year 10 Community Action program were cognisant of that. 

Academy is actively engaged in the local and wider community and our recently renewed 2026 Community Action program bears testament to new and different ways of  offering service.    This week saw the first of our  four Year 10 Community Action days for 2026 with students undertaking a different activity on each of the four days:

• Care for Country: Involves activities such as litter collection and ecological projects along Merri Creek.
• Care for Community: Supports local primary schools through Homework and Breakfast Clubs and extracurricular activities.
• Care for the Elderly: Engages students in visits to Mercy Place, providing companionship and hospitality.
• Care for the Vulnerable: Collaborates with the Brotherhood of St Laurence for staffing opportunities at their Opportunity and Book Shops.

We will review this program towards the end of the year and make any adjustments required for the year to come. 

Yesterday, we farewelled staff and students from our sister school, Nishiyama High School, who have been hosted by Academy families since their arrival on 14 March. Our students welcomed the visitors into their classes and enjoyed sharing insights into each others culture and of course, making new friends.  We very much value our long-standing relationship with our sister school and look forward to our next meeting when we visit Japan in 2027.  We sincerely thank our host families for welcoming our guests into their homes.

And, finally, a word of congratulations to our Year 7 students!  They have settled in so well, are fully involved in the life of the College and are making a very positive contribution.   I hear that thirty Year 7 students have joined the choir!!

Students finish for the term next Wednesday and staff conclude first term on Thursday following the Staff Spirituality Day where we are looking forward to sharing with one another how we will carry the Mercy tradition into the future, ”ensuring that the next chapter of our story continues to reflect justice, dignity, compassion and service.”  

Term 2 begins on Monday, 20 April which is Foundation Day.   Mother Ursula Frayne enrolled the first six pupils on that day  - 20 April, 1857.  We look forward to our 170th celebrations in 2027.

I wish each and every one of you the Blessings of the Easter season.

Every Blessing.

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal