Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

Year 12 Farewell and New Beginnings

This week has been a special week as our Year 12 students gathered together with teachers and parents for three significant events: the Year 12 Graduation Mass on Thursday, 16 October, followed by this morning's College Assembly and morning tea celebration.

A Time for Blessing and Reflection

The Graduation Mass offered a sacred space to pray with and for our Year 12 students as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.  Following our cherished tradition, students received three blessings: a collective blessing from everyone present, the Irish ☘️ Blessing, and the Mercy Blessing.  Fr Michael McEntee, who also celebrated our Mercy Day mass, presided over this special mass.  In addition to Fr Michael’s homily,  Tanya Vajda, Health Sciences Learning Leader and Year 12 Mentor Group teacher, reflected on the Gospel  of Matthew  where Jesus spoke of being “a light in the world” .

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven...”

Tanya encouraged students not to hide  their light  - all that they have to offer our world   - to bring that  light into the world.   She also challenged all of us to act in such a way that others are allowed to shine – that we bring forth the light in others. 

Passing the Torch

This morning's College Assembly was a truly special event as we said farewell to the Class of 2025 and their Senior Student Leadership Team, while welcoming the incoming 2026 leaders. I want to express my sincere gratitude to our 2025 Senior Student Leadership Team. Their speeches beautifully captured a sense of thankfulness for their journey here, along with hopeful anticipation—and perhaps a touch of nervousness—about what lies ahead.

I particularly wish to recognise our Year 12 Parent Community.  Throughout this demanding year, you have stood beside your daughters, sharing in every aspect of the VCE experience.  Thank you for your unwavering support of both your daughters and our College over these past six years.

To all our Year 12 students: we wish you every success as you enter your examination period.

I would also like to take this moment to acknowledge our Year 12 teachers.  Their tireless dedication, professional excellence and genuine care for students has again been outstanding.  Special recognition goes to Ms Jodie Muller, our Year 12 Wellbeing Leader, whose encouragement, commitment and hard work have been invaluable.

More Than Just an Education

Education extends beyond preparing young people for what's ahead. It's about equipping them with the skills, confidence and character to actively shape the future. It's not simply about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring them to become their best selves—to reach their fullest potential—and to emerge as the kind of honest, resilient, compassionate leaders our world so urgently needs. I believe this is exactly what our College has given these students over the past six years.

Central to our Vision and Mission are our six Mercy values.  As we farewell our Year 12 students, I am confident they carry with them a deep understanding of these values and will, in their own unique ways, contribute to making the world a better place.

Compassion  At Academy, compassion and empathy lead to life-enhancing action.

Courage  At Academy, courage means taking a stand in the face of risk, sustained by our faith and trust in God.

Hospitality  At Academy, hospitality is being a welcoming, inclusive community where we open our hearts and extend generosity.

Justice  At Academy, justice and mercy are partners when forming relationships and building a strong community.

Respect  At Academy, we show respect for ourselves, to others and care for the Earth – our common home.

Service  At Academy, we use our gifts and talents to positively enhance the experiences of those around us.

Welcome to Our 2026 Leaders

As we look ahead to 2026, I'm delighted to congratulate our new student leaders, particularly our College Co-Captains, Zoe Dafnias and Grace Tull.

We were genuinely impressed by both the number of students who courageously stepped forward for leadership positions and the exceptional quality of all applicants.  I am confident that 2026 will see strong student leadership and that our College remains in enthusiastic hands.  

A New Generation Arrives

While we say goodbye to one cohort, we also welcome new faces.  On 11 October, we had the pleasure of meeting our newest students—the Year 7 Class of 2026—who joined us for an Assessment Morning.  This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a fulfilling and enriching six-year journey at the Academy of Mary Immaculate.

As we farewell our Year 12 students, we are reminded that the cycle continues.  Our Year 7, 2026 students will be our Year 12 Cohort of 2031!

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal