Wellbeing 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

When reflecting on 2023, two words in particular come to mind. These words are ‘Community’ and ‘Recognition’. These two words were central in the approach of the Senior Student Leadership Team. As a College, we developed an approach where we recognized the beautiful uniqueness and individuality of members of our school but also at the same time made sure that everybody felt a sense of belonging.  While the year certainly contained highs and lows, peaks and troughs and challenges and difficulties, that sense of community, that the Academy is renowned for, was certainly present from day one. At our Year 12 Farewell Assembly, I was heartened and so proud to hear our 2023 College Captain, Rahel Abraham say 

“Don’t let seeds of hate grow but instead plant seeds of hope. Be the hope in the face of adversity and uncertainty. As Obama said ‘the audacity to hope’. So yes, we are one cohort, one unified school and one community. Because we have many voices but are one community.’ 

There is a great message in that for all of us.

So now, what should our focus be for 2024? I know that there is much excitement in the air with our College Theme: ‘Stronger Together’. As a school we are all definitely looking forward to living out this theme next year though the Mercy lens. Leah Freeman and Sinitta McCarthy, College Co-Captains for 2024, spoke about this in their inaugural speech a fortnight ago. 

“When discussing a theme which could further unite the college next year, all of our thinking came back to the concept of collective success and support, a network of students that look out for each other. We picked this theme because we believe in the collective. Despite the theme's simplicity, these two words are powerful and support the notion that: although we can make many achievements on our own, we are “stronger together”. 

Because we are “stronger together” in sports;

We are “stronger together” in Justice;

We are “stronger together” in friendship;

And in so many more ways, we can be “stronger together," and we can't wait to be even stronger as a community in 2024”.

It is the students that make the Academy what it is today. The students are the essence and fabric of this school and the experiences that all members of this community have are as a result of what all students do on a day to day basis. So, the question I asked all students to ponder over the holidays is: ‘What can we do to ensure that we contribute to making the Academy a ‘stronger’ community?’

College Student Mobile Phone: Policy 2024

As a College, we are committed to improving student safety and enhancing learning at every opportunity we have. Each year a number of areas for school improvement are highlighted and reviewed. Over the latter half of 2023 the College has been examining research and seeking feedback regarding the use of non-essential ICT devices, such as mobile phones, at school. As part of this review, the College considered policies currently used in other Catholic Schools, by the Victorian State Government and other State Governments. 

As a result, the College Mobile Phone Policy has been updated. One key element of the change is the use of phones in the classroom. The policy now better reflects research regarding the use of mobile phones and their impact on the important areas of social development and learning, both positively and negatively. 

Updated Mobile Phone Policy READ HERE

Secondary School Immunization Program

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines provided by the National Immunisation Program each year to students in Year 7 (HPV and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Whooping cough) and Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY). 

READ MORE

As we head towards Christmas, it is my hope that each and every one of you has a very special time over the break. 2023 has been a very successful year and I am sure that we all looking forward to consolidating all that has been achieved and at the same time embracing the new opportunities that 2024 will bring. Thank you for all of your wonderful help and support throughout this year. Wishing you all a very safe and joyous Christmas and may the New Year be full of new opportunities, merriment, and grace.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal, Wellbeing & Operations