Principal

It has been 3 weeks since the last newsletter and, while I know it has been a busy start to the year, I was still amazed at all the events that have taken place since the last newsletter. These include: 

• Year 7 Welcome evening
•  VCE Information Evening Year 7 Camp
• Whole school swimming sports
• Alumnae reunion
• first meeting of the College Advisory Council
• first meeting of the Parents' Association 
• Acknowledgement of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
• International Women’s Day breakfast
• Parent Information night for the forthcoming Study Tour to France

 - just some of the main events, and, of course, these are events that are in addition to the day to day learning and teaching program.

When I reflect on the start of the year and the events that have taken place, the event that I believe showcased the spirit of Academy was the swimming sports.  It was a hot day, but the enthusiasm of students  and staff  was palpable.  Our students supported each other, acknowledged significant achievement, even if the recipient belonged to another team. The Year 7 students were particularly impressive entering fully into the day with their positive attitude and amazing costumes. 

In fact, our Year 7 students continue to amaze us  as they have keenly embrace all aspects of the Academy and have settled in so well. Last week, I had the joy of walking with Year 7 Green as they visited areas of the college that speak of our history and the Mercy spirit. They already understood so much - and have certainly been fine exemplars of Mercy in their first few weeks with us.  

Another event to highlight is yesterday’s International Women’s Day breakfast with guest speaker Anna-Maria Arabia.  Anna-Maria Arabia is an alumna of the Academy of Mary Immaculate (AMI), class of 1991.  Her service to science, particularly through organisational leadership roles, was recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours where she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia OAM. 

Anna has held several senior executive positions in the science sector as CEO of Science and Technology Australia and General Manager of Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre.  In these roles, Anna-Maria has worked extensively with parliamentarians, the business and community sectors and the media.  

In 2016, Anna-Maria was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Science.  This Academy is an independent organisation of distinguished Australian scientists, which provides scientific advice to decision makers; represents Australia on key international bodies; builds public awareness of science and champions scientific excellence. 

During the course of the day Anna-Maria also met with a number of student groups, encouraging them to follow their pursuit of the sciences as it is a pathway to a myriad of career options.

Over the past days I am sure you have joined in the prayers of the world for Pope Francis. Pope Francis is very much “our “ Pope as the word he has used most in his writings and speeches has been the word ‘Mercy’  

Some words from Pope Francis:

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal