Principal

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

It was heart warming  and very affirming to see that Pope Leo  in a recent Apostolic  letter entitled “ Drawing new Maps of Hope”  focused on the importance of education.  

“Christian  education is a choral work, no one educates alone. The educational community is an “us” where the teacher, the student, the family, the administrative and service personnel, the pastors and civil society converge to generate life. The ‘us” prevents the water stagnating in the swamp of “it has always been done this way” and forces it to flow, to nourish, to irrigate. The foundation remains the same : the person, the image of God (Gen 1:26) capable of truth and relationship.’

“Educating is an act of hope and a passion that is renewed because it manifests the promise we see in the future of humanity.”    

A Simple but profound  reflection on the  importance of education  both  inspiring and challenging parents and teachers alike. 

November is a time of  looking forward to  what is to come.  Next week we will formally farewell  the Year 12 class of 2025 at their  Graduation evening.  This evening will provide an opportunity  for teachers, students and parents alike to acknowledge the strong and united class of 2025 who by  their words, actions and lived expression of Mercy ‘paved the way” for those in younger years.  We will be sad to see them depart but know that a compelling  and exciting future awaits them. 

At the other end of the spectrum, last Tuesday evening saw new beginnings as the Year 7 2026 cohort gathered together with their parents for an information evening.  There was a palpable sense of excitement, passion and anticipation in the Dillon Centre and it was wonderful to see students gathering together and beginning to form the friendships that will support them over the next 6 years.

The younger students were addressed by our 2026 Co-Captains, Zoe Dafinas and Grace Tull who welcomed them into the Academy community and ensured them of their support.  Life passes so quickly - there was a gasp in the audience when I referred to our new students being the Year 12 Class of 2031!!

The end of the year is fast approaching but there are still a number of key events including  the "Headstart" for our senior students, the end of year Prayer service and Assembly and the Celebration of Excellence  evening.  Much to do and much to celebrate as the year draws to a close.

Speaking of excellence, at a recent College Assembly we presented Academic Awards to VCE students who have achieved Academic Excellence in a particular subject.  Award recipients are shown below:

And to conclude once again with the words of Pope Leo addressed to educators and students:

“ Be servants of the educational world, choreographers of hope, tireless seekers of wisdom, credible creators of expressions of beauty.  Fewer labels, more stories; fewer sterile oppositions, more symphony in the spirit. Then our constellation will not only shine,  but will guide towards the truth that sets us free  (John 8:32), towards the fraternity that consolidates justice (Mt23:8), towards the hope that does not disappoint, (Rom5:5) 

Every Blessing

Sr Mary Moloney rsm 

Principal