Faith & Mission
As we begin a new school year, we do so mindful of the deep Mercy tradition that has shaped our community for 169 years. The Academy’s long history calls us to honour the courage, compassion and commitment to justice that have defined Mercy education across generations, while continuing to respond thoughtfully to the needs of our world today.
Our 2026 school theme, "Courage to Care", invites each member of our community to live Mercy values with intention and action. Courage to care is not always loud or dramatic; often it is found in everyday choices, to listen when it would be easier to walk away, to stand alongside others in moments of vulnerability and to speak up for justice even when it feels uncomfortable. Rooted in the Mercy tradition, this theme challenges us to move beyond empathy into action, reminding us that care requires courage and courage is sustained by compassion. As a school community, we are called to notice those on the margins, to respond to injustice with integrity and to create spaces where every person feels seen, safe and valued.
This year, our Religious Education program encourages students at every year level to grow in understanding, reflection and responsibility. To begin, in Term 1 we see our Year 7 students explore what it means to belong to a Mercy community, learning that courage often begins with inclusion, kindness and choosing to care for others.
Year 8 students focus on Baptism, reflecting on identity and commitment and how living with courage means embracing responsibility for one another.
In Year 9, students engage with themes of Good vs Evil and the study of Prophetic Women, challenging them to recognise moral complexity and the courage required to speak out for what is right.
Year 10 students turn their attention to Modern Day Slavery, confronting injustice and learning that courage to care sometimes means seeing uncomfortable truths and responding with compassion and action.
At senior levels, Religious Education continues to support students in thoughtful and ethical decision-making. Year 11 students examine the nature and purpose of religion, exploring how belief can inspire individuals and communities to act with courage. Year 12 students engage deeply with ethical decision-making and moral judgement, developing the skills to navigate complex personal and societal issues with integrity, empathy and moral courage.
I am particularly excited for our upcoming VCE Reflection Days, which offer senior students the opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with what truly matters amid the busyness of the academic year. These days invite students to consider how they are called to live lives of leadership, embracing the Courage to Care for themselves, for others and for the wider world.
As we honour our 169-year Mercy legacy, I look forward to journeying with our students, staff and families, as we live out faith in action throughout the year ahead.
Ms Hannah Hale
Director of Faith & Mission