Principal

Sr Mary Moloney rsm

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

Civil and religious leaders around the world observed the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of war in Ukraine last Friday, calling for an end to hostilities and gathering in prayer to honour victims of the conflict and to beg God for peace.

Pope Francis said

“One year ago, the absurd war against Ukraine began. Let us remain close to the tormented Ukrainian people, who continue to suffer, and let us ask ourselves: Has everything possible been done to stop the war? Peace built on rubble will never be a true victory,”

In addition to public pleas for peace on social media, the war’s anniversary was also marked by a series of prayer vigils in Ukraine, Italy and beyond.

We, at the Academy, join in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and pray for an end to hostilities. The war has come much closer to us now that we have three Ukrainian students as cherished members of our College Community.

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through Term 1. Much has already happened this term with our beginning of year activities, the majority of which have taken place for the first time in some years.

Staff and students are looking forward to the House Swimming Carnival scheduled now for next Tuesday 7 March. We are also delighted to host the International Women’s Day breakfast on 10 March where our guest speaker will be Georgia Hill, College Captain 2015.

Last Monday evening the first Parents’ Association meeting took place - the first one onsite for a considerable period of time. A number of parents seized the opportunity to come to this meeting, to listen to updates from both Mr Di Camillo and myself and to raise any questions that they had.

Thank you to the Parents who volunteered to be the year level contact people – the enthusiasm for this and also the willingness to assist with the organisation of other events was pleasing to see.

A reminder to parents of Grade 5 students that enrolments for Year 7 2025 close in August this year. You are welcome of course to submit your application prior to that date.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, our Deputy Principal, Lucy Neil, has shared a very thought provoking article about the opportunities for women to make a significant contribution in society today. An extract is included here.

In the words of Indira Gandhi: “I hope that all of you who have this great advantage of education will not only do whatever work you are doing keeping the national interests in view, but you will make your own contribution to creating peace and harmony, to bringing beauty in the lives of our people and our country.”

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm

Principal