Principal

Sr Mary Moloney rsm

Dear Members of the Academy Community,

We come to the final newsletter for 2022. It is hard to believe that the 2022 year is drawing to a close – such a busy and challenging year.

This year staff and students had to navigate the return to full onsite learning after the hiatus of the last two years.

We began with all members of the Community back onsite but with the Covid virus still running rampant, this necessitated many of our beginning of year events to be scheduled online rather than in person.

I take this opportunity to commend both our staff and students on their willingness to seek normality amidst ever changing circumstances. But we have survived the year and, dare I say, we have thrived. How blessed we are to be members of such a strong, supportive community United by our Mercy values and our quest to work together to be a ‘premier learning community.’

I extend best wishes to the staff and students who are leaving us and take this opportunity to wish them well for the future. We thank each and every one of them for their contribution to the College.

I would like to particularly acknowledge the staff who are leaving us:

Ms Fiona Lennon

I pay special tribute to Ms Lennon who has been an inspirational Deputy Principal in the area of Learning and Teaching. Ms Lennon has worked with both teachers and students always with the endeavour to achieve optimum teaching and learning practices. Ms Lennon leaves us to undertake study next year.

Ms Mara Brunato

Ms Brunato is retiring after 20 years at the Academy during which time she held a number of significant positions, including Years 10 & 12 Wellbeing leader. She taught in a number of areas including Religious Education and Italian. Travel is very much on the horizon for Ms Brunato.

Mrs Colleen Vaughan

Mrs Vaughan is retiring after 20 years at the Academy. She has been an extraordinary English, Literature, and Texts & Traditions teacher. Mrs Vaughan believes it is time to retire now and focus on her ever growing number of grandchildren.

Ms Annette Williams

Ms Williams passion for science, especially Biology, is well known and appreciated by our students. We wish Ms Williams well as she moves to another school.

Mr Tim Denson

Our IT guru! If Mr Denson doesn’t know it or can’t fix an IT problem, it is safe to say no one can. We wish Mr Denson well as he moves into other areas of the workforce.

Mr Burhan Zhouand

Mr Zhouand has only been at the College for a very short time in a replacement position but he had endeared himself to staff and students alike. We wish Mr Zhouand all the best for the future.

And those teachers taking a period of leave:

Ms Alex Cowin – on parental leave until Term 4 2023. We wish Ms Cowin well as she waits the birth of her baby.

Ms Siobhan Taylor – on parental leave in 2023. Again we wish Ms Taylor well at this exciting time.

Ms Fiona Tassone – Ms Tassone will be here in Terms 1 & 4 but will be teaching overseas in Terms 2 & 3.

Ms Karen Fogarty – Ms Fogarty is taking a period of leave during 2023 but will return to her role as Transition Leader in Term 4 2023.

Last night’s online Celebration of Excellence Evening provided the opportunity to acknowledge student excellence in all areas. I congratulate those students who were acknowledged last night. They should be truly proud of their efforts and I know teachers and parents will share their pride.

Thank you to all members of staff, students, members of the College Advisory Council, the Parents’ Association and the Alumnae Committee for their support this year. Please take time to read Important Dates page which includes final College dates for this year, and start dates for 2023.

Our 2023 theme “Many Voices, One Community” is one we look forward to actioning throughout the year. The road ahead beckons and the Academy community moves forward with hope and joy.

I wish you a very happy Christmas, a safe and relaxing holiday and every blessing for the coming year.

Every blessing,

Sr Mary Moloney rsm

Principal