As we head into a well-earned break for the end of Term 3, many people are congratulating themselves on having ‘made it’ through what has been a very jam-packed term. This newsletter reflects that in the many activities taking place and the wide range of successful outcomes achieved.

This is a bumper issue for sport as many sports teams have been competing at high levels over the past fortnight. All competitors, without exception, have impressed their coaches, supporters and opposition with outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience. Congratulations to all students who have represented the College so far this year; you have made us all very proud.

As is our tradition, on Mercy Day tomorrow, we will finish the term with a great celebration of who we are as a Mercy school by coming together to reflect on our Mercy values and the legacy of Catherine McAuley. This is followed by an enjoyable afternoon of fun, food and music to raise funds for Mercy Works.

While we look forward to seeing everyone’s colourful and imaginative costumes, we also look forward to the opportunity to recognise the achievements of individual students who live the Mercy values in their everyday lives and set an admirable example for all students to follow.

This year is particularly special as we celebrate 150 years since the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Bendigo to found this great College. From humble beginnings in a wooden schoolhouse on Wright Street, the Sisters pioneered Catholic education in Bendigo, and we all enjoy the benefits of that legacy. Throughout 2026, we have reflected on the courage and vision it took for the founding Sisters to leave their home in Ireland in 1876 and travel to Sandhurst to bring education, order and faith to the children of the goldfields.

As the Year 12s begin to prepare themselves both mentally and academically to wind up their secondary school days, they will be using the holiday break to sit practice exams and continue their study habits. Nevertheless, we hope everyone has an opportunity to take a much-needed rest and return to school on Monday 5 October, in summer uniform, to begin the final term of 2026.