Spirit of Catherine Awards

The Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of students who embody the Mercy Values in their daily lives and live out the teachings and example of Catherine McAuley, demonstrating compassion, service, and a commitment to justice in our College and beyond.

Year 7 - Makayla Jackson

Makayla is an outstanding student whose contributions to our school community extend far beyond the classroom. She consistently demonstrates exceptional academic commitment, approaching her studies with enthusiasm, determination, and a genuine love of learning.

Her pastoral contributions are equally impressive, as she is always willing to support and encourage those around her, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Through her involvement in the wider community, she exemplifies service, leadership, and compassion.

One of her most remarkable qualities is the positive energy she brings to every class; her constant smile, kind nature, and willingness to help others create a supportive atmosphere that lifts everyone around her. She is a highly valued member of the school community and a wonderful role model for her peers.

Year 7 - Henry Macnee

Henry is a delightful member of our community who consistently demonstrates a positive and respectful attitude. He is a talented sportsperson who has proudly represented CMCB across numerous sporting teams, displaying commitment, teamwork, and school spirit in everything he does.

Equally dedicated to his learning, he approaches classroom tasks with diligence and a genuine desire to achieve his best. One of his most admirable qualities is his friendly nature; he never fails to greet staff and students with a cheerful hello when passing by. His kindness, enthusiasm, and strong character make him a valued member of the CMC community.

Year 8 - Olivia Parker

Olivia has made a significant contribution to our College throughout her time here. Whether representing the College in sport, serving as a role model to younger students, or leading as our current Vincent House Captain, Olivia has consistently demonstrated commitment, integrity and genuine care for others.

While Olivia has been recognised for her sporting achievements, it is her character that truly stands out. She leads with humility, encourages those around her and ensures others feel valued and included. She understands that leadership is not about recognition, but about service.

As a proud First Nations woman, Olivia has represented her culture with pride, dignity and authenticity. Through her example, she has enriched our community and helped foster understanding, respect and appreciation for First Nations perspectives and traditions.

Year 8 - Cale Polson

Cale is a highly respected leader within our Year 8 cohort who consistently lives the Catherine McAuley values of hospitality, courage, honesty, compassion, respect, service and justice.

A trusted friend, Cale makes others feel welcome and included. Whether in the classroom, on camp, or on the sporting field, he is always looking out for others and encouraging everyone to be involved. His maturity, kindness and willingness to support his peers help create a positive and inclusive environment for those around him.

Cale leads not by seeking recognition, but by setting a positive example and bringing others along with him. His character, generosity and commitment to our community make him a worthy recipient of this award.

Year 9 - Grace Wyatt

Grace is a very kind and considerate member of our College community, consistently demonstrating the Mercy values of service and respect. Like Catherine, she is very supportive and caring of others and makes her peers feel included, heard and respected.

As a student leader, Grace is an unselfish individual who always looks for ways to help and assist her teachers and peers. She is an excellent role model for our other students through her willingness to challenge herself and step outside her comfort zone on a regular basis. Grace is a highly respected member of our school community.

Year 9 - Jordyn Rinaldi

Jordyn is a very selfless individual who models the values of compassion and respect, living mercy daily. Like Catherine, she always puts others first, assisting classmates in overcoming any challenges they may be experiencing in and out of the classroom, while demonstrating an exemplary attitude and work ethic as she aims to be the best she can be.

Jordyn leads by example in her role as student leader, communicating respectfully with staff and students alike and through the positive contribution she makes in all that she undertakes. Jordyn is a truly valued member of our College community.

Year 10 - Porsha O’Keefe

Porsha is an outstanding leader whose commitment to service sets her apart. As a dedicated member of the SRC, she consistently represents her peers with maturity, initiative and integrity. Porsha leads by example, demonstrates excellent communication skills, and approaches every responsibility with reliability and enthusiasm.

Her dedication to her studies is something that others admire, and the way she works with her peers in the classroom is always positive and supportive. Porsha embodies the Mercy values of our College through her actions, her attitude and her willingness to support others, making her worthy of a Spirit of Catherine Award.

Year 10 - Isabelle Mansfield

Isabelle exemplifies our Mercy values through the way she treats others with kindness, hospitality, respect and genuine compassion. During Year 10 Camp, she went above and beyond to ensure every student in her group felt included, supported and valued. Isabelle consistently encouraged others to participate, listened attentively to their ideas and helped create an environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing.

Isabelle’s respectful and welcoming nature fosters a strong sense of hospitality for all those she meets, demonstrating her genuine commitment to fairness and inclusion. Isabelle's quiet leadership, empathy and care for others make her a truly deserving recipient of a Spirit of Catherine Award.

Year 11 - Noah Rees

Noah is a kind and inclusive member of our school community. He is quiet and respectful, consistently putting the needs of others before his own. Noah demonstrates compassion through his willingness to support and encourage those around him, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.

He displays service by assisting others during class and patiently guiding younger students. Noah's thoughtful actions and caring nature make a positive contribution to our community.

Year 11 - Tully Place

Tully is a hardworking and polite student who consistently demonstrates compassion and empathy towards others. She is welcoming, respectful, and always greets those around her with a smile, truly living out the Mercy value of hospitality.

Tully has been a driving force in the fundraising efforts for the Cambodia Service Immersion, helping to raise money that will provide materials to build a home for a family in need. Her commitment to this cause reflects her kindness, generosity, and willingness to put the needs of others before her own. Tully's positive attitude and dedication to serving others make her a valued member of our school community.

Year 12 - Zain Al-Rawi

Zain is a hardworking and diligent student who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to his studies while taking an active leadership role within the College community. He exemplifies the Mercy values of service and hospitality, generously giving his time to run programs and initiatives that are inclusive and welcoming to all students.

Zain approaches every responsibility with enthusiasm, dedication and excellent organisational skills, ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard. He is respectful and courteous towards both staff and peers and is always willing to offer assistance wherever it is needed. Reliable, community-minded and compassionate, Zain makes a valuable contribution to the College and serves as a positive role model for those around him.

Year 12 - Tess Cockerall

Tess is a kind, supportive and highly valued member of the Year 12 cohort. She consistently demonstrates respect, compassion and integrity in all her interactions, embodying the Mercy values in both word and action. Tess is always polite and respectful towards staff and peers, and she willingly offers assistance to others in the classroom, contributing positively to the learning environment.

A quiet achiever, she approaches her work with diligence and humility, earning the respect of those around her through her thoughtful and caring nature. Tess's positive attitude and genuine concern for others make her a wonderful role model within the year level.

Staff Spirit of Catherine Award - Clare Welch

Through her selfless commitment to the students she teaches and the colleagues she works alongside, Clare demonstrates what it means to live the Mercy values each day.

Clare leads with compassion, dignity, and respect, placing the needs of others at the centre of all she does. Her unwavering support of students, her generosity of spirit, and her willingness to serve others without seeking recognition are qualities that inspire those around her.

Clare understands that Mercy is not simply something we speak about, but something we actively live. She exemplifies the belief that the standard you walk past is the standard you accept, consistently modelling excellence, integrity and care in all aspects of her work.

In Clare, we see the values that Catherine McAuley hoped would flourish in every Mercy community: kindness, courage, service, hospitality and a profound respect for the dignity of every person. Her actions remind us that true leadership is found in service to others and in the quiet, daily moments of care that can have a lasting impact.

Catherine would be proud to know that our community is enriched by staff members like Clare, who understand the true meaning of service and who bring the Mercy charism to life through their words, actions and relationships. Clare's contribution to our College is a gift, and her example challenges us all to live more fully in the spirit of Mercy.