The final day of Term 3 provided a perfect spring day to celebrate the end of term, our heritage, our identity as a community and the legacy of Catherine McAuley. There were plenty of fun and imaginative costumes as students and staff alike dressed up and enjoyed the carnival to raise funds for Mercy Works. The day began with a gathering of our whole College community, ably led by our student leaders and elevated by the College Choir and musicians.

As well as reflecting on our Mercy traditions, we also paid special attention to the courage and vision of the founding Sisters who left their home in Ireland 150 years ago to bring education, order and faith to the children of the Sandhurst goldfields. This was celebrated by the launch of a commemorative video celebrating the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.

Our special guests included Sister Anne Cossar and Sister Kathy Ryan from the Sisters of Mercy, together with Rachael Cracknell, Head of Education at Mercy Education Limited, who also helped present certificates to our Spirit of Catherine Award recipients.

Thank you and congratulations to our students who demonstrated such reverence throughout the liturgy and awards presentation. Thanks also to Mrs Kim Carter, Acting Assistant Principal – Faith, Mission and Community, for successfully planning and implementing such a big event.

Term 4 is always a busy and eventful time with just a few weeks to go before we farewell our Year 12 students prior to their exams and graduation. It was encouraging to see so many VCE students taking up the opportunity to come in during the break for practice exams, and I thank the staff who supported the students for these sessions.

I hope that everyone is enjoying a safe and relaxing break and is ready to return on Monday, rested and full of enthusiasm for the final term.

Mercy Day Greetings 2026 From the Trustee Directors and staff of Mercy Ministry Companions

Our tapestry of Mercy continues to be shaped by threads of Compassion, Hope, Hospitality, Justice and Respect, woven into our encounters with others.

Inspired by Catherine McAuley, may we continue to shed light on the ‘deep story’ of God’s mercy revealed in the life and mission of Jesus.