2026 College Captains - Issy Byrne and Sam Gibson

Issy
Good morning, staff, students, family and most importantly, the Class of 2026. We have spent roughly 2,563 days at school, from Prep to Year Twelve. Today is the very last one of those days: the final time we will wake up, put on this uniform, and let the bell dismiss us.

Over the last 6 years at CMCB, we have expanded the horizons of our knowledge. We learnt how to simplify fractions and decipher Greek tragedies. Both are very fundamental skills for the workforce. We met new people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. We have welcomed peers along the way and said goodbye to others. We’ve made mistakes, as we will continue to, and we’ve learned from them. We’ve truly grown into better versions of ourselves.

During the recent interviews for next year's leadership, students spoke of the strong Mercy community that we have created here at CMCB and how fundamental service and compassion are to our school, driving the fundraisers and donation drives that give back to our wider community. On a smaller scale, we can see the spirit of Catherine in the everyday interactions between students and staff, both in the yard and the classroom. Coming together to learn through Mercy has been a beautiful experience and one that will no doubt stick with us through life.

On our first-ever day of high school, we walked in, prepared to face the dreaded school photos, only to be met with a torrential downpour leaving us with questionable-looking hairstyles. Which is maybe why we opted for prep photos in the slideshow. We persevered and experienced all the new opportunities that high school had to offer whilst in and out of lockdown. We made friends, tried new subjects like agriculture and drama and went toe to toe with leeches on Year 9 camp, managing to survive a full 5 days in the wilderness.

Sam
The brand new gym opened at Coolock, and we got to use it for all of two weeks before moving here to St Mary’s, where we had to conquer the challenge that is Wright Street; I wish I could say the climb gets easier, but much like the building workload that comes with senior high school, you’ve simply got to persist. In Year 11, we continued honing our passions and had our first-ever encounter with the GAT.

We began this year, eyeing the Year 11s with envy as immersions returned conveniently one year too late for us. We did however, receive compensation in the form of a brand-new common room, equipped with toasty machines and microwaves. Every day, another race to get in first. 

Year 12 retreat in Ballarat was a chance to come together as a year level, which set us up for the year ahead. Mercy Day was one of the highlights of our year. We got to dress up in our house colours and party at the Mercy Day rave.

Issy
Over the last year, we’ve achieved many milestones. Between SACs, driving tests, and 18ths, this year has been jam-packed. We’ve grown closer as a cohort, and supported each other through one of the biggest years of our lives. Balance has been crucial in managing the juggling act that is Year 12, making sure to work hard but still fill the year with fun.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets told that high school is the best time of your life, and to enjoy it while it lasts, but honestly, I hope this isn’t true. This is not to say I haven't enjoyed high school, because I’ve loved every second (except maybe the ones spent in math - sorry, Ms Lodge). I’ve made so many memories here, of people and experiences I will never forget, and I will cherish them forever. But high school is only one chapter of our lives, and there is so much more of our story to be told. So many possibilities are waiting beyond. New places to explore, people to meet and opportunities to be chased.

There are 163 students in this year's class of 2026, 163 individual stories that have been connected for the last six years. The close friends who are always there and know every little detail about you. The friends you only see at school, the ones you laugh with in class, talk to at lunch. The people you talk to at the lockers, sharing a smile and a quick conversation. That one class that's always a good time, with people you formed unexpected friendships with. But from this point on, we diverge. We will all take different paths; statistically, we will never end up all in one room again after graduation.

What I’m trying to say is to appreciate these years, because it can be very easy to take them for granted, but don’t let them define you, as endless possibilities are waiting for you.

Sam
For those of you who are continuing your schooling journey here, while there is a whole life to live after school, one where we each write our own stories, don’t take your time here for granted; don’t wish it away, because while seconds may tick slowly as you wait for the bell, these years truly fly.

I urge all of you to take every opportunity that presents itself. The world won’t always be fair; there will be days when you fail and feel like giving up on your goals, but overcoming your fear of failure is the true path to succeeding. To get the most out of school, it takes courage to put yourself out there, to sign up for that sports team, leadership role, or production, whatever it is that you are passionate about. In Pope Francis’ words, you must, ‘Never lose the courage to dream big and live life to the full!’

I personally couldn’t have imagined standing before you all today. Ignoring my own fear of failure has been the foundation of some of the most impactful experiences in my life. Particularly this opportunity to be a leader, one that I will be forever grateful for.

We would like to acknowledge the people who have helped us reach this point. Our teachers, for putting in the hard yards to teach us all we have learned, supporting us when we started struggling and extending deadlines on more than a few occasions. Our family, unpaid therapists, personal chauffeurs, and motivational speakers - all in one, there for the ups and downs, every step of the way. And to the friends who made each day memorable, thank you all.

As we move from 2026 into 2027, we want to acknowledge the 2027 leaders who will be announced shortly. We know we are leaving the school in good hands. We wish you all the best and are excited to hear about your personal impact.

As Mr Prowse would probably like to remind us, we still have to complete our exams, but we now begin looking forward to what life after school brings. This school means so much to us, and we will always cherish our time as a part of this Mercy community that has helped shape us into who we are. What a journey.

Congratulations, Class of 2026; we did it!