Year 12 Final Day Breakfast

The final day of formal secondary schooling for the Class of 2026 was an emotional day of celebration and nostalgia, beginning with an early breakfast shared with teachers.

Whole College Assembly

Afterwards, students from Coolock arrived at St Mary’s for a whole-school assembly in the Marian Gym, along with staff, parents and carers. As students and guests arrived, Year 12 students, Issy Byrne (keyboard) and Olivia Ledlie (violin) provided background music. Prep and Year 12 photos playing on the big screen as people took their seats were a variation on the traditional photo presentation and evoked memories and a few chuckles.

The Year 12 student leaders and Captains led the assembly, which included an Acknowledgement of Country, prayers led by our Faith Captains Rose McSweeny and Chloe Vincent, and speeches from the College Captains Issy Byrne and Sam Gibson, and members of the leadership team, to reflect on 2026.
“We give thanks for the six years we have shared, for the friendships, the laughter, the challenges, the lessons and the countless memories that have shaped our journey.

We thank you for our teachers and staff, for our families and friends, and for all those who have walked beside us. Through their encouragement, patience, guidance and love, they have helped us grow into the young people we are today.”

Issy and Sam reflected on the moments that were memorable for the Class of 2026, including the torrential downpour on their very first day of Year 7, the impacts of lockdowns, the challenges of Year 9 Camp, the small wins of a Year 12 Common Room and the enjoyable activities during the year.

“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 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.” Issy

Sam had some advice for those still at school: “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.”

Ned Howe and Milla Sherriff thanked the College-wide 2026 Student Leadership Team for their service, commitment and energy they brought to the College community throughout the year.

“Together, we’ve achieved many of our goals, whether through events, initiatives, or simply by being a visible and supportive presence for your peers. This has helped shape a culture of inclusion, respect and courage. Living out our Mercy Values through action.”

Mr Frank Dullard, Executive Deputy Principal Staff & Administration, then announced the 2027 College Captains and Year 12 College Leaders and they came forward for the handover ceremony.

In a summary of the 2026 Student Leadership Team’s achievements, Rose McSweeney highlighted the fundraising and awareness campaign for Caritas that raised $6.844 and the Mercy Day fundraising for Mercyworks that raised an outstanding $22,000.

Other initiatives included the food drive and an essential care items drive, and the opportunity to donate unwanted school uniforms. The Cambodia Immersion group also raised almost $8,000 to support communities in Cambodia.

A surprise winner for the House Cup 2026 was McAuley House and a jubilant Ned Howe accepted the cup on behalf of his house. MacKillop came second while Djaara was in third place.

After the blessing and closing prayer from Year 7 Captains, Tessa Ginivan and Makayla Jackson, Principal Mr Brian Turner gave a short address. He congratulated the Class of 2026 on their resilience, not just for navigating a difficult start to secondary schooling during lockdowns, but also for the way they had managed other challenging events over the past few years. He was proud of the way they supported each other and the maturity they had shown.

In the year of our sesquicentenary, he noted how well they had demonstrated Mercy Values and would have made Catherine proud. In closing, he drew their attention to the 800th anniversary of the death St Francis of Assisi and his famous prayer for peace, which is still so relevant today.

Next, the VCE musicians performed 'Pompeii' by Bastille, a song chosen to remind us to pause and reflect on where we have come from and the experiences that have shaped us.

As the assembly ended, the Class of 2026 processed out to a video, created by Zaidee Khong throughout the year, set to the music of 'I Lived' by OneRepublic. The video is a celebration of the moments, achievements, friendships and opportunities that have made the Class of 2026’s time at the College so meaningful.

We wish the Year 12 students every success as they prepare for exams that begin in one week. They will gather for the final time at the Graduation Mass and Celebration on 19 November.