Welcome 2021
It was fantastic to welcome our staff and students back to the College for the beginning of the 2021 school year.
On the first day of term, staff gathered for Mass and to reflect on the year ahead. Over the next week, we saw a gradual return of students and the school come back to life. Our new Year 8-12 students joined us for an orientation day. The Year 12 students participated in their first Seminar Day, thinking about their purpose and setting their intentions for what they aspired to achieve this year hear from listened to guest speaker and fellow local, Paul Watkins, who spoke to the group about his experience undertaking a quest to complete the 6633 Artic Ultra Marathon (and won in 2019). Paul spoke to the students about being disciplined in their approach to work, that failure is part of the process, and that training and work is what you put in to improve. Paul also reminded students that it is important to:
- create some space with time;
- gain perspective and context through thought; and
- find the way through action.
The rest of the students followed on Monday, 1st February. Students at the McAuley campus settled into their routine. Whilst over at the McAuley Campus, we were pleased to welcome the newest members of our community, our Year 7 students and the future Class of 2026. Students at the O’Keeffe Campus participated in a traditional smoking ceremony, led by Briabalong gunai kurnai man, Paul Wright. He spoke passionately about his culture and the significance of the ceremony which is believed to have cleansing properties and wards off bad spirits from the people and land to make way for a brighter future.
On Monday, 8th February, a fabulous evening was enjoyed by our Year 7 students and their families at the Welcome BBQ. Families has the opportunity to tour the campus with their child, meet homeroom teachers and chat to staff and friends (new and old) of their child and form bonds with other families.
The College came together for the first time in many months to celebrate the beginning of the 2021 school year with the Commencement Mass on Thursday, 11th February. The day marked a new beginning for many at MRC: our new students and staff who have just joined the Mercy family, our Year 12s who are starting their last Year at the College, our 2020 College Dux and Subject Dux recipients who are beginning a new chapter of their lives, and returning students who will make new memories and friends. The recording of the Commencement Mass and Assembly is available to our parents and the wider community via this link.
We hope everyone enjoyed this new beginning and we look forward to a year full of hope, purpose and kindness for everyone in our Mercy community.
