From the Principal – Issue #9, 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

The Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association Conference was held in Perth last week, hosted by Santa Maria College. Every second year, we gather to connect with our colleagues from Mercy schools around Australia and New Zealand. The theme this year was Community, Connection and Celebration, and we honoured the story of Sr Ursula Frayne, who journeyed from Ireland to Australia to open the first Mercy school in Perth at Mercedes College in 1846. Since then, Mercy education has spread across Australia and NZ, and the AMSSA membership now numbers over 65 schools.

Keynote presentations on the leadership required in Mercy schools today, the Neuroscience of Learning and Contextual Wellbeing prompted great discussion and sharing of ideas across the two days. The Opening Mass and closing liturgy were powerful reminders of the rich tradition we have inherited from the Sisters of Mercy and the privilege we have in carrying it forward in today’s world. We are grateful for the hospitality and service of our Perth Mercy schools.

Hospitality was also a key ingredient in the success of the Reception students’ afternoon with their Grandparents and Grand friends on Wednesday. Thank you to the many people who made time to come along, and to the SIA sisters, who played the role of backup grandparent for those students whose families are in other parts of the world. They say, “it takes a village to raise a child”, and we see so many family members helping with drop-offs and pick-ups at school. The later start time for the event this year meant lots of excitement throughout the day, but thankfully there weren’t quite so many tears to mop up when saying goodbye!

Rehearsals for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are well underway, and Director Lucy Dilger says it is coming together beautifully. Events like these rely on a cast of thousands, from props and set design to costumes, make-up and most importantly, performances. I am grateful to all the staff who are working tirelessly to make this happen, and I know we will all be in for a sweet treat in Term 3!

The Art team in action bringing the ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ set to life!

Last night, 16 students from Years 3 to 6 celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Cathedral. It seems fitting that this event fell just after Reconciliation Week, where we came to understand more deeply what it means to be reconciled in all of our relationships. It was a pleasure to be part of the sacramental journey with these students and their families, who were so beautifully prepared and guided by Ms Isabella Formichella and Father James McEvoy.

You might have noticed the hive of activity on the building site this week, as the level 1 concrete pour took place on Wednesday. Progress has been excellent so far, and the building is taking shape before our very eyes. Thank you for your patience in navigating the disruption as we create the new Dunlevie building. We know it will be worth the wait!

Wishing everyone a relaxing long weekend,

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

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