Over the past two weeks there has been a buzz in the air around the college.  Last week, swimming sports took place for the first time in several years and although the weather was a little dull, the atmosphere at Point Erin Pools was quite the opposite with Houses battling it out for supremacy.  Whilst competitive races saw some of our young women shine, the fun noodle races, relays and other such events saw our students get in the pool, have fun, and cheer one another on, creating a fantastic sense of connection and belonging.  A huge thank you to the Sports Department and Sports Council for their organisation, to the students who participated and to the staff for ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Our pre-enrolment evening also took place last week and saw a significant number of families come through the school.  Our young women who supported this evening by showcasing their work, involvement in clubs and on the sports courts, along with assisting people on tours around the school, were outstanding.  It was truly a wonderful evening, as although the purpose of a pre-enrolment evening is to invite potential new students and their families into the school, to learn about what we do, and who we are as a learning community, what we saw was our young women role modelling our school values and sharing their enthusiasm and pride in being young women of Mercy.  

Our values, and our focus value this year of Service, was also illustrated on Friday with the annual coin trail.  Although the coin trail has changed from when I was a student, as students now create a chalk image on the court, the aim to raise awareness and funds is still there, along with working together on a piece of work to raise awareness.  A huge congratulations to the student leadership team led by Chelsea Gardner and Roseline Son.

This week has seen many of our summer sports teams head off to tournament week and compete in volleyball, 3×3 basketball, waterpolo, mountain biking, kayaking and equestrian.  We are looking forward to seeing the final results come in.  Whilst many have been away competing, at school the facilities have been abuzz with netball and football trials, and multiple zone days.  It is so pleasing to see so many students getting involved in sports as the skills, qualities and values they can gain through participation are so valuable. 

The PTFA also held their AGM this week.  The parents and friends on this committee do so much to enhance our school community, from raising funds to bringing our community together.  I would like to thank all our PTFA members for their time, effort and work, and make a special mention to those who have given so generously over the years and have stepped down.  To Kelly Cullen, who has chaired the committee; Leanne Chinnery, who has been deputy chair; and Lisa Smith, who has been the secretary, thank you, thank you, thank you.  Collectively the drive and passion you have each brought to the PTFA has been at the heart of everything you have done.  Your energy to ensure events have run smoothly has never faltered and the contribution that you have each made to the college in your roles on the PTFA has created so many opportunities for our students.  Again, we thank each of you. 

Tonight at 7.00pm in the gym is Fiefia night.  This is a fantastic opportunity for our students competing on the Tongan stage at Polyfest this weekend to have a full run through and to raise funds towards the costs associated with Polyfest.  I highly encourage all to come and enjoy and celebrate the hard work, dedication and effort that has gone into preparing, learning and performing a traditional Tongan dance.  I would also like to thank the parents and families who have supported our young women.  Your hours of support are greatly appreciated. 

As we enter Holy Week please note that the school is closed for Good Friday, 29 March and re-opens on Wednesday 3 April, as Tuesday is a school holiday nationwide.  I would like to highlight that next week there is the opportunity for our community and the Rosmini community to come together at St Joseph’s Church for the Stations of the Cross.  This event is on Tuesday 26 March at 7.00pm and is a student-led production that retells the story of Jesus’ self-giving love in order to open our hearts to what is already given to us. 

In closing, I would like to share a reflection as we are reminded that the work of those in our community is given and shared through their call to Mercy, which is central to our community’s values and what makes our community what it is, as we strive to empower our young women to challenge and shape their future.

May you meet mercy each day:

In the light of your heart, at the hands of loved ones, 

In the eyes of the stranger and the needy

And if by chance you do not first meet it,

Then search your heart for it, listen patiently for word of it,

And it will tap you on the shoulder,

A quiet surprise, a small gesture, the tender look,

Given and received in the encounters of your day.

Mary Wickham rsm