I am always very proud of the achievements of our college community and this was reinforced last Friday when I saw the way our students, once again, supported the Ponytail Project for Cancer Council Australia. Catherine McAuley was inspired by God’s mercy through the kindness of others and our students were doing “God’s work” as Catherine would describe it. Our college community has often been touched by cancer and our students, staff and parents felt strongly about donating money and ponytails for wigs to this important cause. As well as individual amounts raised our MC, Lisa Fernandez, spoke about the reasons why students were prepared to have their hair cut and often it was because a member of their family had battled cancer. Our college raised over $27,000 for this worthy cause. It was a memorable example of mercy in action.
At our Advisory Council Meeting last week, a presentation was given by the architect firm we have engaged to work on our Master Plan. This plan outlines the various stages of new development the College will aim to build in the future. This planning commenced before COVID when the architect met with the Advisory Council, P & F, representatives from student year groups and staff to gather information about the needs of the school. Once the plan is approved by the governing body, we are hoping the first stage of the build will begin during 2024/25. You will be updated on the process.
This has been a difficult week for me with the announcement of my decision to retire at the end of the year. The school is in a strong position for a new Principal to take the college into the future. I will work hard to provide a thorough handover and complete my time at Mercedes with energy and passion for a school that I love.
Kind regards
Mrs Kerrie Fraser
