Dear Parents and Caregivers
On Wednesday evening ‘Fashion for Compassion’ was held with the theme of ‘A Day in Paris’. The event was supported with great enthusiasm as the funds raised go to Mercy Works. This is a not-for-profit charity organisation supporting long term development projects in Australia and the South-East Asia Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, The Philippines and Timor-Leste. This organisation works in the tradition of Catherine McAuley, with some of the most challenged and vulnerable people and communities towards dignity and self-reliance. They have a particular focus on women and children. Mercy Works aims to transform the future of vulnerable people by improving health, enhancing social wellbeing, and expanding educational and economic opportunities. In Australia they work with First Nations projects as well as refugees and asylum seeker students in schools and adult literacy programs.
Sister Elizabeth Nicholls provided an overview of the work carried out by Mercy Works to all in attendance so that they understood where the money raised would go. She also focused on two particular projects to give the audience an understanding of the challenges people deal with who rely on the support of Mercy Works.
As Catherine McAuley said, “…there is very little good can be accomplished or, evil avoided, without the aid of money,” emphasising the importance of our fundraising for Mercy Works. Thanks to all the students and staff involved in this key event and to parents for supporting such a worthwhile cause.
On Monday evening the annual Music Recital Night was held in the Performing Arts Centre. This provided senior students with the opportunity to showcase their talents with a diverse program including classical, jazz, contemporary and music theatre performances. I acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the Music Department under the leadership of Ms Catherine Clarnette that nurtured our talented students.
I congratulate Dr Lucie McCrory on her appointment to the position of Principal of Mercedes College from January 2024. I have every confidence in her ability to lead the College into the future and hope she enjoys her time at Mercedes as much as I have.
