I struggle to accept that we have commenced the final term of the year. Surely, we have months left; however, formal exams and summative assessments are starting for Year 11 and Year 10 students after the Cup Day break, and soon after, Years 8 and 9 will commence examinations for selected subjects from 12 November. Of course, another indicator that the academic year is coming to a close is hearing the Year 7 students describing their experiences, their learning, and seeing their enthusiasm for playing sporting finals, finishing STEAM and Art projects, and the like.

Community Connect provided a lunchtime sausage sizzle today for our students to congratulate them on their contribution to such a positive year. This treat could also be used as a metaphor to keep us all sustained for the final weeks of school. Again, I draw attention to our Celebration Evening on Monday, 25 November. This year, we are returning to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, gathering all Year 7–11 students to celebrate our collective achievements for 2024 in front of their parents and carers. This is a compulsory event for our Year 7–11 students, with 'Step Ahead', the programme that brings all students into the new academic year, commencing the next day.

Term 4 commenced with the annual Art & Technology Exhibition showcasing outstanding creativity, examples of which are undoubtedly highlighted in this newsletter edition. The VCE Music Soirée and Vocal Soirée occurred last week, and the students are to be congratulated for their courage to challenge themselves and entertain eager audiences. Some Year 10 and Year 11 students had excursions to Parliament House, the Magistrates' Court, and Her Majesty's Theatre to see Beauty and the Beast. These were all opportunities to enhance learning and bring the real world of work, career pathways, and tertiary studies into focus.

Analysing career options is becoming less contemplative and a closer reality for the Class of 2024 as they begin to close the door on their secondary schooling, and in a couple of weeks, they will be sitting VCAA examinations. The whole school will be congratulating them and cheering them on at Monday’s Farewell Assembly. Along with family members, our Year 12 students will be celebrated in a formalised manner at the Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner on Thursday, 24 October.

I wish our Class of 2024 perfection of presentation for the VCE Language Orals and Performance Examinations that have already begun, and for every student undertaking written exams in the coming weeks, clarity of thought and confidence in execution. For your future, I pray you share the knowledge you will earn, embrace any challenges you will meet, and that the Mercy Values always guide your conduct.

Ad Altiora

Rachel Valentine
Deputy Principal