For Senior Years students the beginning of Term 4 is an important time of transition. For Year 11 students this is a period in which they begin to think about their preparation for their upcoming Year 11 examinations, as well as the time in which they step into leadership roles that have been ably modelled by our Year 12 Prefects. These successful incumbent prefects will be announced to the College on Monday 16 October as part of the Year 12 Final Assembly and we look forward to welcoming parents of these students to celebrate their success and future leadership of the College at this time.

For Year 12 students, Term 4 is a very short period of time when students have only eleven scheduled days on campus. There can be a range of emotions at this time: sadness that their years at the College are coming to an end, excitement at the opportunity to manage their own personal study and preparation time for their external examinations, and joyful anticipation of their upcoming celebratory events including the Year 12 Final Assembly on Monday 16 October and the Valedictory Mass and Dinner on Thursday 19 October. These are important ‘markers of time’ as the Year 12 students step into their life beyond the College as ‘alumnae’ and graduates as part of the 135 year history of the College.

A central part of this period of time is the announcement of the 2023 College Valedictorian. This is a prestigious award that is voted for by the Year 12 students and teachers. Congratulations to Charlotte Nelson who is a deserving Valedictorian for all her achievements, contributions and commitment to the College and its Mercy values. Charlotte exemplifies the College motto of Ad Altiora - strive for higher things - through her academic achievements, school community spirit and through being an exemplary Mercy student. We look forward to Charlotte’s farewell speech at the Valedictory evening.

Other joyful celebratory events this Term have included the St ¹û¶³APP Art Show and celebration of student art and design, fashion and food technology that was celebrated on Thursday 5 October. It was an amazing collection and celebration of the passion and dedication of our student artists and their ongoing work this year. Congratulations to the subject specific award winners – their artwork was truly deserving.