Serviam
Our community knows, that as people of God, we are called to activate our hearts, heads and hands to further the welfare of those around us. We are continually being invited to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and be inspired by His model of servant leadership, most beautifully conveyed to us in the moment when He washed the feet of His followers, not long before He died in order to save all of us.
In Let Us Dream, Pope Francis shows us that “what saves us it not an idea but an encounter. Only the face of another is capable of awakening the best in ourselves. In serving the people, we save ourselves.” In another year filled with joys, challenges and the disruption of a lingering pandemic, our College’s values have proven to be integral to living lives of service. As a faithful community we seek to ‘Act, bestir (y)ourselves, have faith and confidence.” (Angela Merici). Saint Angela saw that the heartbeat of a daring Jesus is to be found at our core, in those we meet, in every decision we make, in the day-to-day and in all that God has created. She wrote “Do something, get moving, risk new things, stick with it, get on your knees then be ready for great surprises.” The Merici community does work to follow Christ’s example of love and service to those in need, firm in the knowledge that this is not a task reserved to a select few but a calling for all Christians.
We all are indeed blessed that in 2022, we have had the impetus to act and positively shape our lives and that of others. In 2022, I continue to feel immensely privileged and proud to be leading such a wonderful community. It is one defined by our school motto, ‘Fidelitas’ where all are encouraged to act as Pope Francis has demonstrated, with a heightened awareness of the impact our actions have on ourselves, others and creation. Our College seeks to be a “bright candle” that makes a positive difference in our local and global world.
To our parents and carers, I value the partnership we share in educating your daughters and thank you for your support. I appreciated your warm words and encouraging emails.
We are looking forward to 2023 with the College theme Communitas, with building renovations continuing, the continued growth of our International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years Programme and many exciting new programs and offerings in the curriculum and extra-curricular area.
For those moving within the ACT or moving interstate or overseas – we hold a strong belief that the education you have received at Merici and the time you have spent here has put you in good stead for whatever path you have chosen. Never be a stranger to us and know that you will always be loved as a member of the Merici College family. If you are leaving our community, can you please contact our Enrolments Officer soon as possible so that we can contact prospective families who would like to join us in 2023 and who are on our waiting lists.
The 2023 school year will begin for Years 7, 11, 12 and new students on Tuesday, 31 January and for Years 8, 9 and 10 on Wednesday, 1 February. During the week prior to this, staff professional learning, new staff orientation, and staff planning will take place. The 2023 School Calendar can be viewed online here.
In a year of new beginnings, future dreaming, courage, challenge and continued threat from COVID-19, I would like to conclude by sharing, once again, an extract from a beautiful blessing by John O’Donohue.
A Morning Offering
May my mind come alive today
To the invisible geography
That invites me to new frontiers
To break the dead shell of yesterdays,
To risk being disturbed and changed.
May I have the courage today
To live the life that I would love,
To postpone my dream no longer,
But do at last what I came here for
And waste my heart on fear no more.
With my best wishes for a very happy, safe holy Christmas and New Year season.
Anna Masters
Principal
Full letter here.
Read more
