Congratulations to our 2020 College Leaders who were commissioned into their new roles by all members of the College at a special liturgy held today. The College Captain and Vice Captain, House Captain and Vice Captains and Specialist Captains were officially recognised in their leadership roles for 2020.
Each House asked their leaders a series of questions, relating to the ethos of their House and the leaders responded by agreeing to fulfil their duties to the best of their ability. The offices of Specialist Captains (Expressive Arts and Culture, Narragunnawali, SRC, Sport, Social Justice, Spiritual, Sustainability and Transition), were also conferred upon their incumbents.
As a symbol of the conferring of leadership, 2019 leaders presented symbols to the incoming 2019 leaders:
- A lighted candle was presented to signify hope and the spirit of Merici College.
- A cross which symbolised faith and God's unconditional love.
- A heart as a symbol of love and a reminder that the community of Merici College is together as one.
- A small tree as a symbol of growth and renewal. The tree was a reminder that without nourishment and love the community will not flourish.
The final blessing and commissioning of the College Captain and College Vice-Captain for 2020 concluded the ceremony in a joyous, uplifting manner.
We congratulate all 2020 leaders on their appointments and wish them every blessing in their roles.
Mrs Wholley thanked the 2019 Student Leadership team for their wonderful work and commitment to the life of Merici College. She congratulated 2020 leaders and wished them success in their new leadership roles. “St Angela Merici saw women as significant agents of change in a world longing for love, unity and harmony. She called us to “strive to be faithful to that which God has called you.”
As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, as a College, we continue to answer this call, and our mission as a Catholic school to follow the values of Jesus, values found in the Gospel stories. These stories teach us to lead with compassion, justice, service and courage. Remembering to do all these in a spirit of faith, hope and love.
Today we are here to encourage and support the ladies on stage who have answered the call to leadership. Whom whilst still developing their gifts have now been elected to make decisions that affect this community.
Over the years I have received many well thought out proposals. Just this year we changed our election process to include all students, created a new scholarship for VET students, established working committees to look at uniform, facilities and the canteen and have had student led activities for fundraising and awareness raising for issues of importance. These ideas have all led to a better Merici and hopefully will inspire you to lead our community to a better world where love, unity and harmony are central to our lives.
I would like to thank our family and friends who have joined us today. They stand beside you in support and with encouragement.
And so, I invite you to congratulate our leaders for 2020.
Mrs Loretta Wholley
Principal
