It was with great pride and appreciation that Mrs Loretta Wholley and members of the Leadership Team presented academic awards to students on Monday 11 February for their achievements in Semester 2 2018.
Mrs Wholley addressed the students, recognising the achievements and hard work of all students.
“As students at Merici you are called to: Be compassionate and faithfilled young women who reach out to others and are a powerful voice for those less fortunate.
As students at Merici you are empowered by your teachers and family to be: Reflective, Open-minded, Risk-takers, Caring, Balanced, Principled, Knowledgeable, Inquirers, Communicators and Thinkers (all qualities outlined in the IB Learner Profile)
Over the past 60 years at least 10,000 students have been educated at Merici College or what was once known as Canberra Catholic Girls High School.
The original Sisters, from the 6 religious orders wanted each girl in their care to become mature, well-educated women. Sr Clare (the first principal at this College) described her vision for each student to be – “an administrator in the disposition of her resources” (in other words know how to save money and spend it wisely). To learn a variety of skills for the future. That she ought to be something of a moral theologian and a psychologist (which is about ethics or knowing right and wrong and understanding how our minds affect our behaviour). She thought students should be an artist and a critic. And that now that she had been presented to with science careers, (once the monopoly of men) students should embrace it.
We are blessed that past women at Merici – both teachers and students have paved the way for us. We have many opportunities that previous generations did not have. For example, last week the students heard from Helen Campbell, one of the original students from the founding Class of 1959. She was telling everyone about the Marriage Law. (did you know what it meant?) Basically once women got married, they were not allowed to work in the public service. It was believed woman could not work and look after their husband and children. This law was only overturned 50 years ago. Sometimes change takes a long time but people did not give up and nor should we, when it comes to equality between men and women.
So today we thank the women whose shoulders we stand on - who fought for our rights. And we applaud the men who have stood on their side and supported them during these tumultuous times and will continue to do so into the future.
As you know we are well on our way our International Baccalaureate journey. Staff have been involved in a variety of professional learning workshops. They have focused on pastoral care, inquiry learning and the launching IB MYP workshop. There are staff here who have recently completed post graduate degrees, including myself, and I am excited about attending my graduation at ACU in April and for my daughters to see that learning is life long journey. It is also an opportunity to thank my husband for his support.
Our Graduating Class of 2018 achieved outstanding results at the end of last year. This was due to their commitment, to striving to achieve, their personal best. Every Year 12 student at Merici received their Senior Secondary Certificate. This includes students who completed Registered units on a Modified Package, Accredited Packages including Apprenticeships and Certificate courses and those who aspired for a Tertiary Package. Merici continued to have the highest percentage of students graduate from College with a Vocational Certificate. We are so proud of their determination and strength of mind and character, which is evident throughout our community and I know will continue into the future.
Congratulations to the students who have achieved their best result today in their subject or have been highlighted due to their effort, purpose and passion to their studies. Your attitude is what will make a difference in our world. Your intelligence, when put to great use, will be what makes the burden and chaos of society lighter. Each one of you has a role, each one of you has been created by God to live a life full of truth and love.”
The Merici community welcomed ex-student Zufi Emerson to the assembly. After graduating Merici College, Zufi Emerson moved to Sydney to complete a 3-year acting degree. She continued work as advocate for children in need of a permanent home as an ambassador for Adopt Change and became an active voice in addressing gender equality with Future Women and now, as a trained, working actor.
Zufi spoke to the students about the friendships and sisterhood that were formed many years ago and still continue today, “We’ve all taken very different avenues from day one to today, they are still my sisters and I could not be happier to be here today to talk to you about my life after graduating from Merici. Being here as a guest speaker today is a lot sooner than I imagined and I have realised the our motto actually has a point: I have learned to love life- especially in testing times to learn about myself and others; To have hope in my most powerful weapon that is education and find my way to use it; Be faithful , dedicating time to be faithful to my studies, work people around me and myself. I attempted most of this while I was a student, but honestly, it didn't sink in until I left school. Then, the fearless optimism Merici instilled in me, to back myself whilst I dared to dream found me in situations I never pictured being in AND none of it was to plan.”
Zufi has been committed to her work with Adopt Change, “Adopt Change also lead me to meet inspirational woman … I was taught here that being a girl didn't determine your ability to gain high education, play whatever sport you want or be in whatever lab. My mentors had faith that I could contribute to the conversation around equality. “ Her passion however is to have a career in acting. “I knew our industry was changing but I had no clue how I’d get a chance to work as an actor, I wasn't the greatest actor in our class. I was well trained but that wasn't enough to set me apart. When I got an acting job a month before graduating, I was told it was because I was a direct and kind person. I was also signed to a reputable acting agent for this same reason. Fear of being rejected can be debilitating for some, particularly in my industry but I learned from this that I could control only two things: the effort I put into my work and the kindness I brought to the room - two things I actually learned from my time at Merici.”
Zufi concluded her address by saying that faith exists in many ways at Merici, “Sisterhood is priceless and rare, support of the wider community doesn't fade, Merici teachers instil a sense of community and a way of holding yourself with pride as young women, never letting my kindness be mistaken for weakness in any room, particularly in an industry where males hold all power meant I had moments where faith in myself was all I had. So in your year of Fidelitas and faithfulness, I implore you, whilst you continue to develop your education and your way of using it to make the change you wish to see, don't forget to build faith in yourself, if you don't have a full plan - follow your passion anyway, get educated anyway; the people who have your back and opportunities that come your way, may surprise you and maybe you’ll be asked to re-live memories and pictures of your journey at Merici sooner than you think.”
The students and staff thanked Zufi for her inspirational address and we look forward to ongoing contact.
