On Friday 31 May, our College community celebrated the Feast Day of St Angela Merici. In 2024, our journey at Merici College is guided by the profound theme of “Spes,” meaning hope – a beacon that shines brightly as we commemorate the feast Day of Saint Angela Merici and 65 years of Catholic education in Braddon. Anchored in the timeless wisdom of St. Angela, we embrace hope as our steadfast companion, echoing the biblical assurance, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19).
As a Merici community, we realise the transformative power of hope, recognizing it as the driving force that propels us forward, illuminates our path, and unites us in our collective vision for the future.
Mass
As we came together in prayer, we recognized the presence of esteemed guests, including our Merici Sisters: Genny Ryan, Angela Jordan, Frances Fitzpatrick and Noelene Quinane, pivotal in founding the College.
We also welcome the SIMS family – three generations of Merici Alumni, Kathy, Jodie and Brooklyn (current Merici student).
During the Opening Procession, the Merici College House banners were proudly carried by our College Captains. Our students and staff warmly welcomed Fr Namora Anderson who celebrated Mass.
Throughout the Mass, we drew inspiration from the remarkable life of St. Angela Merici, a shining example of unwavering dedication to Christ’s mission. Born in 1474 in the diocese of Verona, St. Angela embraced a life of profound devotion to God from her early years, choosing to live as His bride.
Despite familial expectations, she bravely renounced her inheritance to follow the Franciscan Tertiary rule with utmost fidelity. Even during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, marked by a temporary loss of eyesight, St. Angela’s determination remained steadfast.
Encouraged by Pope Clement VII during her visit to Rome, she later founded a society for girls in the Holy City under the protection of St. Ursula, laying the groundwork for the Ursuline Order.
St. Angela’s nearly seventy-year-long life was a testament to her unyielding commitment to Christ and His mission. Her devotion to pilgrimage, which culminated in the restoration of her sight, showcased her life of devotion and unwavering faith.
Though her life was mostly spent in Italy, her influence transcended borders. Canonized in 1807 and added to the Universal Calendar in 1861, St. Angela Merici’s legacy continues to inspire.
As we honour her feast day and celebrate 65 years of Merici College, we paid tribute to her selflessness, dedication, and profound service to God and others.
Christian Services Awards
At conclusion of the Mass, in recognition of Christian service, to a large number of remarkable students were acknowledged and congratulated for their outstanding contributions to our community. As we celebrated their achievements, we acknowledged their dedication and commitment to living lives of authentic service.
The Angela Merici Awards are symbolized by angel wings, and each set of wings represents a different milestone in service. The Blue Angel Wings represent 50 hours of service, the Red Angel Wings represent 100 hours, and the Gold Angel Wings represent 150 hours of service. Last year, we are introduced two new prestigious levels: the Platinum Angel Wings, recognizing 300 hours of Christian service, and the Diamond Angel Wings, acknowledging a staggering 500 hours of service.
The students who were honoured at the Mass completed their service in various community and school charities, activities, and events. Their efforts reflect their ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all the students who received awards. Your selfless efforts and dedication to service inspire us all, and we are grateful for the positive impact you’ve had on our community and beyond. Your commitment to Christian service exemplifies the values we cherish as a school and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
St Angela Merici Day Award
The community also celebrated the presentation of the prestigious St. Angela Merici Award to a select group of young women. This award recognises those who have accumulated Christian service hours, but have also demonstrated excellence in multiple areas of college life, including Sport, Co-curricular, Cultural, and Academic activities. To qualify for this prestigious award, these students have also actively participated in all College events, including retreats and reflection days. Their commitment was underscored by a process of discernment, led by the College leadership team and this is what truly sets them apart.
We take great honour in congratulating the following students for their remarkable achievements:
- Zoe Crick (Year 11)
- Caelan Edghill (Year 12)
- Ishita Gupta (Year 11)
- Tara Holmes (Year 10)
- Lily Nutt (Year 12)
- Rebecca Price (Year 11)
Recognition of Long-Serving Staff
It has become a tradition here at Merici College, that staff members’ years of service are recognised, and staff are acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to the life of Merici College.
You may have noticed that many of our staff wear a different coloured name badge, other than our traditional navy-blue badge.
Some will be wearing a light blue badge which signifies 5 years’ service at the College, yellow signifies 10 years, red – 20 years and gold – 30 years.
This year, we feel very privileged to present the following staff members their long-serving badges and thank them for the tremendous contribution they have made, and continue to make, here at Merici.
- Mrs Karen Williams receives her red badge for 20 years of service.
- Dr Stephen Powell receives his yellow badge for 10 years of service.
- Mrs Ann Blakey receives her yellow badge for 10 years of service.
- Mr Adrian Heim receives his yellow badge for 10 years of service.
- Mrs Karen Evans receives her blue badge for 5 years of service.
- Mrs Emma Bishop receives her blue badge for 5 years of service.
- Mr Damian Maier receives his blue badge for 5 years of service.
Afternoon Fiesta
The celebrations continued with a special “Italian” lunch served in the Canteen, a disco and
fiesta-type activities run by each House to raise funds for their respective charities. The
students enjoyed the following fun activities:
- Balgo – Fairy Floss, Chocolate Toss,Mechanical Bucking Bull
- Brescia – Drinks Stall, Beauty Salon, Dartboard
- Ningil – Lolly Bags, Sticky Golf/Footy Toss, Bungee Run
- Penola – Popcorn, Henna Art, Velcro Wall
- Seiwa – Goodberrys, Match the Pet Guessing Game
- Tullow – Sausage sizzle, Guess the Chip/Celebrity
- Narragunnawali – Cookie stall
65th Anniversary Celebration Cake
We would like to extend our thanks to Poppy Strachan, Year 10 student who baked and decorated a beautiful cake as part of her Personal Project. Poppy, the cake was absolutely amazing, it looked beautiful and tasted delicious. Congratulations on this very special achievement.
The celebration of the life of St Angela Merici was very successful and students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the day. The generous support displayed by students, staff and the parent community was outstanding.
May we all continue to be inspired by the words and actions of St Angela Merici, to “challenge people to love life, have hope, be faithful and build futures more wondrous than you dare to dream”.
Full image gallery here:
