Principal’s Address 2022
Year 10 Awards Ceremony 2022
Today we gather to celebrate the end of the academic calendar in a year of challenges, joys and the building of a culture of seeing the “other” through service. We also take this opportunity to recognise the successes, strength, resilience and passion exhibited by our young women in 2022. So much has been achieved, both academically and more broadly, by our students who have had the courage to serve our community whilst honouring their own dreams and capabilities.
I want to thank the parents and carers of our young women for their support and commitment to the growth of their loved ones. I also thank their teachers for the exceptional learning opportunities and guidance they have provided in a year filled with the challenges of a world still disrupted by a wicked pandemic.
Of course, I want to give thanks to and for each and every student at Merici College. I admire your positive ‘can do’ attitude and determination to make our world a better place because of your presence in it!
You have shown that our college values: fidelitas, integritas, communitas and spes are integral to our theme for this year, Serviam. You have worked with your heads, hearts and hands in order to find direction whilst ancored in love and compassion. You have walked in Jesus’ footsteps and been inspired by his model of servant leadership, most beautifully conveyed to us in the moment I explored with you at our first assembly this year, that emblematic point in time where Jesus washed the feet of his followers. You have learnt that “In serving the people, we save ourselves.”(Pope Francis)
This year I challenged you to activate your heart, head and hands.
I ask you now to reflect on how you might have responded to my call to action in February.
- Did you identify someone that has made a huge difference in your life? Were they a positive role model for you in 2022?
- Did you make a difference in the lives of three people that you know?
- Are you now aware of some need in our community or environment and did you work to address that need?
- Did you serve or do something for others of which you are proud?
- Did you to create your own, positive ripple effect?
I believe that many of you have achieved the personal goals set at the start of this year. Congratulations. If you didn’t, welcome to the world of aspiration and determination – a place where most of us exist! Just remember that “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” (C.S.Lewis)
For most of you I so look forward to you continuing your learning years with us and to walking with you as you journey on your individual stellar, dream fuelled trajectories. I can’t wait to see who you emerge to be in your senior years.
That being said, have a wonderful safe and restorative break!
For those moving within the ACT or moving interstate or overseas – never be a stranger to us and know that you will always be loved as Alumni of Merici College.
Merry Christmas and every blessing to you all.
Mrs Anna Masters
Principal
SPECIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Congratulations to all our Year 10 students for their exceptional academic achievements this year. We were privileged to present academic and Year 10 certificates to all our students. There were also special awards presented to students:
Gabrielle Shoebridge – Merici All-Rounder Award
Hariette Maguire – Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award
Natasha Searle – ADFA Future Innovators Award
Subavee Kekulandara – Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
Neve Larsen – ACU Spirit of St Angela Merici Award
We would also like to acknowledge the students who received Christian Service awards:
Brooke Mason – Red and Gold Award; Charlotte Turner – Red and Gold Award; Clara Andino Blue Award; Anuroop Dhalawal – Blue Award, Lila Eriksson – Blue Award, Lakashita Sundar – Blue Award
Congratulations again to all our Year 10 students.
