Principal’s Address
November 2023
Today we gather to celebrate the end of the academic calendar in a year of challenges, joys and the building of a culture that celebrates and nurtures a n inclusive and vibrant community. We also take this opportunity to recognise the successes, strength, resilience and passion exhibited by our young women in 2023. 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 this year.
Of course, I want to give thanks to and for each and every student at Merici College. I admire your positive, compassionate and caring attitude and determination to make our community feel safe, vibrant and one where all can grow and experience success, no matter what that might look, or sound like!
You have shown that our college values: fidelitas, integritas, communitas and spes are integral to our theme for this year. 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 Church being a gathering of like-minded people where all can flourish: His story of the well around which people can share their lives and source life giving water… and, of course; His use of loaves, fishes and meal tables to be hospitable , welcoming and a source of nourishment.
I have invited and challenged you to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and be inspired by his model of love, acceptance, mercy and understanding.
To live lives that model the principle of Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”
At the start of the year I challenged you to look beyond self and work to build community…
Consider the following ideas and questions:
- How patient were you ?
- How loving you were you?
- How tolerant were you?
- How humble were you?
- Did you become someone with ‘ubuntu’ through simple actions that contributed to your varied communities: family, friends and school?
- Was your “I am because we are” good enough in 2023?
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
ACADEMIC AWARDS PRESENTATION
Congratulations to the following students who received academic recognition awards.
The Merici All-Rounder Award: The Merici All-Rounder Award is awarded to a student who has excelled in most but not necessarily all of the following categories: Academic, co-curricular, personal conduct, leadership, service, sport and cultural. The 2023 winner is an exceptional student and her contribution to the College has been outstanding. She is a true all-rounder. She has received numerous academic effort and excellence awards throughout her time at the College. Her academic record is astonishing, with almost all A’s. She has completed over 150 hours of service through the Christian Service-Learning Program. This student has represented the school in sport every year. This student is held in high regard by all staff and students. She is a someone who gives much to the Merici community. The recipient of the Merici All-Rounder Award is: Laura Davidson
Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award: The Australian Defence Force has sponsored a leadership award for a student in Years 10 and 12. The Year 12 award was given earlier this week, and today we recognise a deserving student in Year 10. This award is given to a student who demonstrates respect, integrity, compassion, teamwork, strength and wisdom. The winner of this award is an exceptional student. The recipient of the Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award is: Lucy Jerga.
The ADFA Future Innovators Award is presented to a student who has shown great potential, motivation and achievement in the areas of Science, Mathematics and other STEM areas. The recipient of this award is: Zoe Pearson.
The ACU Spirit of St Angel Merici Award: The 2023 Spirit of St Angel Merici Award is presented by the Australian Catholic University and is awarded to a student who exemplifies the spirit of the College’s patron, Saint Angela Merici.
Angela Merici’s spirit which continues to live on in the lives of women today is
- a spirit of attentive listening and trust
- a spirit of wisdom and courage
- a spirit of inner peace and mercy
- and a spirit of openness and hospitality.
The recipient of this year’s award is the epitome of this spirit. She is kind and generous to all who come across her path. She has strong morals and values and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She gives of her time generously at all College events. She is respected by peers and staff alike. She is a role model to younger students and stands out for her leadership, maturity and grace under pressure. I am pleased to present the 2023 ACU Spirit of St Angela Merici Award to: Antonia Roberts
As part of our celebration today we presented students with their Year 10 certificates – This certificate indicates levels of achievement and shows patterns of development as the students move closer to being fully independent learners; it is the culmination of two years of schooling.
Merici is very proud of the progress that our students make in the area of vocational training. The statements of attainment and vocational certificates presented today are qualifications recognised across Australia. Some students may have gained their national qualifications with Certificate I and II in Active Volunteering, Certificate II in Sport & Recreation, Certificate I Hospitality or Certificate II in Business.
We also present the academic awards for students who have achieved High Distinctions and Distinctions determined from the Grade Point Average of their Semester 2 reports, and awards for academic achievement and outstanding effort.
Congratulations to all our Year 10 students on their exceptional academic results this semester.
Full image gallery here:
https://merici.news/view-galleries/year-10-awards-ceremony-2023-set-12
https://merici.news/view-galleries/year-10-awards-ceremony-2023-set-22
