It is here on this night of celebration that we recognise academic, social, spiritual, emotional and cultural achievements. I call on you all to appreciate the blessings you have received. These talents and gifts, bestowed on you by God, have been nurtured by your parents and developed throughout your time at Merici College by your teachers, the staff and your friends.
In 2019 our family went on an overseas holiday to Hong Kong – ultimately our destination was Disneyland. Teresa was 10 and Alana 6. I had been told that Hong Kong Disneyland was relatively small, a good place to bring younger Disney fans. The rides were fun and calm, the lines not too long and the entertainment and food excellent. So I didn’t really bother to check whether all the rides would be appropriate for a 6 year old. We had three days and two nights to enjoy the resort and park. On our second night we headed over to Tomorrowland and jumped on a ride called Space Mountain. Before you could enter there was a minimum height warning. Alana was taller than that so we thought nothing of it. Thankfully my children got their height from their father.
My husband and I got in the front of the carriage with Teresa and Alana in the back. What we had not fully really realised was that we were on a rollercoaster and that the rollercoaster was in pitch black with flashing lights. It took off a great speed, we were not prepared. At times I thought this is awesome, at others I was frightened, and my body did that thing where your heart feels like it is flying out of its cavity and into space. But what I then panicked about was Alana. I turned around to see her curled up, hanging onto her sister for dear life, scared but kind of liking it all at the same time. At the end of the ride she cried and was angry, she hit me, how could we do that to her!? We calmed her down, told her how brave she was, and celebrated with an ice-cream and the night parade. The next day we returned to the park and we took her on the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Car – what another rollercoaster? Why would you do that to her? I hear you say. Our role as parents is to know when to step back, when to let our children make mistakes when to challenge them to keep going when times are tricky.
We wanted to show her a rollercoaster that was outside where you can see the twists and turns, the highs and the lows and know when it is coming to an end.
For me 2020 has been a rollercoaster – a year that humanity and our Merici College Community will look back on with sadness: we not only dealt with drought, fire, hail, roof damage, flooding and pandemic, but lost a dear friend in Hannah and teacher, Mrs Fraser.
It has been a roller coaster ride. Some parts we have been able see ahead and prepare for, holding on tight to the bar but also full of joy and excitement waiting for the bit when you can put your hands in the air and scream with delight. At other times is has been quite the opposite. We haven’t known where the dips were or that we were going to get thrown backwards at great speed – but we have learnt from the journey and we have stood up tall at the end of the ride, had treat to celebrate and got back in line to go again. Life is like that ride. Don’t back away from it, jump on in, be courageous and learn from the experience.
I hope when your heart is peaceful, you will also look back with gratitude on what you achieved. The special memories that you made with friends and the great resilience that was shown during times of difficulty. I hope you will remember the words of the many encouraging videos sent to you on retreat that called on you to work together and support each other – their advice does not end today, but will be with you forever.
So tonight I take this opportunity to call on you to dream of the wonderful future that is waiting for you. From the day you arrived at Merici you have been Building Futures. We look with great hope and optimism to the door that will open on to 2021 for our graduating class – a door full of opportunities to develop the confidence, skills and convictions needed to become the next generation of female leaders.
As you walk from Merici College remember your parents or those who have cared for you as parents. They are your first teachers. It is their love that has nurtured you and will continue to support you through life’s ups and downs. It is the partnership we have had through these final years that have helped you transform from Merici girls into Merici women. Thank you for trusting us.
In the years to come you will have the opportunity to accumulate many treasures: your own possessions… money… car… a home. Enjoy these treasures, but hold them with open hands, remembering that God has only loaned them to you – and they are meant for sharing with family, friends and those in need. This will bring true happiness.
To the class of 2020, I ask for God’s blessings on you as you go forward.
In the words of St Angela Merici: “Have confidence and strong faith that God will assist you in everything, be convinced God will never fail to provide for all your needs.”
God Bless you all.
Mrs Loretta Wholley
Principal
We congratulate our Year 12 students on their graduation and academic achievements. We would like to thank the students for their valuable contribution to the life of Merici College and wish them success and happiness in all their future endeavours.
We would like to acknowledge the academic achievements of all our students and congratulate the following students on their achievements:
- Imogene Blake, Merici College Dux
- Aislinn McArdle, Proxime Accessit.
- Lauren Booth who received the ANU Psychology Award. This award is given to the student who places first in the Psychology course after two years of study.
- Hayley Browne awarded the Australian Mathematics Award. This award goes to the student who places first in the highest Mathematics course after two years of study.
- Hayley Browne awarded the ADFA Future Innovators Award. This award goes to the student who shows motivation, achievement and innovation in the areas of Science, Mathematics and other STEM areas.
- Ainsley O'Malley awarded the Long Tan Leadership Award. This Defence Force award is given to a student who demonstrates leadership traits in all that they do throughout the College.
We also congratulate the following students who will receive an award at the 2020 BSSS Recognition of Excellence Ceremony. The BSSS Recognition of Excellence Ceremony is a prestigious award ceremony in December by the BSSS. Awards are given in five categories: Community Services, Vocational Studies, Academic Excellence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and Academic Achievement. These awards will be held on Tuesday 15 December. We congratulate:
- Ashlyn Radford, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award
- Emily Stumbers - Vocational Studies Award
- Grace Howse - Community Services Award
- Aislinn McArdle – Academic Excellence
- Academic Achievement Award - to be announced on Tuesday 15 December
We would like to take this opportunity of farewelling our families and thank you and all our community for all your support over the years.
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