The Urban Challenge was a once in a lifetime experience. Amidst selfies with dogs and never-ending barbeque line-ups Year 9 had heaps of fun but also learnt about the importance of teamwork and co-operation. Each team role was challenging in its own way and everyone had to work together to reach each day’s goals. It also taught us how to work in a group with people that we did not necessarily know.

Today we celebrate the feast of All Saints Day. It recognises all those who have entered heaven, including saints who are recognised by the Church and those who are not.

In the New Testament letters and throughout the early Church, the word “saint” was used for anyone who has trying to live as a committed Christian and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

All Saints Day reminds us of our own potential. Of what might become of us if we choose the path of faith, hope and love.

Each year Merici College holds an event in support of Movember. This year a Movember Fair will be held at lunch-time in the Indigenous Garden with lots of wonderful stalls and activities for the students. The event is aimed at raising money for programs run directly by the Movember Foundation addressing health issues faced by men in the areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention.  Please support this most important cause.

Year 7 classes participated in a T20 style cricket tournament on our school oval recently run by Sports Education Development Australia and Cricket Australia’s Sydney Thunder team and is aimed at increasing young girls participation in sport, particularly cricket.

On Friday 27 October, Merici Sustainability Captain Julia Heather was named as the winner of the ACT Senior School Student Sustainability Award. The award was part of the Conservation Council’s annual Environment Awards, and recognises ‘an individual who is an ACT high school or college student living in Canberra or our region who has made an outstanding contribution to sustainability initiatives and protecting our environment in the past 12 months’. Year 10 student Caitlin Treble was also a finalist for the award.

We congratulate Mrs Loretta Wholley, Principal, on being awarded the ACEL ACT Fellowship. A highlight each year for the Australian Council for Educational Leaders Australian Capital Territory Branch (ACEL ACT) is the annual presentation of awards. It is through these awards that ACEL ACT honours educational leaders who have made a significant contribution to education, educational leadership and the improvement of student and organisational outcomes.

Fantastic achievement Mrs Wholley!

It is with absolute pleasure and delight that we announce that our Year 10 debating team of Rosemary Zielinski, Ella Carmichael and Caitlin Bilton WON their grand final against Gold Creek last night.

They successfully argued 'that we will require a licence for parents to have children'.

Merici has never won this competition before, so the girls have achieved a huge result for themselves and the school.

New items available February/March next year.