Welcome new and returning Merici staff, sisters and members of the community to the year of 2022. What an eventful year 2021 was, and as your Captains, we could not be more excited and grateful to lead you into this new year. Hopefully, the Year 7s of 2022 will not have to experience the challenge of online learning... fingers crossed, don’t want to jinx things! Lockdown has provided some immensely complex challenges for us all and we recognise the profound impact it has had on the community, which is why we encourage all year groups to not hesitate to contact us at any time.

This year has seen Canberra wake up to COVID lockdown with schools across the ACT sit virtually empty and businesses brace for a huge economic impact.

Ground Hog Day – We’ve been here before.

With the postponing of the AST until Term 4, and the uncertainty about assessment and BSSS requirements, with their lack of interaction with staff and friends, I really can't put into words how disruptive this year has been for students in Year 12.

2021 has been a year of reinforcement and progression for Inclusive Education at Merici College. With the ever growing team of professionals we have seen The Hub, our central location, become a consistent hive of activity for students from across all year groups needing additional support. This space houses many varying aspects of improving learning for students.

Classroom Support Assistants (CSAs)

The Information Centre (iC) continues to be the hub of the school, a popular gathering place for students to come together before and after school and during lunch. It is so much more than a place of study or to borrow a book. It is a safe place, a place for connections, sharing ideas, working collaboratively, and coming together to share an interest.

This year saw change continue within the Religious Education Department! A number of our staff were part of the Catalyst Early Adopters group for the Archdiocese and this has resulted in a number of important changes to teaching practice that have been welcomed by the students in those classes. We have also had teachers using the Seqta learning management system in Semester 2, so girls who have been in these classes will be ready for the full rollout next year.

Last week, the Australian Junior Science Olympiad team completed their final training at Merici. They then undertook three three-hour exams as part of the 2021 International Junior Science Olympiad, and on Monday evening came away with six silver medals: a fantastic result for Australia’s inaugural entry into this event and testament to the students’ hard work.

QUALITY HPE

The innovative Merici College Physical Education Department strives to provide an environment that encourages lifelong physical activity, safety and wellbeing. Promoting healthy and active lifestyles we aim to provide our girls with opportunities to become holistic, engaged, active, resilient thinkers. (Heart).

2021 has been a year of firsts for the Language Department. For the first time in Merici history, we have all students from Years 7-10 maintaining their acquisition of languages. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Merici encourages students to be internationally minded and prepared for a global future. We are proud to support not only the language learning of students through the Middle Years Programme (MYP), but also the cultural appreciation, cognitive benefits and openminded-ness that comes with it.

2021 a year in focus!

We have had an engaging year in Global Studies this year. Students were involved in enriching, hands-on and experiential learning with the guidance of our passionate and experienced teachers.

2021 a year in focus!

We have had an engaging year in Global Studies this year. Students were involved in enriching, hands-on and experiential learning with the guidance of our passionate and experienced teachers.