At the end of last week, I was privileged to attend the AMSSA Conference at All Hallow’s College.  This conference for secondary schools with a ‘Mercy’ tradition was a gathering of school leaders from throughout Australia and New Zealand.  It is always wonderful to be able to see another school in action and to network with leaders to grow my knowledge. The theme of the conference, which had been delayed for three years because of COVID, was ‘Mercy in liminal times’.  It challenged us as educators in times of uncertainty and challenge to be visionaries like Catherine McAuley was in Ireland in the 1820’s. To think that, in 1827 from humble beginnings with just two women, we have this network throughout the world of Sisters of Mercy congregations and schools. The Sisters of Mercy began educating young people in Dalby in 1877 when the sisters came to the bush by train and began teaching in the Plough Inn. We were encouraged to consider the ways we see mercy in action in our schools and how we engage our students so that they are living full and flourishing lives. It affirmed for me the work we do in the LYF – Living Your Faith space.  LYF aims to make God a part of students’ lives where they come to know and experience Jesus in their lives and community though action-based faith. 

Our Lady of the Southern Cross Day

On Thursday 31 August, we will celebrate Our Lady of the Southern Cross Day (feast 1 September).  This is a special day in our College Calendar and it will be marked with a P-12 College Mass and our Whole College Athletics events.  All students are encouraged to dress in their house colours on this day. Go crazy and show your team spirit through the coloured outfits you wear!  Free Dress must be sun safe as the afternoon will be spent outdoors.

Mass 12:15pm in MPC

Whole College Events on Main Oval following Mass

These events include Prep – Year 4 Ballgame competition, house relays, the Gillespie and Tresillian Gifts, the all-age relay and the teacher v student relay. 

Grandparent's Day

Don’t forget to let your grandparents know that our annual Grandparent’s Day has been expanded for 2023 and will encompass all year levels from Prep to Year 12. It will be a big morning at the College on Friday 15 September. RSVP by Friday 8 September https://forms.office.com/r/c8gPux2LwV

The day will flow as follows:

8:30-9:15am - Morning Cuppa offered to grandparents in MY Plaza
9:15-9:30 - Grandparents and students move to the MPC
9:30-10:00 - Prayer Celebration
10:00-11:30 Classroom visits - Grandparents asked to go with older students first then they can accompany them to the next one.. next one.. next one

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education