Assistant Principal – Karen Shawcross
We have officially gone past the midpoint of the term, and it has been an incredibly vibrant few weeks. From the sizzle of Shrove Tuesday pancakes to the solemnity of our Ash Wednesday Mass, our community has been deeply engaged. Our students have jumped into a variety of enriching experiences, including the Swimming Carnival, Reflection Days, and various excursions. These opportunities are designed to enrich the “whole person,” providing lessons in teamwork, faith, and resilience that extend far beyond the classroom walls. A special mention must go to the students who volunteered at our Open Evening this week. They were outstanding ambassadors, embodying the Mercy spirit through their maturity and clear communication with prospective families. It was wonderful to see our girls lead with such confidence.
It has been incredibly encouraging to see approximately 30 students attending our Open Learning/Homework Club every Wednesday until 4:00 pm. Whether your daughter needs assistance with a tricky concept or simply wants to get ahead on an assessment task, this environment offers the perfect space for academic growth.
We strongly encourage our Year 7–10 students to take advantage of this time to collaborate with peers and seek guidance from the teachers on hand. Furthermore, our Year 11 and 12 students are invited to utilize the library for individual or collaborative study until 4:00 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays as well. This focus on peer teaching and collaboration is backed by research, which shows that such interactions significantly boost the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to master the complexities of the HSC.
Maintaining high standards in both attendance and uniform is essential to fostering a focused and respectful learning environment. We ask for your continued support in ensuring that your daughter wears her full school uniform with pride, adhering to all College guidelines regarding jewellery, grooming, and length. This collective commitment to our dress code reflects a respect for ourselves and our community identity.
Furthermore, we emphasize that “every day counts”; consistent attendance and punctuality are directly linked to academic success and a strong sense of social belonging. By arriving on time and ready to engage, our students set themselves up for the best possible learning outcomes as we move into the second half of the term.their learning. Our Instructional Leaders of Wellbeing will be contacting parents of students who have fallen below 70% attendance at this point in the term. We need to work in partnership to ensure that students are in school each and every day.
Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal