FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

On November 13 we officially farewelled our 2024 Year 12 cohort. We thank this incredible group of young women for their strength, determination and grace in leading our College so beautifully throughout this year. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to address them at their Valedictory Assembly and I encouraged them to nurture their dreams, giving the people they love and share their journeys with, the permission and courage to do the same. I challenged them to celebrate difference and continue the great work of the Sisters of Mercy, ensuring they use their unique gifts and talents to work together and help make the world a better place for many more.

On behalf of our College, we encourage our 2024 Year 12 graduates to truly Dare to imagine their future, living a life of purpose, joy, and passion. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the families of this cohort, for letting us share in this part of their daughter’s journey.

This week at our End of Year Christmas Liturgy, we were able to farewell the following staff members, thanking them for their dedicated service to our College and wishing them well as they begin their next adventure.

  • Amy Byrnes, Deputy Principal – Academic, has served the College community for 11 years, taking up the role of Director of Curriculum at Townsville Grammar School from 2025.
  • Katie de Carteret, Director of Boarding & Strategic Projects, has served the College community for 4 years, taking up the role of Director of MLC Marshmead in north-eastern Victoria from 2025.
  • Shari Finlay, Dean of Wellbeing, has served the College community for 4 years and will take up the role of Head of Year 7 at Townsville Grammar School from next year.
  • Tracey Macbeth, Teacher, who has served our community throughout 2024 is heading off on an exciting travel adventure around the world.
  • Maria Iosua, Acting Chaplain has served our community since 2022.

We also took the opportunity to wish Jaimee Seebohm, Head of Thrones House, all the best as she begins her parental leave, awaiting the arrival of a new baby early in 2025.

This community has much to be thankful for and as the College continues to grow and flourish, I am excited for the next phase of its growth and development under Kath Little’s expert stewardship, supported by an incredible Board, College Leadership Team, and staff.

I would also like to personally take this opportunity to thank the Sisters of Mercy who have inspired me to live out the Mercy Charism in this beautiful place. I would also like to thank Sister Helen Mary Peters, College Board Chair, Josie Gabrielli, Deputy Board Chair and fellow Board Directors, Jessica Keir, Stephanie Naunton, Ian Bowrey, and Nathan Toll for their unwavering support throughout 2024. I have felt incredibly blessed to have their support along with a dedicated and passionate Leadership Team, wonderful College Staff, the courageous and inspiring young people of this beautiful College and their respective families.

I feel honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve such an incredible community over the past 9 years, the last 5 as the College Principal.

I wish you all a safe, restful, and loving Christmas period. I hope you are all able to spend quality time with family and friends.

May God bless you and your families.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL