Mercy News

What a magnificent day for a fish along the beach. Last Sunday we had 21 boys and their fathers/grandfathers along with 8 male staff members attend our annual Dads and Lads Fishing Challenge.

The day began with everyone gathering for Bacon and Egg burgers under the trees and a safety briefing. The purpose of the day was also explained to participants and was predominately about the importance of males spending more quality time with positive male role models in their lives. It was also explained to the boys the importance about being able to talk to someone.

Everyone was keen to hit the beach and compete for the biggest fish and also who was going to catch the most. The boys certainly out fished the adults. The water was clear and a little too cold for large fish, but nobody wanted to leave without giving it their best effort.

On Friday 13 September we had our annual Cultural Showcase “One Night Only”. It was a hugely successful night with all of our Cultural Ensembles showcased through performances and videos. A huge thank you to all of the staff who assisted with tech, supervision, food and beverages as well as welcoming our guests. We must also thank the Cultural Staff who dedicate hours of time each year to improving their ensembles. Congratulations to our major award winners.

All Year 10 students are offered the opportunity to express interest in attending ACTS Camp, which is held annually. A couple of the 2019 participants share their reflection…..

ACTS Camp was an amazing, unique opportunity. We met new people and made new friends who we will continue to talk to. We got to reflect on who we are and our values. The theme of ACTS Camp this year was “Indeed, You Are Very Good”, and over the three days we learnt about self-worth and connecting with others and God. It was a great experience and I highly recommend any Year 10 student to go on this camp. Emma McFarlane.

ACTS Camp was a great opportunity to come together with other young people from around the Rockhampton Diocese. It helped me to build confidence and to explore significant questions about faith and life. Lochlan Vella.

Mercy Day is an important day for all of us who belong to a College founded by the Sisters of Mercy. Mercy Day (actual date is 24 September) is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy. It’s a special day to give thanks to God through Mary for the gift of mercy.

It is also a day to remember and give thanks for the life of Catherine McAuley. On that day in 1827 Catherine’s House of Mercy, in Baggot St, Dublin was opened. Catherine would have been delighted to have a place where her work with the poor could be done.

We celebrated Mercy Day this week and what a wonderful day it was. The day commenced with Mass and we were blessed to have Sisters of Mercy, special guests and the parents of our Mercy Encouragement Awardees join us as our community celebrated Mass along with the award ceremony that followed.

The Annual Mercy in Action Encouragement Award, is awarded to a student from each of Years 7, 8, and 9.

The awardees have been identified as living out the Mercy values of Hope, Compassion and Justice for the poor and vulnerable. This annual award acknowledges the work of Catherine McAuley who saw a need and did something about it.

In addition to recognising the efforts of the award recipients we encourage them and all students to strive to initiate social justice projects in our College and take them out into society.

Congratulations to Lilly Uhr (Yr 7), Megan Bauman (Yr 8) and Kaylee Harberger (Yr 9).