Siobhan Kelly

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Catherine McAuley Catholic College! As we begin 2025, we reflect on the spirit of hospitality that lies at the heart of our Mercy charism. Hospitality is more than a warm welcome; it is an invitation to belong, to be part of something greater, and to journey together in faith, learning, and community.

In keeping with this value, we have endeavoured to ensure that every student has felt truly welcomed into the school community for 2025. Our welcome liturgies have played a vital role in establishing this sense of inclusiveness and belonging, reminding us that we are all part of a faith-filled community.

This year has already been marked by significant liturgical milestones, the most special being our first-ever whole school liturgy as a Years 7-12 college. Our entire school community gathered for this historic occasion, beginning with a powerful Smoking Ceremony on Worimi land. This sacred ritual symbolised a letting go of past burdens and a renewal of spirit, setting a meaningful tone for the year ahead. Our liturgy provided a moment of deep reflection on the Pilgrims of Hope theme for the 2025 Jubilee Year. This theme reminds us to trust in God’s promises and to embody hope by living out our college values of compassion, courage, hospitality, and faith in action.

Additionally, our Welcome Year 7 Liturgy was a wonderful success, with our talented Proclaim musicians providing beautiful music that enriched the celebration. A highlight of the liturgy was the meaningful leaf artwork activity, where each Year 7 student placed a leaf onto the Discovery Tree in the middle of our Sacred Space. These leaves, decorated by the students, represented the Mercy value they wished to focus on this year—courage, compassion, hospitality, or faith in action. As the tree filled with their contributions, it became a powerful symbol of unity, reminding us that while each student brings their own unique intentions and goals, together they form the branches of one school community.

In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, who believed in the power of hospitality and a good cup of tea, students received a sugar biscuit, and parents were gifted a bag of tea as a small gesture of welcome and gratitude. It was fantastic to meet so many families and share this special moment together. Your presence and support mean so much to us, reinforcing the partnership between home and school that is essential to the growth and success of every student.

As we embark on this new year, let us continue to embrace the Mercy spirit of hospitality—welcoming one another with open hearts and serving as the shining lamps that bring light and hope to all those around us.

United in Mercy