Principal News
We are now in the third week of the Lenten period. Sometimes we think of Lent as a time to make sacrifices and certainly we are encouraged to give to the poor during this time. As a College, we are this year supporting Caritas and are encouraging students to give. Lent offers us a time to reflect more deeply on our lives and to enact positive change. As I have mentioned to the student body, there is so much power in the action of giving, not just our money, but of ourselves to those who are in need of hope and encouragement. Jesus calls us to be present and live in the present. To open our eyes to what is around us. To be blessed and enjoy each moment of our day. We need to extend care to the wider community and realise that we all can contribute to others. May the lent season be a time of reflection, prayer, self-denial and helping others, in line with Mercy’s motto ‘To Serve Christ’.
Today, is National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. It is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to bullying and violence. The theme for 2022 is Kindness Culture. By building Kindness Culture together, we can promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students in schools across Australia.
Meet the Teachers Barbeque
It was wonderful to meet the families of our Year 7 students at our BBQ Evening last Thursday night. After enjoying a burger and an informal chat with the Homeroom and Classroom teachers, Heads of department and our Pastoral Team, parents attending our information sessions. I welcome all our new families to Mercy College and look forward to working together with you to provide the best possible outcomes for your students.
Mercy College Open Night
Our Open Night will be held on Tuesday 3rd May from 4:00pm – 7:30pm. We invite all families who have a student commencing Year 7 in 2023 to attend this evening. Students looking to join Mercy College in Year 8-10, 2023 are also welcome to attend. Applications can be lodged now via our online enrolment form available from our website www.mercymackay.qld.edu.au. Please contact the College office for further information or any assistance required.
COVID-19 Update
Mercy College wishes to advise you that, during the past fortnight, we have been notified of positive cases of COVID-19 in our college community.
Mercy regularly consults with the Catholic Education Office and relevant authorities and continues to follow the advice of Queensland Health regarding cleaning requirements.
Queensland Health has advised that no quarantine of students or staff is required.
As COVID-19 remains active in our community we ask you to continue to monitor your child’s/children’s health and if they develop any flu-like symptoms:
- Keep your child/children at home
- Seek a PCR or Rapid Antigen test where it is recommended and notify the school of positive results. Please be aware, a negative COVID test does not change the requirement to be symptom free to attend school.
- Follow the advice of Queensland Health
- As we continue to navigate the pandemic, please remind your child/ren to:
- Maintain good hand hygiene at all times
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow and dispose of tissues in the bin immediately.
- Practice social distancing from others where possible
- Wear masks when required
We will continue to work closely with health authorities to keep our school community informed of any developments and advice. Thank you once again for your ongoing support.
Mackay Catholic Debutante Ball – Amended Date
Due to COVID regulations and the delayed start to the school year, I am sad to advise that there will be no Mackay Catholic Debutant Ball in 2022. In 2023, the Mackay Catholic Debutante Ball will be open to Year 11 and 12 Catholic school students and will be held on Friday 26 May. I encourage students to keep this important event and date in your calendar for next year.
St Vincent de Paul Qld Flood Appeal 2022
We have all seen the impact that the recent flooding in South-East Queensland has had on families and their communities. While we keep these people in our thoughts and prayers, you may also wish to assist with fundraising. The Vinnies Qld Flood Appeal 2022 are doing wonderful work for these families in need. The following link will provide information on how you can assist.
St Vincent de Paul Inc : Vinnies QLD Flood Appeal 2022