Principal News
Welcome back to Term 2.
As the start of the term has now commenced, I ask students to reflect and remember back to when they would have played “catch me if you can” games as youngsters. I reflect on my own experience as I became game savvy and tried to keep one step ahead of my opponents. I ask students to remember how they felt when they played this game and how they aimed to be the best. I ask students that as we start the new term that they continue with the same excitement and feelings with their own education. I would like to highlight the ability of Jesse Owens who in 1936 won four of the American gold medals at the Berlin Olympic Games proving to the world that he could win against all odds, despite the discrimination and prejudice he received in this time. Owens used the “catch me if you can theory” to win showing determination, attitude and hard work. I urge students to get back the “catch me if you can feeling” – to lead – to let others nearly catch them and for them to progress and advance to another adventure or higher level. To push themselves one step further in their educational goals and aim high, fly high and let others follow.
Anzac Day
Congratulations to all students who represented the College in marches commemorating ANZAC day on Monday throughout the Mackay region. This year St Pat’s and Mercy walked together on the parade symbolising our united front.
Mercy College had over 400 students and staff representing the College at the many different services around the district. I wish to state how proud I was of the students who displayed so much pride in their uniform and respect for the many men and women who served Australia and New Zealand.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
we will remember them

Combined St Patrick’s/Mercy College P & F Meeting
The next combined P & F meeting will be held on Wednesday 4 May at 6:00pm at Mercy College Library. I would like to invite all parents from both Colleges to come along and attend this meeting. If you have any questions, please contact the either College office on 4994 8700 for St Pat’s or 4969 4199 for Mercy.
This year has seen the introduction and implementation of Writer's Toolbox across both Mercy and St Patrick's Colleges. This system provides real time feedback and guidance to coach students in the important components of writing, in any subject area. Mr Sean Geoghegan, Deputy Principal - St Patrick's College, will be presenting an overview of Writer's Toolbox at the St Patrick's/Mercy College Combined P&F Meeting on Wednesday 4 May, 6:00 - 7:30pm. Please click on the LINK for a summary of the Writer's Toolbox initiative.
Staffing News
I would like to welcome Lynda Cook and Blake Paskins who are joining our teaching staff. Lynda will be working in the Maths department while Blake will be teaching Geography and PE.