This week in Cairns, the Australian Catholic Education Conference is being held. Approximately 1500 delegates from all over Australia are in attendance. “With the theme ‘Hope, Anchored in Faith’, the conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access.” (Conference flyer)
Prior to the start of the conference, I had the pleasure of attending a Mercy Education Limited Principal’s meeting, which was also focused on hope and leadership for our Mercy Schools. It is a mark of the strength of the Mercy charism that draws us together and allows us to share in such a rich heritage.
Congratulations to all the students who performed at the Celebration Concert on Wednesday evening. The number of students involved in our music program continues to grow. The theme for the night was ‘Symphony of Stars, An Iconic Music Concert.’ We were treated to hits of icons of the past and present. Students performed to a huge audience and they did so expertly. There was lots of toe tapping and encouragement from our audience. Each year, I marvel at the courage of our young people. It is one thing to know you have talent, it is another entirely to share it.
I would also like to thank our families who came not only to see their family member perform but to encourage and support all of our students. Community Connections is one of our key strategies for the next four years. Nights like the Celebration Concert are moments to build those connections. It is a joy for students to have such a large audience to perform for. Without parent support along with that of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who also came to the concert, our students would not be challenged nor would their talents be seen and heard on such a scale.
On Friday 29 August, we will have another opportunity to participate in the Frayne Speech Festival. It is a competition for Mercy schools across Australia involving Public Speaking, Debating and Voice Choir competitions. It will be another important opportunity to celebrate the friendship and breadth of Mercy Education. The festival will this year be held at Sacred Heart College, Kyneton. It will be a very early start for our teams as they head up the highway. We wish them all the very best for a wonderful competition.
We are starting to see some warmer days, which signals that spring is on its way and our days will soon feel longer. I am sure that we will all welcome a reprieve from the cold. It will also bring with it the buds of new life, new possibilities and new hope.