Mercy Week is always a highlight of our College year and 2018 was no exception. On Tuesday 11 September a bronze wall relief of Catherine McAuley was installed after an exciting year of planning and preparation. The following day we held a beautiful Liturgy, including the blessing of the relief by Fr Arsenio. The Liturgy was attended by a number of Mercy Sisters, past and present members of our College community, as well as representatives from Mercy Education Ltd and the Old Collegians’ Association. The Year 12 CSYMA students, who had been instrumental in the planning process, also attended.
After a light lunch, we then visited Lilydale Cemetery to pay our respects at the graves of a number of Mercy Sisters. We had a short Liturgy and white camellias were placed on each grave. This was a moving experience, not only for the Sisters present but also for the students who accompanied us.
On Friday 14 September we were blessed with glorious weather for Mercy Day, which began with an inspiring Liturgy of thanksgiving facilitated by the Year 12 CSYMA students. Our focus was on thanksgiving for Mercy and the example of our foundress Catherine McAuley.
Students and staff then got busy with running the various stalls and activities. There was great support this year from the Homerooms with the organisation of activities and it was wonderful to see the way that students displayed leadership and maturity in facilitating these. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day with students enjoying rides such as the cha cha, visiting the op-shop, trying their luck with the various competitions and enjoying the great variety on food on offer.
As always, one of the day’s highlights was Mercy Idol and all students who performed earned points for their houses. There were some very entertaining acts. Jedd Lott took first place, with Natalie Contebardo and Jana Gowan tying for second and Grace Clinton taking third place. Overall House Performing Arts results from the day were: 1 Frayne, 2 Carr, 3 O'Neill, 4 Ryan, 5 Terry Dunn, 6 Maguire.
The Parade at the end of the day did not disappoint. All Year 12 Homeroom Groups were part of the parade, along with the Yellow Ribbon Ambassadors. Many creative themes and colourful costumes were displayed, adding to the sense of fun. The Gold Homeroom stole the show, dancing along to music from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and morphing into Gold Digger by Kanye West, while Blue were clearly inspired by Elvis and Jailhouse Rock, Orange channelled the Winter Olympics and Elsa from the movie Frozen, and there were plenty of disco moves and far out costumes inspired by the 1970s, some zombies, scary clowns and even a tribute to our farmers from Green.
Leading up to Mercy Day we focused on why it is also important to raise funds as we celebrate. Mercy Works supports the local and overseas relief and development activities that are part of the vision and mission of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The programs engage in partnerships with communities to promote justice, self-reliance and to support displaced people and communities who are denied access to basic resources such as education, health care and social welfare. I am delighted to report that we raised over $10,500 for this wonderful organisation.
The success of Mercy Day is only possible due to the hard work and generosity of so many people. It is truly a community endeavour with students, staff, parents and families all involved. A very big thank you to all who donated money, goods and their time for the day.
