Today we gathered as a school community to dedicate our 2026 school year to God. Every year, we focus our attention on one of our five Mercy values. This year, our core Mercy value is Tika Justice. Throughout the year, we commit to respecting everyone’s rights, taking responsibility for our actions and working together to ensure equity for all. We will strive to be women of Mercy, compassionate, courageous, respectful and in service to others.
Although the Jubilee Year came to a close, we are encouraged to continue to look for signs of hope and to focus on God’s presence and everlasting love for all creation. It is a time for us to forgive and reconcile, and become agents of peace and social justice. As Women of Mercy, we carry Christ’s light to others – in our homes, our school and the wider community.
Our school motto Mana Maria – Mary as our Guide – encourages each of us to embody the virtues of Mary, a woman of faith, courage and compassion.
At our Thanksgiving Mass at the end of last year, we announced our student leadership team for 2026. Today at Mass, we formally acknowledged these students, who have committed to willingly offering their skills and talents in the service of others. We know that each of our leaders will build on the legacy of those who have served before them and, in turn, will leave their own legacy for others to continue.
Our student leadership team for 2026 is;
- Head Girls – Leighton Esera and Kirra Redfern- Hardisty
- Heads of Special Character – Keira Menon and Polly Walker
- Heads of Academic – Maya Timlin and Romy Lee
- Heads of Arts & Culture – Sophia Adamson and Zoya Wamoto
- Heads of Council – Sophie Nehemia and Ciara Joseph
- Heads of Sport – Bridget Mihaljevich and Ella Drake
- Heads of Alexandra House – Sienna Jordan and Charlotte Kidd
- Heads of Cecilia Maher – Aimee McGivern and Caitlyn Correa
- Heads of Justine House – Lola Ferens and Justine Torres
- Heads of Kelly House – Isobel Houliston and Lila Gilchrist
- Heads of Pompallier House – Millie Yates and Tolia Palu
- Heads of McAuley House – Gigi Albrecht and Meila Oosterdijk
- International student Representative – Makayli Ye and Calia Duenas
- Pasifika Student Representatives – Maria Vagana
- Tu Wahine – Anahera Rose Dickson
I wish this team of student leaders all the very best for the year ahead and look forward to working alongside them.
With the school year now well underway and our calendars filling with school events and extracurricular activities, we are looking forward to our first whole-school sporting event, Swimming Sports at Point Erin Pools next Thursday. We also have Athletics coming up later in the term. These whole-school sporting events are not optional, and all students are expected to attend. While we understand that some students may feel hesitant, it is important that our young women make the most of all opportunities to engage fully in school life and have the courage to participate.
Finally, a reminder that attendance is a focus for all students and schools across Aotearoa. Our attendance management plan was published in our previous newsletter, and has been included again in this newsletter. The government target is that 80% of students attend school regularly, defined as being present at least 90% of the time. This means no more than five days absent per term. Regular attendance is key to student wellbeing, learning, and connection, and we appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring your daughter attends school every day that she is able.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we begin this new school year. We look forward to a year grounded in faith, guided by Mercy, and rich with opportunities for learning, service, and growth. May God bless our community as we journey together in 2026.
Father Chris’ blessing on the school for the new year 
God of Mercy,
Send your blessing, we pray,
on all who learn and teach in this school;
and so strengthen them by your compassion that they may build up your kingdom.
Help us to be faithful in our support of their efforts to learn and to grow.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
