2024 School Advisory Council Report
2024 has certainly brought its challenges. We began the year with Mr Vince Bellini serving as Acting Principal, stepping in for Mr Rob Crothers while Mr Crothers focussed on his health and continued treatment.
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Our College has seen significant growth in enrolments. This growth is a strong testament to our growing reputation in the community, spanning from Harvey in the north to Collie in the east and Dardanup in the south.
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Currently, there is a waitlist for Year 7 enrolments in 2025 and 2026, which highlights the appeal and success of the College.
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One key factor needed to accommodate this growth was the new Arts building. As the first semester ended, it became clear that the development was under significant pressure. The College and School Advisory Committee (SAC) worked diligently to move the project forward, but Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) eventually halted the build as the projected costs couldn’t be met by the available funds.
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Unfortunately, this meant the project could not proceed as planned. We will continue to work with CEWA to re-establish the capital development plans to enhance the College in the future.
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At the end of Term 2, Mr Vince Bellini concluded his tenure at Our Lady of Mercy College, and Mr Rob Crothers returned as Principal. On behalf of the SAC and the families we represent, I would like to thank Mr Bellini for his dedication and enthusiasm throughout his time at the College.
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In early Term 3, Mr Crothers announced that 2024 would be his final year in education. On behalf of the School Advisory Committee and the 670-plus parents we represent, I offer Rob our deepest gratitude. Thank you for the expertise, experience and passion you brought to Our Lady of Mercy College. Your energy and commitment were invaluable to the students. Thank you for leaving the College in a stronger position than when you arrived.
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I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr Lee Tilbrook, Chair of the Finance Committee and Deputy Chair of the SAC. Lee has given 12 years of service to Catholic education as a volunteer at both Primary and Secondary Schools, with the last six years at BCC/OLMC. Lee’s dedication, expertise, and input have been invaluable to the College, and he will be greatly missed.
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A big thank you as well to our other SAC members – Amy Pitts, Sam Perera, Dayle Hamilton, Kylie Bremner and Rebecca Edwards. Each of you brings unique experiences and strengths to the Committee, and it is this diversity that makes the SAC such an effective body. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment.
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The SAC played an important role in the search and selection process for our new Principal for 2025. As previously announced, we are delighted to confirm that Mr Bellini has been appointed as the successor to Mr Crothers as the Substantive Principal of Our Lady of Mercy College.
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Congratulations, Vince! We look forward to working with you for many years to come.
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Looking ahead, 2025 will emphasise the focus Mercy value of Service. I encourage all of our families to consider how they can contribute to serving the College for the betterment of our students, our children. Do you have a talent or strength that could support the School Advisory Committee, the Finance Committee, the P&F or other areas of the College?
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Thank you and God bless.
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Mr David Beech, Chair – School Advisory Council