Today, as our Year 11 students marked their final day of school, the College came together for a special farewell assembly honouring Principal Mr Crothers, who will be retiring at the end of the year.
Surrounded by students and staff, Mr Crothers received thankyous and appreciation for the impact he’s had on our College community over the past five years.
As a parting tribute, our 2025 College Captains, Olivia Mumme and Daniel Phillips, shared a speech that captured the essence of his leadership, sense of humour, and dedication.
We’d love to share their words with you, as they perfectly capture the positive role Mr Crothers’s principalship has played in our community:
“A wise and legendary philosopher once addressed an assembly much like this. With courage in his eyes, and words which held such influence and motivation, he raised us from defeat—the defeat being that it was the last Friday before Term 2 holidays, and we were all probably thinking, ‘I can’t wait to go home.’ But nonetheless, he said something like this to motivate us all:
‘Treat this break as the half-time of a footy match. You’ve played well, and now you need to rest and recharge for the next two quarters.’
If you couldn’t tell by the quote, then yes, this legend was indeed…Mr Crothers.
Simply listing off all his achievements and contributions wouldn’t do justice to the time and effort Mr Crothers has put into growing and developing our school over the last five years. So, Mr Crothers, it seems only fit to recognise what an amazing MVP you have been. We thought it best to share all his season highlights with you, so here is how it goes.
His debut started off strong—and not in a ‘21 disposals and 7 goals’ type strong—but rather in being able to bring about a sense of community from this school’s newfound identity. When Mr Crothers started his job here, he not only had to adapt to and learn lots of new names and faces within our school community, but he also had to lead us all through the change from a campus of Bunbury Catholic College into a brand-new school called Our Lady of Mercy College.
And to top it all off, not even one term into the year…COVID hit us, and we went into lockdown and hid away behind our screens. Not exactly the easiest job to settle into. But Mr Crothers’ perseverance meant that we made it through online learning, and when we came back to school, his dedicated work continued, with the introduction of vertical homerooms and plans for the construction of the gym.
During day-to-day interactions, Mr Crothers always approached us with a greeting and a smile. Mr Crothers, it means a lot for such a brilliant player like you to interact with your fans in this way.
His positive attitude shapes our experience at the College for the better. His regular involvement in activities like Fun Fridays shows how he cares for the benefit and growth of us students, the staff, and our school. I guarantee that a key memory for everyone from our year group was when he jumped off the canoe into the water, all the way back on Year 7 Activity Day. Jumped…definitely not pushed. And, of course, we will all have your Mexican wave as a memory of your return to school this year.
Mr Crothers, our College has come so far with you leading us, with so many new buildings and classes being built. I’m sure I’m not the only one here who remembers just how hot assemblies were out on the basketball courts.
But, despite those obvious improvements, the most significant things you have built are the long-lasting memories you will leave with every one of us who are here or have been at Mercy. The values you have displayed, and your strong spirit, will last far beyond your departure and will remain inspiring to us all in the future, be it in leadership roles, university, or work. Really, just life in general.
So, while we cannot currently present you with a Brownlow medal, even though you’re very much deserving of one, this is what we’d like to say in farewell:
‘Treat this break as the full-time of a footy match. You’ve played well, and we can’t wait for you to look back on a season full of highlights.’
But, for now, you too must rest and recharge. Remember how appreciative we all are of everything you have instilled in us, and know how proud this community is of you. Despite your retirement from our team proving to be a tough blow, your spirit will forever be here. Perhaps not on the field scoring goals, but on the sidelines—cheering us on.
You’ve played well; now enjoy your rest. Thank you, Mr Crothers.”
These words, light-hearted and sincere, reflect all that Mr Crothers leaves behind.
Through every change and challenge, he hasn’t just guided the school—he’s woven himself into its heart and spirit.
In reply, Mr Crothers expressed his gratitude to the students and shared his best wishes for their future. He wrapped up with a Mexican wave and a celebrational moment of music and dance, bringing the assembly to a memorable close.
As Mr Crothers steps into retirement, we wish him every happiness and thank him for all he has brought to Our Lady of Mercy College.
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