2025 School Advisory Council Report

It is my pleasure to present the 2025 School Advisory Council (SAC) Chair Report, a reflection on a period of shared achievement for our College community. This has been a year shaped by optimism, momentum and a deepened commitment to the values that define us, particularly our enduring value of Hospitality. This value has continued to guide our relationships, our culture and the warm sense of belonging that our students, staff and families experience every day.

Our College continues to flourish, not only in enrolment demand but also in reputation. The strength of our brand is evident in the sustained waiting lists across year groups – a clear affirmation that families see in our College a place where young people are known, challenged, nurtured and celebrated.
This growth is not accidental; it stems from the collective efforts of dedicated staff, engaged families and a clear vision for what exceptional schooling looks like in our context.

We have refined our programs, enhanced our facilities and continued to reinforce our identity as a College committed to excellence, inclusion and connection. This growth is both a milestone and a responsibility – one we accept with confidence and enthusiasm as we continue shaping an educational environment that is not only contemporary but also authentically grounded in our core Mercy values.

 

A special highlight of the year was the celebration of our community through the Mercy Campus 10-Year Anniversary. This milestone allowed us to reflect on our history, honour our foundations and celebrate the people who have shaped the College’s story. Equally important has been our prioritisation of community connection through extra-curricular and wholeschool occasions such as family sundowners, student-led events, performance evenings, service initiatives and parent engagement opportunities. These moments have strengthened our sense of belonging and showcased the richness, generosity and spirit that define our school community.

A pivotal highlight of the year has been welcoming our new Principal, Mr Vince Bellini, whose energy, vision and strategic clarity have already made a meaningful impact. His leadership has brought fresh perspectives and an invigorating sense of purpose to the College. Under Vince’s guidance, we have
sharpened our focus on educational excellence, student wellbeing, community engagement and future readiness.

Complementing this, the refreshed composition of our Executive team has given rise to strong alignment, collaborative strength and a renewed vibrancy across the College. This group embodies the best of what educational leadership should be – innovative, grounded, compassionate and forward looking. Together, the Principal and Executive team are shaping a dynamic and exciting future for our College.

As this marks my final year as Chair and a member of the SAC, it is a moment of both pride and gratitude. Having embraced the privilege of helping to guide this College from its early foundations to the thriving, future-focused community it is today, has been one of the most deeply rewarding experiences of my professional life.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together:

• The establishment of strong governance foundations.

• The development of a compelling school culture.

• The growth of our community’s reputation and trust.

• The steady and strategic expansion of enrolments.

• The unwavering commitment to values-driven leadership.

None of this has been the work of one person. It has been the product of genuine collaboration, between SAC members, school leaders, staff, families and the wider community. I am grateful to each person who has contributed to this shared journey, and I leave the role confident that the SAC and the College are in exceptionally capable hands.

Our College is entering its next chapter with strength, clarity and momentum. We have a growing community, a visionary Principal, a reinvigorated Executive team and a school culture anchored firmly in Mercy values and care. The possibilities ahead are extraordinary. I look forward to watching the College continue to evolve, to innovate and to lead with heart. It has been an honour to serve as Chair and I remain deeply committed to supporting the ongoing success of our school in the years to come.

 

Thank you for the privilege and the partnership.

Mr David Beech, Chair – School Advisory Council