Principal's Welcome

From the Principal

Mercy Catholic College is a Catholic secondary school for girls located in the heart of Chatswood. Our students enjoy a strong profile in the local community as learners, thinkers, leaders and most importantly, young women of action and compassion.

This is because students, staff and parents work in partnership to ensure that the right opportunities are available so that each student can fulfil her potential. We place great importance on celebrating the achievements of our students.

The formation of our students in Christian discipleship is pursued within the Mercy ethos which stresses the importance of hospitality, shared ministry and a concern for the poor and the marginalised. This is achieved through ongoing reflection on the action of God in our lives and the many religious rituals we celebrate as a Catholic community. The College recognises the worth of each individual, encourages the understanding that rights must be balanced by responsibilities, and encourages each person to respond to the question: How can the Mercy spirit be strengthened through you?

Mercy is a great place to be.

Ray Paxton

About our New Principal

As the time approaches for me to take up my appointment as Principal of Waverley College in January 2010, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Kavanagh as the new Principal of Mercy Chatswood. Ms Kavanagh is currently the Deputy Principal at St Vincent’s College Potts Point, a position she has held since 1998. Her previous appointments include Education Officer-Quality Review and Development at the Catholic Education Office in Parramatta, Acting Assistant Principal and General Coordinator at Caroline Chisholm High School Regentville. She has been an Economics, Religious Education and Geography teacher at St Patrick’s College Strathfield. Ms Kavanagh has also held positions at St Scholastica’s College Glebe and St Catherine’s College Invercargill, New Zealand. She was on the staff at Mercy College Chatswood from 1981 – 1989.

Ms Kavanagh's qualifications include a Diploma of Teaching, a Graduate Diploma Leadership from the Catholic College of Education Strathfield, and a Masters of Educational Administration from the Australian Catholic University. She is an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, North Ryde and is a Special Minister of the Eucharist. I know you will join me in welcoming Ms Kavanagh's appointment.