Each year, Mercy Partners brings together leaders from its nine education ministries for a dedicated leadership gathering that strengthens strategic relationships, facilitates the sharing of expertise, and promotes collaboration across the ministry network.
The 2026 gathering brought together Principals and Deputy Principals of Teaching and Learning from across the Mercy Partners education ministries. The event commenced with a dinner attended by education leaders and members of the Mercy Partners Board, providing valuable opportunities for connection, relationship building, and professional networking. This was followed by a one-day forum hosted by St Rita’s College, creating a collaborative environment for shared learning and professional dialogue.
The success of the gathering was underpinned by a thoughtfully curated program developed by the Mercy Partners Education Collaboration Committee, led by Committee Chair Dr Lee Anne Perry and supported by Jenny Parker and Patricia Bergin. Designed to foster meaningful discussion, professional growth, and strategic collaboration, the program reflected Mercy Partners’ commitment to shared purpose, continuous improvement, and excellence in education across its ministries.
The day commenced with a guided tour of the College campus, led by the College Principal, Ms Maree Trims. The tour provided attendees with the opportunity to explore the College facilities and gain insight into how the College honours and reflects its Presentation heritage and values. As St Rita’s celebrates its centenary this year, the visiting leaders were given a wonderful insight into special aspects of the College’s wonderful history.
A highlight of the gathering was the keynote address delivered by Professor Matt Bower from Macquarie University’s School of Education and Applied AI Research Centre. Professor Bower explored the innovative use of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and its potential to enhance teaching and learning practices in contemporary educational settings.
Further supporting the gathering’s focus on collaboration and shared learning, five schools presented case studies showcasing impactful curriculum initiatives and pedagogical practices. The presentations were:
- Our Lady of Mercy College: Maximising ATAR Success
- St Ursula’s College: Clear Pictures, Better Conversations: Data Representation and the PLC Process
- Mount Alvernia College: Learning About Learning: Building Academic Agency Through the Science of Learning
- All Hallows’ School: Formed, Supported, Empowered: Developing Independent Learnings for Outstanding Outcomes
- Our Lady of Sion College: Tilting Toward Success: Aligning Data, Feedback and the Rose Framework.
These presentations generated rich discussion and provided valuable opportunities for participants to learn from the experiences and successes of their colleagues across the ministry network.
The gathering concluded with a collaborative discussion focused on key insights and learnings from the day and sharing some of the emergent issues, challenges and opportunities facing each school.
Feedback from the gathering was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the value of these events in fostering connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose among the ministries.
