CORMSAA QLD Chapter Meeting
7 October 2026, Online
Mercy Partners Deputy Chair and Chair of the Education Collaboration Committee, Dr Lee Anne Perry, joined representatives from our Queensland schools for an online presentation showcasing the Catholic Schools New South Wales (CSNSW) Insights Platform. The platform provides a comprehensive financial benchmarking and analysis tool, drawing on data collected through the annual Financial Questionnaire completed by all schools.
Although developed by CSNSW, the Insights Platform has increasingly gained national recognition and relevance, with several jurisdictions and approved system authorities adopting the model. Catholic Education Queensland (CEQL) is currently exploring the potential implementation of the platform, recognising its value in supporting financial transparency, informed decision-making and strategic planning across the education sector.
All Hallows’ School Celebration of Excellence 2026
8 October 2026, Brisbane
On 8 October, the All Hallows’ School community gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements in academic, cultural, sporting, service and Mercy Action pursuits at its annual Celebration of Excellence.
Dr Lee Anne Perry, Deputy Chair of Mercy Partners, attended the event and was inspired by the students’ dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence. Their remarkable achievements reflected the hard work and determination demonstrated throughout the year.
Brisbane Catholic Professionals Luncheon
15 October 2026, Brisbane
The Mercy Partners Board and Executive, together with invited guests, had the pleasure of attending the Brisbane Catholic Professionals Luncheon, where Professor Neil Dodgson from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the opportunities and challenges arising from rapid technological change. Drawing on insights from technology, ethics, and faith, Professor Dodgson explored how advances such as artificial intelligence are reshaping society and influencing the way we live, work, and relate to one another.
Through a Christian lens, he examined the implications of these developments for our understanding of the human person, ethical decision-making, and the common good. His address encouraged attendees to reflect on what these changes mean for professionals, leaders, and people of faith, and how they can respond with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to human dignity in an increasingly technological world.
St Rita’s College Annual Thanksgiving Ceremony
19 October 2026, Brisbane
On 19 October 2026, the St Rita’s College community gathered for its Annual Thanksgiving Ceremony, an occasion that celebrates the outstanding achievements of students while also providing an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the many blessings and successes of the year.
The ceremony recognised the dedication, resilience and accomplishments of students across a range of pursuits and offered a heartfelt opportunity for students to thank their teachers and parents for their unwavering support, encouragement and guidance throughout the year.
Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Bartolo, was pleased to attend the celebration and had the honour of presenting the Year 8 Academic Awards, recognising students for their commitment to academic excellence.
St Ursula’s College Class of 2026 Graduation
20 October 2026, Yeppoon
On 20 October, St Ursula’s College celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, marking an important milestone in the lives of its Year 12 students. The occasion brought together students, families, and staff to recognise and celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of the graduating cohort as they concluded their secondary education.
Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Parker, was delighted to attend the graduation celebration and join the College community in acknowledging the accomplishments of the students. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their successes, and wish them every blessing as they embark on the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Mercy Partners Mixed Ministry Board Induction
20 October 2026, Brisbane
As the year begins to draw to a close, Mercy Partners CEO John Leahy and Director of formation, Kate Garrone, successfully delivered its final Ministry Board Induction session for 2026. These sessions mark the completion of this year’s Civil Governance and Canonical Sponsorship induction program across all Mercy Partners ministries, including newly appointed Directors, Board Chairs, Company Directors, School Principals and CEOs.
Designed to deepen understanding of governance within a Mercy Partners ministry, the induction program equips Board Directors to fulfil their responsibilities within both civil and canonical governance frameworks. The program explores the role of Mercy Partners as sole member and the exercise of its Reserved Powers, while strengthening participants’ understanding of canonical sponsorship, ministry stewardship, and the vital role Boards play in nurturing the mission, identity and ongoing formation of their ministry communities.
The completion of the 2026 induction program reflects Mercy Partners’ commitment to ensuring that all ministry leaders are well equipped to carry out their governance responsibilities in service of the mission, values and charism entrusted to their ministries.
AMPJP Webinar Series Civil
20 and 27 October 2026, Brisbane
The Mercy Partners Board recently participated in a two-part webinar exploring the civil responsibilities of Trustees of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs). Led by experienced trustee and presenter, Paul Davies, the sessions provided valuable insights into the civil law duties and obligations associated with the Trustee role.
Topics covered included Canon Law and Civil Law operating in unison, corporate structures, sources of authority, trustee duties, principles of good governance and practice, and key legislative provisions. The sessions offered a comprehensive overview of the governance framework within which Trustees operate.
The webinars were highly informative and further strengthened the Board’s understanding of its responsibilities as Trustee, enhancing confidence in its governance role and commitment to effective stewardship.
St Patrick’s College Townsville 2026 Awards Evening
21 October 2026, Townsville
As the year came to a close, the St Patrick’s College Townsville community gathered for their annual Awards Evening. The night was an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in academics, service and leadership.
In addition, the evening was filled with wonderful performances from the College choir, music ensembles, and dance troupes, making it truly a night to remember.
Mercy Partners Board Liaison for the College, Cath Bartolo, was delighted to attend the Awards and present the Academic Achievement in Year 10 Award.
Mercy Alliance Webinar
22 October 2026, Online
On 22 October, the Mercy Alliance hosted an insightful webinar, Engaging with Ethical Issues in Ministry Governance and Leadership, presented by respected ethicist, Dr Dan Fleming. The session brought together leaders and ministry representatives from across the Mercy network including the Mercy Partners Board to explore the increasingly complex ethical considerations that arise in governance and leadership roles.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Dan examined the importance of ethical decision-making, accountability, and values-based leadership within ministry organisations. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how governance frameworks can support mission-centred leadership while navigating contemporary challenges with integrity and transparency. The discussion highlighted the vital role that ethical leadership plays in fostering trust, ensuring responsible stewardship, and remaining aligned with the values and mission that underpin Catholic ministries.
Representatives from the Mercy Partners Board participated in the webinar and found it a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of ethical governance in Catholic ministries.
Redesigning Assessment for an AI World
26 October 2026, Brisbane
Mercy Partners recently facilitated an online session with Prof. Matt Bower, Director of the Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence Research with the Macquarie School of Education at Macquarie University. The session provided education leaders with the opportunity to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on teaching, learning and assessment.
During the two-hour presentation, Redesigning Assessment for an AI World, Prof. Bower examined the opportunities, challenges and practical applications of AI within education. Participants gained valuable insights into emerging trends and considered how assessment practices may need to evolve in response to rapidly changing technologies.
Members of the Mercy Partners Board, together with Principals and Deputy Principals of Teaching and Learning from across our education ministries, attended the session. The webinar sparked thoughtful discussion and engagement as leaders continue to navigate the opportunities and complexities of an increasingly AI-enabled educational landscape.
The Emergence of MPJPs
27 October 2026, Online
The Mercy Partners Board recently participated in a special gathering, Stewards of a Living Marist Legacy, featuring a presentation by internationally renowned canon lawyer, Associate Professor Chad Glendinning JCD. The session explored the evolving shift from inheritance to stewardship within Catholic ministry and the important responsibility of ensuring the Church’s mission continues to flourish in changing times.
Drawing on his expertise in canon law and Church governance, Chad highlighted the critical role of public juridic persons in sustaining and advancing Catholic ministries. He emphasised the importance of ongoing formation, authentic relationships, and the courage to respond creatively to contemporary challenges. Participants were encouraged to move beyond simply preserving a legacy and instead embrace their role as active stewards, shaping and strengthening the charism and mission of their ministries for future generations.
Representatives of the Mercy Partners Board welcomed the opportunity to participate in this thought-provoking gathering, gaining valuable insights and practical reflections to support their stewardship and leadership of Catholic ministries into the future.
