Dear members of our AMSSA community
As 2025 draws to a close, it is a fitting moment to pause and celebrate the many achievements of AMSSA throughout this incredibly productive and purposeful year. Across our national network, we have witnessed collaboration, innovation, and a renewed commitment to the shared mission that unites our schools. Together, we have continued to strengthen the collective voice and impact of Catholic secondary school leadership across Australia.
One of the great highlights of the year was our highly successful Staff Conference in Perth. Hosted with warmth, generosity, and exceptional organisation, this event was made possible through the leadership of Jennifer Oaten and the support of our three Perth MEL schools. Their hospitality, vision, and professionalism created a gathering that not only uplifted our staff but also deepened collegial relationships and reaffirmed our shared purpose. The conference set a high benchmark for professional formation and reminded us of the power of bringing people together in person.
Membership across AMSSA has continued to grow, with new schools joining our association and all our ongoing schools recommitting to our mission and direction. This strengthening of our membership base reflects the value that school leaders place on unity, and professional support. It affirms AMSSA’s importance as a national body that understands the evolving landscape of Mercy secondary education.
Much of our work this year has also centred on the careful and considered review of our constitution, necessitated by the broad restructuring of governance frameworks across Australia. This has been a significant undertaking, one that requires both clarity and foresight. The ongoing consultation and refinement of our governance structure ensure that AMSSA remains contemporary, responsive, and positioned for strong leadership into the future.
In 2025 a new network of Mercy leaders was formed. This allows the Leaders of Mission, Religious Education, Formation and Identity to network with one another and to share resources. The capacity of this group will expand in 2026, especially with the Student Online Conference being hosted by our Adelaide schools.
We also celebrated the successful appraisal and reappointment of our Executive Officer, Stephen Walsh. Stephen’s steady leadership, deep commitment, and unwavering dedication continue to guide AMSSA with clarity and purpose. We offer Stephen our sincere thanks for the professionalism and faith-filled service he brings to every aspect of his work. His continued leadership is a great gift to our association.
This year we also farewelled several retiring executive members—(Catherine O’Kane from All Hallows School Brisbane and former AMSSA President, Nicole Christensen from Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney, Kellie Osborn from Mercedes College, Adelaide and Dan McMahon from Shalom College Bundaberg) —whose contributions have shaped AMSSA in lasting ways. Their service, insight, and time have strengthened our organisation, and we offer them our gratitude and blessings as they conclude their leadership roles. At the same time, we warmly welcome our new executive members for 2025 (Jessica Wade from St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba, Jason Pacey from McAuley College, Beaudesert, Gaye McManus from Trinity College, Goulburn and Andrew Baker from St Franis de Sales College, Mount Barker), who bring fresh perspectives and energy into our governing body. We look forward to the gifts they will contribute as AMSSA continues to grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, we extend a special thanks to our South Australian schools, who have taken the lead in planning a very different—and very exciting—2026 AMSSA Student Conference. This innovative, fully virtual model will run across three terms, offering students extended opportunities for engagement, formation, and collaboration across states and territories. This forward-thinking approach reflects both creativity and responsiveness to the needs of contemporary learners as well as increasing the capacity for all schools to participate with the student conference. Details of the new and exciting online student conference will be sent to all schools in the early new year.
We are also excited to announce the creation of our new AMSSA Website. The website will undergo a full redevelopment, making it the first ‘port of call’ for everything AMSSA related including latest news and shared resources. We will let you know when the design is completed, and we have a date for the launch in 2026.
As we conclude 2025, we do so with gratitude for all who continue to support, guide, and strengthen AMSSA. This year has shown us what is possible when our schools stand together in shared mission. May we move into 2026 with renewed energy, a spirit of service, and a deep commitment to supporting excellence in Catholic education across Australia.
Philip Morison
AMSSA President