CONDUCTED by the Sisters of Mercy since 1896, Mount Lilydale Mercy College is a Catholic co-educational college located in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne at the gateway to the Yarra Valley.
The college caters for the needs of students in an environment of care, based on gospel values.
The religious order known as the Sisters of Mercy was founded in Ireland in 1831 by Catherine McAuley.
Catherine was an extraordinary woman of deep faith and trust in God.
She died in 1841, a mere 10 years after founding the order.
In 1846, the first foundation in Australia was made in Perth.
In July 1891, with sisters from Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, a convent was established at Mansfield.
From that foundation, a branch house was opened at Lilydale in 1896.
In 1975, Mount Lilydale became a co-educational college after serving as a school for young ladies since its foundation.
Through careful and continuous expansion, Mount Lilydale Mercy College today has an enrolment in excess of 1460 students.
The first-class learning environment is animated by the spirit of freedom, love and mercy where each student experiences respect, self-worth and unconditional love.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College endeavours to emphasise co-operation and justice, leading students to play their role in protecting and enhancing human values in the world of the 21st century.
At Mount Lilydale Mercy College, the staff strive to create a strong sense of community where students feel safe and connected and where relationships between staff, students and parents are based on mutual respect and have a high priority.
Students are encouraged to be actively involved in the life of the college, particularly through the extensive co-curricular program that provides many opportunities in the areas of Christian outreach, performing arts, sport, music, leadership, debating and public speaking, to name just a few.
Students who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their studies and are involved in the life of the college have the opportunity to take on leadership roles at their respective year levels.
There is a strong emphasis on effective communication between the college and families.
Parents are invited and encouraged to be part of this college community.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College has established numerous committees to provide a framework for involvement and contribution.
Parent support is vital and parents may contribute in a variety of ways: Parents and Friends’ Association, Organisational Skills Program and Principal’s Advisory groups.
The Old Collegians’ Association provides an essential link between past and present students.
The association conducts numerous social and fund-raising activities throughout the year, with the proceeds enabling the college to offer scholarships to students entering Year 12.
A memorial Mass is also conducted each year to celebrate the lives of those who have been a part of the college life.
The highlight of the Old Collegians’ calendar is the gala dinner, whereby inspiring alumni are inducted to the Mercy Honour Roll, the focus of which is the students of today and tomorrow.
Students, past and present, members of the college staff, parents, family and friends all play an integral part of enriching the college community and their support is welcomed and appreciated.
The learning program for Years 7 to 10 has been developed from the Victorian Framework under the national curriculum AusVELS.
This provides a single, coherent and comprehensive set of prescribed content and common achievement standards, which schools use to plan student learning programs, assess student progress and report to parents.
