On 7 September, Merici College invited current students, parents, friends, alumni and staff to join them in celebrating their 60th Diamond Jubilee. The day began with a morning mass held in the Merici College Auditorium and was led by Archbishop Christopher Prowse. Later that evening, the College celebrated with a special anniversary dinner at the Canberra Rex Hotel.

Merici welcomed Sisters representing their founding Orders, as well as past students, Principals, Catholic Education leaders, current staff and students. The evening provided many opportunities for guests to enjoy reconnecting with old friends, to celebrate the memories they hold and to create new ones. 

Mrs Loretta Wholley, who has been the Principal at Merici College for the past seven years, acknowledged and thanked those Principals who had led before her. “Thank you for your foundations, for the work and dedication you gave to the College over the years. I hope that I am doing justice to your vision and being faithful to our founding Sisters.”

Principal Wholley gave a heartfelt thanks to all those from the school community who had enthusiastically helped in the planning of the anniversary celebrations throughout the year. “Your attendance, support and assistance at each event has made this year very special,” she said.

Principal Wholley continued saying, “Merici now, and as Canberra Catholic Girls’ School, was and always will be a place of innovation – taking bold risks and forging through society with great initiative and pride. We will continue to be faithful to the Gospel values of Faith, Hope and Love and with the Spirit of our ten Religious Orders, go on to be a place where individuals respond to the call to go out and make a difference in the world”.

Merici College was officially opened by His Grace Archbishop O’Brien on Sunday, 22 March, 1959, and was the first Catholic Secondary College for girls in Canberra.