School Choice speaks to Sr Mary Moloney, Principal of Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?Working with the students. We aim to grow and develop women of purpose and integrity, inspired by our Mercy values of compassion, courage, hospitality, justice, respect and service. It’s the basis of all that happens at Academy of Mary Immaculate and what we hold dear.
What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of?The highly anticipated Cambodia Mercy Immersion was a first for the Academy Of Mary Immaculate and OLMC Heidelberg. In 2025, 15 students with a passion for justice travelled to Cambodia on a study tour to make a difference. The group put justice into action, working with a local school, Khel Chey Primary School, mixing cement, shovelling, carrying heavy buckets to lay a pathway in the school grounds. With Justice Leaders and teachers, Mel Sachanandani and Arancha Joulian, the group learnt fast on the job, mastering new skills with a sense of accomplishment. International study trips are also part of the fabric of Academy experiences, with trips to our sister schools in Italy and Japan.
In 2024, the Academy introduced “Educate for Excellence — our model for Learning and Wellbeing”, which, using current evidence-based instructional strategies, has helped create a culture for students to flourish.
The Academy also achieved impressive NAPLAN growth across writing, reading and numeracy from Year 7 to Year 9. We attribute the outstanding results to the high-quality teaching and the strong relationships between staff and students. Our teachers have been able to bring out the best in our students and make a positive impact and while achievement is important, this is about growth. We believe that it doesn’t matter where the students are when they join us at Year 7, it’s how we can help develop their literacy and numeracy at such a crucial point in their learning journey.
What is your motto for running a successful school?“Live the truth”.
Independent Catholic girls Years 7 to 12 Established in 1857, The Academy is uniquely placed in both history and location. […]