Christine Harding is no stranger to what it takes to achieve educational excellence for girls in the Sutherland Shire. 

The experienced educator was this year appointed as Principal of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the school as it begins its transition to a Years 7-12 college. 

The appointment is a homecoming of sorts for Mrs Harding, who has been a Sutherland Shire local for 30 years and was previously Assistant Principal at the college for three years. 

Having now re-joined Our Lady of Mercy after serving as Assistant Principal at fellow girls school Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley, Mrs Harding said she’s excited about the prospect of strengthening learning opportunities for girls and their families in her own community. 

“I feel I have an understanding of the needs of the community and the culture both here at the school and in the local area,” she said. 

“Sydney Catholic Schools believes in offering families choices in educational options, so they can find the school that is the right fit for their child. At Our Lady of Mercy, we are in the unique position of being the only school for girls in the Sutherland Shire, and with this comes a unique approach in our teaching and learning. 

“Our teachers are experts in girls’ education. Our classes, our lessons, our curriculum is all focused on girls and how they learn.”

Our Lady of Mercy this year welcomed its first Year 11 cohort as it transforms to a Years 7-12 college, having previously catered to Years 7-10 students. 

Mrs Harding said it provides an opportunity for the college to further build on its reputation of empowering girls in the Sutherland Shire. 

The college recently welcomed many new teachers with specialised knowledge and experience in the HSC and particular expertise in girls’ education. 

Mrs Harding is an expert leader of learning with extensive experience in teaching senior years, as well having led HSC marking teams and contributed to NESA HSC Examination development.

“The foundations of success are established through focused HSC preparation. Overall, however, the aim is to set our students up for post-school success and give them the resilience and skills to be able to achieve their goals,” she said.

“We pride ourselves on having high expectations and we want our girls to be lifelong learners who make a difference in the world.

“Learning is very much the basis of what we do but the social and emotional wellbeing of our girls is also something that we aim to support in equal measure.”

The college is now enrolling girls for Year 7 2026 and Year 11 2025. More information on key dates and processes can be found here.

Those interested in visiting the college can do so by booking a guided tour. You will be able to tour the campus and learn about the college, the facilities, and witness classes in action.

For further information about the next available tour, please email the college, phone on (02) 9544 1966 or book online here.