The United in Mercy motto honours the College's Catholic identity; the namesake of the College, Catherine McAuley; and the role the Sisters of Mercy have played in education within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
"It also sends a powerful message of connection and solidarity for our community," Mr Donohoe said.
Inspired by the spirit of Catherine McAuley and the College's Port Stephens location, the symbols and colours form the basis of the visual identity.
"There has been a very positive response from our community to the visual identity, particularly the colour palette and symbolism that honours both the traditional owners of the land, the Worimi people, and the local environment," Mr Donohoe said.
He said the crowd turnout exceeded his expectations and “meeting families at the event and discussing their aspirations for their children was a great reminder of the responsibility and honour I have as principal of a new Catholic high school".
Stage One of the project is on track, with the Medowie-based College set to open its doors to Years 7 and 8 from 2021 and enrolment forms have already started flooding in.
"We handed out close to 300 enrolment packs at the launch event, and in less than one month we've recorded keen interest for places at the College," Mr Donohoe said.
"There's certainly lots of excitement and anticipation about the College's opening, which is now only a matter of months away.
"Over the coming weeks, we hope to meet with all prospective families as part of the enrolments process. Developing these relationships is an absolute priority. We consider our long-term partnership with families as being essential to quality learning, wellbeing and success for all students."
If you haven't yet submitted an enrolment application, there's still time. Enrolment applications for Years 7 and 8 at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, which will eventually become a Kindergarten to Year 12 campus, are due by mid-April. Located alongside a St Nicholas Early Education centre, the College will also include an onsite chapel.
Visit medowiecmcc.catholic.edu.au to find out more.
