Mercy News - 8th April 2022
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message from Our Principal
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Term 1 Learning Showcase
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Student of The Term
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Student Executive Reflection: Social Justice Captain
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Deputy Principal
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Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
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Uniform Shop Holiday Hours
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West Building Renovations - Student Agency
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Year 7- Victoria Police Incursion
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Year 8 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
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Year 9 Term 1 Reflections
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Year 10 Wellbeing Day
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SCSA Swimming Tournament
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Humanities
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Arts & Technology
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Languages- Italian
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Languages- Indonesian
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VCAL
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Information Centre
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Alumni News
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Nationally Consistenr Collection of Data (NCCD)
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Careers @ Mercy
Key Dates
Sunday 10th April 2022
- Palm Sunday
Monday 11th - Thursday 14th April 2022
- School Office Open
Friday 15th April 2022
- Good Friday (School Office Closed)
Sunday 17th April 2022
- Easter Sunday
Monday 18th April 2022
- Easter Monday (School Office Closed)
Tuesday 19th April - Friday 22nd April
- School Office Open
Monday 25th April 2022
- ANZAC Day Public Holiday (School Office Closed)
Tuesday 26th April 2022
- Term 2 Starts
Prayer
Message from Our Principal
END OF TERM 1
On our last day of Term 1 2022 it is appropriate to reflect and recognize that it has been a big term. It's been a term where we're still in a phase of disruption, but moving closer towards understanding how we navigate and run a school in the current context.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to our parents and guardians, for your ongoing support of the College, for your patience with us when we have had to make decisions in response to situations, and my utmost respect and thanks to my colleagues, to all members of staff, in every area of the school. As well as having the rigor of our academic curriculum taking place throughout the term we have been committed to keeping the College safe, and to providing students with opportunities to participate in sports, musical preparations, art installations, excursions, incursions, whole school face to face assemblies, liturgies and other significant events we have missed over the past two years.
LENT
Throughout the Season of Lent, our community has reflected prayed and fundraised for vulnerable people around the world recognising that our generosity will help create change for people living in poverty. Later in the newsletter, Tiana highlights many of the activities that have taken place and I thank everyone for their involvement as we worked towards lasting change for all generations.
WAY OF THE CROSS
Earlier today we gathered for our whole school Way of the Cross liturgy where our Year 9 students led our school community so beautifully in reflecting on the words, images and artwork created by them for each station. It was a privilege for us to join in prayer and song as we began with our focus towards Easter with the way of the Cross. As resurrection people, we know that God lives through us and we can be the hope and love of the resurrection story. My thanks to Josie Dilettoso: Director of RE and Identity and Michelle Walker-Head of Music for leading the many staff and students who were actively involved in a role.
STAFFING UPDATE
With the end of term, we have some staff movement. I would like to farewell Rachel Calalesina one of our Psychologists who many of you would be aware is leaving. We acknowledge the wonderful work Rachel has done in supporting our College community. Vanessa Folino will be taking Long Service Leave until the end of the year and we wish her all the very best. We look forward to welcoming Angela Heydon who will be returning next term from Long Service Leave.
PRAYERS
As a Mercy College community, we pray for:
- Enrique Manalo and his family-father of Karen (Year 12) and Katie (Class of 2018)
- Sammy Dilettoso-Father of Josie (Staff)
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen.”
HOLY WEEK
On Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday. As we approach the holiest of times in the Christian calendar, we are reminded of connecting our own personal suffering with the suffering of Jesus. Jesus did not come to take away suffering, but to bring meaning to it through his life, death and resurrection. As we journey through Holy Week, toward the Easter Triduum may this week be a time when we deepen our own relationship with Jesus.Wishing all our community a well-deserved holiday break, and a blessed and happy Easter. Looking forward to when we return for term 2.Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Holy Week Liturgy
Term 1 Learning Showcase
Student of The Term
Year 7- Sienna C
Sienna is genuinely enthusiastic about being a Mercy girl. Although she has only been part of our community for one term, she has made herself known for all the right reasons. She is consistently polite in her interactions with her peers and teachers, and has proven herself to be a very responsible student. If Sienna has missed a lesson, she has emailed her teachers to find out what work she needs to catch up on, and she can always be relied upon to contribute to class discussion and questioning. She has been involved in College life by successfully auditioning for the musical and taking up voice lessons. Sienna has been an incredibly reliable Frayne House Captain as she has attended all meetings throughout the term.
Year 8- Dana I
Dana consistently goes above and beyond. She is a positive member of the Year 8 community. Dana fosters positive relationships with her peers and her teachers. She is compassionate. She is one of the first to say hello at the start of the day, and thanks her teachers for the lesson. Dana makes hospitable choices and often does the right thing without being asked.
Dana is always willing to improve and do better, always has a positive attitude, and puts a lot of effort into all work she completes. She always volunteers if students are asked to help with something and takes it upon herself to assist even when not asked. She has also been a part of the indoor cricket team where she showed persistence and teamwork.
Year 9- Madison B
Madison has been consistent in her approach to learning and life at Mercy since she started in Year 7. She has begun her Year 9 in a positive way. She takes her work seriously and works hard to achieve her best. Madison is always prepared to learn and gets on with tasks without any fuss. She is always willing to help out a fellow student and she is a much valued member of her homeroom. Madision is someone you really want on your team! Reliable, well organised and a good listener are some of the traits of this student. She listens attentively, she is kind and gracious and greets people with a warm hello. One of the ways she has demonstrated her dedication to the College through her involvement in the Swimming Squad. Madision is humble and does not seek recognition. Today, however, we are recognising her for all that she does.
Year 10- Jessica A
Jessica encapsulates what it means to be a leader in the Mercy Community. She supports her peers and actively participates in her learning. She has shown her ongoing commitment, persistence and dedication to her studies, especially taking on a VCE subject at Year 10.
Jessica is attentive, well-organised and recognises when others around her are in need of help. She demonstrates courage, as she always seeks clarification and is never afraid to ask questions.
Jessica openly supports her peers, is respectful to all and conducts herself with a quiet confidence and determination. She is kind, friendly and brings a smile to the face of those around her.
Year 11- Tanisha W
Tanisha consistently represents the values of Mercy College. She is friendly and considerate of others, and is always ready to assist peers with personal and academic needs. In the classroom she is respectful to all her teachers and peers. Tanisha always approaches tasks and activities with determination, is not afraid to take on advice to try new ways to approach her work, and seeks feedback and clarity in her effort to succeed. She has shown her ongoing commitment, persistence and dedication to her studies, especially taking on a VCE Unit 3 subject in Year 11.
Year 12- Alide G
Alide consistently applies herself to her work and is an active member of our Mercy community. She embodies our Mercy Values though her daily interactions with all. Alide approaches her VCE studies with dedication and maturity, always striving to do the best that she can. She willingly takes on the advice of her teachers, ready to try new approaches and move outside her comfort zone. Alide is there for others, and willingly offers and exchanges ideas, opinions and advice. She is always involved in college life and activities, and willingly gives her support to help those around her. Alide wears her uniform with pride, and is a fantastic role model and representative of our community.
Student Executive Reflection: Social Justice Captain
This Term, the Student Executive team and the Social Justice team worked together on Project Compassion to raise money for those in need.
On Tuesday 1st March, Mercy College alongside Archbishop Peter and the Caritas Australia team launched Project Compassion for 2022. On this day we were joined by musicians Genevieve Bryant and John Ighalo, and guest speaker Lulu Mitshabu (Coordinator of Caritas Australia’s Africa programs). Together with Archbishop Peter, the Caritas Australia representatives and over 40 schools joining online, the community joined in prayer to commence the season of lent.
The Student Executive team and all year level leaders joined together for many collaborative activities organised by Caritas Australia. We discussed what Mercy College already does to support developing countries and the community and we looked at new ways in which we can help those in need. We also participated in learning activities which emphasised that not all people in our community are treated fairly and given the necessary resources to reach their full potential. This amazing opportunity allowed not only teachers and students who attended, but all of the Mercy College community to understand new ways in which we can raise more money, which can be used to provide necessary resources to those in need in developing countries.
Through the last weeks of Lent the Student Executive team and VCAL students have organised new activities to raise money for Project Compassion, which have been held at lunch times. The Social Justice team held an activity on Wednesday the 6th of April in where teachers versed students in a Trivia activity- students were asked to donate a cold coin to participate.
Overall this year, the Social Justice team are aiming to work with the Mercy community and those outside of it, to ensure that those in need are provided with help ensuring that everybody feels like they belong and are welcomed. The Social Justice team holds regular meetings where we discuss ways in which Mercy can further ensure equality in the community. As well as find ways in which we can further educate those within the school community on how to seek justice for those who are in need or unable to seek it themselves.
Tiana M
2022 Social Justice Captain
Deputy Principal
Parents are our learners’ (students) first teachers. They are critical partners in establishing a positive approach to learning and can be hugely influential in learning with and besides each student. Source: Adapted from the Clarity: What Matters Most in Learning, Teaching and Leading (Sharratt, 2019)
A Culture of Excellence: We are partners in learning
Shaped by our Catholic identify we place great value in students, teachers and parents working in partnership to ensure all students reach their full potential and excel in their studies. To compliment this and to continue to work in partnership with families, instead of asking ‘How was school today?’, the most powerful questions we can ask our children are:
- What did you learn today?
- How did you do?
- What did you do if you did not understand?
- How can you improve on your learning?
- What else do you want to know about what you are learning?
- What are you most proud of?
These questions create an opportunity for children to reflect on what they are learning, and parents who have adopted the use of these questions have found that using these questions has created authentic opportunities for rich and informative conversations with their children about school. Such questions also maintain a sense of wonder through questioning and hopefully instills a strong sense of curiosity in wanting to learn more.
NAPLAN Online Coordinated Practice Test (CPT)
The VCAA would like to thank all schools that participated in the Coordinated Practice Testing (CPT) event on March 24th. Overall, the CPT was a success with 75% of Victorian schools participating. Nationally, 5,152 schools participated with 503,895 students logging in during the event.
The NAPLAN platform remains open for students to complete practice testing until 22 April 2022. Please ensure that you continue to provide students in eligible NAPLAN year levels with the opportunity to become familiar with the question types contained in the NAPLAN Online tests.
Students who are not able to participate in the scheduled practice test window due to absence have the option to complete their familiarisation via the use of the ACARA NAPLAN Online public demonstration site.
NAPLAN Online Schedule
NAPLAN Online will take place from Tuesday 10 May to Friday 13 May. The following week will be used to follow-up any students that may have missed one or more of the four tests in the first week due to absence. Further communication will be outlined in a parent letter to be sent via email.
Tutor Learning Program
One of the initiatives implemented this year, has been the College’s Tutor Learning Program. This program aims to deliver targeted literacy and numeracy support to students across all year levels to ensure no student continues to be disadvantaged with their learning in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Our tutors have commenced supporting the girls combining in-class and small group sessions during timetabled classes. All girls are encouraged to attend Homework Club in the library from 3.30pm to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 3.30pm to 4pm Friday.
The initial feedback from the girls and teachers has been positive about the impact of this level of support and we will review student assessment data to monitor the progress of the girls involved in this program. Towards the middle of Term 2, teachers will also be asked to recommend any other girl/s who based on their progress throughout Semester 1, may also benefit from this support.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact either Mr Nicholas Ambrozy (Deputy Principal) or Ms Kellie Firth (Learning Diversity Leader).
Nick Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
Student Voice Leaders for Caritas
Mercy College continued to raise money for people living in poverty through the month of Lent. The Student Voice Leaders ran a Scavenger Hunt. This fundraising event saw students from all levels participate, follow some challenging clues and contribute generously to help change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. The activity also afforded the students to grow as leaders. The Student Voice Leaders were required to plan the hunt, which included various routes with clues, they also were charged with updating passports and providing helpful clues.
Term 2 uniform expectations
All students are expected to wear full winter uniform after Activities Week. The College scarf is a winter accessory and is only to be worn with the winter uniform. Please note no other scarves are acceptable and gloves must be navy blue. Over the holidays, it is advisable to check the length of the tunic to ensure it sits at the knee. During Terms 2 and 3 the outer garment worn to and from school with the PE uniform needs to be the tracksuit pants and not the College shorts. Student can then change into the shorts at school.
Please note, it is not advisable to get any piercings done over the holidays that do not comply with College Dress Code. Students will be asked to remove any extra piercings – band aids cannot be worn to cover piercings.
Challenges of conflict and natural disasters in the world
Life affords many blessings. For Catholics, the theological virtue of hope is about Divine union but it is also a way of thinking that motivates, pushes people to action and provides strength. In recent times, young people and adults, are having to deal with a complex and often cruel world. The pandemic, conflict overseas, natural disasters and even climate change can be traumatic, even for those that are not directly affected. Images and pictures presented in the media can cause young people to worry. Some young people may want to talk about their concerns, other will reflect their concerns through behaviours and others may internalise the emotions and become quiet and withdrawn. It is important that young people have the opportunity to make sense of what is happening around them and open conversation can be helpful.
The Raising Children website provides some advice for parents/guardians on discussing disaster news or distressing news with young people.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/media/disaster-news-supporting-teens
Staffing update
The Mercy College community would like to thank Rachel Calalesina for the support she has offered students, their families and staff in her role as College psychologist. Rachel has been generous of knowledge and her care and concern for the young people in her care will be missed. Since joining the team in 2020 Rachel has contributed to the fabric that is Mercy. The Mercy community wishes her many blessings as she embarks on her next chapter. Maria Daniele will be taking on the role of Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing as Vanessa Folino is on leave until the end of 2022.
Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessings we possess. Max Lucado
Vanessa Folino
Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
Uniform Shop Holiday Hours
Term One Holidays Uniform Shop Hours:
Wednesday 13th March and Thursday 14th April, 9:00am-3:00pm
Thursday 21st April , 9:00am – 3:00pm
Access via Gate 2 (Sydney Road)
(No appointments will be scheduled)
West Building Renovations - Student Agency
Students were involved in consultation with two architects from Williams Ross Architects Pty Ltd. They had the opportunity to look at interior samples, 3D views and modular seating options for the West Building. This is an example of student agency, where we as a College work with students to ‘own’ their learning and create a positive climate for the future.
Year 7- Victoria Police Incursion
The Year 7s were visited by two members of Victoria Police who presented information about cyber safety and cyber bullying. Our students learned about the laws in relation to online behaviour and the fact they are responsible for their words and actions online. Students were also asked to consider what type of friend they want to be when it comes to standing up for someone in need. This presentation gave our Year 7s a lot to think about in relation to their technology use in the future.
Year 8 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
This week at our end of term assembly, Year 8 students were given the opportunity to reflect on Term 1 using the indigenous term “Manna'' meaning “Tree” as a symbol. Students focused on the gratitude tree and were given the opportunity to stop and think of what they are grateful for as a means of wellbeing when life seems too busy and overwhelming. Students also recognised that on their Year 8 journey they are like a tree with a trunk for support and branches slowly emerging as they continue on their academic and wellbeing journey at Mercy. Leaves and branches were used in our assembly that were gifted to us by the land we reside on at Mercy from the Wurunjeri people. Students and teachers laid the branches down to represent our community of students, teachers and families…and recognised one cannot function without the other . These branches are now on the Year 8 homeroom prayer tables as a reminder.
On reflection of Term 1 we recognise the students are reconnecting with each other, staff and school overall. We acknowledge the hard work of staff members in assisting them in the reconnection through what they do in the classroom and outside such as offering board game lunchtimes which is organized by Mrs McNamara.
Students are looking forward to Term 2 and especially camp being a highlight .
I take this opportunity to wish everyone in our Year 8 community a safe and restful break and thank all the Year 8 students for their wonderful collaboration and hardwork in the first phase of their Year 8 journey.
Maria Daniele
Year 8 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
Year 9 Term 1 Reflections
This term was very eventful and exciting. We got to do so many things that engaged our learning and that were fun at the same time. The school went to Coburg Swimming Pool for the Swimming Carnival. The Year 9s also got to go on an excursion to Sovereign Hill to learn about the Gold Rush for History. Year 9s also learnt about the Stations of the Cross and created artwork based on these for Religious Education.
Rozeina & Maylinda 9A
For Year Nine students it has been a very significant first term. We had the opportunity to create new relationships with each other both within the classroom and out of the classroom. For many of us we had our first excursion to Sovereign Hill. This allowed us to spend time with our peers and learn about the Gold Rush. Additionally, the author of the novel By The River, Steven Herrick, joined us for an incursion and we gained an insight on the story of the novel. Overall, it has been a very exciting and eventful term for the Year Nine students.
Leysan 9B
2022 has started off on an overall positive note for the Year 9s. Term 1 began with the Swimming Carnival, a day packed with fun, collaboration, and colour! Students engaged energetically, whether competing in races or completing fun activities. For History the Year 9s were pleased with the opportunity to visit Sovereign Hill. The place was designed after the 1850s gold rush and was made to seem like a town from that era. We got to hear about the many experiences that people might have had, some got to hold gold, and we even got to travel underground into the mines! Overall, it was a thrilling and immersive experience. The Year 9s this term were also in charge of hosting the Easter Liturgy. In our own individual classes, we learnt about the Stations of the Cross, and analysed the stories and the meanings. All students in the cohort were required to create artwork for 'the Way of the Cross.’ Some pieces were contemporary, whilst others were more traditional. All the art pieces were unique and held their own meaningful messages, and no two were the same. The class of 9C added a new member to the clan, Bubbles the goldfish! However, sadly, Bubbles passed away. Rest in peace Bubbles. But overall, Term 1 of 2022 has been a great and memorable time! We all took some time to adjust to our new elective subjects and new but lovely learning areas.
Sienna & Abi 9C
Year 10 Wellbeing Day
Our Year 10 students participated in their first Wellbeing day for the year. Our students explored the themes of emotional literacy and stress management to learn how to support and manage their mental health. Part of the day included making stress balls together and going for a relaxing walk down to Coburg Lake. We hope our students will be able to put some of their learnings into practice over the term break and when they return for Term 2.
SCSA Swimming Tournament
Mercy College hosted the annual SCSA Swimming Tournament at MSAC. Congratulations to all our swimmers on their amazing effort to finish in 3rd place overall and first place in the intermediate freestyle relay! It was a fantastic opportunity for students from across all year levels to work as a team, encouraging and supporting each other! A huge thank you to the students who competed and a huge thank you to the senior students and staff who volunteered helping out in various roles in order to make the night a huge success! We can’t wait for next year’s tournament.
Humanities
Year 12 Legal Studies
On Friday 25th March the Year 12 Legal Studies class took part in a County Court incursion on sentencing as part of their study of the Victorian criminal justice system. A County Court judge took the students through the purposes of sentencing and what judges have to consider when they sentence offenders. This was followed by a real case study where the judge presented the class with facts and the students had to decide whether they would impose a term of imprisonment on the offender or whether they would impose a non-custodial sanction. This opportunity gave the students the chance to see just how difficult the sentencing process is and gain valuable insight into this part of the criminal justice system.
Year 7 History - Ancient Mediterranean World Incursion
On the 29thof March, Year 7B and 7C participated in a history incursion presented by History Up Close. The students were involved in a variety of hands-on activities learning about the fascinating ancient societies of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Some students were chosen to dress up like an Egyptian Pharaoh, Greek soldier and a Roman gladiator. The presenters shared replicated artifacts from the time period and a wealth of knowledge with the students. The programme not only enhanced their learning but ties in with their research project they are working on in class.
Year 9 History - Sovereign Hill
On Tuesday 24th March the Year 9 students made the trip to Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill to enhance their understanding of the Victorian gold rush. They had an education session where they learnt about the experiences of the Chinese on the goldfields, watched a gold pouring demonstration where some people got to to hold $260,000 worth of gold, went on an underground mine tour and went panning for gold. They also experienced 19th century shopping and some students were able to see how the famous Sovereign Hill lollies are made.
Below are reflections written by Dana and Konstandina from Year 9.
Today was so much fun. We went into old fashioned shops, toured a traditional Chinese village and saw a gold mine! We even got to see how gold was transformed into bars. My favourite part of the day was touring the gold mines as it was interesting to see where gold was extracted.
- Dana
The day trip to Sovereign Hill was great. We learnt about the Chinese people’s impact on mining and Ballarat. We had the opportunity to visit an underground mine, see a Chinese temple, visit old fashioned shops and much more. It was so much fun!
- Konstandina
Jemmah Ind
Head of Humanities
Arts & Technology
Year 10 Art Presents:
‘Obliteration Room’ by Yayoi Kusama
Installation Art is a three-dimensional work/s that aims to transform the audience’s perception of space. It was developed primarily in the second half of the twentieth century as both minimalism and conceptual art evolved during this time. This artform incorporates a broad range of everyday and natural materials as well as new media such as video, sound, performance, immersive virtual reality to provide an all round sensory experience. Installation art can often occupy an entire room in a gallery or museum space, public spaces or even within private homes. These artworks are sometimes temporary or permanent and will often involve the viewer in an all encompassing environment in the space itself or the work itself in order to engage with the artwork. This can be more important than the finished artwork itself.
Yayoi Kusama's name is synonymous with the artform of Installation Art. Kusama is instantly recognisable and immensely iconic and regarded as one of the most important living artists to come out of Japan. Born and raised in Matsumoto Japan, she primarily works in sculpture and installation but is also active in painting, performance, fashion, poetry and other artforms. Kusama’s artworks show attributes of Feminism,Minimalism, Surrealism and her own Mental health struggles.
These Mental Health struggles underpin one of her most famous installations, Kusama’s ‘Obliteration Room’. From as little as ten years old, she began to experience vivid hallucinations which Kusama has described as "flashes of light, auras, or dense fields of dots". These hallucinations also included patterns that she stared at “coming to life, multiplying, and engulfing or expunging her”- a process which she has carried into her artistic career and which she calls "self-obliteration". These hallucinations became an escape from her family and her own mind. Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Obliteration Room’, is an entirely white space and is furnished as a monochrome living room. This living room is 'obliterated' with fluro multi coloured circle stickers that the audience are given before they enter the space. The audience are invited to stick the stickers anywhere they like in the room, according to any pattern, any idea they have, anything they like they can do with the stickers.
The Year 10 Art Class this Semester recreated this exact artwork for all of the Students and Staff at Mercy College to participate in and enjoy.
For the past 10 weeks, The Year 10 Art students were involved in all aspects of the recreation of Kusama’s ‘Obliteration Room’. The purpose of this project was for students to understand that an installation does not happen overnight - it takes time, hard work and dedication to the end result. With guidance from Ms Carnibella, the students planned out how they were going to undertake the project, they understood the requirements and constraints of the project before the fun took place. The students used various sized circle stencils to draw onto different coloured fluro pieces of paper, hand cut over five hundred circles and painted various types of furniture all white to re-create a ‘monochromatic living room’. All of this behind the scenes work took place before the setting up could begin. Once this was completed, the set up only took one lesson and it wasn't until then, students saw the concept come to life. After this, we welcomed the Staff and Students of Mercy College into the space and Kusama’s ‘Obliteration Room’ came to life.
To all the Staff who helped the students set up the space, Thank you.
To all the Staff and Students who participated in the installation space, Thank you.
To my Year 10 Art Class, this was a dream of mine in remote learning to bring this conceptual art form to life. You all have shown immense pride in the creation of this art work and you have shown that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Please enjoy this video below:
https://youtu.be/IPnmPPbj4aM
Madeline Carnibella
Art & Media Teacher
Languages- Italian
In Languages this term, students have continued to develop their language skills through authentic and hands-on learning.
Year 7s have focused on their speaking skills, with the Italian students creating a video to introduce themselves to the Mercy College Community. Students were able to use the pronunciation of the Italian alphabet and sounds as well as other introductory skills.
In Year 8 Italian, students created “fumetti” , cartoons answering the question “cosa fai dopo la scuola” “what do you do after school” . This was done after they learnt about the structure of present tense of verbs in Italian. They will recreate them into role plays. They also had a Michelangelo experience when learning about the Renaissance…which is also a topic they are studying in History. Student’s re-enacted Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel on his back. Students stuck pieces of paper under their desk and proceeded to draw for 5 minutes. The task enabled the students to experience what Michelangelo may have felt physically and also to appreciate the difficulty of the task. All pictures were put into a class gallery and students then marvelled at what was drawn and concluded we have some “Michelangelo’s” amongst us.
In Year 9, Italian Language students had the opportunity to visit Italy virtually during the month of February and learn about festivites held during this month such as Carnevale, San Remo ( Italy’s music festival) and Saint Valentines day and how they are celebrated in Italy. Students then created visual diaries pretending they had attended one or all of the festivities, combining the Past Tense which they had also learnt this term.
I take this opportunity to wish all the families at Mercy a “Buona Pasqua” .
Maria Daniele
Italian Language Teacher
Languages- Indonesian
Easter or Paskah is celebrated in Indonesia. In fact there are more Christians in Indonesia than there are in Australia! In main cities, the Easter celebrations are similar to those we are familiar with here in Australia. Christians attend a church service then spend the rest of the day enjoying good food with family.
Elizabeth Moore
Indonesian Language Teacher
VCAL
Caritas Australia Fundraiser - Volleyball
On Tuesday the 22nd of March Annalise, Mia and Haylee held a volleyball sporting event. The teams consisted of Teachers vs Students. The aim was to ultimately raise money for Caritas Australia. In our VCAL class we were asked to come up with an activity to raise money for Caritas. As a group we decided to get students to donate a gold coin to participate in playing Volleyball. To our surprise, Volleyball was an extremely popular activity. We had a number of students and staff attend to play and support their peers! Everyone was enthusiastic and encouraging and ultimately had a lot of fun. From this activity we raised a total of $42.50 to Caritas Australia! We are grateful for everyone's contribution and are enthused to hold other sporting events for charity in the future.
Thank you to everyone in the Mercy College Community.
Annalise, Mia and Haylee
Information Centre
The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced their Shortlist for 2022 on Tuesday 29 February. Six titles in each of the five categories have been identified as books that promote quality literature for young Australians. They support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books as well as celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature. The winners will be announced on Friday 19 August.
At Mercy College we are interested in three categories:
- Book of the Year Older Readers
- Book of the Year Younger Readers
- Picture Book of the Year
The entries in these categories may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in the age ranges attributed.
This year’s shortlist for the Book of the Year for Older Readers comprises:
- Girls in boys’ cars by Felicity Castagna
- How to repaint a life by Steven Herrick
- Tiger daughter by Rebecca Lim
- The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
- Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix
- Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn
The shortlisted titles for Book of the Year for Younger Readers are:
- Dragon skin by Karen Foxlee
- The Detectives guide to ocean travel by Nicki Greenberg
- Huda and me by H. Hayek
- A Glasshouse of stars by Shirley Marr
- Exit through the gift shop by Maryam Master
- Rabbit, soldier, angel, thief by Katrina Nannestad
For Picture Book of the Year the shortlisted titles are:
- The Boy and the elephant by Freya Blackwood
- Blue flower by Babriel Evans and Sonya Hartnett
- Stellarphant by James Foley
- The Inheritance by Armin Greder
- Just one bee by Christopher Nielsen and Margrete Lamond
- Iceberg by Jess Racklyeft and Claire Saxby
All of these titles are available in the library for borrowing. In Term 2 these titles will be on display for students and staff to preview.
Anne Girolami
Information Services Leader
Alumni News
Stivani Hilsaca - Class of 2006
Do you remember what it was like at Mercy College and when you left?
Even though it was 16 years ago that I completed my VCE and graduated in 2006, I still can recall many happy memories of those “good old Mercy days”. My Mercy memories are moments that stood out throughout the years at the college that still stand out after all these years that have passed.
I still remember the days of our year 8 snow trip to Mt Bulla, year 9 was the “Footsteps” program which taught us so much about personal growth, independence, the wider community and giving back to society. And who can forgot the annual year 10 Ball and all the jittery dance practice sessions at McAuley Hall with the St Joseph’s boys from Pascoe Vale. In year 11, we looked forward to the Canberra Trip and year 12 was the much needed peaceful retreat in Daylesford. I also remember the debating teams I was involved in from year 9-12 and how every Wednesday evening Mercy would host the DAV Debating rounds for all the schools involved in the local area. Debating definitely gave me a thrill and pushed me out of my comfort zone and my confidence grew thanks to this experience. I also remember that our regular year level assemblies and school socials were always in the “old hall” which now has been redeveloped as the performing arts centre and they too contribute to the many memories I have.
Mercy was always like a second home away from home. The teachers were always so welcoming, genuinely caring and helpful. The relationships that were forged with the teachers especially in the senior years, will always remain as they greatly influenced and helped shape me in becoming a women who could confidently lead, have a strong sense of self belief and that believed anything was possible to achieve with hard work, passion and dedication.
Did you set out with a career plan?
Like many young Mercy students today, I had many ideas of what I thought I may want to do, and where I have ended up is completely different altogether.
I began by completing a Bachelor of Legal Studies at La Trobe University, Bundoora and after graduating I was offered to complete my Honours but chose to try my luck at entering the workforce in a Law-related area. I was then chosen by La Trobe University to complete a work placement with the Department of Justice- Courts and Tribunals Unit. Coincidently, I ended up working on an online research project which was “Interactive Justice System Education Kit”. Through that I was also lucky enough to be invited to attend the Courts and Tribunals Staff Forum and had the opportunity to meet and hear the Attorney General speak.
Initially thinking that I was really interested in a career that involves the law and social justice, I felt something was lacking for me. I knew I always liked the idea of teaching, mentoring and supporting others and thus I found myself wanting to return to University to follow my interest of Education. However, it seems life had different plans in store for me. Soon after I was working in the retail industry as operations manager for a few years and by then was married and now have three lovely children.
My attention was redirected to the education sector after spending months conducting and facilitating remote learning whilst in multiple lockdowns with my own children. I’m currently half way completing my Education Support Certificate 3 and I look forward to what the future brings now that I’m back at Mercy completing my work placement.
Have you maintained any school friendships?
Yes I definitely have, I would have to say there are a few Mercy girls that I still catch up with every now and again. We still reminisce and laugh about our high school days.
What’s next for you?
I look forward to what the future holds for me in regards to working in the Education sector. So far I’ve found being in the Education support team is not only rewarding because you see how your work makes a difference in student’s lives but that it’s also challenging at times and I enjoy that every day I learn something new.
Nationally Consistenr Collection of Data (NCCD)
Careers @ Mercy
Year 10 Work Experience
2nd May- 6th May
A great way for students to explore career options is to undertake work experience. As part of the Mercy College Careers Program, work experience is an option offered to all students in Year 10 during Activities Week, where they can experience life in the workforce first-hand.
During the short term placement, students observe and learn at an employer’s workplace gaining insight into work expectations as well as an understanding of the industry they have selected.
Work experience through school is often the first time students are exposed to the workforce and it is a great way for them to gain confidence and independence and learn more skills along the way.
The Mercy College’s careers team makes contact with students who undertake work experience through the School to ensure the placement is going smoothly and students also have a direct contact within the careers team if they have any concerns.