Mercy News - 6th May 2022
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message from our Principal
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Activities Week - YEAR 7: THE SUMMIT CAMP, Trafalgar East
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Activities Week - YEAR 8: DON BOSCO CAMP, Safety Beach
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Activities Week - YEAR 9: THIS IS ME
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ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 10: WORK EXPERIENCE
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ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 11: YMCA CAMP, Mt Evelyn
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ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 1R 12 RETREAT: Palloti College, Millgrove
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Deputy Principal
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Counsellor's Corner
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Humanities
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Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
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Careers @ Mercy
Key Dates
Sunday 8th May:
Mothers Day
Monday 9th May –Sunday 15th May:
CatholicCare Family Week
Tuesday 10th May:
NAPLAN (Years 7 and 9)
Emergency Management Lockdown Drill
Wednesday 11th May:
NAPLAN (Years 7 and 9)
Thursday 12th May:
NAPLAN (Years 7 and 9)
Friday 13th May:
SCSA Basketball Tournament
- Past. Present. Parade. Cinema Screening
Tuesday 17th May:
100 Days of Learning at Year 7 Celebration
Friday 20th May:
Mercy College Athletics Carnival
Prayer
Message from our Principal
WELCOME BACK!
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope all families enjoyed some restful time together sharing joyful family moments over the Easter break. The blessings of Easter and the celebration of the Risen Lord continues to shape our daily actions and interactions as we continue in the Easter Season as part of the Church’s calendar. Easter is the central event in our faith and is a time of hope and new beginnings. This year on Easter Sunday Pope Francis said, “We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence.” With all that is, happening in our world it is so important for us to remember this.
ACTIVITIES WEEK
This week the entire College community has been involved in Activities Week. It is a week where each year level embarked on a different adventure. New adventures allow us to consider who we are and what we want to achieve. Our students learnt a great deal about their potential, as they were challenged by new opportunities and experiences. I am grateful to our parents and guardians for entrusting their girls to us and to our incredible staff for their care and commitment to Activities Week.
I had the pleasure of spending time with most year levels and seeing first-hand activities where students were challenged and wanted to collaborate and work with their peers with the support of their teachers. You will get a sense of some of the week from the following pages in the newsletter.
In Horizons of Hope, Catholic Education Melbourne notes the importance of a broad and general values-based approach to education, and at Mercy College, we offer a range of activities and experiences to achieve such breadth.
Month of May
In the Catholic tradition, this month is associated with Mary, Mother of God. Sometimes it may be difficult to imagine ourselves with having too much in common with the life of Mary but when we think of her as Mary of Nazareth, wife of Joseph, mother and a person of faith, it can become easier to identify with her. She must have faced many of the challenges that we too face, including the need for patience with our family members and courage in the uncertainty about what God is asking of us.
The figure of Mary is the inspiration for our celebration of the lives of our mothers and all the significant women in our lives
I look forward to our entire school community being back on site next week and seeing our students embrace the many learning opportunities they will be presented with.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Principal
Activities Week - YEAR 7: THE SUMMIT CAMP, Trafalgar East
After a day at WaterMarc and the movies The Year 7s jumped straight into activities at The Summit Camp. In tribes they conquered the giant swing, the leap of faith, the bush challenge and the dark cave. They tackled the flying fox, inflatables, abseiling and displayed a stellar effort in completing the monster course not once, but twice!
Activities Week - YEAR 8: DON BOSCO CAMP, Safety Beach
Year 8s spent 4 days at the beach where they were involved in tree surfing, camp activities, beach walks a visit to Gravity Zone and a wildlife sanctuary. It was great to receive some wonderful comments from the general public in relation to our girls manners and behavior.
Activities Week - YEAR 9: THIS IS ME
The Year 9s were involved a wonderful activities week which began with a tranquil day at Warrandyte State Park. They were greeted by a number of Kookaburras that posed beautifully for them. The students were then immersed in nature and the natural bush surroundings whilst going on a walk along the Yarra. They also got to create their own watercolor paintings that helped them to be mindful of their surroundings. They enjoyed a lovely picnic style lunch before heading back to school.
As the week progressed they focused on their wellbeing and more importantly how they view ourselves. They were lucky enough to have a guest speaker, Annie Lawrence. They looked at perceptions of body image and attributes that they really admire in a person. They recognized that our character strengths out way an image. The students got to participate in a range of workshops designed to reflect on ourselves and others, as well as to build relationships with each other. They had an opportunity to gather in the Chapel with a quiet reflection and prayer, rejuvenating their minds and body.
ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 10: WORK EXPERIENCE
Thank you to all the employers who have been generous enough to allow the Mercy College students the opportunity to experience a workplace environment and help with the students' future career planning directions
- Isabella undertook her Work Expereince Placement at Shirley Robertson Childrens Centre. She is enjoying working with children of all ages from the babies to the Kindergarten children.
- Sienna completed her Work Experience Placement at Soul Sista Cuts and is finding the opportunity to learn more about hairdressing and considering a career in this industry for the future.
- Evie was at Heritage Veterinary Clinic. She has found that observing in the surgery, completing and analysing blood tests a very interesting aspect of veterinary nursing.
- Saumya's love of animals led her to exploring a work placement with animals. She did not limit her search area and has sourced a placement at Cat Napping Suburban Retreat in Spotswood.
Other placements included primary schools, lawyer and architect offices, Doggy Daycare and Raine and Horne.
ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 11: YMCA CAMP, Mt Evelyn
The Year 11s began Activities Week with ten pin bowling and some team building activities. After a 5km hike to the campsite they then enthusiastically jumped into their activities which included archery, ceramics, a giant swing, jewellery making, hut building and high ropes.
ACTIVITIES WEEK - YEAR 1R 12 RETREAT: Palloti College, Millgrove
Year 12 Retreat took place within the beautiful grounds at Millgrove. They were involved in whole group activities, gratitude and affirmation posts, small group discussions and some meditation. They ventured into the bush with a creation walk where many animals where seen and nature experienced in its glory at sunset. Ms Callery shared her faith journey with the group as they related the many thresholds she crossed to be where she is today. There was a battle of the homerooms to become Trivia champs. This year an added dress theme was included for each homeroom. Overall it was a retreat of joy, gratitude, friendship and love.
Deputy Principal
Driving school improvement is complex. One of the many challenges faced by schools is how do we consistently implement the key strategies (we) have chosen to adopt in ways that are sustainable through time?
Source: Adapted from the Driving School Improvement (Macklin & Zbar, 2020)
As we conclude our second week of the term with Activities Week, I would like to thank all staff and students for the positive start to the new term and I wish all members of our community the very best for the term ahead.
With reference to the above quote, as a College, we are continually focused on improving student learning and throughout last term we have implemented a number of new initiatives to support student learning and will continue to do so over the coming months.
Underpinning this commitment and our overall approach to school improvement is the work being undertaken by our teaching staff during our Mercy Learning Time professional learning workshops. These workshops draw upon the needs of the College and educational trends within a local, national and global context to ensure we have the conditions reflective of a high performing school and are fostering a culture of excellence in all areas of learning and teaching.
Throughout this term, we will keep you updated on this work and as a learning community, we are excited by the new initiatives and opportunities that will drive the future of learning at Mercy College.
NAPLAN Online Schedule
Please note there has been some minor changes to the NAPLAN Online schedule. NAPLAN Online will continue to take place from Tuesday 10 May to Thursday 12 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.
Semester One Examinations
Semester One examinations have been designed to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of progress and achievement based on the key content covered throughout this semester.
These examinations will also provide an indication of the level of student performance across each subject with results included in their semester reports.
Year 11 Examinations: Monday 6 June to Thursday 9 June.
Year 9 and 10 Examinations: Wednesday 8 June to Thursday 9 June.
Students will receive feedback from their teacher(s) following these examinations with additional feedback placed on SIMON for parents to view. This aim of this feedback is to identify areas of achievement as well as areas for future improvement to support students with their learning.
Further information including a letter to parents outlining the arrangements for these examinations and an updated Semester One Examination timetable will be made available in the coming weeks. These details will also be posted on the Daily Messages on SIMON for all students to access.
In the meantime, please contact your daughter’s subject teacher with any questions related to their overall progress and learning. If you have any questions about the upcoming semester examinations, please contact Mr Nicholas Ambrozy (Deputy Principal).
We wish all students the very best for their upcoming examinations.
Study Support for Students
To support students who wish to complete any set homework or study after-school, a reminder the College Library is open every Monday to Thursday until 5.00pm and Friday until 4.00pm.
In addition to this, please take note that Graduate Tutors will be available on certain days in the College library too support VCE students with their studies. Further information will be provided to parents and students about the Graduate Tutor Program.
Counsellor's Corner
Balancing Technology and Social Media Use
It can seem like teenagers are using technology and social media for a large part of the day and it can be hard to know where the line falls between safe, rewarding use, and overuse of technology. As parents/guardians it is important to understand some of the potential benefits and risks of your child using technology and ways that you can foster healthy, balanced technology use at home.
Potential benefits
Research shows that young people having a good understanding of the internet and online media (including things like privacy settings) and having the skills to critically understand, analyse and create content that adds value for themselves and others, are essential t0 young people having a positive experience online. If young people understand what it means to be a good ‘digital citizen’, you have every reason to trust them with managing their own internet use, just as you trust them to act responsibly when they’re at school and out with friends. Some potential benefits of of being online are:
- Access information to inform and educate themselves.
- Maintain and develop supportive relationships.
- Form their identities (through self-expression, learning and talking).
- Promote a sense of belonging and self-esteem through staying connected with friends and being involved in diverse communities.
- Be creative and share their own ideas with friends.
Potential risks
Just as teenagers need to have good boundaries and rules for offline behaviour and the guidance and morals to make good decisions, they also need these things to protect them when online. Some risks associated with being online are:
- Cyberbullying: This is when people use technology to embarrass, harass or bully someone. Cyberbullying can include posting mean or untrue statements, making fake online profiles intended to embarrass people, sharing embarrassing photos, and more.
- Trolling: This is when people deliberately try to start arguments or to upset people on the internet, often causing considerable distress.
- Isolation: Too much time spent online and using technology is time not spent face-to-face with family and friends, which can create barriers and contribute to a sense of isolation.
- Inappropriate material: Teenagers posting inappropriate pictures or content online, or sharing such material with friends, may cause emotional and social damage to themselves or others.
- Inappropriate relationships: Strangers or others may try to form inappropriate relationships with young people.
Strategies to try to promote balance
All of us, especially young people, need to learn how to exercise moderation in the things we spend time on. Here are different ways to help encourage your child to have a healthy relationship with technology and social media.
- Help your child find face-to-face activities that suit their interests. Show an interest in what they do online, their interests and hobbies, and look out for ways they can pursue these interests offline – such as gaming groups at school or in the community, reading and writing clubs, etc.
- Have technology-free zones or time-periods. There’s a time and a place for technology, and it’s not during family time (like at the dinner table) or late at night when we need to be winding down for sleep.
- Give good reasons for limits to technology use. For example, reinforce to your child that it’s important to be engaged when spending time with family, and that having a break from our devices helps our body wind down for sleep.
- Put a limit on recreational screen time. When they’re doing homework, ask that they don’t use social networking, phones or games until they’re done. This will help them learn to stay focused and not procrastinate.
- Balance screen time with physical activities. Support your child to engage in community sports, personal fitness, or gaming with active apps (e.g., WiiFit and Just Dance). Remind your child about the other activities they like doing or used to like doing.
- Lead by example. Role modelling can be powerful so make sure you’re not glued to a screen 24/7. You can even admit to your teen that it’s a problem for you too and suggest you tackle it together. That way they won’t feel like they’re being singled out for their screen use.
Information is from Reach Out Australia. To read more go to: parents.au.reachout.com
Joanne Banks - Psychologist
Humanities
ANZAC Day
On Tuesday 26th April we gathered as a College community to commemorate ANZAC Day. A number of students from various year levels volunteered to participate in our service, where together we paused to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in war and peacekeeping. I would like to thank all of the students who were involved in making this possible, whether it was reading, raising flags or laying a wreath. A special thanks to Bridie Lier for being the first student to play the Last Post and Rouse for us at our service.
Later that day, a group of students were privileged enough to attend a session at the Coburg RSL. These students were able to view memorabilia and exhibits from different wars and peacekeeping campaigns and learnt more about the Gallipoli campaign. A special thank you to Michael and those involved at the Coburg RSL for inviting us and providing our students with such a valuable learning opportunity.
That week, Year 9 History students also went to the Shrine of Remembrance as part of their study of World War I. Although it is always a special visit to the Shrine, it was even more special being able to visit during such an important week.
Jemmah Ind - Head of Humanities
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Year 9 History - Shrine of Remembrance
On Thursday 28th April, Year 9 classes travelled to the Shrine of Remembrance at the Botanical Gardens as part of their World War I unit for History. They were brought back into time to 1914, exploring the stories of soldiers and nurses who enlisted to support the war effort. Students were able to analyse a range of primary sources, objects and artefacts as part of their tour and were guided around the Shrine to learn more about the significance of the building.
Student Testimonials:
“We were given a tour of the shrine, with explanations for all of the artefacts and displays, which included everything from a Victoria Cross medal, the highest award a soldier can receive for their valour, to a gallery of roughly 4,000 medals, each representing 100 Victorians who served in the war. All of this would add to a better understanding of the living conditions for soldiers, how it was to be fighting in Australia’s first war and Australia’s involvement in the war.” - Dewmini S (9C)
“Thanks to our very informative and friendly tour guides, we got to learn about how the men, women and kids lived during the tough conditions of world conflict and the roles they played in society, as well as learning about the Shrine itself. For example, the Shrine of Remembrance has been standing since 1934, as represented by the number of steps at the entrance.
Upon experiencing the museum and learning about the First World War, we understood how lucky we are to be living in our country so freely and how tough it must be for countries who are at war currently, like the Ukrainian people who are defending and fleeing their homes with no choice and no mercy.” - Olivia P (9C)