Mercy News - Friday 24th June 2022
Key Dates
Friday 24th June
- Last day of Term 2
- Learning Showcase Assembly
- Semester 1 Student Reports available
Saturday 25th June - Sunday 10th July
- Term 2 School Holidays (College Office open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm)
Monday 27th June
- Years 4 to 6 Girls Mercy Creative Arts Holiday Program (10:00am to 3:00pm)
Prayer
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For our challenges, our successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us over the holidays,
to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
DEAR MERCY COMMUNITY,
The four-year journey of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will reach the second – and final – assembly in Sydney on 3-9 July 2022. It has been a journey for the whole Church across the country.
On June 1, the Framework for Motions document that will be considered at the second assembly was published. It contains 30 motions across eight mission areas that the 277 Members – clergy, religious and laity – will vote on.
“As we strive to discern, and then to embrace, all that God is asking of us now and as we move into the future, we will be challenged to recognise both the strengths and weaknesses of ‘who we are’ and the hope which lies in ‘who God is calling us to become’. Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB wrote.
We pray that we all have ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying.
FINAL DAY OF TERM 2
This afternoon our students and staff have finished Term 2 well and are now on a well-earned two-week break. After a term of rewards and challenges, I know that this period of rest and refection will be welcomed by our students. I hope that they find time for both rest and relaxation, and connection with activities and people who bring them joy.
As we do at the end of each term, today the College participated in the learning showcase. We continue to value the opportunity to gather as a whole school and it was great to be able to recognize Activities Week and learn more about what each year level experienced and celebrate some individual students' achievements.
TERM 2 STUDENT OF THE TERM
Congratulations to our Term 2 Student of the Term recipients. The Student of the Term Award is a recognition of individual students who actively seek to achieve excellence in their participation in and contribution to Mercy College school life. The Award seeks to recognise and celebrate individual student achievement in the ‘every day of school life’; with a particular focus on students contributing to our learning community culture in the most holistic sense. This award is a recognition of a student who is distinguished by her courage, her inquisitive nature and her persistence when it comes to learning. Our recipients are featured later in this newsletter.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
sheCommerce is an immersive and academic enrichment program delivered by the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics. sheCommerce is for Year 9-12 high school students who are passionate about leadership and pursuing a career where they can impact change. The program allows students to meet like-minded peers, current Bachelor of Commerce students, alumni and inspiring academics who are making a difference in industry and through their research. We congratulate three of our year 9 students-Darcy, Willow and Sara who were selected to participate out of over 150 applicants. They will be involved in the Year 9 Camp, which will take place Wednesday 6 July to Friday 8 July and will have the opportunity to remain in the program through to year 12.
On Monday, we will be hosting our Creative Arts Term 2 Holiday Program. We have over 45 Years 3-6 students who will be involved from a variety of primary schools and 13 Mercy students from year 9-12 assisting. We are grateful to our student ambassadors and staff who are giving of their time to facilitate this program, which provides a great connection to our wider community.
I would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable term break. I look forward to welcoming all students back on site on Monday, 11 July for the start of Term 3.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Term 2 Learning Showcase
Student of The Term
Year 7 - Samreen Kour, 7B
Samreen is incredibly kind, respectful and inclusive of all. She has a warm and gentle nature, which was highlighted when she offered support through kind words and a friendly hug to one of her peers who was experiencing a tough time earlier this term. She is a conscientious student who works hard, seeks feedback and utilises her class time productively. She is always respectful and friendly in her interactions with her teachers, saying hello no matter how many times she has walked past them in a day. When she is in the library at lunchtime she takes responsibility for the environment and puts any items she has used back where they came from, and makes sure that rubbish always goes in the bin. She has been an active member in our College community in the one semester she has been at Mercy, by undertaking guitar lessons and playing in the cricket team. In addition, she presented at the evening celebration of 100 Days of Learning at Mercy.
Year 8 - Rachael George, 8C
Rachael demonstrates excellence and compassion in all she does. She is respectful to everyone within the College community, always greeting her peers and teachers with a smile. She participates in all activities, as demonstrated through her unwavering enthusiasm during Activities Week, and consistent approach to her studies. She is a diligent student who aims to work to her highest standard, whilst also supporting her friends to achieve their best. She is a proud role model for the College, consistently wearing her uniform with dignity. She involves herself in all aspects of school life, having most recently volunteered to be a student ambassador at the Discover Mercy Day event, and also leading her class every day as Mission Captain. She is a valued member of the Piano Ensemble, and performed eloquently last night at the Mercy Music Recital.
Year 9 - Dewmini Silva, 9C
Dewmini displays exemplary behaviour every single day. She wears her uniform with pride, and her manner is unfailingly warm and positive. She listens carefully, maintains a thoughtful approach to all she does, and shows a genuine willingness to help others. In fact she goes out of her way to help anyone in need. Quick to volunteer and support a cause, or prepare a presentation; her contributions are very much appreciated. She is encouraging, kind and compassionate - especially around social justice issues, and she works hard to make a difference! She actively participates in College life, and grasps all opportunities presented to her. She was a Student Ambassador of the College at the recent Sunday Open Mercy Day, and is an active member of the Senior Rock Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the Concert Band.
Year 10 - Isabella Rudov, 10B
Isabella is the embodiment of our Mercy values. She demonstrates excellence by continuing to strive for success, regardless of the subject. She is always willing to improve, and has a positive attitude in her approach to learning. Her presence actively makes a positive difference in not only the lives of her peers, but also her teachers. She treats others with fairness and respect. Her empathy and kindness warm the hearts of those around her. She is quiet and humble, and is receiving the recognition she deserves with this accolade.
Year 11 - Bridie Lier, SHG3
Bridie demonstrates a positive approach to learning, and respects everyone’s right to learn. She acknowledges both individual, and group learning opportunities. She contributes to a positive learning environment - not only in the classroom, but within the Mercy Music Program, where she is open to learning new music styles and ideas. Bridie is to be congratulated for her approach to her studies in Term 2, and her involvement in the Music Program at Mercy College.
Year 12 - Ayca Mizrak, SHG1
Ayca exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in the classroom. and always takes responsibility for her learning. She cooperates consistently with her teachers and students, and sets an example of excellence in behaviour and cooperation. She perseveres when faced with difficulty by asking questions, and does not give up when facing a task that is difficult - always trying her best. She tackles classroom assignments, tasks and group work, in an organised manner. She treats other students with fairness and understanding, and is a valued member of the class. Ayca is to be commended for her approach to her studies in Term 2.
RE & Identity
REFUGEE WEEK
On Monday 20th June we began World Refugee Week. The theme this year is ‘Healing.’
Australia and the rest of the world have an opportunity to reflect on how we behave towards one another. The importance of human connections has been emphasised by the pandemic and such lessons can help us in so many ways to understand the human need to belong and to be connected. Our community needs to be places of welcome and support, where we can learn from each other and move forward from the pain to healing. Healing can occur through storytelling, through community support and also through realisation of our interconnectedness as individuals. Over the next week, Mercy College will be holding a number of Refugee Week events where we listen to the stories in our community, help support those agencies that provide for people seeking asylum and learn to heal the divide by understanding the similarities that unite us as one people in faith.
Over the next two weeks Mercy College Winter Appeal will be donating to two major social justice agencies in their support for those most vulnerable in our society, including refugees and asylum seekers living in community.
All families are invited to donate to the following appeals through their daughter, or via College Reception.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Food Bank
The ASRC Foodbank supports people seeking asylum and refugees to access food and essential items in Melbourne.
Each Homeroom is asked to donate non perishable goods and fill up a shopping bag with the following goods:
Pasta
Tuna in oil
Tinned tomatoes
Honey -- small bottles
Spices -- small packs cumin, turmeric, chilli
Coconut cream
Sweet and savoury biscuits
Dried fruit -- apricots, dates
Jam
Deodorant
Shampoo & conditioner
Laundry powder
Dishwashing liquid
Soap
Shopping bags will be delivered on Friday 24th June
St Vinnies Coat/Jacket or Blanket Drive
St Vinnies supports people living rough on the streets with coats and blankets in inner city Melbourne.
Donated pre-loved quality coat or jacket (check at home for ones not used any more) or a winter blanket.
Place these on one of the chairs in the Mercy Chapel. We hope to fill up each chair with a coat or blanket which will then be donated to St. Vinnies Coburg for distribution.
Donations from 14th June to 22nd July
The College thanks you for your ongoing support of our Winter Appeal. I leave you with this beautiful teaching from the Gospel of Matthew as we begin Refugee Week and Mercy College Winter Appeal.
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:25-40
Josie Dilettoso
Director of Religious Education and Identity
Arts & Technology
Year 9 Art Excursion to NGV: The Picasso Century
The National Gallery of Victoria’s major exhibition for the year’s winter masterpiece is ‘The Picasso Century’ which the year 9’s had the privilege of visiting this past Tuesday. This world premiere, charts the extraordinary career of Pablo Picasso in dialogue with the many artists, poets and intellectuals with whom he intercepted and interacted throughout the 20th century. These include other famous artists such as Salvador Dali, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse and more. The exhibition features over 80 works exclusively created by Picasso that have been loaned from premier French national collections including the Centre Pom-pi-dou and the Mu-sée national Picasso-Paris.
Throughout this exhibition we examined the diverse influences, encounters and collaborative relationships that steered Picasso through many distinct artistic periods in his life, such as his infamous ‘Blue Period’, Cubism and Surrealism. Some of Picasso’s famous artworks such as ‘The Matador’, ‘Portrait of a Woman’ and ‘Weeping Woman’ are featured in this exhibition.
We are very lucky to have Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’ as a permanent feature in the NGV’s collection, as it was purchased by the gallery for $1.6 million in 1985. This artwork at the time, was the highest price paid by an Australian art Gallery for an artwork. Today, Picasso’s ‘Weeping woman’ is worth well over $100 million dollars. A year after purchasing this artwork, in 1986, it was stolen from the gallery and the theft still remains unsolved today.
This exhibition provides a unique insight into Picasso’s personal, artistic and intellectual engagement with his peers, and it celebrates one of the 20th century’s most influential artist, as well as the community of artists from which he emerged.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this exhibition, and hope that you get the opportunity to visit it over the holidays, as this is one exhibition not to miss.
Please enjoy this video of our time at the Gallery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPTzhLlptig
Madeline Carnibella
Art Teacher