Mercy News-Friday 29th July 2022
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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Student Executive Reflection
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Deputy Principal
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RE and Identity
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Director of Student Engagement and Learning
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Counsellor's Corner
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Health Updates
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Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Year 8
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Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Senior
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ATOD Australasian Scholarships 2022
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Sport
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Humanities
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Languages- Italian
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Languages- Indonesian
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Alumni News
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Performing Arts
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Careers @ Mercy
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Community Notices
Key Dates
Monday 1st-7th August
- Homelessness Week
Monday 1st-5th August
- Mercy Book Literacy/NumeracyWeek
Thursday 4th August
- Year 10 Reflection Day
Monday 8th August
- Feast of St Mary of the Cross
- SCSA Soccer
Tuesday 9th August
- Years 7-12 Musical Rehersal for combined Mercy & Parade Concert
Prayer
Homelessness Week Prayer
Loving God we pray for all those who are homeless this cold winter.
For those sleeping under bridges, in abandoned buildings, in doorways or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions that remind them who they are.
For those who are cold, afraid and hopeless.
For all these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security and hope.
We pray for those of us with warm houses and comfortable beds that we not be lulled into complacency and forgetfulness.
Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet so that we may be empowered through word and deed,to bring justice and peace to those who are homeless.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
HOMELESSNESS WEEK 1-7 AUGUST 2022
In Catholic Social Teaching, stable shelter is seen as a human right. In a modern society, stable accommodation is necessary if we are to live fully as human beings with our dignity respected. Without it we shrink as persons, we lose touch with family and friends, and the connections with society that are central to our lives become precarious. Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ
As a College, we will be recognizing Homelessness Week with an assembly followed by various awareness raising activities. The theme for this year is: To end homelessness we need a plan.
In Australia there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Homeless Week aims to raise awareness of the impact of homelessness on Australia via events including providing information on the importance of housing as a solution and educating communities on how they can make a difference.
FAMILIES AS PARTNERS IN OUR MERCY COMMUNITY
Subject Expo
It was great to have so many families attend on site for our 2023 Years 9-12 Subject Selection Expo. This was an opportunity for families to engage in the learning program of their child and for the staff to showcase the activities that we provide at Mercy. Families were able to speak to specific subject teachers who were and are able to assist students in making informed decisions about the subjects they will be choosing and the pathway they are considering.
Christmas in July
On a cold winter’s night last night, we gathered with families for a Christmas in July social event hosted by our Student Executive. It was a wonderful event where our senior students provided entertainment including trivia, bingo, singing, lucky dip and photos with Santa.
SOCIAL MEDIA: SNAPCHAT -eSafety
As a parent or carer, the world of Snapchat can be difficult and frustrating. Whilst we recognize that, it is a fast, fun way to share moments with friends and family daily. It is important that all who use SnapChat be provided with a safe, fun environment for creativity and expression.
eSafety HQ has prepared a downloadable Snapchat guide for parents / carers with all the must knows on Snapchat.
LETTER TO CHRIST’S FAITHFUL
Following the Second Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Australia, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has written a letter to the Church in Melbourne reflecting on the events and fruits of the Council.
The letter is attached below.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Student Executive Reflection
When I found out that I was chosen as the Frayne House caption of 2022, I was excited but nervous at the same time. This year it was more flexible and easier to communicate with everyone in Frayne house as we are lucky enough to be on site. During our time at school we have had many events but what stood out to me the most was when we had the swimming carnival which was my first time seeing the year 7-10s all participating in such a big event.. Next, was the Athletics carnival where all year levels eagerly participated in the events, and the year 12s and myself dressed up in fun costumes as it was our last athletics carnival which made it the most memorable.
This year my goal as a House Captain of Frayne is to develop everyone's communication skills as many of the year levels weren't able to experience this due to COVID. Also, I hope to make everyone feel comfortable as a whole team and see all the girls have fun at the end of the day.
I am very grateful to be able to lead Frayne House for 2022 and also to be working with the Student Executive team and grow as one community.
Bianca G (SHG2)
Frayne House Captain
Deputy Principal
"Being life ready means students leave high school with the grit and perseverance to tackle and achieve their goals by demonstrating personal actualisation skills of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Students who are life ready possess the growth mindset that empowers them to approach their future with confidence, to dream big and to achieve big."
Source: American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
I share this quote as our Years 8-11 students begin the process of subject selection for 2023.
Whether your daughter pursues a university degree, follows their passion in The Arts or other creative areas, or wishes to enter a trade, there a range of life ready skills employers want from future employees.
Therefore, when considering subjects for next year, I encourage all students to also consider what are the skills they need now and into the future?
- What subjects will provide them with the opportunity to develop these skills?
- What subjects will allow them to further develop their strengths whilst also exploring possible career and pathway options?
2023 Years 9-12 Subject Selection
One of the many strengths of our College is our community and how we continually look at opportunities to work in partnership with parents to support their daughter with their learning. The subject selection process provides a platform to further develop these partnerships and the recent Subject Selection Expo held on Tuesday 26 July is an example of this.
This is a key event in the subject selection process for these students, and we thank the many parents and students who joined us for the parent presentations and subject expo.
Students received an email on Wednesday 27 July with details outlining how to access the web-preference portal. This is the online portal for students to enter their subjects for 2023. Upon receiving this email, students can follow the instructions provided to enter their subjects for next year.
Key Dates:
- Web-preferences open (Wednesday 27 July)
- Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews (From Thursday 28 July)
- Applications for subject acceleration in VCE Units 1&2 and VCE Unit 3&4 subjects (Due Friday 29 July)
- Final date for all year levels to submit their web-preferences 2023 subjects (Friday 5 August)
Trial Examinations Year 11 and 12
Between Monday 19 September and Thursday 22 September, all VCE students who are currently completing a scored VCE Unit 3 and 4 Subject will participate in a trial examination period. It is important that all students are available to be at school on those days, so we would ask that you do not make other arrangements at that time.
All VCE Unit 3 and 4 students have received a copy of the examination timetable for this period.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
RE and Identity
As we head into August mercy college will focus on raising awareness and raising funds for two important social organisations.
This August the student leaders along with the VCAL students will be initiating the Mercy College Winter Sleepout as a way to show solidarity with those who are experiencing homelessness, raise awareness about the issues of homelessness and raise funds for st Vinnies vans.
Throughout this term the school will also be raising funds for McAuley family services. They do wonderful work looking after women and families escaping violence. Each homeroom will be providing a particular emergency hamper product to donate and our Mercy Day carnival fundraising will go to the centre as well. Stay tune for further updates as we head into a busy month ahead.
Josie Dilettoso,
Director of RE and Identity
Director of Student Engagement and Learning
Every Monday during Homeroom, students have the opportunity to set goals for both their academic and personal lives. This allows students the time to stop and reflect on the week that they previously had and what they would like to work towards with a new week in front of them. The task allows students to not feel overwhelmed by what they may feel is a “1000 things to do” and to focus on organisational skills.
Students are led by their homeroom teachers to think about goal setting via various links played or literature read out during homeroom that focus on different ways we can set goals or the importance of goal setting as well as the neuroscience behind goal setting and what it does to assist in mindfulness.
Through this exercise we hope to give students the tools to make goal setting a part of their everyday life not only at school and during their time at Mercy but also in their future.
In order to support this initiative parents could ask their child what their weekly goal is and show interest in how they are going in achieving it and what was presented in the homeroom. It may also be an opportunity for families to partake in a goal setting exercise together for a common family goal.
Below is an example of one of the activities that students did this week in their homeroom taken from the “Unleashing personal potential” program .
Rationale
Research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology states that goal setting actually works. The most successful people in the world set goals. A useful way to fast track our goals is to create a goal orientated password to unlock our devices. We unlock our devices several times each day. Setting a password goal frequently reminds us of what we are striving for, bringing our top priority goal into focus, every time we unlock our device. This works because of our RAS (Reticular Activating System), in our brains. Our RAS acts as a filter for our brain- it blocks out most of the data that our brain receives every second. This allows us to hone in on the things that are most important to us. By changing all of our passwords to reinforce a goal we are trying to accomplish, we will put it top of mind, and unconsciously focus on ways to make those things happen (Adams-Miller 2014).
Description of Personal Wellbeing Practice: Password Goals
1. Decide what your top priority goal is (it could be to do with school work; relationships, extracurricular, etc).
2. Next, make your goal password-ready. Be creative. Use shorthand, abbreviations, numbers. For example, if you want to achieve certain grades (3A's and 2B's in Semester 1), it could be 3A2Bsem1; or if you want to run 4km in 19 minutes (at the cross country carnival this year), the password goal could be 4k19mins. Other examples are: try1newthing2day, Read20mins, 20pushups, 1actofkindness.
3. If you have access to a device, take the time now to change your password. Otherwise do this later today.
Main message:
Fast track your goal by bringing it to top of mind with a password goal.
If you would like to know more about goal setting Monday please email me -
MDaniele @mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Maria Daniele
Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Counsellor's Corner
Challenging your negative thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are those unwanted thoughts that come out of nowhere and cause a lot of anxiety, low mood and negative self-talk. These thoughts can in themselves be scary, make us feel ashamed and cause us to internalise and avoid the perceived threat.
We need to learn a new way to respond to these intrusive thoughts and this is the core principle of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of the main therapies used in our school counselling sessions with Mercy students.
The principles of this therapy involve recognising the thought and realising it is unavoidable; accepting the thought and not trying to push it away as that won’t work; sitting with the anxiety that thought creates and be present with your emotions; relaxing and allowing time to slow; reframing the thought in a more helpful, positive and constructive way; replacing the negative thought with a more realistic thought.
An example that is common with the students at Mercy is ‘nothing I do is ever good enough’. I ask students to sit with this thought and then find examples where they have done something that is good enough. If they struggle to articulate a positive for themselves we look at it from the perspective of someone who cares deeply for them or a teacher, coach and other positive role model in their life.
You may notice in yourself or in your student at home triggers for a thought like this. It is important to note that a thought like this involves catastrophizing, all or nothing language, self-blame and shame. If a student fails a test and you or the student identify this negative language that targets the person as a failure it is important to reframe. An example is ‘I did not do as well on this test as I would have liked, but it does not mean I am a failure and I can do better next time with more support and my plan to get the help I need is…”. The student now has a healthy perspective on the failed test and a tangible plan to move forward with a realistic goal.
If you would like to know more or have any questions or concerns for your student please email me at ahannan@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Liv Carli Hannan
School Counsellor and Social Worker
Health Updates
ANAPHYLAXIS and ASTHMA
As per College Policies and protocols parents are reminded of the following regarding students diagnosed with anaphylaxis or/and asthma .
- Please ensure that the College has a current anaphylactic or asthma plan from the GP regarding your child’s anaphylactic or asthma condition .This should be reviewed annually at the start of each school year with a member of the Wellbeing Team. If tests are done throughout the year and information changes regarding the allergies or asthma condition the College needs to be informed to ensure updates are made immediately.
- Student’s must have their epipen with them either in their classroom bag or in the class. When going on an excursion, the epipen is cited by a teacher before they board the bus and take it with them.
Please check the expiry date of the epipen and ensure it is current. Any further queries regarding this information can be directed to dabdo@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Year 8
Year 8 students are currently in the process of choosing their subjects for Year 9, 2023. This is an exciting time for students, as they begin to form their future learning journey based on their strengths, interests and goals.
Students are able to access the Year 9 2023 Curriculum Handbook on the College website under the Years 9 & 10 tab here: https://www.mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au/learning-teaching/learning-programs. This contains more information about the various subjects and elective options available for study.
Students are required to submit their subject preferences online by Friday 5th August. If you have any questions about the process, please contact me at tragusa@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Tania Ragusa,
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Year 8
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Senior
Both the Year 11 and 12’s are beginning planning for what 2023 looks like for them. On Tuesday the 26th of July, Mercy College hosted a Learning Pathways evening for students, parents and guardians to attend where Learning Pathway options were discussed. The transition from VCAL to VCE-VM (VCE- Vocational Major) was discussed outlining what that program will consist of. There was also an opportunity for Year 11’s to ask teachers any questions they had around a specific subject at our Learning Pathway Expo in McAuley Hall. Year 11’s were also given an explanation of how to use the Web Preferences system for their subject selection which opened on Wednesday 27th of July. Please note that Web Preferences for 2023 close Friday the 5th of August.
Our Year 12’s have also been given some information around the VTAC process for planning for 2023. In this coming week, the year 12’s will have an assembly dedicated to learning about how to register with VTAC and what the process ahead looks like. There will be more information in the coming week communicated to families about this process.As a college, we acknowledge that having conversations around subjects and life beyond Year 12 can come with challenges. Please know that both your child and yourself are supported here at Mercy College and we will be able to assist with any conversations around VTAC and Subject Preferences.If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at adriver@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Annie Driver,
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader- Senior
ATOD Australasian Scholarships 2022
On the Friday 10th of June, I had to travel to Burwood and participate in a closed class taken by a professional choreographer, learning a routine which counted for a third of my score. I had competed in the Victorian scholarships on the 11th of June. I was competing in the hip hop scholarship and had to perform 2 dances which consisted of a lyrical hip hop and a fast hip hop. These dances both went for 2 minutes long and I had been preparing myself 6 months prior to the competition.
To qualify for the Australasians which were held in Brisbane this year, you had to place top 4 in the state to represent Victoria. I was ecstatic when I got through. When I was preparing myself for the eventful evening taking place on the 15th of July, it was the same process that had taken place in Victoria and was still worth a third of my score. I enjoyed performing on the stage in front of many people including my sister and mum supporting me through my whole journey. Overall, I had an amazing experience and was extremely privileged to be chosen to represent Victoria.
Georgia A
SHG1
Sport
Congratulations to our Volleyball teams that competed in the SCSA competition. What a successful day it was! Our Junior A and C teams won their Grand Final with Marianna and Stella being names as Junior MVPs. Both our Senior A and B teams also made it to the Grand Final. The day was full of team spirit and fun!
Humanities
Australian Geography Competition
As part of their study of Geography in Semester 1, students in 9B tested their geographical skills and knowledge against students from all around Australia in the 2022 Australian Geography Competition facilitated by the Australian Geography Teachers' Association and the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland. Almost 70,000 students from across Australia entered the competition, which aims to encourage student interest in geography and reward student excellence. These students were all presented with a certificate during a year level assembly last week.
Congratulations to Madison Bain who received a Credit and scored in the top 22% of Year 9 students across Australia and to Lucy Stewart who was awarded a High Distinction, placing her in the top 5% of Year 9 students across Australia.
Jemmah Ind,
Head of Humanities
Year 11 Legal Studies - Victoria Police Guest Speaker
On Wednesday the 20th of July, the Year 11 Legal Studies class had an incursion which gave them the opportunity to meet two uniformed Victorian Police officers from the Brunswick police station. This was a very valuable learning opportunity as it helped to expand our prior knowledge of police powers, as well their different roles in the legal system and community. They informed us about the many processes involved when making arrests, officers and individual rights in the legal system, the legislation of police officers in Victoria and other states, the weapons they carry, and much more. They also provided us with a range of resources to go through such as the process of collecting evidence and questioning an accused or witnesses which gave us an insight into the technical process of the legal system. Again, we are very grateful to have experienced this opportunity which enabled us to learn more about police powers and believe it will be beneficial in our future studies.
Angelica I and Allanna A
Languages- Italian
An integral part of learning is allowing students to experience what they have learnt in the classroom in “the real world”. With this in mind an excursion to the “Museo Italiano” in Carlton was organised for all Year 9 students studying Italian. The students studied a unit of work on Italian Migration to Australia and “Proxy Marriage” before attending the excursion where they were able to contribute to a talk delivered by a staff member of the Italian Museum. Students were then able to immerse themselves amongst the interactive areas of the museum where many remarked on seeing some of the objects donated to the museum from Italian migrants in their own grandparents’ house!
Although the unit of work and excursion focused on Italian migration, it prompted discussion amongst all class members about their own families migration story.
After the visit to the Italian museum we had a typical Italian lunch at Brunetti where we had pasta and pizza.
Throughout the day the students were congratulated on their participation, knowledge and also appearance in their uniform from members of the public.
On reflection, the day provided much more to students than just a museum visit and lunch- it allowed them to share their own personal migration stories as well as reflect on the contributions of all migrants to Australian society as well as bond with grandparents and other members of their family by asking them about migration.
Here are some recounts from students who attended the excursion.
The Italian excursion was a really fun day we got to clarify our knowledge of Italians migrating with a presentation from Maria a worker at COASIT. During the presentation we looked at the struggles of Italian would have faced coming to Australia, the reasons why they came and what they brought here. Later we spent some time going around the museum listening to phones, watching clips and looking at items that the Italians would have brought to Australia. We ended the day with a lovely lunch at Brunetti in a private room. We indulged in delicious pizza,pasta and had an opportunity to buy some sweets to take home. Overall it was an amazing day.
Alessia C
On Wednesday the 13th of July, the Italian class went to Carlton to learn more about the period of Italian Migration. We first went to an Italian museum where we delved into a deeper understanding of Italian migration such as how they arrived, new opportunities in Australia and long-distance relationships. The students used their prior knowledge and showcased it to the teacher at the museum which helped connect the dots. We learnt about why people thought Australia was the best place to start a new life and all the hardships, such as racism and cultural clash they had to face. After we filled our brains with information, we went to fill up our stomachs too at Brunettis. Everyone had slices of Margherita pizza and Spaghetti and went to buy small desserts for their family and friends. Overall, the experience was amazing and fun! This was not only a fun experience but a great learning experience because we could learn visually and explore the Italian culture.
Kyara D
Languages- Indonesian
During the recent school holidays, Year 9 students had the opportunity to participate in a state-wide, two day Indonesian program run by Monash University. Two Year 9 Mercy College students - Rebekkah and Keira - decided to participate. Here is news of their experience:
On the 30th of June and 1st of July we went to Monash University to participate in an
Indonesian school Holiday program.
The first day we learnt how to bargain at Indonesian markets and some common phrases said. After our first break of the day we participated in pencak silat (Indonesian martial arts) and played instruments such as gongs and drums in a gamelan (Indonesian musical orchestra).
On the second day of the program we cooked delicious Indonesian cuisine such as nasi goreng (fried rice), chicken, vegetables and plenty more. After lunch we were split into groups of three and played a indonesian-style amazing race. The race involved running around the campus with clues trying to find the challenges we needed to complete to win. These challenges were charades, memorising sentences in Indonesian and also a tongue twister sentence that we had to say multiple times!
Overall it was a great experience and extremely fun!
Rebekkah K and Keira B
Alumni News
Performing Arts
Parade College and Mercy College are excited to announce our next collaborative effort: a combined Creative Arts Concert to celebrate Movies, Musicals and Show Tunes.
We invite you to join us as we showcase the talents of students from both Parade and Mercy College, with combined College ensembles and original compositions, along with monologue performances from well-known movie scenes by drama students. This combined event is a first for both schools, having previously collaborated for over ten years on our annual musical and drama productions.
Students from both Colleges have been busily preparing at their home campus and will combine for the following performance dates at Rivergum Theatre, Parade College Bundoora Campus:
- Thursday 18th August 7pm
- Friday 19th August 7pm
Tickets are now available for purchase online via Humanitix, accessible at this link: https://events.humanitix.com/parade-mercy-concert-2022.
Tickets are available at the following price breakdown:
- Adult: $15
- Concession: $5
- Family (2x Adult, 2x Concession): $25
Following a challenging few years, Parade and Mercy College are both very excited that we will finally have the opportunity to gather together again in the Rivergum Theatre as a combined music community. It promises to be a wonderful two nights in celebration of the musical talent of our students and the performing arts at both Colleges.