Mercy News - Friday 7th October 2022
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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2023 Student Executive Team
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Deputy Principal
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Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing
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Counsellor’s Corner
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Numeracy across the Curriculum
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Mental Health Youth Summit Years 9 and 10
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Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader - Senior
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Arts and Technology
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Information Services Leader
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PAM Notices
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Careers @ Mercy
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Community Notices
Key Dates
Friday 7th October
- 2022 Student Executive Dinner
Tuesday 11th October
- International Day of the Girl
- Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 VCAL students: Real Industry Job Interviews
- 'Abstract Explosion' After School Art Program for Years 4-6 Girls (Week 2)
Wednesday 12th October
- 7A & 7C P.E Swimming Excursion
- Year 9 Outdoor Education Incursion: Mountain Biking @ Mercy
Thursday 13th October
- 7B P.E Swimming Excursion
- Final Day of Classes for Year 12
- Final School Assembly with Yr 12s
- Year 12 Graduation Mass & Award Ceremony
Friday 14th October
- Year 10 Science Excursion: A Case Of Identity
- Year 12 Celebration Breakfast
- Year 12 Celebration Dinner
Monday 17th October
- 7B P.E Swimming Excursion
- Year 10 Art Excursion: Mural at Oxygen Youth Centre
Tuesday 18th October
- International School Libraries Day
- 'Abstract Explosion' After School Art Program for Years 4-6 Girls (Week 3)
Wednesday 19th October
- 7C P.E Swimming Excursion
Thursday 20th October
- 7A P.E Swimming Excursion
- Mercy College Art Exhibition
Prayer
A BLESSING FOR OUR YEAR 12 MERCY GRADUATES
Go forth from Mercy College with joy; go forth with hope.
Go forth from this place with remembering hearts, grateful for all that we have shared.
Go forth with arms held wide, open to what God sends to us for merciful embrace.
Go forth with ears attuned to the nuances of conversations in mercy.
Go forth from this place with feet that itch to continue the dance and to walk the roads of mercy.
Go forth from this place with enthusiastic faith in God and in one another.
May the God of love bless each one of you as you head beyond the doors of Mercy.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community
Welcome to Term 4
We hope our students, families and staff have had a great term break. Congratulations to our Unit 3 and 4 students for completing trial exams in preparation for their final exams later in the term. It has been fantastic to see our students and staff return to term 4 feeling positive and looking forward to a great term ahead. Even the downpour of rain today was unable to dampen our spirits.
Farewell Year 12 students
This week I have begun my Year 12 morning teas with the year 12s where I have had the privilege of talking with them about their Mercy journey over the years and their hopes for the remaining weeks. It has been great to hear how positive they have been about their schooling and their openness about what we can do to support them further during these final weeks as they prepare to finish their schooling and embark on their upcoming examinations.
Next week will be a Celebration Week where we will have special moments and activities for not only students, but also their families and many staff who have been alongside them for their school journey. We will have different themed dress up days, Graduation Eucharist and Awards and a Year 12 Celebration Dinner.
I have been an educator for many years. Part of the education journey is the cyclical nature of it – we begin, we learn and grow, and we move on to the journeys that lie ahead of us. Many students began their secondary education journey here at Mercy in 2017, as year 7 students. Others have joined the group along the way, each bringing with them different gifts and attributes that have contributed to a varied and wonderful group of young adults.
When I think of the year 7s who start with us each year, and even those who start their Mercy journey at other levels inevitably, no matter where they come from they have questions each year.
This was once each Year 12 student. Now, years later, they have come full circle and find them self at the end of their Mercy journey and a great, big, future lies ahead of them. With it, the start of a new journey, and a new set of big questions.
I believe that each and every one of our Year 12 students have the skills to answer the question marks that lie ahead. To find the answers, and grow from the challenges. I know this to be true because I have seen the way in which they have navigated their adolescent years.
Student Executive 2022
As we farewell our Year 12 students, we welcome to the forefront our next generation of leaders and ambassadors-our Year 11 students. They will be led by the 2023 Student Executive Team who it was wonderful to announce on Mercy Day at the end of term 3. We know that they will continue the legacy of those who have led before them and make meaningful contributions to life at Mercy College.
We look forward to formally inducting the 2023 Student Executive Team, listed below, during Term 4.
The Café Feeding a Community with Hope - The Age, 9/25/2022
It was lovely to read in Sunday's Age the article about St Mark's Fawkner Hope Cafe. Thank you to the Mercy community who support in different ways those that volunteer and provide for those in need who visit the Hope Cafe.
My thanks to Angela Heydon (Hope Café Co-coordinator) and the Mercy staff who volunteer to supply 35-40 serves of a delicious dessert each fortnight as part of the meal.
Mercy College Building Upgrade
We are excited with the consultation and planning for our building upgrade which is due to commence late November.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Principal
2023 Student Executive Team
Deputy Principal
“To achieve great things in life is a choice. It’s never whether you can, it’s always whether you will.”
Source: Darren Pereira (Success Integrated)
As our Year 12 students conclude classes and our teachers continue to support our VCE and VCAL students during the final stages of the year, I would like to wish all our senior students the best during the coming weeks and leave them with these words of encouragement.
"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."
Conrad Hilton
I would also like to acknowledge the support of our Senior Wellbeing Leader, Ms. Annie Driver, the Year 12 Homeroom Teachers and our VCE 3/4 Subject Teachers as students prepare for their final examinations.
VCE 3/4 Examinations
VCE exams are fast approaching, but it’s not too late to get more prepared.
During the holidays The Age has gathered advice from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, teachers and high-scoring students. Here is a selection of articles that provide simple strategies on preparing for exams.
Please refer to the article Take a breath and prepare for VCE exams as published in The Age 27 September 2022.
The VCE way: sleep, practise, prepare as published in The Age 28 September 2022.
Tips to ace VCE maths as published in The Age 29 September 2022.
A reminder that the 2022 VCE examination timetable is now available.
All students must read the VCAA examination rules for VCE and the GAT. It is also their responsibility to be familiar with materials and equipment authorised for use in the GAT and VCE written examinations.
Please note all VCE 3/4 students received a VCCA handout at a recent assembly that outlines all procedures and processes for the upcoming VCAA Examination period.
NAPLAN is moving from May to March
Did you know NAPLAN is moving to Term 1 from 2023?
The new NAPLAN testing window for 2023 is from 15-27 March.
This means the results will be in the hands of education authorities and school systems earlier in the year to inform teaching and learning programs throughout the rest of the school year.
It will also give teachers more time to better assess what support students need for the coming year.
Check out the NAPLAN key dates for next year and beyond so you can start preparing.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing
On Monday the 10th of October it is World Mental Health Day.The overall objective of the day is to raise awareness of Mental Health around the World and to mobilise efforts in support of Mental Health. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority'.
In Australia the theme is “Awareness, Belonging and Connection”.
During the year at Mercy our focus has been on “connection” and working with students to reconnect with peers, staff and school after lockdown. It has also been a time to allow students exploration through diverse resources and activities to assist in looking after their mental health. Our message to students has also been to always communicate how they are feeling and to seek assistance – they are never alone.
Mental Health Australia states-“Good mental health is when we can cope with the stressors of our daily lives, participate in loving relationships, contribute to our community, and work towards our goals. Everyone has mental health. And we can all benefit from looking after our own mental health and the mental health of our communities.
This World Mental Health Day – October 10 – the message is simple: “Look after your mental health, Australia.”
Please find the link below for further information-
https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/
In the coming weeks Year 12 students will be affronted with many “lasts” as they approach their end of secondary school life. There will be mixed feelings of sadness and excitement during this time. Students have been well supported by staff, Ms Driver their coordinator and Liv the school counsellor. Our message has been clear to Year 12 students -”look after yourself by creating a routine which allows for study and breaks. Be prepared - know what is expected of you before the exam, in the exam and for the exam. Be sure to be eating a nutritious diet and allow time for exercise. Communicate with teachers by making appointments to see them and also let parents/ carers know your routine so they can support you. It is ok to feel nervous and unsure however if these feelings become amplified you need to seek help on how to deal with it. Also life is never linear so it is ok if the outcome is a different path than what was expected .”
We wish all our Year 12 students all the best they know we are walking alongside them during this time.
A reminder to parents/carers that Term 4 students are expected to be in summer uniform. This includes blazers, dresses to the knee and white socks. If choosing to wear shorts they must be to the knee and the correct summer shirt accompanying them. Hats must be worn outside to support sunsmart. Hats can be purchased at reception. As always uniform has been a part of the Code of Conduct at Mercy there should never be any resistance from students in following uniform rules and we thank our parents/ carers in supporting the College in their child following it.
Please find a link below to the uniform shop - the link can also assist to familiarise with the correct uniform items through the images provided.
School Uniform Store (permapleat.com.au)
Maria Daniele
Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Counsellor’s Corner
Welcome back to school for term 4 and the final term for 2022. A special mention for the year 12s who are finishing their final weeks of school at Mercy College.
I have been in the VCE area offering my support to all Year 12 students as they conclude classes and approach their exams. I will also be available for students to drop in individually or in a group all next week during recess and lunch and of course throughout the course of their exams on Mondays and Wednesdays.
World Mental Health Day is on October 10. The theme is to make mental health a global priority. Students and young people now learn a lot about mental health and wellbeing and the information they bring home from school or from counsellors and psychologists is generally well informed and can be researched by parents.
Young people understand that everyone has mental health. Mental health and wellbeing is a spectrum that we all fluctuate between depending on what is happening to us internally and externally for us.
At Mercy the mental health and wellbeing of students is an absolute priority. We know that calm minds learn best and we want to support the whole student.
Stigma continues to be a challenge for people getting mental health support, so if your student is coming to you with any concerns or requests please listen and reach out to myself and the teachers at Mercy if you need support. You can email me at ahannan@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Liv Carli Hannan
School Counsellor
Numeracy across the Curriculum
Numeracy and Languages
Numeracy is often incorporated in Languages lessons at Mercy College.
Early in their Language learning journey, students learn about the number of regions of Italy and the size of each one. In Indonesian, students compare the population of Indonesia to Australia, recognising that the nation’s population is approximately ten times the size of Australia’s population.
Numbers are learnt by students identifying number patterns. In both Italian and Indonesian, this then leads to students being able to write the date and connect their knowledge to their own personal world by expressing their age and birthday.
There are many other ways that numeracy is incorporated into lessons though. Here are a few examples:
- In Year 7 Italian, students learnt how to express their likes and dislikes by responding to questions about their preference for a number of things. Responses were tallied on the white board. Observations were then discussed, such as the fact that most students preferred going to the beach rather than the mountains, and that the class’ favourite season is summer.
- In Year 8 Italian, students learnt about mealtimes and, in particular, focused on breakfast. A class discussion in the target language about what students eat for breakfast occurred. Students then demonstrated their understanding of the discussion by creating their own graphs to depict the eating habits of their classmates. Graphs also featured in Year 8 Indonesian. Students completed a google form survey asking them to identify their hobbies. Following this, the graph results were analysed in Indonesian. Ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc) and percentages in the target languages were used when discussing the graphs.
In Year 9 Indonesian, students learnt about the currency, rupiah (Rp.). The base words for hundreds and thousands were taught before students wrote the price of a number of products in words. Students were reminded about place value to help them to decipher the numbers. Their initial shock at how expensive items were turned to surprise once they used an online currency convertor website to convert the cost of rupiah to Australian dollars. A discussion then occurred about relative price, learning that while an Australian may find shopping in Indonesia very affordable, this is not necessarily the case for an Indonesian.
LIz Moore
Head of Learning : Languages.
Mental Health Youth Summit Years 9 and 10
During the final weeks of Term 3, students from Years 9 and 10 attended the Mental Health Youth Summit in Glenroy to learn about mental health and be a part of the movement to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Batyr hosted the summit in order to normalize conversations in regards to mental-ill health. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to gain a better understanding of Mental Health and how we should approach it in our everyday lives. Different schools arrived, and we discussed how to get help when it was needed. We learned about mental health by playing various games and discussing ways to improve mental health in our own school.
The Day was run by an organization named Batyr. Batyr is an organization which focuses on preventive education in the area of youth mental health. Their vision is to engage young people in positive, open-minded conversations in regards to mental health, and offer support when needed. Their mission is supported by their intentions to break the stigma surrounding mental health and empower young people to normalize positive conversations about mental-ill health. The program’s take place in the community and are engaging for those involved.
Through the programs and activities which Baytr offers, we were able to connect with like-minded individuals who are advocating for a more regular presence of mental-ill health conversations and guidance in their own schools. This attitude was then carried through an activity which asked us about what we would change in order to improve the stigma surrounding mental health in our own schools.
Ultimately, the program offered us the opportunity to connect with unanimous students, discuss vulnerability amongst one another and participate in ice-breakers. We thank Batyr for hosting the day with such energy and engagement and Mercy College who put the event together.
By Mariam S 10C, Melanie S 10C, Madelyn P 9C, Senasha W 9B
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader - Senior
Welcome back to term 4! It has been fantastic to see all students return to the warmer weather.
As it is our final few weeks for our Year 12’s we are well and truly beginning our end of year celebrations. This Friday evening, we are hosting a Student Executive Dinner to thank the team for all their efforts throughout the year. On the 13th of October we will celebrate our official final day with the Year 12’s with a final assembly and following on, a graduation mass. This will be a beautiful moment for the whole school to pass on their best wishes as they continue with their preparation for their upcoming exams and future endeavours. Following this, we will be hosting a year 12 breakfast on the 14th of October to commemorate with their homeroom teachers and reflect on the year that has been.
In a final celebration, we will be hosting a graduation dinner at Moonee Valley Racecourse on the 14th of October which will be a fantastic opportunity for families of year 12’s to celebrate with the school community their achievements of the Year.
With both our Year 11’s and year 12’s in their final term of 2022, we understand that this time of the year can be very overwhelming . Please do encourage your child to reach out to any member of the wellbeing team if they need additional support and assistance with strategies in staying motivated in their studies. We wish all the best for our Year 12’s in their final weeks at Mercy College!
Annie Driver
Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader - Senior
Arts and Technology
A major component of the Year 12 Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design subject is the SAT Folio. The School Assessed Taskwork (SAT Folio) requires students to create and respond to their brief or statement, and follow the cyclical process that involves researching their theme or idea to then start exploring and generating ideas through researching a range of resources, images, and sources of inspiration. They are also required to develop, refine and present their final designs and artworks. The students have been busily working since the start of Term 1 and have submitted their designs, artworks, and folios in the last week of Term 3.
These Designs and Artworks range in ideas and themes, and our students are very proud of what they have created, so much so that they invite you to attend Mercy College's Art and Design show on Thursday the 20th of October from 4 - 6 pm.
If you would like to attend, please see the invite below and RSVP by filling in this google form: https://forms.gle/fPspZ7icFDi3FPck6
All are welcomed to attend.
Ms Carnibella and Ms Szuba
Art and Design Teachers
Information Services Leader
Years 7-12 + Staff Reading Competition
The Year 7-12+Staff Reading Competition was back for 2022. On Monday 1 August all the students and staff at Mercy College were invited to participate in the House event Year 7-12+Staff Reading Competition for a period of six weeks in the middle of Term 3. This reading competition, designed for each of the five Houses: Frayne, Kane, Marian, O’Hea and Thecla, was a way for all House members to read as much as possible. All reading experiences then earned valuable House points. Points were assigned for each reading experiences.
The reading experiences and points comprised:
- reading a whole book on your own and, even more than one (10 points for first book; 12 points for each subsequent book)
- reading to someone in your family read to you (3 points)
- having a family member read to you (3 points)
- reading a newspaper for at least 20 minutes ( 1 point)
- reading a magazine for at least 20 minutes ( 1 point)
However, just as important as the reading was the recording of these reading experiences. Using the online form, readers were required to fill in the form each time a reading experience was completed. Each point
The last day of the competition was Friday 11 September. In the last three days over 160 entries were lodged … that was a great effort! Then the counting took place to work out which House was the winner. The announcement was made, via Simon, on Wednesday 14 September.
The official placings for the Year 7-12+Staff Reading Competition were:
1st: Thecla
2nd: O'Hea
3rd: Marian
4th: Frayne
Last: Kane
Congratulations to Thecla! This is the second, consecutive time that Thecla has won the Year 7-12+Staff Reading Competition. That makes them the carryover champions and a most formidable reading House.
A large number of students and staff participated this year. Well done to everyone who lodged their reading experiences. In each House there were a number of students and staff who earned a high number of House points. They are to be congratulated for their efforts. We acknowledge:
From Thecla:
- Gabriella D’silva 7B
- Paige Ryan SHG5
- Darcy Murray 9C
- Dana Issa 8B
- Ms El-Khoury
- Ms Toll
From O’Hea:
- Hannah Turnbull 8B
- Onali Sirisena 7B
- Lucy Stewart 9B
- Nadia Karnowski 7C
- Ms McCallum
From Marian:
- Omindi Madduma Gamage 10C
- Tiana Marchio SHG2
- Clare Matthews 8C
- Ms Callery
- Ms Walker
From Frayne:
- Marisa Di Nuzzo 8B
- Nadithi Suraweera 9A
- Michellin Kadamani 7B
- Mr Coulson
From Kane:
- Anna Marchio SHG2
- Samreen Kour 7B
These individuals received a special reading prize for their efforts and commitment. We look forward to 2023 when the Year 7-12+Staff Reading Competition will return in Term 3. In the meantime - Happy Reading!
Anne Girolami
Information Services Leader
PAM Notices
Parent Notified Absences can be entered into the Parent Access Module (PAM) for future dates by selecting the 'Add Future Absence' button as shown below.
Please note this cannot be entered after 8:50am for the same day. In these cases, the school will need to be contacted directly to be notified of the absence.
Careers @ Mercy
Community Notices
Ignite Youth Forum
The past two years have been a challenging time for everyone, especially for young people making the transition from adolescent to young adult. IMVC, as a community based not-for-profit service in Inner Metro Melbourne, we have created Ignite Youth Forum as an opportunity to strengthen engagement between young people and support them in navigating life by exploring themes of passion, purpose, and connection. The event is being held at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday, October 8.
Do you know someone who is looking to find passion and purpose in their life? Ignite is the conversation starter you didn’t know you needed.
Our keynote speaker, Bronte Campbell, is the famous Australian competitive swimmer, a dual Olympic gold-medal winner and world champion. This will be followed by a panel of storytellers, innovators and everyday heroes who will share insights on their life and their methods for overcoming obstacles. This will include award-winning filmmaker, Beau Miles; educator, social worker and writer, Kate Rizzo; and champion softballer and police inspector, Ilsa Wakeling.
The event will come to a close with a youth voice panel that will explore themes current to young people and give them an opportunity to engage with the panellists. We hope to have young people along with their parents, carers or important people in their lives attend the event and start a conversation about passion, purpose, and community.
Bollywood Dancing - fun for all the family!
11:00am – 11:45am, Saturday 15th October
Coburg Library
Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights with the Jhoom-Bollywood Dance Company and learn some fancy Bollywood dancing moves.
Fun for all the family!
Registration is appreciated
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bollywood-dancing-fun-for-all-the-family-tickets-423917979087
Alumni Reunion
LOTE Online for Kids eResource
Happy Bilingual Children’s Month for October!
To celebrate, Merri-bek Libraries have a new eResource called LOTE Online for Kids. Families can enjoy the magic of books in community languages. Each book also comes with English translations to help learn languages. There are over 1,750+ digital picture books in 50+ languages. You only need a library card to join for FREE.
The link to join: https://lote4kids.com/au-moreland-city-council-libraries/