Mercy News - Thursday 6 April 2023
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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: Student of the Term Award Winners
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End of Term Student Executive Reflections
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School Advisory Council
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Director: Religious Education and Identity
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Deputy Principal
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Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
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Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
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Counsellor’s Corner
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Years 8 & 9 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
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Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
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Learning Diversity Team
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English
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Arts & Technology
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Information Services
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Careers @ Mercy
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Building Project Update
Key Dates
Thursday 6 April
- Holy Thursday
- First Day of Passover
- Last day of Term One
- Learning Showcase Assembly
- School Holidays begin
Friday 7 April
- Good Friday (Public Holiday)
Saturday 8 April
- Easter Saturday
Sunday 9 April
- Easter Sunday
Monday 10 April
- Easter Monday (Public Holiday)
Thursday 13 April
- Last Day of Passover
Monday 17 April
- Year 12 EAL SAC: The Listening Task (2.00pm to 3.00pm)
Tuesday 18 April
- Holiday Musical Rehearsals (9.00am to 5.00pm)
Wednesday 19 April
- Holiday Musical Rehearsals (9.00pm to 5.00pm)
Thursday 20 April
- Holiday Musical Rehearsals (9.00pm to 5.00pm)
Friday 21 April
- Holiday Musical Rehearsals (9.00pm to 5.00pm)
Monday 24 April
- Feast of St Fidelis
- Staff Professional Practice Day
- Student Free Day
Tuesday 25 April
- ANZAC Day (Public Holiday)
Wednesday 26 April
- First day of Term Two
- ANZAC Day Commemoration Service
- Musical Rehearsals at Parade College (3.30pm to 6.00pm)
Thursday 27 April
- SCSA Futsal Tournament
- VCE Art & VCD SAT Folio Support (3.20pm to 4.45pm)
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, we ask that on this Holy Thursday, you grant us the grace of perseverance in the face of suffering and persecution.
Give us the strength to endure and the courage to stand firm in our faith, no matter what the cost.
Help us to remain firm in our convictions, and be mindful of the example of your Son, Jesus Christ, who endured the ultimate suffering and persecution for our salvation.
We humbly ask that you grant us this grace so that we may remain strong in the face of adversity, and remain true to our faith no matter what.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Catherine McAuley, pray for us.
Message from our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
Today we recognise Holy Thursday where the central focus of the day is a celebration of the last meal that Jesus had with his closest disciples. During this meal, he gives them final instructions, washes their feet in an attempt to express the real meaning of Christian leadership, and shares with them bread and wine and explains that when they do the same in the future, these will be his body and blood. He then leaves them to spend the night in prayer in a garden and it is there that the officers of the cheif priest arrest him, having been led there by one of his own disciples - Judas.
Holy Thursday is the beginning of the Easter Triduum.
Tomorrow on Good Friday, we will remember Jesus’ suffering on earth and on the cross.
On Easter Sunday we rejoice that Jesus has risen and saved us, despite hardship and difficulties, he and those he loved came out on the other side.
Earlier today, we gathered for our whole school liturgy where our Mission and Social Justice representatives and Student Executive led our school community so beautifully in reflecting on the events of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday. It was a privilege for us to join in prayer and song. 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 Nima Ballenger, Director of RE and Identity and Jack Stewart, Head of Music and Performing Arts for leading the many staff and students who were actively involved in a role.
Term One Learning
On our last day of Term One 2023 it is appropriate to reflect and recognise that it has been a big term. It was wonderful at today’s end of term learning showcase to reflect on our achievements and celebrate together as a community of excellence. The Term One Student of the Term award recipients are listed later in the newsletter. They were students who actively seeked to achieve excellence in their participation in and contribution to Mercy College school life this term.
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, excursions, incursions, whole school face to face assemblies, liturgies and other significant events.
Mercy College School Advisory Council
Our School Advisory Councils is an essential component of governing and operating Mercy. They provide a forum for consultation and participation for our parish and school community.
Our Council is advisory and calls on that part of our wider Catholic tradition that sees advice given in the framework of mutual respect, right relationship and hope: a foundation of our trinitarian faith.
I thank those in the community who volunteered to be a part of our Council. Our final 2023 Council Committee members is listed later in the newsletter. Please know you can contact any member to discuss any aspect of College life.
Wishing all our community a well-deserved holiday break, and a blessed and happy Easter. Looking forward to when we return for Term Two.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Principal
Term 1: Student of the Term Award Winners
Year 7 - Mia Conlan, 7C
Mia encapsulates what being respectful and responsible means here at Mercy College. From the minute she arrived here on Orientation Day until the end of Term One, she has continually responded to all requests of her in a positive and effective manner.
She is inclusive and kind to everyone she encounters and she completes all of her work on time and to a high standard.
Although she has only been at Mercy for one term, Mia has embraced many opportunities already. Without hesitation she helped out with our Discover Mercy days, speaking to a room of potential families on three different occasions about her experience of transitioning from primary to secondary school here at Mercy. Mia has also represented Mercy College in indoor cricket, tennis and futsal.
She is a highly reliable and valued member of her Homeroom.
Mia demonstrates an exemplary approach to her secondary school journey and we would like to formally acknowledge her positive contributions to our school.
Year 8 - Samara Arena, MHR5
Samara’s teachers describe her as a friendly, positive and enthusiastic member of the cohort.
She is a worthy recipient due to her dedicated approach in all of her subjects, her eagerness to seek feedback to improve and her willingness to actively participate in class discussions.
Samara is a valuable and responsible member of her Homeroom, participating in Fantastic Friday competitions and all other activities.
She is a valued member of Frayne having a strong competitive streak.
Samara always has a smile on her face, and a pleasant disposition.
Year 9 - Sarah Kouroglou, MHR5
Sarah’s teachers describe her as a positive and enthusiastic member of Year 9.
She is a worthy recipient due to her continued effort in all classes.
She is motivated and remains focused during all lessons.
Sarah always gives one hundred percent in whatever she is faced with and always displays positive relationships with other students and with her teachers.
She is a valued member of Year 9 and the Mercy community.
Year 10 - Francesca Rotundo, SHR3
Francesca has started her journey in the senior school nice and strong.
She has come in prepared and with motivation - striving for excellence and doing her best in all subjects and aspects of her learning.
Francesca, although quiet, is a polite and kind soul who is always there to help a friend in need. She completes her work on time, is always on task in class and will also seek help from teachers when needed. A true Mercy learner.
Francesca has also helped with our Year 4 Explore Day, showing her commitment to the Mercy community.
We are so lucky to have a student like Francesca at Mercy College.
Year 11 - Mariam Saleh, SHR7
With a warm welcome or interaction every time you cross paths with Mariam, you can tell she is proud to learn in, engage in and be part of the Mercy Community.
Mariam is a very studious individual. Although she is quiet in the classroom, you know that Mariam is always striving to succeed.
Mariam goes out of her way to engage in feedback with her teachers and has always gone above and beyond to ensure she is organised and diligent with her studies.
With her excellent attendance, her approach to her studies and the way she enters every class with a big smile, Mariam has shown that she is a proud Mercy student.
Year 12 - Sienna Fruci, SHR5
Sienna may not be the loudest in the room, but her presence is always known. With her kindness and compassion for everyone around her, she is a true representation of a Mercy College student.
She has shown that she is dedicated to her studies and works hard in both her subjects and independent study. Sienna is always engaged in feedback with her learning.
Studies aside, Sienna also shows her passion for the Mercy community through her interactions with others. You will always see her checking in on her friends and being such a strong support for them.
Sienna always wear her uniform with pride and will always say hello and goodbye whenever you cross paths with her.
End of Term Student Executive Reflections
Student Voice Captain - Caitlin Healey
Student Voice is all about representing the student body and making change based on everyone's best interest. To become a Student Voice Representative, students present a speech to their cohort and then votes are casted to pick one representative from each level. From Term Two onwards, the Student Voice team, led by the Year 12 representative, meet frequently to run events, Homeroom activities, plan Mercy Day, and discuss ongoing issues and/or suggestions for change.
Mission Captain - Emily Gaffy
My role includes organising Masses, charities and other religious or Social Justice events. Recently I have been working alongside our Social Justice Captain, Sasadi, and our younger Mission and Social Justice captains, in preparation for our end of term Liturgy. We have decided to reenact the washing of the feet and the Last Supper as well as have the story be told by our College Co-Captains Lydia and Eva.
Social Justice Captain - Sasadi Jayalath
This term, we assembled our Social Justice team consisting of students of Years 7 to 11 who are bright, enthusiastic and actively contribute with various perspectives and ideas in order to promote social justice.
Term 1 involved raising money for CARITAS Australia's Project Compassion campaign. As a College, we contributed to supporting the most vulnerable communities. We began this fundraising effort by selling pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and by donating money through the Project Compassion boxes which were placed in each homeroom classroom.
We also constructed our own Mercy Op Shop in an effort to promote sustainability and acknowledge the unjust global implications of fast fashion. This initiative encouraged our Mercy community to look beyond supporting fast fashion and consider alternate avenues when purchasing items. As a result, students are likely to discontinue supporting companies that harm the environment and exploit their workers but advance towards shopping mindfully and therefore ethically.
Marian House Captain - Stella Nissan
So far in Term 1, I have had the opportunity to introduce myself and meet with all students and staff in Marian at our first ever House assembly of 2023. It was definitely a nerve-racking experience but helped me gain the confidence to lead my team with great enthusiasm. I was able to discuss the Swimming Carnival with the help of teachers present. Also at the beginning of the term, myself and Ms Toll went through the process of interviewing younger year levels for potential Marian House Captain candidates. It was amazing to see the endless applications in which they all showed great passion, willingness and demonstrated their love for sport. My role as Marian House Captain has given me the opportunity to promote student engagement surrounding sports while working with the other House captains. We are planning towards a year full of sport, participation and fun and to start this off, a trivia House comp is currently in the making and will soon be conducted at lunch time to give all Houses the opportunity to gain House points.
House Captain - Summar Hamka
So far in 2023 we have had our whole school Swimming Carnival. It was a day full of friendly competition between Houses, dressing up and overall getting out of our comfort zone to have a go at all activities. As Thecla House Captain, I had the job of encouraging my peers to try their best no matter the outcome and I was certainly proud of each and every student.
We also went through the interviewing process to elect year level House Captains from Year 7 to 11 as well. I had quite a few interviews to set up, however, I was extremely happy to see the eagerness of my fellow Thecla's to become leaders. As their role model, I aim to work with them this year to continue planning fun sporting events for our school but to also teach them how to be a good leader and to always be respectful to others no matter the situation.
College Co-Captains - Lydia Faranso and Eva Brazzani
As the College Co-Captains for 2023, we are both extremely honoured and feel very privileged to be able to lead the College community.
As a team, our vision for 2023 continues to be interconnectedness between all members of the community. We try our best to allow all students to be involved, striving for their own excellence in all that they do. This includes their academic excellence, as well as co-curricular activities.
We strive to make Mercy College a community base, where all are able to express their ideas to help elevate their own personal learning experiences, as well as all join together to ensure everyone feels safe, welcomed and included at Mercy.
Our role includes having the honour of representing the student body of Mercy College such as at whole school assemblies or at conferences, as well as trying to be the bridge of communication between the students, teachers and parents of Mercy.
School Advisory Council
The Mercy College School Advisory Council has the following membership:
- Executive officers – Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission) and Principal
- Parents – up to 2 current parents
- Alumnae – up to one past Mercy College student
- Parishioner – up to 1 parishioner
- Co-Opted members – up to 1 co-opted members with particular areas of expertise
- Staff Member
- Member of Mercy Finance Team
- Student Representative – 2 College Captains
2023 School Advisory Council members are:
Fr Colin Xavier– Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission) / Executive Officer
Ms Lila McInerney – Principal / Executive Officer
Mrs Silvana Mirabelli – Parent representative
Mrs Daniela Vetere – Parent representative
Ms Elissa Andreacchio – Alumnae Representative
Ms Angela Francavilla – Parish representative, St Matthew’s, Fawkner
Mr Sergio Martins – Co-Opted Member, Council Chair
Mrs Jenni Hickey – Staff Member, College Operations Leader
Mr Darryn Coulson – Member of Mercy Finance Team
Miss Eva Brazzani and Miss Lydia Faranso – Student Representatives, College Co-Captains
Director: Religious Education and Identity
Term 1 Highlights!
- Introducing our 2023 College Theme: The Power of Mercy. Both staff and students began their year at Mercy unpacking and reflecting on this theme through our Eucharist celebrations, liturgies, and a Homeroom theme lesson.
- Saint Valentine’s Day: Homeroom teachers led a special prayer service in Homerooms and students wrote affirmations for their peers and teachers on red love hearts.
- Year 7 Reflection Day (Friday 17 March): Our Year 7s participated in a range of activities and sessions about what it means to be Mercy student, including our special guest presenter, Sr Cathy Solano RSM.
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser and the launch of Caritas’ Project Compassion: Homerooms were encouraged to donate through their Project Compassion boxes.
- Ash Wednesday: Students commemorated Ash Wednesday with Fr Colin Xavier and our Commencement Eucharist.
- Lenten Prayers in the Chapel: Throughout Lent, Year 9 Mission Leader, Diana Vanicore led Lenten prayer sessions in the Chapel each Wednesday and Thursday lunch. Mrs Nima Ballenger led Lenten prayer/reflection sessions for staff each Friday morning at 8.15am in the Chapel.
- Mercy College Op Shop: Our student executive team launched the Mercy College Op Shop for Lent with all funds raised contributing to Project Compassion. In Term Two, the Op Shop will be relocated from near the Chapel to a space in the Clairvaux Building.
- Catholic Education Week (12 - 19 March): Students participated in a range of activities throughout this week to celebrate Catholic Education including: Mission and Social Justice Year Level Leaders being commissioned; a whole-school chalk mural; Lunchtime concert in Jubilee Garden; Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral; and cross-shaped cookies for all!
- Holy Week: Students learnt about the Passion narrative throughout this week through SIMON Daily Messages. The week began with an acknowledgement of Palm Sunday and concluded with the Holy Thursday liturgy.
A huge thank you to all who have supported Caritas’ Project Compassion throughout Lent in 2023. I am looking forward to an exciting Term 2 where we focus on Reconciliation.
Nima Ballenger
Director: Religious Education and Identity
Deputy Principal
"When parents are involved in their child's learning, they send a powerful message that education is important. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement in learning.” (Hattie)
Source: Adapted from Parent Engagement in Education: Australian Government – Department of Education 2023)
Retrieved from: www.education.gov.au
A Culture of Excellence: We are partners in learning
Partnerships between parents, teachers and students are essential to create a conducive and effective learning environment.
Here are some reasons why these partnerships are important:
- Improved communication: When parents, teachers, and students work together, communication is enhanced. This enables everyone to share information about a student's progress, challenges and successes, leading to better understanding of the student's needs.
- Consistency in expectations: When teachers and parents work together, they can set consistent expectations for students' behaviour and academic performance, which can create a more cohesive and supportive environment.
- Enhanced support: Students benefit from the support they receive from their parents and teachers. Parents can provide additional support at home, while teachers can provide academic and emotional support in the classroom. Together, these efforts can lead to better outcomes for students.
- Increased engagement: When parents are involved in their children's education, it can lead to increased student engagement and motivation. Students are more likely to take an active role in their own learning when they know that their parents and teachers are invested in their success.
- Better problem-solving: When parents, teachers and students work together, they can collaborate to find solutions to problems that arise. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective problem-solving and greater overall success for students.
Partnerships between parents, teachers and students are crucial for creating a successful learning environment. Improved communication, consistency in expectations, enhanced support, increased engagement and better problem-solving are just a few of the benefits of these partnerships.
Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences that were held on Tuesday 4 April.
Shaped by our Catholic identity, 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. Please take the time to provide us with feedback by completing the following short survey on the Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Term One Reflections
It has been a whirlwind first term at Mercy College. It has exceeded my expectations. Below are a few of my observations from my first few weeks at the College.
Firstly, I am humbled by the work ethic, professionalism and good humour of all the staff. People are willing to share and build on great work that is already happening here. Staff collaborate and pull together to ensure that your children are getting the very best education and support.
The College already uses data to inform teaching and learning and so it has been no surprise that staff have been enthusiastic about the new direction of data, innovation and growth at the College. Our data helps inform teachers of their effectiveness across a variety of criteria and better helps us monitor student achievement. Ultimately, this adds to the toolkit that we use to offer support and make better choices regarding your daughter’s education.
Thirdly, I have been privileged to work with and across a variety of departments in the College. This is aside from the areas of teaching and leadership. I have been able to contribute to important areas like management, operations, ICT, maintenance, OHS and compliance. It is incredible how much work is done by dedicated support staff to make the College run smoothly. In these areas, the College is investing in infrastructure (both hardware and software), new buildings, developing better processes and making sure that the College continues to meet its legal obligations.
Finally, I am thankful for the welcome that I have received from the broader Mercy Community. On Open Days, Parent-Teacher evenings, Parent Information evenings, assemblies and College events, I have met the most wonderful and committed parents to not only their daughters' education but Mercy College. The school spirit is strong and present in the Community.
Thank you for a wonderful welcome.
Lukasz Rabenda
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Term One has been a great start to the 2023 school year. It has brought some changes to our students, in terms of Year 7 students changing their school, friends and routine; Years 8 to 12 students changing into vertical Homerooms with all students experiencing new year levels, subjects, different teachers and maybe new friends.
As a student expressed to me over the week “Miss - change is hard, however I know not everything can be the same forever”. This phrase encapsulates resilience in action, acknowledging that change is a good thing even if at first it may seem daunting and hard, as well as being able to articulate how you are feeling and communicating it.
Psychologist Lisa Damour, Ph.D., author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood, writes that research shows that girls are more likely to feel the need to be perfect and to struggle with confidence when they make even small mistakes and it's particularly important to raise resilient girls.
Rachel Simmons, author of Enough As She Is, explains: "What we want is for girls to have the capacity to move through a setback without beating themselves up".
It is interesting to note in the TED talk given by Reshma Saujani (an American lawyer, politician, civil servant and the founder of the non-profit organization Girls Who Code, which aims to increase the number of women in computer science and close the gender employment difference in that field) said that females often handle challenges differently to males. In studies by psychologists, it seems society puts pressure on females to be perfect “we are raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave”. According to Saujani we need to change that so they can become more resilient and deal with the idea of perfection.
I would encourage all students, as well as their parents/guardians to encourage students, to talk to staff and counsellors if they are feeling overwhelmed with ‘change’ not only at school, but also in their private life. So, alongside parents we can support students to build resilience and affront change, and clarify any points of change they do not understand.
E-safety is paramount in this day and age with so many digital platforms and our reliance on the internet. It is important to note that students, with the support of parents/guardians and staff, can report cyberbullying and also refer to the following link (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) to guide them through misuse. It is also important to note our ICT Acceptable Usage Policy has strict rules around the misuse of school computers such as recording people without permission.
Uniform
When students return from the Term One holidays and enter into Term Two, all students will have the option of summer or winter uniform for the first two weeks of term. Then it will be obligatory to wear winter uniform for the remainder of the term and Term Three. Please note the change has been made that ties are optional. Please refer to page 12 of the College planner for any uniform clarification.
This term we have established a uniform working party. Students were invited to attend a meeting to discuss whether our college uniform should be ‘seasonless’. It is important to the College to invite student voice, which also aligns with the Child Safety standard 3. Excellent points have been made regarding the uniform. Next term I will invite parents to have their say around this too.
Medical Management and Permission Forms
A reminder to parents to please ensure medical management forms are filled in and permission forms are signed off. This will ensure that we have all the required information to support your daughter during various school activities: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/standard-4/
I take this opportunity to wish all students a safe and restful holiday.
Maria Daniele
Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Counsellor’s Corner
Resources for parents
It is hard to believe that Term One is already over. I hope that the term has been a good one for you and your daughters and wish you all the very best for Easter and the holidays.
Below are some helpful websites should you be concerned about your daughter’s wellbeing or mental health and want to do some further research.
https://parents.au.reachout.com/
There is plenty of information, resources and forum discussions about a range of topics for parents. They also have a fantastic website with plenty of information for young people.
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/
Healthy Families is all about giving you the information, knowledge and confidence to support the young people in your life. They also discuss ways to take care of your own mental health and wellbeing.
https://headspace.org.au/parents/
Headspace has lots of information about mental health and signs that poor mental health may be affecting your young person and information about how you can respond. There is plenty of great information on a range of topics.
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents
The kids helpline is a fantastic resource, and not only for young people. There is some great information on a range of topics.
https://www.arcvic.org.au/
Anxiety and stress affect more children than you may think and can cause children to feel more worried and tense about things than other children their age. The website includes information about various anxiety disorders that can affect children and teens.
https://theparentswebsite.com.au/
This website often has some interesting articles and is definitely worth a look.
If you have any further questions, please contact the counselling team at counselling@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Janine Crociani
School Counsellor
Years 8 & 9 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
As Term One draws to a close, we reflect on what we have achieved so far. New friendships, overcoming challenges and embracing the new vertical Homeroom system. All students have participated with enthusiasm and achieved their personal best and in acknowledgment we celebrate a student from each year level as Student of the Term. Please refer to the Student of the Term article at the start of this newsletter to learn more about our Year 8 and 9 recipients.
Nelson Mandela once said that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Today, as we close the doors of the classrooms just for a brief time, my message to the students of Middle School is accept education and embrace knowledge. Always be open to learning, even when you are away from the classroom. Only then, does a world of opportunity open. Never, no matter how hard, stop trying.
Wishing you all a wonderful break.
Tania Benevento
Years 8 & 9 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
As Term One comes to a close, this is a perfect time to reflect on all that has taken place in Senior School so far.
We have seen students thrive in their studies, build team morale in our different Homeroom activities, and built strong connections with new people.
Congratulations to all students in their studies so far. We know it has been challenging balancing subjects, assessments and all aspects of life, but it has been fantastic to see everyone trying their hardest.
Well done everyone!
Wishing all families a lovely Easter and break.
Annie Driver
Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
Learning Diversity Team
Please find the attached Information Sheets from the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD), available in the following 5 different languages:
- English
- Arabic
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
- Chinese
Kellie Firth
Learning Area Leader: Learning Diversity
English
It has been a busy and exciting term within the English department, as students have delved into studying a range of texts at each year level. Year 7 students have gotten their first taste of secondary English, viewing the film Wall-E and learning how to write a text response essay. On the other hand, our Year 12 cohort began their final year of senior English with the Greek play, The Women of Troy, and worked towards their first SAC of the year.
Here are some of the events and activities that students have been participating in to complement their English studies:
- Year 9 students were visited by Steven Herrick, author of the prose novel, By the River, which students will read in Term Two. Steven read excerpts from the novel and other poetry, explained some of the key themes and provided an insight into the writing process. Students were even fortunate enough to have their copies of By the River signed.
- Year 12 students were able to view a live performance of the Greek play, The Women of Troy, by Complete Works. The actors turned the Performing Arts Space into a Greek amphitheatre, re-enacting the key scenes from the Greek tragedy and pausing for opportunities to discuss the key themes and issues prevalent within the text.
As we head into the holiday break, students are encouraged to maintain their reading habits and borrow books from the library to enjoy in their own time. 20 minutes of reading a day can help to reduce stress and expose students to 1.8 million words in a year. Happy reading!
Nicole McCallum (Years 7-10) and Tania Ragusa (VCE)
English Learning Area Leaders
Arts & Technology
Term One has been very busy for our talented and creative students across all year levels who have been showcasing their newly taught skills in a variety of subjects in The Arts, Performing Arts and Technology Domain.
Art
Frida Kahlo’s life experiences and her Mexican heritage have been a huge influence in the Year 9 art students designs for their ceramic tiles. The basis of the student’s designs has been centred around the Catholic Cross as there is many references of catholic symbols and imagery in her artwork. A key artwork of Frida’s that we analyse and discuss is named ‘Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird’ and in this self-portrait, Frida portrays herself as a crowned nun or a bloody Christ-like martyr with crowns of thorns. Many Art Historians say that in this artwork, Kahlo wanted to show that she had been resurrected and had started a new life with this painting. As a symbol of this idea were the butterflies on her head and the hummingbird was placed in her necklace and symbolises hope and good luck in Mexican culture. She also wears a thorn necklace which is a direct reference to Jesu’s crown of thorns that was worn during his crucifixion. These students have learnt new skills and techniques through sculpting their tiles out of clay materials that will air dry and use bright acrylic paints to bring their artworks to life. They have found this very challenging and have thoroughly enjoyed this outcome.
In VCE Art Making and Exhibiting, we have begun the year by exploring different ideas which we can exhibit within our portfolios. Students have then started to collect a wide range of research to help us expand upon our idea. This is also accompanied by the influences of 3 to 4 chosen artists which reflect our brainstorming, art form and collated research. From the collected inspiration and influences we expanded upon our skills by experimenting with different materials and techniques that may be used within our artworks; this trailing helped students understand how they may want their works to look. Area of Study Two then saw us use this inspiration and trialling of materials and techniques to begin drawing up a series of mini sketches which may be showcased within the four design ideas in our portfolios. We are now at the stage of painting these drawings and thoroughly annotating them. Overall, this subject has helped students gain new artistic skills and process’ which are efficient throughout the rest of the year.
Dance
The Year 7 Dance students are currently learning and refining their group dance that will be performed at the end of Term Two. This involves working on refining the steps and learning specific dance techniques that will enable students to perform the routine with confidence as many students may find this daunting to do if they have never performed in front of an audience before.
Drama
The Year 8 drama students have just finished learning the conventions and history of mime. This involved student working in a group and understanding space within a performative context. Year 9 Drama students learned about the Stanislavski method. This is an acting training system made up of various techniques designed to allow actors to create believable characters and help them to really put themselves in the place of the character. Students presented their short performances in this style.
Textiles
The Year 9 Design and Create students are working on a Shirred Toddlers Dress. This is a benchmarking task the Year 9 Textiles students complete at the start of the year to assist them in remembering how to complete the processes required to produce a garment as well as developing new skills in the use of the overlocker and the technique of shirring the bodice of a garment. Students also self-evaluate the development of their skills and the product.
Media
Media this term we have learnt about Media Representations and we closely focusing on two texts, Modern Family and The Brady Bunch. This area of study helped us learn and look more closely into the foundations of media and how topics such as audience, stereotypes and codes/conventions can help us produce and analyse media texts. Throughout the conclusion of the term, the class are starting our folio's based on themes such as mental health, school, friendships and routine. This will lead on into the school holidays and the following term where we are required to produce a film and a variety of photographs that will convey to an audience about our chosen theme. These skills throughout this next area of study will help every one of us learn, grow and expand out media knowledge so that we can produce more sufficient and detailed media forms. I have thoroughly enjoyed media this year so far as it has opened my eyes into everyday use of the media, and I believe that it will continue to open new opportunities for me which makes me excited for what the future of this subject has for me. Ruby Chahoud, SHR 8
In Year 9 Media this term, we have been busy analysing the film ‘The Truman Show’ and identifying the codes and conventions used throughout it. We have discovered that there are a variety of shots that go into making a film, such as close-ups, long-shots, mid-shots, and full-shots. We have also been taught how to observe the codes and conventions used in film and the effect that they have on the audience. Lottie Richardson, 9B
Visual Communication Design:
In Year 8 VCD we are starting our design task outcome, which involves the design of a fruit juice logo. At this stage we have explored the first three stages of the design process. We have specifically looked at how our research can be used to stimulate our own ideas whilst giving us a better understanding of what and who we are designing for. This has involved some observational drawing as well as initial rough sketches to investigate our own ideas/concepts, which will be further developed later.
In Year 11 VCD we are currently exploring the use of design elements and principles, this is being achieved by creating a tile design that is inspired by nature. Throughout the design process we will experiment and explore techniques used with each of the design elements and principles to create a final design that meets the needs of a stated brief.
In Year 12 VCD we have completed a SAC that looks specifically at design techniques used in each of the design fields. We are now using those techniques to create visual representations of how each design field would communicate/present ideas, this consists of technical drawings such as a 3rd Orthogonal Drawing, an Isometric, Planometric and a Perspective drawing. The use of these drawing techniques has helped us to expand our knowledge and skills used within the various design fields. The exploration of the communication, industrial and environmental design have also given us further insight into how everyday objects, buildings and plans are made and the process in which they go through. We look forward to continuing these experimental process’ and learning more about different aspects of design.
Food Studies:
VCE Food Studies students have not only been developing their skills in food preparation, but also in the analysis of the food products. The students are required to analyse the nutrients contained in these food products and their contribution to a healthy gut microbiota, how individuals can plan a diet to be in keeping with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and to ensure the foods consumed meet the dietary requirements of the different lifespan stages. Some of the food products the Unit 3 & 4 students have cooked are:
- Okonomiyaki with mayonnaise
- Brunch curry with poached egg
- Vegetable Frittata
- Zucchini koftas with red capsicum
Music Performance:
In VCE Music Performance this term we have worked on theory, aural, analysis and performance skills that will be relevant for our upcoming assessment in Term Two. In our music theory and aural lessons, we have worked on identifying different types of scales and modes, different types of triad and 7th chords, as well as minor and major ascending and descending intervals. We have also looked at recognizing base notes and qualities of chords within a chord progression and different types of cadences that occur between the last 2 chords in the progression. In our music analysis lessons, we have looked in depth at each of the musical elements and compositional elements, that we use to describe a piece and what character it conveys. In our performance and performance workshop classes, we have performed a few of our solo pieces that we will be working on over the semester, and then received feedback from our classmates and teacher on what worked well and what we can still improve on. We have also been workshopping a group piece within our class, by choosing a song and arranging harmonies, melodies, and improvisation sections, to further solidify our other theory, aural and analysis knowledge. Bridie Lier, SHR 8
Wow, that was a lot! Practical subjects require dedication, resilience, a good work ethic and obviously being creative! Thank you to all the students and staff for their hard work throughout the Term, it does not go unnoticed.
I look forward to all the amazing work that will be produced in Term 2 and PS - our next big installation is in the works. Stay tuned next term for more information!
Madeline Carnibella
Learning Area Leader: Arts & Technology
Information Services
In Term One, Years 7 and 8 students have been participating in a Wide Reading Program in the library. Once a fortnight, students have an opportunity to learn about the new books that are available to borrow and also have time to relax by reading some fabulous books.
Ms Knowles, Ms Moore and Mrs Laino have enjoyed interacting with students, discussing and recommending their favourite books. This is what some students have to say about the Wide Reading program…
I love Wide Reading because it’s a time when we can sit down and enjoy a good book.
Reading is relaxing and I like the quiet time during a busy school day.
As part of Holy Week, students have been busy making Easter cards for their family and friends.
Students gathered together and shared their creative ideas, decorating and personalising their own Easter cards. Each card making group had lots of fun gluing, sticking and drawing on their cards.
Students are looking forward to giving their cards to loved ones for Easter.
Fiona Laino
Information Services Leader
Careers @ Mercy
Building Project Update
Construction commenced in the second week of January, involving the establishment of the hoarding fencing to safely isolate the construction site from students and staff and delivery of temporary site sheds. The bulk of the demolition work was completed by mid-February on schedule and the concrete columns have been poured for the new elevated walkway between the West Building and the Library. Shop drawings for structural steel, the lift, light fittings, outdoor furniture, windows and doors have been completed and fabrication of these elements commenced.
The next couple of months will see the blockwork lift shaft rise higher and higher out of the ground, as well as pouring of the elevated walkway, and installation of structural steel, internal stud walls, services, windows and doors. Works in the second half of the year will include the external cladding panels to the Clairvaux Building, external landscaping and paving and internal joinery and finishes. The final component will be an exciting landscaping and signage upgrade to the fencing along Sydney Road.