Mercy News - Friday 16 June 2023
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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Director: Religious Education and Identity
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Deputy Principal
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Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
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Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
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Counsellor’s Corner
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Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
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Science and STEM
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Humanities
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Arts In Motion After School Dance Program
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Homework Club
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Careers @ Mercy
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Community Notices
Key Dates
Sunday 18 - Saturday 24 June
- Refugee Week
Monday 19 June
- Year 10 Art Excursion
Thursday 22 June
- Year 10 Art Excursion
- VCE Art & VCD SAT Folio Support (3.20pm to 4.45pm)
Friday 23 June
- Learning Showcase Assembly
- Last Day of Term Two
Prayer
Lord, make us bearers of hope,
So that where there is darkness,
Your light may shine,
And where there is discouragement,
Confidence in the future may be reborn.
Lord, make us instruments of your justice,
So that where there is exclusion, fraternity may flourish,
And where there is greed, a spirit of sharing may grow.
Lord, make us builders of your Kingdom,
Together with migrants and refugees,
And with all who dwell on the peripheries.
Lord, make us builders of your Kingdom,
Together with migrants and refugees and with all who dwell on the peripheries.
Lord, let us learn how beautiful it is to live together as brothers and sisters. Amen.
Pope Francis, 2022
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
I hope you are managing to stay warm and well as we approach the end of Semester 1. Over the last fortnight, it has been a very busy time for all students.
All levels have had end of term assessments and our Years 9 to 11 have had Semester One examinations. These exams offer a significant learning experience and opportunity for students. All students studying a VCE subject undertook also the GAT yesterday. The end of semester is a time where we ask our students to reflect on the reality that sustained study, effective organisation and a positive mindset helps achieve the best results.
I look forward to sharing with you our special end of term newsletter where we will highlight our Term Two Students of the Term.
Refugee Week 2023: Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 June 'Finding Freedom'
Next week we will celebrate the strength and courage of refugees and highlight a commitment to walking in solidarity with them, by sharing hospitality, dignity and support in a variety of ways.
This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’. The celebration and recognition of Refugee Week highlights the resilience, adaptability and the undying human spirit of refugees who have undergone the treacherous journey towards freedom.
Every day, countless refugees undertake a perilous journey to seek refuge and protection in a country other than their own, finding freedom from war, persecution and inequality. They bring new life to the communities that welcome them. Yet despite many communities standing in solidarity with refugees, upholding the commandment to welcome the stranger and celebrate the innate dignity of all, many refugees continue to be shackled by psychological distress, including depression and anxiety resulting from harrowing experiences.
The journey to freedom from psychological distress is, in essence, a journey towards healing. It involves regaining trust, rediscovering safety and the power to envision a future free from the haunting shadows of the past.
College Music Recital - Thursday 22 June
I am looking forward to joining our students and families for next week’s Music Recital. Research tells us that engaging in the practice of music making is one of the few (only) things that literally activates every single area of the brain. So, coming to band, early on a winter’s morning, or an afterschool rehearsal, or a music lesson is like HIIT (high intensity interval training)… for your brain.
Congratulations to all students and staff who will be involved in performances. Well done and thank you to Jack Stewart our Music and Performing Arts Leaders and all the Music staff who have been working with our students to put the recital together.
Annual Report to the School Community
Our 2022 Annual Report to the School Community has been published. It can be found on our website, www.mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au as well as on the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) State Register, see www.vrqa.vic.gov.au.
The purpose of the annual report is to provide information on the nature and outcomes of each school and to meet legislative and regulatory requirement under the Education and Training Reformdenise Act 2006 (Vic.) and the National Education Agreement 2008.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God
Lila McInerney
Principal
Director: Religious Education and Identity
Reconciliation
Following on from National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week, the College Seeds of Justice Group has organised a raffle to take place for the remainder of Term Two. The money raised through this raffle will be donated in full to the Opening the Doors Foundation. This Foundation was launched in 2001 and has grown out of the community organisation, the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne. They identified that gaps existed in the services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in regard to educational opportunities in Melbourne and across Victoria. Many families wished to access Catholic education and to have more control over their child's educational experience. In 2003 the Foundation expanded to support all non-government schooling for Aboriginal students as well. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has provided over 10,000 grants to 3,000 Aboriginal students.
The first prize includes a 'Silver Bullet Titanium 230 Supernova' hair straightening iron and a Silver Bullet 'Andiamo' Hair dryer among other things. The total value is over $400! We are extremely grateful to Hairhouse Warehouse Highpoint for this very generous donation in support of the Seeds of Justice Group’s charity focus.
Tickets will be sold at $2 each or three tickets for $5. They can be purchased during the week at both lunch time and during Homeroom. The raffle will be drawn on the final day of term at the Learning Showcase. We encourage you to purchase a ticket to support this fundraising initiative and to be in
the draw to win a fabulous prize.
Thank you!
Seeds of Justice Group
Refugee Week
Mercy College will acknowledge Refugee Week which runs from Sunday 18 June to Saturday 24 June. The theme for 2023 Refugee Week is Finding Freedom. Our Seeds of Justice Social Justice group will attend an event at the Mercy Hub run by Young Mercy Links on Wednesday 21 June, where they will participate in a cultural cooking class and story sharing.
Young Mercy Links are also presenting a reflection for Refugee Week at the Mercy Hub online monthly ‘Comfortable Cuppa’ event, on Wednesday 28 June at 10.30am via Zoom (see link below):
htttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81692251296
This is during the school holidays, but we would love it if you could jump online in your own time if you're interested!
Religious Education Curriculum
Do you have a student in Year 9 at Mercy College this year? During our 2024 subject selection process, Year 9 students will have the option of choosing to study our school-based Year 10 Religious Education program or they can choose to accelerate VCE Units 1 & 2 Religion & Society. Accelerating a VCE subject in the Religious Education Learning Area means that students will complete Units 3 & 4 Religion & Society in Year 11 and then have the option to study an accelerated course with Australian Catholic University in Year 12. However, if an accelerated pathway is not for your child, students will choose between a VCE or school-based pathway for Religious Education in Year 11 and 12.
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions on our proposed subject offering in Religious Education, and would encourage you to reach out to Ms Nima Ballenger to discuss: nballenger@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Nima Ballenger
Director: Religious Education and Identity
Deputy Principal
Semester One Summary Reports
Semester One Summary Reports will be available for parents to access via PAM as of Wednesday 21 June. Parents will receive an email notification with details on how to access their daughter’s report.
If there are any difficulties in accessing these reports, please contact the College.
VCE/VCAL Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Monday 17 July – Week 1 of Term 3)
The VCE/VCAL Parent-Teacher-Student (PTS) conferences will take place from 3.40pm – 8.00pm on Thursday 14 July. The interviews will be 8 minutes in duration and will take place in McAuley Hall. There will be a staff break from 5.40pm – 6.20pm.
Further information will been sent to families next week on how to make bookings.
2024 Year 9-12 Subject Selection (Tuesday 25 July – Week 3 of Term 3)
A reminder that in Term 3, the current Year 8-11 students will begin working through the subject selection process in preparation for 2024.
Subject selection is another example of how teachers and families can work in partnership to support the learning needs and future aspirations of all our students. To assist with future planning, there are a number of key assemblies and events scheduled throughout next term. We ask that you please note the following key date.
- Tuesday 25 July: 2024 Years 9-12 Subject Selection Expo
Further information outlining the subject selection process and the details of these events will be made available at the start of Term Three.
In the meantime, students are also encouraged to see their subject teacher or Homeroom teacher with any questions and to begin discussing possible subjects and future pathways for 2024.
Release of the 2023 VCE Examination Timetable
The 2023 VCE examination timetable is now available. It has been developed using 2023 VCE and scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 enrolments and addresses the following key priorities:
- minimise the number of students required to sit more than two examinations on any one day
- minimise the number of clashes where students have two examinations in the same session
- avoid scheduling another examination on the same day as English and English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- accommodate the marking and processing requirements of each of the VCE written examinations, providing enough time for students to receive their final results in December 2023
VCE Mathematics Revision Program
Back by popular demand, MAV's VCE Revision Program is LIVE and open for registrations!
The Mathematical Association of Victoria developed a self-paced, interactive, online VCE Revision Course for students. Our online courses are created by VCAA assessors, and are available for students to access from the day they register, all the way up until their exams finish.
The program received incredibly positive feedback as it was jam-packed with useful information and advice, and accessible all the way until the end of the VCE exams.
See website to register or for more information.
All courses contain:
- Videos from VCAA assessors (several hours of useful content broken up into short videos and organised by topic)
- Notes with fully worked exam questions and tips for exam success (100+ pages of exam revision gold!)
- Practice questions and solutions
- Interactive multiple choice quizzes for instant feedback
- Videos from TI and Casio on effective CAS use in the exam
- Opportunities for live Q&A webinars for students to ask questions directly to the VCAA assessors
Click here to download the information flyer.
Trial Examinations Year 11 and 12
Between Monday 18 September and Thursday 21 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.
Trial examinations are designed to be as much like the real thing as possible serving several purposes, specifically for the student including
- Identify knowledge gaps and consolidate already acquired information
- Develop exemplary responses
- Identify ‘command terms’ – justify, explain, compare….
- Master timing
- Utilise reading time
- Tracking progress
- Access to examiner reports and identification of common errors or misconceptions.
Most importantly, the feedback from trial examinations will highlight the gaps in knowledge and understanding. Learning how to revise and to be better at examinations can only happen when students are engaged with their trial examinations under the same conditions in which they will experience in the VCAA External Written Assessments.
Upcoming VCE Head Start Lectures
Registrations are now open for ATAR Notes’ VCE Head Start Lectures. The lectures are running from Monday 3 July to Friday 7 July. Each session is live-streamed, and completely free to attend.
Find out more by clicking on the link: ATAR Notes Lectures.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Attendance continues to be under the spotlight for students, parents and schools. Professor Glenn Melvin from Deakin University, a specialist in school attendance, states that “parent involvement with school avoids attendance issues” and how allowing students to have hours and days off can add up and cause a significant effect on a student’s education. Professor Melvin also points out it is everyone's job; parent, student and school to work together to assist in attendance.
The image below clearly demonstrates to hours, days accumulate and the impact they have on a student’s education:
The below article from Andrew Fuller highlights that it is a team effort by parents, schools and the student. He goes on to describe how the brain functions in a teenager who is experiencing difficulty in attending school.
He encourages parents to sit with their child and work on their young person’s learning strengths: https://www.mylearningstrengths.com/
Andrew Fuller’s article on reconnecting to school.
Mercy College attendance Policy
Strategies for Parents in coping with attendance and school refusal:
http://www.parentingstrategies.net/
Maria Daniele
Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
The use of SIMON as a Survey Platform
Moving forward, Mercy College will be using SIMON to issue surveys. These surveys allows the College to gather feedback from parents on school-related events and initiatives. It is a valuable tool for an educational institution as it recognises the importance of parental input in shaping College actions and fostering a collaborative environment between parents and the school community.
Parental feedback is crucial as it provides the College with insights into the needs, concerns and perspectives of our community in the educational process. By seeking your input through surveys, we can gain a better understanding of what initiatives are working well and what areas need improvement. This feedback enables Mercy College to make informed decisions and implement changes that align with your expectations and aspirations.
Parental involvement and engagement are vital for student success. When parents are actively involved in their child's education, we know that this has a positive impact on student motivation, achievement and overall wellbeing. Students see that their parents are taking an active interest in College events and this heightens the perceived importance that the school has for them.
By incorporating parental feedback into the decision-making processes, Mercy College can foster a sense of ownership and partnership with parents, ultimately creating a more supportive and collaborative learning environment. It demonstrates that the school values and respects the input of parents, leading to increased parental satisfaction, stronger community ties and improved educational outcomes for students.
Lukasz Rabenda
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Counsellor’s Corner
Term Two is nearly ending and the girls at Mercy have done a great job getting through the first half of the school year and the exams.
The counsellors have some tips for recharging over the school holidays:
- Actually acknowledge the stresses from the term
- Write down your reflections on what you learnt during the term
- Do wellbeing activities such as leisurely exercise, hobbies and socialising or whatever else that energises you
- Change up your routine and try new things
- Get lots of sleep
- Don’t feel guilty for having a break
- Write down how you want to grow in Term Three with hopes, plans and goals
If the school holidays are not an opportunity to recharge and you are feeling anxious in the next few weeks then you can email counselling@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Annalivia (Liv) Carli Hannan
School Counsellor
Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
In the past week, Year 10 and 11 students have worked hard to complete their Semester One exams. Throughout this week, students utilised various studying techniques and took on a collaborative approach to study. We are very proud of all students who undertook exams and additional study throughout the last week at Mercy College.
On Thursday 15 June, VCE students sat the GAT, a test that assesses skills in technology, mathematics, science, arts, humanities, literacy and numeracy. At Mercy College, we acknowledge that students may experience some level of stress or anxiety when faced with tests and assessments. If your child would like some additional help navigating these feelings, please encourage them to reach out to their Homeroom teacher, trusted teacher or year level leader. They are also able to make a referral to counselling themselves by emailing the counselling team at counselling@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
As this term comes to an end, I would like to thank all parents and guardians in supporting their child in another successful term. Please all have a restful and safe holiday break and never hesitate to contact the College throughout this time.
Annie Driver
Senior Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
Science and STEM
In their recent exploration of elements and compounds, Year 8 Science students engaged in an experiment that brought chemistry to life. They collected hydrogen gas and the results were nothing short of exciting! As they carefully conducted the experiment, an exciting "pop" sound filled the air, capturing the attention and awe of all involved. This experiment not only deepened their understanding of chemical reactions but also fostered a sense of curiosity and discovery.
Over the past few weeks, Year 8 students have been actively engaged in a fascinating STEM project. After learning about earthquakes, they have gained valuable knowledge about the causes, effects, and importance of earthquake-resistant structures as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the Earth's dynamic nature. Through the task of constructing earthquake resistant buildings of their own, they have showcased excellent problem-solving skills and teamwork while designing structures that can withstand seismic activity.
Fiachra Barry
Learning Area Leader: Science and STEM
Humanities
Expansion of the Year 7 and 8 Humanities Curriculum
In response to an audit of the Year 7 and 8 History and Geography/Commerce subjects and the upcoming changes to the Victorian curriculum in 2024, I am pleased to announced that civics and citizenship, as well as the study of economics, will now be incorporated into the Year 7 and 8 Humanities curriculum. These changes will also coincide with the introduction of year long humanities subjects rather than running two semester long subjects as is currently the case. These additions to the curriculum offer significant benefits for students and society as a whole.
Firstly, the inclusion of civics and citizenship education in the curriculum equips students with essential knowledge and skills to actively participate in a democratic society. It fosters an understanding of the rights, responsibilities and values that underpin democracy, empowering students to become informed and engaged citizens. By exploring topics such as human rights, government structures and civic participation, students develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and empathy towards others, thus preparing them to contribute positively to their communities.
Additionally, the study of economics provides students with a solid foundation in understanding how economies function and the principles of financial literacy. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, this knowledge is vital for students to navigate economic challenges and make informed decisions as consumers and future employees. Economics education fosters analytical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurship, equipping students with valuable skills that are relevant to a wide range of careers.
A year-long subject incorporating all elements of humanities offers a more comprehensive and interconnected learning experience. It allows for a deeper exploration of the subject matter, fostering a better understanding of the interrelationships between history, geography, civics, economics and more. This holistic approach encourages critical thinking, synthesis of knowledge and a broader perspective on human societies and their complexities.
By introducing civics and citizenship and the study of economics into the Year 7 and 8 humanities curriculum, the Victorian education system ensures that students are well-prepared for their future roles as active and responsible citizens. These subjects encourage critical engagement with social and economic issues, promote civic values, and develop skills that are essential for success in the modern world.
Lukasz Rabenda
Learning Area Leader: Humanities
Arts In Motion After School Dance Program
Students from our local primary schools are enjoying a four week after school Arts in Motion Dance Program on a Wednesday, at Mercy College. They are participating in a number of activities that include staying active and adopting safe dance practices, as well as learning a group dance to present to their parents during their final lesson. Students have also enjoyed making new friends and collaborating with each other to present short entertaining dance sequences throughout their lessons.
Four current Mercy Year 7 students and one Year 10 student have enjoyed assisting me with the classes and encouraging all the participants to have a go and just have fun!
Fiona Laino
Dance Teacher