Mercy News - Friday 21 July 2023
-
Key Dates
-
Prayer
-
Message From Our Principal
-
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
-
Deputy Principal
-
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
-
Counsellor’s Corner
-
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
-
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
-
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
-
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
-
Science and STEM
-
English
-
Humanities
-
Music and Performing Arts
-
Languages - Italian
-
Languages - Indonesian
-
Homework Club
-
Careers @ Mercy
-
Community Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 25 July
- 2024 Learning Pathways Expo & Information Sessions
Thursday 27 - Monday 31 July
- Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews
Wednesday 2 August
- SCSA Volleyball Tournament
Thursday 3 August
- Feast of St Dominic
Prayer
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.” // John 10:27
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
As we complete the second week of Term 3, let us use the weekend to refresh and take care of our body and minds. We pray that everyone stays safe and takes healthy breaks from their studying. Thank you for listening to our prayers and for keeping us safe thus far this term. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Catherine McAuley, pray for us.
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
I would like to take this opportunity as we begin the second half of the year to welcome everyone back to this new term. In particular, we welcome those students, their parents and staff members who are joining our community for the first time. We hope your time with us is a happy and rewarding experience.
At present, I am having some Principal Enrichment Leave so am away from the College. Last Sunday I was fortunate to attend 12.30pm mass inside St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome. It was a truly amazing yet strange experience.
For those who are a part of the Catholic Church, St Peter’s is probably considered one of the most sacred spaces on earth. However, on entry, the basilica is filled with tourists. There are photos being taken, people moving around, talking as they go - all this, while mass is about to begin.
Unfortunately, my grasp of the Italian language is not strong but the universal church allowed me to know what was happening and follow along.
At the conclusion of the mass, I joined with thousands of others and stood in St Peter’s Square. It was midday and we were about to be led in prayer - the Angelus - by Pope Francis.
The Pope greeted all who were gathered from his window high above the square and led us in prayer. He then gave a reflection that I read in English on my return to my hotel. It seemed to say so much - particularly for us at Mercy College, Coburg.
Pope Francis turned to the day’s Gospel passage containing the parable of the sower. In commenting on the parable, Pope Francis focused on the freedom of the person to accept the Word that is seed and that the “heart of each person can be fruitful.” Isn’t this what we strive for at Mercy when we aim for the full flourishing of all in our community?
As part of his reflection, Pope Francis offered an invitation to young people, inviting them to sow the Word. He said, “It is a small seed that you cannot see but with which you entrust everything to Jesus so He can make it ripen.”
I often reflect on the reality of Catholic Secondary schools like ours here at Mercy College, Coburg. We sow seeds. However, we never really fully see the fruits of our labour for our students. Like the Pope, ours too is an invitation to those entrusted to our care. We will do our best to nourish each individual and will continue to pray that God will help them grow into the fullest individuals they can be.
Looking forward to seeing you all and sharing experiences on my return to Mercy on Monday 31 July.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Principal
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
I’d like to wish all of our students and families a very warm welcome back to Semester 2! The first two weeks in my role as Director of Student Wellbeing and Faith at Mercy College have been energising and rewarding. I am loving being with the students in the Clairvaux building alongside our Learning and Wellbeing Leaders, which allows us to perceive the needs of the students with accuracy and care. While I have been a faith leader at the College since joining the community last year, it has been wonderful to have the opportunity to lead the two spheres of Faith and Student Wellbeing, especially as these two areas of College life go hand in hand. While all educators are focused on the wellbeing of their students, those in Catholic schools have a particular orientation to wellbeing. Illuminated by faith and the words of Jesus who said, ‘I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10), Catholic educators nurture young people’s spiritual and religious dimensions to enable them to truly understand what it means to be alive and well as a human person. This is our vision as a Wellbeing Team at Mercy College; we hope to nurture the positive development of mind, body and spirit so that each young person can flourish and live life to the full.
Goal-setting: Week 1 of Term 3 focused on goal-setting. In Homerooms, each student developed either an academic or a social SMART goal to work towards this term. These goals are currently being finalised by Homeroom teachers and uploaded on each student’s SIMON profile for monitoring. I encourage families to ask the students about what goal they have set and discuss these with their Homeroom teachers.
Subject Selection Assemblies: Week 2 of Term 3 has focused on the subject selection process for 2023. Mr Ambrozy has been leading subject selection assemblies for relevant year levels so that they are well informed of their options for next year.
Tuesday Assembly: Each Tuesday in Week B, Mercy College has an assembly period where we host either whole school or year level assemblies. This fortnight, each year level participated in a range of different rewarding workshops.
Year 7 - Toolbox Session on Emotional Regulation
Year 8 - Toolbox Session on ‘Thinking Traps’
Year 9 - Anti-bullying workshop
Year 10 - Subject Selection Assembly
Year 11 & 12 - Anti-bullying workshop
Please see our newsletter entries from each Learning and Wellbeing Year Level Leader for more details on these experiences.
Attendance: Every Day Counts! It is so important that we see our students' wonderful faces at school every single day. If they are absent for a reason, please make sure you log the absence on PAM or call the school before 8.45am that day. Students are encouraged to check Google Classroom for work posted so that they don't fall behind or email their teachers for the work. If they need help catching up, don't hesitate to get in touch with the class teacher, Homeroom teacher, or Learning and Wellbeing Leader for support.
Uniform: It's great to see our students wearing their Winter Uniform with pride! Please check page 12 of the Student Planner for uniform reminders. Homeroom teachers will be checking that students are wearing the Winter Uniform correctly and remember that we avoid wearing excess jewellery, false lashes or nails to school. Students are also reminded that they must wear all items of the winter uniform including a white button-up shirt under the College jumper.
School Hours: Please keep these hours in mind when students are entering/exiting the College.
Office Hours:
8.00am – 4.30pm (Monday to Thursday)
8.00am – 4.00pm (Friday)
Information Centre (during school term):
8.15am – 5.00pm (Monday to Thursday)
8.15am – 4.00pm (Friday)
Seeds Of Justice - Donations to Vinnies
Our Mercy College Community has once again shown great generosity in responding to a call from our local St Vincent de Paul Society Conference for donations of food goods to assist people in need. Here is a message of thanks from Vinnies:
The VINNIES organisation and Mercy College Coburg have a long association of providing a positive response to community assistance action.Currently there is an unprecedented need due to the culmination of various factors i.e.population increase, the rising cost of living and a shortage of goods including food. This has created the need to reach out to other sources for help.
The wider community, including church parishes and schools like Mercy College, have responded generously on every occasion and supported the valuable work of VINNIES.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone at Mercy College for their positive response to our call for help. Our Forthcoming annual Winter and Christmas appeal will provide other occasions to put into practice our Christian ethos of charitable response.
In anticipation, I thank you all and ask for your continued participation.
Frank Falvo
VINNIES
Mercy Links Refugee Excursion - Seeds of Justice
On Wednesday 21 June, many of the dedicated members of the Seeds of Justice team, along with students from multiple other Mercy schools, attended an excursion at the Mercy Hub located on Nicholson Street. This was held in recognition of Refugee Week.
Accompanied by Ms Hickey, we undertook a workshop in which we baked traditional Afghani coconut cookies called “Kulcha”. They were absolutely delicious! This workshop was organised by the members of Mercy Links. We were fortunate to have been guided by Maria, a refugee herself. We felt very privileged to meet her and to listen to her tell us of her life experiences. We even enjoyed a meal prepared by Maria called “Kabuli pulao”.
This experience allowed us to exchange our own cultural experiences with one another and to develop a deeper understanding of some of the experiences of refugees, while also connecting with students from other schools. Overall, this enriching experience was very enjoyable and fun. We are thankful to both Maria and Mercy Links.
Sarah Kouroglou and Clare Matthews, Year 9A
Seeds of Justice
Seeds of Justice Cupcake Sale - Opening The Doors Foundation
Tuesday 18 July was the date set for the Seeds of Justice Cupcake Sale. This was to raise money for the Opening the Doors Foundation, an Aboriginal-led community organisation which aims to achieve a culturally appropriate academic experience for Indigenous youth. We chose this charity because Naidoc Week took place during the school holidays and it was our way of acknowledging this important event.
We expressed our support for this cause through a Cupcake Sale, where students were able to purchase a cupcake for $2 and ice it in either the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag colours. The cupcakes were made by the Seeds of Justice members and we are tremendously grateful for their efforts in baking and selling these delicious cupcakes and to Mrs Eid for making a huge amount of red, yellow, black, green and blue icing.
The money raised was tallied and totalled approximately $300! This means that roughly 150 cupcakes were sold!
By raising funds for the Opening the Doors foundation, we as a Mercy community contribute to helping meet the costs of necessary schooling equipment, ultimately supporting the Indigenous youth of Victoria in their education.
Once again, thank you to all those who contributed to making this event a success.
Sasadi Jayalath
Social Justice Captain
Nima Ballenger
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Deputy Principal
2024 Year 9-12 Subject Selection (Tuesday 25 July – Week 3 of Term 3)
A reminder that in Term 3, students in Years 8-11 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 the term. We ask that you please note the following key dates.
- Subject Selection Assemblies
- 2024 Year 11 & 12 Subject Selection Assembly - Tuesday 18 July
- 2024 Year 10 Subject Selection Assembly - Wednesday 19 July
- 2024 Year 9 Subject Selection Assembly - Friday 21 July
- 2024 Years 9-12 Subject Selection Expo, Tuesday 25 July
- 2024 Year 9&10 Parent Information Presentation, 6.00pm
- 2024 Year 11&12 Parent Information Presentation, 7.00pm
- Students will receive an email with their web-preference login and password details following the Subject Selection Expo.
- Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews - Thursday 27 to Monday 31 July
- Applications for subject acceleration in VCE Units 1&2 and VCE Unit 3&4 subjects - due Friday 28 July
- Final date for all year levels to submit their web-preferences 2024 subjects - Friday 4 August
Further information outlining the subject selection process and the details of these events will be made available next week.
In the meantime, students may wish to access the current 2023 Subject Handbooks available on SIMON and the College website. Students are also encouraged to see their subject teacher or Homeroom Teachers with any questions and to begin discussing possible subjects and future pathways for 2024.
2023 NAPLAN Results
The NAPLAN results for Year 7 and Year 9 have been received by the College and the Individual student report will be mailed to parents in the coming days.
The College does not keep a copy of the NAPLAN on file so please make sure that this is kept in a safe place. Misplaced copies are issued from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) directly.
A copy of the Frequently asked questions – Individual student reports pamphlet will also been included with the NAPLAN results and is available via the VCAA website.
https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/f-10assessment/naplan/Pages/parents/index.aspx
The Frequently asked questions – Individual student reports pamphlet is also available in other languages from the VCAA website.
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:
|
Download the flyer here to for students and parents.
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.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
The Crucial Role of Sleep in Student Wellbeing and Academic Performance
Sleep plays a vital role in the overall well-being and cognitive functioning of individuals, especially students. As the demands of academic life continue to increase, it becomes imperative to emphasise the importance of sleep in ensuring optimal academic performance and overall health. This article aims to shed light on the significance of sleep for students and the consequences of sleep deprivation on their cognitive abilities and mental health.
Importance of Sleep for Students
Adequate sleep is essential for students as it supports various cognitive functions, including memory consolidation, attention, creativity, and problem solving skills. During sleep, the brain engages in crucial processes like information processing, memory consolidation and neural repair, all of which are vital for effective learning and academic performance. Research studies have consistently shown a strong correlation between sleep quality and academic achievements.
Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation negatively impacts students' cognitive abilities, leading to reduced attention span, impaired memory and decreased executive functioning. It also compromises decision making skills, creativity and problem solving capabilities, all of which are crucial for academic success. Additionally, sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on mental health, contributing to increased stress levels, anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation among students.
Recommendations and Solutions
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children's sleep habits and ensuring they get sufficient rest. Here are some practical steps parents and students can take to promote healthy sleep:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Create a calming routine before bed, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, to signal to the body that it's time to wind down.
- Set a regular sleep schedule: Help children maintain a consistent sleep schedule by establishing specific bedtime and wake-up times, even on weekends.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Remove electronic devices from the bedroom to minimise distractions and the impact of blue light on sleep quality.
- Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise during the day promotes better sleep at night. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities and limit sedentary behaviours close to bedtime.
- Limit caffeine and sugar intake: Avoid giving/taking caffeinated beverages or sugary snacks close to bedtime, as these can disrupt sleep patterns.
By implementing these strategies, parents can create a supportive sleep environment and instill healthy sleep habits in their children, ultimately promoting their well-being, cognitive function, and academic success.
Undoubtedly, sleep is a fundamental pillar of student wellbeing and academic success. Adequate sleep supports cognitive functioning, enhances memory consolidation and improves overall mental health. By recognising the critical role of sleep and implementing strategies to prioritise it, educational institutions can ensure that students are equipped with the necessary resources to thrive academically while maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing.
For more information, see: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/teenagers-and-sleep
Lukasz Rabenda
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Counsellor’s Corner
Cold mornings and sunny afternoons! Welcome back to Term 3 at Mercy and we hope you had a restful break.
This term we are seeing many students being proactive with their mental health, reaching out for counselling and focusing on self care.
We are talking a lot about validating emotions. This means acknowledging a person’s inner emotions and perspective and communicating an acceptance of that. However, it does not mean you have to agree with the other person or justify their actions.
The first step is to notice - “I noticed *this* happened at school today”.
The second act is to acknowledge - “how are you feeling about it?”.
The last act is to validate the emotions they tell you - “that must be really hard”.
If we can imagine starting even the toughest conversations with this format, it can break down walls, make the person feel heard and make opening up so much easier.
If you would like to speak to a counsellor please email counselling@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Annalivia (Liv) Carli Hannan
School Counsellor
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
I am very much looking forward to walking with and leading our Year 7 students in my role as Year 7 Wellbeing and Learning Leader as they continue their Year 7 journey at Mercy in Semester 2.
Our goal as a Year 7 cohort this term is “Kindness”.
Students in Year 7 will be involved in filling in kindness tokens and nominating who has shown an act of kindness in our school community throughout the term.
The initiative is to allow students to stop and think about how much an act of kindness can assist in helping people through their day if they are feeling stressed, anxious or sad and hopefully prompt the same acts of kindness from our Year 7 students. Students will be designing posters with images and catch phrases on kindness.
In the assembly period this week students were able to listen to external presenters Tool Box Education on the topic of Emotional Regulation. This is the first of a two session presentation with the second one being in October.
As students in Year 7 enter into the “teenage” phase, parents will notice they are starting to develop their own ideas and be hormonal through physical change which can all impact on how they express themselves emotionally. Here is a synopsis of what the presenters will be working with the students on:
Year 7 - Emotion Regulation
Teenagers often find it hard to regulate their emotions. A minor disagreement can lead to an outburst or a meltdown - or complete withdrawal. This can result in frustration and anger in the classroom.
When we’re constantly being shaken up by events and thoughts throughout the day, it's no wonder that a little moment can bring about an explosion in emotion. Without the appropriate tools to release emotion in a healthy way, relationships can be fractured.
This workshop teaches students how to identify the build-up of emotions inside of them, what their triggers are and how to self-soothe.
Key Skills
- Recognizing the signs of emotional distress
- Accepting emotions as they are
- Expressing emotions in healthy ways
Outcomes
- Greater present moment awareness
- Fewer meltdowns
This semester we are also working towards the Year 7 students becoming more responsible for organising their day and week. This begins on Monday with goal setting Monday and a Year level assembly.
Students write down 2 goals for themself in their planner that focuses on Academics and Wellbeing. They have also written term goals that have been included on their SIMON profile for their teachers to see and assist them with. Students are also given the opportunity on Monday lunchtime to attend Year 7 Homework Club, where I will supervise students wanting to do homework as they have extracurricular activities after school .
We are asking students to also read their SIMON daily messages before they start the day and their classroom notices so they know if there has been a change to their daily routine such as a classroom change etc. We are encouraging students to do this before period 1.
I take this opportunity to thank parents/carers for their support in ensuring the Year 7 students are wearing their winter uniform correctly and helping their child get organised by ensuring they have their bag packed and lunch and snacks ready the night before allowing for a stress free morning.
A reminder for parents/carers to contact me via email on issues concerning their daughter either or both academic and social emotional by email- MDaniele@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Maria Daniele
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Welcome back to the 8/9 cohort!
Year 8
This week, the year 8s set about creating S.M.A.R.T goals for the term ahead.
The importance, benefits, and value of goal setting for students include but is not limited to:
- Clarity and Focus – Helps students clarify what they want to achieve, academically and personally, providing them a clear focus. Students can prioritise tasks, manage their time more effectively and make progress in purposeful manner.
- Motivation and Persistence – When students have specific goals they want to accomplish, they are more likely to stay motivated and persevere through challenges.
- Personal growth and Development – Setting goals encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and strive for personal growth. Working towards their goals, helps students to develop skills such as planning, organisation and time management.
- Sense of Purpose and Self-Confidence – When students set and achieve goals, they experience a sense of purpose. Accomplishing goals boosts self-confidence and self-esteem as students recognise their strengths and capabilities.
- Accountability and Responsibility – Setting goals holds students accountable for their progress and actions. Additionally, it teaches them to take ownership for their learning. Students become more responsible and proactive in taking the necessary steps to achieve their goals.
Encouraging students to set realistic, specific, and measurable goals promotes their growth, self-confidence and academic success.
‘Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible’. - Tony Robbins
Year 9
During Wellbeing, the Year 9s delved into the topic of ‘Stress’. Discussion was lively as we touched on different aspects of stress and what can compound stress. With constant media debate about the effects of social media on mental health, I asked the students to participate in an experiment. For one week, they could hand their phone in to me at the start of each day and have it returned when they went home. Each day they would journal their physical and emotional responses/feelings while not having their phone and having minimal social media activity. Many of the students were not receptive to handing their phone over and felt that they couldn’t cope without it. The responses/reactions of the students prompted me to complete my own research on the effects. Below is part of an article posted on ABC news (2022), which discusses the link between social media and mental health.
The proliferation of social media has coincided with a record increase in diagnosed anxiety and depression among young people over the last decade.
But the link between social media use and adolescent mental health is still not properly understood.
"There is an association with higher rates of low self-esteem, anxiety and depression in people who are excessively using a lot of these [platforms]", says child psychiatrist and researcher Dr Philip Tam.
There are some major drivers, Dr Tam says: social comparison — when you compare yourself with friends or even famous people — and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
He also believes social media is changing the way young people develop their sense of identity.
"Their sense of self, rather than being grounded in their own… internal values, desires and wants, is actually created in a very real way by what the outside world thinks of them," he said.
"If young people are doing this too much, they actually develop a kind of negative sense of self".
Another issue Dr Tam regularly sees among his clients in his clinical work is social media addiction.
"Young people and indeed people of all ages can actually in a material and clinically significant sense become addicted".
Recent research also suggests the way social media is used can determine its mental health impact.
Dr Tam advocates for what he calls a "healthy digital diet", which includes more intentional social media use rather than mindless scrolling and limiting screen time with more offline activities.
"I ask people to reflect on why they're using it, what are the reasons that they're using it", he says.
"And most importantly, balance it with real-world activities, such as actually meeting people face to face, getting out of your bedroom, or at least away from your screen".
Your daughter is encouraged to talk to their Homeroom teacher, Learning and Wellbeing Leader or the school counsellors if they feel anxious and/or stressed to discuss some coping strategies.
Tania Benevento
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
It is with pleasure that we welcome back the Year 10s to Semester 2 and have the privilege of working with the students and their families as the Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders.
In collaboration with the Senior Homeroom teachers, we hope to support both the students and their families in having a successful Semester 2 and making the transition from Year 10 to their chosen pathway of VCE or VCE-VM at the end of the year.
Semester 2 will have the Year 10 students exploring their future career aspirations and making decisions on their possible future pathway as they plan for Year 11 & 12. There will be a number of support structures and strategies available to assist students in their planning journey. Students will explore careers through their Next Step classes as well as participate in the Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI), assemblies and parent/guardian information evenings, University and TAFE Expo Evening as well as the individualised Year 10 Career and Pathway planning interviews are intended to support the students.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Senior Homeroom teacher and/or the Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders, Ms Vicki Harvey or Mrs Jenni Hickey should you have any questions and/or concerns.
Ms Vicki Harvey: vharvey@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au (03) 9319 9239
Mrs Jenni Hickeyt: jhickey@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au (03) 9319 9290
Subject Selection Presentation
On Tuesday 18 July, Mr Ambrozy presented to the Year 10 students outlining that Subject selection which is always a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful subjects and programs offered at each year level and it is an opportunity to have conversations with students about their learning and future aspirations.
This day was a step in the students journey at Mercy College as the Year 10 students not only begin to explore possible subjects for next year, but also begin to consider other subjects and pathway options that they may wish to pursue into the future.
To support students throughout this process, there are key elements that form the subject selection process. This process is outlined below for parents below in more detail.
To assist students in making the most informed decision about their future, our aim is to work in partnership with the student and their families through assemblies to share key information about the subjects offered at each year level and encourage students to ask questions about the many subjects they may be interested in.
Upcoming Events For Year 10s in the next 2 weeks
Tuesday 25 July: Learning Pathways Expo and Parent Information Sessions
This event is an opportunity for students and families to learn more about the subjects offered at Years 11 & 12 and possible pathway options available for our senior students. It is also an opportunity for our senior students to begin to consider post-secondary school and other career options.
The evening will begin with a Parent Information Presentation in the Performing Arts Space which will include a general introduction to Subject Selection. This will take place at: 7.00pm for 2024 Years 11 & 12 Parent/Guardians and students.
Following the presentation, families will be invited to move to the Cafeteria where each learning area will showcase the subjects and pathway options available. Teachers of each subject will also be available for question and answer sessions.
Thursday 27 July - Monday 31 July: Career and Pathway Counselling
Each Year 10 student will have a one-on-one counselling session to discuss their plans and options for 2024. Students will be assigned a 20 min session throughout these 3 days and parents/guardians are most welcome to attend, however, if due to other commitments this is not possible there will be minutes taken and emailed to the families. Please do not hesitate to contact the nominated career counsellor at the meeting should you have any further questions and/or concerns.
Friday 11 August: Year 10 Reflection Day
Hosted by the Melbourne Youth Ministry Team, this is an opportunity for all the Year 10 students to retreat from the usual routine of school and reflect on the theme of ‘Self-Image’ through a powerful combination of contemporary drama, multi-media, games, music, reflection activities and opportunity for personal sharing. Please note; this is a compulsory school activity and all Year 10 students are expected to attend.
We look forward to working closely with the students and their families this Semester.
Vickey Harvey and Jenni Hickey
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
A warm welcome back to Term 3! I hope all of our students and families had a restful break and were able to connect once again before preparing for another term ahead.
As we begin this term, our students undertaking Unit 3/4 subjects are now beginning to look ahead and prepare for exams later in the year. With this in mind, the College recognises that this can be a challenging time for students. Below are some effective techniques/habits to combat workload/motivation:
- Sleep - getting a good amount and quality of sleep will increase concentration and allow your body rest
- Eat - regularly eating a well balanced range of foods gives the body energy to continue working hard throughout the day
- Having breaks - allow yourself a break from your work to reset and relax. This could be a quick walk, some stretches or chatting to a friend.
- Limit distractions - when studying, set yourself up in a space with minimal distractions (e.g. somewhere quiet, no mobile phone). This will ensure you are giving yourself the opportunity to work efficiently.
If your child ever needs to speak to someone and discuss some coping mechanisms or strategies to overcome any stress or anxiety they are feeling, please always encourage them to reach out to their Homeroom teacher, Learning and Wellbeing Leader or the counselling team (email: counselling@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au)
Thank you all for the ongoing support you provide your child in their studies at Mercy College. I am looking forward to another successful term ahead!
Annie Driver
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Science and STEM
Year 10 Science
This year, Year 10 Core Science students have studied elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Chemistry they conducted a Student Designed Investigation where they examined the factors which affect the rate of a chemical reaction. In Biology they looked at the fundamentals of Genetics and Inheritance. In Physics they have studied both Kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion. While exploring the consequences of Newton’s laws they had the opportunity to conduct a number of fun activities such as racing balloon rockets.
Arduino Club
In Semester One, a collection of students started a lunchtime coding club. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. At its core, an Arduino is a microcontroller board, which is essentially an entire computer on a chip. It has a processing core, memory, and input and output controls all in one chip and connects to your laptop where it can be programmed using an IDE (Integrated Design Environment).
This club runs on Fridays at lunchtime in the Science Lab, R3.
Fiachra Barry
Learning Area Leader: Science and STEM
English
Term 3 in English provides an opportunity for students to delve into close textual analysis. Texts are read in class alongside subject teachers and students are encouraged to discuss character transformations, key themes and issues that emerge. Most importantly, students consider how these texts reflect the world around us and the human experience. These text studies will lead to the development of an analytical essay.
At year level, the following texts are being studied:
- Year 7 - The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Year 8 - Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Year 9 - Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
- Year 10 - Night by Elie Wiesel
- Year 11 - Medea by Euripides
- Year 12 - The Crucible by Arthur Miller, and The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham
Year 10 English
In Year 10, students have begun their study of Elie Wiesel’s memoir “Night”, a real-life recount of his experiences as a Jewish inmate during the Holocaust. This builds off the knowledge gained in Year 10 History, where students learnt about World War II and the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. Some students have reflected upon their journey with the text so far:
“It is really interesting to read about the story of someone who has a firsthand experience with the Holocaust and how they remember the events they had endured” - Dewmini S.
“The text has given me an insight into the treatment of Jewish communities during the Holocaust - I had previously heard about the Holocaust, but getting to explore the events and experience in more detail has been eye-opening” - Francesca R.
Tania Ragusa
Learning Area Leader: VCE English
Humanities
VCE Subject Choices
When considering their options for subjects to study at VCE level, students are often faced with a range of choices, each with its own unique benefits. Three particularly valuable subjects to consider are Business Management, Legal Studies and History.
Business Management equips students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts and practices in the business world. It provides practical knowledge in areas such as marketing, finance and human resources, which are applicable to various career paths. Business management teaches critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills that are essential in the corporate world.
Legal Studies offers a solid foundation in the principles and workings of the legal system. This subject develops analytical and research skills, enhancing students' ability to interpret and apply laws. Legal Studies fosters an understanding of justice and equity and students gain insight into how laws influence society. It is an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing careers in law, politics, or public service.
History provides students with a profound understanding of the past and its impact on the present. Studying history cultivates research, analysis and interpretation skills, enabling students to critically evaluate evidence and construct persuasive arguments. History nurtures cultural awareness, empathy, and a broader perspective on global issues. It is a valuable subject for those considering careers in education, research, journalism, or public policy.
Each of these subjects offer unique advantages to students at the VCE level. Whether aspiring to be entrepreneurs, legal professionals or historians, these subjects provide essential knowledge and skills that will serve students well in their future endeavours.
Lukasz Rabenda
Learning Area Leader: Humanities
Music and Performing Arts
Congratulations to students on their amazing efforts last term in music. Students showcased their fantastic talents culminating in the Semester 1 Concert and earlier Year 7 Band night.
We look forward to welcoming back students to ensembles and lessons this term! A reminder that instrumental lessons have commenced this term. New students signing up for lessons will begin their tuition from next week. Students are reminded to check emails, music notice boards and SIMON for communication regarding lesson times and locations.
There are still a limited number of places available for instrumental lessons this semester. Please see attached lesson application form for details.
Jack Stewart
Music and Performing Arts Leader
Languages - Italian
Students in Year 9 Italian have watched the film “La Vita e’ Bella” and are now completing a film study unit of work which highlights the involvement of Italy in WW2 and later on will focus on the repercussions of the war on Italy and its population which led to mass migration to countries such as Australia.
This unit of work will allow many students to trace their family history of migration to Australia and initiate discussions with great grandparents and grandparents regarding their decision to migrate during this time.
Year 9 and 10 Italian students are now undertaking subject selection choices for 2024. Students may be considering undertaking Italian studies into VCE . In-class presentations and discussions regarding the benefits of studying Italian at VCE and the pathways it can open up to you will occur over the coming weeks.
Year 8 students are now also deciding which language they would like to study in Year 9 - Indonesian or Italian. Students will be guided through this decision with their Semester 2 language teacher and have been asked to speak to parents at length regarding their decision.
If you or your child have any questions regarding the studying of Italian at any year level, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Maria Daniele - MDaniele@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Vanessa Folino- VFolino@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Maria Daniele and Vanessa Folino
Italian Teachers
Languages - Indonesian
Indonesian language immersion holiday program at Monash University
Diana Vanicore (MHR2) had the opportunity to participate in this beneficial program over the school holidays. Here is her reflection:
On 29 and 30 of June, during the school holidays, there was an Indonesian program at Monash University. There were many students from around Victoria ranging from Years 9-11 that participated and I was lucky enough to be able to take part too. Throughout these two days, students learned about different types of fruit, vegetables and traditional Indonesian foods. We learnt how to bargain in Indonesian and we got pushed out of our comfort zones by being immersed in the Indonesian language and culture for both days. In this program we also got to cook different types of Traditional Indonesian dishes, we learnt Silat which is an Indonesian martial art and also a traditional dance. Overall, I had lots of fun these two days and I can't wait to go again next year!
Diana Vanicore
Subject selection
Current Year 8 students will soon be selecting either Indonesian or Italian to study in Year 9. This decision must be considered carefully as it is hoped that students will continue to pursue the language of their choice in Year 10 and VCE as well.
Year 9 and 10 Indonesian students are encouraged to consider the many benefits of continuing with their Indonesian studies in 2024 and beyond.
To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world. - Chinese proverb
It is predicted that by 2050, Indonesia will be in the top four economies in the world. Committee for Economic Development Australia
Elizabeth Moore
Indonesian Teacher