Mercy News - Friday 18 August
Key Dates
Monday 21 August
- Lights, Camera, ACT! Years 4-6 Drama Program (4.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Mercy/Parade Drama Production Week: Full Dress & Technical Run #1 (4.00pm to 10.30pm)
Tuesday 22 August
- CGSAV Soccer Tournament
- Mercy/Parade Drama Production: Primary School Performance
Wednesday 23 August
- Australian School Library Day
- Year 11 Physics Excursion to Scienceworks
- Mercy/Parade Drama Production Week: Full Dress & Technical Run #2 (4.00pm to 10.30pm)
Friday 25 August
- Mercy/Parade Drama Production (7.30pm)
Saturday 26 August
- Mercy/Parade Drama Production (7.30pm)
Monday 28 August
- Year 9A/B/C Catholic Church Excursion
- Lights, Camera, ACT! Years 4-6 Drama Program Final Week (4.00pm to 5.00pm)
Tuesday 29 August
- Year 9 Outdoor Education Excursion
Wednesday 30 August
- Concert Band Performance at Victorian Schools Music Festival
Thursday 31 August
- SCSA Netball Tournament
Friday 1 September
- Father's Day Breakfast (7.45am to 8.30am)
Prayer
A Prayer for the Feast of the Assumption
Heavenly mother,
filled with God's grace,
pray for us today and all days,
that we may strive to be trusting, patient and faithful,
as you were, so that we may one day join you and all saints in heaven.
In Jesus's name we pray.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary
This week we acknowledged the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and commemorates the belief that when Mary died, rather than going through the natural process of physical decay on earth, both her soul and body were taken to Heaven, to be with her Son, Jesus. The feast day of this holy and momentous event stems from the middle of the 5th Century when the Commemoration of Mary, the Mother of God, was celebrated each year on 15 August in a shrine located near Jerusalem. The Assumption of Mary to Heaven is the sign of all that has been accomplished through the work of Christ. This momentous occasion is a cause for celebration, reflection and deep spiritual connection; in the Assumption of Mary, we witness the resurrection of the body and the new creation, which has been promised to all of us.
National Science Week: 12 August - 20 August
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and it has been wonderful this week to highlight the 2023 school theme: Innovation, Powering Future Industries. The theme incorporates the advancement in technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence (AI).
Matildas Spirit
This week has felt a bit like Matildas Week here and across the nation. It’s been wonderful for us as a school to feel the spirit that we have seen permiate throughout Australia. Often our students share that they have hopes and dreams to represent their country in whatever sport they are passionate about. I know that watching the rise of the Matildas and the place which they now have in Australia's sporting history and in the hearts of so many of us has had a significant impact on their levels of inspiration and motivation and a real belief that they can now be what they can see.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 28 August – Friday 15 September 2023
Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.
A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.
MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools.
In 2023, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via the secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.
The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data.
Please note we have updated our privacy policy to ensure our school community is fully informed and protected.
Families will receive a link and password via email at the start of the survey period. All participation is invited, welcomed and 100 per cent voluntary. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during or after completion of the survey.
We hope you take the time to complete the survey so we can continually improve our school.
Mercy College Winter Sleepout
Tonight I thank a number of our students and staff who will be involved in our Mercy College St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout which promotes, leadership, empathy, compassion and advocacy. This group will come together in solidarity and give up one night in a warm, comfortable bed to help raise funds and awareness about homelessness and disadvantage.
If you would like to donate to show your support to our students and staff and to those who are homeless in our community please follow this link: https://my.fundraiseforvinniesvic.org.au/school-sleepouts/mercy-college-winter-sleepout
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God
Lila McInerney
Principal
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Character Strengths
Students, staff, and families at home have been using the VIA Character Strengths surveys to determine their top three signature strengths. Some of the strengths that were identified for you might be surprising or they might sit okay with you. You might also notice that when you did the survey a few years ago, you got very different responses. This might also surprise you. When reflecting on our signature strengths, it’s important to note that our character strengths are not who we are but what we do. They are more about how we use our strengths rather than the fabric of our inner ‘character’. For example, I often hear young people saying things like, “I have ‘humour’ as one of my signature strengths but I’m not funny!”. Maybe they are funny, maybe they’re not - regardless, that’s not the point. The point is: do you use humour in your everyday life? Maybe you use laughter as a way to overcome the things that are bothering you. Perhaps you make jokes about situations in order to overcome them. In the same way, young people are already using their strengths to make their lives better which is why it’s important for us to support them in harnessing their signature strengths so they can use these to achieve their goals in all areas of life.
Year 10 Reflection Day
On Friday 11 August, our Year 10’s participated in their Reflection Day which was facilitated by the Melbourne Youth Mission Team. The day was an opportunity 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. You can read more about this day under our Year 10 Learning & Wellbeing Leaders’ report.
Feast Days
Feast of St Mary of the Cross
On Tuesday 8 August, Homerooms participated in a liturgy to celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross (Mary Mackillop). Students learnt about the impact Mary Mackillop has had on Catholic education in Australia. This was also an opportunity to learn about how she loved others and for us to reflect on her as a role model for our community.
Feast of the Assumption
On Tuesday 15 August, Homeroom teachers led students in a Visio Divina (sacred seeing) as a way to reflect and pray about the gift of Mary, and to commemorate this day as the occasion of the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascent into heaven.
Visio Divina
- Look at the image and let your eyes stay with the very first thing that you see. Keep your attention on that one part of the image that first catches your eye. Try to keep your eyes from wandering to other parts of the picture. Breathe deeply and let yourself gaze at that part of the image for a minute or so.
- Now, let your eyes gaze at the whole image. Take your time and look at every part of the photograph. See it all. Reflect on the image for a minute or so.
- Consider the following questions:
- What emotions does this image evoke in you?
- What does the image stir up in you, bring forth in you?
- Does this image lead you into an attitude of prayer? If so, let these prayers take form in you. Write them down if you desire.
4. Now, offer your prayers to God in a final time of silence.
Mercy Day Preparation
Each Thursday in Homerooms, students are busily preparing for our upcoming Mercy Day celebrations. Homerooms are running their own stalls and have started to think about set-up requirements and materials needed to create their activities. Some are running carnival games whilst others are creating food stalls. Some of the stalls include: ring toss, the last song competition, disco in the Performing Arts space and giant twister!
The Student Executive Team has also organised some giant inflatable activities for the whole College to enjoy.
Who will be slimed?! This is the question that all of Mercy College are waiting to find out. Here are the current tallies:
Dr Barry: $49.85
Mr Moss: $19
Ms Ballenger: $6.05
Ms Driver/Ms Ragusa: $3
Ms Toll: 5c
Mr Ambrozy: $2.70
Ms Carnibella: $14
Ms Harvey: $6.35
and….
Mystery Slime Jar!
This week we have the addition of a mystery jar which will be revealed on Mercy day. Who do you think is the person behind this jar?
Nima Ballenger
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Deputy Principal
Learner Expectation Reports
Learner Expectation Reports will be available to all families as of Wednesday 30 August via the Parent Access Module (PAM).
Learner Expectation Reports are designed to provide feedback on a range of areas related to your daughter’s learning, study habits and overall progress. These reports provide feedback on your daughter’s progress and form the basis for discussion at the upcoming Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences to be held on Tuesday 5 September.
Families will receive further correspondence outlining how to access their daughter’s Learner Expectation Report and information regarding the Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences.
In the meantime, we encourage your daughter to continue to apply herself to the best of her ability across all her subjects and look forward to discussing your daughter’s progress with you.
Years 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
The Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Tuesday 5 September.
This is an opportunity for teaching staff at Mercy College to share with families their understanding of the needs of each student, working in partnership with parents, guardians and students to discuss strategies that will enhance the understanding of the course content. Such partnerships are essential to the success of each student and ensure that each girl can achieve their personal best.
We encourage all parents and guardians to make appointments with their daughter’s teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these interviews.
We look forward to meeting with you and your daughter and discussing how to best support and extend her to achieve her goals and ‘flourish’ in the learning environment.
Families will receive further correspondence outlining how to access and make bookings.
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.
All VCE Unit 3 and 4 students have received a copy of the examination timetable for this period.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Starting the week of 28August, Mercy College will conduct the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools - School Improvement Survey (MACSSIS). This is a crucial instrument in driving positive transformation within the College. By seeking feedback from parents, staff, and students, MACSSIS plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall college experience and fostering continuous improvement.
The inclusion of parents, staff, and students in the survey process ensures a holistic perspective. Each of these stakeholders offers unique insights that collectively contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the College's strengths and areas for development. Parents provide valuable perspectives on communication, community engagement and the home-school relationship. Staff members, including teachers and administrative personnel, offer insights into the working environment, professional development needs, and institutional processes. Students, the primary beneficiaries, shed light on teaching quality, curriculum relevance, support services and school life.
The data collected from MACSSIS surveys serves as a roadmap for strategic decision-making. By pinpointing specific aspects that require improvement or modification, schools can allocate resources more effectively, resulting in tangible enhancements. Whether it's refining curriculum, upgrading facilities, enhancing student support services, or bolstering teacher training, the survey data offers a clear direction for action. Furthermore, the annual nature of MACSSIS surveys enables schools to track progress over time. By comparing results from different survey cycles, institutions can measure the impact of their improvement initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
Please let your voice be heard via the MACSSIS survey. Together, we can collaborate towards a brighter and better future for all.
Lukasz Rabenda
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
Year 10 Reflection Day Friday 11 August
Youth Mission Team (YMT) has been ministering to students in Victoria since 1998. YMT Melbourne provides young people with a dynamic and relevant encounter with the Gospel, empowering them to make positive life choices. Mercy College had the pleasure of the YMT coming out to be part of the Year 10 Reflection Day.
A student perspective:
On Friday, the Year 10s had our Reflection Day. The theme was about our self image. We had people from the Youth Mission Team come in and speak to us about having a positive self image, being able to respect other people and remembering the importance of Jesus in our lives. They had us play different games and even presented us with little drama skits that some of us were allowed to participate in, these really made everyone laugh! We had the chance to listen to a few of their personal stories and relate to the many experiences they've had, helping us realise we are not alone and we are good enough. We broke into smaller groups throughout the day and we were able to connect with people in our year level we don't normally get to talk to, as well learn new things about each other. We capped the day off with a prayer and some reflection time to truly deepen our connection with God. The entire year level had a wonderful day, reflecting on both ourselves and the people around us and the friendships we've made.
Elise Mota (SHR2) Year 10 Student Voice Representative
What’s happening at Year 10?
Preparation for 2024
After having the opportunity to ask questions and to be provided with future course information in their successful one-on-one meetings with the career counsellors, the Year 10 students have now put in their preferences for their senior studies pathways in 2024.
Planning for Mercy Day
The Year 10 students and their Senior Homeroom groups have been very busy planning and preparing for their stalls for the Mercy Day celebrations on Thursday 14 September.
Parade College Trivia Afternoon
Yesterday 30 Year 10 students travelled to Parade for a trivia afternoon - there will be more about this in the next newsletter.
Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI)
As part of the school’s career program the Year 10 students participate in the RIJI program run by the local Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN). In their Next Step classes in preparation for the RIJI day on Tuesday 10 October, the Year 10 students were required to submit their Cover Letter, Resume and Job Advertisement by Friday 11 August. This will give the volunteer employers time to prepare for the RIJI event, where they give feedback to the students on their interview skills and resume. This is a valuable opportunity for the Year 10 students to prepare for their future careers.
Thank you and reminders
Thank you for your support in encouraging the Year 10 students to wear the full and correct school uniform each day, whether that be their winter uniform or on sports days, their correct sports PE uniform. If students are out of uniform for any reason a parental/guardian note is required and the Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader will issue a uniform pass for the day.
A reminder to contact the College via PAM or phone to inform us of any student absences.
Your support in both these areas is much appreciated.
Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you have any questions/concerns, as we are here for both the students and their families.
Vicki Harvey and Jenni Hickey
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
Performing Arts Concert
The Performing Arts Concert is a celebration of all things performing at Mercy College, Coburg.
Held on Thursday 7 September 2023, commencing at 6.30pm at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, this concert is an opportunity for students to realise the Mercy value of Excellence in their various curricular and co-curricular exploits. Exhibited items will encompass both the classroom learning of students as well as the co-curricular life of the Performing Arts.
The Performing Arts Concert is crewed by students, with the support of experienced staff. For many young performers, this concert will be the first time that they have appeared on stage in front of an audience. Students will be performing their dances, musical and dramatic performances that they have learnt over the past semester within the Dance, Music and Drama curriculums respectively.
Tickets will be available for families to purchase next week. Keep an eye out on Fabebook, Instagram and PAM for the link.
Ticket Prices
Adult: $25
Concession/Student: $15
Family (2 Adults + 2 Students): $75
Madeline Carnibella
Learning Area Leader: Arts and Technology
Mr Jack Stewart
Music and Performing Arts Leader
Sport
On Wednesday 2 August, our students competed in the CGSAV volleyball tournament. Our 5 Mercy College teams showed great teamwork and encouragement during their matches. It was an absolute blast with all of the Mercy teams bringing their A-game with epic spikes, incredible saves and intense rallies. Congratulations to the senior B team and inters A team for making it into grand finals in both nail biting games. We are so proud of each student for representing the College and giving it their all, even if it was their first time. It was wonderful to see all the girls come together and participate in the tournament. We look forward to more sports this term
Tanisha Wickramasinghe
Sports Captain, 2023
Alumni News
Jennifer (Jenny) McMahon - 14/03/1956 to 05/06/2023
The Mercy College Community were saddened to hear of the passing of alumna, Jenny McMahon.
Jenny attended Mercy College from 1968 to 1972, before transferring to Geoghehan College. She absolutely loved her school years at Mercy College. She was a fine athlete, particularly in netball and basketball, and captained one of the schools sports teams. We were thrilled to welcome Jenny back and hear her speak at the 50th Anniversary in 2015.
In 2019, Jenny was diagnosed with an aggressive Triple Negative breast cancer. Multiple surgeries, protracted chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment followed. She retired from the University of Adelaide in April 2022 and was immediately appointed Emerita Professor of Philosophy. Jenny faced mounting health challenges and after a courageous struggle with an incurable metastatic cancer, she passed away peacefully on 5 June 2023 in Adelaide, aged 67 years.
To read Jenny's full obituary, please click on the link below.
Jennifer McMahon Obituary