Mercy News
Message from our Principal
Dear Mercy Community
World Teachers’ Day
Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and recognise the contribution and work of our 65,000 teachers and leaders in Catholic schools throughout Australia. We especially recognise the work of our teachers here at Mercy College.
This year’s theme, “Bright Future”, calls on us to celebrate what traits teachers bring to their roles and to the lives of their students. The theme allows us to showcase what’s in the heart of our teachers and give thanks for the gifts that ensure a bright future for all students.
Teaching for many is a vocation or calling. Many will tell you that ‘they want to make a difference’ in the lives of young people. Some may also say that the intrinsic rewards of being a teacher are another huge factor. These rewards are usually shaped around those ‘light globe’ moments, when they see that a student has genuinely grasped a concept or has achieved something that they have tried hard to accomplish.
We also recognise this year like last year the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it has brought for students, families and teachers. Our teachers and all staff have had greater demands from the disruption to schooling and working remotely in many instances, sometimes with very little notice to pivot and adapt.
I continue to offer my gratitude and thanks to our teachers for their work, commitment and resilience. They have demonstrated the care and nurture they hold for each and every one of our students, and I know that all members of our community join me in giving thanks for their passion and dedication.
All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day
In the Catholic tradition, November is traditionally a month of remembrance. The month begins with the Solemnity of All Saints on 1 November and the Commemoration of the All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), on 2 November.
All Souls’ Day reminds us that each human being is precious in God’s sight – valued and loved so much. As we remember the people who have died, we are reminded of the gifts their living brought to us. All Souls’ Day is an opportunity to remember that the value of human beings does not end in their death, and that the value of the living cannot be measured by their status, wealth or success, but by their simple humanity.
Our faith assures us that love is eternal, that the bonds of love can never be severed. We continue to be united to our loved ones who have died in faith, prayer and in memory.
VCAA exams
Year 12 students and Year 11 students who have accelerated into a Unit 3 and 4 subjects are currently undergoing VCAA examinations, the final hurdle in their Unit 3 and 4 studies. Despite the turbulent and challenging VCE these girls have experienced, I have witnessed firsthand their confidence and positivity as they sit these final exams. Many of us will remember from our experiences that these major exams can be daunting for students, the culmination of years of study, skills and knowledge. Mercy students have demonstrated great capacity for applying themselves to the curriculum, accessing teacher support and guidance, striving to achieve excellence and growth.
As a community, we are so proud of the way in which they have been flexible and adaptive in the current circumstances, remaining focused on their end goal. We continue to wish them all the best as the exam period continues.
Gratitude
I finish by once again giving thanks for the strength of our Mercy learning community. I am enormously grateful to everyone in our community for showing tremendous strength in spirit throughout these challenging times. Seeing the faces of returning students recently has reminded me of what a strong, and connected community we are.
Although all year levels have returned to a form on onsite learning, there is still an element of disruption as we become accustomed to yet another “new normal”. Thank you to all for your partnership and understanding as we navigate this together. We continue to pray for those in our community who are affected by COVID-19, may all remain safe and well.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Return of Students to Onsite Learning
Prayer
A Prayer for our Year 12 Students
God of Knowledge,
We ask that our Year 12 students feel your presence during the VCE examination period.
We pray that you give them calm nerves and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in your loving care.
Bless them with keen understanding, retentive memories and the ability to grasp questions correctly.
We pray that you will bestow upon them your gifts of wisdom and understanding.
We ask this through Jesus your Son.
Amen.
Mission and Identity
Gospel Reading for Challenging Times
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A wind-storm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” Luke 8:22–25
Reflection
2021 has been a testing time for both students, families and staff of Mercy College. However, as a community of faith, it has also been a time to pray and reflect on what we are grateful for and what strengths we have found during these challenging times. The Gospel reading of Jesus calming the storm reminds us that as we look into the wind and waves, we also look to God to strengthen us and ensure our course.
As a Mercy community we are called to invite Jesus into the discomforts and challenges we encounter along our journey. In this Gospel story, the disciples invite Jesus into their fear, and are filled with wonder and awe at his response and a sense of peace in his presence. We too are invited to experience the blessing that comes when Jesus is part of our challenging journey. As we let go of our distractions and desire to control life’s outcomes, and invite him into our difficulties and pain, we can begin to recognize him more clearly in all those who struggle: among the poor, in our family, in our communities and school.
So often in the midst of our struggles and the storms of our lives we tend to forget that Jesus is with us. As we plan for our future, let us never lose sight of Jesus who gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Like the disciples who called on Jesus in time of fear and stress, we must find the opportunity to call on God to reassure and guide us, to give us eyes to see the wonderful work in one another, and to strengthen us to move forward with confidence, convinced of the role to which we are called as Mercy people.
Farewell Year 12 Students
Last week we said farewell to our Year 12 students as they concluded not only one, but two years of remote learning and COVID guidelines! It is a time mixed with sadness and joy as one chapter finishes and another one begins. Our Graduation Liturgy was a time for us to come together as a school community to pray, to hope and to give thanks for the contribution of our Year 12 students to the life of Mercy College Coburg. It was also a time to acknowledge the love and support given to them by their families, their friends, their teachers and their community.
Arriving at the doors of Mercy College in 2016, the class of 2021 has been faced with an unimaginable year. But like Catherine McAuley and our Mercy tradition they have faced these challenging times with great faith knowing that they are loved by God and, therefore, never alone. As they prepare to leave our community and take their place in the world we ask God’s spirit to guide them and keep them safe. As they head beyond the doors of Mercy may they open new doors to an emerging future filled with faith, hope and love.
Year 12 Mercy Blessing
Go forth from this place with joy; go forth with hope.
Go forth from this place with remembering hearts, grateful for all that we have shared.
Go forth with arms held wide, open to what God sends to us for merciful embrace.
Go forth with ears attuned to the nuances of conversations in mercy.
Go forth from this place with feet that itch to continue the dance and to walk the roads of mercy.
Go forth from this place with enthusiastic faith in God and in one another until we meet again.
May the God of love bless each one of you as you head beyond the doors of Mercy.
Josie Dilletso
Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching
On Wednesday 27 October our Unit 3/4 students completed their English examination. This begins a period of VCAA examinations that will conclude on November 17.
The VCAA examinations will take place in McAuley Hall. Students will meet in the central area outside the examination room. The seating plan for the students will be placed on the pin boards in VCAA number order – it is very important that the girls note where they are sitting. There will be a card with their name and VCAA number placed at their table. There will also be class lists for each student to sign while waiting to enter the room. This will ensure that we have a clear picture of the girls in attendance and before they enter the examination room.
It is important that the girls arrive half an hour before the exam; are prepared with the required materials and are aware of the VCAA rules. The VCE Navigator will assist with this information. 2021 VCE Exams Navigator. Please pay close attention to the sections relating to Approved materials and equipment for VCE external assessments, VCAA rules, and the 2021 VCE examination timetable. The following link: Guidance for students completing 2021 written examinations will assist with answering any questions in relation to COVID safe practices during the examination period.
Guidance for students completing 2021 examinations
Our students have worked diligently and faced many challenges throughout the year. We wish all the girls the very best in their examinations.
Subject Preferences
Subject preferences have been distributed this week. Booklists for 2022 can also be found on PAM and have been emailed to parents and guardians and students. Please call the College or email ckelly@mercycoburg.catholic.edu if you have any questions.
Teaching Sprints
A component of the Curriculum Review this year was to focus on evidence informed teaching practice. On October 19 the Domain leaders and Learning and Wellbeing Leaders participated in a mini- sprint workshop with Ricky Campbell – Allen from Teaching Sprints. The focus of this workshop was to lead a mini sprint. Staff focused on the tools that allow shifts in teaching practice to improve student outcomes; research tools (team members to access parts of research, then share findings), Learn and Let Go – embracing new evidence informed approaches and evaluating current /existing practices, Boulder Pebble and Sand Focus - teachers narrow their focus for practice improvement, Picture of Practice – how the strategies ‘appear’ in the classroom. The workshop concluded with a plan to implement a teaching sprint in small groups each reflecting one of the tools. Each group was able to focus on an area which matched the needs of their students; feedback, formative assessment, reading and inferential reading skills, questioning, class participation, checking for understanding were some of the sprint ‘starters’ that were presented to the group.
The Teaching Sprints will definitely be a focus on Term 4/Term 1 2022 as teachers explore how the model can be embedded in teaching practice. As discussed recently by a secondary school principal:’ The Teaching Sprints process has become embedded in our school’s practice. Teachers collaborate, using the three phases of a teaching Sprint to research around best practice, implement, review, refine and assess. Improvement in student learning outcomes is evident as a result of the focus on improving and refining teacher pedagogy.’
The teaching staff are looking forward to embedding this model at Mercy College.
Clare Kelly
Interim Business Manager
Uniform
Students must wear full Summer Uniform from Wedneday 3 November 2021. The College Uniform shop will re-open on this day by appointment only which can be made via the College website. If you have any queries regarding uniform sales/exchanges, please contact the Perm-A-Pleat Representative directly on 0401 197 116.
Year 12 Laptop Return
A reminder that Year 12 Students can keep their laptops until their last exam/assessment is completed, however, it can be returned sooner, if it is no longer needed. If there are files on the computer that students wish to retain, please save the files to a USB or a portable hard drive. A reminder that along with the laptop, students must ensure they return the charger and laptop bag, as well. These items need to be handed to Mr Williamson at the ICT Desk in the Library whereupon you will be asked to sign and verify the return of the laptop and accessories. Parents/Guardians will be advised of the process for the return of the laptop and accessories and the penalties which apply, if the laptop is not returned to the College by the last exam/assessment.
Cafeteria
The Cafeteria will re-open on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Sharon O'Neill
College Psychologists
School Refusal
As we talked about in our last newsletter, the return to school and easing of restrictions may result in mixed feelings for many of us, including both feelings of excitement and nervousness.
For some students, learning from home was easier as going to school was difficult and at times overwhelming. For these students, the transition back to school can be even more difficult.
Research suggests school attendance has a profound impact on young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, and can help them develop the social and academic skills necessary to form and maintain healthy relationships and have access to future employment opportunities.
School Refusal refers to a prolonged period of absence from school due to significant difficulty attending, as a means to cope with overwhelming unpleasant feelings and anxiety. Young people who are school refusing typically do not try to hide their absences and often do not display behavioural difficulties and parents may have tried various reasonable efforts to assist their child in attending school.
As the transition back to school may be difficult for some students, it is important to reflect on the various risk factors for and signs of school refusal to help our students cope with the transition and prevent long-term school refusal from arising, as well as the various implications of this.
What are the risk factors for school refusal?
School refusal may be caused by a number of different reasons including:
- Underlying mental health issues or developmental conditions/disabilities
- Stressful life events
- Difficulty coping with a significant change
- Difficult family circumstances
- Academic difficulties
- Social difficulties
What are the signs of school refusal?
Early signs of school refusal include:
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or leaving the car when being dropped off at school
- Sleep disturbances e.g. limited sleep or oversleeping
- Voicing feeling sick before school e.g. complaints of nausea, headache, sore throat
- Tearfulness, separation difficulties and “dawdling” before school
- Complaints about attending school or reluctant to talk about school at all
- Symptoms of panic and significant distress
- Social withdrawal and isolation at home
- Atypical screen time e.g. gaming addiction, excessive use of social media
- Inexplicable school absences, particularly on days of tests/assessments
- Learning/academic difficulties and incomplete tasks
- Decreased class participation
- Frequent requests to use the sick bay, call home or go home early
- Social difficulties
Should you notice any of the above difficulties in your child, it would be helpful to contact your child’s year level leader to discuss your concerns, and a referral to one of the psychologists may be warranted. Supporting school-refusing students or those showing early signs of school refusal requires a systemic approach, and the entire school and wellbeing team are here to support students and families.
Should you have any concerns about your child please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the counselling team or your child’s year level leader.
If you would like to read further on school-refusal, please see the links below:
https://www.schoolavoidance.com/what-is-school-refusal
https://childmind.org/article/when-kids-refuse-to-go-to-school/
https://headspace.org.au/friends-and-family/understanding-school-refusal/
Jo Banks & Rachel Calesina
rcalalesina@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
jbanks@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Indonesian @ Mercy
Student teacher visits ........ via Google Meet!
Mercy College was selected to be involved in the ‘Guru Bantu’ program which enables Australian students to learn from a student teacher in Indonesia, who is training to be a Teacher.
Over the past two weeks, all Indonesian classes had the opportunity to meet Bu Ega, who joined in class via Google Meet. She observed and team-taught, under my guidance.
Not only was this a valuable opportunity for Bu, but of course a unique opportunity for our students as well. This provided students the opportunity to connect with a young native speaker. They were able to practice their language skills. They were also able to deepen their cultural understanding as they asked various questions about the country and people of Indonesia.
Elizabeth Moore
Mercy College Annual Alumni Reunion
On Sunday 17 October we held the Mercy College annual Alumni reunion – virtually!
It was great to connect with past Mercy students who were able to reminisce about their time at the College, connect with one another and learn about what life has had in store post Mercy.
We remembered and prayed for those alumni no longer with us.
Thank you to those who connected with us. We look forward to more alumni opportunites in 2021 - fingers crossed in person, once again.
Careers Information
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Please remember to check your emails and VTAC account on a daily basis to ensure that vital messages from VTAC and/or the institutions you have applied for have not sent you an important message in relation to the course/s you have applied for in 2022. This is the only way they can contact you and you would not like to miss any information or a cut-off date.
VTAC Account details
Students are reminded to ensure that their details in their VTAC Account are correct and that there has not been any changes, as this is the only way VTAC and the institutions can contact you. Please check that none of the following have changed:
- Address
- Email address
- Phone numbers
Year 12 Students Change of Preference (COP) and providing support during the VTAC process of ATAR & Results in December and Offers in January
ATAR and Results: Thursday 16 December
After the Year 12 students receive their ATAR and Study Score results the Career Counsellors will endeavour to contact all of our Year 12 cohort to see if they require any further support to adjust, review or alter their VTAC preferences for study in 2022. The counsellors will make appointments for those students who would like further support in their course and career planning for 2022. Alternatively students are welcome to contact the College if they would like to make an appointment to speak with a Career Counsellor in relation to their results and future choices.
Time and Dates for 2021:
AFTER ATARs are released 16 December - Career Counsellors cannot contact students until after 10am
Availability On Campus
- Thursday 16 December: 10am - 4pm
- Friday 17 December: 9am - 4pm
- Saturday 18 December 9am – 4pm
Availability Off-campus and via Google Meet
- Monday 20 December 9am – 2pm as preferences need to be in by 4pm
Offers: Friday 14 January
Times and dates for 2022
After Offers are released Friday 14 January
Students have from 14 January 2022 when they receive their offer until 20 January 4pm 2022 to change their preference. Should students wish to make an appointment to discuss their offer and/or the offer process.
Availability On campus
- Monday 17 January 2022 9am – 4pm
Availability Off-campus and via Google Meet
Students can request a Google Meet outside this time by emailing: vharvey@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
N.B. It should be noted that each tertiary institution also has Change of Preference (COP) times and availability for discussion after ATARs and Results are released. Students are advised to go to the institution’s website to look at available times and processes.
Scholarship opportunity if you are interested in doing a course in IT at university in 2022?
YOUNG TECHNOLOGISTS SCHOLARSHIP
Go to the Westpac website:
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships are undergraduate scholarships designed specifically for high school graduates who are passionate about technology and eager to explore its potential for good.
They are looking for curious young minds, open to new ideas and untapped opportunities.
Recipients receive $5,000 per year over three years to go towards any costs associated with their studies. Westpac Scholars Trust will help to develop students into a stronger leader, provide internships and introduce students to unique networking opportunities; including a 5 day leadership program in Singapore (pending no travel restrictions).
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE THE SCHOLARSHIP?
There are 35 scholarships up for grabs each year across five universities.
This means each university will award seven scholarships. The universities include; University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT, and Murdoch University.
WHICH COURSES ARE THE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED FOR?
University of Wollongong
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Information Technology,
- Bachelor of Business Information Systems,
- Bachelor of Information Technology (International),
- Bachelor of Computer Science Global (Honours),
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Information Technology,
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Law,
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science,
- Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours),
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics/Telecommunications,
- Bachelor of Data Science and Analytics.
Queensland University of Technology
- Bachelor of Information Technology,
- Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments,
- or a double degree including one of these degrees.
Western Sydney University
- Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (ICT),
- Bachelor of Information Systems,
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Cyber Security and behaviour, Bachelor of Design and Technology,
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Game Design and Simulation),
- Bachelor of Creative Industries,
- Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Creative Industries,
- Bachelor of Data Science,
- Bachelor of Construction Technology.
RMIT University
- Bachelor of Business (Information Systems),
- Bachelor of Computer Science,
- Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering),
- Bachelor of Engineering,
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Graphics Programming),
- Bachelor of Software Engineering,
- Bachelor of Technology (Computing Studies).
Murdoch University
- Bachelor of Science (any major)
- Bachelor of Engineering (any major),
- Bachelor of Creative Media (Games Art and Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Screen Production, Sound).
WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS INVOLVE?
Students will need to apply directly to the university they wish to attend via their website.
While each university application might differ slightly, students will be required to prepare a personal statement selling their eligibility, a resume and a written reference.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS SPEND THE $5,000 PER YEAR ON?
Students are able to spend the $5,000 on anything that is related to their studies or that inspires their thinking. For example, they could buy a new laptop or programming equipment, could attend a conference or event that they are interested in, could travel to meet a mentor or for a work experience opportunity.
WHAT IS THE “DISRUPTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM”?
This is the opportunity to be mentored and supported by such a big organisation - Westpac. Westpac Scholars Trust is assisting students to reach their full potential. Working closely with Westpac, they are going to nurture student leadership potential, introduce students to a strong network of thought leaders and help build opportunities for students. Successful recipients will also be invited to attend a five-day (expenses paid) trip to Singapore for a leadership and networking program (pending no travel restrictions).
WHAT HAVE OTHER PEOPLE DONE WHO’VE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE SCHOLARSHIP?
Working in Westpac GroupTech (think hands on engineering or cyber security), at Google, at Tik Tok – at Disneyland! The opportunities are as diverse as the degrees students can choose. Students could be interested in pursuing a creative technology career (think website design, UX design, video production or media); or a programming career (think game design, website and app development or product development); or a business technology career.
Applicants don’t need to have a future career in mind when they choose to apply. They just need an appetite to work in technology and be excited about its potential impact to change the way that we live and work.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS:
- Interested students can start working on their application.
The Careers Department (Mercy College worked with the Careers Department through the Virtual WOrk Experience Program)
- If you are interested, The Careers Department is holding two information evenings for students (and their parents/guardians) who may like to apply for the scholarship in 2022.
- You can sign up here:
- Tue, 9 November 2021 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEDT
- OR
- Tue, 26 October 2021 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEDT
Applications open for 2022 scholarships: August 2021
Applications close: 2022 application close dates are determined by partnering universities. Visit their individual websites of the relevant institution to find out more.
University shortlisting: November 2021 – January 2022 (dates will vary depending on the university).
Selection Panel: December 2021 – January 2022 (dates will vary depending on the university).
UNIVERSITY UPDATES
Kangan Institute
NEXT STEP is a FREE service by Kangan Institute for individuals looking for advice on career planning, course options and referrals to relevant services. The NEXT STEP team are keen to assist students. If you're aged between 15 and 24 and you need help in finding your feet, one of the NEXT STEP team can help you discover your options.
Contact details:
Phone: 1300 289 290
Email: nextstep@kangan.edu.au
Free TAFE courses for 2022 have been announced! Find out what you can study at Kangan Institute next year for free here: https://promotions.kangan.edu.au/study2021?utm_campaign=KI-2021-Newsletter-SchoolsNewsletter-October&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way of enabling access to education for any individual who is experiencing financial hardship. Kangan Institute scholarships provide an important opportunity for students to be able to enrol and complete courses
As an example, Kangan Institute’s Education Support Scholarships are a non-academic scholarship, which means students don’t need to have good grades, just passion and the want to take the next step in their chosen career path. These scholarships are for students experiencing severe financial difficulties and who would struggle to pay their fees without assistance. These scholarships apply to any course available at Kangan Institute.
Kangan Institute also work closely with a number of local community groups and from time-to-time offer scholarships with an emphasis on cultural diversity or similar.
Kangan Institute Scholarship offering on the link below: https://www.kangan.edu.au/courses/scholarship-and-grant-programs?utm_campaign=KI-2021-Newsletter-SchoolsNewsletter-October&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
Vicky Harvey