Mercy News - Thursday 14 September
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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Mercy Day Celebrations
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2023 Spirit of Mercy Award
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Term 3 Student of the Term
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Student Executive Reflection
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Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
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Deputy Principal
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Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
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Counsellor's Corner
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Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
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Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
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VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Humanities
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Religious Education
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Sport
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Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week
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Trans-seasonal Uniform 2024
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Uniform Shop
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Homework Club
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Careers @ Mercy
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Community Notices
Key Dates
School Holiday Reception Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Monday 18 September
- VCE Units 3/4 Trial Examinations
- English (8.45am to 12.00pm)
- EAL English (8.45am to 12.00pm)
- Music Performance (1.15pm to 2.30pm)
- Health and Human Development (1.15pm to 3.30pm)
Tuesday 19 September
- VCE Units 3/4 Trial Examinations
- General Mathematics (8.45am to 10.30am)
- Visual Communication (11.30am to 1.15pm)
- Legal Studies (11.30am to 1.45pm)
- Business Management (2.45pm to 4.30pm)
- Chemistry (2.45pm to 5.30pm)
Wednesday 20 September
- VCE Units 3/4 Trial Examinations
- Religion and Society (8.45am to 9.00am)
- Religion and Society (8.45am to 9.00am)
Thursday 21 September
- VCE Units 3/4 Trial Examinations
- Art: Making and Exhibiting (8.45am to 10.30am)
- Mathematical Methods (8.45am to 11am)
- Food Studies (12.15pm to 2.00pm)
- Physical Education (12.15pm to 2.30pm)
- Psychology (12.15pm to 3.00pm)
- Feast of St Matthew
Sunday 24 September
- Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
Friday 29 September
- AFL Grand Final Public Holiday (College closed)
Monday 2 October
- Start of Term 4
Prayer
Catherine McAuley’s Childrens Prayer
My God, will belong to you forever. Teach me to trust in you because I know you love me and will always be near me.Help me always to obey you though it’s hard. Take from my heart all fear.
Help me never to be sad, but always joyful, knowing that you are my God and that someday I will be with you in Heaven.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
Mercy Day Celebrations - Thursday 14 September
It was with great excitement that we celebrated Mercy Day today. We were blessed with magnificent weather to celebrate the warmth of the day in many varied ways including for all our outdoor stalls
Mercy Day is celebrated across the world on 24 September but because it falls during our term break schools in Australia celebrate it earlier. It is the anniversary of the opening of the first “House of Mercy” in 1827 in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, saw the great need and devoted her life to the poor, sick and uneducated and today we, as a College, continue her legacy of hospitality and compassion in the name of Mercy.
We gathered at the start of the day as a whole school community with our Social Justice speaker who was Hayley Marriott. Hayley is the Fundraising and Engagement Officer at McAuley for Women and Children. She shared with us her passion about social justice, feminism and raising awareness to support vulnerable and marginalized people. Our Social Justice Representatives organised donations of much needed goods.
We then celebrated our Mercy Eucharist and thank our celebrant Fr Colin Xavier - Parish priest: St Mark’s Fawkner for leading us in prayer today and for his constant support of us as a College.
This was then followed by our carnival, which followed with various booths and activities organised by our homerooms that were a lot of fun and helped raise much needed funds for McAuley fro Women and Children.
Congratulations to Atwar S (Year 12) who received as part of our Mercy Day celebrations the 2023 Spirit of Mercy Award. This is awarded annually to a student in our community who believes in bringing Mercy to life particularly through our values of: Excellence, Hospitality, Justice and Compassion.
To conclude our day, we gathered for our Learning Showcase, which included Term 3 Student of the Term Awards, announcement of our 2024 Student Executive Team and the sliming of some of our wonderful courageous staff.
Student Leadership is highly valued at Mercy and is both an opportunity and a responsibility for all students from Year 7 onwards. Over the previous few weeks, it has been my absolute pleasure together with other staff to be a part of the process of selecting our 2023 Student Executive. I thank and congratulate all those who applied for the positions for their enthusiasm and commitment to our school community. Next term we will formally acknowledge the Student Executive of 2023 and hold a formal induction of our 2024 team.
Amelia Capasso - College Co Captain
Jessica Mirabile - College Co Captain
Seneshka Perera - Mission Captain
Kayla Jordan - Social Justice Captain
Mariam Saleh - Student Voice Captain
Ruby Chahoud - Music Captain
Gracemari Edwards Mensah - Performing Arts Captain
Jessica Anile - Sports Captain
Auyshi Singh - Frayne House Captain
Isabella Rudov - Kane House Captain
Omindi Madduma Gamage - Marian House Captain
Liana Vetere - O’Hea House Captain
Lara Unger - Thecla House Captain
My thanks to all students and staff for their efforts and work not only today but also in the lead up to Mercy day. A lot of fun was had whilst also recognising who we are as a Mercy College and why we exist.
Special recognition and acknowledgement to Nima Ballenger our Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith who led staff and students with all our Mercy activities today.
Staffing Update
Shane Critchley has been a Senior Laboratory technician at Mercy College for the past 36 years - he is one pf our longest serving staff members. Currently Shane is on Long Service Leave and has shared that he has made the difficult decision to resign early next term. We thank Shane for many ways he has contributed to the College’s mission of excellence in education and wish him all the best.
R U OK? Day
Today we also acknowledged R U OK? Day. It was wonderful to see our staff and students asking each other 'R U OK?'.
R U OK? is an important question but there’s more to say after R U OK? Ask, then listen, encourage action and check in. Reach out to your friends and family today (and every day) and have chat.
Term 3 Break
We wish all in the Mercy community who are fortunate to be able to take a break in this holiday period, a restful and rejuvenating time. I am mindful that our students studying Units 3 and 4 know the end of year exams are not too far away and the time away from formal classes will consist of study and trial exams. Thank you to everyone for your contribution to Mercy College this term. I very much look forward to seeing you in term 4 for our final term of the year.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Principal
Mercy Day Celebrations
2023 Spirit of Mercy Award
Congratulations to Atwar Shaima on receiving the 2023 Spirit of Mercy Award.
In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters, Atwar is a model of Christian values in her relationships with fellow students, staff and the community. She makes a positive contribution to the life of the College, inside and outside the classroom. Atwar will always give of her best, beyond that which is required. She works to develop an awareness of social justice issues within the community. Her behaviours embody the very values, which our learning community lives by.
The College community believes in bringing Mercy to life particularly through the values of:
EXCELLENCE
Challenging each person to achieve their best
HOSPITALITY
Welcoming and accepting people into our community
JUSTICE
Understanding our responsibility to work towards a fair and just world
COMPASSION
Supporting, nurturing and helping those around us
The College community strives to live each day by these Mercy Values.
Term 3 Student of the Term
Year 7 - Scarlett Tullberg
Scarlett is a great example of an individual who embodies all of the Mercy school values of excellence, justice, hospitality and compassion. She shows respect towards her peers and teachers in each and every subject. Scarlett has shown her generosity this term in collecting items to help with her Homeroom stall on Mercy Day, bringing in not just one item, but a range of items to contribute, as well as encouraging her peers to help contribute.
Year 8 - Mariam Gorail
Mariam exemplifies the value of excellence through dedication to her studies. She is a role model of organisation, punctuality, effort and applying a ‘can do attitude’ to any situation she comes across. She demonstrates the qualities of servant leadership in her day-to-day interactions. In hospitality and compassion, she helps friends, peers and teachers. She welcomes and includes everyone in her class and throughout the school. She is equally respectful collaborating with her classmates and teachers, as she is interacting with Ms McInerney who had come to observe their class’s learning.
Year 9 - Priyadarshini Ramkumar
Throughout this term, Priyadarshini has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to her studies that served as an inspiration to both peers and educators alike. In addition to her academic achievement, this student actively participated in extracurricular activities. In class, she is mindful of her peers and contributes positively to all class discussions. Priyadarshini’s achievements reflect not only her talent but also their dedication to the holistic development of herself and her peers.
Year 10 - Darcy Murray
Darcy has demonstrated her commitment to the College and our Mercy values. She has demonstrated excellence in her studies through her dedicated approach; justice, as her kindness reflects that she has always understood our responsibility to work for a fairer more equal world; compassion, as she has a kind nature and is always considerate of others within the College, often putting them before herself - nothing is too much to ask of her, whether that be staff or students she always responds with a smile and a willingness to undertake each task; hospitality, as she has warmly welcomed and been inclusive with new students into the Year 10 cohort. She has worked with students of various year levels to support them when working in the production crew of the musical, performing arts or participating in the musical ensembles she is part of. She is a quiet achiever, but a leader in so many ways.
Year 11 - Olivia Torchia
With a kind and gentle nature, Olivia will always be willing and up for a conversation on any topic. She will always say hello and thank you for the lesson you have taught as well as contribute in her class regularly. With her dedication to her studies, Olivia will always ask for further help and assistance where needed. Away from the classroom, you will at times see her on the Green enjoying the sun and having fun with her friends. She is an excellent role model for younger students as well as her peers and we are very lucky to have such a kind person in our College community.
Year 12 - Liana Toscano
Liana will always begin her day with a smile and a warm hello - regardless of the stress of her final exams fast approaching. She has shown true resilience this year in overcoming various challenges. She is committed to continuing to demonstrate her dedication to her studies through always using her study periods to complete work and prepare for any assessments. Liana will always give you a wave in the corridor and will always be open for a chat. She cares about her friends and her peers and will always be an advocate for those who need a voice. We are proud to have Liana as part of our graduating Class of 2023 and cannot wait to see what she achieves in the future.
Student Executive Reflection
As the end of the year rolls around and our Student Executive duties come to an end, we asked all members of our Student Executive team to reflect on the experiences they have had in their roles this year and how these rolls have helped them grow and learn as both a learner, but also as a person. With the new group of Student Exec announced today, here are some of our reflections on the successful year we had.
Lydia - I am so grateful to have been able to represent the student body here at Mercy and to continue on the legacy which so many other women have left behind. My role, alongside Eva as College Co-Captain, has taught me a lot. I have further learnt the importance of friendship, especially when times seem unbearable, the importance of working in a team and communicating to ensure everything runs smoothly, and the importance of being patient - with those around you and with yourself as I find that we are often our biggest critic.
Eva - This year has been challenging yet rewarding. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time being College Co-Captain alongside my fellow Co-captain, Peer and bestfriend Lydia. I have enjoyed speaking at assemblies and getting to see everyones bright faces at Mercy in the audience. Being on the forefront of events like formal, Mercy Day and graduation have been some of my highlights this year as I loved organizing these events and seeing our work paid off with everyone having a good time.
Sasadi - This year as Social Justice Captain has been an incredibly positive experience. I was able to work closely with the Seeds of Justice team to spread awareness on climate change and areas in poverty as well as raise money and donations for organisations such as Caritas Australia, Opening the Doors Foundation and McAuley Service to assist those in need. The efforts we have made have been incredibly rewarding as the organising and planning of such fundraisers have always had a successful outcome.
Bridie - I really enjoyed encouraging younger year levels to participate in anything music or performing arts, whether it be joining the school choir or coming to watch a lunchtime concert in the PAS, just to show their support for their friends. My favourite thing I have done this term would have to be hosting and being a part of the performing arts concert at Darebin Arts Centre. I loved watching all the other students in concert enjoy themselves on stage and loved chatting to friends, family and teachers about how much they enjoyed the show afterwards.
Caterina - I will forever be appreciative of every opportunity that I have been provided with this year, these moments have been cherishable. Being a proud mercy student and upholding the mercy values of justice, excellence, compassion and hospitality will be something that I carry with me forever. I am nervous to see what the future holds, but I am glad that I can look back and reminisce on the knowledge I've been taught, the friendships I have made and the memories I have created.
Stella - This year, as Marian House captain, my role has consisted of engaging in activities that have gotten students to get to know and work amongst one another and create another fantastic year as a Mercy student. From helping to organise both the swimming and athletics carnival, to promoting school activities such as house trivia and the reading competition, the level of student engagement and desire to help houses win brings all the House Captains immense joy and is the reason we all applied for this role.
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Mercy Day
It has been an exciting final fortnight of Term 3 with all students busily preparing for our Mercy Day celebrations! The Student Executive Team have done a fantastic job to sell Mercy Day tickets and to organise large activities for all students to enjoy on the day including: a disco-themed jumping castle, zorb balls, and a photobooth! Our student leaders have been integral to the planning and smooth running of the day, including our Mercy Day Mass celebrated by Fr Colin Xavier.
MERCY DAY OUTLINE | ||||
8.45am-9.00am | Homeroom: Roll marking and Mass expectations | |||
9.00am-9.15am | Transition to McAuley Hall and be seated | |||
9.15am-10.30am | Mercy Day Mass in McAuley Hall celebrated by Fr Colin Xavier | |||
10.30am-11.00am | Social Justice Address: Hayley Marriott from McAuley for Women and Children | |||
11.00am-11.30am | Recess | |||
11.30am-12.00pm | Stall Set-Up | |||
12.00pm-2.00pm: CARNIVAL! | Carnival Games | Large Activities
| Food BBQ Lunch | |
2.00pm-2.15pm | Carnival/Stall clean up | |||
2.20pm-3.10pm | Learning Showcase in Jubilee Garden:
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3.10pm-3.20pm | Pack up and dismissal |
Staff Spirituality Day
While there is a student free day on Friday 15 September, all staff will be attending our Staff Spirituality Day at the Mercy Hub, facilitated by Lisa Moloney from Opening the Doors Foundation. The 2023 Staff Spirituality Day aims to support Mercy College Staff with a greater understanding of why Catholic schools must foster Reconciliation as this work is integral to the Catholic identity of our College. The sessions will focus on: Reconciliation in a Catholic Schools, the FIRE Carriers Program, and Bush Spirituality with a focus on Laudato Si.
Nima Ballenger
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Deputy Principal
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…Including you.”" — Anne Lamott
With this in mind, resting over the holiday break is critically important for students' wellbeing for several reasons:
Mental Health and Stress Reduction: The demands of academic life can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety and burnout. The holiday break offers a precious opportunity to decompress, relax and alleviate the mental strain that accumulates during the school year. This respite can help students restore their emotional equilibrium and mental clarity.
Physical Wellbeing: Continuous study and coursework often leave students with insufficient time for proper self-care, including sleep and exercise. Resting during the holiday break allows students to catch up on lost sleep, engage in physical activities and focus on their overall physical health, contributing to their overall sense of wellbeing.
Creativity and Inspiration: Taking a break from academic responsibilities can provide the mental space needed for creativity and inspiration to flourish. This time away from structured learning can lead students to discover new interests, hobbies, or perspectives, enriching their personal growth and development.
Social Connection: School can be a socially demanding environment and students may feel pressure to maintain social connections throughout the academic year. The holiday break offers a chance to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening these bonds and providing much-needed social support.
Recharge and Rejuvenate: Resting during the holiday break is akin to recharging one's mental and emotional batteries. This period of rest helps students return to school feeling refreshed, motivated and ready to tackle new challenges. It allows them to approach their studies with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
Balancing Academic and Personal Life: Achieving a balance between academic and personal life is essential for overall wellbeing. Resting during the holiday break reinforces the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, teaching students valuable life skills for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Preventing Academic Burnout: Continuous academic pressure without breaks can lead to burnout, which can have long-lasting negative effects on students' mental and physical health. By taking time to rest during the holiday break, students can prevent burnout, ensuring that they are more resilient and motivated when they return to their studies.
Long-term Academic Success: Well-rested students are more likely to perform better academically. The holiday break allows students to recharge and improve their cognitive abilities, concentration, and memory, ultimately enhancing their academic performance in the long run.
VCE Examinations
VCE Exams Navigator should be read by all students presenting for 2023 VCE external assessments. It contains important information about what you need to know for VCE external assessments including written, aural, electronic/digital, oral and performance examinations and the Extended Investigation oral presentation. VCE Exams Navigator 2023
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.
Student Engagement and Wellbeing
By Term 3, Week 9 students are feeling the weight of assessments, exam preparation and pressures of daily life. We are ensuring all students can access the right support through the wellbeing team and counselling team.
As a general reminder the Homeroom Teacher is the first port of call, when families need to contact the College or students need to speak to a teacher, please ensure you contact the Homeroom Teacher as they are the core teacher who sees your child every day.
In addition to supporting conversations Reachout https://au.reachout.com/ has some fabulous resources that can help guide and support those stressors. Particularly focussed on Mental health, problem solving, exam stress, work, and study.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director: Data, Innovation and Growth
Attending VCE Revision Lectures
With only approximately 6 weeks until the VCE English exam, it is a good time to start planning out your preparation strategy. Attending VCE revision lectures may be a total game-changer when it comes to maximising your exam preparation. These lectures have loads of benefits that can seriously level up your exam prep. These lectures give you a structured rundown of all the important stuff you need to know. You've got seasoned teachers and pros in the field delivering the content, so you know you're getting the right information. They'll help you consolidate those tricky concepts, clear up any confusion, and highlight areas that need some extra attention.
But it's not just about the lectures themselves. These revision sessions also bring together a bunch of students who are in the same boat as you. You can bounce ideas around, chat about different strategies and learn from each other's perspectives. It's like a study party, minus the party hats.
Plus, most revision lectures come with study materials. You'll get notes, practice questions and mock exams to help you supercharge your revision. No more scrambling around trying to gather all that stuff yourself – it's all handed to you on a silver platter.
So, seriously, consider attending the VCE revision lectures. They'll help you get organised, understand your subjects inside out and tap into the collective brainpower of your fellow students. It's your secret weapon for smashing those exams and coming out on top.
VCE Lectures are organised by the following providers.
TSFX: https://www.tsfx.edu.au/
ATAR Notes: https://atarnotes.com/lectures/vic
TSSM: https://www.tssm.com.au/
ACED: https://acedvce.com/lectures/
ACCESS EDUCATION: https://www.accesseducation.com.au/Event-Program/120/vce-u34-exam-revision-lectures-2023
Lukasz Rabenda
Director: Data Innovation and Growth
Counsellor's Corner
Well done to students and parents for making it through Term 3. We hope that the holidays give you time to rest and enjoy some well-deserved down time.
For our Year 12s and their families, we wish you all the very best for the trial exams. It can be a stressful time for families having a Year 12 student in the house so it’s really important to keep things as calm as possible. Remember the three pillars for wellbeing - eat well, sleep well and move your body. A balance between study and having some down time over the holidays will also be important so that students come back to school ready to do their best.
Please find below some information regarding the Butterfly Foundations annual body image survey that we hope you and your young people might be able to support.
Body Kind Youth Survey 2023 - Student Voices Can Make a Difference
Butterfly Foundation is inviting all young people aged 12 - 18 to share their views on body image and what needs to change to create a more Body Kind Australia. The annual Body Kind Youth Survey is voluntary, anonymous, online and ethics approved. It takes around 15 minutes to complete and requires parental consent for under 15's. A better understanding of the body image experiences of young Australians will help Butterfly help more young people to be kinder to their body, so please encourage your child to take part. They can enter the draw to win a gift voucher when they participate. To find out more and to access the survey visit:
www.butterfly.org.au/bkyouthsurvey
Annalivia (Liv) Carli Hannan and Janine Crociani
School Counsellors
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader
Well done to all Year 7 students on completing Term 3!
It has been wonderful to see the Year 7 students approach this term with such confidence and growth as they strive to reach the goals they have set for themself.
It has also been great to see connections being made with the students as they continue their Mercy journey. The kindness campaign in Year 7 really highlighted this - with students filling the nomination box with names of peers that they have connected with via kindness.
Over the holidays, it is important that students reflect with parents on the term with questions such as, how did I feel this term went? Why? What could be a focus for Term 4 academically and for my wellbeing? Spending time looking at staff feedback on tasks and reports will assist in students moving forward.
A reminder regarding social media and phone usage - it is important that parents are monitoring their child's phone usage, in particular, social media. The link below is a link that is an important resource in assisting parents in navigating the legalities around phone usage and the importance of supporting the schools policy regarding phones staying in lockers during the day.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Merri-bek, Glenroy and Hume City Coucil are running some holiday programs for students and also some parent workshops - adverts are included in the Community Notices section of this newsletter.
R U OK? Day reminds us of the importance of conversation with our young people who often, whilst navigating through adolescent and growing more independent, are resistant to talk and disclose as much as they previously have to parents. I have included a tool from the R U OK website in regards to checking in and to help promote discussion with your child.
https://www.ruok.org.au/friendbetter
I take this opportunity to wish everyone a restful break and look forward to walking alongside the Year 7 students in Term 4.
Maria Daniele
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
While Term 3 is always such a busy term and this year was certainly no exception. It has been a great term with lots of events and achievements for the Year 10 student cohort and we thank the Year 10 students for their cooperation and positive approach to their work and all the activities they have been involved in.
The end of Term 3 hopefully reflects the end of the cold weather with warmer weather and more daylight hours to come. The seasonal change of winter to spring has long been associated with growth and renewal and we look forward to what Term 4 holds for the Year 10 students.
During the term break, and in preparation for Term 4, it is suggested that students:
- Find the time to review their individual SMART goals to evaluate the progress made and, if needed, students may decide to review their SMART goals for Term 4 to set students up for success in the upcoming term.
- Organise their notes for each subject so they are prepared for their exams towards the end of term.
- Try to complete any homework that has been set so that it is not left to the end of the holidays and rushed to be completed (or forgotten to be done).
- Try on their summer uniform at the start of the holidays, as many may have grown since the end of Term 1. Trying the summer uniform on at the start of the holidays ensures the shorts fit and the length of the summer uniform is correct, allowing time to get the summer uniform sorted before the start of Term 4. (refer to the school diary for uniform details).
But students are also reminded to:
- Relax and recharge
- Take the time out to spend time with family and friends and even go for a walk, as getting out of the house and doing exercise in a safe way once a day is recommended for good health.
- Choose to do some of the things that you enjoy - reading, cooking...
What’s events are happening in and around Mercy College for Year 10s in the future:
- Monday 2 October: Start Term 4
- Monday 9 October: Celebration of Sport Evening
- Tuesday 10 October: Year 10 Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI). This is a compulsory event as part of the Career Program at Mercy College in association with the local Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN).
Wishing all our families a safe and happy holidays,
Vickey Harvey and Jenni Hickey
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
As this term comes to an end, our VCE students are completing their final SACs and preparing for their upcoming exams.
A reminder that trial exams will be running from Monday 18 September - Thursday 21 September in the first week of holidays. Please ensure your child is familiar with the schedule and if there are any concerns that they are directed to both myself and Mr Nicholas Ambrozy.
It is also important for our students completing Unit 3/4 exams to utilise these holidays to create a healthy and manageable study schedule to best prepare them for their exams. Please spend time with your child to discuss some strategies to implement at home that support their studies for their exams.
To celebrate our Year 12s graduating, we have some key dates for you to add into your calendar to show your support of our graduating class of 2022:
Following are some important dates for you to be aware of:
- Graduation Mass & Awards Ceremony: 16 October 7.00pm-9.00pm
- Celebration Breakfast: 17 October 7.30am
- Celebration Dinner 17 October: 7.30pm-11.00pm
- VCE Examinations Commence: 24 October
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Please also ensure we are all relaxing and recharging and spending some time filling our cups!
If there is anything we can do to support your child over these holidays, please never hesitate to contact the College.
Annie Driver
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Humanities
Dear Mercy College Humanities Students,
The Humanities Learning Area wants to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for choosing senior Humanities subjects in the upcoming year, 2024. Your enthusiasm and commitment to these disciplines have not gone unnoticed, and we are thrilled to share the exciting news of unprecedented growth in our Humanities programs.
In particular, we are delighted to report that both Year 11 and Year 12 History and Business Management classes are already reaching full capacity. This remarkable growth is a testament to your collective interest and dedication to these subjects, and it speaks volumes about your passion for understanding the past and shaping the future.
Moreover, the demand for Legal Studies has also surged, leading us to open not just one but two Year 11 classes and one Year 12 class to accommodate all of you who are eager to explore the intricacies of the legal system. This impressive expansion demonstrates your commitment to the pursuit of justice and your desire to engage with the legal world.
Your choice to embrace the Humanities is inspiring and reinforces the vital role these subjects play in developing critical thinking, empathy and a deeper understanding of our world. Your willingness to explore these subjects will undoubtedly enrich not only your academic journey but also your personal growth.
As we look forward to the 2024 academic year, we are excited about the vibrant and dynamic Humanities community that is forming at Mercy College. Your engagement and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to a stimulating and enriching learning environment for everyone.
Once again, thank you for choosing to be a part of this exciting journey. We are eager to support you in your pursuit of knowledge and look forward to a year filled with intellectual exploration, growth, and achievement.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Lukasz Rabenda
Learning Area Leader: Humanities
Religious Education
Year 7 Religious Education Talk Show
Who said learning couldn’t be fun?
The Year 7s have been busy collaborating on talk show scripts in their Religious Education classes. The entertaining role plays have focussed on Passover, The Last Supper, Table Fellowship and the importance of the Eucharist in our lives today. Students in each group assigned themselves a character such as a Jew living in Australia or, a disciple in the time of Jesus. They were able to consolidate their learning from the last few weeks and present their role plays to their peers.
Overall, the students found it a fun way to learn about a topic and develop empathy for people living in the time of Jesus. They were also able to understand the significance of the Eucharist in our lives today and how this Christian sacrament originated.
Fiona Laino
Information Services Leader
Sport
On Thursday, students attended the Netball Tournament and competed against Ave Maria, Killester College and Harkaway Hills College. Everyone played their best and most importantly had fun. I myself enjoyed playing against other schools as I played with my friends and practiced my netball skills. Overall, I had so much fun and the other students can agree.
Alessia Barel, 8C
On Thursday 31 August we had 3 netball teams: Juniors, Inters and Seniors, play a netball tournament at Eagle Stadium in Werribee. We took a 50-minute drive to get there and the juniors played 6 games and we stayed there until 2.30pm. All the girls tried their best and strived for excellence, even if it wasn’t for winning or even if it wasn’t to see who had the best skills, it was to see how we worked as a team and had a good time together.
Sienna Bain, 8C
Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week
It’s a Wrap!
Last week, Mercy College celebrated Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week with the theme, ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’.
Students participated in a variety of competitions and activities throughout the week including Sudoku, Spelling Bee Challenge, Mindful Book Art and the Pie Eating and Recitation Challenge, just to name a few.
The library space was the place to be during recess and lunch, as students immersed themselves in either challenging or relaxing activities on offer, having fun with friends and sharing their successes with them too.
One of the highlights for the week was the author visit for the Year 7s and 8s. Author Nova Weetman, ran workshops for the students to help them improve their writing skills and encourage them to create their own characters. One student remarked that “it was a really fun and interactive experience for us to enjoy and participate in”, while another stated that Nova “…was really nice and an outgoing person and we really enjoyed having her here”.
Overall, students had a wonderful time exploring their creative abilities, but also learning and enjoying themselves in the process.
Trans-seasonal Uniform 2024
In 2024, Mercy College will move to a trans-seasonal uniform, whereby students have greater choice in what wardrobe choice they wear to school each day.
Wardrobe 1
College Dress (knee length), White crew length socks, Plain black leather lace-up shoes, College Blazer.
Optional: College Jumper and College Scarf
Wardrobe 2
College Shorts (knee length), White long-sleeved button-up shirt (tucked in), White crew length socks, Plain black leather lace-up shoes, College Blazer.
Optional: College Jumper, College Scarf, plain black belt
Wardrobe 3
College Tunic or Skirt (knee length), Black stockings, White long-sleeved button-up shirt (tucked in), Plain black leather lace-up shoes, College Blazer.
Optional: College Tie, College Jumper, College Scarf
Wardrobe 4
College Trousers, White long-sleeved button-up shirt (tucked in), Black crew length socks, Plain black leather lace-up shoes, College Blazer, College Jumper
Optional: College Tie, College Scarf, plain black belt
HPE Uniform
College House Polo Shirt, College Track Pants or Shorts, College Hat, White sports socks, Lace up runners
Optional: College Scarf and College Windcheater/Softshell jacket