Mercy News - Wednesday 6 December
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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Term 4: Student of the Term Award Winners
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Night of Excellence Award Winners
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Staff Years of Service
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Reflection by Ms Toll: Atwar's Story
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Counsellor's Corner
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Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
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Arts and Technology
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Year 7 Best Book Ever House Competition
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Careers
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Community Notices
Key Dates
Monday 11 December
- Semester 2 Summary Reports Available to Parents
Wednesday 13 December
- Last Day for Teaching Staff
Wednesday 20 December
- College Office Closes
Monday 25 December
- Christmas Day
Sunday 31 December
- New Year's Eve
Monday 15 January
- College Office Opens
Thursday 1 February
- First Day of Term One
Prayer
God of Hope,
prepare for the coming of Christ.
But all too often we turn this gift into a source of frenzy, stress and anxiety;
a time when we’re apt to prepare for a Christmas celebration looking perfect on the outside, but spiritually exhausting and without true meaning.
Restore in us that inherent quest for quiet expectation and hope.
Show us the way to a more peaceful, prayerful disposition that
makes us more open to a conversion of heart.
And give us the courage to let go of things that are
ultimately unimportant to the true meaning of Christmas.
Help us be good stewards of this Advent season,
so that on the Feast of the Nativity,
we will be ready with our own sacred space for the arrival of
your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we now pray.
Amen
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
It is hard to believe we find ourselves here at the end of another school year. T6day we were able to gather as a whole school community and celebrate, give thanks and enjoy each other’s company in a wide variety of activities.
We began the day recognising the importance of supporting those in need during this time of year where our students began the day with a Christmas craft activity in their Houses. They created Christmas cards and ornaments to gift to their loved ones or donate to our local Catholic aged care communities. We then gathered for our end of year Eucharist. We were fortunate to have Bishop Curtin as our celebrant. He reminded us at the end of the school year, as we give thanks to God, we should recognise ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
We then went to Coburg Lake for lunch where it was wonderful to see students and staff engaging in shared picnics, laughter and conversation.
At the end of the day our Term Four Learning Showcase was an opportunity for us all to enjoy and reflect upon some of the learning and growth our students have demonstrated in 2023. We recognised our Term Four Student of the Term recipients who are recognised later in this newsletter.
Every Advent season at Mercy College, the Mercy Community generously donate for Vinnies Christmas Appeal and the Hope Cafe. I am grateful to students, families and staff for their contribution to those less fortunate and in need this Christmas. Our baskets were filled with Christmas themed food and goods, pantry items and gift vouchers.
Night of Excellence
On Tuesday, at our annual Night of Excellence, we celebrated some of the achievements of our Years 7 to 11 students for the 2023 school year.
Our guest speaker was alumna Dr Mary Grant (nee Pace), Class of 1986. She shared with our community her journey from graduation to where she is now – a lecturer in career development and professional practice in sport at La Trobe University.
We also acknowledged some of our long serving staff members for their commitment and continuous milestone years of service to Mercy College.
Nicole McCallum 20 Years
Kay Toll 24 Years
Maria Carinci 30 Years
Vicki Harvey 40 Years
We congratulate all our students and staff on a successful school year.
Holidays
While time out from the regular school routine during holidays is generally very beneficial, this lack of routine and lack of regular peer social contact can unfortunately cause stress for some students. Holidays can be a time when, due to family circumstances or other events, things are not as easy as we would like them to be. Holidays may also present a challenge for families as to how to manage activities and ensure that children are provided with the right number of activities to keep them engaged, but also provide the right amount of down time; sometimes finding the balance is difficult.
Parents and guardians may find this article useful:
https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/Corporate/Support-your-young-person-during-the-holidays-web.pdf
Farewell and Thank you
I take this opportunity to formally acknowledge the staff who will be leaving us in 2023. Allison Perrin (2008-2023), Anne Girolami (2010-2023), Annie Driver (2021-2023) and Danielle Cassarino (2022-2023).
We also say thank you and farewell to staff who have been with us for some or all of this year, Nada Abba and Natalie Taylor who will conclude their fixed term positions.
I express my thanks to each of these staff members who have offered their time and talents to our school community over long and short periods. We are thankful for having learnt from and with them and wish them all the very best for the future.
Hope
Advent is the season of Hope. It is hope, however faint at times, that keeps us from despair and the darkness and destructiveness. It is a hope that urges us to be kind, loving and compassionate toward one another. It is a hope that encourages our faith in a merciful God who continues to pour His grace upon us.
I hope that God’s love is with all of our Mercy community during the Christmas Season. Best wishes for a safe, restful and relaxing summer break and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024 – where I hope that we will encounter brighter days and the opportunity to Find Light through Mercy.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Term 4: Student of the Term Award Winners
Year 7 - Myar Baki, 7C
Myar always has a smile to greet people. She is enthusiastic, kind and ready to help. She reflected the Mercy values of hospitality when she volunteered to look after students new to the College during the year.
When challenged, Myar shows incredible resilience, never giving up and opening herself to all opportunities, mirroring the Mercy value of excellence. She builds community by being positive and polite to all and it has been wonderful to see Myar flourish throughout 2023.
Year 8 - Sarah Barnes, MHR1
Sarah is polite, attentive and has demonstrated a real commitment to her studies this year. She approaches new learning in an enthusiastic manner and is a model student who wears her uniform with pride and honour.
She is responsible for her learning and is always willing to do her best both academically and in all aspects of College life. She gets along well with her peers and teachers and is respectful and considerate of others in her interactions with them.
Sarah's contributions to group discussions and her classwork demonstrates thoughtfulness in reflecting on her own ideas and learning, as well as openness to other perspectives. Her consistent dedication and positivity helps to create a positive environment in the classroom and around the school.
Year 9 - Alanna Di Stefano, MHR5
Alanna is a vibrant and positive member of her Homeroom whose presence in the class is valued. She is always willing to offer assistance when required and displays a genuine concern for others.
She contributes to the class atmosphere and makes a conscious effort to greet peers and teachers in a pleasant and friendly manner. Alanna embraces the community spirit of the College by being a team player in all that she does, participating in co-curricular activities that we offer.
Alanna is punctual, wears her uniform with pride, and is always organised. During the final exam period, she has shown exceptional focus and a drive to continuously improve in her learning. Her dedication will stand her in good stead both for her future learning as she approaches the senior years of schooling, but in any other endeavour that she turns her mind towards.
Year 10 - Adrienne Madia, SHR3
Adrienne has a kind and caring nature and is always there to support others, whether they be from her closest friendship group or other members of the College. Although she may be a quiet achiever, her encouragement and loyalty to others does not go unrecognised.
She is proud to be a Mercy student and this is reflected in the way she strives to do her best in all areas of her studies as well as wearing the Mercy uniform.
Adrienne has exceptional attendance and will always greet others with a warm and friendly smile. She embodies all the Mercy values, particularly those of hospitality and compassion by welcoming all into our Mercy community with warmth and her willingness to support others.
Year 11 - Marie Lorenti, SHR4
Marie has demonstrated resilience, dedication and passion for learning throughout her VCE studies. Facing various challenges, she has always approached them with an optimistic perspective and has wanted nothing more than to engage in her learning, despite what comes her way.
Marie has been proactive in her learning and preparation for Year 12. She has sought feedback from her teachers, has communicated her aspirations for next year and the years to come and has continued to demonstrate a passion for learning.
Marie demonstrates the values of Mercy College through her hospitality as she is always welcoming to those in conversation and will always greet her teachers and peers. Although a quiet achiever, she is consistently working towards her aspirations and not letting anything get in her way. We are so proud of Marie and cannot wait to see her develop into the strong independent woman she will become in Year 12.
Night of Excellence Award Winners
Holland Spirit Awards
7A Holland Spirit Award | Aranya Ramawickrama |
7B Holland Spirit Award | Olivia Fontana |
7C Holland Spirit Award | Juliar Al Tamo |
MHR1 Holland Spirit Award | Sarah Al Tamo |
MHR2 Holland Spirit Award | Clare Matthews |
MHR3 Holland Spirit Award | Alana Rakoci |
MHR4 Holland Spirit Award | Mariam Gorail |
MHR5 Holland Spirit Award | Eleni Hurmez |
SHR1 Holland Spirit Award | Carla Tomarchio |
SHR2 Holland Spirit Award | Alessia Cipriani |
SHR3 Holland Spirit Award | Stephanie Farah |
SHR4 Holland Spirit Award | Aliana Zamora |
SHR5 Holland Spirit Award | Bianca Buenaventura |
SHR6 Holland Spirit Award | Kyara Delgama |
SHR7 Holland Spirit Award | Mariam Saleh |
SHR8 Holland Spirit Award | Devmi Jayasinghe |
Year 7 Subject Awards
Year 7 Art Award | Qaynath Britto |
Year 7 Dance Award | Olivia Cimarosti |
Year 7 Food Studies Award | Jana Mohamad |
Year 7 Geography and Commerce Award | Harriet Stewart |
Year 7 Italian Award | Alessia Falcone |
Year 7 History Award | Qaynath Britto |
Year 7 Religious Education Award | Annabelle Duncan |
Year 7 English Award | Olivia Cimarosti |
Year 7 Mathematics Award | Annabelle Duncan |
Year 7 Science Award | Annabelle Duncan |
Year 7 STEM Award | Olivia Fontana |
Year 7 Music Award | Annabelle Duncan |
Year 7 Physical Education Award | Mya Micallef |
Year 7 Indonesian Award | Annabelle Duncan |
Year 8 Subject Awards
Year 8 STEM Award | Onali Sirisena |
Year 8 Health Award | Gabriella D'Silva |
Year 8 Indonesian Award | Lily Ampong |
Year 8 Mathematics Award | Onali Sirisena |
Year 8 Visual Communication Design Award | Nadia Karnowski |
Year 8 Drama Award | Onali Sirisena |
Year 8 Religious Education Award | Daphne Altinpinar |
Year 8 Geography and Commerce Award | Gabriella D'Silva |
Year 8 English Award | Daphne Altinpinar |
Year 8 Italian Award | Bridget Mammone |
Year 8 Physical Education Award | Samara Arena |
Year 8 Food Studies Award | Meagan Masciantonio |
Year 8 Music Award | Bridget Mammone |
Year 8 History Award | Daphne Altinpinar |
Year 8 Science Award | Nadia Karnowski |
Year 8 Textiles Award | Sarah Barnes |
Year 9 Subject Awards
Year 9 Drama Award | Diana Vanicore |
Year 9 Indonesian Award | Marisa Di Nuzzo |
Year 9 Mathematics Award | Alexia Kakris |
Year 9 Media Award | Diana Vanicore |
Year 9 Outdoor Education Award | Charli Zelman |
Year 9 Health and Physical Education Award | Laura Ciavarella |
Year 9 Visual Communication Design Award | Priyadarshini Ramkumar |
Year 9 Sustainable Technology Award | Diana Vanicore |
Year 9 World Food Traveller Award | Michaella Hauszler |
Year 9 English Award | Rachael George |
Year 9 Religious Education Award | Diana Vanicore |
Year 9 Art Award | Adaria Torchia |
Year 9 Rock Band Award | Michaella Hauszler |
Year 9 History Award | Sophie Leyden |
Year 9 Advanced Mathematics Award | Priyadarshini Ramkumar |
Year 9 Science Award | Priyadarshini Ramkumar |
Year 9 Design and Create Award | Romina Wassilieff |
Year 9 Geography Award | Diana Vanicore |
Year 9 Italian Award | Laura Ciavarella |
Year 10 Subject Awards
Year 10 Commerce Award | Aliana Zamora |
Year 10 Design and Fashion Award | Emma Barnes |
Year 10 Digital Technology & Sustainability Award | Dewmini Silva |
Year 10 Indonesian Award | Dewmini Silva |
Year 10 English Award | Abisayo Durojaye |
Year 10 Justice Award | Mary Faranso |
Year 10 Media Award | Darcy Murray |
Year 10 Music Award | Gabriella Hauszler |
Year 10 Physical Education Award | Lucy Stewart |
Year 10 Visual Communication Design Award | Isabella McClelland |
Year 10 Psychology Award | Dana Gedye |
Year 10 Religion and Society Unit 1 Award | Olivia Pitruzzello |
Year 10 Café Culture Award | Jacinda Chahoud |
Year 10 Mathematics Award | Aliana Zamora |
Year 10 Art Award | Isabella McClelland |
Year 10 Health Sport Science Award | Olivia Pitruzzello |
Year 10 Italian Award | Marcelle Speranza |
Year 10 History Award | Leysan Erdemir |
Year 10 Advanced Mathematics Award | Dana Gedye |
Year 10 Science Award | Sophie Micozzi |
Academic Excellence Awards
7A Academic Excellence Award | Annabelle Duncan |
7B Academic Excellence Award | Serena Gorris |
7C Academic Excellence Award | Olivia Cimarosti |
8A Academic Excellence Award | Daphne Altinpinar |
8B Academic Excellence Award | Onali Sirisena |
8C Academic Excellence Award | Nadia Karnowski |
9A Academic Excellence Award | Diana Vanicore |
9B Academic Excellence Award | Marisa Di Nuzzo |
9C Academic Excellence Award | Michaella Hauszler |
10A Academic Excellence Award | Dana Gedye |
10B Academic Excellence Award | Aliana Zamora |
10C Academic Excellence Award | Lucy Stewart |
Special Awards
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Award | Elise Mota |
VCE Subject Awards - Units 1&2
VCE Units 1 &2 Art Making & Exhibiting Award | Amagi Fernando |
VCE Units 1 &2 Biology Award | Carla Rizzo |
VCE Units 1 &2 General Mathematics Award | Bianca Goldwyn |
VCE Units 1 &2 Health and Human Development Award | Jessica Mirabile |
VCE Units 1 &2 Media Award | Hana Khodabocus |
VCE Units 1 &2 Music Award | Ruby Chahoud |
VCE Units 1 &2 VCE-VM Award | Sienna Epifano |
VCE Units 1 &2 Visual Communication Design Award | Amagi Fernando |
VCE Units 1 &2 Religion and Society, Unit 2 Award | Carla Rizzo |
VCE Units 1 &2 Business Management Award | Carla Rizzo |
VCE Units 1 &2 Psychology Award | Olivia Torchia |
VCE Units 1 &2 English Award | Olivia Torchia |
VCE Units 1 &2 Legal Studies Award | Liana Vetere |
VCE Units 1 &2 Mathematical Methods Award | Saumya Rajesh |
VCE Units 1 &2 Chemistry Award | Saumya Rajesh |
VCE Units 1 &2 Modern History Award | Rose Lorenti |
VCE Units 1 &2 Physics Award | Mary Baban |
VCE Subject Awards - Units 3&4
VCE Units 3&4 Biology Award | Bianca Goldwyn |
VCE Units 3&4 Food Studies Award | Carla Rizzo |
VCE Units 3&4 Physical Education Award | Liana Vetere |
Major Awards
Year 7 Father Paul Kane Award | Olivia Fontana |
Year 8 Giuliana Bianchi Award | Lily Ampong |
Year 9 Milton Anderson Award | Adaria Torchia |
Year 10 Ivanka Vrkic Award | Dewmini Silva |
Year 11 Angela Connellan Award | Suelaf Abuzaid |
Year 11 Commitment and Dedication Award | Jessica Mirabile |
Peter Khalil Public Speaking Award | Kayla Jordan |
Oscar Romero Social Justice Award | Sakhee Adhikari |
Contribution to Music Award | Darcy Murray |
ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award | Kyara Delgama |
ADF Future Innovators Award | Dana Gedye |
Ampol Best All Rounder Award | Jessica Mirabile |
To view all the images from our Night of Excellence evening, please click here.
Staff Years of Service
Vicki Harvey
40 Years of Service
Positions held while at Mercy:
Teacher - Food Technology, Textiles, Health and Human Delevopment
Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Careers and Pathways Leader
Maria Carinci
30 Years of Service
Positions held while at Mercy:
Teacher - Religious Education, Mathematics, Italian
Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Learning Area Leader: Mathematics and Languages
Kay Toll
24 Years of Service
Positions held while at Mercy:
Teacher - English and English Literature
Learning Area Leader: English
Nicole McCallum-Inglis
20 Years of Service
Positions held while at Mercy:
Teacher - English and Media
Learning Area Leader: English, Years 7 to 10
Reflection by Ms Toll: Atwar's Story
Every student has a story. It astounds me that my first year of teaching was forty years ago. As I near the end of my career, I sometimes stop to reflect on the countless classes which I have stood in front of at the beginning of first term, looking out at rows of faces - some expectant, some nervous, some students who would rather be anywhere else. I always wonder how their stories will be revealed and how the disparate pieces will come together to enable us to navigate the school year and get the learning done. I think that my curiosity about this is one of the things which has kept me in the game. But this is not my story; this is Atwar’s story.
Her fondest memory of being a small girl in Iraq is gathering at her grandmother’s house on Sundays to spend family time together. Her grandmother had two sons and seven daughters, so there were lots and lots of cousins to hang out with and neighbours too. They played games in the street because there were few cars, since most people walked everywhere. These were the carefree times of a small child who had no comprehension of what was ahead for her.
A pivotal event in her life happened when she was four years old - her father was injured in a very serious car accident, involving a truck. This was a time of unbearable sadness and stress; a time which she remembers vividly. He spent three months in hospital and underwent surgery, but Atwar was not permitted to see him; children were not allowed. She used to wait by a door for someone to enter or exit, so that she could steal a glimpse of her father, if by chance she wasn’t bustled out of the way. Her eyes filled with tears when she told me that on the day before he died, her father saw Atwar at the door and waved to her; his final goodbye.
After that, her mother took on the role of both parents, renting a small apartment and caring for Atwar and her younger sister, living as best they could and just getting by. Atwar remembers having friends and being happy, but her schooling was rigorous. She attended school from seven in the morning until two in the afternoon and then she would go home to complete homework until quite late. She was only around girls. The boys would start in the afternoon, so that there would only be a brief changeover. Essentially, girls and boys were on different timetables, starting later or earlier in the day, on a rotation. She was an A+ student in a public school, with all of her lessons in Arabic. Only private schools had lessons in English. She also told me that it was only when she was at Primary School that she fully realised what it meant to have lost her father. Again, she had no comprehension of what was ahead for her.
Atwar was nine years old when she had to leave Iraq. She and her mother and sister had fled their home on two separate occasions when it was rumoured that a “terrorist army group” was in the vicinity of Baghdeda, their city in a regional agricultural area. The third time, they heard gunshots and then there were no more questions and no hesitation - everyone left as quickly as possible. Her mother had only the time and presence of mind to grab a small bag of clothes and then they began the walk to Erbil, a bigger place where they hoped to find safety. The road was heavily congested and those who could drive couldn’t progress any faster than those who were on foot. It took a day to walk the sixty kilometres to get there.
There was a checkpoint. A friend of Atwar’s father was on a motorcycle and he was panicked. He tried to ride through, but he was shot. Atwar’s mother turned her daughter’s face away.
The small family sought refuge in various churches, living wherever they could, along with many other refugees. The only alternative was the streets. Despite their difficulties, they knew that they had made the right decision to leave their home because they heard that those who had stayed back became victims of violence and abuse.
After three or four months, Atwar’s mother found accomodation with the help of her extended family, living with cousins. However, in her hurry to flee their home, she had left all of their passports and papers behind, so that when they went to Baghdad to speak to government officials about replicating these documents, it was difficult to prove anything. They had nothing. They were at a loss. It was impossible for Atwar’s mother to prove that she was the carer for her two young daughters. How she managed to convince an official to help her is another story in itself. Suffice to say that it cost her almost everything that they had to live on, but the motivation to leave Iraq was driving her actions. There was no education available for Atwar and her sister there, there was no safety, they lived in fear and their mother wanted her daughters to have a better life - a life where they would have freedom and the ability to shape their own future.
They travelled to Jordan and rented a small and very basic studio apartment. They were left with little to survive on, but Atwar’s mother cleaned houses for cash in hand and after ten months there, they applied through the UN as refugees seeking to come to Australia. Atwar’s mother was granted a ‘Woman at Risk Visa’, which is a permanent residence visa. It allows a foreign national applicant to resettle to Australia to escape the persecution and danger of victimisation, harassment or serious abuse they face in their country of residence. This was fortunate; they still have many members of their extended family in Iraq and some who are stuck in Jordan.
At the age of 11, in 2016, Atwar arrived in Melbourne. She had no English and absolutely everything was foreign to her and her family. At first they were put in a hotel and they felt very out of place. They received minimal help from the government representative who was assigned to them. It was hard to find anything and the food was strange. Toast, butter and jam was a new taste sensation! After two months in their first accommodation, they moved into a house in St Albans, with the help of other members of their community who were already here.
Atwar subsequently attended St Mark's Primary School. Initially, she was demotivated because of her traumatic experiences. She felt out of place and there were some instances of racial prejudice which she still remembers clearly, such as the girl who wouldn’t let her play a game because she couldn’t speak English. However, she also remembers the caring teachers who were there and she was determined to make her way in this new country.
Secondary school had its own challenges, but Atwar decided that she wanted to get serious about her studies again. Initially, she didn’t get the results which she wanted and she has had to work very hard to succeed, but she recently graduated as one of our Year 12 students of 2023. She is so grateful to have had the opportunity to get an education and she looks forward to going to university. She is keenly aware that her future would have been very different if she had stayed in Iraq and, although she misses her aunts and cousins, she has no regrets. While at first it was hard for her to fit in, now she feels at ease and she has a new set of goals. She wants to get a degree and a good job, perhaps working in the area of human rights law. She would also like to travel, but she realises that she will probably never go back to Iraq.
At Mercy College, she has been supported at every step of the way to gain the education which is so precious to her and which she never takes for granted. Her English skills have greatly improved over the years and she has taken full advantage of the many opportunities available to her. She has connected with so many people and as a recent graduate, she has asked what she can do to give back to the school community. She is soon to start working to support a young student who reminds her of herself when she first arrived in Australia. Her positivity is genuine and infectious.
When I asked Atwar what she would like to tell another refugee student who was newly arrived at the College, her response was immediate and emphatic:
It’s okay.
You will make it in the end.
At the start, it is very difficult.
When you work hard, you will get paid back for it.
It’s normal to feel out of place.
It’s okay.
I learnt the intimate details of this story when we sat down for a conversation at the end of the school year, after her final exam was done and dusted and before the results were out. Every student has a story. This is Atwar’s. I know that wherever she goes from here and whatever she ends up doing, she will make a difference. She has a pretty good idea of what is ahead of her now. I wish her well.
Kay Toll
Teacher
Counsellor's Corner
As we come to the end of another year, it can be a good time to look back and feel pride in all the difficult things we have done this year and remember the times we have felt joy and a sense of accomplishment. Of course there will have been times in the past year that have not been easy and we need to acknowledge these too and maybe take the time to look forward to next year and our hopes for what is to come.
If your child needs support over the holidays, many organisations and services are available to assist you. These include your family GP, headspace, eheadspace, Kids Helpline, Parentline and ReachOut.com. Please see the link to a headspace Fact Sheet for further details.
Headspace suggests six ideas for parents to support a young person’s mental health and wellbeing in the holidays.
- Encourage them to stay connected with friends
- Encouraged them to stay involved
- Encourage physical activity
- Encourage a regular routine
- Encourage healthy eating habits
- Encourage fun!
For further information on each of these, please use the link above.
I wish you all the very best for a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Enjoy the holidays!
Janine Crociani
Counsellor
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
This week has been a buzz of activity with final assessments being completed, Christmas Cheer emerging and the end of the first year of secondary school for our Year 7 2023 cohort. The students have approached their first year in secondary school with enthusiasm and have flourished in so many ways. It has been wonderful, as the Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader, to share this journey with each and every student and witness growth in both academic and personal aspects.
I encourage all Year 7 students to read their reports and feedback on assessment tasks and take note of goals that should be set for further growth going into Year 8, based on their teacher’s feedback. I also ask that parents/carers sit and chat to their child about their Year 7 year and work with them to establish a focus for their future goals.
The Year 7 generosity has been something that has stood out during our St Vincent De Paul Christmas drive. I challenged the Year 7 students to “fill the basket and make it overflow” with donations for people less fortunate than themself and they exceeded this, This demonstrates clearly the Mercy Value of Compassion.
I take this opportunity to thank the Year 7 students and extend thanks on their behalf to their committed Homeroom teachers: 7A - Ms. Brianna Shears, 7B - Ms Elizabeth Moore and 7C - Mrs Angela Heydon who have shown so much care and guidance to the students in their first year of secondary school.
May the festive season bring all families and students serenity and peace.
Maria Daniele
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
As the academic year draws to a close, it is with a mix of nostalgia and pride that I bid farewell to the Year 8 and 9 cohort as we know it. This year has been a journey filled with growth, challenges and countless memorable moments. As I reflect on the experiences we've shared, it's evident that this chapter in our students' lives has been one of transformation and self-discovery.
Year 8 marks a significant transition as the challenges they face are not just academic but also social and emotional. Guiding them through this transition has been an honour, watching them evolve from eager, wide-eyed newcomers to confident, more self-assured individuals.
Year 9 is a pivotal time, often serving as a bridge to the more specialised studies that lie ahead. It's a year of exploration and laying the groundwork for the academic and extracurricular paths that students will pursue in their later years of high school.
Throughout this journey, I have witnessed the resilience and determination of our Year 8 and 9 students. From conquering challenging subjects to participating in extracurricular activities, their achievements have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether on the sports field, in the arts, or excelling academically, our students have showcased their diverse talents and proven that hard work pays off.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been building connections with both students and their families. It's been heartening to witness the supportive community that surrounds our students, providing a foundation for their success. The relationships forged this year extend beyond the academic sphere, creating a network of trust and encouragement.
To the Year 8 and 9 students, as you transition to the next phase of your academic journey, carry with you the lessons learned, the friendships made and the confidence gained. Remember that each challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every success is a testament to your dedication and perseverance.
As the curtain falls on this academic year, let us all take a moment to celebrate the achievements, acknowledge the growth, and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
As I sign off for the last time, I will leave you with one of my favourite writings/ poems:
The Train of Life:
At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.
As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realise they vacated their seats.
This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.
I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey.
Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.
Tania Benevento
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year has passed. As the school year comes to a close for our Year 10 students, we would like to say that it has been a privilege to work with the students and their families throughout the course of Semester Two.
Over the past weeks we have watched the Year 10 students grow and develop as they were introduced to and began to navigate, their VCE/VCE-VM journey as part of the Headstart program, officially becoming Year 11 students and marking the beginning of their 2024 senior educational pathway. The Headstart program has provided the students with the opportunity to experience their chosen Unit 1 and 2 subjects as well as, in some instances, their Unit 3 & 4 subjects, enabling them to determine whether these subjects meet their needs or whether they have reconsidered their senior studies pathway. We encourage each and every Year 10 student to take the opportunities offered to them and to set themselves the goals they need to ensure that the work they may have been set for homework before the commencement of Term One 2024 is completed. If there are any issues, the students are encouraged to contact the College.
Congratulations to all the Year 10 students who attended and received awards on the Night of Excellence. While not all students can receive an award, we encourage all the Year 10 students to reflect on their contributions and achievements throughout the year and be proud of their successes. The students are advised to reflect on their reports and utilise the information and guidance given in them to enhance their learning in 2024.
As a Catholic community, on Wednesday 6 December, the last day for students, we shared our final School Mass together to thank God for the year. To unite all present more closely to Christ and to deepen their love for him and for others. On this final day, the Year 10 students also participated in many activities designed to celebrate the end of the school year. They have participated in the school picnic at Coburg Lake and events such as the Learning Showcase. Reflecting the spirit of Christmas, their generosity to others has been demonstrated through their donations for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal and their active participation in the Christmas Craft Activity where they made baubles and Christmas cards, some of which were donated to local Catholic aged care facilities. Amidst all the activities, we are pleased to observe our Year 10 students finishing the year on a positive note.
We would like to acknowledge the contribution the Year 10s have made in 2023, having watched them all grow into the young adults they are today and witnessed them achieve success in their personal learning journey. On behalf of all staff at Mercy College we wish the Year 10 students all the best in their future endeavours in 2024.
To all the students and their families, we hope you have a very blessed Christmas and safe New Year celebrated with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you all return to Mercy College in the New Year after a restful and relaxing holiday break.
Vicki Harvey and Jenni Hickey
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
Arts and Technology
Year 10 Art: Wall Mural Project
A Mercy College & Oxygen Youth Space Collaboration
Throughout the entire course of this year, the Year 10 Art students in both Semester One and Two participated in an exciting Wall Mural Project at Oxygen Youth Space. The students were introduced to Miriam, a happy, energetic and very passionate Social Worker from Oxygen Youth. Miriam visited both classes each semester and came to The College to discuss the exciting collaboration. She encouraged that the wall design murals must reflect and include the following:
- To reflect the Merri Creek and the Gardens surrounding Coburg
- Native Floral and Fauna
- Bright colours
- The words ‘Merri-bek’, Welcome, Oxygen and Youth
After this initial meeting with the students, they were very excited to get started designing. After many edits and tweaking of designs as well as the endless discussions back and forth between Miriam and myself, a combination of two designs were selected. I’m very proud to announce that Maylinda Moata (SHR7) and Roxanne Rosella’s (SHR5) designs were selected. Here is a little excerpt about their designs:
Maylinda’s Design:
My design consists of incorporating as many requirements that Miriam asked for to be featured in the wall mural. You can see lots of colourful native flowers and a butterfly all being centered around the Lorikeet Bird. When researching and finding inspiration for my design, I knew that I wanted the lorikeet bird to be the main feature of the Mural. I wanted it to stand out, so I purposely made the wings oversized and coloured it using vibrant warm and cool colours.
Roxanne’s Design:
My design focuses on the surrounding Merri Creek and the various nature reserves that we are lucky enough to have access to here in Coburg. In my design, I have featured a very warm sun with various shapes. I chose to design the sun this way with the incorporation of line and circle sun rays was to make it more contemporary and irregular looking. I also exaggerated the waves of Merri Creek in different cool colour tones from one end of the wall to the other and included the word Merri-bek as the main feature. I ensured that my design connected with Maylinda’s to become one artwork.
In the following video you will see the following:
- A blue wall turn white and then blue again
- The bird change colours from cool tones of blue to a warm red and the back again
- The butterflies wings will change colours
- Only the word ‘Merri-bek’ will be on the wall
- Miriam and myself painting, talking about the wall mural, lots of admiration and adivising the students on what to add and change
- And of course, many Year 10 students contributing to the wall mural.
All of this change is good and is to be expected given the nature of this project. Seeing Maylinda and Roxanne’s designs on paper come to life and paintined onto the wall at Oxygen Youth was an incredible experience and one that was so much fun.
This project was a very big team effort and it has required a lot of determination, thought and effort from the students. I would personally, like to take this opportunity to thank Miriam and the entire team at Oxygen Youth Space. Thank you for welcoming the students into the space and allowing them to have creative freedom on this project. The students have looked forwarded to every art class this year and it has been an absolute highlight of my career to date as an art teacher.
To all of the Year 10 Art Students, this project wouldn't have been possible without your enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to this project. You should all be incredibly proud of what you have created and achieved.
Please enjoy this video that showcases the entirety of the project from start to finish:
https://youtu.be/G36lN0GDQxE
Madeline Carnibella
Learning Area Leader: Arts and Technology
Year 7 Best Book Ever House Competition
As part of the Year 7 Wide Reading Program, students reflected upon the best book they had read throughout the year. They considered what was so engaging about the book and were challenged to create a visual representation to entice others to read it. Students created book bento boxes, fake newspaper articles, and intricate drawings.
Congratulations to the top three winners!