Mercy News - Friday 26 April 2024

Key Dates

Monday 29 April

• Student Free Day (Years 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12)
• Staff Professional Practice Day
• Year 10 Work Experience commences

Tuesday 30 April

• Activities Week
  
• Year 12 students depart for Retreat
  

Wednesday 1 May

• Activities Week
• Years 7, 8 and 11 depart for Camp

Thursday 2 May

• Activities Week
• Year 12 students return from Retreat

Friday 3 May

• Activities Week
• Years 7, 8 and 11 return from Camp
• Year 12 Formal

Monday 6 May

• Student Curriculum Review Lunchtime Session - Year 10

Tuesday 7 May

• Student Curriculum Review Lunchtime Session - Years 11 and 12

Thursday 9 May

• Years 11 and 12 VCE Excursion: Top Designs, Period 2 to Period 5
• Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, 3.30pm

Friday 10 May

• House Athletics Carnival, Coburg Athletics Track

Prayer

A prayer of remembrance and for peace in our world this Anzac Day

Lord of Peace,
Let us remember.
Let us remember the human cost of war.
Let us remember the sacrifice of those who fight because their country calls them to.
Let us remember the death and destruction that results when people take up arms against one another.
Let us remember those who have lost their life as a result of hostilities, both soldiers and civilians.
Let us remember the wounds and scarring that so many carry having been involved or caught up in conflict, whether they be physical, emotional or psychological.
Let us remember the lasting impact upon people, families, regions, countries and cultures in the aftermath of war.
Let us remember the reasons that have led to war.
Let us remember the peace-makers who have worked, and still work, to prevent war and conflict.
Let us remember the joy of peace and the power of reconciliation.
Let us remember the way of the Christ which leads to peace.
Let us remember all these things, that we might yet learn
And that we, as humanity, may yet find a way to end conflict that leads to fighting and war.
Let us remember.
Lest we forget. 

Amen.
(Jon Humphries)

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

A warm welcome to staff students and families for what I hope will be a happy and productive Term Two. Over the last fortnight students appear to have settled in well to school life and there are many activities and opportunities to which we can look forward this term.

Pray for Peace

As we are all aware, events in recent weeks highlight the ongoing need in our local and global communities for wisdom, compassion, justice and peace. We can feel a sense of helplessness when we are confronted by the tragedies we have witnessed. In such times, prayer, reflection and speaking about what has occurred can help us to process what we see and hear. If our students need additional support, I encourage families to contact their child’s Wellbeing teacher who can provide assistance.

Lent - Caritas Australia: Project Compassion

Thank-you to our Social Justice representatives and Mrs Arnold who led our community in Term One during Lent in contributing to our 2024 Project Compassion campaign. We were reminded that together, we can make a difference now and “For All Future Generations” for people struggling to overcome poverty and injustice through our donations. In times of increasing challenges and changes we are grateful that our community did what it could by raising over $1,200 to help families and communities build brighter futures for themselves.

Wellbeing

As this will be an eleven week term, it is important that our students remain socially connected, supported, and physically active. Recently I read a relevant article published by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, of which Mercy College is a member. In the article (click here for the entire article), the ICGS advocate that being outdoors can bring many health benefits. It highlighted:

“Researchers from the UK, USA and Sweden investigated the benefits of the outdoors and exposure to nature and found that even 120 minutes spent in nature each week can improve health and wellbeing … that’s less than 18 minutes a day … The benefits of time spent in nature apply to children, adolescents and adults … It enhances productivity by improving creativity, problem-solving skills, improving sleep and even reducing stress. And there are plenty of creative ways to find 120 minutes a week – a quick walk, eating lunch outside or even walking part of the way to work, [school].”

While the weather is becoming cooler and there are fewer hours of sunshine, it is even more important that we take measures to maintain good physical, mental and social health habits. We all took long walks with family when we were under lockdown. I know the parks in my area were buzzing with families and I am sure yours were too. Let’s resume that habit for everyone’s wellbeing.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data Notice

Each year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). Mercy College will again be participating in this process over the coming months. The NCCD process requires Mercy  to identify information already available in the school about ways that we are supporting students with an identified disability. We do this as part of our requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, and in line with the NCCD Guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes: year of schooling; category of disability (physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional); and level of adjustment provided (support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive).

This information assists schools to:
- formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools; 
- consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools;
and develop shared practices so they can review their learning programs in order to -improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

Further information regarding the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au). The information sheet is attached for parents later in the newsletter with different translations.

If you have any further questions about the NCCD, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mercy College Curriculum Review – Parents as Partners

Earlier this week the College held a meeting for parents and guardians to be involved in our curriculum review process, where we recognise the role of parents and guardians is crucial. It is you, our parents and guardians, who know best about how we can work with you to best provide for your daughters growth and status as a lifelong learner. I am grateful to the parents and guardians who gave their time, knowledge and expertise in this session and those who have provided input via email or phone.

This forum was an invaluable source of information for us as educators and I was pleased to hear the parents and guardians advocate for their child's agency in the process.

An article from Dr Simon Lindsay, Manager – Improved Learning Outcomes, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, spoke about the benefits of student agency and voice…

 “What we know from research is that when people have some control over their time and some choice in what they do, it (autonomy) creates motivation and drive within the individual (Deci & Ryan 1985).

This sense of autonomy in learning is often described as student voice, empowerment or agency and this sense of agency is important. It is important for student engagement; it is important in a student’s sense of self-competence; and it is important for a student’s effectiveness as a learner.

In the next stage of the curriculum review, we have begun meeting with students of all year levels to gather their feedback and thoughts on our curriculum, gaining an understanding from their perspective as to what we can do to promote growth in their education. At Mercy College, we believe that in elevating the voice of students. Not just through the curriculum review, but further in the wider sense of student agency at the College. We actively collaborate with them to design not only their experiences here at the College, but the way in which they wish to contribute to the world.

Activities Week

Next week the entire College community will be involved in various programs as part of Activities Week, a chance for each year level to embark on a different learning adventure. These programs enable our students to learn a great deal about their potential, as they are challenged by new opportunities and experiences. I am grateful to our parents and guardians for entrusting their children to us and to our staff for their incredible commitment to Activities Week, for many this will include time away from their families.

Anzac Day

Yesterday, as a nation, we paused to acknowledge Anzac Day which marks the day of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. On this day we commemorate all Australians who have served and died in military operations. It is also a time to remember the devastating effect of war and to pray for peace and unity in our world.

Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God. 

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

NCCD Information Sheets

Deputy Principal

"When schools focus on continuous improvement, it creates a culture of high expectations for student learning and encourages teachers to continually refine their instructional practices". Source: (Marzano, 2019)

As we conclude our second week of the term and embark on Activities Week, I would like to thank all staff and students for the positive start to the new term and I wish all members of our community the very best for the term ahead.

With reference to the above quote, Mercy College aims to provide an outstanding education, focused on formation of the whole person, that has the intellectual, practical and moral excellence of learners at its heart. We aim to deliver the best educational outcome for every student. To achieve this, we are committed to evidence-based instruction and the active promotion of equity and excellence. As part of the Flourishing Learners position statement, we aim to deliver the best educational outcome for every student across the breadth of the Victorian curriculum.

Underpinning this commitment and our overall approach to school improvement is the work being undertaken by our teaching staff during our Mercy Learning Time professional learning workshops. These workshops have focused on reviewing the current curriculum to ensure it maintains educational relevance, excellence and equity.

Parents/guardians are an integral part of everything we do including this curriculum review process. The College met with parents on Tuesday 23 April to discuss how they believe Mercy College can best meet the needs of contemporary learners and how our curriculum may reflect this.

Student agency is also imperative in the curriculum review. Members of leadership will be meeting with students in each year level in the coming weeks to discuss their aspirations and understanding of contemporary curriculum.

Semester One Examinations

Semester One examinations have been designed to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of progress and achievement based on the key content covered throughout this semester.

These examinations will also provide an indication of the level of student performance across each subject with results included in their semester reports.

Year 11 Examinations: Friday 7 June to Friday 14 June
Year 9 and 10 Examinations: Thursday 13 June to Friday 14 June

Students will receive feedback from their teacher(s) following these examinations with additional feedback placed on SIMON for parents to view. This aim of this feedback is to identify areas of achievement as well as areas for future improvement to support students with their learning.

Further information including a letter to parents outlining the arrangements for these examinations and a Semester One Examination timetable will be made available in the coming weeks. These details will also be posted on the Daily Messages on SIMON for all students to access.

In the meantime, please contact your daughter’s subject teacher with any questions related to their overall progress and learning. If you have any questions about the upcoming semester examinations, please contact me via email: nambrozy@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au 

General Achievement Test (GAT) – Tuesday 18 June

All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequence are required to sit Sections A and B of the GAT. Senior VCE-VM students will also sit Section A, which will measure the literacy and numeracy skills of participants against new standards based on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Sample questions and tasks indicative of questions in Section A of the GAT are now available on the VCAA website, including:

• One writing task
• Ten numeracy questions and answers
• Ten reading questions and answers

As in previous years, no special study is required for the GAT. While the GAT is important, it does not directly count towards a student’s final VCE results. GAT results are used to check that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. GAT results may also play a part in determining the final score for a VCE external assessment, if a student has a derived examination score approved for that assessment.

Further information relating to the GAT including past GAT examinations can also be accessed via the VCAA website. To view these details, click on VCAA > Assessment > VCE Assessment > GAT.

Trial Examinations – VCE Unit 3 and 4 Subjects

Between Monday 23 September and Thursday 26 September, all VCE students who are currently completing a scored VCE Unit 3 and 4 Subject will participate in a trial examination period.  It is important that all students are available to be at school on those days, so we would ask that you do not make other arrangements at that time. 

Trial examinations are designed to be as much like the real thing as possible serving several purposes, specifically for the student including:

• Identify knowledge gaps and consolidate already acquired information
• Develop exemplary responses
• Identify ‘command terms’ – justify, explain, compare
• Master timing
• Utilise reading time
• Tracking progress
• Access to examiner reports and identification of common errors or misconceptions.

Most importantly, the feedback from trial examinations will highlight the gaps in knowledge and understanding. Learning how to revise and to be better at examinations can only happen when students are engaged with their trial examinations under the same conditions in which they will experience in the VCAA External Written Assessments.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal

Student Wellbeing

Information Sharing Schemes

Information Sharing Schemes play a vital role in reducing family violence and promoting child wellbeing and safety, as highlighted by three key reforms introduced by the Victorian Government. Mercy College participates in these schemes as an Information Sharing Entity (ISE), enabling the sharing of information with other ISEs when specific thresholds are met.

These thresholds consider the necessity of the shared information to enhance wellbeing and safety, to inform actions, and to exclude legally restricted information. The College can share and request information with various other ISEs, including Child FIRST, CYMHS, General Practitioners, community-based child and family services, and primary schools. While consent is not mandatory to share or request information under these schemes, Mercy College will seek or consider the views of those involved when it is safe, reasonable, and appropriate to do so.

Faith and Identity

“So there will be one flock, one shepherd” John 10:16

As I sat in church on Sunday, my priest, Fr John, commenced his sermon stating this week was ‘Big news!’ A week of ‘Good news,’ in one sense, amidst a backdrop of recent tragic events in Sydney and ongoing global conflicts.

Anticipating his homily revolving around the Good Shepherd Sunday readings, I settled in for his always insightful and relevant reflections. The ‘big news’ he said, was that Tay Tay (Taylor Swift) had dropped her new album. The instant shift to attentive body language in my three children was palpable: interest sparked! Intrigued, the older generation giggled with curiosity.

Fr John proceeded to explain, to the now captivated congregation, that 15 tracks had been released on her The Tortured Poets Department, TTPD, album, exciting Swifties all around the world, with one reviewer stating the Swifties had enthusiastically “focussed on each lyric as if they were listening to a particularly convincing sermon at church”  

He called for us to tune in! 

To him, not her!  Or more specifically - Jesus’ message!

Fr John's contemporary link, even as a 71 yr old he boasts, is a reminder to ‘tune in,’ as enthusiastically as Swifties, to the message Jesus presents us in this Easter season. His homily led us to the Easter message Pope Francis highlighted on World Day of Prayer for Vocations. His focus was on the theme “Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace.”  Pope Francis encourages everyone, especially young people, to allow Jesus to draw them closer, to bring Him questions, and to make room for Him in their lives. 

“Let Jesus draw you to himself; bring him your important questions; let him challenge you by his presence; More than anyone else, Jesus respects our freedom.He does not impose, but proposes. Make room for him and you will find the way to happiness”. Read Pope Francis’ message Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace.

The Easter message of hope and peace remains as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. This year, the proximity of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday and Anzac Day is deeply significant. As Australia remembers the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought at Gallipoli, we also reflect on the devastating impact of war, not only on those who died but also on the survivors and their families. Australia honours the courage and the sacrifice of the men, barely beyond boys, who died on those beaches and cliffs so far from home. The measure of loss is not just for the dead, but also for those who survived and suffered the long term aftereffects of what was first known as shellshock, then war neurosis, now PTSD, not to forget their families who were also affected in a permanent way. We continue to hope, work, and pray for peace and healing in our troubled world. 

In a recent episode of Compass on the ABC, the program focused on our troubled world. They featured Rami, an Israeli man, whose daughter was killed by a suicide bomber and Bassam, a Palestinian man whose ten year old daughter was killed by an Israeli army patrol, who shared a stage to speak about their journey towards peace and reconciliation. In an address to a combined Palestinian / Israeli audience, Bassam said “We are peace activists. We have the right to exist and we must exist together to share this holy land as one state, two states, five states. Otherwise we will share the same land as two big graves to our kids.”

Their message resonates with the Easter story, highlighting the ultimate act of love and forgiveness by Jesus. The Easter story reflects this plea for intervention for peace: Jesus’ great unarmed, non-violent intervention for peace.

The Easter story showcases where aggression is met with forgiveness, violence is endured without seeking revenge and suffering is embraced through selfless giving. The aggression cycle is broken, the price is paid, and a new beginning, new life is possible. 

Swifties take note: forgiveness, self giving and hope are possible in the face of adversity. 

In this Gospel Reading, John reminds us that Jesus’ death was the ultimate act of love and service for all of humanity. It is also love and service that is at the heart of the Anzac Spirit. It is this spirit that invites us to make brave decisions based on love and service for the good of humanity in our daily lives, just as Jesus did. 

Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ encourages us to move away from the recent focus of Anzac Day on power and greatness, and instead embrace the humble and modest acts of generosity and bravery inherent in the Anzac spirit. He suggests that we would be wise to embody these values in our leadership and daily lives. Swifites - Tune in!

But “How do Catholics, both individually and as a Church community, find meaning and hope in catastrophic events that appear to shatter hope?" Air Commodore Mons Peter O’Keefe, the Director-General of Chaplaincy Service of the Air Force for the Catholic Diocese of the Australian Defence Force, asks. He concludes that the answer lies in embracing the Easter Season. By first relying on faith for support and then approaching our daily challenges with a holistic perspective of hope in Christ, we can foster both personal and collective growth.

As parents, we experience many sacred moments with our children. Moments like when a tantrum or emotional outburst subsides, revealing a tired and vulnerable child seeking comfort and love, allow us to feel God's presence. We’ve all had those parenting moments. Similarly, Anzac Day, much like parenting, is filled with honour and pride, even though the path is challenging. As people of faith, we believe that each of these moments is significant to God, and there is a sacredness in taking time to reflect on them personally.

You may well have seen the photo of Pope Francis, with a little lamb around his neck, reflecting his role as chief pastor or shepherd of his people. There is a similar image of Bishop Vincent Long of Parramatta. At the same time, Francis is not just into photo opportunities (nor is Vincent), but has demonstrated through his words and actions, that he sees his role as universal, in terms of engaging with leaders and members of other faiths, and not just those of Christian origin. He might have faced criticism for it, but isn’t it clear enough that Jesus’ ongoing outreach and mission was to all whom he encountered along the way, in his mission to proclaim a God of love, mercy, forgiveness and healing. 

The need for engagement in inter-religious dialogue, understanding and respect is obvious for all, including non-believers, as faith cannot be imposed.  We have been given the freedom to make our own choices. Jesus speaks of those not of his own flock, which could well imply divisions occurring in the early church communities, and outside John’s community for whom his Gospel was written. If we look at the world today, we can see the tendency for human divisions and misunderstandings, on all sorts of levels. Even within the diverse religious traditions, there are varying practices, rituals and even beliefs, in differing circumstances and cultures, but the simple message of from Hebrews 12:14 sums our Christian mission perfectly: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy” // Hebrews 12:14

I pray you have a wonderful week ahead, one filled with hope, peace and the light of Christ. 

Mercy College Student Activities Week

Next week our school community will participate in activities week, including Camps, Retreats, Immersion days and excursions. As our staff and students embark on a week of exploration, reflection and adventure, we offer the following prayer for their journey. 

Dear Lord,

As our teachers and students embark on this journey of activities week, we ask for Your protection and guidance during the adventures ahead. May our travels be safe and filled with moments of joy, laughter, faith and connection with one another.

Grant us the courage and confidence to meet new people and forge new friendships during our time together. Help us to be open to the experiences and opportunities that have been prepared for us.

In our moments of quiet reflection, may we have attentive hearts and minds to receive Your word and guidance, to look for Jesus in our world, and be the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ of you Lord Jesus. Lead us to make wise choices in our actions and behaviours, balancing responsibility with the freedom to enjoy ourselves.

We pray for the opportunity to encounter Your love and grace through the people we meet and the experiences we share. We pray that our experiences next week give us clarity and courage in our journey of faith.

Above all, Lord, we ask for joy and fun throughout these activity experiences. May we create lasting memories and grow closer to one another as we explore the wonders of Your creation.

In Your name we pray,
Amen.

Cherrie Arnold
Faith and Identity Leader (Term 2 and 3)

Counsellor's Corner

We hope you all have had a relaxing holiday and have come back feeling refreshed to take on Term Two! 

Coming back to school from holidays may be difficult and can take time to adjust.  Some things to be mindful of this term are; 

• Be present (even when it is in times of uncertainty)
• Be flexible, we are always going to face challenges and difficulties but how we manage them is most important. Being flexible and adapting to each situation builds resilience and strong mental health. 

This term there will be wellbeing programs run at lunchtimes around social skills, mindfulness, time management and calming movement. Keep an eye on SIMON and the newsletter - more details to come. 

If you are needing a space to chat please reach out to the team or if you just want to say hey, our doors are always open. You can also contact the team by email: counsellingteam@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au

Liv Carli Hannan (Social Worker), Laura Cutri (Councellor) and Sarah Giangiulli (Psychologist)
Mercy College Councelling Team

Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

It's wonderful to see everyone return for Term Two with renewed energy and enthusiasm. The school grounds are once again filled with the vibrant buzz of students reconnecting with friends, engaging in learning and eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.

As we get ready for our upcoming Activities Week next week, excitement is building as students prepare for an unforgettable experience. Year 9s will be doing a City Experience whereas the Year 8s are off to Safety Beach at Don Bosco.

From packing essentials to planning activities, everyone is busily getting ready for what promises to be a fantastic journey of growth, learning and friendship. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting adventure together!

Jessie Burns
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

We have had a wonderful start to Term Two in Year 10. It has been lovely to see one another and hear about the different holiday experiences that were had.

The Year 10s are very excited about their upcoming work experience heading into Activities Week. All students are looking forward to experiencing something new and representing the school. The Year 10s are encouraged to be organised for next week, planning transport ahead of time as well as openly communicating with their workplace. 

We look forward to hearing the stories they have upon their return in Week 4.

Bridget Allen
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Science and STEM

This week we welcomed Jason Titifanue from University of Melbourne’s School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Jason spoke to the Year 11 Environmental Science class about his role working as a researcher into Climate Change in the South Pacific. 

Jason spoke about his own education journey, the day-to-day aspects of his job, careers available to those who study Environmental Science and Geography and the issues and challenges that are currently being addressed both locally and internationally.

Unit 3 Biology students investigated photosynthesis in algae. In the experiment students compared the rate of photosynthesis at different light intensities. The algae from the Unit 3 Biology experiment was then used by the Unit 3 Chemistry class to generate electricity in a microbial fuel cell.

The new VCE science study designs lean heavily towards green science and sustainability. At Mercy College our practical investigations aim to embed the concepts of recycling, reusability and the circular economy as important considerations when designing experiments.

Designing investigations and working in groups are important skills that are developed as Mercy students move through their Science education from junior to senior studies. This term, Year 7 science students have started a student designed investigation into the effect of friction on moving objects. They are working in groups to measure the effect of changing the surface of a ramp on the time it takes a toy car to travel down the ramp. They will gather data, analyse it and learn how to present their findings using a scientific format.

Fiachra Barry
Learning Area Leader: Science and STEM

English

Reading in English

Year 7 and 8 students participate in a Wide Reading session once a fortnight with library staff to develop their passion for reading and boost their literacy skills. At Mercy College, we encourage regular reading as it has been linked to lower levels of stress, improved sleep and increased vocabulary (https://australiareads.org.au/research-review/). Students have spent Term One exploring their reading interests and selecting an appropriate text to read and will continue their reading journey in Term Two.

English teachers also use Wide Reading time to model effective reading and conference with students about their reading habits. If you’re looking for a reading recommendation, here’s what some members of the English department are currently reading:

• Ms Toll - “Sister Viv”: an inspiring story about Vivian Bullwinkel, a real-life army nurse who survived a World War II massacre and dedicated her life to saving others. Good for those interested in tales about historical events, the strength of women or the endurance of the human spirit.
  
• Ms McCallum - “The Dictionary of Lost Words”: a fictional tale about young Esme, the daughter of one of the men working on the compilation of the first ever Oxford English Dictionary. As Esme begins to discover a range of new words, she questions why these words have different meanings for men and women. Recommended for a mature reader in the senior years.
• Ms Ragusa - “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”: A prequel to the popular Hunger Games series, this novel revisits the world of Panem on the morning of the Tenth Hunger Games. A great read for those with wild imaginations, or those who enjoy dystopian fiction. 

Reading is a great tool to engage students with key figures or events from the past. With the recent commemoration of ANZAC Day on 25 April, students can expand their knowledge on the events of World War I by exploring the following texts:

• Morris Gleitzman - “Loyal Creatures”: the powerful story of a 16-year-old volunteer and his horse in World War One, and the special bond that grows between them amongst the chaos of war.
• Jackie French - “The Great Gallipoli Escape”: a gripping tale about the evacuation of Australian troops from the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915.
• Peter Rees - “The ANZAC Girls”: inspired by the letters and diary entries of Australian and New Zealand nurses who served during World War I.

For more reading recommendations or tips, please see the friendly Information Centre staff or your English teacher.

Tania Ragusa
Learning Area Leader: English 

Arts and Technology

Top Arts and Top Design Excursion 

On Tuesday 16 April, the VCE Media and Art: Making & Exhibiting students visited Top Arts at the National Gallery of Victoria: Ian Potter Centre and Top Designs at the Melbourne Museum. 

Top Arts and Top Design are part of VCAA’s Annual Season of Excellence, a five-month annual festival showcasing outstanding senior VCE and VET secondary student work from Victorian schools. The Season presents work created by VCE and VET students in design, technology, research, multimedia, cinematic, visual and performing arts through exhibitions, screenings and performances supported by education talks, forums and panel discussions, catalogues, programs and online material.

The VCE Art: Making and Exhibiting students had a folio viewing of the students' works before entering the Top Arts Exhibition. This is always a valuable experience as it showcases exemplary examples and inspires students to complete their SAT (School Assessed Taskwork) to the best of their abilities.

The Media Students also viewed many digital folios in the media forms of Film, Animation, Photography and Print at The Tops Designs Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. The folios and products that were on display showcased a range of ideas and themes. The final products were outstanding and provided ideas on how to approach their upcoming SATs,  as my Media students will be starting these after Activities Week! 

Here is Media Studies student, Christina DeFillipis’ experience at Top Arts:

Viewing Top Designs opened up my innovation and creative mindset to really explore and show creative freedom towards my own product. The displaying photography folio of Jiayi Xu evoked an emotional journey towards unique perspectives of society like true identity, upbringing and culture. Seeing the similarity in themes towards my own folio, Top Designs exposed me towards inspiration and inventive styles and techniques to not only produce a better product of my own but produce photographs with intention and communication to a wider audience.

Overall, both classes enjoyed their experience at these exhibitions and cannot wait to get back into the classroom and stuck into folios, final artworks and media products.

If you would like to attend any of VCAA’s Season of Excellence, please follow this link for viewing dates and locations: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/news-and-events/events-and-awards/season-of-excellence/Pages/Index.aspx

Madeline Carnibella
Learning Area Leader: Arts and Technology

Careers at Mercy

Alumnae News

Mercy Foundation Student, Maree Salm (nee Helliar) Class of 1969 - Form 5, dropped in for a cup of tea on Wednesday 3 April with Principal Lila McInerney and Alumnae Relations Officer Diane Psaila, to reminisce about the old College days and discuss planning for the milestone celebration next year, marking the 60th year anniversary of Mercy College – 1965 to 2025.

Maree enjoyed her tour around the College commenting on the beautiful grounds and the well-equipped learning spaces for students. ‘A very welcoming and nurturing space to encourage best outcomes'.

Have you ever wondered what life could hold for you after Mercy? Are you interested in where your peers are now?

Past students are encouraged to remain in contact with the College and are welcome to visit. We are always interested in information with respect to careers, marriages, travel, family, sporting and other achievements. Stories of interest are placed in the College newsletter from time to time so keep an eye out! To submit a story, please emil alumnae@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au 

A reminder that we have our annual Alumni reunion this year on Sunday 20 October 2024. An invitation is extended to all past Mercy College students and staff. The more the merrier, so save the date!

Hurra for foundations, makes the old young and the young merry.
Foundress Catherine McAuley
Letter to Cecilia Marmion January 4, 1841

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer

Discover Mercy Open Day

Term Two After School Program

Community News