Mercy News - Friday 28 June 2024

Key Dates

Saturday 29 June

• Feast of St Paul

Monday 1 July - Sunday 14 July

• School Holidays
  

Monday 15 July

• First Day of Term 3

Wednesday 17 July

• Year 11 Making and Exhibiting Excursion: Making Hair Pieces, 8.45am to 10.45am
• Discover Mercy Open Morning, 9.30am and 6.00pm

Saturday 20 July

Discover Mercy Open Morning, 10.00am

Monday 22 July

• VCE/VCE-VM Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences, 3.40pm to 8.00pm

Wednesday 24 July

• CGSAV Futsal Tournament 

Prayer

Lord, 

We thank you for another wonderful term at Mercy College.  
​​For our challenges, our successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.  ​​ 
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends these holidays. ​​ 
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.  ​​ 

Help us to be practical Christians these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.  ​​ Help us to be peacemakers in our family. ​​

We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us. ​​
May we always be conscious of You in our lives. ​​
We ask for Your richest blessings over all staff, students, and our Mercy Community.  ​​

Surround us with Your loving care, keep us safe and return us to school, renewed and refreshed. ​​
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. ​

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Final Day of Term 2

Today our students and staff have finished Term 2 and are now on a well-earned two week break. After a term of rewards and challenges, I know that this period of rest and refection will be welcomed by our students. I hope that they find time for both rest and relaxation, and connection with activities and people who bring them joy.

As we do at the end of each term, today the College participated in the learning showcase. We continue to value the opportunity to gather as a whole school and it was great to be able to recognize Activities Week and learn more about what each year level experienced and celebrate some individual students achievements.

Refugee Week: 16 June-22 June

At Mercy College, we firmly believe in ‘welcoming all’ and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is not only respected but celebrated. Celebrating Refugee Week was one of the ways that we reaffirmed our commitment to welcoming refugees with open arms, supporting their integration and advocating for policies that uphold their rights and dignity.

Refugee Week is an annual event in Australia which aims to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the contributions refugees are making to the Australian community. This year’s theme, Finding Freedom – with a focus on family – encapsulated the profound journey of resilience, strength and unity that defines the refugee experience.

As a school community, we held a number of activities to mark this special week. We reflected upon the many challenges faced by refugees who have been forced to flee their country, leaving everything they know and have behind, in search of safety.   Their stories remind us of how very fortunate we are here in Australia, and that there are millions of people around the world who do not enjoy the safety and security that we have. The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that ‘at the at the end of 2023 there were 117.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order'. While it might feel that there is little we can do to change this, we can embrace diversity, promote empathy and stand in solidarity with refugees worldwide.

Term 2 Student of the Term

Congratulations to our Term 2 Student of the Term recipients. The Student of the Term Award is a recognition of individual students who actively seek to achieve excellence in their participation in and contribution to Mercy College school life. The Award seeks to recognise and celebrate individual student achievement in the ‘every day of school life; with a particular focus on students contributing to our learning community culture in the most holistic sense. This award is a recognition of a student who is distinguished by her courage, her inquisitive nature and her persistence when it comes to learning.

National NAIDOC Week: 7-14 July: 2024 theme "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud"

As a College we acknowledged this significant week with various activities and reflections, noting that officially it takes place during the term break. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The National NAIDOC Committee selected the 2024 theme to celebrate not only the survival but also the relentless spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The theme also celebrates the enduring strength of First Nations culture. 

As we journey together in this Great Southern Land, we pray for healing, forgiveness, and unity

I wish everyone a safe and restful break as we look towards another busy Semester.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Student of the Term

Chiara Unger - Year 7

This term, we are so grateful to be able to acknowledge a student who continually shines her brightest at Mercy. She is an active and vibrant participant in life at Mercy. Chiara has represented the College at multiple sporting events, helped in the preparations for the 100 Days of Mercy celebrations and parent nights, assisted with College tours and was a leader during our Activities Week. 

Chiara has a fantastic attendance rate and is constantly trying her best to improve her studies. Throughout the term, Chiara has shown her values align with our values of compassion and hospitality by committing to building a cohesive environment in her classes and the Year 7 corridors. She always asks if others need help, supports those around her and showcases her kind and happy spirit to all.

Eleonora Vassiliadis - Year 8

This term, we are thrilled to acknowledge a student who excels in class, possesses a strong work ethic and actively supports her peers during class time. Eleonora has made remarkable progress and shown resilience by enhancing her attendance and commitment to her studies, setting a fine example of dedication and perseverance.

 Throughout the term, Eleonora has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities by taking ownership of her learning, actively participating in class discussions and offering valuable assistance to her classmates. Moreover, she has been incredibly supportive and encouraging to her peers during camp, showcasing her caring and empathetic nature.

Eve Fousketakis - Year 9

This term, we are delighted to acknowledge a kind student who has shown remarkable improvement and resilience. Demonstrating exceptional hard work, Eve has an excellent work ethic and is emerging as a role model of dedication and perseverance.

Throughout the term, she has proactively taken ownership of their learning journey, offering valuable insights. Her positive attitude is evident in their approach to assignments, showcasing a strong sense of responsibility and determination.

Julia Guzzardi - Year 10

This term, we are pleased to recognise a student who has demonstrated significant improvement and resilience. Julia has improved her attendance and work ethic, becoming a model of dedication and perseverance. 

Throughout the term, she has taken charge of her learning, consistently engaging in class discussions and contributing valuable insights. Her proactive approach to assignments and exams has been commendable, reflecting a strong sense of responsibility and determination. Julia has been particularly great in the buddy program, showcasing her leadership skills.

Olive Bovell - Year 11

Olive is a role model to all. She is actively involved in so many extra-curricular offerings here at Mercy and in her life outside of school. Olive is responsible and always respectful in all her interactions with others. She is very polite, mature and friendly toward staff members. She strives to achieve her best and makes the absolute most of all opportunities that come her way.  

A few of things that Olive has been involved in include her leadership role as Year 11 Social Justice Leader, promoting and helping to organise the Easter raffle where funds raised went to Project Compassion and the Mother’s Day raffle where funds raised went to Opening the Doors. Olive was also an ambassador for the Mother’s Day afternoon tea. She has achieved all of this whilst attending TAFE classes on a Wednesday.

Katerina Glykokalamos - Year 12

Katerina works diligently in the classroom environment and is always conscious of the needs of other students. She has a committed approach to her studies and is prepared to ask questions when she is unsure of her understanding and therefore takes responsibility for her learning. She works hard to achieve understanding in all aspects of her studies.

 Katerina is a role model to others and encourages a good work ethic whilst also leading by example. She is pleasant to everyone that she meets and is always attentive in class. Day in and day out Katerina gives her best effort in every situation. She is always respectful and appreciative of her learning opportunities. Katerina is always smiling and engaged as a student and happily says hello to staff outside of class time.

Deputy Principal

Semester One Summary Reports

Semester One Summary Reports are now available for parents to access via PAM. Parents will receive an email notification with details on how to access their child’s report.

If there are any difficulties in accessing these reports, please contact the College.

VCE/VCAL Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Monday 22 July – Week 2 of Term 3)

The VCE/VCAL Parent-Teacher-Student (PTS) Conferences will take place from 3.40pm to 8.00pm on Monday 22 July. The interviews will be 8 minutes in duration and will take place in McAuley Hall. There will be a staff break from 5.40pm to 6.10pm.

Further information will be sent to families next week on how to make bookings.

2025 Years 9 to 12 Subject Selection (Tuesday 30 July – Week 3 of Term 3)

A reminder that in Term Three, the current Years 8 to 11 students will begin working through the subject selection process in preparation for 2025. 

Subject selection is another example of how teachers and families can work in partnership to support the learning needs and future aspirations of all our students. To assist with future planning there are a number of key assemblies and events scheduled throughout next term. We ask that you please note the following key date.

• Tuesday 30 July – 2025 Years 9-12 Subject Selection Expo

Further information outlining the subject selection process and the details of these events will be made available at the start of Term Three.

In the meantime, students are also encouraged to see their subject teacher or Wellbeing Teacher with any questions and to begin discussing possible subjects and future pathways for 2025.

Release of the 2024 VCE examination timetable

External assessments are set and marked by the VCAA. They are the same for all students taking the same VCE study. Usually this will be an exam – whether written, oral, performance or in an electronic format.

Your external assessments are marked by assessors who are experts in their area of study. All VCE studies are marked to the same standard and there are multiple checks to make sure that marking is fair.

For more information on the examination periods and rules, please visit the examination timetable page.

Trial Examinations – VCE Unit 3&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.

Upcoming VCE Head Start Lectures

Registrations are now open for ATAR Notes’ VCE Head Start Lectures. The lectures are running from Monday 1 July to Friday 19 July. Each session is live-streamed and completely free to attend.

Find out more by clicking on the link: ATAR Notes Lectures.

ACED 2024 VCE Lecture Series – Save the dates

Tickets for these lectures will become available towards the middle of the year. Students are encouraged to join the student mailing list here to be alerted to the booking page going live.

Students are encouraged to save the below dates in their diaries.

VCE Biology
Presenter: Caitlin Pohl

• Thursday 19 September 2024, 4.00pm – 7.30pm
• Sunday 29 September 2024, 9.00am – 12.30pm 
• Sunday 13 October 2024, 1.00pm – 4.30pm 

VCE Chemistry
Presenter: Dr Ute Kreher 

• Saturday 21 September 2024, 9.00am – 12.30pm
• Friday 27 September 2024, 3.00pm – 6.30pm 

VCE English
Presenter: Emma Ford

• Sunday 15 September 2024, 9.30am – 12.00pm
• Monday 23 September 2024, 9.30am – 12.00pm 
• Sunday 13 October 2024, 9.30am – 12.00pm 

VCE Business Management
Presenter: Peter Chard

• Saturday 21 September 2024, 1.30pm – 5.00pm
• Monday 30 September 2024, 1.00pm – 4.30pm 

VCE Legal Studies
Presenter: Simon Phelan

• Sunday 22 September 2024, 9.00am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 1 October 2024, 3.00pm – 6.30pm 

VCE Health and Human Development
Presenter: Andy Keating

• Wednesday 18 September 2024, 4.00pm – 7.30pm
• Sunday 29 September 2024, 1.00pm – 4.30pm 
• Saturday 12 October 2024, 9.00am – 12.30pm 

VCE Psychology
Presenter: Ken Ong

• Sunday 15 September 2024, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
• Monday 23 September 2024, 1.00 – 4.30pm 
• Sunday 6 October 2024, 2.00pm – 5.30pm 
• Saturday 12 October 2024, 1.00pm – 4.30pm 

ACED are currently partnering with Psyched for the Psychology lectures. They are also running a Unit 4 Head Start Webinar on 2 June. Click here for more information.

2024 MAV VCE Mathematics Revision Program

MAV's VCE Revision Program is LIVE and open for registrations!

The Mathematical Association of Victoria developed a self-paced, interactive, online VCE Revision Course for students. Our online courses are created by VCAA assessors, and are available for students to access from the day they register, all the way up until their exams finish.

The program received incredibly positive feedback as it was jam-packed with useful information and advice, and accessible all the way until the end of the VCE exams.

See website to register or for more information.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal

Faith and Identity

This fortnight our Student and Staff community had many opportunities to showcase their “Faith in Action” in a variety of projects.  On Thursday, our Years 7 to 9 student leaders attended the Mercy Mission, Action and Spirituality Hub in Carlton to commemorate Refugee Week.  They participated in activities related to this year's Refugee Week theme ‘Finding Freedom'.  This theme, with its focus on family – encapsulates the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience and provides support and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.

We asked our Mercy community to think about what it means to be ‘free’ in their Wellbeing classes. Caritas Australia provided the response states that to be free means “To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail”. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. Our students were provided the opportunity to explore a compelling animation that encouraged us as young people to reflect on journeys made in history and by our own families. The animation Refugee Animation on Vimeo provided our staff and students with the opportunity to reflect on the concept of the refugee crisis being a global one. The excursion for our junior leaders provided them with the opportunity to have discussions with refugee women, to attain an awareness of the issues facing refugees and how we can assist. They also enjoyed the experience of sharing a culturally diverse lunch especially prepared by the women. Here is their report:

On Thursday 20 June, leaders from our Social Justice, Mission and Student Voice teams, in Years 7 to 9 had the opportunity to attend the Mercy Mission, Action and Spirituality Hub in Carlton to commemorate Refugee Week. Students were divided into small groups with representatives from all four Mercy Schools in attendance, including Mercy College, Our Lady Of Mercy, Academy of Mary Immaculate and St Aloysius. 

We were able to taste and dissect the many culturally diverse cuisines that were homemade, especially for us with love. We tasted many dishes such as: Tomato salad, Saffron rice, Vegetable soup, Gourmet Sabzee, Torshe, Chicken Gorma and cultural salads, along with some yummy desserts. We also had the chance to converse with some brave refugee women who shared their stories with us. 

We heard stories of war, poverty, migration, health regulations, education and struggles to get to Australia, all whilst sharing our experiences revolving around our own backgrounds and nationalities.

We delved deeper into the meaning of cultural food and how it can bring us together. Food represents us in a way nothing else can. It is a link to our homeland, culture and identity. 

Elizabeth, from Paraguay, who has now lived in Australia for two and a half years, explained how when you leave family behind, the definition of family changes. Family are the people who choose to walk with you on the journey. Your family are your friends and the people you meet. So sharing a meal brings this ”family” together. 

Elizabeth asked us to reflect on what it meant to be “free”. She stated that this might mean living without the fear of war, having basic human rights upheld and living in equality and without the fear of persecution. These were just some examples of what freedom could entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. It was an honour to be invited on behalf of Mercy College, to this eye-opening event and one that we cherished dearly 

Here is a snippet of what we thought: 

Hannah, 7A - I understand more about people's culture and what happened to refugees and how much of a difference it can make to your life if you have to move.

Mariella, 7A- After today I realised how important food and culture is to people and how being able to express that, is a way of expressing freedom.

Alyssa, 7B- After today's meaningful experience, I have realised how lucky we are to have a free and welcoming community.  I have also learnt that food and culture makes Australia a diverse community.

Isabella M, 7C - After today I understood more about how people’s culture and background expresses the way of their difficult journeys, and is so effective in bringing different communities and people together.  

Sakhee, 8A - Today, I learnt and listened to the different experiences as a refugee of one individual, and understanding one's journey, as a woman of Australia. As one of the ladies said, “Be happy for today.”

Juliar, 8C - Today I learnt about what freedom is and what freedom means for us. We spoke about how food brought the family together and the love we have when we share a meal together.

Mariam, 9B - It was an honour to be part of the experience and develop new knowledge on the reason why the ladies decided to move either for safety or new opportunities.

Sienna, 9B- In my group we discussed a lot about language and our own personal cultures. We spoke on how food brought the family together as it’s made with love. Freedom comes with vulnerability which is expressing who you truly are as a person.

Whilst NAIDOC week is officially in the holidays, this week we celebrated the unique culture and history of the First Nations peoples of the land, seas and waterways that we now call home, through Mercy’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, Our students and staff were invited to learn and engage in the celebration by engaging in discussion about our FIRE Carrier Covenant. Our Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education (FIRE) Program is an initiative to promote reconciliation. The acronym name of the program is symbolic as Fire is at the Heart of Aboriginal Culture. In the First Nations culture, fire symbolises the spiritual connection between individuals, Mother Earth, and Ancestors. Dreamtime stories are shared and laws are taught around the campfire. Fire is of critical importance in smoking ceremonies, which cleanse people and land during important gatherings. Thus, fire embodies the learning, teaching, and our schools' journey towards reconciliation. Our vision for reconciliation begins with our acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, as the traditional custodians of the Land upon which our College is located. Our covenant recognises their connection to the land and their current position of disadvantage and social exclusion and reflects our commitment to walking alongside First Nations students, their families, and the broader community to foster understanding and respect for their histories, perspectives, and cultures throughout our school. It emphasises the ethos and faith beliefs of our Catholic school and the social justice responses we are committed to as part of our Catholic identity. Through our FIRE Carrier Covenant, Mercy College is devoted to promoting respect, justice, cultural understanding, and Mercy Values. 

We are seeking valuable feedback from all our community stakeholders, including staff, students, School advisory members and our first Nations community regarding our FIRE Carrier Covenant. We invite and encourage you to read the covenant sent via a PAM notification last week and listed on SIMON for our students, and would truly value your feedback via the feedback form in that communication. 

As I reflect on the term it has been truly a garden of opportunity for our girls to showcase their faith in action and their commitment to social justice issues, and they have enthusiastically participated, supported and engaged in so many activities.  These have included cultural awareness act, lunchtime activities, guest speakers, reconciliation and refugee social justice excursions and camps, Laudato Si week planting in the school grounds, Mother's Day, activities week and actively engaging in fundraising for our chosen charity this term the “Opening the Doors Foundation” by dressing for the cause, hosting a bbq and disco. I am very proud of the students and their commitment to their faith and social justice initiatives.

Thus, as we come to the end of another very busy term, filled with fun, learning, and friendship, we are invited to take a moment to reflect and give thanks. During our daily prayer our students are invited to be grateful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us, for God’s protection and care and for His endless love and guidance this term.​

​Today, I would like to share a comforting promise from the Bible. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". These words remind us of the importance of rest and renewal. As we look forward to the upcoming school holidays, let us pray for our Mercy Community's safety and wellbeing. May we use this time to rest, rejuvenate and explore our passions. Let's remember to take a break from our screens and engage in activities that bring us joy, whether it's spending time with friends, being active outdoors or pursuing our hobbies.​

I wish you a peaceful holiday, one that refreshes the soul and body and one where we can truly connect with ourselves and each other.  

God Bless

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

Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

The Year 10s did an amazing job completing their semester exams last week. They had positive attitudes and were organised, we are very proud of what they achieved.

As we head into the school holidays it is important that they finish/catch up on all their work before the end of term.

Monash Scholars Program

In other news we are very proud to announce that Alessia Cali has been accepted into the prestigious Monash Scholars Program, through Monash University.

This program provides selected students from Years 10 to 12 with an exclusive opportunity to engage with Monash University. Scholars apply and are admitted midway through Year 10, with applications opening in late April/early May each year.

Alessia will be attending on-campus events at metro-based campuses after school hours and during holidays. Scholars who successfully gain a place at Monash University after completing Year 12 will continue to receive benefits, including leadership and ambassador opportunities.

Congratulations Alessia!

Bridget Allen
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader 

VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader

What a busy term has it been! Filled with much laughter, fun and of course hard work. 

We began this term with activities week where the Year 11s had a taste of University life, followed by a camp where new friendships were forged and new skills learnt. The Class of 2024 had a beautiful week with some much needed R&R and some valuable time for reflection, concluding with their formal and a chance to dress up and dance the night away with friends. 

With exams and Units 1 and 3 finished and what seems like a distant memory, it is now time to start preparing for a break and some rest before we advance into Term Three. We are looking forward to a busy and productive term and the opportunity to shine and be our best selves. 

This can mean different things to many. It may be to set aside more time each night to complete study, or to take some time out to ensure greater life balance, but a common thread to excelling is preparation and planning. In a school environment a small gesture of wearing the correct uniform everyday can lead to greater self discipline and success. So I would like to ask all parents to ensure that your child begins their day on this positive note. Please view the uniform section below for a brief do’s and don’ts table with some clarifications. More information can be found on page 12 of the student planner. Please contact me directly for any clarifications.

Jaime Brown
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader 

Uniform

New Uniform
As you are aware, we have some exciting changes with the school uniform including the introduction of a new sports uniform and some updates to existing items. Families are not expected to purchase the new uniform when it is available and there will be a changeover period as the new items are introduced. 

We anticipate this new uniform will be available from the middle of Term 3. All uniform items will be available to purchase from Academy Uniforms in Thomastown.

Where can I purchase uniform from for now?
Current uniform items are still available to purchase from the Uniform Shop at Mercy College. If you would like to order any items or check availability of stock, please contact the College.

Holiday Opening Hours
Tuesday 9 July: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Thursday 11 July: 8.00am to 12.00pm
* Entry via Gate 2 on Sydney Road

Term Opening Hours 
Tuesday: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Thursday: 8.00am to 12.00pm

Uniform Reminders
A school is distinguished within the community by its students and their uniform. All students are expected to wear their uniform respectfully, responsibly and safely at all times.

If your child has difficulty meeting the Student Dress Code and Uniform Requirements, a written explanation is required from parents/guardians and students must present this to their Learning and Wellbeing Leader at the beginning of the school day.

eSafety

Common Apps Explained on the eSafety Website

The following link explains some of the most common apps used by teenagers and young adults. It includes apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. The information provided on the eSafety website is helpful in understanding the function of these apps and how to report online abuse or block someone who is acting inappropriately online. There is also relevant information about how to protect personal information and one’s identity in the virtual world. This page is helpful in empowering children and parents/carers to be upstanding and positive digital citizens and to call out behaviour that is unacceptable.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide

Instrumental Music Lessons

Interested in learning a musical instrument in Semester 2?
If your child would like to learn a musical instrument in Semester 2, please complete the below Instrumental Tuition Enrolment Form and email it through to music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.  

Shared and individual 30 minute lessons are available.

Students currently learning a musical instrument 

If your child is currently enrolled in the Mercy College Instrumental Program, this enrolment will be automatically rolled over for Semester 2. If you do not wish for your child to take instrumental lessons in Semester 2, please email music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 5 July.

If you wish to change your daughter’s Instrumental enrolment for 2024, please complete a new Instrumental Tuition Enrolment Form.

Should you have any questions, please contact Jack Stewart, Music and Performing Arts Leader via email: music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

Science and STEM

During Term Two, students were treated to an incursion from the Turner Institute’s VCE Psychology Sleep Program which brought experts in sleep science into the classroom, giving students a head start on the VCE Psychology Unit 4 curriculum. Run by Monash University’s Healthy Sleep Clinic, the Turner Institute VCE Psychology Sleep Program provided a unique opportunity for VCE Psychology students to learn the critical concepts about sleep science from experts in the field. The incursion program involved a comprehensive 1.5 hour sleep education session.

The session covered:

• The purpose of sleep
• Normal sleep patterns
• Identification of sleep stages and how these are interpreted using EEG, EOG and EMG
• The effects of sleep deprivation and recovery sleep
• Adolescent sleep patterns.

During the incursion, a volunteer student was wired up to our portable sleep diagnostic device and the class had the opportunity to observe their brain waves (EEG), eye movements (EOG), heart (ECG) and muscle tone (EMG) in real time.

English

English and NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) occurs annually in July beginning on the first Sunday of the month and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As part of the 7 to 10 Victorian Curriculum and the VCE English Study Design, students are required to explore texts that consider a wide range of worldviews including multicultural and First Nations perspectives. Here are some of the ways in which the English department at Mercy College embeds First Nations perspectives into the curriculum:

Year 10 - Jasper Jones (film study)

Year 10 students view the Australian film, Jasper Jones (directed by Rachel Perkins and adapted from the novel by Craig Silvey). The film is set in 1960s Australia, showcasing the injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians at the time as shown through the main character - Jasper. Throughout the film, Jasper is blamed for the death of local resident Laura Wishart and strives to be treated fairly within the conservative rural town of Corrigan.

Year 12 - Rainbow’s End (text study)

Year 12 students began their Unit 3 studies by reading and analysing the play, Rainbow’s End, written by Jane Harrison - a proud descendant of the Murawari people in New South Wales. Harrison’s play focuses on a family of Aboriginal women living on the fringes of rural Victoria in the 1950s, amidst their battle for civil rights and equality. The play explores key events in the history of Aboriginal Australia, including the Cummeragunja walk-off in 1939 and the harmful impacts of Australia’s assimilation policies. Students were even fortunate enough to hear from Harrison herself, who visited the College and spoke to the Year 12 cohort about her inspiration and purpose behind the play. 

With upcoming changes to the 7 to 10 Victorian Curriculum for English, we can expect to see more First Nations authors and texts in our classrooms. For recommendations on First Nations texts to read, please see your English teacher or Information Centre staff.

Tania Ragusa
Learning Area Leader: English

Health and Physical Education

On 6 June, our Health and Sports Science class visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG ). This educational trip provided our students with a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of sports and explore one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.

The excursion began with an extensive tour of the MCG, where students learnt about the historic events that have taken place at this legendary ground. Our knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories and insights, enriching our understanding of where various sports originated and how they have evolved over time.

A number of key highlights from the excursion included exploring the team club rooms, where students gained a behind-the-scenes look at where athletes prepare for their games. Students also visited  the members section and the prestigious Long Room, areas steeped in tradition and history. Another highlight of the day was walking through the stands and imagining the atmosphere during some of the greatest sporting moments in history.

Following the MCG tour, students had the chance to visit the Australian Sports Museum. This interactive museum provided a comprehensive look at all things sports, from historic achievements to the latest developments in sports science and technology. Our students were particularly engaged with the exhibits on legendary athletes and the evolution of sports equipment.

We would like to thank the staff and guides at the MCG and the Australian Sports Museum for their hospitality and for providing such an informative and memorable experience.

Sport

The CGSAV AFL tournament was held on Friday 7 June. Our two teams braved the cold conditions to show off their skills in which they had been working on for weeks leading up to the tournament. The tournament was a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship, with our teams demonstrating outstanding performances in each game. 

The Junior team made up of Year 7 and 8 students put forth an incredible effort, showcasing their skills, determination, and teamwork, ultimately securing an impressive second place! 

Throughout the day, our players exemplified the core values of our school as they faced tough opponents with grace and perseverance, making our entire school community proud. Congratulations once again to all students in the AFL team for their remarkable performance!

Discovering the history of Mercy College

Did you know... The site on which Mercy College stands today holds great history.

When the Sisters of Mercy first arrived in Coburg from North Melbourne in 1903, their convert was the former Young Queen Hotel. The hotel, said to have been built in 1846, was the watering place for miners making their way to the goldfields.

In 1853, Fr O’Hea, was recruited to Melbourne by Archbishop Goold of Melbourne, and was given charge of the Coburg district. Fr O’Hea purchased the Young Queen Hotel when it was put on the market and refurbished it as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy.

On 3 November 1907, the first Mass was celebrated in the convent, now named Clairvaux, where you can find the Young Queen Hotel plaque at the building entry. The name Clairvaux came from the patron saint of the Coburg convent founding superior, Sr M Bernard Lyons, St Bernard of Clairvaux.

‘The story of the Coburg Convent is a story of partnerships. The sisters shared their ministries with people of the local communities. Those in the parishes brought renewed life and enrichment to the sisters, as the sisters brought the same to the people, each sharing in mercy and their hopes for the future.’  Mary Stainsby RSM.

In 1963, Archbishop Daniel Mannix announced that one of the five Diocesan Secondary Colleges was to be a College for girls, to be built at Coburg and conducted by the Sisters of Mercy. Following discussion with the Mercy Congregation, the Committee decided to build the College on the site of the ‘old’ convent, the former Young Queen Hotel.

On 23 November 23 1964, Whelan the Wrecker’s workmen commenced demolishing the historic landmark and on 26 November 1964, the once Young Queen Hotel and the first Mercy convent in Coburg, was no more.

Source: Through a Prism of Mercy 1903-2003, Mary Stainsby RSM, Coburg Historical Society

Stay tuned for our next instalment, as we uncover more of our famous Mercy history.

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer

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