Mercy News - Friday 6 September 2024

Key Dates

Monday 9 September

• Performing Arts Concert, 6.30pm in McAuley Hall

Wednesday 11 September

• School Advisory Council Meeting, 5.30pm

Tuesday 17 September

• Year 12 English SAC, 4.30pm finish

Thursday 19 September

• Mercy Day
• Last day of Term 3 for Students
  

Friday 20 September

• Staff Spirituality Day

Monday 23 September - Friday 4 October 

• School Holidays
• College Office Hours: 8.00am to 4.00pm

Season of Creation Prayer

Triune God, Creator of all,
We praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family living in a common home. Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment, home and protection.

We confess that we do not relate to the Earth as a Mothering gift from you, our Creator. Our selfishness, greed, neglect, and abuse have caused the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, human suffering as well as the suffering of all our fellow creatures. We confess that we have failed to listen to the groans of the Earth, the groans of all creatures, and the groans of the Spirit of hope and justice that lives within us.

May your Creator Spirit help us in our weakness, so that we may know the redeeming power of Christ and the hope found in him. May the groans ofthe Spirit birth in us a willingness to serve you faithfully, so that we mayhear and heal Creation, to hope and act together with her, so that the first fruits of hope may blossom.

Loving and Creator God, we pray that you will make us sensitive to these groans and enable us to have the same compassion as that of Jesus, the redeeming Lord. Grant us a fresh vision of our relationship with Earth, and with one another, as creatures that are made in your image.

In the name of the one who came to proclaim the good news to all Creation, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Season of Creation – 1 September to 4 October
The Season of Creation is an annual celebration observed by Christians around the world, running from 1 September 1 to 4 October. During this time, we are called to reflect on our relationship with God’s creation and take action to care for our common home. Rooted in the teachings of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, the Season of Creation invites individuals and communities to engage in prayer, advocacy, and sustainable practices that promote the flourishing of the Earth and all living beings.

For us at Mercy College, this is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to environmental stewardship. Through small but meaningful actions—reducing waste, conserving energy, and advocating for climate justice—we can live out our faith by caring for God’s creation and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

Performing Arts Concert: Monday 9 September

I am eagerly looking forward to being with you all for our annual Performing Arts Concert, which will showcase the incredible talents of our students. This event is always a highlight of the school calendar, providing an opportunity for students to express themselves creatively and perform in front of their peers, families, and the broader school community. The concert promises to be an evening filled with music, dance and drama celebrating the diverse talents of our students. We invite all parents and guardians to join us for this special occasion.

Mercy Day

As we prepare to celebrate Mercy Day on the last day of term for students, Thursday 19 September we are reminded that our school's Feast Day is a time-honored tradition that holds a special place in our hearts. It is a day dedicated to celebrating what it means to be a Mercy school and reflecting on the values that unite us as a community. The day will be filled with various activities, including a special Eucharist celebrated by Fr Colin Xavier, which all families are invited to attend. Mercy Day an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our shared values, and strengthen the bonds that make our school community unique.

As we prepare for these upcoming events, let us continue to support one another and work together to ensure a successful and enjoyable end to the term. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication to our school community.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith

National Child Protection Week 

This week is National Child Protection Week and while Child Safety is our imperative every single day, it has been good to further acknowledge the practices that are in place at Mercy College to ensure the safety of all children. The 2024 National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ is complemented with the theme ‘Every conversation matters’. Throughout this important week, we have been reflecting on our practices and making sure that our students know that their voices are heard and that the staff at Mercy notice when there are concerns no matter how large or small. We are proud to have a tight-knit community where each student is known, named and loved. Our students benefit from teachers who know them and notice when there are changes in their mood or behaviour. This ‘noticing’ allows us to respond to arising issues quickly and provide the support that our students need. The Wellbeing Team structure at Mercy College means that each child has tiered supports that begin with the daily interactions with their Wellbeing Teacher, the availability of their Learning and Wellbeing Leaders, the Learning Diversity Team and the Director of Student Wellbeing and Faith. We also offer counselling services with our counselling team comprising counsellors, psychologists and a social worker. Every conversation matters and we encourage every child to reach out to trusted adults to voice concerns.

Season of Creation

Although it’s a little hard to tell with the severe winds, spring has officially sprung! September marks the beginning of Spring but also our Season of Creation. The Season of Creation is a month-long observance (1 September - 4 October) that calls on Christians to reflect on our lifestyles and the impact these have on the environment and to take action for our world. Pope Francis has established 1 September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The day is inspired by Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on "every person living on this planet" to care for our shared Earth. The theme for the 2024 Season of Creation is To Hope and Act with Creation which draws its inspiration from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:19-25). In his message for the World Day of Prayer 2024, Pope Francis reminds us how the Holy Spirit "keeps the believing community alert and calls it to conversion in lifestyles, to resist human degradation of the environment". 

As a Catholic community in the Mercy tradition, we are called to care for our common home. One of the ways that we plan to do this is through introducing a Sustainability Captain to our Student Executive Team in 2025, who will foster initiatives around sustainability and ecological awareness and lead the College community in sustainable practices, especially around waste management (effective recycling), responsible use of electricity (including heating and cooling), and mitigating a throwaway culture. Our College staff will also reflect on the Season of Creation and plan future actions during our Staff Spirituality Day on Friday 20 September. 

Student Reflection: Social Justice

The beginning of Term 3 has allowed the Social Justice team to introduce our charity of focus, McAuley Community Services for Women. This foundation plays a key role in aiding women and children who are fleeing from family and domestic violence. As a school who strives to encompass compassion, providing aid for those most in need is a crucial aspect of our school community. 

Those who are escaping from this deplorable abuse often come with nothing to McAuley Community Services for Women at any hour of the day. Although essentials such as sanitary products, toothpaste and toothbrushes are necessary, students have been encouraged to bring in self-care products such as conditioners or elegant smelling body washes. These are necessary to not only provide hygiene but also lift the spirit of those that are in a dark place. 

Although Mercy Day presents a fun-filled day of community connections, it also acts as a fundraising event, with these proceeds going to McAuley Community Services for Women. During the first session of Mercy Day, the entire school community will come together for active community service by creating care packages out of their graciously given donations. 

I would like to thank you all on behalf of the Social Justice team for your continued support and contributions.

Kayla Jordan
2024 Social Justice Captain

Deputy Principal

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…Including you.” — Anne Lamott

With this in mind, resting over the holiday break is critically important for students' wellbeing for several reasons...

Mental Health and Stress Reduction: The demands of academic life can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The holiday break offers a precious opportunity to decompress, relax, and alleviate the mental strain that accumulates during the school year. This respite can help students restore their emotional equilibrium and mental clarity.

Physical Wellbeing: Continuous study and coursework often leave students with insufficient time for proper self-care, including sleep and exercise. Resting during the holiday break allows students to catch up on lost sleep, engage in physical activities, and focus on their overall physical health, contributing to their overall sense of well-being.

Creativity and Inspiration: Taking a break from academic responsibilities can provide the mental space needed for creativity and inspiration to flourish. This time away from structured learning can lead students to discover new interests, hobbies, or perspectives, enriching their personal growth and development.

Social Connection: School can be a socially demanding environment, and students may feel pressure to maintain social connections throughout the academic year. The holiday break offers a chance to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening these bonds and providing much-needed social support.

Recharge and Rejuvenate: Resting during the holiday break is akin to recharging one's mental and emotional batteries. This period of rest helps students return to school feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle new challenges. It allows them to approach their studies with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

Balancing Academic and Personal Life: Achieving a balance between academic and personal life is essential for overall well-being. Resting during the holiday break reinforces the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, teaching students valuable life skills for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Preventing Academic Burnout: Continuous academic pressure without breaks can lead to burnout, which can have long-lasting negative effects on students' mental and physical health. By taking time to rest during the holiday break, students can prevent burnout, ensuring that they are more resilient and motivated when they return to their studies.

Long-term Academic Success: Well-rested students are more likely to perform better academically. The holiday break allows students to recharge and improve their cognitive abilities, concentration, and memory, ultimately enhancing their academic performance in the long run.

VCE Examinations

VCE Exams Navigator should be read by all students presenting for 2024 VCE external assessments. It contains important information about what you need to know for VCE external assessments including written, aural, electronic/digital, oral and performance examinations, and the Extended Investigation oral presentation. 2024 VCE Exams Navigator

VCE 3 & 4 Trial Examinations

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. 

All VCE Unit 3 and 4 students have received a copy of the examination timetable for this period.

Student Engagement and Wellbeing

As we near the end of term, students are feeling the weight of assessments, exam preparation and pressures of daily life. We are ensuring all students can access the right support through the wellbeing team and counselling team.

As a general reminder the Wellbeing Teacher is the first port of call when families need to contact the College or students need to speak to a teacher. 

In addition to supporting conversations, Reachout has some fabulous resources that can help guide and support those stressors. Particularly focussed on Mental health, problem solving, exam stress, work, and study.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal

Counsellor's Corner

As we approach the end of term, we may find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and stressed. It is important that in these times we practise being in the present and focusing on how we can promote overall wellbeing. 

When we are ongoingly stressed our nervous system becomes highly dysregulated, this can leave us feeling burnt out and unmotivated. Please find some useful tips below to support our nervous system. 

If you have any questions or wish to speak to someone please reach out to counsellingteam@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

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

eSafety

eSafety for Young People – Helping You Stay Safe Online – PART 2

Valuable online safety information for young people can be found on the following link:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people

Each topic tile on this page, provides relevant and up to date information relating to cyberbullying and how to stop it. The three main topics and subheadings discussed in this newsletter are as follows:

1. Creating positive change

This tile on the website includes excellent videos on how to be a positive change in the community, to stop cyberbullying. It relates to real life situations and is a powerful tool to engage young people in learning to understand the importance of being a positive role model in the local community.

2. Online hate

How to deal with online hate and where to find support, is the main theme of this tile. Examples of online hate are included and young people talk about what it is like to be on the receiving end of online hate and how to deal with it.

3. Online gaming

“Online gaming can be a great way to have fun, relax, escape, be creative and socialise. Follow these tips to protect yourself and help everyone have positive and safe experiences”. This quote comes directly from this tile and also includes strategies on how to deal with an online gaming addiction.

Take the time to go through this page with your child. These topics have been created to give parents and children strategies to make online experiences positive, but also to provide important information about how children can be supported when their online experiences have had a negative impact on their lives.

Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader

The Year 7s have been working on developing identifying ways they can have a healthy relationship with themselves and their bodies in the Wellbeing Program. A highlight of the week was creating Empowerment Period Packs with our Year 10 buddies to be in our lockers whenever we may need them. 

Preparations of our first Mercy Day are well underway and we are so excited to make the best of the day. We will be selling drinks including iced tea and spiders to raise money for charity. 

A quick look into our classrooms this week. Our Religion classes have us focused on understanding the sacraments and we have had so much fun creating a News Report to share with our peers informing them about our chosen sacrament. In English we have been working on our analytical essays for the novel The Giver, including finding evidence to support our ideas. 

We look forward to the last few weeks of Term 3 and are counting down the days to Mercy Day!

Laura Mathieson
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader

With just over two weeks left in the term, our Year 10 students are in the thick of their assessment period. They’ve been working hard across all subjects, and their commitment to their studies is commendable.

How you can help...

• Encourage a Study Schedule: Help your child create a study timetable to manage their workload effectively. Regular breaks and balanced revision will prevent burnout.
• Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure they are getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. A healthy body supports a sharp mind.
• Provide a Quiet Study Space: A calm and distraction-free environment can make a significant difference in their concentration and productivity.
• Check-In and Offer Support: A quick chat about how they’re feeling can relieve stress and remind them they’re not alone. Offer help with revision or just lend an ear.

Bridget Allen
Year 10 Learning And Wellbeing Level Leader

Student Reflection: Future Health Leaders Program

On Wednesday 21 August, I, along with 11 other females from across Australia, had the privilege of participating in the Future Health Leaders Program in Canberra. Our day began with a discussion led by a panel of inspiring female leaders, including Nathalie McNeil, Vice President and General Manager of AbbVie Australia and New Zealand, and Nadia Levin, CEO of Research Australia. Through asking various questions, we gained valuable insights into careers in the health and medical fields. 

We then toured the John Curtin School of Medicine at the Australian National University, where we heard from PhD students researching neuroscience and brain cancer. They shared their experiences and insights into what it’s like completing a PhD. We also heard from a PhD student who is researching how misinformation spreads and its consequences. She taught us how to “pre-bunk”, this refers to how to prevent misinformation from spreading. She also taught us how to “debunk”, this involves disproving and explaining why a piece of information is false or misleading. 

Finally, we visited Parliament House for a discussion with Emma McBride MP, Ged Kearney MP and Dr Monique Ryan MP. This was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend it!

Konstandina Karavias
Year 11

Learning Diversity

The Australian Government Department of Education has published new information resources on the Disability Standards for Education 2005 for students with disability and their parents and caregivers. The new resources can be accessed on the Department of Education website or via the links below:

• Getting started – for culturally and linguistically diverse parents and caregivers new to disability and the Australian education system.
  

• How to advocate – helps school and tertiary students with disability to build self-advocacy skills, and provides guidance on how to raise and resolve concerns with education providers.
  

• Steps to raise concerns and resolve a complaint with your school – supports parents and caregivers of students with disability to raise, escalate and resolve concerns with their school.
  

• A day at school – a video about the rights of students with disability at school and reasonable adjustments.
  

• Be a disability ally – a video exploring the rights of students with disability to join in with every part of school life and how to be an ally to students with disability.

Languages

Helping your child succeed in learning a foreign language

Learning a language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for students. As a parent/guardian, you may feel unsure how to support your daughter when you don’t speak the language yourself. However there are a number of ways that you can help.

• Encourage the completion of all set homework, including homework on Education Perfect (a language learning site that specifically helps to drill new vocabulary). 
• Take an interest in the new words/phrases that your daughter may be teaching you. Teaching someone else is a great way to know if you truly understand the content! Take on the role of a student and try learning some of the new words/phrases that are taught.
• Explore ways that you can connect your daughter with the target language and culture. Trip to Bali or Rome?! Excellent but not the only way! Watch a movie with subtitles; explore some trending songs on Spotify or Youtube; search the supermarket shelves for a traditional product/ingredient; cook a traditional recipe; connect with a neighbour/family member/friend who speaks the language.

These are just some ideas that may be particularly suitable for the upcoming school holidays. Enjoy supporting your daughter’s language learning journey.

Elizabeth Moore 
Languages Convenor

Sport

CGSAV Soccer

On Wednesday 21 August, Mercy College students represented the school at the CGSAV soccer tournament. Students had a tremendous time, enjoying a series of games we played against a variety of other schools. All teams played fiercely  and showed excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and passion for the sport. Thank you to the staff who coached and accompanied us on the day.

Michaella Hauszler
Year 10

Celebration of Sport Evening

Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week

The Mercy College Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week was a great success! The College theme for this year was Letters and Numbers are Magical. This theme helped to inspire the competitions and activities students participated in throughout the week.

The library hosted recess and lunchtime activities organised by the Library Team, English and Maths faculties. Activities included the ‘Spelling Bee Challenge’, making flowers from recycled books and magazines and the famous ‘Pie Eating and Recitation Challenge’, just to name a few.

Students cheered and supported each other throughout the activities and it was clear that a fun time was had by all, including the teachers who ran each session!

Overall, students had a wonderful time making new friends, getting out of their comfort zones to take on new challenges and developing their critical and creative skills based on literacy and numeracy.

Alumnae News

Patricia Guatta (nee Ind)
Class of 1969 (Form 5)

In this edition we feature student Pat Guatta who is one of our foundation students.

Diane Psaila, our Alumnae Officer, had the pleasure of joining in the morning tea celebrations after Sunday mass for Pat’s retirement as parish secretary of Sacred Heart Church in Diamond Creek. Pat served for almost 21 years in this significant role supporting her parish community.

Click on the link below to read Pat’s reflection.

As we prepare for our 60 years of Mercy celebrations next year in 2025, we have been reflecting on our Mercy beginnings here at 760 Sydney Road Coburg, and the journey of transformations and building developments over the years to accommodate the growth and learning landscapes for our students and staff.

Through a Prism of Mercy, Mary Stainsby RSM.

Past students and teachers remember early days at Mercy College.

In 1965, I started my secondary education at Mercy College. There was a problem however, and that was that the school had not been built yet.

To accommodate those first students, two classes were based at St Paul’s in Coburg and the other at St Ambrose’s in Brunswick. On October 24 1966, Mercy College students said goodbye to their temporary accommodation and eagerly took their places in the new College Building. Mercy College had opened its doors. The roll call numbered 272 students, catered for in seven classrooms.  Sister Thecla Day was Principal, (1965-1967), assisted by Sisters M Josephine Kelleher, Leonie Austin and Madeleine O’Toole. Lay teachers were Mrs Foo and Miss Margaret Kelleher.

It’s wonderful to read about our history and listen to our foundation students’ recollections on their years at Mercy. The students did not have calculators let alone computers and needed to wear slippers to protect the floor areas. The Clairvaux building accommodated all the students as the Sisters were living next door which is now the Administration Building.

Stay tuned for more on our Mercy timeline in upcoming editions.

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer

Upcoming Alumnae Reunions

eSafe Behaviours for Students

Uniform

Mercy College Abstract Explosion Art Program

Community Notices