Mercy News - Thursday 19 September 2024

Key Dates

Friday 20 September

• Staff Spirituality Day, Mercy Hub

Monday 23 September 

• VCE Trial Exams
  • 8.45am to 12.00pm: Unit 3 & 4 EAL English
  • 8.45am to 12.00pm: Unit 3 & 4 English
  • 1.15pm to 3.30pm: Units 3 & 4 Health and Human Development
  • 1.15pm to 3.30pm: Units 3 & 4 Media
    

Tuesday 24 September 

• Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
• VCE Trial Exams 
  • 8.45am to 10.30am: Unit 3 & 4 General Mathematics
  • 11.30am to 1.15pm: Unit 3 & 4 Visual Communication and Design
  • 11.30am to 1.45pm: Unit 3 & 4 Legal Studies
  • 2.45pm to 4.00pm: Units 3 & 4 Music Repertoire Performance
  • 2.45pm to 5.00pm: Units 3 & 4 Business Management
  • 2.45pm to 5.30pm: Units 3 & 4 Chemistry
    

Wednesday 25 September 

• VCE Trial Exams 
  • 8.45am to 11.00am: Unit 3 & 4 Religion and Society
  • 8.45am to 11.30am: Unit 3 & 4 Physics
  • 12.45pm to 3.30pm: Unit 3 & 4 Biology
    

Thursday 26 September 

• VCE Trial Exams 
  • 8.45am to 10.30am: Unit 3 & 4 Art Making and Exhibiting
  • 8.45am to 11.30am: Unit 3 & 4 Psychology
    
  • 12.45pm to 3.00pm: Unit 3 & 4 Australian History
  • 12.45pm to 3.00pm: Unit 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods
    

Friday 27 September 

• AFL Grand Final Public Holiday

Friday 4 October

• Feast of St Francis of Assisi

Monday 7 October

• First day of Term 4, all students return

Tuesday 8 October

• Week 1: Abstract Explosion Art Years 4 to 6 Girls Afterschool Program - 4.00pm to 5.00pm
  

Wednesday 9 October

• Year 12 SW1 and SW2 Morning Tea with the Principal, 10.45am
  

Thursday 10 October

• Year 12 SW3 and SW4 Morning Tea with the Principal, 10.45am
• Year 9 Outdoor Education Incursion: Mountain Biking at Mercy, 1.45pm

Friday 11 October

• International Day of the Girl Child
• Year 12 SW5 and SW6 Morning Tea with the Principal, 10.45am
  

Monday 14 October

• CGSAV Before School Swimming Training, 6.45am
• Celebration of Sport Evening, 7.00pm

Tuesday 15 October

• CGSAV Before School Swimming Training, 6.45am
• Week 2: Abstract Explosion Art Years 4 to 6 Girls Afterschool Program - 4.00pm to 5.00pm
  

Thursday 17 October

• CGSAV Table Tennis Tournament
• VCE Art and Design Show, 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Friday 18 October

• Offers posted to prospective Year 7 2026 Students
• Student Executive Family Dinner, 7.00pm

Sunday 20 October

• Alumnae Reunion, 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Prayer

The Door of Mercy
Sr Mary Wickham RSM

The Door of Mercy is double-hinged, swinging in, opening out, sturdy, yet easily moved.
My friend says: You only have to knock once, and you only have to knock lightly.
The Door of Mercy rests on the threshold of need.
Its single key is kindness, which is always in the lock.
Faithfulness is its lintel, hope and healing the strong jambs either side.
The Door of Mercy might be splendidly red, it could be an unobtrusive brown.
It will need to be carefully handled and its fittings are locally sourced.
Mostly the Door of Mercy stands ajar.
In spirit and in flesh you cross its threshold each day, often unmindful, but sometimes, and increasingly, amazed at its potent familiarity.
The smell of the food of home wafts out, the blood of the wounds of the earth flows in.
It is not immediately apparent which side is which of the Door of Mercy, since they interchange fluidly, pain and promise etched sharply on both.
Blessing is for all who come and go, stay and return, helper and helped, all belonging, each bestowing.
My friend says: You only have to knock once, and you only have to knock lightly.
The God of Mercy, whose door it is, is always home.
Catherine McAuley, pray for us. 

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Mercy Day Celebrations - 19 September

It was with great excitement that we celebrated Mercy Day today.  We were fortunate that the sun was shining  to help us celebrate the warmth of the day in many varied ways including for all our outdoor stalls

Mercy Day is celebrated across the world on 24 September but because it falls during our term break, schools in Australia celebrate it earlier. It is the anniversary of the opening of the first “House of Mercy” in 1827 in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, saw the great need and devoted her life to the poor, sick and uneducated and today we, as a College, continue her legacy of hospitality and compassion in the name of Mercy.

We began the day with a House Activity where students made welcome packs for McAuley Community Services for Women, who provide services for women and their children who are escaping family violence; and for women who are homeless, primarily as a result of family violence or mental illness.  Our Social Justice Representatives organised donations of much needed goods which we were able to put together as welcome packs.

We then celebrated our Mercy Eucharist and thank our celebrant Fr Colin Xavier - Parish priest: St Mark’s Fawkner, for leading us in prayer today and for his constant support of us as a College.

This was then followed by our carnival, which had various booths and activities organised by our wellbeing classes that were a lot of fun and helped raise much needed funds for McAuley Community Services for Women. 

Congratulations to Chiara C (Year 12) who received, as part of our Mercy day celebrations, the 2024 Spirit of Mercy Award. This is awarded annually to a student in our community who believes in bringing Mercy to life particularly through our values of: Compassion, Excellence, Hospitality and Justice.

To conclude our day, we gathered for our Learning Showcase, which included the Mercy Day Jar of Dares teacher event, which involved several of our courageous staff. 

It gives me great joy to share with you in this newsletter the Term 3 Student of the Term recipients and our 2024-2025 Student Executive Team.

Student Leadership is highly valued at Mercy and is both an opportunity and a responsibility for all students from Year 7 onwards. Over the previous few weeks, it has been my absolute pleasure together with other staff to be a part of the process of selecting our 2024-2025 Student Executive. I thank and congratulate all those who applied for the positions for their enthusiasm and commitment to our school community. Next term we will formally acknowledge the Student Executive of 2023-2024 and hold a formal induction of our 2024-2025 team.

My thanks to all students and staff for their efforts and work not only today but also in the lead up to Mercy Day. A lot of fun was had whilst also recognizing who we are as a Mercy College and why we exist.

Special recognition and acknowledgement to Nima Ballenger our Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith who led staff and students with all our Mercy activities today.

Staff Spirituality Day - Friday 20 September

As a staff we will conclude the term with our annual Staff Spirituality Day which will take place at the Mercy Hub in Carlton. The theme for the day is “To Hope and Act with Creation”. We are looking forward to drawing on inspiration from the words of scripture and the teachings of Pope Francis as we explore and understand the context of our concerns for creation.

We are fortunate to have Sr Adele Howard RSM OAM facilitate the day for us. Sr Adele is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea who works on ecological theology and communications in the church, education and community sectors both locally and internationally.

New Uniform

This week, in preparation for Term 4, families have been able to purchase, if needed, our new uniform which has as the main distinction navy blue. This was the original uniform color when the College began in 1965. Appropriate for us as we prepare for our 60^th year to revisit our past.

My thanks to students, staff and families for their input in both the items and design of the uniform.

Term 3 Break

We wish all in the Mercy community who are fortunate to be able to take a break in this holiday period, a restful and rejuvenating time. I am mindful that our students studying Units 3 & 4 know the end of year exams are not too far away and the time away from formal classes will consist of study and trial exams.

Thank you to everyone for your contribution to Mercy College this term. I very much look forward to seeing you in Term 4 for our final term of the year.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Student Executive 2024-2025

New School Uniform

We are excited to announce that our new uniform is now available to purchase from Academy Uniforms, Thomastown Store.
Uniforms can be purchased instore or online, with delivery to your home or to the College.

One of the distinguishing features of our new uniform is the Navy blue. This new palette draws on the College’s original uniform from 1965, with the addition of the light blue accent bringing a new and contemporary feel to each item.

The uniform was designed following feedback from our College community, resulting in new design trackpants and the introduction of a long sleeve sport polo. The uniform has not increased overall in price and some items are cheaper than families were paying before.

If you have any questions about the new uniform pieces, please contact the College on 9319 9299 or Academy Uniforms on
9460 8011.

Academy Uniforms Opening Hours
238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown VIC 3074
Phone: 9460 8011
www.academyuniforms.com.au/schools/mercy-college.html

Monday to Friday:       9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday:                      9.00am to 12.00pm

Student of the Term

Mariella Conci - Year 7
Mariella continually demonstrates the values of Mercy College. She is compassionate to those around her by supporting her Year 7 peers in their learning. Mariella has committed to advocating and promoting social justice projects around the College. She shows hospitality in her actions by walking the corridors with a smile and a willingness to help all those she encounters. Mariella has enthusiastically contributed to multiple College activities including Book, Numeracy and Literacy Week, College Tours, Primary School visits and our 100 Days of Mercy celebration. She strives for excellence in her academics, her relationships with others and her daily actions.   

Angelina Essa - Year 8
Angelina is always polite and friendly to both teaching staff and students. She works diligently in class, always tries her best and maintains a positive and encouraging attitude toward learning. Angelina consistently demonstrates respect, kindness and responsibility. She is a student who takes initiative and leads by example among her peers, whether it is tidying up the classroom or encouraging others.

Katherine Moshi - Year 9
Katherine is always punctual and has shown excellent attendance. She gives her best in everything she does and takes on feedback from her teachers. Katherine is kind and considerate and positively contributes to the learning environment. She truly represents the Mercy values of Compassion, Excellence, Hospitality and Justice.

Ella Mannix - Year 10
Ella consistently demonstrates punctuality, arriving to class on time and in the correct uniform. She comes to class prepared to learn and consistently works hard to achieve her best across all classes, completing all assigned homework tasks. Ella regularly greets her teachers at the beginning of the lesson and thanks them at the end. She engages well with her buddy during paired activities and maintains a positive approach to her schooling. Ella has been described as a team player and a positive member of the Year 10 cohort. 

Isabella McClelland - Year 11
Isabella is an exemplary student who is consistently punctual and demonstrates a commitment to adhering to her learning, always arriving on time and in the correct uniform. Through her outstanding behaviours and diligent study habits, she sets a strong example for her peers, serving as a role model for others to follow. Her interactions with both students and staff members are always marked by politeness and respect, showcasing her admirable character and dedication to maintaining a positive and inclusive school environment. Isabella is a valued member of all of her classes and supports her peers and advances her own understanding through effective collaboration. She is positive in class, completes all work with attention to detail, is polite and always leaves the classroom with a smile and a thankyou! Isabella is reliable, respectful, and takes pride in her work, often thriving in environments that value independent learning and deep thinking.

Mary Baban - Year 12
Mary has demonstrated hard work, dedication and exceptional performance throughout the term. Her commitment to her studies, her willingness to help others and her positive attitude have truly set her apart. She has not only excelled academically but also contributed positively to the learning environment in each of her classes. Mary is very receptive to feedback and always aims to achieve her best. She is kind to those around her and is always willing to help out her peers. During Term 3 in particular, Mary has demonstrated a careful and methodical approach to her studies, resulting in an improvement in her academic performance, noted by all of the staff that work with her. She is a student who works with quiet determination but always focused on her tasks. When she contributes to class discussions, her words are thoughtful, measured, and delivered with a sense of clarity and purpose. Mary is a quiet and respectful student and is always willing to volunteer to help out when asked. She works to her best ability in class and always strives for excellence.

Deputy Principal

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 and it is also outlined in the Key Dates section of this newsletter.

TSSM – September Holiday Program
TSSM’s September Holiday Exam Preparation Program is designed to help students thoroughly review all key areas of study as outlined in the VCAA Study Design for each subject prior to the exam rush.

At TSSM students will be able to attend in-person classes at TSSM's VCE Centre in Melbourne or attend the classes on TSSM's Live and Online Platform, ensuring that those who are unable to travel into the city will still have access to the exceptional VCE programs and excellent teachers.

For more information click the LINK.

ACED 2024 VCE Lecture Series – Save the dates
Tickets for these lectures are now available and 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.

VCE Mathematics Revision Program
The Mathematical Association of Victoria developed a self-paced, interactive, online VCE Revision Course for students. These 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.

Download the flyer here to for students and parents.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal

Counsellor's Corner

Congratulations on getting to the end of Term 3!

The counselling team have had a busy and fulfilling term tuning into the emotional needs of our Mercy students.

Our Social Worker, Liv, is heading off on parental leave in Term 4. We wish her all the very best! 

We welcome a new member to our team in Term 4, Natasha Christofi. Natasha is a provisional psychologist who has already been working at Mercy in the Learning and Diversity team. Sarah and Laura will also still be here to support students with their final term of 2024.

An area that we have been addressing with the students is the ability to recognise their fight or flight responses and grounding themselves. Students who regularly experience a fight or flight response will find it difficult to calm their minds. Students report this impacting their mood, sleep, friendships and school work.

If parents are wanting to understand more about their teenagers' emotions and perhaps even their own, the evidence based Tuning into Teens may be of interest. 

The 6 week program is run by Relationship Matters for a fee or alternatively parents could send an expression of interest for a free program with CatholicCare when one becomes available in our region. Please see links below:

Tuning in to Teens - Relationship Matters
Tuning in to Teens - CatholicCare Victoria

On behalf of all of the counselling team, we would like to wish you an enjoyable and relaxing break over the September holidays. We look forward to working with you next term! 

If you have any questions or wish to speak to someone during Term 4, please reach out to counsellingteam@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

Liv Carli Hannan (Social Worker), Laura Cutri (Counsellor), Natasha Christofi (Provisional Psychologist) and Sarah Giangiulli (Psychologist)
Mercy College Counselling Team

eSafety

eSafety for Young People – Helping You Stay Safe Online – PART 3

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. Part 3 explores the following topics and subheadings:

1. Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint relates to a person’s online activities and can be accessed by the public by simply doing a Google search on a person. This section on the eSafety website discusses how to responsibly manage a person’s digital footprint and to consider what you post, as this may have a negative impact on a person’s career aspirations or their public image.

2. Trolling

Trolling relates to people knowingly posting nasty comments about another person/people. This page includes what to do if someone is trolling you and where to access help if it is impacting a person’s mental health.

3. Catfishing

Catfishing is a form of control and is used to blackmail or scam people online. This page explains the following questions in detail and provides helpful tips on preventing catfishing and what to do if it happens to you. There is also a helpful video on how to identify a catfish.

What is catfishing?  
What are the warning signs?
How can I prevent being catfished?
I think I'm being catfished – what should I do?
I think someone is pretending to be me online – what should I do?
How to use image search to catch a catfish.

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.

Sport

CGSAV Netball

On Thursday 5 September, many Mercy students participated in the CGSAV netball competition. I found it was a good and fun way to showcase our skills and play a fun game of netball. We played against many schools and had loads of fun practicing drills and ultimately playing together as a team. Although none of the Mercy teams won the tournament, we still all had loads of fun and are all looking forward to next year

Mariella Conci
Year 7A

Celebration of Sport Evening

Mercy on Staff

Elisabeth Moore
Languages Convenor

In the lead up to 60 years of Mercy in 2025, we are featuring staff reflection interviews

In this edition, we introduce Elizabeth Moore, teacher: Indonesian, Languages Convenor, who commenced at Mercy College in 2015 teaching Indonesian in addition to several other subjects. In 2022, Elizabeth stepped into her role as Head of Languages, and last year, in 2023 her role as Languages Convenor.

Elizabeth has always been passionate about teaching the Indonesian language, developing opportunities for students to learn about the culture and their environment.

In the interview below, Elizabeth who is pictured here at the Borobudur Temple, provides an in-depth reflection of her journey since commencing at Mercy, including a reflection from a couple of students too. 

In Year 7, students who choose to study Indonesian are introduced to the diversity of Indonesia and the importance of the Australian-Indonesian relationship in our world today. In Year 8 students are introduced to both traditional and contemporary pastimes of Indonesian teenagers. They also compare family structure in Indonesia with that of their own culture. Year 9 students will deepen their cultural understanding of Indonesia and understand how an in-depth cultural knowledge is equally essential for effective communication.

Elizabeth reminds students to always strive to achieve their personal best, to treat others as you would like to be treated, and to be open to exploring various opportunities on offer at the College.

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer

Upcoming Alumnae Reunion

Mercy College Abstract Explosion Art Program

St Oliver Plunkett and St Paul's Parish Dinner Dance