Mercy News - Friday 15 November 2024
Key Dates
Monday 18 November
- Year 11 Exams
- Year 8 Reflection Day
- Swimming Training - 6.45am to 8.30am
- VCAA Exams: Australian History - 11.45am to 2.00pm
- VCAA Exams: Music Repertoire Performance - 3.00pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 19 November
- Year 11 Exams
- EIGHT Program: Smoothie Bar
- Swimming Training - 6.45am to 8.30am
- Year 7 PE Excursion
- 7B: 9.30am to 10.15am
- 7C: 10.15am to 11.00am
- 7A: 11.00am to 11.45am
- VCAA Exams: Religion & Society - 3.00pm to 5.15pm
Wednesday 20 November
- Year 9, 10 and 11 Exams
- EIGHT Program: Smoothie Bar
Thursday 21 November
- Year 9, 10 and 11 Exams
- Year 7A and 7C Band Night - 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Friday 22 November
- Years 9 to 11 Student Free Day
- Regular classes for Years 7 and 8 students
- Year 7 2025 Orientation Day
Sunday 24 November
- Feast of Christ of King
Monday 25 November
- 2025 Headstart Program
- 2025 Year 8 and 9 New Students Orientation
Tuesday 26 November
- 2025 Headstart Program
- Year 7 PE Excursion
- 7B: 9.30am to 10.15am
- 7C: 10.15am to 11.00am
- 7A: 11.00am to 11.45am
Wednesday 27 November
- 2025 Headstart Program
Thursday 28 November
- 2025 Headstart Program
Friday 29 November
- 2025 Headstart Program
A prayer for kindness
Dear Lord,
We gather our hearts in a spirit of compassion and love.
We ask for your guidance and inspiration to cultivate kindness within ourselves and in the world around us.
May we open our eyes to the struggles of others and extend our hands in support.Let our words be gentle, our actions be thoughtful, and our intentions be pure.
Help us to recognize the shared humanity in every soul we encounter, fostering empathy instead of indifference.
We pray for those who are hurting, marginalized, or alone.
May they feel the warmth of kindness enveloping them, reminding them they are never truly alone.
Let our communities be places of acceptance, where every person is valued and respected.
Inspire us to embrace differences and celebrate diversity, knowing that it enriches our lives.
May we create ripples of kindness that spread far and wide, transforming hearts and minds.
As we move through our days, let us be beacons of hope and love, spreading kindness like seeds in the wind.
May our collective efforts sow a future where compassion reigns, and every act of kindness brings us closer together.
Amen.
Message From Our Principal
Dear Mercy Community,
Remembrance Day
As a College community, on Monday 11 November we paused to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour our service men and women who have served and those who have died during wars and peacekeeping operations.
Our Student Executive led our Remembrance Day service which was held in Jubilee Garden. Year 9 student Chanel Shlimoon played the Last Post and the Rouse on trumpet.
Examinations
The VCAA examinations have almost finished with just a few exams to go. It has been wonderful to witness all our students arriving prepared for their examinations and ready to demonstrate their learning. We wish students all the best with the remaining exams.
As students await their much-anticipated results, we encourage them to take the time to reflect on the lessons that they have learnt throughout their schooling. Education is measured by more than an ATAR. A Mercy education aims to nurture young people to be ready to take their place in the world, as strong and kind individuals.
We wish all our Year 9 to 11 students the best with their study and preparation for their examinations.
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance
Research from The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman reveals that confidence often declines in adolescent girls due to a mix of biological and societal pressures that emphasise caution and perfectionism. Kay and Shipman’s studies show that while girls tend to excel academically, they also face mounting pressures from societal expectations and social media, which can lead to perfectionistic tendencies and reluctance to take risks for fear of failure. As their research notes, “confidence hinges on action." Each struggle, each attempt, and each moment of recovery strengthens self-belief and builds resilience.
At Mercy, we are committed to offering our students experiences that encourage this kind of confidence - born from action, courage and reflection. Through co-curricular activities, and classroom discussions that value diverse viewpoints, we aim to cultivate an environment where students can take healthy risks and grow through active participation.
As our students undertake exams and end of semester tasks, we hope our students remember that resilience is not about perfection but about meeting challenges with determination. Every experience, offers lessons in resilience and self-assurance. These challenges allow students to build a foundation of self-confidence that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
Year 7 Transition
The Year 7 Transition program aims to ensure that students feel happy, secure and confident as they make the transition from primary to secondary education. We have held various events including our Year 7 2025 Information Evening on Tuesday, solo student afternoon tea and transition visits to all the students Primary Schools. Throughout the transition process, we have been highlighting the fact that as always, we invite feedback from any of our families as to how best we can support their child in our care. We want them to know that they can make contact at any time as we continue to strive to work in partnership with our parents and guardians.
Next Friday we will welcome our new Year 7 students and their families who will be joining the Mercy community in 2025. Throughout the day, the Year 7s will build connections in their House groups and year level, as well as participate in some testing which will assist them and us in recognising areas for growth in learning.
I know that our Mercy community will welcome our new families with hospitality, which is one of our values that is both generously offered and received.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Deputy Principal
Pope Francis (2020) describes the role of teaching as a beautiful vocation that has an impact far beyond the classroom:
‘They are “artisans” who shape the coming generations. By their knowledge, patience, and dedication, they communicate a way of living and acting that embodies a richness that is not material but spiritual …’
In this way, teachers pass on our cultural memory from one generation to the other, raising up each child so that learners will become contributors, students will become leaders, and the beauty of our Catholic faith will enrich future generations.
Every child in a Catholic school should find a home and a launching pad from which they can thrive, and take others with them, into a life flourishing with wisdom and mercy.
Source: Vision for Instruction – Flourishing Learners Position Statement
Semester Two Examinations
Semester Two 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 15 November to Thursday 21 November.
Year 10 Examinations: Wednesday 20 November to Thursday 21 November.
Year 9 Examinations: Wednesday 20 November to Thursday 21 November.
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.
Headstart Program
All current Years 9 to 11 students will undertake the Headstart Program from Monday 25 November to Thursday 5 December. This program helps students transition from one year level to the next. This smooth transition is vital in reducing the anxiety and uncertainty often associated with the change, allowing students to adapt more easily. It also provides an opportunity for students to review and consolidate their knowledge of the current curriculum. This can be particularly important in subjects where foundational concepts are built upon in subsequent years.
Over the extended break at the end of the school year, students can experience learning loss, sometimes referred to as the 'summer slide'. The program helps mitigate this by keeping students engaged in educational activities. By covering some curriculum material during the Headstart Program, this can reduce the academic pressure during the regular school year, allowing students to have a more balanced academic experience.
Semester Two Reports
Semester Two Summary Reports will be available for parents to access via PAM as of Wednesday 11 December. 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.
2024 VCAA and ATAR Results
2024 VCE results including the Study Scores for Year 11 and 12 students who completed Unit 3/4 subjects will be available on Thursday 12 December.
Further details are available on the VCAA Website and students have received information outlining these key dates and how to access support from the College’s Careers Team during this time.
If you have any questions on how to access these results, please contact me.
We wish all students waiting for their results all the best and congratulate them in advance for their work and effort throughout this year.
2025 Booklists
The 2025 Booklists can now be accessed via Parent Access Module (PAM). Please see the instructions below to access the booklists. All orders are to be completed online by Sunday 17 November.
Step 1. Login to the Parent Access Module (PAM) via: https://pam.mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
Step 2. Click Campion Booklists 2025 Located under Knowledge Bank on the main page.
Step3. Click the required Booklist.
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
eSafety
eSafety Kids – Information for primary and lower secondary students
The eSafety kids link is an excellent way to introduce primary and lower secondary students to the eSafety site and includes relevant information to help children stay safe and act as positive digital citizens online. Please see the following link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids
Be an eSafe kid
This tile focusses on being safe, kind, curious and secure online. Each subheading provides easy steps to understand how to get the most out of the internet without being negatively impacted by others. It also reminds children about how they should act towards others when online.
I want help with…
Questions your child may have about using the internet or possible cyberbullying may be answered in this section. ‘How do I know something is fake?’ and ‘Someone is contacting me and I don’t want them to’, are some of the topics explored by clicking on this tile.
How eSafety can help
Getting help and support is most important and there is information here about how to report a complaint of cyberbullying. The information is easy to understand and provides a step by step process on how to report cyberbullying.
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.
A Writer’s Journey – The Art of Telling Stories
On Tuesday 12 November, 14 students attended the State Library and the Ian Potter Gallery as part of an enrichment program called ‘A Writer’s Journey – The Art of Telling Stories’. Students also wandered the streets of Melbourne, viewing wonderful street art from local artists. Students were immersed in this interactive experience and enjoyed discussing how art can be represented in many ways both formally, in a gallery and informally, along laneways and side streets. Students were surprised to learn that the State Library is more than just a place to store books. It is a place where anyone can spend time viewing archival material, studying, reading, viewing artworks and historical collections, or sitting quietly and soaking up the atmosphere.
The La Trobe Room at the State Library was the highlight of the guided tour because of its beautiful and awe-inspiring dome structure. One student commented that as you walked into the silent study space and looked at the ceiling, you were overwhelmed by the amazing architecture and striking green lamps that sat on large wooden desks.
Students returned to the College excited to write an inspirational piece about their wonderful experience.
Fiona Laino
Information Services Leader
Science
Year 7 Zoo to You Incursion
On Friday 8 November we welcomed Wild Action for a series of one-hour workshops where Year 7 students interacted with a variety of taxa. Students had an opportunity to touch, hold and learn more about classes of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Insects and Reptiles.
Year 7 Space Probe
Inspired by the Parker Space Probe, our Year 7 students were set an engineering challenge to design and build a heat shields and then tested their designs in class - do you think the chocolate melted?
VCE Physics Solar Cooker
From 2023, Sustainability was added as a focus across VCE Science subjects. In VCE Physics and Environmental Science, the concept of a solar cooker is covered. Cooking with the sun's power is a great way to use a renewable resource. Food cooked in solar ovens retain their moisture and nutrients as it cooks slowly and does not burn as with other types of heat. This cooker heats from 80°C to 150°C regardless of the outside temperature, winter or summer. Last week, students tested cooking carrots and they produced excellent results.
Health and Physical Education
Year 7 Aquatics Education Unit
Our Year 7 students are excited to be to back in the pool for their Aquatics Education unit! Over the course of the next four weeks, students will further develop their skill acquisition in stroke development and water safety.
VCE-VM
Cooking for Hope Cafe
This year our VCE-VM students have been cooking for the Hope Cafe as part of their Personal Development Skills class. They recently prepared some Halloween treats. Located on the grounds of St Mark's Catholic Church in Fawkner, the Hope Cafe is run by dedicated volunteers, the cafe is a space where everyone is welcomed, respected and cared for. The community initiative offers a three-course meal every Thursday. We are proud to live out our Mercy values as staff and students by preparing a dessert every fortnight.
2025 Mercy College Bus Bookings
Bookings for the Mercy College Private Subsised Bus Service for Semester One 2025 opened at 10.00am on Wednesday 13 November 2024. This bus service includes the following 3 routes:
- Mickleham/Craigieburn/Roxburgh Park
- Craigieburn/Greenvale
- Glenroy
The cost to families per student, per semester is $650 and will need to be paid upon booking to secure a seat on the service.
To book your child's seat for Semester One 2025, please click on the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/mercy-college-private-bus-service-2025
It’s important to note we also have the PTV school bus service from Craigieburn Plaza/Broadmeadows Station, Fawkner/Campbellfield and Reservoir, and the PTV public bus services to Hadfield and Glenroy. Students travel on these services using their myki. Please click on the link below to view the video outlining these routes.
If you have any questions, please contact the College.
Alumnae News
In this newsletter edition, Mercy College has the honour in featuring Dr Monika Jones PhD (nee Buljan) Class of 2004.
Monika had sent through her RSVP to attend the annual alumni reunion which took place on Sunday 20 October. Monika graduated from Mercy College in 2004, making it her 20-year milestone this year and was delighted to be asked to present at the reunion as guest speaker to reflect on her time at Mercy and her journey since leaving the College gates.
Dr Monika Jones (née Buljan) is a Senior Analyst at Swinburne University, focusing on Data, Work Integrated Learning, and Evaluation. She graduated from Mercy College in 2004, earned a Bachelor of Mathematics and Statistics with Honors, and a Master’s in Statistical Science in 2009. Since then, Monika has excelled in statistics, data analytics, surveys, and stakeholder management in healthcare and education.
Monika later completed a PhD in Applied Mathematics in 2019, focusing on Medical Education. After that, she managed a team of data professionals, where they advocated for improved health outcomes for Victorian rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, using new data and insights.
In her spare time, Monika volunteers and fundraisers for community, church and social justice initiatives. Most recently she ran a successful STEMM (extra M for Medicine) youth program.
Just as I have come to know the inspirational individual that Monika represents, she hopes that she can inspire everyone to change the world, one statistic at a time.
To read Monika’s inspirational journey, click on the link below.
Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer
Community News
