Mercy News - Friday 29 November 2024

Key Dates

Monday 2 December

• 2025 Headstart Program

Tuesday 3 December

• 2025 Headstart Program
• Night of Excellence, 7.00pm

Wednesday 4 December

• 2025 Headstart Program

Thursday 5 December

• 2025 Headstart Program
• Carols Evening, 6.00pm

Friday 6 December

• Last Day of Term 4
• End of Year Eucharist
• Learning Showcase
  

Monday 9 December

• Staff Professional Practice Day

Tuesday 10 December

• Staff Professional Practice Day

Wednesday 11 December

• Staff Professional Practice Day
  
• Semester Two Summary Reports Available

Thursday 12 December

• Staff Professional Practice Day
• VCE Results and ATAR Release, 7.00am
• VTAC Careers Counselling

Friday 13 December

• Last Day for Teaching Staff
  
• VTAC Careers Counselling

Friday 20 December

• College Office Closes, 4.00pm

Monday 20 January

• College Office Opens, 8.00am

A prayer for Advent

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Advent
This coming Sunday, Christian churches all over the world celebrate the beginning of Advent, not the commercial advent calendars we see in our shops but the true celebration of what it means. Advent is a time of anticipation, not for gifts or beautiful lunches we will soon enjoy but of expressing our gratitude for the life we have been given because of the birth of Christ and the opportunity we have to make a positive difference in our world, even if it is one very small step at a time.

We are mindful that Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year as we begin to wrap up the 2024 school year.  We look forward to a new year and the opportunities it brings. Students are busy consolidating their knowledge and skills and reflecting on all that has happened this year – there certainly is a lot to reflect on! 

Final Week of Term
As the Senior Years Headstart Program continues until next week, I encourage students to make the most of this opportunity of preparation for the 2025 school year. To those who will spend the next week consolidating their knowledge and skills across the curriculum, I remind them to aim to finish strong – you’ve got this!

In these busy times may we all remain focused on a great finish to the year, and look forward with hope to all that is ahead of us.

Over the next week, we look forward to joining with many of our families as we acknowledge our Years 7 to 11 students who have excelled with awards being presented at our Night of Excellence.  This evening celebrates the diverse talents, achievements and dedication of our students, highlighting their journey throughout the year across academics, co-curricular activities, leadership and the arts.

I am grateful to the many families who have contributed to our Christmas Hamper Appeal for the Hope Cafe and St Vincent de Paul, which we know provides incredible support to those in need. Once again we appreciative of the generosity of the Mercy community.

To help us prepare to celebrate Christmas we are looking forward to our Carols Evening next Thursday in Jubilee Garden, where our students will perform and we will be able to sing along.

As this schooling chapter in your child’s life draws to a close, no matter what year they have had, I hope that you find time over the next week to celebrate their successes, and recognise the challenges they may have faced. I remind all that if we are able to handle obstacles and challenges we become stronger, better versions of ourselves.

In this period of reflection, I wish to express my gratitude to all in our community for the year that was. Our students have demonstrated an astonishing amount of optimism and positivity, underpinned by a strong resilience. Our staff have been dedicated to education, evident in the growth and learning success we see in each of our students. Our parents and guardians have continued to work in partnership with us, to best set their child up for success.

I wish all in our community, especially our students, all the very best over the last week of term. May you find this time of reflection and preparedness useful, as you continue to enrich the Mercy Community with your gifts.

Whilst this will be the last official community newsletter for 2024.  I look forward to farewelling you all in our final 2024 Principal newsletter next Friday.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Deputy Principal

When you reach for a destination, the future may look beautiful, but the journey is never easy. Even when you reach your goal, you can’t forget the depth of the struggle it took to get there.
Source: The Shape of Hope (2021)

As the end of the year approaches and students finish their classes for 2024, the above quote is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have as parents and teachers by encouraging the young people in our care to preserve through the struggles when setting out to achieve their goals. The final weeks of the school year are an opportunity for us to reflect on this journey together and celebrate with pride in what has been achieved throughout this year.

I wish all our students the best for the final week of the school year and hope the College’s Headstart Program and other College events such as the Night of Excellence, provide students with a strong sense of pride in what they have achieved this year whilst also building the foundations for a successful 2025.

Headstart Program
All current Years 9 to 11 students have commenced the Headstart Program which continues 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.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal

Director of Student Wellbeing and Faith

As we approach the end of the school year and into the season of Advent, we reflect on the year that was and how we have found light through Mercy along the way. Leading up to the First Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Hope, we think about hope as a powerful virtue. Hope is more than wishful thinking or vague optimism; it is the confident expectation that everything will be okay. 

The word Advent itself comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming". During this season, we remember the first coming of Christ, when the world awaited the Savior’s birth in humble Bethlehem. But Advent also points forward, as we await Christ's second coming, when He will bring fulfillment to all of God's promises. This double expectation—of both past and future—anchors our hope, for we know that just as God was faithful in sending His Son into the world 2,000 years ago, He will remain faithful in bringing His kingdom to completion at the end of time. Our students have excitedly put up our Christmas decorations, including our nativity scene, in preparation for Sunday 1 December. I explained to them that we keep the baby Jesus out of the nativity scene until Christmas Eve which caused a bit of angst. But you can’t have a nativity scene without a baby Jesus, can you?! I explained that Jesus didn’t come until Christmas Day - we have to wait! It is the patient waiting and looking forward to what is coming which is what the spirit of Advent is all about. 

The world around us often feels uncertain and broken. We see suffering, injustice and pain in ways both near and far. Yet, Advent calls us to remember that our hope is not in the temporary or the fleeting; our hope is in the eternal. Jesus, the light of the world, came to shine in the darkness. He entered into human suffering, lived among us, and offered us a hope that transcends all earthly hardship. This hope is not only for the future but also for today—offering us peace, joy and strength in the midst of life’s hardship.

In the first Advent, God’s people waited expectantly, longing for the Messiah who would restore them and make all things new. That same hope fills our hearts today as we await His return. We are reminded that no matter how dark the world may seem, the light of Christ has already come and will one day make all things right. We also find this light through our Mercy values which provide us with a hopeful look into the potential of every Mercy girl. 

As we reflect on hope this Advent, let us be mindful of the hope we have in Christ, a hope that sustains us, strengthens us, and calls us to share His love and peace with others. Hope is not passive. It is active. It moves us to live with purpose and faith, trusting that God is always with us, even in the waiting.

Nima Ballenger
Director: Student Faith and Wellbeing

eSafety

eSafetywomen

“Women are more likely than men to be the target of sexual and gendered abuse that happens online or uses digital technology”. From:  https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/why-women.

Visual from: https://www.esafety.gov.au/women

This section on the eSafety website is especially important for women and the visual above, outlines the main topics that can enable women to stay safe online. It also provides strategies on using devices safely and information about how to speak out if abuse has occurred.

The information can also be downloaded in 15 different languages as well as ‘Easy English’, for people with low literacy, a cognitive or intellectual disability.

 These topics have been created to give parents and young women strategies to make online experiences positive, but also to provide important information about how women can be supported when their online experiences have had a negative impact on their lives.

Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

As the school year comes to a close, our Year 7 students have shown remarkable growth, creativity and leadership. From committing to their final assessment tasks to creating stunning upcycled artworks in Religious Education that highlights the value of stewardship, they have embraced every opportunity to learn and contribute. Their efforts shone during the Year 7 2025 Transition Day, where they warmly welcomed the new cohort, showcasing kindness and maturity. These achievements reflect their hard work and set a strong foundation for their future in high school—well done, Year 7!

As we celebrate the achievements of our Year 7 students, we’re excited to see what they will accomplish in the years to come. Their contributions to the school community this year have set a high standard for themselves and those who follow in their footsteps.

To all our Year 7s, congratulations on a fantastic year. Continue to learn, grow and lead with the same passion and dedication that you’ve shown so far!

Laura Mathieson
Year 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 8 Reflection Day and EIGHT Program

On November 18 2024 the Year 8 students experienced a Reflection Day. We started the day by being guided by Annie from Annie's True Beauty Salon, who encouraged us to rethink what beauty really means. We wrote affirmations for ourselves and each other, focusing on “kind words only” to show how positive language can uplift. This helped us to appreciate traits like strength, resilience, compassion and ambition in ourselves and others. At the end of the day, we gathered in the Chapel where we could choose to be forgiven for our sins or be given a blessing by the priest, do some mindful praying, write prayers or reflect with some colouring. 

Day 2 was the beginning of our EIGHT program which was run by Tripod Enterprises. The program was all about teamwork, creativity and entrepreneurial skills. Jaykob and Sammy introduced us to the smoothie bar festival, where we worked in groups to come up with creative smoothie ideas. We had a day and a half to plan everything, including flavours, themes, and decorations. 

On Day 3, we finished planning and decorating our smoothie stand before presenting our smoothies to the teachers and students. Each group dressed up to match their chosen theme, showcasing their creativity and effort. At the end of the day, each group made a pitch to explain their smoothie concept. The excitement peaked when a winning team was announced earning a block of chocolate as their prize! It was such a fun and memorable experience for everyone. We are all very grateful to have experienced it! 

Angelina Essa
Year 8

Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

As we reach the end of the school year, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey our Year 10 students have undertaken. After months of hard work and dedication, they have successfully completed their exams, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.

This week, students have also transitioned into the west building as they begin their Headstart Program for Year 11. It’s an exciting time as they take their first steps into VCE, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with senior school.

We are immensely proud of their achievements and growth throughout the year. The resilience and maturity they have shown, particularly during assessment periods, are commendable. As they prepare for the next chapter of their education, we are confident that they are well-equipped to succeed.

To all our Year 10 students—now Year 11—thank you for your hard work, positive energy and commitment. We wish you a restful break after Headstart and look forward to supporting you as you embark on your senior schooling journey. Keep striving for excellence and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Bridget Allen
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

CLEAR Wellbeing Program

Our recent conflict resolution workshops have focused on strategies for addressing disagreements in our relationships. 

While conflict can be difficult at times, it's important to communicate our feelings honestly, listen actively, validate others’ emotions and work together to find a solution. These steps are key to maintaining healthy friendships. 

If you have any concerns about your child please reach out to our team counselling_team@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au. 

Discovering the history of Mercy College

Bishop J P O’Connell blessed and opened the Visual and Performing Arts Building on 24 November 1993. The Performing Arts Space is now separate and situated on the bottom floor of the Clairvaux Building. In our Plaque of Honour series, today we are featuring the Arts building. It holds many examples of how students learn about varying art mediums such as using watercolours, inks, pastels, resin, sculping materials, fabrics and glass to create impressive works of art, as well as the study of media on the top floor where students are introduced to photography, film types, study codes and conventions.

To provide a snapshot, on entry to the lower classrooms, we are immediately met with a colourful display and a curiosity to see and appreciate the students’ creations.  On one of the corridor walls there is a ‘Pop Art’ showcase, where Year 7 students have learnt about the art elements and principles, gaining inspiration to understand techniques from renowned artists. You can see the work it took to choose the colour palette to create the vibrant contrasts against the dimensional shades of green in the background.

We are also drawn to the row of ceramic tiles, described by Madeline Carnibella, Learning Area Leader: The Arts and Technology, as beautiful creations that are based on the study of Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo whose works were inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. The Year 10 students Mixed Resin artworks based on the ‘beach’ inspired by Ken Done are an example of brightly coloured depictions of our iconic Australian beaches.

 Below Ms Carnibella reflects on her passion for the Arts and role as Learning Area Leader:

My passion for the Arts started when I was a young child as I was always very creative. I always thoroughly enjoyed the teachers who taught me in these subject areas and that's what made me pursue a career in teaching - to share my love and passion for the Arts and Technology subjects with the students here at Mercy College.

When reflecting on my time as Learning Area Leader: The Arts and Technology, I am proud of all the staff who have dedicated their time and effort to provide accessible and enriching learning our students. This also extends to our students who have the opportunity to design, create and produce many different unique outcomes.

The Arts and Technology Faculty covers other learning areas: music, dance, drama, textiles and food studies, which offer incredible opportunities to explore avenues for further studies.

As we journey through time to reflect on the growth of Mercy College; the development of buildings and learning spaces, the wonderful dedication of our teaching staff in supporting our students’ academic and personal growth, we look forward to marking 60 years of Mercy in 2025.

As the Arts building was blessed and opened in November 1993, and this feature published 31 years later in November, the last week of spring, I will finish with a reflection that caught my eye as I looked through the Class of 1993 yearbook. It was written by Maree Siliato – 7 Red

I saw.
I saw a cloud as thick as fog.
I saw the waves roll like a log.
I saw the rainbow paint the sky.
I saw the sunset fade away.
I saw the moonlight end the day.
I saw the stars twinkle above.
I saw some roses bloom with love.
A butterfly came down on me.
I wonder, tomorrow, what I’ll see.

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer 

Carols Evening - Thursday 5 December