Mercy News - 26 November 2021
Message from our Principal
We are mindful that we begin a new liturgical year on Sunday with the first week of Advent as we begin to wrap up the 2021 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!
Feast of Christ the King
Last Sunday, the last of the liturgical calendar, marked the Feast of Christ the King. The word King can have many meanings and interpretations. One of these is that Jesus is the King of hearts, because his love exceeds all other love or knowledge. The Word of God challenges us to be people who are on the side of truth, justice, dignity - starting from the marginalised and the forgotten. People who are driven by Love.
Perhaps more than ever, the world calls upon us to be a community united in its effort to honour the dignity and worth of every human person, to serve the common good and live as one with God’s creation.
During these challenging times, let us embody the inclusive kingdom vision of Jesus –one that is rooted in justice, compassion, solidarity and service. One that celebrates and encourages love for ourselves, and for one another.
We continue our commitment to give generously to those in need over these last weeks with our Christmas Hampers for the Hope Café and St Vincent de Paul.
Only by living that vision, can we “..be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley
Final Week of Term
As this schooling chapter in your daughter’s life draws to a close, no matter what year she has had, I hope that you and her find time over the next week to celebrate her successes, and recognise the challenges she may have faced. I remind all that if we are able to handle obstacles and challenges we become stronger, better versions of ourselves. If this year is anything to go by – we are all stronger than we started, having made it through, though at times it seemed impossible.
In this period of reflection, I wish to express my gratitude to all in our community in what has been a difficult year. Our students have demonstrated an astonishing amount of optimism and positivity, underpinned by a strong resilience. Our staff have confronted the challenges of remote learning with integrity and a dedication 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, despite the personal life difficulties experienced, to best set their daughters up for success.
As the Senior years Headstart Program continues until Thursday next week, I encourage students to make the most of this opportunity of preparation for the 2022 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.
I wish all in our community, especially our students, all the very best over the next 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 2021. I look forward to farewelling you all officially in our final 2021 Principal newsletter next Friday.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching
As the year draws to a close for all our students at Mercy College, I would like to celebrate their achievements. They have experienced the world of lockdown, remote learning and faced many challenges. They have, however, embraced the learning through the online platforms and returned to the face to face environment with enthusiasm. It has been a year that we have all drawn on our strengths; how we learn, and cope, and adapt and succeed. As a learning community we should be proud of all that we have accomplished.
As I farewell the Mercy community, I would like to reflect on this year by quoting the poem below by John O’Donohue. We ‘have learned so much this year about the resilience and commitment of our Mercy students and community.
I wish all the Mercy community the very best for 2022.
Clare Kelly
At The End Of The Year
As this year draws to its end,
We give thanks for the gifts it brought
And how they became inlaid within
Where neither time nor tide can touch them.
The days when the veil lifted
And the soul could see delight;
When a quiver caressed the heart
In the sheer exuberance of being here.
Surprises that came awake
In forgotten corners of old fields
Where expectation seemed to have quenched.
The slow, brooding times
When all was awkward
And the wave in the mind
Pierced every sore with salt.
The darkened days that stopped
The confidence of the dawn.
Days when beloved faces shone brighter
With light from beyond themselves;
And from the granite of some secret sorrow
A stream of buried tears loosened.
We bless this year for all we learned,
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.
John O'Donohue
Religious Education and Identity
Advent for most Christians is one of waiting for the coming of Jesus. At this time of year, it is important to remember the Christmas promise of hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus’ birth brings into the world. This period of promise sustains us in even the hardest and darkest of times. Advent speaks to our experience during the past two years of COVID restrictions, and to the anxiety that we felt while waiting to live freely again. It still encourages us to hope for the possibilities of a world that has moved on from COVID. More deeply however, Advent also encourages us to prepare for the coming of Jesus by following his example of welcome, hospitality, compassion and service to others. It requires us to love deeply and to share that love joyously with others.
So how do we recognise Jesus when he comes?
- In the spirit of hospitality; making friends, family, colleagues and even strangers feel welcome.
- reaching out to those in need and seeing Jesus in each of them.
- In working and praying for peace and sharing the peace of Jesus with everyone we meet.
- In sharing God’s unconditional love.
- In keeping the light of Jesus burning strongly in our hearts and sharing the light with others.
- In quiet time spent in prayer.
Our advent journey has begun and we pray that it will be filled with hope, peace, joy and love as we wait for the coming of the best gift of all, the gift of Jesus. It is also a time to reflect where in our lives, and in our world, we can bring forth the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. Wishing all in the Mercy community a happy and holy Christmas.
VINNIES CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Mercy College students and families are invited to donate an item for our Christmas Hampers. We also invite you to donate a gold coin, where funds raised will purchase supermarket gift cards so that those in need may enjoy fresh food or a ham on Christmas day. Donations of items or money can be made via your child’s homeroom or at the office right through until the 6th December.
Thank-you for your support in making Christmas a joyous occasion for struggling families.
YEAR 10 WELLBEING DAY
Last Thursday 18th November Year 10 students participated in a wellbeing day that incorporated a number of activities designed to promote spirituality and connectedness.
Meditation for mind and soul
Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps to manage stress and anxiety, sleep better, feel more balanced and connected especially as Year 10 students are about to begin their VCE journey. Meditation is also a form of spiritual prayer, where we can quieten the mind to feel and hear the spirit of God within us. Students practiced the art of mindfulness and meditation with breathing techniques, relaxation techniques ending with a guided spiritual meditation for 20 minutes. A most invigorating experience.
Mercy Community Kitchen
In these times of pandemic many people are struggling with lack of job, housing and services. Social agencies are inundated with clients seeking support. As a Mercy Community, we unite to provide services to help those in need. Giving back to society is a way we can live out our faith and enrich our soul. During Year 10 Wellbeing day the students worked in The Mercy Community Kitchen to supply St. Vinnies Food Van with some packaged goodies as we head towards Christmas. They made chocolate truffles, packaged them and wrote a Christmas message to those receiving the treats. Well done students on your service to others.
Thank-you to the staff involved in this unique and rewarding day and to the students who participated with heart and hands.
Year 10 Wellbeing Day
Headstart News
Headstart - Humanities
As part of the year 10 Head-start Humanities: Commerce and History subject we were investigating:
Money and its use in society. The history of money and also looking at security features on Australian bank notes. $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Students will work on a design of a new $1000 note in the next few lessons.
Headstart - Food Studies
Unit 3 Food Studies students explored a number of Food Science terminology during their first Head Start lesson today. Students prepared and cooked a Korean Beef Bibimbap whilst focussing on how proteins are denatured via acids in a marinade and then coagulated when cooked. They also experienced the gelatinisation of rice.
Headstart - Year 11 Studio Art
Year 11 Studio Art students are getting a head start on trailing various materials, techniques and processes, in preparation for their Unit 1 & 2 SAT folios next year!
Years 8 & 9
The Year 8 Social Series
During Homeroom sessions throughout Week 7, the Year 8 Team ran The Social Series with all Year 8 students. Implemented as a way to connect with peers, students were mixed into groups made up of girls from all four classes and participated in a range of games and activities. It was brilliant to see students having the opportunity to laugh and connect with each other and their teachers.
Caitlin Lamont
Year 10 Wellbeing Day
On Thursday the 18th of November, the Year 10 classes celebrated their Wellbeing Day. The day was conducted with an assembly at the Chapel where we gathered for prayer and discussed the activities of the day. The students were divided into groups and completed activities consisting of meditation, art mindfulness, community kitchen and yoga in rotation. In the Meditation class, we focussed on our breathing which was followed by a guided meditation that allowed us to find a moment of peace in our busy schedule. In Art mindfulness, we were given a journal in which we had to write a negative word that described this year and cross it out and underneath write a word that described the next year and decorate it. This activity encouraged us to look forward to the next year and let go of the negatives of this year. In Yoga, the instructor guided us through a relaxing routine where we focused on breathing and finding balance, followed by meditation while listening to the singing bowls. Another activity was community kitchen, where we made chocolate truffles that would be donated to several places such as the hope cafe. This activity allowed us to feel a sense of contentment and relaxation with the knowledge that we were helping people with our efforts. We were kindly provided with healthy and yummy food for recess and lunch by the members of the canteen. After lunch, we had a very informative and helpful self defensive class that consisted of practical activities such as boxing and taekwondo as well as a very informative discussion about how to prevent fights. All the year 10’s thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it very helpful for the near future, especially during our senior years at Mercy Coburg.
Ritam Upreti
School Psychologists
Building a Positive Body Image
It is important to do what we can to support the young people in our lives to build a positive body image. Our body image is formed by the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs we have about our appearance. Our body image influences what we do and how we engage with the world. Having a healthy and positive body image means feeling comfortable in your own skin and valuing yourself by who you are, not by what you look like.
Building a positive body image is essential to mental and physical health, and protective against disordered eating. While eating disorders can affect people of all ages, research shows that adolescents are at greatest risk. Moreover, National Mental Health Commission data shows a 25 to 50 per cent increase in the number of people being treated for disordered eating since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We can support young people to build a positive body image by role modelling healthy attitudes and behaviours around body image. We can also encourage young people to consider the tips below:
- Focus on what your body can do, not how it looks, and practice gratitude for the incredible things our bodies do every day.
- Question what you see in the media and recognise that exposure to highly stylised and edited flawless images of fitness and beauty increase feelings of body dissatisfaction.
- Create helpful media habits. Avoid accounts that make you feel the need to change your appearance and choose media accounts that make you feel good about yourself.
- Find a style that makes you feel comfortable.
- Spend time around people who make you feel good about yourself and encourage you to feel confident.
- Value yourself as a whole person. Recognise your talents, strengths and attributes are what make you who you are and celebrate these!
- Ceate strong, affirming statements about your body, such as ‘I am more than my body’ and ‘I am worthy as I am’.
- Give compliments that aren’t about a person’s looks, such as their qualities, and how they make you feel (e.g., ‘I love that I can be myself around you’)
For more information go to the Butterfly Foundation website - butterfly.org.au. The Butterfly Foundation has a referral database for eating disorder specialists and a free helpline - phone 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).
Joanne Banks and Rachel Calalesina
Careers
2022 Year 10 Work Experience
On Thursday 18 November during the Year 9 assembly Period 3 the students were introduced to the requirements and expectations of Work Experience 2022.
Students have been asked to consider possible career directions and explore the possible work placements they could engage in during Activities Week 2022. Activities Week 2022 runs from Monday 2 May - Friday 6 May.
A few points that were raised:
- While work experience currently can commence it may be that some employers are unwilling to take Work Experience students
- The Education Department of Victoria have stated that students should not complete work experience in high-risk settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals
- Some employers may require students to be vaccinated. Workplaces that have mandated vaccination status of employees also require work experience students to be vaccinated.
Students have been given advice on how to commence looking for a work placement, as well as a script they can use when contacting potential employers. Students have also been given the necessary paperwork to be completed.
Students will be continuing with the discussion and the planning for Work Experience during the Had Start program in their Next Step classes.
Students can also gain advice and support in finding a work placement by contacting me, Pathways Coordinator, Ms Vicki Harvey
It is expected that students will have organised their work placements by the commencement of the 2022 school year.
If there are any questions and/or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Ms Vicki Harvey at the College via phone (03 319 9299) or email vharvey@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au
For further information you can go to the Victoria Education Department website: https://bit.ly/3rbYsXV
UNIVERSITY UPDATES
The University of Melbourne
Change of Preference (COP)
The University of Melbourne VTAC change of preference program of events and activities will run from Monday 6 December through to Monday 20 December, and includes opportunities for students to have their questions answered and gain an insight into life at Melbourne.
They are also looking forward to welcoming students back to campus with a series of campus tours.
Full details, key dates, and booking links will be available on their change of preference website by 1 December.
Change of Preference website: https://bit.ly/3p4OCoi
One-to-one virtual consultations
From Monday 6 December through to Tuesday 14 December, students can book in for a one-on-one consultation with the University of Melbourne’s future students’ team to have all their questions answered. Consultations are available virtually via Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as well as on the phone. They encourage parents and guardians to join in or make an appointment.
Experience Melbourne online
Students are invited to Experience Melbourne Online, a series of live sessions where they can find out about the transition to university and what to expect from the Melbourne experience. A complete schedule of available sessions and further information available on the change of preference website by late November.
Explore Melbourne campus tours
Explore Melbourne campus tours will run across the Parkville, Southbank, and Dookie campuses, led by current students who’ll show off some of their favourite places on campus. Further information can be found on the change of preference website including details on how to book a tour of one of their University Accommodation buildings or residential colleges.
UniMelb on demand
Students hoping to learn more about The University of Melbourne courses and campuses are invited to explore the suite of pre-recorded videos available on demand. Available through the change of preference website.
Extended operating hours
The future students’ team at Melbourne is available to help students navigate this VTAC change of preference period. The enquiries team will be available for extended hours over the change of preference period to ensure students, parents and guardians can speak to someone when they need to. On top of standard operating hours, they will also be available from 10am - 4pm on both Saturday 18 December and Sunday 19 December, before the change of preference period closes at 4pm on Monday 20 December.
New Bachelor of science Scholarships
The University of Melbourne has announced two new scholarships for students commencing in the Bachelor of Science from 2022
The Science Achievement Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving domestic undergraduate students who intend to undertake the Bachelor of Science with a major in the areas of chemistry, mathematics or physics.
Who: Commencing Bachelor of Science students
Benefits: • $10,000 over the duration of the degree
- Five scholarships awarded per year Eligibility: To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
- Have not previously undertaken any tertiary studies (excluding Year 12 Extension Program subjects)
- Have applied for the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne via VTAC, for commencement in the year following completion of Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate in or outside Australia
- Achieve a minimum ATAR of 98.00, and a VCE study score of at least 40 in one of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent).
Application and selection:
- Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered, there is no separate application process
- Candidates are ranked based on their ATAR and their VCE study score in one or more of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent), with preference given to those with the highest study score in any one of the listed subjects.
To find out more: https://bit.ly/30ZWUp3
Science Access Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to domestic students who’ve experienced disadvantaged circumstances and intend to undertake the Bachelor of Science and pursue a major in the areas of chemistry, mathematics or physics.
Who: Commencing Bachelor of Science students Benefits: • $5,000 per year for three years
- 10 scholarships awarded per year Eligibility: To be eligible for this scholarship, students need to: • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
- Have not previously undertaken any tertiary studies (excluding Year 12 Extension Program subjects)
- Have applied for the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne via VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or International Baccalaureate
- Meet the Access Melbourne entry requirements for the University of Melbourne course nominated in their VTAC application.
Application and selection:
- This scholarship is offered to eligible candidates who have the highest overall level of disadvantage based on the information provided in their VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application and their ATAR.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3oSdLlG
Access Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne have made an additional 125 Melbourne Access Scholarships available for commencing students. A total of 325 commencing student scholarships are now available through Access Melbourne, including 50 scholarships with a value of $7,500 per year for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regional or remote areas.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3DRUl70
Supported degree programs for Indigenous students
WHO: Current Year 12 Students
At the University of Melbourne, they have developed a range of targeted programs and support services for Indigenous Australians, which see students flourish and succeed in their degrees and beyond. Students who enrol in the extended courses will receive tailored academic support and mentoring, plus the opportunity to live on campus.
- DIPLOMA IN GENERAL STUDIES (EXTENDED) New in 2022, this 18-month program provides a pathway into University of Melbourne degrees for students looking to build the academic skills to succeed and explore a range of fields, while developing their general education. Applications can be made via VTAC or direct to the University
- BACHELOR OF ARTS (EXTENDED) A four-year degree that provides a strong background in the arts for a pathway to careers in languages, humanities, and social sciences. Applications are made via VTAC.
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EXTENDED) A four-year degree for that provides a path to a dream career in science and/or technology. Applications are made via VTAC.
To learn more: https://bit.ly/32lZPsC
Latrobe University
Students can hear about the pathways for Latrobe University’s most competitive courses – covering options for scored VCE, unscored VCE and VCAL. These webinars are the best place for students to find help and ask questions.
The schedule runs on both Thursday 16 December and Friday 17 December and will be made available on-demand.
Time: 10.00am – 10.30 am
- Pathways to education and arts
- Pathways to nursing, midwifery and paramedicine
- Applying for Aspire second chance
Time: 11.30 am – 12.00 pm
- Pathways to science and pharmacy
- Pathways to commerce and business
- Pathways to allied health and psychology
Time: 1.00 pm – 1.30 pm
- Pathways to engineering, IT and computer science
- Pathways to law
- Pathways to dental science and biomedical science (medical)
To book: https://bit.ly/3xjen7Q
Prepare Accelerate - Summer Pathway Program
Over summer, LaTrobe University will be running a special version of their Prepare program, called Prepare Accelerate. If a student undertook VCE unscored, or didn’t get the ATAR they were aiming for, Prepare Accelerate is here to get students back on track to start uni in Semester 1, 2022.
Students complete 3 micro subjects from 3 January to 15 February, taught entirely free and online in a supportive environment. LaTrobe University will use their average grade to calculate a La Trobe Entrance Score for admission to LaTrobe University Diploma and Bachelor courses.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3FIaooo
Extended contact hours:
LaTrobe University’s future student contact centre will have extended hours to answer any questions students may have. To speak with us, call 1300 135 045, live chat or book a one-on-one consultation.
To contact LaTrobe: https://bit.ly/3cLE1st
- Thursday 16 December | 7 am–5 pm
- Friday 17 December | 7 am–5 pm
- Saturday 18 December | 10 am–4 pm
- Sunday 19 December | 10 am–2 pm
- Monday 20 December | 8 am–5 pm
- Tuesday 21 December | 9 am–5 pm
- Wednesday 22 December | 9am–5 pm
LaTrobe’s contact centre will be closed between Thursday 23 December to Tuesday 28 December and Saturday 1 January to Monday 3 January. Their contact hours during the University shutdown period are as follows:
- Wednesday 29 December | 11 am–3 pm
- Thursday 30 December | 11 am–3 pm
- Friday 31 December | 11 am–3 pm
From Tuesday 4 January, their standard 9 am–5 pm contact hours will return.
Monash University
In 2022 Monash University are expanding the availability and access for domestic students across a range of courses, including many double degree courses in arts, business, information technology, and law. The benefits of double degrees in providing career flexibility and expanded choices for graduates make them some of the most popular courses, and the planned increase in offers means more students will be successful in their double degree preference than in previous years.
The ATAR required to be offered a place in a course can change in any given selection round. Monash does set minimum ATAR requirements for all courses, and this hasn’t changed. However, selection is based on a number of factors, including consideration given to applicants via different entry schemes, such as SEAS and the Monash Guarantee.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3CNMFBh
Change of Preference
Monash University have a range of ways for students to engage during the change of preference period, including:
Virtual activations once results are released:
- 17 December 2pm – 6pm
- 20 December 10am – 12pm
Extended operating hours for 1800 MONASH (1800 666 274):
- 16–17 December 8am – 6pm
- 18–19 December 11am – 4pm
- 20 December 9am – 5pm (normal operating hours).
Many faculties will also have one-on-one phone and virtual appointments available.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3DPPl2H
Monash disability support services
Monash promotes access and equity for students who have a disability, ongoing medical, or mental health condition. This includes students with learning difficulties or on the Autism Spectrum. Available assistance includes exam supports, flexibility in deadlines, resting rooms, and accessible accommodation. The GradWISE program assists with finding graduate employment opportunities.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/32qmnZf
Campus Tours
Monash are inviting senior secondary school students to take part in a curated tour to experience the best of our campuses and discover exactly what it’s like to be a Monash student. Places are limited, so registrations are required.
- Clayton campus: 6–7 December
- Caulfield campus: 8 December
- Parkville campus: 8 December
- Peninsula campus: 8 December
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3CPCYlX
December Science Precinct tours
If senior students would like to take a closer look and see where they could be studying next year, this is a great chance to visit Monash’s science facilities and student spaces. Get a feel for campus life and have a chat with some of Monash’s science students and staff. Also, if students need some course advice, you can help with that as well.
To book: https://bit.ly/3p1z7NA
MYSci
The three-day science program is specifically designed for students who will be in Year 11 or 12 in 2022. The program schedule will include hands-on workshops, access to our brilliant teaching facilities, the opportunity to meet some of Monash’s research scientists, exposure to potential career pathways, activities with the Young Scientists of Australia, and social activities.
DATE: 18–20 January 2022
LOCATION: Clayton campus
COST: $110 per student
Find out more: https://bit.ly/32y4SGH
New scholarship to study pharmaceutical sciences
A pharmaceutical science degree is highly transferable to a number of other industries, such as the skincare and cosmetics industry. From 2022, Monash will offer the Achieving Potential Scholarship for Excellence: Natural Beauty Care Scholarship to a domestic student experiencing disadvantage. The scholarship was established by Natural Beauty Care to seek out high-achieving students and support their pathway through Monash’s degree and into the company.
FInd out more https://bit.ly/3HVnzV4
Bachelor of Criminology and Policing
In three years, students will complete the core requirements of the Bachelor of Criminology, and a Diploma of Policing, undertaken at the Victoria Police Academy. This course will provide the chance to achieve the dream of working in the police force, or choosing to work in an area requiring crime and justice experts, such as anti-corruption, crime prevention, justice, human rights, juvenile justice, and social welfare.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3oYxvnR
Academy of Information Technology
To register to attend Academy of Information Technology's Virtual Open Day - next Saturday, 27 November from 10am - 4pm
This may appeal to students who may be interested in turning their ideas into a creative career in Film, 2D Animation, 3D Design, Games or Mobile App Development.
Watch LIVE creative demonstrations and attend information sessions to learn how their Higher Education Bachelors allow students to launch a fun and fulfilling career in the creative industries.
View schedule: https://bit.ly/3CO2Dvm
To register: https://bit.ly/3nKQGSJ
Employment Opportunity
Magic Hand Car Wash are currently looking to fill some casual and part-time positions for this coming summer period and are looking to hire applicants who are 15 years of age or older.
They offer flexible working days/hrs.
Vicki Harvey