Mercy News - Friday 21 March 2025

Key Dates

Tuesday 25 March

• Years 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, 2.20pm to 4.30pm (No period 5 classes)

Wednesday 26 March

• Year 9 Immersion Day
  
• Week 4: Years 4 to 6 Abstract Explosion Art Program, 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Thursday 27 March

• Years 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, 3.40pm to 7.00pm
  

Friday 28 March

• Learning Showcase, 2.05pm

Monday 31 March

• Staff Professional Practice Day
  
• Year 10 Work Experience

Tuesday 1 April

• Activities Week
• Years 7 and 8 Activity Day
• Year 9 City Experience
• Year 10 Work Experience
• Year 11 University Experience
• Year 12 Retreat

Wednesday 2 April

• Activities Week
• Years 7 and 8 Camp
• Year 9 City Experience
  
• Year 10 Work Experience
• Year 11 Camp
• Year 12 Retreat

Thursday 3 April

• Activities Week
• Years 7 and 8 Camp
• Year 9 City Experience
• Year 10 Work Experience
• Year 11 Camp
• Year 12 Retreat
  

Friday 4 April

• Activities Week
• Years 7 and 8 Camp
• Year 9 City Experience
• Year 10 Work Experience
• Year 11 Camp
• Year 12 Formal, 7.00pm
• Last Day of Term 1

Prayer

Loving God,

We thank you for our Catholic school communities in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

We pray that we may walk ‘the way of the gospel’ together, as we accompany each other in our learning this year. May the Holy Spirit guide us and give us new eyes, new ears and open hearts, helping us to bring your love to all we encounter. Mary, mother of the living gospel, pray for us.

We ask this prayer through Jesus our Lord and teacher,
Amen.

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Catholic Education Week

The week has provided an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their life, faith and education as well as the pivotal role they play within the local community and the strength of the sector. 

This morning, we had a representative group attend St Patrick’s Cathedral, overflowing for the annual Mass for schools, as over 2000 students and staff joined Archbishop Peter Comensoli to celebrate the feast of St Patrick and to witness the unveiling of a new icon – the first painted image of the saint to be displayed in the cathedral.

Photos from the Mass

Connections to our Catholic Primary Schools

On Wednesday we hosted 248 Year 4 students from 14 of our feeder Catholic Primary Schools for our Year 4 Explore Day. Students experienced first hand our Mercy learning community through three timetabled classes including Science, Art, PE, Drama, Dance, Music and Food Tech.

Last Sunday, some of our Music students, along with Mr Douglas, performed at the St Paul’s Fete. It was wonderful to see them share their passion for music with the local community.  This Sunday we are thrilled to attend St Fidelis Community Day fete where some of our students will share some Science activities with those who attend and Bunsen our bearded dragon will be our special guest.

NAPLAN

While NAPLAN is just one measure of progress, it serves as a reminder that learning is a journey, and growth comes from persistence, effort, and a willingness to improve. We encourage all students to reflect on their experience and continue striving for excellence. 

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Finishing the Term Well

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Executive Deputy Principal (Staff and Culture)

Year 9 Immersion Program: A Focus on Wellbeing and Connection

The program featured a Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Workshop, where students explored the importance of looking out for one another. Through interactive discussions and activities, they learned practical strategies to support their friends and promote a positive mental health culture within the school community.

Mindfulness activities undertaken by students encouraged them to develop greater self-awareness and focus. These exercises provided students with tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience in their daily lives.

A key component of the program was the Conflict Resolution session, which addressed crucial questions such as "What is conflict?" and "How do we speak to each other?" Students engaged in meaningful conversations about the nature of conflict, effective communication, and strategies for resolving disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner. They then put into practice the skills learnt through a team-based activity where students were asked to construct, using materials such as icy pole sticks, straws, and cups, the tallest standing structure. Discussion followed analysing the approach taken by each group.

The day concluded with a walking excursion to Coburg Lake, allowing students to immerse themselves in nature and reflect on the day's learnings. The walk provided a calming and restorative experience, reinforcing the importance of physical activity and outdoor spaces in maintaining mental wellbeing.

The day was a resounding success, equipping students with valuable skills and knowledge to navigate their personal and social lives with confidence. By prioritising wellbeing and fostering open discussions, this initiative continues to strengthen the supportive and inclusive culture of our school community.

Jessica Frisina
Executive Deputy Principal

Director: Religious Education and Identity

Catholic Education Week
In 2025, Catholic Education Week runs from Sunday 16 March to Sunday 23 March.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector.

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2025 is ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Is 60: 1)' which draws from the motto of the Holy Year, the Year of Jubilee, and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival’s theme – ‘Pilgrims of Hope’

This week, students and staff participated in a number of activities for Catholic Education Week:

Monday 17 March: Mercy College Op-Shop Opened in the Spirituality Centre. Please donate any clothing items to Reception. The shop is open each Lunch in Weeks 8 and 9 of Term 1. 

Tuesday 18 March: Harmony Day Celebration - Dress for a Cause Day. During Wellbeing, students completed activities that focused on ‘Popular Culture and Diversity’ and created Diversity Challenges Chatterboxes. 

Wednesday 19 March: Lunchtime concert in Jubilee Garden.

Thursday 20 March: CEW Trivia in Wellbeing Period. Questions included: What is the oldest Catholic school in Victoria? And Who sang the iconic song ‘Shine, Jesus Shine’, sung in Catholic primary schools across Australia?

Friday 21 March: School leaders attended the CEW Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral.

Upcoming Events
Easter Liturgy - Tuesday 22 April 11.30am
Mother’s Day Mass - Tuesday 6 May 7.00pm (with refreshments afterwards)

Calling all Mercy Mums and relatives! If you would like to be part of our Mother’s Day Mass, please email me: nballenger@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au. We would love to have as many mothers (or special loved ones) and daughters involved as possible in various roles such as: liturgy planning, readers, special ministers, singers, musicians, offertory procession, hospitality, etc.

We are looking forward to a very special Mother’s Day celebration!

God bless,

Nima Ballenger 
Director: Religious Education and Identity

Director: Learning and Teaching

Parents are our learners’ (students) first teachers. They are critical partners in establishing a positive approach to learning and can be hugely influential in learning with and besides each student.
Source: Adapted from the Clarity: What Matters Most in Learning, Teaching and Leading (Sharratt, 2019)

A Culture of Excellence: We are partners in learning
Shaped by our Catholic identity we place great value in students, teachers and parents working in partnership to ensure all students reach their full potential and excel in their studies. To compliment this and to continue to work in partnership with families, instead of asking ‘How was school today?’, the most powerful questions we can ask our children are:

• What did you learn today?
• How did you do?
• What did you do if you did not understand?
• How can you improve on your learning?
• What else do you want to know about what you are learning?
• What are you most proud of?

These questions create an opportunity for children to reflect on what they are learning, and parents  who have adopted the use of these questions have found that using these questions has created authentic opportunities for rich and informative conversations with their children about school. Such questions also maintain a sense of wonder and hopefully instill a strong sense of curiosity in wanting to learn more.

Reporting Milestones
At Mercy College, there is a strong emphasis on providing feedback to all involved in the learning partnership (students, teachers, parents/guardians and the community). Feedback is viewed as a crucial part of improving and empowering performance. Mercy College provides students and families’ access to continuous online reporting.

Reporting Milestones were available for parents to access via PAM from Monday 17 March, where each subject reports on at least one summative or formative task for the term.

Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
The Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Tuesday 25 March and Thursday 27 March.

This is an opportunity for teaching staff at Mercy College to share with families their understanding of the needs of each Year 7 to 10 student, working in partnership with parents, guardians and students to discuss strategies that will enhance the understanding of the course content. Such partnerships are essential to the success of each student and ensure that each student can achieve their personal best.  

We encourage all parents and guardians to make appointments with their child’s teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these interviews. We look forward to meeting with you and your child, and discussing how to best support and extend them to achieve their goals and ‘flourish’ in the learning environment.

Families have received additional correspondence outlining how to access and make bookings for the Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences. In the meantime, we encourage your child to continue to apply themselves to the best of their ability across all subjects and look forward to discussing your child’s progress with you.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Director: Learning and Teaching

Year 7 Reflection Day

Year 7 Reflection Day

On Friday 21 February, the Year 7s had our Reflection Day which was an absolute blast! We participated in a range of activities to get to know each other but that was only the first two sessions which means we had a whole lot more. One of the activities was The Amazing Race where we went around the school to complete a range of questions. It was a great way to get to know the school while still having a lot of fun. For the middle sessions we first had a Q&A with our two College Co-Captains Kyara and Darcy. It was great to talk to them and hear their experiences from Year 7.

Before lunch we did some activities to improve our relationships with each other. At lunch time we walked down to Coburg Lake where there was a park that we played on, and we ate our lunch there. After we had some fun, we walked back to the school for our last activity before the day was over.

Our last activities at the end of the day were us having some quiet time and writing our future selves a letter that will be given to us on the last day of Year 12 at the Year 12 breakfast. At the end of the day, we had a liturgy in the chapel which was a great way to end the amazing day we had but, we knew that the fun of our journey at Mercy College had just started.

Alexia Koklanos
Year 7 Student

Counsellor's Corner

This term, we were excited to kick off several initiatives to support your wellbeing. Year 9 students had a fantastic Wellbeing Day, focusing on strategies for managing communicating with peers, building resilience and mindfulness.

Our weekly Lunchtime Program will begin soon, offering sessions on mindfulness, general wellbeing and enhancing our social skills – key elements in navigating school life. Remember, it's important to take time for ourselves, decompress, and reflect on the new things we have learnt.

Stay tuned for more updates and tips for making this year a positive and balanced experience. 

If you have any concerns about your child, please reach out to either your child’s wellbeing teacher/Learning and Wellbeing Leader or the counselling team at counsellingteam@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

Activities Week

Each year, all Years 7 to 12 students and teaching staff at Mercy College participate Activities Week. The week is aimed at assisting the students’ social, emotional and spiritual development and also allows the fostering of personal growth. In 2025, Activities Week will take place in Week 10 (31 March to 4 April) of Term One. Please note Monday 31 March is a Student Free Day.

If you haven't yet responded to the permission form for Activities Week, please make sure to do so as soon as possible via PAM and contact College Reception on 9319 9299 if you have any problem logging in or confirming attendance.

Mathematics

Pi Day
Friday 14th March was Pi Day.

Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (the 3rd month) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant figures of π. 

Celebrations usually involve pie eating and pi recitation, which will be happening at Mercy College during Book, Literacy and Numeracy Week later in the year. 

This year’s theme for the International Day of Mathematics was “Mathematics, Art and Creativity” and the poster below shows an example of Penrose tiling.

Maria Carinci
Learning Area Leader: Mathematics

Maths Help

Arts & Technology

Year 4 Explore Day
It was wonderful to welcome so many students from our surrounding Primary Schools to experience our Mercy Year 4 Explore Day on 20 March.  The students in the Arts and Technology domains had the opportunity to try activities in Art, Music, Dance, Drama and Food Technology.  The activities allowed the students to see what arts and technology is all about at Secondary School. Ms Harvey baked jam drop biscuits with the students which smelled delicious, Ms Szuba, Ms Carnibella and Ms Vee created the cutest line drawing Easter bunny artworks. There was music with Mr Stewart and Ms Laino had fun with drama and dance. It was a fabulous opportunity to showcase the creative learning subjects we offer here at Mercy and hopefully we’ve been able to inspire the Year 4s on their learning journey. 

Maggie Vaiopoulos
Learning Area Leader: Arts and Technology

Sport

House Swimming Carnival 2025
Mercy College gathered together to celebrate our annual swimming carnival on Friday 7 March. The day was filled with laughter, excitement and competition. We had various swimming events including 30m and 50m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, as well as a final 100m race for the finalists. There were also some novelty events such as volleyball, pool relays, bucket throw, and tunnel ball.

We finished off the day with the Year 12s jumping into the pool for the last time, which is a very special milestone for the cohort. Once we got back to school everyone put on their loudest voices for house chants, and winners were finally announced.
In 5th was Kane, followed by Frayne, Thecla, Marian, and finally the 2025 Swimming Carnival winners being O’Hea. 

Big congratulations to O’Hea for all of their teamwork and dedication, it was a well-deserved win. 

Francesca Rotundo
O’Hea House Captain 

Careers at Mercy College

Alumnae

Alumni Greetings to all in our Mercy community. 

The College yearbooks are a treasure trove of beautifully produced timepieces that contain a wealth of history in capturing the Mercy spirit and College themes. The theme sets the tone for the year, focussing on its representation in upholding the Mercy College Vision Statement. 

Elizabeth Psaila, Class of 2013

When I came across the 2010 yearbook, I spotted my niece, Elizabeth Psaila, front and centre on the cover. Elizabeth was in Year 9 in 2010. The College theme in 2010 was Make a Difference. Former Principal, Elizabeth Monahan, (2000 to 2010), wrote in the opening report, 'With an emphasis on developing a socially just and environmentally aware consciousness, we provide a basis for the individual to contribute with purpose to their world community as a confident, articulate and self-aware young woman.'

I have watched my niece Elizabeth grow into a wonderful young lady and inspirational role model for all those in her circles, both professional and community based. I therefore have the pleasure in this newsletter edition of featuring Elizabeth whose zest for living her best life is a testimony of purpose and Making a Difference over the years in carrying the pride of Mercy to this year of celebration, 60 Years of Hope through Mercy.

Click below to read Elizabeth's reflection interview, and information on the Good Friday Fundraiser event.

I look forward to featuring reflections of long serving current staff members, many of whom are pictured below in the 2010 staff group photograph. 

Diane Psaila
Alumnae Relations Officer

School Student Broadband Initiative

If there is a school age student at your home and you don’t have an NBN connection,, you could qualify for free home internet until 30 June 2028. 

Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities. With home internet access your whole household can benefit – supporting your school age students to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and participate in an increasingly digital world.

To apply, follow the four steps below: 
1. Contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (AEDT) or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet
2. They’ll ask you some questions to see if you qualify for this offer. 
3. If you qualify, you’ll get a voucher to redeem. 
4. Use the voucher to connect through your chosen participating internet provider. Use your voucher before the 30,000 places are taken.

As of 23 January 2025, 23,149 SSBI services being provided to qualifying homes. Applications close when 30,000 places are reached. Being issued a voucher does not reserve your place in this program and you must use your voucher before the 30,000 places are taken otherwise it becomes invalid.

Homework Club

School Photos

School photos can be ordered from The School Photographer at www.theschoolphotographer.com.au.
Enter code X3166VC53M, your child’s name, year level and wellbeing class to place your order.

School photos will be delivered to the College at the beginning of Term 2 and will be distributed to students to take home.

Saver Plus

Many families in the school community might be feeling the pressure of education costs - whether it’s for computers, iPads, uniforms, books, extracurricular activities or even school camps.

That’s where Saver Plus comes in. It’s a free education program that helps eligible families save for school expenses and rewards them by matching their savings dollar for dollar, up to $500.

Families who join not only receive up to $500 in matched savings, but they also gain practical money skills through free financial education workshops, helping them feel more in control of their finances.

To be eligible, participants need to: 

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
• Have a child in school (or starting next year) or be studying themselves.
• Have a regular income (either their own or their partner’s or centrelink payments).
• Be willing to join free online financial education workshops.

For more information, click on the link below:

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

The CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund) is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid directly to the school to use only towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is $256 for secondary school students. Mercy College contributes additional $469 per funded family, making the contribution a total of $725.

Application forms should be completed and lodged with the College as soon as possible in Term One. CSEF payments are for the current application year and cannot be claimed retrospectively for prior years.

Please fill in the CSEF Application Form and provide a copy of your HCC to Reception for processing.

If you have any questions, please contact the College on 9319 9299. 

CDF Pay

From 2025, Mercy College will be using CDFpay for online cafeteria ordering, papercut printing, College events, bus and music fees.

Students received their Student ID card on Friday 14 March, If your child did not receive their ID, these can be collected from Reception.

How to register for a CDFpay account

1. Download the CDFpay app on the Apple or Google store, then click ‘Sign up now’.
   No app? Register here
2. Enter and confirm your email address, then click ‘Sign up’.
3. Check your email inbox and follow the prompts to complete your account registration (check junk/spam if lost).

After you have registered and entered your child’s details, you can:

• Add your child’s student card number to enable over-the-counter purchases. Your child’s student ID Number can be found on their Profile through PAM.
• Top up your parent wallet and set daily spend limits for your child. 
  • To avoid card surcharges, top up $50 or more using a debit card or bank transfer any value.
• Order and pay in seconds!

Students will be able to purchase items from the cafeteria and access the printers at school by scanning the barcode on their Student ID cards, once they arrive in March 2025.

In the meantime, students can still purchase at the cafeteria using their student ID number or accessing the printers using their laptop username and password.

Have questions? 

• About your child's ID Number: Contact Mercy College Reception
• About CDF Pay: View CDFpay powered by Flexischools Help & Support for detailed FAQs or chat to the Flexischools Digital Assistant. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please complete the online Contact Form and Flexischools will get back to you directly. 

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