Mercy News - Friday 30 May 2025

Key Dates

National Reconciliation Week - Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June

Monday 2 June

• Year 11 Legal Studies Incursion: Monash Street Law Presentation, Period 4
  

Tuesday 3 June

• Reconciliation Liturgy, Assembly Period

Thursday 5 June

• 60th Anniversary Performing Arts Concert, 7.00pm
  
• CGSAV Cross Country Tournament

Sunday 8 June

• Pentecost Sunday

Monday 9 June

• King's Birthday Public Holiday

Wednesday 11 June

• Year 9 Immersion Day: Languages

Friday 13 June

• CGSAV AFL Football Tournament
  
• Year 12 Australian History Excursion: Walking Tour

Prayer for National Reconciliation Week

Loving Creator,
We come before You in a spirit of humility and hope,
remembering the stories, the strength, and the sacred connection
of the First Nations peoples of this land.
We give thanks for their custodianship of Country,
for their deep wisdom and enduring culture.
May we walk together in truth, acknowledging past wrongs and seeking healing with open hearts.
Give us the courage to speak honestly, to listen deeply, and to act justly.
Help us to be instruments of reconciliation,
building a future marked by respect, dignity, and unity.

Amen.

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy College Community,

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June
This week, our school has begun to recognise National Reconciliation Week.  A week which invites all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.

This year’s theme Bridging Now to Next reflects the ongoing connection between the past, present, and future, reminding us of the importance of honoring history while working towards a reconciled and inclusive tomorrow. Through classroom activities, assemblies, and community conversations, students and staff have come together to reflect on this theme and commit to meaningful action.

Moments of Learning for Staff and Students
Last Thursday, our Year 7 students marked their 100th day of learning with a beautiful celebration. They began with 100 seconds of meditation and 100 acts of gratitude, setting a thoughtful tone for the day. The celebrations continued with music, cake, and hot chocolate at recess. During the evening, our Year 7 students and their families gathered for a learning showcase where the students shared what they have discovered, created, and achieved so far this year.

As we are over the halfway mark of the term, it has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm continuing strong across our school community. Learning is well underway in every classroom, with students engaging deeply in their studies and teachers fostering curiosity and growth. For our senior students in Years 9 to 11, preparation for upcoming exams has already begun, with targeted revision and study strategies helping them to build confidence and readiness.

On Wednesday, the Mercy College teaching staff participated in a professional learning session focused on the MACS Vision for Instruction. Staff began the day by taking the initial steps toward developing an Instructional Model designed to enhance teaching practices, student learning, and engagement across the College. Additionally, teachers explored the MACS WalkThrus framework, with a particular focus on “Checking for Understanding” and effective questioning techniques that can be used in the classroom to deepen student comprehension and participation.

Indonesian Partner School Visit - 12 to 16 May
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting staff and students from our Indonesian partner school. This visit was a powerful cultural exchange that enriched our global perspective and strengthened our international connections. Our students had the opportunity to share their learning and build friendships that we hope will continue for years to come.

I would like to acknowledge our Languages Convenor, Elizabeth Moore, who helped coordinate this visit, as well as our student ambassadors for making our guests feel so welcome. You can read more about their experiences later in this newsletter.

60th Anniversary Performing Arts Concert
I am looking forward to seeing our school community at our 60th Anniversary Performing Arts Concert next Thursday. Students and staff have been busy preparing to deliver an inspiring and joyful evening of performances, and it’s sure to be a memorable night!

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Director: Religious Education and Identity

Catholic Care Family Week
Last week we commemorated Catholic Care Family Week, a time to recognise and support the people and relationships at the heart of our lives - our families. Whether big or small, traditional or unique, every family plays a vital role in shaping our identity, nurturing our values, and connecting us to something greater than ourselves.

The theme for this year, “Building Thriving Communities, Where Everyone Belongs,” speaks to our shared mission as a Catholic school. It reminds us that the wellbeing of individuals and families is deeply connected to the strength of the communities we create together.

CatholicCare lives out this vision every day by offering practical support and care to families across the Diocese through counselling, family services, aged care, and crisis support. Their work is a living witness to what it means to build a community where all are welcome and all can thrive.

As a school community, we are proud to partner with CatholicCare and to take Family Week as an opportunity to reflect on the important role that families play in our lives. During Wellbeing classes, we reflected on our unique families and family backgrounds through mapping our family tree and sharing with our peers.

National Reconciliation Week
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.

Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.

Read more about this year’s theme #BridgingNowtoNext

Here’s how we are commemorating National Reconciliation Week at Mercy College: 

• Monday 26 May: National Sorry Day - Liturgy in Wellbeing Classes
• Tuesday 27 May: Learning about our FIRE Carrier Covenant
• Wednesday 28 May: Staff Professional Practice Day - Student Free Day
• Thursday 29 May: Walking the Talk of Reconciliation - Activity in Wellbeing Classes
• Friday 30 May:
  • Bridging Now to Next themed Fantastic Friday challenge
  • 'Dress for a Cause' Day: Wear red to represent your commitment to being a FIRE Carrier. A gold coin donation will be collected during Wellbeing.
  • BBQ in Jubilee Garden. $3 for a sausage and bread.
• Tuesday 3 June: Reconciliation Liturgy in McAuley Hall during Period 3

All funds raised during Reconciliation Week supports Opening the Doors Foundation. The Opening the Doors Foundation is a 25-year old First Nations led organisation supporting educational opportunities for First Nations children.

God bless,
Nima Ballenger
Director: Religious Education and Identity

Director: Learning and Teaching

As students in Years 9 to 11 approach their Semester One examinations, it is a timely opportunity to provide evidence-based strategies to help them manage and reduce exam related stress.

One of the most effective methods for minimising exam stress is the development of strong time management skills. Recent research highlights that creating a structured study timetable and allocating specific times for each subject significantly enhances students' ability to manage academic demands and reduces anxiety (Putwain, Symes, & Remedios, 2020). Dividing study sessions into manageable segments and incorporating regular breaks has been found to improve concentration and reduce cognitive fatigue (Bailey, West, & Anderson, 2019). Additionally, active learning strategies - such as self-quizzing, teaching content to peers, or applying concepts to real-world problems - have been associated with improved information retention and increased academic self-efficacy, both of which help alleviate exam anxiety (Dunlosky & Rawson, 2022).

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also plays a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and cognitive performance during the exam period. Regular physical activity has been consistently linked to improved executive function and reduced psychological stress (Stillman et al., 2018). Activities such as walking, yoga, or brief movement breaks during study sessions can enhance mood, attention, and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, proper nutrition and hydration are essential for sustaining cognitive performance. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports sustained energy levels and focus, while excessive intake of caffeine and sugary snacks can lead to fluctuations in mood and concentration (Owen & Corfe, 2017; García-Hermoso et al., 2020).

By implementing effective time management techniques and adopting a healthy lifestyle, students can proactively reduce exam related stress and enhance their academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Semester One Examinations
Semester One 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:                        Monday 16 June and Wednesday 18 June to Friday 20 June
Year 9 and 10 Examinations:            Thursday 19 June to Friday 20 June

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.

Further information including a letter to parents outlining the arrangements for these examinations and a Semester One Examination timetable has been made available. These details have also been posted on the Daily Messages on SIMON for all students to access.

Please contact your child’s subject teacher with any questions related to their overall progress and learning. If you have any questions about the upcoming semester examinations, please contact me via email nambrozy@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au. 

We wish all students the very best for their upcoming examinations.

General Achievement Test (GAT) – Tuesday 17 June
All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence are required to sit Sections A and B of the GAT.

Senior VCE-VM students will also sit Section A, which will measure the literacy and numeracy skills of participants against new standards based on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Sample questions and tasks indicative of questions in Section A of the GAT are now available on the VCAA website, including:

• One writing task
• Ten numeracy questions and answers
• Ten reading questions and answers

As in previous years, no special study is required for the GAT. While the GAT is important, it does not directly count towards a student’s final VCE results. GAT results are used to check that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. GAT results may also play a part in determining the final score for a VCE external assessment, if a student has a derived examination score approved for that assessment.

Further information relating to the GAT including past GAT examinations can also be accessed via the VCAA website. To view these details, click on VCAA > Assessment > VCE Assessment > GAT.

Release of the 2025 VCE Examination Timetable
External assessments are set and marked by the VCAA. They are the same for all students taking the same VCE study. Usually this will be an exam – whether written, oral, performance or in an electronic format. Your external assessments are marked by assessors who are experts in their area of study. All VCE studies are marked to the same standard and there are multiple checks to make sure that marking is fair. For more information on the examination periods and rules, please visit the examination timetable page.

Trial Examinations – VCE Unit 3&4 Subjects
Between Monday 22 September and Thursday 25 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. 

Trial examinations are designed to be as much like the real thing as possible serving several purposes, specifically for the student including:

• Identify knowledge gaps and consolidate already acquired information
• Develop exemplary responses
• Identify ‘command terms’ – justify, explain, compare….
• Master timing
• Utilise reading time
• Tracking progress
• Access to examiner reports and identification of common errors or misconceptions.

Most importantly, the feedback from trial examinations will highlight the gaps in knowledge and understanding. Learning how to revise and to be better at examinations can only happen when students are engaged with their trial examinations under the same conditions in which they will experience in the VCAA External Written Assessments.

2025 MAV VCE Mathematics Revision Program
Back by popular demand, MAV's VCE Revision Program is LIVE and open for registrations!

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

Nicholas Ambrozy
Director: Learning and Teaching

Indonesian Partner School Visit

Selamat datang Sekolah Progresif Bumi Shalawat di Mercy College!
Excitingly, from Monday 12 to Friday 16 May, Mercy College welcomed students and staff from our Indonesian Partner School. This was a phenomenal learning experience for all. 

The 14 students were allocated Mercy College buddies and were placed in Year 8 and 9 classes for the week. The Indonesian students also connected with some Year 7 students on the Friday, when they participated in an Australiana themed art class together. Additionally, our visiting friends worked with our senior students studying Indonesian, by engaging in plenty of general conversation practice and by sharing favourite songs with one another. 

The week concluded with a special Years 8 and 9 farewell assembly. During this assembly, Mercy College students were treated to a special traditional dance medley performance. Following this, final farewells were said before our friends and Mercy College buddies enjoyed a BBQ lunch together. 

Student Reflections
Please enjoy some student reflections and photos of the incredible week: 

This week, we had our partner school students from Indonesia at Mercy College. In 9B we had Saskia, Indie and Kanestri. On the first day, we played get-to-know-you games such as Jenga to learn more about each other. Throughout the week, we really bonded, and we even brought them some iconic Australian snacks to try. We enjoyed getting to learn more about a different culture and what life is really like for them. We hope to have the Sekolah Progresif Bumi Shalawat Students back once again.  
- Rosemary, Tiana, Alessia, Qaynath, Gurleen, Year 9

During Week 4, I was honoured to have the opportunity to meet many friends from our Indonesian partner school during their visit here in Melbourne. It was a valuable experience to take part in conversations in both Indonesian and English. As someone who is still studying Year 10 Indonesian this year, I found it rewarding to put what I have learned over the years into practice. We learned a lot from each other’s cultures and discovered that we share many common interests, even from different backgrounds. I especially enjoyed hearing their recommendations, particularly about traditional arts and songs, which gave me a deeper insight into Indonesian culture. Overall, I am very grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity and will definitely be an unforgettable highlight this year.
- Lily A, Year 10 

Elizabeth Moore
Languages Convenor

Years 9 and 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

The Year 9 Immersion Program included a visit to an orchard in the Yarra Valley, as well as a visit to the IMAX Theatre in the City. Here’s what some students had to say about their experiences:

“We recently visited Rayner’s Orchard Experience in the Yarra Valley as part of the Year 9 Immersion Program. It allowed us to experience the joys of farm life. We were able to taste a range of fresh fruits such as oranges, cumquats and guava while interacting with a range of farm animals. It was a very exciting and eye-opening day”.

“On Wednesday 14 May as part of the Year 9 Immersion Program, we visited the Melbourne Museum and explored the Top Design and History exhibitions. It was very interesting to see a range of inspiring artworks from different eras. We also visited IMAX and were amazed by the spectacular 3D images”.

Lucia Morello
Years 9 & 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 9 Arts and Technology Immersion Day

On Wednesday 14 May, the Year 9 Arts Immersion took place with the students visiting the Melbourne Museum to see the Top Design 2025 Exhibition and then seeing a movie at Imax called "Lasting Impressions" that was an exquisite 3D film about the French Impressionist artists.

Top Designs 2025 showcased the best VCE design work, folios and prototypes from students all around Victoria.  This was a great opportunity for our students to be inspired and experience what possibilities can come from studying a path in Design.  The Imax experience consolidated classical art techniques the students have already learnt about in their Visual Art classes at Mercy College.

Overall, the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all the students and hopefully this Immersion has provided inspiration for them to see where art and design can lead them in the future.

Maggie Vaiopoulos
Learning Area Leader: Arts and Technology 

The Year 9 World Food Traveller students went to Rayner’s Orchard in Woori Yallok. They learnt about primary processing of fruits and got to taste tree ripened fruit, which they compared to supermarket bought fruits - the difference was amazing!

Students also had the opportunity to taste more exotic fruits such as strawberry guava, lemon guava and pineapple guava. The Pixie apples were a favourite.

Vicki Harvey
World Food Traveller Teacher

VCE Elevate Education Experience

Year 11
The Year 11s were visited by Elevate Education, with a session presented by Evan Johnson, focused on helping us prepare for our upcoming exams. The session was engaging, practical and gave us some really useful insights into how to study smarter - not just harder. We learnt when to start preparing for exams, how to prioritise which subjects to focus on and strategies for studying more efficiently. Evan also explained how small changes in our routine and in our study habits can make a big difference, especially when it comes to managing our time and avoiding last-minute stress. Overall, the session gave us a clearer idea of how to tackle exam preparation with confidence. Many students left feeling more organised and motivated to begin their studies.

Year 12 
On Tuesday, during our assembly period, the Year 12 students participated in an engaging study and exam preparation workshop led by Grace from Elevate Education. Grace shared her experiences with exams, offering practical advice on when to start studying and how to approach preparation effectively. She introduced a helpful 7-step guide that highlighted common mistakes students make and provided clear strategies to overcome them. Her relatable examples and interactive style made the session insightful and motivated students to reflect on and improve their study habits.
Sara Arif

Careers at Mercy College

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS)

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 1 September – Friday 19 September 2025

Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices. 

A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys. 

MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools.

In 2025, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys. 

The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected.  

Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions, where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions. Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password. Feedback has indicated that previous surveys were completed across a range of mobile devices and different web browsers. We will be providing more information about MACSSIS throughout Term 2 and 3, via the newsletter and SIMON.

Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school. 

All participation is invited, welcomed and 100 per cent voluntary. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to support the work we are already doing to improve our school. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during or after completion of the survey. Please notify us via email info@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au if your child does not wish to participate.

If you would like more information, please contact the College.

Alumnae Interview

Shirley Kutin, Class of 1992

What is your most memorable experience as a Mercy student?
My most memorable experiences at Mercy weren’t necessarily in the classroom, but in the moments spent with the incredible group of girls I grew so close to. The belly laughs, the heartfelt conversations about our futures beyond Mercy, and the shared excitement about what was to come made that time so special. It was a stage in my life that felt both uncertain and thrilling — made even more meaningful because I was stepping into the future alongside amazing friends.

Have you maintained school friendships?
Absolutely. I’ve stayed in close contact with nearly all the friends I made during my time at Mercy. We still see each other regularly, remain involved in each other’s lives, and now, our children have also become lifelong friends — something truly special that has grown out of our bond.

What are you doing now?
While my work isn’t directly inside the classroom anymore, I now work closely with students, families, and teachers to support young people through their VCE studies as well as the younger years and help them navigate the path beyond secondary school. My role focuses on guiding them to become the best version of themselves during their time at school — both academically and personally.

What message would you share with current students?
Make sure you leave Mercy knowing you gave it your all. Don’t hold back — work hard, get involved, and take every opportunity. You want to walk out those doors on your final day with a sense of pride, knowing you left no stone unturned. That day comes around quicker than you expect, so make the most of every moment.

Did you set out with a career plan?
Yes, I had a clear career path from early on — even as a primary school student, I knew I wanted to go into education. During my time at Mercy, I was lucky to be taught by educators who truly inspired me. Their influence helped shape my idea of what a great teacher should be. Years later, I had the incredible experience of working alongside one of those very teachers — and even teaching her children!

Where has your career path taken you?
After finishing Year 12, I completed a double degree at ACU — a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Since then, I’ve worked in education, and for the past 15 years, I’ve been in a leadership role as a Learning Enhancement Coordinator. It’s a role that allows me to work closely with students and families, supporting them through their secondary school journey in a really meaningful way.

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