Mercy News - Friday 13 June 2025

Key Dates

Refugee  Week - Sunday 15 June to Saturday 21  June

Monday 16 June

• Year 11 Exams

Tuesday 17 June

• General Achievement Test (GAT)
• No Years 11 and 12 classes

Wednesday 18 June

• Year 11 Exams

Thursday 19 June

• Years 9, 10 and 11 Exams

Friday 20 June

• Years 9, 10 and 11 Exams

Monday 23 June

• Year 9 Outdoor Ed Excursion to Gravity Worx, Periods 3 and 4

Tuesday 24 June

• Year 11 Reflection Day
• Mercy and Parade College Drama Production Rehearsals, 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Wednesday 25 June

• Year 9 Immersion Day

Thursday 26 June

• CGSAV Badminton Tournament
• Mercy and Parade College Drama Production Rehearsals, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
  
• Year 7A Band Night, 7.00pm

A Prayer for Refugee Week

During Refugee Week 2025, we invite all our associates, partners in ministry and friends to join us in praying the following prayer for refugees and asylum seekers and for a transformation of our own hearts.

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy College Community,

Principal Conference - Pilgrims of Hope: Synodality as our Compass
Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the PAVCSS Faith and Enrichment Conference, which this year explored the theme of Synodality: The Pilgrim's Compass. This was a valuable time of reflection and professional renewal, deepening my understanding of how we can foster a more synodal spirit within our school community - a spirit where listening, collaboration and walking together as ‘pilgrims of hope’ shapes our shared journey. As a parent, I know you share this aspiration for our young people as they grow not only in knowledge but also in heart, courage and faith.

Refugee Week 15 to 21 June - Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community
Refugee Week invites us to reflect on finding freedom. It draws our minds and hearts away from the tyranny of numbers to the lives of the women, men and children we call refugees. It invites us to see them from inside and to listen to the stories of their flight from the places and communities they called home. We may be awed by the passion for life and freedom that led them to seek life elsewhere, we may celebrate the resilience that they have shown as they walked such a hard road, and may we wonder at their devotion to family in the face of all the crises that test it.

Flourishing Learners
As we journey through this rich and demanding time of the term, our focus turns intentionally toward learning – its rigour and its ability to make each person grow. Across the College, students are engaging in assessment: Years 9 to 11 are completing exams, Year 7 and 8 students are finalising major tasks, and our Unit 3 & 4 students are preparing for next week’s General Achievement Test (GAT). These moments are not simply about results – they are about cultivating resilience, perseverance and a deep joy that comes from doing one’s best.

We know, too, that learning flourishes in partnership. Research continues to affirm that when parents are actively involved – encouraging effort, valuing progress, and fostering high expectations – students flourish. We are deeply grateful to our families for the vital role you play in shaping this culture of learning, where young people grow not only in knowledge but also in character, confidence and purpose.

As we approach the final weeks of Term Two, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s been a pleasure to witness the growth and achievements of our students, and I’m confident they will finish the term with the same energy and determination they’ve shown throughout.

Annual Report to the School Community
The Annual Report provides an opportunity to share the school’s achievements and progress with the school community. To view the 2024 Annual Report to the School Community, click here. 

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Director: Religious Education and Identity

Last Sunday was Pentecost - one of the most powerful moments in the liturgical year. This moment in the Church’s calendar is not only a culmination of Easter but a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is easy to get excited about the Easter season and lead up to Pentecost as there’s always a feeling of vibrancy in Church communities. In the last two months of this season we mourned the loss of Pope Francis, I baptised my son (and was witness to many beautiful baptisms in my parish), and a new Pope was inaugurated. These are exciting times! Pentecost marks the birth of the Church; the moment when the disciples moved from fear to boldness, from isolation to mission. The rushing wind, tongues of fire, and spontaneous proclamation in every language remind us that God’s Spirit is alive and disruptive.

As we transition from Pentecost into Ordinary Time, the change can feel abrupt. The drama of Easter and Pentecost gives way to a season marked by its very name … "ordinary." But Ordinary Time is anything but mundane. It invites us to live out the extraordinary mystery of Christ in the day-to-day. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles now empowers us to carry on the mission in small, everyday ways. We do our daily acts over and over again. We sweep the floor. We feed the sheep. We are called to act with integrity and in alignment with our faith. We’re called to be attentive to how God is present in the routine and the repeated. So while this can sometimes feel draining for our young people - we know that this is what it’s all about. We go to class. We do our homework. We study for exams. But we know the everyday moments are so much more than that: we go to class to be challenged; we do our homework with pride; we study for exams so that we can demonstrate our own personal excellence. 

In this way, the ‘ordinary’ becomes a continuation of Pentecost. It is the time for growth, for putting faith into action, and for cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives. It’s where the fire of Pentecost matures into a steady flame that lights the world. 

So we move forward, guided by the Spirit, into the Green of Ordinary Time. Not as a boring lull after the high holy days, but as a call to live what we’ve celebrated. The Church is still on fire. Now it’s our turn to carry the flame.

God bless,
Nima Ballenger
Director: Religious Education and Identity

Student Executive

Mercy College proudly acknowledges that last year we became a FIRE Carrier school and our FIRE Carrier Covenant was blessed by the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry. We, as a community, accept the responsibility to carry the flame of truth, justice and reconciliation in everything we do. As FIRE Carriers (Friends Ignite Reconciliation through Education), we gather to reflect, honour and commit ourselves to the journey of reconciliation - a journey where Australians step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. 

This year the National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme “Bridging Now to Next” reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not just about looking back or standing still - but building connections between cultures, generations and hearts so that we ensure to step forward together in respect, understanding and hope. 

Our school took part in a series of activities as we celebrated National Reconciliation Week, starting with National Sorry Day held annually on 26 May, marking the beginning of Reconciliation Week, which commemorates the Stolen Generations and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The following day, Wellbeing classes were used to learn and gain insight on the FIRE Carrier Covenant and what it entails - which promotes respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal people. This exposure to students also allowed them to reflect whether they would wish to become FIRE Carriers. Continually, on Thursday 27 May, an activity in Wellbeing class - Walking the Talk of Reconciliation - was held where students would develop an understanding of, and skills in cultural awareness, cultural competence and cultural safety; it explored how to take practical and informed action towards reconciliation in education. 

A major event of the week was our successful BBQ and ‘Dress for a Cause’ Day on Friday.  Students donated a gold coin and wore red to represent our commitment to being a FIRE Carrier school. Furthermore, our BBQ raised funds to support Opening the Doors Foundation - a First Nations led organisation that supports educational opportunities for First Nations children. 

The following week, on Tuesday 3 June, we ended Reconciliation Week with a special liturgy. The symbol of fire was central, representing truth, spirit and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. During the liturgy, we reflected on what it means to be a Fire Carrier. It is someone who leads by example and is committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with truth and respect. At the end of the liturgy, students were commissioned as Fire Carriers and received badges as a sign of their responsibility. This was a meaningful moment, reminding us that the flame of reconciliation lives in each of us, guiding our actions and intentions. 

Senasha Warnakula, Mission Captain, Gabriella Hauszler, Social Justice Captain and Julia Porrevecchio, Sustainability Captain.

Our Mercy College Sustainability Team has been focusing on continuing to promote the Container Deposit Scheme, encouraging students to recycle eligible containers into the coloured house bins in order to support both the environment and our school initiatives. We are also planning to expand our composting efforts in order to reduce food waste and the minimise the need for chemical fertilisers around the school. In addition, we’re exploring the idea of installing bird boxes to support the local biodiversity. We are still planning these initiatives and would love involvement from the school community. Families who are interested in supporting these projects, whether through donations of materials or recyclable containers, are welcome to get in touch and any assistance would be appreciated.

Julia Porrovecchio
Sustainability Captain

Director: Learning and Teaching

Semester One Summary Reports
Semester One Summary Reports will be available for parents to access via PAM as of Wednesday 2 July. 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.

Changes to Student Reporting for Mathematics
There have been recent changes to the reporting of Mathematics in Victorian Catholic schools.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has released a revised Mathematics curriculum: Mathematics Version 2.0. All Victorian schools will implement this new curriculum in 2025. At Mercy College, we have already begun using Mathematics Version 2.0 in 2024, with student reporting starting from Semester One, 2025.

Previously, your child’s Mathematics report included separate achievement scores for the three strands of the curriculum: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Under Mathematics Version 2.0, teachers will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score. As the achievement standards have changed, the first report you receive under the new curriculum will include your child’s level of achievement only. From subsequent reports, progress will also be indicated against the single achievement standard. These changes by the VCAA are designed to give teachers greater flexibility to support students in making connections within Mathematics and with other curriculum areas.

If you have any questions about your child’s Mathematics report, please contact Maria Carinci, Learning Area Leader: Mathematics, via email mcarinci@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

VCE/VCE-VM Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Tuesday 5 August and Thursday 7 August – Week 3 of Term 3)
The VCE/VCE-VM Parent-Teacher-Student (PTS) Conferences will take place from 2.20pm to 4.30pm on Tuesday 5 August and 3.40pm to 7.00pm on Thursday 7 August. The interviews will be 8 minutes in duration and will take place in the West Building. Further information will be sent to families next week on how to make bookings.

2026 Years 9 to 12 Subject Selection (Tuesday 30 July – Week 2 of Term 3)
A reminder that in Term Three, the current Years 8 to 11 students will begin working through the subject selection process in preparation for 2026. Subject selection is another example of how teachers and families can work in partnership to support the learning needs and future aspirations of all our students. To assist with future planning there are a number of key assemblies and events scheduled throughout next term. We ask that you please note the following key date.

• Tuesday 29 July – 2026 Years 9 to 12 Subject Selection Expo

Further information outlining the subject selection process and the details of these events will be made available at the end of Term Two.

In the meantime, students are also encouraged to see their subject teacher or wellbeing teacher with any questions and to begin discussing possible subjects and future pathways for 2026.

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 email me: 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.

The Study Skills Melbourne (TSSM): End-of-year Revision Program
At TSSM students will be able to attend classes at TSSM's VCE Centre in Melbourne or attend the classes on TSSM's Live and Online Platform, ensuring that those who are unable or unwilling to travel into the city still have access to the exceptional VCE programs and excellent teachers.

Click on the LINK for more information.

Nicholas Ambrozy
Director: Learning and Teaching

60th Anniversary Performing Arts Concert

Congratulations to all the students who performed at the 60th Anniversary Performing Arts Concert on Thursday 5 June. The passion and hard work that was demonstrated throughout the evening by the variety of student performances across all year levels, was commendable. It was a thoroughly entertaining evening!

Fiona Laino
Performing Arts Leader

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Science and STEM

Across Semester One, Science students have been busy with practical activities. The Year 7 students in their first topic ‘Introduction to Science’ learned to safely light a Bunsen burner. Year 9 students had the opportunity to choose an elective in Sustainability. In this elective they investigate renewable energy and the power output from different sources.

In Unit 3, Chemistry students investigate the rate and extent of chemical reactions. Dynamic equilibrium occurs when chemical reactions can progress in a forward and backwards direction simultaneously. Le Chatelier’s principle explains that when a system is exposed to a stress then the system responds to the stress to compensate. In our experiment, this response was observed through colour change of the chemicals under different conditions. 

Unit 3 Biology students have used Gel Electrophoresis to investigate the constituents of DNA.

Fiachra Barry
Learning Area Leader: Science and STEM

Sport

Congratulations to our junior and intermediate teams who competed in Division 2 CGSAV Cross Country at Yarra Bend Park. It was especially inspiring to see some of our Year 7 girls taking on their very first 3km race and finishing strong!

Last Thursday, Mercy students attended the CGSAV Cross Country tournament at Yarra Bend Park. We arrived early in the morning when it was freezing cold. Our first race wasn’t for a while so we spent our time walking along the race course and warming up. Everyone had to run three kilometres no matter their age. Then it was time for the Year 7 Division Two race. We all had lined up and were waiting for the on your marks, get set, go! As the race started I could hear the cheers of students and teachers. The course consisted of lots of different terrain such as grass, dirt, rocks and asphalt making it harder on us. Everyone did really well. 
Alexandra Voulgaris, 7C

Supporting Every Student: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Each year, all schools in Australia are required to participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This important initiative helps ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive at school.

As part of the NCCD process, schools are required to identify information about supports and adjustments provided to students with disability. This information helps schools, education authorities and governments plan and improve support services for all students.

The NCCD process involves:

• Counting the number of students receiving extra support
• Recording the type and level of adjustments provided to support all students’ learning.

Please note:

• No testing or assessments are required from the students as part of this process
• The information collected is non-identifiable – no student names or personal details are shared.

To learn more, we encourage you to read the NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers

Should you have any questions regarding the NCCD, please contact Laura Cutri – Learning Diversity Leader on 9319 9282 or via email: lcutri@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au 

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

Rhea Soans, Class of 2022

What is your most memorable experience as a Mercy student?
One of my most memorable experiences as a Mercy student was being involved in the music school. When I was younger, I was quite shy, but as I grew older and discovered a deep passion for music, I knew I had to step outside my comfort zone. Joining the music program not only helped me build confidence but also gave me a sense of community and belonging. It played a huge role in my personal growth and helped shape me into who I am today.

Another standout experience was being part of the student leadership team as Mission Captain. That role gave me the opportunity to live out Mercy values in a hands-on way, from organizing initiatives to supporting causes that mattered to our school community. It taught me a lot about responsibility, service, and leading with purpose. Both music and leadership gave me a deeper connection to the Mercy spirit and left a lasting impact on me.

Have you maintained school friendships?
School friendships can be challenging to maintain, especially after graduation when life takes everyone in different directions. But I’ve learned that the people who are truly meant to be in your life will always find a way to stay. Even now, living abroad, I still feel the support of the friends I made at Mercy. Knowing I have people back home who have my back - no matter the distance - is something I’m incredibly grateful for. The bonds we formed at school have stood the test of time and distance, and I know those friendships will last a lifetime.

What are you doing now?
I graduated from Mercy in 2022, and I’m currently studying medicine in the Czech Republic. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience so far. Studying abroad has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the drive to work hard and stay focused on my goals was something Mercy instilled in me early on. The values and discipline I developed during my time there continue to guide me every step of the way as I pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.

What message would you share with current students?
You can do anything you put your mind to - don’t let anything hold you back. It might not always be easy, and there will definitely be challenges along the way, but if you stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.  Don’t be afraid to take risks or step outside your comfort zone, that’s where real growth happens. Looking back, the times I pushed myself the most are the ones that made all the difference. Whatever your goals are, start working toward them now - you’re more capable than you think.

Did you set out with a career plan?
I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare - there was something about medicine that really called to me. My original plan was to stay in Melbourne, complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine, and then go on to study medicine postgraduate. But life had other plans. At some point, I asked myself, “If I know I want to study medicine, why am I waiting?”

After a year of studying biomed at La Trobe, I started looking for opportunities outside of Australia. That mindset - being open to change and ready to take a leap - ultimately brought me to Prague, where I’m now studying medicine. It wasn’t the path I originally imagined, but it’s one I’m incredibly grateful for.

Where has your career path taken you?
After graduating, I wanted to start working in healthcare as soon as possible, so I completed my certification in disability support work. It was during that time I realized even more clearly that becoming a doctor was my true goal. After working for a year, I decided to take the leap and sit medical school entrance exams abroad. This decision led me to move to the Czech Republic to pursue medicine.

Leaving behind everything I knew and moving to a new country all by myself was incredibly challenging. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and academic system pushed me far outside my comfort zone. But despite the difficulties, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past year, I’ve grown so much - not just academically, but personally. I’ve learned resilience, independence, and gained a deeper appreciation for the opportunities I have. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been one of the most valuable journeys of my life.

I strongly encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap. Stepping outside your comfort zone challenges you in ways that foster incredible personal growth. The experience will push your limits, broaden your perspective, and ultimately help you become a stronger, more confident version of yourself.

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