Mercy News - Friday 27 June 2025

Key Dates

Sunday 29 June

• Feast of St Paul

Tuesday 1 July

• Mercy College and Parade College Rehearsals for 'Puffs' Drama productions, 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Mercy College

Wednesday 2 July

• Semester One Summary Reports available to families
• Year 9 Outdoor Education Excursion to Gravity Worx, Periods 1 and 2

Thursday 3 July

• Mercy College and Parade College Rehearsals for 'Puffs' Drama productions, 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Parade College
  

Friday 4 July

• Least Day of Term Two
• Learning Showcase, Period 5

Prayer

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy College Community,

Peace in Troubled Times
In these uncertain weeks, as the world watches the deepening conflict escalate in the Middle East, we are reminded of our shared longing for peace. Pope Leo XIV, called on global leaders to stop waging wars during his first major speech to the faithful after his election as the Catholic Church’s new leader.  His words are not only to world leaders but to all of us, urging that true peace is not forged through power, but through mercy, understanding, and the courage to listen. His words invite us to pause, to reflect, and to nurture peace within our own communities—beginning with kindness, dialogue, and compassion. As a school, we hold in our hearts all those affected by violence and pray for a future shaped by hope and reconciliation.

As we approach the end of Semester One
The past fortnight has been an especially busy and important time for our students and staff, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge their continued commitment and effort.  

At all year levels, students have been engaged in end-of-term assessments, and our Years 9 to 11 have now completed their Semester One examinations. These exams not only assess progress but also provide valuable learning experiences, helping students understand the importance of preparation, organisation, and resilience. For those studying a VCE subject, Tuesday 17 June marked the completion of the General Achievement Test (GAT) — another key milestone in their VCE academic journey. 

Music at Mercy
Learning a musical instrument offers numerous benefits beyond developing technical skills. It enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, while fostering creativity, self-discipline, and perseverance. These skills help students not only in music but across all areas of their academic and personal lives.

Participation in ensembles, such as bands, choirs, and chamber groups, provides students with valuable opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. It also supports their social and emotional well-being by building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community within the College. Together, these experiences enrich students’ educational journey and contribute positively to their overall growth.

Last night, our Year 7A Band Night was a great success. I congratulate our students (noting that most have only been learning an instrument for a semester) and music staff on presenting a wonderful music showcase. Their hard work and talent truly shone through, making for an enjoyable evening.

Sport at Mercy
Congratulations to our Junior Badminton team for their outstanding achievement in winning the grand final at the Division 3 CGSAV Badminton competition yesterday. Their success is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and school spirit. Well done!

The CGSAV (Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria) events allow our students to try out for various sports and compete against other Catholic girls schools across Victoria — promoting both physical activity and school pride. We are proud to have our students represent the College in over 13 events each year.

Final Week Focus
As we enter the final week of the term, I encourage all students to remain focused and finish strong. This is the perfect time for students to reflect on their learning and set goals for continued growth. Sustained study habits, effective time management and a positive mindset are critical to achieving the best possible learning and outcomes.

I look forward to sharing with you our special end-of-term newsletter, where we will highlight our Term Two Students of the Term and celebrate the many achievements of our school community.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Director: Religious Education and Identity

As Term Two draws to a close, I’d like to reflect on the last fortnight and offer a word of farewell before I step away on parental leave. 

Refugee Week
This year’s Refugee Week invited us to explore the theme “Finding Freedom”. At Mercy College, we marked the week with prayer, classroom discussions, and a special Assembly Period where we heard the story of Deena, shared with us from the Refugee Council of Australia. Students were challenged to consider the journeys of people seeking asylum, not as distant news stories, but as human beings like Deena and her family with hopes not unlike our own. Pope Francis reminds us that “each migrant has a name, a face, and a story.” It was powerful to witness our students engaging with these stories with compassion. 

Year 11 Reflection Day
On Tuesday 24 June, Year 11 students participated in their Reflection Day, facilitated by Luke Bulley from the Passionist Youth Retreat Team. The Reflection Day program offered Year 11 students the chance to connect more deeply with their peers, including those they may not usually interact with. Through exploring trust within the year level and a ‘Masks’ framework, students had the opportunity to develop self-awareness, empathy, and compassion for shared challenges. The day encouraged a deeper understanding of leadership as students prepare for their final year of secondary schooling, and concluded with activities focused on Catholic identity, including practising gratitude, reconciliation and a powerful liturgy. 

Reflection from a Year 11 student:
The day was incredibly meaningful, touching and healing. It created a safe, open space for us to reflect; not only on our own journeys and faith, but on the relationships around us. It gave us a rare and beautiful opportunity to reconnect, reconcile and truly show appreciation for one another. I saw so many people having honest conversations, expressing things they may not have otherwise said, and strengthening the bonds between friends and peers.

In the middle of a busy and often stressful Year 11, today gave us a moment to breathe. It made things feel just a little easier, a little lighter, reminded us that we’re not alone and highlighted the wonderful group of girls we're surrounded by and can rely on for support.

The activities were exciting and uplifting, and it was clear how thoughtfully they were chosen. They had everyone engaged, moving, laughing, getting behind each other and feeling good about themselves. Luke was absolutely lovely and the program he led was heartfelt and sincere. So many of us connected with his stories, and I know his words will stay with us.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF 2025)
Applications are now open to attend the ACYF 2025 with Mercy College as a pilgrim! The Australian Catholic Youth Festival is a three-day festival bringing together thousands of young people from all across Australia. The Festival will be held over three days from 30 November – 2 December 2025 and offers young people from across Australia a chance to come together in fellowship, grow in their faith, strengthen their relationship with Jesus and be inspired to live out their Catholic values in everyday life. The Festival will include opportunities for engagement with other young people, school and youth groups, bishops, musicians and speakers.

Attending the ACYF in 2025 is an exciting privilege and we look forward to taking students in Years 9 to 11! If you would like to attend as a pilgrim, please complete the ACYF Application Form and submit this to our College Principal, Ms Lila McInerney via principal@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au or submit a physical application form to College Reception.

Goodbye (For Now!)
As I prepare to go on parental leave for my second little boy, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you and see you later this year! It’s a privilege to journey with young people in faith, and I leave confident that the seeds planted this semester through our social justice work, liturgical celebrations and daily witness to our Gospel values will continue to grow. 

I look forward to returning for the Advent season and of course the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, but until then, I pray that you each continue to walk gently with one another. 

With all my love and blessings, 
Nima Ballenger
Director: Religious Education and Identity

Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Celebrating a Term of Opportunity and Achievement
As Term Two draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a remarkable and rewarding time at Mercy College. I continue to be inspired by the energy, resilience and positivity of our students, and I am so proud of how they have embraced every opportunity that has come their way.

This term, Mercy has truly been a vibrant hub of activity. Across all year levels, students have immersed themselves in a variety of programs that have supported their learning, wellbeing and personal development. Our Year 9 Immersion Programs across Languages, Mathematics, Drama/Dance, the Arts and Technology offered students deep and meaningful learning experiences that encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. These programs not only enriched our curriculum but also empowered students to continue their learning beyond the classroom.

Our academic calendar included key events such as the General Achievement Test, NAPLAN and the mid-year exams, which provided students with valuable opportunities to demonstrate their learning and consolidate their understanding across subjects.

There has also been no shortage of co-curricular highlights. Students represented Mercy with pride in many sporting activities for example, CGSAV AFL, Cross Country, Basketball and Badminton tournaments, and showed House spirit and determination at our Athletics Carnival. The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp to Torquay, Mountain Bike Riding to the You Yangs, Gravity Worx were standout experiences that encouraged resilience, independence and teamwork.

Our senior students have taken their learning into the real world, with Business Management visiting the Yakult Factory, Legal Studies students attending the Victorian Parliament and Courts, and the Australian History Walking Tour. Our students represented Mercy with skill and professionalism in the Senior Mooting Competition. Many also took part in Structured Workplace Learning, gaining valuable insights into career pathways.

We also welcomed Year 4 students to our community through Kitchen Kapers. We celebrated language and cultural learning through the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition, and showcased extraordinary talent in the Mercy College 60 Year Performing Arts Concert. We also came together as a faith community to mark the Easter season through a beautiful and reverent Easter Liturgy, reminding us of the values of compassion, excellence, hospitality and justice, that underpin everything we do at Mercy College. Excitement is building with our new joint drama production Puffs with Parade College.

Amidst all these achievements, it’s important to also take a moment to remind students and families of the standards and routines that support positive learning and engagement. Wearing the correct Mercy College uniform with pride is one way students show respect for themselves, their peers, and the community they belong to. It promotes a sense of unity and readiness to learn.

Likewise, strong attendance is a key factor in student success. Consistent attendance ensures students don’t miss valuable learning experiences and helps them build stronger relationships with peers and staff. It is vital that students and families prioritise being at school every day unless genuinely unwell. Every day counts.

As we look ahead to Term Three, it becomes clear that our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their journey at Mercy College. This final stretch is crucial, and we encourage them to maintain their focus, commitment, and determination as they prepare for final assessments and future pathways.

As always, I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their hard work and care, and to our families for your ongoing support. To our students – thank you for showing up, stepping in and giving your best.

Term Two has undoubtedly been a busy and fulfilling term, as reflected in the wide range of academic, co-curricular, and community experiences our students have engaged in. Each moment - whether in the classroom, on excursion, in competition, or during liturgical celebration - has contributed to the rich tapestry of life at Mercy College. We are incredibly proud of all that has been achieved and look forward to building on this momentum as we move into a new term.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and well-deserved break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a new and exciting Term Three.

Teresa Talia
Director: Student Engagement and Wellbeing

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/VCAL 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 to 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.

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. 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 and 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.

Upcoming VCE Head Start Lectures
Registrations are now open for ATAR Notes’ VCE Head Start Lectures. The lectures are running from Monday 7 July to Thursday 10 July. Each session is live-streamed, and completely free to attend. Find out more by clicking on the link: ATAR Notes Lectures.

ACED 2025 VCE Lecture Series – Save the dates
Tickets for these lectures will become available towards the middle of the year. Students are encouraged to join the student mailing list here to be alerted to the booking page going live. All the presenters have VCAA exam marking experience, including:

• Chemistry
• English
• Biology
• Business Management
• Legal Studies
• HHD
• Psychology
  

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. See website to register or for more information.

The Study Skills Melbourne TSSM: End-of-Year Revision Program
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

Years 7 and 8

This term, our Year 7 and 8 students have developed their organisational and time management skills, as well as deepened their understandings of the key concepts studied in each of their subjects. 

Year 7 students also celebrated 100 Days of Learning at Mercy, with ‘100 seconds of Gratitude’ Guided Meditation, and development of a year level mural which is displayed in the shared space on the top level of the Clairvaux Building, as well as a special morning tea with the cohort, their wellbeing teachers, and our Principal, Ms McInerney. The day culminated in a Presentation evening where parents joined us for a celebration of learning, and an opportunity to gather with other Year 7 families. 

A number of students participated in GSAV sporting teams such as AFL, Cross Country and Basketball this term, achieving fantastic results. Additionally, a contingent of our talented cohort also performed in the recent Performing Arts Concert, demonstrating the many talents and achievements of our Year 7 and 8 students. 

Term Three will be an exciting term for our Year 8 students who will attend their first Subject Selection Evening, and be able to choose electives for the first time. It is always helpful and encouraged for parents to start having conversations with their child early about their interests and the types of subjects they might like to try at the College prior to this evening. 

We know that young people grow very quickly, and can often outgrow their uniforms, so would like to take this opportunity to ask parents to review the Mercy College Student Dress Code and Uniform Requirements, which can be found in the student planner, and ensure that your child has all the required uniform items in good condition for the beginning of Term Three. 

We wish all our families a well deserved and restful Term Two break, and look forward to seeing students back at the beginning of Term Three, ready for another busy term of learning. 

Amanda Lazzaro and Jade Weller
Years 7 and 8 Wellbeing Team

Years 9 and 10

A group of Years 9 and Year 10 students attended the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition at Melbourne University. They experienced a unique blend of excitement, nervousness, and pride. Held annually, the competition celebrates Italian language and culture through poetry recital, drawing students from various schools across Victoria. For many participants, stepping out before the judges to recite a poem in Italian was both a challenge and a triumph, offering a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their language skills. The competition encourages not only linguistic development but also cultural appreciation, helping students connect with the rich literary heritage of Italy.

Lucia Morello
Years 9 and 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 9 Immersion Days

Exploring Indonesian Cuisine
On Wednesday 11 June, Year 9 students enjoyed their second Languages Immersion Day for the year. They learnt about Indonesia’s history as the ‘Spice Islands’. Following this they travelled to an Indonesian supermarket, where they identified many spice pastes and other products. They then enjoyed a delicious Indonesian lunch which included a taste of several Indonesian dishes including beef rendang (a type of Indonesian beef curry which features the use of many spices).

The day concluded with the class collaboratively writing a restaurant review, where they could put into practise adjectives, superlatives, and comparisons that they had been recently learning about. Here’s the class review (and an English translation as well!):

Kami pergi ke restoran Indonesia. Namanya ‘Pondok Rempah’. Restoran ini terletak di kota Melbourne dekat pasar Queen Victoria. Kami naik trem dari supermarket Grand Laguna Southbank. 

Kami makan rendang, sate ayam, mie goreng sayuran, nasi putih, dan krupuk bawang. Rasanya enak sekali. Ada siswa yang pikir rasa rendang cukup pedas tetapi juga ada yang pikir rendang kurang pedas. Sambal lebih pedas daripada rendang. Makanan favorit kelas kami sate ayam.

Kelas kami memberi skor empat setengah dari lima. Kami merekomendasikan restoran ini. 

We went to an Indonesian restaurant. Its name was ‘Pondok Rempah’. This restaurant is located in Melbourne near the Queen Victoria market. We travelled by tram from the Grand Laguna Southbank supermarket.

We ate rendang, chicken satay, vegetarian fried noodles, steamed white rice and onion crackers. It tasted really delicious. There were students who thought the rendang was sufficiently spicy but also those who thought the rendang wasn’t spicy enough. The chilli sauce was spicier than the rendang. Our class’ favourite food was the chicken satay.

Our class gave the score 4.5 out of 5. We recommend this restaurant.

Elizabeth Moore
Languages Convenor

Swanston Street Maths Trail
On 30 April, the Year 9 students and their Maths teachers went into the city to walk the Swanson Street Maths Trail. The trail consists of six landmarks that have interesting geometrical features to study. The geometrical features students looked at were right angled triangles and pinwheel tiling at Federation Square, the Gothic arches and quatrefoils of St Paul’s Cathedral, the circles and semicircles of the doors and windows at Melbourne Town Hall, the architectural fragment outside the State Library, the cone at Melbourne Central and the Penrose rhombuses at Storey Hall. Once the trail was completed, we returned to school and students completed activities related to these geometrical features. We had just completed the topic of Pythagoras' Theorem so seeing the right angled triangles, in particular, brought to life the theorem studied in class. 

This is what some students had to say:

As we walked through the streets of Melbourne City, we noticed a Maths trail of shapes which we had seen before but never noticed. As we walked through the six stops, we focused on looking at right angle triangles to reflect on our Maths topic of Pythagoras’ Theorem. We also noticed some other shapes. An example of this was Storey Hall which featured many rhombuses. We learnt about the Swanston Street Maths Trail and how right angled triangles are almost everywhere.
(Student in 9B)

We were able to step out of the classroom and apply Maths to our everyday world while completing the Swanson Street Maths Trail.
(Student in 9A)

Maria Carinci
Learning Area Leader; Mathematics

Humanities

Term Two has been a busy term for the Humanities Department, with many incursions, excursions and exciting opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom. 

Legal Studies
Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students had the privilege of a visit from Paul Dore, the Juries Commissioner who spoke with students about the operation of the jury system, from empanelment to verdict. He also shared some interesting cases, which prompted some interesting questions from students. 

Students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Victorian Legal System in action, by observing cases in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court, as well as touring Victorian Parliament, visiting the Supreme Court Law Library and participating in a ‘Respect Me’ Role Play in the Old Melbourne Gaol. 

Year 11 Legal Studies students were also involved in an incursion visit from law students from Monash University where they learnt about laws and legal principles relating to vaping and rights with Protective Services Officers. Students were engaged, and shared insightful questions and responses. This incursion built on their study of criminal sanctions, and the balance between individual rights and institutional powers during the criminal investigation process. 

Selected students from Years 8 to 10 also had the opportunity to participate in a Mooting Masterclass, hosted at La Trobe University, in preparation for Mooting Competitions later this year. They were coached by final year law students, and legal experts in the intricacies of developing and structuring a response to a ‘Moot Problem’, and responding to questions from the judge. Students found it to be a valuable experience and will use their learning to prepare for their Junior competition in November. 

Business Management
The Year 12 Business Management Class visited the Yakult Factory as part of their coursework, providing students with a unique opportunity to witness the operations of a world class factory, fostering a deep appreciation for the complexities of industrial operations. This first hand encounter transforms abstract knowledge into a tangible, memorable learning experience. 

We are so proud to be able to offer these experiences to our students, and look forward to many more opportunities in the coming semester. 

Amanda Lazzaro
Learning Area Leader: Humanities

CGSAV AFL

On June 13, the Mercy football squad set off on their journey to Parkville, with high hopes and positive attitudes. It was a cold start to the morning, but we all warmed up as soon as we stepped onto the field. Well done to our Senior team for all of their hard work throughout the day. Congratulations to our junior team who were the runners up! Despite both teams' results, everyone had an amazing day full of teamwork and determination.  
Isabella Mhaya, Year 8C

Music Lessons

Interested in learning a musical instrument in Semester 2?
If your child would like to learn a musical instrument in Semester 2, please complete the below Instrumental Tuition Enrolment Form and email it to music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.  

Shared and individual 30 minute lessons are available.

Students currently learning a musical instrument 
If your child was enrolled in the Mercy College Instrumental Program in Semester 1, this enrolment automatically rolls over for Semester 2. If you do not wish for your child to take instrumental lessons in Semester 2, please email music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au by Monday 21 July. 

If you wish to change your child’s Instrumental enrolment for 2025, please complete a new Instrumental Tuition Enrolment Form.

Should you have any questions, please email: music@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.

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 Feature

Adriana Taranto, Class of 2016
Congratulations to Adriana Taranto (Class of 2016)

We’re thrilled to celebrate Adriana’s first-ever call-up to the Matildas! Adriana and her sister Melissa shared a love of soccer throughout their years at Mercy, both being drafted to the Melbourne Victory squad for the 2015–16 W-League season while still at school. As Marian House Captain, Adriana showed outstanding leadership and determination, qualities that continue to shine in her professional journey.

First Matildas call-up AND a new contract! Dream 24 hours for Western United star
Feature Article, A-Leagues, 20 June 2025 by Matt Comito

Adriana Taranto has capped off a dream day in her footballing career with a one-year contract extension at Western United, confirmed just hours after the midfielder received her first CommBank Matildas call-up.

Fresh from receiving the first Matildas call-up of her career, the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-season contract extension at Western, where she will look to add to her 55 appearances in Green and Black through the Ninja A-League 2025-26 campaign.

Taranto, a foundation player for Western’s Ninja A-League side, was selected in new Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro’s first international squad for a series of international friendlies against Slovenia and Panama in Perth across June and July.

“I am so excited to sign at Western again for a fourth straight season. I love the Western family and being home in Tarneit in front of our fans is an amazing feeling,” Taranto said after inking a fresh one-year contract.

“It has been a crazy year for me, but I wouldn’t change it at all. I would not have been able to achieve anything without the support of the club, my teammates, my family and friends.

“I am going to continue to work hard and do everything I can to help this Club be successful and to be the best version of myself.”

Described as “the backbone” of Western’s Ninja A-League side by the club’s general manager of football Mal Impiombato, Taranto has called the club home since its inaugural Ninja A-League season in 2022-23.

The central midfielder will hope to return to the club for season 2025-26 as a capped Matilda, having been included in Montemurro’s squad for Australia’s two friendlies against Panama on July 5 and July 8 in Western Australia.

Taranto was selected in Montemurro’s 33-player squad as one of several players picked only for the Panama friendlies, which will take place after games against Slovenia on June 26 and 29.

“Adriana has been the backbone of our program for a number of years now,” Impiombato said.

“Her rise to success in becoming a Matilda is an incredible achievement for her and just reward for everything that she has committed to, both as a footballer and a person.

“She is the perfect ambassador for our club, first and foremost, and a fantastic leader and player on the pitch. We are ecstatic to have her sign on for season 2025-26.”

Alumnae Interview

Amelia Pozdzik, Class of 2022

What are your most memorable experiences as a Mercy student?
Year 12 retreat was definitely the most memorable experience as a Mercy student. Amid the chaos and stress that comes with Year 12, retreat felt like a much needed escape. It was a time of reflection and peace that allowed me to deepen my friendships and reconnect with myself. One of the most special parts of my final year was sharing the role of co-captain with a close friend Riana Zamora, leading alongside her made the experience more meaningful! Additionally, as cliché as it may sound, it’s the small, everyday moments that truly define my Mercy journey — the inside jokes whispered during class and the laughter shared over lunch created my most profound high school memories.

Have you maintained school friendships?
I was fortunate to meet my best friends during high school, and although we’ve each taken different career paths, we continue to make the effort to stay connected. Our catch-ups are often filled with laughter as we reminisce about the memories and moments that shaped our school years.

What are you doing now?
I’m in my third and final year of uni, studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications majoring in sports media and marketing, while working as an event assistant and venue attendant.

What message would you share with current students?
My biggest piece of advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out after high school. As someone who constantly stressed about the uncertainty of the future, I can assure you that most people don’t have it all worked out, and that’s completely okay. Try different things, explore your interests, and give yourself the freedom to grow. Nothing is set in stone, and your path can always change. And most importantly, don’t stress about your ATAR! It doesn’t define your worth, your intelligence, or your future. There are so many ways to reach your goals, and success looks different for everyone!

Did you set out with a career plan?
I didn’t follow a fixed career path, instead, I explored various options that aligned with my interests and chose a degree that presented several job avenues I could pursue. A Bachelor of Media and Communications allowed me to explore journalism, podcasting, broadcasting, production, and marketing. Through this, I discovered a strong interest in both marketing and journalism.

Where has your career path taken you?
Since my career plan focused on discovering what I enjoy and should pursue after graduation, internships were essential for gaining real-world experience, building networks, and developing skills. During my degree, I completed internships with the Victorian Institute of Sport and Rugby Victoria, where I wrote published articles, supported marketing and communications projects, and handled various media and administrative tasks.

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