Mercy News - Friday 1 August 2025

Key Dates

Sunday 3 August

• Feast of St Dominic

Monday 4 August

• Year 10 Pathways Planning Interviews

Tuesday 5 August 

• Year 10 Pathways Planning Interviews
• VCE/VCE-VM Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, 2.20pm to 4.30pm

Wednesday 6 August

• Year 10 Pathways Planning Interviews
• Year 9 Immersion Day: English

Thursday 7 August

• VCE/VCE-VM Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, 3.40pm to 7.00pm

Friday 8 August

• Feast of St Mary of the Cross

Science Week: Saturday 9 August to Sunday 17 August

Bullying No Way Week: Monday 11 August to Thursday 14 August

Thursday 14 August

• CGSAV Volleyball Tournament

Friday 15 August

• Feast of the Assumption
• Years 9 to 12 2026 Subject Web Preferences Due
• Applications close for Year 7, 2027

Prayer

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

Welcome back to Term Three! I hope the break provided everyone with the chance to rest, reflect, and re-energise for the exciting term ahead.

College Chaplains
We are grateful to Archbishop Peter Comensoli for his appointment of Rev Dr Brendan Reed STD and Rev Fr Tran Van Tien as Chaplains to Mercy College.  We know their presence will enrich our community by their presence and look forward to their guidance and spiritual care.

On Tuesday 29 July, Mercy College was introduced to a special visitor; Fr Tien - Assistant Parish Priest: Brunswick Moreland Catholic Community and one of our College Chaplains. He spoke a little about himself at our whole school assembly, explaining that he has been appointed as a Chaplain at our school. We discovered that he is a very welcoming and open person who likes meeting new people in different settings. He shared that being a priest gave him the privilege of working with people on their best and also their worst days. His friendly demeanour made him very easy to talk to and we are happy to know that he will be here at Mercy every Tuesday B. We look forward to further getting to know Fr Tien as he transitions from being a visitor to becoming an integral part of our Mercy community. - Diana Vanicore, Year 11 SW1

Vision for Instruction - Instructional Model
Despite the cold weather sweeping across Melbourne, our College has been buzzing with warmth and energy these past two weeks, including this week, as we gathered for our school assembly where we launched Mercy College’s Instructional model to our school community. This was an occasion not only to honour excellence but to remind ourselves of the deeper purpose of education.

This model will provide a shared framework for excellent teaching and learning across the College, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact in every classroom.

Later in the newsletter you will be able to read some students perspectives following the launch.

Grounded in high expectations, explicit teaching, and deep learning, this model will guide our efforts to ensure every student is supported and challenged to thrive.

I’d like to thank all staff as they have worked diligently last semester in helping create this model led by Mr Nicholas Ambrozy, Ms Tania Ragusa and Mrs Maria Carinci.

2026 Years 9 to 12 Subject Selection and Career Expo - Tuesday 29 July
In support of our students’ academic and personal development, we recently held our Subject Selection and Careers EXPO for students and families making important subject and pathway decisions for 2026.

It was wonderful to see so many families attending. The preparation for the evening was a fantastic opportunity for students to reflect on their interests and aspirations while exploring the diverse curriculum offerings and pathways available for their senior years. The evening provided valuable guidance and insights to help our students navigate the options ahead with clarity and confidence.

60 Years of Hope through Mercy
As we continue to celebrate our 60^th anniversary we are proud to highlight the inspiring journeys of some of our alumnae.  Through this newsletter, subsequent newsletters and via social media we will be sharing stories that reflect the impact and legacy of our school community.  More inspiring stories of hope through Mercy to come as we celebrate the past, present and future-one remarkable story at a time.

Looking Forward
As always, we remain committed to providing a learning environment where every student is known, valued, and supported to reach their potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We are excited about the tern ahead which will be a term of continued growth, renewed purpose, and shared success.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Student Reflection: Instructional Model

On Tuesday 29 July, Mercy College students were introduced to the Instructional Model. It is all about making learning fun and meaningful in every subject. It focuses on three big parts: the teacher’s role in helping us grow and learn, our role as students in using that knowledge. It’s okay to struggle; we all do. But the important thing is that we keep trying, because we can do it.

The Instructional Model helps making learning fun in every classroom. It helps teachers create lessons that are clear and meaningful, and it helps students stay motivated, take responsibility for their learning, and feel more confident. It’s not just about learning facts—it’s about enjoying new the information and remembering it long after class ends.

You might be wondering: what are we actually doing to be a part of this? Well, first, we need to learn the subject, take part in class, and help out wherever we can. Don’t be shy—be brave. And ask the teachers for help if you don’t understand something. They really do know more than your friend sitting next to you, and they want to help you succeed.

That’s what the Instructional Model is about—working together to make learning better for everyone.

Kanisha Gupta, 7A

On Tuesday 29 July students attended an assembly about the new Instructional Model model. This helped us get a better understanding of the new model at Mercy College. I was quite impressed by the Instructional Model because it’s a great way to help students know what to expect in every lesson and what's expected of us. The teachers explained the "I Do, We Do and You Do" very well!

Overall the assembly was very informative and interesting.

Leyla Worner, 8B

On Tuesday 29 July, Mercy College gathered in an assembly to talk about the Instructional Model. The idea of the ‘Instructional Model’ is to help all students learn by making lessons clear, well structured, encouraging everyone to take part during class, creating a safe learning environment where students and teacher work together.

What inspired me was how the school focuses on everyone working together. The “I Do, We do, You Do” cycle makes learning easier and more effective for everyone. This vision can help my peers and I learn better because it gives us a clear guide and understanding on what is expected during classes. I especially like how the instructional model supports everyone by making learning more organized and helping us to build confidence as we go.

Peyton Billington, 9A

At the Assembly, I learned that our school’s Instructional Model is about working together to help everyone learn in a clear, supportive, and structured way. It’s not just about what we learn, but how we learn and grow together as a school community. One part that stood out to me the most was the “I Do, We Do, You Do” cycle. This approach shows that learning is a shared journey. First, the teacher models the task (“I Do”), then we practice together as a class (“We Do”), and finally, we try it on our own (“You Do”). This made me realise how important it is to have support while we build our confidence and skills.

I also appreciated how the vision included values like compassion, excellence and teamwork, not just academic success. It reminded me that being a good learner also means being kind, respectful and willing to help others. Learning isn’t something we do alone. We grow by listening, sharing and supporting each other. This Vision matters because it gives us a sense of direction and purpose. When everyone follows these values, it creates a more positive and productive environment where we all feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and improve. I left the assembly feeling inspired to play my part in making our school a better place for learning.

Asra Moradi, 10C

On Tuesday 29 July, the entirety of Mercy College gathered into the McAuley Hall to introduce the Instructional Model. Ms McInerney introduced the concept briefly before handing over to the panel of teachers who had spent time collaborating and creating the most effective version of the model to support and guide students and teachers to successful learning and teaching.

By breaking down each individual section and part of the new model allowed students the opportunity to not only understand the model, but understand the reasoning and necessity of the model. Each teacher who explained the model gave us real world examples within the school's setting and a range of further opportunities that could be taken on. Parts like Learning Intentions and Success Criteria’s, which are commonly used in schools, were broken down with the intent of stating exactly why we need them.

This new Instructional Model is aimed at engaging students' long term memory through daily review to destress the working brains and decrease the risk of a mental overload, by doing daily review in each class, students are encouraged to draw information out of long term memory in the active brain and then have it return, setting its spot in stone. This then allows for more space in short term memory and for students to actively recall information during tests and examinations.

We also covered the learning cycle of “I Do, We Do, You Do” which breaks down a normal class session into three parts, Explicit Teaching, where teachers explain new concepts, Guided Practice, where both teacher and student work together on an example, and Independent Practice, where students are given the directive to work by themselves on questions or taskwork. This learning cycle is followed by a reflection, allowing students to reflect on what they have learnt and give feedback to themselves about what they could improve on. This directive was presented on a whole school basis for accuracy and equal guidance, leaving little room for error and the message presented clearly for everyone to hear at once.

Indiana Fontana, Year 11 SW1

On 29 July, we gathered as a school to learn more about our new Instructional Model. This instructional model is being implemented into daily classes coming into the new term and I have already seen these changes in my VCE classes. It is set to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of learning at Mercy and is centred around the three topics of Mercy Values, Pre-Conditions, and Lesson Structure. Our Mercy Values of Compassion, Excellence, Hospitality and Justice are essential to being a part of Mercy.

They are shared principles to guide our decisions and actions, defining who we are. The Pre Conditions are put in place so that both students and teachers can ensure impactful teaching and learning. This provides a set of expectations and how to prepare ourselves for class every day. The lesson structure incorporated aspects of our Learning Intentions used in every class and our Learning Cycle of "I do, We do, You do" which teaches us the method for the most effective learning. 

Overall, this assembly had provided us with a new perspective on the instructional model from the teachers and has taught us how to improve every day in our learning which I found very essential for my Year 12 studies going into my end of year exams.  

Dewmini Silva, Year 12 SW3

Director: Learning and Teaching

How We Developed Our Instructional Model
As a school, we recognised the need to establish a consistent and evidence-informed approach to teaching and learning that would support all students across year levels and subject areas. The development of our Instructional Model began with wide consultation and collaboration. Staff were engaged through professional learning discussions and focus groups to reflect on current practice and identify shared priorities. Drawing on established research—including the Vision for Instruction, Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and Hattie’s Visible Learning we shaped a framework grounded in what works best for student learning.

A staff working group drafted the initial model, which was refined through feedback. Once finalised, the model was introduced at during staff professional learning and a whole school assembly and embedded into our lesson planning. The model remains a dynamic tool, with a commitment to ongoing review based on student outcomes, classroom feedback, and current educational research.

Why an Instructional Model matters

• Provides a consistent approach to teaching and learning
• Enhances clarity and structure across all classrooms
• Supports evidence-based teaching practices
• Promotes high expectations and equity for all learners
• Builds a shared language for teaching and feedback
• Supports professional collaboration and development
• Improves student outcomes through intentional planning and delivery
• Aligns classroom practice with whole-school goals and vision

2026 Years 9 to 12 Subject Selection - Tuesday 29 July
Throughout this term, students have been working through the initial stages of the subject selection process and have had the opportunity to learn more about the subjects offered at each year level. For our Year 10 students this has also included learning more about the individual learning pathways that are available to them as they transition into the senior school. These opportunities include the recent Learning and Pathways Expo and Parent Information Evening as well as the various year-level assemblies for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 students.

We thank the many parents and students who attended the Learning and Pathways Expo. If you were unable to attend these events and to further assist students as they work through the subject selection process in preparation for next year, please note that the presentations for these events have been made available on PAM.

VCE/VCE-VM Parent Teacher Student Conferences - Tuesday 5 August and Thursday 7 August 
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. 

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.

Learner Expectation Reports
Learner Expectation Reports will be available to all families as of Monday 26 August via the Parent Access Module (PAM).

Learner Expectation Reports are designed to provide feedback on a range of areas related to your child’s learning, study habits and overall progress. These reports provide feedback on your child’s progress and form the basis for discussion at the upcoming Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences to be held on Tuesday 2 September and Thursday 4 September.

Families will receive further correspondence outlining how to access their child’s Learner Expectation Report. In the meantime, we encourage your child to continue to the apply themselves to the best of their ability across all their subjects and look forward to discussing your child’s progress with you.

Years 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
The Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Tuesday 2 September and Thursday 4 September.

This is an opportunity for teaching staff at Mercy College to share with families their understanding of the needs of each Year 7 to 10 student, working in partnership with parents, guardians and students to discuss strategies that will enhance the understanding of the course content. Such partnerships are essential to the success of each student and ensure that each student can achieve their personal best. We encourage all parents and guardians to make appointments with their child’s teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these interviews. We look forward to meeting with you and your child and discussing how to best support and extend her to achieve their goals and ‘flourish’ in the learning environment.

Families will receive further correspondence outlining how to access and make bookings for the Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences.

Nick Ambrozy
Director: Learning and Teaching

Years 9 and 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Welcome back to all Year 9 and 10 students. This term the Year 10s have begun the process for considering and choosing their pathways as VCE/VCE-VM approaches. They have begun considering their subjects for next year and options past their schooling years.

The Year 9s had their first Immersion excursion for the term. We endured the cold and windy conditions and visited the wonderful St Patrick’s Cathedral for Religious Education. As always, it was a very pleasant day out exploring the city with the Year 9s. 

I wish both the Year 9s and 10s a positive and successful Term Three.

Lucia Morello
Years 9 & 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leader

VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Welcome back to all VCE students and especially to the Year 12s, with this being their final full term of their secondary education experience. Term Three is notoriously a very busy term with staff trying to ensure Units of work and SACs are completed before the final term break and trial exam period. Whilst the end is fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to remind students that this can be a very stressful time. There will be many assemblies, careers meetings and tertiary considerations to be had, whilst still balancing workload and revision. Please encourage your students to reach out and take advantage of the many supports we have here at Mercy College. 

With all of that being said it is important for the Year 12s to enjoy the last remaining weeks with us and to form some wonderful memories of Mercy College, their teachers and of course, friends.

In Term 3, I would like to introduce some Free Parent Webinars run by Elevate Education to help you support your young person on their learning journey.

Here’s what is being covered:

1. How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated - 6 August at 6:30 (AEST) 
2. How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - 20 August at 6:30 (AEST) 
3. How To Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking - 3 September at 6:30 (AEST) 
4. How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - 17 September at 6:30 (AEST)

Please sign up at the link below:
https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

Jaime Brown
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader

Year 9 RE Immersion

Year 9 Immersion Program: Walking in the shoes of the Australian Catholic Church 
On Wednesday 23 July, as a part of the Religious Education Immersion, the Year 9 students visited a number of inner city landmarks to learn about the history of the Australian Catholic Church in Melbourne. We visited significant places of history such as St Patrick's Cathedral, as well as Little Lon, where Saint Mary MacKillop did some of her most significant work with the marginalised. We also visited the Dr Sr Mary Glowrey Exhibition at ACU, and the Saint Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre to learn about the lives of these extraordinary women, and the role that they had to play to further the Church’s mission. By visiting these locations, the Year 9 students were able to "walk in the shoes of the Australian Catholic Church".

The following statements from students detail their personal highlights of the day:

“I loved visiting St Patrick’s Cathedral because it’s peaceful and beautiful. The tall ceilings, stained glass, and quiet space make it feel special. It’s a place where I could reflect and enjoy the history around me.” – Juliar Al Tamo, 9C

“My favourite place was ACU - the Mary MacKillop chapel was very pretty and I really enjoyed writing in the prayer book while there. We also looked at some ancient artifacts and relics - the big cross from Mary MacKillop’s gravestone was very beautiful and I loved reading about it.” – Grace Madia, 9C 

Religious Education

Vision for Instruction: Probing Questions
As a part of Vision for Instruction, one focus for the Religious Education teaching team has been to implement and enhance the practice of ‘probing questions’ within the classroom.

This strategy uses questioning as a set of probing exchanges, and as a subject which naturally uses reflection and dialogue, this strategy is integral for our learning in Religious Education. Examples of activities which our students have engaged in that uses this strategy includes:

• Four Corners to explore questions of Catholic morality
• Circle of Viewpoints to explore the Catholic Church’s stance on various ethical scenarios
• The process of See-Judge-Act to analyse the issue of homelessness
• Immersion activities on the experience of the First Christians in first century Palestine.

Moving forward, as a faculty we look forward to exploring different ways of implementing questioning in our classrooms.

Suzie El-Khoury
Learning Area Leader: Religious Education

Counsellor's Corner

As we settle back into the rhythm of a new term, it’s a great time to refocus on healthy habits that support your child’s learning and wellbeing. Prioritising self-care and sleep hygiene is key; consistent sleep routines, limiting screen time before bed, and calming bedtime rituals can make a big difference in focus and mood during the school day.

To help ease the transition back into structure, consider using visual diaries or schedules. These tools can support your child in managing school tasks, daily routines, and extracurricular activities, fostering independence and reducing stress. A little planning can go a long way in helping your child feel more in control and confident this term.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our counselling team counselling_team@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au. 

Sarah Giangiulli
School Psychologist

Careers at Mercy College

Celebrating 60 Years of Alumnae

As part of our 60th anniversary, Mercy College reflects, recognises and congratulates our alumnae. Here are just a few of their stories. You'll spot their profiles around the College, or check out our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) to follow their journeys that started right here at Mercy College.

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Alumnae Feature

Piage Ryan, Class of 2023

Congratulations to Paige Ryan (Class of 2023)
On 17 June 2025, Paige Ryan graduated from recruit training in the Royal Australian Air Force at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga. In recognition of her exemplary performance and conduct, demonstration of unwavering dedication, resilience, and a natural aptitude for leadership, Paige was presented the No 1 Recruit Training Unit Good Show Award from her Commanding Officer. It's no surprise that the qualities and commitment for which Paige was recognised were evident during her time at Mercy College and will no doubt assist her to become an exemplary aviator.

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