Mercy College, Coburg eNewsletter

Key Dates

School Holiday Office Hours
Monday 22 September to Friday 5 October
8.00am to 4.00pm

The College will be closed on Friday 26 September for the 'Friday before the AFL Grand Final' Public Holiday.

Tuesday 16 September

Year 12 English SAC, 2.20pm to 4.00pm

Wednesday 17 September

Year 9 Immersion Day: Humanities
Final Week, Years 4 to 6 Fun With Science After School Program, 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Thursday 18 September

Mercy Day
Mercy Day Mass, 12.30pm
Last Day of Term Three for Students

Friday 19 September

Staff Spirituality Day

Monday 22 to Thursday 25 September

VCE Trial Exams

Monday 6 October

First Day of Term Four

Prayer - National Child Protection Week

Message From Our Principal

Dear Mercy Community,

West Building Refurbishment Opening
Today, we celebrated the official opening of the refurbished West Building, a significant milestone in our College’s ongoing investment in innovative, future-focused learning environments. Joined by special guests, staff, and students, the event was a joyful occasion that highlighted the strength of our community and our shared vision for improvement. Our College Chaplain Fr Tien led a blessing of the new spaces, offering a prayer of gratitude and hope for all who will teach, learn, and grow within its walls.

As a Catholic school, we believe that education is not simply about academic achievement, but about formation — of mind, heart, and spirit. This VCE building stands as a symbol of that belief.

In these classrooms and study spaces, our students will be encouraged not just to succeed, but to lead lives of service, guided by Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus. They are called to be thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous— leaders for our world, grounded in faith.

National Child Protection Week – Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action
This week, Mercy College proudly recognises National Child Protection Week (1–7 September). The 2025 theme, “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action,” reminds us that protecting children begins with open, honest dialogue and is strengthened through meaningful, consistent action. At Mercy, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student is supported, respected, and heard. Throughout the week, students have participated in age-appropriate activities and discussions that encourage empowerment, personal safety, and building respectful relationships.

We thank families for continuing these important conversations at home. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, valued, and protected—not just this week, but every day.

Father’s Day/Significant Mens Breakfast
Thank you to those who gathered on 5 September to celebrate our fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures at our annual Father’s Day Breakfast.

A special highlight was hearing from one of our Mercy dads who has 3 children in the school, Paul Bain. Paul shared heartfelt reflections on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, reminding us of the lasting impact that love, guidance and presence have in shaping the lives of young people.

Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Members of the College community came together for the Years 7 to 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences last week. To support our students academically in and out of school, teachers, and families need to have a shared understanding of their children’s learning as partners to meet their academic and social-emotional needs.

As a form of preparation and as a way of ensuring the best learning outcomes for the rest of the year I hope parents and guardians were able to:

Praise their child for doing well or making progress, and discuss areas for improvement identified by the teacher.
Listen to what their child has to say, and encourage them to express both successes and strategies for further improvement.
Make an agreement with their child on how you will monitor and support her progress.

Mercy Day Celebrations
As we approach the final week of term, excitement is building for our 60 year Mercy Day celebrations. This special day will bring our school community together in joy and gratitude. From our Learning Showcase, Feast day Mass and carnival atmosphere the day is a cherished tradition that reminds us of the values of who we are.

We look forward to seeing everyone take part and finishing the term with a spirit of celebration.

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

Lila McInerney
College Principal

Every Minute Counts

VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader

With the end of another term come the final few weeks of the Year 12s secondary school education. At this time, most of the Unit 3/4 classes are finalising content and are moving on to the all important exam preparations. Some students – and parents – might be starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the exam season ahead. To help, parents can attend this free webinar on Wednesday 17 September 6.30pm to 7.30pm which will focus on trying to relieve some of that pressure by offering targeted exam-support advice for parents.

During the session, attendees will be given some simple ways to help their child prepare in the run-up to an exam - right up to the night before. Please find the information as well as the sign-up link below:

How You Can Support Your Child During Exams

Jaime Brown
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader

2025 Celebration of Sport

Sport

Mercy College netball teams competed in the CGSAV Division 3 Netball Tournament on Thursday 11 September. Our Senior, Intermediate, and Junior teams all showed incredible determination and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. We are proud of the effort and spirit from every player on and off the court.

Drama Production and Arts and Technology

This year’s drama production focussed on the characters Wayne, Megan and Oliver. They are Puffs, aspiring for “third or nothing” in the battle for points for the House Cup throughout seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic. They are well meaning loyal rejects with a thing for badgers, who represent the underdog and the everyday heroes who often go unnoticed in society, yet make a positive impact on our world.

Over three nights, this co-production with Parade College called ‘Puffs’, entertained people of all ages, as they watched three unlikely heroes make a name for themselves and realise that true friendship and kindness are what really matter in life. That being yourself should always be celebrated and that success is more than mastering magic spells.

One audience member commented, “It was so funny! I had a good laugh throughout the show. Well done to all the cast and crew”.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew involved in ‘Puffs’. The Production was a great success and extremely entertaining!

Fiona Laino
Performing Arts Leader