MRC Newsletter - Issue 9 - 23 June 2021

Prayer

Principal's Message

As our term break fast approaches we look with anticipation and appreciation to the opportunity to take a couple of weeks to do things differently.  This change in our daily routine hopefully creates the time and space for us all to go more slowly, cherish some down time and nurture ourselves, whilst devoting time to be present and engage with and nourish our relationships with family and friends.

This week, I had the opportunity to join with Mercy Education Limited and other Mercy Affiliated School Principals to spend some time reflecting on spirituality, with particular emphasis on Mercy as a mode of relationship, love surrounding us and creating a spirit of hospitality in our lives.  Sr Karon Donnellon RSM highlighted the diversity and  inclusiveness of spirituality and encouraged us to reflect on our own spiritual quest at this particular time.  Spirituality involves each individual’s connection to self, others and the world - it can be unique to each of us.  Spirituality involves a belief system or value system which gives meaning and purpose to life - what do you believe and value, what gives your life meaning and purpose? Spirituality may include belief in a higher power and may provide a feeling of belonging and sense of community or unity with others, with nature and the universe - where do you feel belonging and a sense of community?  Each time I stopped to reflect, our Mercy community entered my thoughts.  Our Mercy Core Values, our holistic educational purpose, my belief in God nurtured in our community, our inclusivity, our authentic and caring community, and culture of belonging were all things that I could connect to and am most grateful for.  I hope you might have the opportunity to slow down and reflect on your spiritual quest and where you are being called at this time.

The term break brings with it a new educational semester, and for many of our students, a change in elective subjects.  Reports on Semester 1 progress will be available on Friday, 25 June through PAM.  Elective subjects provide our young people with the opportunity to choose learning which interests and engages them, whilst still learning in core subject areas.  It has been wonderful to witness the engagement and growth in students choosing some of our new Year 10 electives which ran for the first time this semester.  $20 Boss was designed by our humanities team and taught by Mrs Tania Bruckner.  In this elective the students learnt invaluable enterprise skills including planning, budgeting, sales, marketing and profit margins.  Their engagement was demonstrated through the wonderful range of small business projects that drew their learning together.  I have some wonderful scented candles as a result of one small business and now look forward to witnessing the projects from the Semester 2 class.  Paddock to Plate was the elective initiative of the Science and Technology teams led by Mr Tom Kelly.  Learning in this elective focuses on ethical and sustainability principles and practices related to food.  Students explore the diversity of foods that may be produced from a range of agricultural and horticultural practices through practical food technology activities.  The students have learnt many skills inclusive of the scientific processes and practices of making sourdough bread and ricotta cheese, as well as slow cooking of meats, and pickling.  Their Osso Bucco was mouth watering! 

Enrolments for Year 7 2022 and other year levels are due this Friday 25 June.  Easing of restrictions has meant that we can once again offer prospective students and families the opportunity to tour our campuses.  Please make contact with our College Registrar, Nicole Darcy, to arrange a tour or access enrolment forms and information. Our College website provides extensive information should you wish to find out a little more about a holistic education at Mercy and our Mercy community.

Our partnership with parents and carers in the educational journey of our Mercy students is something we value greatly.  Each term Mercy Regional College usually hosts a Parent Forum.  This forum is a platform for any parent to come in for an opportunity to meet with the Principal or member of the College Leadership Team to share thoughts, concerns, questions and ideas in an informal setting.  New School Advisory Council (SAC) Member, Alison Kenna, chairs the forum.

COVID-19 restrictions have meant that our planned forums for Semester 1, 2021 have not been able to proceed.  As a replacement opportunity, we have provided a  Google Form link for any parent to raise the questions, concerns, thoughts and ideas that they may have shared in a face-to-face forum.  Responses will be monitored and responded to by myself, School Advisory Council member, Alison Kenna, or Executive Assistant, Nicole Darcy.  We greatly value your contributions and encourage you to make contact through this platform.  We look forward to returning to meeting face-to-face in Semester 2. 

We say thank you to Mrs Jessica Niblett who finishes her contract with us this semester.  We say so long for now rather than goodbye though, as Jess is a wonderful teacher who we hope returns to us in the future.  Mr Peter Sharp will also be finishing in our Instrumental Music Program.  We wish Mr Danny Gordon and Mr Ian Nicholson a restful and rewarding break as they begin long service leave for all of Term 3.  Mrs Tania Bruckner, Mrs Wendy Gleeson, Mrs Sharon Suhan and Mrs Janine Gallichan also have shorter periods of well deserved leave coming up.  Finally, we welcome back Mrs Claire O’Connor from parental leave at the beginning of Term 3. 

We wish our Year 10 and 11 students and accompanying staff a wonderful snow experience as they head off on their Ski Camp on Sunday for five days.  The group is visiting Falls Creek and will participate in both cross country and downhill skiing.  Thank you to the staff who are giving up their time to ensure our students have such an opportunity.  We also wish staff members, Mr Tom Kelly and Mr Luke Bourchier, all the best as they take on the Gold Coast Marathon next week. 

We congratulate Dr Andrew Watson, former MRC Principal and most recently Catholic Education Ballarat Secondary Education Consultant, on his recent appointment to the position of Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.  Andrew will begin in January 2022.  Congratulations also to Year 12 student, Hamish Sinnott, on his selection in the Victorian U19 Country Football Squad which will play this weekend, and Destiny Bainbridge, who was one of two winners of the Wannon Water Photography Competition for Year 10 to 12, highlighting the value of water. 

A couple of dates for Semester 2 that I would like to draw your attention to are Thursday, 29 July, when all students studying a Unit 3/4 VCE sequence will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT), and then Monday, 16 August, which is shown on our MRC SIMON calendar as student free for Teacher Professional Practice Time, but which will now be a normal school day with all students and staff expected for onsite attendance.  We have made this decision when reflecting on the movement of the GAT into Term 3 and our Semester 1 COVID-19 Remote Learning requirements.

In closing, we send our condolences to and remember in prayer the families and friends of former Mercy student, Nina Barake, and to family and friends of Timboon community member, Ethel “Rosie” McLean.  Peace be with them.

I leave you with a meditation from Richard Rohr:

Sometimes, in this troubled world of ours, we forget that love is all around us.   We imagine the worst of other people and withdraw into our own shells.  But try this simple test: Stand still in any crowded place and watch the people around you.  Within a very short time, you will begin to see love, and you will see it over and over and over.  A young mother talking to her child, a couple laughing together as they walk by, an older man holding the door for a stranger—small signs of love are everywhere.  The more you look, the more you will see.  Love is literally everywhere.  We are surrounded by love.  This is such a powerful reminder to use a contemplative gaze to look at the world around us.  Signs of love abound, reminding us of God’s essential nature. (From the Center for Action and Contemplation May 31)

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

End of Term Arrangements

Please note that students will be dismissed early on the last day of term, this Friday, 25 June.

Learning at Mercy

Semester 1 Reports, 2021

End of semester reports will be accessible via the Parent Access Module (PAM) from 4.00pm on Friday, 25 June. If you have trouble accessing PAM, please contact reception for assistance.  Paper copies of reports can be provided upon request. 

Reports include a description of the subject/unit, outcomes and curriculum progression points (Years 7- 10), as well as work practices for learning, self-management and social interaction:

The aim of assessment is to provide evidence of learning and student progress.  Teachers use a range of methods to track progress, target-teach and improve learning outcomes for students.  Good assessment allows students an opportunity to practice skills, identify potential learning obstacles and strengths, and move forward.  Teachers aim to provide regular feedback to students. Students are also encouraged to reflect on how well they met task criteria (or standard, goal, learning intention, etc.).  Teachers and students will work together on strategies for improvement. 

Within PAM, teachers provide continuous feedback and reporting to students and parents.  It is important to read this in conjunction with these summary reports.

Years 7 - 10

The Years 7-10 grading scale is based on the Victorian Curriculum descriptors used by all schools.

A grade of proficient indicates a student is achieving at the expected state-wide level, and is where we would expect most students to be.  A skilled or developing grade is also at the expected standard.  Students may fluctuate between standards and this is completely normal.

VCE

For Units 1 & 3 subjects, students receive a numerical grade scale (see PAM for percentages).  Grades will be spread across the scale.  No longer do grades below 50% mean a student has "failed", they are an indication of achievement on particular tasks.

Students receive an S for Satisfactory Completion of a Unit, where they have demonstrated adequate knowledge and skills for the unit outcomes.  

Senior Secondary Certificate Reform

The Victorian government is transforming the delivery of senior secondary education with the introduction of a single senior secondary certificate that will offer greater access to quality vocational and applied learning pathways for all students.

In 2023, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) will be replaced by a new two-year Vocational Specialisation within the VCE.  Please see the below communication from VCAA regarding the changes. 

Mercy is committed to providing high quality and authentic applied learning experiences for our students, and will continue to do so in line with the changes. We will support students as they make course selections for 2022 and beyond. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Senior Pathways Leader Danae Fraser. 

Focus on Literacy

The important research conducted by Neil Mercer and Steve Hodgkinson exploring the importance of conversations in classrooms has been a topic of interest among staff recently, with both men calling classroom talk the "most important educational tool" for guiding improvements in understanding.  Staff have been reaffirming their own understanding about effective student conversations, both structured and unstructured, in recent ongoing development around literacy. 

Speaking (and listening) is often overlooked as an important indicator in student understanding of concepts; we all have topics we are knowledgeable about where we could talk all day!  Promoting the importance of 'student talk' about key topics learned across the curriculum is an important way to improve outcomes and to demonstrate engagement with key ideas.  With the rise of technology over the recent decade, it has become increasingly important that humans are able to interact effectively, demonstrating empathy, cooperation and critical thinking.

We will be showcasing some great examples of literacy learning occurring across a variety of classrooms in the weeks ahead.  It is vital to understand that literacy is occurring in all classrooms, specific to the particular demands of that subject.  In order to best prepare the young people before us for the challenges awaiting them after completing their schooling, improved outcomes in literacy of all varieties will be greatly beneficial.

Luke Bourchier
Literacy Coordinator

$20 Boss (Year 10 Elective)

$20 Boss is a subject with Mrs Bruckner in which students are loaned $20 to start a business.  It is a class that helps us learn how to start and run different types of businesses, and also how to develop skills to manage business finances and make other business decisions.

We had a brainstorming session to come up with business ideas.  Some of our group wanted to run a sausage sizzle at school; then we heard about the Mercy Feast Day.  We discussed things with Ms Wilson, and decided to run a burger bar.  When it came to planning, we used the enterprise skills we’d been learning about in class to plan our business.  We planned each stage of the project, including stock, suppliers, orders, OHS and COVDID-safe issues, preparation, advertising and finances.  A lot of the time we used critical thinking, trying to prepare for things that could possibly cause problems and find a few solutions to each one just in case something went wrong.

Getting closer to the day, it was important that we had enough quantities of the burgers, buns and  toppings required.  We had to also check that all of the equipment was in the right condition to be able to cook and sell burgers.  There was also a lot of communication with staff and students to see if they wouldn't mind giving us a hand on Feast Day.

Our $20 Boss Burger Bar was very successful on the day.  The help that we got from teachers and other classes was much appreciated, we couldn’t have made it through the day without them. Teamwork was the most important factor in the success of our business, especially in serving around 250 hungry customers on the day.  The biggest challenge was the wind which made it very hard to put the burgers together! 

We'd like to thank everyone who helped out on the day and also any one that helped out prior to the day and got us all set to go.  This was important in helping our business be successful. 

Jack Vaughan, Ethan Wyss, Jordan Beard, Matthew Lenssen and Wil Absalom
Year 10 Students

Wellbeing at Mercy

Semester 1 is almost at an end.  Well done to all in the Mercy community for your efforts in ensuring everyone takes steps forward in their education and a bright future.  As with every school semester, we have had our celebrations and challenges and Semester 1 2021 has provided those moments.  There is a feeling across the school with staff and students that the holidays will be used well, which is a great sign that everyone has worked hard.

Hopefully everyone gets time to rest, travel (where possible) and spend time with friends and family.  Semester 2 looks like it will be jam packed with events and opportunities for all students to enable growth and healthy challenges.  All the best to those involved in the school production over the break; we look forward to witnessing this event next term.

Well done to all the students that have received Mercy Merit Certificates so far this year.  Many will be awarded Bronze certificates at assemblies this week. It is great to see student accomplishment celebrated and supported so well.  There are still presentations to be made, so stay tuned to our social media accounts and news section of the website as we celebrate our students' achievements throughout the days ahead.

We hope everyone has a safe break and you come back to school in Term 3 re-energised and excited to achieve.

Enjoy.

Ben Brisbane
Assistant Principal Student Development 

As we come to the close of term, there is only four weeks until Michael Carr-Gregg will be visiting  Camperdown to speak with our community about Adolescents and Mental Health.  We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with Regional Parenting Service Geelong to bring this free community event to the region.  Michael Carr-Gregg will be addressing topics relating to mental health conditions that young people experience and what is important for parents, carers and families to know.  There are a limited amount of tickets available for this event and they are booking very quickly, so if you are interested please make sure to book your tickets.

We can also announce that we have a new date for the Living with Teens presentation with Helen Diamond from CatholicCare.  Helen has worked with families and the various relationships within them for close to 25 years.  In this presentation, Helen will share some information about what is taking place for young people in their teen years; emotionally, socially and cognitively.  Evidencing why it is important and how to continue to build strong and emotionally secure relationships with your adolescent, even though their time with peers is increasing.  Helen will also discuss the messages of behaviours and how to navigate the challenging times that adolescence can present; including how to look after ourselves, as parents, through these transitional times.

The evening will be interactive and there will be opportunities to raise questions and topics that parents may be wondering about.  The new date for this event is Tuesday, 17 August at 6.30pm.

If you have already booked a seat, you do not need to rebook.  However, if you haven’t booked a place and you’d like to do so, please RSVP via the link below.  Bookings will close on Friday, 13 August.

Below is a flyer for a number of Parenting Education Events occurring next term through the Regional Parenting Service, some of which can be accessed virtually.

Last week was Healthy Eating Week and there is a really interesting and informative article on the Raising Children website, that relates to adolescence and food that may be of interest to our parents.  There is information about encouraging healthy eating, as well as the importance of role modelling and use of language in relation to food.  The article also includes links to further information around nutrition, food, and aspects of wellbeing related to eating.

Additionally, last week was also Men’s Health Week.  Whilst it is wonderful that these days remind us to take care of ourselves and those we love, it is important that this care is ongoing.  We encourage everyone to remain aware of their wellbeing and to reach out for support when you need it.  Please see the information below for numbers of support groups and organisations that offer  support specific to men.

This coming week will see students and staff writing words of hope, peace, unity and care on ribbons, which will be attached to trees at the College as an acknowledgement of NAIDOC Week.  This year the theme is Heal Country, and it reminds us of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' cultural knowledge and understanding of country as a part of Australia’s national heritage; which sustains every aspect of life, physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and culturally.  If you are passing the O’Keeffe or McAuley campuses you may see the colourful additions to the trees.  The official celebrations of NAIDOC week is 4-11 July.  For further information about NAIDOC Week, and this year’s focus on country, you can visit their website: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2021-theme

The Wellbeing team wishes everyone a very safe term break that incorporates time to look after ourselves and each other, take good care & enjoy!!

MRC Wellbeing Team

Faith at Mercy

The Middle East Crisis

Caritas Australia stands in solidarity with the people of Jerusalem and Gaza as the region experiences perhaps the worst outbreak of violent conflict in decades.  

There has been significant loss of life.  Nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed by airstrikes and artillery from Israel.  At least 1,200 people have been injured.  At least 17,000 people have sought emergency shelter in UNRWA schools.  Ten Israelis have been killed by rockets fired from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas. 

This link explains in a little more detail some of the support which is being provided by Caritas Australia.

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe.  It falls on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.  World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognise their resilience in rebuilding lives. 

Why is World Refugee Day important?

World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive.  While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support Refugees.

Stand with refugees and be a force for change

Show your support of refugees by making a donation to the ASRC Telethon.  Your donation will fund the ASRC’s most important services that support and empower people seeking asylum and help create a fairer, more welcoming Australia for refugees.

Stand for welcome. Stand for change. Stand with refugees.

Library Resource Centre Report

We are happy to advise that we have been able to reschedule our first Book Club event to Monday, 19 July.  If you enjoy a good book and some informal discussion in a social setting - this is the place for you!  The first two books on our reading list will be:

• Lenny's Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley

You can pick up these books from your preferred retailer or local library and snuggle up for a good read before our first meeting.  The books can also be found on eBook and audiobook platforms.

You don't need to have read both books to participate.  We would also encourage attendees to bring along suggestions for future Book Club reads.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information please contact moloughlan@mercy.vic.edu.au.

With the wintery weather setting in, our community members may enjoy settling down with a good book.  A number of eBooks and audiobooks are available through Wheelers.  See the below flyer for instructions to access.

Maureen O'Loughlan
Library Manager

Careers

• Wildlife conservation courses
• Careers in economics
• Have you considered pursuing a VET qualification after school?
• UNSW Bragg Student Prize – for science writing (Years 7 – 10)
• Careers in agriculture – 3-day residential program
• National Youth Science Forum – applications closing soon (Year 11)
• The Santos Science Experience (Year 9 and 10)
• Study security studies at university
• Business and economics at Australia National University – book a chat with a course adviser
• University early admission programs (Year 12)
• University campus tours (Monash, Deakin and Victoria universities)
• Upcoming career events
  

• School holiday career events
• Open Days
• Amazing skills mapping tool
• Competitions
• Upcoming career events

• Online careers program to complete during the school holidays
• The University of Melbourne – updates
• Focus on agriculture careers and courses
• Free resources from Arrive & Thrive
• SAE Institute (creative media courses) – early entry and scholarships. Upcoming career events

Sport Report

On Thursday, 17 June, 38 Year 7 and 8 girls headed to the Terang Recreation Reserve to compete in the HSSSD netball.  They did an amazing job showing off their skills and great sportsmanship during the day.  Two of our teams had overall wins and have qualified for regionals next term. 

Also in attendance was two of our Year 9 students, Alice Suhan and Cophie Conheady, who did an outstanding job umpiring the games.   We also thank Mrs Berni Sinnott, Mrs Emily Stephens, Ms Kristie Jensen and Miss Tess Lourey for their supervision and encouragement at the competition. 

Alumni News

Congratulations to Professor Mike Ryan (Class of 1987)

We would like to congratulate Professor Mike Ryan (Class of 1987) on his recent appointment to the role of Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Monash University.

We asked Professor Ryan to share a story of his career journey as well as his fondest school memories.

Where has life taken you since leaving Catholic Regional College?

I studied a Bachelor of Science with Honours at La Trobe University, majoring in biochemistry.  I loved working at the lab bench and so undertook a PhD, starting at La Trobe and the last 18 months at Adelaide University.  After this, I received a fellowship from the German government and worked at the University of Freiburg, Germany, for three years.  I moved back to Melbourne in 2000 as a lecturer at La Trobe where I was promoted to Professor and became Head of Department of Biochemistry for three years.  In 2014, I moved to Monash University and became Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Medicine.  At Monash, I lead a research laboratory that investigates how mitochondria function in our cells for energy supply and study the pathology of mitochondrial disease.

What are your fondest memories of your time at the College?

Some of the teachers were quite impactful. Mr Horne (Horney) admirably taught seven periods every week of social studies to the entire Year 7 class of 60+ students.  He had great stories to tell.  Ken Jehu was wonderful in the woodwork room.  We all made the customary stools and coffee tables, but with four brothers going through school, it was a bit competitive.  Bob Reid used to take us for industrial arts.  One day he took a few of the boys aside, including me, and said that because we could weld a straight line that we could have a future in welding.  In Year 8, Mr Fallon introduced me to science.  He was only at school for the one year but he seemed to find lots of great experiments in the back of the science preparation room and this had a big impact on me.  When I decided to put my head down and do the study, teachers like Justin (Basil) Staunton and Jenny Phillips were excellent and supportive.  There was also a great bunch of students who got along well with each other, particularly in the final years.

How did your time at CRC shape your personal values and your career choice?

The time at CRC was a long time ago and it certainly shaped my values at the time.  I think they have changed a lot as I have been exposed to new environments and learnt more about the world.  One thing that I liked a lot was the co-ed environment of CRC which helped me form respectful relationships early on.

In terms of my career choice, I never thought that I would be doing the job that I am in now.  At the time of finishing at CRC, I was wanting to get away.  Working hard at uni in the first year helped me get through the rest of the years.  Jumping into a lab in my fourth year enabled me to use a lot of logical thought processes that anyone growing up tinkering with things could do.  After that, I knew I wanted to do a PhD, run a lab and lecture to students.  Part of that was to go overseas to live and work.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Students of today are doing incredibly well. I think they have it a lot tougher nowadays with the constant challenge of distractions through social media and pressures to succeed.

Alumni Night Update

Due to a strong interest in our Alumni Night, we have decided to move the event to a bigger venue - Theatre Royal in Camperdown.  Make sure you update your contact details on our Alumni Database to receive a notification when tickets go on sale.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Friday, 25 June - Applications for Year 7 2022 Enrolments Close

Friday, 25 June - Term 2 Concludes, early finish

27 June -1 July - Falls Creek Snow Trip

5-9 July - Production Intensive Rehearsal

Monday, 12 July - Term 3 Commences

Monday, 19 July - MRC Book Club

Wednesday, 21 July - Year 9 into Year 10 Information Session

Wendesday, 21 July - Senior School Information Evening

Wednesday, 28 July - Michael Carr-Greg presentation | Adolesence & Mental Health Awareness.

Thursday, 29 July - GAT

Thursday, 5 August - Staff Professional Learning / Student Free Day

Wednesday, 11 August - Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences

Monday, 16 August - No Derrinallum buses running

Tuesday, 17 August - Living With Teens event

Our school calendar is always available to be viewed through the Parent Access Module (PAM) - please see our handy hint in the pictures below. Further details for school events, student excursions, camps, and student assignment due dates, etc, can all be found on the PAM calendar.

Community Notices

The Hive at South West TAFE presents its winter school holidays STEM education program in #Warrnambool!  From 10am to 12 noon every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school holidays they'll host their regular #codeclub as well as some #virtualreality, #cybersecurity and #robotics activities!  Open to all ages from 8 and above, participants can register for one or more dates at: https://bit.ly/hive-winter2021. You will then receive a link to pay online as well as a welcome email to prepare for your visit.

Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session.

A two day workshop with artist Brett Clarke to paint a mural for NAIDOC and Youth Week will be held at the Lismore Community Centre during the school holidays.  The first will be held on Wednesday, 30 June from 10am to 2pm, and the second on Thursday, 8 July, also from 10am to 2pm, lunch provided on both days.

Both workshops are limited to a capacity of twenty at each and young people are welcome to attend one or both, they just need to grab a ticket from Eventbrite so we can keep up with capacity limits.
This event is aimed at our youth bracket of 12 to 25, but we will offer any extra places to senior primary students with an interest in the arts.

Tickets can be purcahased via the following links:

• Day One
• Day Two