MRC Newsletter - Issue 11 - 26 July 2023

Prayer

Principal's Message

What is The Spirit of Mercy? As part of our Jubilee celebrations we are very pleased to share with our community the Spirit of Mercy and Young Spirit of Mercy Awards. Marian Wright Edelman, a US activist for the rights of children shared ‘You can’t be what you can’t see”  She believed that young people are more likely to be inspired for their future if they have visible and recognised role models. With this quote in mind and taking inspiration from the title of our 50 year history account written by Lachie Lee ‘A Special Spirit’, we are pleased to share the opportunity to nominate former students of MRC (CRC) who exemplify Mercy Regional College values, have excelled in their vocation or career, made a substantial contribution to their chosen field of endeavour and who provide inspiring examples of achievement to current and future students. Two awards are available for nominations; an open age category and one for those 30 years and under. Full details, criteria and nomination forms are available on our website:

We encourage you to nominate those amongst you who you consider are worthy of this award. Nominations will be assessed by a panel and successful recipients notified with presentations to be made at our Jubilee Dinner on Saturday 25 November. Nominations close on Friday 15 September.

Coming up later this term is our Our Lady of Mercy Mass where this year we will recognise and celebrate the much appreciated contribution the Sisters of Mercy have made to not only the foundation of our school but also to the many Catholic Primary Schools across our region inclusive of our Hampden Catholic School Network partner schools of St Patrick’s Camperdown, St Thomas’ Terang and St Colman’s Mortlake as well as the former St Joseph's Noorat where our O’Keeffe campus proudly sits. Please share the open invitation included here to attend to any Sisters of Mercy you may have contact with. 

As we brave this chilly weather in the SW, our Unit 2 Outdoor Education students are reaping the benefits on the snow fields in Mansfield and Mt Buller. Participation in this experience is part of their required learning outcomes for the unit and I thank our staff Darren Cheeseman, Tia Stinchcombe and Isaac McVilly for their work to ensure our young people have access to such beneficial learning experiences.

Some of our Year 9 and 10 students are in Warrnambool today participating in MRC’s return to the 2023 City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod in Debating. This follows our recent participation in the Debating Association of Victoria (DAV) schools competition in Ballarat. The final event on our Debating and Public Speaking agenda is the Mercy Education Limited  Frayne Festival to be held at Mt Lilydale College on the 25 August. I congratulate and thank all students who have represented Mercy Regional College this year in Debating and Public Speaking as well as thanking Jo Saunders and the other staff who have organised and supported this valuable learning opportunity. Our Y 7 & 8 students will have the opportunity to participate in an online version of DAV debating in Term 4.

This week we received the new look NAPLAN results for young people in Years 7 and 9. This is the first year that student progress has been reported in the new categories of Exceeding, Strong, Developing or Needs Additional Support. Results will reach families by post over the next week. Whilst NAPLAN is a snapshot of student progress at a particular time, these results do support our work in partnering with parents to create personalised educational plans for our students. We also acknowledge the work of our primary schools which is represented in our Year 7 NAPLAN results. This provides an important learning partnership opportunity between our schools. We encourage parents/carers to make contact with Year 7-10 Learning Leader Lydia Darcy or Deputy Principal Natalie Stephenson to discuss their child’s progress and ways MRC can support enhanced learning outcomes.

Our Year 10 Pathways Information evening was very well attended last week. Thank you to those families who were able to attend in person. The session was recorded should you have been unable to attend and we welcome parents/carers to make contact should you have any questions or need further advice or clarification of the learning pathways available at Mercy and specific subjects that your child may be interested in choosing. Unit 4 learning conversations, or Parent Teacher Student Interviews, are taking place this afternoon and are available for all students studying Unit 4 subjects this semester. These are important opportunities to support senior students as they approach the final weeks of their learning journey. Our Year 10 students also had a brilliant experience as the live audience at Romeo and Juliet at the Victorian Arts Centre in Melbourne earlier in the day.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Indigenous Garden project at Wombeech Puyuun Reconciliation Park for being shortlisted in the 2023 Tidy Towns & Cities - Sustainability Awards (Education category). A wonderful achievement!
https://www.kabvic.org.au/shortlisted-education-entries-2023/

I share with current Year 11 students and their families the opportunity to apply to join the 2023 ACU Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program. SUIT is an Australian Catholic University (ACU) early entry program. It provides Year 11 students considering a career in teaching the opportunity to study two modules equivalent to university level units while completing their school studies.  The two units being offered will be hosted onsite in Ballarat. They are Digital Cultures and Capabilities 11-15 December 2023 and Understanding Learning and Teaching 15 -19 January 2024 with some online work to be completed before this unit. Enrolment enquiries will be discussed at the Information Evening that will take place on Wednesday 2nd August. This will be an online meeting for interested students and their parents starting at 6pm. I encourage those interested students to attend this online meeting and express interest in participation to Senior Pathways Leader Danae Fraser. There will be three places available for MRC students with MRC covering the cost of enrolment in each unit. For more information please contact Deputy Principal - Learning, Teaching and Innovation Natalie Stephenson.  The information flyer is included below.

There is much on in the coming weeks, and I encourage you to check the College Calendar on PAM.  Tickets are available for our 2023 production of The Addams Family alongside our 50 year memorabilia, tickets for our Jubilee Dinner and very soon tickets for our annual car raffle.

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at MRC

NAPLAN Results

This year’s NAPLAN results for individual students have arrived at the College and we will be working to have those posted out to families this week. Some parents may be aware that there has been a significant change to the way that NAPLAN is being reported this year. In the past student achievement has been measured against bands and student reports have shown where they sit in relation to the national minimum standards. This year ACARA (the government body that administers NAPLAN) have overhauled the assessment framework and introduced a series of ‘proficiency standards’:

The new proficiency standard includes 4 measures of achievement for each year level to provide clear and simple information on how a child is performing based on their NAPLAN test result. If a student is in the Strong or Exceeding categories, it means they have demonstrated proficiency and are meeting the expected capabilities for their year level. If a child has not yet achieved proficiency, then they will either be in the Developing category or the Needs Additional Support category.

As a school we have not yet received any information on how our student results compare to state and national averages or ‘like schools’. This data comes later in the year. It is important to remember that the NAPLAN tests, although a viable and important measure of capacity, are a snapshot of ability on one day and we use these results to compare with our other learning data to gain the fullest and most accurate picture of each student's strengths and weaknesses.  

As always we will work together to analyse our data to ensure that all students are receiving the support they need to to grow. 

There is a flyer in your envelope from ACARA that explains the new proficiency standards. 

Should you have any concerns please make contact with your child’s subject teacher. ACARA awards Year 9 student high achievers certificates of recognition. This year we had a number of students receive certificates for exceeding the standards. Nicole Darcy will be in touch via email to those parents seeking permission to publicise and celebrate those students’ achievements. 

Natalie Stephenson
Deputy Principal - Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Unit 4 Psych Excursion

Last Tuesday the VCE Psych class visited the Dax centre which exhibits artwork from artists expressing their struggles with a mental health disorder. The Dax centre works with the SANE organisation to help try to break the stigma around mental health. The students had the privilege of listening to a mental health advocate Joel who is a diagnosed Schizophrenic. His story of struggle and survival gave us a great insight into factors affecting someone with a mental disorder.

Melanie Kavenagh

Year 8 French

A group of students in 8A French (Eliza, Victoria, Elizabeth, Monica and Ava) presented a French rap introducing new vocabulary to do with family in a very creative way. They chose their own music and invented a dance routine for the rap. Well done!

Monika Socha

Year 10 Humanities

Our Year 10 Humanities students have begun a new unit studying civil rights. They began last week with a look at post World War Two conditions around the world, and the birth of the United Nations. Its Charter included provisions for the UN to aid refugees, support economic reconstruction after the war and protect human rights. Here you can see students studying the thirty articles of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In coming weeks they will study protest music, the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 60s in the USA and Australia, and the Stolen Generations.

Tania Bruckner

Year 10 English Excursion & Pathways Information Session

It was a busy day for our Year 10s last Wednesday, as they travelled to Melbourne to watch the stage production ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Bell Shakespeare at the Arts Centre. This was to support their study of the play in Year 10 English and was a wonderful experience. The excursion was followed by our Pathways Information Session that evening, which was a valuable opportunity to explain the options available for students here at Mercy. Thank you to everyone who attended!

The presentation can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dwQkyi53oE

Year 7 STEAM Excursion

On Friday 14th July our year 7 students headed off to the Ballarat Tech STEM center where they embarked on a journey of discovery into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The immersive experience provided our young learners with a unique opportunity to explore real-world applications of STEM principles and ignited their curiosity to pursue careers in these fields.

The Ballarat Tech School, renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and innovative programs, welcomed our enthusiastic students with open arms. As they stepped into the futuristic campus, their eyes lit up with wonder and anticipation. The day was filled with hands-on activities, collaborative challenges, and thought-provoking workshops that encouraged our students to think critically and creatively.

The activities completed by the students were 

1. Virtual Reality

2. Escape Boxes

3. Robotics

Leanne Delahunty

Year 12 English Lecture

Our Year 12 English students were fortunate to receive a lecture from VCE specialist Kirstin Bourne last Friday. Kirstin is working with Mercy over the next 3 years as a critical friend to improve student learning outcomes.Kirstin delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Comparative Text Study which makes up the bulk of the Unit 4 assessment for English. Our students listened and wrote steadily for an hour and a half while Kirstin kept them enthralled. A great start to the semester!

Natalie Stephenson

Year 10 Careers Presentation

Guest speakers from RIST and SWTAFE visited our Year 10 students on Friday 14th July to chat about options for VCE/VCE-VM/VET as the Subject Selection period begins.

Year 11 VM Excursion

On Friday, the 21st of July, we decided to take Cooinda clients and staff to a day out at Lake Pertobe. Our aim was to build a stronger sense of community connection by organising fun-filled games and activities for everyone to enjoy. The day turned out to be an outstanding success, as we, the clients and staff had a fantastic time.

Our mission to complete this project was fueled by the belief that it would provide Cooinda with a memorable experience, and help to improve our connection with the community. Throughout the day, we made sure to cater to the interests of all the clients, planning activities like a scavenger hunt, soccer match, and various other games.

We extend our thanks to Cooinda for allowing us to host this event and providing us with the opportunity to create connections. We look forward to continuing this relationship in the years to come, with the hope of bringing even more joy and happiness to everyone involved.

Gus Fryers

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

Mobile Phone Policy

As you know, mobile phones have become an integral part of young people's lives, serving as a means of communication and connection. However, we cannot ignore the negative impact they can have on students' education and overall well-being.

It has been observed that mobile phones often distract students during school hours, with constant online access and the lure of social media. This excessive use not only negatively affects learning time but also leads to unnecessary interruptions, such as students engaging in lengthy conversations in the toilets. Recognising the need for a balanced and focused learning environment, we have made the decision to implement our old mobile phone policy.

Starting this week, all students in Year 9-12 will be required to hand in their mobile phones to their subject teachers at the start of each lesson. This will ensure that phones are not a source of distraction during crucial learning time. Junior campus students are still required to have their phones turned off and securely stored in their bags. Alternatively, they may choose to hand them into the office for safekeeping.

In an effort to ensure clarity and consistency, community leaders are currently reviewing the mobile phone policy, updating sanctions, and establishing guidelines. This review aims to address concerns and improve the overall mobile phone usage experience within our school community. We encourage students, parents, and staff to provide their feedback and suggestions to help shape these guidelines.

It is important to note that students will no longer be able to use their mobile phones to pay for food in the canteen during recess and lunchtime. This change will require students to make alternative arrangements for purchasing meals or snacks in this space. We understand that adjustments may be needed, but we believe this will promote face-to-face interactions and foster a healthier social environment. Our online ordering system is available via our school website.

In addition to mobile phones, another device that has gained popularity among students is the smart watch. While smart watches offer convenience and various functionalities, they can also be a source of distraction during school hours. Just like mobile phones, smart watches provide constant access to notifications and applications, potentially diverting students' attention away from their studies. Recognising the impact these devices can have on learning, the school is also reviewing their use and considering appropriate guidelines and sanctions. 

We recognise that the use of mobile phones has its benefits and that these devices can be valuable tools for learning and communication. Therefore, the intention behind this policy is not to completely eliminate mobile phone usage but rather to strike a balance between technological integration and focused learning. By reevaluating the role of technologies within the school environment, we aim to create a more conducive and focused learning atmosphere for all students.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we implement this new policy. We firmly believe that this change will positively impact our students' educational experience and their overall well-being. Let us work together to create a thriving and engaging learning environment.

Berni Sinnott
Deputy Principal - Students and Staff

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) On School
Students with Disability

Wellbeing Team - Berni Sinnott, Chadley Peerman, Matthew Irving

Faith at MRC

SEEDS OF JUSTICE REGIONAL EVENT - August 31st - September 1st 2023. 

The Regional Seeds of Justice event will  be held in Anglesea at Araluen Camp.

The theme for this event is: A vision of Mercy: to welcome the stranger and the needy

The keynote speakers for this event will be involved directly with Refugees and/or will be Refugees themselves sharing their journeys of hope.

If there are any students in Year 9, 10 or 11 who have a strong interest in Social Justice as well as a sense of what it is to be a person of MERCY in today’s world - we would love to hear from you. Please see Ms Kellie Wilson or Ms Jo Saunders if you have any further questions or to register your interest in this event.

National Tree Day

Celebrate National Tree Day on July 29th, a special day dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and tree planting across Australia. Organised by Planet Ark, this annual event encourages communities, schools, and individuals to come together and make a positive impact on our environment.

The Importance of Trees: Trees are essential for a healthy planet. They play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and releasing oxygen, providing us with the air we breathe. Trees also help combat climate change, improve air and water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Get Involved: National Tree Day provides an excellent opportunity to get involved in greening your local area. You can join community tree planting events, participate in school initiatives, or even plant a tree in your own backyard. Every tree planted makes a difference!

Benefits of Tree Planting: Participating in National Tree Day offers numerous benefits:

• Connecting with nature and appreciating our environment.

• Contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

• Creating green spaces that beautify our communities.

• Supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

How to Participate:

• Check with your local council or community groups for tree planting events near you.

• Organise a tree planting activity with your school, family, or friends.

• Learn more about native trees and their importance to Australian landscapes.

Share Your Impact: Take photos or videos of your tree planting efforts and share them on social media using #NationalTreeDay and #PlantATree. Let's inspire others to join the cause!

Together, Let's Plant for the Future! On National Tree Day, let's come together as a nation to celebrate and protect our beautiful environment. By planting trees, we can create a greener, healthier Australia for generations to come.
For more information and resources, visit the official National Tree Day website: www.planetark.org/nationaltreeday

Season of Creation - Catholic Earthcare Art Competition

The theme for this year is ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’ 
Artwork can be any size and any still visual medium (eg: photograph, painting, sculpture, digital image) 
Entries close 9am 14th of August.
Further information is available at the link below. 

Season of Creation - Art Competition

Kellie Wilson - Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader

Sports Report

State Cross Country

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the State Cross Country on Thursday 13th July. It was a big commitment by these students to travel a 7 hour round trip to Yarra Glen for a 15-20 minute run, as well as wait on-site for other events to finish.

Well done on some fantastic results!

Under 13 Girls (3km):
Lucia C: 41st 14.46mins

Under 13 Boys (3km):
Gus F: 63rd 13.06mins

Under 14 Girls (3km):
Piper S: 31st 14.43mins

Under 15 Girls (3km):
Elsie S: 46th 15.20mins
Poppy K: 64th 15.51 mins
Indi C: 76th 16.23 mins

Under 15 Boys (3km):
Charlie K: 93rd 13.29mins (with a plaster cast on his arm)

Under 16 Girls (3km):
Rose B: 33rd 14.45mins
Taleah M: 37th 14.51mins

Under 17-20 Boys (5km):
Wilba C: 29th 18.52mins

Library News

Our book for next term will be the Miles Franklin award shortlisted novel, Hopeless Kingdom by Geelong-based Kgshak Akec.

This brilliant and uplifting book by a first-time author is told through the interchanging perspectives of Akita and her mother, Taresai.

“Akita’s family have always kept moving to survive. Sudan to Cairo. Cairo to Sydney. Sydney to Geelong.

Each new place challenges Akita, her siblings and her parents. Just when eight-year-old Akita is feeling settled for the first time in her life, her parents decide to relocate to Geelong. The move is the beginning of a downward spiral that threatens to unravel the fabric of their family and any hope for finding peace and belonging. This coming of age story shines a light on the generational curses of trauma, complex family dynamics, and how it feels to love someone unconditionally, even when it hurts. Individually, the female narrators experience racism, rejection and despair, but together their narratives reveal a resilience of spirit and determination to transcend expectations of what a daughter, a sister, and a mother can be.”

We are working towards having this engaging and inspiring young author at our next gathering, so stay tuned for the September date. Be in touch if you would like to participate but are having trouble locating a copy of the book.

#BookTok

The pitfalls of the TikTok app are generally well known by educators and parents - the privacy concerns, the spreading of misinformation, unsafe challenges and constant negative comparisons. Despite this, around 40 to 50 percent of teenage Australians persist in using the TikTok app.

‘BookTok’ is a fast-growing and generally positive reader community on TikTok where fans share reviews and recommendations of their favourite books and authors. Anyone with the TikTok app can be part of BookTok. You simply search for the hashtag #BookTok or individual BookTok users or hashtags you like, then follow their content.

 BookTok has grown into a hugely influential community that has the power to propel authors into the bestsellers charts. In 2022 it was named FutureBook Person of the Year, an accolade which recognises digital innovation and excellence across the book trade. Major booksellers are now publishing BookTok most popular lists. Most BookTok posts consist of playful short videos, no longer than a minute, that match book images to popular soundtrack.This engaging approach has seen #BookTok credited with making reading “cool again” among teenagers.  

You can read more here 

​

eBooks and Audiobooks

Access your eLibrary anywhere, anytime!

Wheelers ePlatform has hundreds of eBooks, predominantly fiction.

It includes digital versions of many popular titles. Login here using your MRC credentials.

https://mrc.wheelers.co/

Jean Christie
Library & Resource Centre Coordinator

Arts Report

The Addams Family Production

Tickets are now available for The Addams Family!

3 Shows:
Friday 18 August @ 7.30pm
Saturday 19 August @ 1.00pm
Saturday 19 August @ 7.30pm

Adults: $20
Children (3-15): $10

Get your tickets from https://shop.mercy.vic.edu.au/, the MRC office or Laffs.

Child Safety

Mercy Regional College is a Child Safe Community.

Child Safety Officers

Contact them by email or on:
Phone - 55932011 (McAuley Campus) or 55925353 (O’Keeffe Campus)

Understanding the 11 Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing are embedded in leadership, governance, and culture.

We share and  highlight our continued commitment to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all students at Mercy Regional College (MRC). As part of our dedication to child safety, we have established a comprehensive set of policies that align with the highest standards and guidelines. In this newsletter article, we want to share with you an overview of the policies in place and how we diligently implement them in practice.

• Policies Supporting Child Safety:
• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Diversity and Equity Policy
• Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct – available on the school website
• DOBCEL Child Safety Risk Register
• Child Safety Risk Management Guidelines
• DOBCEL Volunteers Policy
• Recruitment Policy
• DOBCEL Child Safe Standards Record keeping Policy – adhering to Public Record Office Victoria Record Keeping Standards.

Implementing Policies in Practice:

At MRC, our commitment to child safety is not limited to paper; we actively enact these policies to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Here are some of the measures we take:

• Swift Enactment: The MRC Child Safety Policy and Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct are actively enforced by our school leadership. Inconsistent conduct from staff, volunteers and parents is swiftly addressed through mechanisms like Grievance Procedure, ARMSs (Anonymous Reporting and Management System), principal/leadership walkthroughs, and rigorous sign-in processes.
• Annual Training and Compliance: All MRC staff and volunteers read and sign the Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct annually to ensure continuous awareness and compliance and complete a Mandatory Reporting and other compliance learning modules.
• Public Availability: We make our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct publicly available on our school website and through the Parent Access Module (PAM) for easy access to all stakeholders.
• Regular Review: Our MRC Child Safe Risk Register undergoes an annual review and is endorsed by the School Advisory Council (SAC). This helps us maintain an up-to-date and vigilant approach to child safety.
• Induction Process: Our induction process for staff and volunteers includes thorough training to help them understand their responsibilities and obligations concerning child safety.
• Institutional Focus: Child Safety is a standing agenda item in all MRC leadership, staff, and SAC meetings, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of our discussions and actions.
• Student Engagement: We involve MRC students in discussions about child safety through various channels such as MRC Mercy classes, year level assemblies, and MRC newsletters.
• Visibility and Accessibility: The names and contact information of MRC's Child Protection Officers are outlined in the MRC Child Safety and Wellbeing policy, ensuring that students and parents know who to reach out to in case of any concerns.
• Awareness Posters: PROTECT posters, displaying the four critical actions, are prominently displayed in all MRC classrooms to reinforce child safety principles.
• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: We have an in-depth Risk Assessment Process, which is thoroughly explained to all teachers and staff involved in organizing excursions, incursions, and student activities. A meeting is held before any such activity occurs to share and explain the Risk Assessment with all supervising and responsible staff.

At MRC, we believe that the safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance. Our policies and proactive measures reflect our ongoing dedication to fostering a secure and supportive educational environment for everyone. By implementing these policies in practice, we aim to create a school community where each child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

If you have any questions or concerns related to child safety at MRC, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Child Protection Officers or school leadership.

Together, we can ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all.

50th Jubilee Celebrations

Book: A Special Spirit: a History of Mercy Regional College 1973-2023

Lachie Lee makes history come alive with this very engaging story of the College from its inception to the present day. It celebrates many of the significant events and people that have helped to shape our school. This quality, hardcover book is a beautiful publication and an ideal gift that will be a treasured keepsake for many years to come. 

LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE

Pre-order your copy now for $45 

You can also choose to have your book posted anywhere in Australia for an additional $10

Please order your copy here:

Show your Mercy Spirit! Jubilee Merchandise

You can also show your Mercy spirit and support the College with a range of 50th anniversary memorabilia including, anniversary roses, wine, and tea towels (see descriptions below).
Please order your Jubilee merchandise here:

The Colours of Mercy Anniversary Rose

As part of the Mercy Regional College 50th anniversary celebrations, the College will make available a special anniversary rose in the MRC colours. 

If you’re looking for a rose with a ‘wow’ factor, this is it! This Rosa floribunda has glossy thick mid-green foliage - a stunning multi-coloured rose in bush form that produces huge clusters of yellow flowers that change to pink and red on maturity. To add to the enchantment, every petal is unique. 

The beautiful flowers on this plant produce a lovely mild fragrance. This rose is disease resistant and all round strong. Ideal for garden beds or borders along the driveway.

We are now taking pre-orders so that you won’t miss out on this rose, which will be made available closer to and on the special weekend of celebration in November 2023.

Cost $37.00

Tea towels with spirit!

Available in two designs, these locally-sourced tea towels are both beautiful and useful. Super soft and absorbent, they are made from 180gsm cotton twill. There are two designs to choose from, both featuring the 50th Anniversary logo, which incorporates both the Catholic Regional College and Mercy Regional College emblems. 

Cost: $15 each

Anniversary Wine

The College has partnered with Bellarine Estate to produce two anniversary wines, a crisp Chardonnay and a complex Shiraz. (Collect from College or purchase on the Jubilee Day)

Cost $20 each. (due to liquor licensing requirements, ordering and payments for wine will open mid-October.)

Jubilee Day

We would love our past students, families and staff to join us in this celebration on Saturday 25 November from 11:30 to 3:30 in Camperdown. School tours, roll calls and displays for each decade, food trucks and music, tree planting, free family portraits, afternoon tea and more. 

Register for this free event here:

Jubilee Dinner 

On Saturday evening (25 November) we will gather for dinner and the presentation of the inaugural Spirit of Mercy Awards, and the Annual Car Raffle. Then you are invited to kick up your heels to the lively music of The People’s Poets.

Tickets can be purchased here:

Alumni News

Class Reunions 2023

2023 is a special year for CRC and MRC community. As the College is celebrating its 50th anniversary, we are hoping to see many of our alumni involved in events and festivities. And what year can be better to have a class reunion than the jubilee year? 

We are calling out to the graduating classes of milestone years who are due to have a reunion in 2023. If you are planning an event, please contact the College at alumni@mercy.vic.edu.au or 03 5593 2011. We will be happy to help you promote your event and organise a campus tour for your group. 

• Graduating Class of 1978 – 45 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1983 – 40 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1988 – 35 Years Reunion
  
• Graduating Class of 1993 – 30 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1998 – 25 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2003 – 20 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2008 – 15 Years Reunion
  
• Graduating Class of 2013 – 10 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2018 – 5 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2022 – 1 Year Reunion

Upcoming Dates and Events

Thursday 3 August - GWR Intermediate & Senior Basketball
                                    GWR Junior/Senior & Intermediate Table Tennis

Wednesday 16 August - Year 11 Retreat
                                         The Addams Family Tech Rehearsal @ Theatre Royal

Thursday 17 August -  The Addams Family Dress Rehearsal @ Theatre Royal

Friday 18 August - Whole School Photo
                                Y 7-10 attending The Addams Family Dress Rehearsal
                                The Addams Family Opening Night @ Theatre Royal  
                                Bullying No Way Day

Saturday 19 August - The Addams Family Matinee & Closing Night @ Theatre Royal

Monday 21 August - Student Free Day (Staff PL)

Tuesday 22 August - Year 7 2024 Enrolment Interviews
Wednesday 23 August - Year 7 2024 Enrolment Interviews

Thursday 24 August - Clay Target Shooting

Friday 25 August - Frayne Speech Festival

Monday 28 August - Discovery Day @ O'Keeffe

Thursday 31 August - Staff Retreat
                                     Seeds of Justice Community Conference

Friday 1 September - Mercy Dip for Mental Health

Later in the Year:

Friday 15 September - Term 3 concludes

Monday 2 October - Term 4 commences
                                  Central Australia Experience

Saturday 25 November - MRC 50th Jubilee Day and Anniversary Dinner

Community Notices

CAMPERDOWN PRE-SCHOOL

Collect enrolment forms from either Baranbali (4year) or Kanandah (3year) rooms between 9-2 each day.

Enrolments close Friday 25^th August 2023

Call 5593 1936 for more information

https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/61ce5c?fbclid=IwAR2ioQws9Te6ejCMULZOk0k-q3rio-pnZu3XEXVNvlPlQ7cedXW1hJQUhEc