MRC Newsletter - Issue 12 - 9 August 2023
Prayer
A prayer for St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
God of the Prophets
You gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.
In her, we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly, Your gospel of love.
We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times, and to articulate new possibilities for our own day.
Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust, and empower others towards true freedom and integrity.
Spirit of Wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons.
Amen
Principal's Message
Yesterday we recognised the feast day of Australia’s first saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In 2010, Mary MacKillop was canonised as Australia's first saint by the Catholic Church. This recognition elevated her status and made her an even more significant figure in Australian history and culture. Through her work with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mary MacKillop established schools, orphanages, and other social welfare institutions across Australia. Her commitment to education and social services has had a lasting impact on the country, and the institutions she founded continue to serve the community to this day. Saint Mary MacKillop's dedication to education, social welfare, and advocacy for the marginalised has made her an important and revered figure in Australian history and culture. Her legacy continues to influence our values and commitment to social justice and equality.
We also remember Mr. John Tindley, our school's foundation principal and namesake of Tindley house, on 13 August on our Tindley Feast Day. John was an innovative, dynamic, and courageous leader who embodied a "never give up" attitude fueled by hope, faith, community, and goodwill. Fondly remembered for his dedicated work for the school and active involvement in the community, he left an enduring legacy. Despite starting with limited resources, John's unwavering dedication ensured our school's resounding success from its very inception, now 50 years ago, fostering a strong sense of community that remains at the core of our institution's values. We gratefully honour John Tindley for his invaluable contributions and profound impact on our school's growth and spirit.
We congratulate our VCE-VM students on their most recent award nomination for their work on the Wombeetch Puyuun reconciliation garden. They have been shortlisted for the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards. This is a most fitting recognition of their commitment to such an historically important community space. They most definitely should be proud and we also thank their teacher and mentor Claire Virgona for her support and dedication. Opportunities such as this demonstrate the importance we place on our co curricular program which continues to offer learning opportunities beyond the classroom to our young people. From debating and public speaking, to mural painting, community garden establishment, sports, excursions and our upcoming production The Addams Family, there is something for everyone.
At Mercy, our staff value the important role these activities play in nurturing a student's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills, helping them become well-rounded individuals capable of handling various challenges in life. These activities are often designed to extend learning whilst building teamwork, leadership abilities, time management, communication skills, and self-confidence among students. We thank our staff for their generous support of our co curricular program. Without them they cannot happen.
Our annual car raffle is open and ready for your support. This year's car is a white Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport (demo), ready for our lucky winner to drive away. We greatly value the continued support of our families, staff and the wider community demonstrated through the generous purchase of tickets and sharing the same opportunity far and wide with friends and family. We are also extremely grateful to our generous sponsors. This year tickets are available through our website MRC Shop.
Our raffle will be drawn at our Jubilee Dinner on Saturday 25 November where we will also launch our Spirit of Mercy Alumni awards. Nominations are now open.
I remind our families that Monday 21 August is a Student Free Day for all year levels, providing our staff with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and commitment to the core values, beliefs, and teachings of the Catholic faith. These learning opportunities are designed to help educators and education support staff embrace and integrate the Catholic identity into all aspects of our school culture, environment and educational programs. This year we are lucky to have Sr Cathy Solano working with us in the morning on the challenge of interculturality:
The complex multicultural reality existing in most parts of the world today confronts us, if we allow it, with the challenge of ‘interculturality’. Interculturality is a way of thinking and living that is demanded of all who profess faith in God. It requires believers to confront their fears and biases and to risk being open to conversion. We will begin to explore the meaning of interculturality as a theological concept and its consequences for our lives.
The next few weeks will also see our students in Years 9, 10 and 11 finalising their pathway and subject selections with the support of their families and teachers. We also welcome our Year 7 2024 students for their enrolment welcome interviews followed by Discovery Day on our O’Keeffe campus for confirmed and prospective Year 7 students on Monday 28 August. Our PAM calendar provides our families with a full calendar of events.
Also, I remind everyone that 50th Anniversary merchandise is available from the MRC Shop. There are some wonderful commemorative items to purchase.
Tickets to the 50th Jubilee day celebrations and evening dinner on Saturday, 25 November are also available now. More information later in the newsletter.
With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal
Learning at MRC
Year 12 English Practice Exam
All VCE English and Literature students will be completing a practice English/Literature exam on Wednesday, September 6 (Term 3 Week 9)
This practice exam will give our students
- An opportunity to complete an English exam under timed conditions equivalent to what they will experience in October.
- Experience the need to prepare for and participate in an afternoon exam setting which many students will have to contend with during the exam period (October/ November.)
- Assist and assess the students’ time management skills
- Give students the opportunity to demonstrate what they know (and where they may need to concentrate further study and practice in coming weeks)
This exam will be marked by an independent VCE English and Literature examiner. Using the same criteria that students will be assessed against at the end of the year.
The exam shall be held at MRC McAuley campus from 1:15 - 3.30pm for Literature and 4:30pm for English inclusive, therefore students/parents will be required to organise home travel arrangements for this afternoon.
We are aware that this may inconvenience some students and/or parents but this has proven to be very beneficial to the students in recent years and we hope that giving you plenty of notice you will support us in this endeavour to assist our students to enhance their VCE exam results.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your child’s VCE English teacher.
The Importance of Reading
This year I will have clocked up 30 years of teaching in Catholic Education. I started as a fresh faced 22 year old who looked about 15. I was teaching Year 12 students in my first year, some of whom were only 4 years younger than myself. That equates to literally thousands of young people who have sat in my English classes and hundreds of families who have sat across from me in parent teacher interviews and asked the same question, “How can we improve their English skills?”. The answer then is the answer now. Reading. Here’s why:
Reading and writing are closely connected skills that support each other in various ways. When kids read regularly, it positively impacts their writing abilities. Here's how:
Vocabulary Expansion: Reading exposes children to a wide range of words and phrases. The more they read, the more words they encounter and understand. This expanded vocabulary helps them express ideas more effectively when they write.
Grammar and Sentence Structure: Through reading, kids unconsciously absorb proper grammar and sentence structure. They begin to recognize how sentences are constructed, leading to better writing skills and more coherent compositions.
Writing Models: Reading provides children with examples of well-structured stories, essays, and articles. They can learn from these models and apply similar techniques to their writing, improving their storytelling and composition skills.
Creativity and Imagination: When kids read imaginative stories, it sparks their creativity and imagination. This creativity transfers into their writing, encouraging them to come up with unique and engaging ideas in their own stories.
Critical Thinking: Reading encourages critical thinking as children analyze plots, characters, and ideas. This analytical approach extends to their writing, helping them develop more thoughtful and well-constructed pieces.
Exposure to Different Styles: Reading exposes children to various writing styles, from humorous to descriptive to persuasive. This exposure allows them to experiment with different writing styles and find their own voice as writers.
Confidence Boost: Regular reading improves children's understanding of language and their ability to express themselves. This increased confidence reflects in their writing, making them more willing to take on writing challenges.
Empathy and Perspective: When kids read about different characters and situations, they develop empathy and a broader perspective. This empathy can be incorporated into their writing, making their stories more relatable and emotionally resonant.
As a mum of three I understand only too well the struggle to get kids to read. My eldest is a keen reader and as a result he possesses strong written skills. My next two are a whole other story. I have taken the approach of creating a habit. Here are a few things I do at home to encourage my reluctant readers:
- They love screen time (which is limited), the deal is they must read for half an hour before they have access to that screen.
- My daughter who is nine loves one on one time with me. We sit together on the couch under a blanket and we read our books together with a treat.
- We visit bookshops and I offer to buy what they are interested in - fiction or nonfiction, it doesn’t matter as long as they are reading.
Neither of them love it or would do it by choice but they understand the reasons behind it. I am hoping that what is now part of forming a habit. Later becomes something they come to enjoy.
The Libraries at Mercy are a treasure trove of books. Jean Christie is available to chat with students about their interests. She is in the McAuley Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays and at O’Keeffe on Fridays. There are some exciting happening planned for Term 4 for the Year 7 and 8 students.
'The Good Enough' Initiative
‘The Good Enough’ initiative by Jayne Robinson is a one-of-a-kind workshop that draws upon her extensive background in education as a teacher and her expertise as a performance coach. The workshop is specifically designed to engage and empower young adolescents, teaching them invaluable growth mindset strategies. The aim is to help your children feel positive about themselves and unlock their full potential. By fostering a sense of self-reflection and teaching valuable skills, the program will support your children's personal and academic growth.
Community Garden
There has been a hive of activity next to the church, with the beginnings of our Community Garden beginning to take shape.
Year 10 students began the work on Monday with a mighty effort laying a barrier, soil and the first planter boxes.
More developments to come on this wonderful collaborative project!
Physics Excursion
On Friday students studying Unit 4 Physics visited the Australian Synchrotron. The day included an extensive tour of the facility where students learnt about the many applications of the particle accelerator. They were then able to conduct 3 experiments designed to complement their studies. Thanks to Isaac for his assistance on the day.
Dean Ludeman
Year 11 into Year 12 Subject Interviews
Year 11s had the opportunity to chat one-on-one with teachers during Year 11 into Year 12 Subject Selection Interviews last week.
We wish all our students the very best as they make choices for their studies next year, and encourage everyone to ask their teachers for help if they need it.
Debating at Warrnambool Eisteddfod
Our Year 9 Debaters competed in the Warrnambool Eisteddfod Competition against Timboon P-12 College last Wednesday.
The topic was: "That Australia has a good record of dealing with its disadvantaged citizens" (Negative) The students discussed issues such as NDIS and Indigenous Close the Gap.
They debated extremely well against a very well prepared team. Madison S, Joseph M and Carl L have been outstanding in their commitment to enhancement of public speaking skills and their confidence has improved greatly over time. These skills will see them excel in their own pathways for the future and will no doubt stand them in good stead for future experiences in both work and personal life.
Along with other members of our debating program, they have committed many hours to travel and preparation. Congratulations for the efforts in both prepared and impromptu debates at a high level of competitiveness.
Jo Saunders
VCE Subject Expo
The VCE Subject Expo has given Year 10 students the opportunity to explore their subject options further.
Students enjoyed having meaningful conversations with staff regarding their interests, future learning, and pathways available to them at MRC.
Mercy offers a wide variety of VCE studies, and the largest in the region range of VET subjects taught onsite face-to-face. Comprehensive information about Mercy pathways is available to our students and parents in the 2024 Pathways Booklet: http://bit.ly/MRC-Pathways-2024
National Tree Day
Planet Ark's National Tree Day happened on Sunday the 30th July and is the nation's largest organised land care event. To celebrate this year, our Year 10 cohort came together during science classes to not only plant trees but to participate in activities allowing us to reflect on the importance of nature in our lives.
One group of students were hands-on in the building and construction space under the guidance of Mr.Baker, making nesting boxes. The group was able to repurpose scrap timber during the project to complete the task in the short time frame. A series of suitable trees will be selected at the McAuley or O'Keeffe campus for installation of the boxes.
Ms Virgona led the second activity with an art themed lesson creating a mural in the multipurpose room. Students emptied spray paint using stensils as they livened up the space.
The final group of students ventured outside in the sun to plant a series of native trees including bottlebrushes, wattles and small eucalyptus species. Over 60 tubestock were planted behind St Patrick's Church close by to the McAuley campus. When returning to the classroom a series of native eucalypt seeds were sown into trays later to be potted up and planted on school grounds.
Thank you to supporting teachers who made adjustments to their timetable to assist us. Also a big thank you to Kerryn Cain and Mrs Ludeman who assisted in the tree planting activity.
Community & Wellbeing at MRC
Bullying No Way!!
This year the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (otherwise known as Bullying – NO WAY!! Day), has permanently moved to being held on the 3rd Friday in August. That means that Friday 18 August, along with many other activities MRC will be showing our support for this year’s theme of “Growing Connections”.
Research has evidenced strong connections to our school (and wider) communities, coupled with good social skills are protective elements in the prevention of bullying and assist in building help-seeking behaviours.
As many of us are aware through our own experiences connections to community are invaluable in providing us with many positives, such as: a sense of belonging, further development of our social skills, building our self-confidence, meeting new people, growing friendships as well as support networks. Strong connections to school can provide all this as well as the ability to experience academic success, lower incidences of bullying and absenteeism.
Our support will be shown by the students and staff adding their pledges, names and/or ways of growing connections to an artistic display on each Campus. Along with having the option of wearing a removal orange item, such as socks or ribbons. Please note that if orange socks are chosen for the day, bring also a pair of regular school socks for the whole school 50-year memorial photo.
Remember that we also welcome parents, families and carers to strengthen their connections to the College through the many events held throughout the year in which we share interests, such as the Book Club, or the experiences and wonderful milestones/ accomplishments of our young people.
For further information you can visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSyVYHsU60Y&ab_channel=Bullying.NoWay%21
The Good Enough Initiative
In an exceptional learning opportunity, our Year 10 students recently participated in a series of dynamic sessions led by the highly regarded Jayne Robinson. These workshops, which took place last Thursday, marked a significant step towards enhancing our students' personal and academic growth.
Drawing from her rich background as an educator and her expertise as a performance coach, Jayne Robinson delivered four captivating sessions that left an indelible impact on our Mercy students. These crafted workshops were tailor-made to resonate with adolescents, providing them with essential tools and strategies to foster a growth mindset.
Through Jayne's insightful guidance, students were not only engaged but also empowered to embrace their journey of self-discovery. The workshops were carefully designed to instil a sense of positivity and self-assurance, enabling our students to unlock their innate potential. By offering practical techniques and promoting self-reflection, the program facilitated the development of invaluable life skills that will serve our students well beyond their time at Mercy.
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant transformation these workshops catalysed. The emphasis on personal empowerment and academic enrichment underscores our commitment to providing holistic education that nurtures the mind, heart, and spirit of every student.
As we reflect on the impact of these workshops, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our Year 10 students. We extend our gratitude to Jayne Robinson for sharing her expertise and inspiring our students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. Together, we are fostering a brighter future for our Mercy community.
Empowering Students: Fostering Safety and Participation at Mercy Regional College
Berni Sinnott - Deputy Principal - Students and Staff
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.
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
Mercy Food Bank - Food Drive
Thanks to Shane and Troy who helped organise the delivery of food from our food drive late last term. Warrnambool and District Food Share were excited to receive our delivery. Thanks everyone for your support of this wonderful program.
From Warrnambool and District Food Share:
Thanks to the students, family, friends & staff at Mercy Regional College for organising a food drive for #foodshare & collecting 131kg of pantry products for us - we LOVE your work team and appreciate your wonderful support!
#foodshare #NFP distributing #emergencyfood via 100 agencies & schools (registered with us) to over 55,000 people annually - addressing #foodinsecurity across #southwestvictoria
Kellie Wilson - Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader
Our Diocesan Community - July 2023
Below is the latest edition of Our Diocesan Community, featuring some articles about our Feast Day and 'A Special Spirit' by Lachie Lee.
Careers News
In Careers News this week:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Tertiary applications – resources, events, and assistance
- Early entry programs - resource
- Open day dates
- Important information for students applying to Victorian, NSW and ACT institutions
- The University of Melbourne – 2024 Guaranteed ATARs for the Access Melbourne applicants
- University of Wollongong – Management Cadetship
- Employment opportunities
- ADF Gap Year Program
- Information for students who recently sat the UCAT
- Engineering scholarship for female students
- Applications now open for Performing Arts courses
YEAR 10 - 12 STUDENTS
- VCE subject prerequisites for health and medical science courses
YEAR 10 & 11 STUDENTS
- Agriculture camp – Defying the Drift
YEAR 9 & 10 STUDENTS
- Agriculture program – University of Melbourne, Dookie campus
ALL STUDENTS
- Work experience opportunities (15+)
- Exciting career development programs (Portsea Camp, Ocean Youth, St John Cadets, ADF Cadets)
- Would you like to study in the UK or US in the future?
- Victoria Police – changes to entry requirements
- Upcoming events
Sports Report
The Mercy Regional College soccer team is back! On Wednesday 2nd August, the Junior Boys Soccer Team travelled to Ballarat to compete in the GWR Junior Soccer competition.
The soccer team finally returned after a few years of not having a team, due to lack of interest/numbers. This year there was plenty of interest which made it very difficult to select 14 players to compete in the squad.
The team was scheduled to play two games against the schools within their pool, these schools were Baimbridge College and Trinity College. Both schools were very strong but the boys were up for the challenge.
Game 1 vs Baimbridge College: 0 - 4 L
Game 2 vs Trinity College: 0 - 5 L
Whilst the results didn’t go their way, the boys still showed great skill both as a team and individually. This sets a great foundation for years to come with plenty of talent coming through and also plenty to build on. The junior boys played in great spirits and demonstrated great sportsmanship out on the pitch.
A big thanks goes to the staff members who traveled with the team!
Table Tennis
On Thursday 3rd August five table tennis teams travelled to Warrnambool to participate in the Greater Western Region competition.
Our Year 7 and 8 teams played King's College Warrnambool, who had won through from the Warrnambool area. Despite some excellent games throughout the doubles and singles MRC were not able to overcome King's College.
Our intermediate boys team were comfortable winners across their matches and will go through to the state titles in November.
It was great to see the teamwork and sportsmanship on display from our students, with many students assisting to help score other matches they were not involved in.
SNOW CAMP
During week 3 the Unit 2 Outdoor Education class attended the snow camp at Mount Buller. After arriving in Mansfield on Tuesday evening we collected all of our gear ready for a couple of big days on the mountain.
Early starts meant we were on the mountain by 8.30am and on day 1 we were straight into lessons. This class has some beginners and some that had skied before so lessons were organised based on ability. We also had some first time snowboarders learning a new skill.
After lessons students had the rest of the day to refine their skills in the perfect conditions. We repeated this for day 2 and again the conditions were perfect.
Friday arrived and we were busy packing for the trip home. We still had half a day on the mountain, before returning gear, grabbing some lunch and making our way home.
Well done to all students on their efforts throughout this trip.
Library News
Book Club
This term we are excited to have the author join us at Book Club. Geelong based author Kgshak Akec was shortlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Award for her first novel Hopeless Kingdom. It is a fantastic read by a brilliant young author and Kgshak is also a very entertaining and engaging speaker.
If you enjoy a good book and some informal discussion in a social setting - this is the event for you!
Date: Wednesday 6 September
Time: 6:30
Location: Commercial Hotel Terang (TBC)
For catering purposes, please register online for this free event.
Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week
Book Week Trivia Quiz at O’Keeffe
In celebration of Book Week there will be a Book Week Trivia Quiz for Year 7 and 8 students in the O’Keeffe Library on Friday 25 August. Questions for all abilities from easy multiple choice to real brain teasers. There will also be prizes to won, including vouchers from The Shed.
Book of the Year Awards
The CBCA Book of the Year award winners will be announced soon! The following books have been shortlisted in the older readers (Ages 13 to 18) category. They are available from the Library at both McAuley and O’Keeffe and they guarantee a quality read. These books have been judged by the CBCA to be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years. Books in this category may deal with challenging themes including and parental guidance is recommended.
Eva Collins: Ask No Questions
Biffy James: Completely Normal (and Other Lies)
Sarah Winifred Searle: The Greatest Thing
Tom Taylor & Jon Sommariva: Neverlanders (Graphic Novel)
Hayley Lawrence: The Other Side of Tomorrow
Mike Lucas: What We All Saw
Jean Christie - Library & Resource Centre Coordinator
Arts Report
The Addams Family Production
Opening night for our 2023 production of The Addams Family is fast approaching! Our talented performers have been working hard to create this stunning performance which will be running from August 18th/19th.
They have begun to rehearse in the theatre and work with the backstage crew to ensure a high quality production.
Come along and support our creative community.
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:
Berni Sinnott
bsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au
Matthew Irving
mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au
Chadley Peerman
cpeerman@mercy.vic.edu.au
Contact them by email or on:
Phone - 55932011 (McAuley Campus) or 55925353 (O’Keeffe Campus)
Child Safety Standard No. 3
At Mercy Regional College, we are dedicated to creating an environment where our students' safety, empowerment, and active participation are at the heart of our practices. Our commitment to Child Safe Standard 3 is exemplified through the following initiatives and evidence of implementation:
Guiding Policies:
We uphold our commitment to child safety through a robust framework of policies, including the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Diversity and Equity Policy, Student Empowerment and Participation Policy, and the Complaints Handling Policy.
Integrated Empowerment:
Our approach to education is rooted in empowerment. The DOBCEL Learning and Teaching Policy and Procedures, coupled with the DOBCEL Student Empowerment and Participation Policy, form the foundation for how Mercy Regional College supports student empowerment across our curriculum.
Educational Enrichment:
Through intentional learning experiences in our MERCY (Social and Emotional Learning) and Health classes, we ensure that our students are well-informed about their rights. The utilisation of the Respectful Relationships Curriculum further equips them with the tools to foster healthy relationships and understanding.
Fostering Relationships:
We promote a culture of friendship and peer support through initiatives such as Resilience, Right and Respectful Relationships, the Resilience project, and Consent education. These programs encourage our students to build strong connections and treat one another with respect.
Safety and Awareness:
Age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention programs are integrated into our MERCY and Health classes. These programs provide students with valuable knowledge and awareness to keep themselves and their peers safe.
Inclusive Decision-Making:
We believe in giving students a voice in shaping their educational journey. As key stakeholders, students actively contribute through surveys and information gathering during pivotal decisions at the College. Whether it's uniform changes, policy updates, or the PIVOT process, their perspectives matter.
Accessible Complaints Process:
Our MRC Complaints and Grievance Policy outlines a clear path for students to raise concerns. This policy is easily accessible to all, as it's made available on our school website and parent access module.
Educating Staff:
To ensure a vigilant and caring community, our MRC induction process offers comprehensive guidance to staff and volunteers. This training emphasises their role in recognising signs of harm and facilitating students' ability to express their concerns.
Student Empowerment Platforms:
Regular Student Voice meetings, led by our dedicated MRC Wellbeing Team, provide a platform for students to voice their ideas and concerns. This forum encourages their active involvement in school matters.
At Mercy Regional College, we take pride in fostering an environment where child and student empowerment is a way of life. Through our comprehensive approach, we cultivate a community that values safety, inclusion, and active participation, ensuring our students thrive in every aspect of their educational journey.
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
Upcoming Dates and Events
Wednesday 16 August
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
Wednesday 23 August
Year 7 Grandparents and Special Person’s Day
Thursday 24 August
Clay Target Shooting
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
Wednesday 6 September
Year 11 Retreat
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 25th August 2023
Call 5593 1936 for more information
CORANGAMITE SHIRE YOUTH SURVEY
The results of this survey will guide the Shire in working out what activities and opportunities to provide for youth. Link below.
Are you a young artist aged 12-25 in Corangamite? We want to hear from you! Join the Corangamite Youth Creative Exhibition, part of Youth Fest 2023, and showcase your talent and creativity to the community. This exhibition is all about exploring “what makes you smile” and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Join us for the exhibition opening at Camperdown Courthouse Gallery on Friday 1 September from 6 – 7.30 pm. Submissions close Sunday 27 August. Submit your art here: https://go.vic.gov.au/
Koorie Art Show Young Mob is open for entry. KAS Young Mob showcases the diverse talent of Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged between 5 and 16 years. All visual arts mediums are eligible and previous shows have included painting, drawing, photography, prints, sculpture, video and installation. All entries are exhibited in the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Gallery at Fed Square. All works are available for sale to the public. Entries now open until Sunday 1 October. Please visit the link for info and entry forms
