MRC Newsletter - Issue 13 - 23 August 2023
Prayer
Prayer for the changing of Seasons
Loving God, Thank you for carrying us through life's Winter season and for bringing us into new Spring blessings of hope. Thank you for the lessons you teach us in the Winter season. Lessons like endurance, rest, perseverance and trust.
Thank you for the blessings of the season ahead.
The new life of Spring. Amen
Principal's Message
Over the weekend we were privileged to witness the gifts and talents of many of our students as they took our 2023 production, The Addams Family, to the stage. Their show was testament of our young people’s ability to work collaboratively towards a final product. We celebrate not only a remarkable show but a journey of growth, creativity, and unity. The dedication and talent that came together to create something this extraordinary was humbling.
Our incredible young people – whether on stage, behind the scenes, in hair and makeup, sound and lighting - were stars in every sense. Their commitment, hard work, and passion illuminated the stage. The performances of the cast were exemplary, as characters were brought to life and the backstage, hair and make-up and support magicians played their part in ensuring our vision was achieved. Their interpretation of the script was full of life and humour supported well by the sets, scenery and costumes prepared by our students and staff. Congratulations to all those involved! Their performance filled us with immense pride, reflecting the unwavering dedication and effort demonstrated over the past months to give life to "The Addams Family." Our full cast and crew list can be found later in the Newsletter.
I acknowledge and thank Tom Billing, on loan from Trinity College Colac, who stepped in at late notice to play our Gomez after a successful production with his own school the week before. I also acknowledge the cast of Trinity’s show who were in the audience on opening night to support not only Tom but our MRC cast as well. Fantastic and much appreciated intercollegial support.
The production would not have been possible without the tireless effort, coordination and passion of our production partners Red Door Dance and Theatre Productions and our MRC staff. We are indebted to the work and leadership of Producer MRC's Claire Virgona and the skills and expertise of MRC’s Toby McKenzie who managed the stage, Mel Simmonds who oversaw hair and makeup and parent Michael McKenzie who led our backstage crew. We thank the team from Camperdown Theatre Company who took on lighting and sound with involvement from former students Chris Barks and Alex Baker. Many other MRC staff were also involved with rehearsals, front and back of house, refreshments, printing, the list goes on. Their tireless efforts are deeply appreciated.
The Addams Family served as a touching reminder that every family possesses its distinct set of values, convictions, and actions. This production offered valuable insights into the intricacies of family and community life. The characters within "The Addams Family" showed us the significance of unwavering acceptance, effective communication, and the importance of supporting each other to achieve our personal best. Anticipation is high as we begin to map out our next show, with hopes of engaging a larger segment of our community to participate enthusiastically!
This week we have welcomed our 2024 Year 7 students and their parents/carers for Welcome Transition interviews. It is always a warmly anticipated opportunity to meet those who will become part of our community the following year. The opportunity to meet each young person and their parents/carers individually is an important part of a successful transition from primary school to Mercy Regional College. These young people will spend the day at MRC on Monday 28 August and participate in our MRC ‘Murder Mystery’ Discovery Day with Transition Day then to be held in December. Enrolment enquiries for all year levels can be made with College Registrar Nicole Darcy.
Enrolment information inclusive of our Welcome to Mercy Regional College video can be found on our website.
We extend a warm invitation to parents and caregivers of students in Years 7 to 11 for our Parent Teacher Student Interviews, taking place on Monday, 28 August in the afternoon and evening. These interviews hold significant value as they facilitate effective communication between parents, teachers, and students, offering a dedicated platform to discuss academic progress, strengths, areas for growth, social interactions, and overall development. Such interactions are an integral part of our partnership with families, fostering the best environment for learners to thrive. Interviews will be conducted online, and families can sign up through our Parent Access Module (PAM). Your active participation contributes to our collective efforts in guiding young people towards a successful educational journey.
Congratulations to Harmony R. who was in Queensland last week representing Victoria in the National Bias Bowls Championships!
Our O'Keeffe campus was abuzz today as our Year 7 students hosted ‘Special Persons Day’ as part of their Religious Education and community enhancement learning program. Thank you to coordinator Melanie Bourchier with Year 7 Religious Education teacher Leah Sinnott and all who assisted in making the day special.
With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal
Our Car Raffle is back for 2023!
1st Prize is a Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport (demo) and 9 more fantastic prizes!
Tickets are $10 each (6 for $50, 13 for $100) and are available online from https://shop.mercy.vic.edu.au/
Paper order forms are also at many local shops and events.
Learning at MRC
Years 7-11 Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews Monday 28 August
We invite families to attend the upcoming parent-teacher-student interviews. These interviews offer a valuable opportunity for you to engage in open and constructive dialogue with your child's teachers. Our teachers will provide insights into your child's progress, areas of improvement, and strategies to support their success during their final term.
During these conversations, we encourage you to ask questions, seek clarification, and share any concerns you may have. Together, we can create a collaborative partnership between parents, teachers, and students to ensure a positive and productive finish to the year. The support and guidance you provide at home will undoubtedly have a profound impact on your child's motivation and perseverance in their studies.
These conversations will take place on MONDAY 28 AUGUST from 3.30pm - 8pm. They are for all students in Years 7-11. All to be completed online.
Bookings close on Friday 25 August.
Year 12 English and Literature Exam Preparation Presentations
On Friday 25 August all Year 12 VCE students will be attending a presentation from Kirstin Bourne. Kirstin is a VCE English consultant, senior exam assessor for the VCAA and is partnering with Mercy over the next 3 years to improve student outcomes across the school. These presentations will take place in Periods 3 and 4 when the Year 12s would normally have RE.
Year 12 English and Literature Practice Exams
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.
Year 10 Maths
Students in 10A Maths were recently introduced to the Unit Circle. They completed a group activity where they each created their own Unit Circle and combined their knowledge of trigonometric functions to relate and calculate values of sin and cos. Some wonderful learning happening together!
Science Week
Last week we celebrated Science Week, with the theme - Innovation: Powering Future Industries. This year’s theme could not be more relevant to our society, where innovation is essential for economic growth, sustainability, and progress. Science and innovation are the driving forces behind significant progress in various fields, including health, technology, and the environment.
Last week students in year 7 to 10 tested their scientific skills by completing an 'escape room' called Hydrogen, fuel of the future. They were required to solve challenges, complete practical activities and much more in order to save the world from a dangerous Hydrogen leak. The science week activities are designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators who will shape the world and drive future industries.
Indigenous Garden
Our VCAL and VCE-VM students put in a mammoth morning of work at the Wombeetch Puyuum Memorial Garden last week. They began to remove the invasive Yellow Button Chrysocephalum apiculatum, which is unfortunately not native to the Eastern Maar Nation. This bed will be replanted with a range of native plants to bring colour back to the garden this spring.
Corangamite Shire Council have been wonderfully supportive with our work and it would not be possible without them!
French Incursion
Last Monday, Sarah and Bianca, two facilitators from Melbourne University, arrived with a special escape van at the O'Keeffe campus. They presented a French Escape Room activity for all of our year 8 students. Following a vocab quiz, the students had to solve puzzles (in French) to open the locks to their suitcases and to eventually break into the van.
They used more of their French comprehension skills to find the correct numbers to disarm the alarm and open the hidden safe in the van. A fantastic activity combining language skills with collaborative work!
Community & Wellbeing at MRC
Let's Talk Presentation
To enhance mental health awareness, students from all year levels recently gathered for an enlightening presentation by Let's Talk. This was organised by the Senior VCAL group, in the lead in to the 2nd Annual Mercy Dip for Mental Health. The aim of this initiative was to shed light on mental health, confront its challenges, and equip our students with strategies to nurture their own well-being. The impact of the session was profound, leaving attendees inspired and informed.
The presentation aimed to highlight mental health by naming it, discussing it openly, and destigmatising the topic. Through engaging dialogue and insightful anecdotes, students delved into the significance of embracing mental health as an integral part of our lives. Middle and Senior school students were further privileged to hear from Cale, who candidly shared his lived experiences, offering a genuine glimpse into the journey of navigating mental health challenges.
One key takeaway from the presentation was the importance of fostering a culture of support and empathy. The Let's Talk team eloquently emphasised the value of checking in on friends – a simple yet profound gesture that can make a world of difference in someone's life.
We are encouraging all to get involved with the Mercy Dip. Sign up using the QR code.
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.
Careers News
In Careers News this week:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Tertiary applications – resources, support, key dates, reminders, accommodation etc.
- Upcoming open days
YEAR 10 & 11 STUDENTS
- Agriculture program – Defying the Drift
- Upcoming open days
YEAR 9 & 10 STUDENTS
- Agriculture program – Discover Dookie
- Upcoming open days
ALL STUDENTS
- Apprenticeship & traineeship resources
- Employment resources
- Competitions
- Careers in engineering
- Camps for First Nation Australian students (engineering and university experience)
- Digital technologies – online courses and competitions
- Podcasts
- UNSW – join the mission for earth habitation
- Engineering at Monash University
- Upcoming career events.
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program is open to Year 10 students, offering access to exclusive University events and academic enrichment activities for two years. It gives you the chance to experience a taste of student life first-hand, as well as the opportunity to build strong peer networks that will support you throughout your final years of secondary school and during your transition to university.
Students are able to submit their application between 1st August and 1st September. Application can be submitted here
For more information please visit the website, or speak with Mr Glennen or Mrs Penry.
Library News
Award winning author coming to MRC
Kgshak Akec (pronounced Keh-shak A-kech) is a South-Sudanese writer, performing artist, storyteller, and a lover of words.
We are excited to be able to host Kgshak at Mercy Regional College in September when she will visit to speak with McAuley Campus students about: storytelling, the craft of writing personal stories, her own story and pathway to becoming a writer and the importance of pursuing your passions.
Kgshak will also be the special guest at the Mercy Book Club, where members have enjoyed reading Hopeless Kingdom this term. Everyone is welcome to attend Book Club, even if you haven’t read the book yet.
Hopeless Kingdom is Kgshak’s debut novel, inspired by her own journey of migrating to Australia, explores the relationship of a mother and daughter as they settle, break, evolve, and adapt in new lands through multiple heartaches and triumphs. Hopeless Kingdom won The Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript 2021 and, after publication, was shortlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Award.
Kgshak writes, “Born in Morewe, North Sudan in 1997 to my mother Anyang Muorwel, my father Valentino Akec, and four older siblings, from as early as I could remember, my life was full of colour and people who came in different hues of it. When I was three, we moved to Cairo, Egypt, and lived there until I was six. Memories are a funny thing because Cairo takes up a much bigger space in my memory bank than a three-year residence. When I was six, and the older sister to two younger sisters, we moved to Australia where I then became an older sister to two younger brothers. That was in 2003. 20 years later and I am still proud to call Australia home.
Since the moment I learned how to write in English at the age of six, I've been writing out the stories that live inside my mind. As a migrant and non-native English speaker, I'm fascinated by the unspoken words and unsung songs of the day-to-day, finding myself drawn to stories that challenge perception and go against the grain of the expected while also being grounded in truth. The ones that don't usually get told.
I grew up in a culture of storytelling, raised by storytellers, song-singers, feet-stompers, and word-chanters, which compels my heart and soul to find stories in the unseen and overseen; and tell them.”
New in the Library
This term we again called on the expert assistance of Warrnambool children’s literature expert Tracy Rayner from Collins Booksellers to curate a selection of new books for the Library.
You can read more here about some of the new resources, including short synopses.
Book Club
Everyone is invited to MRC Book Club on Wednesday 6 September at 6:30 pm at the Terang Commercial Hotel. We are excited to have Kgshak Akec, the author of Hopeless Kingdom with us. It doesn’t matter if you have not read the book yet - come along and hear this award-winning young author. Please register for this free event below.
Book Week Trivia Quiz
Students at the O’Keeffe Campus are invited to participate in the Book Week Trivia Quiz this Friday in the Library at lunchtime. Lots of fun to be had and prizes to be won!
Jean Christie - Library & Resource Centre Coordinator
Arts Report
The Addams Family Production
Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Addams Family on a fantastic show!
Wednesday - Madidi M
Morticia - Elli C
Gomez - Tom B
Pugsley - Matéa M
Alice - Madison S
Mal - Kane M
Lucas - Dylan L
Thing - Matilda C
Grandma - Piper K
Lurch - Cooper C
Fester- Ned D
Ancestors:
- Jess M
- Poppy C
- Kiara L
- Ava B
- Jess Mc
- Phillipa W
- Tess M
- Tilda M
Hair/Makeup:
- Abi B
- Allison V
- Amelia B
- Jazmyn
- Sarah M
- Tiffany VE
- Annabelle L
- Kailam B
Backstage:
- Carl L
- Milla R
- Marissa H
Follow Spot:
- Archie R
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
Sharon Suhan
ssuhan@mercy.vic.edu.au
Contact them by email or on:
Phone - 55932011 (McAuley Campus) or 55925353 (O’Keeffe Campus)
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
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
HSSSD Junior Basketball
Monday 11 September
Senior VCAL Excursion
Wednesday 13 September
Junior/Middle Oratory Competition
Friday 15 September
Car Raffle Early Bird Draw
Term 3 Concludes
Later in the Year:
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
Latest Vic Parents Council Newsletter:
FREE youth health and wellbeing conversation for parents and carers with local speakers and services and guest speaker Dr Mark Johnson. Topics include: Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs, Gaming and Gambling It’s happening Wednesday 23 August 6.45-9pm at Hamilton Library Brown Street, or online on Thursday 31 August, 1.00pm - 2.30pm. Contact Emily Anderson on 5573 0444 or eanderson@sthgrampians.
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
Youth Awards - Nominate a young person today!
The Moyne & Warrnambool Youth Awards is an annual event coordinated by the youth teams at Moyne Shire and the Warrnambool City Council. They are a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate our region's young people. The awards are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 who live, work, volunteer or study in the Moyne and Warrnambool municipalities.
For MRC young people this is anyone who lives in Mortlake and surrounds included in the Moyne Shire.
Nominations close on Sunday 27 August.
This is your opportunity to nominate a young person who demonstrated three of the following values through their efforts, attitude, behaviour and performance:
- Cooperation
- Resilience
- Responsibility
- Kindness
- Passion
The awards are divided into three age categories across the two municipalities: 12-15 years, 16-18 years, and 19-25 years. The award presentation ceremony will take place on Sunday 15th October at Deakin University.
The six winners receive a plaque and $200 cheque from the Rotary Club of Warrnambool plus a $200 cheque from the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation. The six runner-ups will receive a plaque and a $100 cheque from Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation plus a $100 gift card.
Nominations are submitted through our online portal. Nominations need to be made by community members including coaches, teachers, parents, peers, and relatives. Co-writing the nomination with the young person is allowed and encouraged.
To find out more about the Moyne Youth Awards and to submit a nomination visit:
Moyne Shire residents:
Hard copy nomination forms can be provided on request by contacting the Warrnambool Youth Engagement team at youthservices@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or 5559 4800.