MRC Newsletter - Issue 10 - 21 July 2021

Prayer

Principal's Message

Welcome back to Term 3 at Mercy!

After just one week, we unfortunately also welcomed back remote learning, this time v5.0.  The Victorian Government announced yesterday an extension of the lockdown through to and including Tuesday, 27 July, unless otherwise advised.  An enormous amount of gratitude goes to our Mercy staff, students and parents who once again have shifted quickly into remote learning mode.  The scripture our student leaders chose for 2021 is Philipeans 4:43, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  It is Christ’s support and strength we can turn to, now and always, to help us through our challenges.  Our Mercy community is always present to lift each other up in these difficult times.  Please reach out if you need to or if there is anyone you know of that could use some extra support at this time.

We continue to adapt by switching what would have been face-to-face opportunities to connect to virtual.  Wednesday, 21 July will see our 2022 Subject Selection Information evening adapted to be recorded and shared with our parents and students.  A comprehensive interactive ebooklet will accompany the presentation to provide a breadth of information to all Year 9, 10 and 11 students and their parents to assist them in choosing their individual learning pathways for 2022.  Students and parents are asked to view the presentation and read the ebooklet to assist their informed decision making.  Opportunity will be created for each family to ask questions and seek advice, either in person (with fingers crossed) or virtually if needed.  This is an exciting time of year for everyone.  The core and elective subjects offered at Mercy are comprehensive and engaging.  We will be offering new subjects in 2022, inclusive of VCE VET Information, Digital Media and Technology.  Thank you to staff members Ms Katya Belokon, Mrs Danae Fraser, Mrs Lydia Darcy, Ms Caitlin Rix and our Domain leaders for their work in bringing this together in such a professional and informative manner. 

Our Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in work experience last week for at least four out of the scheduled five days.  I was fortunate to visit many in their places of work which was a highlight of my week. As an integral part of the Year 10 Careers learning program, work experience provides our young people a valuable opportunity to visit a workplace and learn about the world of work.  They also learn increased self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence whilst developing an increased motivation to learn at school in relation to exploring possible further study and career options.  With subject selections following, work experience provides insight into how the school curriculum can support the pursuit of career choices.  One of the most important things our students learn is that they are an individual with their own interests, passion and spark.  Thank you to all our community work experience providers: without you, our students would not have this opportunity.  Thank you also to staff members Mrs Kym Penry, Mrs Rose Henry, Mrs Joanne Roberts, Mrs Allison Lourey and Ms Tess Lourey for their work behind the scenes to make work experience possible.

The second week of the term break gave our College production cast intensive rehearsal time.  The talent of our Director Tamara Searle shone through as the cast got comfortable with their characters and learnt their lines.  Lead cast members, Madidi McKenzie and Kane Molan, are joined by Ned Darcy, Natalie Wallace-Lamont, Lucy Molan, Valeria Massa Mesa and Zoe Vogels.  Rehearsals have flipped to Google Meets this week, which shows their versatility and commitment.  The cast will be wonderfully supported by the backstage crew.  The dedication and commitment of the cast members and encouragement of Production Coordinator, staff member Mrs Christine Norton, was evident and we look forward to seeing their performance of “It Snows” in August.  We will be hosting just one public performance on the evening of Thursday, 19 August at the Camperdown Theatre Royal so keep an eye out for ticket details.

It  has been heartening to see our students once again involved in inter-school sport.  The end of Term 2 saw our winter sports of Cross Country, Netball and Football played out at HSSSD level.  Our teams were most successful and represented our College with pride and sportspersonship, trying their best and acknowledging the talent of those around them.  Greater Western (GW) level comes next and we saw our Cross Country teams compete in Warrnambool last Thursday.  Full results are in the Sport Report later in the newsletter.

We welcome back Mrs Claire O’Connor who returns from parental leave.  We also welcome Mrs Deb Noonan to our cleaning team at O’Keeffe for Term 3.  Mr Ian Nicholson is taking some well deserved long service leave this term.

Our Year 7 2022 enrolment meetings are just around the corner.  We are excited to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families to our College community, many of whom are new. Discovery Day is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 24 August at our O’Keeffe campus in Noorat for all enrolled 2022 Year 7 students, as well as those who are still making their enrolment decision.  We do still have a small number of enrolment positions for prospective Year 7 students and we encourage any families interested in joining our Mercy community to please make contact. Enrolments are also open for students wishing to join the College at other year levels.  Current families are requested to please complete your 2022 enrolment intention form to assist in our planning for the 2022 school year. This can be completed via this Google Form. 

Please stay safe and well.

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at Mercy

Term 3 always has a feeling of excitement as conversations with students centre around their interests and subsequently their chosen subjects for the educational years ahead.  Whilst things are a little different in our current climate; conversations, presentations and the selection process will still take place. 

Term 3 has seen us hit the ground running with initial discussions centred around subject selections already commencing and will continue to do so over the next month.  These will involve:

Year 11 into Year 12 for 2022

• Year 11s would have already received their subject selection form (now due on Monday, 9 August).  Along with this, they would also have received the new interactive Subject Selection & Pathways Booklet (located in their Google Classroom).
• Year 11 interviews have been rescheduled from Wednesday 28 July to  Friday 30th July.
  

Year 10 into Year 11 for 2022

• Year 10s will receive a voice over, PowerPoint presentation of the different senior school pathways on offer at MRC and the new interactive Subject Selection & Pathways Booklet. 
• All Year 10 students will participate in a domain-based expo on Thursday, 29 July.  This is an opportunity for students to talk with Domain Leaders and ask specific questions relating to their subjects of interest.
• Year 10 interviews have been rescheduled for Tuesday, 3 August.

Year 9 into Year 10 for 2022

• Year 9s have already had an information session related to subjects and pathways available at Year 10.  They also have access to the new interactive Subject Selection & Pathways Booklet via their Google Classrooms. 
• A voice over, PowerPoint presentation of subjects and pathways for Year 9 into Year 10 will be made available for both parents and students.
• An invitation will be sent to parents wishing to have a follow up about subject selections, in particular, accelerated programs.
• When students return to school they will receive their subject selection forms with support on how to fill these out.
• Year 9s interested in an accelerated pathway will be able to participate in a domain-based expo on Thursday, 29 July.  This is an opportunity for students to talk with Domain Leaders and ask specific questions relating to their subjects of interest.

Senior School Pathways Information 

As mentioned above, our current Year 11s have received their Senior School Pathways Information.  This is in the form of a Subject Selection sheet.  Following students receiving this, all Year 11s will have an interview with the Senior School Team.  Students will be allocated a 10 minute meeting slot.  They will know this meeting time in advance and parents are welcome to attend (Google Meets will also be available). 

On Thursday, 22 July, our current Year 10s will receive  an online presentation about Senior Pathways (VCE, VCAL and VET) information.  This presentation will also be made available for parents to view in their own time.  Due to remote learning being extended, students will move to the multi-purpose area (on Thursday 29 July) in small groups and experience an expo of subjects offered for 2021. 

Similar to the 2020 format, there will be a live Q & A session where our Senior School staff will answer any questions relative to senior studies for 2022.  A date and more details will come out to parents prior to the evening.  This event is to highlight the various pathways offered at MRC and gives prospective Senior students (and parents) of 2022, information about subjects available and contacts should you require further clarification.  The Q & A session is particularly beneficial for parents of students in Year 10 heading into Senior School.  Parents of Year 9 and Year 11 students would also find this information session beneficial and we would like to emphasise that all parents are welcome and will be invited.  Our parents of current Year 9 students will also be offered a direct personalised Google Meet invitation to discuss pathways options.  This is a busy time for our Year 9s who are quite new to the experience of subject choices and careers pathways.

Tutoring

Tutoring is recommencing across the whole school this term, in both Mathematics and Literacy. Ms Georgia Copeland is once again working with our junior students in and out of the classroom, as well as working with LSOs on strategies that we can use moving forward.  Mrs Janine Fitzpatrick will again be holding small group tutoring sessions with Middle Years students, focusing on vocabulary and writing strategies they can apply across all learning areas.  Mr Mark Alexander will be expanding his Mathematics support to include Middle Years students, along with the Senior students, and Mrs Jennie Darcy will be continuing her work with Senior English and Literature students.  This is an excellent opportunity for students to continue working on these important skills as a supplement to the work being done in their classes.

Parent Teacher Student Interviews 

Save the Date.   We have parent/teacher/student interviews for all students scheduled for  Wednesday 11 August  (10am-7pm).  Interviews will be held in both online and face-to-face platforms, with more details to come closer to the date.  We will need to take directive from Catholic Education Ballarat as to the guidelines we need to adhere to.  This is a great opportunity for all parties to have a conversation about how students have been progressing and what will be required to finish the year as strongly as possible.  PTS interviews will be opened via PAM in the near future and parents will be notified when they are able to make appointments.

Learning Diversity & Inclusion News

They say inclusive education is ‘Essential for some, but good for all!’ Our ongoing focus is to support teachers in ensuring that the teaching and learning at Mercy Regional College lives by this motto.

Through the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - a Pedagogical Framework, teachers follow a set of guidelines that can be applied to any domain in order for all our learners to actively participate and access course curriculum in a meaningful way.  UDL also allows for challenging learning opportunities.

How our students learn is as unique as our own fingerprints, so teachers need to ensure that we are delivering curriculum in multiple formats and giving students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge.

A key focus in our Learning Diversity & Inclusion workshop for teachers last week was promoting the importance of giving students ‘choice’ in WHAT they learn, HOW they learn and HOW they show their knowledge on the key skills required.  At the planning stage, a teacher needs clear goals in what they want their students to achieve, identify barriers that may prevent students from learning, and then eliminate barriers.  In order to do this, teachers are being encouraged to follow the three Universal Design for Learning Principles:

Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression

In order to rid the barriers, teachers need to provide multiple means of utilising these three principles to reach our diverse learners at Mercy. 

At the workshop, some teachers also presented recently completed student work demonstrating the UDL principles and spoke about the increase of student engagement in their learning due to having a more flexible teaching and learning approach.

We are committed to continuing to educate our teaching staff in best practice in order to reach every learner in our classrooms.

Chamon Vogels
Learning Diversity & Inclusion Teacher Mentor

Maths Pathway

Today’s Maths Pathway frequently asked questions relate to assessment and reporting.

If there are any questions you would like me to address in the newsletter please send me an email.  You can also contact your child’s teacher should you have any questions.

Leanne Delahunty
Maths Domain Leader

Frequenty Asked Questions

My child's report included an assessment task called ‘Semester 1 Maths Pathway results’.  What was this?
At the end of each term your child’s teacher will create a semester (or term) pathway results assessment task.
This is a record of how your child has gone throughout the term.  It includes a report generated from the Maths Pathway system and a comment from your child’s teacher.  Should you have any questions regarding the information in this assessment please contact the class teacher.

Why is the curriculum grid on PAM different to the curriculum grid when viewed from within the Maths Pathway program?
The curriculum grid on SIMON does not differentiate between current years learning and previous years learning.  
I suggest that you view the curriculum grid on the Maths Pathway program as it will differentiate between learning that has taken place this year compared to  previous years.

How do I read the curriculum grid?
The Australian maths curriculum is broken up into three broad 'strands' of maths: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.  Each of these strands is made up of a number of substrands.  There is a certain amount of content in each substrand at each level of the curriculum.
The curriculum grid shows you how much work your child has completed within each level of each substrand of the curriculum.
Within each box the different colours show you how much of the content is prior learning (gold lines), new learning (solid gold), still needs to be learned (blue) or undiagnosed (dots).

Do I need to worry if there are gaps in my child’s curriculum grid?
No.
Maths Pathway uses a sophisticated assessment tool which is designed to detect any gaps, lack of understanding or things students have forgotten all the way back to Grade 1 level.  It is also "mastery" based, meaning that students must have a very deep and thorough understanding of something to be given credit for it.  Your child will fill the gaps in their knowledge before progressing to the next concept.

Is my child on track to study VCE maths?
Yes.
Generally speaking, for a student to have good life skills in numeracy, they should master up to level 7 by the end of Year 10.
For a student to access VCE Further Maths in Year 12, they should reach level 8.
For VCE Maths Methods, level 9.
And for VCE Specialist Maths, level 10.

How do I know if my child’s maths skills are improving?
The important thing to look at is your child's ‘growth score’.
This is a measure of how much better they are now compared with the start of the semester.  A student who is on track will have a growth score of 100% or above.

Wellbeing at Mercy

Lockdown v5.0 is upon us and at the time of writing, the duration is somewhat unknown.  As with previous lockdowns, it is important for us all to reflect on everything we should be grateful about. Our lists would be comprehensive and often reflecting on these things makes us aware of how fortunate we are.  It is the uncertainties that sometimes overwhelm people, and at this time it is essential to connect with the people around you and within your community.

As a school we are very keen to assist families in all areas.  If any concerns arise around your child's experiences with remote learning, please don’t hesitate to contact the school and ask for the following contacts.

• Interim Assistant Principal - Mr Ben Brisbane
• O’Keeffe Campus - Mrs Emily Stephens
• Middle School - Ms Caitlin Rix
• Senior School - Mr Jeremy Baker

Well done to all in our community for doing the right thing to keep us all safe.  Hopefully the extra time with family is serving everyone well.

Ben Brisbane
Interim Assistant Principal Student Development

Lockdown not locked in...

As we find ourselves again in lockdown, it is important to consider how we look after ourselves, as we navigate the change that this brings with it.

Over the past 12 months we have been reminded of the importance of self-care and the things that we can do to keep the positivity flowing.  This article is a reminder of how we can make small adjustments to our routines to assist us in maintaining positive wellbeing.

The way in which we think impacts on how we feel and, in turn, react or respond to events that occur.  Due to this, it is very important that we remember that this lockdown is temporary and although there are things we are currently unable to do, it is important that we look at the things we can do.  For example, with the closure of activities such as sports or interest groups, we may be able to have meals together as a family.  A friend of mine has engaged in a regular activity of each person at the dinner table sharing three things that they are grateful for each day.  These do not have to be big things, it can be as simple as "I am grateful that I can stay in bed an extra 20 minutes".  Focusing on positives, and in particular thinking of things we are thankful for, has increasing evidence that over a period of time our brains are trained or rewired to notice the blessings that we can often overlook in busier times.

Exercise and movement is also vital in keeping ourselves feeling well.  Exercise helps us to decrease brain fog, feelings of stress, and assists in the processing of our emotions.  Perhaps if time is saved through not travelling to work or school, the time could be scheduled to take some time for a walk, bike ride or perhaps breaking out the Wii-fitness games.  Remember that while we are in lockdown, we are not locked in, so where you can, take some time to go outside and be in nature.  This can be a really good time to practice mindfulness; really smelling the air, feeling the crispness of winter, or the small glimpses of bright warmth of the sun, as fleeting as these may be.  For those who are a little braver, even a small walk on the grass with bare feet can really help us to be in the moment, noticing the sensations that the outdoors can prompt through it’s temperature, weather and location.

Remember it’s important to keep connected and keep communicating with others.  It is also helpful to have some structure or routine to our day so we can feel a sense of direction and purpose – while routines can be changed, they provide us some structure  to work with, along with a sense of normalcy and control.

Below are some links to ideas for things we can do to look after ourselves and our families:

• https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/50-free-things-you-can-do-during-lockdown
• https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/how-to-promote-positive-youth-mental-health-during-lockdown
• https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/wellbeing/self-care-and-teenagers

Take care of your wonderful selves and stay AWESOME!! and remember to make contact if needed.

Chadley Peerman
College Social Worker

Faith at Mercy

Winter Woolies Casual Day 

The Social Justice Team at MRC have been working on a Wear Your Winter Woolies to school casual day on Friday, 30 July.  The money raised from this casual day will go towards the wonderful work that Caritas (International) are doing to support the people affected by ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Please see below some links to some further information in relation to this issue, as well as to show you where the money is going and how it is being distributed through Caritas.  This is a wonderful cause and one that highlights how blessed we are to live in a peaceful country. 

Please also have a look at the attached poster, which has some further information on the QR Code on the poster.

https://www.caritas.org.au/news/latest-news/violence-escalates-in-jerusalem-and-gaza/

https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/middle-east-regional-appeal/

Winter Appeal 

On a more local level, the Social Justice Team would also like to run a Winter Appeal as part of this day on the 30 July.  All students are invited to have a look through their wardrobe or house for a winter item that could be donated for this cause.  Some examples of the things that we are looking for include winter coats, blankets (in very good used condition please), or a non-perishable food item. 

Our Year 12 students will spend some time during their final Seminar Day (30 July) to collate these items ready to be donated to our local St Vinnies. 

Year 12 Seminar Day - Friday, 30 July

The final Seminar Day for our Year 12 cohort is planned for Friday, 30 July.  This will take place during the RE lesson this week.  Students will have the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker,  Kristi Van Es from the Offspring Project, who will talk to them about what it means to be people of Mercy. 

Year 8 Retreat - Friday, 30 July

Our Year 8 students will also have their retreat experience on Friday, 30 July.  This will be held at the Noort Community Centre.  The theme for the day is: A Just World.  A note has gone home to families about this day.  Kristi Van Es will also speak to our Year 8 students around the justice theme. 

For some further information about Kristi and the work she does with the Offspring Project, please click here. 

Kellie Wilson
Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader

Term 2 Award Recipients

A number of Mercy Merit and Mercy Core Value Awards were presented to students at the Senior, Middle and Junior assemblies held at the end of term.

Mercy Merits is our commendation program designed to encourage and acknowledge the positive behaviours and personal growth of our students. Students can accumulate points throughout the year to reach bronze, silver, and gold levels. We congratulate the following students who have now achieved their bronze level award:

• Elsie Sinnott – 7B
• Lucy Molan – 8A
• Archie Taylor – 8C
• Myles Sinnott – 9A
• Jessica Walsh – 9B
• George Beasley – 12A
• Ruby Bennett – 12A
• Shae DeFrancesco – 12B
• Ava Nolan – 12B
• Louis Darcy – 12C
• Isabella Finney – 12C

The Mercy Core Value Awards are presented to students who have displayed our College’s core values of community, inclusiveness, learning, care, justice and mercy, and excellence and achievement either at school or in the community.  We also congratulate the following students for their outstanding efforts:

Community

•  Seamus Fitzpatrick – 8C
•  Matilda Kealley – 9A
• Madidi McKenzie – 10C

Inclusiveness

•  Albie Cheeseman – 7B
•  Claudia Fitzgerald – 10C

Learning

•  Ella McDonald – 7D
•  Phillipa Wright – 9B
•  Jack Vaughan – 10A

Care

• Rose Beasley – 8A 
• Matthew Lenssen – 10C

Justice and Mercy

•  Joseph Moloney – 7B

Excellence and Achievement

• Nellie Sadler – 8B
• Hayley Collins – 9D
• Kiarna Murfett – 10C

Ski Trip

Snow, skiing and a giant swing, three important ingredients to making our snow trip a fantastic experience. Year 10 and 11 students recently went on a trip to Falls Creek with an amazing group of teachers we have to give our thanks to: Mr Ben Brisbane, Mr Tim Woodmason, Miss Caitlyn Rix, Mrs Berni Sinnott, Mr Tom Kelly, Miss Tess Lourey, and a big thanks also to Willy for driving us around.  We stayed at Howmans Gap Alpine Centre in Falls Creek, and while some didn’t cope, it was quite nice being in such a rustic little room with friends.  During the holidays it was rather isolated but it was good to be able to have a retreat with mates, see the snow for the first time and try a new sport. 

In the morning, the campground's grass would frost up and the mountain right outside our window was covered in snow.  After settling in, we had our group activities including a giant swing, mountain climbing, orienteering and bush cooking.  The weather could have been better but it was perfectly fine, think Camperdown in terms of sunny and cold at the same time.  When we weren’t skiing we were playing pool, chatting and having a round of table tennis.  The outdoor activities were exhilarating and really made the adrenaline pump, going down the mountain, soaring on the swing and destroying your friends in rock climbing.  It was really amusing watching people struggle to use their skis, and seeing people climbing up the practice hill and then sliding down backwards when they finally reached the top was also a laugh.  I think most people enjoyed our time skiing as well as the quiet time trying to get a game of 8 ball in before dinner.  After dinner it was back to the pool table, playing Uno and a school get together.  

I think that everyone will remember our time up on the mountain and the majestic view seen from the ski lift.  It was absolutely insane to be on that thing, but even better was the snow on top of the mountain; it was so fresh that it made great snow balls to ping at friends.  On the last day nobody was really focusing on the trip home, more on the stop at KFC at the midway point as music echoed through the bus.  It was nice to have some time away from home life but it was clear everyone was ready to sleep in their own bed again. 

Oscar Coolahan
Student News Team

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Careers

• University applications – opening soon! (Year 12)
• University resources
• Why it’s important to study a TAFE or university qualification after school
• Employability toolkits – get prepared for the job market
• Year 12 study resources
• One stop shop for webinars
• The future of careers in music
• Updates from Federation University – new courses and performing arts audition help
• Preparing the digital workforce of tomorrow
• Space science careers
• Cyber security careers and courses
• Interesting articles about social work, architecture, high ATAR courses and the highest paying jobs of 2021
• Open days – dates and resources
• Gap year in the Army (Year 12)
• Upcoming career events
  

• Reset program – for students to consider doing during remote learning
• Apprenticeship resources
• Open Days – Victorian dates
• Tertiary admission dates for Victorian courses
• 2021 Schools Career Guide
• What is upskilling and why does it matter?
• Scientist of the year video competition (Year 7 – 10)
• Upcoming events
  

Sport Report

Junior Football

On Thursday, 17 June, our Year 9 Football team travelled to Noorat to participate against other Hampden Secondary Schools in a round robin format.  Each game was 2 x 15 minute halves and conditions on the day were perfect for football.  We were fortunate to have quite a strong list to choose from, and as a result, finished undefeated on the day.  Our scores in the three games were 8.8.56, 8.12.60 and 9.10.64. 

We rotated our squad of 27 players throughout the day so each player had an opportunity to compete.   Our best players from a very even team effort included Rhys Unwin, Myles Sinnott, Jacan Brooks, Jonty Robertson, Ben McGlade, Darcy Vick, Flynn Penry and Luke Kavanagh.  

All students were respectful both on and off the field and should be proud of their efforts. 

Greater Western Region Cross Country

Last week, a number of MRC students participated in the Greater Western Region Cross Country competition in Warrnambool.  The course was quite wet and slippery, with most students running a 3km course, with boys in the older age groups completing a 5km course.  Mercy Regional College came second overall in the Under 14 Girls, Under 14 Boys and Under 15 Girls. 

Everyone did exceptionally well and a number of students qualified for the state level competition later in the year.  To do this students needed to finish in the top 12 of their section. 

Well done to all and best of luck to the students who move on to the next level of competition. 

• Edmund Walsh finished 6th (13yo boys)
• Will Hinkley finished 10th  (13yo boys)
• Taleah Murfett finished 3rd (14yo girls)
• Nelly Sadler finished 8th (14yo girls)
• Archie Taylor finished 5th (14yo boys)
• Kate Smith finished 7th (15yo girls)
• Myles Sinnott finished 8th (15yo boys) 
• Gryff Dwyer finished 8th (17-20yo boys)

Library Resource Centre Report

Welcome back for Term 4!

If you are a regular visitor to our wonderful MacAulay library you will notice some changes.  Firstly, Mrs O’Loughlan is taking some well deserved Long Service Leave and will be returning at the beginning of the 2022 school year.  While Mrs O’Loughlan is on leave, Mrs Henry and I will be in the library to assist you.  Mrs Henry will be in on Monday and Friday and I will be in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Another change is that we have had a reshuffle of the fiction and non-fiction books enabling a designated study area to be incorporated in our library.  This area will have a flexible layout to accommodate study groups. 

We have some new novels on display on the borrowing desk; take the time to have a look at these books.  If you are wanting to read a specific book and it isn’t in the library, please ask and we will try to accommodate your request.

Remember that you can also access a wide variety of eBooks and audiobooks via the Wheeler website. Follow the link below for instructions to access these books.

Drop into the library to see the changes that have been made, look at our new books and please make yourself known to me.

Margot Horan
Interim Library Manager

Alumni News

Reconnecting with Paul Jans, Class of 1986

We have reconnected with Paul Jans, Class of 1986, who has recently been appointed to the role of Assistant Director: Business Services for Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB).  We have asked Paul a couple of questions about his life journey, professional achievements and school memories.

Where has life taken you since leaving CRC?

After completing Year 12, I briefly worked in banking before moving into accountancy while studying Business at university.  I completed study as a CPA and moved to Ballarat, where soon after I married Michelle, the love of my life.  Together we have six children; two daughters and four sons, now aged between 23 and 12.  During this time, my career activity has spanned both the private and public sectors, working in a number of accountancy practices and a law firm, and managing corporate services and finance for the Department of Human services, Grampians Region.  I’ve previously been Business Manager for the Diocese of Ballarat, and most recently I worked as Business Manager for Damascus College for the past 13 and a half years.  I enjoy and find meaning in contributing within the not-for-profit sector, and am keen to commence as Assistant Director, Business Services for Catholic Education Ballarat and do my part, along with many others, to help build on the work of 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. 

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

One fun memory is from art class, where a couple of us had the opportunity to head out to fix some of the stained-glass windows at St Patrick's church, down the road from the school.  We’d head down to the hardware store and spend half the time trying to convince the glazier to donate off-cuts of stained glass they could spare so that we could use them for the repairs.  We would cry poor and he would tell us that the red stained glass actually had gold in it so he couldn't just give it away.  We never quite believed him, but according to a quick google search as I write this, it sounds like he was correct.  We would then be up on ladders with bits of cut glass and soldering irons, trying to fix things.  The last time I was at St Patrick’s some years ago, fortunately or otherwise, some of the mismatched colours in the windows were still there. 

Which teacher from your time at CRC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

That would be Mr Lawrie Ragg, my accounting teacher.  My decision to do accounting was last minute, in the sense that I hadn’t completed the prerequisite Year 11 study prior to wanting to pick it up in Year 12.  To his credit, and to the benefit of myself and my twin brother, Lawrie supported us through a crash course over the summer holidays, where we completed the Year 11 requirements so we could undertake the Year 12 curriculum.  Had he not been prepared to go the extra mile when he didn’t have to, my life would most likely have taken a different road.  I owe Lawrie a debt of gratitude, and it reinforced to me the value of doing more than is expected and bringing the best of you to your work.

How has your time at CRC shaped your personal values, your career choice and your family life?

Undoubtedly, I and many others have benefited from the holistic education that CRC provides in developing all aspects of the individual.  This in turn provides a solid basis for shaping good contributors to work, family and community life.  This approach was also well supported by family life growing up on a dairy farm, where lessons of hard work, taking responsibility, being adaptable, having faith and being a good steward were very evident.  Now seeing my own children as the recipients of the same Catholic education and watching them make their contributions, I'm appreciative of the Catholic school and system that continues its work in making people's lives, their families’ lives, and the life of their community better today, tomorrow and into the future. 

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

While it certainly sounds cliché, it would be to make the most of the opportunities presented to you, noting Edison who said, “opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work”.  At school you have staff, family and community who support you and want the best for you, and a world that needs your unique contribution.  Lean into this support, and with a good education and trust in God, you have everything you need for a meaningful life. 

We congratulate Paul on his new role and look forward to working with him as part of the CEB team.

Student Achievements

Charlotte Bennett - VATE 2021 Writing Competition

Several Year 9 Creative Writing students entered the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English 'Stories That Change' writing competition at the end of last term.  They were required to write a short story of no more than 1000 words with the theme 'change' woven through their narrative.  Charlotte Bennett was entered into the Year 9-10 category with her story 'The Playground.'  Hundreds of entries were received and Charlotte was awarded the runner-up prize.  The organiser of VATE said that being shortlisted was a great achievement and that Charlotte would be receiving a prize for her great work.  You can read her story at by clicking on the link below.

Destiny Bambridge - Wannon Water Photography Competition

Congratulations to Destiny Bambridge for her win in a photography competition last term. Wannon Water, in partnership with Glenelg Hopkins CMA, asked school students in the regions to capture the value of water, reflecting the theme of World Water Day in 2021.  Destiny’s photograph was chosen as the winning image in her segment and Ben from Wannon Water visited the College to present her with her prize, a GoPro, just in time to test it out during the school holidays!

Destiny has a passion for photography and has been developing her photography skills further this year as part of the Creative Leaders program with Regional Arts Victoria.  She will be exhibiting some of her works in Warrnambool later in the year.

Sarah Lane - Zart Art Student Competition

Sarah Lane’s artwork, “Celebration of Australia”, has been entered into the Zart Art Student Competition this year.  Sarah is a motivated and inspiring young artist and we can get behind her by voting for her submission in the People’s Choice Award.

Sarah has used coloured pencils and alcohol markers to depict various elements of Australia, including nature and the environment, the people and Australia’s colours.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Wednesday, 21 July - Year 9 into Year 10 Information Session.  Presented virtually with an opportunity for Q & A.

Wendesday, 21 July - Senior School Information Evening.  Presented virtually with an opportunity for Q & A.

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

Thursday, 29 July - Year 10 into Year 11 Student Subject Information Session.

Wednesday, 11 August - Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews

Monday, 16 August - No Derrinallum buses running

Thursday, 19 August - School Production performance of "It Snows"

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

Community Notices