Mercy Regional College eNewsletter

Prayer

Dear God,

As we embark on the journey of Term 4 at MRC, we come together
with hope and gratitude.

Bless our students with wisdom and a thirst for knowledge.
Guide our teachers with patience and understanding.

May the entire school community find strength in unity and compassion.

Grant us the determination to overcome challenges and the grace to
appreciate every achievement, no matter how small.

We place this term in your hands, trusting that with your guidance,
it will be a time of growth, learning, and success.

Amen.

Principal's Message

Welcome to Term 4. This year term 4 started a little differently for 39 young people and 6 staff as we ventured to Central Australia, myself included! The rugged beauty of Central Australia's desert landscapes, with their striking red plains, ancient rock formations and art, plentiful trees and clear starry skies reminded us of the Earth's incredible diversity and the beauty of nature. Standing amidst such breathtaking scenery, we were humbled by the resilience of the land itself, which has endured for millions of years. This privilege of witnessing such pristine wilderness reminds us first hand of the importance of environmental stewardship and care of our common home and the need to respect and protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Central Australia's rich Indigenous history and culture provided an opportunity for reflection on the complexities of our shared human experience. It was a privilege to have engaged with the stories, traditions, and art of the Aboriginal peoples who have called this region home for tens of thousands of years and in particular with those of the Lilla community who shared their home and story with us.

Visiting Central Australia also prompts us to reflect on our own lives and the privileges we often take for granted. Our visit was an enriching educational experience and one that not only encouraged deep reflection but also drew participants closer together whilst we enjoyed the experience as well as enduring some challenges. I sincerely thank our staff who volunteered their time for enabling this experience to take place and also thank our young people for being such wonderful representatives of our community. We look forward to returning in 2025.

Our MRC Athletics team participated in the Greater Western Region carnival last week. Our team included more than 50 athletes who all represented our College with pride and achieved some excellent results. We congratulate those athletes that have now qualified for the School Sport Victoria State Finals on Monday by coming first in their events:

Sarah B Y 7 - Girls 12-13 High Jump- 1st
Piper S Y8 - Girls 14 Year Olds 800 Metre Run- 1st
Nate S Y8 - Boys 14 Year Olds Long Jump - 1st

More results later in the newsletter.

Next week we once again move our Year 7 & 8 students and staff who teach at our O’Keeffe campus over to our McAuley, Camperdown campus to enable our building program to finally commence. Our revised plans include refurbishment of our existing internal toilet, Reception and first aid facilities, a new external toilet facility with a covered walkway and the installation of a worm farm waste system. With everything commencing and proceeding on time our students and staff will be able to return to school at our O’Keeffe campus ready for the beginning of the 2024 school year.

Our Year 12 students and VCE Unit 4 teachers were very busy across the term break with many revision and enrichment opportunities provided. It was great to see so many students making use of the library facility which was made available to them. They have continued their focus across these first few weeks of Term 4 in preparation for their upcoming external exams commencing with VCE English on Tuesday 24 October. We do wish our Y12 students completing exams all the best and acknowledge their hard work towards achieving their goals. We also congratulate our Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning students who completed their studies at the end of Term 3.

The Year 12’s final day is Thursday 19 October with their MRC Graduation Mass on the evening of Wednesday 18 October and being held at St Patrick’s Camperdown. I thank and acknowledge Senior Community Leader Jeremy Baker and Assistant Luke Bourchier, Senior Pathways Leader Danae Fraser and Senior Years Assistant and VET Coordinator Rose Henry for their work in support of our young people.

We will induct our 2024 Senior Student Leaders to their new positions at our Leadership Investiture Ceremony on Wednesday 18 October. This is also the time when we show our gratitude to our outgoing 2023 Senior Student Leaders.

We welcomed back from leave at the beginning of Term 4 Mrs Kym Penry. We also welcome to our MRC community Regina Cassidy who has been taking some of our Y7 & 8 Performing Arts/ Rhythm and Movement classes. We are pleased to share that Regina will continue with us in 2024 teaching all of our Y 7 & 8 performing Arts classes. We also welcome to our MRC teaching staff in 2024 ACU graduate teacher Alissa Grisenti teaching Science and Humanities and experienced Science and Mathematics teacher Erynne Ewensen.

Our Indigenous garden revitalisation at Wombeech Puyuun Reconciliation Park is now one of the 3 Tidy Towns finalists in the Education category.

Congratulations to the students and staff who have put in so much time and effort to contribute to the project!

A well deserved congratulations to Harrison G for taking out the Victorian Clay Target Association Junior Boys Competition!

Congratulations to Madidi M who has been cast as the lead role in Holiday Actors' production of 'Legally Blonde' in Warrnambool. Well done also to Elli C, Mercy R, Jess M and Matea M for being cast in the production as well. We wish them all the best.

Well done to Lizzie J and Tyra S who both represented MRC in the Australian Inter Schools Equestrian Championships held at Werribee during the holidays.

Many MRC students participated in the V/Line Cup on 25 September. Well done Tayla B, Eddie W, Lenny S, Hamish M, Charlie K and Max H who played for the GWV Rebels.

This Friday evening we celebrate the launch of A Special Spirit, the history of MRC (CRC) written by long serving staff member Lachie Lee. The launch will be held at our O’Keeffe campus, Noorat with doors opening at 5.30pm and formalities commencing at 6.30pm.

We are also now reviewing nominations for our inaugural Spirit of Mercy Alumni Awards. Thank you to those community members who have made nominations. These awards will be announced and presented at our Jubilee Dinner on Saturday 25 November. Please also pop in your diary our Jubilee Celebration Day. This is being held at our Camperdown campus on Saturday 25 November.

I share with you my forthcoming Long Service Leave where my husband David and I will spend two weeks in Vietnam. The College Executive Leadership team will be contactable in my absence - Deputy principals Berni Sinnott and Natalie Stephenson and Business Manager Judith Murfitt.

Finally, please don’t forget our 2023 Car Raffle to be drawn on Saturday 25 November with the major prize being a Mazda CX3 Maxx Sport. Please share the link with your family and friends to give them an opportunity to be a lucky winner. We always greatly appreciate your support.

With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal

Our Car Raffle is back for 2023!

Just over 6 weeks to go until the Raffle Draw at our 50th Jubilee Dinner on 25 November!

10 fantastic prizes to be won!

Tickets available from https://shop.mercy.vic.edu.au/ as well as the MRC office, or many local shops and events.

Car Raffle Stall volunteer form: https://bit.ly/2023-MRC-raffle-stall

Learning at MRC

Oratory Competitions

The Middle School Oratory Competition was held on Wednesday 13th September, with seven students delivering speeches to their peers.

Congratulations to our winner for 2023, Carl L, who spoke about the developing world of Artificial Intelligence.

Well done to Chloe B for the Honourable Mention and to all students who participated!

Thank you also to our judging panel, Lachie Lee, Jean Christie and Caitlin Rix.

Our Junior School community came together on Friday 6th October to witness and participate in the Junior School Oratory Competition. One student representative was chosen from each homeroom, by their English teacher, to represent their class in the competition.

All students spoke on a topic selected from:

“Sometimes you have to be a little bit… naughty” (Matilda The Musical)
Superheroes make the best role models.
What makes us Australian?
People’s differences make the world a more interesting place.

Students' presentations had to meet the criteria of manner, matter and method to qualify for the finals. Manner addresses the way in which the speaker performs to their audience, matter is the content of their speech and how it connects to the topic, and method is the way in which the speech is structured.

The finalists, Amelia P, Lily G, Jonah E-W, Jessica M, Kiara L, and Pippa B, all spoke brilliantly on the day.
Our judges, Natalie Stephenson, Ann Cunningham, and Georgie Price, commended every student for their performance, research, call to action and connection with the audience.

Jessica was crowned champion orator on the day, with Lily recognised as a highly commended participant.

Staff and students were also entertained by student musical performances by Lucas M, Fred D, Aidan V, and Lenny S, on piano and guitar.

Mrs Melanie Bourchier - Year 7-8 English Teacher

Abbey O and Georgia K (7A) submitted a joyous rendition of the French weather song "Quel temps fait-il?" (What's the weather like?). They expertly presented good weather (Il fait beau), hot weather (il fait chaud), cold weather (il fait froid), rainy weather (il pleut) and sunshine (il y a du soleil), all in French. Abbey and Georgia even included some bloopers. Well done!

End of Term 3

Term 3 finished with Footy Colours Day as well as Assemblies at both campuses, acknowledging the highlights during the Term and students who had gone above and beyond in a variety of ways, including debating, maths competition, high attendance, oratory competition and more.
Congratulations to all students who were recognised for their achievements!

We also farewelled many senior students who will be venturing into the workplace from next term. We wish them all the best!

Red Frogs Presentation

Year 12 students attended a session held by Red Frogs in the last week of Term3.

The session explained some of the challenges young people may face as they leave school, and empowered students to make positive choices for themselves and their peers.

Animal Care Excursion

On the 7th of September, our Animal care class travelled to New Horizon Farms in Bookaar, where they raise and milk goats. Students had photos with the goats on the rotary dairy and were joined by staff members Tracey, Nicole and Ahmed.

Students were told about the breeds of goats and how the milking system works. They were also encouraged to engage in preparing the calf milk and feeding.

After feeding calves, the class visited the kid shed where all the baby goats live and are reared and everyone fell in love with the little babies. All students were enthusiastic and jumped on board in a bottle feeding the baby kids.

The excursion was thoroughly enjoyed by all and students learnt so much about goat farming and calf rearing. We thank New Horizon Farms for having us!

Senior VCAL Excursion

Our Senior VCAL students completed their Literacy unit on Youth and the Law with a visit to the Warrnambool Law Courts on 11 September.

Students heard an interesting array of cases and could see the wide range of factors impacting people involved in the justice system.

They were fortunate to have a long chat with the Magistrate, Police Prosecutor and court support workers. A great day!

Year 10 Photography

Our Year 10 Photography students took the opportunity to complete a natural photoshoot in the sun in the St Pats Church gardens near the end of last term. They were able to look deeply at the natural world when making creative decisions as they constructed a wide range of photos.

Our young people worked impressively as a team to provide each other with greater opportunities for learning. We have uncovered Max's hidden modelling potential and are very grateful for the portraits that came from it! This was a wonderful way to find a range of new natural discoveries through the viewfinder and connect to Country.

Our Year 10 Photographers completed another outdoor shoot yesterday, this time in Camperdown Botanic Gardens. The weather provided the perfect setting, with the consistent cloud cover acting as a natural diffuser to give perfect, even, lighting with no harsh shadows. Our learners were able to explore the garden landscape with different eyes, moving slowly, noticing small details, and sharing their discoveries with each other.

The teamwork displayed, again, was admirable. This group should be proud of the cooperation they consistently show and support they provide each other. It is wonderful to see them sharing their visual successes and celebrating both their own achievements and that of the group. Keep your eyes out for their stunning work in the end of year exhibition! (and some special features in the 2023 yearbook)

Sport Report

GWR Athletics

On Thursday 5th October 44 students travelled to Ballarat to participate in the Greater Western Regional Athletics. These students had qualified for this event after being successful in the HSSSD Athletics.

We had a lot of successful results on the day with the students listed below recording a top 3 finish in their events. We will have 3 students travel to Melbourne next Monday 16th October to participate at State level. We wish Sarah B, Piper S and Nate S all the best in their events.

A number of our relay teams finished in the top three and a lot of students travelled just to run in the relay to ensure the team was able to participate. Well done to all students.

Result Event Athlete Age Group

1st High Jump Sarah B U/12-13 Girls
3rd Long Jump Piper S U/14 Girls
2nd Shot Put Indi C U/15 Girls
3rd Triple Jump Aidan C U/16 Boys
3rd Triple Jump Hamish M U/15 Boys
2nd 100m Sprint Indi C U/15 Girls
2nd 100m Sprint Archie TU/16 Boys
3rd Shot Put Nate SU/14 Boys
1st 800m Piper S U/14 Girls
2nd 800m Elsie S U/15 Girls
3rd Shot Put Sophie C U/17 Girls
3rd 200m Sprint Piper S U/14 Girls
2nd 200m Sprint Nate S U/14 Boys
2nd 200m Sprint Indi C U/15 Girls
2nd 200m Sprint Archie T U/16 Boys
2nd 400m Archie T U/16 Boys
1st Long Jump Nate S U/14 Boys
2nd Triple Jump Piper S U/14 Boys
2nd 1500m Elsie S U/15 Girls
2nd Long Jump Hamish M U/15 Boys
3rd Discus Leo B U/12-13 Boys

HSSSD Junior Basketball

On Wednesday 6th September the Year 7 and 8 boys basketballers travelled down to Terang to compete in the HSSSD Junior Boys Basketball Competition.

Due to an overwhelming amount of interest both year levels were made up of two big squads. Every player played 2 out of a total 3 games against the other competing schools which consisted of: Camperdown College, Terang College and Cobden Technical School.

Overall, the two teams played the games in great spirits, displaying good sportsmanship and representing the school in a very good manner. Both teams played great basketball over the course of the day, unfortunately for the Year 8s they won’t be progressing onto the GWR competition, just missing out. However, the Year 7 team will be continuing on, good luck to them!

A big thank you goes out to coaches Tim Woodmason and Isaac McVilly for their efforts on the day, and also the Mercy students who assisted with umpiring!

On the same day, the Year 7 and 8 girls basketballers played in Camperdown.

All teams played very well and both Year 7 and 8 have advanced to the next level on 31 October.

Thank you to everyone, including Leah Sinnott and Rosie Pickles who contributed to the success on the day!

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

Students and staff were encouraged to listen and connect as part of R U OK? Day in the last week of Term 3.

Both Tuesday 12th at O’Keeffe and Thursday 14th at McAuley were beautiful sunny days to participate in our photo booth and cupcake stall, whilst wearing a touch of yellow as a reminder of the importance of looking after ourselves and each other.

Year 8 Retreat

On Friday 13 October all Year 8 students will be participating in their Retreat. This Retreat will be held at the Terang Recreation Reserve. All students will be transported from O’Keeffe Campus to the venue once all buses have arrived. Terang based students are able to meet us directly at the venue at 9:15am.

All students are permitted to wear casual clothes for their Retreat. A simple lunch of a salad roll will be provided, but we ask students to bring drink bottles and other food if they would prefer. We would also like to have a shared morning tea, so we would appreciate it if students could bring along something to share with the group - a packet of biscuits or some fruit for example.

Students will be working with Kristi Davidson from the Offspring Project as part of the day. Kristi began Offspring after seeing a real need for positive, holistic aftercare for young survivors of the trafficking trade. Now Offspring is a not for profit organisation with teams across India and Australia, a vocational training centre, a safe home, many futures brightened and lives restored.

Please have a look at the link below which has some further information about the incredible work this organisation does, as well as some of the products/items that they produce and sell.

The Offspring Project

Our Lady of Mercy Mass

On Friday 8th September we celebrated Mass in honour of Our Lady of Mercy and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in the history of our school.

To introduce the Mass, Principal Sharon Gillett spoke of the undertaking of the Sisters in South West Victoria:"In a courageous and challenging endeavour, these women left behind an enduring heritage of empathy, courage, commitment, resilience, kindness and creativity for those who came after them. It is on their dedicated groundwork that we currently stand with pride.”

It was a wonderful way to celebrate the work of the Sisters of Mercy in our school. After Mass, guests and student leaders enjoyed lunch in the library.

On Wednesday 6th September the Year 11 students shared their annual Retreat Day facilitated by Fr Andrew Hayes.

The Retreat Day focused on ethical issues and in particular Religious ethics. Fr Andrew spoke to the students about the question of "What is fair and what is not fair?" in regard to religious freedom and cultural needs in Australian society. The Year 11 students enjoyed the interesting topics and challenging discussion presented by Fr Andrew.

In the afternoon, after a shared lunch, they heard a very involved talk by Kgshak Akec who shared her story as the daughter of Sudanese refugees.

We thank all students for their participation and our guests for sharing their stories with us!

In Careers News this week:

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

Important tertiary reminders
Key tertiary dates
Entry scheme – artistic performers
Entry scheme – elite athletes
Scholarships and accommodation

ALL STUDENTS

TAFE and polytechnic applications
Apprenticeship and traineeship pathways
STEM + VET – inspirational articles
Free short courses – personal branding and AI
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Summer Schools
Upcoming career events

Career News 4 October 2023.pdf

Library News

MRC Book Club

This Term the MRC Book Club will be discussing A Room Made of Leaves by Kate Grenville.

Everyone is welcome. You can register to attend this free event here

Please join us at the Terang Commercial Hotel at 6:30pm on Wednesday 6 December for discussion, drinks and nibbles in a relaxed social atmosphere.

A Room Made of Leaves by Kate Grenville

What if Elizabeth Macarthur-wife of the notorious John Macarthur, wool baron in early Sydney - had written a shockingly frank secret memoir?

In her introduction Kate Grenville tells, tongue firmly in cheek, of discovering a long-hidden box containing that memoir. What follows is a playful dance of possibilities between the real and the invented.

Grenville's Elizabeth Macarthur is a passionate woman managing her complicated life-marriage to a ruthless bully, the impulses of her own heart, the search for power in a society that gave her none - with spirit, cunning and sly wit.

Her memoir reveals the dark underbelly of the polite world of Jane Austen. It explodes the stereotype of the women of the past- devoted and docile, accepting of their narrow choices. That was their public face -here's what one of them really thought.

At the heart of this book is one of the most toxic issues of our times - the seductive appeal of false stories. Beneath the surface of Elizabeth Macarthur's life and the violent colonial world she navigated are secrets and lies with the dangerous power to shape reality.

A Room Made of Leaves is the internationally acclaimed author Kate Grenville's first novel in almost a decade. It is historical fiction turned inside out, a stunning sleight of hand that gives the past the piercing immediacy of the present.

Jean Christie - Library & Resource Centre Coordinator

Child Safety

Mercy Regional College is a child-safe community.

Child Safety Officers:

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

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:

Book pre-order link

A Special Spirit Book Launch

We invite everyone to join us at the launch of our College History Book written by Lachie Lee.

Friday 13 October at the O'Keeffe Campus, Noorat.
Fursther details in poster below.

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:

Merchandise pre-order link

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

Orders are NOW OPEN. 18+ only.

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.

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 Day Tickets link

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. Drinks at bar prices.

Tickets can be purchased here:

Jubilee Dinner Tickets link