MRC Newsletter - Issue 11 - 4 August 2021

Prayer

Principal's Message

Christ, our Healer, in these days of uncertainty, may we become the healing hands of your compassion and mercy that you stretch out to us from the Cross.

It was wonderful to welcome all students and staff return to school onsite last week.  Our Winter Woolies Day was a wonderful celebration of Community, with hot chocolates to warm us all up and bring us together, whilst also supporting both the Vinnies Winter and Caritas International Gaza Appeals.  With Friday also being World Friendship Day we celebrated and gave thanks for the presence, support and love of our friends who are always there when we need them no matter how far away or restricted in gathering we may be.

I once again thank our Mercy community - young people, staff and families - for their efficient and effective switch to Remote Learning, ensuring that learning and wellbeing remain our focus.  I appreciate the enormous amount of work that goes into planning and participation in lessons online and commend everyone on their enthusiastic efforts.  Our continued care for each other is shown through the presence of face masks, inside, outside and on buses, and attention to social distancing now that we can be back onsite together. 

Our return onsite is accompanied with a CECV School Operations Guide that makes clear to schools the operating restrictions that keep us safe. This guide is continuously updated as restrictions provided by the Victorian Government are adjusted. Currently, in addition to wearing face masks, we have restrictions on our ability to gather together and to welcome persons other than staff, students and essential visitors onsite.  Some excursions and camps are permitted if it is just MRC students in attendance, and we were very happy with the adjustment last week that has once again allowed inter school sport.  I am looking forward to coaching our Senior Netball team at the upcoming Greater Western Region event.  We are now busy adjusting our calendar.  We will continue to keep you updated and thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding.

The show must go on! Our College Production It Snows is able to continue according to our planned schedule.  We will host performances on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 August at The Theatre Royal in Camperdown.  There will be just one public performance on the evening of Thursday, 19 August at 7.00pm.  The theatre is currently limited to an audience of 100, so book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.  It is our plan that all Year 7-10 students will see the show during school time, restrictions permitting.

This week, we welcomed our 2022 Year 7 students and their families into our Mercy community through hosting their virtual enrolment meetings.  These meetings allow our students and their families to meet and share with a Mercy staff member information that will support their learning and wellbeing transition from primary school to Mercy.  It is a much awaited opportunity to meet and welcome the young people and their families and a great preparation for Discovery Day which we hope will be able to take place on Tuesday, 24 August. 

The College recently appointed Baldaso Cortese Architects to begin working with our community on our 10-year Master Building Plan.  We will have our first meeting with them this week and are eagerly awaiting their initial thoughts and ideas for both our O’Keeffe and McAuley campuses for building refurbishment and development to support our learning programs.  Our MRC Subject Selection Booklet shares with our community the engaging and meaningful learning opportunities available to Mercy students.  It has been wonderful working with our Year 9, 10 and 11 students as they choose their personalised learning programs for 2022.  Our Year 8 students will also have this opportunity in the not too distant future.  It is with engaging learning guided by our skilled and dedicated teachers and utilising our contemporary learning facilities that the dreams of our young people can be realised. 

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Father Micheal McKinnon on his achievement of 40 years of ordination into the Catholic Church, celebrated on Sunday, 1 August.  It was fitting that this celebration took place in Terang, where Father Michael began his great service to the community.  We are grateful for Fr Mick’s dedication to our Mercy community.  We also congratulate Grace Moloney, Year 12 2020 who has been recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award for her outstanding academic results in 2020.  Grace received a Study Award for excellence in VCE VET Music Industry - Music Performance.  The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise the top-performing students in the state.  This year, 297 students were recognised with awards for their outstanding results.  The entire Mercy Regional College community is proud of Grace and would like to congratulate her on being the recipient of such a prestigious award.  To read more about the Premier’s VCE Awards, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/vceawards. 

Finally, I would like to recognise the important place of the elderly and grandparents in the lives of young people.  Pope Francis declared 25 July as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.  We remember and pray for all grandparents and the elderly, particularly in these difficult times.  We look forward to welcoming grandparents and special persons to our Junior O’Keeffe campus later in the year to celebrate Special Person’s Day.  We also acknowledge Family Week, which will be held next week from Sunday, 8 August to Saturday, 14 August.  We recognise the important role families play in Catholic education and in our Mercy community.  It is fitting that the Feast Day of Australia’s First Saint, Mary MacKillop, falls within Family Week, as she was a passionate educator and advocate for children and families.

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at Mercy

Parent Teacher Student Interviews 

We are sharing this information again as PTSIs have changed since our last newsletter release. Interviews are now being conducted remotely (via Google Meet) on Wednesday, 11 August  (4.00pm-7.00pm) and Thursday, 12 August (10.00am-4.00pm). These are for all students from Years 7 to 12.  Directive has been taken from CECV guidelines stating that guests cannot be onsite. 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 open for bookings on PAM at 9.00am tomorrow morning (Thursday, 5 August); parents will be notified when they are able to make appointments.

If your child’s teacher is unavailable during the times that best suit you, please do not hesitate to contact the McAuley Campus.  We will record these requests and forward them onto all relevant teachers.

Subject Selection

The process of subject selection is chipping away nicely and we would like to take the opportunity to share with you what has been achieved so far:

• Mrs Danae Fraser and her team have held over 140 one-on-one interviews with current Year 11 and 10 students.  These interviews are centred around your child's career pathway, interests and focusing on relative subject choices for the 2022 school year.
• All Year 11 and 10 interviews are complete and their subject selection forms are now due by Monday, 9 August.  Students are to “turn in” their subject sheets via their Google Classroom. Parents are also required to approve their child’s choices via PAM Permission.
• Towards the end of this week and into Week 5, Mrs Fraser will again be meeting personally with all students interested in VCAL and Accelerated Programs, to ensure that a tailored program is attained for each student.
• Students who are currently in Year 9 will continue with their subject selection process.  Once forms are submitted, Mrs Danae Fraser and Mrs Lydia Darcy will hold interviews for those students wishing to accelerate their learning also.

GAT

The General Achievement Test (GAT) has been rescheduled to Thursday, 12 August.  Students can make their own arrangements to and from the GAT if they wish.  The bus system is still operating on this day, so students who require transport to and from school can still utilise this system. Students will be supervised back at school, where they can complete private study.  Lunch will be provided to students upon their return to school.  Students are required to wear their school uniform.  The date of the GAT is a student free day for our students who are not sitting the GAT.

$20 Boss (Year 10 Elective)

$20 Boss is a Year 10 elective class at Mercy Regional College in which we learn the basic framework to starting up a business.  In this subject with Mrs Bruckner, students are loaned $20 to start a business, which they can run individually or in small groups.  It is a class that helps us learn how to identify the skills and characteristics to help us run different types of businesses and also how to develop skills to plan, manage business finances and make other business decisions.  The aim is to break even (to cover all costs), with any profits donated to charity.

We brainstormed to come up with a business idea.  We knew we wanted to make something, and decided this would be candles with natural aromas.  We trialled different scents and researched which moulds would work best.  We thought we’d sell to family and friends, but as we could only afford to purchase a few moulds, we decided to sell to Mercy staff.  We catered to their different tastes and made a few different types of candles.  We also worked on developing our packaging and marketing; we wanted our products to look natural and stylish.

We created a stockpile of candles, working during class time, lunchtimes and at home. We then sent out a live order form and couldn’t believe the reaction.  We struggled to take in the number of orders that came through, and then had to work out how we were going to keep up with our orders.  This required some extra planning, making products and troubleshooting.

We were really pleased with how our business went.  We made a tidy profit, which we will donate to the Cancer Council for breast cancer research.  We finished our unit with a celebration day, where we made pizzas together with the rest of the class.  We completed a reflection and decided we could have improved our business by planning our time better, instead of having to rush more towards the end of the semester, and seeking orders earlier.

We’d like to thank Mrs Bruckner for helping us, Jude Murfitt for her business assistance and Pam Martin for helping with the finances.  We’d also like to thank all the Mercy staff who supported our businesses.  We had a great time.

Ava Stewart, Eloise Chivell, Lizzie Justin and Olive Meade
Year 10 Students

Wellbeing at Mercy

Did you know that Friday, 30 July was the International Day of Friendship.  The theme this year was sharing the Human spirit through friendship. 

Now is a time more than ever that we are made aware of the importance of friendship, care and connection and how such gifts really do strengthen our sense of wellbeing.  Are you aware that having people we refer to as friends is a social determinant that can ward off depression and low mood?  It is not the quantity of friends that we have that matters, more so the ability to have someone to share with. Research has shown that people who have connections to others have an improved sense of belonging, which builds confidence, courage and reduces stress levels.

Proverbs 27:9 reminds us that, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel".   So, with the lifting of lockdown and reduction on social restrictions we have the opportunity to take time to reach out and connect to those who we call our friends.  

International Day of Friendship is also a good reminder for us to look at how we befriend ourselves.  Often, we are much more forgiving and gracious with others and can be hard taskmasters on our own selves.  So if friends can only be seen virtually presently due to distance, this is a time for us to practice the importance of self-love and care.

A favourite quote that I’d like to leave with you is: “May you always have a dream ahead of you and a friend beside you”.

Take good care of yourself and your friends as we re-enter workplaces, school, sports clubs and the like.

MRC Wellbeing Team

During the last week, we all returned from lockdown, which was a very welcome change.  Everyone made the adjustment really well and it was so satisfying to hear from the cohort of students that the remote learning experience seemed to be positive and that the efforts made from all involved enabled learning to still take place. It was obvious how much friendship means to all our students by the enthusiasm they showed at seeing each other on the first day back.  As has been mentioned this week friendship has been pivotal in assisting everyone to flourish and feel connected. A presentation to our Year 12 students last Wednesday centred around staying connected, feeling grateful and encouraging random acts of kindness.  The challenge was set to take on everyday with a smile and continue to support each other everyday.  The challenge this week for everyone was to do something nice for your friend.  It is amazing the benefits involved for everyone with random acts of kindness.

Fingers are crossed that we get a good run at the remainder of the term. If we don’t, then we are ready and we can embrace whatever is put in front of us.  Continue to look after each other and continue to check in on each other as good friends do.

Ben Brisbane
Interim Assistant Principal Student Development

Production - It Snows

Mercy Regional College is proud to present our biennial production, It Snows; a play by Hoggart, Graeme and Lavery, directed by Tamara Searle and performed by our MRC students.

Same old story.  Boy doesn't meet Girl.  Girl doesn't meet Boy.  Threatened by terrifying Lads Gang.  Threatened by awe-inspiring Girls Gang.  Mum and Dad have declared war... against each other.  Weird neighbour in the building opposite.  Usual ordinary gloominess.  Then, one day, it snows.  Everything changes.

General admission tickets are $5 each and will be available for purchase now.  Bookings will close on Wednesday, 18 August.  Please note that tickets are limited due to the current pandemic restrictions but we may be able to release more seats if restrictions ease further before the performance.

Library Resource Centre Report

August is the time of year we celebrate the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards.  It is a celebration of books and Australian childrens’ authors and illustrators and is considered to be highly respected in literature. The theme for 2021 is:

Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds
August 21-27

Winners in each category will be announced on Friday, 20 August.  To see the shortlist, please click here. 

Many of the titles will be on display in both libraries over the month of August and will be available to borrow. 

Book Club has been set for Monday, 23 August, we look forward to seeing you on this evening!

Happy reading!

We are happy to advise that we have rescheduled our first Book Club event to Monday, 23 August.  If you enjoy a good book and some informal discussion in a social setting - this is the place for you!  The first two books on our reading list will be:

• Lenny's Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley

You can pick up these books from your preferred retailer or local library and snuggle up for a good read before our first meeting.  The books can also be found on eBook and audiobook platforms.

You don't need to have read both books to participate.  We would also encourage attendees to bring along suggestions for future Book Club reads.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information please contact moloughlan@mercy.vic.edu.au.

Maureen O'Loughlan
Library Manager

Online Ordering at Canteen

We would like to share with you the great news that Dinny’s Diner, the canteen situated at McAuley Campus, Camperdown which services both Mercy Regional College and St Patrick’s School, is now taking online canteen lunch orders from families.  We hope that this system provides an alternate, convenient, and simple option for families for lunch ordering.  Our canteen has seen significant menu changes in the last six months, expanding healthy eating varieties and providing seasonal lunch options.  The online menu will be continually updated to reflect our ever-changing menu.

Below is an information sheet to assist you with online ordering and where you can access the ordering system.  Any online orders will attract a fee of 50 cents.  This amount covers the cost of the payment system to a third-party provider. The online ordering system is an optional alternative, families will still be able to order through the existing cash-based system.

Uniform Shop - Appointments Required

Due to current COVID restrictions, if you wish to visit the uniform shop, you will need to make an appointment.  

The uniform shop is currently open on Mondays, 12-4pm and Thursdays, 8am-12pm.

Orders can also be placed via the online store.

Trish Taylor
Uniform Shop Coordinator

Careers

• Apprenticeship& traineeship resources
• Interested in working in theatre, film or television?
• STEM career quizzes
• Year 12 students – university application dates and resources
• Open Days
• Australian Defence Force Gap Year – applications still open (Year 12)
• Planning on studying teaching in the future? You may have to sit the CASPer test
• Humanities – scholarship and global programs
• Career events
  

Alumni News

Tim Woodmason Returns to Mercy Regional College

We recently caught up with Tim Woodmason from the Class of 2015. Since finishing his studies at Mercy, Tim has trained as a teacher of Physical Education and Mathematics and returned to the College as a graduate teacher this year.

Where has life taken you since leaving MRC?

Since completing Year 12 at MRC in 2015, I took a gap year to earn some money and think about what I wanted to do as a career.  Originally, I was planning on joining the Army Gap Year Program but, unfortunately, this did not go to plan.  This then led me to looking at careers in the police force, before realising that I had an interest in sport and teaching.  After my gap year, I completed my Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics at Federation University, Ballarat.  I completed many placements, with my final year placement at MRC, which I thoroughly enjoyed and was fortunate to be offered a position at the College this year.

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

My fondest memories from MRC were probably the friends that I made and the school camps and excursions that we were lucky enough to go on.  I was able to make great memories from these experiences that I will cherish forever. 

How has your time at MRC shaped your personal values, your career choice, and your family life?  Since attending MRC, I adopted values such as striving for excellence through completing my degree and being respectful to people around me.  As I attended MRC as a student, I already felt  part of the community before I started working here, so it was an easy decision to come back.

How does it feel to be back at the College as a staff member?

Being back at Mercy as a school teacher was different to begin with, as it was not that long ago that I was a student and sitting in the staffroom felt very unusual.  But since getting to know the staff as colleagues, it has been really enjoyable and I am definitely feeling very welcomed and supported. All the teachers at Mercy have great knowledge and experience and I am very privileged to have them all as mentors and leaders.

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

One message I would pass on to the students would be to try your best with your studies.  This is a time we only get once, so make it as memorable as you can.  And remember that if things do not go your way, there are always other paths you can take that will lead you to where you are meant to be one day.

Alumni Night

We are excited to announce that the tickets for the MRC Alumni Night 2021 are now available for purchase.

The Alumni Night is an all year reunion that is open to all past students of Catholic Regional College and Mercy Regional College, and their partners. The Alumni Night is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with former classmates and teachers, share school memories, and enjoy a delicious meal. We are looking forward to seeing you all on 9 October 2021!

Please let your friends know too so they don’t miss out! 

COVID Information

To protect the health of guests and organisers, the final number of guests for this event will be determined by the COVID regulations effective on 9 October 2021.

• If the event is postponed, all tickets will be fully refunded. 
• If the number of guests is reduced due to new density regulations, the priority will be given to guests who purchased their tickets first. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Upcoming Dates and Events

9-10 August - Year 10 Retreat

Wednesday, 11 August - Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews - 4.00-7.00pm, via Google Meet only

Thursday, 12 August - Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews - 10.00am-4.00pm

Thursday, 12 August - Years 7-11, no formal classes.  Students are expected to join interviews with parents / carers.

Thursday, 12 August - GAT

Monday, 16 August - No Derrinallum buses running

Thursday, 19 August - School Production performance of It Snows

Monday, 23 August - MRC Book Club

Tuesday, 24 August - Discovery Day (Year 8 Classes at McAuley Campus, Camperdown)

Tuesday, 24 August - Year 9 Retreat

Our school calendar is always available to be viewed through the Parent Access Module (PAM).  Further details for school events, student excursions, camps, and student assignment due dates, etc, can all be found on the PAM calendar.

Community Notices