MRC Newsletter - Issue 1 - 7 February 2024
Prayer
We thank you, Dear Lord, for everything that is new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new school year with our friends and teachers.
Help us to make the most of every day.
May we show love to one another and to all.
Amen.
Principal's Message
Welcome Mercy Community to our 2024 school year! I look forward to sharing another brilliant year with you all, full of growth, learning, community and care.
It brings me great pleasure to introduce our inspiring 2024 College theme, "Harmony in Community, Excellence Within," along with the motivating words of Catherine McAuley RSM: "We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well." Crafted annually by our senior student leaders, this theme embodies our renewed College Vision & Mission, Mercy Core Values, and enduring mantra. These leaders, in their first role as a leadership team, drew inspiration from these guiding documents, which have been collaboratively renewed as part of our School Improvement Plan. This ensures they reflect our College's current context and vision for the future provision of Catholic education. I am delighted to share them with you here. Promotion will be noticeable throughout the year to create a shared understanding.
We were delighted to welcome back our students and staff last week, with an added sense of anticipation as we also greeted our Year 7 and 8 students and staff to our newly renovated O’Keeffe campus. Our Year 7 Welcome Evening provided parents and families with a firsthand look at our eagerly anticipated renovations. It was an invaluable opportunity for them to connect with teachers, educational support staff, and gain insight into the learning culture, priorities, and initiatives their children will encounter. We extend our gratitude to all who attended.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our builder, Spence Construction, their skilled tradespeople, and our architects, Baldasso Cortese, for their dedication and hard work, ensuring our renovations were ready in time for the start of the school year. I must also extend my deepest appreciation to our own Property team and Business Manager, Judith Murfitt, whose tireless efforts have contributed significantly to supporting the development of this learning hub for our youngest students. Now, if you'll indulge me, let me paint a vivid picture of the remarkable transformation that has taken place. Allow me to guide you through our extraordinary renovation journey!
Entering Reception marks the beginning of our revitalised space, adorned with a contemporary colour scheme, featuring a newly added First Aid Room and updated amenities for visitors. As you step into our Multi-Purpose Area, your gaze is drawn upward to admire the sleek new plaster ceiling.
Where outdated student amenities once stood, we now boast modern, refurbished facilities for staff and female students. The introduction of automatic taps, soap dispensers, and hand dryers has not only enhanced hygiene but also brought moments of delight and amusement! Moving outside, our newly constructed external amenities by Modus Australia offer a wealth of additional facilities for all students of all genders, including accessible and ambulant facilities, ensuring inclusivity and convenience. The covered walkway will keep us dry!
In our Performing Arts chapel, a fresh coat of paint rejuvenates the atmosphere of this vibrant space. The addition of colourful tiered soft furnishings enhances both comfort and functionality, providing ample space and versatility for learning activities and small group gatherings.
Hidden from view, yet integral to our sustainability efforts, lies our eco-friendly worm farm waste system. We extend our sincere gratitude to Alan Duke from A & A Worm Farm Waste Systems for his unwavering encouragement and support in bringing our vision to fruition. This innovative system employs worm technology to treat sewage, grey water, food waste, and wastewater on our campus, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, we are implementing a water harvesting system to utilise rainwater collected from the roof of our court cover for our toilets, further enhancing our commitment to resource conservation.
The final steps include the replanting of grass and gardens and repair to concrete paths affected by our construction efforts. Soccer enthusiasts will soon have a fresh grassed area for their field once regrowth occurs. Additionally, plans are underway to install a new roof and guttering on our Science and Art building and solar panels to further increase our sustainability and care of our common home. The finishing touches are scheduled to coincide with the Easter break.
New Beginnings:
We also welcome to Mercy, our new staff and those staff returning from extended leave.
Alissa Grisenti - O’Keeffe campus - Science, Humanities and STEAM and Year 7 MERCY teacher
Joanna Lean - O’Keeffe campus - Performing and Visual Arts, English and Debating
Erynne Ewensen - VCE Chemistry and Mathematics and Year 7 Mathematics
Isaac McVilly - Learning Support Officer
Lucas Williams - West Vic Sports and Events Trainee
Sophie Sumner - West Vic Education Support Trainee - O’Keeffe campus
Returning Staff:
Chadley Peerman - Social Worker - O’Keeffe campus
Zoe Williams (Bouchier) - Learning Support Officer
Danae Fraser - Teaching staff
The following staff will be on leave in Term 1, 2024:
Rebecca Rees - all of 2024
Matthew Harkin - all of 2024
Caitlin Rix - all of 2024
Christine Norton - Term 1
2024 also sees the establishment of a new College Leadership Team and Positions of Leadership structure.
College Leadership Team
- Principal - Sharon Gillett
- Business Manager - Judith Murfitt
- Deputy Principal - Natalie Stephenson
- Assistant Principal Wellbeing - Emily Stephens
- Assistant Principal - O’Keeffe Campus - Matthew Irving
- Director of Learning & Teaching - Leanne Delahunty
Each CLT member is entrusted with leading a supportive team dedicated to realising our School Improvement Plan priorities. For a comprehensive list of all 2024 Positions of Leadership and their respective holders, please visit our website.
Once more, our year has commenced with a surge of energy as our customary beginning-of-year events and activities unfold. Our Year 12 students kicked off with a Religious Education Seminar Day, inviting MRC Alumni to inspire and encourage our graduating students to strive for excellence in their chosen learning paths. They have now spent the last three days on Retreat. More on these events later in the newsletter.
Tomorrow we officially celebrate the new school year with our Commencement Mass hosted at St Patrick’s Church Camperdown at 9.30am. After Mass we will recognise and celebrate 2023 Year 11 and 12 students who achieved the highest results in VCE, VCE-VCAL, VET in 2023 and hear from our College Dux Ronan Ludeman. Friday sees our annual House Swimming Carnival at Terang pool. Parents and families are warmly welcomed to join us at both of these important celebrations.
I do share here our Student Free Days for 2024 to assist in your forward planning:
Tuesday 11 June: Professional Practice Day - Correction and Report Writing
Friday 28 June : Staff Professional Learning Day - Learning and Teaching
Thursday 8 July: Staff Professional Learning Day - Catholic Identity (also Y12 Seminar Day)
Friday 20 September: Staff Professional Learning Day - Wellbeing for Learning
Monday 4 November: Melbourne Cup Eve
Other events are listed in the College calendar in PAM and further details will be provided where relevant.
Lastly, I wish to extend my gratitude to our committed staff, who have embarked on this year with unwavering enthusiasm and revitalised energy. They are eagerly embracing the opportunities to foster growth and learning at Mercy Regional College in the year ahead.
VALE Margaret Lucas: the life of long serving former staff member Margaret Lucas was celebrated last Friday, with many family members, friends and community members in attendance. Margaret was well known to our CRC and St Patrick’s school communities as she managed the ‘tuck shop’ for many years with her children and many grandchildren former students. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Rest in peace and thank you Margaret.
With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal
Learning at MRC
It was a pleasure to see the school come back to life as all of our wonderful students arrived for their first day of classes. There were lots of smiles and excitement as the students settled back in and caught up with friends.
As always, 2024 will see us focus on the continuous improvement of learning and teaching. Our focus will be on ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their potential and ensure that they are well equipped for life beyond school.
We will continue working on the initiatives which were focused on last year and we will be adding a few new ones to the list. These include, just to name a few:
- Whole school literacy
- Level of engagement in the classroom
- The suitability and availability of electives and pathways for all students
- Home Learning at Mercy
- Assessment and grading
- Data and how it can help us to cater for all students
There are some things that our Mercy community of parents and guardians can do to help us achieve these goals for our students.
- Attendance. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between attendance, academic achievement and emotional development. What it boils down to, is that every lesson counts. Many adolescents do not have the life experience to realise just how important it is to actually be in classes. We ask you to support us by ensuring our students understand that both you and the school have high expectations for attendance.
- Communication. Reach out to us when you or your child have questions or concerns that impact their wellbeing and learning. We will work with you to support your child and ensure that we are accommodating their needs.
- Resource and text books. Please work with your child to ensure that they have the necessary resources for each day of learning. Assisting your child to pack their school bag will ensure that they have what they need for each day and reduce the stresses that are created when a student arrives at class and is scrambling to find the necessary resources. Your child's timetable can be accessed through the Parent Access Module. (PAM)
- Computers. A computer only works when it has a charged battery. Please ensure that the students start the day with a fully charged battery. The battery should last a full day when used for normal class activities.
- Home Learning (Homework). Home Learning is important to engage students in learning outside of the classroom. It carries the educational benefits of time management, organisation, rehearsal and reinforcement of learning, and an ability to think beyond what is taught in the classroom. Some tips for effective home learning are:
1) Work in a quiet place away from distractions.
2) Set up a desk to work at.
3) Turn off TV’s, videos and music.
4) Create an after school planner. Include things you enjoy doing such as hobbies and sport.
5) Do Home Learning as soon as it is received.
Whether you are a new family to Mercy Regional College or a continuing family, I look forward to working with you in order to achieve optimal outcomes for your child.
Leanne Delahunty - Director of Learning and Teaching
Senior School
Berni and I have thoroughly enjoyed these past few days, launching into the new year alongside our senior students. The transition for our VCE students into their new classes and environment seems to be progressing positively.
Stepping into the realm of VCE can be an intimidating experience for some students, given the heightened workload and the realization that they are charting their course into the broader world—whether it be through university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment. I am convinced that the gleam of possibilities at the end of this educational tunnel serves as an additional source of motivation for our students to pursue and achieve their goals.
In the upcoming Mercy Lessons over the next few weeks, our focus will be on providing valuable study tips and assisting students in crafting effective study plans. Recognising that our students also juggle work and sporting commitments, we emphasise the importance of offering them structure and unwavering support throughout their VCE journey.
As we continue to refine students' timetables with ongoing subject changes, please be assured that the adjustments are underway. Edrolo should seamlessly transition over the course of this week.
Our dedicated VCE and support staff are readily available to address any concerns that may arise. Whether you reach out to me directly or your child's teachers, remember that we are united in navigating this journey together.
Mel Kavanagh - Learning Leader Senior School
Middle School
We have had a wonderfully positive start to the 2024 school year. The students have settled well into their new classes and have spent their first week organising themselves and their materials to be well prepared for the year ahead.
The middle school years can be challenging for students as teachers expect them to manage their learning and environment with increasing independence. Much of our early Mercy lessons this term will focus on building the structures and routines to support our students throughout the year. Could we please ask that you reinforce this at home by checking in with your student to ensure they have all their necessary materials for their classes.
We will also be continuing to prompt the students to use their school diaries to track their assignments, key dates and deadlines. This is a great starting point for discussions with your child about their schoolwork and progress throughout the year. It can also be very helpful for the students to put in key dates of family events, sports and other extracurricular activities to help them manage their workload.
We look forward to a positive and productive 2024. If you have any questions or concerns about your child please reach out to their Mercy teacher, or to myself directly we are always here to help support your child to be the best version of themselves.
Josiane Gardner - Learning Leader Middle School
Junior School
Over the last few days our O’Keeffe campus has been a busy hive of activity as we’ve welcomed our new Year 7’s into our Mercy community, along with our Year 8’s to begin, what will be, an exciting year ahead. In 2024, our Junior Campus continues to focus on building a robust learning culture that fosters learning engagement and accountability, positive relationships, and academic growth.
Our commitment to establishing a strong learning culture at the beginning of this school year is to ensure that all students have a structured, supportive and positive learning environment. Teachers at O’Keeffe are working hard to implement consistent and predictable routines, procedures and expectations to help students understand what is expected of them and to provide the foundation for academic success and personal growth throughout the school year.
One of the routines we are working hard to establish is being prepared for each class with the appropriate ‘Equipment’. As classes are well underway, it is vitally important that all students have the book listed materials/items for each subject to ensure minimal disruption to their learning. Could we please ask that you check in with your child to ensure that they have what they need for each subject, so that they are able to begin to establish this important routine.
By now students have spent time with their Mercy teachers, starting to build relationships, getting to know each other, and again working on supporting them to build good routines. If you have any concerns or questions that may arise, they are your first point of contact, and are ready to support both you and your child in their learning journey at O’Keeffe.
Leah Sinnott - Learning Leader O'Keeffe
Year 8 STEAM
Our Year 8 STEAM class have started the year by putting their engineering skills to the test!
Students were tasked with building a bridge across a 28cm span using three straws, two sheets of paper and 90cm of masking tape.
We had two groups build bridges that held over 4.4kg without breaking!
Community & Wellbeing at MRC
Hello and welcome back to our Mercy community,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for an exciting year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities.
My name is Emily Stephens, and although I have had the privilege of working with many of our young people and families at our Noorat Campus over the past 3 years, and in the Wellbeing Coordinator role previous to that, I have taken on a new position at MRC as an Assistant Principal- Wellbeing, which I am extremely excited about.
My role will include various elements, mainly working with our wellbeing team to innovate, create and embed new and purposeful wellbeing initiatives in our Mercy community. Our main focus will be student wellbeing, development and management.
I often say to people, I have the best job in the world. Every day I get to spend it with young people who are filled with enthusiasm, ideas, motivation, drive, and entertainment, not to mention our innovative and brilliant staff. I love being able to witness the growth, challenges, triumphs they face daily and the opportunity to play a part in their development. I am also very understanding of the challenges that can sometimes become insurmountable. I continue to live in hope that every young person feels supported and confident as they move through their schooling years.
As we begin a new year, we (young & old) come with many emotions, feelings, hope and excitement.
To start the year I held a short session with our staff in regards to wellbeing. In this session I made reference to a Japanese tradition, the story of the 1000 cranes. A profound testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the transformative magic of belief.
Rooted in ancient folklore, the legend holds that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the mystical creatures themselves. This beautiful narrative has found its way into the hearts and minds of many, symbolising the indomitable human spirit and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As part of our session our aim was to fold our own individual origami crane.
This ritual of paper folding is especially poignant in the face of challenges and adversity. One of the most poignant renditions of this story emerged from the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing in 1945. A young girl named Sadako Sasaki, who suffered from radiation-related leukemia, embarked on the journey of folding a thousand cranes with the fervent hope for her recovery. Although Sadako's life was tragically cut short, her story became a symbol of peace, inspiring the construction of the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
The tale of the 1000 cranes teaches us that hope is not merely a passive wish, but an active pursuit. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, small actions can lead to significant change. Folding a single crane may seem insignificant, but the cumulative effect of a thousand cranes transcends the physical realm, sparking a profound transformation in the heart and soul of the creator.
In our own lives, we encounter challenges that may seem insurmountable. The story of the 1000 cranes invites us to embrace hope, to fold our own symbolic cranes in the form of perseverance, kindness, and determination. Each small act contributes to the larger tapestry of our journey, weaving a narrative of resilience and optimism.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the ancient wisdom found in the delicate folds of paper cranes. Hope is not passive; it is an art, a practice, and a journey, it is one to not search for but to create. May we all find inspiration in the wings of a thousand cranes, soaring towards a future filled with hope, compassion, and endless possibilities.
I invite you to fold your own origami crane at home. I have paper and instructions in my office, please call past and get the materials to create your own. You will see my attempt at a crane below!
As a community, we together become a symbol of hope and resilience for our young people throughout their schooling lives. I will collate photos and a collage of our creations and share as we move through the year!
I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Mercy and I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you to make this year a successful and fulfilling one.
Emily Stephens - Assistant Principal, Wellbeing & Engagement
Presentation Ball Practice
Preparations are underway for our 2024 Presentation Ball, with our Year 11s strutting their stuff at the first rehearsal on Monday night!
MRC Alumni Tess Lourey is once again guiding students towards looking their best on the dancefloor.
We look forward to seeing the dances come together ahead of the big night in March.
Faith at MRC
Term 1 is a busy time in the liturgical calendar. It feels as though we have just wrapped up and tucked away the Christmas decorations, discarded all the leftover rubbish from the festivities, and baby Jesus is tucked up for a nap, when we start looking ahead to the centre of our faith – His death and resurrection.
Lent begins next week and takes us through a time of reflection and consideration for what is deeply meaningful in our lives. Some people may choose to “give up” or “sacrifice” something for Lent, however, it is also common for us to “commit to” or “promise” to do better in different areas of our lives.
With our students we focus on how we may come together to help and serve others. Our Caritas fundraising begins next week on Shrove Tuesday – students will be making and selling pancakes on both campuses. The following day, Ash Wednesday, will include a Liturgy on both campuses (and on year 7 camp) to begin the season and remind ourselves of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Throughout Lent, each homeroom will be working on a fundraising activity that will contribute to our Caritas giving.
Caritas works around the world to support individuals and communities to develop skills, education, and better living conditions to improve their lives locally. More information on their work can be found on their website: www.caritas.org.
I look forward to meeting students in our social justice group this year to make a difference in our world, locally and globally. They will take more control over the types of world issues that we wish to bring to the student body. Stay tuned for the work they will be doing.
Melanie Bourchier - Director of Catholic Identity and Culture
Year 12 Seminar Day
Year 12 Seminar Day:
Last Wednesday, the Year 12s began their school year with a Seminar Day on site. Seminar Days are part of the students’ Year 12 Religious Education Program and allow for a whole day to focus on a theme or topic.
Wednesday’s focus was on the theme of “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,” Colossians 3:23. The day included some teamwork activities, alumni guest speakers, art creation and a liturgy.
Our guest speakers spoke about their journeys from CRC/MRC and how they reached their current reality. Many were unsure of what path they wished to take when they left school and found that working in their passion area or trying new things (like on work experience) allowed them to find their direction. The idea of overcoming hurdles, crossroads, or roadblocks was consistent with each speaker – and they advised the students to develop strategies to use during those difficulties to continue their journeys and find an alternative path. Having supportive networks in family, friends, other adult mentors, and in teachers helped each of the speakers to continue to work towards their goals. Goals are never static, and move with our life seasons, and we must grow with that. The idea of a good work/life/study balance was also imparted on the students to ensure they are getting the most out of each part of their lives.
We thank Aaron Sinnott, Sarah Baker, Darcy Collins, Georgia Clissold & Ella Gleeson for partaking on the day. We hope that students were able to take something from each speaker on the day. Students are encouraged to reach out to the speakers, or other alumni, if they wish to know more about their life and their career path, particularly if they’re interested in finding out more about that field.
Year 12 Retreat
Students have returned today from their Year 12 Retreat. A special event for all Year 12s that have made their path through MRC. The Retreat was held at Cave Hill Creek, Beaufort, where the idyllic surroundings lend itself well to the opportunity to withdraw and reflect on our lives and our direction.
Students moved through activities, individually and collectively, to understand more about themselves, their goals, and the way they wish to work together for their final year of secondary school. Each student was able to create a vision for the next 12 months and life beyond school. The group as a whole created a “Shared Charter for Year 12” that included who they are, what they want from Year 12, how they will enact these goals, and how Mercy as a school can support them. Each student will sign this charter and it will be displayed in their classrooms.
An exciting moment of the retreat was the Recycled Formal where the students were able to put on their glitz and glamour to enjoy an evening of fun with each other. The photos speak louder than words on this!
The conclusion of the retreat was a lovely student created and lead liturgy that helped send us on our way back to school.
Careers News
Please see the link below for the latest Careers News:
Library News
Calling all Year 7 and 8 Readers, Writers, Creatives and Leaders!
If you have a child in Year 7 or 8 now is a great time to encourage them to visit the O’Keeffe Campus Library on Wednesdays and Fridays to ask about activities and leadership roles that are available to them in 2024, including:
- Becoming Library Leaders
- Journal Club
- Book Club
- Melbourne Writers Festival trip
- Principal’s Reading Challenge
- Planning student-led Book Week and special event activities
All book lovers, enthusiastic writers, artists and organisers are welcome.
Contact jchristie@mercy.vic.edu.au
Why is reading fiction so important?
If you have ever wondered why schools are so keen on having students read fiction, this short TED Talk by Rita Carter covers many of the reasons. When we read fiction (rather than other types of reading material), we create new pathways in our brain. Reading 30 pages of fiction every night, gets the pathways thicker and thicker. Our brain needs a workout just like our body.
Rita Carter is a writer, broadcaster and journalist who specializes in the workings of the human brain. Her books include the first layman’s guide to neuroscience: Mapping the Mind, which has been translated into 14 languages. For seven years she presented London’s nightly news programme, “Thames News” , and has written for magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including the London Times, Telegraph, Guardian and New Scientist. She has won many awards for her work, including, on three occasions, the Medical Journalists Association award for excellence and she holds an Honorary PhD in Brain science from Leuven University.
Jean Christie - Library & Resource Centre Coordinator
Canteen News
Open Day 2024
McAuley Campus Tours: 20 March 2024 - https://enrol.mercy.vic.edu.
O'Keeffe Campus Tours: 22 March 2024 - https://enrol.mercy.vic.edu.
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)
School Photos
School Photos 2024 – Mercy Regional College
Annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Thursday 7th
March 2024.
There is no need to return any forms or money to school.
Unique image codes will be issued to all students on/after photo day so families can register online
to view images when they become available in the webshop.
Registration is simple, just follow the 3 simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you
receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending this school.
Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do again this year using your child’s 2024
image code to link their images for the current year with your contact details.
When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified
by SMS and email.
Once registered, please wait for notification that 2024 images are online to view before making
your purchase.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Thursday 8 February
Commencement Mass and VCE Awards
Friday 9 February
MRC House Swimming Sports
Monday 12 February
HSSSD Senior Cricket
Tuesday 13 February
Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 14 February
Lent Begins
Year 7 Camp
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Monday 19 February
Year 12 Bowls Night
Wednesday 21 February
Ryan Feast Day with Activities
Friday 23 February
HSSSD Swimming
Monday 26 February
SSV Golf
Wednesday 28 February
Outdoor Ed Surf Excursion
Thursday 29 February
Unit 3 Biology Excursion
Friday 1 March
MRC House Athletics Sports
Community Notices
Terang Junior Domestic Basketball registrations are now open!
We welcome new and returning players to follow the link below, to register NO LATER than Tuesday February 20th.
Season will commence Friday 1st March, 2024. BLACK or NAVY Shorts ONLY, strictly NO pockets or NO footy shorts allowed.
There will be NO LATE registrations accepted past the cut off date of February 20th, 2024. Any queries please message TOBA page, Stephen Vaughan or Kym Grundy.
https://www.playhq.com/
413 Squadron - AAFC Australian Air Force Cadets offer a youth development program like no other - Teambuilding / Aerospace skills / Aviation experiences / Fieldcraft & bivouacs / Ceremonial services / Challenges / Leadership & survival skills / Making new friends and having heaps of fun.
We are recruiting now for our 2024 Semester 1 intake. Australian Air Force Cadets offers provides a fantastic youth development program for secondary students from all walks of life (enrolment age is 12-15) and they can continue until they are 18 years old.
Our cadet unit has been established since 2012 and are fully equipped for aviation training including a flight simulator, bivouacs (outdoor camping), drone technology, fieldcraft and so much more. There are so many experiences and opportunities available to our cadets that they won’t find anywhere else!
413 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets enjoy an excellent working relationship with the RSL and other service groups, and participate annually in Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, as well as other local ceremonies as requested.
RECRUITMENT NIGHT: Thursday 7 March – 6:45pm sharp
Tel el Eisa Army Barracks, Pertobe Road Warrnambool