MRC Newsletter - Issue 3 - 6 March 2024

Prayer

Principal's Message

Community is one of our renewed Mercy Core Values. I hope to share with our community one of our renewed Mercy Core Values or our guiding documents in each newsletter. We collaborated as a wider school community inclusive of  young people, staff, parents, alumni and School Advisory Council to define what we at Mercy Regional College understand to exemplify Community:

At Mercy, we prioritise fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where every individual feels valued, supported and cared for. We see the role of actively fostering positive community members as integral to our mission. We achieve this by instilling values of respect, empathy, and responsibility. From encouraging kindness and inclusivity in everyday interactions to providing opportunities for students to engage in community service projects, we actively nurture the development of positive character traits. Through collaborative learning experiences, peer mentoring programs, and leadership opportunities, we empower students to become proactive contributors to our school community and beyond. By promoting a culture of mutual support, understanding, and appreciation for diversity, we aim to cultivate a nurturing environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to thrive. Together, we continue to build a community where kindness and compassion are the cornerstones of our collective success. Our traditions and celebrations further strengthen our sense of identity and belonging. Together, we continue to build upon our shared values of inclusivity and collaboration to create a vibrant and supportive school community where every member thrives.

As we approach the end of Term 1, it's a moment for reflection on the vibrant community events we have had the privilege to celebrate already this year. Our House Athletic Sports held in Camperdown showcased the enthusiasm and talent of our students, while our Commencement Mass honoured senior school achievements from 2023. Swimming Sports began the spirit of house camaraderie, and Ash Wednesday deepened our connection to our faith community. We marked five years of community connection at our Y12 Retreat and Seminar Day and welcomed our newest members at Year 7 Camp, fostering the beginnings of Mercy community building. Finally, we honoured the legacy of Sr Beda Ryan and Dinny and Mary Ryan, whose contributions to our Mercy Regional College community are deeply cherished, during Ryan House's feast day celebrations.

Last week we welcomed principals from 9 of the 12 Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Ballarat as well as both DOBCEL Deputy Directors and our DOBCEL secondary education consultant. In addition to meeting virtually each week and in person once a term in Horsham with the primary principals, we gather once a term in one of our schools. This was a wonderful opportunity to share with the group our 2024 School Improvement Plan goals as well as providing the opportunity for tours of both of our campuses and to meet many of our staff and students. It was my pleasure to share with the group our unique educational context, facilities and culture at Mercy.

Next week, our Year 7 and Year 9 students will participate in the annual NAPLAN testing. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a standardised assessment focused on literacy and numeracy skills. It is administered to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia. NAPLAN is just one aspect of our school's assessment and reporting process. NAPLAN provides valuable data that our teachers do utilise to support your child's learning outcomes. However, it is not intended to replace the ongoing assessments made by teachers regarding student performance. These continuous assessments by our educators remain integral to understanding and addressing individual student needs effectively. We appreciate your support and understanding as we navigate through this assessment period. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding NAPLAN or your child's academic progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

2024 Open Day

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to prospective students and their families to join us for Mercy Regional College's 'School in Action' Open Day and afternoon on Wednesday 20 March. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand the vibrant learning environment at our Camperdown campus and learn more about the enriching educational journey offered at Mercy from Year 7 to 12. We encourage those intending to participate to register for this event as it greatly assists us in our planning efforts. Our Junior campus in Noorat will be open for tours on the afternoon of Friday 22 March. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the unique educational experiences that Mercy has to offer.

For more information and to register, please visit our website.

We acknowledge the wonderful achievements of our young people in the community:

• Well done to all in the Pomborneit Cricket Club Under 17 team on winning the Grand Final.
  
• Year 12 students Lenny and Daniel were part of the Port Campbell crew that were the 2024 Victorian U19 surf boat representatives - great effort!
  
• Congratulations to all who played in local cricket Grand Finals on the weekend, and to Cobden/Mortlake Under 17s who won their premiership.
  
• Great job to Matéa M. and Ava L. who participated in the Red Door Dance and Theatre Co. production of Moana Jr on the weekend.
  
• Well done to Annabelle G. who played in the Geelong second grade women's side Cricket Grand Final on the weekend.
  
• Congratulations to the Greater Western Region Netballers Indi, Piper, Pippa and Charlotte.
  
• Congratulations Aiden C. who will be representing Victoria in the 17&U Men’s Netball team and at Nationals in Brisbane this Easter.
  
• Well done to everyone who played in the Bulla Colac Classic Basketball Competition over the weekend.
• Tyra S will be competing at States in 4 weeks time in show jumping, dressage, combined training and showing.

If you know a Mercy student doing great things in the community, please let us know at office@mercy.vic.edu.au so we can recognise their achievements!

In recent weeks, our community has faced numerous health and wellness challenges. Despite these difficulties, we have witnessed the remarkable strength and compassion of our community as we come together to support one another. We hold our beloved colleagues in our thoughts and prayers. Our wonderful Mercy community is a source of strength, care and support. During these challenging times, let us continue to lean on each other for support, drawing strength from our collective resilience and care for one another. I share with you a well known poem Footprints in the Sand, which reminds us that God is always with us and more so in times when we most need faith and support.

With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal

Learning at MRC

NAPLAN 2024

Next week our year 7 and 9 students will complete their NAPLAN tests.

Year 7 students will complete their tests at our O’Keeffe Campus (Noorat).  Year 9’s will complete their tests at the McAuley Campus (Camperdown).

Mercy Regional College recognises that this can be a stressful experience for some students.  Please partner with us to minimise anxiety for students by reassuring your child that this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills to the best of their ability.  All we ask is that they give it their best shot.

In order for the testing to run smoothly students require a fully charged computer  and earbuds each day of the testing period. Please assist your child by ensuring that they have both of these items with them on the day of the testing.

All of our Year 7 and 9 students can familiarise themselves with the online testing platform via the NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) 

There has been an update to the testing schedule which was published in our last newsletter.  Please refer to this schedule for the correct order of the tests.

Leanne Delahunty - Director of Learning and Teaching

Unit 3 Biology Excursion

On Thursday 29^th February, our 3 & 4 VCE Biology students travelled to Ecolinc Science and Technology Centre in Bacchus Marsh to deepen their knowledge of genetically modified organisms and engage in some hands-on activities. Students were able to conduct a variety of experiments:

• Used restriction enzymes to extract DNA from a range of foods
• Used a PCR machine to make copies of the target DNA
• Discovered techniques for setting up, running and staining electrophoresis gels
• Discovered which of the food samples have come from a genetically modified plant

It was wonderful for the students to supplement their classroom learning with this practical experience.

Year 7 French

Year 7 students have been examining our new French posters at the O’Keeffe Campus.

The posters cover a variety of topics from food to fashion to handy expressions and phrases.

Lions Youth of the Year

On Tuesday 20 February, our three school captains showcased their talents at the Lions Youth of The Year event held at the Camperdown RSL. Prior to delivering formal and impromptu speeches, Matilda, Veronica and Sophie presented a comprehensive list of their academic, sporting and community achievements to the panel, highlighting their diverse strengths. The students engaged in an interview process, discussing topics such as teacher shortages, youth crime, and climate change.

Later in the evening, they responded to impromptu questions regarding future challenges and dream travel destinations. Following this, each student delivered a compelling 5-minute speech on a topic of their choice.

Matilda Kealley was awarded the winner of the oral speech category. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the girls for their exceptional performance, which was recognised and praised by the judges for their outstanding written applications, interviews and speeches.

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

A warm welcome to the halfway point of the first term in the academic year. As we navigate through the various challenges and triumphs, we're excited to share updates on our ongoing initiatives and the positive strides we're taking at Mercy. 

Marching Forward for a Cause: Raising Awareness and Funds for Cancer

This term, we have embarked on a challenge, called the ‘March charge’. This is to raise awareness and funds for cancer. We believe that education extends beyond the classroom walls, and as a community, we hold the power to make a significant impact on the world around us. Our IT department has kindly set up a tracking link to track our km’s as we march our way forward for this brilliant cause. We understand that a strong sense of community is essential for the well-being of our students. The March charge for cancer awareness has brought us together in a common cause, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among our students. It's heartening to witness the bonds formed and the collective effort to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. This will be a house based activity!

Which HOUSE can run or walk the most kms? If you would like to make a donation at reception at both campuses. Let's make a difference. 

At the moment the leaderboard:

Frayne: 60km
Tindley: 27km
Markey: 17km
Ryan: 15km

https://services.mercy.vic.edu.au/charge

Already, we have witnessed the creativity and determination of our students as they have showcased many talents and skills beyond the academic realm. This is in many fields including, the Arts, Sport, Media, Volunteering! 

There have been some fantastic achievements and community activities outside of the classroom. We would love to continue to showcase these through our platforms, so please continue to let us know when great achievements occur! 

As we progress through the second half of the term, we encourage all members of our school community to actively participate in our ongoing initiatives. Every contribution, whether big or small, plays a crucial role in supporting our young people. Let's continue this journey of compassion, empathy, and community engagement, building a foundation for a brighter and more caring future.

We are starting to see many ‘cranes’ being brought in from home which is fabulous!! Please feel free to come and get some origami paper (from my office)  and have a go! 

A brilliant, relaxed, group of  young people gathered for a shared picnic lunch at our O’Keeffe campus last week. Many tunes, sing alongs and laughs were had. Thanks for embracing this activity Year 7 & 8’s!

7C were the eventual winners of our staff baby photo comp at the O’Keeffe campus. A delicious hot chip lunch is coming their way. 

Stay tuned for other initiatives and activities throughout the term from our Wellbeing team. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, and let's march forward together, making a difference in the lives of others.

Emily Stephens - Assistant Principal, Wellbeing & Engagement

Sports Report

MRC House Athletics

Our House Athletics Sports on Friday was a day filled with great participation, cheering and fun!

Well done to all students who gave it their best in the warm conditions and to Markey House on taking out the House Competition:

Markey - 745
Frayne - 716
Tindley - 639
Ryan - 499

Thank you to the staff and students who facilitated the events, ran the BBQ and kept score, and to all the families who added to the atmosphere of the day!

Congratulations to our 2024 Age Champions:

Under 13:
Zoe H.
Isaac L.

Under 14:
Charlotte H.
Archie M.

Under 15:
Piper S.
Nate S.

Under 16:
Indi C.
Hamish M.

Under 17:
Nellie S.
Archie T.

Under 20:
Sophie C.
Myles S.

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Equestrian

Well done to Tyra S. who represented MRC on Saturday at the Heytesbury Show Interschools Showjumping on 2 of her horses. 

Tyra placed 6th on the pony, and 3rd and 4th in the 80cm & 90cm rounds. She was also awarded best performance on the track horse in both sections.

Tyra will now compete at States in 4 weeks time in show jumping, dressage, combined training and showing.

Clay Shooting Competition

On Monday, Amelia P,. Harrison G., Riley M. and Luke B. competed in the Warrnambool region Sporting Clay Target Competition.

Everyone shot very well throughout the day.

Congratulations to Amelia P. who went on to win in the Senior girls division!

Faith at MRC

The Lenten season is a time for reflection and contemplation about our actions towards others. While some may recall it from their childhood as being a time of fasting and self-denial, it can be a journey of self-discovery where we discover the way our gospel inspired values influence and impact the way we live our lives. 

Inclusiveness lies at the heart of our faith, as we are called to welcome all into our community with open arms. During Lent, let us remember that Jesus's ministry was characterised by his embrace of all people, regardless of their background, status, or circumstances. As members of our Catholic school community, we must strive to emulate this inclusivity by reaching out to those in need, offering support and compassion to those who may feel marginalised or alone.

Respect is another fundamental value that guides our actions as a Catholic school. Lent provides us with an opportunity to deepen our respect for ourselves, for others, and for the world around us. By treating each person with dignity and kindness, we demonstrate our commitment to building a more just and compassionate society. Let us use this season as a reminder to honor the inherent worth of every individual, recognising the unique gifts and contributions they bring to our community.

Community is a cornerstone of our school identity, binding us together in fellowship and solidarity. During Lent, we are called to strengthen our bonds of unity by coming together in prayer, service, and support. As we journey through this season as a school community, let us take time to reflect on the ways in which we can build a more cohesive and caring community, where each member feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow in their faith.

Excellence is a pursuit that transcends academic achievement, encompassing the moral and spiritual dimensions of our lives. Lent challenges us to strive for excellence in our relationship with God and with one another, to continually seek growth and transformation. By setting high standards for ourselves and encouraging one another to reach our full potential, we embody the spirit of excellence that defines our Catholic school community.

As we embark on this journey through Lent, let us embrace the values of inclusiveness, respect, community, and excellence with renewed fervor and dedication. May this season be a time of spiritual renewal and growth for each of us, as we deepen our commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.

Pope Francis said: "Climate concerns are about more than ecology, because care for the earth and care for another are intimately linked"

REDUCE

REUSE

RECYCLE

Help MRC in recycling for a healthier envrioment

Change starts here

Melanie Bourchier - Director of Catholic Identity & Culture

Careers News

Please see the link below for the latest Careers News:

Library News

Book Club

Everyone is invited to the MRC Book Club for parents, staff and friends. It is also open to our broader local community.

This term we will meet on: Wednesday 27 March at 6:00pm at the Terang Commercial Hotel

If you would like to join us at this free event please RSVP here

This term we will be discussing Trent Dalton’s most recent book, Lola in the Mirror. Trent is the author of Boy Swallows Universe and All Our Shimmering Skies. Collins Booksellers in Warrnambool has several copies in stock or you buy online or reserve at your local Library.

Even if you have not read the book you can hear about some new recommendations, and join in a general book trivia quiz with prizes. 

Journal Club 

As reported last newsletter, throughout the year at the O’Keeffe Campus, the Library will be running a lunchtime Journal Club in five week blocks each term. To begin each session a presenter will give a thought-provoking prompt and students can choose their own creative response to the topic, whether through writing or art. 

Our first session featured a discussion on the topic of ‘A Sense of Place.’  Journal Club members were then asked to: Think of a place that is special to you, that you feel a strong connection with. It might be a place of your childhood or it might be a place that you have only been to recently or only went once but, which made you feel at peace or with which you strongly connected.

At the end of the session some students shared their responses and these were both creative and varied. They included:

•  A colourful, abstract visual representation of Port Campbell, which held special memories of family holidays, 
• A monotone drawing of a performer on stage - a place where the student felt at her best,
• A drawing of a wand inspired by Harry Potter - a place that took the student away into a world of fantasy and imagination.

New Books

We have a great selection of new books at both campuses this term. Our Library Leaders helped to select the new books.

You can read the new books brochure here.

Jean Christie - Library & Resource Centre Coordinator

Canteen News

New Canteen Ordering System Now Online

Spriggy is a very easy straight forward ordering system displaying all products, dietary requirements, specials, prices & is available on all mobile phone devises 24/7. Orders can be placed up to 4 weeks in advance. All orders must be received on the required day by 9.30am.   
9.30am is our cut off time each day on the day.
Over the counter cash & card lunch order sales are still available.
Canteen opening Hours 8.30am-1.30pm - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Canteen is Closed on Mondays till further notice
We are highly recommending that all lunch orders be placed by any of the above options to secure everyones lunch requirements & to avoid any disappointment as there is now only minimum over the counter food options available at lunch break.
Cash & Card Payments welcome 
No Phone Payment Policy remains  
We hope to see you all during 2024 & welcome any new menu suggestions or near future ideas.
Thanks for all your ongoing support 
The Canteen Team

Open Day 2024

We warmly invite prospective families to attend our 2024 Open Day on
Wednesday 20 March.

With information sessions in the morning and afternoon/evening at our
McAuley Campus in Camperdown, we look forward to sharing what Mercy has to offer our local communities.

Registration is essential.

McAuley Campus Tours: 20 March 2024 -
https://enrol.mercy.vic.edu.au/events/2024-open-day-2024-03-20

O'Keeffe Campus Tours: 22 March 2024 -
https://enrol.mercy.vic.edu.au/events/2024-okeeffe-campus-tours-2024-03-22

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)

Child Safe Standard 7

Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Mercy Regional College is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. Central to our commitment is the implementation of key policies, such as processes for complaints and concerns are child focused and also receive continuous support to embody and reflect our core values of child safety and wellbeing in their daily practices. 

These policies include:

• MRC Complaints Handling Policy
• MRC Grievance procedures Students of a DOBCEL School
• DOBCEL reportable conduct scheme
• DOBCEL Grievance procedures for parents
• DOBCEL Protect- Reporting and responding obligations policy
• DOBCEL Grievance policy
• MRC Duty of Care policy

In practice and complying with Standard 7, MRC  actively implements these policies for processes for complaints, and concerns.

Some of the evidence of policy implementation and practice includes:

• MRC has an accessible, child-focused complaint handling policy which clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of leadership, staff and volunteers, approaches to dealing with different types of complaints, breaches of relevant policies or the Code of Conduct and obligations to act and report.
• Complaint handling processes are understood by children and young people, families, staff and volunteers, and are culturally safe.
• Complaints made to MRC are taken seriously and responded to promptly and thoroughly.
• MRC has policies and procedures in place that address reporting of complaints and concerns to relevant authorities, whether or not the law requires reporting, and co-operates with law enforcement.
• Reporting, privacy and employment law obligations are met at MRC

Spirit of Mercy Awards 2024

Nominations are NOW OPEN for our 2024 Spirit of Mercy Alumni Awards.

With our inaugural awards last year seeing seven outstanding alumni inducted, we look forward to celebrating and recognising even more achievements this year!

To nominate an outstanding alumni for the Spirit of Mercy or Young Spirit of Mercy Award, please visit our website https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/spirit-of-mercy-awards/ for more information and nomination forms.

School Photos Tomorrow

School Photos 2024 – Mercy Regional College
Annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos TOMORROW 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 7 March
School Photos Day
Unit 3/4 ODE Budj Bim Camp

Monday 11 March
Student Free Day (Labour Day Public Holiday)

Wednesday 13 March
NAPLAN Testing

Thursday 14 March
Presentation Ball Practice
Animal Studies Excursion

Thursday 15 March
Presentation Ball

Monday 18 March
Tertiary Information Session

Tuesday 19 March
VCE Art Excursion

Wednesday 20 March
MRC Open Day & Evening

Friday 22 March
GWR Swimming Sports
HCSN Taster Day
O'Keeffe Campus Tours

Wednesday 28 March
Holy Thursday Easter Liturgy
Term 1 Ends

Monday 15 April
Term 2 Commences
Year 10 Work Experience

Community Notices