MRC Newsletter - Issue 16 - 27 October 2021

Prayer

Principal's Message

It is that time of year again when we say a fond farewell to the graduating class, our  Class of 2021. We welcomed 67 Year 7 students from many different towns and 14 different primary schools back in 2016, and then welcomed others along the way.  The completion of 13 years of schooling is a wonderful achievement and a memorable journey, not only for our granuands, but also for their parents and carers, families, and all of their teachers along the way.  Our Graduation Liturgy and Awards ceremony was one which celebrated this special occasion and was able to be shared virtually  with families and friends.  It was a truly beautiful ceremony recognising the students' journey and expressing gratitude for the gift of holistic education and community that we value at Mercy Regional College.  I thank all staff who were involved in bringing this celebration together, as well as Fr Neville, for their willingness to pre-record their message of blessing for our Year 12s.  We will remember this group of young people for their courage, resilience, optimism and independence, as they completed much of their final two years of study from home.  Their work now and throughout life will be supported by the faith, character, capabilities, knowledge and values they have developed and the networks they are now connected to, to make a difference in the lives of others.  We wish for them prosperous futures and welcome them to our MRC Alumni network.  We look forward to learning of the future pathways being pursued by all of our students.  An interesting read related to future pathways is the Australian Jobs 2021 Report published by the National Skills Commission. 

We also wish our Year 12 and 11 students commencing VCE Unit 4 exams all the very best.  These young people have worked hard and in difficult circumstances.  For our MRC students, exams begin with English today and conclude with Media on Monday, 15 November.  Results are released on Thursday, 16 December.  We thank our Unit 4 teachers for their dedicated work in supporting our students. 

We celebrated the full return to onsite learning last Friday, albeit with some restrictions still in place.  I congratulate our students, staff and families on working with us to follow them.  Further  restrictions will be eased in schools as of Wednesday, 3 November, which will include:

• Camps, interschool sport, excursions, school assemblies, music, singing and performances are able to take place.
• Face masks will not be required outdoors by teachers or secondary school students, but will remain an important part of our classrooms and in the community.
• Schools will be able to conduct transition programs for Grade 6 students transitioning to Year 7 in 2022.
• Schools will be able to have a range of visitors on-site, including photographers and guest speakers, as long as they are fully vaccinated.

Easing of statewide restrictions has allowed us to make further plans in relation to our Year 11 Presentation Ball, Year 12 Graduation Dinner, and Indigenous Perspectives Adventure.  Students involved and their families will receive updated information as soon as possible.  We are required to work within the State guidelines for gatherings and events.

We will continue with strategies to increase ventilation in all classrooms and will therefore continue providing students the opportunity for choice in the uniform they wear, inclusive of their PE uniform, through until the end of the year.  Whichever uniform is chosen, it does need to be worn correctly please.  Our PE uniform was updated in 2019 to include navy MRC shorts and track pants.  If PE uniform is being chosen, we require Year 7 and 8 students to wear the correct garments, and request that where possible, our students in Years 9, 10 and 11 do the same.  Hats are required to be worn outdoors in Term 4 and Term 1.  I ask that families also ensure the correct socks are being worn with the choice of uniform.  All uniform inclusions can be found on our website.

We have been continuing our review of our Years 7 - 10 learning program and are looking forward to our new Deputy Principal, Mrs Natalie Stephenson, commencing next week to work with our Learning and Teaching team.  One change that will be in place for 2022 at Years 7 and 8 is a change to the number of LOTE - French lessons each learning cycle.  Year 7 will have four lessons per cycle, reduced from six, and Year 8 will have three lessons per cycle, also reduced from six. 

We began work last month with our newly appointed architects, Baldasso Cortese.  We are looking forward to our next scheduled meeting where Anthony and Illia will present to us their first concept drawings.  This is a most exciting time for all at Mercy Regional College and for our community.  Our planning is focussed around building the best conditions for learning, inclusive of the many different learning pathways available to young people through their MRC education. Spaces that support engaging and inclusive teaching practices and which promote collaboration and community have been prioritised. 

I wish to acknowledge that in recent media articles our school name has been incorrectly written as Mercy College rather than the correct name, Mercy Regional College.  This article was written by the media organisation without any opportunity for us to proofread and correct the error.  It is most important to us that our current name is always used as it truly represents who we are and our enrolments from our wider regional community.  We have advised media organisations of this error and their need to use our full and correct name in the future.

Finally, I do hope you enjoy the coming longer weekend.  Our staff have a Professional Practice Day on Monday, which means school will return for all MRC students on Wednesday, 3 November.

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at MRC

Senior Learning Matters

Our Unit 2 students are continuing to complete their school based assessment tasks, as well as revising for their upcoming Unit 2 examinations.  These examinations will be held on Monday, 15 November through to Thursday, 18 November for all our Unit 2 students.  A copy of the Unit 2 Timetable can be accessed here: Unit 2 Examination Timetable 2021. 

Unit 3 VCE and internal VET classes will begin on Tuesday, 23 November and VCAL classes will begin on Wednesday, 24 November.  It is a requirement for all students to attend.  Unit 3 VCE, VET and VCAL classes will conclude on Wednesday, 1 December with our Mass of Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony.  Unit 1 VCE, internal VET and VCAL classes will begin on Wednesday, 1 December and continue through until Friday, 3 December.  A timetable for the Unit 3 VCE, internal VET and VCAL classes will be shared with students shortly.  A copy will also be provided in the next newsletter. 

The VCAA end of year examinations commenced today and conclude on Monday, 15 November.  Students are required to wear their school uniform to these examinations.  Due to COVID regulations, students are required to enter the Camperdown College campus via the Wilson Street entrance and scan the QR code when entering the Camperdown College hall.  Students are encouraged to maintain their 1.5m distance before and after their examinations.  It is recommended students arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time of their examination.  Seating plans have been emailed to students, there is also a copy of these plans in the foyer of the hall.  Year 11 students who are sitting these examinations do not need to attend formal classes on the day of their examination. 

Students who are unwell before or during their examinations need to contact Mrs Rose Henry. Advice will be provided on the process of applying for a Derived Examination Score (DES).  A letter was sent home last week with details of the COVID-19 procedures and policies for the upcoming examinations.  Please contact Mrs Rose Henry if further clarification is required.  The Derived Examination Score process is an application and is set out by the VCAA.  This process does require medical support and there are specific dates and evidence required. 

We wish of our Unit 3 and 4 VCE students all the best during their examination period. 

Students can attend school to complete revision in the library or access their teachers.  Students are required to sign in and out at reception if they attend onsite. 

Danae Fraser
Senior Pathways Leader

Years 7-10 Learning Matters

As we welcome all Middle School students back onsite full time this week, staff and students are in full swing with learning and teaching.  It has been terrific to see our Years 7-10 classrooms full of chatter and hallways bustling with movement.  We again thank our wonderful families who have supported their children's learning at home.

As we move into the middle of Term 4, we inevitably start to look ahead to the end of this year and then in due course, the beginning of next year.  Years 9 and 10 students will sit end of year examinations in November for Mathematics, English, Humanities, and Science.  Year 10 exams are across two days (19 and 22 November), with alternate timetabling to allow for study breaks.  The Year 9 examinations will be held in class time across the week of 22-26 November.  The purpose of these examinations is to not only test students’ knowledge of the subject area, but to also familiarise them with important exam processes, such as managing nerves, utilising reading time, following written instructions and writing to time.  The timing of the exam period will allow teachers to be able to complete marking and provide feedback to students prior to the end of the year, and for current Year 10s, before commencing their Unit 1 studies in Week 9.

With much excitement, Year 9 and 10 students were notified of their elective/VCE/VET subjects for 2022.  The Year 10 elective program allows for students to test out a range of interest areas before moving into a more focused pathway for their senior years.  Year 8 students can look forward to having their 2022 elective choices confirmed soon.  Students are encouraged to keep checking emails and notice boards for information about subjects, or to contact Caitlin Rix, Lydia Darcy or Danae Fraser with questions.  

Finally, we welcome Mr Matthew Absalom to our tutoring staff at our O’Keeffe campus.  Matthew has recently returned from teaching in Kununurra and will be working with Year 7 and 8 students both in and out of the classroom across literacy and numeracy areas.

Lydia Darcy
Years 7-10 Learning Leader

Wellbeing at MRC

Welcome Back!  Last Friday we were excited to have all students return to onsite learning at school. We remind students that they have a choice of summer, winter or sports uniform to wear to school. We do ask students to wear their chosen uniform correctly. A requirement from the government is that there be adequate airflow in all classrooms and specialist areas, therefore the rooms can be a cooler at times.  This is also a friendly reminder that all students must have a school hat, which is required to be worn at recess and lunchtime throughout Term 4.  Hats are available for purchase online through the Uniform Shop. 

COVID-Safe Practices

Once again, we ask students and families to support the College in adhering to Government guidelines.  By following the below mentioned requirements, we are able to operate at school with all of our students onsite.  Clearly this is preferable over remote learning.  By following this advice, we are giving ourselves every opportunity to continue to work at school and continuing our learning and reconnecting with our peers.  Students will be required to follow the COVID hand hygiene, social distancing (where possible) and safety practices, including wearing masks on buses and while at school.

Adjusting to Life Back at School

The following article is an insightful read.  It talks about how parents can assist their child upon the return to onsite learning after experiencing several lockdowns.  Support could be required across several facets: separation anxiety, catching COVID-19, reconnecting with peers or the changes in day to day learning.

https://theconversation.com/5-ways-parents-can-help-children-adjust-to-being-at-school-after-months-in-lockdown-169350

We continue to ask families to reach out if there are any concerns regarding your child’s return to school.  Should you have any concerns please feel free to contact:

• Mrs Emily Stephens, O'Keeffe Community Leader
• Ms Cailtin Rix, Middle Years Leader
• Mr Jeremy Baker, Senior Years Coordinator
• Mrs Berni Sinnott, Deputy Principal Students and Staff

October is Mental Health Month

To celebrate all students onsite, our Wellbeing team has organised BBQs at both campuses.  These will take place on:

• Wednesday, 27th at O’Keeffe; and
• Friday 29th at McAuley.

Next fortnight's newsletter will share how the event unfolded.

Opening the Doors Foundation - assistance with books for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students

2022 grants for the Opening the Doors Foundation are now open.  Parents/carers of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students in our Mercy Regional College community are eligible to apply for book vouchers to assist with the purchasing of school books and equipment.  Click the button below to apply.  Funding is capped depending on the year level.  If you would like to chat about an application or need any support in applying, please contact the Wellbeing Team for a confidential conversation.

Grants

The Wellbeing Team have been applying for funding from Brophy Family & Youth Services in Warrnambool for some student-led initiatives.  We are thrilled to let our MRC  community know that we have been successful in our efforts and have secured $1,500 to spend on projects at both campuses.  At O’Keeffe, we will build two wooden planter boxes under the guidance of Mr Baker, and at McAuley, we will be able to get two more outdoor tables and chairs.  Thanks to Brophy for their wonderful support!

Wellbeing Team

Faith at MRC

Community Lunch

It has been another great year of supporting the local community lunch.  Our last day for 2021 is Wednesday, 27 October.  A big thank you to Melanie Simmonds and her Hospitality students for preparing the delicious food for this event.  Due to COVID-19 we are unable to cook and serve meals in person at the moment, but with thanks to all involved, we have still been able to support this wonderful cause by preparing takeaway containers which are then delivered to the people in need of this kind of support in our local area.

Zooper-Doopers for St Vinnies Christmas Appeal - Thursdays at O’Keeffe Campus 

On Thursdays during the last few weeks of school, the Social Justice team, along with Ms Wilson and Tess, will be selling Zooper Doopers at the O’Keeffe campus during lunch time.  These will be sold for 50 cents each, with all money raised used to support our Christmas St Vinnies appeal.

Kellie Wilson
Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader

All Souls' and All Saints' Days

Over the centuries, traditions across the world have sprung up to remember and celebrate people who have died.  This is because our love for them does not stop just because we do not see them any longer.

Two special days follow each other in the Catholic calendar.  The first is All Souls’ Day on 31 October.  On this day, we remember saints in our own lives who have died.  You may not have anyone close to you who has died, whilst others’ grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, siblings or family friends may have died.  On All Souls’ Day across the world, people and families remember those they love but no longer see.

On 1 November every year, we remember those the Church has officially decided are saints.  People like St Patrick, St Thomas, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, St Monica, St Teresa of Avilia, and St Colman.  Some celebrate people like Catherine McAuley too.

The two days go hand in hand because, whether named or unnamed, saints and special people in our lives make a difference to us.  In the lives of the Saints we see faith, sacrifice, and dedication.  In the lives of people around us, we might see similar qualities to the saints, but we also see our relationships, happy memories, love and laughter.

If someone you love has died, why not take a minute today to light a candle and to remember the memories you have of that person?  Their love for us and our love for them is always united and unending.

Matthew Crane
Mercy Regional College Chaplain

MRC Car Raffle

MRC Car Raffle Early Bird Draw

Local Certificates - Our Car Raffle is Supporting Local Businesses!

The Car Raffle tickets are still selling fast and we would like to thank everyone in our community who has already purchased their tickets, shared our social media posts or supported the raffle in another way.

We are excited to support our regional community with the introduction of Local Certificate prizes for our 2021 Car Raffle.  We have prepared four Local Certificates, covering the areas of Camperdown, Terang, Cobden, Timboon & Port Campbell.  Each Local Certificate consists of several $50 vouchers to the local cafes, shops and retailers.  Each certificate presents a fantastic opportunity to discover or rediscover local towns and spend a beautiful day shopping.

Local Certificates are generously sponsored by 21 local businesses, in partnership with Mercy Regional College.  We sincerely appreciate their support of our raffle.

• $450 CAMPERDOWN LOCAL CERTIFICATE - Benallack’s Sports, Camperdown Nursery and Market, Camperdown Pharmacy, Excuse Me, Full Bloom Florist, GBM Technology, Laffs, Little Pharmacy and Shoe Shop, The Milk Bar

• $200 TERANG LOCAL CERTIFICATE - Crawley’s Milk Bar, Reicha’s Drapery, Terang, Terang Commercial Hotel, Terang Country Bakery

• $200 COBDEN LOCAL CERTIFICATE - Cobden Bakery, Cobden Golf Club, Cobden Newsagency, Martin’s Timber and Hardware

• $200 TIMBOON & PORT CAMPBELL LOCAL CERTIFICATE - Milk & Honey, Timboon, Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Forage on the Foreshore, Port Campbell, Port Campbell Shopping

When purchasing Car Raffle tickets you are supporting small business owners in our community.

All the proceeds from the 2021 Car Raffle will be used to purchase new-generation interactive furniture for our MRC classrooms.  More information about the raffle and the prizes is available on the College website: www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

We sincerely thank our community for their continuous support of our Car Raffle.

_________________________

There is an agreement between Mercy Regional College and Lighthouse Group Pty Ltd trading as RaffleLink (ABN 83 161 197 860) to promote and conduct this raffle for reward. Permit number 10454/21.

Graduation Mass & Awards

On Monday, 18 October, we held our Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony online.  A replay of the ceremony can be viewed by clicking on the video below.

We congratulate the following award recipients:

• Sarah McSween – Corangamite Student Citizenship Award
• Zoe Marsland – ADF Leadership & Teamwork Award
• Ruby Bennett – ADF Future Innovators Award
• Jessica Creely – The Mercy Regional College Founders Award
• Pippa Jones – Deakin University VCE Award
• Matilda Cain – Year 12 Structured Work Placement Learning Award
• Shae De Francesco & Chantai Lester – VCAL Award
• Grace Angus – MRC Arts Award
• Tahli Kent – MRC Technology Prize Award
• Edward Guthrie – Principal’s Award
• Ava Nolan / George Beasley – College Captains

Mercy Core Value Awards

• Isabella Finney – Community Award
• Caprice Baille – Inclusiveness Award
• Sarah McSween – Learning Award
• Maggie Conheady – Care Award
• Eleanor Pekin – Justice & Mercy Award
• Ruby Bennett – Excellence & Achievement Award
• Ava Nolan – Spirit of Mercy Award

College Fees

Uniform Shop

We are working with Noone to enable the reopening of the Uniform Shop and we are hopeful that the easing of restrictions over the coming weeks will assist.

In the interim, parents can continue to purchase uniform items through Noone's online portal by clicking on the link button below.  Online orders can be collected by the students at our McAuley Campus or sent over to the O'Keeffe Campus for collection at reception.  

Please contact the uniform shop if you require any assistance.

Phone: 03 7020 2625
Email: MercyRC@noone.com.au

Canteen Menu - Spring/Summer

With students returning onsite full time, we remind families that the canteen is in full operation and the menu has been revised for the spring/summer seasons in Term 4. 

An online ordering option is available for Dinny’s Diner, the canteen situated at McAuley Campus, Camperdown which services both Mercy Regional College and St Patrick’s School.  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.

Careers

• Hansen Scholarships (current Year 11 students)
• Forensic Science
• 'Soft skills' in future workplaces
• Australian Defence Force – upcoming events
• Music Careers Guide
• Engineering
• Outdoor Education / Recreation
• Swinburne - New Bachelor of Arts
• RMIT - Parents to Parent panel session
• RMIT - VCE Exam Cram

Alumni News

MRC Alumni Association Welcomes the Class of 2021

Last week the Class of 2021 spent their last days at MRC.  We warmly welcome this wonderful cohort as the newest members of our Alumni Association.  It has been a pleasure to see them grow into kind, patient and resilient young men and women.  We are truly proud of the people they all have become.

Please stay connected, Class of 2021.  We look forward to hearing about your achievements and to welcoming you back for school reunions in years to come.  Mercy Regional College is your second home and we will always be there for you.  We wish you all the best for the upcoming exams and your future endeavors.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Wednesday 27 October - VCAA Examinations Commence

Friday, 29 October - Mental Health Month BBQ, McAuley Campus

Monday, 1 November - Student Free Day / Staff Professional Practice Day

Monday, 2 November - Public Holiday, Melbourne Cup

Friday, 5 November - Student Investiture Ceremony (virtual)

Monday, 8 November - Year 7 2022 Information Evening (virtual)

8-11 November - Years 7-10 ACER Testing

Monday, 29 November - MRC Car Raffle Ends and Prizes Drawn

Wednesday, 1 December - Mass of Thanksgiving & Year 7-11 Awards (format TBC)

Wednesday, 1 December - Year 11 Final Day

Friday, 3 December - Years 7-10 Final Day

Friday, 3 December - Presentation Ball

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

AUSSIE HOOPS is coming soon!

Thank you everyone for being patient - we know it has taken a while to get this info out to you all.We just wanted to ensure we could go ahead with the program first and iron out some online issues with registration. 
Please see the poster attached with all info. If you have any questions please send Lauren Murphy a message. 
Register using this link: https://aussiehoops.basketball/
Search & find Camperdown and then follow the prompts.

MyGolf Programs

Sadly due to the weather we have been experiencing we will be unable to start our junior clinics at the date we had hoped for.
We will be pushing these clinics back to the following dates:

Thursday Clinics: November 11thSunday Clinics: November 14th
It is our hope by this time the course will be primed for great experiences learning and enjoying the game of golf.
The club is committed to these programs and growing the game of golf at the club.
Thank you for your continued support and if you would like to get involved please click the following link to register your child:
https://tinyurl.com/2k4kc5r5