MRC Newsletter - Issue 16 - 30 October 2024

Prayer

Principal's Message

A warm welcome home to Fr Michael McKinnon, who returned from Yanaoca, Peru, over the weekend. Fr Mick will be a familiar presence at our remaining liturgical celebrations this term, alongside Fr Neville.

We congratulate Deacon Cay Trinh. Cay will be ordained on Saturday, 23 November, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat, and will celebrate one of his first Masses at St Patrick’s in Camperdown in the near future.

This week our MERCY classes began planning for our annual Vinnies Christmas Giving appeal. Students and staff at Mercy each year give generously to ensure everyone in our communities receives a gift at Christmas. Staff donate towards the purchase of local vouchers for adults and students combine their resources or fundraise to select individuals to purchase for according to their age and gender. It is the 15th year of MRCs giving to Vinnies at Christmas which is a wonderful part of our school’s commitment to the communities in our region. It is always a special part of our Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the end of another educational year.

Spirit of Mercy Awards and Staff Years of Service

The past two weeks have been filled with reflection, celebration, and connection. On Saturday evening, we came together for our biennial Spirit of Mercy Alumni Awards. We warmly congratulate Sarah Wall, Ben Blain, Ken Hinkley, Peter Morgan, and Daniel Meade on their induction, along with Sophie Rowan, Jake Rowbottom, and Toby McKenzie, who were recognised with Young Spirit of Mercy awards.

Each of their stories is truly inspiring, embodying our Mercy Core Values and reflecting their dedication to service and community. Short clips showcasing their journeys and achievements will soon be available on our website, thanks to the creative work of staff member Jean Christie. These stories will be a valuable resource to inspire our young people as they explore their own future pathways.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as we celebrated the incredible service milestones of past and present staff—ranging from 15 to an extraordinary 41 years! It was a powerful reminder of the dedication that has shaped our community over the years, through both Mercy Regional College and Catholic Regional College. The enduring commitment of so many staff members continues to foster the unique spirit that makes our school truly special.

The room was filled with excitement as former colleagues reconnected, reminiscing and shared stories with former students—some now working alongside us or attending as proud Spirit of Mercy recipients. It was a heartwarming evening, filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of belonging.

We proudly congratulate the following staff members on reaching their service milestones and look forward to adding their names to our newest honour board.

Year 12 Graduation

Last week, we farewelled the Class of 2024 in our  Mercy Regional College tradition. The celebrations began with a heartfelt Graduation Mass, followed by the Year 12 Awards presentation on Wednesday evening at St Thomas’ Church, Terang. Surrounded by staff, family, and friends, our Year 12 students received a special blessing as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

We are incredibly proud of these remarkable young people and wish them every success in the future. We look forward to hearing about their life journeys and welcoming them back as valued alumni. Many of our graduates began their VCE exams on Tuesday, continuing through to 19 November. Their hard work, supported by the dedication of their teachers, is a testament to their perseverance and determination.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024, including our 2024 award winners:

Corangamite Student Citizenship Award – Sophie C.
ADF Leadership & Teamwork Award – Daniel R.
ADF Future Innovators Award – Hannah J.
The MRC Founders Award – Myles S.
Westvic Staffing Solutions Award – Amelia B.
Elm’s Driving School (VET) Award – Tia K.
VCE-VM Excellence Award – Sienna C. and Ellie H.
Bob Reed Mercy Arts Award – Charlotte B.
MRC Principal’s Award – Charlotte B.
College Captains Presentation – Matilda K., Veronica W. and Sophie C.

Mercy Core Values Awards:
Community – Jessica W.
Inclusiveness – Tia K.
Respect – Eisha H.
Excellence – Lilly C.
Spirit of Mercy Award – Matilda K.

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On Friday, we also celebrated World Teachers’ Day with the theme ‘Hats off to Teachers.’ It was a moment for our community to pause and acknowledge the vital role educators play in shaping young lives and building the future.

2025 Senior Student Leadership

Last week, we officially commissioned our 2025 Senior Student Leaders during the Investiture of Student Leaders. This event is always a special moment to express our gratitude to the outgoing leaders and warmly welcome the new team for the year ahead.

In keeping with the Celtic tradition of passing on stories to share wisdom, the ceremony included the symbolic Passing of the Light, representing the Spirit of Mercy, with the light of Christ guiding and inspiring the actions of our new leaders as they step into their roles.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 Senior Student Leadership Team, who will be joined by our Middle and Junior Years leaders later this term:

College Community Captain – Nellie S.
College Excellence Captain – Rose B.
College Faith Captain – Riley H.

FIRE Carrier – Lucy M.
Arts and Environmental Leader – Sarah M.

Frayne House Leader – Jess M.
Markey House Leader – Brodie H.
Ryan House Leader – Isla F.
Tindley House Leader – Finn D.

Student Activities

This week, our Year 8 students embarked on an exciting camp to Anglesea whilst next week our Year 9 students will journey to the Melbourne CBD for their urban camp. We recognise the significance of camps and excursions as part of our ongoing commitment to holistic education, where young people develop not only academic knowledge but also essential life skills. Through these experiences, young people gain a greater sense of independence, strengthen peer connections, and deepen their understanding of the environment around them.

I extend my gratitude to our dedicated staff for their ongoing efforts to provide these enriching opportunities as part of a Mercy education. At Mercy, our core value of inclusiveness, ensures that all students have equitable access to  these experiences. We encourage the continued support of parents and carers to emphasise the value of participation, viewing it as an important aspect of learning, with attendance being prioritised. At Mercy, all students have equal access to attend camps and excursions without any additional charges ensuring these enriching experiences are inclusive and accessible to all. 

2025 Experiential Learning Immersions and Service Learning Programs

We have begun planning exciting, life changing learning opportunities for our young people to participate in both  interstate and overseas. Information has been shared with students in Years 8 to 11, as well as with parents and carers. A series of information sessions have been scheduled, and an information booklet has been distributed. For those unable to attend, these sessions will be recorded. Whilst these opportunities are voluntary and require expenses to be paid by families in addition to fee contributions, provision has been made to support families to ensure opportunities are inclusive and accessible to all. Please contact Business Manager Jude Murfitt for further details.

Upcoming Opportunities:

• Central Australia - Y9, 10 and 11 in 2025

• Timor Leste - Y10 and 11 in 2025 - ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION TONIGHT https://meet.google.com/uyh-mcyf-ius

• Kokoda Trek - Earnes Lingenberg Scholarship - Y11 and
  This trek is facilitated by No Roads and is available for students attending secondary schools in the Corangamite Shire, specifically for Year 11 or 12 students in 2025. Dates: July 6 to July 17, 2025.

Our young people continue to thrive and excel with many notable student achievements. Congratulations and well done to:

⭐️ Congratulations to Jannah L. who became an Australian citizen in a ceremony in Camperdown last Tuesday night.

⭐️  Well done Nate S. and Sarah B. on their efforts at the State Athletics recently!

Upcoming Student Free Days

I remind all families that Monday 4 November and Tuesday 5 November are Student Free Days. 

Our Student Free Professional Learning days for 2025 will be shared in the next Newsletter.

Car Raffle

We congratulate the winner of our Early Bird Draw, Shane Scanlon!

Tickets for the main draw on December 3 are available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Paper order forms are available at many local shops and some local events.

With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal

Learning at MRC

If we were to ask our students why they come to school the reasons would be varied. Some are here because they love learning, others for the social connections, some because their parents have told them they have to. As a young person it can be challenging to visualise the long term picture and to understand the importance of school for not only the theory they learn but also the life skills they develop along the way.

As our Year 12 students prepare for their final exams and stepping out into the world beyond Mercy, they will have a new understanding and appreciation for what life is like beyond Mercy and how their years at Mercy have prepared them for the new adventures that they are embarking upon. 

I would like to congratulate our Year 12 class of 2024 and wish them all the best for their upcoming exams and life beyond Mercy.  You are a wonderful group of young people who will go on to make a positive difference in the world and the lives of those around you.

Leanne Delahunty - Director of Learning & Teaching

SENIOR SCHOOL

Our incredible Year 12 cohort has worked tirelessly, and now it’s time for them to complete their final assessments across their subjects. Berni and I have been privileged to witness the dedication of both students and staff as they prepare for this exam period. We’d like to remind our students that their ATAR does not define them.

Over the next three weeks, exams will take place at Camperdown College. We ask that all students arrive at least 15 minutes before their exam, equipped with the necessary stationery.

By Tuesday, November 19th, all Mercy students will have finished their exams, and we look forward to celebrating together at the Graduation Dinner on the Friday night.

Melanie Kavanagh - Learning Leader Senior School

Year 12 Last Day

As our Year 12s began their final day last Wednesday, they headed out for a final excursion as a cohort, before holding their Final Assembly in the Stadium in the afternoon.

We wish them the very best for the remainder of exams and the workplace, and look forward to the Graduation Dinner in November.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Term 4 has started well for our Middle School with many excursions and incursions to engage and support our students.  As we head into our final weeks of school it is important that students stay on top of their work; checking their Google Classrooms if they miss school for sports, illness or appointments, and maintaining contact with their teachers if they are struggling.  

Maintaining attendance is key during these weeks to supporting our students to achieve their best, and especially in terms of VCE Unit 1 and 3 classes is critical to their successful completion of the course. 

Some key dates to keep in mind:

Nov 4 & 5: Melbourne Cup long weekend
Nov 6 - 8:  Year 9 Camp
Nov 15: Unit 3 classes begin
November 25 & 26: Year 10 end of semester exams which will occur in their core subjects (English, Maths, Science and Humanities)
November 27th: Unit 1 classes begin
Dec 2 & 3: White Card training for Year 9 students
Dec 4 & 5: Year 9 end of semester exams which will occur in their core subjects (English, Maths, Science and Humanities)
Dec 6: Activity Day for final day of school

Josiane Gardner - Learning Leader Middle School

Year 10 Ag Excursion

Recently, our Year 10 students stepped out of the classroom and into the paddocks for a shearing excursion at West Cloven Hills Farm. This experience gave students a front-row seat to learn about the shearing process and gain hands-on experience in wool handling

Upon arrival, students observed the shearers in action, a few students timed the shearers' speed as they removed the fleece in a single piece from each sheep. The students quickly realised just how physical and skilled the job of a shearer is, appreciating the hard work that goes into producing high-quality wool. After each fleece was removed, students assisted with the initial cleanup of the wool, carefully picking out any straw, dirt, and vegetation that could reduce the wool’s quality. They also saw how different parts of the fleece are graded, adding another layer of understanding about how wool quality impacts pricing and usage.

Another thing in action was the hydraulic press as it compacted the wool into bales ready for transport. Watching the press turn fluffy fleeces into dense, manageable bales emphasised the scale of wool production and how much effort goes into every step of the supply chain before it reaches markets around the world.

The students also learned about crutching, a process done just a few days before their visit. The farm manager explained that crutching helps keep sheep clean and reduces flystrike, a common issue in warmer months. This insight into animal care practices gave students a greater appreciation of the day-to-day responsibilities that farmers undertake to ensure both animal welfare and product quality.

We extend our thanks to the team at West Cloven Hills for hosting us and for providing such a great learning experience. 

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

The final week of Year 12 brings a mix of emotions, especially as our students near the finish line of their secondary schooling journey. While it’s an exciting milestone, it can also be a stressful period with the pressure of exams and future plans weighing on their minds. Our week ahead posted some links from our School TV website that included tips and tricks for dealing with exam stress and pressure.

As our wonderful Year 12 cohort steps into the next chapter of their lives, we hope they look back with pride and know that they will always be welcome through the doors of Mercy. We are incredibly excited for their future and wish them every success ahead! 

We celebrated World Teachers’ Day last week with a shared morning tea among staff. We tip our hats to the wonderful teachers we have in our community. We are blessed to have such hard working, passionate and dedicated teachers to help shape our young people on a daily basis. 

The Respect Cup was held last week. This was in conjunction with Emmanuel College and Trinity College. Our Year 9s completed a unit of work in Term 3, the Respect Effect. This program is designed to foster positive relationships, encourage respectful behaviour, and promote emotional resilience. Through workshops and interactive activities, students explored concepts such as empathy, healthy boundaries, effective communication, and the importance of respecting both themselves and others. The program also focuses on equipping students with skills to manage conflicts constructively and recognise unhealthy relationship dynamics. We thank Sharon S., Nickeeta R. and Claire O. for the power of work they have done behind the scenes for this brilliant program and learning opportunity. This work then transferred into the Respect Cup played against Emmanuel and Trinity Colleges. 

We look forward to the opportunities and learning that Term 4 will bring, particularly with our Year 8 and Year 9 camps. We wish them all the best and hope they create great memories to treasure. 

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and embrace spring! We know that spending time outside offers well-documented benefits for our physical, emotional, and social well-being. We are looking forward to making the most of this during Term 4.

Emily Stephens - Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Useful Wellbeing Links:

Sports Report

GWR Junior Cricket

Our Year 7 girls Cricket team played in the GWR Competition yesterday. 

Our team won against Mount Clear College and lost to Trinity College Colac and showed a great display of skill and teamwork throughout the day!

GWR Intermediate Cricket

Last Wednesday, MRC competed in the GWR Intermediate Cricket in Ballarat. This level of competition is a round robin format with each school required to play each other once. 

Our boys were able to play an excellent brand of cricket throughout the day and went through undefeated. 

Well done to the squad of 14 boys that represented the school. 

We now look forward to the quarter final to be held in Geelong on Wednesday 6th November. 

Some of our top performers on the day included Campbell W., Parker W., Cooper H., Max H., Albie C., Eddie W. and Paddy H.

Game 1 
MRC 4 / 129 
Warrnambool College 7 / 79 

Game 2 
MRC 5 / 103 
Trinity College Colac 6 / 71 

Game 3 
MRC 9 / 103 
Mount Rowan 7 / 72 

Faith at MRC

Year 10 RE Excursion

On Wednesday 16th October, Year 10 students travelled to the Islamic Museum in Thornbury, Melbourne. Students were greeted in Melbourne by Sherene who gave students an outline of the history of the Islamic religion in Australia - dating back to trade between Indonesian Makassar fishermen and Australian Aboriginal tribes around 1650. The first migrant Muslims formed some of the exploration parties as Cameleers. Others worked on the diving grounds in Western Australia. The oldest Mosque in Australia was built in 1882 in Marree, South Australia. Sherene also spoke to the students about her life as a Muslim Woman growing up in Austalia and the various experiences she had, particularly after the September 11 terrorist attacks. She has always been a teacher and utilised this role to advocate for her community. 

The second part of our experience was through the museum itself. There were several galleries that explored the pillars of Islam, the history of Islamic contribution to science and medicine, art, architecture, and community engagement. Students were particularly impressed by the artwork and the designs of mosques around the world.

Year 9 Retreat

Year 9 Retreat was held on Friday 18th October on-site at McAuley Campus. The focus of the day was Living a Life of Mercy. The day began with a student run liturgy, and followed by a hands on activity creating polar fleece knot blankets for donations. After morning tea, Danni from the One Humanity Shower Bus in Ballarat visited and spoke to the students about the role the bus plays in the lives of the homeless and those doing it tough in Ballarat and surrounds. Students were able to engage in the presentation with questions and discussion. The polar fleece blankets from the morning session, along with a contribution of toiletries from the students, were donated to the shower bus to be used for the clients that need them. 

After lunch students broke into smaller groups to create a merciful contribution to our school and community. There was group cooking for the upcoming community lunch. Another created small hanging Mercy Birds for display in our school. The third group made beeswax wraps as awareness for environmental sustainability. The last group worked in the wood work area to make hand held crosses for our classrooms. 

All students came back together at the conclusion of the day to reflect on their experiences and to take their learning forward.

Year 7 Faith Day

The final Year 7 Faith day was held on Tuesday 22nd October.  The day included visiting three local sacred spaces to learn about how they are used for prayer. The visits to St Mark’s Benedictine Abbey, St Paul’s Anglican Church, and St Patrick’s Catholic Church gave students some insight into the spaces they may have seen, but not had much to do with in the past. Each space offered its own unique characteristics although they shared some overlapping design or symbolic features. Students were able to engage in conversation with Sr Raphael, Fr Matthew and Mrs Saunders about the history and importance of these venues. The day also included some Virtual Reality tours of some sacred sites globally using the VR headsets. This was an interesting and enjoyable experience for the students. The learning from this day will contribute to the learning in Religious Education classes around the way people of different backgrounds participate in and understand prayer.

Investiture of College Captains & Year 12 Graduation Mass

This time of year is always exciting as our Year 12s finish their time onsite and hand over the light of leadership to the incoming Year 12s. While these events happen in all schools, being a Catholic school we have the added responsibility to embed these experiences into our faith culture. The Investiture of Leaders Liturgy brings our community together to celebrate the student leadership of our school. We believe our leaders are gifted with something extraordinary and they should be blessed in this way. Likewise, the celebration of our Year 12 graduates occurs within the celebration of Mass. Bringing our students, staff and families together in this ritual reminds us that we are all united by the grace of God.

Melanie Bourchier - Director of Catholic Identity & Culture

Careers

Latest Careers Newsletter:

Useful Careers Links:

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)

2024 Car Raffle

An MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors is our fantastic first prize, with 8 more terrific prizes on offer!

Raffle tickets are available online for $20 via the link below.

Please support our major fundraiser which will raise funds for a new College bus!

If you are unable to buy raffle tickets online, you will find paper order forms in numerous shops across the region, as well as some local events.  A book has also been sent home to families.

For more about the draw and our fantastic prizes, including answers to FAQ, please visit our website: https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Please share this post with your family and friends. We don’t want anyone to miss out!

Permit No: 10241/24

Volunteers needed

If you are able to assist us by selling tickets at one of our raffle stalls, it would be most appreciated!
Please let us know via the form below.

Dates include Local Markets, Masses, Terang Colour Festival, Camperdown Show, Noorat Show and more.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Thursday 31 October
Year 11 Party Program
Junior Seeds of Justice Event

Friday 1 November
Student Free Day for Year 8s only

Monday 4 November
Student Free Day - No Classes

Tuesday 5 November
Melbourne Cup Day - No Classes

Wednesday 6 November
Year 9 Camp
Intermediate Boys Cricket State Semi-Final

Thursday 7 November
GWR Year 7/8 Basketball

Tuesday 12 November
Unit 2 Exams Commence

Wednesday 13 November
Community Meal

LATER IN THE YEAR

Friday 22 November
Year 12 Graduation Dinner

Tuesday 3 December
Last Day for Year 11s
Mass of Thanksgiving & Awards

Friday 6 December
Last Day for Years 7-10

Community Notices