MRC Newsletter - Issue 18 - 27 November 2024

Prayer

Pope Francis' prayer for peace in our world

"Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words "division", "hatred" and "war" be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother", and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam!

Amen.

Principal's Message

We congratulate newly ordained priest Fr Cay Trinh. Fr Cay has visited MRC many times and spends his holiday time in Camperdown. Fr Cay will celebrate Mass this weekend in the Camperdown parish, on Saturday evening at St Brendan’s Cobden and on Sunday at St Patrick’s Camperdown. Please come along to congratulate Fr Cay.

Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year, commences on Sunday, 1 December. This season, which begins four Sundays before Christmas, invites us to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time to renew our joy, hope, faith, and love. We mark Advent with a wreath, lighting candles each week: the purple candles of hope and faith, the pink candle of joy, and finally, the purple candle of peace. This tradition, deeply rooted in Catholic practice, dates back to the Middle Ages as a way for Christians to spiritually prepare for Christmas. At Mercy Regional College, we honour the Advent season through our Christmas tradition of generously supporting the Vinnies Christmas Giving Appeal, embodying the spirit of giving and care for others in our community. We will deliver our support to Vinnies after our Mass of Thanksgiving.

Our Mass of Thanksgiving celebrates the end of our academic year and acknowledges the achievements of students in Years 7 to 11. It is being held this year on the afternoon of Tuesday 3 December at 12.40pm at St Patrick's Church, Camperdown. Fr Michael O’Toole will be our celebrant. Fr Michael was a previous parish priest of Camperdown and he celebrated 50 years of priesthood earlier this year. He retires from the Colac parish at the end of the year. Parents and families are most welcome to attend and celebrate with us. Families of award winners will be notified confidentially on Friday of this week.

We certainly approach the end of the year in a sprint! We were very lucky to have Olympian, gold medalist and world champion Grace Brown come to speak with students on our Camperdown campus. Grace was truly inspiring and shared with our young people her journey since leaving Camperdown and shifting from athletics to cycling. 

Over the past two weeks, our Year 11 students, and today our Year 10 students, have begun their Unit 3 & 4 and Unit 1 & 2 studies as part of our early commencement program. Starting VCE studies early gives students a valuable opportunity to ease into the demands of senior coursework, establish productive routines, and explore key concepts. It also helps them confirm that the subjects they’ve chosen align with their strengths, interests, and goals, setting a solid foundation for success in the year ahead—and providing meaningful learning to carry into their summer break!

Meanwhile, our VCE VM students completed their barista training, serving practice coffees that have been greatly appreciated by staff. We’re excited to see their skills in action as they launch their small business in 2025! More on this later in the newsletter.

Our Year 11 students recently participated in their first Seminar Day, which focused on reflection and preparing for life beyond school. Centered around the theme “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23), the day featured guest speakers from our alumni, who shared their diverse experiences and offered valuable insights to inspire students for the year ahead and beyond. Meanwhile, our Year 10 students took part in their Retreat Day, themed 'Connections and Bridge Building.' This day guided students through personal growth, self-discovery, and teamwork, with the opportunity to work with Luke S. Kennedy. Learn more about both the Year 11 Seminar Day and our Year 10 Retreat day with Luke and his impactful work with our students later in the newsletter.

Welcome to our Year 7 2025 families! We're thrilled to have you join us for our newsletter.

Later in this edition, you’ll find details about our Year 7 and 8 English program. We’ve been collaborating with English consultant Kirstin Bourne to refine our Year 7–12 English curriculum, focusing on enhancing student learning outcomes.

Our annual Art and Technology Exhibition is now open in the Multi-Purpose Area at our McAuley Campus in Camperdown. The creativity and skill showcased in our students’ work are truly outstanding, and we warmly invite you to visit if you have the opportunity.

For those unable to attend in person, we’re planning to photograph the exhibits and create an online gallery to share. If you do visit, please remember to sign in at Reception.

On Friday night, we gathered to celebrate the Class of 2024 alongside their parents, carers, and MRC staff. The evening marked not just the end of exams and learning milestones but also the culmination of their time as students of Mercy Regional College.

We were privileged to hear from Mia Cain (Class of 2015), who shared her inspiring journey from MRC to a fulfilling career as an optometrist. Her story highlighted the unexpected turns that often shape our pathways, offering encouragement to our graduates as they step into their futures. The event was a joyful celebration of our students’ achievements and a tribute to the strong partnership we’ve shared with their families over the years. We extend our best wishes to the Class of 2024 as they embark on their unique journeys. A big thank you to the organising team for creating such a beautiful and memorable occasion.

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For parents/carers with young people who recently completed Unit ¾ exams, you will be aware that VCAA has acknowledged errors that have been impacted by the inadvertent publication of examination material on the 2024 Victorian Certificate of Education examinations exam cover sheets. VCAA have shared that “the exam cover sheet error represents a potential risk of advantage. Whether this became an actual advantage will only be determined when the marking of the examinations is completed”. The list of subjects impacted is available on the VCAA’s website. Additional information, including Q&As, is on VCAA website: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au.

Our School Advisory Council (SAC) held its last meeting of the year last week. I once again thank SAC Chair Shane West and all members for their much valued support and advice. We are seeking additional SAC members for 2025 to join those continuing their tenure. If you would like to join our SAC please contact me at principal@mercy.vic.edu.au. 

We will draw our annual car raffle on Tuesday afternoon (3rd Dec). Winners will be announced at our Thanksgiving Mass and Awards assembly.  Tickets are still available (link below) and more information is later in the newsletter. Please ensure paper books are returned to the office by Friday. Keep close to the phone on Tuesday in case that you are a lucky winner!

Finally, we would like to congratulate Year 12 student Rhys Unwin, who was drafted by Essendon last week. Rhys has put in tremendous effort to reach this remarkable achievement. Well done, Rhys! We look forward to seeing you in the red and black.

It is also a pleasure to acknowledge the students below:

  Well done Amelia B. who won the Westvic Staffing Solutions School-Based Beauty Trainee High Achieving Student Award. A great achievement!

  Congratulations to Paddy H., Shelby M., Lenny S. and Aidan C. who have received an invite to the U16 & U18 GWV Rebels pre-season training squad.

With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal

Learning at MRC

The 2024 school year has only a short amount of time remaining, but that doesn’t mean that our students and staff have taken their eye off the ball. Year 11s have commenced their Year 12 studies, Year 10s have completed their exams and are starting their VCE journey, Year 9s will be completing their exams next week, Year 8s are preparing to make the transition to the McAuley campus in 2025 and Year 7s are wrapping up their first year of secondary education. These final weeks of the school year are filled with important and valuable learning opportunities for our students. Whilst I am sure the students would like to spend these lovely summer days relaxing in the sun, there will be time for that after the school year wraps up on the 6th of December.  

It is wonderful to witness the growth of our students across the year. I encourage everyone to take a moment from your busy life to think back to January 2024 and marvel at how far your child has come.  Take the time to celebrate their successes and congratulate them on the strides that they have made.  Assure them that you will be by their side to rejoice with them when they succeed and support them when things don’t go according to plan. Let them know that you are their greatest fan and will always stand by their side.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Learning Leaders Team, Leah Sinnott, Josiane Gardner and Mel Kavanagh. These ladies have worked tirelessly across the year to support us all. They have a wealth of knowledge, coupled with a passion for learning and desire to see our students reach their potential. They are inspirational leaders and teachers, that we are so lucky to have on our side. Thank you ladies for being there each and every day to support us all.

Leanne Delahunty - Director of Learning & Teaching

SENIOR SCHOOL

The 2025 Year 12 students have had an outstanding start to their Year 12 subjects. Both students and staff are highly motivated and eager to dive into the subject content, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere.This promising beginning sets the stage for a productive and successful year ahead!

Last week, I worked closely with the Year 10 students to help them organise their timetables in preparation for the start of Unit 1 studies. With Unit 1 beginning as of today, students will need fresh workbooks for each of their subjects to ensure they're ready to hit the ground running.

Parents and caregivers have been sent the Edrolo information sheet, including the login link needed to activate their child's account. Students will have free access to the platform until December 11th, after which payment will be required for continued use during the holidays and into the new year. If you encounter any difficulties activating the account, please don't hesitate to contact me at the College—I’ll be happy to assist your child with the process.

Melanie Kavanagh - Learning Leader Senior School

Year 11s become Year 12s

Our Year 11 students celebrated their last day of Year 11 with a BBQ at Lake Bullen Merri on Thursday 14th November. It was a great way to celebrate the year and look forward to Year 12.

VCE-VM Barista Course

2025 VCE-VM students undertook their Barista Course last Monday, beginning to build on their coffee making skills which will be put to good use next year.

Students will also be able to take advantage of the new Coffee Trailer, purchased from 2023 Car Raffle funds!

JUNIOR SCHOOL

You may have noticed from our booklists this year that our 2025 Year 7 students will embark on an exciting journey in their English classes, moving away from traditional novel study units to a dynamic, thematic approach grounded in the science of learning. The most up to date research shows that a knowledge-rich curriculum, combined with targeted skills development, enhances student understanding, and engagement.

Instead of focusing on a single novel, our Year 7 students will explore a diverse range of texts across various genres and writing forms. These thematic units are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the conventions of form, such as narrative structure, persuasive techniques, and descriptive language. This exposure builds both foundational literacy skills as well as a flexible understanding of how to approach different text types which better prepares them for the demands of English in senior school.

To complement our theme units, we have strengthened our library program to help students to engage with their reading choices and to develop their independent reading habits.

Through carefully selected book lists, students have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of genres, authors, and themes.

Beginning with a theme-based approach to English in Year 7 aligns with research on cognitive load theory, which emphasises the importance of building background knowledge and gradually increasing complexity in learning tasks. By exposing Mercy students to a variety of texts, we are helping them establish the knowledge necessary to interpret and analyse literature effectively in later years.

We are confident that this approach not only strengthens students’ literacy skills but also inspires greater confidence in reading. If you would like more information about our Year 7 curriculum, please don’t hesitate to contact me at lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au

Leah Sinnott - Learning Leader Junior School

Junior Oratory Competition

The Junior Oratory Competition was held in the O'Keeffe MPA last Thursday, with junior students, teachers and many families in attendance.

Six students: Halle B., Malka S., Daisy C., Lily G. and Lucia C. each represented their homeroom, speaking with confidence and skill.

Congratulations to Lucia C. who won the competition, speaking on ‘The Power of Stories.’ Well done also to Malka S. who received the Encouragement Award for her speech on ‘How to Make a Difference.’

We thank the adjudicators Ms Jean Christie, Mrs Marg Jeffery and Mr Lachie Lee for giving up their time to participate and the many staff who contributed to the event.

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Community & Wellbeing at MRC

It’s incredibly hard to believe we are at the last 2 weeks of the school year of 2024. Our young people have worked hard finishing off their assessments, completing exams and making a smooth transition into their classes for 2025. 

This week I decided to focus on confidence and motivation. Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.

Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life. We are speaking with our young people in various formats to gather ‘student voice’ on what motivates them to learn, what makes it hard for them and even better if….

We hope with this information it will drive great success in 2025 and develop confidence and motivation. 

By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.

Emily Stephens - Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Four students attended the first Seeds of Justice Junior Event held in Melbourne at the Mercy Hub in late October.

Our students: Meg N., Daisy C., Scarlett S. and Olive W. were part of a group of 35 Year 7 & 8 students from eight Mercy schools across the state and made a number of new friends who shared in a day full of learning about becoming the best people of 'Mercy' possible.

The students were tutored on the subject of the face of homelessness and how every person has the one face that others see and the feelings or side to themselves which is full of hope, dreams and courage.

After some discussion about the role of places such as Mary's House of Welcome in Fitzroy, as a place of compassion for the homeless, the students helped to make up food packs with their donations which were later delivered there.

Hopefully these students will meet again at other Seeds of Justice Events in either Melbourne or Anglesea during their time at MRC.

Useful Wellbeing Links:

Sports Report

Grace Brown Visit

Our McAuley campus students were privileged to hear from Olympian Grace Brown during a Q & A session yesterday.

Grace talked about the challenges and joys of being an elite athlete, and what it meant to win gold in the Women’s Cycling Individual Time Trial in Paris.

Students were able to ask questions and were even offered the chance to hold the gold medal, which weighs in at a little over half a kilo!

We thank Grace for sharing her story with us, and Peter Conheady for leading the session.

Faith at MRC

Seminar Day

On Friday, 15th November 2024, Year 12 students gathered in Senior Rooms 11/12 for Seminar Day 1—a pivotal event designed to inspire reflection and preparation for their transition beyond school. Guided by the theme “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23), the day featured alumni guest speakers who shared their diverse journeys, offering students valuable insights for the year ahead and beyond.

The day began with a warm welcome, including an Acknowledgement of Country by 2025 FIRE Carrier Lucy M. and the Mercy Prayer led by new School Faith Captain, Riley H., setting a reflective and respectful tone.

Students had the privilege of hearing from five inspiring alumni who spoke candidly about their experiences:

• Aaron Sinnott inspired students with his reflections on leadership, community involvement, and pursuing dreams with purpose.
• Sarah Baker shared stories of adapting to unexpected obstacles and following her passions with determination.
• Emily Walsh explored the journey she has taken from her secondary schooling to finding the career that she feels deeply passionate about. 
• Max Bond discussed how his time at MRC shaped her values and provided a foundation for his professional and personal achievements.
• Ben Harkin delivered a session that delved deeply into the importance of the opportunities they have, literally, in the palms of their hands. 

After lunch, Mrs Mel Kavanagh and Mrs Berni Sinnott led students in a transition activity, fostering a sense of readiness for the challenges and opportunities awaiting them in their final school year and beyond.

We extend our gratitude to the alumni speakers—Aaron Sinnott, Sarah Baker, Emily Walsh, Max Bond, and Ben Harkin—for their time and generosity in sharing their stories. 

This seminar day offered students a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their own paths and draw inspiration from those who have walked before them. As they embark on their final year, they carry the lessons of hard work and heartfelt dedication, ready to take on the future with confidence.

Year 10 Retreat

On Monday, 18th November 2024, Year 10 students embarked on a transformative retreat at the 7th Day Adventist Hall in Camperdown. The day’s theme, 'Connections and Bridge Building,' guided students through a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and teamwork. The retreat offered a perfect blend of engaging activities and meaningful reflection.  

The retreat began with team-building activities led by Ms. Gardner, including the Balloon Tower Challenge. Students collaborated to design and construct towering balloon structures, fostering creativity, teamwork, and plenty of laughter. This dynamic start set the tone for a day centred on connection and responsibility.

The highlight of the day was the keynote presentation and workshops by guest speaker Luke S. Kennedy. Drawing from his personal experiences, Luke shared an inspiring story of resilience, revealing how he overcame challenges such as gang involvement and emotional distress. His candid discussion about "wearing masks" resonated deeply, encouraging students to embrace authenticity and reduce stress.  

In his workshops, Luke guided students to identify the “masks” they wear, equipping them with practical tools to manage emotional, mental, and physical well-being. The sessions were interactive and insightful, offering students valuable strategies for navigating life's challenges with resilience and integrity.  

The day concluded with a reflective liturgy, a time for students to consolidate their learnings and express gratitude for the connections formed.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Luke S. Kennedy for his powerful presentations and to all staff involved in creating this enriching experience for our Year 10 students. This retreat has left a lasting impact, empowering students to build bridges within themselves and with others. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of our students as they apply these lessons in their daily lives.

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Melanie Bourchier - Director of Catholic Identity & Culture

Library News

Library Makerspace up and running

The Makerspace in the Pekin Library at the O’Keeffe campus is now set up and in use on Wednesdays and Fridays. The first student to create with the Cricut machine was Sapphire of Year 7, who designed and made a T Shirt for her younger sister. Sapphire printed onto metallic-look vinyl and then used the Cricut Easy Press to seal the design. Poppy and Jayde designed waterproof vinyl stickers to print. There are a range of ever-changing activities for students to participate in at the Library and suggestions for new activities are always welcome.

New books chosen by students, for students

Towards the end of Term 2 a group of book lovers from Years 7 and 8 participated in an excursion to Warrnambool. This learning activity included a trip to Collins Booksellers, where the students were challenged to have a good through the shelves containing genres they are not usually drawn to.

Each student was allocated a genre and was tasked with choosing a new book for the Library.

Here are the student selections, along with some recommendations from children’s literature expert, Tracy Rayner. These books  are available for loan now and over the holidays.

The Big Summer Read?

MRC students are welcomed and encouraged to borrow books from our Library for their summer holiday reading. It is so important and advantageous for young readers to keep up the reading skills over the holidays. Staying home for the holidays? Book yourself an adventure and travel the world through books.

Every public Library in Victoria is involved in The BIG Summer Read - an annual reading challenge run by Public Libraries Victoria. The BSR encourages young readers 0-18 years to read and engage with their local public libraries over the Australian Summer holidays in December and January.

Now in it’s fourth year, the BIG Summer Read has grown to include all public library services in Victoria as well as public libraries in New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland. Last year in 2023, more than 16,000 young readers participated in the challenge and over 220,000 books were read!

The program starts on the 1st December and finishes on the 31st January each year and registration is free. Participating library services will offer incentive prizes for those who complete the challenge as well as a state wide prize draw to encourage and reward the efforts of young readers.

College Notices

2025 Booklists

A reminder that booklist orders are due by 15 December.

More information can be accessed on PAM.

Thunderstorm Asthma

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a serious and potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can occur during specific weather conditions. It is common throughout all parts of Victoria, particularly during spring when thunderstorms coincide with high levels of pollen in the air. This combination can trigger severe asthma symptoms, even in people who have not previously experienced asthma or allergies. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don't occur every year. In south-east Australia they can happen during grass pollen season from October through December.

What Causes Thunderstorm Asthma?

During a thunderstorm, pollen grains can be swept up into the clouds, where they break into smaller particles due to moisture. These tiny particles then get blown down by the winds and spread across a wide area. Because they are so small, they can be easily inhaled, reaching deep into the lungs and triggering asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Preparing for Thunderstorm Asthma

• Stay Informed: Keep track of pollen forecasts and thunderstorm warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and the VicEmergency app.

• Check the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast: Epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts in Victoria are available from 1 October to 31 December (the typical grass pollen season).
• Download the Vic Emergency app from Google Playor the App Store and set up a 'watch zone' for your school location to make sure you are notified of the risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event occurring. You can also visit the Vic Emergency thunderstorm asthma webpage for updates and information.

• Have Asthma Action Plans: Ensure that students with known asthma have an up-to-date asthma action plan, and make sure staff are trained in asthma first aid.
• Indoor Safety: On high-risk days, consider holding activities indoors to minimise exposure to allergenic particles.

Schools should have staff trained in asthma first aid, and DOBCEL will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and notify schools, and when appropriate, students should be kept indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk. 

By raising awareness and being prepared, schools can protect their students and staff from the risks associated with thunderstorm asthma, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Find out more

Further information regarding thunderstorm asthma can be found at https://asthma.org.au/triggers/thunderstorm-asthma/ and https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast.

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 - ENDING SOON!

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!

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/

Permit No: 10241/24

Upcoming Dates and Events

Monday 2 December
Advent
Year 9 Exams
White Card Training

Tuesday 3 December
Year 11 Last Day
Mass of Thanksgiving & &-11 Awards
Car Raffle Draw

Friday 6 December
Year 7 - 10 Last Day

Tuesday 10 December
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day

Monday 16 December
School Office Closes

2025 Start of Year Dates

Thursday 30 January
Year 12 Seminar Day

Friday 31 January
Term 1 Commences for Years 7 - 11 

Monday 3 February
Year 7 Welcome BBQ

Thursday 6 February
MRC House Swimming Sports (Camperdown Pool)

Monday 10 February
Year 7 Camp

Community Notices