MRC Newsletter - Issue 9 - 2 July 2025

Prayer

Principal's Message

As we conclude an enjoyable and event filled term, we reflect on how our Catholic identity continues to shape and guide our Mercy community. We are reminded of the core principles of respect, inclusiveness, community, and excellence that lie at the heart of our faith and our school. Our students have demonstrated these principles in countless ways—through acts of kindness, community service and awareness raising, dedication to learning, and supporting one another in times of need. Our community is also called to live out these values. On Sunday, we honoured the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, reflecting on their steadfast faith and dedication to spreading the message of Christ. Their example of leadership, courage, and commitment to the mission of the Church inspires us to deepen our own faith and continue sharing the love of Christ with others. As a school community, we are called to live the mission of Christ, fostering an environment where every person is valued and supported. Let us give thanks for the many blessings we have shared this term and look forward to the next with renewed hope and commitment to our shared values.

We also extend our support to the Corangamite Camperdown Community House Food Bank Collection on Friday, offering assistance to those in need within our local community. Their clientele have increased 300% in recent years. They purchase all their goods other than those donated by local supermarkets and organisations like ours. We ask each family to please support where and if you are able. Students will also have a casual clothes day themed Winter Woolies or PJs with a gold coin donation. I would also like to recognise the work of our VM PDS students who this week took a range of donated items to Loved and Shared  in Warrnambool.

Corangamite Shire Visit

We welcome Mayor Kate Makin and staff of Corangamite Shire Council to our O’Keeffe campus on Friday where our Year 8 students will have Breakfast with the Mayor. This event aims to gather valuable insights and opinions from our young people, which will significantly contribute to the development of the Council’s upcoming youth strategy. Students will be asked questions about their views on the towns in our local area, their experiences, and what improvements they feel are needed. We thank the Lions Club members for joining the team to help cook breakfast.

Corangamite Schools Kokoda Trek

Senior Years students Brodie H., Nellie S., Riley M. and Jack P. were presented with their Kokoda travelling shirts by their sponsors at a dinner held at the Colac RSL on Saturday night. They embark on their adventure next Sunday. We thank trek leader Darcy Walsh for all of his work in designing this experience and preparing and encouraging all young people participating.

Staff News

This week we welcomed our new Assistant Principal O’Keeffe Campus Stephanie Rose-Goodhall to our community. Whilst Stephanie officially commences at the start of Term 3, she joined our HCSN Year 5 and 6 students and students who will be commencing in Year 7 at MRC in 2026 at our Term 2 Taster Day. If you do happen to meet Stephanie in our community over the break please make her welcome.

Cinderella

Our cast have been working very hard during rehearsals and there have been many exciting developments in the last few weeks both in the on-stage and off-stage departments.

It is a wonderful family friendly show and we encourage everyone to support our young performers!

There will be 3 public shows on 15 and 16 August and tickets are now on sale at https://www.trybooking.com/DCFVK as well as at the College website, office (5593 2011) or Laffs (5593 1469).

Please read more about the production later in the newsletter.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the students below:

⭐ Celebrating our Young Achievers! ⭐

⭐ Well done Archie Taylor - Vic Country Representative football

⭐ Congratulations to the girls who have been selected for the Association Championships and Netball Victoria Talent ID Program - Mckenzie D., Madison L., Kiara L. (17/U State)

⭐Rusty P. (Year 10) won the Victorian Junior Formula 500 Stampedes Series Championship, along with the Victorian Junior Drivers Aggregate. This has been an amazing year for Rusty, who will move into the senior section next year.

⭐ Hugo C. (Year 9) came 3rd in both the Junior Stampede series and the Junior driver aggregate.

If you know of any students doing great things in the community, please let us know at office@mercy.vic.edu.au

2026 Pathways and Subject Selections

Our Year 10 and 11 students are well into the process of choosing their learning pathway and subjects for 2025. Thank you to the many parents and carers who attended our Subject Selection Evening last week led by Learning leader - Senior Years Mrs Melanie Kavanagh. Information relating to the VCE model with pathways inclusive of singular or hybrid VCE, VCE VET and VCE VM pathways were explained. Our young people have a wonderful opportunity to curate the learning pathway that best meets their goals, learning aspirations and interests.  All students in both Years 11 and 10 also had a one to one pathway and subject interviews with a member of staff with parents/carers most welcome to attend. Elective subject selection for students currently in Year 9 and Year 8 will take place early in Term 3. 

Consent Labs

All students recently participated in a session delivered by Consent Labs, an organisation that works with schools across the country. Please read more about this in the Community and Wellbeing report.

With kindness,
Sharon Gillett - Principal

Deputy Principal's Message

As we wrap up Term 2, we extend our warmest congratulations to all students on a fantastic term and an outstanding first semester. Your hard work, achievements, and positive contribution to school life, both in and beyond the classroom, reflect the vibrant and committed spirit of our Mercy community.

At Mercy Regional College, we are dedicated to the holistic development of every student. Our co-curricular program plays a vital role in this mission, providing opportunities for students to pursue passions, build skills, and connect meaningfully with their peers and the broader school community.

To support students in balancing academic responsibilities with co-curricular involvement, we are pleased to introduce the Mercy Regional College Co-Curricular Guidelines, beginning in Semester 2. These guidelines aim to clarify expectations and help students manage their commitments effectively and responsibly.

Inspired by our Mercy values of Respect and Excellence, the guidelines outline three key areas:

• Behavioural Expectations: Students must demonstrate safe, respectful, and responsible behaviour across all school settings.

• Academic Expectations: Students are expected to be up to date with learning tasks and show commitment to their academic progress.

• Attendance Expectations: Students must maintain regular school attendance. Any absences should be communicated with valid reasons and supported by a plan for improvement.

These guidelines are designed to support, not restrict, student participation. Staff will continue to work closely with students and families to support involvement wherever possible. When concerns arise, decisions will be made thoughtfully and in consultation with relevant leaders and families.

The full Co-Curricular Guidelines will be emailed out to families ahead of Semester 2.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting a balanced and values-driven approach to student life at Mercy. If you have any questions about the guidelines or your child’s participation in co-curricular activities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’re proud of our students’ efforts this semester and look forward to an exciting, enriching Term 3 ahead.

Wishing all families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break.

Patrick Seal - Deputy Principal

Learning at MRC

End of Semester Reports

End of Semester Reports will be available online through PAM on the afternoon of Friday 4th July. The  report contains information about the work undertaken by your child in each subject over the course of the semester. The report layout includes:

• An description of the focus areas of study
• Achievement against the Victorian Curriculum or VCE or VCE-VM or VET learning progressions or outcomes
• Work habits 
• Results of summative assessments (see the report cover page for specific details)
• Subject attendance 

Detailed information, including teacher comments,  about individual Assessment Tasks is available in PAM (Parent Access Module).  This information is updated in PAM as the tasks are completed and I encourage parents to regularly check your child's progress.

Included on PAM is an acknowledgement that you have seen the report. We ask that you make this acknowledgement on the PAM system.

Report conversations

Talking to your child about the contents of the report is a valuable way to assist them to grow and develop an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.  It not only provides feedback for you about your child's educational journey, it also allows your child to process the contents of the report, and with your assistance develop strategies to support their learning moving forward.

Throughout the conversation with your child, remember to look for the positives: your child's strengths and the progress they are making. Talk about what might help them in areas they are doing well in, as well as those they are finding challenging.

If your child is disappointed, point out the positives. Say: You tried really hard in (subject). I know you are having some difficulties, but look at what you have learnt this year.

It is important to ask your child: What do you think of the result (for the subject)? Talking about this helps you open up a conversation about the factors that enhance learning and those that hinder it.  It allows you to talk about strategies that your child can use to help make their learning journey a smooth one.

Most importantly  remember to be supportive, consider the personality of your child and focus on their progress.

Best wishes for the holidays.

Leanne Delahunty - Director of Learning and Teaching

SENIOR SCHOOL

As we wrap up a long and busy term, I’d like to give a big shout-out to our hard-working Year 12 students. Despite the demands of part-time work and sporting commitments, they continue to give their best at school. They’ve been receptive to feedback and consistently strive to achieve their personal best — a commendable effort all round.

Next term marks an important milestone, as our Year 12s begin their applications for further study or entering the workforce. Kym Penry will be guiding them through their pathway options, ensuring everything is in place and no detail is overlooked.

Over the past few weeks, VCE subject selections have also taken place. Our Year 11 students have chosen their subjects for next year, and our Year 10 students have taken the important step of selecting their VCE pathways.

This term has been packed with activities for our VCE cohort. On June 18, all students enrolled in a Unit 3 subject completed the General Achievement Test (GAT). Part A was undertaken by both VCE and VM students in the morning, while Part B was completed by VCE students and VM students who are sitting end-of-year exams.

A highlight of the term was the incredible initiative led by our VM girls, who planned and coordinated the Loved and Shared hygiene drive. On Wednesday, June 25, they visited the warehouse to deliver donations — the largest the organisation has received so far this year. While there, the students helped sort children’s clothing and gained valuable insight into the vital support the organisation provides to families. A huge thank you to our Mercy community for your generosity in supporting this cause.

Over the term break, Unit 3 students will have the opportunity to sit practice exams for their subjects. This is a valuable step in building their exam readiness and will help set the tone for a strong start to next term’s preparation.

Wishing everyone a restful and safe holiday break — well earned!

Melanie Kavanagh - Learning Leader Senior School

VET Hospitality

On Monday 23 June, our Year 1 Hospitality students ran the canteen as a Pop-Up Shop, cooking the food and managing the sales. Students had complete control and sold a huge amount of both hot and cold product including:  sausage rolls, chicken pies, pizza pinwheels/ warm brookies (brownie cookies), flavoured rum balls and mars bar slices. This was a huge success and we are looking to more canteen Pop-Up shops next semester.

PE Excursion

The Unit 3 Phys Ed students were able to put their theory into practice during a visit to the state-of-the-art facilities at Federation University in Ballarat. The group participated in workshops in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology.

The workshops cover topics like movement analysis, exercise testing and prescription, and the application of biomechanical and physiological principles to enhance movement and performance. Hamish M. performed a VO2 Max test to measure his aerobic fitness.

VM Car Wash

VM students Indi, Angus and Darcy organised a car wash for their WRS project. The project involved planning all the necessary details for the operation to run smoothly. The students looked at cost, profits and in particular the potential risks of the work in conjunction to the unit on work safety. Well done!

VET Work Placement

We appreciate the local businesses in our community that are supporting our VCE Vocational Major students by providing them with real life experience in the workforce. VM is a two-year applied learning program that gives students skills for work and life and hands-on experience in one or more industries, finishing school with an advantage on their pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (through non-ATAR pathways), or directly into the workforce. 

Thank you to: Buckle My Shoe Terang, Cobden Health, Regional Institute of Sport, WA Molan & Sons Terang, Banana Splits Camperdown, New Lock & Safe Service, Walsh Plumbing Cobden, Five Point Farms, Trevor Beasley Farms, Conheady Plumbing, Roberts Builders Cobden, MD Building, Camperdown, D & M Lee, The Loaf and Lounge, DJR Flooring, Camperdown Pharmacy, Westfridge Warrnambool, Hampden Vet Clinic, Chevron Hair Warrnambool, BDH Warrnambool, Vary Engineering Larpent, St Patrick's Camperdown, Tinny's Trades Terang, Matt McVilly Concreting Cobden and Cobden Kindergarten.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

As Term 2 comes to a close, congratulations to the Year 10 students on completing their mid-year exams. They've also taken an important step toward their future studies by progressing through the VCE and VCE VM subject selection and interview process. Their engagement and maturity throughout this period have been commendable.

Looking ahead, Year 9 students will begin their own subject selection process for Year 10 early in Term 3. This is an exciting opportunity for them to start shaping their senior school pathway, and we look forward to supporting them through the process.

We wish all students and families a safe and restful break. See you in Term 3!

Josiane Gardner - Learning Leader Middle School

JUNIOR SCHOOL

AFLW Visit

O’Keeffe Campus students were keen participants in the AFLW Geelong Cats Community Camp visit on Wednesday 18th June.

The purpose of the community camp visits is to encourage as many students as possible to get involved in the sport and to foster a love for women’s football. Present were Georgie Prespakis, Julia Crockett-Gills and Sienna Tallariti. Our young fans asked some great questions about what it’s like to be a professional football player and elite athlete. The players spoke about combining sport with careers, study and parenthood and were asked about their childhood role models before a fun kick-to-kick session outside.

Year 8 French

In Year 8 French students have been studying towns and cities in different regions of France. Here are students of 8C creating posters of typical French places such as cafés, bakeries (la boulangerie), train stations (la gare), supermarkets (le supermarché), churches (l'église) and town halls (la mairie).

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

It’s been a pleasure speaking with our Year 10 students as they begin making subject selections for next year. This is an exciting time in their secondary schooling, and we’ve genuinely enjoyed hearing about their future goals and aspirations. A big thank you to our Senior Team for running subject interviews and information evenings — your guidance is helping our young people take confident steps toward their futures.

Last week was also a special one at O’Keeffe, with a visit from players from the AFLW Geelong team. Our Year 7 and 8 students were treated to an inspiring talk from Georgie Prespakis, Julia Crockett-Grills, and Sienna Tallariti, who shared their journeys as elite athletes. They spoke about the dedication and discipline required — from preseason to match day — and the growth of women’s football over recent years.

The visit ended with a fun kick-to-kick session, and we’re hopeful it sparked a few dreams and ambitions in our students. It was a powerful reminder that with hard work and passion, anything is possible — the world truly is their oyster!

Consent Labs

Last week, our students participated in a session delivered by Consent Labs, an organisation that works with schools across the country (including Catholic, State and Independent) to provide education around the topic of consent. This is the first year in engaging with the Consent Labs organisation. The goal of the program is to equip young people with the tools to navigate relationships with respect, clarity, and care—a topic that is increasingly important in our society today. As part of the Respectful Relationships curriculum, we provide education on consent. 

Thank you to families for providing feedback regarding these sessions, we also continue to gather student feedback to help guide us in educating in these important but sometimes sensitive topics.

If you would like to provide feedback please email estephens@mercy.vic.edu.au 

Pulse: Student wellbeing ‘check in’

At the beginning of Term 3 we will be utilising a digital ‘wellbeing’ check in program. 

We are hoping this will help provide students with a voice and opinions around wellbeing so we can pivot, change and grow in this space. 

There will be a welcome email sent to the student's inbox on Wednesday 2nd July. 

‘Check ins’ will occur every Wednesday via email and are voluntary, beginning Term 3 (Wednesday 23rd July).

The first 2 questions will be identifiable questions (eg. how are you feeling, best describe how you are feeling’) and then they become unidentifiable. You can click on ‘who can see my response’ prior to answering the question to clarify. 

We are hopeful this becomes a safe place to  ‘check in’ and feel supported as our young people move through their schooling years.

Wishing everyone a restful break. We look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for a busy Term 3.

Emily Stephens - Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Useful Wellbeing Links:

Faith at MRC

Refugee Week & Refugee Day 

In week 9, we recognised the importance of Refugee Week in our MERCY Classes. Members of our MADJAM group, Riley & Charlie, put together a special slide show for teachers to use with their classes. The interactive learning allowed students to recognise the importance of supporting those in our community who may be new and needing a little help settling in. 

Year 11 Retreat 

The Year 11 Retreat was held during Refugee Week and this presented an opportunity to explore ethics in the modern world with a particular focus on refugees. Students were put into situations that would encourage empathy for the refugee experience. Including needing identification, job applications in foreign languages, packing a bag in a hurry, and deciphering food items in foreign languages. 

Our guest speakers were Fr Matthew Jones, an Anglican priest who recently celebrated 30 years of service, and Mursal Sadat from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. 

Mursal is one of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team players who came to Australia during the country’s evacuation in 2021. Raised in Kabul, Mursal was living a “normal life as a young girl in Afghanistan” when she started playing soccer for the national team in 2017. Once the Taliban took over control of Kabul in August 2021, being a player for the national women’s team put Mursal, her team members, and her family at enormous risk, and the team members applied for protection visas from several countries. Australia was the first country to offer a safe haven for the team members. She shared many parts of her story and encouraged students to be a welcoming face to any stranger. 

The final activity for the day had students deciding the fate of five unknown refugees, based on the statistics for Australia. One would be granted refugee status, one would be detained, and three would be sent home. Students really enjoyed the interactive nature of this activity and were able to justify their decisions. 

The liturgy at the end of the day reflected on the nature of Jesus as a refugee and how we can use that story to inspire love and hope for others. 

Food Drive 

This week is the final week for donations for our annual food drive. Many thanks to all who have already supported this great community effort. The number of clientele assisted by the Camperdown Community House Food Bank has increased by 300% in recent years. The Food Bank has to purchase all goods other than those donated by local supermarkets and organisations like ours. You still have until the end of next week to join in and drop your donated goods.

Winter Woolies Day 

The final day of term will include a Winter Woolies Day - with a PJ theme. Students are encouraged to wear their warmest and school appropriate PJs, Oodies, Dressing Gowns, or other warm and toasty clothing in support of St Vinnie’s Winter Appeal. A gold coin donation will be collected and forwarded to St Vincent de Paul and their work for those who are doing it tough this winter.

Christian Outreach

The next group of Year 10 RE students will be beginning Christian Outreach in the first week of Term 3. This valuable program is a very worthwhile way to give back to the community.

Melanie Bourchier - Director of Catholic Identity & Culture

Sports Report

GWR Intermediate Soccer

On Friday 25th June fourteen students travelled to Ballarat to represent Mercy Regional College in soccer. Participating in the Intermediate grade our side was required to play two other schools in Pool A for the chance to win through to the final against the winner of Pool B. 

Our first game was against eventual winners Ballarat High School, who had already played a game. They came out strong and were comfortable winners 7-0. Our second game against Ararat College was a much closer match with the final score 1-0. Ararat College had only lost to Ballarat High School 2-1 so our team performed really well. 

It was great to see the entire team made up of players with soccer experience and it certainly showed in the way they played. All boys represented the school extremely well. 

Thanks to Mohammed Faiyaz for coaching the team on the day and we look forward to utilising your expertise moving forward with our Soccer teams. 

College Notices

2026 Enrolments

The link to the 2026 enrolment form can be found on our website https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/join-our-college/enrolment-information/ 

2026 Year 7 enrolments are to be submitted by THIS Friday, 4 July 2025 please. 

If you require any further assistance completing the form please do not hesitate to contact our Registrar Nicole Darcy on 5593 2011 or office@mercy.vic.edu.au

Careers

Please see the latest editions of Careers News below.

Useful Careers Links:

Kym Penry - Careers and Pathways Leader

Library News

The Sun Was Electric Light was our book for MRC Book Club in Term 2 and we were thrilled to have the author, Rachel Morton along to answer our questions about this award-winning book to give us an insight into her writing and life.

Our Book Club is open to everyone, regardless of whether they have a connection to the College or not and is an example of our core Mercy values of Community and inclusiveness. We shared a simple meal of two different curries with rice and enjoyed conversation and humour.

If you would like to be informed about our next Book Club gathering please be in touch: jchristie@mercy.vic.edu.au

Canteen News

Orders to the Canteen at both Campuses can be made online via the Spriggy Schools app: https://www.spriggyschools.com.au/

McAuley campus orders will be processed by our on-site canteen, and O'Keeffe campus orders will be processed by 'The Shed' in Noorat.

2025 Production 'Cinderella'

There has been some great progress over the past few weeks and the learning phase is almost complete!

A reminder that there is a Sunday rehearsal on 13 July during the school holidays.
As we are getting close to showtime, it is particularly important to prioritise coming to rehearsals please!

Off-stage students are starting to participate in workshops and meetings this week for makeup/hair and lighting/sound, with backstage crew and front of house crew to follow next Term.

Cinderella Rehearsal Schedule: LINK

IMPORTANT DATES
Sunday Rehearsals: 13 July (school holidays), 10 August
Tech/Show Week: 10-16 August
Tech Rehearsal: Wed 13 August (school hours)
Dress Rehearsals: Thu 14 & Fri 15 August (school hours)
3 Public Shows: Fri, 15 August (evening) & Sat, 16 August (matinee & evening)

Any enquiries to Toby please: tmckenzie@mercy.vic.edu.au, 0409 617 627

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

Tickets are available via the link below, College website, office (5593 2011) or Laffs (5593 1469).

TICKET LINK: https://www.trybooking.com/DCFVK

Adults: $20
Children (3-15): $10
(Infant [2&U on lap]: Free)

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)

Upcoming Dates and Events

Thursday 3 July
Cinderella Rehearsal (Leads)

Friday 4 July
Last Day of Term 2 (early finish)
Cinderella Rehearsal (O'Keeffe)

Sunday 13 July
Cinderella Rehearsal (Full Cast)

Monday 21 July
Term 3 Begins
Unit 4 PTSI Bookings open

Tuesday 22 July
BAS Netball

Wednesday 23 July
Elevate Y12 Study Session

Thursday 24 July
State Cross Country
GWR Senior Hockey

Monday 28th July
Outdoor Ed Snow Camp
Year 10 Retreat

Tuesday 29th July
BAS Netball

Wednesday 30th July
Unit 4 PTSIs
GWR Year 7 Boys Football

Friday 1st August
Cinderella Rehearsal (Full Cast)

Friday 15th August / Saturday 16th August
Cinderella Public Performances

Community Notices