Mercy Regional College eNewsletter

Welcome to our New Newsletter Format

We have moved to a new newsletter format that is available in a responsive format to allow our community to view it on a range of different devices and provides a more interactive experience. If you prefer to print the newsletter, you can also still do this too. We hope you enjoy reading our Newsletter.

If you need them, there are some simple instructions on how to navigate the new format and how to print the newsletter - you can download this by clicking on the link below:

Newsletter Instructions

Prayer

Principal's Message

Welcome to Mercy in 2021.

We are very pleased to share with our community our College Theme for 2021, New Beginnings. This theme was chosen by our 2021 Student Leadership Team and is aptly supported by the chosen words of Catherine McAuley, “A good beginning is of great importance.” and Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I spoke at our Commencement Mass about the excitement of seeking new beginnings and accepting new opportunities, whilst recognising that this often takes great courage, as well as determination and support. Paul’s words remind us to draw on our belief that Jesus is always with us and in us, giving us courage and strength to seek new beginnings and not fear making mistakes or failure, safe in the knowledge that this is how we learn and how character is built. We draw also on the support of our family, friends and community. You will see the creative use of the Australian native wattle, a symbol of new beginnings in our email footers and on other College publications this year to represent our theme.

New Beginnings

To our 75 Year 7 students, 12 new students to Mercy in other year levels, and our new staff: we hope that your new beginning at Mercy has been one filled with hospitality, as well as care, and the sense of community and inclusion that we value at Mercy. These are most definitely new beginnings that demonstrate courage.

I share with you our new and returning staff for 2021:
Tim Woodmason – Teacher of Mathematics, Health and Physical Education and Year 8 MERCY
Nickeeta Roache – Teacher of Mathematics, Science and Year 9 Homeroom
Rachael Mason – Teacher of VET Allied Health Services
Melanie Simmonds – Teacher of VET Hospitality
Sharon Suhan – College Pastoral Worker
Alison Lourey – McAuley Reception and Administration Officer
Tessa Williams – Learning Support Officer
Troy Stephens – Learning Support Officer
Faye Kenna – McAuley Canteen Coordinator
Anna Bourke – McAuley Canteen Assistance
Kathy Marston – College Cleaning Team
Nick Sotiropoulou – College Cleaning Team
Tess Lourey – Trainee, Events and Sport
Jordan Gray – Trainee, Education Support and Office Administration

We welcome back:
Emily Stephens – O’Keeffe Community Leader, Teacher of Health and Physical Education and Science
Margot Horan – Teacher of Mathematics
Jessica Niblett – Teacher of Science and STEAM

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited Governance

Our governance was transferred to DOBCEL as of the 1st January 2021. As part of our transfer we will be required to adopt and implement a number of new policies and procedures written and shared by DOBCEL. All DOBCEL schools will have the same policies and procedures to ensure consistency. Policies and procedures will be added to our website as required and as they become available. The first to be shared is the Child Safe Suite.

College Website Launch

Another new beginning for Mercy was launched on Thursday at our Commencement Mass. After partnering with Frayne Work Multimedia over the past 12 months, we are proud and excited to launch our new Mercy Regional College website. We congratulate Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement Officer, Katya Belokon, on her work and invite you to please take a look using this link: Mercy Regional College. Your feedback is most welcome to kbelokon@mercy.vic.edu.au.

College Developments

The holidays provided an opportunity for the works on our court coverage at O’Keeffe campus to move further forward. We had hoped that the cover would be fully constructed before school returned; however, COVID-19 restrictions and the closure of the Victorian border created some delays. A very large water tank was installed to facilitate harvesting of the rainwater from the roof and the in-ground watering system. Oval restoration works are also in progress. Once the coverage is completed the court will be resurfaced. On completion, the provision of shade and shelter for our O’Keeffe students during recess and lunch times, as well as during PE classes, sport and assemblies, will be greatly enhanced. Photos and a time lapse film of the building process will be available soon on our website.

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

Whilst we envisage new beginnings and approach MRC’s 50 year celebration in 2023, Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia. The theme for this celebration is Faith in the future, which reflects the core purpose of Catholic education to form students in their faith, to provide an education that enables our graduates to make a meaningful contribution to the world as well as a commitment to build on the great work of those who have come before us, and to provide a Catholic education for future generations of students in a rapidly changing world. A celebratory Mass will be held across the nation on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, patroness of Australia, as well as at Mercy Regional College on the 24th of May. We will celebrate with Mass and day of celebration at the McAuley campus.

College History

Our College was founded in 1973, which means that in 2023 we will be celebrating 50 years of Catholic secondary education as MRC (formally CRC). Much respected staff member, Lachie Lee, whilst enjoying his retirement, is also taking on the role of writing a record of our 50-year history. Lachie would love for any photos that former students may have to be shared with him for inclusion. If you would like to contact Lachie to assist, you can reach him at community@mercy.vic.edu.au.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, 17th February is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days (including Sundays) before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too. With the current restrictions in place, we will be unable to attend Mass as planned and receive the symbolic ashes. Please check our social media pages for an alternate observance of Ash Wednesday prepared by our Mission team.

MRC COVID Safe Updates

We maintain a commitment to the health and safety of our community and are working to ensure all College processes and events meet the stated CECV requirements. We will keep you updated regularly.

The Victorian Government announced on Friday new directions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, in line with the directions issued from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, all Victorian schools will move to a period of remote and flexible provision from Monday, 15th February to Wednesday, 17th February inclusive, with Monday, 15th February being a preparation day for staff. Information regarding Remote Learning V3.0 has been shared with all families and can also be accessed on PAM. Our partnership with families during previous Remote Learning experiences was strong and the work of our students and staff provided for great continuity of learning. We are confident this next experience will also be successful. Together, we have got this!

PAM Instructions_Accessing Remote Learning Information.pdf

Finally, I would like to express our sympathy to Fr Neville Stanislaus on the recent passing of his sister, Christabel Anoja Xavier, in Sri Lanka. We pray for the repose of her soul and keep Fr Neville in our thoughts and prayers.

I conclude with the hope that 2021 will be an opportunity for new beginnings for us all.

With kindness
Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at Mercy

It is an exciting time at Mercy, as we welcome a number of new staff to the learning team in 2021:
Lydia Darcy - Years 7-10 Learning Leader
Danae Fraser - Senior Pathways Leader
Claire Walsh - Learning Diversity Leader
Chamon Vogels - Learning Diversity & Teacher Mentor
Berni Sinnott - Deputy Principal

Please do not hesitate to contact any of our staff if you have any questions.

At Mercy, we work hard to engage each student in their individual learning journey, as they strive for personal excellence and achievement. We view learning as a partnership. It is a collaborative experience which places the student at the centre, and is built on authentic and supportive relationships.

The College’s theme of New Beginnings provides a strong foundation and road map for each student and their learning journey in 2021. Whilst we may not be in the classroom this week, we take great comfort in lessons from last year. Our students and staff are well equipped to overcome all challenges which may present themselves.

Daniel Glennen
Assistant Principal - Learning

Literacy

This year, I have taken on responsibility for the development of Literacy at Mercy Regional College. Defining literacy becomes increasingly challenging as students move forward through their schooling. What exactly is it? The literacy that has become familiar for our students may be seen simply as reading and writing, but it is so much more than this. Literacy is central for our students to develop into effective, functioning members of society.

Our primary goal for 2021 with literacy is to develop student confidence; first by allowing our staff to focus on the development of subject-specific literacy in their own subject areas, by engaging our students with high-impact teaching through interesting material and discussions in the classroom, and then by implementing some overarching strategies to raise the profile and the importance of literacy at our school. Having reviewed some readily available data (ie. NAPLAN and ACER), it is clear that our students are demonstrating growth, but there is always more we can do. We seek to continue to inspire and motivate our students to develop into vibrant, empathetic and caring individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges.

Throughout the year, in order to address and improve upon literacy among our students, I will be seeking some feedback from both parents and students at various times. As is always the case, your support is greatly appreciated as we strengthen the partnership between home and school to ensure all Mercy students gain crucial lifelong skills and develop into confident young adults.

Luke Bourchier
Literacy Coordinator

Tutoring

In response to the disruptions faced by students last year due to COVD-19, the Victorian government has made available funding for schools to run tutoring programs. Since our return to school this year, teams have been meeting to plan and prepare for this and our program kicks off next week in Junior School. Mrs Georgia Copeland will be working with small groups of students across Years 7 and 8 with a literacy focus, specifically in the area of written expression. Our Senior School students will also begin with a written skills focus in week four, under the guidance of Mrs Jennie Darcy. Later this term, our Middle School students will commence their program, with more details to come shortly. We are excited to be offering our students this opportunity to refine and extend their skills, working with experienced teachers as an enhancement to what is happening in our classrooms.

Lydia Darcy
Years 7-10 Learning Leader

Wellbeing at Mercy

The 2021 school year has seen a very positive start for students and teachers. School activities like the Year 7 Welcome BBQ, Commencement Mass and the Swimming Sports created an excellent atmosphere across both campuses.

At our Commencement Mass on Thursday all students were introduced to our new school theme which centres around a New Beginning. A fantastic theme that the whole school community can engage with and one that makes us all pay attention to our mindset about what is ahead. We have been encouraging everyone about trying to develop this “positive mindset”. This can come easy to many, yet difficult for some to achieve, but at MRC, we hope to assist everyone to create a path forward with a positive mindset, even when times are tough.

All students have been encouraged to step a little out of their comfort zone and give themselves a chance to grow and develop. This year, there will be many opportunities that we hope students will take, whether it’s joining a group or playing in a team or making a new friend. All these steps help everyone to achieve new things and increase their personal growth. We hope everyone takes opportunities that are available to them and have fun undertaking new experiences.

As a school community we hope that all families have settled into the routine this year and are feeling as positive about the year ahead as we are. Obviously restrictions may make routine hard to achieve but we hope we can deliver support under all circumstances. As always, if there are any concerns please contact us at school, as we are very keen to offer support when required. Our Wellbeing Team, which includes Chadley Peerman, College Social Worker, and a new addition to our team, Sharon Suhan, College Pastoral Worker, are on hand to support every student.

Welcome to a new beginning. I wish everyone a fantastic 2021.

Ben Brisbane
Interim Assistant Principal - Student Development

Safer Internet Day

Last week, Mercy Regional College recognised Safer Internet Day for 2021. In classes during the week, students have been thinking about ways that they can support each other to navigate the cyber world in a safe manner. Below is an example of this task completed by 7B.

We are also are encouraging parents to sign up for the parent forums available via this link. These forums will assist parents to make their homes a safe place for their children to access the internet. There are a number of sessions available and run through to the 22nd of March.

If anyone has concerns about internet safety at home, please contact the school and we will see if we can assist in some way.

Healthy Lunchboxes

Healthy Lunchbox Week is an initiative of Nutrition Australia that aims to inspire Australian Families to create healthy and enjoyable lunchboxes. Students need to eat a variety of foods every day to be healthy and perform well at school. Ideal school lunches should include at least one item from each food group and also include water.

We encourage parents to involve their children in the planning, shopping and preparation of foods for their school lunches, so they are more likely to enjoy them. You can find some great ideas to help you get started with the “Improving Wellbeing through Healthy Eating” website. The theme Pick & Mix 1-6 is a great way to begin. Check it out here: https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/schools/healthy-lunchboxes

College Pastoral Worker

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Sharon Suhan and I have the new role of College Pastoral Worker in the Wellbeing Team, alongside the College Social Worker, Chadley Peerman, and Ben Brisbane, Interim Assistant Principal - Student Development.

Within this role I will provide pastoral care and support to students; providing an environment which promotes the physical, emotional, social and wellbeing of all students. I work three days a week, two of these Monday and Tuesday at the O’Keefe Campus, and Wednesday at the McAuley Campus. The hours I am available are 8.30am-4.30pm.

My email address is: ssuhan@mercy.vic.edu.au.

I look forward to serving the Mercy Regional College through the Mercy Values.

Sharon Suhan
College Pastoral Worker

Bus Safety

Recently we have been notified that some students are crossing roads between buses, particularly at our bus bay area on Henderson Street after school.

Safe bus travel is obviously an important aspect of school life here at Mercy Regional College. If students need to cross the road once being dropped off or walking down from the school, we ask that students please be patient and cross with care once the road is clear and preferably away from the buses / bus bays. If possible, please arrange to pick up your child on the same side of the road that the bus drops them off or the same side as the school grounds. We really want to avoid an incident occurring and appreciate your support.

Thank you.
Ben Brisbane
Interim Assistant Principal - Student Development

Catholic Identity

New Australian Catholics+ Subscription

We have recently increased our subscription to Australian Catholics+. We have previously received hard copies of the magazine which have been distributed to staff and used as a class set in Religious Education classes.

In the new subscription we now have full online access to teaching materials, liturgy and prayer resources, and the entire archive of magazine articles. This access is available for all Mercy Regional College staff members, parents and students.

It is wonderful to offer something to our parents as a resource for Catholic Identity. It may be a place to help your children with their understanding of their Religious Education courses or to dig a bit deeper into the big questions about life.

Some handy sections of the website:

Here are some initial resources to get you started:

Check out their short video which gives you a tour of the site, covers logins and the Advanced Search feature.
Head here to understand what AC+ offers and here to help you find what you need
3 PDFs that highlight some great ideas about how to use the online resources, for Teachers, for Students, for Parents

The website can be accessed here. Access for parents:

parents@mercy.vic.edu.au
Password: mercyparents
Any number of users can be logged in at the same time.

People's Choice Art Award

As our annual Art & Technology Exhibition was held online in 2020, we were unable to determine the People's Choice Award at the opening night, as we have done in years gone by. However, we are delighted to announce that Sheyna Robbins' artwork, Untitled 2020, was voted the People's Choice.

Sheyna's piece depicts two oppressed communities particularly affected by events in 2020 with a history of persecution in their home countries (ie, the African American community and the Black Lives Matter movement fuelled by a dark history of slavery, and the Uyghur Muslims native to Xinjiang, China, detained simply for their existence).

We also congratulate Zali Searle, who received the Mercy Arts Award, and Archie McBean, who received the Mercy Technology Prize Award in 2020. Zali and Archie's achievements were recognised at the Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony at the end of last year.

Class of 2020 Celebrates

On Friday, 29th January, we officially farewelled the Class of 2020 with a long-awaited Graduation Dinner held at the Cobden Golf Club. With so many postponed and cancelled events in their final year, the Graduation Dinner had a special meaning for our students and their parents. They cherished the opportunity to come together again to celebrate their time at the College, reminisce on shared experiences and catch up on news. The event organisers, led by Rose Henry, made the night truly memorable with beautiful decorations, a delicious menu, and a thoughtful program. As a highlight of the evening, the students were given a special Year 12 booklet - a collection of photos, jokes, memories and well wishes for the future.

Full of hopes and dreams, our courageous Class of 2020 have stepped into the big world. Many of them have already begun their further studies, apprenticeships, traineeships or work, and we can’t wait to hear what this new chapter of their lives will bring them.

Welcome 2021

It was fantastic to welcome our staff and students back to the College for the beginning of the 2021 school year.

On the first day of term, staff gathered for Mass and to reflect on the year ahead. Over the next week, we saw a gradual return of students and the school come back to life. Our new Year 8-12 students joined us for an orientation day. The Year 12 students participated in their first Seminar Day, thinking about their purpose and setting their intentions for what they aspired to achieve this year hear from listened to guest speaker and fellow local, Paul Watkins, who spoke to the group about his experience undertaking a quest to complete the 6633 Artic Ultra Marathon (and won in 2019). Paul spoke to the students about being disciplined in their approach to work, that failure is part of the process, and that training and work is what you put in to improve. Paul also reminded students that it is important to:

create some space with time;
gain perspective and context through thought; and
find the way through action.

The rest of the students followed on Monday, 1^st February. Students at the McAuley campus settled into their routine. Whilst over at the McAuley Campus, we were pleased to welcome the newest members of our community, our Year 7 students and the future Class of 2026. Students at the O’Keeffe Campus participated in a traditional smoking ceremony, led by Briabalong gunai kurnai man, Paul Wright. He spoke passionately about his culture and the significance of the ceremony which is believed to have cleansing properties and wards off bad spirits from the people and land to make way for a brighter future.

On Monday, 8^th February, a fabulous evening was enjoyed by our Year 7 students and their families at the Welcome BBQ. Families has the opportunity to tour the campus with their child, meet homeroom teachers and chat to staff and friends (new and old) of their child and form bonds with other families.

The College came together for the first time in many months to celebrate the beginning of the 2021 school year with the Commencement Mass on Thursday, 11th February. The day marked a new beginning for many at MRC: our new students and staff who have just joined the Mercy family, our Year 12s who are starting their last Year at the College, our 2020 College Dux and Subject Dux recipients who are beginning a new chapter of their lives, and returning students who will make new memories and friends. The recording of the Commencement Mass and Assembly is available to our parents and the wider community via this link.

We hope everyone enjoyed this new beginning and we look forward to a year full of hope, purpose and kindness for everyone in our Mercy community.

Students from Year 12 have had a very busy start to the year with their Year 12 Retreat last week. It gave our students some valuable time away from their busy lives to reflect on what has brought them to this point, and to help prepare them for 2021 and beyond, in the idyllic surrounds of Cave Hill Creek, outside of Beaufort.

Students were involved in a number of fun, team-focused games and activities and were also challenged to reflect on the college theme of New Beginnings and what this means to them as Mercy students. There was also time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a reflection walk.

The group were also given the opportunity to get out and about, participating in some activities outside amongst nature, such as canoeing, low ropes and initiatives, as well as hut building. This was lots of fun, whilst enhancing the bonds made within the group and encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zone. The much anticipated ‘Op-Shop Formal’ also proved very entertaining with the after dinner disco a highlight.

Our final day away saw the focus turn to the year ahead, as students completed ‘survival kits’ and then spent some time writing a motivational letter to themselves which will be opened at the end of the year. A moving liturgy by the lake was also prepared and held as part of the final morning's activities.

Special thanks also to the staff who helped plan and facilitate this event. It was so great to see students being active and enthusiastic participants in all the various retreat experiences on offer in our time away.

Kellie Wilson
Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader

Our Year 11s kicked off Week 2 of term with their retreat day. They heard from guest speaker, Clint Miller, from Destination Dreaming, who spoke about ‘learning from losing’. The emotional learning program focused on creating a culture of problem solving with easy to use, everyday tools to help provide a shift in mindset. Students were empowered to learn from mistakes and turn negatives into positives.

The following two days were spent learning workplace skills, through JOB CAMP short courses Victoria. The students gained their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate, undertook a barista course and learnt cafe and food safety handling skills. These skills will be helpful for any student wishing to enter the workforce.

A great day was enjoyed at the annual House Swimming Carnival, held at the Terang Outdoor Pool. There was lots of enthusiasm and great sportsmanship on display throughout the day. Markey house once again ended the day with a commanding lead, although Tindley students showed great spirit! Despite a strong effort made by the students (in running interference), the staff notched up another win in the staff v students relay.

It was fantastic to see so many students participating in events and we congratulate all of our Age Group Champions. Special mention goes to Matilda Darcy for breaking four College records.

The school canteen at the McAuley Campus is back up and running for 2021, with fresh faces and a fresh menu. The wonderful canteen duo, Faye and Anna, can be found behind the counter, ready to serve up a delicious snack or lunch to the students.

You can download the menu below and the current version of the menu is also accessible on the Parent Access Module (PAM). There is plenty to tempt your tastebuds, and if the wonderful smell of baked goods and pastries wafting around the school is anything to go by, the food is delicious.

MRC_Canteen_Menu_2021.pdf

Careers

The most recent Weekly Careers News articles are below. If you would like further careers information or to view past careers newsletters you can find it here: https://careers.mercy.vic.edu.au/

Weekly Careers News - 3 February 2021

Weekly Careers News - 10 February 2021

Library Lovers Day

Library Lovers Day was celebrated on Sunday, 14th February. There are many new books, classics, and plenty of favourites available to read at the resource centres at both McAuley and O'Keeffe campuses, so make sure to encourage your child to "make a date with their library" when they return to school so they can enjoy delving into a new book.

We're Now On Instagram

We have launched an Instagram account for the College! If you're on Insta, head on over and follow us @mercyregionalcollege. We look forward to sharing more of the daily life at the College and student activities with our community. Let's hope we can get back to "COVID normal" soon so our students get to experience all that we can offer.

MRC Newsletter - Issue 1 - 16 February 2021