MRC Newsletter - Issue 12 - 16 August 2022
Prayer
Principal's Message
Yesterday was the feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrating the Christian belief that on Mary’s death her body rose or was ‘assumed’ to heaven to be reunited with her soul. Sr Joan Chittister writes, “ Mary of the Assumption teaches us to keep our eyes on the things of heaven; to free ourselves from the fetters of anything lesser; to develop a vision outside of ourselves; to allow ourselves to be lifted up beyond the petty and the transient to the eternal and unalloyed. Mary of the Assumption is a sign of what we can become if we are willing to let go of what we have planned for ourselves.” - from 'In Pursuit of Peace: Praying the Rosary Through the Psalms' by Joan Chittister.
We celebrated Tindley House Feast Day last week with gratefully received yellow iced donuts for all in the Tindley community - students and staff. Mr John Tindley was the foundation principal of our school and is the namesake of our Tindley (yellow) house. John Tindley was known as an innovative, dynamic and courageous leader, exhibiting a ‘never give up’ attitude based on hope, faith, community and good will. John is respectfully remembered for his tireless work for the school and his involvement in the life of the community as well as being fondly remembered for his “long hair and flared pants” and his sports car! John and the founding Committee of Management ensured the establishment and growth of secondary Catholic education in our region. John Tindley began our school with limited resources but his hard work and dedication ensured its success from those very first days. Key to this success was a sense of community, a characteristic that remains strong today. Thank you John Tindley!
We return today after the DOBCEL Circuit Breaker Weekend. I hope that students, staff and families were able to use this longer weekend to rest and reset ready for the remainder of Term 3. For our Year 12 students this break hopefully provided time to rejuvenate and focus ready for the final weeks of their secondary education. VCE exams begin for our VCE students with English on Wednesday 26 October. These final few weeks will see students completing internal assessment tasks (SACs) and participating in revision opportunities to consolidate their learning with our VCAL students also completing their final work requirements. We wish all our final year students and those in Year 11 studying a Unit ¾ subject the best of luck and encourage and support them in applying themselves to achieve their very best. Our PASS after school tutoring program has been well attended to support students and I thank our staff sincerely for giving their time to work with students and to also drive them ‘home’ afterwards!
Our planning for 2023 continues with VCE pathway and subject selection process reaching final stages and young people in Year 9 and soon Year 8 making choices for learning inclusive of elective subjects and the opportunity to ‘accelerate’ into VCE or VET subjects. Our current Year 7 students will also have the opportunity to express interest in a new language course being offered in 2023 - Victorian Aboriginal Language which will see learning in the local language and culture. Read more about this opportunity in the Learning @ MRC section of thsi newsletter. Families are encouraged to discuss the subject selection process with their children and to make contact with us should you require any clarification or support.
We are looking forward to meeting with our 2023 Year 7 students and their families at our Enrolment Interviews this afternoon in Noorat and tomorrow afternoon in Camperdown. The opportunity to meet each student and their parents/carers individually is an important part of a successful transition from primary school to Mercy Regional College. Transition continues with Discovery Day, now on 12 September, and then Transition Day in December. New students are welcomed at every year level into our Mercy community. Enrolment enquiries can be made with College Registrar Nicole Darcy. Enrolment information inclusive of our new Welcome to Mercy Regional College video can be found on our website.
We would like to remind our community that the College has a few exciting teaching opportunities for 2023. If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying, please refer them to our website.
With kindness
Sharon Gillett
Principal
Learning at MRC
Victorian Aboriginal Languages in Year 8 2023
Victorian Aboriginal Languages is proposed as an elective language option at Year 8 for 2023. Students would be given the option of selecting VAL in place of French. This is a move towards a growing interest in formalising the teaching of First Nations languages in schools. More information is availble at the link below:
The subject is designed as year-long for 4 periods per cycle. The primary focus is on the Gunditjamara languages but also on languages from other areas of Victoria. We are receiving considerable support from Ballarat Catholic Education and local indigenous elder Uncle Lockie Eccles to develop our learning program.
Topics covered will include:
- Whose land are we on
- Greetings
- Place names
- Questions - where and what?
- Commands
- Body parts
- Art and symbols
- Seasons and weather
- Animals and plants
Students in Year 7 will have heard from Ms Lydia Darcy (Years 7-10 Learning Leader) last week and if interested will need to complete an expression of interest form signed by parents or carers.
A reminder that our subject selection process continues:
Year 8 into 9
- Subject Information Session - to be presented in MERCY classes across Weeks 5/6
- Friday 26 August- Subject Selection Sheets Due
Year 12 English SAC Preparation and Exam Revision
In the coming weeks, MRC will support a number of events aimed at our Year 12 English students in their final stages of study to prepare for upcoming SACs, practice exams and the final VCAA exam in October.
All Year 12 English students will join their peers at Camperdown College for a performance and workshop on Wesley Enoch’s and Deborah Mailman’s play 'The Seven Stages of Grieving' on Wednesday 17 August. This will be assessed both in an upcoming comparative writing SAC and the end-of-year exam.
This will be supplemented by a practice exam on Wednesday 14 September, 1:15pm - 4:30pm.
MRC will also be running three additional sessions for students with support from the VATE (Victorian Association for the Teaching of English) in the coming weeks. These sessions are free to attend and are highly encouraged. These sessions will run from 3.30pm until approximately 5.30pm in the John Tindley Resource Centre at the McAuley Campus and cover the following topics:
- Session 1: 25 August (Thursday) - Pair 7: The 7 Stages of Grieving / The Longest Memory + Section B of the Exam. (A week before the SAC)
- Session 2: 1 September (Thursday) - Exam Revision and Preparation - Section A + Rear Window. (13 days before the practice exam)
- Session 3: 8 September (Thursday) - Exam Preparation - Section C with refreshers for Sections A & B. (Day after GAT, 6 days before the practice exam).
A large number of students have already expressed interest in attending these events, however they will need to confirm their attendance at the following link for supervision and catering purposes.
C-Grade Round 5 champions: Val, Jack and Alani
Debating News
Mercy's rhetoricians chalked up another win in the DAV Geelong Region Power Round against ladder buddies North Geelong Secondary College in the final C-Grade debate of the year. Skillfully overcoming a bad cause of nerves, opening speaker Alani laid out Mercy's case (That we should be able to grow crops that require environmental modifications) which was expertly supported by second speaker Val (winner of the 'Best Speaker' award!) before expert rebutter Jack reminded our opponents why he won 'Best Speaker' in Round 4!
Many thanks goes to Chief Strategist Jo Saunders who guided them expertly through the preparations and to Wendy for the sustiance. As the first C-Grade team in recent memory, we finished the season strongly in 10th place, and with a drive to move up the ladder in 2023!
Illness postponed and ultimately resulted in a forfeit for the A-Grade (secret topic) Power Round against Geelong High School - but no doubt Adam, Oscar and Jo would have replicated their peers' effort had they been given the chance. Ultimately we finished 7th on the ladder - not a bad effort for our young team!
Attention now moves to the imminent Frayne Speech Festival and the Junior School Program in Terms 3 and 4.
Mercy is taking on hosts Emmanuel College and the powerhouse that is Sacred Heart College in the senior debating category at Frayne while College Captains Carly and Jackson demonstrate their oratory skills in the public speaking events.
Training also begins soon also for nine aspiring debaters in the Junior School program hosted by Sacred Heart Geelong on 7 September. There are spaces still available on the bus for any interested parties keen an evening of great debates!
VCAL & IPA Indigenous Gardens Excursion
The Year 11 VCAL students explored the Indigenous nursery at Worn Gundidj last week. They were able to learn about the propagation process, organic growing, bush food and medicinal qualities of a wide range of native plants. This experience built upon the tastings they had at Ballarat Technical School during the bush food chocolate experience. They will be able to refine their use in future culinary creations.
Students also completed an audit of the Warrnambool Botanical Gardens, searching for native plants and key elements of the garden that combine to create an inviting atmosphere. With this knowledge in hand we will be able to embed native palnts into our ongoing Indigenous Garden project with Corangamite Shire Council and Parks Victoria. The progress on the garden is being noticed and commented on by the community regularly now!
The students who attended the Indigenous Perspectives Adventure camp were also in attendance, re-engaging with the facilitators and traditional land owners. They were excited to reflect upon the success of their camp and plan for future adventures and elements of aboriginal education to include in their future schoolwork.
Year 12 Physics Synchrotron Visit
Last Tuesday the Year 12 Physics class visited the Australian Synchrotron In Clayton. The students were taken on an informative tour of the facility that hosts scientists from around the world that use the Synchrotron to do research in different areas including medical imaging, agriculture and even art. The students were able to conduct four different experiments as part of their 'Light and Matter' area of study. It was a valuable experience that taught the students a lot of new things.
Year 10-12 Egg Farm Excursion
On Tuesday 2 August, Year 10-12 Agriculture students had the opportunity to visit Moorpark pastured egg farm. The farm is located just out of Colac in Warncoort and runs 2,000 egg laying chooks and 800 sheep.
Interestingly, the farm has its chooks spending the day outside free range in the paddock only confined by temporary fencing. At night the chooks return to a large mobile shed where they are protected from the weather and predators. Every few days the shed is moved around the paddock and the chooks have a new location to live as they follow the flock of sheep.
The aim of this visit was to demonstrate to the students alternative methods of farming with a focus on regenerative practices. Al Dennis, the owner and operator, told the students about the day to day production of the egg laying operation from collecting eggs to moving the sheds and how the animals are fed. He also gave the group some insights into running a sustainable business with multiple avenues for profits to be made from just one property. The final part of the tour led the students to a small packing room where the eggs are hand-packed every morning and stored before being sold to local community stores.
We thank Al for the tour of his wonderful farm and to staff member Mark Evans for driving the bus.
Science Week Activity - Escape Room
As part of Science Week celebrations, some of our Year 9 students participated in a virtual Escape Room activity in their Science class today. The students were required to apply basic science knowledge, critical thinking and creativity as they looked for clues and solved tangible puzzles to find the key to the Escape Room. A great test of skill and a wonderful way to spend the lesson!
Learning@Mercy Leadership Team - Natalie Stephenson, Danae Fraser, Lydia Darcy and Daniel Lee
VCE Psychology Teacher - Caitlin Rix
VCAL Leader - Claire Virgona
Year 12 Physics Teacher - Dean Ludeman
Agriculture Teacher - Tom Kelly
Community & Wellbeing at MRC
MRC Fitness Club
The MRC Fitness Club is back this term and the number of participants is growing rapidly each week.
The Mercy fitness lovers meet at 7.15am on Tuesdays at Nick Hose Fitness in Camperdown. They enjoy productive workouts in a great company and then head to the McAuley Campus for some delicious breakfast. What a lovely way to start the morning!
Well done to the organisers and the hosts, and a special thank you to our past student Flynn who led a workout session for our group while on work placement last week.
Wear it Purple Day - 28 August 2022
The theme for Wear it Purple Day this year is Still me, still human. On this day we think about what it means to be fully ourselves in all of the complexity and joy of being fully human.
Wear it Purple Day has morphed into an international movement which originally began as a tangible sign of support for LGBTQI+ young people (“rainbow young people”) who have tragically died by suicide after instances of bullying and harassment.
The central principle behind Wear it Purple Day is that everyone has the right to be proud of who they are. Wear it Purple Day’s purpose is to show rainbow young people across the world that there is hope, that there are people who accept and support them, and that they have the right to be who they are.
To acknowledge and celebrate this important day on 28 August, students and staff are invited to show their support for rainbow people by wearing a touch of purple with your school uniform. Simple ideas include socks, a tie or a jumper. We will also have purple ribbons available for students and staff to wear, as well as posters across both campuses.
Wellbeing Team - Berni Sinnott, Sharon Suhan, Matthew Crane
Faith at MRC
Year 10 Retreat
On Monday 8 August, our Year 10 cohort headed off on their Retreat. The students travelled together to sunny Anglesea with boys heading to Camp Wilkin and girls to Camp Araluen.
The girls listened to Melissa Barbieri (an ex Matildas' captain) who spoke passionately of empowerment and hard work to make things happen. The group also worked on the themes around 'valuing ourselves so that we can value others'.
The boys were lucky enough to work with the Man Cave who are a preventative mental health and emotional intelligence charity that empowers boys to become great men. Using evidence-based workshops and expert facilitation, Man Cave programs provide boys with the critical emotional and social skills they need to thrive in their relationships, their communities and their lives.
The students were involved in some community work with McAuley Services as part of the Retreat. They were asked to bring a small donation of a product or item that they packaged up to deliver to women and children who are supported by McAuley Services. The vision of this group is for women and children to be safe and empowered to achieve their highest potential.
In their spare time, the students enjoyed walks and activities at the beach, as well as spent some time bonding and building friendships.
A big thank you to the staff who organised and attended this great experience for our students.
[The photos below feature girls' activities whereas the photos of boys will be shared in the next newsletter.]
Vinnies Winter Sleepout
On Thursday 11 August, members of our College community got a glimpse of the realities of homelessness on a personal level by ‘sleeping rough’ for one night. The Vinnies Winter Sleepout encourages students, parents and staff to gain a deeper understanding of homelessness and raise funds to support Vinnies Homeless Services in the local community.
We are still taking donations for this cause via the fundraising link is below.
Community Lunch
Our Junior students stepped up to host a community lunch at the Camperdown Uniting Church on Wednesday 3 August. They were diligent and helpful every step of the way - preparing and serving the meals, having conversations with the community members and cleaning up. Well done to everyone who supported this important initiative!
Sports Report
State Table Tennis
On Wednesday 10 August, five MRC students travelled to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre to compete in the State Table Tennis Competition, after qualifying the previous Friday in Cobden.
The boys played against Melbourne High School, Sirius College and Bass Coast College. Although our players did not get any wins, they had a wonderful day competing against the best of the best in their age group. We congratulate Sam, Jordy, Adam, Oscar and Makye on the fantastic achievement of making it to the state level.
Library News
Farewell Maureen
August is a special month for Australian school libraries and a particularly special month for our own library with the departure of Maureen O’Loughlan. Maureen’s final day at school following 25 years of service to our College community was on 4 August and many students and staff members made their way to the Library throughout the day to thank Maureen and wish her well.
Maureen is pictured on her final day with our Shelftalkers book reviewers, Alani, Holly, Sarah and Annie.
Maureen with Junior students at the farewell morning tea at O'Keffee.
Australian School Library Day
The Australian School Library Association has partnered with Students Need School Libraries to hold the inaugural Australian School Library Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday 24 August 2022, during Book Week.
Why are Libraries important?
Students Need School Libraries writes: “Why are Libraries important? While technology is embedded in the lives of our students, it cannot be assumed that they are all competent and discerning users of information. In order to equip them for life-long learning, they need to be taught the skills to access reliable, accurate and trustworthy sources of information. These skills equip them for life-long learning. A teacher librarian, along with a well-equipped library and a support team of trained librarians, can empower students by teaching students digital literacy, information literacy, and how to be safe online, as well as fostering a love of reading.
Libraries are vital for schools and students. A place of learning, collaboration, expression, and creativity, well-equipped libraries are flexible, bustling, busy places. Our mission is to ensure that all children have equitable access to the library and qualified library staff that they need.”
"Every school needs a school library—it’s a no-brainer. Reading underlies every area of the curriculum and the key is having a well-stocked school library and a passionate school librarian who can put the right book into the right hands at the right time."
- Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, author and illustrator
"Having helped hundreds of schools across Australia reinvigorate their library, I don’t believe, I know from direct experience that a contemporary library with qualified staff plays a critical role in developing literacy skills. The notion that books, and in turn, libraries are losing relevance is ill-informed as a contemporary library offers a much broader range services and resources."
- Kevin Hennah, International Library Public Speaker and Consultant
CBCA Book Week
Every year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During the week of 20-26 August schools and public libraries spend one week celebrating Australian books, authors and illustrators.
The Library has purchased the books shortlisted for Book of the Year in both the younger and older readers categories.
Winners and Honours: will be announced the third Friday in August at 12 noon AEST
The advocacy role played by the CBCA promotes the literary experience for children and assures the scope and vitality of Australian children's books. The annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia's most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.
Established with the first awards in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to:
- promote quality literature for young Australians;
- support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books and;
- celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature.
Book of the Year Shortlist : Older Readers
- 'Girls in Boys' Cars' by Felicity Castagna
- 'How to Repaint a Life' by Steven Herrick
- 'Tiger Daughter' by Rebecca Lim
- 'The Boy from the Mish' by Gary Lonesborough
- 'Terciel and Elinor' by Garth Nix
- 'Sugar Town Queens' by Malla Nunn
Book of the Year: Younger Readers
- 'Dragon Skin' by Karen Foxlee
- The Detective’s Guide to Ocean Travel' by Nicki Greenberg
- 'Huda and Me' by H. Hayek
- 'A Glasshouse of Stars' by Shirley Marr
- 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' by Maryam Master
- 'Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief' by Katrina Nannestad
Wheelers e-Books and Audiobooks
Wheelers e-books and audiobooks are always available fro MRC studenst and staff. The new releases and recommendations for winter reading include:
Book Club
We invite all book lovers in the Mercy community to the next session of our Book Club in Term 4.
Date: Thursday 13 October
Book: 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Tyalor Jenkins Reid
Jean Christie
Interim Library Manager
MRC Car Raffle
We thank everyone who has already purchased their Car Raffle ticket this year! Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us reach our target to purchase a mobile coffee trailer for our VCAL students. The tickets are available online via the link below, as well as at the College reception, local cafes and shops that have paper ticket books.
Car Raffle Ticket Stall
We would like to thank our familes and staff who have kindly contributed their time to promote the raffle and volunteered at the ticket stall.
If you or your family could spare some time to volunteer, please pick a shift via the form below. Your support will be greatly appreciated!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Career News
Your Career - School Leavers Support
The National Careers Institute offers a wonderful opportunity for Senior students and their parents as they prepare for life after school. It includes some fantastic information to enable students to plan in advance for their next big steps and some information for parents to assist in this transition. There is also the opportunity to register with a qualified career practitioner for a free 45-minute phone session for support.
Career News
Topics in the Career News this week include:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Information on applying for tertiary courses in Victoria, NSW and Canberra – download the application guides!
- The University of Melbourne: Guaranteed ATARs and Access Melbourne Guaranteed ATARs for the 2023 intake.
- How to apply for university accommodation
- Employment opportunities
- Scholarships
- Applications open for leading performing arts colleges - NIDA, WAAPA and the VCA ( acting, film, dance, visual art etc.)
- Would you like to study in the US or UK?
- Information on the UCAT (medicine & dentistry applicants)
ALL STUDENTS
- Focus on open days
- Open day events running this weekend
- Apprenticeship & traineeship resources
- Amazing humanities courses
- Ocean Youth Program
- Portsea Camp
- Work experience – Australian Defence Force and Surveying
- Upcoming career events and programs
Kym Penry
Careers Leader
Student Achievements
Indoor Bias Bowls National Championships
Congratulations to Year 12 student Lara who is heading off to Devonport, Tasmania, on 20 August to compete in Indoor Bias Bowls National Championships. We wish Lara and her team the best of luck as they represent Victoria!
Alumni News
Class of 1992 - 30th Reunion
We are looking forward to welcoming all alumni from the Class of 1992 for a 30th reunion. Save the date – 15 October 2022, 7pm. Enjoy a campus tour followed by a casual night of reminiscing and catching up with your former classmates.
Regardless of how many years you attended the College for, you are still part of your graduating class and are welcome to attend the reunion.
Please RSVP at https://cutt.ly/Class-92-30th-Reunion. Email us at alumni@mercy.vic.edu.au or contact Narelle Kerr with any questions.
Class Reunions - Save the Date
- CRC Class of 1987 - 35th Reunion
Saturday 15 October (time TBC)
Camperdown - MRC Class of 2012 - 10th Reunion
Friday 18 November (time TBC)
Steakroad Bar and Grill
Update your contact details on our Alumni Database to receive an invitation to your class reunion, once the details are finalised - bit.ly/mrc-alumni.
If you are planning your class reunion, please let us know at alumni@mercy.vic.edu.au and we will help you promote your event.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Tuesday 16 August - Year 7 2023 Enrolment Interviews, 3pm - 6pm @ Noorat
Wednesday 17 August - Year 12 'The 7 Stages of Grieving' Production
Year 7 2023 Enrolment Interviews, 3.00pm - 6.00pm @ Camperdown
Friday 19 August - Hospitality & Year 11 VCAL Sofitel Hotel Visit
Wednesday 24 August - Junior Basketball
Year 12 Elevate Presentation
Thursday 25 August - SW Zone Clay Target Shoot Competition
Friday 26 August - Frayne Speech Festival
Monday 29 August - State Intermediate Boys Netball
Friday 2 September - State Junior (Year 8) Girls Netball
Monday 5 September - State Senior Girls Netball
College dates for 2022 can be viewed through the Parent Access Module (PAM), including all term dates, student free days, camps and retreats.
Community Notices
