MRC Newsletter - Issue 7 - 17 May 2023

Prayer

Dear Lord,

As we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady Help of Christians and Catholic Education Week, we ask for your guidance and blessings upon all educators and students in our Catholic community.

Mary, our loving mother, please intercede for us as we strive to follow in your footsteps and lead others to your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to grow in wisdom, faith, and love, and to always put our trust in God, even in the face of challenges and adversity.

May Catholic Education Week be a time of reflection and renewal for all members of our community, and may we continue to build upon the strong foundation of faith and learning that has been passed down through generations.

We ask for your protection and grace, especially for those who are struggling or in need, and we offer our prayers for all those who dedicate their lives to Catholic education.

Amen.

Principal's Message

Welcome to MRC Diversity and Inclusion Week, where we come together to acknowledge and honour the incredible diversity within our MRC community. Throughout this week, we will also reflect on how we can collectively work towards eradicating discrimination and racism from our community. We are dedicated to fostering open dialogues and shedding light on areas in our organisation that require improvement in order to eliminate discrimination. As a symbol of unity during this week, we proudly display two exquisite iron hearts handcrafted by our staff member Stephen Murfitt. Our young people have been encouraged to adorn these hearts with vibrant ribbons, representing the celebration of diversity.

This week, Mercy Regional College unites with the broader community to acknowledge several significant groups within our society. We commence by honouring National Families Week, an annual celebration aligned with the United Nations International Day of Families. It serves as an opportunity to commemorate and contemplate the strengths and importance of families, embracing their diverse expressions and forms. We also observe National Volunteer Week this week, recognising the invaluable contribution of millions of volunteers throughout our nation to their communities. We express our gratitude to all those who selflessly dedicate their time to volunteer, fostering change whilst providing support to others. We are also currently observing National Careers Week. During this time, we invite you to explore our social media platforms, where you will find biographies of several MRC/CRC alumni. These individuals will be joining us on our upcoming Mercy Feast Day to take part in an engaging panel discussion with our students. It is our aim to provide insights into the diverse range of careers our former students have embarked upon and we hope you take pleasure in discovering more about their current endeavours.

In the upcoming week, we have the joy of commemorating Mercy Regional College Feast Day as part of Catholic Education Week. Our College patron saint, Mary, Help of Christians, is honoured on this day the 24th of May. This occasion holds even greater significance in our Jubilee year. To commence our celebration, we will gather at St. Patrick's Church at 9.30am for a meaningful Mass, embracing our Catholic traditions. Parents are most welcome to attend. As a special gesture, we have extended invitations to former Principals and parish priests from both Terang and Camperdown, fostering a sense of nostalgia and unity. Following a brief break, our students will have the opportunity to gain insights from our alumni panel, enriching their experience. Lastly, we will come together as a community for the Diversity Dash or a colourful run, fostering inclusivity and togetherness. We eagerly anticipate this delightful celebration of unity.

Our Hampden Catholic Schools Network will in the evening host a special dinner event for our volunteer School Advisory Council and Finance Committee members. We are privileged to have Jocelyn Bignold OAM, a distinguished alumna from the CRC Class of 1979 and the CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women, as our guest speaker for the evening.

In student celebrations we congratulate Harrison G and Amelia P both in Y8, on their fantastic results in the Colac Clay Target Shooting Competition. Both shot very well with Harrison winning the high gun and Amelia coming second in Junior girls, both after a shoot off. Congratulations.

In a fortnight filled with sport we congratulate those young people who represented MRC in the HSSSD Cross Country, Junior and Intermediate Boys Netball, Junior and Intermediate Girls Football, Senior and Intermediate Girls Netball and Inter school Senior Football against Trinity College Colac. Congratulations to all who participated and to those teams and individuals who have made it through to the Greater Western Region competitions.

We congratulate staff member Toby McKenzie and students Madidi and Matea on their successful performances in the Camperdown Theatre Company’s 75th Anniversary Spectacular. We also congratulate Cali Howells and Annie Rees for their work behind the scenes, and the many other MRC alumni involved. The show continues this week and I encourage you to treat yourself to a ticket! 

In staff news, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our Education Support Staff. Their dedication and efforts significantly enhance the learning experience and opportunities for our young learners. We also extend a warm welcome to Shane Scanlon, who this week joined our team as the MRC Property Manager.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to staff member and teacher Melanie Bourchier, for successfully completing her Master of Religious Education. We recognise the tremendous commitment and pursue higher education whilst also balancing family and work. Congratulations on this accomplishment Mel!

We have begun processing enrolment applications for 2024 for Y7 and for all other year levels. To commence this process please go to our website. You will also find the application process for our MRC Equity scholarships and our Yanaya Watnanda Indigenous scholarships for young ATSI applicants. You will notice our promotional flyer inclusive of our much valued F - 12 education link with our HCSN Primary Schools in your letterbox soon. Please contact College Registrar Nicole Darcy for further details. At Mercy, everyone is welcomed and included!

With kindness

Sharon Gillett
Principal

Learning at MRC

Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews

Last week we engaged with families at our Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews to discuss learning. Thank you to all of the parents and carers who made time to chat with teachers, as I mentioned in my last newsletter, this evidence between parent engagement around what happens at school and their child’s learning is a strong positive indicator for improved learning outcomes. Please be aware that no parent ever needs to wait for formal occasions such as these to contact teachers. This semester we held the interviews wholly online as the feedback from last year was overwhelmingly in support of this model. For those families who prefer a face to face meeting, you are welcome to arrange times to meet with teachers that are mutually beneficial. I continue to seek feedback from the community, therefore could I please ask you to complete the survey below on the PSTI:

Important Unit 3/4  student event this week

Earlier today, all students in Year 11 and 12 who are studying a Unit 3 / 4 subject heard from guest speaker Kirstin Bourne on the importance of The GAT exam. The VCE GAT exam, also known as the General Achievement Test, is a four hour exam taken by students on June 15. The purpose of the test is to assess students' general knowledge and skills in a range of areas such as written communication, mathematics, and reasoning.

The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a written response section. The multiple-choice section tests students' ability to understand and interpret a range of texts, as well as their ability to use logic and reason to solve problems. The written response section requires students to write an essay or other extended response that demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively and use evidence to support their arguments.

The VCE GAT exam is important because it is used to help determine a student's final score in their VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) studies. The results of the exam are used in conjunction with a student's coursework and other assessments to calculate their final score. It acts as a safety net if the student’s exam scores are much lower than their coursework or if something happens such as an accident or illness and a student is unable to sit their final exams. 

Kirstin explained how the GAT is used to moderate coursework and the literate requirements of the exam. She has also prepared a practice writing task section that the English teachers will be using in class to help prepare students.

The GAT is scheduled for Thursday 15 June at Camperdown College from 9am to 3pm. There is a break between the two parts. The timings of the GAT are set by VCAA (the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) and beyond our control. Students will have to arrange their own transportation to Camperdown College, the bus network times do not align with the start time of the GAT.

Learning@Mercy Leadership Team -
Natalie Stephenson, Danae Fraser and Lydia Darcy

Year 8 Food Tech

Year 8 food technology students have been cooking up a treat looking at all the current food trends in Australia.

A wide range of sweet and savoury dishes were created and some very big smiles when they were able to taste their own creations!

The Addams Family Production

Rehearsals for The Addams Family are going well, with leads and ensemble rehearsals being held at both campuses. A reminder that there is a rehearsal this Sunday 21st in the McAuley Multi Purpose Area for the whole cast. Show dates are August 18 & 19 at the Theatre Royal, Camperdown. Tickets available soon.

Community & Wellbeing at MRC

Time and Space

In a heartwarming event that celebrated the bond between year 7 and 8 students and the important women in their lives, Time & Space Company orchestrated an extraordinary evening at the O'Keeffe Campus. With over 60 families in attendance, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable resilience and community spirit in the post-COVID era.

Building Connections:
The evening went above and beyond to create an inclusive and engaging environment for the students and their mothers or significant females. The evening commenced with a warm welcome, setting the tone for the memorable experience that lay ahead. We recognise the importance of forging connections and strengthening relationships, providing a platform for families to come together and create lasting memories.

Interactive Workshops:
One of the highlights of the evening was the diverse range of interactive workshops offered. These workshops were carefully designed to encourage creativity, communication, and collaboration among the participants. From art and crafts to team-building exercises, each activity served as a catalyst for meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

Engaging Presentations:
Time & Space Company captivated the audience with a series of presentations that blended entertainment and education. From inspiring guest speakers (our students and parents) to thought-provoking discussions, the presentations touched on various aspects of personal growth, empowerment, and nurturing relationships. The company's commitment to imparting valuable life skills was evident in each enlightening session.

Celebration of Achievements:
There was a dedicated portion of the evening celebrating the achievements and milestones of the Junior School students. The event served as a platform to recognise their growth, resilience, and commitment to learning. The atmosphere was filled with pride and encouragement as parents and significant females showered their children with applause and admiration. It was so lovely to see our young people and their families sharing these special moments and memories together.

With the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, the remarkable turnout of over 60 families at the event is a testament to the dedication of our families in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Time & Space Company has undoubtedly set a high bar for future events, ensuring that the bonds formed on this special evening will continue to flourish for years to come.

Pat Cronin Foundation 2023

The Pat Cronin Foundation is an Australian charity that aims to raise awareness about the one-punch assaults, also known as coward punches, and prevent such violent incidents. The foundation was established in honor of Patrick Cronin, a 19-year-old boy who lost his life to a one-punch attack in 2016.

The foundation's primary focus is on educating young people about the dangers of violence and promoting positive behavior in social situations. All Year 11 students were lucky enough to hear Pat’s emotional story on Tuesday 9th May. The presentation was something that was emotional, thought provoking and something that these students will remember for years to come. 

A special thanks to Peter, from the Pat Cronin foundation. If any students felt that this raised some concerns for them, please don't hesitate to speak to any staff member to find some support. 

Do it for Dolly Day

Do It for Dolly day is a day to remember Dolly, a young girl who took her own life after years of being bullied. To raise awareness about suicide prevention, fundraisers have been organised by Dolly's parents and family soon after her death. The funds raised are used to support a program where anyone can seek help and discuss their mental health concerns or issues.

At our school, we celebrate Do It for Dolly day and participate in fundraising activities. Dolly was only 13 years old and entering high school, a challenging phase for many young people.

This year we at Mercy celebrated by students and teachers wearing a touch of blue to school with the year 11 VM students selling wristbands as well as painting nails to help donate to the do it for dolly fund.   

It's important to support this program because of the rising suicide rates caused by social media bullying and physical and mental health issues. These factors are contributing to an increase in mental health problems among young people around the world.

PARENTS - KIDS - Online Support & Advice

As technology continues to advance, children are spending more and more time online. Whether it's for schoolwork, socialising, or entertainment, the internet has become an integral part of their lives. While there are many benefits to being connected, there are also risks associated with it, particularly when it comes to online safety. As a parent, it's important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect your children. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Talk to your children about online safety

The first step in keeping your children safe online is to have an open and honest conversation with them about the risks involved. Discuss the importance of keeping personal information private, not sharing photos or videos that could embarrass or harm them, and being careful about who they communicate with online. Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened while online.

• Set rules and boundaries

Just as you would set rules for your children's behavior in the real world, it's important to set rules and boundaries for their online activity. This could include limiting their screen time, restricting access to certain websites or apps, and monitoring their online activity. Be clear about your expectations and the consequences of breaking the rules.

• Use parental controls

Most devices and apps have built-in parental controls that allow you to restrict access to certain content and set limits on usage. Take advantage of these tools to help keep your children safe online.

• Keep an eye on social media

Social media can be a minefield for children, with cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predators all lurking on these platforms. Make sure your children understand the risks involved and monitor their social media activity to ensure they are using it safely and responsibly.

• Teach your children to be critical thinkers

One of the best ways to protect your children online is to teach them to be critical thinkers. Encourage them to question the information they come across online and to think critically about what they see and read. This will help them to identify fake news, scams, and other potential dangers.

• Stay up to date with the latest trends and threats

Finally, it's important to stay informed about the latest trends and threats when it comes to online safety. Keep up to date with news and advice from reputable sources and be proactive about protecting your children from new threats as they emerge.

By following these tips and being proactive about your children's online safety, you can help to ensure that they can enjoy the benefits of being connected while minimizing the risks. 

The recommended website for support and help by Victoria Police is:

Online Safety  Parent Support Young People Support

Wellbeing Team - Berni Sinnott, Sharon Suhan, Matthew Irving

50th Jubilee Celebrations

We invite everyone to celebrate our 50th Jubilee on Saturday 25 November, with free day activities at the McAuley Campus, and an Anniversary Dinner in the evening.

JUBILEE DAY - Saturday 25 November, 11.30am
The Jubilee Day is a special day of 50th celebrations at the College. The day will run from 11.30am until 3.30pm, and will include school tours, roll calls and displays for each decade, food trucks and music, free family portraits, school tours, book and merchandise sales, afternoon teas and much more. A formal assembly will be held at 1.00pm, followed by a tree planting ceremony.

Cost: Free entry
Location: McAuley Campus, Camperdown

ANNIVERSARY DINNER - Saturday 25 November, 7pm
Please join us for the MRC 50th Anniversary Dinner. Doors and bar will open at 6:30 for a 7:00pm start at the Camperdown Football Netball Club. The guests will enjoy a two-course dinner where the Car Raffle will be drawn and the inaugural Spirit of Mercy Awards will be presented. Afterwards there will be some lively music by duo, the People’s Poets.

Tickets: $65.
Table of 8: $520
Drinks at bar prices.

Tickets can be found here:

Faith at MRC

Feast Day - Wednesday 24 May 

On Wednesday 24th of May (week 5) we will have a whole day of celebration with our students for our Feast Day for ‘Our Lady Help of Christians’ - it is also during Catholic Education Week.

Students are permitted to wear casual clothes on the day. Students are asked to bring some white/light coloured old clothing for the ‘MRC Diversity Dash’ (colour run) which will happen in the afternoon. 

Please note there will be food and drinks available for purchase on the day - Donuts at Recess time. We will also have BBQ, Milkshakes, Slushies and Ice-cream at Lunch time. Please bring along some cash if possible on the day, with all proceeds being donated to Mercy Works.  You are also welcome to bring your own food on the day if you would prefer.  Please keep an eye out for posters advertising this event.  

We cordially invite our Mercy community to attend.

Timeline for Feast Day Activities.  

Mass - St Patrick’s Church 9:30 - 10:30 am

Extended Recess - oval 10:45 - 11:15 am (with some food available for purchase)

Alumni Guest Speakers - stadium 11:30am - 12:30pm

Extended Lunch - MRC Oval (with food/drinks available for purchase) 12:45 - 1:30 pm 

Diversity Dash (Colour Run) - MRC Oval 1:30 - 2:45 pm

Year 10 Retreat / Camp - Wednesday 7th - Friday 9th of June

Year 10 Retreat / Camp is in the Calendar and organised for Wednesday 7th of June through to Friday 9th of June. This will be held at Burnside Camp in Anglesea. Please be advised that we will be leaving after the last bus arrives on Wednesday morning. We will return in time for all buses on Friday afternoon.

Year 7 Faith Day & Year 12 Seminar Day

Guest Speaker Sam Clear came to Mercy on May 3 and 5 to work with both our Year 7 and Year 12 students.

On Wednesday 3rd with our Year 7s, Sam helped students look at courage, in the form of knowing their purpose in life and being unwavering when trouble strikes. This was built through establishing their purpose as love, and was all framed around Sam’s epic journey around the world praying for unity.

On Friday 5th, our Year 12 students also participated in a session with Sam for their Seminar Day. Sam was able to bring the stories and lessons of his epic 19 month, 15,600km walk around the world for Christian unity to extraordinary life for our Year 12s. Students worked through themes such as finding their passion, resilience and hope, as well as overcoming adversity during the day. Sam’s innate ability to communicate, inspire and motivate was a highlight.

Kellie Wilson - Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader
Jo-Anne Saunders - Liturgy Coordinator

Sports Report

McAuley House Cross Country

Our McAuley campus House Cross Country was held on Wednesday 3rd May. Despite the cold weather, there was enthusiastic participation in both the run and the walk. 

Markey took out the most points across the House Competition with 185 points, followed by Frayne on 131, Ryan on 113 and Tindley on 137.

Congratulations to the McAuley age champions!

Under 20 Girls - Emily D / Grace T (EQ) 
Under 20 Boys - Angus M
Under 17 Girls - Kate S
Under 17 Boys - Wilba C
Under 16 Girls - Taleah M
Under 16 Boys - Archie T
Under 15 Girls - Elsie S
Under 15 Boys - Charlie K

HSSSD Cross Country

Congratulations to all students who participated in the HSSSD Cross Country. MRC students ran very well!

MRC - 299   Timboon - 117.5    Camperdown College 109    Terang - 87.5   Cobden - 48
Age Group Champions 
Under 20 Girls - Riley S (CC) Under 20 Boys - Fred B (MRC)
Under 17 Girls - Sophie C (MRC) Under 17 Boys - Wilba C (MRC) 
Under 16 Girls - Taleah M (MRC) Under 16 Boys - Archie T (MRC)
Under 15 Girls - Elsie S (MRC) Under 15 Boys - Jarrod F (Tim) 
Under 14 Girls - Piper S (MRC) Under 14 Boys - Riley B (Tim) 
Under 13 Girls - Lucia C (MRC) Under 13 Boys - Quinn C (CC)

Library News

MRC Book Club

Everyone is welcome to join us for Mercy Book Club. All you need to do is: read the book, register to attend (no cost involved) and come along to a friendly social get together for discussion with fellow book-lovers.

 When? 6:30pm on Wednesday 21 June

Where? Terang’s Commercial Hotel. 

Who? Everyone is welcome 

Contact: Jean Christie via email for more information.

The Mercy Book Club for parents, friends and staff members has chosen another great book for Term 2. Limberlost, by award-winning author Robbie Arnott, is an especially great read for anyone who enjoys descriptive writing. The story  is set in the author’s home state of Tasmania and is loosely based on the stories Arnott’s grandfather told and retold of growing up in the Tamar Valley. Arnott excels at making the landscape come alive with his writing.

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott: Publisher’s Synopsis 

“In the heat of a long summer Ned hunts rabbits in a river valley, hoping the pelts will earn him enough money to buy a small boat.

Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards 2023

The CBCA has announced the books that have been shortlisted for the Book of the Year Awards 2023. The following books have been shortlisted in the older readers (Ages 13 to 18) category. These books are available from the Library from both McAuley and O’Keeffe and they guarantee a quality read.

Eva Collins: Ask No Questions

Biffy James: Completely Normal (and Other Lies) 

Sarah Winifred Searle: The Greatest Thing 

Tom Taylor &Jon Sommariva: Neverlanders (Graphic Novel)

Hayley Lawrence: The Other Side of Tomorrow 

Mike Lucas: What We All Saw

Jean Christie
Library & Resource Centre Coordinator

Career News

Please see the link below to the latest edition of Career News.

Topics this week include:

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

• Early entry programs: guides for Victoria, Canberra and NSW institutes.
• ADF Gap Year Program
• Australian Federal Police – 2024 Directions Program
• UCAT ANZ – registrations close soon
• Scholarship programs for high achievers
• Digital apprenticeship program
• Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship – cyber security and computer science
• Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
• Work experience programs
• SheCommerce program – The University of Melbourne

YEAR 11 STUDENTS

• National Youth Science Forum – applications now open
• Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
• Work experience programs
• SheCommerce program – The University of Melbourne

 YEAR 10 STUDENTS

• Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
• Work experience programs
• Swinburne University – Astronomy and Astrophysics work experience
• SheCommerce program – The University of Melbourne
• The Santos Science Experience

 YEAR 9 STUDENTS

• Swinburne University – Astronomy and Astrophysics work experience
• SheCommerce program – The University of Melbourne
• The Santos Science Experience

ALL STUDENTS

• Explore your global university options
• Research TAFE and university courses
• Maths careers
• Motorsports courses
• Careers in IT
• National security careers – Australian Signals Directorate
• Natural health courses
• Careers with the Australian Federal Police
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Careers in sport
• How a podiatrist saved Peter’s life
• Upcoming career events

Alumni News

Feast Day Speakers

We look forward to welcoming many alumni back to MRC for our Feast Day Mass and celebrations on 24 May. Thank you to all those who are generously giving their time to come and talk to students about their careers.

Class Reunions 2023

2023 is a special year for CRC and MRC community. As the College is celebrating its 50th anniversary, we are hoping to see many of our alumni involved in events and festivities. And what year can be better to have a class reunion than the jubilee year? 

We are calling out to the graduating classes of milestone years who are due to have a reunion in 2023. If you are planning an event, please contact the College at alumni@mercy.vic.edu.au or 03 5593 2011. We will be happy to help you promote your event and organise a campus tour for your group. 

• Graduating Class of 1978 – 45 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1983 – 40 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1988 – 35 Years Reunion
  
• Graduating Class of 1993 – 30 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 1998 – 25 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2003 – 20 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2008 – 15 Years Reunion
  
• Graduating Class of 2013 – 10 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2018 – 5 Years Reunion
• Graduating Class of 2022 – 1 Year Reunion

Upcoming Dates and Events

Monday 15 May - Friday 19 May - MRC Diversity and Inclusion Week

Tuesday 16 May - HSSSD Intermediate/Senior Netball

Monday 22 May - Friday 26 May - Catholic Education Week

Wednesday 24 May - MRC Feast Day - All Day
                                             MRC Feast Day Mass
                                             GWR Boys Netball (all ages)

Friday 26 May - State Golf
                                  Year 9 Try A Career Day

Monday 29 May - GWR Cross Country

Thursday 1 June - HSSSD Boys Football (Yr 9)
                                      HSSSD Junior Girls Netball
                                     $20 Boss Market Day

Monday 5 June - Junklandia Performance (Year 7)

Tuesday 6 June - GWR Intermediate Football (Year 10)

Wednesday 7 June - Year 10 Retreat/Camp begins

Thursday 8 June - GWR Girls Football

Monday 12 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday - No Classes

Thursday 15 June - GAT (Unit 3 & 4 students and Year 12 VM)
                                         Correction & Report Writing Day - No Classes
                                         GWR Intermediate & Senior Soccer

Wednesday 21 June - GWR Junior (Year 7) Soccer

Friday 23 June - Term 2 ends

Monday 10 July - Term 3 commences

Thursday 13 July - State Cross Country

Friday 14 July - Year 10 Humanities Excursion
                                  Year 7 STEAM Excursion

Later in the Year:

Friday 18 August & Saturday 19 August - The Addams Family Production @ Theatre Royal

Saturday 25 November - MRC 50th Jubilee Day and Anniversary Dinner

Community Notices