MRC Newsletter - Issue 8 - 31 May 2023
Prayer
Prayer for Reconciliation Week
Today let us pray for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who have contributed over time to our collective Australian Identity. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
We acknowledge and pay tribute to the Elders who have re-entered the dreaming, may their spirits walk alongside us always. As a Catholic community we acknowledge that Australia’s history, since time immemorial, holds the oldest living continuous culture in the world. May we celebrate this culture through unity, community and a shared story.
We acknowledge the many diverse nations and their ancient stories that have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be shared in Aboriginal communities today. We pray that all will continue the learning journey to discover more about the history of Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament, allowing for genuine, meaningful and supportive dialogue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities across our country.
As a Catholic community, we recognise that by raising awareness and knowledge of reconciliation, all peoples can Be a Voice for Generations. Through deep listening, connection with Country, sharing stories and having the courage to speak out for equity, fairness, and justice, we pray for a nation that celebrates our cultural identity, with dignity, and pride. The Catholic Tradition, grounded in the mission and teaching of Jesus, compels us to respect the sacred dignity of each person. Therefore, we pray for Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
May all Australians come together and continue to build our shared Australian Identity. May we unite and stand together as a community in peace and harmony for reconciliation. Give us the strength to stand up against racism, living out the Gospel command to love one another as Jesus showed us. May we commit to a voice of truth telling, creating spaces in our communities for truth-telling and deep listening, leading to action for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. May we strive to develop genuine, lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Let us pray today that Reconciliation will live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by just and respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Amen
Principal's Message
Dear Mercy Regional College Families and Friends,
Last week saw a brilliant celebration for our Mercy Regional College community as we joined together to mark our significant milestone. The entire week was dedicated to commemorating Catholic Education Week throughout the Diocese of Ballarat. This annual week-long celebration recognises the invaluable role of Catholic schools in providing a comprehensive education to our youth within a welcoming environment that nurtures faith and spirituality, promotes inclusivity, embraces diversity, and instills values inspired by the Gospels and the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
Within our MRC community, the focus of the week was honouring the Feast Day of Our Lady Help of Christians, which is also our MRC Feast Day. This year held an additional reason for celebration as we marked our 50 year jubilee. Wednesday commenced with a joyous Mass, graced by the presence of numerous former Parish Priests and College principals who have been part of MRC’s journey. They joined our current MRC community, along with many extended family members, many themselves former students, as well as parishioners from our local parishes.
The panel discussion after our Mass featured former MRC (formerly CRC) graduates. It was a truly inspiring experience as they warmly reminisced about their time at school while also imparting valuable insights into how their education and diverse career paths have influenced their personal growth and development. The panelists shared their journeys, highlighting the ways in which their experiences at MRC shaped the individuals they have become today. They serve as a testament to the lasting impact of our educational community on the lives of our graduates. Our celebration rounded out with our colourful “Diversity Dash”.
This week we recognise Reconciliation Week which began with recognising Sorry Day on Friday. The 2023 theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. As a Catholic community, we are committed to reconciliation, truth telling and a learning journey to discover more about the history of Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament allowing for genuine, meaningful and supportive dialogue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities across our country. By raising awareness and knowledge of reconciliation, all peoples can Be a Voice for Generations (Catholic Schools Victoria 2023 Reconciliation Week Prayer).
I ask you to please read the Wellbeing section of our Newsletter where Deputy Principal Berni Sinnott shares with you some adjustments to our mobile phones at school procedures. We have needed to respond to increased inappropriate and unnecessary use of mobile phones by students at school which has the potential for unfair treatment of others and can negatively impact learning. As in all learning communities, there are times we need to revisit and reset to ensure all community members feel safe and valued and have the best opportunity to learn. We prefer to work with our young people and families to be educative and proactive rather than reactive and punitive. We will offer families an opportunity to participate in information sessions to enhance understanding, responsibility and legal issues of use of frequently used social media platforms.
In student news we acknowledge the wonderful efforts of members of our MRC Cross Country team who participated in the Greater Western Region Cross Country on Monday. We had a total of 40 students qualify to compete in this event across many age groups. Special mention goes to the 14 students who progressed through to the SSV State finals and Piper S, Elsie S, Taleah M, Rose B and Wilba C who all finished in the top 5 of their age groups. We also acknowledge our gold medal winning Girls Under 15 team - Elsie S, Indi C, Poppy K and Lara C- and silver medalists Girls Under 12/13, Boys Under 15 and Boys Under 17/20. Full results are included in the Sports section.
We congratulate Y12 student Fred B who competed in the SSV State Golf on Friday, parring the course with 72 to finish an impressive equal 6th.
We also congratulate Ava C and Jess M who represented Corangamite Hockey Club at the junior country championships in Melbourne recently.
With just three weeks of Term 2 to go we encourage all learners to focus their learning as they work through many summative assessments. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate learning growth. Our Y10 $20 Boss entrepreneurs will demonstrate their learning at their Market Day tomorrow. We look forward to purchasing the fruits of their hard work and thank teacher Tania Bruckner for her support and encouragement of their ideas. There is plenty more sport to come as well as Y7 Junkladia Performing Arts excursion, Y10 Retreat to Anglesea, DAV debating, Y9 Retreat and a Slam Poetry incursion with renowned poet Emilie Zoey Baker. Please remember that Thursday 15 June is the GAT for all Y12 students as well as those Y11’s studying a VCE Unit 3/4 subject. The day will be Student Free for all other students as teachers have a Professional Practice Day for correction and report writing.
We keep in our prayers our sister school Monivae College Hamilton as their community grieves the tragic loss of life of one of their Year 10 students in a car accident on the weekend as well as the Bainbridge College community and the family and friends of all who lost their lives or were injured.
Enjoy this start to winter which is the Channup ‘Cockatoo’ season in the Gariwerd calendar, marked by the reappearance of the Aquila constellation (Bunjil) together with these colder temperatures, chilling winds, foggy mists and rain. Time to get those fires crackling!
With kindness
Sharon Gillett
Principal
Learning at MRC
Our Vision for Learning - we need your voice!
When Mercy Regional College undertook its last school review in 2021, one of the college goals to come out of that review was to revisit and reimagine the school’s mission, values and vision. A power of work has been done in this space over the last 18 months involving our whole staff and a number of dedicated working parties. As part of this suite of foundation documents that frame and drive school culture, we have developed an explicit vision for learning. We are now at the stage where we are ready to provide you with a draft for consultation and feedback. To date our staff have had multiple opportunities to engage with this statement and our School Advisory Council has also provided feedback. Our students will also have an opportunity to add their voice to this process in the coming weeks.
Could I please ask as many families as possible to consider our draft vision and provide feedback via the Google Form link here:
Vision for Learning Draft 3
In our school community
At Mercy Regional College we believe that all can learn. We aspire to understand each young person’s unique ways of knowing and being and design learning to be inclusive of our diverse community. In partnership with families we hold high expectations for all students to strive to achieve their personal best. Learning at Mercy Regional College recognises the value of social and emotional learning for personal development and wellbeing.
In our regional community
Mercy Regional College is part of a continuing tradition of living and learning in this ancient country of the Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. We recognise that learning takes place beyond the gates of the school. In the spirit of our Mercy tradition, we strive to build on what we have been given, honour the legacy of our founders and learn to care for our common home. We draw upon our community connections to help us learn and benefit others.
In the future
Our hope is for Mercy Regional College students to be equipped to grow into adults who have the confidence and capabilities to live fulfilling lives. They have the skills to continue to learn and live in connection and relationship with their community, whether that be near or far.
Unit 1 Examinations
The Semester 1 examinations are just around the corner for our Unit 1 students, and this can create a level of stress amongst our students and families at home. The objective of exams is to not only test a student's knowledge but to do this under pressure, and mirror the style of assessments that we currently see in obtaining VCE or TAFE and University degrees. As adults we understand that life does not provide us with a leave pass from pressure situations that demand us to show a level of grit and perseverance. Having to work through situations such as exams and assessment periods, teaches our young people more than just subject matter. They learn about self-regulation, organisation, and accountability.
Ways in which parents and carers can support their teens as they head into exam periods is to maintain a calm and supportive environment. Perhaps a copy of the exam timetable on the fridge and chat each day about how things are going and whether or not they are fueling their brain and body with enough good food and rest.
The link below is to a copy of the Unit 1 Examination Timetable - these examinations are conducted during the scheduled class time, beginning on Friday 2nd June and ending on Tuesday 20th June.
Year 10 STEAM
Year 10 STEAM have been exploring Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality this term. They had the pleasure of unboxing the new Oculus Metquest 2 headsets and successfully setting them up and connecting them to the school systems.
While problem solving through the process they were able to demonstrate their team work and peer teaching skills, successfully ensuring everyone had access to work with this new technology.
We have an ever growing list of school appropriate games, more are always welcome!
Community & Wellbeing at MRC
Mobile Phones
As you know, mobile phones have become an integral part of young people's lives, serving as a means of communication and connection. However, we cannot ignore the negative impact they can have on students' education and overall well-being.
It has been observed that mobile phones often distract students during school hours, with constant online access and the lure of social media. This excessive use not only affects learning time but also leads to unnecessary interruptions, such as students engaging in lengthy conversations in the toilets. Recognising the need for a balanced and focused learning environment, we have made the decision to implement our old mobile phone policy.
Starting this week, all students in Year 9-12 will be required to hand in their mobile phones to their subject teachers at the start of each lesson. This will ensure that phones are not a source of distraction during crucial learning time. Junior campus students are still required to have their phones turned off and securely stored in their bags. Alternatively, they may choose to hand them into the office for safekeeping.
In an effort to ensure clarity and consistency, community leaders are currently reviewing the mobile phone policy, updating sanctions, and establishing guidelines. This review aims to address concerns and improve the overall mobile phone usage experience within our school community. We encourage students, parents, and staff to provide their feedback and suggestions to help shape these guidelines.
It is important to note that students will no longer be able to use their mobile phones to pay for food in the canteen during recess and lunchtime. This change will require students to make alternative arrangements for purchasing meals or snacks in this space. We understand that adjustments may be needed, but we believe this will promote face-to-face interactions and foster a healthier social environment. Our online ordering system is available via our school website.
In addition to mobile phones, another device that has gained popularity among students is the smart watch. While smart watches offer convenience and various functionalities, they can also be a source of distraction during school hours. Just like mobile phones, smart watches provide constant access to notifications and applications, potentially diverting students' attention away from their studies. Recognising the impact these devices can have on learning, the school is also reviewing their use and considering appropriate guidelines and sanctions.
We recognise that the use of mobile phones has its benefits and that these devices can be valuable tools for learning and communication. Therefore, the intention behind this policy is not to completely eliminate mobile phone usage but rather to strike a balance between technological integration and focused learning. By reevaluating the role of technologies within the school environment, we aim to create a more conducive and focused learning atmosphere for all students.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we implement this new policy. We firmly believe that this change will positively impact our students' educational experience and their overall well-being. Let us work together to create a thriving and engaging learning environment.
Wellbeing Team - Berni Sinnott, Sharon Suhan, Matthew Irving
Faith at MRC
Feast Day - Wednesday 24 May
On Wednesday 24th of May we had a whole day of celebration with our students for our Feast Day for ‘Our Lady Help of Christians’ - which was also during Catholic Education Week.
What a fantastic day, filled with joy and community! Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Mercy Feast Day.
We started with our Feast Day Mass in the church, celebrating Mary Help of Christians and our milestone of 50 years of secondary education at our College. We recognise the dedication, resilience and spirit of all those who have contributed to the establishment and sustenance of our school.
We welcomed many past principals including Dr Liam Davidson, Dr Andrew Watson, Mr Gerard Bourke, Mr Kerin Glennen, Mr Peter Griffin and Mrs Berni Sinnott, as well as Mr Tim O’Farrell from DOBCEL. Parish priests Fr Eugene McKinnon, Fr Dan Arundell, Fr Michael O’Toole, Fr Peter Hudson, Fr Gary Jones, Fr Ed Moloney, Fr Bill Van de Camp and Fr Neville Stanislaus concelebrated with us.
During the middle of the day, a brilliant panel of alumni guest speakers gave us an inspiring insight into their careers and lives after school. We thank Briony, Paul, Julie, Natalie, Tyson, Erin, Rebecca, Lewis, Jack and Jaala for generously giving time to share their stories with us!
A range of treats were available including milkshakes, slushies, ice creams and donuts, and a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all.
Our Diversity Dash in the afternoon was a big hit, with lots of colour and fun! Year 12 students helped run the event, which saw a group of students and staff run an obstacle course around the oval whilst being sprayed with colour. Thankfully the sun was out and the cold wind didn’t dampen the spirit!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success.
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.
Permission forms have been sent home for this and excitement is building amongst the Year 10s for what will be a lovely time away.
Kellie Wilson - Catholic Identity, Mission & Ethos Leader
Jo-Anne Saunders - Liturgy Coordinator
Retreat Review 2023 (Staff, Students & Parents)
The MRC Mission Team are working with Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) staff, Gina Bernasconi and Bernadette Tolan, to review our current practices with Retreats, Faith Days (Yr 7) & Seminar days (Yr 12). We are looking towards creating a Retreat Guiding Document that reflects our School Mission & Values, Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) data, Awakenings Curriculum, our context, our values and Child Safety Standards.
This survey is to gauge your current views about our Retreats and the future implementation of the Retreat events.
Ultimately, a retreat is different to a camp and serves a different purpose. This needs to be kept in mind during planning and participation. It is a time to withdraw and be reflective and then to return to the world enlightened and with new enthusiasm for life and working with others.
As part of our school community, your opinion is appreciated, even if you have not been on one of our Retreats. It's important for us to understand how Retreats are viewed within the wider context of our school community.
Sports Report
GWR Netball
We are thrilled to share the incredible achievements of our Junior and Intermediate boys' Netball teams at the SSV Greater Western Region Netball Competition.
On Wednesday, 24th May, our Junior and Intermediate boys' Netball teams made their way to the Blue Water Leisure Centre in Colac to compete in the SSV Greater Western Region Netball Competition. In the face of formidable opponents, our students showcased exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork throughout the event.
Despite initial challenges, they persisted and ended the day on a high note, securing a well-deserved victory in their final match.
We commend their hard work, determination, and positive attitude, which have made our school community immensely proud.
Congratulations to all the players and a special thanks to the coaches and supporters who have contributed to this success. Well done, team!
GWR Cross Country
What a way to start the week off, Monday 29th May bought along the GWR Cross Country in Warrnambool at the newly upgraded Reid Oval. The oval was packed with people from a variety of different schools, meaning there was going to be plenty of competition for our competing students.
Mercy had 40 students across all year levels competing on the day.
From our 40 students competing, these students finished with a medal and/or progressed onto states which is scheduled for Thursday 13th July-
Girls 12/13 (3km)- Lucia C: 8th place - 12:40 mins
Boys 12/13 (3km)- Gus F: 9th place - 11:20 mins
Girls 14 (3km)- Piper S: 2nd place 🥈 - 12:05 mins
Girls 15 (3km)- Elsie S: 3rd place 🥉 - 12:47 mins
Girls 15 (3km)- Indi C: 11th place - 13:31 mins
Girls 15 (3km)- Poppy K: 12th place - 13:39 mins
Girls 15 (3km)- Lara C: 13th place - 14:43 mins
Boys 15 (3km)- Charlie K: 9th place - 10:37 mins
Girls 16 (3km)- Taleah M: 3rd place 🥉 - 12:28 mins
Girls 16 (3km)- Rose B: 5th place - 12:53 mins
Girls 17/20 (3km)- Kate S: 8th place - 13:32 mins
Girls 17/20 (3km)- Jess W: 12th place - 14:15 mins
Boys 17/20 (5km)- Wilba C: 5th place - 18:26 mins
Boys 17/20 (5km)- Jacan B: 9th place - 18:54 mins
Overall Team Placings For Each Age Group-
Boys Under 12/13- 10th
Girls Under 12/13- 2nd 🥈
Boys Under 14- 8th
Girls Under 14- 8th
Boys Under 15- 2nd 🥈
Girls Under 15- 1st 🥇
Boys Under 16- 4th
Girls Under 16- N/A
Boys Under 17/20- 2nd 🥈
Girls Under 17/20- N/A
Overall, 14 students have progressed through to states!
Congratulations to you all.
Finally, a big thank you goes out to all the staff who assisted on the day!
Junior, Intermediate Girls Footy Report
Mercy Regional College would like to congratulate all the junior and intermediate girls that competed in the girls footy on Friday 12th May.
It was a great day for all involved, as great skills and sportsmanship were displayed on the day.
First of all, the junior students competed really well in the three games that they played on the day, ultimately winning all three. A squad made up of 20 junior students was taken out for the day, in what proved to be a dominant showing. The junior team played 3 games, against Terang College, Camperdown College and
Timboon P-12.
Game 1 vs Terang: 51 - 7 🏅
Game 2 vs Camperdown College: 38 - 1 🏅
Game 3 vs Timboon P-12: 80 - 7 🏅
The girls played a very good brand of footy, displaying great skill and quality out on the ground, and of course great sportsmanship.
The team will now progress on to the GWR junior girls footy 8th June.
Good luck to them!
The intermediate girls went down with a squad of 19 players, made up of year 9 and 10 students. Unfortunately for the intermediate team there wasn’t as much competition for them as schools struggled to field teams. However, there was still one game for them to play, this being against Camperdown College.
Camperdown College had a very strong team which proved to be a bit too much for us.
Mercy vs Camperdown College: 31 - 22.
Although the girls went down in their only game for the day, they had a great time and got plenty of enjoyment being out on the field together.
Overall, it was a great day out on the footy ground, with all teams displaying high levels of skill. A big thanks goes out to the schools who participated and assisted with helping the day run smoothly.
Library News
New books in the Library
There is a great selection of new books available this term in the Library at both campuses. The new fiction books were chosen for us with the advice of Warrnambool children's literature expert, Tracy Rayner.
There are also several new books on sporting teams and sportspeople for lovers of non-fiction reading.
Information and book synopses are available here
MRC Book Club: Parents, Friends, Alumni - all welcome!
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
Book? Limber lost by Robbie Arnott
How? Register here (No cost)
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.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Access your eLibrary anywhere, anytime!
Wheelers ePlatform has hundreds of eBooks, predominantly fiction.
It includes digital versions of many popular titles. Login here using your MRC credentials.
Jean Christie
Library & Resource Centre Coordinator
Career News
Try A Career Day
The annual Year 9 "Try A Career Day" was held on Friday at SW TAFE Sherwood Park in Warrnambool. This program is set up for students in the region to 'taste' a variety of potential career pathways in short sessions. Students can choose from agriculture, health, hair and beauty, hospitality, and the trades to investigate their level of interest and see some of the required skills in play. The sessions were enjoyable and informative, and help students to be aware of potential opportunities for further VET learning as they move towards VCE.
Please see the link below to the latest edition of Career News.
Topics this week include:
YEAR 10 STUDENTS
- Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
- Global Footprints Scholarship
- Work experience
YEAR 11 STUDENTS
- National Youth Science Forum
- Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
- Global Footprints Scholarship
- Work experience
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
- Global Footprints Scholarship
- Work experience
- High achiever scholarship programs
- Australian Federal Police - 2024 Directions Program
- Early entry programs now open
- Australian Defence Force – Gap Year
- Digital apprenticeship program
- Qantas female and First Nations pilot scholarships
ALL STUDENTS
- The Parliament Prize 2023
- Le Cordon Bleu – short courses in culinary arts
- Amazing story about personal success
- Maths + trades – why high school maths is important
- Job seeking and application tips
- Careers with STEM: Maths + Data
- Nuclear medicine careers
- Quiz: what’s your science career?
- Careers in business and commerce
- Amazing business course
- Explore your university course options through consulations
- Early childhood education careers
- Myfuture – amazing career website
- Upcoming career events
Arts Report
Xani Kolac Performance
Junior students at our O’Keeffe Campus enjoyed the brilliant and unique music performed by guest artist Xani Kolac on Monday 22 May. The amazing looping techniques with electric violin and vocals made for a very entertaining set. We thank Xani for coming along to share her talents with us!
The Addams Family Production
Addams Family rehearsals are going marvelously well.
Each Wednesday (and some Sundays) the cast work with Red Door to progress things further.
Each Friday our talented learners are working with Toby McKenzie and Mel Simmonds to learn and rehearse their vocal parts, choreography and lines.
Our learners are looking more impressive each week and we can’t wait to see them start their next song!
Shows: August 18 & 19 at the Theatre Royal, Camperdown. Tickets available soon.
50th Jubilee Celebrations
Book: A Special Spirit: a History of Mercy Regional College 1973-2023
Lachie Lee makes history come alive with this very engaging story of the College from its inception to the present day. It celebrates many of the significant events and people that have helped to shape our school. This quality, hardcover book is a beautiful publication and an ideal gift that will be a treasured keepsake for many years to come.
LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE
Pre-order your copy now for $45
You can also choose to have your book posted anywhere in Australia for an additional $10
Please order your copy here:
Show your Mercy Spirit! Jubilee Merchandise
You can also show your Mercy spirit and support the College with a range of 50th anniversary memorabilia including, anniversary roses, wine, and tea towels (see descriptions below).
Please order your Jubilee merchandise here:
The Colours of Mercy Anniversary Rose
As part of the Mercy Regional College 50th anniversary celebrations, the College will make available a special anniversary rose in the MRC colours.
If you’re looking for a rose with a ‘wow’ factor, this is it! This Rosa floribunda has glossy thick mid-green foliage - a stunning multi-coloured rose in bush form that produces huge clusters of yellow flowers that change to pink and red on maturity. To add to the enchantment, every petal is unique.
The beautiful flowers on this plant produce a lovely mild fragrance. This rose is disease resistant and all round strong. Ideal for garden beds or borders along the driveway.
We are now taking pre-orders so that you won’t miss out on this rose, which will be made available closer to and on the special weekend of celebration in November 2023.
Cost $37.00
Tea towels with spirit!
Available in two designs, these locally-sourced tea towels are both beautiful and useful. Super soft and absorbent, they are made from 180gsm cotton twill. There are two designs to choose from, both featuring the 50th Anniversary logo, which incorporates both the Catholic Regional College and Mercy Regional College emblems.
Cost: $15 each
Anniversary Wine
The College has partnered with Bellarine Estate to produce two anniversary wines, a crisp Chardonnay and a complex Shiraz. (Collect from College or purchase on the Jubilee Day)
Cost $20 each. (due to liquor licensing requirements, ordering and payments for wine will open mid-October.)
Jubilee Day
We would love our past students, families and staff to join us in this celebration on Saturday 25 November from 11:30 to 3:30 in Camperdown. School tours, roll calls and displays for each decade, food trucks and music, tree planting, free family portraits, afternoon tea and more.
Register for this free event here:
Jubilee Dinner
On Saturday evening (25 November) we will gather for dinner and the presentation of the inaugural Spirit of Mercy Awards, and the Annual Car Raffle. Then you are invited to kick up your heels to the lively music of The People’s Poets.
Tickets can be purchased here:
Alumni News
Feast Day Speakers
As our school community celebrated Mercy Feast Day on Wednesday, 24 May, a brilliant panel of alumni guest speakers gave us an inspiring insight into their careers and lives after school.
Covering a wide cross section of careers, they shared many perspectives on how they worked to pursue
their chosen careers and how their schooling influenced these choices.
We thank Briony, Paul, Julie, Natalie, Tyson, Erin, Rebecca, Lewis, Jack and Jaala for generously giving time to share their stories with us!
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
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
Tuesday 20 June - Emilie Zoey Baker Poet Incursion
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 7 STEAM Excursion
Wednesday 19 July - Year 10 English Excursion
Debating Competition
Monday 24 July - HSSSD Intermediate & Senior Basketball
Tuesday 25 July - ODE Snow Camp
Thursday 3 August - GWR Intermediate & Senior Basketball
GWR Junior/Senior & Intermediate Table Tennis
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