Senior School


WELCOME

Headphones:

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance student learning, we require all students to have a pair of corded headphones for use in class. These headphones will be essential for various activities, including interactive lessons, language exercises, and assessments.

To ensure compatibility with our school devices, we ask that students bring corded headphones with a standard 3.5mm audio jack (not wireless or Bluetooth). This will help minimise connectivity issues and ensure all students can participate fully in class activities.

We kindly ask that students have their headphones by 28 February. If you have any concerns or require assistance in obtaining a pair, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Additionally, sets of corded headphones will be available for purchase at the McAuley & O’Keeffe Campus’ for $5.00 each.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in enhancing your child’s learning experience.

Subjects:

Senior students have made a great start to the year. Most students seem settled with their subject choices. Movement between subjects will be closed in the coming weeks so please discuss any subject changes with Melanie Kavanagh.

Sub-SACs:

The Sub-SAC process commenced from the beginning of Week 2. This is for any student who is unable to attend a SAC on the day it is scheduled. You received correspondence regarding this recently. Please contact the school if you like any additional information.

Students/Parent/Mercy & Wellbeing Meeting:

Google meets have been scheduled with all Year 12 students and their families. This chat creates an opportunity for Students, Parents and Teachers to be “on the same page” in regards to goal setting and pathways. This is an exhilarating time for everyone, and it's wonderful to kick off the year with shared goals and enthusiasm. If the suggested times don’t suit, we can arrange an additional time to accommodate all.

Hats:

Everyone should have their hats on at recess and lunch. Students without an appropriate school hat will be asked to move to shady areas, or to move inside. Hats with graffiti will also need to be replaced.

Year 12 Students, Parents and Staff Bowls night:

We look forward to welcoming our Year 12 students and their families to the Camperdown Lakes and Crater Sport Complex for an evening of Bowls and BBQ on Tuesday 18 February commencing at 5pm, to celebrate the start of the year and get to know each other a little better. I’m sure the competitive spirit will be amongst many of us!

Edrolo and other Material:

A friendly reminder, if you haven’t already please pay your Edrolo subscription and follow up any resources that may not have been ordered last year. Please speak to Mel or Rose for more information.

Presentation Ball:

Practices are ticking away and the students have continued to be amazing picking up steps quickly. A friendly reminder for students to start wearing their Ball shoes so they have time to wear them in and make them comfortable.       

Senior students driving to school:

If you intend to drive your vehicle to school, please see Rose in the library to collect the forms. It is a requirement that we have those details on file.

Canteen Spriggy Information:

Please use the link below that details the Spriggy app instructions 

https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/student-life/canteen/

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event:

Term 1

Week 3

Monday 17 February - 
Tuesday 18 February -  
HSSSD Senior Cricket  / Year 12 Bowls Night starting at 5pm - 8pm                                           
Wednesday 19 February - Athletics 1500m Event (McAuley)
Thursday 20 February - ODE Excursion 
Friday 21 February -  Ryan House Celebration Day

 

Middle School

Welcome:

Great to have a week of Monday to Friday, straight classes! From an overall point of view students have started really well in Years 9 and 10. Students are respectful and engaged in classes.

Teachers are working on consistent protocols and entry and exit routines. As you will see in other communication from the school we ask students to keep Mobile Phones and Airpods out of sight during school times.

We will be working with our Year 9 cohort to provide them with a voice to contribute to ideas for lunchtime and recess based activities. If students are engaged in activities during breaks this helps create social connections and decrease boredom, which can eliminate other issues as well.

Finally just a reminder to our Year 10 students that we will be asking questions around your organisation for Work Experience which is happening in the last week of Term One. This includes having paperwork signed and returned.

Remember in the words of Michael Jordan "If you try and shortcut the game, then the game will shortcut you" Moral of the story: Don't take shortcuts

Year 10 Work Experience:

A reminder to all Year 10 students that Work Experience will be conducted in the final week of Term 1 (31 March - 4 April). Due to the processes that are needed in order to complete Work Experience, all students should have an idea of what they would like to complete for Work Experience and have contacted or are in the process of contacting their employers.

If there any queries please reach out to your MERCY teacher or Kym Penry: kpenry@mercy.vic.edu.au

Hats:

All students are required to wear a Mercy Hat outside during recess and lunch times. If students don't have a hat they will be asked to go inside to the library or MPA. Graffiti is not warranted on any school property including hats. Students who have hats with graffiti will be asked to replace them via the front office. Hats are $19.50.

Home Learning at MRC in 2025:

Home Learning at Mercy will begin for all Year 9 in Week 4. This will include a combination of literacy and numeracy tasks to help build the foundation of what they have been learning at school.

Canteen Spriggy Information:

Please use the link below that details the Spriggy app instructions 

https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/student-life/canteen/

Kind regards,

Adam Dowie & Georgia O’Leary - Middle Years Community Leaders

Contacts:

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

9A: Claire O’Connor coconnor@mercy.vic.edu.au 

9B: Georgia O’Leary goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au 

9C: Melanie Bourchier mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10A: Josiane Gardner jgardner@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10B: Adam Dowie: adowie@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10C: Sherrie McWall: smcwall@mercy.vic.edu.au

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Week 3

Monday 17 February - 
Tuesday 18 February -  

Wednesday 19 February - Year 10 Christian Outreach Program / Athletics 1500m Event (McAuley)
Thursday 20 February
Friday 21 February -  Ryan House Celebration Day

Junior School

Year 7 Welcome BBQ:

This coming Monday 17 February is the annual Year 7 Welcome BBQ. It will be great to see all parents together to celebrate the beginning of the school year. The evening is a very casual affair, there will be tea and coffee available. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the college. The evening will begin at 5:30pm and wrap up  at 7pm.

Headphones:

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance student learning, we require all students to have a pair of corded headphones for use in class. These headphones will be essential for various activities, including interactive lessons, language exercises, and assessments.

To ensure compatibility with our school devices, we ask that students bring corded headphones with a standard 3.5mm audio jack (not wireless or Bluetooth). This will help minimise connectivity issues and ensure all students can participate fully in class activities.

We kindly ask that students have their headphones by 28 February. If you have any concerns or require assistance in obtaining a pair, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Additionally, sets of corded headphones will be available for purchase at the McAuley & O’Keeffe Campus’ for $5.00 each.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in enhancing your child’s learning experience.

School Athletics:

Tuesday 18 Febraury will see those students who are interested in completing the 1500m event for the athletics sport complete this while at school. This event will run at school due to time constraints on the day of athletics. This is an optional event, any students wishing to participate need to make contact with Mr Luke Kavanagh or Mr Darren Cheeseman.

Hats:

All students are required to wear a Mercy Hat outside during recess and lunch times. If students don't have a hat they will be asked to go inside to the library or MPA. Graffiti is not warranted on any school property including hats. Students who have hats with graffiti will be asked to replace them via the front office. Hats are $19.50 and correct money is required at O’Keeffe Campus.

Home Learning at MRC in 2025:

Home Learning at Mercy will begin for all Year 7 and Year 8 in Week 5. This will include a combination of literacy and numeracy tasks to help build the foundation of what they have been learning at school.

Canteen Spriggy Information:

Please use the link below that details the Spriggy app instructions 

https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/student-life/canteen/

Contacts:

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mrs Leah Sinnott (lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au)

7B: Mr Tim Woodmason (twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au)

7C: Mrs Rose Murphy (rmurphy@mercy.vic.edu.au)

8A: Miss Claudia Lee clee@mercy.vic.edu.au

8B: Mr Matthew Irving mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8C: Mr Darren Cheesman dcheeseman@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events:

Term 1

Week 3

Monday 17 February - Year 7 Welcome BBQ - O'Keeffe Campus starting at 5.30pm
Tuesday 18 February - 
1500m event O'Keeffe Campus 
Wednesday 19 February - 
Thursday 20 February
Friday 21 February -  Ryan House Celebration Day

 

Senior School


WELCOME

SUBJECTS

Senior students have made a great start to the year. Most students seem settled with their subject choices. Movement between subjects will be closed in the coming weeks so please discuss any subject changes with Melanie Kavanagh.

Sub-SACs

The Sub-SAC process will commence from the beginning of Week 2. This is for any student who is unable to attend a SAC on the day it is scheduled. You should have received correspondence regarding this recently. Please contact the school if you like any additional information.

Students/Parent/Mercy & Wellbeing Meeting

Kym Penry, Melanie Kavanagh and Berni Sinnott will be scheduling Google meets with all Year 12 students and their families. This chat creates an opportunity for Students, Parents and Teachers to be “on the same page” in regards to goal setting and pathways. This is an exhilarating time for everyone, and it's wonderful to kick off the year with shared goals and enthusiasm.

Hats

The year has started with full sun and intense heat. From the beginning of Week 2, students without an appropriate school hat will be asked to move to shady areas, or to move inside. Hats with graffiti will also need to be replaced.

Year 12 Students, Parents and Staff Bowls night

Don’t forget to pencil in the date: Tuesday 18 February (Week 3). We look forward to welcoming our Year 12 students and their families to the Camperdown Lakes and Crater Sport Complex for an evening of Bowls and a BBQ to celebrate the start of the year and get to know each other a little better. I’m sure the competitive spirit will be amongst many of us!

Edrolo and other Material

A friendly reminder, if you haven’t already please pay your Edrolo subscription and follow up any resources that may not have been ordered last year. Please speak to Mel or Rose for more information.

Presentation Ball

Students have been amazing in their first two training sessions, picking up steps quickly. A friendly reminder for students to start wearing their Ball shoes so they have time to wear them in and make them comfortable.    

Senior students driving to school

If you intend to drive your vehicle to school, please see Rose in the library to collect the forms. It is a requirement that we have those details on file.

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 1

Week 9

Monday 10 February  
Tuesday 11 February - Lions Youth of The Year

Wednesday 12 February
Thursday 13 February 
Friday 14 February - Presentation Ball Practice P4
 

Middle School

Welcome

A warm welcome to our Year 9 and 10 students and their families! We are excited to start the school year with many smiles and happy faces. All students have started the year well and it has been great to see students engaged with their learning so early in the year. 

To help you stay up-to-date with upcoming activities, the ‘Week Ahead’ will be sent out every Friday afternoon/evening to all families. This communication will provide important information for the Junior, Middle, and Senior years.

The document will include key dates, class information, and details about upcoming excursions and incursions for the following week.

We look forward to a year full of new opportunities to learn, grow, and face exciting challenges!

Year 10 Work Experience:

A reminder to all Year 10 students that Work Experience will be conducted in the final week of Term 1 (31 March - 4 April). Due to the processes that are needed in order to complete Work Experience, all students should have an idea of what they would like to complete for Work Experience and have contacted or are in the process of contacting their employers.

If there any queries please reach out to your MERCY teacher or Kym Penry: kpenry@mercy.vic.edu.au

Hats:

All students are required to wear a Mercy Hat outside during recess and lunch times. If students don't have a hat they will be asked to go inside to the library or MPA. Graffiti is not warranted on any school property including hats. Students who have hats with graffiti will be asked to replace them via the front office. Hats are $19.50.

Home Learning at MRC in 2025

Home Learning at Mercy will begin for all Year 9 in Week 4. This will include a combination of literacy and numeracy tasks to help build the foundation of what they have been learning at school.

Kind regards,

Adam Dowie & Georgia O’Leary - Middle Years Community Leaders

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

9A: Claire O’Connor coconnor@mercy.vic.edu.au 

9B: Georgia O’Leary goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au 

9C: Melanie Bourchier mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10A: Josiane Gardner jgardner@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10B: Adam Dowie: adowie@mercy.vic.edu.au 

10C: Sherrie McWall: smcwall@mercy.vic.edu.au

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Week 2

Wednesday 12 - Year 10 Christian Outreach Program 


Junior School

WELCOME

A warm welcome to our Year 7 and 8 students and their families! We are excited to start the school year with many smiles and happy faces. All students have started the year well and it has been great to see students engaged with their learning so early in the year. 

To help you stay up-to-date with upcoming activities, the ‘Week Ahead’ will be sent out every Friday afternoon/evening to all families. This communication will provide important information for the Junior, Middle, and Senior years.

The document will include key dates, class information, and details about upcoming excursions and incursions for the following week.

We look forward to a year full of new opportunities to learn, grow, and face exciting challenges!

Year 7 Camp:

The annual Year 7 camp for Mercy Regional College students will take place from Monday 10 February through until Wednesday 12 February. Students will depart and return from the O’Keeffe Campus, Noorat at 9:30am and arrive home around 2:30pm on Wednesday 12 at O’Keeffe. 

We will be accommodated at Camp Campaspe, Kyneton and staff members from the College will be accompanying students. This camp enhances the College’s Transition Program and is a unique opportunity for the Year 7’s to get to know one another and the staff in an informal environment.

Please ensure that any medication instructions get returned to school on Monday with your child and handed in to the staff at the beginning of the day.

Hats:

All students are required to wear a Mercy Hat outside during recess and lunch times. If students don't have a hat they will be asked to go inside to the library or MPA. Graffiti is not warranted on any school property including hats. Students who have hats with graffiti will be asked to replace them via the front office. Hats are $19.50 and correct money is required at O’Keeffe Campus.

Home Learning at MRC in 2025

Home Learning at Mercy will begin for all Year 7&8 in Week 4. This will include and combination of literacy and numeracy tasks to help build the foundation of what they have been learning at school.

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mrs Leah Sinnott (lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au)

7B: Mr Tim Woodmason (twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au)

7C: Mrs Rose Murphy (rmurphy@mercy.vic.edu.au)

8A: Miss Claudia Lee clee@mercy.vic.edu.au

8B: Mr Matthew Irving mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8C: Mr Darren Cheesman dcheeseman@mercy.vic.edu.au

8C: Mrs Mel Simmonds - msimmonds@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Week 2

Monday 10 - Wednesday 12 - Year 7 Camp - Kyneton, Campaspe Downs


Senior School


Thank You, Senior School Community

As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our senior school community. Congratulations to everyone on a fabulous year—it’s been inspiring to witness the growth, resilience, and achievements of our students. Your hard work and dedication have truly shone through.

I’m excited to see what 2025 will bring and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and success. Wishing you all a wonderful and well-deserved break!


Unit 3 classes

Monday and Tuesday are the final 2 days for unit 3 subjects.

Unit 1 classes 

Classes will continue until Thursday.

Final Day for Year 11 students - Thanksgiving Mass and Awards

Year 11 students will conclude Tuesday 3rd of December. This day will include periods 1-3 as usual, and periods 4-6 will be the end of year mass.

All parents are invited to this mass, as our final celebration as a school community. On Tuesday, December 3, our Final Mass for the year will be celebrated at St Patrick Church, Camperdown by Fr. Michael.

Following Mass will be the award ceremony for the Yr 7 -11 students will be conducted, acknowledging outstanding achievements for 2024.

The Car raffle winners will also be announced.

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 3 December.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 4

Week 9

Monday 2 December - Unit 1 and 3 Classes
Tuesday 3 December - Unit 1 and 3 Classes P-3,
Thanksgiving Mass and End of Year Awards - St Patrick's Church Camperdown @ 12.40pm
Last Day for Year 11 Students
Wednesday 4 December - Unit 1 Classes
Thursday 5 December - Unit 1 Classes
Friday 6 December - Activity Day
 

Middle School

Welcome

As we reach the end of the school year, we want to celebrate the remarkable achievements achieved by our middle school students. This extends across every aspect of school life, encompassing the classroom, the sporting field, community involvement, debating, and much more. Throughout the year, they have shown determination and growth and have continued to grow into respected and engaged members of our wider community. Many achievements from the year will be celebrated at our whole school thanksgiving mass, next Tuesday. Parents are most welcome to attend the event, to be held at St Patrick’s Church Camperdown.

As the holiday season approaches, I wish you and your families a safe, restful period filled with joy and quality time with loved ones.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025. If your family’s time at MRC is coming to an end at the end of 2025, we wish you all the best for the new adventures ahead!

Locker tidy up / books & materials

Please check in with your young person and ensure they have brought everything home from their lockers. There are a number of (unnamed) text books floating around middle school, and it would be great to return these to their owners for the use of younger siblings, or to sell on. A reminder if you are buying materials online or second hand for 2025, ensure that you are purchasing the correct edition.

Middle School Exam Period

Students have been shared the Middle School Exam Timetables, as below. At Middle School exams are not only an opportunity to demonstrate learning, but also a valuable exercise in study, time management and coping with nerves.

Year 10 students conducted themselves well during their exams, with clear focus. Teachers will be marking exams and results will be viewed on SIMON in the coming weeks and on the end of semester school reports.  Year 9 exam timetable is as below.

Year 10 Transition into Senior School 

All year 10’s students have now made a start on all their Unit 1 and 2 subjects. Over this coming week students will continue to work through the first outcomes in these subjects. They will also receive holiday homework that is to be completed by the end of Jan 2025. 

Should your child be away over this next week, they will need to reach out to their teacher to collect their holiday homework. The Year 10 cohort have certainly hit the ground running with their step up into Senior School, and we are proud of how they have conducted themselves in navigating confusing timetables, new classes and teachers without the homeroom structure of Years 7-10.

2025 Electives

Year 9 students have received confirmation of their 2025 Elective subjects. Please check in with your young person about this. If there are any questions or concerns, please make contact with the school via reception.

Final Day Activities

We are in the process of finalising the End of Year Activities for Year 9 and Year 10 students. The year will end with a day of off site activities for each Year level on Friday December 6th. These are always a great end to the year.

Thank you to those families that have completed PAM permissions promptly. If you have not completed your child’s PAM permissions, please do so ASAP.

Year 10s - please ensure you bring your signed Waiver back so that you can participate on the ropes courses at TreeTop Adventures. Parents - please complete the relevant section with your details as your young people are under 18. Both the paper copy of the Waiver and the PAM permission must be filled in for students to attend on the day.

White Card Training

White card training will again be offered to students at Year 9. The white card is for any student who intends to complete Work Experience, Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or a School Based Apprenticeship (SBA) with a trade, or are completing a VET certificate through school or a registered RTO in 2025. Information has been sent home to those students who are completing this training.  If any student has not registered and is going into a VET course next year, please contact Rose Henry.

Training days (both days are compulsory): 

Monday 2/12/2024

Tuesday 3/12/2024

Vinnies Christmas Giving

As we do every year, Mercy Regional College is involved in important fundraising for the Vinnie’s Christmas Giving program. This program ensures that families in our area who may be struggling are able to have what they need to celebrate Christmas. Each homeroom is allocated gifts to purchase, and we ask that students please bring in $5 to go towards the cost of these gifts. We thank families for their kind donations. Anyone yet to bring in their donation, please do so and give it to your homeroom teacher.

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  The Raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 3 December.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

Kind regards,

Lydia Darcy and Nickeeta Roache - Middle Years Community Leaders

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 9

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 December -White Card Training
Tuesday 3 December - Thanksgiving Mass and 7-11 Awards  St Patrick's Church Camperdown @ 12.40pm
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December - Year 9 Exam Program
Friday 6 November - Activity Day and Last Day of School 

Junior School

Thank You

As we enter Week 9, the final week of the school year for our students, it’s a time filled with a mix of emotions; excitement, relief, fatigue, and anticipation for what lies ahead in 2025.

For our Year 8 students, this marks the end of their Junior schooling journey. We eagerly look forward to seeing them step into Middle School, ready to embrace new triumphs and challenges. Meanwhile, I wish our Year 7 students a smooth and confident transition as they return in 2025, become the big kids on Campus, and help make a smooth transition for the incoming Year 7’s for 2025.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and restful summer break, and look forward to the students returning refreshed and eager to embrace the next chapter of their Mercy journey. Thank you for your support throughout 2024. As someone new to this role, I have truly appreciated the challenges and opportunities it has brought. I look forward to another exciting year filled with growth and achievements in 2025.

Mass of Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony - Tuesday 3 December

The Mass and Awards Ceremony will be held at St Patrick’s Church Camperdown on Tuesday 3 December. Mass will commence at 12.40pm, followed by the presentation of our class, year level and subject awards. The 2024 Car raffle winners will also be announced. Parents are very welcome to attend. 

The Year 7 and 8 students will spend the day at the McAuley Campus.  Students should catch their regular buses and they will be divereted to Camperdown.  Students will also leave at the end of the day from the McAuley Campus.

Junior Assembly

We will be conducting a Junior Assembly on Thursday 5 December during Period 6 (2.13pm-2.50pm). This will be facilitated by our young leaders and will include a celebration of the year that was and end of term awards.

Last Day - Activity Day Friday 6 December

As has been communicated over the past couple of weeks the students last day will be Friday 6 December. All students will be required to be in sports uniform on the day. Please refer to the PAM permission for the details.

Year 7: Adventure Park, Geelong

Year 8: City Memorial Bowls Club, Warrnambool

If your child is unable to attend, please contact the school prior to the day of possible. This helps with transport and food requirements.

Booklists for 2025

Please find below a link to the letter that accompanies the 2025 booklists. The letter contains details about how to order items and year level and book list item information.  The booklists can also be found on PAM. Any concerns or enquiries regarding booklist please contact ldelahunty@mercy.vic.edu.au

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 3 December.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mr Tim Woodmason - twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au
7B: Mrs Leah Sinnott - lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au
7C: Mr Matt Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8A: Mrs Melanie Bourchier - mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au
8B: Miss Georgia O'Leary - goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au
8C: Mrs Mel Simmonds - msimmonds@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 9

Tuesday 3 December - Thanksgiving Mass and 7-11 Awards @ St Patrick's Church Camperdown @ 12.40pm
Thursday 5 November - Final Day of Classes. Junior Assembly Period 6 (2.13pm-2.50pm)
Friday 6 November -
Activity Day and Last Day of School 

Senior School


Unit 3 Classes

Our 2025 Year 12 students have settled into their Unit 3 classes. The classes will continue up until their last day of school. 

Unit 1 Classes 

Unit 1 classes for 2025 will commence next Wednesday.


Final Day for Year 11 students - Thanksgiving Mass and Awards

Year 11 students will conclude on Tuesday 3 December. On this day Periods 1-3 will be as normal followed by the end of year Mass. All parents are invited to this Mass, celebrated at St Patrick Church, Camperdown by Fr. Neville.

Following Mass the Award Ceremony for the Year 7 -11 students will be conducted, acknowledging outstanding achievements for 2024.

The Car Raffle will also be drawn on this day also.

St Vinnies Christmas Appeal

A friendly reminder to all Year 11 students to either bring $5 to school or a small present as a contribution to the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Students have been given a list of gender and ages that we will be buying for as a Year 11 cohort. Students are also able to “tap” and transfer their money if this is an easier option.

International Day of Consent

International Day of Consent onSaturday 30 November is almost here! As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, this day offers an important opportunity to raise awareness about why consent education is an essential education tool for building respect and preventing violence.

Reminder: Student Illness or Absence and Medical Certificates

It is important for Senior students to source medical certificates if they miss school due to illness. This can form evidence for special consideration in the case of extended absences, which are always unpredictable.

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  Raffle books need to be returned to the College by Friday 29 November.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 4

Week 8

Monday 25 - Friday 29 November - Art/Technology Show

Monday 25 November - Unit 3 Classes
Tuesday 26 November - Unit 3 Classes
Wednesday 27 November - Unit 1 and 3 Classes
Thursday 28 November - Unit 1 and 3 Classes
Friday 29 November - Unit 1 and 3 Classes

Week 9

Monday 2 December - Unit 1 and 3 Classes
Tuesday 3 December - Unit 1 and 3 Classes P-3, Thanksgiving Mass and End of Year Awards,
Last Day for Year 11 Students
Wednesday 4 December - Unit 1 Classes
Thursday 5 December - Unit 1 Classes
Friday 6 December - Activity Day
 

Middle School

Welcome

Middle School Students are in the last flurry of assessment tasks and tying up loose ends in preparation for the end of the year. Once again, this is a busy time, and students and families are reminded to keep an eye on The Week Ahead, PAM and the Newsletter to stay up to date with everything that is happening. With exams occurring for both Year 9 and Year 10 students over the coming weeks, it is a good time to check in with your young people and make sure that they are keeping up with their study and other tasks. It was timely for our Middle and Senior cohorts to hear from Camperdown’s Olympic Cycling Gold Medallist Grace Brown today, discussing how her resilience and drive for excellence led her to where she is today.

We also begin the process of packing up homerooms and students are encouraged to start clearing out lockers of any books and equipment no longer required. It is a great time to be able to on sell second hand books, or source those required for next year. Booklists have been emailed to families, please ensure that any second hand book purchases are the correct/current editions required. 

As the weeks wind down, we still maintain our focus on staying organised, and upholding the College’s values in terms of respect and being our best selves, including wearing the correct uniform. A reminder that in line with our sun safe policy school hats must be worn outside, and any hats which are damaged or graffitied must be replaced. These can be purchased through the uniform shop (including online to collect from reception). 

The year has seen wonderful learning growth, both academic and social emotional, in our Middle School students, and we know that this will continue across our final weeks of the 2024 school year.

Parent Conference Opportunity

Parents Victoria are offering a free online Conference on Wednesday 27 November features Dr Jodi Richardson. An educational leader, Jodi  is one of Australia’s leading lights in managing anxiety and amplifying wellbeing. She supports parents and teachers to understand anxiety, change their relationship with it, dial it right down and light the way for their children and students to do the same. Jodi’s presentation, "Finding Calm in the Chaos: Understanding and Managing Stress for You and Your Child" will empower you to understand your own stress responses and discover practical, science-backed tools to calm your mind and body. You’ll learn techniques to help co-regulate your child’s stress and anxiety and effective tools you can share with the whole family.

Read more on our website: https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/pv-2024-e-conference-calmer-classrooms/

International Day of Consent

International Day of Consent on Saturday 30 November is almost here! As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, this day offers an important opportunity to raise awareness about why consent education is essential education for building respect and preventing violence.

Middle School Exam Period

Students have been shared the Middle School Exam Timetables, as below. At Middle School exams are not only an opportunity to demonstrate learning, but also a valuable exercise in study, time management and coping with nerves.

Year 10

Year 9

The suggested length for Year 9 examination is 1 hour plus 5 minutes reading time

Wednesday 4 December

Thursday 5 December

9:10 - 10:10

Revision / Study
Downstairs Mid Rooms

9:10 - 10:10

Revision / Study
Downstairs Mid Rooms

Reading time
10:10 - 10:15

Writing Time: 
10:15 - 11:15

English Exam MID 11/12/13

5 minutes reading 

1 hour writing


Reading time:
10:10 - 10:10

Writing Time: 
10:10 - 11:15

Maths Exam MID 11/12/13

5 minutes reading

1 hour writing

11:15 - 11:45

Recess

11:15 - 11:45

Recess

11:45 - 12:40

Revision / Study
Downstairs Mid Rooms

Reading time:
11:45 - 11:50

Writing Time: 
11:50 - 12:50

Humanities Exam MID 11/12/13

5 minutes reading

1 hour writing

Reading time:
12:40 - 12:45

Writing Time: 
12:45 - 1:45

Science Exam MID 11/12/13

5 minutes reading

1 hour writing

12:50 - 1:30

Lunch

1:45 - 2:25

Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 

Unit 1 Class

Locker clean up  / Room Cleaning

Year 10 Transition into Senior School 

Current Year 10 students who have selected to study a Unit 3/4 subject in 2025 will commence their step up program next week. Their learning in this subject begins during this time, and is important to set up the year ahead and get started on coursework. 

All Year 10 students then step up into Year 11 following their exams, with their VCE or VCE/VM programs commencing November 27. Subject blockings and transition timetables have been shared with students. Please check in with your young person and make sure that they know which subjects they are in, and how to navigate their timetable, as it will not appear on SIMON. Encourage them to come and ask teachers to help with this if required. It is a good idea to have a new exercise book ready for each subject, as coursework begins in the very first lesson.

2025 Electives

Year 9 students have received confirmation of their 2025 elective subjects. Please check in with your young person about this. If there are any questions or concerns, please make contact with the school via reception.

Final Day Activities

We are in the process of finalising the End of Year Activities for Year 9 and Year 10 students. The year will end with a day of off site activities for each year level on Friday 6 December. Please keep an eye on PAM for details of the relevant excursion. This is always a great way to end the year.

Please complete PAM permissions ASAP, so that we have an accurate indication of student numbers for this final day of 2024.

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  Raffle books need to be returned to the College by Friday 29 November.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

White Card Training

White Card training will again be offered to students at Year 9 and 10. The White Card is for students that wish to complete work experience with a trade or are completing a trade certificate through TAFE in 2025. This training will incur a cost to students and accounts will be forwarded to families in the coming weeks. 

Year 10 students that have already completed this training do not need to repeat the training. 

Training days (both days are compulsory): 

Monday 2 December and Tuesday 3 December 2024.                                                                                                                            

Vinnies Christmas Giving

As we do every year, Mercy Regional College is involved in important fundraising for the Vinnie’s Christmas Giving Program. This program ensures that families in our area, who may be struggling, are able to have what they need to celebrate Christmas. Each homeroom is allocated gifts to purchase, and we ask that students please bring in $5 to go towards the cost of these gifts. We thank families for their kind donations.

Kind regards,

Lydia Darcy and Nickeeta Roache - Middle Years Community Leaders

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 8

Monday 25-Friday 29 November
- Art and Technology Show 
Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 November - Year 10 Exams
Wednesday 27 November - Unit 1 Subjects Commence

Week 9

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 December -White Card Training
Tuesday 3 December - Thanksgiving Mass and 7-11 Awards
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December - Year 9 Exam Program
Friday 6 November - Activity Day and Last Day of School 

Junior School


What’s Ahead

A reminder that the student's last day of classes will be on Thursday 5 December. On Friday 6 December, students will attend their activity day.

Year 7 students will be off to Adventure Park, while Year 8 students will participate in a lawn bowls session at City Memorial Bowls Club. Please ensure you have signed the PAM permissions for the relevant activities.

Junior Oratory Competition Final

On Thursday 21 November the Junior Oratory Comp Final was held at the O'Keeffe Campus. This event showcased some excellent speakers from each Year 7 and 8 class. The finalists were: Halle B, Malka S, Daisy C, Aidan V, Lily G and Lucia C.  All of the speeches were entertaining, informative and persuasive.

Lucia C from 8C was the winner, with her speech entitled: The power of stories and the way in which they have shaped history, culture, and in fact, all our lives.

Winner of the encouragement award was Malka S from 7B with her emotional speech: How to make a difference.

All of the Year 7 and 8 students were present to hear the finalists and learn from these inspiring students; how to plan, write, prepare and present effective speeches. During the time our judges were discussing the final scores, the Junior Campus was entertained by Aidan V and Lenny S who sang a number of great songs accompanied by the keyboard and acoustic guitar. They were excellent and their fellow students really enjoyed the music.

Congratulations to all involved on a wonderful afternoon. 

Mercy Hats

A reminder that in Term 4 our young people must have a hat to be outside during recess, lunch and PE Prac. We will be asking our young people to ensure their Mercy hat is not graffitied, and if this is the case they will need to replace it with a new one. 

Hats can be purchased from the uniform shop or reception for $19.50. Correct money would be appreciated.

2024 Car Raffle

Help us raise funds for a new College bus! Our annual Car Raffle, with an MG ZS Excite (demo) from Callaghan Motors and 8 more brilliant prizes.  Raffle books need to be returned to the College by Friday 29 November.

Raffle tickets are also available online for $20 at https://www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/

Permit No: 10241/24

Attendance and Notification of Absences

Just a reminder that in line with the Child Safety regulations and our school’s attendance policy, we require all unexplained student absences to be followed up. If you know that your child is going to be absent, please let us know at your earliest convenience, either via PAM, or by contacting reception. Thank you for your support with this.

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mr Tim Woodmason - twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au
7B: Mrs Leah Sinnott - lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au
7C: Mr Matt Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8A: Mrs Melanie Bourchier - mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au
8B: Miss Georgia O'Leary - goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au
8C: Mrs Mel Simmonds - msimmonds@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 8

Monday 25 - Friday 29 November -
Art/Technology Show - McAuley Campus

Senior School


It’s official - Our Year 11’s are now Year 12’s!

A big shout out to our Year 11 cohort who have completed their Unit 2 exams,  therefore, all of their coursework for 2024. The week finished with a BBQ at the lake along with their first Seminar day (today).


Unit 3 Classes Formally Commence

Our 2024 Year 11 students start their Year 12 journey on Monday. All VCE students will participate in an explicit English Day where Unit 3.

Year 12 Graduation Celebration

On Friday, 22 November, we will celebrate the Year 12 Graduation. This event will be held at the Camperdown Football Netball Club from 6:30pm. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with students and their families, before they embark on University/TAFE pathways and employment. Best wishes to the 56 graduates.

Thanksgiving Mass and Awards

On Tuesday, 3 December, our final Mass for the year will be celebrated at St Patrick Church, Camperdown by Fr. Neville.

Following Mass, The Awards Ceremony for the Year 7 -11 students will be conducted, acknowledging outstanding achievements for 2024.

The car raffle will also be drawn on this day.

Reminder: Student Illness or Absence and Medical Certificates

It is important for Senior students to source medical certificates if they miss school due to illness. This can form evidence for special consideration in the case of extended absences, which are always unpredictable.

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October- Wednesday 20 November - VCE/VM Exams   

Week 7

Monday 18 November - Coffee Course 2025 Year 12 VM Students, Unit 3 English and Literacy Intensive Session
Tuesday 19 November - Unit 3 2025 Commences, Foundation Maths Exam (11.45am-2.00pm)
Wednesday 20 November - VCE/VM Exams Completed
Friday 22 November - Year 12 Graduation Dinner - Camperdown Football Netball Clubrooms 6.00pm-11.00pm

Week 8

Monday 25 - Friday 29 November - Art/Technology Show


 

Middle School

Welcome

The end of the school year is fast approaching and Middle School is a hive of activity. Students are busily completing course work for each subject, and preparing also for some exams. Added to this we have students commencing their Step Up Programs. Current Middle School students who will be completing a VCE subject in 2025 have been given their Step Up timetables, and can look forward to commencing their learning in each of their VCE subjects. Booklists have been shared with families in preparation for next year. A reminder that there is a Second Hand Buying/Selling Group on Facebook for both books and uniforms, which is a great resource for families. 

Outside of the classroom, some warmer weather has been welcomed, giving students plenty of opportunity to spend time outside in practical classes, and also at recess and lunch.

Homerooms are fundraising for the Vinnies Christmas Giving Program and looking forward to end of year celebrations and activities.

The final weeks are very busy ones, and students and families are reminded to keep an eye on The Week Ahead, PAM and the Newsletter to stay up to date with everything that is happening.

Middle School Exam Period

The Middle School Exam Timetables have been shared with students, and are also below. At Middle School exams are not only an opportunity to demonstrate learning, but also a valuable exercise in study, time management and coping with nerves.

Year 10

Year 9

Year 10 Transition into Senior School 

Current Year 10 students who have selected to study a Unit 3/4 subject in 2025 will commence their step up program next week. Their learning in this subject begins during this time, and is important to set up the year ahead and get started on coursework. 

All Year 10 students then step up into Year 11 following their exams, with their VCE or VCE/VM programs commencing Wednesday 27 November. Subject blockings and transition timetables have been shared with students. Please check in with your young person and make sure that they know which subjects they are in, and how to navigate their timetable, as it will not appear on SIMON. Encourage them to come and ask teachers for  help with this if required. It is a good idea to have a new exercise book ready for each subject, as coursework begins in the very first lesson.

2025 Electives

Year 9 students have received confirmation of their 2025 elective subjects. Please check in with your young person about this. If there are any questions or concerns, please make contact with the school via reception.

Final Day Activities

We are in the process of finalising the End of Year Activities for Year 9 and Year 10 students. The year will end with a day of off site activities for each year level on Friday 6 December. Please keep an eye on PAM for details of the relevant excursion. These are always a great way to end the year.

White Card Training

White Card training will again be offered to students at Year 9 and 10. The White Card is for students that wish to complete work experience with a trade or are completing a trade certificate through TAFE in 2025. This training will incur a cost to students and accounts will be forwarded to families in the coming weeks. 

Year 10 students that have already completed this training do not need to repeat the training. 

Training days (both days are compulsory): 

Monday 2 December and Tuesday 3 December 2024.                                                                                                                            

Vinnies Christmas Giving

As we do every year, Mercy Regional College is involved in important fundraising for the Vinnie’s Christmas Giving Program. This program ensures that families in our area, who may be struggling, are able to have what they need to celebrate Christmas. Each homeroom is allocated gifts to purchase, and we ask that students please bring in $5 to go towards the cost of these gifts. We thank families for their kind donations.

Kind regards,

Lydia Darcy and Nickeeta Roache - Middle Years Community Leaders

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 7

Monday 18 November - Year 10 Retreat

Week 8

Monday 25-Friday 29 November
- Art and Technology Show and  Year 10 Exams

Week 9

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 December -White Card Training
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December - Year 9 Exam Program

Junior School

What’s Ahead

The weeks are really flying by now, and students are beginning to finalise much of their assessments in the classroom. It is great to see such wonderful work being completed. The student's last day of classes will be on Thursday 5 December. On Friday 6 December, students will attend their activity day.

Year 7 students will be off to Adventure Park, while Year 8 students will participate in a lawn bowls session at City Memorial Bowls Club. Please keep an eye out for the PAM permissions for both activities.

Mercy Hats

A reminder that in Term 4 our young people must have a hat to be outside during recess, lunch and PE Prac. We will be asking our young people to ensure their Mercy hat is not graffitied, and if this is the case they will need to replace it with a new one. 

Hats can be purchased from the uniform shop or reception for $19.50. Correct money would be appreciated.

Attendance and Notification of Absences

Just a reminder that in line with the Child Safety regulations and our school’s attendance policy, we require all unexplained student absences to be followed up. If you know that your child is going to be absent, please let us know at your earliest convenience, either via PAM, or by contacting reception. Thank you for your support with this.

Junior Oratary Competition

It has been great to see all students across Year 7 and 8 working hard to complete their speeches for English. This culminates in the Junior Oratoary Competition which will take place this Thursday at O’Keeffe Campus from 1:30pm - 3:00pm.

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mr Tim Woodmason - twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au
7B: Mrs Leah Sinnott - lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au
7C: Mr Matt Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8A: Mrs Melanie Bourchier - mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au
8B: Miss Georgia O'Leary - goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au
8C: Mrs Mel Simmonds - msimmonds@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 7

Thursday 21 November - Junior Oratory Competition 1:30pm - 3:00pm - O'Keeffe MPA

Senior School


It’s official - Our Year 11’s are now Year 12’s!

A big shout out to our Year 11 cohort who have completed their Unit 2 exams,  therefore, all of their coursework for 2024. The week finished with a BBQ at the lake along with their first Seminar day (today).


Unit 3 Classes Formally Commence

Our 2024 Year 11 students start their Year 12 journey on Monday. All VCE students will participate in an explicit English Day where Unit 3.

Year 12 Graduation Celebration

On Friday, 22 November, we will celebrate the Year 12 Graduation. This event will be held at the Camperdown Football Netball Club from 6:30pm. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with students and their families, before they embark on University/TAFE pathways and employment. Best wishes to the 56 graduates.

Thanksgiving Mass and Awards

On Tuesday, 3 December, our final Mass for the year will be celebrated at St Patrick Church, Camperdown by Fr. Neville.

Following Mass, The Awards Ceremony for the Year 7 -11 students will be conducted, acknowledging outstanding achievements for 2024.

The car raffle will also be drawn on this day.

Reminder: Student Illness or Absence and Medical Certificates

It is important for Senior students to source medical certificates if they miss school due to illness. This can form evidence for special consideration in the case of extended absences, which are always unpredictable.

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October- Wednesday 20 November - VCE/VM Exams   

Week 7

Monday 18 November - Coffee Course 2025 Year 12 VM Students, Unit 3 English and Literacy Intensive Session
Tuesday 19 November - Unit 3 2025 Commences, Foundation Maths Exam (11.45am-2.00pm)
Wednesday 20 November - VCE/VM Exams Completed
Friday 22 November - Year 12 Graduation Dinner - Camperdown Football Netball Clubrooms 6.00pm-11.00pm

Week 8

Monday 25 - Friday 29 November - Art/Technology Show


 

Middle School

Welcome

The end of the school year is fast approaching and Middle School is a hive of activity. Students are busily completing course work for each subject, and preparing also for some exams. Added to this we have students commencing their Step Up Programs. Current Middle School students who will be completing a VCE subject in 2025 have been given their Step Up timetables, and can look forward to commencing their learning in each of their VCE subjects. Booklists have been shared with families in preparation for next year. A reminder that there is a Second Hand Buying/Selling Group on Facebook for both books and uniforms, which is a great resource for families. 

Outside of the classroom, some warmer weather has been welcomed, giving students plenty of opportunity to spend time outside in practical classes, and also at recess and lunch.

Homerooms are fundraising for the Vinnies Christmas Giving Program and looking forward to end of year celebrations and activities.

The final weeks are very busy ones, and students and families are reminded to keep an eye on The Week Ahead, PAM and the Newsletter to stay up to date with everything that is happening.

Middle School Exam Period

The Middle School Exam Timetables have been shared with students, and are also below. At Middle School exams are not only an opportunity to demonstrate learning, but also a valuable exercise in study, time management and coping with nerves.

Year 10

Year 9

Year 10 Transition into Senior School 

Current Year 10 students who have selected to study a Unit 3/4 subject in 2025 will commence their step up program next week. Their learning in this subject begins during this time, and is important to set up the year ahead and get started on coursework. 

All Year 10 students then step up into Year 11 following their exams, with their VCE or VCE/VM programs commencing Wednesday 27 November. Subject blockings and transition timetables have been shared with students. Please check in with your young person and make sure that they know which subjects they are in, and how to navigate their timetable, as it will not appear on SIMON. Encourage them to come and ask teachers for  help with this if required. It is a good idea to have a new exercise book ready for each subject, as coursework begins in the very first lesson.

2025 Electives

Year 9 students have received confirmation of their 2025 elective subjects. Please check in with your young person about this. If there are any questions or concerns, please make contact with the school via reception.

Final Day Activities

We are in the process of finalising the End of Year Activities for Year 9 and Year 10 students. The year will end with a day of off site activities for each year level on Friday 6 December. Please keep an eye on PAM for details of the relevant excursion. These are always a great way to end the year.

White Card Training

White Card training will again be offered to students at Year 9 and 10. The White Card is for students that wish to complete work experience with a trade or are completing a trade certificate through TAFE in 2025. This training will incur a cost to students and accounts will be forwarded to families in the coming weeks. 

Year 10 students that have already completed this training do not need to repeat the training. 

Training days (both days are compulsory): 

Monday 2 December and Tuesday 3 December 2024.                                                                                                                            

Vinnies Christmas Giving

As we do every year, Mercy Regional College is involved in important fundraising for the Vinnie’s Christmas Giving Program. This program ensures that families in our area, who may be struggling, are able to have what they need to celebrate Christmas. Each homeroom is allocated gifts to purchase, and we ask that students please bring in $5 to go towards the cost of these gifts. We thank families for their kind donations.

Kind regards,

Lydia Darcy and Nickeeta Roache - Middle Years Community Leaders

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 7

Monday 18 November - Year 10 Retreat

Week 8

Monday 25-Friday 29 November
- Art and Technology Show and  Year 10 Exams

Week 9

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 December -White Card Training
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December - Year 9 Exam Program

Junior School

What’s Ahead

The weeks are really flying by now, and students are beginning to finalise much of their assessments in the classroom. It is great to see such wonderful work being completed. The student's last day of classes will be on Thursday 5 December. On Friday 6 December, students will attend their activity day.

Year 7 students will be off to Adventure Park, while Year 8 students will participate in a lawn bowls session at City Memorial Bowls Club. Please keep an eye out for the PAM permissions for both activities.

Mercy Hats

A reminder that in Term 4 our young people must have a hat to be outside during recess, lunch and PE Prac. We will be asking our young people to ensure their Mercy hat is not graffitied, and if this is the case they will need to replace it with a new one. 

Hats can be purchased from the uniform shop or reception for $19.50. Correct money would be appreciated.

Attendance and Notification of Absences

Just a reminder that in line with the Child Safety regulations and our school’s attendance policy, we require all unexplained student absences to be followed up. If you know that your child is going to be absent, please let us know at your earliest convenience, either via PAM, or by contacting reception. Thank you for your support with this.

Junior Oratary Competition

It has been great to see all students across Year 7 and 8 working hard to complete their speeches for English. This culminates in the Junior Oratoary Competition which will take place this Thursday at O’Keeffe Campus from 1:30pm - 3:00pm.

Contacts

We encourage you to contact your child’s MERCY teacher if you have any queries, questions or worries throughout the school year.

7A: Mr Tim Woodmason - twoodmason@mercy.vic.edu.au
7B: Mrs Leah Sinnott - lsinnott@mercy.vic.edu.au
7C: Mr Matt Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

8A: Mrs Melanie Bourchier - mbourchier@mercy.vic.edu.au
8B: Miss Georgia O'Leary - goleary@mercy.vic.edu.au
8C: Mrs Mel Simmonds - msimmonds@mercy.vic.edu.au

O'Keeffe Leader/Assistant Principal
Matthew Irving - mirving@mercy.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Matthew Irving- Assistant Principal - O'Keeffe Campus
Tim Woodmason - O'Keeffe Campus Assistant

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 7

Thursday 21 November - Junior Oratory Competition 1:30pm - 3:00pm - O'Keeffe MPA

Senior School


Year 12 - SWVAC

Next week our students will sit the VCE/VM Psychology, General Maths exam 2, Maths Methods exam 1, Business Management, Art Creative Practice, VET Hospitality, Physical Education and Health and Human Development exams. We wish these students all the best.

Managing exam stress factsheet

Surviving exam stress clip

Student Free Days

No School - Monday and Tuesday

The school library will be open for VCE/VM students to study on both Monday and Tuesday. The students have been informed if their teacher will be available during these days at school for exam preparation.

Year 11 Students Completing Unit 3/4 Exams

Year 11 students completing a Unit 3 /4  exam do not need to formally come to school on the day before their exam. However, they are very welcome to come to school and study or touch base with their teacher if they wish.

2025 Student Leaders 

Our Leaders are well under way for planning the 2025 school year. On Thursday 7 November students will have an intensive session, focusing on the challenges of leadership amongst peers as well as the whole school. From this the students will spend an afternoon planning and brainstorming our school themes

Year 10 and 11 Student's Guest Speaker - Sam Walsh

On Thursday 7 November, Carlton’s Sam Walsh (local export) will come to Mercy and speak to our up and coming leaders for 2025 and our Year 10 and 11 students. 

Sam will talk about his journey to AFL, including his dedication, discipline, and resilience, which can serve as motivation for students to apply the same principles in their own lives and studies.

We will gain insights into how teamwork, communication, and collaboration are vital in sports and how these skills are transferable to other areas of life, including school and future careers.

Reminder: Student Illness or Absence and Medical Certificates

It is important for Senior students to source medical certificates if they miss school due to illness. This can form evidence for special consideration in the case of extended absences, which are always unpredictable.

Youth Corangamite

The Corangamite Shire are hosting a FReeZA Youth Stage at this year’s Skipton Spring Festival.  It’s an opportunity for our talented young performers (12 to 25 years) to perform on stage and be paid for their time.

Please see poster below.

Kind regards,

Berni Sinnott - Senior School Community Leader

Upcoming Event

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October- Wednesday 20 November - VCE/VM Exams   

Week 5

Monday 4 November - Student Free Day        
- Psychology (9.00am-11.45am) and General Maths 2 (2.00pm-3.45pm) Exams
Tuesday 5 November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 6 November - Maths Methods 1 (9.00am-10.15am), Business Management (3.00pm-5.15pm) Exams
Thursday 7 November - Guest Speaker Sam Walsh -  Students Leaders P3, Year 10 and 11's P4
- Art Creative Practise (9.00am-10.45am), Maths Methods 2 (11.45am-2.00pm) and Physical Education (3.00pm-5.15pm) Exams
Friday 8 November - Health and Human Development (3.00pm-5.15pm) Exam

Week 6

Monday 11 November - Ancient History and Outdoor Education and Emviromental Studies (11.45am-2.00pm) and Legal Studies (3.00pm-5.15pm) Exams
Tuesday 12 November - Chemistry Exam (9.00am-11.45am)
Wednesday 13 November - Community Lunch - 12.00pm
 - Agriculture and Horticulture Studies (9.00am-10.45am) and Media (11.45am-2.00pm)  Exams
Thursday 14 November - Physics (9.00am-11.45am) Exam
Friday 15 November - 2025 Year 12  Seminar Day
 - Year 11 BBQ and Break Up
 - VET Sport and Recreation (11.45am-1.30pm) and Applied Computing Software Development (3.00pm-5.15pm) Exams

Middle School

Welcome

Week 5 signals the halfway mark of this term. The long weekend serves a great opportunity for students to take the time to rest and catch up on any overdue tasks they may have. While the end of the year is near, the last half of this term will be very busy with exams and step up programs commencing for 2025 Unit 3 and Unit 1 classes. Moving into these classes, it is imperative that students approach these classes as the beginning of their new year.

It is also a good time to consider what resources are required and need to be replaced for next year. Booklists will be coming home shortly. Students can also start to take home any books or resources that are no longer required. Year 10s will be moving into the Senior School building at the commencement of their Year 11 transition program in a few weeks.

Year 10 and 11 Student's Guest Speaker - Sam Walsh

On Thursday 7 November, Carlton’s Sam Walsh (local export) will come to Mercy and speak to our up and coming leaders for 2025 and our Year 10 and 11 students. 

Sam will talk about his journey to AFL, including his dedication, discipline, and resilience, which can serve as motivation for students to apply the same principles in their own lives and studies.

We will gain insights into how teamwork, communication, and collaboration are vital in sports and how these skills are transferable to other areas of life, including school and future careers.

Attendance and Notification of Absences

Just a reminder that in line with the Child Safety regulations and our school’s attendance policy, we require all unexplained student absences to be followed up. If you know that your child is going to be absent, please let us know at your earliest convenience, either via PAM, or by contacting reception. Thank you for your support with this.

Behaviour Tracking and Procedures

There are certain behaviours that are displayed from time to time by students that impact the relationships and learning environment of others. These behaviours are tracked through SIMON and parents can see the progress of this tracking on PAM. Details of the incident are not visible on PAM for privacy, however parents are welcome to make contact with their child’s teacher if they would like to discuss any concerns.

Restorative discussions will occur when there is an accumulation of tracking points at a lunchtime behaviour reflection, an after school detention or suspension. 

These measures give students time to reflect on their behaviour, its impact on themselves and others and what they can do to make things right. Parents will be informed if a student has accumulated points and requires a lunchtime reflection or detention. 

Uniform is tracked via a separate system, and does not show in PAM, however will also be followed up with students after an accumulation of uniform tracking.

Term 4 Assessments and Exams

Term 4 always disappears very quickly, as the years’ classwork is wrapped up, final assessments are undertaken and exams are prepared for. Some Year 10s will be completing exams for their VCE studies, which will be held in Week 6, followed by a step up into Unit 3 studies. More information about the exam, assessment and step up schedule will be sent out during the term, however if you know that your young people will be absent for any reason in Term 4, please let us know so that we can work with you around ensuring everything is completed, and they are well prepared.

Year 9 Camp

All Year 9 students will depart for Camp as soon as the final bus arrives for the morning. If you are being dropped off by car or walking to school on Wednesday, please be at school by 9.00am. 

All students are to make their way to the basketball courts so that we can leave promptly.

A couple of packing reminders:

  • No aerosols to be send on camp
  • Comfortable shoes for walking 
  • Bathers and towel
  • Appropriate clothing for rock climbing and ice skating.

White Card Training

White Card training will again be offered to students at Year 9 and 10. The White Card is for students that wish to complete work experience with a trade or are completing a trade certificate through TAFE in 2025. This training will incur a cost to students and accounts will be forwarded to families in the coming weeks. 

Year 10 students that have already completed this training do not need to repeat the training. 

Training days (both days are compulsory): 

Monday 2 December and Tuesday 3 December 2024.                                                                                                                            

Youth Corangamite

The Corangamite Shire are hosting a FReeZA Youth Stage at this year’s Skipton Spring Festival.  It’s an opportunity for our talented young performers (12 to 25 years) to perform on stage and be paid for their time.

Please see poster below.

Kind regards,

Lydia Darcy and Nickeeta Roache - Middle Years Community Leaders

Upcoming Events

Term 4

Week 5

Monday 4 November - Student Free Day
Tuesday 5 November
- Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 6 November - Intermediate Cricket - Geelong - See PAM for details
Wednesday 6-Friday 8 November  - Year 9 Camp - See PAM for details
Thursday 7 November - Guest Speaker Sam Walsh -  Students Leaders P3, Year 10 and 11's P4

Week 7

Monday 18 November - Year 10 Retreat

Week 8 

Year 10 exams and Unit 1 subjects commence- more details to follow