Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Welcome to this newsletter as we approach the end of May and the end of autumn. Winter certainly fast approaches. I hope you enjoy the opportunity to rug up and enjoy the winter season. Although it might be cold, sometimes grey and wet, it is important that we enjoy some fresh air each day and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. This Sunday we also enjoy the Feast of Pentecost which many prize as the birthday of our Church. I hope you find the time to attend your local Church to be a part of this Feast.

(1) Child Safety

Today I wish to draw your attention to the matter of Child Safety.

In an era where child safety is of paramount importance, our College takes great pride in being a Child Safe College. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child entrusted to our care. With the utmost commitment, we strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters growth, learning and protection. As part of our ongoing efforts, we encourage all students and parents to understand their rights and familiarise themselves with the measures we undertake to prevent child abuse.

Working in accordance with State Legislation
Our College operates in strict accordance with State and Federal Legislation, which establishes guidelines and frameworks to safeguard children from harm. By implementing and supporting The Child Safe Standards, we aim to create a safe and inclusive community that protects children from any form of abuse or neglect.

Know your rights
For students, it is essential to be aware of their rights within our Child Safe College. Each child has the right to feel safe, respected and valued. We encourage all students to understand that they have the right to:

• be treated with dignity and respect by all members of the community
• express their thoughts, opinions, and concerns without fear of retribution
• seek support and report any form of abuse or unsafe situations to a trusted adult within the College
• receive appropriate education and guidance on personal safety and wellbeing.

Promoting child safety
Our College employs a multi-faceted approach to promote the safety of children and prevent child abuse. Information about the specific measures we undertake can be found on our website. Some of the key initiatives include:

1. Stringent staff recruitment and training

We ensure that all staff members undergo screening processes, including police checks and working with children clearances. Additionally, regular training programs are conducted to equip our staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and respond to child safety concerns.

2. Creating a culture of vigilance

We encourage a culture of vigilance within our College community, where everyone plays an active role in keeping children safe. Students, staff and parents are encouraged to be observant and promptly report any concerns or incidents.

3. Providing education on child safety

Our curriculum includes age-appropriate education on personal safety, respectful relationships and understanding appropriate boundaries. Through these educational initiatives, we aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and seek help when needed.

As a Child Safe College, the safety and wellbeing of every child are at the core of our values and practices. We are committed to implementing The Child Safe Standards and ensuring compliance with all Legislation. We encourage all students to familiarise themselves with their rights and actively participate in our efforts to maintain a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment. Together, we can create a community where children thrive and grow, protected from harm and empowered to reach their full potential. For more information on our child safety initiatives, please visit the College website.

(2) Debutante Balls

In a completely different vain, the Deb Ball season has started for 2023 with the first of these events being held last Saturday night. I must report that the venue has changed, and although this year we do not have the grandeur of the Melbourne Town hall or the Centre Ivanhoe built in the art deco period, we do have a magnificent formal ballroom at Cathie’s Lane Reception Centre.

I must admit that it is an honour and a privilege to be guest of honour at all our Balls and the person to whom our students are presented. I also must admit how proud we can all be of them as they present each night to complete the formal dances they have been learning. The Debutante Ball is indeed a wonderful family occasion, hosted by the College Parents and Friends’ Association (P&F) and I look forward to two further Balls being held this weekend. I am grateful to all the staff and parents who work to ensure the success of these occasions which are important rites of passage in the lives of our young people as we guide and help them to find their way as they impact this world.

In the Spirit of Catherine,
May God bless each and every one of you

Philip A Morison
Principal

Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, will be celebrated on Sunday 28 May. The word has its roots in the Greek word ‘pentecoste’ which means ‘50th day’. Pentecost is a major festival in the Christian church, and is celebrated by believers on the Sunday that falls on the 50th day of Easter. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.

A prayer of praise and thanksgiving

Lord, as we worship today on Pentecost Sunday, give us a vision.
Move us by your Holy Spirit.
Bring good news to us all.
Bring freedom and peace to broken people,
And let us get a taste of Heaven here on Earth.
Open our eyes to see you as you are.
And open our hearts to praise you.
Give us a vision that will take us out of our comfort zones
And lead us into new ways of serving you. Help us to be agents of your love to all people
In a world where there is much division and hate.
Help us to be beacons of hope
In a world that is sinking deeper into despair.
Help us to be agents of your peace
In a world that is torn apart by conflict and wars.
In our worship today our God,
Give us a vision through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

— Prayer from Reach Beyond UK

(1) Dates

• Friday 26 May — Staff Professional Development Day (student free day)
• Friday 26 May — Debutante Ball 2
• Saturday 27 May — Debutante Ball 3
• Friday 2 June — Maguire House celebration
• Monday 12 June — King’s birthday public holiday (College closed)
• Tuesday 13 June — Giovanne Music Recitals
• Thursday 15 June — General Achievement Test (GAT) and Staff Professional Practice Day  — student free day for those students not sitting the GAT. The College Office will be closed 1.00pm-3.00pm.
• Friday 16 June — Year 12 Formal
• Wednesday 21 June — end of Term 2 for students
• Thursday 22 June — College Review (student free day)
• Friday 23 June — Staff Professional Development Day (student free day)

(2) Mobile phones and the canteen 

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that our ‘No phone during school time’ policy is still in full effect at the College. This policy has been implemented to ensure a focused and distraction-free learning environment for our students and to promote personal interaction during breaks rather than extended screen time. We kindly request your support in reinforcing this policy with your children. It has come to our attention that some students have been attempting to use their phones at the College canteen to pay for their food. We would like to clarify that this is not permitted under our policy. Students are expected to use either cash or a credit/debit card to make purchases at the canteen. 

While we understand that mobile payment methods are convenient, we believe it is important for students to manage their finances responsibly and develop good financial habits. Using cash or cards not only promotes financial literacy but also minimises distractions during meal times. We kindly ask for your cooperation in discussing these guidelines with your children and encouraging them to adhere to the policy. By working together, we can create a positive and focused learning environment that allows our students to thrive academically. Thank you for your understanding and support.

(3) From your School Counselling and Wellbeing Team

Parent resources this week focus on ideas around supporting young people during exams and times of stress. Please click on the articles via the links below:

• Reachout: 7 tips for managing exam stress
• Kidshelpline: Helping kids cope with exam stress

(4) Celebrate National Reconciliation Week — Be a voice for generations

Mr Michael Dale
Technology teacher

Next week (27 May-3 June) is National Reconciliation Week. It is a significant time in Australia when we unite to promote unity, respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the need to address historical injustices. As we approach this meaningful week, we invite students to commemorate National Reconciliation Week through various inspiring events.

During the week, multiple events will run from the CSYMA Lounge, including talks and activities and the ability to purchase ’Wurun’ leaf pins and cupcakes for a gold coin donation. Students should keep an eye out in the daily bulletins on Simon for more information.

(5) Instrumental Music lessons

Mrs Sharon Flint
Music department secretary

The Music department is open for Term 3 Instrumental Music lesson enrolments. We offer private 30-minute or 45-minute weekly lessons in brass, drums, guitar, piano, strings, voice and woodwind (note brass and woodwind also offer group lessons to our students depending on enrolment numbers). All private lessons are run during school hours. If your child is interested in joining this exciting program, please download an enrolment form from the MLMC Parent Portal or alternatively email me at sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au. Places are filling up quickly.

Father Rob Galea is the founder of FRG Ministry. He has a heart and passion to see others come to encounter the love of Jesus Christ and find a home in His church. Fr Rob is an ordained Catholic Priest and is currently serving in Sandhurst Diocese after moving to Australia from Malta. He is an international singer and songwriter. Year 11 and Year 12 students each had the opportunity to spend a day with Fr Rob, reflecting on our Mercy Values and their own personal faith journeys.

The Year 12 Retreat was held at Discovery Church, Mount Evelyn, on Thursday 11 May, with the Year 11 Retreat held the following day. Each year level returned to the College at the end of the Retreat for a special liturgy held in the Chapel.

Below are some of our students’ reflections on the experience:

Retreat was an amazing and unique opportunity to grow my faith through the medium of music and song. Fr Rob’s way of weaving music, faith and storytelling together in an engaging way made the experience one to remember.
— Mitchell Mazzarella (Year 12 Purple)

I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat. My friends and I had a great time enjoying the fantastic songs by Fr Rob. We were moved by his faith journey and inspired by his story. I really got a sense of the ability of faith to heal and support us in our daily lives.
— Thomas Hobley (Year 12 Orange)

The Year 11 Retreat was a lot of fun and a great experience. It was interesting listening to Fr Rob talk about his faith journey and the changes in his life. His story made us think about our own lives and what we want to achieve.
— Lucy Hobley (Year 11 Green)

The Year 11 Retreat gave us a chance to learn more about faith. I like how Fr Rob was able to discuss his childhood and teenage years, and how he turned his life around with the help of God and the love of family. No matter what situation you are in, there are always people there to support you.
— Holly Fox (Year 11 Orange)

The Year 11 Retreat was very valuable for our faith journey. Fr Rob's presentation highlighted how God and religion stopped him from going down a bad path. Fr Rob showed us the importance of God's forgiveness and how God can lead us to overcome the issues in our everyday life. This Retreat Day was a crucial part in our faith journey providing spiritual direction in a positive and modern approach.
— Max Vukic (Year 11 Jade)

For the second year running, the MLMC Choir was a headline act at The Long Walk Rally which this year was held at the gorgeous Alexandra Gardens adjacent the Yarra River on Saturday 20 May.

Watched by family, friends and the many staff who ventured into the heart of Melbourne, our students gave a faultless display of singing of a set that featured Innanay and Ngarra Burra Ferra (both Yorta Yorta songs) and Paul Kelly’s immortal From Little Things, Big Things Grow — a song which outlines the struggles of Vincent Lingiari and the Gurindji Strike at Wave Hill Station.

To hear our students singing in the beautiful Yorta Yorta language was an absolute delight to witness. The Paul Kelly song was chosen because it focuses on the struggles of our First Nations brothers and sisters for land rights and reconciliation. The adoring masses that made up the audience were incredibly receptive to the set our students sang.

It would be remiss not to recognise our Choir Leader, Ms Caroline Dickason, who had the students well prepared and was an extremely positive, supportive and calming influence.

The Choir is always seeking new members so if your child is keen to join in, please encourage them to make themselves known to Ms Dickason or Performing Arts Faculty Learning Leader Ms Wendy Anderson. In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, all are welcome.

An important part of welcoming our Year 7 students into the MLMC community is welcoming their families and the special people in their lives into the community too.

On Tuesday 23 May, our Year 7 students took the opportunity to have special people in their lives join us at the College. Special Persons’ Day began with a welcome assembly and liturgy in Centennial Hall where Principal Mr Philip Morison welcomed our guests along with the Year 7 Level Leaders, myself and Miss Cassandra Poynter, as well as Deputy Principal — Mission Ms Elizabeth Keogh and McAuley Campus Director Mrs Gail Preston.

For many of our Year 7 students, this is a time for them to claim MLMC as ‘my school’ and to proudly give their special people some insight into their daily lives. Year 7 students did this by taking the opportunity to give their special guests a tour of the College, showing them areas of the school that have become an important part of their everyday College life, including the Mansfield building, the Chapel, the McAuley Library and the canteen.

After the tour, many people joined us in McAuley Hall for a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit baked by our Technology Faculty, with students and guests able to mingle with other members of our community during this time. We thank the Parents and Friends’ Association volunteers for their assistance with service.

Our Year 7 students loved showing family and friends around their school. Thank you to everyone in our community who came to this special day and helped our students understand how important and valued they are.

Below two of our Year 7 Jade students reflect on the day:

My special person was my mum. It was really interesting going around and seeing what has changed and what hasn't as she was a student here 24 years ago. I was even nice enough to make her a coffee, calling it a hot chocolate as she hates coffee.
— Evan Attwood

For Special Persons’ Day I brought my nanna and pa. We went to Centennial Hall for an assembly before we began the school tour. I showed them my classrooms, the Year 7 building and where to get morning tea. They really enjoyed it, and I did too. It was a great experience to show them around my new school.
— Charlotte Arnott

Throughout last week Year 10 CSYMI students washed cars to raise money for Catholic Care. What is Catholic Care? Catholic Care is a Catholic charity in Victoria that aims to empower communities, build strength and resilience, and work to help everyone reach their full potential. This years’ theme is the 'Circle of Inclusion'.

Here is what some of the students had to say about their experience:

The car wash was really enjoyable, it felt good to serve God by raising money for charity.
— Hannah Biggin (Year 10 Aqua)

I enjoyed the experience, it was a fun way to help the community and follow in Jesus' footsteps.
— Chelsea Gardeniers (Year 10 White)

The car wash enabled us to foster our relationship with God through assisting those in urgent need of our funds.
— Brigitte Rice (Year 10 Orange)

Washing teachers' cars was a great way to raise money for Catholic Care. It helped our hardworking teachers, and we all had a lot of fun — all to raise money for Catholic Care, a great cause.
— Patrick Van Der Linden (Year 10 Gold)

Our Year 10 Agriculture, Horticulture and Viticulture class was fortunate to attend an excursion to Yering Station recently to learn about the process of winemaking in a large-scale winery. We were able to see the winemaking facilities and learn from industry experts.

Our students met Rod Harrison (chief viticulturist) who oversees the care of the beautiful vineyards to get an insight into the work done in viticulture. We also met Brendan Hawker (chief winemaker) and Amanda Flynn (winemaker) who oversee the production of the various wines that Yering Station has on offer. It was exciting to hear about the processing of the grapes, fermentation methods, aging and have a look at the amazing barrels that store the wonderful products produced by Yering Station.

Our students and staff were privileged to get a glimpse into the large-scale operation during the tour, learn about the various stages of the process of winemaking and hear about the various career opportunities that the industry has to offer. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from Yering Station experts.

Below two of the students reflect on the experience:

When we went to Yering Station I learnt how they store the wine, which is underground in a big concert hall with barrels stacked to the ceiling. I also learnt that there are massive metal containers that can be rotated to mix the wine up during fermentation to keep the massive amount of wine moving.
— Alexander Harrington (Year 10 Gold)

I learned that they have 3000 barrels and that they have four barrels that can hold 3500 litres of juice.
— Owen Read (Year 10 Jade)

On Monday 1 May, the Year 11 and 12 Visual Communication Design, Product Design and Systems Technology students went to NGV International for a workshop called 'Toy Design Takedown'. It looked at the design and manufacturing of a product and how it can be designed sustainably.

As part of this, the students were shown different historical designs inside the gallery to understand how products have been designed in the past. After lunch, the group also went to the Melbourne Museum to view ‘Top Designs 2023’.

The experience provides stimulus for the students’ own design work with particular emphasis on the design process and knowledge of high standards. The students will soon start their large projects for the year and found the student work from last year particularly inspiring.

On Friday 19 May, students enrolled in the Year 9 Gen Z Health elective attended the Melbourne Museum to participate in the TAC's Road to Zero initiative. Road to Zero is a world-first road safety education complex and has been developed by the TAC in partnership with the Melbourne Museum.

Road to Zero draws on decades of TAC research and pedagogical practice, and is co-created with practicing teachers. Part of the Victorian Government’s road safety strategy, it aims to reduce road trauma in pre-learner drivers by building knowledge and awareness that will empower young road users to make safe decisions.

The students focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety, creating their own awareness-raising commercials.

As part of the youth social advocacy that the Gen Z Health course explores, the students have been learning about the importance of youth voice and action. Australian youth lead the statistics for road related trauma and deaths. Youth advocacy in this area has a powerful effect on encouraging preventive behaviours.

In a first for our school, a team of Year 7 and 8 students travelled to Box Hill earlier this month to represent MLMC in the Victorian heats of the Kids Lit Quiz (KLQ).

KLQ heats are held all over the world for students aged between 10 and 14 years. Winning teams from each state will compete in national finals. Last year, the World Finals were held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Charlotte, Tahlia, Milla and Catarina were chosen to represent MLMC after tryouts were held in Term 1. They competed with about 30 other schools. As a team they answered more than 100 questions on stories, authors, characters, films, plays and poetry, and came within six points of claiming a place in the national finals in Sydney.

We are looking forward to entering more teams and building on our success next year.

Congratulations Charlotte, Tahlia, Milla and Catarina.

(1) EISM Champions Athletics

Congratulations to the 61 athletes who qualified to represent Mount Lilydale Mercy College at the EISM Champions Carnival at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park yesterday (Thursday 25 May).

(2) EISM Golf

On Friday 12 May six students represented the College at the Independent Schools’ Golf Tournament at Churchill Park Golf Club. Hamish Clark (Year 8 Red), Harper Sinclair (Year 8 Orange), Tom Handasyde (Year 9 Red), Cooper Smith (Year 10 Red), Campbell Cumming (Year 10 Green) and Josh Handasyde (Year 11 Jade) all represented the College in great spirits, playing with grace and sportsmanship. Special mention to Tom Handasyde, who finished in second place in the junior boys’ category, which earned him a spot in the state final. Tom competed at the State Final on Monday 22 May at Long Island Golf Club and had a very admirable top-15 finish in a very strong field. He should be proud of his performance, as should all of the students who represented the College at the first event. We look forward to more great performances from our students in years to come.

The College also has a nine-hole hit after school every Tuesday afternoon (excluding Term 3), with all abilities welcomed for a friendly and relaxing hit. Any students interested in joining in should get in contact with me or Mr Dunstan.

(3) Student Achievements

Tennis
Congratulations to sisters Katie Harrison (Year 9 Gold) and Natasha Harrison (Year 11 Red) (pictured above) who represented Victoria in the national schools 18 and under titles in Canberra last week. They finished fourth, after narrowly being beaten by Queensland in the semi-final.

Parkrun
It was great to see some of our MLMC students (pictured below) volunteering last weekend at Lillydale Lake Parkrun in the Kids’ Takeover Week. Thanks to Sports Prefect Alice McCormick (Year 12 Jade) as well as Katherine Hobson (Year 10 Gold) and Rukiya Sunderland (Year 9 Gold) who all performed roles at this weekly community event.

If you have any other student achievements, please email them to me at dwebb@mlmc.vic.edu.au

(4) Old Collegians’ Achievements

Boxing
MLMC Old Collegian Jason Moloney (Class of 2008) is now a World Champion, winning the WBO bantamweight title. His twin brother Andrew lost gallantly in his world title fight. Read more about each fight here:

Jason: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-14/sport-boxing-jason-moloney-wbo-bantamweight-world-title/102344164

Andrew: https://www.news.com.au/sport/boxing/andrew-moloneys-lights-turned-out-in-savage-world-title-defeat/news-story/c20a1fcd3a143acb801fca2bcfc7cef7

(5) EISM results

Year 8 (16 May)

Senior (17 May)

Year 9 (18 May)

Year 8 (23 May)

Senior (24 May)

Hi everyone! My name is Hollie Wheeler and I am Ryan House Prefect for 2023! One of my main goals for this year as Prefect was to increase team spirit across the whole school. On Friday 19 May, I held a Ryan House celebration day at lunchtime, with help from House Coordinator Mrs Lucia Tabacchiera. This was held to teach students about the history of Ryan House as well as get the group together for a sausage sizzle afterwards. We had a great turnout from students and I wish everyone the best for earning more points for Ryan in the House Cup competition.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College has a very long-standing tradition of students going on retreat each year. These retreats provide students the opportunity to reflect on their relationships with God, others and self.

In this latest From the Archives, we take a look at past retreat experiences. Past students at the College loved their time on retreat at places including Pallotti College in Millgrove and The Mornington Retreat Centre. In 1935, during the school holidays, the College was used as a Retreat Centre for young business girls from the city.

The Advocate newspaper reported:

Through the generosity of the Reverend Mother, under ideal weather conditions and amid the beautiful surroundings of the Mercy Convent, Lilydale, forty-four young business girls attended a retreat under the direction of Rev Fr Phillip Murphy OFM, who delivered a most interesting course of lectures.

The girls slept in dormitories, and the Sisters were tireless in their efforts to attend to their every need. During recreation on the Sunday the girls walked over the neighbouring hills. It was with sincere regret that they returned to Melbourne on the Monday morning. This is the first organised retreat of its kind, and has been declared by all a wonderful success.

In fact, these retreats were considered such a success that it became an annual event at the College over the holidays and more were later organised at other convents. At the end of a particular retreat the following year, the director, Father T Haugh, expressed “his pleasure that such headway had been made in spreading the retreat movement among girls, and hoped that those present would act as apostles in spreading it still further”.

COVID-19 lockdowns remembered

Former teacher Mrs Mary Ryan, part of the Archive team at the College, has created a video about the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, sharing the perspectives of students, staff and members of the College community.

You can take a look at either a short or long edit of the video on the College Archive page on our website. Click HERE.

During Terms 2 and 3, MLMC students have the opportunity to learn chess or develop their chess skills at lunchtime on Mondays when a professional chess coach visits the College. Coaching sessions began recently with a strategy session, followed by friendly chess games.

On Monday 22 May, students were able to sign up to participate in a speed tournament. The competition was a single elimination bracket with a five minute and two second time control and was open to the first 16 participants to sign up. Students enjoyed competing with their peers for the opportunity to win gift voucher prizes. The top six students were: Daniel Macfarlane (Year 12 Purple), Richard Laan (Year 12 Jade), Mitchell McNaught (Year 9 Bronze), Felix Giffard (Year 8 Gold), Jesse Delahunty (Year 8 Orange) and Jeremiah Wintergerst (Year 7 Bronze).

Congratulations and well done to all who participated.