Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community,

As another semester draws to a close, I want to thank you for all the support and encouragement that you offer your children and the staff in building the community which we genuinely believe Mount Lilydale Mercy College to be. We can still aspire to be more and to continue to grow. As we finish this second term, reports are on everyone’s minds and it is time to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together, and appreciate the growth we have experienced. Let us focus on the process of receiving feedback and the significance of end-of-semester reports. Let's delve into how these elements contribute to our personal and professional development.

(1) The power of feedback

Feedback is an essential component of the learning and growth process. Whether it comes from teachers, mentors, peers, or even ourselves, feedback provides valuable insight that helps to shape our understanding and guide us towards improvement. Embracing feedback requires an open mindset, a willingness to learn, and a desire to enhance our skills.

When feedback is given constructively, it acts as a catalyst for improvement. It illuminates our blind spots, highlights our strengths, and offers actionable suggestions for enhancement. Constructive feedback should always be viewed as a gift, an opportunity to expand our knowledge, refine our techniques, and ultimately grow as individuals.

It's crucial to approach feedback with humility, acknowledging that we are all works in progress. Remember, feedback is not a personal attack; it is an objective assessment aimed at enhancing our abilities. By embracing feedback, we demonstrate our commitment to continuous learning, fostering an environment that encourages growth and collaboration.

Over the past month, I have undertaken an appraisal process to help form my future Principalship. Although I have been a principal in Mercy schools for 21 years, I understand the ever-changing nature of schools and community and I am always grateful when community members take the time to provide constructive feedback. I appreciate and thank those of you who took the time to complete a survey as a part of the process.

It is also why we instigated the Community Forum Group (CFG) concept last year, with the view that we wanted to start a group that would grow over time and constantly provide feedback to the College on a range of issues. I take this opportunity to remind you that the CFG is in fact open to all community members to attend and you do have the opportunity to submit agenda items. The group is still fledgling, but it is my hope that over time it continues to grow both in number and in concept.

The CFG is a support to the other groups by which we consult with the community: the Parents and Friends’ Association, the Old Collegians’ Association as well as the Advisory Council. Next time you see it advertised, please consider your attendance at the next CFG meeting.

(2) The role of end-of-semester reports

End-of-semester reports play a vital role in assessing overall student performance and providing a comprehensive overview of achievements throughout the semester. These reports consolidate feedback, grades, and other evaluative measures to help families gauge progress and identify areas for improvement.

End-of-semester reports serve multiple purposes. They provide a clear understanding of academic development, outlining accomplishments, challenges faced, and growth potential. They offer insights into strengths, allowing students to recognise and capitalise on them. Additionally, they enable students to identify weaknesses, creating a roadmap for future improvement.

These reports also facilitate effective communication between students, teachers and parents. They act as a bridge, enabling conversations about progress, strategies for improvement, and setting realistic goals for the future. By actively engaging in these discussions, we foster a collaborative environment that supports our students’ continued growth and success.

Receiving feedback and end-of-semester reports effectively requires a proactive approach. Here are some strategies to maximise their impact on our personal and professional development:

1. Maintain an open mindset: embrace feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Approach it with curiosity and a desire to improve.
2. Seek clarity: if feedback is vague or unclear, don't hesitate to seek additional guidance. Clarifying questions help to ensure you fully understand the intended message.
3. Identify patterns: look for recurring themes or suggestions in feedback. Identifying patterns can help you identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement.
4. Focus on growth: instead of dwelling on perceived failures or setbacks, view them as learning opportunities. Shift your mindset to embrace a growth-oriented perspective.
5. Set achievable goals: utilise the insights from feedback and end-of-semester reports to set realistic and attainable goals for the future. Break them down into actionable steps to ensure progress.

Always aim to improve the next semester report.

(3) Semester 1 Academic Awards Assembly

At the end of 2022, one of the agenda items under discussion at both the CFG and the Advisory Council was the format of the Awards Ceremonies at the end of Semester 1 one each year. It was agreed that to continue with six different award ceremonies was disruptive to the College curriculum, but, more importantly, it was recognised that to continue to celebrate in year levels denied the student body as a whole the opportunity to celebrate academic achievement and effort throughout the whole College. The Academic Awards Assembly for Semester 1 this year will be a whole College event on Tuesday 18 July.

The assembly aims to embody the best of our traditions and usher in a few new elements. It will be student centred and student run. Students achieving eight, nine or 10 awards (in any combination of Merit and Academic Awards) will be presented to the College community and the recipients’ special guests. Special guests will be notified via an SMS and will need to RSVP their attendance due to the limited capacity of the venue. Parking, seating and uniform expectations details will be included in the SMS communication.

All other awards will be delivered in digital form after the event and award recipients will be acknowledged in their homerooms and at year level assemblies, as has been the case over these past three years.

(4) Minimum Standards

This edition of the newsletter includes an article by Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor (Deputy Principal — Learning and Teaching) about how we are striving to raise students’ level of achievement. Our hope is that the changes outlined will help our students in becoming responsible learners. Together we can help your child do their best and give their best in all their learning endeavours. You can read the article HERE.

(5) IT data breach update June 2023

Earlier in the year, I wrote to you about a possible data breach here at the College, and since that time a forensic investigation and reporting process has been under way.

It is a good day when I get to write to you letting you know that we now have no evidence that any credit card information was in fact accessed in the IT data breach incident which we advised our community of in January.

After a thorough investigation over several months, the College can now confirm that the forensic evidence at hand indicates that what took place was folder browsing only, but no file access. In simple terms, what this means is that the third party browsed through folders within our system only, without opening any individual files/documents.

One would need to open the individual files within those folders in order to see credit card details, or any other personal information for that matter. The forensic investigations also indicate no evidence that any of our folders or files were copied and taken out of our IT environment.

Essentially, while acknowledging there was still a breach to our IT environment, we now have the strongest indications possible that there is no cause for concern with regard to your personal information being in the wrong hands. In January, we acted on our preliminary investigations which suggested that certain credit card information may have been illegitimately accessed. Here at MLMC we teach our students to own their mistakes, so what kind of Principal would I be, if I did not do the same?

I appreciate that many of you would have cancelled cards and had cards reissued by your banking institutions some time ago, and this created personal administrative chores as well as angst. For this, I do apologise.

However, if I had my time again, I would make the same decisions again, purely out of an abundance of caution and respect for each of you. I never felt it would be in line with our College’s values to withhold any information of this nature. Had we waited until now to mention any of this, and if your credit card details were indeed accessed, there would have been a much greater chance of harm taking place. I would much prefer to be over-cautious and turn out to be wrong, rather than being selective in the information I provide.

We also teach our students, your children, there are always learnings to be had. The College has learned a great deal from this unfortunate incident and our IT security will be stronger and better for it. We are constantly evaluating and looking to improve our IT systems — as demonstrated by our movement to Compass, with the transition starting in the coming weeks.

While we are thrilled to bring you this news, some cyber criminals/ threat actors are careful to delete evidence of their actions within a system. What I can reiterate with certainty, is that we have had highly-skilled forensic IT professionals working on this over several months, and that makes us very confident in these findings. There has been no stone left unturned.

Let us hope that this is a one-off experience and we do not experience such threats again.

(6) Term dates

As advertised extensively, the end of Term 2 for all students occurred on Wednesday 21 June. This was is to allow the College a number of Staff Professional Development Days to accomplish a number of things:

• Thursday 22 June: Staff Day in preparation for the Annual Review and School Improvement Framework Process as mandated by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)

• Friday 23 June: Day 1 Staff PD: Behaviour Management

• Monday 10 July: Staff Faith Formation Day

• Tuesday 11 July: Day 2 Staff PD: Behaviour Management.

Students will return for Semester 2 on Wednesday 12 July, with homeroom starting at 9.00am.

Parents and families should also be informed that the Staff Professional Development Day and student free day listed in the calendar for Friday 18 August is no longer a student free day, and all classes will run as normal to maximise class attendance and learning.

In the spirit of Catherine,

God bless

Philip A Morison
Principal

As we end the first semester and begin the holiday period I hope that you may all find some time for rest and relaxation.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

Lord, I am so grateful for rest.
Instead of tossing and turning at night with eyes wide open,
I give you my worries and cares, my lists and schedules.
With open hands, help me to release all I cling to so tightly.
I need rest for my spirit and my body.
Let me live from a calm and grounded centre as I come to you each day.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Adapted from Powerful Prayers for Challenging Times

(1) Dates

• Friday 30 June — College Office closes for school holidays
• Monday 10 July — Staff Faith Formation Day (student free). The College Office will be closed
• Tuesday 11 July — Staff Professional Development Day (student free). The College Office will open at 8.00am
• Wednesday 12 July — start of Term 3 for all students
• Wednesday 12 July — Student Progress Interviews for Unit 3 subjects
• Thursday 13 July — Compass Parent Information Webinar (7.30pm)
• Monday 17 July — Pathways Portal opens for all students and their families
  
• Monday 17 July — Year 9 2024 Parent Information Night (7.30-8.30pm)
• Tuesday 18 July — Excellence Award Ceremony
• Tuesday 18 July — Year 10 2024 Parent Information Night (7.30-8.30pm)
• Wednesday 19 July — Year 11 and Year 12 2024 Parent Information Night (7.30-8.30pm)
• Friday 21 July — MLMC Old Collegians’ Association reunions. Read more about them HERE.

(2) From the Counselling and Wellbeing Team

The School Counselling and Wellbeing Team wishes everyone a happy and safe school holidays break. This week's article is from Dr Justin Coulson about the importance of play, being active and taking time outdoors. We hope you have the opportunity to connect and also recharge after a busy term.

We would like to remind families there are many support services available within the community if the need arises during the holidays. The Youth Resource Card (pictured) lists a variety of reputable support services, and Parentline are also available for advice and support.

Online/Phone Supports:

Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au

Kidshelpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au

Youth Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au

Eheadspace 1800 650 890 www.eheadspace.org.au

Face-to-face Services:

Headspace Knox 9801 6088

Inspiro Lilydale 9738 8801

Anglicare Lilydale 9735 4188

Parentline: 13 22 89

(3) College Tours

Tours of the College are run throughout the year for prospective students and their families. The following dates are now available for booking via our website. Each tour runs from 9.15am to 10.30am, starting at College Reception.

Term 3:

• Monday 17 July
• Wednesday 2 August
• Monday 14 August
• Wednesday 30 August.

Term 4:

• Friday 6 October
• Thursday 19 October
• Tuesday 31 October
• Thursday 23 November.

(4) Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Parents and guardians are encouraged to read the fact sheet below for information about the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD).

The College is in the process of collating the NCCD. This asks us to identify students with disabilities and to review our processes and practices in this arena. We record the adjustments throughout the year that identifies how students with disabilities are supported to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. In the NCCD we are required to review our learning and support systems, providing greater understanding of our students with disabilities. As a school we are committed to this process and work to ensure that we are an inclusive school community where the needs of all our students are at the forefront.

Meeting the Minimum Standards through a restorative learning procedure

At MLMC, we pride ourselves in offering a holistic education. This philosophy has a very clear set of practical guidelines on how we manage the learning and wellbeing needs of our students. In our post-pandemic context, teachers have noticed a marked difference in how our students are responding to work requirements and academic standards set in assessment tasks.

Over the course of 2022, we reviewed our internal and external student performance data, conducting data informed-dialogues in various forums in order to respond to this challenge.

This has led to a few changes to our Assessment and Reporting Policy implementation guidelines. These changes focus not just on what we do as teachers, but how we go about the task of encouraging students to meet the minimum standards in assessment tasks.

These changes aim to streamline existing procedures to guide non-submission of work, late work and below standard submissions. It also provides a common approach to improve student outcomes focused on growth and ultimately increase student accountability.

We wish to draw your attention to the following information:

Parents can track student progress by checking on SIMON if a task has not been submitted.

A notification for late work or non-submission will be issued by the subject teacher.

Before issuing a Supervised Study Session (SSS), teachers will enquire from the student and/or the parent the reason for the below standard work or the non-submission of work.

Parents and students will be notified of an SSS via PAM.

Students are expected to attend the SSS even if they submit the task prior to the date of the SSS.

Below is a one-page guide to the Assessment Task Process which outlines the restorative learning procedures. This process and the procedures will commence in Semester 2.

We have high expectations of our students and we believe that they are able to meet these minimum standards with the support of parents/guardians. Our joint efforts to encourage them to give their best and do their best, no matter what the obstacles may be, is how we develop resilient, growth mindset learners.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news about the incredible journey that some of our Year 7 Class Captains and Vice Captains have embarked on through the Taming of the Butterflies public speaking course. Over the past eight weeks, these aspiring young leaders have been fearlessly honing their public speaking skills and embracing their new-found confidence.

With a total of 21 enthusiastic participants, the Taming of the Butterflies course has been an enriching experience for our Year 7 leaders. This initiative aimed to equip them with essential public speaking skills that will prove invaluable throughout their academic and personal lives. We are immensely proud of their dedication and the progress they have made within such a short time.

The Taming of the Butterflies program has only been possible through the generous support and expertise of the Lilydale Toastmasters, who graciously volunteered their time and knowledge to mentor our young orators. Their unwavering commitment to fostering effective communication skills within our community has truly made a significant impact on our Year 7 students.

We have already witnessed the positive impact of the Taming of the Butterflies course on our Year 7 leaders. They have seamlessly integrated their new-found public speaking skills into various school activities, such as class presentations and for some, even assemblies. Their new-found ability to convey their thoughts and ideas coherently has impressed both their peers and teachers, highlighting the tangible benefits of this program.

On Tuesday 20 June, the College hosted the final presentation evening of Taming of the Butterflies where the students involved were able to demonstrate the skills they had learnt to their families and members of the College staff.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Lilydale Toastmasters for their selfless dedication and for sharing their expertise with our Year 7 students. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of confident and articulate speakers is truly commendable.

Keep an eye out for our budding public speakers as they continue to demonstrate their new skills. We congratulate them on their remarkable achievements and wish them the very best as they embrace their new-found confidence and conquer any future speaking challenges that come their way.

Below one of the students reflects on the experience:

I really enjoyed the Taming of the Butterflies program. The knowledge that was shared and skills in public speaking are definitely an asset going forward. Thank you, team!
— Holly H (Year 7 Purple Vice Captain)

Mount Lilydale Mercy College has a proud history of participation in the ResourceSmart Schools program since its inception in 2008. Students, teachers, administrative and grounds staff of our College have been strong advocates and leaders in the environmental and advocacy works as part of the the program.

Our College has contributed to the statewide savings from ResourceSmart Schools of 118,000 tonnes of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions and the diversion of 194,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill. Since the program began, we have planted more than five million trees.

At this year’s awards ceremony, held on Thursday 15 June at the MCG, MLMC was runner-up in two major awards — ResourceSmart School of the Year and Mr Andrew Feher was runner-up in the Secondary School Teacher of the Year.

Although neither award made its way back to MLMC, the entire College community can be justifiably proud of our award nomination in both categories.

The Sustainability Victoria booklet for the awards described Mr Feher’s contribution in inspiring a new generation of environmental professionals as follows:

Andrew’s positive footprint changed the school. He has embedded sustainability in the curriculum, supported green events and purchasing policies, encouraged renewable energy, secured emissions reductions and saved $524,000 on bills.

Andrew’s inspiration also transcends the school gate. He presented green careers options for Vocational Education and Training students, leading to 26 enrolments in natural and physical sciences university courses in 2022.

As a community, there is always more to do in the environmental action space. The challenge is to double-down on our efforts and continue to make the right choices and take the positive actions required to best care for this precious planet that we all share.

In the words of former US President John F Kennedy, from a speech he gave at American University in Washington, DC in June 1963, “... in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal”.

Step into a world of enchantment and follow the yellow brick road to an extraordinary adventure in the mesmerising 2023 MLMC College Musical, The Wizard of Oz.

Set in the enchanting land of Oz, our story begins when a tornado whisks away young Dorothy Gale from her Kansas farm to a vibrant and colourful world beyond imagination. Stranded in a mysterious land, Dorothy embarks on a quest to find her way back home, encountering unforgettable characters along the way.

This magical musical will transport audiences of all ages into a world filled with wonder, courage, and the power of friendship. Join us on a magnificent journey down the yellow brick road, where friendships are forged, and the power of belief can conquer all obstacles.

Our Musical will be held in Centennial Hall over three nights — Thursday 3 August Friday 4 August and Saturday 5 August, with each performance starting at 7.30pm.

Don’t miss out! Book your tickets via https://www.trybooking.com/CIWOX

The inaugural class of the Year 10 Visual Arts Catalyst program held a lunchtime exhibition of their works on Friday 16 June. The students were very proud to display their artworks from this program in which they are coached rather than taught. There is no formal assessment in the program as the focus is on the inherent joy of learning, which made their exhibition even more important.

This enthusiastic group of students worked individually or in groups to create artwork in any medium of their choosing. Students explored mediums, and techniques, developed ideas and worked towards having one or more artworks to exhibit. This exhibition had approximately 30 works on display, including drawings, paintings, pottery, digital photography, and video art.

Below are student reflections about what they have learnt in the program:

In the Visual Arts Catalyst program, I have learnt that it’s alright to not be happy all the time with art you create. Perfectionism can end up being more detrimental to your art than anything else. It’s alright to take a breath of fresh air every now and then, and without ‘bad’, ‘good’ cannot exist. I've experimented with different paints, canvases, processes, such as lino cuts and prints, as well as art styles. Sometimes you can pick up things in the process that stay with you forever, like a certain method, style or technique that you never knew you liked. I like to draw inspiration from real life and my own experiences. My art is always evolving, and through the Catalyst program, I've learnt to be more accepting of this.
— Alexis D (Year 10 Silver)

In the Visual Arts Catalyst program, I have learnt how to throw clay using the pottery wheel. I was completely new to this at the start of this year, but I have been able to gradually progress my skills. Each artwork contains one of three pots (one pre-owned, two handmade) and other various objects that I either created or already owned. I learnt about how different levels, colours, and the direction of light can affect the visual appearance and emotion of a scene, which helped me greatly in conveying each stage of grief with inanimate objects.
— Patrick V (Year 10 Gold)

I have built connections with other people with a passion for art through the Catalyst program and I been exposed to more art forms than I could have imagined. I personally have experimented with drawing, sketching, photography, photoshop, and painting. In terms of the themes, I took a lot of inspiration from my own experiences and ideas I’ve come up with throughout the years. This class has taught me the time and dedication it takes to be an artist and some of the skills required for the job.
— Beau H (Year 10 Silver)

The Year 12 Formal was a wonderful occasion for the students and their teachers. There was an array of long gowns, suave suits and colour to rival any red carpet as the students danced the night away at Bramleigh Estate on Friday 16 June.

Great food, great company and, of course, a packed dance floor all went together to create a night to remember. The photo booth had a constant queue as different groups lined up to capture memories — with some of the images shared below. High heels were quickly discarded as the DJ ensured that the dance floor was the place to be and the Class of 2023 danced the night away.

Special thanks to the Formal committee for organising the night and to Mr Philip and Mrs Jenny Morison, Campus Learning Advisor Ms Krystle Samios, Deputy Principal Mr John Rodgers, Campus Director Mr Kamahl Russell and the Year 12 Homeroom teachers for being there and enjoying the night with us.

The Giovanni Music Recital for Semester 1 held on Tuesday 13 June was a celebration of the dedication, skill and effort of students undertaking music lessons at school and as members of the smaller music ensembles in the Instrumental Music program. Students were invited to prepare a solo/duet piece to perform for an audience of family and friends in an intimate setting in Centennial Hall.

Congratulations to the 50 students who performed on this evening, to a very warm and appreciative audience. Thank you, to the Instrumental Music staff for your dedication, care and specialist music instruction. We are fortunate indeed to have such a dedicated team of professional musicians within our program, who are each performers in their own right or have a background in the Performing Arts. To Ms Caroline Dickason, Mr John Barber, Mr Dean Cooper, Mr Emilio Kormanic, Ms Alison Little-Hales and Mr Kit Riley, thank you for preparing our students for the evening so early in the year.

Thank you also to Mrs Sharon Flint, our Music department secretary, and the College’s audio/visual specialist, Mr Tom Bruckner, for their relentless support and expertise always, for all things Music. Thank you to Deputy Principal — Learning and Teaching Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor for representing the executive leadership on the evening for your presence and support of the achievements of our students.

We look forward to more student performances, performance opportunities and Music events as the year progresses.

(1) EISM Grand Finals

Congratulations to our Year 9 EISM teams who contested Grand finals on Thursday 15 June, claiming three titles. Well done to the premiers (pictured) — boys basketball A, girls basketball A and boys soccer.

Runners-up were boys basketball B, girls badminton (pictured below), boys ultimate frisbee and girls softball.

Year 9 (15 June Grand Finals)

Year 8 (13 June)

(2) Cross country training

Cross country training continues in Term 3. Students should meet at the Doyle Centre for training on Monday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm) and Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am). Training is held to improve the students’ running and fitness levels and everyone is welcome. Breakfast is provided on Wednesdays. Students should see Mr Beard or Ms Parsons in the Doyle Centre or email them for more details.

(3) Victorian College Championships — Junior Finals

After a successful qualifying day, our junior basketball teams were invited to compete in the Victorian College Championships Junior Finals against schools around Victoria, with competition held on Tuesday 13 June at the State Basketball Centre. It was a tough day for the teams, as the majority of the students had participated in the Nunawading Classic tournament for their local sporting teams on the King's birthday long weekend. To play another full day of basketball was tough and challenged their physical and mental strength, but our students soldiered on and displayed fantastic basketball for MLMC.

Well done to the junior boys (pictured) who made it to the semi-finals before unfortunately losing to the overall winners of the tournament, Flinders College Sports Academy.

It was an amazing effort displayed by the junior girls, continuously striving for their best. Thank you to Mr John Walsh, who coached the girls.

(4) Student Achievements

Basketball
Congratulations to Jaxon W (Year 7 Bronze) who has been selected in the Under 14 Victorian Metro boys’ team for the Country-Metro Challenge in Bendigo on 25-26 June.

Football
Jess V (Year 12 Blue) played for the AFLW Academy team at Marvel Stadium on Sunday in a talent showcase game against the Under 23 All Stars. She has this week been named in the Vic Metro under-18 team for the upcoming national championships. Well done, Jess.

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

Thank you for your generosity in donating much-needed items for people in our community who are “doing it tough”.

Not only did our Winter Appeal help us to collect food and toiletry items, but it gave us an opportunity to try and understand the struggles people have to face, even in our local area. All items donated will be given to our local St Vincent De Paul. Thank you all to everyone who donated.

The graduating classes of 1993 and 2003 will be celebrating their 30 and 20 year reunions this year.

The reunions, hosted by the College, will be held in Centennial Hall on Friday 21 July from 5.00pm until 11.00pm.

There will be College tours, finger food, drinks at bar prices, a photo exhibition and a DJ. Tickets are only $50 each and partners are welcome to join our alumni.

If you know of anyone in the Class of 1993 or Class of 2003, please spread the word. Tickets can be purchased via trybooking. Go to https://www.trybooking.com/CGDVF.

Please email me, Natalie Virgona, at nvirgona@mlmc.vic.edu.au if you have any questions about the event.

As part of the unit on sustainability and water management as a learning outcome, the VCE Agriculture and Horticulture class had an insightful look into how 52% of Melbourne's wastewater is treated on an excursion to the Werribee Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Our group learnt the significance of sustainability throughout the wastewater treatment process: from capturing byproducts including combusting methane as biofuel to generate electricity. To the many uses of biosolids including use as fertiliser, fill for road construction, or creating bricks for construction.

The largest end product of wastewater treatment is the volume of treated wastewater itself, which ends up being discharged to wetlands and Port Phillip Bay, used as irrigation water for crops and farmland, and the wastewater even pumped back to households for restricted household use (gardens and toilets).

Below two students reflect on the excursion:

On Tuesday 13 June, our class went on an excursion to the Werribee Wastewater Treatment Plant. We learnt the different stages of treatment, and how the water was treated and filtered from Pond 1 all the way through to Pond 10 over a period of about 30 days. While on this excursion we learnt about the filtration system and what is done with the water and what uses it has after it has been through all of the stages.
— Olivia V (Year 12 Jade)

We headed out in the early (and cold) hours of the morning to travel to Werribee's Wastewater Treatment Plant. Throughout the day, we were guided by the site workers, who walked us through the intense process of recycling wastewater for use in a sustainable circular production system. We were able to apply how wastewater such as sewage, from all across Victoria, is transported, filtered, and produced as a cleaner recycled alternative, which could be used in areas such as Port Phillip Bay and wetlands for wildlife, to our recent studies in class surrounding water use and soil management. It was a great day out to see how our agricultural theory work is applied in the real world and industry.
— Mia S (Year 11 Green)

As the Year 10 cohort this week completed their Work Experience placements, it is interesting to note when it all started. Here are some details from the Archives:

In 1982, the College introduced the Work Experience program into Year 11. This initiative was facilitated by the newly-created Careers teacher role taken by Mr Ted Jorna. His role was to talk with students about jobs, unions, programs, values, interests, abilities and any particular talents they may have. He would then contact employers, seeking short-term opportunities for students to participate in a chosen field or industry, although many students organised their own placements. The idea was to give the students some experience and insight into the workplace and hopefully develop employability skills and career options.

Mrs Elizabeth Dufty was appointed to the role in 1987, assisted by Ms Helen Christie, and the College certainly benefited from her expertise until her retirement in 2020. In more recent years, the focus of the program has been on Year 9 and 10 students.

Two students who gained valuable advice from the program in the early days were Julia Harrison (Class of 1988) and Dion Courtney (Class of 1993) (both pictured below). 

Julia became a doctor and forged an outstanding career in the field of health care and medical education, being awarded the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Award for Excellence in 2009.

Dion served with the Australian Defence Force as a naval pilot flying Seahawk helicopters, seeing active service overseas in Iraq. He has also returned to the College to be involved in the career counselling programs. Both have been inducted into the Mercy Honour Roll — Julia in 2012 and Dion in 2017.