Dear Members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

I reflect that I have written that introduction many times over the past 10 years and yet I continue to reflect on the distinguishing features of our College community that differentiate us and allow to focus on community.

One focus worthy of being highlighted is our core Mercy values of: Justice, Respect, Compassion, Hospitality, Courage, and lastly Service.

These values are highlighted each year through our College theme, but also highlighted through year level programs and our extensive Pastoral Care program. They are not just words that appear on some bronze figurines at the entrance to Dublin House or phrases that appear at the beginning of documents like our Strategic Plan, but rather they are values and ideals that we try to live and promote within the gospel teachings and the ideals of a Catholic school connected to Catholic parishes within the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

In writing these core values, I did not list them in any particular order, but I mentioned Service last because I do want to focus a little on it. Service is important within our community for it is central to our faith; to develop individual skill sets and gifts to be of service to others in order to impact our world both locally and globally. Thus, we provide opportunity for our student body to be of service, but it is also important that this is modelled to them.

We also provide opportunities for our parent community to be involved within our College to model Service. Opportunities include our Parents and Friends’ Association; Old Collegians’ Association; College Organisational Skills program; the College Advisory Council and helping out at many College functions.

These opportunities often also provide the community with an important avenue to be involved, provide feedback to the College and help set future directions. The newest and latest opportunity for community involvement is the Community Forum Group (CFG), which provides parents with an avenue to Service but also provides the College with a process to consult about important issues around College curriculum, Pastoral Care and Policy.

A small group met in this capacity for the first-time last week and considered the agenda items: 

VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM): the new structure of the VCE was discussed with an explanation of the removal of VCAL, the introduction of the VCE VM and the strands to be available at MLMC next year, and in the coming years

Year 10 curriculum: as a result of two years of work and review, the Year 10 curriculum structure will be altered with the transition year being 2023 and full implementation starting in 2024.The new structure offers a broad approach to Year 10 with more opportunity for applied learning.

The Respectful Relations Program: this was also presented with an overview of how it will be applied at MLMC. Parent concerns with materials they had sourced in the government school program were discussed and it was highlighted that this program will only be presented at MLMC within a Catholic context and only materials that will supplement our Pastoral Care and Formation programs will be used.

College Uniform: some proposed changes to the College uniform were discussed, specifically changes to both the College sports jacket and tracksuit pants. The exploration of these changes was supported.

Although only a small group met initially including the three permanent parent committee members, one topic related parent and members of the College staff, it was a start and I see great opportunity for this forum to grow to be an important consultative process within our community. The next scheduled meeting is set for Thursday 8 September at 7.30pm. Parents interested in joining us as a meeting attendee should contact me via principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au, or if you would like as an agenda item, considered then that, too, should be emailed. Please consider this opportunity. I hope to publish the next agenda soon.

God bless

Philip A Morison

As we come close to the end of the winter season, let us take some time to reflect on all that is good and give thanks to our Heavenly Father.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… James 1:17

A Prayer of Gratitude to God

Father, dear Father, I am so grateful for everything that you have given me.
Thank you so much for the loved ones in my life,
For the many ways in which I am cared for and supported.
Thank you for the many ways I can serve and give to others.
Thank you for the rich tapestry of colours in creation,
For the beauty which is all around me,
For the skies and the ever changing cloud formations,
For the breathtaking sunsets and early morning mists.
My heart is so grateful and brimming with thanks.
I could write a thousand books about your great goodness,
And still have many stories to tell.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I thank you with everything I am.
All my being cries thank you Lord!

Amen.

https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/prayers_before/prayer_of_gratitude.html

Dates

• Friday 26 August — Frayne Speech Festival in Warrnambool (students participating will leave from the College Thursday afternoon).
• Saturday 27 August — Debutante Ball (Year 11)
• Monday 29 August — Year 9 2023 parent information night
• Monday 29 August-Friday 2 September — Health and Physical Education Week
• Tuesday 30 August — Parenting Plan Evening (see details below)
• Friday 2 September — Debutante Ball (Year 11)
• Friday 2 September — Wine Launch
• Saturday 3 September — Presentation Ball (Year 11)
• Tuesday 6 September — Student Progress Interviews (student free day)
• Wednesday 7 September — EISM cross country carnival
• Thursday 8 September — RU OK? Day
• Tuesday 13 September — Frayne House Celebration Day
• Thursday 15 September — Performing Arts Showcase
• Friday 16 September — Mercy Day and end of Term 3
  

Parenting a teen in 2022 — The Challenge 

Mrs Gail Preston
McAuley Campus Director 

We all know that parenting a teen would be easier if they came with a handbook — an outline of the amazing years of adolescence and how to handle the ups and downs. Maybe you have made it through one teen’s journey and are wondering why the next one is proving so challenging. Has COVID-19 and lockdowns made your previous plan obsolete? Come along and hear Andrew Lines, creator of The Rite Journey, talk about raising responsible, resilient, respectful, resourceful and reflective Gen Z young adults. 

For more information about The Rite Journey, click HERE.

In reflecting on his own parenting Andrew writes: 

An issue for me in my parenting has been there’s very little practical education or direction as to the best way to do this — to be parenting with the long-term goal in mind. Most of us are so busy, parenting moment by moment, responding to the issues as they arrive without a game plan of what we hope to create. It was the same for me initially, I had no real goal as to what I was aiming for and certainly no plan. 

Andrew's Parenting Plan evening is free to all parents within our community and feeder school network so please gather other parents of teens (or soon to be teens) and come along on Tuesday 30 August at 7.30pm. We would appreciate you indicating your attendance on the link shown on the attached flyer (or by clicking HERE). Feel supported and encouraged as you guide your child through adolescence into adulthood.

Self-care reminders

Mrs Tina Tasiopoulos
School Wellbeing Coordinator and Counsellor

The College Counselling and Wellbeing Team would like to take the opportunity to remind students and families of the importance of self-care. Term 3 is already proving to be a busy one, please consider the different ways you can ‘recharge’ your batteries. Rest comes in many forms — mental, sensory, physical, emotional, spiritual, social or creative. How will you look after yourself today?

Please click on the link below for some important self-care reminders:

We were so incredibly excited to finally have the opportunity to put on our College Musical, Matilda — The Musical, two weeks ago. Spanning over three evening performances open to the public, on 4, 5 and 6 August, as well as two primary school matinee performances, this show was a culmination of almost four years of sweat, tears (and sometimes blood) from our incredibly dedicated cast and crew.

Over the past three years, we have seen this show have three different casts. Some students remained in their same role for the three years, others moved from being a chorus member, to minor leads, to finally a lead role. We were even lucky enough to have a number of Old Collegians come back and perform their roles, on stage or as part of the band or the crew, in conjunction with our current students, which was a true display of community.

The shows themselves were a spectacle of shimmer, glitter, feathers and lots and lots of books! The students absolutely shone playing the strange and wacky characters that we were introduced to in Matilda's world, with some absolutely mind-blowing talent and dedication shown by our wonderful and young budding actors and actresses.

We couldn't be prouder of how our students represented the love we have for the Performing Arts at MLMC. Matilda will certainly be missed.

On Thursday 4 August students Angelo Enright (Year 9 Red) and Adam Johnson (Year 8 Blue) participated in the STEM 'MAD' Showcase at the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ Leadership Centre.

The Showcase is designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives that address real-world problems. Students in our Catholic schools were invited to design a product, service or innovation to ‘Make A Difference’ (MAD) to others or the environment. Our MLMC innovators took on the challenge and used the design-thinking process to create a helpful solution.

Adam designed and built a self-guided tour of our College, that can be easily operated on a portable device by visitors during Open Day as they make their way around the extensive grounds of our College.

Angelo designed and 3D-printed a portable extension to a LEGO robot, that can transform it into a programmable and self-driven vacuum cleaner. This device can benefit people who may have an injury and have limited movement allowing them to have a way of cleaning that can be personalised for their needs.

Angelo said of the experience:

“It was a great experience and I enjoyed presenting my robot. It gave me an insight into what my future could look like if I continue with robotics.”

Both of the students were required to explain the problem that they were trying to solve, the design process and their invented solution to the judges on the day. They also engaged in dialogue about their inventions with MACS staff, STEM education innovators, media productions, various teachers as well as their peers from other schools who engineered their own STEM MAD solutions.

The participation in the showcase was a great experience for the students who were supported by myself and fellow Science teacher Mr Hans Dharma on the day.

We are looking forward to future STEM MAD creations by our MLMC innovators in the future.

The Year 12 Formal was a spectacular occasion for the students and their teachers. There was an array of long gowns, suits and colour to rival any red carpet event as the students arrived at Bramleigh Estate on Friday 12 August. Good food, great company and entertainment created an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

One of the highlights was the photo booth, which had a constant queue as different groups of friends lined up to capture memories. After dinner, high-heeled shoes were quickly discarded as the DJ ensured that the dance floor was the place to be and the year level danced the night away.

Special thanks go to Year 12 Level Leader Mr Andrew Leaumont and the formal committee for organising the night and to Principal Mr Philip Morison and his wife Mrs Jennifer Morison, Deputy Principal — Pastoral Care Mr John Rodgers, Barak Campus Director Mr Kamahl Russell and the Year 12 homeroom teachers for being there and enjoying the night with us.

We are very excited to be well into the planning for Mercy Day 2022. The last time we were able to celebrate a full Mercy Day on site was in 2019. The Sisters of Mercy worldwide celebrate Mercy Day on 24 September, but because this falls during our school holidays Mercy schools celebrate early. We will celebrate Mercy Day on Friday 16 September.

The great feast that unites the Mercy world is Mercy Day. Its origin dates back to 24 September 1827 when the house on Baggot Street opened as a school for the education of poor young girls and as a residence for homeless girls and women.

Mercy Day will start with a liturgy for the whole College followed by a day of celebration including fun rides, food vans, a talent show competition, activities and games and a parade to finish the day. We also aim to raise much-needed funds to support Mercy Works. Students will receive information over the next few weeks via the Simon notices and homeroom bulletins.

Below is a list of the food available on the day and the prices.

In 2020, the College commenced a review of the Year 10 curriculum. The review sought to provide students with greater opportunities in student choice and voice in their academic, wellbeing and faith formation.

After a rigorous process, which included the consideration of the alignment with Year 9 as well as the transition in VCE with the option of a VCE Vocational Major, a new curriculum structure, programs and pedagogy will commence in 2023.

Below is a summary of the curriculum components and how they are intended to impact learning and wellbeing:

The Catalyst Enrichment Program will offer students the option to enrol in a special interest option such as STEM+ or ARTS+, alongside Sport/EISM, VET and Study. There will be selection criteria for entry into these programs. These additional options will be extended as the program develops over the coming years.

The Year 10 Seminar and Extended Pastoral Care programs will offer students workshops on resilience, careers and study skills for assessment tasks and exams.

The new curriculum is a firm step to address the gaps created ‘post-COVID’ in a holistic curriculum. It is also a more inclusive and broader curriculum which allows students to have more subject choices for pathways as well as cocurricular interests.

The future looks bright for MLMC senior years.

At 6.00am on Sunday 15 August, a group of bleary-eyed but excited VET Agriculture students left Mount Lilydale Mercy College for a two-day tour of future learning and industry destinations. The early start, a character test of sorts, saw the cohort — supported by our wonderful Assistant Business Manager Mrs Cathy Pote — arrive at Longerenong College in the Wimmera by 11.30am for two days of excitement, learning and opportunity.

The tour of both of the remaining original Victorian Agriculture Colleges established in 1889, Longerenong and Dookie, allowed students to explore a range of future pathways both within TAFE and university and make connections with their current studies. The long drive to Longerenong allowed plenty of time to establish a camaraderie and spirit that only strengthened throughout the trip. Agriculture students, it turns out, are great at trivia, love karaoke and accept everyone for who they are, as long as they can pull a calf and drive a tractor. On arrival, we explored the wool classing centre, the smart farm hub and enjoyed tours of the oldest continual trial site in the southern hemisphere.

Later that afternoon, students continued the journey to Dookie, near Shepparton (another four and a half hours of driving). They stayed overnight in student dorms built in the early 1900s at Dookie Agricultural College. Here they toured state of the art Science labs, a robotic dairy where cows choose to milk themselves, discovered new technology in fertiliser application and water management and toured the oldest sauvignon blanc planting in Victoria.

One of the guides for the day was Old Collegian Molly Henderson (Class of 2019), who is now a final-year Batchelor of Agriculture student. Molly gave the students a great insight into the possibilities and opportunities of a career in food production. She also gave our students an insight into the rich social life of a residential Agriculture student.

Agriculture is a rich, diverse and exciting career pathway open to students with a wide range of career pathways, from banking and finance to managing factories, commodity trading to driving tractors or headers. Our students were thrilled to find out about the amazing and diverse range of possibilities that are open to them.

Sophie Morris (Year 11 Jade) shares her experience of the camp:

I cannot thank the staff enough for giving up their time, effort and sanity to take us to Longerenong and Dookie. Not only did we have a great time on the ‘party bus’ with a bunch of awesome students, but the Colleges went above and beyond to give us some real insight into our futures. Agriculture gives people amazing opportunities. Having the chance to talk to lecturers, physically seeing the facilities on the campuses and being able to talk to current students gave us some genuine insight into university life and a helpful foundation to base our future choices off. Without this camp I would have struggled to receive such genuine and helpful guidance. I admire the teachers’ ability to transfer their strong passions to us. We appreciate all the work and behind the scenes effort that goes unrecognised in delivering a program like this.

As part of our Certificate III studies in the Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation class, students spent four days in Falls Creek from 2-5 August. On arriving at Falls Creek, the students were given snowshoes before hiking out to camp in the snow. This year we were treated to a near full moon and minus 5C temperatures where students demonstrated resilience, organisation and immediate consequences for not planning ahead. We then spent some time at Howman’s Gap where First Nations people used to meet many years ago and the site where many different groups still come together today.

Students had to meet a range of requirements from the course including work health and safety, organisation of personal work priorities and development, responding to emergency situations and providing equipment for activities, to name a few. This camp also provides the framework for next year when students need to plan and run a snow camp.

Below are some student reflections on their experiences:

My highlight of the camp was definitely the beautiful surroundings of the snow. I loved camping and snowboarding. The sunsets and sunrises were immaculate, and on the third day I couldn't even see three metres in front of me. Four days wasn't enough. I definitely would camp in the snow more. I recommend this camp for anyone who loves a good time with friends, being adventurous and having a passion for life.
— Amy Wicks (Year 10 Purple)

The highlights were snowboarding with my friends, going on a night walk on the first night and also making snowmen. The camp was amazing and I would definitely do it again and I’m already looking forward to going on another snow camp next year. It's so much fun just being out in the snow with all your best mates.
— Sarah Frazzetto (Year 10 Jade)

The camp was the best camp we’ve been on so far. Learning a new skill was amazing and seeing the snow for the first time was so great. It was something I’ve never experienced before and something I’ll never forget.
— Kate Wicks (Year 10 Orange)

The highlight of my camp was the first night camping out in the freezing cold while cooking some hot dinner. The camp was action packed and I loved learning to snowboard with my mates. Camp was a really different experience to what normal school camps are, as you never usually get to experience it snowing and not being able to see 10m ahead of you as the visibility was so bad. This is definitely the best experience I’ve had and I will remember this for the rest of my life.
— Christian Phillips (Year 10 Green)

(1) Student Achievements

Baseball
Congratulations to Ryder Wilson (Year 10 Bronze) (pictured below) who has recently returned from South Carolina, USA, where he represented Australia at the Senior League World Series. Australia reached the semi-final of the International bracket, winning games against Asia-Pacific and Canada. Australia was narrowly beaten by Panama, missing out on qualifying for the medal matches, and finished fifth overall. Ryder played an excellent tournament, finishing second in batting stats and was the leader in runs scored for Australia, with no errors in the field. Well done, Ryder.

Congratulations to Zeke Doyle (Year 12 Orange) (pictured above), who has spent the past week playing in the Victorian schools Under 18 baseball team at the School Sports Australia National Baseball Championship. The championships were held in Blacktown, NSW, over seven days, with Victoria competing against Queensland, New South Wales, ACT and South Australia. A highlight for Zeke was pitching against tournament favourites NSW on the Sydney Blue Sox’s home diamond in front of a packed crowd, including professional baseball scouts.

Karate
Congratulations to siblings Casey Cameron (Year 9 Silver) and Stephen Cameron (Year 11 Bronze) (pictured below) who both recently represented Victoria at the national karate titles in Rockhampton, Queensland. Casey won the gold medal in the Cadet division, becoming national champion, which led to her selection in the teams event where she won a bronze medal. Stephen won gold in the teams event and a bronze medal in the individual competition. This saw Stephen selected in the Australian team to compete in Turkey later this year. Congratulations to both students on their outstanding achievements and we wish you both continued success in the sport.

Equestrian
Well done to Audrey Lyons (Year 12 Jade) on qualifying to represent MLMC at the national championships in Sydney in September in the EvA80 eventing team. In doing so, Audrey became the overall state champion after many years of representing the College in equestrian competitions.

Well done also to Charlee Dobbin (Year 9 Purple) who qualified to represent the College at the national titles in the 1.20m Stars category. This is a huge achievement as only four athletes and their horses are selected in each category. Best wishes, Charlee.

Netball
Well done to Sophie Wicks (Year 7 Purple) who won the Mountain District Netball Association’s best and fairest award in the Under 13/1 competition for the winter season.

Football
Congratulations to Gabby Woods (Year 12 Purple) who finished runner-up in the Eastern Football Netball League’s Under 18 Premier Division girls’ best and fairest awards, and to Scarlett Henderson (Year 9 White) who finished in the top five in the EFNL’s Under 18A girls’ best and fairest votes.

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

(2) Cross country training

Training for cross country running is held on Mondays (3.30-4.30pm) and also Wednesdays (7.00-8.00am), up until Monday 29 August. Students can join in by meeting at the Doyle Centre. The training helps students to improve their running and fitness levels. Everyone is welcome, whether you qualified for the upcoming EISM Cross Country Carnival or not. Breakfast is provided on Wednesdays. For more details, students should see me in the Doyle Centre or email me.

(3) Herald Sun Shield

Congratulations to the 30 girls who travelled to Cranbourne on Tuesday to compete in Division 2 of the Intermediate Herald Sun Shield competition. The girls played three matches, all in torrential rain and strong winds, against Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Padua College and Avila College. Unfortunately, MLMC lost all three games by narrow margins, with two of the games only having a couple of points in them. All girls who played should be congratulated on their participation. This competition is one of the highest levels of school football that can be played. Stay tuned for our Senior girls’ results in two weeks’ time.

(4) EISM results

Senior (10 August)

Year 9 (11 August)

Senior semi finals (17 August)

Year 9 (18 August)

Throughout LOTE Week at the College, held from 8-12 August, our students were invited to celebrate languages and culture through various activities. By studying languages, it allows us to connect to another culture and way of thinking and foster intercultural awareness and understanding.

The week started with an indoor soccer match of Year 12 students versus staff. It was an awesome event with great atmosphere due to the energy of players and cheers of spectating students.

Throughout the week, students made origami, watched animated films Luca (in Italian) and Belle (in Japanese) and played Italian card games of Scopa and Briscola. Students also learned drawing techniques from visiting manga artist Kenny Chan through a lunchtime manga workshop session in McAuley Library.

In the classroom, homerooms participated in a LOTE quiz and Year 7 Italian students showed creativity in making carnevale masks. Mr Michael Modini’s Year 9 Italian class enjoyed the experience of making pavesini dessert, similar to chocolate eclairs.

Year 8 and 9 Japanese students practised their kanji (Chinese characters used in the Japanese language) and created their own beautiful stones with kanji representing nature and animals.

During the week, the lunchtime prayers were read by Year 12 students. Ellie Inglese (Year 12 Blue), Mark Rimando (Year 12 Blue) and LOTE Prefect Marisa Garza Lopez (Year 12 Orange) read the Hail Mary in Italian, tagalog (Filipino language) and Spanish, and a prayer for peace for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day was read in Japanese by Monica Mockiewicz (Year 12 Green).

We hope all of our students enjoyed connecting with other languages and cultures throughout the week.

As part of the Year 10 Outdoor Education program, students undertake studies in navigation and map reading. While this supplements the work in Geography classes, Outdoor Education students rounded off these studies with an orienteering excursion to Mount Lofty, which is situated on Wurundjeri land, on Wednesday 3 August.

I learnt how to use the map and got a bit of understanding on contour lines. I learnt how to explore by myself and work within a team. For orienteering practice we had to find markers that were hung up on the trees. Orienteering promotes stamina, independence from technology, and spatial reasoning abilities, as well as cooperation skills. I got lots of fun out of it and a better connection with my peers.
— Liam Haynes (Year 10 Silver)

The aim was to find 10 markers around the park, each of which had a staple on it with a different print that we then stamped on to our results card. We were also given a map with the different points on them and a compass to find out where we were located and where we started. This tested our map and compass skills. I learnt that I need to understand which are track lines and which are water lines more. I got a good solid walk out of it and I got to get out of the classroom and get some fresh air.
— Lara Graves (Year 10 Silver)

My team, composed of myself, Tahli, and Amelia, came first! I learnt more about map reading and honing, and how to efficiently manage our time. As a new student to the school, I think it was great to meet and make a connection with new people.
— Harley Lucas (Year 10 Silver)

Beforehand we did a lot of theory on navigation such as learning how to use a compass and reading maps. I learnt that using the natural features around you are a good way to find the markers to complete the course. It was a fun experience and I definitely want to do it again.
— Lachlan Avery (Year 10 Blue)

On Tuesday 9 August, we welcomed motivational speaker Glen Gerreyn back into our school after several years of COVID-19 interruptions for the Year 8 Day of Hope. We thank Glenn for inspiring our Year 8 students and encouraging them to take control of their own lives.

Below are some students’ reflections of the incursion:

In our seminar we talked about finding your passion and how to stay motivated, and the importance of having a dream, and how to make it our reality through hard work, talent and vision. We took away a lot of ideas and tricks and ultimately had the motivation to make our future lives great.
— Charli Litchfield (Year 8 Silver)

The Day of Hope incursion was a fantastic and inspirational day of hope, where students were taught how to recognise and pursue their dreams and passions. Glen Gerreyn was an inspiration to us all, and he helped us to visualise our goals and offered many opportunities to progress in our path to success.
— Blake Schelfhout (Year 8 White)

Day of Hope was an inspiring occasion that I fully believe everyone should know about and participate in. It gives you so many ideas and helped me rediscover something I had left alone for about a year. I am eternally thankful to Glen for being so insistent on pursuing your dreams. It will help millions one day to be their best version of themselves.
— Chanel Lopez (Year 8 Silver)

The Year 8 Day of Hope was an eye-opening experience. The event changed people and was inspirational, with Glen telling people to strive and follow their dream and also bringing people back to their senses. Which ones will hurt and which will scar? It brings us as a community together and helps those who need it most.
— Lowrence Sang (Year 8 White)