Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

It is that time of the year when our attention turns towards final assessments and even in the junior year levels exams are becoming a topic of conversation. Parents are starting to ask questions about resilience and the sustainability of doing homework and study and how it may be stress inducing. Some may even question whether MLMC remains concerned with the overall mental health of students and if we have an over emphasis on rules, expectations and the MLMC way we expect our students to interact. Others ask how do we support our children in the pursuit of academic success and in their overall development.

As with all things resilience, good mental health and academic or any other success do not just happen and they cannot be sought, yet they are realised through a routine where good practices are learnt and practised. Routines and commitment to processes are essential in this.

I have been interviewing students who wish to enter our College and find myself continuing to discuss with them the importance of daily reading. It is a routine that must be taught and practised from an early age and continually encouraged. Reading for 15 to 20 minutes every night before sleep is one routine that should be a life-long one. It is an important routine.

I have for a long time been a fan of the speeches and writings of Admiral William H McRaven, who is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from 8 August 2011 to 28 August 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he was the chancellor of the University of Texas.

I have included some of his speeches in newsletter articles before, but my favourite is his speech and book Make your Bed, Little Things that Can Change Your Life And Maybe The World.

McRaven offers 10 lessons that may be summarised:

If you want to change the world:

1. Start your day with a completed task.
2. Don’t go it alone.
3. Grit and determination trump talent.
4. Life is not fair; get over it.
5. Don’t fear failure; embrace it.
6. Take calculated risks.
7. Stand up to bullies.
8. Rise to the occasion when life gets hard.
9. Give people hope when times are tough.
10. Never quit.

Source: www.ricklindquist.com/notes/make-your-bed

But it is well worth listening to his overall speech on YouTube, if you find the time. I listen to it about once every 12 months. Click HERE to listen.

(2) Your support of school learning at home

Recently I also came across a great article by Dr Bruce Robinson: ‘Your Support of Learning Impacts Your Child’s Results at School’ in The Fathering Project (February 2022), which I thought was of interest and well worth sharing with you:

Supporting School Learning at Home

When parents support school learning at home, this shows our children that we truly value education and the school. Your job as a parent is to encourage them, support them and challenge them to learn and do their best. If you can instil in them the mindset that learning is a process, that is positive and enjoyable, they will grow up to be lifelong learners who thrive on challenges.

• Parent involvement in educational activities with their children is associated with improved educational outcomes for all students
• Children at all ages with parents interested and involved in their learning have a clear academic advantage
• Children do not stop needing their parents because they get older, or because lives get busy.
• You don’t have to be strong academically yourself to have an impact on your child’s education. Evidence shows you just have to be supportive and positive about learning.

Top tips

1. Read with your child from an early age and encourage a positive attitude to learning from reading – both books and online.
2. Promote a positive mindset in your children to help them see the benefits and enjoyment that can be found in learning and improvement.
3. Don’t put too much pressure on them. Encourage them to be as good as they can be and help them plan how to improve.
4. Be willing to help with homework, even if that just means asking them questions.
5. Let them be independent learners and be there to support if they want to do the home learning themselves.
6. Encourage them to see mistakes as an important part of the learning process and help them to see how to use their mistakes to learn.
7. If homework is causing stress or arguments, put it aside and take a break. Try again later and if there are still problems, contact the teacher to discuss solutions.

(3) Community Forum Group

The next meeting of the Community Forum Group is scheduled for Tuesday 15 November at 7.30pm. The venue will be decided on once numbers are finalised. The group consists of three permanent parent members, but up to 10 more interested parties are welcome to attend. Thus far, intended discussions include:

• the College SSS (Supervise Study Sessions)
• detention at MLMC
• scholarships at MLMC.

If you would like to attend and if you have other suggested agenda items please email me at principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au

In the spirit of Catherine,
God Bless each and every one of you

Philip A Morison

In Catholic tradition the month of November is a time to remember all those who have died. Catholic Churches across the world, usually have a Book of Remembrance that is placed in a prominent position within the Church itself so that the names in the book are especially ‘remembered’ and prayed for during this month. November is a time for remembering and praying for our loved ones who have gone before us and whose loss we feel. It is a time when we are particularly conscious of those in our communities who are grieving and all those families who have lost loved ones in the past year.

Lord of life and love,
as we give thanks for times past,
grant us courage to embrace the present
and grace to share the future.
In memory of loved ones dear,
kindle their flame to shine in the dark
and light the path ahead.
Show the way that leads to life
as we cherish days gone by
and inspire us with the touch of love
that faith and hope live on.

Amen

More prayers are available by clicking HERE.

Dates

• Monday 7 November — to allow for Staff Professional Development, the College Office will be closing at 3.25pm
• Friday 11 November — Remembrance Day
  
• Friday 11 November-Thursday 17 November — Year 10 and 11 Exams
• Saturday 19 November — Old Collegians’ Trivia Night
• Monday 21 November — Staff Professional Practice Day (student free)
• Wednesday 23 November — EISM beach carnival
• Tuesday 22 November-Thursday 1 December — Academic Foundation Program (AFP) for Year 10-12 students in 2023; Year 8 and 9 2023 transition program
  
• Tuesday 29 November — MLMC Swimming Carnival at Croydon pool
• Wednesday 30 November — Family Service of Carols
• Wednesday 30 November — Semester 2 Awards for Year 9
• Thursday 1 December — Semester 2 Awards for Years 10 and 11
• Friday 2 December — Semester 2 Awards for Years 7 and 8
• Friday 2 December — Last day of academic year for students
• Friday 16 December — College Office closes for the year, 4.00pm

Uniforms

Our uniform supplier, Bob Stewart, would like to invite families to use their appointment system and visit the shop as early as possible to purchase their uniform for 2023. Click HERE (or below) for a flyer regarding new families to the College booking appointments for uniform fittings. Families also have the option to purchase uniform via click and collect. The Bob Stewart Uniform Shop assures us that they are more than happy to do uniform exchanges or returns prior to the start of Term 1 in 2023 if required. Appointments will run through November and December and are made through the Bob Stewart website only.

Parenting ideas

Tina Tasiopoulos
School Wellbeing Coordinator/Counsellor

From time to time, the College Counsellors will share with our parent community, articles and information that pertain to adolescents and their developmental stages. Topics of interest such as mental health, parenting, friendships, respectful relationships, how to develop connections, etc. are included in the College newsletter. Below you will find a document ‘Disarming anxiety before it becomes a disorder’. If you have concerns about your child, please don't hesitate to contact one of the College Counsellors. You can find out more about the College’s Counselling and Wellbeing services by clicking HERE.

Instrumental Music enrolments for 2023

Sharon Flint
Instrumental Music secretary

The Music department is now taking 2023 Instrumental Music lesson enrolments. Enrolment forms for 2023 can be found on the Parent Portal under ‘Forms and Information’. For further information about the Instrumental Music program, visit the College website under 'Student Life' or click HERE. You can email me via sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au to request an enrolment form. To secure a place for your child in their preferred instrument, the enrolment form must be returned to Student Reception OR to the Music department as soon as possible. Lesson vacancies are filling up quickly and 2023 Instrumental Music lessons will commence in Week 2 of Term 1.

Tomato plant sales

Tomato plants will be available to buy at MLMC tomorrow (Saturday 5 November) from 9.00am. Former staff member Gerry Donovan and members of the St Patrick’s parish community sell the different varieties of tomato seedlings each year with proceeds going to charities including the local St Vincent de Paul chapter, Ugandan Education Fund, and Sister Carol Terpstra’s work in the Philippines. Sr Carol (Class of 1982) is a nursing sister with the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart, mostly working in the Philippines, and she was inducted on to MLMC’s Honour Roll in 2012.

Last Tuesday (25 October) we were finally able to officially bless the last piece of the MLMC 125 years celebrations, the Peace Garden.

The garden was an initiative of the MLMC 125 years anniversary committee from a request made by Principal Mr Philip Morison to create a grotto. As a committee, we decided to create something of a more modern take on the grotto. The committee felt that a Peace Garden would be a great space whereby the community, students and staff alike could come and gather, reflect and spend time together or alone.

We hope that the garden brings peace and the community together for the next 125 years.

On Thursday 27 October the College recognised the achievements of many students at the MLMC Sports Awards. We congratulate all students who received an award.

Thank you to our guest speaker, Old Collegian Casey Wright (Class of 2012), a two-time Winter Olympian, for inspiring our students to chase their dreams.

Age Group Champions

2022 Summer season awards

Year 9 Girls 

Year 9 Boys 

Senior Girls 

Senior Boys

All Stars

• Girls Badminton: Teresa Buansing
• Girls Cricket: Megan Schelfhout
• Girls Netball: Tegan Bethune
• Girls Soccer: Ally Smart and Olivia Vandenberg
• Girls Softball: Grace George and Kathleen Rhodes
• Girls Tennis: Louisa Inglese
• Girls Ultimate Frisbee: Gabby Woods (captain), Sabina Lantouris, Alice McCormick and Mr Dan Beard (coach)
• Boys Badminton: Ashley Prasel
• Boys Basketball: Ryan Nunziante
• Boys Cricket: Blake Podesta and Tom Elvin
• Boys Hockey: Daniel Roper
• Boys Softball: Zeke Doyle (captain), Harry Doyle, Ryder Wilson and Mr Andrew Leaumont (coach)
• Boys Tennis: Thomas Mung
• Boys Ultimate Frisbee: Campbell Frazzetto (captain), Patrick Huynh, Marcus Hamilton and Mr Sam Waters (coach)

2022 Winter season awards

Year 9 Girls

Year 9 Boys

Senior Girls

Senior Boys

All Stars

• Girls Basketball: Louisa Inglese
• Girls Football: Gabby Woods (captain), Bella McMaster, Charli Dobrigh and Mr Johnny Dimitracopolous (coach)
• Girls Hockey: Kate Wicks
• Girls Table Tennis: Amelia English
• Girls Touch Football: Bec Course
• Girls Volleyball: Natasha DeSilva
• Boys Football: Sam Wicks and Hayden Campbell
• Boys Netball: Mitch O’Neil
• Boys Table Tennis: Lincoln van Duuren
• Boys Touch Football: Kirat Singh
• Boys Volleyball: Thomas Mung

Excellence in Weightlifting: Shiloh Thurrowgood

Excellence in Equestrian: Sophie Dillion and Charlee Dobbin

As part of the VET Sport and Recreation course, Year 10 students were responsible for planning a camp at Torquay on 20-21 October. Students were given a budget and needed to negotiate with relevant stakeholders to work out where they were going, what activities they were going to participate in, book accommodation and plan meals. They also had to investigate a range of work health and safety issues and work out how to minimise or eliminate these. Students allocated themselves to different roles to plan our surf camp to Torquay, booking in surfing and sea kayaking sessions.

As well as having a lot of fun and learning new physical skills, students developed their ability to plan, organise, work collaboratively, manage their time effectively and work within a budget. These skills will assist them in the short term of meeting specific work requirements along with developing life skills and leadership. These and other attributes are also the reason that such a large number of VET Sport and Recreation students move into Year 12 leadership roles, and why many continue into careers within the field after leaving secondary school.

Below are some student reflections of their camp experience:

Overall the camp was amazing. We had such good teachers and people on the camp which made it even better. I would definitely do it again and I would recommend doing it.
— Sarah Frazzetto (Year 10 Jade)

The highlight of the camp was definitely surfing on the first day; it was a great experience and super fun. I just wish that the camp was longer so we had more time in the ocean and more time around the beach. I played heaps of games like spikeball and watched the sun set on the beach. This is one of the best camps I’ve been on. It was a great atmosphere where the students got the opportunity to organise and take charge at camp.
— Kate Wicks (Year 10 Orange)

The highlight of camp was being able to surf. The camp was packed with fun. Cleaning the barbecue wasn’t very fun. I tried to help out those who haven't surfed before with the limited things I knew, I also got help from the ones that had done it multiple times. I really enjoyed the camp and it was a good experience because of the activities and people that were there.
— Jai Jackson (Year 10 Purple)

My highlight was the gnarly waves we surfed and just being in the Torquay waters. Cooking together and being with the best class on the planet was also a good thing. The people and things we did made it the best thing in my life.
— Amy Wicks (Year 10 Purple)

To commemorate our much loved and admired Deputy Principal Mark Prest, who commenced at the College in 1996 and became Deputy Principal in 1997, the College Executive has named an annual award for an ‘educationalist’ in his honour.

Mark had a deep love for his God and was passionate educator who had a deep sense of the school community. He listened, accepted and embraced all the people he found in his life. Mark demonstrated strength during his own battle with illness and throughout his life he was willing to be a ‘shelter in a storm’ for others. He was a deep thinker and came to believe strongly in the stewardship model of leadership.

Below you will find a nomination form for the 2022 Mark Prest Award, which will be presented at our Night of Excellence on Tuesday 13 December 2022 to the staff member (teacher or non-teacher) who most exemplifies our Mercy education philosophies, values and spirit. Each staff member can only win this award once. Staff members can be nominated by parents, students, other staff, or community members. Please consider this process.

The award is presented annually to a staff member (teacher or non-teacher) who most exemplifies Mark’s educational philosophy and witness as judged by the following criteria which embody the spirit of Mark as an educator. It is expected that the recipient of this award will reflect many of these characteristics.

Mark:

• had a passionate respect for the dignity of each person
• set a public example of integrity, love, commitment and awareness each day
• showed empathy and concern for the welfare of others
• had a healthy sense of tolerance, acceptance and openness
• fostered genuine, honest, authentic, compassionate and just relationships
• was filled with the excitement of teaching or supporting teaching
• was a courageous and committed learner
• aspired to and encouraged excellence
• encouraged a love of learning in others
  
• was willing to take risks and learn from experience
• believed that teaching and learning mattered
• fostered a strong climate of community involving students, teachers and parents
• had a sense of civic responsibility and pride
• contributed to the social and spiritual environment of the school.

The selection of the winner will be made by a panel which includes Principal Mr Philip Morison, an Advisory Council Member, two staff members and one student (a student leader).

Nominate by visiting HERE to fill out a nomination form. Nominations close on Friday 11 November 2022.

Previous winners of the Mark Prest Award are: 

On Monday 20 October, our Year 10 Outdoor Education cohort departed MLMC and headed to Queenscliff and Torquay for a two-day camp. This trip is the jewel in the crown for this course where students are able to make links between the theory and practical elements of the Coastal unit.

Activities included snorkelling and a visit to the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff, where students got hands-on experience with some of the creatures found in Port Phillip Bay.

On the second day the surf was up, with students catching waves in sea kayaks and on surfboards. As well as developing skills for these watercraft, students also showed tremendous resilience in sticking at these activities in less than ideal conditions. I am confident that the memories from this camp will stick with the participants for years to come.

A big thank you to staff that attended and made the camp possible: Mr Dan Kelly, Miss Bree Burke, Mr Adam Dean and Mrs Vanessa Frazer.

Here are some student reflections of their camp experiences:

Highlight of camp was definitely getting out on the surfboard and getting up and riding some waves. I helped some people set up their tents if they were struggling. It was awesome to see everyone in and out of the school environment and have a great time helping and contributing to the fun.
— Lucien Primavera (Year 10 White)

The highlight of camp for me was having fun with mates and definitely kayaking. I helped classmates set up their tents and unpack the trailer. I felt camp was really good, it was nice to travel and get out and about with friends doing outdoor activities that I love.
— Liam Haynes (Year 10 Silver)

Surf camp was really fun. Day two of the camp was the best. The highlight was definitely surfing because it was so fun and it was good to learn how to properly surf. At camp, everyone helped each other set up their tents. It was good learning skills like setting up a tent, kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and all sorts of things we might need in life.
— Grace Patterson (Year 10 White)

My highlight was definitely surfing. It was so cool learning how to surf. It was hard but after a while you got the hang of it. And just being around my friends having a great time with them. The sea kayaking was a bit scary. When we came back to shore I jumped out of the kayak and didn't go back on.
— Amelia English (Year 10 White)

Why, you may ask, is it important to undertake a bird count in our local area? The count aims to encourage Australians to act in supporting bird conservation efforts. This activity directly relates to the state of our local environment as the more birds sighted can indicate that our local habitats are providing the biodiversity required to sustain local endemic species.

Recently a number of MLMC STEM Club and Year 11 VCAL students undertook this vital data gathering. The information gained is fed into eBird, one of the world's largest nature databases which stores more than 100 million bird sightings and is utilised by professionals for science and conservation.

MLMC students play an important role as citizen scientists in gathering this data. The activity was a fun way for students to get out into nature's classroom and observe first-hand the state of our local environment. The good news is that records indicate species numbers are increasing. This can be attributed to the increased vegetation cover within the College grounds that attracts birds and provides habitat and a food source.

Thank you to Science teacher Mr Hans Dharma and Science Faculty Learning Leader Mrs Urszula Faulkner for supporting this initiative. The STEM Club and Green team have many more activities coming up, so stay tuned and support the environment.

(1) Student Achievements

Athletics
Congratulations to Rori Jones (Year 12 Purple) who competed recently at the Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships in the 400m and 1500m events. Rori took home the gold medal in the 400m event and placed fourth in the 1500m event — an excellent achievement. Well done, Rori!

Netball
Congratulations to Tegan Bethune (Year 10 Red) who recently competed in the Netball Victoria State Championships representing the Chisholm region. Another outstanding sporting achievement from Tegan.

Congratulations to Kane Wilson (Year 9 Jade) who has been selected in the Victorian Under 17 team for the national titles to be held in Perth in 2023. We look forward to your future success, Kane!

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

(2) EISM results

Year 9 (27 October)

Year 9 (3 November)

On Friday 21 October members of the Class of 1992 and the Class of 2002 returned to the College for their 30-year and 20-year reunions, joining together to make it a fun night of reminiscing and catching up.

The evening began with guided tours of the College from the Old Collegians’ committee and College Principal Mr Philip Morison. Many alumni commented on how much the College has changed and grown over the years, yet there were still some remaining gems from their time as students, such as the quadrangle that brought back many memories. They then moved into Centennial Hall for a fun night of food, drink, dancing and laughter.

Thank you to those who attended and the Old Collegians’ committee members for volunteering their time to assist in the running of the event. I also want to say a huge thank you to Lisa Foley (Class of 1992) and Melanie Baird (Class of 2002) for their help in bringing this night together. It was wonderful to see so many alumni reconnect and reminisce on their time at MLMC.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 1993 and Class of 2003 to their reunions next year. If you are from either of these classes and would like to be involved in the organisation of your upcoming reunion, please get in touch with the College via email to oc@mlmc.vic.edu.au or phone 9739 2220.