Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Has the business of daily life returned? Has your life returned to the hustle and bustle of pre-COVID so much that you have forgotten the joy of being with family or friends and sharing time together? Given the last two years, are we trying to catch up on everything at once? Have we forgotten the importance of just being there for each other?

I was reflecting on our College theme this morning, given that both our Community and Opening Masses needed to be cancelled, and the lack of opportunity to formally launch and celebrate the theme.

Our theme this year is “… be hospitable to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4:9).

What does it mean to be hospitable?

Just before my son returned to Canberra my whole family sat down to dinner and I opened a bottle of wine to share. My son scanned it with one of his apps to tell me it was worth about $130 and asked why was I wasting it drinking it with them. My response was that wine is for sharing and I could not think of any others with whom I would prefer to share it. He was thrilled and felt a genuine sense of hospitality, I think. I did not need to tell him that I had been given it many years ago and I was clearing out older wines before they turned. It was its age that gave it the value.

I also asked myself, how do you show a genuine sense of hospitality to yourself? I remember a story I came across a few weeks ago and it made me wonder how I would have reacted?

I understand this to be a true story published in the Washington Post on 8 April 2007, authored by Gene Weigarten:

A violinist played in an arcade outside the Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning. He played six classical pieces for about an hour. During that time over 1000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After three minutes, a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace a little and then hurried to meet his schedule. After four minutes, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw the money in the case and, without stopping, continued to walk.

After six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then, after three minutes looked at his watch and started to walk on. After 10 minutes, a three-year-old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the boy looked at the violinist. The mother and the child continued to walk, although the boy turned his head several times.

Several other children repeated this action. Every parent, without exception, hurried them briskly on. The musician continued to play for one hour. Only seven people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32.

When the musician finished playing, silence took over. No one noticed, no one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best violinists in the world. He played some of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Now I understand that just previous to that event Josh had played at a Boston Theatre where tickets sold in the hundreds of dollars each.

I wonder if in the busyness of my day, would I have stopped to listen to Josh and I wonder if, in being hospitable to myself, should I compel myself to do so.

Now I understand that classical music might not be to everybody’s taste and that the violin might not be the instrument of choice. I also understand that in cities all over the world many street performers play and we can become impervious or complacent in hearing them. It might also be that the place and time might not have been appropriate because people were rushing and it was cold. But, surely if we could not find the time to stop to appreciate the beauty of one of the world’s finest musicians playing some of the best music ever written on one of the most beautiful instruments ever made, then what else are we missing?

There is much in this world about which we could despair. Floods in Queensland and northern NSW, war in Ukraine, the continued threat of the coronavirus with talk of another COVID-19 strain in Omicron sub-variant BA.2 or the news of Japanese encephalitis being found in Victoria. For all of these events we need to pray as a collective. We need to pray for all the victims and those who suffer, and we need to offer support where we can.

We cannot, however, allow these things to dominate our lives, so much so that we miss the beauty that is all around us and perhaps miss the potential to recognise and develop an unexpected talent.

At these times, we must ensure that we manage the narrative that we share with our children and minimise any catastrophising. We must continue to express that we live in a very safe and beautiful part of the world and that we continue to move forward with positivity and hope.

Our hospitality to ourselves is to stop and enjoy the many beauties around us and our hospitality to our families is to share those beauties with them.

Catherine McAuley once said “you must waste time with visitors”. Well, we must waste time with each other and allow time for socialisation and beauty sharing.

I wonder if I would have recognised Josh Bell playing that morning?

COVID-19 update

Late yesterday we received an updated operations guide for dealing with COVID-19. The most significant change is that if a student or staff member tests positive through a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) but they do not have symptoms or have not been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19, it is recommended that they get a PCR test within 48 hours and stay isolated until they receive their result. If the PCR test is negative, the student or staff member can return to school.

We will look to implement this change next week.

In the Spirit of Catherine

God bless

Philip A Morison
Principal

At times it is easy to feel helpless about situations we see around us. As Christians, we need to remember that prayer is powerful. As we begin the second week of Lent I ask that in your homes and families you take some time to pray for peace, and especially for the people of the Ukraine.

A Voice that Speaks of Peace

God of mercy,
help us to listen to your voice,
a voice that speaks of peace to all people.

Let the sound resonate within us,
until a whisper becomes a shout
which cannot be ignored.

Move us with your love,
so that our actions echo your peace,
and we may bring comfort
to those touched by conflict.

Fill us with your hope, O Lord, and
quiet the fear and hatred which divides us,
as we seek to build a future together,
of true and lasting peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Prince of Peace,

Amen.

Catherine Gorman/CAFOD

Resist testing fatigue

Dear parents, despite hearing in the media that we need to learn to live with COVID-19 and return to normal as much as possible, I ask that you do not become neglectful of your testing regimes. Please remember the importance of having your children test twice a week before coming to school, being ever mindful that members of our College community are immunocompromised or have close friends and family that are. Every little bit we can do to help others stay safe is extremely important. The College recommends students test on a Monday and Wednesday morning, but please be vigilant and test on any day they feel they have symptoms. More tests will be distributed to students next week.

Please keep students home if they are unwell

Another mention that our rudimentary data suggests, is students who show initial signs of feeling unwell take a few extra days before testing positive to COVID-19. In the interests of preventing the spread of COVID-19, we ask that if your child is feeling unwell — even if they test negative — please keep them home. Students can be infectious 48 hours prior to testing positive. Keeping your child home may prevent others from catching the virus.

Vaping

Recently you received a letter from the Principal that contained information about the growing concern surrounding vaping in schools. The letter contained some links to videos we feel would be good conversation starters in your homes. It is recommended you preview the videos first to ensure they are suitable for your children to watch. Please join us as we try to educate our students about the dangers of e-cigarettes.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

The College Vice Captains, Jack Drummond and Stella Atkinson, have been inundated with applications for the 2022 SRC. Interviews for the more than 40 applicants will commence next week to select a team of 12. Students who have applied have been contacted and should keep a watchful eye on their emails for the interview times and details of the process.

Blazers

With summer over, blazers are back as a compulsory uniform item. If the weather is too hot for blazers in the afternoon, an announcement will be made to students declaring the afternoon blazer free.

Get your hoodies ready

In a few weeks’ time, the College will again be celebrating Autism Awareness Week. Pastoral Care activities throughout that week will help educate students about autism. The awareness raising will culminate in students being asked to wear a hoodie to school on a designated day to show support and understanding to our autistic students. More information will be available soon, but in the meantime get your hoodies ready.

Parent seminar

A seminar for parents on cyber safety will be held on Thursday 31 March from 7.00pm. For details, please click HERE.

Level crossing update

The Maroondah Highway level crossing in Lilydale has been removed months ahead of schedule, and the new Lilydale Station is open to passengers. Works continue in the station precinct and open space areas. For details, please see the attached update.

Foster carers needed

Key Assets Victoria is a foster care agency in Melbourne which is currently in great need for new foster families. If you have thought about foster care, please get in touch and ask the questions you have always wanted to. You can phone Key Assets on 1800 932 237 or 1800 WE CARE, alternatively send an email to info@keyassets.com.au or visit canifoster.com.au or keyassets.org.au. Interested families would receive a brochure, information and no pressure.

On Tuesday 1 March MLMC staff and students celebrated the many wonderful God given talents of our Class of 2021 students in a broad range of areas at our Top Achievers’ Assembly. It was also a celebration of the unity between teachers, students and parents culminating in the outstanding personal achievements of each of the Class of 2021 students.

The top achieving Class of 2021 students and their families gathered in the Doyle Centre along with Year 12 students and a small number of staff, while the rest of the College viewed a live stream of the assembly in their homerooms.

Together as a College community we welcomed back the 2021 Year 12 top achievers in VCAL, VCE and VCE Baccalaureate to acknowledge their outstanding achievement in a time-honoured tradition. Each year we are reminded that success for each of these students looks very different, and it did not happen overnight.

Special guest speaker at the assembly was winter Olympian and Old Collegian Bree Walker (Class of 2010), who placed fifth in the women's monobob event at the recent winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Bree also piloted the two-person bobsleigh to 16th place.

In 2016, Bree switched from track and field to bobsledding with the goal of participating in the Olympics and it was her tenacity and commitment to this goal that led her to achieve at this elite level. She spoke to the students about perseverance and how they have gained more than they realise during the COVID-19 period.

College Dux Kimberley Fiorentino was unable to be present at the College but delivered her speech via a video, speaking to the student body about doing what they love, “work consistently, work smart and success will follow”.

Kimberley also emphasised the need to find balance and avoid burnout. “Working towards your academic, career and sporting goals is important but so too is finding time to spend with friends, family and enjoying the activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable. Wanting to succeed doesn't mean you can’t go to that party, or watch that movie. Ultimately it's about moderation and finding a balance that works for you”.

Kimberley received top subject scores in three subjects: Business Management, English and Health and Human Development on her way to an ATAR score of 97.9. She will this year begin studying Design/Urban Planning at The University of Melbourne.

The 2021 Catherine McAuley Student of the Year Award recipient, Charlotte Vranken, spoke about courage.

“Mount Lilydale has helped me to face my fears, to know that you are worthy and that you count. I was pushed outside my boundaries, to find a pathway to put all of these skills into place,” Charlotte said. “I have been honoured to have received this award in the memory of Catherine McAuley, and wish everyone here a chance to find their courage.”

The Wally Zuk Award was also presented, commemorating the life of Dr Wally Zuk who was a significant contributor to the wine program at MLMC. The award is presented to the highest achieving Agriculture and Horticulture student who intends further tertiary studies in a related field and the recipient was Selby Borg-McIlroy. He will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $1500 towards his studies in a Bachelor of Agriculture at Melbourne University.

Recipients of the VCE Baccalaureate Award for 2021 were also acknowledged — Ella Arter, Clara D’Angelo, Brianna Moore and Melinda Virgona.

It was so wonderful to have our students return in high numbers to Lilydale Pool for the annual MLMC Swimming Carnival on Friday 25 February. 

Year 7-9 students splashed, walked and swam in the 50m pool or pulled on the rope in the hotly-contested House tug-of-war competitions to earn valuable House points through the morning. With an emphasis on participation, it was great to see so many of our students get into the spirit of the carnival. The Participation Relay saw the water being churned more than in a washing machine, with inflatables and teamwork helping swimmers of all abilities get to the end of the pool and repeat the effort over five minutes.

Maguire House Prefect Byron Foster took out the House Prefects inflatable race that kicked off the action in the pool at the start of the day and he repeated the effort to start the Barak Campus events after lunchtime. There was plenty of colour in the pool and on the pool deck with the Student Leadership Team dressing in a variety of interesting costumes in their House colours while encouraging all students to do their best..

Carr House earned the most points on the day. Well done, Carr House.

The best of the swimmers throughout the day earned qualification for the EISM Swimming Carnival. Read more about how they went HERE.

MLMC Year 8 Learning Enhancement and Acceleration Program (LEAP) classes in STEM and ICT Innovation recently took part in a Design Thinking Program at Yarra Ranges Tech School. The program on Friday 4 March saw students engage with and learn about a range of STEM technologies to find solutions to a real-life problem relating to usage of public transport.

Students learned how to code robots that respond to various environmental factors through a range of sensors, they built electronic circuits to power a car with various components and worked in teams to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their designs. Students then used knowledge that they gained throughout the day to design and create a prototype solution that would enable people to have a better experience while taking public transport.

The program encouraged students to think creatively and problem solve in collaborative ways. It had a strong focus on development of teamwork and communication skills. It was a day filled with valuable learning and fun.

LEAP caters for students in Years 7 to 9, providing students with an opportunity to explore and deepen their learning in a specific field of study or across several learning areas. The Tech School is a shared learning hub which delivers leading-education programs using the latest technology in a real-world context to students from 20 partner schools, including MLMC.

Here are some student reflections:

I learned about how electronic bits work. I enjoyed exploring the YRTS building and seeing what they had. I would recommend this to next year's students.
— Adam Johnson (Year 8 Blue)

I really enjoyed the excursion to Yarra Ranges Tech, it gave me and my classmates the opportunity to learn new things and get to know each other better. We learned about designed thinking and to be open to new ideas. I would definitely recommend the workshop to any students.
— Isabella Maurici (Year 8 Orange)

On Monday 1 March, our brave yet white-knuckled Intermediate VCAL students valiantly vanquished the challenge 'Harrow Park Trees Adventures’ high ropes and obstacle courses provided. Demonstrating bewildering feats of strength, dauntless determination and cheerful camaraderie with their fellow students, the MLMC crew successfully conquered all obstacles posed by the park.

The purpose of this expedition you ask? To encourage resilience, cooperation skills and explore what it takes mentally to overcome the phantom of fear when it stands in dogged defiance of us achieving our goals. Who isn't afraid of heights after all?

Within Intermediate VCAL this term, the unit topic is ‘Personal Strengths and Stories of Survival’. The purpose of this unit is to assist the students to develop life skills that will help our future alumni achieve their goals within the ‘real world’ post-school. The skills include assertiveness, courage, teamwork and tenacity — all required to overcome a high ropes course, which made the park the perfect whetstone to hone these aforementioned attributes.

Our time at the Adventure Park has supplied the cohort stimulus for group discussions, captivating content to write about within Literacy class and fitted perfectly within the broader unit of study where we look at survival success stories and the endless limits of human hardiness when faced with extreme hardship.

Congratulations to every student who attended the day and gave the course an honest crack. In particular to those who were most fearful, yet pushed themselves through to the end despite the nerves. To act courageously isn’t to act absent of fear; rather it is to act regardless of its pronounced presence.

Our Year 10 Outdoor Education students headed down to Queenscliff and Torquay for their Surf Camp from Thursday 3 March to Friday 4 March. Students had the opportunity to put into practice the learnings that we had covered in class over the first month of school. Topics included users and uses of the coast, various coastal environments, the flora and fauna in these environments along with ecological aspects.

Here are some student reflections of their experiences on camp and what a fantastic time they had:

Outdoor Ed Surf Camp was a highlight of my whole time at MLMC. Our camp included a range of different activities from visiting the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre to surfing the waves at Torquay. My favourite part was the sea kayaking. It was a bit hard to paddle all the way out in the ocean and try to turn the kayak into a wave quick enough, but once you caught a wave it was so much fun gliding through the water. I really enjoyed spending Thursday afternoon at the beach. Everyone was swimming, playing cricket and just having fun.
— Sophie Vos (Year 10 Orange)

I learnt a lot during Surf Camp including the different types of sea creatures and animals found in different types of ecosystems such as saltwater and freshwater. It was a very interesting experience as we were able to learn in a different environment rather than in a classroom. Learning about the types of animals and ecosystems helped us to understand more about flora and fauna that we have looked at in class.
— Alana Lewis (Year 10 Gold)

Camping at Torquay was challenging, different and ultimately one of the best experiences I have had. I learnt things that I would use in the future like how to get out of a rip and a whale doesn't have teeth. My favourite activity by far was kayaking. It felt both dangerous and exciting at the same time. I am so grateful for all of the teachers who chose to give us the opportunity to go on this camp.
— Jena Schaak (Year 10 White)

Camp at Torquay was a really fun and rewarding experience after all the hard work in class. Unfortunately, on the first day there was too much wind so we had to miss out on a few activities but we still got to discover the different fish and marine wildlife and even got to touch some fish and crabs in the open pool. The next day was my favourite when we surfed and sea kayaked through the waves. Torquay camp was the best camp I've ever been on!
— Lenni Roach (Year 10 Silver)

Some of the things we learnt were some interesting facts in the information centre, and also learning about the rips in both the surfing and sea kayaking lesson. It was great just to be able to have a good time while spending some time with mates. Some of my favourite moments were the surfing lesson and getting smashed in the sea kayaking.
— Natasha Harrison (Year 10 Silver)

This camp was immaculate. The activities, the people and the beach was just an absolute vibe. Going on the kayaks were also pretty awesome as you got to row with one of your mates and chase some waves and even capsizing your kayak was fun. Surfing was also great and even though it takes a few tries to ride a wave, it was one of the best feelings to stand up on the board and take flight on the top of a wave. The fish and chips were top notch.
— Nicholas Lantouris (Year 10 Red)

Throughout Year 9 our students undertake an innovative program within Compass called The Rite Journey. This program combines the Health and Personal Development and the Religious and Values Education courses.

The program was created to complement the role of parents in guiding their child into young adulthood. It provides students with the opportunity to participate in a year-long rite of passage experience in separate boys’ and girls’ classes. Many cultures have their own version of a rite of passage designed specifically for this age group.

Learning how to be an adult in any society requires guidance, mentoring and a great many conversations. In our society today, young people often turn to their peers, the internet and the media to source their knowledge and guidance. During The Rite Journey, students have important conversations about what it is to be a respectful and responsible young adult in society.

Last week, we launched the program with students and parents invited to attend 'The Calling' Ceremony at Lillydale Lake. The ceremony provided students and parents with the opportunity to reflect on their child’s journey from childhood into adulthood. After discussing their childhoods with their parents and offering a letter of gratitude, they wrote on a gum leaf what they wanted to let go of and they symbolically farewelled their childhoods by releasing the leaves into the water as the sun set.

After the ceremony our Mercy — Catherine's Cafe van provided families with a hot drink.

(1) MLMC House Swimming Carnival

A big congratulations to all those students who participated in the House Swimming Carnival on Friday 25 February, especially to those in Carr House for taking out the most points for the day. Read more about it HERE.

(2) EISM Swimming Carnival

Another massive well done to all the students that made the EISM swim team, who competed at Aquanation in Ringwood on Thursday 10 March. MLMC  won the girls' aggregate, boys' aggregate and overall trophy for the day (pictured below).

(3) EISM reminders

Students are asked to please remember the following:

• Check the Sport plans — up on the Doyle Centre window at the beginning of every week and on the College Instagram story
• If you are unable to play in your team in a particular week, you need to let your coach know as early as possible
• Please be on time to the Doyle Centre on your sport day. All EISM teams need to leave at the start of lunch (occasionally earlier) to get to venues to play
• Please bring your mask to wear on the buses, and into venues until you are ready to play
• Uniform needs to be 100% correct to ensure no forfeited games — hockey, soccer and football players must wear long navy socks (available at the Doyle Centre to purchase for $10) and mouthguards must be worn for hockey. NO CORRECT UNIFORM, NO GAME.
• Live fixtures for EISM matches can be found online at eism.org (click on ‘weekly sport’, then ‘Fixtures and results’ then ‘Junior’ (Years 8 and 9) and ‘Senior’ for Senior fixtures.

(4) EISM results

The Mount Lilydale Mercy College 125 Year Gala is the College's premiere event of the year. It is a time to celebrate the excellence of alumni, catch up with old friends and make new ones.

At $90 a ticket, you can be part of a three-course dinner with live entertainment and a silent auction. To purchase tickets please click HERE.

The finest beers, wines and ciders of the Yarra Valley will also be available from the bar.

DATE: Saturday 26 March
TIME: 6.30pm start
LOCATION: Mount Lilydale Mercy College Centennial Hall, 120 Anderson St, Lilydale
DRESS CODE: Formal.

Ticket sales close Monday 14 March 2022.

If you have any further questions regarding the event please contact me via email at OC@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Protecting children in their digital worlds is an ever-evolving task for Australian families. Now more than ever parents are looking for guidance in how to manage screen time and navigate the world of games and social media. We are pleased to help our parent community by offering a crucial and engaging education session with ySafe, a leading provider of cyber safety education.

It will be held on Thursday 31 March, from 7.00pm.

This practical, strategy-rich session will cover the most important points that all families need to know about online safety, covering key information about:

• social media and gaming,
• screen time recommendations; and
• step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber safe home for children of all ages.

If you have ever struggled with getting your children off their devices and into bed, worried about the content of the games that they are playing or felt concern that your child was spending too much time in the digital world, this workshop is for you.

Please register for this event by clicking HERE.

This is an important school event for all parents to attend.

On Thursday 3 March, under the guidance of our Music Prefect Tayler Allwood, some of our VET and Instrumental Music students performed to a keen audience of about 50 students for the year's first Live at Lecture (LAL) event.

LAL began a few years ago, and is a fortnightly gig hosted by students. For our VET students, performing live is a large component of their assessment for the year, and is imperative in developing their skills of live performance in preparation for the 'real world' of music performance.

For some other students who are involved in our instrumental program, performing is something they have simply missed over the past couple of years with COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting them from partaking in what they love to do most.

For the audience, there was a buzz of excitement as they were able to again watch live music performances, and encourage their talented friends who so bravely shared their talents.

Last week, performers included Natalie Contebardo (Year 12 Red, vocals), Jack Drummond (Year 12 Blue, guitar), Taj Ruta (Year 10 Orange, drums), Mannix McGovern (Year 10 Orange, keyboard and vocals), Oscar Lyons (Year 11 Red, guitar), Sixten Franz (Year 11 Orange, vocals) and James Cameron (Year 11 White, guitar). A special mention to Tayler Allwood (Year 12 Gold) for organising the event.

We look forward to the next LAL next Thursday at lunchtime.

We are excited to welcome back to the College prospective parents and students. Our College tours are conducted by one of our Deputy Principals, Registrar and student leaders. Please click HERE for details and more dates.

On Tuesday 29 March, 4.00–7.00pm, the College will be holding an Open Day. Families can experience the opportunities available at MLMC with faculty stalls, music and drama performances and College tours.

Applications for Year 7 2024 are open, with applications to be received no later than Monday 30 May 2022. You can apply HERE.

If you have any questions regarding these events or enrolment, please contact our College Registrar, Mrs Marilyn Ryan, via email to registrar@mlmc.vic.edu.au