Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community,

The season of autumn has quickly arrived and although some may say we never really experienced a traditional Melbourne summer, the variation in our weather patterns — with high temperatures, high hot winds and weather warnings one day to cool rainy days the next — has indeed been interesting. Let us pray for those in our state’s west who have experienced fires and those in our immediate area who suffered from wind damage and loss of power.

The arrival of autumn and March would indicate that the year is certainly marching along and with it the busyness here on Rourke’s Hill.

(1) Community Mass

Last Thursday, the College celebrated our Community Mass, which is important for many reasons, one of which is that it highlights the importance of the values which we hold dear as a community rather than being just another school. The Community Mass is an event where we celebrate the start of the academic year officially by inviting community members who do not attend the campus every day and we launch our yearly theme with them. It is also the time that we welcome all new students to our community, presenting them with College badges and we bless the Bibles that College Chaplain Father Dean Bradbury will present to them. Lastly, it is the time when we formally welcome our Year 12 cohort as the senior class of our College as they take up their leadership role.

Last week, the hot weather on the day was not conducive to a such a large event, but we planned well and the facilities were readied and appropriate. I thank all those who braved the extremities of Melbourne’s weather to attend and hope you enjoyed the experience. It is important that after the COVID-19 years, when many community events were cancelled, that we continue to rebuild them. We will continue to promote and invite all community members to such events.

At the Community Mass I spoke of “Being the difference” and I include only some of my address to the gathered participants:

Today marks a significant moment in the life of our school community as we gather to welcome a new cohort of Year 7 students and all newcomers to our Catholic secondary college. It is with immense joy and anticipation that we extend our warmest greetings to each and every one of you, for you are the future of our great College, the bearers of our legacy and the torchbearers of our future and of our values.

And as always let us begin with story, but unlike other stories I tell, this one does not begin with ‘Once upon a time in a land far, far away’. In fact, this story is a true story written by a man named John W Schlatter and I have heard many dramatised versions of it, but I wish to tell it to you in its actual form as it was written. It is not a new story.

Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden. As they walked Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend. They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home. They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally, the long-awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk. Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill. "You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother’s sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realised that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So, you see Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more than just pick up my books, you saved my life."

Now you might be sitting there thinking cynical thoughts about how I made this story up, but I assure you that I did not.

It is a true story.

And it makes me wonder.

What if Mark did not stop to help a stranger?

What if Mark had ignored Bill and went on his merry way?

What might have happened to Bill?

The fact is that we never know how our actions impact each other. We never know the importance of even the smallest act of kindness. We never know that how we treat someone may impact their lives for better or for worse, so let’s make sure it is always for the better.

And this simple ideal is at the very heart of our community. The concept of respect for each and every member of our College is at the essence of who we are.

At the heart of our community foundation is the Golden Rule, which teaches us to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.

This principle serves as our guiding light, reminding us to show kindness, empathy and understanding in all our interactions. In a world that can sometimes feel fragmented and divided, let us be beacons of respect and unity, honouring the dignity of every person we encounter.

But what does it truly mean to live out the Golden Rule? How do we go beyond mere words and embody the spirit of respect in our daily lives? The answer lies in being the difference. It means standing up against injustice, speaking out for those who cannot and lending a helping hand to those in need. It means embracing diversity, celebrating individuality and fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels valued and accepted. It means choosing empathy over apathy, compassion over indifference and love over hate.

Being the difference is not always easy. It requires courage, integrity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But it is in those moments of adversity and uncertainty that our true character shines through.

It is when we choose kindness over cruelty, generosity over selfishness and understanding over judgment that we make the greatest impact on the world around us.

So, the newest and oldest members of the student body of MLMC in 2024, as you embark on this new school year, I urge you to be the difference. Be the voice of reason in a world filled with chaos. Be the light in the darkness, guiding others towards hope and renewal. Be the hands that build bridges of understanding and reconciliation, bridging divides and forging connections. And above all, be the heart that beats with love, compassion and respect for all.

Let us all embrace this new College year, the year of 2024 with optimism, determination and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Together, as a community bound by faith in courage, compassion, hospitality, justice, service and respect, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Welcome to our Mercy Catholic College, where every student is valued, every voice is heard and every dream is within reach.

(2) College events this week

This week we have experienced several other important events.

On Tuesday, we hosted an event whereby Fr Dean blessed and Mr Christopher Houlihan, Chief Executive Mercy Education, officially opened the latest additions to our College facilities, which have been some years in the making. These projects have presented us with challenges, but they have also built our resilience as a community.

Yesterday we hosted many dignitaries at the College as we launched our official partnership with the Liverpool Football Club, and the College became a sea of red. This partnership will see MLMC host a number of significant soccer events in the coming years and be a genuine builder of values within our community.

You can read more about this launch in our next newsletter.

Again, let me share with you some of my address to the gathered participants as we start to explore this valuable partnership:

I stand before you today with immense pride and excitement as we embark on a journey that not only signifies the power of collaboration but also embodies the very essence of our shared values and aspirations.

Today marks the launch of a transformative partnership between the Liverpool International Academy and Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

As we gather here, we bring together two institutions guided by principles that resonate deeply with our core being. The Liverpool International Academy, with its unwavering commitment to Ambition, Commitment, Dignity and Unity, echoes the spirit of resilience and excellence. Their emblematic phrase ‘You will never walk alone’ encapsulates the ethos of solidarity and support that defines their community.

Likewise, Mount Lilydale Mercy College, under the banner of ‘Be the difference’ stands as a beacon of Service, Hospitality, Courage, Justice and, above all, Respect. These values embody the essence of compassionate leadership and the relentless pursuit of positive change.

Today, as we join hands in partnership, we merge these guiding principles to create a force for profound impact and transformation. Together, we envision a future where every individual is empowered to reach their fullest potential, where barriers are broken and dreams are realised.

This partnership is not merely a collaboration between institutions; it is a promise — a promise to nurture talent, cultivate leadership and foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging. It is a commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for growth and development, both on and off the field, in the classroom and beyond.

I am hoping that you will have gleamed by all that has been written above that building community is important here on ‘The Hill’ at MLMC and so, too, is our partnership with parents and caregivers in that process.

(3) Parent involvement

There are many ways that parental involvement is important in our College, but here I wish to highlight two:

College Advisory Council (CAC)

The College Advisory Council is a group of parents that come together to provide advice to the Principal through a formal process which is an important part of our governance process.

The purposes of the Council are as follows:

(a) To act as a consultative Council for the College and the Principal in the provision of Catholic education.

(b) To promote the Mercy ethos and to ensure the charism is alive and central to all deliberations.

(c) To assist the Principal and staff in school policy making, including the formulation of foundational documents and those policies related to child safety.

(d) To assist in the preparation of the College budget and to recommend its adoption.

(e) To provide advice concerning the financial administration of the College.

(f) To give such practical support to the College as required in matters such as capital development, the maintenance of College facilities and equipment.

(g) To take part in the strategic planning for the future operations of the College.

(h) To assist generally in developing relationships both within the College community and between the College and the wider community.

(i) Supporting any fund-raising activities organised by auxiliary bodies associated with the College.

(j) To facilitate the welcome of parents and students new to the College.

(k) To develop strategies for the local promotion of Catholic education.

(l) To provide advice according to members’ expertise.

The Constitution of the Council may be found on our College website by clicking HERE, along with the College Advisory Council Application Form. We are currently looking for two interested community members to join council and I invite you to consider an application.

Community Forum Group (CFG)

The Community Forum Group (CFG) is also an important part of the consultation processes of the College. This group meets once or twice a term with usually six meetings a year. The role of the group is to provide community feedback on a range of issues. The issues may be raised by the College or indeed from the community itself.

I apologise for the late notice, but the first meeting of the CFG is next Wednesday 6 March at 7.30pm. The venue will be decided upon once numbers are finalised and an agenda emailed to participants next week.

We continue to look for new members of the CFG. You may choose to become a permanent member of the group, in which case you will be formally appointed, or you may choose to attend a single meeting to be involved in a particular discussion. If you are interested in joining please contact me via principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Similarly, if you have an agenda item you would like to see discussed, please email me the details at principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au

The first meeting is next Wednesday night, with the initial agenda items:

• the role of the Group
• feedback on the School Improvement Process from December 2023
• developing our four-year action plan for the College.

I hope to hear from many interested community members.

In the Spirit of Catherine,

God bless

Philip A Morison

The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative. It is run under the motto ‘Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action’, and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

“I Beg You...
Bear With One Another In Love"
— Ephesians 4:1-3

God of Righteousness, bless us and make us witnesses of peace and justice.
Open our eyes so that we can see things as you do.
Protect us from all forms of violence, hurt and revenge.
We pray especially for women who are denied education and other basic rights.
We pray for women who are abused and suffer violence.
We pray that our churches, as well as our governments, will create safe places for women and others.
Help us to raise our voices and use our gifts and talents to help others.
Lead us into a life worthy of our calling.

God of Unity, teach us, your servants, to treat others justly,
fairly and with love, even though we may speak, live and pray in different ways.
Bless the global church and bless faithful women everywhere who share your Good News with others.
Lead us into a life worthy of our calling.

Amen

Further information: https://www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org/

Dates

• Sunday 3 March — MLMC Open Day (11.00am-2.00pm)
• Tuesday 5 March — EISM Swimming Carnival at MSAC
• Friday 8 March — student free day (Staff Professional Development)
• Monday 11 March — Labour Day public holiday
• Tuesday 12 March — Parents and Friends’ Association Father Figures bowling night (SOLD OUT)
• Wednesday 13 March-Monday 25 March — NAPLAN
• Monday 25 March — MLMC Athletics Carnival
• Thursday 28 March — Term 1 concludes
• Friday 29 March — Good Friday public holiday
• Sunday 31 March — Eastern Sunday public holiday
• Monday 1 April — Easter Monday public holiday
• Tuesday 2 April-Friday 5 April — College Office open 8.00am-4.00pm
• Friday 5 April — College Office closes for school holidays at 4.00pm
• Monday 15 April — Term 2 commences (College Office opens at 8.00am)
• Friday 19 April — MLMC Old Collegians' Association outdoor cinema event

As the 2024 academic year began at MLMC, Mr Adam Skoczylas joined our community as the new Executive Deputy Principal. It is a new role at MLMC, with Adam involved in the day to day running of the College, looking after staff requirements, supporting the three Deputy Principals, looking at the strategic planning of the College and anything else that the College requires.

Previously, Adam spent 26 years at Mercy College in Mackay, Queensland. “I was looking for a new challenge. This role allowed me to continue doing the things I like but also present me with new areas to further develop,” Adam said. “I hope to bring some new ideas to the College.”

Adam said that no two days at the College are the same, and he likes that.

“I still love going to the classroom and engaging with students with mathematics. I’m always looking for new ideas and ways of doing things within the school.”

Adam comes to us after quite a bit of travel. “I was born in NSW but have lived in Melbourne, Malaysia, London, Brisbane and Mackay over my years.”

We warmly welcome Adam to the MLMC community and hope that he is here to stay for a while.

On Tuesday 27 February, after a long and arduous building process, Stage 3 of the College’s Master Plan — the new Heath Learning Centre and the refurbished Campbell Visual Arts Centre — were officially blessed by College Chaplain Father Dean Bradbury and officially opened by Mr Christopher Houlihan, Chief Executive of Mercy Education. At the same time, the College took the opportunity to bless the refurbished Sinnott Visual Arts Centre, which was never officially opened after COVID-19.

Without detailing the extensive processes to produce the buildings, a new Master Plan was launched late in 2015, which at the time, contained 10 stages of development — outlined over 10,500sqm of development and construction costs in excess of $35 million. This Master Plan has been revisited and updated twice since.

The construction of the Mercy Learning Centre was Stage 1 of that process, with floorspace of over half an acre and costing just under $10 million. It was a major undertaking. Designed by Cirillo Architects and built by Becon, it was opened in August 2019. It now houses our Year 12 cohort.

Almost immediately the College moved to Stage 2 of the revisited Master Plan, which was the refurbishment of the Sister Rosalie Sinnott building, more affectionately known as the Barak library or for so many as the ‘old Barak library’.

This was to be a $3 million plus refurbishment and the start of the creation of our dream for a Visual Arts precinct in our College. It was also designed by Cirillo Architects, it was a dream of an idea based on a New York-style gallery which housed two very large studios including pottery/clay room and spray booths, and huge storage cupboards. Downstairs was a well-appointed photography studio. This project was overseen by Pure Projects and the builder was Interface, but again it was not an easy build and this will forever be the COVID-19 era building.

The build process was punctuated by a long period of stopping and starting work through lockdowns and limited staff on site, and so the build time blew out by some months.

Students did eventually occupy the building towards the end of 2021, but we were never able to officially open or bless it.

Almost immediately the College moved to Stage 3 of our Master Plan, which consisted of the demolition of our Year 10 block and art rooms, the Glenys Heath block. The demolition of the Ford buildings — which were essentially relocatable buildings which had been altered many times over the years and were used as Visual Communication and Design rooms and classrooms — and the gutting of the Campbell building, which were Art and Media rooms. The concept is a simple one, whereby we are trying to reduce our footprint while increasing floorspace and facilities.

Stage 3 has been a mammoth task.

Again it was built under the brilliance of architect Matt Cirillo, the pleasing introduction of Fontic Project Managers and the return of Becon Builders. Originally planned at $10 million, costs blew out to $13.6 million before contracts were finalised and work began in mid-2022.

What was supposed to be 30 days of rock breaking very quickly turned into 96 days, and thus the period of elongation started. Students were originally planned to move into these facilities by July 2023, but they were unable to move in until the beginning of this year.

These past two years have been very difficult in the building industry and, despite all the issues faced, the quality of the building has not been compromised and will serve MLMC for many decades to come.

The Stage 3 facility houses classrooms for the future, numbering 11 as well as staff offices, toilets, locker bays, Visual Communication studios, Art and Media studios and impressive open passive recreation areas.

These facilities provide for a very well-appointed senior campus. We are blessed to have them.

I hope you get the opportunity to visit and experience the ambience soon.

In the spirit of Catherine,

God bless.

Every year in Term 1 the College participates in Project Compassion — a fundraising and awareness raising campaign for Caritas Australia. This appeal is run every Lent, from Ash Wednesday continuing until the end of term. 

Each homeroom at MLMC has been given a Project Compassion collection box and through this we hope to raise enough money to make a serious difference in the lives of those who need it most.

We encourage all members of the College community to donate to this worthy cause. If you are able to help support our endeavours, please consider donating via our fundraising page by clicking HERE.

You can learn more about Project Compassion by visiting https://www.caritas.org.au/

This week the College had the official opening of the new Heath building, the Heath Learning Centre. What a great new building it is too! We take a look through the Archives to learn more about its history.

It is nice to see the progression of the College continue for the needs of future students. During the demolition of the old Heath buidling and excavation of the site of the Heath Learning Centre, we discovered quite a few bottles (pictured below) and then part of a well that must have been on the property. We are yet to discover more information about this. However, these discoveries give us further insight and information on the history of our College.

The original Heath building, known as the Year 10 block, was officially opened on 13 December 1982. The building incorporated an Arts-Craft Centre and the Lecture Theatre. The Principal at the time, Sister Beth Calthorpe, in her vision for the College saw a need — given the growth of the College — to expand the buildings in the senior school. The cost of the project totalled $780,000. The Year 10 block was $550,000, and the Lecture Theatre $230,000.

The Heath building was named after Mrs Glenys Heath in 2000 by then Principal Mr Bernard Dobson. Glenys was a strong and dynamic woman who was the Head of Creative Arts and Head of the Senior Campus for many years. Glenys commenced at the College in 1975 and passed away in 1992. The Heath Learning Centre will continue to remind us of her amazing legacy.

You can read more about the Heath Learning Centre and its official opening this week HERE.

Our annual Community Mass was celebrated on Thursday 22 March and, despite a very warm and stormy evening, it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance. During the Mass, the College Chaplain Father Dean Bradbury reflected on the Mercy value of Respect and treating others as we would like to be treated.

After Communion, the College Principal Mr Philip Morison spoke about the importance of community and family.

The Year 7 cohort was welcomed into our community and each received their College badge along with all students new to Years 8 to 11. The Year 12 students were presented with a special badge and reminded of how important they are as role models as they complete their final year of schooling.

Fr Dean blessed Bibles, and these will be presented to new students in their Religious Education classes.

Thank you to all who attended and made this event so special.

Open Day will be held at the College on Sunday 3 March from 11.00am-2.00pm.

Families are warmly invited to come along to our Open Day to experience a friendly and engaging evening of faculty displays, tours and activities that will allow them to discover all that the College has to offer.

Staff and students will be available to answer any questions from prospective students and families.

To attend this annual event, we ask that you please register your attendance by clicking HERE.

We look forward to welcoming prospective families to the College once again. For further information regarding the College Open Day please contact us at 9735 4022.

In a week filled with excitement and camaraderie, Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Alexandra Adventure Resort for their camp. Set against a picturesque backdrop, the camp on 12-16 February provided an ideal setting for students to bond with their homeroom teachers and peers while engaging in a variety of thrilling activities.

From navigating serene waters through canoeing to conquering towering heights on the high ropes course, students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. The giant swing and leap of faith activities offered exhilarating moments for students to push their limits, supported by the encouraging cheers of their peers, while swimming in the pool provided an opportunity to play together and cool down.

A highlight of the camp was the opportunity for students to share something special about themselves, fostering deeper connections and understanding among peers. These moments of vulnerability allowed students to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, strengthening the bonds within each Year 7 homeroom.

Special recognition goes to Deputy Principal — Learning and Teaching Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor and the Peer Support team for their valuable presence at the camp. Through engaging activities and meaningful discussions, they facilitated important lessons on respect and empathy. Students learned to respect themselves and others, laying the groundwork for a supportive and inclusive school community.

As the curtains close on the Alexandra Adventure Resort, the memories of laughter, friendship, and personal growth will linger on. Year 7 Camp was not just an adventure; it was a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection that has assisted each homeroom to become a cohesive and supportive group.

Below Year 7 Purple student Riley W reflects on the camp:

I really enjoyed Year 7 Camp. I loved how everyone was so very supportive and they would cheer you on in every activity that we participated in. I felt empowered to be able to step out of my comfort zone and do things I would never normally do.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College Old Collegians' Association is hosting a FREE outdoor cinema event — come and join us and watch the classic film, Back to the Future.

This is a free event for the College community to come together and enjoy a night under the stars.

The event will be held at Mount Lilydale Mercy College on Friday 19 April, starting at 5.00pm and concluding at 8.30pm.

There will be a barbecue, snacks and drinks to purchase on the evening. Please bring your own chairs, picnic rugs, bean bags and blankets.

Please register your interest to attend by clicking HERE or visit trybooking.com/CPGHU

Our students have again illustrated their imagination and creativity in planning, designing and producing drip cakes as part of the Year 10 Food Fabulous Food class. The students prepared their cakes and decorations themselves, producing their favourite drip cakes. Some special themes and marvellous colours were applied to execute the designs at a different level. The students displayed a high level of enthusiasm and spent time preparing their decorations at school and at home. They learnt how to use solite icing for decoration, get the correct temperature required to make chocolate ganache and attain the right consistency to prepare chocolate shards. They mastered special piping skills and enjoyed creating professional-looking and scrumptious drip cakes.

Below two students reflect on their learning:

Making this cake has been a great experience. It has taught me so many new things about the culinary world. It is an amazing thing to be able to do not just at school but at home too, just to have this knowledge is extraordinary. You get to design the cake however you want, there is no limit to your imagination. The cake tastes amazing too.
— Archer C (Year 10 Jade)

Making this drip cake was an amazing experience, I loved using my imagination to add my touches to the cake. Learning new skills like piping and adding the drip to the cakes was also fun. For anyone who loves making cakes and having fun, then I highly suggest you do Food Fabulous Foods in the future as making these cakes is an amazing opportunity.
— Nikita V (Year 10 Blue)

It has been a hot few weeks with some of the EISM summer competitions cancelled due to the excessive heat. Here are the results from the last two rounds:

Year 8 (20 February)

Seniors (21 February)

Year 9 (22 February)

HEAT OUT

Year 8 (27 February)

Seniors (28 February)

HEAT OUT

Year 9 (29 February)

BYE

Over the last two weeks, families of our Year 9 students have gathered under the evening sky for the first ceremony of The Rite Journey; The Calling. This significant occasion symbolises the beginning of a transformative journey towards adulthood. Students began their journey at Lilydale Lake and as the sun set on the beautiful grounds of Mount Lilydale Mercy College, heartfelt conversations resonated as families came together to explore themes of self-discovery and responsibility. 

Parents shared cherished childhood mementos, signifying the transition from innocence to maturity. This symbolic gesture, accompanied by heartfelt messages of gratitude exchanged between parents and students, encapsulated the essence of growth and letting go.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, enriching 'The Calling' ceremony with your presence and enthusiasm.

Below are some student reflections of the experience:

The Calling was such a calm, yet eventful ceremony at the same time. I really enjoyed the special evening, it was one to remember. I extend my thanks to those who were involved and I recommend attending to future students, as it is such a significant event to attend.
— Ezekiel V (Year 9 White)

I’m in Maguire House. The Calling was a really interesting thing to do. It gave me an opportunity to express a lot of feelings to my parents and it gave us a good moment to talk about my childhood and there was something very therapeutic about just having that moment of connection with your parents and the leaf message.
— Eliza R (Year 9 Purple)

My experience at The Calling was a blast. It was a glimpse of what Year 9 will bring this year and it was very enjoyable and relaxing. The walk to the school from Lilydale Lake was one of the best yet. The sunset while walking to the school was breathtaking. The ceremony touched my heart and made me teary. I would love to see this continue into the next year levels to come. Thanks to all the teachers that organised this spectacular event.
— Hayden B (Year 9 White)

The Calling ceremony was a great experience for students to be able to spend time with their family and reflect on all of the memories of their childhood. It also gave the students a nice send off to adulthood and gave the parents an aspect of what to expect for the year as we transitioned from the early stages of the school into adulthood.
— Stacey B (Year 9 White)