Dear Members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community
What a fantastic few weeks we have experienced here at the College and, although busy, I am constantly grateful and proud of the work of our staff, community and students. Every day I see evidence of dedication to growth that helps each person aspire to be the best version of themselves.
That wonderful maple tree outside my window with green leaves is only starting to turn yellow and as the leaves fall, accompanied by the cold, frosty mornings, it indicates the promise of a winter fast approaching. Our students look good in their winter uniforms, and scarves are starting to make an appearance. Hopefully we can all enjoy the beauty of the final glimpses of the autumn.
Story of resilience
It would not come as a surprise to many that I enjoy the power of story. I love to read short stories and use them to relay messages to students. I receive and subscribe to a number of online periodicals that provide me with ideas around story. Perhaps you might come across some inspirational short stories that you would like to share with me. If so, please email them to principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au
Recently, in one such periodical, I read a short piece on improving resilience. I liked this article because it offered some simple sound advice about the role that we, as parents and guardians, have in helping our children to become resilient contributors to our society. The article was written by Dr Rangan Chatterjee and some of the main points included:
- Put away phones at the dinner table and talk — do you even eat around a dinner table?
- He spoke of safe times to talk such as making car journeys, meals and queues count — chat, listen, talk about your feelings and encourage children to express theirs
- Have one-on-one time with each and every child even if it is only for 10 minutes — ensure it is 10 minutes of focus
- Quality sleep is important — limit screen time and reduce blue light
- Exercise is important — walk the dog as a family
- Delayed gratification — we must teach our children that they cannot always have everything they want and they must work to achieve
- Eat the alphabet — a varied and healthy diet is important to help our brains and improve resilience
- Model gratitude. Dr Chatterjee suggested three questions to ask each other around the dinner table — “What did someone do today to make you happy? What did you do to make someone else happy? What have you learned today?”.
This is a quick summary of the article, which is also attached for your reading enjoyment.
College Events
Over the past fortnight we have enjoyed a number of community events. Tuesday 7 May saw the College celebrate Special Person’s Day, whereby Year 7 students were encouraged to invite a special guest or two to visit. The day began with an assembly after which the students showed their guests around the College and enjoyed morning tea with them. It was a busy morning with many guests in attendance, who obviously enjoyed the experience. Congratulations to the Year 7 organising team and thank you to all those ‘special people’ who emailed me to say what a wonderful time they had.
On Thursday 9 May the College celebrated Taste of MLMC, where students from Grades 4, 5 and 6 visited to gain a taste of what is on offer at MLMC and to gain a snapshot of a secondary school experience. Again, the College was abuzz, although it did start to get cold as the night air crept in. Coffee vans and the sausage sizzle supplied sustenance to stave off hunger and cold.
The Faculty Learning Leaders and faculty staff provided many interactive sessions for the visiting primary school students, the Parents and Friends’ Association volunteers cooked up a storm and our office staff were welcoming all our guests in Centennial Hall. Taste of MLMC was a great community event to showcase our College. Thank you to all involved.
Business Breakfast
Our Old Collegians’ Association hosted the annual Business Breakfast on Tuesday 14 May. Although it was an early start, to be able to sit down to a hot breakfast at 7.00am was definitely worth it. The morning was co-hosted by Old Collegians’ Executive Officer Ms Lucia Tabacchiera (Class of 1997) and Old Collegians' President and local lawyer Ms Olivia Cox (Class of 2004). The two hours were full of interest, with Anna Baird (Cullen) (Class of 1995) explaining the agony and ecstasy of starting a small business. As she told the story of her company, Bared Footwear, I was fascinated that the qualified podiatrist continued to emphasise the most important element of a successful business — "besides having a great product, you need great staff and service is everything," she said. I resolved to contact Anna and ask for a copy of her presentation as it had lessons for each of us. Another speaker was John Kehoe (Class of 2000), who told of his journey to being a political reporter in Washington DC and Canberra and the many exciting adventures he has had along the way. Entertainment was further provided by Savanna Fanfulla (Class of 2014), who sang about a teacher’s experience waiting for the bell to ring. The event was catered by the College’s Senior VCAL students, who really showcased their talents. It was a great event and I am thankful to all involved.
Federal Election
As we publish this newsletter, I am aware that it is the day before a Federal Election. Rachel Saliba, who is the Executive Officer of Catholic School Parent Victoria — the parent body who works to promote and ensure that parents in Catholic schools have a voice — has written to each school explaining that it is important that parents be fully informed as to the promises made by each of the major parties so that an informed decision can be made when voting. Much is made of the funding to our schools and there is also much misinformation available. Rachel has provided three documents around school funding, religious freedom and Early Childhood Education. These documents are published through the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and I provide links to these documents, so that you may be fully informed. Please read them at your discretion.
2019 NCEC Facts on School Funding
2019 NCEC Election Party Responses
Movement Guidelines
The Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie, in April 2019 launched a new set of guidelines called ‘Movement Guidelines for 5–17 year olds’. These guidelines are based on the latest scientific evidence associated with physical activity, sleep and the impact of sedentary behaviour. They are very relevant given the above discussion about resilience.
The guidelines recommend:
- The accumulation of 60 minutes or more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day
- Limiting screen time and sedentary activity to two hours per day
- Nine to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep for 5-13 year olds and eight to 10 hours for 14- 17 year olds.
The Department of Health guidelines can be found HERE for your information.
Personal Pars
Members of our community would like your support in praying for and with them as they experience loss with the passing of loved ones. Let us pray for George Ignatiadis, grandfather to Nicoleta (Year 7) and Georgina (Class of 2017). Let us pray for the response of George’s soul and may he rest in peace.
God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal
