Welcome to the 2018 school year. We hope that all students commence the year with a positive outlook and a desire to perform to the best of their ability.
At the welcoming assemblies held for all year levels this week we spoke about the idea of appreciating the opportunities we have and making the most of them. We live in arguably the best country in the world. We enjoy a lifestyle and freedoms that are the envy of the rest of the world. At Mount Lilydale Mercy College our students enjoy outstanding facilities, the most dedicated teachers and a beautiful setting. We can so very easily come to take this for granted. Hence the message to begin the year is to make the most of this opportunity. The idea of beginning the year in the manner that you intend to continue applies to everyone.
A timely reminder about the wearing of correct uniform to commence the school year. This extends to the requirements for jewellery and make up. Support for the uniform requirements of the College is probably the most basic form of support asked for. Students who are not prepared to cooperate in this area will be required to remain at home until they can give the necessary commitment. I would also ask for all items of uniform to be clearly labelled with names. So much uniform ends up in lost property during the year, most of it without any indication as to the owner. A few minutes at the beginning of the year can avoid unnecessary expense later on replacing lost items.
A reminder that the blazer is not required to be worn by students during February. On cooler days students are not permitted to wear the jumper as the outer garment to or from school. Under these circumstances the blazer must be the outer garment.
Our Sunsmart Policy requires students to wear hats at recess and lunch during Term 1 and Term 4. The only hat that is permitted is the bucket hat. Replacement hats can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. We encourage sunscreen to be applied and this is available from various locations around the school.
I would ask that parents continue to observe the procedure of using the College Reception if there is a need to contact students during the course of a school day. Whilst it may seem more straightforward to contact your child directly via their mobile phone, this can create other issues. Students can only be dismissed from the care of the school if we have prior contact from parents. The same applies if you need to drop something off to your child during the course of the school day.
On Thursday 15 February a VCE/VCAL Information Evening is scheduled. Year 11 and Year 12 students and parents are encouraged to attend. We have engaged the services of Gregory Nicolau, founder of the Australian Childhood Trauma Group. A psychologist with many years experience in a variety of fields, Gregory has worked with the College before and his presentation will be entertaining and informative. He will look at stress management and apply it to VCE studies and there will be some very practical ideas to take away and apply. The evening is designed to provide a positive commencement to the VCE year and Gregory is a very engaging speaker. The session will commence at 7.30pm in Centennial Hall.
