Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Welcome to the last day of Term 2, Semester 1 and the beginning of the mid-semester break. As I sit to write to you it is two degrees outside my office and the fog is rolling up the hill, the blackness of the night sky is starting to dissipate and the realisation of what I am sure will be a cold crisp, yet beautiful day. The College is still, quiet and empty as it eagerly awaits the arrival of that which will give it life. Each day I give thanks for the beauty of our surrounds and the great gifts that have been bestowed upon us.

Semester 1 Reports

The last few weeks have been full, with the finalisation of semester work, the submission of long term projects and folios, the completion of assignments and exams, corrections and ultimately reports. Those very reports will be available to you this afternoon through the Parent Access Module (PAM) on SIMON and hopefully both you and your child are looking forward to reading them. Generally speaking such reports should not contain any real surprises. Hopefully the reading of a report will be the opportunity for parent and child to celebrate the successes of hard work, development, the achieving of previously set goals and the development of talents and gifts. The discussion of a report should be a positive experience as it is not the time for regret or admonishment. It is also an opportunity. Celebrate the successes and use the opportunity to set future goals, remembering that success is measured in many ways. Success is cumulative. Success is the culminating of setting many many little goals and achieving each of them one step at a time. Success is positive. Success is like building a brick wall; on a solid foundation each brick is built upon one at a time. Congratulations to all our students and families on the many successes of Semester 1 and I look with confidence and a sense of awe to successes that I know we will all experience during Semester 2. To each and every family I wish a happy and safe semester break.

Staff Changes

With the end of Semester a number of staff start well deserved and earnt leave. The first of these worth noting is Miss Mary Ryan. Mary has been a vibrant and long standing member of our community for 38 years and many would say that our College would not be the same without her presence and they are probably right. The lady in red has fulfilled the role of homeroom teacher in Year 7 Red for many years, as well as being a food technology teacher, College registrar and coordinator of the Parents and Friends Association. Although Mary is taking long service leave, it really is the forerunner to her retirement and we wish her every blessing as she departs from that which she considers her home. God bless you always Mary.

The number 38 is a fascinating one. Mr Michael Johnston who has also served the College for that period of time is also taking long service leave. Michael, our Deputy Principal — Pastoral care, is in effect dipping his toe in the calm waters of retirement and he is on leave for Term 3, 2018. He returns for Term 4, 2018 but then leaves us permanently at the beginning of 2019. Michael too is a stalwart of our great College and we will acknowledge his contribution later in the year. Mr John Rodgers has been appointed to the role of Acting Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care in Michael’s absence and only today the Executive Officer of Mercy Education Limited wrote to me appointing John to the role on an ongoing basis from the beginning of 2019. Congratulations John and we look forward to your ongoing leadership within our community.

A number of other staff are taking various forms of leave and I wish them safe travels as I look to the future and their safe return to our community: Mrs Maureen van der Linden, Mr Ashley Gray, Miss Maybelle Pangilinan, Mr Geoff and Mrs Jo-Anne Hopkins and Mr Danny Katzen.

Professional Development Day
Unusually Term 3 will start with full classes for all Years (7 to 12) on Monday 16 July, which is quite different to past years. There will however be a full-staff professional development day on Monday 23 July whereby staff from Aquinas College and St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully will join with our staff at MLMC for a day of formation with Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP. The whole College, including the office, will be closed for that entire day.

God Bless
Philip Morison

Key Dates and Reminders

• Term 3 begins on Monday 16 July (day 1) for all students.
• Monday 23 July is a staff Faith Formation Day, which means it is a student-free day for all year levels and the office will be closed for the entire day.

School holiday change in hours — Administration
The College Office will be open during the first week of the holidays, Monday 2 July to Friday 6 July, from 8.00am to 4.00pm. The College will be closed during the second week of the holidays, reopening in Term 3 on Monday 16 July.

School holiday change in hours — Uniform Shop
The MLMC Bob Stewart Uniform Shop will be closed on Saturday 7 July (first Saturday of the month) and it will reopen on the last Saturday of the school holidays — Saturday 14 July, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Normal Term 3 trading hours commence on Tuesday 17 July as follows:

TERM 3 TRADING HOURS: Tuesday 12.30pm-4.00pm. First Saturday of the month: 9.30am-12.30pm

Privacy Policy Update
At MLMC we are committed to managing and safeguarding the information you share with us. In line with recent changes to the federal Privacy Act we have updated our Privacy Policy and our Standard Collections Policy to provide you with clear information on how we handle and protect your personal information. We encourage you to view our updated policies on the College website: http://www.mlmc.vic.edu.au/about-us/college-policies

Quarterly Tuition Fees
Term 3 Quarterly Tuition Fees are due and payable by 17 July 2018. Please refer to your annual statement, downloaded in January on the Parent Portal for your quarterly payment amount. If you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to make contact with the Finance Office on 9237 1315 or 9739 2209.

A Holiday Prayer

Dear Lord, how we’ve waited for this holiday and now it’s finally here. Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to take a break from our daily routines and to replenish our minds, bodies and souls so that we may better serve You. Sometimes our expectations for holidays are unrealistic, and we find ourselves disappointed when things do not go our way. Help us not to worry about having the ‘perfect’ vacation but to relax and enjoy every moment, whatever it may bring. We are grateful for the joys that await us-whether they be the beauty of your creation, recreation with family or friends, or peace and solitude. Watch over us and protect us as we travel, and bring us safely home again, refreshed and renewed.

Amen.

(adapted from My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book)

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

It is always a valuable exercise when our Year 7 and Year 12 students have the opportunity to chat about their experiences at the College. During the Pastoral Care session on Tuesday 12 June, the Year 12 students visited their Year 7 homerooms and were able to give valuable insight to the 2018 Year 7 students about the wonderful years ahead.

In return, the Year 7 students were able to ask the Year 12s about their studies and how to manage the coming years of schooling. The wonderful sound of students chatting with genuine interest about each other’s lives makes this a great activity. The Year 7 students will treasure these memories and look forward to the time when they are in Year 12 and have the opportunity to visit the Year 7 students of 2023.

Here are some reflections from the students who took part:

Being Year 7 students in a new school with all new people and teachers can be stressful and frightening. We have all been there! It was a great experience to go back down to our very first classrooms at this school and say 'hi' to all the newcomers. With a few laughs and the sharing of some experiences, we were able to engage and reassure the Year 7 students that high school isn't so scary and it is actually going to be one of their great highlights. It was a rewarding experience that we will never forget. Talia Carusi (Year 12 Orange)

I can still clearly remember when I was in Year 7 and the Year 12s came in to say 'hi' and have a chat with us about what to expect in our high school years. I was a bit scared of them at first, but now I am one of them. It was a great opportunity to mingle with the little Year 7s and reassure them about any concerns they may have towards school. In Year 12 there is little opportunity to mix with different year levels, so this was a fantastic opportunity to get to know others and even make friends. Jess Duff (Year 12 Purple)

On Tuesday 12 June the Year 12s came to meet the Year 7s to talk about their experiences at the College. Year 12 Green came into Year 7 Green and each class sat in a circle, the Year 7s on the outside and the Year 12s on the inside. We chatted and asked questions to each other. Some of the questions were about favourite subjects, least favourite subjects, how hard homework is, after-school activities and what do you want to become when you grow up. It was interesting to hear about the Year 12s’ experiences, and also to hear other classmates’ thoughts and ideas. The session was very helpful and definitely worth it. Flynn McDonald (Year 7 Green)

On Tuesday 12 June, the Year 12s came to Year 7 Red and other homerooms to ask questions about our experiences and to talk about theirs. The Year 7s made an outer circle and the Year 12s an inner circle. They rotated so we could ask questions about school and talk about each other's experiences. The Year 12s told us about their experiences, and how high school and homework and our favourite subjects would change throughout the years. The time was very helpful, and everyone learnt something new about high school. This has prepared us for the following years and the challenges ahead. Kaitlyn Barnes (Year 7 Red)

Our wonderful VCAL students prepared, cooked and served up a feast for the MLMC Old Collegians’ Business Breakfast held in McAuley Hall on Tuesday 19 June. It was a foggy 7am start but the guests soon warmed up and were welcomed by an impressive breakfast buffet comprising bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, savoury muffins, apple and rhubarb muffins, croissants, cereals, fruit platters and even chocolate brownies.

Year 12 VCAL students Sarah Greene, Carla Papanastasiou and Charlie Kollosche had worked on the breakfast as part of their Bridges to Community project since March, and they combined their various skills and those of other students for the event. A percentage of ticket sales covered the costs of the food for the event, while the rest will go to help local families facing financial struggles.

The students had spent most of Monday preparing, from 8.30am to 4pm, and arrived at school on the Tuesday at 6am to be ready for the guests who were due to arrive from 7am. “We had to cater for 85 people,” Sarah said, adding that they had budgeted for a cost of $15 per head and place food orders three days before the event.

Prior to the event, they put in many hours creating an 'inspiration board' for everyone in the team to work from, planning and trialling the food, ordering the food and organising all of the decorations and the room set-up. Sarah was in charge of the event management. She said that she hopes to continue studies in this field next year. Carla was responsible for kitchen operations. Charlie is interested in beauty therapy, which she admitted had little to do with a hospitality project, but said she wanted to “help out” and she still used her “arty side”.

The trio organised for fellow students to create the timber grazing table platters for displaying the food, with Charlie arranging the hot and cold food and making sure the colours flowed, while others helped by serving coffees during the event. The girls asked the College maintenance team for a tree branch, which they spray painted and added lights to for decoration, while Rosalee Di Francesco did the floral table arrangements. They collectively said the biggest thing they learned from the project was time management, along with teamwork and how best to incorporate the skills of the people involved.

The breakfast had two guest speakers, former Principal John Goodfellow and Old Collegian Laura Turner.

John may have recently retired after working as a teacher and school Principal for 54 years, but he is just as passionate as ever about the evolution of education. His speech focused on his firm belief that children need to become independent learners. “Schools of the future will be about the Christian ethos of teaching students to be humble and compassionate,” John said. He spoke about the opportunity to change the way we teach and to build a school with a more human role for teachers. “Children need a teacher to guide them, to love them, to encourage them, to understand them and to challenge them. They need to be less concerned with content and more concerned with personal development,” John said.

Laura Turner is award-winning journalist, drug reform advocate and an Old Collegian. One of the highlights of Laura's speech was the film clip of her colleague, popular Melbourne newsreader Peter Hitchener, announcing that Laura and her partner Dan were expecting twins. It was a positive ending to a heartfelt speech that delved into her career in broadcast journalism since graduating from MLMC in 2001, which took across the globe, all the while hiding the personal pain of her elder sister Skye’s struggles with drug addiction. Laura has gone on to become an advocate for drug law reform in Victoria. “I took the lessons of school with me: charity, mercy and kindness,” Laura said, adding that she always tries to apply those lessons.

Five years ago, Kyle Adnam graduated from MLMC with plenty of hoop dreams and he’s been realising many of them ever since. Last week Kyle, who began playing basketball at age six with the MLBC Lakers, was invited to take part in a mini-camp in the USA with NBA team the Dallas Mavericks — one of the biggest and richest basketball clubs in the world.

The 24-year-old told the Herald Sun before heading to Dallas that the opportunity to try out for a spot on the Mavericks’ Summer League roster was a “dream come true”. “I’ve just got to go there and put my best foot forward and really take in the learning environment,” Kyle said in the newspaper. “It’s a great opportunity for me to be surrounded by some amazing coaches and players and just improve. Any time you get put in situations with players of that calibre and coaches of that calibre is just amazing.”

Kyle has been playing in the New Zealand national league over winter, for the Nelson Giants, having won an Australian NBL title with Melbourne United earlier this year. Over the winter, he also signed with the Sydney Kings, coached by Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, for the upcoming 2018-2019 NBL season. He was invited to the camp after being spotted by the Mavericks' director of player personnel, Tony Ronzone, while he was on a scouting trip to Australia. Prior to the camp, Ronzone said the 24-year-old’s visit would give him confidence on his return to the NBL and inspire smaller Aussie ballers trying to make the grade. “A six-foot skinny kid that made it gives a lot of hope for kids in Australia and I think it’s huge,” he said. “He’s going to go back to Sydney with a lot of confidence. It (the camp) will show him where he’s at, what he needs to do to get better and, after playing against these guys, he’s going to go into games against guys like Bryce Cotton (NBL Most Valuable Player) and think ‘well I’ve just played against three guys just as good or better than Bryce in mini-camp in Dallas’ — the fear factor gets erased.”

Kyle is one of the College's inspiring young alumni and is featured in our forthcoming issue of Connections in which he disscusses his career so far. Here is an excerpt: “Earlier this year, my NBL team won something people spend their whole careers chasing — an NBL championship. For me, it was a joy to share and celebrate this experience in front of family, friends and peers who had supported me and my basketball since I was six years old … a feeling I cannot fully describe. Dream big. Be yourself. It can be the difference between mediocrity and true excellence.”

Main image: Kyle Adnam (left) with fellow Australian Majok Deng and New Zealand guard Shea Illi at the Mavericks mini-camp

Semester 1 Reports

Your son/daughter’s academic report for Semester 1, 2018 is now available for download via PAM. This report provides an overview of student achievement for the current academic semester. The report aims to highlight student success across the different curriculum areas and programs, whilst also providing feedback to your son/daughter to enable them to set goals as they progress to the next stage of learning.

The academic report is an integral part of the learning and teaching process. Report data is gathered using a range of assessment processes and practices such as teacher observations, annotated student work samples, tests, portfolios, exhibitions and presentations. The gathering of this data enables the regular monitoring of student learning and ongoing constructive feedback, with the explicit intention of improving learning outcomes over time.

We encourage all families to read through the report with their son/daughter and take time to discuss with him/her the successes and challenges they experienced in their learning during Semester 1. Using this information, we ask all our students to use this opportunity for reflection as a way of setting new learning goals for Semester Two.

If you would like further information about your child’s Semester 1 Report please contact the following staff:

• Subject based questions, in the first instance please contact the relevant subject teacher or if unavailable the relevant Faculty Learning Leader.
• General questions about overall academic performance please contact the relevant Campus Learning Advisor or if unavailable the Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching

Semester One Award Ceremonies
The Semester 1 Award Ceremonies will take place at the commencement of Term 3. The focus of these assemblies is to gather in year level groupings to acknowledge and celebrate academic achievement with the awarding of both Academic Awards for excellence in learning and Merit Awards for a positive approach to learning and giving your best. An invitation is extended to all parents to come along to the relevant ceremonies on the following dates:

• Year 9 - Tuesday July 17
• Year 8 - Thursday July 19
• Year 10 - Wednesday July 25
• Year 11 - Thursday July 26
• Year 7 - Wednesday July 18
• Year 12 - Tuesday July 24

All assemblies will be held in Centennial Hall and will commence at 8.50 am. Parking will be available on the green basketball courts.

Criteria for Academic and Merit Awards
Academic Awards are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, personal organisation, a positive contribution to the learning environment, enthusiasm for the subject, creativity and originality, and have achieved a subject average of 85% or above in a given semester. The 85% average is a weighted average — each faculty determines how this average is calculated based on the number and a nature of assessments. Merit awards are limited to a maximum of four per class and are awarded to students who demonstrate enthusiasm to study, consistency in effort, punctuality, completion of homework, meeting task due dates and a cooperative approach to others.

Subject Selection
The process of planning for 2019 will commence in early Term 3 when students who are currently enrolled in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 will be asked to select subjects for the following year. Letters about this process will be distributed to families via the Parent Portal during the Term 2 holiday period. However, in readiness for this process I would like to highlight the following important dates:

• Year 11 (2019) VCE/VCAL/VET Parent Information Evening – Tuesday 31 July
• Year 10 (2019) Parent Information Evening – Tuesday 7 August

Both evenings will be held in Centennial Hall commencing at 7.30 pm.

Updated Grading Scale
From the start of Term 3 the College will be moving toward a uniformed grading scale for Years 7 to 12 to simplify the information communicated to both students and families. The scale will include a numerical and non-numerical component as outlined below.

(1) Numerical Scale — the College will now use one common numerical scale for reporting on assessment tasks, with all students receiving a percentage mark on SIMON. The College will no longer be using an A, B, C or high, medium low grade scale for Year 11 and 12. Scores recorded for Unit 3/4 subjects will be indicative only and will be subject to change following the VCAA moderation process. Final Unit 3/4 overall grades will be provided on the VCE statement of results not on SIMON.

(2) Non-numerical Scale — there will two options:

• VCE and LEAP — Satisfactory/Non-satisfactory
• VCAL and VET — Competent/Not Yet Competent

Intermediate VCAL Personal Best Presentation Night

I recently read an article about the rapidly evolving nature of workplaces and a significant change in thinking about performance and motivation in the workplace. The research listed motivating factors and interestingly, money was far down the list, but suggested the three biggest factors motivating individuals within their workplaces were autonomy, purpose and mastery:

• Autonomy - being self-directed, rather than simply compliant
• Purpose - the desire to do something that has meaning and is important
• Mastery - the urge and ability to get better skills, to see your potential as being unlimited, and constantly seek to improve.

The Personal Best Project builds on this idea – it is a self-directed task where students have the opportunity to negotiate a project of their choice. Students develop their vision for a project that links their interests, vocation and skills.

In the initial stages of the project, students work with teachers, mentors, and their peers to acquire knowledge and develop the skills needed to complete the project. Stage two of the project involves the practical work. During this phase, students source and order equipment and materials and work to make or do their projects. Students are required to document their progress, reflect on their learning and maintain evidence of their work.

On Tuesday evening, while their VCE counterparts were studying for exams, the Intermediate VCAL students formally presented their projects in McAuley Hall to an audience of their classmates and parents. There was a range of projects including a motorised off-road buggy, a cubby house, furniture, artwork, activities, cookbooks and computers. The effort and execution of skill demonstrated by the projects was impressive and all students should be commended for their excellent presentations outlining their ideas, progress, challenges and significant learning.

(1) Student Achievements

Cycling
Congratulations to Cooper Downey (Year 11) who was recently selected to represent Australia as part of the National Junior Downhill Mountain Bike team to compete at the World Mountain Bike Championship in Lenzerheide, Switzerland in September. This is a fantastic achievement by Cooper which has been accomplished through years of hard work, training and commitment.

Congratulations to Wesley Rayner (Year 12) who finished in first place at the Victorian Schools Cycling Championships in Dromana last weekend. Wesley finished the race with over a 4 minute lead to the person who came in at second.

Football
Congratulations to Sam Green (Year 9) who has been selected to Goal Umpire the Grand Final between the YJFL and SMJFL in the 2018 AFL Vic Metro Championship. This is a great reward for hard work and effort as Sam’s selection is based on the effort, attitude and performance he displayed out on the field. Great work, Sam!

VFL Women’s
Congratulations to Emerson Woods (Year 12) who this past weekend debuted for the Box Hill Hawks in the women’s VFL competition. Box Hill defeated Essendon 45 to 12. Congratulations, Emerson!

Ice Hockey
Congratulations to Lachlan Cincotta (Year 9) who has been selected in the Victorian Ice Hockey Team who are traveling to Newcastle in July to compete at the Under 18 Australian National Ice Hockey Championships. Best wishes, Lachlan!

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

(2) Cross Country Training
It’s that time of year again! With only one more sporting carnival left for the year, it would be great if we could get as many students as possible participating in Cross Country training. Cross Country training days and times are as follows:

• Monday 3.30-4.30pm
• Wednesday 7.00-8.00am (breakfast provided afterwards)

Meet at the Doyle Centre for both sessions — all abilities and fitness levels are welcome! For details, please contact Miss Webb

(3) EISM Weekly Sport Reminders

• With the winter seasons of Years 8, 9 and Senior EISM Sport all now either underway or about to begin, please remember the following:
• Check the Sport plans up on the Doyle Centre window at the beginning of every week
• 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 to get to venues to play
• Your uniform needs to be 100% correct to ensure we don’t forfeit any games — hockey, soccer and football must wear long navy socks (available at the Doyle Centre for $10) and mouth guards must be worn for hockey
• NO CORRECT UNIFORM = NO GAME

Late returns
Please be aware that there may be late returns from EISM away games, check the sport plan on the Doyle Centre window to make sure you know when they will be!

Fixtures
Live fixtures for EISM matches can be found online at eism.org (Click on ‘Weekly Sport’, then ‘Junior’ for Year 8 and ‘Senior/Intermediate’ for Year 9 and Senior fixtures. Change the sport in the drop down box and click ‘Go’.

(4) Results

Year 8 Results 19 June

Senior Results 20 June

Year 9 Results 21 June

Last Friday night, the Year 12 Formal was held at Linley Estate in Kilsyth. The event was a great success with all students and staff enjoying the night. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students who have been working so hard, to let their hair down and relax with their peers.

Ava Brown (Year 12 Red) had this reflection to share:

On Friday 22 June, the Year 12s had their Formal. This was a memorable night that will stay with me for the rest of my life, It was so good to relieve ourselves from the stress of Year 12 and come together to have a fun night. Everyone looked great as they relaxed, ate, socialised and danced the night away. It was a fantastic opportunity for all of the students from different groups to interact with each other and enjoy an environment outside of the classroom. It was amazing to see the year level all having so much fun together. Thank you to Mrs Barr and the Formal Committee, who put in so many hours of preparation for this event, and to the one and only DJ Peters for making the music so great.

'Old Collegians’ Chats' is an initiative by the Old Collegians Association, where they arrange past students to come back and speak about their careers and life experiences after MLMC. They aim to inspire and give students insight into various career paths and the challenges they may experience along the way. On Tuesday 19 June Daniel Goodfellow, son of former College Principal John Goodfellow, came back to the College to speak to the Year 12s.

Daniel’s key message was to understand the difference between achievement and character. He also offered advice to the students to jump at opportunities, get a deep sense of your strengths and to play to them relentlessly, to work and play hard and also to be kind to others. Daniel left MLMC in 1995, finishing his schooling in Geelong where his father took up a new Principal post.

Daniel shared his experiences of a winding career path after leaving MLMC, starting with three years at the Victorian College of the Arts as an opera singer. He also took on an advertising agency role that led to an opportunity to work in marketing in New York for six years. Homesickness brought him back, despite the tempting offer of a 2% share in a company, Bai Beverages, which he knew was going places. It recently sold for US $1.7 billion. He said he had no regrets. In 2013, he established his own branding and marketing company in Australia, The Be Counsel, which boasts Boost, Westfield, Sportsgirl and Audi as just some of its big-brand clients.

Although our guest speakers have modestly shared their successes, they have also generously shared their vulnerabilities and the setbacks they encountered. Drawing on our theme “a setback, is a set-up for a comeback”, the program provides role models who demonstrate resilience and encourage the students to have a go. Often it’s the fumbles along the way that propel us forward. So far we have had many past students coming in to speak, including doctors, nurses, a veterinarian, an opera director, a park ranger, a lawyer, a barrister, a social worker, an orthotic and prosthetic technician, a filmmaker, a senior politician and the local mayor.

We would love more Old Collegians to become involved in this program. If you are interested, please contact Luke Stephens at lstephens@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Two important issues pertaining to the constant use of headphones have come to my attention via recent media reports* ie:

• Headphone/earbud-related injuries and deaths are on the increase, and
• The dangers of hearing loss from constant use of headphones/earbuds

Victorian Police recently reported their concern about the dangers of pedestrians wearing headphones being distracted and unaware of the traffic around them. Sadly, 13 people have died in Victoria since 2012 in incidents linked to the use of headphones. The report states that nine of these fatalities were pedestrians being struck by vehicles. To reduce the dangers of distraction, it is recommended if using headphones, only use the device in one ear so that there is an awareness of traffic movement.

The other alarming statistic I recently discovered involved damage to hearing caused by headphones. In today’s world, it is common to see people with headphones/earbuds constantly being used. Studies have shown using a listening device for more than 90 minutes per day may have an impact on hearing. It is estimated one in six Australians will experience some level of hearing loss as a result of too much exposure.

Experts recommend that people should not exceed 90 minutes per day with the volume level set at 80%. The type of music has no bearing on the impact, it is the volume and time used that causes the damage. Another recommendation to assist people lower the volume of their music is the use of noise-cancelling headphones. These devices eliminate unwanted ambient sound, reducing the need to crank up the volume. How much time each day does your child use headphones or earbuds?

With the use of headphones/earbuds so prevalent in our community, it may be time for you to talk to your family about the risks associated with constant use of headphones/earbuds.

* Information for this piece has been sourced from the following ABC article https://ab.co/2kUk1J3

Weeks of preparation in class on topics such as navigation, meal planning and preparation and packing were put to the test when the Year 9 outdoor education class headed to Wilsons Promontory on Tuesday 29 May for three days and nights of hiking and camping in the outdoors. Preparation also included non-curriculum themes such as personal responsibility and leadership. The 36km journey required students to meet all these requirements, and more. The unofficial mantra for the camp was “always be bothered” and hopefully this can carry through into other aspects of the students’ lives — be it academic, sporting, social or community service.

Here are some of the reflections from the students on their experiences:

The main purpose of the camp was to put the skills we had learnt in outdoor education classes into practice in a real situation. We planned to trek the 36km loop track from Telegraph Saddle over three days. The overall theme was getting out of our comfort zones and experiencing the great outdoors. The hike was a great learning experience for all of us. I learnt to be the best prepared as you can for rain, as it can totally ruin your hiking experience. The most important lesson was the one said originally by Mr Murray and then drilled into us by Mr Beard: “Always be bothered”. This was quoted every time someone had to do something or said “I can’t be bothered”. The hike was a great one — we got to see some of the great Victorian outdoors and also experience beaches that have barely been touched by tourists. I would most definitely revisit Wilsons Prom. Alex Renouf (Year 9 Bronze)

On Tuesday 29 May, the bus got loaded and off we went to Wilsons Promontory for a spectacular camp/hike that I enjoyed very much. It was a camp that I will probably never forget because of the feelings that I expressed as we approached the car park symbolising the end of the walk. I may have felt 'iffy' halfway through, but when we finished I knew it was all worth it. Jack Hendrie (Year 9 Bronze)

Everyday got tougher as more and more waste was filling up our packs and blisters were arriving — as was the good weather. But I had started to realise how beautiful the park was, realising everyday to stop and appreciate such a beautiful place. One thing I took away from the experience I had at camp was to never give up. There was always another mountain to climb, another storm would appear, but if we worked hard and supported each other we would all reach the end of the track together — and that was the best feeling. Mikayla O’Brien (Year 9 Orange)

After all of the preparation and build-up, the big day was finally here. We were going to Wilsons Prom for three days of hiking. I was excited to be finally going, as I had heard so many different experiences from lots of people — I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted it to be good and I wanted to enjoy it, but I was scared that I wasn’t going to like it. But it was amazing and I would do it again. Wilsons Promontory is such a beautiful place and I am so grateful that I was able to experience a place like that. Jaimee Strachan (Year 9 Jade)

For several years McAuley Park Farm, the centre of agricultural learning at MLMC, has accomplished significant milestones despite its small size. Recently, a wonderful new development has led to a significant increase in capacity and our ability to deliver programs.Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead, a centre of history and education programs within the Yarra Valley, has provided the College with additional paddocks and grazing land for our flock of sheep. This exciting new partnership means that we now have the ability to run and expand our sheep-breeding program. Most importantly, this venue will be another destination for our Young Farmers Club members to develop skills and put into practice all they have learned about agriculture.

As a result of this additional land, we recently invested in a second breed of sheep to complement our wonderful Romney. With the arrival last week of three Babydoll Southdown ewes and one ram, we also hope to breed this unique and rare sheep. An old heritage breed, Babydolls have a very small stature. They are so short, in fact, that they can graze in vineyards and orchards all year round without damaging the fruit. They are also a short-fleece sheep, with very different wool characteristics to the Romney, and they are remarkably hardy. The two breeds should complement each other well within the program.

The school would like to thank Alvin and Jill Sebire for their wonderful support in providing the land at Mont De Lancey for our program to flourish. Mont De Lancey is certainly a place worth visiting for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of Yarra Valley Heritage. We would also like to thank John Frisina from Landmark Wandin, who has enthusiastically organised vital equipment sponsorship from Bayer Crop Care to support the new venture. Please do thank John next time you visit Landmark Wandin for all of his wonderful support of our Young Farmers.

New research commissioned by Sustainability Victoria has shown that Generation Z are throwing away $115 of food waste per week, compared to Baby Boomers who are just over one-tenth of that at $17 per week. Below is an excerpt of an article published in the latest Sustainability Victoria newsletter

Sustainability Victoria has released new research that indicates young Victorians and parents with children are key contributors to the state’s food waste dilemma with an estimated cost of around $5.4 Billion annually. Sustainability Victoria found that Generation Z (born 1995 to 2010) are more flippant with their grocery shopping, throwing out a reported $115 of food waste weekly, compared to Baby Boomers who reported just over a tenth of that at $17 per week.Other new findings also showed that almost half of the Victorian population are unaware of how much money they are throwing in the bin in the form of food waste and that males throw away double that of their female counterparts.

You can read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2IwhApK

A new campaign called Love Food Hate Waste, Love a List has just been launched with a new documentary which encourages Victorians to write better shopping lists and to stick to them, inorder to reap the rewards of not only reducing their food waste, but saving them money on their weekly grocery shop.

You can learn more about the campaign by watching this documentary: https://bit.ly/2ySBc7V

Instrumental Music Lessons
Semester 3 Enrolments are now open. Please email Mrs Sharon Flint on sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au for further information OR download an enrolment form from the Parent Portal website. Be quick to secure a spot!

Music Ensembles
Students at Mount Lilydale Mercy College have the privilege of joining an ensemble of their choice. The College offers ensembles in A Capella (junior and senior), choir, guitar, jazz band and strings (violin). The College has kindly offered to pay for ALL ensemble rehearsals making it a little easier on families in the long run. In return, it is expected that all our students involved in an ensemble attend their weekly rehearsal as well as attend and perform at all College concerts, Liturgies, Masses, music nights as required by the Music department.

Ensemble playing gives our students at the College the opportunity to learn a vast array of repertoire while experiencing the sound of a full band ensemble. Students involved in a music ensemble get a sense of accomplishment, companionship and self-esteem. Students also learn from each other and are motivated by those who are more advanced. Our students use and expand upon the techniques learned in private lessons. Musical concepts learned include:

• blending and balancing individual parts within an ensemble
• playing in tune and intonation tendencies of the instrument
• mastering complex rhythms between voices
• following a conductor
• performance etiquette

Other Benefits include:

• Meet like-minded people of a similar standard and age
• Learn to read a music score in parts
• Increase your Practice Schedule so you don't let down the band
• Master your instrument (or voice, if joining choir)
• Rehearse with a professional conductor
• Improve your self confidence
• Build a performance portfolio (this can be useful if you are applying for further education in the field of music)
• Get friends and families involved in your music education
• Perform with your group
• Perform exciting pieces written for ensembles
• Have fun!

Note: Students wanting to join an ensemble DO NOT need to sign up for private one-to-one instrumental Music lessons. Our door is always open to ALL enthusiastic and hardworking students who have musical talent wishing to share this with our College ensembles.

Ensemble Rehearsal Days

• String Ensemble (Monday lunchtimes)
• Senior A Capella Ensemble (Tuesday lunchtimes)
• Junior A Capella Ensemble (Wednesday lunchtimes)
• Beginner Guitar Ensemble (Tuesday lunchtimes)
• Advanced Guitar Ensemble (Wednesday lunchtimes)
• Choir (Thursday 3.30 to 5.00pm)
• Jazz Ensemble (Thursday 3.30 to 5.00pm)

MLMC families are being asked to host our Japanese Language Assistant, from Term 3 through to April next year. This is a great opportunity for both students and their family to gain a cultural experience in the home.

The 22-year-old woman from Nagoya, Japan, went to New Zealand as a high school student and it was there that she realised that she wanted to learn more about the Japanese language and went on to study Japanese at university. She recently went to Thailand to teach Japanese to foreign students and looks forward to teaching Australians about Japan.

A family will need to provide a room (which can be shared with the same gender), three meals a day and transport to and from school. The duration of the hosting period is negotiable, however it is appreciated if families can host for at least one month.

For details, contact Natasha McKenzie via email to nmckenzie@mlmc.vic.edu.au

(NB: The picture above was taken earlier this year at the Japanese Festival held in Federation Square which was attended by many of our LOTE students and their families)

The Parents and Friends' Association has been involved with the Entertainment Guide fundraising opportunity for some time. We'd like to draw your attention to a special offer that is valid until the end of June. For a limited time, anyone who purchases via via the online payment page and adds the promotional code upon check out will receive a BONUS $10 Woolworths WISH eGift Card! Please see the attaced flyer for all the details. The Enterainment Guides cost $70 and the College receives $14 from each guide sold. We hope this offer is of interest to you.