Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Welcome to the new term, after what I hope has been a refreshing break amidst exciting football finals — about which I can only be disappointed — and some absolutely magnificent weather.

Year 12s
Term 4 is an interesting time in a school as for many the planning for the following year is a priority and is now well underway, as it is in our case. Yet for most, the finalisation of the year’s work and results are also fast approaching. This is especially true for the graduating class. I must admit my thoughts are clearly focused on our Year 12 group at this time of year as they prepare to depart. I have always found farewelling a graduating class a difficult thing because I do not really want them to leave. I just want them to stay at school and be protected from what is to come for just a little bit longer. I want them to live at home, just as I still have my own four children living at home, but it cannot be. Leaving is part of the process of growing and learning and while leaving is hard, I know they do so having been well prepared.

Our Year 12 group has spent the holiday period in practice exams and now they enter their last weeks of formal schooling. They focus on final assemblies, graduations, exam results, university offers or job prospects. Soon I will write to each Year 12 student assuring each of my prayers for them and I will offer them your prayers as well. Let us all make our graduating class the focus of our prayers over the coming weeks. They will need the support and they are certainly deserving of it. May our loving Father watch over and protect them in this important time, and may each find peace knowing that they have been well prepared, which hopefully will bring a sense of accomplishment and peace. The College will farewell our graduating class with an assembly on Monday 22 October and then a Year 12 Mass the following Tuesday.

Advisory Council
Of course, the College is in full planning mode for 2019 and the future. Mount Lilydale Mercy College is a Mercy school, operating under the governance of Mercy Education Limited. As a part of that structure, we have an Advisory Council whose role it is to:

• Act as a consultative group for the Principal

• Promote Mercy ethos and charism

• Assist in policy and foundation documents formation

• Assist in the budget process

• Advise the Principal about:
Financial administration and setting school fees
Fundraising
Capital development
College facilities
Strategic planning
Community development

• Facilitate:
Welcome of parents and families
Promotion of the College.

The College Advisory Council is an important group in the life of the College and we will be looking for several new members for 2019. Members of our community interested in nominating themselves or others to the Advisory Council should contact me at the College (principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au). Council members usually attend two or three meetings a term, as well as participate in one of the Council Committees. Council meetings are generally on Thursday nights, from 6.30pm until 9.00pm. I understand that governance is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is vital in the structure of our College. Please consider enquiring.

2019 prefects
The last weeks of Term 3 saw prospective prefects for 2019 undergoing the application and filtering process. During the first week of the holidays, I wrote to preferred candidates offering particular positions. The process is a detailed one and the outcome is very much about getting a balanced mix to represent the various needs of our College. Please find below the list of students who have been offered prefect positions for 2019 and are to be congratulated. The Prefect Investiture Ceremony is scheduled for Friday 19 October.

College Captain (female) — Grace Clinton
College Captain (male) — Matthew Gamble
College Vice Captain (female) — Darcy Hamilton
College Vice Captain (male) — Ethan Preston
McAuley prefect (female) — Molly Henderson
McAuley prefect (male) — Liam Charles
English prefect — Meg Thompson
Environment prefect — Hannah Steele
Faith and Ministry prefect — Willow Thomas
Health and PE prefect — Mikayla Byrne
House prefect Carr — Matthew Phillips
House prefect Frayne — Alex D'Angelo
House prefect Maguire — Keilani Trewavis
House prefect O’Neill — Alice Tripp
House prefect Ryan — Charlie Wells
House prefect Terry Dunn — Molly Jones
Humanities prefect — Patrick Keating
LOTE prefect — Grace Staindl-Dymond
Maths prefect — Ethan Cornish
Mercy and Justice prefect — Kobi Butcher
Music prefect — Samuel Lees
Performing Arts prefect — Georgia McAleer
Science prefect — Lara Griffin-Krenn
Sport prefect (female) — Sienna Clark
Sport prefect (male) — Jackson Flint
Technology prefect — Tristan Mifsud
VCAL prefect — Chloe Baulch
Visual Arts prefect — Kanit Lewis
Yearbook prefect — Tea Grebe

The Mark Prest Award
With this newsletter you will find a nomination form for the Mark Prest Award, which is presented annually to the staff member who most exemplifies our Mercy education philosophies, values and spirit. Each staff member can only win this award once. The award winner is announced at the Night of Excellence. Staff members can be nominated by parents, students, other staff, or community members. Please consider this process.

In our prayers
Over the holiday period a number of staff and community members experienced loss with the passing of family members.
Our thoughts are with the families of Mieczyslaw ‘Mietek’ Lawrence (24.11.55–18.09.18) father to Mrs Urszula Faulkner; Susan Ann Vallis (11.10.53–23.09.18) mother to Mr Matthew Vallis; Annina (Anna) Del Giudice (16.03.41–30.09.18) mother to Mr Peter Del Giudice; and Betty Whelan, mother to Michelle Stone.

Let us pray for the repose of the souls of Mietek, Susan, Anna and Betty. May they, along with all the faithfully departed, rest in peace.

God bless
Philip A. Morison
Principal

Welcome back for Term 4. We hope you enjoyed a happy and safe holidays. Here are some important notices and reminders for parents:

Uniform reminder

Students may choose between summer and winter uniform between now and Melbourne Cup weekend. After that time, all students are expected to be wearing summer uniform. A reminder about the appropriate dress length for girls. Hats are now also required to be worn at recess and lunch as part of our SunSmart policy. The only hat that is permitted is the College bucket hat that is available from the Uniform Shop. Please check if your child has been able to locate their hat from earlier in the year. If they cannot find it, the Uniform Shop will have supplies. The hat is also a necessary item for Sport classes.

Year 12 exams
Over the holiday period our Year 12 VCE students were involved in trial exams as part of their revision for end of year exams. The first of the VCAA written exams is on 31 October, although oral and performance exams across a range of subjects are scheduled before this date. Subject teachers will guide the students through revision tasks and strategies but students need to commit to that bit extra as they move into the final phase of their VCE studies. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in the coming weeks.

Student-free day
Related to the Year 12 finish is the fact that Tuesday, October 23 is a student-free day for Years 7-11. On this day the Year 12 students join with the staff in a range of formal and informal activities to mark the end of formal secondary education. On the previous day, a full school assembly will be held to acknowledge the Year 12 students and to wish them well for exams and the future.

First aid reminder
As we are coming into the warmer weather, please remind your child to bring their drink bottle with them EVERY DAY. Students are encouraged to have their drink bottles with them at all times. The highest number of presentations to First Aid during the summer months is for headaches, mostly caused by lack of adequate hydration. Remember, we should ALL be drinking AT LEAST 8 cups/2 litres per day

MEL Survey
Parents are encouraged to fill in the Mercy Education Limited survey. You can find information about the survey HERE or further in this newsletter.

Natural disasters around the world are occurring at an alarming rate in 2018. In the wake of these disasters, people grieve the loss of loved ones and destroyed property while anticipating the long road back to personal and communal recovery.

In Our Hearts

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope. Bless the work of relief agencies and those proving emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen

A year in the making, the bronze relief of Catherine McAuley and students now gracing the wall near the entrance to College reception tells a story for many future generations of MLMC students to appreciate. It was officially unveiled on Wednesday 13 September, during Mercy Week.

Once the idea for the relief was formed and artist Christine Sage, from Hullabaloo Studio in Malmsbury, was selected, Deputy Principal — Mission Miss Elizabeth Keogh and her then Year 11 Ministry Group worked with Christine to ensure the interpretation was unique to our community. It was a wonderful collaboration, and the students and Miss Keogh enjoyed working with Christine as a team.

“I hope that when people visit the College they will stop a while, even a few nano seconds, to be mindful of what has gone before them and the great possibilities of the future,” Christine said. “It tells the story of Mount Lilydale and the beautiful Yarra Valley but it also portrays Catherine just before her calling to her ultimate vocation. She is depicted as a young woman, strong, committed, intelligent and compassionate. She extends one hand in prayerful invitation and the other in a natural welcome, symbolic of hospitality. The child at foot represents family and community and the ultimate symbol is one of perfect trust.

“People will bring their own story of school life or being touched by Mercy and the space therefore becomes a sacred limen, a portal to the story and to the front doors of learning. I hope young people will think about what their own life calls them to. Thank you for the enormous privilege to be part of this special project.”

The plaque next to the relief has the following inscription:
Catherine McAuley graces our entrance, accompanied by two students, the young woman representing the past and the young boy, the present. The young child nestled in Catherine’s dress is a symbol of community, family and trust. The wave below describes the journey of the Mercy Sisters across the seas from Ireland to Australia. It also tells our local story of the Yarra Valley and its rich heritage of viticulture. The vine and its fruits, is a metaphor of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community with Christ at the centre. The eagle, representing Bunjil and the power of the Holy Spirit, stretches its wings across the land as the ancient protector. Our faith tradition is told through the familiar symbols of wheat and vines, reflecting our Eucharistic story.

Christine said the design process took about three months. It involved sketching design options, including possible symbols, and research into aspects of the life of the College and Catherine. She said that she was “fortunate enough to visit Baggot St (in Dublin) and the Sisters and to have a greater understanding of the foundation of the Mercy Sisters and Mercy works”.

The students involved also had ownership as their creative inspiration was met. “We came to the College a few times and on one occasion workshopped with the senior students. They were simply wonderful,” Christine said.

Due to the complexities of working upright with the relief, Christine chose to use plasticine instead of clay. Mal Wood and his foundry in Reservoir then took about five months to finish the piece. “The work is first replicated in wax and then produced using the lost wax method,” Christine said. “This method has great integrity and is an age-old technique. There is a lot of work to be done after it is cast, including the patination, of which Mal Wood is a master craftsman.” Studio manager Regina Byrne, a previous Mercy Principal, also contributed her wealth of knowledge and was integral to the project.

Mercy Week is always a highlight of our College year and 2018 was no exception. On Tuesday 11 September a bronze wall relief of Catherine McAuley was installed after an exciting year of planning and preparation. The following day we held a beautiful Liturgy, including the blessing of the relief by Fr Arsenio. The Liturgy was attended by a number of Mercy Sisters, past and present members of our College community, as well as representatives from Mercy Education Ltd and the Old Collegians’ Association. The Year 12 CSYMA students, who had been instrumental in the planning process, also attended.

After a light lunch, we then visited Lilydale Cemetery to pay our respects at the graves of a number of Mercy Sisters. We had a short Liturgy and white camellias were placed on each grave. This was a moving experience, not only for the Sisters present but also for the students who accompanied us.

On Friday 14 September we were blessed with glorious weather for Mercy Day, which began with an inspiring Liturgy of thanksgiving facilitated by the Year 12 CSYMA students. Our focus was on thanksgiving for Mercy and the example of our foundress Catherine McAuley.

Students and staff then got busy with running the various stalls and activities. There was great support this year from the Homerooms with the organisation of activities and it was wonderful to see the way that students displayed leadership and maturity in facilitating these. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day with students enjoying rides such as the cha cha, visiting the op-shop, trying their luck with the various competitions and enjoying the great variety on food on offer.

As always, one of the day’s highlights was Mercy Idol and all students who performed earned points for their houses. There were some very entertaining acts. Jedd Lott took first place, with Natalie Contebardo and Jana Gowan tying for second and Grace Clinton taking third place. Overall House Performing Arts results from the day were: 1 Frayne, 2 Carr, 3 O'Neill, 4 Ryan, 5 Terry Dunn, 6 Maguire.

The Parade at the end of the day did not disappoint. All Year 12 Homeroom Groups were part of the parade, along with the Yellow Ribbon Ambassadors. Many creative themes and colourful costumes were displayed, adding to the sense of fun. The Gold Homeroom stole the show, dancing along to music from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and morphing into Gold Digger by Kanye West, while Blue were clearly inspired by Elvis and Jailhouse Rock, Orange channelled the Winter Olympics and Elsa from the movie Frozen, and there were plenty of disco moves and far out costumes inspired by the 1970s, some zombies, scary clowns and even a tribute to our farmers from Green.

Leading up to Mercy Day we focused on why it is also important to raise funds as we celebrate. Mercy Works supports the local and overseas relief and development activities that are part of the vision and mission of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The programs engage in partnerships with communities to promote justice, self-reliance and to support displaced people and communities who are denied access to basic resources such as education, health care and social welfare. I am delighted to report that we raised over $10,500 for this wonderful organisation.

The success of Mercy Day is only possible due to the hard work and generosity of so many people. It is truly a community endeavour with students, staff, parents and families all involved. A very big thank you to all who donated money, goods and their time for the day.

A love of motorsport is strong in two MLMC families with Year 12 students Antonio Molluso (pictured above) and Clayton Richards following in the taillights of their fathers and grandfathers.

Clayton is part of Australian motorsport’s Richards dynasty. Clayton’s father Steve (pictured with Clayton in the gallery below) won the most prestigious V8 Supercars race in Australia, the Bathurst 1000, for a fifth time on 7 October, while Clayton’s grandfather Jim is a seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner. Clayton was in the pits with his mum and sister Priya (Year 11), supporting Steven and co-driver Craig Lowndes to first place. With such a pedigree, Clayton admits he feels a bit of pressure. “I try my best to focus on making a name for myself but both my grandpa and my dad have been very supportive.”

Antonio and his father Rocky will travel together from 24 October to Italy, where Antonio’s grandfather Giuseppe once had the opportunity to join the racing team of a young Enzo Ferrari but at the time couldn’t afford to make his own way to the north of Italy. Antonio’s mother, Grace, saw an ad in Italian newspaper Il Globo for an Italian Australian Foundation sponsorship through Australian-based International Specialised Skills Institute. The recipient of the sponsorship travels overseas and upon return they pass on their newly-acquired knowledge and skills. As Antonio will be under the necessary age of 18 to undertake the fellowship, Rocky will use it and instead will take Antonio and older sister Domenica. They will visit three gokart manufacturers and maybe a gokart meet. “We hope to learn the fundamentals of gokart motorsports, the industry and all its aspects, for example engine building, chassis making and racecraft. We hope to visit as many manufacturers as we can,” Antonio said.

Both Antonio and Clayton have been competing in the X30 class of the Australian Kart Championships this year, both hope to progress to Formula Ford ranks and both want careers in automotive mechanics. “The next step after karting is definitely into Formula Ford,” Clayton said. “They are the best way to learn how to drive a proper race car. The end goal is to make it to V8 Supercars, but if the opportunity opens up and I get to go to Europe or the US, I’d definitely take that.” Antonio said his motorsport dream was to “one day become a professional racecar driver, racing at the highest level, and also to keep developing my own race team, Molluso Motorsports”.

It’s been a tough year of karting in state and national events for both boys. “We have always shown great pace earlier in the weekends but can’t seem to get it together in the qualifying sessions, but every race I go to now I’m just getting better and better,” Clayton said. In the last round of the national season, Antonio’s kart had mechanical issues and was hit off the track, while race incidents had also hindered him in Round 3 in Newcastle and he opted not to race in Queensland. Instead, he worked on his driving skills with current Australian No.1 Matt McLean. Next year he will begin an apprenticeship with his father’s business, Rock Hard Motors in Silvan.

Clayton said he would love a motorsport career, “whether it’s racing or even tinkering away on the spanners in a professional race team”. Both boys have been doing the VCAL automotive program at MLMC and Clayton has been doing his work placement at a Porsche specialist in Eltham. “Doing this (VCAL) program is definitely helping me understand more about a race car and opening doors to new opportunities as well,” Clayton said. “MLMC has taught me communication skills, public speaking opportunities and the engineering/automotive skills needed to help pursue a career in the motorsport industry.”

This year, 20 Year 9 students have undertaken the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award program offered at MLMC. The final part of the course comprised a two-day final assessment journey at Mt Cathedral on 17-18 September. This year’s trip started with the students undertaking revegetation works for LandCare along a stream to re-establish native plants, which provide habit for local animals and help to control erosion along the waterway.

The next part of the adventure started with the students leading sections of the bushwalk to their overnight camp. No-one got lost and all arrived happy but ready for a short rest. Later the group observed the campsite environment and the impact of humans on this fragile area.

After a photo session at the river, the glow of Trangia cookers could be seen and the smell of camp food being prepared wafted through the site. Meals of spaghetti, tortillas and spicy curry dishes filled the hungry walkers. No one went hungry that night.

Early the following morning, after a hearty breakfast, the group set off on another bushwalk, to the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Here the students were instructed on how to wear their climbing gear for the next activity. After a short but steep climb, the group arrived at Fly Paper Wall to defy gravity and climb up the rock face and abseil down.

The other staff attending, Mr Tim Thompson, Mr Trevor Murray and Miss Sienna Spencer, commented on what a great group this was, as all activities were undertaken with enthusiasm and encouragement for each other. Congratulations to all involved.

The Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association AMSSA Conference was an amazing experience. Representatives from Mercy schools from across Australia and Papua New Guinea came together to celebrate Mercy from 22-26 September.

This year we stayed at Santa Maria College, in Attadale, overlooking the Swan River and Perth CBD. There were many guest speakers, activities and exciting experiences in store for us in Perth. We met so many incredible people and learned many new things. We learned about how the Sisters of Mercy set up schools and charities in Australia, and how that even though they started with nothing they were able to transform it into such an impacting legacy. Our guest speakers taught us how to use Mercy in our everyday lives, and how we can use our talents for the good of others.

We also had a version of The Amazing Race in Perth’s CBD, stopping by some historical monuments and learning new things with our clues to our final destination. Another activity was painting tapping sticks, and performing as a big group that then separated into seven mini performances. This was to represent the Mercy Sisters’ journey to Australia, and what impact they had on those around them. We visited Mercedes College, the oldest Mercy school in Australia. We also went to Fremantle Prison for a torchlight tour. On the day of The Amazing Race we followed in Mother Ursula Frayne’s footsteps, going to the very places she stood, after travelling up the Swan River by boat — just as she did all those years ago — all while listening to the podcast of her story.

We feel very privileged to have been a part of something so rewarding and exciting. It was also incredible to see how much we have done as a Mercy community throughout the world and what it really means to be united in Mercy spirit, and now we have the opportunity to share that with our community. We learned how to bring the values of Mercy and hospitality back to our own schools after building relationships with other Mercy schools, and how our own actions can really shape the lives of others.

The College’s Senior Girls Football team tasted premiership glory and Herald Sun Shield success for the first time in the last week of Term 3, remaining unbeaten all season. The Goats had earned a spot in the Herald Sun Shield competition by winning the EISM premiership earlier in the term. The Goats dominated their semi final at RAMS Arena at Craigieburn on 19 September and then kept MacKillop College scoreless in the grand final later in the day to clinch the trophy.

The girls played their Shield semi final on a very sandy second oval and dominated against St Francix Xavier to earn the right to play in the grand final on RAMS Arena. The key messages were team, pressure and being selfless — and just trying your luck. The Goats kicked 5.5 in the first term and another 5.6 in the second to St Franc’s 0.2. It was as good as the girls had played, with a strong team focus. It was ferocious when St Franc’s had possession and like watching a world-class team when we had the ball — clean, slick and clinical.

The second half was all about getting ready for the next game, with onballers rested and others brought into the play to share the workload. The lowlight was key player Eb Smark copping a head-knock. At the final siren, the mighty Goats had cracked the ton, winning 14.17 (101) to 1.4 (10). Serena Gibbs and Bridget Deed booted three goals each. Other goalkickers were Lilly Kelly and Darcy Hamilton (two each), Sophia Zappia, Jess Dalgleish, Gabby Shandley and Matilda Kelly.

Preparation for the grand final began immediately, with hydration and nutrition the key, along with stretching and active recovery. They say that the grass is always greener on the other side, and it sure was on RAMS Arena. The girls made the most of the decent breeze, kicking 3.4 in the first quarter with a couple of goals to Deed and a single to Shandley courtesy of some strong work on ball by Gibbs, ‘Pottsy’, ‘Zapps’ and ‘diesel Clark’, who worked tirelessly across both games. It was a team effort, with the back six holding strong and not conceding a point for the game.

As the second stanza started, so did the hail, but ‘Steelo’ didn’t notice and handled the footy like it was a dry day. Maddy Stokes put in numerous efforts to win the footy. Against the wind, we took the score to 5.5 to their zip. The match continued to be all one-way traffic, with the bull Lilly Kelly sharing the love with her sister Matilda. Bri Kollosche just wanted the ball more than anyone else, and the back half were selfless as Jessie Williams and ‘Annie Hyphen’ dominated and continually sent the ball to the forwards.

The Goats scored 9.11 (65) while Mackillop College did not register a score in a dominant display. Deed finished with three goals, Lilly Kelly kicked two, while singles went to Em Franken, Talia Carusi, Gibbs and Shandley. It was an absolute treat to see Year 12s Ava ‘Macklemore’ Brown take the field with her ‘bobsy twin’ Em, and good mate Sid Arthur also got amongst the action, while crowd favourite Darcy Hamilton’s arm unfortunately came off second best in a clash. One of the hardest decisions was deciding the best on ground in the grand final, but Lilly Kelly took the honours.

Congratulations on being a part of history — the first MLMC team to ever take out the Herald Sun Shield. It has been a privilege working with you, and co-coach 'Dima' (Mr Johnny Dimitracopoulos) and I understand how fortunate we are to have been a part of your success.

Students exhibited both poultry and cattle at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show with remarkable success. Our cattle team comprising Ivy Ferguson-Mayer (Year 11 Jade), Bella Green (Year 10 White), Kirsten Moerth (Year 10 Blue) and Andrew Ward (Class of 2017) all spent Friday 21 September through to Tuesday 25 September working 14-hour days with their cattle.

The animals, generously supplied by Anvil Angus and Tibooburra Angus, placed in the top third of the competition. Our students’ handling skills were also on display, competing against over 100 handlers from around Australia.

This competition attracts some of the best youth in the nation, with many regional schools TAFEs and universities represented. Despite this strong competition, Ivy was awarded Reserve Champion Senior Handler. This result is remarkable and speaks not only to the talents of Ivy, but the wonderful mentoring and support she has received from Team H, our show partners.

Our Year 9 students, supported by teacher Ms Amanda Burchell, achieved second place for their poster in the school poultry competition. Their birds also did well, placing third. This is a wonderful result in a very large field of entries.

These results speak volumes about the opportunities that our students enjoy from working with the Agriculture teachers at MLMC and our vital program partners.

The football season continued successfully into the school holidays for two of our teachers, Science teacher David Banfield and Sport and Outdoor Education teacher Dan Beard — one as a coach and one as a field umpire.

Mr Banfield has been a specialist coach with VFL team Box Hill Hawks for seven years. On 23 September, the Hawks (AFL club Hawthorn’s Reserves) came from behind to beat Casey Demons by 10 points in the grand final at Etihad Stadium.

“My role includes providing feedback to coaches, mentoring the leadership group, skills work with defenders and ruckmen and supporting the young players on the list,” Mr Banfield said. “I played football for VFA/VFL football for Box Hill for 11 years in the late 1980s and ‘90s. My work on game day now is to support the senior coaches and line coaches.” This role will continue next year, with a focus on the youngest players, usually coming out of the TAC Cup competition.

Mr Banfield said the feeling in the rooms after the Hawks’ win was a mixture of joy and relief. “Senior coach Chris Newman spoke to the playing group about how amazing it was to win a grand final considering we were ‘one second away from being knocked out in the elimination final’," he said.

Before joining the Hawks, Mr Banfield had coached Vermont to four premierships in the Eastern Football League.

In Term 3 Mr Beard co-coached our Senior Girls team, along with Mr Johnny Dimitracopoulos, to glory in the Herald Sun Shield competition, but on 22 September Mr Beard was in the middle — this time umpiring his ninth senior Division 1 grand final in a row in the EFL. South Croydon defeated Vermont by 18 points in the decider.

“It was my 10^th (EFL grand final) overall. I did my first in 1993 on my 18th birthday before umpiring in the VFL for 15 years,” Mr Beard said. When asked if he was keen to go on next year for 10 in a row, he said: “For sure”.

And what is the most challenging part of being an umpire for such a big game? “There is pressure, although much of this is just what you perceive. Only wanting to have an impact when required is challenging, by that I mean not wanting to get my free kicks wrong.”

Mr Beard said he enjoys umpiring in the EFL, in what is “arguably the best football outside VFL” for many reasons. “There is the social aspect, which is great, camaraderie with fellow umpires and the people you meet at the clubs, plus the former Mount Lilydale students who are playing across a range of clubs.”

This year students in Year 10 had two different Experience Days in the city, on 13 and 20 September, visiting the Holocaust Museum, the Shrine of Remembrance and other major sites in the Melbourne CBD.

The aim of the City Experience day is to provide students with a fun and valuable experience in the city with a variety of activities and locations they may not yet have experienced. They participate in an activity of their choice, developing their independence by utilising public transport and their time management skills to navigate the CBD and get to their destinations on time.

Students spent one day attending the Holocaust Museum to aid their understanding of the text studied in English called Night. They also learnt about Australia’s war history when visiting the Shrine of Remembrance.

On the alternate day, students participated in one activity in the CBD. Some visited the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), offices of The Big Issue, the Sports Museum at the MCG and Melbourne Museum, and then made their way to IMAX in Carlton to view The Hubble 3D.

Those who visited The Big Issue workshop learnt about how marginalisation in our community in Melbourne is being tackled. They learnt first-hand from a past vendor of the magazine about the importance of social networks and community and heard about the existing problems for Melbourne’s homeless population and how invisible they are. With every magazine that a vendor sells, they keep half the profits, allowing them to work for a living and preserve dignity.

We were very privileged this year to be invited to participate in the Worowa Dreaming Ball on Saturday 8 September. Five of our Year 11 boys partnered girls from Worowa Aboriginal College in Healesville. The boys were Tim Carrington, Charlton Pettigrew, Matthew Gamble, Liam Charles and Jack Woodard.

After a number of weeks of dance training and social events, the Ball took place at the Grand Ballroom of Pullman on the Park in Melbourne. The girls were presented to Elders as young people who had completed the Pathways to Womanhood Program. These young men and women looked beautiful and did a wonderful job, skilfully presenting the dances they had learned. The hard work and preparation certainly paid off.

It was a privilege working with our students, the girls and the staff from Worowa and the boys from Mt Evelyn Christian School. Mr Morison and I attended the Ball and enjoyed a wonderful night of entertainment from guests, including students from the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts and Yorta Yorta musicians. We look forward to continued relations with Worowa.

Dear Parent/Caregiver

As part of the formation of leaders in our Mercy schools, Principals undertake regular processes of appraisal. This year, Mr Philip Morison will undergo a second stage appraisal of his role as Principal of Mount Lilydale Mercy College. You are invited to offer feedback by completing an online survey. The link will be distributed via SMS. This survey is for the information of the appraisal panel only. You will be asked to provide your name and your answers will be collated with feedback from other parents and caregivers. The collated responses will be aggregated and will not identify any original author by name. No individual will be identified by name or nature of response in feedback to the Principal. This information will be used to help set goals and objectives for Mr Morison as a College leader with the aim of continuing to build his capacity as a leader. If you wish to complete this survey, please do so by 4.30pm on Thursday 18 October.

Thank you for your participation in this important aspect of Mr Morison’s professional growth. Following are some guidelines to assist your responses.

Christopher Houlihan
Chief Executive
Mercy Education

Some guidelines for providing good responses:
1. Keep responses to your perceptions of the professional aspects of the work done by the Principal and be careful not to be ‘personal’ in your feedback
2. It is not appropriate to offer advice on how things should be done differently
3. Keep feedback succinct.

In undertaking this survey, participants commit to keeping true to our Mercy values.

Any Appraisal can be insightful yet provide a degree of anxiety. As a participant, you agree to:
1. Provide feedback that will contribute to the professional development of the Principal
2. Provide feedback that will encourage the Principal to continue the journey of continuous improvement
3. Recognise that feedback is a crucial part of formative development
4. Provide qualitative encouraging feedback and constructive criticism.

Different Journeys, an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) teen playgroup based in Victoria, is offering an ASD in Relationships educational and social dinner at Club Kilsyth, for educators and parents. The Presenter, Trudi de Silva, is a Speech Therapist with a special interest in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and owns her own clinic, De Silva Kids. Trudi and her husband will be talking about their experiences but will also be taking questions. This could apply to people teaching or working with someone who has ASD or an individual who has a family member with ASD.

Don't miss out on this opportunity, which includes dinner and an opportunity to connect with others who live or work in this space or want to learn more about ASD.

ASD in Relationships
WHEN: Wednesday 24th October 6.00pm-9.00pm
WHERE: Club Kilsyth Canterbury Room, corner Colchester and Canterbury roads, Bayswater North
COST: $15 per person (includes a main meal)

Senior VCAL students at MLMC played an integral role at the end of last term in facilitating workshops in Global Gathering, an annual event designed to provide inter-cultural contact between students in Melbourne's eastern region. The attendees were a mix of primary and secondary school students from a range of different cultural backgrounds, from both government and non-government schools.

Senior VCAL students from the College facilitated workshops for the attendees that were designed around the theme Healthy Relationships, with the simple aim being for participants to have fun. There was plenty of smiling and laughter as VCAL students and attendees participated together in a range of interactive games. Throughout the activities many VCAL students demonstrated leadership by problem solving and taking the initiative to guide attendees.

Communicating with an audience that included refugees was a focus in planning the workshop. Students were also required to be culturally sensitive. During each workshop, our students demonstrated a welcoming spirit that became contagious. By the end of each workshop, attendees grew in confidence and were soon talking and laughing with our VCAL facilitators.

Overall, the day succeeded in developing an understanding and respect for people from different cultures while creating and strengthening links between local schools and services. Thank you to all VCAL students who participated on the day and in the planning of an event that celebrated the rich cultural diversity of schools within the eastern region.

The Alumni Gala is the premier event of the year for the MLMC Old Collegians’ Association. It's where we celebrate the excellence of our alumni, catch up with old friends and make new ones. This year’s event will be held in Centennial Hall at the College on Saturday 20 October, from 7pm.

We invite everyone to join us, as we come together as a community to celebrate the past, present and future of Mount Lilydale Mercy College. It's a fun evening of entertainment, live music, awards, delicious food and the best in local wines, beers and ciders from the Yarra Valley. We thank our Old Collegians from Punt Road Wines, Payne’s Rise Winery, Napoleone Brewery and Coldstream Brewery for supporting our Gala.

An important component of the evening is the celebration of four MLMC alumni who will be inducted to the Mercy Honour Roll. We are thrilled to announce that the 2018 inductees include entertainer Diana Trask, past teacher and Deputy Principal to the College Terry Harrison, Australia's highest ranking female in Military Education Colonel Fiona Haynes and local businessman and supporter to the Yarra Valley community Michael Napoleone.

At the Gala, guests will have the opportunity to learn about our inductees’ remarkable stories and to be a part of celebrating their induction into the MLMC Mercy Honour Roll. Recipients of this award are not judged merely on their excellence in their chosen fields but they have also demonstrated the Mercy Ethos shown by the Sisters of Mercy.

We hope you can join us! Come alone or book a table! All proceeds from this event will go towards the Old Collegians’ Scholarships and to helping those within our community who are in need.

For bookings please go to https://www.trybooking.com/VJZZ

If you require any further information please contact the Old Collegians via email to oc@mlmc.vic.edu.au or call 9735 4022.

(1) College sport

Herald Sun Shield
Congratulations to our Senior Girls Football team on winning the Division 2 Herald Sun Shield late last term. This is the first time ever that MLMC has won a Herald Sun Shield. Well done on a fantastic finish to the season, girls!

MLMC Sports Awards
Save the date. The annual Sports Awards will be held on Wednesday 24 October, from 7.30-9.00pm, in Centennial Hall. We are looking forward to welcoming our guest speaker Laetisha Scanlan, a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympic finalist in trap shooting. Award winners have been sent an SMS. Everyone is welcome.

Weight training
In Term 4, the supervised open gym is available on Wednesday mornings, 7.00-8.00am. Either train with your own program or we can help you out. Breakfast is provided afterwards. See Miss Webb for more information.

Year 9 spring sport
Please check the EISM website for fixtures and venues for games.

(2) Individual achievements

Girls’ football
Congratulations to Emerson Woods (Year 12) who played in the Box Hill Hawks’ VFL Women’s premiership team in the holidays. She also starred in the AFLW Combine, breaking a record for the 20m sprint. She was featured on the AFL website this week. Read the story HERE.

Girls’ football
Congratulations to the following girls who placed in the Eastern Region Football League’s best and fairest awards for the 2018 season:
U14 Premier: Alana Zappia - Montrose (1st), Lily Toomer - Montrose (10th)
U14 Division 1: Mikaela O'Brien - Mooroolbark (5th)
U14 Division 2: Millie Barker - Lilydale (6th)
U14 Yarra Ranges: Perry Byron - Yarra Glen (9th)
U16 Yarra Ranges: Bridget Deed - Seville (1st), Chloe Stokes - Seville (2nd), Madeline Stokes - Seville (7th)
U18 Premier: Lilly Kelly - Mount Evelyn (2nd), Georgia Paffenholz - Mount Evelyn (3rd), Sophia Zappia - Chirnside Park (5th)
U18 Division 1: Hannah Steele - Lilydale (2nd), Sophie Potts - Lilydale (7th)

Boys’ football
Congratulations to the following MLMC boys who represented the Lilydale Football Club’s Under-17 team which won the 2018 premiership: Jackson Flint, Sam Hodgett, Noah Andueza, Eden Champion, Adam Camp, Daniel Schlueter, Nick Sanelli, Jarrod Thompson, Jackson Singer, Matt Phillips, Brad Arthur, Brayden Coppi, Clay Noyes, James MacFarlane, Jenson Pritchard, Jye Price, Nathan Hausler, Riley Dawson-Muir, Mitch Douglas, Cooper Smith, Astin Bucci.

Equestrian
Congratulations to Chris Holmes (Year 9 Gold) who recently represented Australia at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup in a leadership role. Australia placed fourth overall at this competition. We wish Chris all the best as he works towards the same event in 2020.

Well done also to Charlotte Mansley (Year 8) for competing with her quarter horses at state and national level throughout the year, achieving placings in several categories and winning the Hi Point Youth overall for the Victorian Under 18s.

(3) Staff achievements

Football
Congratulations to David Banfield, specialist coach of the men’s Box Hill Hawks VFL team which recently won the premiership. Read more about this elsewhere in the newsletter.

Soccer
Congratulations to Angie Meyer who recently represented Victoria at the Christian Football Federation Australia National titles in Brisbane. Victoria played New Zealand in the final and won 4-2. Well done, Angie.

Victorian Teachers Games
Well done to our Teachers Games soccer team of Cass Poynter, Greg Hysted, Gabe Rodrigues, Angie Meyer, Ruth Warr and Gus Garces who competed in Ballarat over the holidays. Read more about this elsewhere in the newsletter.

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

(4) Year 9 Results 11 October

A small group of MLMC staff headed to Ballarat during the school holidays to play mixed soccer in the Victorian Teachers Games. Even though we did not win any medals, the players showed their passion during the games with some beautiful goals. It was a cold day but this did not stop us from having a wonderful time playing soccer with colleagues. Well done to staff members Miss Cassandra Poynter, Mr Greg Hysted, Mr Gabriel Rodrigues, Ms Angela Meyer and Mrs Ruth Warr for taking part. A special thanks to Mario Laing, from St John’s Regional College, for filling in for our team at the last minute to replace an injured Mr Thomas Warren.

Two reunions will be held at the College on Saturday 27 October, celebrating the classes of 1998 (20 years) and 1988 (30 years). The reunions will both be held from 5.30pm, featuring a photo exhibition of the year level and tours of the College. Finger food will be available throughout the night, along with drinks at bar prices and a band. Partners are very welcome. If you wish to leave your car at the College, please park outside the gates. The College will be closed on Sunday and reopen on Monday. After-party details will be announced shortly.

Please direct any inquiries for the 1998 reunion to the Old Collegians' office via email to oc@mlmc.vic.edu.au or contact reunion organisers Tim Newcomb 0408 545 634 and Natalie Massarotti 0418 399 815.

For the 1988 reunion, please contact Tania Del Biondo at tdelby@hotmail.com

Class of 1988 and Class of 1998 reunions
DATE: Saturday 27 October 2018 at 5.30pm
LOCATION: Centennial Hall, MLMC, 120 Anderson St, Lilydale
BOOKINGS: trybooking.com/VJZX