Dear parents, teachers and students of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

New beginnings
At this time of year, it is easy to focus on the many endings that happen around us, and without the right frame of mind it would be easy to find a depressive thought in them.

• I am finishing school — what is next?
• What do I do after exams?
• What if I don’t get into what I want to do?
• Will I ever see my best friend again?

The possible negativity could be endless, and to avoid that we try to talk about endings as new beginnings. I probably write of such things in a cyclical way at this time of year. The concept that every ending is a new beginning is very true, and while we espouse it so very often and the vast opportunities that are yet to be realised, I know that leaving is hard. I know that leaving is sad. I know that despite the bravado, most students would like to stay just a little while longer, and that there is a grieving process. It is important that we ensure that there is also growth and we do this through ritual, ceremony and tradition. Ritual is important in our lives because through it we create meaning. Ritual is the common thread that links us together as a tribe. Ritual is important. Ritual motivates and joins us to build community, families and make traditions. Ritual also provides a rite of passage that we have come to realise is so important in the lives of people, that if not provided, they find their own often through silly or dangerous behaviours.

And, so it is with the MLMC Class of 2018. How proud we can all be of, and for, them. They have finished their formal classes and now prepare themselves for exams and life after school. Many return each day to the place they know they are safe to study. Finishing school is such an important event in the life of a student that it must also provide the sense of tradition and ritual, but also joy as well as a bit of fun.

2019 Prefects
In the last newsletter I published the Prefects for 2019 and last week finished with the Prefect Investiture Ceremony. At this ceremony, each Prefect for 2019 was presented to the College community and given their Prefect badge which is their warrant to serve. The new College Captains, Grace Clinton and Matthew Gamble, spoke to the College Community for the first time as new leaders, all the while being supported by the Captains of 2018, Danielle Virgona and Ethan Wake, of whom we offer a huge vote of thanks. The most significant part of the ceremony to my mind is that each outgoing Prefect writes a letter to the incoming Prefect offering advice. This tradition is as important for the Prefects of 2018 as it is for the incoming Prefects. On the one hand, it provides some closure and permission to relinquish responsibility to focus on study, but it also ensures some continuity in the important work that has been done and the work that is to come. Ceremony, tradition and ritual.

Farewell to our Year 12s
Last Monday, the College held a student-led assembly to farewell the Class of 2018. Again, tradition, ceremony and ritual. The assembly, too, was full of the symbolism of new endings and new beginnings. A highlight of this assembly was the Class Captains from each Year 7 class presenting the Captains of each Year 12 class a gift for their Homeroom. It contained an autograph book for each Year 12 student. The assembly finished with the graduating class leading the College in our school anthem, Omnia Cum Deo, and they were obviously so proud to sing it.

Again, I ask that as our Year 12 group depart the safety of our classroom, that you all keep them in your prayers. This year marks 40 years since I completed Year 12 and I still remember well that empty feeling as I travelled home late in the evening on an empty train. The clickity-clack of the train mirrored the empty feeling in my stomach as I contemplated ‘what next?’ Our students will indeed be in my prayers.

God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

Uniform
A final reminder that summer uniform is compulsory for all students following the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

Key dates
Term 4 is a very busy time and the weeks disappear quickly. Here are a few key dates:

• Monday 5 November — mid-term break
• Tuesday 6 November — Melbourne Cup public holiday
• Friday 9 November — Year 11 exams commence
• Monday 19 November — Year 12 2019 Academic Foundation Program commences
• Friday 23 November — Year 10 exams commence
• Saturday 24 November — Year 12 Graduation
• Monday 26 November — Year 9 exams commence
• Monday 3 December — Year 11 2019 Academic Foundation Program commences
• Thursday 6 December — classes conclude for all year levels (you will be notified about times for end of year Masses and Award Ceremonies)
• Friday 14 December — Night of Excellence

Use your myki correctly
A reminder to students who catch a public school bus that it is a legal requirement for you to tap on and off with your myki when using public transport. The public school buses are no different to if you were catching a bus or train out of school hours. If you are caught not tapping on and off, you are at risk of receiving a fine. Not tapping on and off also sends false information to the bus companies. If the companies see that only five students a day are tapping on, they will cancel that bus as it is seen as not being in demand.

2019 College fees
The College has uploaded a letter from the Principal in regards to the College fees for 2019, along with the schedule of fees and payment dates. This letter can be found on the Parent Portal docs tab, on the right-hand side select the Debtor name (top name) and the attachments will appear on the left-hand side of the screen.

Please note the automatic payment dates scheduled for 2019. It is important to ensure funds are available on the day the payment is scheduled. Returned payments from the bank incur a bank charge that is passed on to the debtor’s account. If you have any questions regarding your College fees for 2019, please contact the Finance Office at the College.

This prayer, attributed to St Brendan, is one of profound trust in God. Brendan launches out into deep waters, in his fragile boat, leaving his homeland to journey to foreign lands. As we pray this prayer, let us be mindful of all those who are ‘letting go’ of what is familiar, and moving into the unknown. This prayer is for our Year 12 students.

Beyond these shores into the darkness
Beyond these shores this boat may sail
And if this is the way
Then there will be a path across this sea.
And if I sail beyond the farthest ocean
Or lose myself in the depths below
Wherever I may go
Your love surrounds me
For You have been before
Beyond these shores.

You would be aware that Sydney is currently hosting the Invictus Games. This competition is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill veteran and active service personnel.

There is a MLMC connection, with Heidi Joosten (Class of 2003) taking part. Heidi won four gold medals in the Women’s IT7 in the 100m, 200m and 400m on the track as well as the long jump final. A couple of years ago Heidi attended our Night of Excellence and presented the Australian Defence Force awards to our students.

She was among the Invictus Games athletes who joined His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Australian Prime Minister in climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 flag.

You can read more about Heidi via the Invictus Games website HERE

We can have confidence in our 2019 College Captains Grace Clinton and Matthew Gamble to steer the ship through calm waters next year. They already have their good humour and sailor hats ready to go. The College Captains, four Vice Captains and a team of xx prefects were invested into their new roles at the Prefect Investiture ceremony on Friday 19 October. You can discover the list of prefects HERE.

Grace and Matthew told the assembled students and staff, as well as the families of our 2019 College leadership group, that they are well versed in working together. Not only did they attend the same kindergarten and primary school before arriving at MLMC, they have also lived in the same street.

While Grace opened her speech by saying, all while standing on a small block: “I’ll address the elephant in the room. Yes, I am 4 foot 9 and Matthew is 6 foot 4.” But, she assured the audience that they have both seen the College over the years “from all perspectives”, while Matthew said they were looking forward to “steering the ship”.

Grace and Matthew have each written about their excitement at being appointed a College Captain for 2019:

Being appointed Captain for 2019 has been unreal. From Year 7, I’ve always admired the previous College Captains for their speeches and their ability to inspire and bring a community together, although, I never imagined myself in the actual position. Now that Matt and I have the opportunity to do the same, I’m so excited to lead the College in positive spirits. I am very passionate about getting involved and sharing a positive attitude. Both myself and Matt look forward to continuing the enthusiastic and encouraging spirits of (2018 Captains) Danni (Virgona) and Ethan (Wake). Their positive attitude and commitment to the College is something we will continue here at MLMC. I aim to stay focused and to really immerse myself and connect with my school community. — Grace Clinton (Year 11 Purple)

It has been a thrilling experience being selected to represent MLMC as College Captain for 2019. I am extremely excited to work with Grace to further the previous Captains’ work and also to add contributions of our own, providing positive new opportunities for our College. It was witnessing the previous Captains, Danni (Virgona) and Ethan (Wake), and other role models’ abilities to speak, represent and involve themselves in the community that inspired me to apply for the captaincy. I am very excited to work with such a wonderful group of peers and Prefects in the coming year and to achieve many great things. — Matthew Gamble (Year 11 Silver)

Twenty-six lucky MLMC students and four teachers travelled to Italy for a three-week study tour from 19 September to 12 October. We landed in Rome and the students couldn't wait to get sightseeing before heading to Siena, Florence, Pisa and Venice before joining host families for the remainder of the tour. Thank you to my fellow teachers Mr Michael Modini, Ms Jessica Tipping and Mrs Alison Schlueter for their assistance.

Four of the students on the tour have reflected on their experiences:

We learnt many new things about Italy, such as its diverse culture, its interesting people and its amazing pasta. The trip lasted three weeks, with a week and a half of sightseeing and learning about the rich history and culture of the country and another week and a half of being immersed in life with an Italian host family, going to school and engaging in the day-to-day activities of a regular Italian teen. Most of us had never travelled out of Australia before, let alone without our parents. By the end of the trip and even now, weeks later, I can confidently say that every individual that participated gained something new, whether it be a new skill, a new friend or even just a little bit more confidence than when they left home. — Liam Charles (Year 11 Gold)

My favourite place in Rome was the Colosseum. On our second day in Florence we were lucky enough to visit Mr Cardinali’s house and have an amazing lunch cooked by his family. We took photos in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, making it look like we were holding it up, and we also got to climb the tower. You can feel that it's on a lean so you feel as though you're going to fall over. Venice was my favourite place and my favourite part was riding a gondola through all the little laneways. At Casale Monferrato we stayed with our host families for 10 days. Meeting them for the first time was nerve-wracking, but by the time we left everybody was sad to say goodbye. We visited their schools and went on excursions to Monte Carlo in Monaco and Milan. My host family took me to Aosta, which is a town in the mountains known for castles. There are so many amazing memories to look back on with new friends and it really was the trip of lifetime. — Jade Fairweather (Year 11 Green)

The Italian study tour was an experience I will never forget. In just three days we were able to learn so much about ancient Rome. Florence was my favourite place in the 10 days of touring with the school group. Venice was nothing like I had expected and the gondola ride was definitely a highlight. I was made to feel very welcome in the Brunelli family, however it was definitely a test of my Italian skills. Alice, my host sister, was very good at English, but her mum's English was limited and the dad spoke none at all. I don’t think I’ve eaten as much pizza and pasta in my life than what I did in the 10 days I spent with them. I visited Milan, Monte Carlo and Turin, which was absolutely incredible. I was also able to experience a day at a primary school where Ciara (Robinson) and I were paired up and spent the day telling the kids about Australia and our culture. We also spent time with our host brothers and sisters at school where it became very clear how different Australian schooling was to theirs. — Alana McGurgan (Year 11 Purple)

The Italy tour was an amazing experience. I learnt so much more than I could have ever imagined just by being immersed in the country and culture rather than reading about it in a classroom. Prior to the trip, I was really struggling with speaking and understanding Italian, but in the mere 10 days of staying with my wonderful host family who barely spoke English, I would argue my capability in Italian increased ten-fold. I also learnt a lot about the history of Italy. I found it so interesting finding out about all the ancient ruins, statues and landmarks that were still standing thousands of years later. I also thoroughly enjoyed the food. I am incredibly grateful to have shared this experience with such a great group of people, especially the teachers who made the trip so enjoyable. I am most certainly returning in the near future. — Sam Lees (Year 11 Bronze)

The MLMC Business Registry is an initiative that aims to help students find good quality, local businesses who are happy to provide them with the opportunity of a work placement. Every VCAL student has to do a VET work placement as part of their course. They spend three days at school, one day at TAFE (or equivalent) and one day at a work placement.

A strong network of local businesses is an invaluable resource for our current students who are trying find a work placement in a field that interests them. The arrangement benefits both parties. For the business owner, they will have a motivated student, who has an interest in the sector and a willingness to learn and get involved. The student benefits by getting an insider’s look at an industry, at a time when they are actively considering their careers and their lives beyond the College. Some of the fields in which our students are seeking work placements include: building and construction, health services, horticulture, floristry, beauty therapy, hospitality, mechanics, electricians, equine industries and more.

How you can support this initiative
If you think you can help please let us know. Simply email your expression of interest to afeher@mlmc.vic.edu.au or you can register online HERE.

Tyler Borg
Tyler has already been offered an apprenticeship for 2019 after impressing in his VCAL placement at Crossover Car Conversions in Ferntree Gully, where he has been involved in converting cars to right-hand drive, metal fabrication, painting and body profiling. Owner Craig Dean said that Tyler has "shown us he is very capable'. He explained that good tradespeople are few and far between and a "VCAL placement student is a good opportunity to see if they use their brain and have initiative.”

Carla Papanastasiou
Carla (the 2018 VCAL prefect) has been doing her work placement at Soul Pod Foods in Croydon South where she is learning the art of being a barista, food preparation and plating up as well as front of house customer service skills. Co-owner Adele McConnell said training young up-and-comers helped them "see things from a different perspective and to analyse our own processes and procedures" because a student brings “fresh eyes” to the business.

Each year in the September school holidays a group of Year 10 students embark on an 11-day tour to immerse themselves in the culture, unique landscapes and history of the Northern Territory. This year, 44 students toured iconic Australian landmarks, from their first stop at Uluru before heading up the middle of Australia and around the Kakadu and Litchfield national parks, finishing in Darwin. Students got involved in erecting and dismantling tents, assisting with meal preparation and clean-up, helping with loading and unloading the bus and they had to manage their own money.

Here are some student reflections of the trip:

On 22 September we (a group of 44 students) left to go to the centre of Australia and to travel from Uluru up to Darwin. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of fun adventures and good company. My experience with the trip was a positive one. Although, at the time, I didn’t know that many people, I ended up meeting lots of people I can now call friends. I enjoyed the moments where we would all sing along to the songs that were played on the bus and Miss Carmody auctioned off some of our items. Apart from the annoyance of people complaining about how to set tents up, the experience was amazing and the group that I went with was the nicest group I’ve ever met. — Maddison Schumi (Year 10 Red)

Central 2018 was a great experience and a great time. It was a good opportunity to make new mates and it was great to see some of the places and landmarks that people come from all over the world come to see and we could see them together. — Kane McDonald (Year 10 Red)

We flew into Ayers Rock and made our way up to Darwin through some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen. The highlight of the trip for me was Edith Falls. The swim over to the waterfall had us looking at the scenery for a while and we were able to take in our beautiful surroundings. I would highly recommend going on the Central Australia trip as it is one of the best experiences I have had. — Michelle Richardson (Year 10 Bronze)

2018 Terry Dunn House captain Emerson Woods has realised a dream, being drafted to the AFL club she has long supported. Emerson missed the final day of Year 12 on Tuesday to be part of the AFLW draft where she was taken by Carlton Football Club with pick No. 38.

Jayde Van Dyk (Class of 2013) was also drafted to Carlton, with pick No. 21. Jayde, 22, was handed the Debbie Lee Medal as the VFLW’s Rising Star last month, as well as being named in the back pocket of the competition’s Team of the Year. She also won the club best and fairest award for her VFLW team, Hawthorn.

The pair were part of the Hawthorn team that won the VFLW premiership by beating Geelong at Etihad Stadium a few weeks ago. On Wednesday night, Emerson and Jayde joined the other draftees and their families in a function at Ikon Park welcoming the club’s recruits.

This is how the Blues announced on their website their recruitment of Emerson and Jayde:

Carlton has welcomed childhood Bluebagger Emerson Woods to the Club with pick No.38. Woods arrives at Ikon Park from the Eastern Ranges, where she earned a reputation as a winger with the ability to break the lines. A latecomer to football having only started playing at the age of 16, the former basketballer formed part of Hawthorn’s VFLW premiership side.

AFLW senior coach Daniel Harford said the Blues were delighted to welcome Woods to the Club she supported as a child. “To welcome Emerson to the Carlton footy club is really exciting — she’s got a lot of talent and pace to burn. We saw that when she recorded the fastest time in the 20m sprint,” Harford said. “She was a member of the AFLW Academy and she had that experience in the VFLW. Emerson is really competitive and driven so we can’t wait to see what she can offer us.”

Defender Jayde Van Dyk will swap brown and gold for navy blue next season, after being recruited to Carlton with pick No.21 in the 2018 NAB AFLW National Draft. The 22-year-old had a standout season in the VFLW, winning a premiership with Hawthorn and taking home the Hawks' inaugural best and fairest. Averaging 15 disposals per game playing in the back pocket, Van Dyk was also awarded the Debbie Lee Medal as the VFLW’s Rising Star and was named in defence in the league’s VFLW Team of the Year.

AFLW senior coach Daniel Harford said he was rapt to secure such a quality player. “Jayde had a tremendous year in the VFLW competition and thoroughly deserved the accolades she received,” Harford said. “She made the most of every opportunity and that’s what I like to see from players, giving it their all and not leaving anything to chance — she’ll be a valuable asset to our defensive unit.”

* Photos courtesy of Carlton Football Club Media

This week we farewelled the 2018 Year 12 student body. They had a jam-packed finish to their time at MLMC with two days of celebrations, on Monday and Tuesday, and they are now preparing for VCE exams and life beyond the College.

On Monday, the day began with a full school assembly where the Year 12s were offered a blessing by our Principal, Mr Phil Morison, for the upcoming exams and the future. He said that when he looks at the cohort, he sees “six years of toil, work and personal development and I see group of students that have had an effect on our College”. College Captains Danielle Virgona and Ethan Wake reflected on their time at the College and acknowledged the support of family and teachers throughout their journey and spoke about the numerous highlights of their time at the College

The assembly finished with a performance by the Theatre Studies class and everyone singing along to Ain't No Mountain High Enough as well as the College Song.The remainder of the day was business as usual as they concluded formal lessons.

On Tuesday morning, the group joined with the entire College staff to celebrate a thanksgiving Mass followed by an awards ceremony. At the awards ceremony, College Gold and Double Gold awards were presented and the Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects were recognised for their contributions. Old Collegians Association’ co-executive officer Luke Stephens encouraged the students to go out and live life but stay connected and come back to the College. “Make your mark and have a good time,” he told them.

The remainder of the day was far more casual with a barbecue lunch shared with staff, fancy dress attire and a great atmosphere. The ability to finish 13 years of formal education in a dignified and respectful fashion says much about these young people. They were happy just to share the moment with each other and the staff, signing autograph books and reflecting on their time at the school.

Mrs Janet Barr and Mr Andrew Leaumont, along with Campus Director Mr John Rodgers, are to be congratulated on the way in which they worked with the students to achieve such a positive and memorable finish.

VCE exams commence on Wednesday 31 October and we wish all of our Year 12 students well over the next few weeks.

The Year 12 Graduation is scheduled for Saturday 24 November at Melbourne Park.

This year the Year 9 Social was held in McAuley Hall on Friday 12 October. The theme was ‘movie characters’ which was creatively embraced by all the students. It turned out to be a really fun night.

Here are some student reflections of the night:

Year 9 Social was a fantastic experience full of new friend opportunities, loud music, weird and funny costumes and games, which everyone enjoyed. Even the teachers couldn't resist dressing up and hitting the dance floor. There were many laughs, memories made and overall it was an amazing night. I am glad I decided to go to the Year 9 social. — Charlotte Sims (Year 9 Orange)

The Year 9 Social started off with a bang as you walked through the doors and onto the dance floor. Slowly everyone started arriving with their outstanding costumes. Once everyone had arrived we all started dancing and screaming out the lyrics to the songs, even if we didn't know them. Then the pizza was delivered, so we all raced to get some pizza and a can of soft drink. After we had eaten, we danced the night away to the DJ's music. — Kaylah Young (Year 9 Orange)

The Year 9 Social was a fun night that got everyone up and dancing. It was a night to socialise with your friends, listen to your favourite music and just have a great time. I would strongly recommend it to any future Year 9 students to go along and enjoy the night. — Sam Green (Year 9 Orange)

The Year 9 Social was such an amazing experience. The theme was ‘movie characters’. Everyone was really creative and unique with their costumes, even the teachers. It was a great opportunity to talk to people you wouldn’t usually talk to and have fun with them. There was a dance floor, photo booth, party lights and a DJ. It was a great night and the teachers and social committee did a really good job of setting it up. — Sarah Nichols (Year 9 Silver)

During the Yellow Ribbon Program training in Term 2 this year, a competition from the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation came to my attention. I asked the Yellow Ribbon Ambassadors if they would like to take on the challenge to produce a short 60-second video clip with the theme 'You Are Not Alone' to raise awareness around suicide prevention.

Jayde Cooper (Year 11 Purple) took on the initiative and challenge and recruited Grace Clinton (Year 11 Purple), one of our Media students, to collaborate on this special and important message. The girls then asked their peers to get involved. Their short film was shortlisted as a finalist and then went on to become one of the winning entries. On Tuesday, there was a screening of the winning films at Village Cinemas at Crown, where the winners and other participants were presented with certificates and there was a live performance from singer Jai Waetford.

What wonderful and talented young people we have at our school who inspire others, who are there for others, who show enormous compassion and empathy for others and who I am proud to know.

Well done Jayde and Grace, and well done to the following students who made an appearance in the video: Kobi Butcher, Jessica Myers-Denton, Natalie Boxell, Emily Knight, Zara Fehring, Ethan Wake, Keilani Trewavis, Jessie Speight, Grace Clinton, Benito Di Battista, Alia Fehring, Ella Tosh, Georgia Berrie, Grace Staindl-Dymond and Jamie Marshall.

The video will be shown throughout the College to promote the message that we are all here for one another and that it's OK to talk about how we are feeling, and what we are thinking.

Here Jayde Cooper writes about the experience of winning the short film competition:

This experience was insane. After being shortlisted for a short film award, I thought it couldn’t get better, but it did, we won! Thank you, Grace, for being my partner in this whole experience. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you to everyone who was happy to be a part of our film. I love and appreciate you all and being able to work on a film that shares a message that I try to voice and spread is beyond unbelievable, and to be recognised for that is beyond words.

There are many reasons why I thought that this project was one I wanted to be a part of, and the main reason is the things that I learned in being a part of the Yellow Ribbon program that is run by Ms Tasiopoulos — that support is always accessible and people will always listen. So many young people are in need of help. If this film could help one person then that was reason enough for me to be a part of creating it. More education is still needed when it comes to mental health and mental illness, and that is what the 'You Are Not Alone' campaign strives to achieve, as well as spreading awareness. I hope this film is used for education and to raise awareness for suicide prevention in Australia and, hopefully, the world.

Sports Awards
On Wednesday night we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students and welcomed guest speaker, three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist Laetisha Scanlan, who passed on some very valuable advice to aspiring athletes. Full details of the awards will be published in the next newsletter.

Student Achievements
Women’s football
Huge congratulations goes to Emerson Woods (Year 12) who this week was drafted to AFLW club Carlton.

Running
Well done to Baxter Lill (Year 8) who competed in the Melbourne Marathon’s 5km event last weekend.

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

Weight Training
Term 4 supervised open gym is open Wednesdays 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 up-to-date fixtures and venues for games.

Year 9 Results (18 October)

Year 9 Results (25 October)

Families are invited to a showcase of performance works by our Music, Dance and Drama students. The event will be held on Wednesday 21 November in Centennial Hall from 7.30pm.

The Showcase is your chance to see the breadth and depth of the College's talented young performers in action. There will be group and solo dance performances. Drama ensembles, solos and monologues. And from the Music department the Jazz band, LEAP band, string and guitar ensembles and Choir will be performing, among many others. We hope to see you there!

On Saturday 20 October we celebrated the Alumni Gala, one of the College’s premier annual events. It’s where we honour those who have achieved greatness while championing the Mercy ethos. The night celebrates the past, present and future of Mount Lilydale Mercy College. We were thrilled to add the 2018 inductees to the MLMC Mercy Honour Roll.

This year’s inductees were entertainer Diana Trask (1947-54), past teacher and Deputy Principal to the College Terry Harrison (1978-2000), Australia's highest-ranking female in Military Education, Colonel Fiona Haynes Curtis (Class of 1989), and local businessman and supporter to the Yarra Valley community Michael Napoleone (1985-89).

Guests learned each of our inductees’ remarkable stories and were part of celebrating their induction into our 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.

The contribution of Peter Ruscitti over seven years as President of the MLMC Old Collegians’ Association was also recognised, while it was the first Gala since taking on the role of President for Olivia Cox.

It was a fun evening of entertainment, with live music from Charlie Trimboli and his band The Megahertz, awards, delicious food, silent auctions and the best in local beers, wines and ciders from the Yarra Valley.

The 2018 Gala was an awesome College Community event. It not only reconnects and celebrates our community, it helps raise funds for those in our community in need. We look forward to even a bigger Gala in 2019 and the induction to the Mercy Honour Roll of more wonderful individuals. Nominations for the 2019 Mercy Honour Roll are now open HERE

At the recent Wandin Silvan Field Days our talented Young Farmers' Club members ran a successful pet show, plant stall and were awarded a number of prizes in the photography competition.

In what is becoming quite a tradition, the students of MLMC put on a pet show for the local primary school students, as well as showing the school animals to the local farming community. The event was tremendously successful thanks to the positive attitude of our students, wonderful support from our parents, sponsorship from amazing local companies and the strong support of the Wandin Field Days committee.

Plans are already afoot for the 50^th anniversary of the event next year, with Young Farmers planning some special events for families.

The group’s next big event for this year will be at the Lilydale Show, where we will be competing with schools from around the state in the sheep competition on Saturday 17 November, and then the goat competition on Sunday 18 November. The Lilydale Showgrounds will be open from 9.00am to 9.00pm on the Saturday and 9.00am-5.00pm on the Sunday. Make sure that you come down and support our local show and see the Young Farmers in action!

Last Friday, offers were posted to the 2020 Year 7 students who will be graduating in the MLMC class of 2025. With this, the cycle of life at our College is once more repeated.

This year, it was wonderful to see so many Catholic students from our eight Priority Parish schools applying. As a College we owe a large part of our success to the excellent values that are built by the core group that come from these schools and we thank our feeder schools and parishes sincerely for their invaluable contribution.

The parents and students that we have met at interviews, on College tours and at Taste of MLMC have cited our Catholic values, our pastoral care, our facilities and our reputation within the community as a holistic school as the prime reasons for wanting to enrol. They often mentioned the Performing Arts and Music program, our Sports reputation, VCAL and VET, the Science and Technology areas and the College farm activities as highlights.

These tours and events provide a great opportunity to meet with our teachers and students and to get a feel for the school and all that we offer. The College Prefects and Peer Support students give up two hours of their time for each tour. Their positive input is always commented on by the parents and this only strengthens the ‘family’ atmosphere that is synonymous with MLMC. Catherine McAuley would have been as proud of them as we are!

If you are a parent who has received an offer for a Year 7, 2020 child, if you could please get back to us as soon as possible it would be much appreciated. And for those parents who may be waiting to hear from us, we understand that it is a difficult time waiting for an offer and appreciate your understanding and patience.

Our Year 12 VCE Theatre Studies students put several months of hard work into their exams on Saturday 20 October. Over 16 weeks, they have had to select, research, interpret, perform and produce a monologue from a collection of plays including Merry Wives of Windsor, A Dybbuk, Letters for Lindy, Woman in Black, The Ferryman, War of the Worlds, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and Love Loss, and What I Wore.

The students had to personally recreate their piece using their acting/performance and stagecraft design skills. To do this, they had to learn and apply the following skills:

• Researching playscript, playwright, context and theatrical styles
• Characterisation and intended meanings/themes
• Performance skills (acting/expressive skills, actor/directorial choices, actor/audience relationship, justifying their stagecraft design choices)
• Visual concept (design, justifying, sourcing and applying their costume, set, props, makeup skills to their selected piece)
• Rehearsal/workshopping their performance/design ideas.

The exam is worth 25% of their total year mark. For many, the day as much as the 'process' in itself was a significant learning experience and they did us proud. The students were mutually supportive and had great attitudes — even with all the nerves.

Invitation to Mass of Remembrance Sunday, 18 November 2018

On the reformation of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College Old Collegians’ Association in 2011, a Mass of Remembrance to commemorate those community members who had entered Eternal Life was initiated. The purpose was to offer support to the bereaved by paying tribute to loved ones no longer with us.

This year the Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 18 November at 2 pm and will be followed by afternoon tea in Mount Saint Joseph’s. Names of deceased loved ones will be acknowledged in the Prayers of the Faithful during the Mass. A Memorial Book is located in the Our Lady of Mercy Old Collegians’ Chapel and if you wish to have a family member’s name included in the Book and the Prayers, please contact Lucia Tabacchiera at ltabacchiera@mlmc.vic.edu.au or phone 9735 4022.

Everyone is welcome!

Each year the College awards a number of scholarships. Please find below further details about the MLMC scholarship opportunities.

Please note — applications for 2019 close on Thursday 1 November 2018.

Archbishop Sir Frank Little Indigenous Scholarship
Scholarships are available for entry at all year levels and start at $1000. Inspired by the example of Catherine McAuley and the Mercy Sisters, Mount Lilydale Mercy College is committed to serving the local community by offering an opportunity to those who seek a values-based Catholic Education and those who aspire to academic success. The Archbishop Sir Frank Little Indigenous Scholarship honours the dedicated service of the late Archbishop of Melbourne, Sir Frank Little, and his commitment to reconciliation and general support of Australia’s Indigenous people, in their quest for recognition and equality in life, and his general support of families in some need who desire a Catholic Education for their children.

Academic and General Excellence Scholarship
Scholarships are available for entry at Years 10, 11 and 12 and are offered at 50%, 75% and 100% of tuition fees. Inspired by the example of Catherine McAuley and the Mercy Sisters, Mount Lilydale Mercy College is committed to serving the local community by offering an opportunity to those who seek a values based Catholic Education and those who aspire to academic success. Whilst Catholic children are the priority of the College, which is reflected in our enrolment policy, the College recognises that in the senior years of schooling, opportunity exists to help children who could not otherwise be offered the opportunity to benefit from such an education.

Applications close on Thursday 1 November 2018.

Archbishop Sir Frank Little Indigenous Scholarship 2019 Information
Archbishop Sir Frank Little Indigenous Scholarship 2019 Application Form
Academic and General Excellence Scholarship 2019 Information
Academic and General Excellence Scholarship 2019 Application Form

Pictured are the 2018 Old Collegians' Association Scholarship recipients, awarded to current students each year. From left Kosma Krawczyk, Aragorn Keuken and Nathan Schubank.