Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

I hope you all enjoyed your Melbourne Cup long weekend this year, as wet as it was, and that any flutter that you invested in was in some way profitable.

In the past, I think I have told you that as a child I spent some time living with my grandmother and this time of year particularly reminds me of her. As we approached Armistice Day, she would always tell me the story of how the firm at which she worked was contracted to build the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. The money to build the Shrine was raised in just six months after a public appeal in 1928, and the Shrine was opened in November 1934. It was in the time of the Great Depression, yet such was the importance of the Shrine to the people of Melbourne it was built. “Miss Larkin, please bring your typewriter into my office,” was what she was told, and she typed the contract to build the Shrine. She also told me that the firm went broke building it.

The importance of this little story is remembrance. In homerooms this week, and as we approach 11 November, we give thanks, we pray and we remember.

On Sunday 11 November 2018, MLMC will join with the rest of our nation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice to end World War I. Armistice Day is more commonly known as Remembrance Day.

On that morning in 1918, German and allied officials signed the Armistice, which was the formal agreement to stop the fighting. When the agreement came into effect at 11.00am, the guns of the Western Front in France fell silent for the first time in more than four years. The two sides could, therefore, work towards a peace settlement and negotiate the treaties that would officially end the First World War — most notably the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on 28 June 1919 (Reference https://anzac100.initiatives.qld.gov.au/remembranceday/stop-and-remember).

Hence the 11th hour of the 11th month became a very important time, both in tradition and memory. You may recognise the blood-red poppy as a symbol of remembrance, for it’s worn on Remembrance Day and sold to raise money for returned soldiers and their families. This tradition, too, originated during World War I, and it is thought to have been inspired by the fields of poppies that grew in the battle-ravaged fields of the Western Front. The vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of soldiers soaking the ground, just as the red sash worn by infantry also reflects the blood-soaked clothes as they carried the dead and wounded from the field of battle. It is important that we never forget and we teach our children the importance of those who died for us.

Once again, members of our College community will be involved in the Lilydale RSL Remembrance Day service on Sunday. We thank them for their time and the effort they put into this important community event.

Lest we forget.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Credit: poetryfoundation.org/poems

In our prayers
Members of our College community also suffer with the passing of loved ones. We pass on our prayers and condolences to the families of Helen Jager, grandmother to Darcy (Year 11) and Marcus (Year 8) Hamilton, and Connie Hawkins, grandmother to Jayde Packer (Year 8). Let us pray for the repose of the souls of Helen and Connie. May they, along with the faithfully departed, rest in peace.

God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

Construction of our new Mercy Learning Centre (a 2200sqm three-storey building) is well under way. Demolition of the old buildings took place in Semester 1, the construction phase began in Semester 2 and last week the concrete pour for the second level was completed.

The building will bring together the library, lounges and seminar areas in a single community gathering place for our senior students. It will support the sharing of student ideas outside the classroom, complementing the shift toward collaborative media and team efforts. The core strength of this model is in the relationships it supports, including student-to-student, student-to-staff, student-to-faculty, student-to-equipment or student-to-information.

The Mercy Learning Centre project is Stage 1 of our current Master Plan (for which the College obtained a $2 million capital grant from the State Government in October last year) and is on track for completion in Semester 2, 2019.

On Sunday 11 November, communities throughout the world will commemorate Remembrance Day, marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). One hundred years ago, on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare.

Father of all, remember your holy promise, and look with love on all your
people, living and departed.

On this day we especially ask that you would hold forever all who
suffered during the First World War, those who returned scarred by
warfare, those who waited anxiously at home, and those who returned
wounded, and disillusioned; those who mourned, and those communities
that were diminished and suffered loss.

Remember too those who acted with kindly compassion, those who
bravely risked their own lives for their comrades, and those who in the
aftermath of war, worked tirelessly for a more peaceful world.

And as you remember them, remember us, O Lord; grant us peace in our time
and a longing for the day when people of every language, race, and
nation will be brought into the unity of Christ’s kingdom.

This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

During the final Year 12 assembly on Tuesday 23 October, the College Gold and Double Gold awards were presented.

The distinction of College Gold is attained by a select number of Year 12 students for outstanding achievement in the following:

• Subjects undertaken
• A variety of College activities.

This colour has been awarded in relation to some or all of the following criteria:

• Very high motivation level consistently shown
• Strong evidence of positively enhancing social relationships
• Achievements to an outstanding level relative to one’s ability.

DOUBLE GOLD
A College Double Gold is the highest award offered by the College Colours program of MLMC. A Double Gold represents a highly prestigious award to students who have progressed beyond the attainment of a College Gold.

COLLEGE GOLD

Congratulations to all recipients. It has been wonderful to see the commitment you have made to be involved in all facets of College life.

The result of hard work in senior Agriculture classes and an exceptional season has seen the first 'Reserve' wine produced at the College win a silver medal at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show. This wine show, one of the biggest in the country, saw our wine up against entries from around the state.

The hard work, diligence and enormous enthusiasm of our students has seen wonderful results in our wine in the past few years and this vintage is no exception. The production of this wine is building careers and contacts in the industry for our students, not only in Agriculture, but the Arts, Technology and various other faculties through our annual launch. It can help the vital work that our school is doing, connecting students with the enormous range of career opportunities on our doorstep.

Each year a new vintage is launched in September and wine is available for a small donation to the program. This wine is a true indication of the potential that lies within our community. Only a few bottles of the 2017 Reserve cabernet sauvignon now remain. To partake in this success, please visit Reception, and keep an eye out for details of next year’s wine launch.

The Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation students this year have already hiked in the high country and skiied at Falls Creek, while last week they were in the surf on the Victorian coast.

All aspects of the camps were organised by the students — from deciding what activities to do and where to go, to booking these activities and accommodation, planning all staff and camp paperwork, risk assessment, budgeting, etc. This fits in perfectly with the various aspects of the course.

My class went to Phillip Island, while Mr Murray’s class went to Queenscliff and Torquay, where some of the students swam with dolphins and seals.

Here are some student reflections from the camp at Phillip Island:

Throughout Term 4, the Year 10 Sport and Rec class has been organising a camp to expand our knowledge of the industry. On 29 October, we headed to Phillip Island. On the first day, lunch was provided from the catering group, which I was involved in. We had fish and chips with the bright sunshine, surrounded by seagulls and with the water in front us. Our first activity was surfing, with some of the boys organising our lesson. It was the first time surfing for many of us, so we were very excited to hit the water. Instructors told us how to catch a wave and how to stand up. Some of us got smashed by the waves, but we were always smiling. Everyone helped out for dinner as we were cooking our barbecue in front of the beach. The next day started with sand duning. We had our last surf lesson, with massive waves. We learnt many things on how to organise a camp and make sure it fits everyone's needs and wants. — Ebony Smark (Year 10 Bronze)

Surf camp did not disappoint. Our Sport and Rec class decided we would adventure down to Phillip Island. This camp was different — we had to plan the whole thing ourselves, but with activities like sand duning and surfing we knew we were in for a good time. Staying in Cowes, surfing at Smiths Beach, duning at Woolamai and having lunch at San Remo, we travelled the whole island. I learnt that a lot of time and effort goes into planning camps, and there's more than what meets the eye. — Bridget Deed (Year 10 Jade)

Students in the Year 10 Sport and Recreation class organised a camp for one night and two days. The group had hit the waves at 1pm on the Monday to get a high tide and some not-so-high waves. Everybody got up, catching a few waves each, while others (Mr Beard) caught every wave possible, working like a machine. We went sand duning at 9am, where some people ate the sun, while others ate the sand. The group had organised a second surf session where the tide was low and the waves were huge, resulting in lots of party waves and plenty of nose-dives and even more free-flying surfboards. — Angus Hayes (Year 10 Bronze)

(1) 2018 SPORTS AWARDS

The MLMC Sports Awards Night for 2018 was held on Wednesday 24 October, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students. We welcomed guest speaker, three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Laetisha Scanlan. She passed on some very valuable advice to aspiring athletes.

Year 9 Girls – Spring Sport 2017

Year 9 Boys – Spring Sport 2017

Swimming Age Group Champions 2018

Excellence in Swimming - Keilani Trewavis and Matthew Perry

Athletics Age Group Champions 2018

Excellence in Athletics - Olivia De Vincentis and Harrison van Duuren

Cross Country Age Group Champions 2018

Excellence in Cross Country - Kelly Whitchell and Max Benson

Old Collegians Leadership Awards

Year 9 Girls – Summer 2018

Year 9 Boys – Summer 2018

Senior Girls – Summer 2018

Senior Boys – Summer 2018

EISM All Stars Summer 2018

Girls Basketball – Bailey Blundell, Emerson Woods (captain) and Georgie Rhodes (coach)
Girls Indoor Cricket – Reanna Corrigan, Serena Gibbs (captain) and Simone Esmonde (coach)
Girls Softball – Marielle Laxamana
Girls Tennis – Grace Staindl-Dymond
Girls Ultimate Frisbee – Livy Henry, Emily Franken (captain) and Dan Beard (coach)

Boys Basketball – Darcy Harrison
Boys Cricket – Noah Andueza
Boys Hockey – Ryan Gurney
Boys Softball – Harrison van Duuren
Boys Tennis - Braeden Shean

Year 9 Girls – Winter 2018

Year 9 Boys – Winter 2018

Senior Girls – Winter 2018

Senior Boys – Winter 2018

EISM All Stars Winter 2018

Girls Football - Sienna Clark, Jess Dalgleish, Bridget Deed, Lilly Kelly (captain) and Johnny Dimitracopolous (coach)
Girls Hockey - Josie Molluso
Girls Netball - Serena Gibbs
Girls Soccer - Eliza McDonald and Mikayla Byrne

Boys Badminton - Hayden Ting
Boys Football - Isaac Biasuzzo, Jesse Ebert and Mitch Gordon
Boys Soccer - Nick Sanelli
Boys Volleyball - Matthew Gamble

Excellence in Weightlifting - Luke Phillips and Marielle Laxamana
Excellence in Equestrian - Mia Wright and Jasmine Dillon

Sports Champion Nominees

(2) WEIGHT TRAINING

The Term 4 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.

(3) STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Bobsleigh
Congratulations to past student Bree Walker (Class of 2010) for winning the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation's women’s monobob event, which is to be introduced as an Olympic sport in 2022.

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

(4) EISM RESULTS

Year 9 Results (1 November)

Year 9 Results (8 November)

For anyone who wore a tutu as a toddler and dreamed of one day being a real ballerina, the achievements of Keisha Sunderland (Year 9 Blue) will strike awe. Keisha has been accepted into the Senior Program at the Queensland Ballet Academy and will soon leave MLMC.

“It has always been a dream and a goal of mine to attend a prestigious full-time ballet school and for this dream to have come true really shows that passion, hard work and dedication pays off,” Keisha said.

Keisha has been dancing since she was two years old, and when she was eight she began dancing with the Ringwood Ballet Group. “This year I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to dance at The Australian Ballet School in the Extension Program,” Keisha said.

As part of the Senior Program at Queensland Ballet Academy, Keisha will complete her senior schooling at the Kelvin Grove State College where there are students from all around the world taking part in many different excellence programs, including Sport, the Arts and Technology.

“Attending Queensland Ballet Academy means that I will be moving away from home by myself and joining a homestay family. This seems a bit overwhelming to me at the moment, but I'm sure it will start to feel like a home soon enough,” Keisha said. “I will miss everyone at Mount Lilydale and I thank everyone for making my time at this school an enjoyable one.”

During her time at MLMC Keisha was also a valuable member of the debating team, taking part in the Debaters Association of Victoria competition. Keisha is pictured below sitting next to teacher Miss Emma Whitehouse in 2017 at a debate earlier this year.

We wish Keisha all the very best with this next exicting stage of her education.

The 2018 Kool Skools CDs have arrived and this year’s CD is our best yet. Due partly to the fact that more boys are now members of Kool Skools, we now have more bands backing our songwriters and rock has arrived at MLMC. The production value of the songs is fantastic and cover a broad array of genres and tastes — you're bound to like at least one of them.

One notable song is track No. 10, The Misconception, by Sam Johnston-Bailey (Year 12 Purple). Sam is a long-time member of the Kool Skools team and has played guitar and written music for many of the songs. This year, he wrote his own song and produced all of the music on it, with Charli Lilagan (Year 11 Purple) on vocals. His song is basically a protest song about the detention centres and his lyrics are both insightful and moving. In my opinion it's the best song to feature on any Kool Skools CD.

By audition, students are selected to have their original music recorded at Empire Records Studio 52 in Collingwood. This amazing opportunity draws together musicians of all genres and gives students the opportunity to have their songs professionally mastered and released on CD.

We would like to pass on a special thank you to Mr Greg Hysted and Miss Rachel Berka for their assistance throughout the year. As always, their contribution was greatly appreciated.

Pick up a free CD from student reception and listen to one of the best collaborative projects the school has to offer. We hope you enjoy it.

Our volunteers are such an important part of our College community and we are so thankful for the time they give to make our College the best place it can be for our students. As a thank you, we would like to invite all MLMC volunteers to a thank you dinner on Tuesday 20 November. Please RSVP to Emily Cerra by Monday 12 November. We look forward to seeing you there!

It is not often that parents get to come to the College to truly taste for themselves what their child has created as part of the learning, but that is exactly what happens each year for the VET Hospitality class.

Throughout the year, teacher Mrs Kirsty Brown has been guiding learning for the 19 students to focus on this event, which show cases the hospitality skills they have learnt. After excursions to Chateau Yering and The Windsor Hotel for high tea experiences, the students develop their ideas, trial recipes, and create a menu of food and drinks.

This year, sustainability was a high priority, with single-use products like straws and paper serviettes eliminated while invitations were emailed instead of being printed and posted. Students also made use of herbs and flowers from the College gardens.

The menu included appetisers (beetroot and hommus dips with cheese twists and pita crisps), homemade quiche and a variety of sandwiches for main course, then mini lemon tarts, chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate brownie for dessert, as well as iced chocolates and coffees and fresh fruit juices.

The students worked out who would take on front-of-house or kitchen roles or the serving of drinks, with chefs also taking the food out to guests.

“It’s important for them to have a realistic function for them to participate in. They need to plan, prepare and deliver,” Mrs Brown said. “The parents appreciate coming to the school and seeing what the kids do and see their children in action. It showcases how brilliant they are and how brilliant the College is.”

The Second Hand Uniform Shop is in need of stock, can you help?

The Second Hand Uniform Shop is run by a group of dedicated parents, who work hard to provide students and families in our community with quality uniforms at affordable prices. The Shop is currently in need of stock, particularly smaller sized uniforms, and we're hoping you may be able to assist with this.

Did you know that the Second Hand Uniform Shop can sell your old uniforms on your behalf? Saving you the hassle of advertising and selling the items, the staff in the shop will keep your items in perfect condition in a secure place, and simply transfer you the money from the sale once your items have been sold.

The shop also gladly accepts donations of uniforms which are no longer used, that, in the Mercy tradition, go to families in our community who are in need.

The shop accepts all items of uniform that are included in the College uniform policy. If you would like to donate or offer uniforms for sale on your behalf, please contact Emily Cerra at ecerra@mlmc.vic.edu.au, or simply deliver your uniforms to the office.

Our Year 9 Outdoor Education class spent three nights at Wilsons Promontory in mid-October and hiked a total of 35km across the three days. While the teachers were leading the camp (Mr Beard, Mr Dimitracopoulos, Mr Waters and Miss Spencer), the students were largely responsible for themselves and had to draw on their navigation and meal planning skills, and the minimal impact principles that they had learnt in class.

Here are some student reflections of the camp:

We did this camp to learn how to ‘leave no trace’ by walking in single file, using pre-existing campsites and in non-vegetated areas. By everyone following this we created a better environment and not having an impact on the wildlife. At the start I didn't even want to go camping because I despised the outdoors, but I felt like I needed to try something new. Not many people get to go to Wilsons Prom and experience this with a great group of people, and that's what the highlight of this trip was. I am so proud of what I accomplished. — Ashlea Calvi (Year 9 Red)

The Outdoor Ed camp was lots of fun. We covered 35km of hiking carrying packs that weighed 10 or more kilograms. We walked for most of the day and got to see all the beautiful views all the time when we were walking. I learnt how to cook without making a fire, instead we cooked with trangias. I was looking forward to the last day as we went off straight away and had to cross a river at six in the morning. We kept on walking all the way to the cave and most of us went in. It had crickets all over the top of the wall and you could hear the water in there running to a creek. — Liam English (Year 9 Green)

The Outdoor Ed camp was full of great views and challenging hikes. We all worked together to make it to the end and all of us had some fun along the way. We had to complete a total of 17-1/2 hours of hiking — five on the first day, 7-1/2 on the second and five on the last day. We made our own meals each day, some of them were great and some of them didn’t really work. At the start I was excited and a bit nervous for how hard the walk/hike was going to be. Every time we got to a really cool view I was relieved and thought that everything was worth it. By the last day we were all pretty sore but encouraged each other and pushed through to the end. — Jay Lewington (Year 9 Green)

Our hike lasted three days and two nights. We were set a cooking and camping area and were given the responsibility to cook our own meals and carry all of our rubbish out that we had used. We were hiking using the minimal impact rule — take out what you bring. We camped at Sealers Cove on the first night and Little Waterloo Bay on the next. During the Wednesday hike, the weather was absolutely horrible, the rain was soaking us, our packs and our mood. We had to set up our tents in the rain and had to cook in the miserable weather. The experience was second to none, it was the best getaway I have been a part of. I felt so happy with myself at the end of the journey because this was my first camping adventure. — Andre Parlas (Year 9 Blue)

Auditions for 2019 Instrumental Music Scholarships will take place after school (from 3.30pm onwards) on Monday 26 November and Tuesday 27 November, in the Music Department SLR 1.1.

Scholarships on offer include: Brass, Drums, Guitar, Piano, Strings, Voice and Woodwind.

If you would like to apply, please collect a Scholarship Application form from me in the Music Department office from Monday 12 November or email sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au to request one. Scholarship Application forms need to be submitted to the Music Department or Reception by 4:00pm on Wednesday 21 November 2018.

The Music Department will allocate your audition date/time and inform you via email. If you require a specific day or time to audition, please email Mrs Flint at sflint@mlmc.vic.gov.au as soon as possible. We will try our best to accommodate your needs.