Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College Community

Welcome to the 2018 academic year after what I hope was a restful family Christmas and an inspiring holiday period. The weather has certainly been varied and provided some challenges, but many opportunities as well. The College has been open and running for several weeks now and much work has been completed in that time, but the joy of any school community is full classrooms and social areas. I believe our students will return to a College which continues to aspire to improve.

Improvements over the holiday period include:
• A rearranged and refurbished entrance to the McAuley Library
• A new entrance to Centennial Hall
• A refurbished performance space in the Drama Room
• A new stage extension and stairs in Centennial Hall
• A refurbished playing floor in the Bradshaw building
• Solar panels on top of Centennial Hall and the Doyle Centre
• Some repaired roadways and line marking around the College
• The installation of a new electronic gate at The Eyrie.

Whilst this may not be an extensive list, it does give you some idea that improvements are continually being made to our facilities so that improved outcomes can be afforded to each and every student.

Over the holiday period I enjoyed reading a number of books, some for pleasure and some for my professional extension. I stumbled across a summary of an article written by a psychotherapist named Amy Morin, entitled “Things your teenager need to know” and it was written from the premise that the start of a school year can be both an exciting and frightening time for many teenagers. It proposed five things that parents should discuss with their teenagers.

1. “Everyone else isn’t doing it”
There’s a lot of talk about all the things teens claim to be doing—drinking, using drugs, extensive use of social media, engaging in sexual activity to name a few. The truth is, many of those claims aren’t true. Teens who believe that the popular kids are doing such things are more likely to engage in those activities. The notion that ‘everybody’s doing it’ can fuel poor choices. As parents set the record straight and explain how some adolescents exaggerate and lie to be perceived as cool. As parents certainly do not believe it when your adolescent states “Everyone else is doing it”.

2. “I expect good grades from you”
While it’s not healthy to put too much pressure on your child, it is important to set your expectations high enough that you’ll encourage them to do their best. Reassure them that the workload will be manageable. Stay involved in your child’s education and take steps to ensure they remain motivated to achieve at a high standard.

3. “Kindness matters”
Many teens believe their parents want them to be smart, more than they want them to be kind. Talk about healthy values. Make it clear that you love your child and want them to be successful, however also explain that you want them to show kindness and compassion. We are all called to live by the golden rule to love one another.

4. “You can earn freedom by showing you can make good choices”
Explain they can have more independence but extra responsibility must be earned. They can show you when they are ready for more freedom by doing well with the independence they already have. If they can’t arrive home on time, why would you allow them to stay out later? Explain that their ability to gain more freedom depends on their behaviour.

5. “The decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life”
Teens need to know that many of their decisions can impact them forever. Whether it’s an inappropriate post on social media, or a risky decision that doesn’t turn out well, there can be serious consequences for their choices. You can’t be there to see what they’re doing when they are at school or out with friends. Show confidence in them to think before they act and make healthy decisions, regardless of what others choose to do, but don’t set them adrift. Be their staunch parent, friend and supporter.

The Theme chosen to help guide us through 2018

The Theme for 2018 was developed for us by our Student Prefect Team at their induction program and is clearly centered around the Mercy Value of Respect, understanding that Catherine had this to say: “Our mutual respect and charity is to be Cordial”.

The Theme is: Whilst Knowledge May Empower, Character Builds Respect.

With the supporting scriptural content from Mark 12:30 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE): “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

We look forward to the year with this theme in mind, knowing that we will be able to develop it together.

The College Newsletter
The College Newsletter is an important source of formation and information. It is published electronically each fortnight. Parents and families will find the newsletter in their email inbox every second Friday evening. Current and past issues can also easily be found on the College website.

The Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is also a very important access point to the College. Excursion information, medical forms and individual family letters are all published via the Parent Portal. Families should become familiar with the processes to use it.

The College will text message parents when it is important to check the information on the Parent Portal. This year we will also continue to develop our Parent Access Module (PAM) which caters for live ongoing reporting as well as semester reports and attendance tracking. Both the Portal and PAM should have the same login details for each family.

2018 New Students
This year we welcome to the College a total of 265 Year 7 students all of whom were welcomed by anointing with oil on Thursday 1 February 2018 in Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.

7 Blue
Harry Alderman, Jake Andrews, Elly Atanasovski, Stephen Cameron, Jackson Coleman, Ciara De Vincentis, Alicia Di Pietrantonio, Tayah Eales, Miami Fabian Smith, Liam Furey, Gabriel Griffin, Louisa Inglese, Maya Johannes, Ayden Keithley, Jett Lang, Mitchell Mazzarella, Bella McMaster, Mackenzie Mitchell, Moses Nai, Aaliyah Roberts, Daniel Roper, Jasmine Ryan, Anthony Schembri, Olivia Shaw, Gracie Spieth, Rowan Tucker and Isabelle Walliker.

7 Bronze
Zachary Beard, Max Biddiscombe, Hayley Blewett, Monique Bonanno, Fraser Brown, Perry Byron, Grace Chamberlain, Ryan Chams El Dean, Alexandra Chisholm, Emily Comben, Antonina Corrone, Madeline De Vries, Amber Eacott, Kaj Elenius, Liam George, Jared McCann, Jett Moody, Madeleine Onley, Samahdi Reed, Harry Russell, Luke Schmitzer, Braedan Somers, Will Toopchan, Alice Vardy, Dan Whitaker and Sam Wicks.

7 Gold
Samantha Badgery, Heidi Bird, Julian Callaway, Anthony Ciantar, Joshua Del Biondo, Summer Edyvane, Nathan Elderhurst, Tom Elvin, Alexandra Griffin-Krenn, Ben Heath, Sarah Janssen, Alanah Jary, Sophie Johns, Scarlett Keen, Harry Largue, James Maffescioni, Chloe McDonald, Thomas Napier, Jordan Potts, Abi Pritchard, Samuel Rice, Frankie Salomone, Baylin Spencer, Jasmine Steele, Alex Van Duuren, Lily Woods and Zelie Zmegac.

7 Green
Harry Baxter, Hunter Bourke-Finn, Arabella Bucci, James Carr, Bianca Condon, Lauren De Betue, Mika Elenius, Joshua Giusto, Brody Harrison, Damon Hine, Miles Hollole, Brooke Leist, Russell MacDonald, Carissa Manger, Georgia Matthews, Flynn McDonald, Katherine McGarry, Tanesha McGregor, Macklin Murray, Karen Mwagiru, Gabriella Orlando, Jakob Pace, Yasmin Riddiford, Cody Silvester, Coby Smith, Riley Spencer and Celeste Tisbury.

7 Jade
Tessa Atkinson, Lucy Bourke, Oscar Brown, Benjamin Burkitt, Trystan Cannon, Malindu Chandrasekara, Liana Choi, Alannah Cox, Ashtyn Crabtree, Hayden Foletta, Rhys Fraser, Lauren Frazzetto, Lola Fritz, Jamie Ivan, Tyler Kirkham, Vivienne Mackenzie, Jett Matthews, Soph Morris, Cynthia Napolitano, Lachlan Northmore, Schemaiah Perera, Caleb Prentice, Jorja Rose, Harley Stafford, Mary Vanderkolk and Spencer Woods.

7 Orange
April Atkinson, Liv Barre, Olivia Blewett, Oliver Brewin, Sam Carrington, Jess Craig, Zach Di Ludovico, Primrose Dillon, Elle Enright, Lochie Foster, Ava Garthwaite, Joseph Glennon, Grace Horgan, Mia Hurren, Jayden Isbester, Levi Johnston, Rainer Ludwig, Will McNaught, Tia Neicho, Olivia Nielsen, Cameron Nyko, Jaz Sumner, Ollie Tisbury, Sean Wahrenberger, William Welsh and Jonathan White.

7 Purple
Paige Adams, Sienna Armstrong, Justin Beaton, Ellen Bradley, Torey Burns, Ed Cerini, Ryley Dare, Kelsey Fern, Sixten Franz, Mariam Grais, Shaelee Lang, Cameron Lilagan, Elizabeth Maggs, Tomas Majdancic, Rian Martinez, Alice McCormick, Sebastian McDonald, Ashley McIntyre, Danya Moerth, Raynor Orme, Edgerrin Peters, Josh Roberts, Mariz Sewiha, Paddy Vanstan, Jesse Wade and Andrew Waldron.

7 Red
Morgan Allen, Tyson Archer, Billy Athanasopoulos, Jay Barnes, Kaitlyn Barnes, Holly Chapman-Attwood, Phoenix Edyvane, Serena Farrugia-Borg, Sophie Grima, Caleb Harrison-Nicol, Spencer Hill, Thomas Hobley, Ashah Holmes, Joshua Logg, Olivia Mackowiak, Campbell Manser, Daisy McHarry, James McLaine, Max Murray, Mitchell O'Neil, Kathleen Rhodes, Keira Sandford, Xavier Scanlon, Riley Trewin, James Trimboli, Olivia Warren and Jade Whelan.

7 Silver
Leith Addison, Sienna Allen, Cody Anderson, Ginger Borg-McIlroy, Kiki Brilli, Harvey Cutler, Michael Douthwaite, Maxine Flamsteed, Olivia Gardeniers, Daniel Glennon, Blake Grant, Lily Hall, Darcy Harrap, Nicholas Hausler, Max Iskra, Georgia Kinslow, Julian Lopez, Rye Orme, Tyler Parker-Turner, Mitchell Payne, Seb Price, Nancee Ripepi, Lizzie Snell, Olivia Spence, Alannah Van Den Broek, Jess Vukic and Hollie Wheeler.

7 White
Jay Bridge, Dale Carroll, Amy Colliver, Jordan Copling, Taylah Culwick, Joel D'Angelo, Jade Fredrickson, Olivia Gallo, Yasmyn Gillam, Tyler Hanger, Jack Johnson, Richard Laan, Olivia Licciardi, Daniel MacFarlane, Heath Price, Benjamin Richardson, Natasha Rutzou, Monique Savini, William Smith, Amber Usenich, Matthew Van Steyn, Olivia Vandenberg, Georgia West, Joshua Wolski and Michael Woodward.

We also welcome a number of students and their families to other year levels:

Year 8
Chelsea Clinch, Phoebe Collins, Leah Haag, Zeke McDonald, Lachlan Reynolds, Noah Ruta, and Matthew Wilson.

Year 9
Keirah Kelly, Bridie Moon, Evan Schneider and Finn Whiteside.

Year 10
Samantha Crabtree and Ebony Edge-Willcockson.

Year 11
Isabella Fouet, Torrey Kelly, Eliza McDonald, Nuwin Rathnayake and Wil Selby-Hele.

Year 12
Brooke Johnson.

2018 New Staff
At our first Staff Liturgy for 2018 we welcomed back a number of returning staff:

• Tom Leydon returning from 12 months leave
• Renee McKinnon returning from family leave
• Marg Quinn returning from leave in Term 4 2017
• John Rodgers returning from leave in Term 4 2017
• Neal Haining returning from leave in Term 4 2017
• John Ioannou returning from overseas travel in Term 4 2017
• Emma Stafford as a College Psychologist for Term 1 2018.

We also welcomed and commissioned a number of new staff at the Liturgy:

• Christeen Fernando: Chemistry, Science and Maths teacher for 2018
• Paul Morgan: Religious Education and Faith Development Leader (REFDL)
• John Ryan: Faculty Learning Leader Humanities
• Andrea Cardinali: Italian Language Assistant for Semester 1 2018.

We also welcomed three new AFL Trainees for 2018:

• Candice Farrugia-Roberts: Events Management Trainee
• Tyson Noyes: Sports Trainee
• Sienna Spencer: Outdoor Education Trainee.

Community Opening Mass
This year the Community Opening Mass will be held later on Wednesday 7 March 2018 at 7.30pm in the Doyle Centre. This Eucharistic celebration is an important event in the life of the College for it is the first time that we as a complete community come together in prayer and recognise the importance of God in our lives. At this time we will also pray for a successful year of studies for all of our students, but especially the incoming Year 7 group and the Year 12 Class of 2018. I would therefore hope and expect to see many families at this Mass.

College Advisory Council
Mount Lilydale Mercy College encourages community involvement within our College through the many activities, but one such way is through our College committee structure. Parents and community members are asked to participate in committees to ensure the College is consultative, but also to increase expertise and skills when making decisions that affect the short and long term future of the College. This year we have vacancies on two committees:

• The College Advisory Council (one place)
• The College Publicity and Promotions Committee ( to be reformed)

If you are interested in being nominated for either of these Committees or know of someone who you would recommend nominating please contact me at the College or via email at principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au

The Parents and Friends group is also vital within our College and is another avenue used for consultation. We also encourage new members to the P&F and interested parents should contact Mary Ryan at ryanm@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Parking and Dropping Off Students
Please remember that there is a drop off and pick up zone inside the main entrance. Parking is restricted in both Allison Crescent and The Eyrie. Please do not drop off or pick up students in either of these streets. Such action will cause unnecessary congestion to our neighbours. Be aware of the strict parking restrictions that apply in the streets adjacent to the College. Cars are not allowed to stop in sections of these streets at the usual drop off and pick up times. Council Officers are likely to be present to supervise these parking restrictions and drivers who stop in the NO STANDING areas are likely to be fined. Students who have a medical condition that prevents them walking should be driven into the College via the main gate and dropped off as close as possible to her/his locker.

A Guide to People to Contact at the College
With this newsletter please find attached a Communications Guide. Hopefully it will help you when you wish to communicate with staff at the College.

God Bless

Philip A Morison
Principal

Welcome to the 2018 school year. We hope that all students commence the year with a positive outlook and a desire to perform to the best of their ability.

At the welcoming assemblies held for all year levels this week we spoke about the idea of appreciating the opportunities we have and making the most of them. We live in arguably the best country in the world. We enjoy a lifestyle and freedoms that are the envy of the rest of the world. At Mount Lilydale Mercy College our students enjoy outstanding facilities, the most dedicated teachers and a beautiful setting. We can so very easily come to take this for granted. Hence the message to begin the year is to make the most of this opportunity. The idea of beginning the year in the manner that you intend to continue applies to everyone.

A timely reminder about the wearing of correct uniform to commence the school year. This extends to the requirements for jewellery and make up. Support for the uniform requirements of the College is probably the most basic form of support asked for. Students who are not prepared to cooperate in this area will be required to remain at home until they can give the necessary commitment. I would also ask for all items of uniform to be clearly labelled with names. So much uniform ends up in lost property during the year, most of it without any indication as to the owner. A few minutes at the beginning of the year can avoid unnecessary expense later on replacing lost items.

A reminder that the blazer is not required to be worn by students during February. On cooler days students are not permitted to wear the jumper as the outer garment to or from school. Under these circumstances the blazer must be the outer garment.

Our Sunsmart Policy requires students to wear hats at recess and lunch during Term 1 and Term 4. The only hat that is permitted is the bucket hat. Replacement hats can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. We encourage sunscreen to be applied and this is available from various locations around the school.

I would ask that parents continue to observe the procedure of using the College Reception if there is a need to contact students during the course of a school day. Whilst it may seem more straightforward to contact your child directly via their mobile phone, this can create other issues. Students can only be dismissed from the care of the school if we have prior contact from parents. The same applies if you need to drop something off to your child during the course of the school day.

On Thursday 15 February a VCE/VCAL Information Evening is scheduled. Year 11 and Year 12 students and parents are encouraged to attend. We have engaged the services of Gregory Nicolau, founder of the Australian Childhood Trauma Group. A psychologist with many years experience in a variety of fields, Gregory has worked with the College before and his presentation will be entertaining and informative. He will look at stress management and apply it to VCE studies and there will be some very practical ideas to take away and apply. The evening is designed to provide a positive commencement to the VCE year and Gregory is a very engaging speaker. The session will commence at 7.30pm in Centennial Hall.

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new.

Thank you for all that you have allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things,

which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.

We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year.

We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else.

We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight.

We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us.

We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead.

Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honoured by our lives, and others would be drawn to you.

We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways.

Amen “

“If we love God, we will undoubtly love our neighbour also; they are as cause and effect.”

Catherine McAuley

Orientation Day is a day dedicated to the Year 7s that allows them to find out about what their first year at MLMC entails. As well as this, they are able to learn about their homeroom, their homeroom teacher and the class that they will be associated with for the year ahead.

The Year 7s with the help of their Year 10 peer support leaders were guided through the day and given insights into what to expect and what is expected of them as students. They were also given tours around the school.

Nathan and myself had the pleasure of attending each homeroom and explaining our role as McAuley Prefects. It was evident that they were eager to start Year 7 and were ready to contribute to Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

Nathan and I look forward to working with them as much as they do us - 2018 will be an incredible year with these determined young students!

The Yarra Valley Film Festival & Twilight Market is a Mount Lilydale Mercy College Old Collegians' Association initiative! Together with the College community, the Old Collegians are hosting the event on the grass slopes of the College on Saturday 24 February!Last year's innaugral festival was a great success and this year's will be even bigger and better. You can check out the out highlights from last year's festival here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_fE9v5uItY&feature=youtu.beThe festival celebrates the best in short films, local wines, beers, wines, ciders, live music, produce and lots more! Last year, celebrity entertainer Rob Mills hosted the event and this year we hope to have more surprises! If you'd like to come as a guest or as a volunteer, please do so - we'd love to have you. Volunteers get free entry! 5.30pm - the Twilight Market kicks off
7.30pm to 8.30pm - PG films
9pm onwards - grown up films with adult themes. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW - www.YVFF2018.eventbrite.com.au Special thanks to our supporters: Yarra Ranges Council, Punt Road Wines, Payne's Rise Winery,Global Ballooning Australia Heritage Holden, Heritage & Heritage Funerals, Lisa Angus Photography, Visual Culture, Coldstream Brewery,Yarra Ranges Life TV, Yarra Ranges Film Society, ROTARACT YARRA RANGES, Napoleone Beer and Cider, The BE Council, Mount Lilydale Old Collegians Football Club, Trevor Dudleys Menswear & Gamekeepers of Australia.

A very warm welcome back to another year of fun, interesting and challenging, environmentally sustainable projects.

The big news over the Christmas/New Year break was that the College installed an 80 kw Solar system on top of the Centennial Hall and the Doyle Centre. There will still be another 20 kw installed at a later date. The Solar panels are expected to provide the College with up to 60% of its energy needs for that individual power meter and students will be able to monitor the energy produced and exported via an app.

The College also received their first of 5 Stars in the Resource Smart Schools program. To receive 5 Stars will be huge process but the College is well on its way to achieving this. This year we will continue to work towards our Energy and Bio Diversity Star ratings which we hope to have by the years end.

During 2017 the College was successful in receiving a Community Grant from the Woori Yallock Community Bendigo Bank. With this grant we were given funds to purchase new recycle bin stations, which have been installed in the McAuley Quadrangle, and also some ‘Replas’ recycled plastic bench seating. This bench seating has also been installed during the holidays and can be found outside the Year 7 Mansfield building and also outside the Harley Building. The College will be purchasing more of this furniture for the Year 12 area during Term 1 this year. Please go and have a look; they look very smart and are actually made out of your recycled plastic bags here in Melbourne as seen on the TV series ‘War on Waste’.

The College also welcomes Eloise Trice as our Environment/Sustainability Prefect for 2018. Eloise will be assisting with our projects and Resource Smart Schools program during the year, and will keep you updated with what’s happening around the College via the newsletter on a regular basis.

The Young Farmers Club begins again in earnest on Friday 16 February.

Every Friday lunchtime, young people from Years 7 to 12 come together with teachers, farmers and parent volunteers to further their love of agriculture. Young Farmers is truly a gateway to the amazing opportunities that exist within the agricultural sector of Australia. Students have a vast range of opportunities through the club, these include showing animals, scholarships to cattle show teams, experience in winemaking and trips around the state learning and growing in the field of agriculture.

Even though our Young Farmers Club is only three years old, there are now current and ex-students working in a range of agricultural related areas part-time as they study, or after graduation. Some of the jobs our young farmers are doing include working as stockmen in Oodnadatta, working on cattle show teams and shearing as a part-time job, and several are working in wineries and on vineyards.

Not all young farmers want to work in agriculture, but all are united by their love of animals and fascination with the range of skills required to run a farm - from crutching sheep to making wine. Young Farmers is a welcoming and supportive club, that looks forward to meeting like-minded motivated future members.

On Friday 16 February any students who are interested in becoming involved in the program are encouraged to come along and find out what it is all about. Young Farmers meet outside Portable 4 near the vineyard at the start of lunch each Friday.

Welcome to 2018 and a special welcome to our new families. The Year 7 parents were welcomed with a Liturgy and morning tea on Wednesday and the group was buzzing with excitement as they and their children begin/continue their association with Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

I would like to invite parents/grandparents to consider volunteering with us this year. Volunteers assist students with opportunities that are available to them through the Organisational Skills program, Parents and Friends' Association and the Young Farmers’ Club. Government regulations require a few things to be completed before people can volunteer in schools. If you would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact me.

The Volunteer Application form can be found on the College website. http://www.mlmc.vic.edu.au/about-us/employment-1. Please complete the form and attach a copy of your current WWCC (Working With Children card) and email to me at ryanm@mlmc.vic.edu.au I will organise a quick interview and finalise the paperwork.

The Parents and Friends AGM will be held on Tuesday 20 February at 7pm in the staff dining room at the back of Mount Saint Joseph building. All interested people are invited to attend the meeting to hear our plans for the year. Please be assured that there is no pressure to attend every activity.

We are also keen for support with Organisational Skills throughout the college and if you would like further information, please contact me.

We are looking forward to an exciting year and your support and engagement with the college.

The yearly School Fee Statements have now been emailed to every family. Your School Fee Statement can also be viewed on the Parent Portal.

If you have selected to pay your fees via an automatic direct debit or credit card payment, your commencement date is stated on the statement. Please ensure funds are available on the dates scheduled for these payments as fees will apply to payments that are declined due to insufficient funds.

If you have not elected an automatic payment plan, it is assumed you will be either paying your fees upfront by the end of February, paying quarterly with the 1^st quarterly instalment due on 15 February or paying regular payments to ensure all fees are paid in full by end October 2018 as approved by the Finance Office.

If you have any questions about your School Fee Statement, please contact Margaret in the Finance Office, 9237 1315 or email, finance@mlmc.vic.edu.au

MLMC Swimming Training - starts MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY

When: Monday afternoons (3.30-4.45pm) and Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am)
Where: Kilsyth Pool
Why: To improve your swimming and fitness levels. All abilities are welcome. Commendations and house points are up for grabs!
Cost: FREE

• Students will be bussed from school to the pool on Mondays and back to school from the pool on Wednesdays
• Breakfast provided on Wednesdays
• Please see/email Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details

MLMC Swimming Carnival

• Friday 23 February
• Lilydale Outdoor Pool
• Years 7-9: Compulsory attendance Periods 1-4
• Years 10-12: Invitational from lunch to the end of the day

More details to come!

EISM Summer season start dates

• Year 8 - Tuesday 13 February
• Senior - Wednesday 7 February
• Year 9 - Thursday 8 February

EISM Reminders
With the Summer seasons of Year 8, 9 and Senior EISM Sport all beginning in the next two weeks, please remember the following:

• Check the sport plans which are up on the Doyle Centre window at the beginning of every week
• If you are unable to play in your team in a particular week, you need to let your coach know as early as possible
• Please be on time to the Doyle Centre on your sports day (nb: all EISM Teams need to leave at the start of lunch to get to venues to play)
• Your uniform needs to be 100% correct to ensure that we do not forfeit any games - hockey, soccer and football must wear long navy socks (nb: available at the Doyle Centre) and mouthguards must be worn for hockey.

NO CORRECT UNIFORM = NO GAME.

FIXTURES
Live fixtures for EISM matches can be found online at eism.org
(nb: click on 'Weekly Sport' and then 'Junior' for Year 8s and 'Senior/Intermediate' for Year 9s and Senior fixtures)

Victorian All Schools Triathlon Championship
If there are any students interested in competing in the 2018 Victorian All Schools Triathlon Championships on Sunday 4 March, please see Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre.

Independent Schools Golf Championships
If there are any students interested in competing at the 2018 Independent Schools Golf Championships on Monday 19 March, please see Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre. Students thinking about this should already play golf outside of school and have a handicap.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Swimming
The 2018 Victorian Age Swimming Championships were held in December at MSAC. One of our very own MLMC students Keilani Trewavis (Year 11) dominated in the pool, winning the girls 16 Years 200m Breaststroke final in 2.38.73, over 8 seconds ahead of the next placed Victorian. Keilani also lead from start to finish in the girls 16 Year 400m Individual Medley final to win Gold, in 4.57.76, over 12 seconds ahead of the silver medalist. Some of her other results from the meet:

• Gold - Girls 16 Years 100m Breaststroke
• Silver - Girls 16 Years 400m Freestyle
• Bronze - Girls 16 Years 200m IM
• Bronze - Girls 16 Years 200m Butterfly

We also had another MLMC student, Matthew Perry (Year 10) compete at the Championships for the first time in his swimming career. Matthew had a great swim in his 100m Breaststroke, taking 2 seconds off his PB.

We look forward to watching Keilani, Matthew and our other swimmers compete in the upcoming school swimming carnival on Friday 23 February!

Winter Olympics
Congratulations to Casey Wright (an ex student) who has just recently been selected to compete for Australia at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang beginning next week. Casey has been living and training in the US and has qualified for the Cross Country Ski event. Best wishes Casey!

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

Please find attached the College Communcation Guidelines for parents.

Please find attached an update on School Crossings from the Yarra Ranges Council which relates to the crossing at Beresford Road (between Cave Hill Road and Hightech Place) Lilydale.

Welcome back to another fun filled year of music making in our MLMC Jazz Band. We are looking for past and NEW students to join this very exciting band. It doesn’t matter what level of playing you are at (Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Piano, Drums, Bass/ Acoustic/Electric Guitar). All levels are welcome to join Mrs Rundle and her Jazz Band Ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble will rehearse every Thursday after school from 3.30pm to 5.00pm in the Music Department (SLR 1.2) with Mrs Rundle. The first rehearsal will commence next Tuesday 8 February. We hope to see you there!

Our College Choir is a wonderful opportunity to help our students develop one of their most precious gifts – the singing voice. As parents (and teachers) we have a tremendous influence on our children, also on their decisions and what they tend to see as valuable and important. What we support, they are willing to pursue, and what we encourage and give priority to, they continue to be a part of – even when the lustre at times temporarily wears thin.

For us at MLMC, the beginning of the choir this year brings extra excitement as we organise and anticipate the choir to participate in various College Liturgies, assemblies and concerts, as well as a number of external public events. The Choir is an excellent opportunity for your child to participate in a year-long program and sing with other students under professional guidance.

We truly look forward to a great year of rewarding time, learning and spiritual fulfilment. I hope your child will be part of this choir experience with us.

Choir rehearsals are held every Thursday after school, from 3.30pm to 5.00pm, in the Music Department SLR1.1 with Ms Caroline Dickason.

CHOIR REHEARSALS COMMENCE - Thursday 8 February 2018

SIX REASONS TO JOIN AN A CAPELLA ENSEMBLE

It is a fantastic decision if you are passionate about singing.

Can you sing? Do you want to show off your talent? It is a fantastic decision if you are passionate about singing. We rehearse each week and we have fun learning various songs. It might be your best decision yet! Here are 6 reasons why you should join us:

1. Learn to sing a variety of music

You get to sing all kinds of music. You get to perform your favourite songs with your group. You get to learn a lot of valuable information about music. Most importantly, you get to do what you love!

2. Showcase your talent

Singing is a huge talent and you get to show it off on this platform. Combine that with some interesting choreography, and it’s very entertaining. A Capella provides amazing opportunities to show off what you know!

3. Participate in concerts

You get to entertain the crowd and of course, you get to sing and be proud of what you and your ensemble have learned!

4. It's a de-stresser

When you are studying all day, wouldn't you want a break? An A Capella Ensemble means rehearsals every week to get you out of that room and into a music-filled environment. In fact, research has shown that singing relieves stress. It's a calming, yet energising break.

5. Make life-long friends who share the same passion as you

Even though you're all different, you all share one thing in common, making music together! It doesn't get any better than singing with your own group of friends.

6. Get connected with other groups

Because what's better than getting to know more people? Joining one group means joining a bigger singing squad than ever! You might have the opportunity to join other groups and meet more like-minded people.

JOIN NOW - HERE'S HOW

The Junior A Capella Ensemble is open to any Year 7 or Year 8 student: Rehearsals are held every WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME in the CEH Foyer (bring your lunch!)

Enrolment in the Senior A Capella Ensemble is by audition, and is open to Year 9, 10, 11 & 12 students: Rehearsals are held every TUESDAY LUNCHTIME in the CEH Foyer (bring your lunch!)

For further information, please email Ms Caroline Dickason (cdickason@mlmc.vic.edu.au) or Mrs Sharon Flint (sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au)

• Tuesday 6 February 2018 – Senior A Capella Ensemble COMMENCES

• Wednesday 7 February 2018 – Junior A Capella COMMENCES