Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community,

Welcome to summer and the last day of formal classes for 2019. I look forward to seeing many of you and celebrating with you at our Night of Excellence on Friday 13 December.

Graduation

The weeks since our last newsletter continue to be filled with celebrations marking the passing of the end of the 2019 academic year. In the last newsletter I said I was thinking of Graduation, which was celebrated on Saturday 23 November at a fantastic venue in the Melbourne Convention Centre. It was an honour and a pleasure to see the Graduation Class of 2019 dressed in their finery for a formal Graduation ceremony. After the long period of exams they depart to their many adventures.

This celebration is indeed important. We, as a College and a community, wish each and every one of them well and trust that many will stay in contact and remain connected through our Old Collegians' network. We will always be thrilled to see them and hear of their adventures. They will continue to be in our prayers as they await VCE results, ATAR scores, university, TAFE and job offers.

Student Awards

Meanwhile, the many other year levels have busied themselves with exams, award ceremonies and for some, Academic Foundation Programs (AFPs). The award ceremonies are indeed a fitting way to finish the year as they highlight achievement and effort — but they do more than that. They acknowledge every student for their contribution to our College through the College colours system and I am thrilled at the numbers awarded this year. Congratulations to all students whose contribution and efforts were recognised. You can read more about the awards in this newsletter.

Staff farewells

With the end of another year, the College farewells a number of staff members who are moving on to new chapters in their lives:

Congratulations to Michael Slagtman (33 years) and Steve Palmer (29 years) who formally retire at the end of this year. We wish Michael and Steve the very best and hope they enjoy a long, healthy and happy retirement.

This year, we also farewell Anne Fenby, Sophia Kmiec, Ashley Gray, Maria Esnouf, Amanda Burchell, Kathryn Van Winden, Luke Deery, Gina Morra, Michelle Stone, Denise Taws, Ashleigh Clinton, Maeghan McKenzie and Fiona Lynch. We thank them for the contributions they have made to the College community while undertaking their replacement and contracted positions.

Congratulations also to Jessica Duff, who has completed her AFL traineeship.

And finally, Tanya Hutton, Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching, is departing to take up the Principal position at Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie. We wish Tanya the very best in this important role.

Each of these staff members has contributed to the broad and rich life of our College and often their work and dedication to our students goes unseen. We thank them for their service and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Personal Pars

Members of our College community are in need of our support and prayers with the passing of loved ones. Let us remember and pray for:

Tracey Schparyk, grandmother to Tyson Fitzgerald (Year 7); Maureen Napier, grandmother to Hannah (Year 11), Thomas (Year 8) and Niamh (Class of 2018); and Gerard Sugrue, grandfather to Courtnei (Year 10) and Jemma (Year 12).

Let us pray for the repose of the souls of Tracey, Maureen and Gerard. May they, along with all the faithfully departed, rest in peace.

Merry Christmas

Lastly, I would like to thank every family within our community for their ongoing support throughout 2019. I wish each of you a happy, holy and peaceful family Christmas and look forward to your return in 2020. I hope you find the up and coming holiday season to be restful and that the summer heat and fire season does not provide issues.

God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

College access

As part of our continuous improvement of our grounds and facilities we are commencing many of our building projects now to ensure that all projects are completed and the classrooms and facilities are ready for the commencement of the 2020 academic year. This means that from Wednesday 18 December the only gate entrance to the College will be via the gate on Nelson Rd. All other gates will be closed due to the various building works. All guests must make their way to Reception at Dublin House to register.

Office dates

Office Closed — Thursday 12 December
On Thursday 12 December the campus will be closed completely for staff to join together in the end-of-year activities. The Main Office will be closed for the entire day. The Office reopens on Friday 13 December at 8.00am.

Holiday Closure — Friday 20 December
The final day of operation for the College Office is Friday 20 December — on that day it will be open until 12.30pm. After that time, the office will be closed for the Christmas holidays and will reopen on Monday 20 January at 8.00am.

Calculators required

The College is looking to acquire any second-hand calculators from senior students so that we may be able to assist families in need. The calculators we are specifically looking for is the calculator that Year 10-12 students use (a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator). We are looking both for donations and second-hand calculators that are in good condition that the College may be able to purchase from families at a reduced cost. If you would like to donate or sell your second-hand calculator, please contact Mrs Emily Cerra via email to ecerra@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Instrumental Music

If your child has ever thought about learning an instrument, the College has a number of options available to them in 2020. Instrumental Music enrolment forms can be found on the Parent Portal under Forms and Information, alternatively you can email the College’s Instrumental Music secretary, Mrs Sharon Flint, at sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au to request a form. To secure a place in lessons with your preferred instrument, please return your enrolment form to Student Reception OR to the Music department as soon as possible. Instrumental Music lessons will commence in Week 2 of Term 1 in 2020.

As we approach the end of another school year, let us pause and give thanks for all that we have received and all the opportunities that await us. During this season of Advent may we take time to pause and reflect on the great wonder of the Christmas story. May God bless you richly throughout this wonderful season.

“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds”.
— Psalm 9:1

Prayer

O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace.
Amen.

(Pope John XXIII)

(1) Student Achievements

Netball
Congratulations to Emily Wicks (Year 10 Bronze) who has recently received the NetSetGO Award in the Netball Victoria Community Awards. She has displayed great dedication and commitment in planning and preparing practical netball skills and activities for a group of young aspiring children every Saturday morning at the Mountain District Netball Centre in Ferntree Gully. Well done, Em.

Basketball
Congratulations to Brody Harrison (Year 8 Blue) who has been selected to represent Victoria in the East Coast Challenge Tournament to be held in New South Wales in January. Best wishes for the competition, Brody!

Volleyball
Congratulations to Allison Mathews (Year 9 Green) who has recently returned from representing Victoria in the Australian National Junior Volleyball Championship held at the AIS in Canberra. Victoria won the silver medal. Well done, Vics and Ally!

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

(2) Weights Training

The open gym weights training sessions are now finished for the year.

(3) EISM Sport

The EISM season finished last week with Grand Finals for nine MLMC Year 9 teams. The College finished with three premierships — in boys’ netball, girls’ table Tennis and girls’ ultimate frisbee.

EISM Year 9 — 28 November (Grand Finals)

On Saturday 23 November, the Graduation ceremony for Year 12 students in 2019 was held at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Our 202 Graduates were excited and relieved to reach this moment that represents the completion of 13 years of study. Over 850 guests, family and friends attended the ceremony to also share in this significant milestone.

During the evening our Principal, Mr Philip Morison, offered words of encouragement and advice to our graduates as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

Our 2019 College Captains, Matthew Gamble and Grace Clinton, made reference to Mr Morison’s address from the beginning of the year, which encouraged the students to grow, spread and become more magnificent as the years progress.

The evening also included by musical performances by Performing Arts Prefect Georgia McAleer, who sang The Wizard and I and Music Prefect Sam Lees and Joshua McKinnon, who performed a saxophone duet Fly me to the Moon.

Several students were acknowledged for their work in social justice initiatives by receiving a Mercy Service Award, and there was also a series of Graduation Awards, as follows:

• Emma Collins Award for Community Spirit: Ethan Preston
• Barak All Rounder Award: Darcy Hamilton
• The Rotary Club Award for Service: Chloe Baulch
• The Glenys Heath Memorial Award: Willow Thomas
• The Principal’s Leadership Award: Matthew Gamble and Grace Clinton.

We wish all our graduates success in their future careers and studies and we proudly congratulate them on their achievements at Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

All students in Years 7 to 11 have been involved in the Semester 2 Awards ceremonies in the final weeks of the school year, ending today with awards for Year 7 and Year 8 students.

Students who have given their best both academically and to the College had their efforts acknowledged with the presentation of Merit Awards and Academic Awards. Families and friends were also invited to the Doyle Centre or Centennial Hall to join in the ceremonies and offer their congratulations.

Recipients of Academic Awards display:

• Academic excellence
• Personal organisation
• A positive contribution to the learning environment
• Originality and creativity
• Enthusiasm for the subject.

The 85% average is a weighted average. Each faculty determines how this average is calculated based on the number and nature of assessments.

Merit Awards are limited to a maximum of four per class and are award to students who demonstrate enthusiasm to study, consistency in effort, punctuality, completion of homework, meeting task due dates and a cooperative approach to others.

Students also received badges acknowledging the College colours they have earned this year, with College Silver and Double Silver awards handed out to Year 11 students, College Bronze and Double Bronze awards went to Year 10 students, College Blue and Double Blue awards went to Year 9 students, College Red and Double Red awards went to Year 8 students and College Green and Double Green awards went to Year 7 students.

At each of the Awards ceremonies, Principal Mr Phil Morison shared the inspiring story of Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC chicken fame, who built his global empire out of fried chicken having retired at the age of 65 penniless. “His story is inspirational because it’s an example of how perseverance, dedication and ambition along with hard work can create success, regardless of your age. It is an example of endless opportunity,” Mr Morison said.

Mr Morison encouraged the students to set goals, commit to the journey and keep focused “then the outcome will look after itself”.

“Commit to being a learner with a positive mindset that you will overcome each and every obstacle as it presents itself. Commit to being a full member of our learning community, with our goals and values.”

Please find attached a list of all the award recipients.

The College’s Counselling and Wellbeing team wishes everyone in the community a safe and restful break. For families needing extra support during the holiday break, please refer to the resources listed below.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Tina, Tony, Anna and Amy.

Online/Phone Support

Lifeline — 13 11 14 (www.lifeline.org.au)
Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 (www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Youth Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 www.youthbeyondblue.com
Eheadspace — 1800 650 890 (www.eheadspace.org.au)

Face-to-face Services

Headspace — 9801 6088
Inspiro Lilydale — 9738 8801
Anglicare — 9735 4188

After an unforeseen postponement, the Year 9 Social took place on the evening of 22 November in McAuley Hall. Coordinated by the Year Level Leaders, the event was predominantly organised and set up by a very enthusiastic group of Year 9 volunteers who had the hall laid out magnificently and were critical in making the night a real success. Music was provided by DJ Josh Peters, an Old Collegian, and the students didn’t take a break from tearing up the dance floor except for when the pizzas arrived.

The theme of the Social was ‘Favourite Movie or Movie Character’ and there were some spectacular efforts by staff and students alike. Mr Leydon as Tom Baker (Dr Who) or Mr Wicks as Superman were vying for top honours with the students dressed as Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee, James Bond and Wonder Woman, to name a few. The effort and creativity of everyone was amazing and speaks to our students’ imagination and willingness to participate.

Most importantly, the night was fun. The students were magnificently behaved, completely inclusive, and genuinely happy. It was this that made the Social one of the best events of the year.

Here are some student reflections of the event:

The Social was a great experience because it allowed all of us to come together, both teachers and students, in a setting that we otherwise wouldn't get to experience. It allowed for a more relaxed and social night with the teachers and offered a chance for us to have fun alongside our friends — something that, during the school term, might not happen often. The night pretty much ran itself with a constant stream of upbeat and amazing music that at least somebody knew, accompanied by limbo and dance-off challenges which added to an already fun night. Overall, I saw the night as a success and it allowed, for me at least, a nice way to enjoy myself before exams.
— Noah Ruta (Year 9 Orange)

The Social was a great night! There were many people with great costumes and everyone had a great time. The dance floor was filled, the food was free and the DJ was on point with his songs. There was amazing preparation for this night.
— Stella Atkinson (Year 9 Green)

The Year 9 Social was an exciting night that brought everyone together. Both teachers and students had fun dressing up as their favourite movie characters, eating heaps of pizza and dancing the night away. The evening was great fun, and everyone who went enjoyed themselves.
— Ellie Inglese (Year 9 White)

The sun came out just in time for our Family Service of Carols on Tuesday 3 December. The College band and choir led the carols, students from various year levels took part in the service and the Parents and Friends’ Association volunteers were on hand with one of their crowd-pleasing sausage sizzles.

The readings and carols gave us an opportunity to reflect on this wonderful season of Advent and begin to prepare for the birth of our saviour. It was lovely to see some of our younger family members placing the candles in the Advent Wreath — a real reminder that this is truly a community event.

Thanks to everyone who helped to prepare and facilitate this event, especially our senior CSYMA students and newly-appointed student leaders. Thanks to all the families who came along and joined in the Christmas spirit.

May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

In November MLMC had the pleasure of welcoming author Prue Mason to conduct writing workshops with some of the Year 8 students. These engaging workshops assisted students in learning how a character is shaped by their life story through the development of a character’s backstory.

Students were provided with the first chapter of a thrilling story of a plane about to crash Flight Zero Zero Two. They were then presented with the dilemma of choosing which character would survive the plane crash. Using props, such as clothing and accessories, students worked in groups to develop a backstory about why each character was on the aeroplane and why they should survive.

Students created some interesting backstories and well thought out reasons for why their character should survive. Each group had a fantastic experience working with Prue and learning techniques for character development that they can use in their next pieces of creative writing.

The annual EISM Beach Carnival was held at Point Leo last week, with MLMC students from Years 7 to 10 competing in events including beach sprint relays, beach flags, run-swim-run, board relays, wade (running through the shallows) relay and the ironman/woman (run, swim, board).

A great day was had by everyone who participated, with some great individual and team performances.