Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Community volunteerism
This week we celebrated Open Day. A day when we welcomed visitors to our College as they go about investigating and choosing a secondary school for their children, with a focus on the Year 7 intake for 2020. In presenting to these prospective parents I spoke about such ideas as:

• community is a key word in our school and fits well with the Mercy Value of hospitality
• one of the things we value most is relationships and connectedness
• unlike many other secondary Colleges, we encourage parent participation and engagement in the College community.

As a community, volunteerism is very important to us and the parental example of volunteering provides excellent role modelling for children and students. Being of service to others provides excellent educational opportunities. We need and want parents to volunteer in our College, but because of Child Safe processes volunteering can no longer be on an ad hoc basis. It must be planned, documented and overseen. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but there are many things within our College that will not happen without your help. As we interview each family that enters our College, we explain the importance of connection and volunteerism, and most families agree to support the concept.

We need your help
Miss Mary Ryan who coordinates volunteers within our College is desperately in need of help. In fact without the help of a few hard working parents over these last weeks, we would not have been able to provide the hospitality that is so vital to our Mercy Charism. Mary has provided the lists of activities below - we hope you will consider these as opportunities and get involved. If you are interested or have any queries please contact Mary by email ryanm@mlmc.vic.edu.au

Also, please also consider joining our Parents & Friends' Group as numbers are diminishing. Fear of getting a job should not prevent your attendance. I assure you of a friendly group of parents who would love to welcome you and your ideas.

Important dates for your calendar for 2018
The Parents & Friends’ Association meetings are held at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. In 2018 the dates are as follows:

• 20 March
• 17 April
• 15 May
• 19 June
• 17 July
• 21 August
• 16 October
• 20 November

Activities for Parents & Friends in 2018 - HELP REQUIRED

*NB: for lengthy events rosters will be set up, so you do not need to volunteer for the whole event.

Let us remember
Sadly recently members of our community suffer the loss in the passing of loved ones. Let us remember and pray for Vivian O’Brien, grandfather to Breanna Ruscitti (Year 12). May Vivian rest in peace.

God Bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

This prayer is known widely as “Morning Prayer”, “St Patrick’s Breastplate”, or “The Lorica”. It is not known whether St. Patrick is actually the author or whether someone else wrote it years later and it was attributed to St. Patrick. However, it is widely associated with him and his ministry.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
Afar and a near,
Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.

Term 1 to Term 2 Transition

Term 1 concludes on Thursday 29 March at 2.35pm due to the early arrival of contract buses. All MET bus services will run to their normal timetable. Staff will be on duty in the bus bay area until around 3.50pm to supervise students who choose to wait for the MET buses.

Term 2 commences on Monday 16 April for all students. Friday 20 April is set aside for the College Athletics Carnival.Our Years 7 to 11 progress interviews will commence on Monday 23 April between 4.00pm and 8.00pm.

Tuesday 24 April is a student free day due to Student Progress Interviews between the times of 10.00am and 8.30pm. Please book your appointment via the parent portal. This day will be followed by the ANZAC Day public holiday on Wednesday 25 April.

Uniform Update

The first two weeks of Term 2 will be an optional period to transition to winter uniform. During this time, students can choose either winter or summer uniform but by Monday 30 April all students will be expected to be in full winter uniform.

As indicated last year, there is a change in the requirements for the sport uniform at Years 7 and 8 this year. For Terms 2 and 3 all students are required to wear track pants as part of their sports attire. The other uniform change is an optional one for girls. As part of the winter uniform, girls will now have the option of wearing trousers. The only style of trouser that can be worn is the grey pinhead fabric that is stocked at the Bob Stewart uniform shop. The College grey school socks must be worn with these trousers.

National Day of Action Against Bullying - Today
Today is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. In the previous newsletter I included material about bullying with particular reference to the tragic death of 14 year old Amy 'Dolly' Everett, a story that must touch the heart of every person. Last night on The Project there was a segment devoted to this National Day of Action and in words of Dolly Everett, as she tried to deal with her on line tormentors: "Speak Even If Your Voice Shakes". Please find above the image and the link to the segment that encourages young people to speak out against bullying.

https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/extra/season-9/speak-even-if-your-voice-shakes

World’s Greatest Shave - Last Day of Term 1
Each year we support the World's Greatest Shave to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation in their work to find a cure for blood cancer. This fundraiser is organised by Student Council and will be held on Thursday 29 March. Students will have the opportunity to have hair colour applied for $5, or receive a No. 2 buzzcut for $10, from a qualified hairdresser. Parent permission is required for both the hair colour and the buzzcut. A permission slip will be available via the parent portal for this. Money should be paid in advance by leaving the money in a sealed envelope at Student Reception with the student name, homeroom and amount clearly written on the envelope. This is a wonderful cause and we encourage all students to participate by joining in the activity or simply donating to the cause.

Year 9 Students head to Japan - April School Holidays
During the upcoming school holidays a group of four students from Year 9 will participate in an intensive Japanese language and cultural program in Tokyo. Accompanied by Ms Natasha McKenzie, Ava Bartusch, Emma Di Paolo, Stephanie Martinez and Connor Taylor, the group will spend this time with students from about twelve other countries as they are immersed in Japanese culture. The school is very lucky to be part of this program. Fourteen schools from around the world were selected from over 90 applicants for this fully funded trip. Ms McKenzie is to be congratulated on the work she put into our submission. We wish the group a safe and enjoyable experience.

Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Over the past three years the College has developed a Master Plan to ensure that all our facilities are well maintained and grow to become modern, open, light-filled spaces that reflect learning opportunities of the 21st century. Much has been done and we now have wonderful facilities, but it is time to start to build once again.

As I have mentioned previously, Stage 1 of our current Master Plan is the VCE Learning Commons which is a 2200sqm, three-storey facility that will house Year 12 (at least) and for which we obtained a $2 million capital grant from the State Government last year.Planning for this new facility is well underway and I expect builders to be on site in June of this year, with the project completed in June 2019, and for it be occupied by Semester 2, 2019.

I’m sure you would appreciate that a project of this size requires substantial planning and we are determined to complete this project with minimum disruption to the learning programs of the College. However, the building process will require some compromise and some relocation of a small number of students. This coming holidays we expect to demolish the current study hall attached to the Barak Library. This will require a relocation of the study facility for Year 11, and the Year 12 private study classes. This noisy demolition is being done now to make best use of the holiday period. The construction site will then be fenced off until the builders take possession sometime during Term 2. Whilst we understand that this will cause some inconvenience, the long term outcome will benefit many students and so we ask for your cooperation through the next 12 to 18 months as we embark on this exciting next stage of the Master Plan.

God Bless
Mr Philip Morison
Principal

Enrolments Year 7, 2020 Information Session - NEXT Wednesday 21 March

Open Day 2018 took place this week. But for anyone who couldn't make it along during work hours, there will be an Enrolment Information Session for prospective parents and students next Wednesday at which you will be able to meet with the Principal, Registrar, teachers and students and have all your questions answered. The information session will be held on College grounds, in Centennial Hall from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Open Day 2018 - Wednesday 14 March

We were blessed with lovely autumn weather for Open Day this year and despite the lack of rain over recent months, the gardens were looking beautiful. Parents began arriving at 11am and many brought their primary school aged children along so that they could explore the College together.

Students from Years 10 to 12 led tours throughout the day and many parents commented on how knowledgeable they were and what a fantastic job they did. At MLMC we take pride in creating an Open Day experience that allows prospective parents and students to wander through our school on a normal working day, observing our dedicated staff and wonderful students in action.

In Centennial Hall our junior and senior A Capella groups sang, the band played and the VET Music singers entertained visitors. The Principal spoke to visitors at lunchtime, along with Year 7 students Izzy Walliker and Anthony Schembri who spoke about their first months at the College - both showed poise beyond their Year 7 status. They were followed by our wonderful College Captains, Danielle Virgona and Ethan Wake, who spoke with great passion about their experiences at MLMC. The Registrar and a team of teachers were available throughout the day to answer people’s queries as they wandered around the extensive displays in Centennial Hall.

Agriculture Students Expanding Horizons

March has been an exciting month at McAuley Park Farm. Our Young Farmers have been crutching sheep and trimming feet in preparation of our first show. New members have been busy learning the basics of farm operations and many have now received their badges. We are looking forward to the many adventures planned for the year ahead.

Year 12 students have commenced their businesses, ranging from producing wool and breeding sheep to growing plants in the school nursery. The farm is a very busy place with many students choosing to undertake Agriculture as part of their VCE. A dynamic and rich field of study, Agriculture can lead to many diverse careers with strong employment prospects for graduates. Did you know that 50% of agriculture graduates find work in major cities?

Year 11 students recently undertook an excursion to the Dairy Research Institute at Ellinbank, where they examined how research was carried out by Agricultural Scientists. They also visited Radford’s Abbatoirs to learn about quality standards in meat and how growers can attain this. A busy month of learning continues as they now examine climate and soils.

Year 10 students are preparing for the upcoming harvest of the school grapes to make wine. During their studies they undertake all aspects of making a wine from the growing of the grapes right through to bottling. Combining their work in class with the practical tasks carried out by growers, the students will soon visit Yering Station and see the similarity of their learning experience to industry practice.

Year 9 students, with the help of Year 10 students, have just completed the harvest of the College apple orchard, donating the apples to Discovery Care, a local charity providing food for local people in need. This was an excellent opportunity for the students to put into practice their learning about how they can support their local community.

A vibrant and exciting place, the school farm is well used and loved by students of all ages.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS – GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

It was with great excitement that we received notification last week that Jessica Myers-Denton of Year 11 had been awarded the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This award recognises Jessica’s efforts over the past few years in the areas of physical recreation, skill, service, a residential project and an adventurous project. For Jessica, the award was not a new concept, having previously completed the bronze and silver awards.

As part of her Gold award, Jessica spent one month of her summer holidays volunteering in Western Australia where she worked at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, which studies bottlenose dolphins. Working five days a week for four weeks, Jessica worked with a team and was involved in all aspects of the Centre’s activities including: research, education, tourism, training, data collection, attending meetings and speaking about the centre publicly. Jessica also went out in boats, swam with the dolphins, and assisted with the Centre’s work studying the impact of people on dolphins and the rehabilitation of marine animals. Overall it was an amazing experience - Jessica received certificates from the Centre for her contribution and was invited to return again.

Over the past two years, while working towards the gold award, Jessica has learnt aerobics, volunteered as a dance instructor, conducted research into dolphins and visited Cambodia where she was involved in a residential humanitarian trip.

Throughout the entire program, Jessica has been extremely well organised and committed. She has gained many skills and built confidence and resilience. While the primary focus of the MLMC Duke of Edinburgh program is at the Bronze level at Year 9, Jessica is a wonderful role-model for younger students and an example of how the program can open doors to endless opportunities. Soon, Jessica will be presented with her award at Parliament House. Rumour has it that there may even be a very special Royal guest presenting her with the award!

On Tuesday 27 February my VET Sport and Recreation class had an orienteering day at Mt Lofty in Warrandyte State Park. We were split up into groups of two or three and were given a map with marks on it that we had to find. We had to use our skills at reading maps to find the orienteering markers that were slightly hidden along the track. This was a great chance to work on our team work, mapping skills, communication, problem solving and fitness. We also talked about first aid and what we should do if there was an injury or a problem. Despite the warm weather I loved the orienteering day! It was fun when you reached the top of the hill as there was a beautiful view to enjoy.
Lily Dove, Year 10

Towards the end of last month our Sport and Recreation class made the trip to Mount Lofty to take part in an orienteering activity. I teamed up with Ash and Ella and together we used the map, moving point to point stamping our card as we went along - most of the time we were just hoping that it was the right one. Although we were not great at it, we still gave it our best shot and worked well together as a team. We went along not only for the experience, but also in preparation for our first camp together as a group. This was the first time I had ever been orienteering and it was a great experience and great fun!
Maddy George, Year 10

(1) VICTORIAN ALL SCHOOLS TRIATHALON CHAMPIONSHIPS
Well done to Maddy George (Year 10), Bridget Deed (Year 10) and Lachlan Nichols (Year 8) who competed in the championships last week. All three students are new to triathlon and they competed extremely well against some of the top junior triathletes in Victoria over a distance of 400m swim, 10km ride and 4km run. Congratulations - we're looking forward to more students becoming involved in this event in 2019!

Maddy George - Year 10 Student
The 5.30am departure was well worth the sunrise and the awesome experience this triathlon provided. At the beginning, both Bridget and I were nervous at the sight of the choppy water that we were about to swim in but as soon as started, we stuck together and took it slow, half the time cracking up with laughter as one of us would get dunked by a wave. Next we were onto the bike, it seemed like the road went forever but the wind at our backs was a nice advantage pushing us along. This was not the case on the way home. After hoping off my bike, I headed straight out onto the running path, the 4km flew by as running along the beach was easier than expected! The atmosphere of this event was unreal, everyone cheering for you, which really made you push yourself just that little bit harder. The best part by far was crossing the finish line and feeling that sense of accomplishment and pride after being handed your medal. Overall the Schools Triathlon Championships was a lot of fun. I will definitely be doing it next year and encouraging many others to get involved too! Maddy George (Year 10)

Bridget Deed - Year 10 Student
The Vic All Schools Triathlon we competed in last weekend was really fun! There were so many kids there of all ability levels and it was a really great day out. The sun was out as we swam, rode and ran down at Elwood beach - the views made it seem like you weren’t even competing in a triathlon. It was my first triathlon and I would 100% recommend to anyone who wants to go out and try something different. I can’t wait to do it again next year!

(2) EISM SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Lucy Flamsteed (Year 12) Swimming Team Captain
As a Year 12 student this year, I have competed with Mount Lilydale since Year 7 on our Swimming Team and loved every part of it. Seeing such a range of students come together as a team on a day like the EISM Carnival, is not only a good opportunity to change up our classroom for the day, but to form so many new friendships. The EISM Carnival always has a great atmosphere - it is high energy and very competitive, but also a whole lot of fun. It is an incredibly valuable experience that will leave you with so many lasting memories. Throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to see so many of our younger students improve year after year, some starting out as beginners but being set such challenges in racing and really stepping up to represent MLMC so well! Getting up early and making the trek to Kilsyth Pool every Wednesday morning seems like a bit of a chore, but is actually such a good way to start the day feeling refreshed and awake. This year was also a milestone of sorts for me - getting to compete with my two younger sisters (Maxine in Year 7 and May in Year 10), only our second year all together at the same school. I hope after I leave MLMC, that the Swimming Team can be as rewarding to many students, as it has been for myself over the past six years.

(3) STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Netball: Congratulations to Paris Saunders, Brooke Scully and Danielle Gazzola (Year 8) for winning their netball grand final whilst representing LYVNA district in the Ariels VCNA tournament last weekend. Well done girls!!

Cycling: Congratulations to Cooper Downey (Year 11) who finished 6th in the Under 19 category at the Australian Mountain Bike Downhill National Championships in Bright last weekend - an outstanding result as this Under 19 age group is extremely competitive.Cooper is also currently sitting in 5th place in the National Series with one round remaining. Well done, Cooper! Congratulations also to Darcey Howard- Scales (Year 12) who competed in the Great Otway Gravel Grind last weekend. This is a 97km bike race through the hilly Otway Ranges. He won the Under 18 category.

Athletics: Congratulations to Harrison van Duuren (Year 10) who competed in Sydney on Wednesday night, representing Victoria in the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships.He competed in the 2000m steeplechase and finished 8th with a time of 6:25 (a 4 second PB!).Well done Harrison on another great achievement in this particularly tough event!

Swimming: Well done to Keilani Trewavis (Year 11) who has just returned home from the Gold Coast where she competed at the Commonwealth Games Trials. It is an outstanding achievement to even qualify for this event. Keilani competed in the 200m Breaststroke, 400m IM and 400m Freestyle. As one of the youngest competitors in the field, Keilani finished in very respectable places in all her events, including 11th in the 400m IM. She is soon to compete in trials for the Junior Commonwealth Games Team.Keep up the fantastic work in the pool, Keilani!

Alumni: Congratulations to Andrew Moloney (Class of 2008) who has recently moved up on the Boxrec standings list, moving to 2nd on Australia’s pound for pound best boxers. Andrew continues to move closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a World Champion. Congratulations Andrew!

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

(4) REMINDERS AND FIXTURES

Equestrian
Any students interested in competing at the Tintern Horse Trials at Wandin Park on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April 2018, please let Miss Webb know via email before the school holidays. Online entries are now open and close on April 18.If you would like saddle blankets embroidered with the College logo, please bring them to Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre before the school holidays in order to get yours by Tintern Horse Trials.

House Athletics Carnival

• First Friday back Term 2 - Friday 20 April
• More info to come - get excited for one of the greatest days on the school calendar!

Athletics Training

• Starting next week (19 March)
• When: Monday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm), Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am) and Thursday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm)
• Where: Quarry Road ovals
• Why: To improve your athletics skills in a range of track and field events and fitness levels - ALL abilities welcome. Commendations up for grabs!
• Cost: FREE
• See Miss Webb or Mr Leaumont for more details.

EISM Weekly Sport Reminders
With the Summer seasons of Year 8, 9 and Senior EISM Sport all now underway, please remember the following

• Check the Sport plans - 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 sport day - all EISM Teams need to leave at the start of lunch to get to venues to play
• That your uniform needs to be 100% correct to ensure no forfeited games - hockey, soccer and football must wear long navy socks (available at the Doyle Centre for $10) & mouthguards must be worn for hockey
• NO CORRECT UNIFORM, NO GAME

Late returns: Please be aware that there may be late returns from EISM away games, check the sport plan on the Doyle Centre window to make sure you know when they will be!

Fixtures:Live fixtures for EISM matches can be found online at eism.org (Click on “Weekly sport”, then “Junior” for Year 8 and “Senior/Intermediate” for Year 9 and Senior fixtures. Change the sport in the drop down box and click “Go”.

MLMC Swimming Training

• 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 welcome. Commendations and house points up for grabs!
• Cost: FREE
• Students will be bussed from school to pool on Mondays and back to school from pool on Wednesdays
• Breakfast provided on Wednesdays
• Please see/email Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details
• Last sessions - Monday 19/3 and Wednesday 21/3

AFL Umpiring courses
If you are interested in AFL umpire training, a great opportunity to be involved in local football on the weekends, sign up for this! Junior umpire training is on Mondays at Morrison Reserve in Mount Evelyn. See flyer below for more details!

Get in touch. Stay in touch.
If you have any other student achievements, please email them to dwebb@mlmc.vic.edu.au
Follow us for all updates! Instagram - mlmc.sport Facebook - Mount Lilydale Mercy College Sport.

(5) RESULTS

YEAR 8 RESULTS - 6 MARCH

SENIOR SPORTS RESULTS - 7 MARCH

YEAR 8 RESULTS - 6 MARCH

SENIOR SPORT RESULTS - 7 MARCH

YEAR 9 SPORTS RESULTS - 8 MARCH

SENIOR SPORT RESULTS - 14 MARCH

YEAR 9 SPORT RESULTS - 15 MARCH

School anxiety, reluctance and/or refusal is an issue that can effect any family. Joanne Garfi is a psychologist with 23 years experience and expertise in child and adolescent issues. Don’t miss this chance for expert advice. The workshop will take place at the College Lecture Theatre on Monday 19 March at 7.00pm. You can find all the details about the workshop in the attachment below.

To book your place, please log on to the Parent Portal and RSVP via the 'Events Tab'.

On Tuesday 27 February our Year 10 Peer Support leaders visited their Year 7 homerooms to run a Pastoral Care activity on the topic of 'being awesome'. Here are just some of the student's reflections.

Tia Neicho, Year 7 Orange
On Tuesday our five Year 10 Peer Support leaders came into our classroom and did activities with us. We started off by watching a Kid President video. Then they showed us some slides and gave us a word topic - then we had to write down dot points of how we could show kindness to someone. The purpose of the activity was to make people feel 'AWESOME'. It was really fun working with our Peer Supports, they’re really kind and funny!

Jorja Rose, Year 7 Jade
During our Peer Support session we were learning about being 'AWESOME' and we watched some videos. After that we wrote down ideas with our group from the video and talked to Peer Support leaders about being awesome and kind. We also talked about being respectful to everyone. It was really fun having the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders on Tuesday as they were really enthusiastic and made the lesson really fun.

Olivia Pentinella, Year 10 Green
On Tuesday 27 February, all the peer support leaders ran the activity called 'Kindness = Awesome'. The activity gave students a chance to work together with their fellow classmates and to listen to other people’s ideas. The activity had three main topics: firstly, words that come to mind when you think of the word awesome; secondly, ways we can make each other feel awesome and finally, how to make the homeroom awesome for everyone. The activity stressed the use of “awesome”, allowing students to understand how important it is to respect those around them, and how simple acts of kindness can affect those around them. Personally I had fun running this activity with my fellow Peer Support leaders. It allowed us to bond with not only our Year 7 class, but also with our fellow Peer Support leaders who were working with. The class worked really well on this activity and took it seriously, allowing all of us to have an enjoyable experience.

Jenson Pritchard, Year 10 Orange
During our time in our 'AWESOME' Peer Support class we had a look at what we thought it meant to be ‘AWESOME’. It was really great to see all the Year 7 students get involved and work as a team. The activity for the Peer Support leaders showed us how cool our position is and what it’s like being a leader as well as a friend to our Year 7 homeroom! We were really impressed by the level of respect and organisation the students went into the activity with, and we hope they bring those attributes to all areas throughout their schooling life.

Paula Del Giudice, Year 10 Blue
On Tuesday 27 February, the Peer Support group ran the activity ‘KINDNESS = AWESOME' with their Year 7 homerooms. The activity allowed the students to communicate and listen to each other and it involved three main topics ie: words that come to mind when you think of the word awesome, ways in which we can make others feel awesome and how to make the homeroom awesome for everyone including the teachers. We taught the class to use the word awesome instead of kindness to emphasise that you should always be nice and respect others in your year level, including your teachers. I really enjoyed running this activity as a Peer Support leader because the entire class interacted, they loved giving us input and answering the questions. They were really respectful and paid 100% attention to everything we had to say. It was a really enjoyable experience as a Peer Support leader to run this activity with our homeroom.

This year the School launched its Home Liaison program, where new families to the College of Year 7 students can request a home visit from Sr Mary White Rsm. The program aims to foster a key value of the MLMC Community - hospitality.

Sr Mary said “In my role I help families navigate their way around the large coeducation system. I have already been welcomed into the homes of some families and found the visit beneficial for all parties as we discuss their issues and concerns”.

The service is really for any family within the school, so if you would like a visit from Sr Mary, you can contact her at the College on 9735 4022. The visits are usually conducted on a Wednesday or Thursday during school term and can be arranged for after school hours.

Please don’t hesitate to give Sr Mary a call.

Welcome to the season of Lent and the annual Caritas Project Compassion collection for those most in need. In 2018, MLMC is giving members of our entire College community the opportunity to donate online. This is in addition to the usual collections made in homeroom groups and at various sites around the College.

When you donate, you are giving those on the margins of society, the opportunity to have life and live it to the full.

We have established an online link (see below) which appears on the Caritas website and your generous contribution will be instantly added to the MLMC 'scoreboard'. A tax invoice and receipt will be issued the moment you donate so that your contribution can be claimed as a tax deduction.

The link is: MLMC Community - Project Compassion 2018

This year Project Compassion demonstrates how Caritas Australia empowers young people to become channels of love and positive change for their entire communities. A Just Future is possible for all generations and communities, who are part of one human family. A Just Future starts today.

Thank you once again for your support and may I wish you every blessing for the Lenten season.

Music Ensembles at MLMC

MLMC students have the privilege of joining an Ensemble of their choice. The College offers ensembles in A Capella (junior and senior), choir, guitar, jazz band and strings (violin). The College has kindly offered to pay for ALL ensemble rehearsals making it a little easier on families in the long run. In return, it is expected that all our students who get involved in an ensemble, attend their weekly rehearsal as well as attend and perform at all College Concerts, Liturgies, Masses and Music Nights as required by the Music Department.

Ensemble playing gives our students the opportunity to learn a vast array of repertoire while experiencing the sound of a full band ensemble. Students involved in a music ensemble get a sense of accomplishment, companionship and self-esteem. Students also learn from each other and are motivated by those who are more advanced. Our students use and expand upon the techniques learned in private lessons. Musical concepts learned include:

• blending and balancing individual parts within an ensemble
• playing in tune and intonation tendencies of the instrument
• mastering complex rhythms between voices
• following a conductor
• performance etiquette.

Other Benefits include:

• meet like-minded people of a similar standard and age
• learn to read a music score in parts
• increase your Practice Schedule so you don't let down the band
• master your instrument (or voice, if joining Choir)
• rehearse with a professional conductor
• improve your self confidence
• build a performance portfolio (this can be useful if you are applying for further education in the field of music)
• get friends and families involved in your music education
• perform with your group
• perform exciting pieces written for ensembles
• have fun!

Note: Students wanting to join an ensemble DO NOT need to sign up for Private One-to-One Instrumental Music Lessons. Our door is always open to ALL enthusiastic and hardworking students who have musical talent wishing to share this with our College ensembles.

Ensemble Rehearsal Days

• String Ensemble (Monday lunchtimes)
• Senior A Capella Ensemble (Tuesday lunchtimes)
• Junior A Capella Ensemble (Wednesday lunchtimes)
• Guitar Ensemble (Wednesday lunchtimes)
• Choir (Thursday 3.30 to 5.00pm)
• Jazz Ensemble (Thursday 3.30 to 5.00pm)

The Instrumental Music Department is now taking enrolments for Term 2 private 30 minute lessons in brass, cello, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, voice and woodwind. Be quick! All private lessons are run during school hours. If you are interested in joining this exciting program please download an enrolment form from the MLMC Parent Portal website or alternatively, email the Instrumental Music Secretary Sharon Flint on sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au for further information.