Dear members of the MLMC community

Uniform Policy
What is in a school uniform and why is it important? A silly question, you may ask. Of late, I am amazed at the amount of time I have spent answering questions about our College uniform: Why do we have it? What is the actual uniform? Why can’t students wear makeup or jewellery or false eyelashes or nose rings? When are shorts too short? And the questions go on. The fact is that uniform, uniform regulation and the correct wearing of the uniform are necessary, and it is important that all parents support the College in the application of our uniform policy.

I believe that a uniform provides many benefits, including:

• Encouraging a culture of equality whereby students are not judged by the clothes they wear
• A uniform provides some assurance in that choice is not an issue
• A sense of belonging and security — students should be free to focus on their education and have pride in their uniform rather than worry or experience anxiety caused by societal pressures to fit in and keep up with the latest fashion trends
• The wearing of a uniform allows staff to easily identify strangers that could present themselves on College grounds
• Lessening financial pressures for parents and being a more sustainable clothing option. Yes, the initial outlay required to purchase uniforms can be expensive, but our uniform is durable and will last with repeated wearing. Families do not need to buy new outfits on a frequent basis or contribute to today’s throwaway culture of fast fashion
• Students learn responsibility by adhering to a dress code. It also prepares them for the world beyond formal education, where they will likely need to adhere to a dress code in their workplace, whether that code be for a tradesperson needing to wear protective clothing or a suit and tie in a corporate environment.

I will also admit that uniform is an important part of our culture here at ‘the Hill’. We aim to take a conservative view of dress, whilst ensuring the items chosen for our uniform are serviceable, reasonably priced, long wearing and do not restrict our students in participation in any activity. This means that we often review our policy, as we have done recently with the introduction of long winter trousers for girls. We are currently investigating summer shorts as an alternative to the summer dress. The sport uniform, for example, is no longer divided into boys' and girls' sections but, rather, one uniform for all. We are forward looking whilst considering our history and the conservative nature of our environment.

The College has updated our Uniform Policy and Implementation Guidelines which can now can be found on our College website and via this link HERE

Please understand that in upgrading these documents consultation has occurred through the College Executive, the College Advisory Council and the College Policy and Curriculum Committee — the last two of which include members of our parent community. Some items within the policy have also been consulted through the College SRC and this will continue to be a part of our process. The latest version of the policy will supersede versions printed in other College resources, such as the Student Planner.

I know that for some within our community our policy may be too conservative, but please understand that in its very nature such a policy is conservative. Please work with us in supporting this policy, as with all other College policies. Please do not be legalistic in outlook and I ask that the spirit in which the guidelines are intended is respected. The uniform policy is there for the benefit of all our students and it should not become a point of contention.

Child Safe School
I am also well aware that within recent weeks the announcement of George Pell’s finding of guilt and the subsequent sentencing has caused much distress and left others questioning the leadership of our Church. Whilst I understand this, as disciples of Jesus our focus must be on helping all victims of such abuse and ensuring the safety of all children within our care. I can assure you that as a College we all, at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, do everything possible to ensure that those entrusted to us are safe and beyond the reach of such hurt. We genuinely are a Child Safe School.

I am hopeful for the future and offer you by way of reflection two pieces of writing. The first is an address by Pope Francis on the topic of the protection of minors given in 2017 and the second is an address given by Archbishop Comensoli at a dinner for St Patrick’s Day.

Address of His Holiness Pope Francis (21 September, 2017)
To the members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I extend a cordial welcome … today, in your presence, I would like to share with you the profound distress I feel in my soul at the condition of abused children, as I have already had the opportunity to do recently, on different occasions.

The sex abuse scandal is truly a terrible disgrace for the whole of humanity and affects so many children, young people and vulnerable adults in all countries and in all societies. For the Church, too, it has been a very painful experience. We feel ashamed of the abuses committed by holy ministers, who should be the most trustworthy. But we have also experienced a call, which we are certain comes directly from our Lord Jesus Christ: to embrace the mission of the Gospel for the protection of all minors and vulnerable adults.

Allow me to say with all clarity that sexual abuse is a horrible sin, completely opposed to and in contradiction to what Christ and the Church teach us. Here in Rome, I had the privilege of listening to the stories that victims and survivors of abuse wanted to share. In those encounters, they openly shared the effects that sexual abuse has had on their lives and those of their families. I know that you, too, have had the blessed occasion to take part in similar meetings and that such encounters continue to foster your personal commitment to do everything possible to combat this evil and eliminate this failure among us.

Therefore, today I reiterate once again that the Church, at all levels, will respond with the application of the firmest measures to all those who have betrayed their call and have abused the Children of God. The disciplinary measures that the particular Churches have adopted must be applied to all those who work in the institutions of the Church. However, the primary responsibility belongs to the Bishops, priests and religious, those who have received from the Lord the vocation to offer their life to service, including the vigilant protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. For this reason, the Church irrevocably and at all levels intends to apply the ‘zero tolerance’ principle against the sexual abuse of minors.

The Church is called to be a place of piety and compassion, especially for those who have suffered. For all of us, the Catholic Church continues to be a field hospital that accompanies us on our spiritual journey. It is the place where we can sit with others, listen to them and share with them our struggles and our faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am fully confident that the Commission will continue to be a place where the voices of the victims and survivors will be heard with interest as we have much to learn from them and from their personal stories of courage and perseverance.

Patrick Oration by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli (15 March, 2019):

Remembering that we all live in the Archdiocese of St Patrick, it is the inaugural Patrick Oration delivered by our Archbishop and I believe it to be well worth the read. It offers hope and you can read the full text in the attached document, but in particular, I offer you the last two paragraphs:

Please note: the following is an a excerpt. The document attached contains the full address by the Archbishop.

Patrick was not an institution builder in society, but a Gospel planter among the locals. He did not establish structures and entities; he proclaimed a message of hope to a people. He equipped a band of disciples to be the leaven for their society. Might not these be the markers for our way into the future? For surely our task is not to reinforce crumbling structures on fractured ground, but to find new ground to build new communities of grace.

This is our task ahead: not to foster a nostalgia for the past, but to stake out a new territory. I want to invite you to join with me in becoming the new Patricks for today, carrying with us across broken terrain that precious flame of deep magic, to ignite new beacons of light throughout our city. May we go there with Patrick, who went there before us.

God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

Completion and submission of homework and assessment task procedures

In wanting to increase the completion and submission rates of homework and assessment learning tasks in 2018, the College streamlined the procedures associated with this to ensure:

• consistent student and staff expectations regarding the completion of homework and submission of assessment learning tasks
• the best use of SIMON
• transparent communication with parents.

At the time, a letter was sent to all parents via the parent portal to outline these new procedures. All parents are asked to work in partnership with the College to ensure that we support your son and/or daughter to meet these expectations and maximise their learning opportunities.

Interim Reports – Years 7 to 12

Interim Reports for all students are now available on the Parent Access Module (PAM). This report is an indication of the current academic standard and work habits being displayed by your child so far this year. ‘Satisfactory’ indicates that your child is currently meeting Victorian Curriculum, VCAL or VCE requirements for this semester at each year level. Families can access these reports using the normal PAM login process.

Student Progress Interviews – Years 7 to 12

The parent/teacher subject interviews for students in Years 7 to 12 are being held at the following times:

• Monday 1 April: 4.00pm to 8.00pm
• Tuesday 2 April: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Parents and students are invited to book interviews online with subject teachers via the Parent Teacher Interviews link on PAM. Parents will be able to make bookings between the following times:

• Year 12: until Friday 29 March at 1.00pm
• Years 7 to 11: Monday 25 March until Friday 29 March at 1.00pm

If you experience any difficulty making bookings, please contact the College Office on 9735 4022 for assistance.

Term dates

The last day of Term 1 for students is Thursday 4 April and the first day of Term 2 is Tuesday 23 April.

School holiday office closure dates

In the first week of the school holidays the office will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday but it will be CLOSED on Wednesday 10 April (for a professional development day). The office will be closed for the entire second week of the school holidays and reopen at the start of Term 2, on Tuesday 23 April.

In light of recent events in New Zealand, it can be difficult to feel we are able to combat the violence in the world. Pope Francis tells us, "Do not let a day when you have argued end without making peace. Be apostles of peace and serenity, beginning with your families. Remind your parents, siblings, and peers that it is a beautiful thing to be loved, and that misunderstandings can be overcome.”

Peace begins in the home and the heart

Peace is not something you fight for
with bombs and missiles that kill,
Nor can it be won in a battle of words
man fashions by scheming and skill.
For men who are greedy and warlike,
whose avarice for power cannot cease,
Can never contribute in helping
to bring this world nearer to peace.
For in seeking peace for all people,
there is only one place to begin
And that is within each home and heart,
for the fortress of peace is within.
— Helen Steiner Rice

The MLMC Old Collegians' Association would like to extend a warm invitation to all members of the MLMC community to join us at our annual Business Breakfast, to be held on Tuesday 14 May. The Business Breakfast is an opportunity to meet other members of the MLMC community and local businesses, enjoy a delicious breakfast catered by our wonderful VCAL students and be inspired by our two guest speakers.

This year’s wonderful guest speakers will be two of our Old Collegians, businesswoman Anna Baird (Class of 1995) and journalist John Kehoe (Class of 2000).

Anna is owner and director at Bared Footwear, a Melbourne-based fashion footwear business she began in 2008 when, after seven years working as a podiatrist, she saw a gap in the market for shoes she could recommend and be happy to wear. She began with a small store in Toorak Village selling women's shoes. Bared now employs over 40 people with a 300sq store in Melbourne's CBD and the online business continues to grow in both men's and women's shoes.

John is a senior reporter in Canberra for the Australian Financial Review, and was previously the newspaper’s US correspondent in Washington for five years. John studied Arts (Politics)/Commerce (Economics) at Monash University. He worked at the Federal Treasury in Canberra for two years before following his journalism dream with the AFR, all while being a part-time sports broadcaster for Triple M radio in Sydney. He had started out broadcasting local footy in the Yarra Valley for community radio, even phoning the occasional classmate or teacher on air.

MLMC Business Breakfast
Date: Tuesday 14 May
Time: 7am to 9am
Venue: Mount Lilydale Mercy College (McAuley Hall)
Cost: $35 per person
Bookings close: Monday 6 May
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BBLPV

We hope you can join us. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to get in contact with Lucia Tabacchiera on 03 9735 4022.

On a sunny Tuesday morning in Week 5 (26 February), the Year 8 cohort gathered on the big oval for the inaugural Year 8 Survivor. It was designed to create a sense of ‘team’ in each homeroom while also allowing students to develop their leadership, compassion and empathy in a fun environment.

Each homeroom, along with their homeroom teacher, participated in a variety of challenges inspired by the popular TV show Survivor to discover which homeroom would be the ultimate survivor. Challenges included throwing frisbees or tennis balls into buckets, transferring water, holding up books, finding clues to codes and solving puzzles.

By the end of the round-robin section, Silver and Purple finished in the top two positions and made it to the ultimate final challenge. Both teams worked tirelessly to get through three consecutive challenging sections, with Purple capping their undefeated round-robin performance to just beat a valiant Silver. Congratulations to all students who participated in the morning and may the lessons you learnt on the day help you to have a successful second year at MLMC.

Here are some student reflections of the experience:

The teachers organised this spectacular event not only for us to earn homeroom points and get a hot lunch, but to have a great time with our peers and even friends that were from a different homeroom. This was an absolutely awesome event, full of excitement and a little friendly competition.
— Alexander Van Duuren (Year 8 Bronze)

It was a fun day filled with exciting activities and great team spirit. The day was won by 8 Purple and coming in second was 8 Silver. At the end of the day everyone gave it a red hot go and all enjoyed themselves.
— Primrose Dillon (Year 8 Bronze)

Year 8 Survivor was lots of fun and an exciting time. I especially enjoyed it because I got to work in a team with my classmates in lots of different challenges. My favourite challenge was trying to keep the books up because we actually won that. I enjoyed the variety of challenges and the competitiveness between all the classes. Even though my class didn’t win, it was a great, fun experience.
— Mariz Sewiha (Year 8 Red)

The 2019 vintage at McAuley Park was truly a team effort, with students coming together from Years 7 to 12 on Tuesday morning to pick the grapes and crush them ready for the next stage of the process. Our program combines the scientific principles taught in the classroom with production of a real product in a process that is no different to the 90 local commercial wineries. Students enjoy getting their hands dirty producing a wine that has proven itself in interstate competitions.

The harvest was captured by a journalist and photographer from The Age newspaper. You can read their article all about the program HERE.

We now look forward to the pressing of the wine in 10 days’ time and the subsequent bottling of the 2018 vintage, making way for this year’s wine in barrel. The next couple of months look to be exciting down on McAuley Park.

The vineyard has been at the school for about 20 years, but this is the fifth year of the student-created wine program and the fifth vintage produced. The 226 plants on approximately half an acre in the school grounds yield about 300 bottles annually. Yering Station has supported the College for several years, supplying wine analysis and barrels. Its chief winemaker, Willy Lunn, hosts tours of Yering Station to link the students’ classroom learning about biosecurity and the full winemaking process.

The first 'Reserve' wine produced at the College, the 2017 cabernet, won a silver medal at the 2018 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, while the 2016 vintage won a bronze at the Victorian Wine Show.

Vision for Learning
In 2017 the College developed a Vision for Learning for the MLMC community. This vision applies to all learners, and, is defined by three key pillars — culture of learning, programs and practice. I am pleased to announce that in recent Year Level assemblies and in homerooms, we have now launched the new posters which reflect our vision. Please see attached copies of the posters.

Studiosity Launch
In the last newsletter we advised you of a new service the College is providing called ‘Studiosity’. It is available to students in Years 9 to 12 via our Learning Management System, SIMON, which lets your child ask a question and get help from a real subject specialist as soon as they need help after hours. You can learn more about the service HERE.

On Wednesday 20 March, Miss Simone Esmonde (Barak Campus Learning Advisor) launched this new resource to all students in Barak Campus. Mrs Joanna Egan (McAuley Campus Learning Advisor) will launch this resource to students in Year 9 on Monday 25 March, after they have returned from camp. Please see attached a poster advertising Studiosity.

The Year 12 Physics class studied in a different kind of classroom — at Luna Park — on Friday 8 March. The purpose of the excursion was to satisfy requirements relating to Unit 3 and to enrich the students’ understanding of Physics. There were turns, twists and rapid acceleration as they learnt about the forces acting to effect their bodies, which were unfamiliar to them. Students felt their stomachs lurch as they were spinning vertically on the Enterprise and felt heavy as they accelerated vertically upwards on the Coney Drop.

The experience reinforced what the students had learned in class, raised new questions, countered some myths about moving in circles and, best of all, integrated enjoyment and intellectual activity. Physics in Luna Park was real, it was fun and it provided personal challenges to some students who would not normally participate in thrill rides.

Many thanks to the students for wholeheartedly participating and to Ms Danni Webb for being a great, supportive colleague on the day.

Ten of our CSYMA students along with Ms Elizabeth Keogh (Deputy Principal — Mission) and Religious Education and Faith Development Faculty Leader Mr Paul Morgan were among 3000 people from more than 300 Catholic schools across greater Melbourne who took part in the Mass of St Patrick for Schools on Friday 15 March.

The Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral brings students together to share the Catholic spirit of life and hope, recall our history, strengthen our identity, and re-state our faith and mission.

On Thursday 14 March, the College celebrated St Patrick’s Day a few days early with a casual clothes day. Gold coin donations went to Project Compassion, while money was also raised from the annual St Patrick’s Day bake sale in the Ministry Lounge featuring many green treats.

Below are some student reflections from the visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral:

It was my first time seeing the Cathedral and I was instantly blown away with the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. The homily by Archbishop Peter Comensoli spoke about saints and what defines a saint. It really gave you an indication of who saints were and their roles within the Catholic society. After the Mass we listened to some very inspiring speeches by two Year 12 students and an AFLW/hockey player. Each had their own story, including their big achievements in life and their own passions in which they help others. But what differentiates them from others is that their achievements don’t define them, it’s their passions and the kind of person they want to be perceived as. Overall I got a lot out of this day and was feeling very inspired to do more good in the world, continuing to grow in my faith.
— Emily Wicks (Year 10 Bronze)

It was really inspiring to hear the speakers and to also share what they have gone through in their lives. The Mass was lovely, with Archbishop Peter Comensoli and the clergy there as well. I loved singing along with all the hymns. The Archbishop was very involved with the people who were at the Cathedral, and spoke to all the kids from the many primary schools as well. The Cathedral was beautiful and as we were walking around we all saw a marvellous stained glass window. The homily was about how everyone is part of God’s community and how everyone is a saint in God’s eyes, and if we did something wrong God would forgive us.
— Amy Roberts (Year 11 Red)

On Wednesday 7 March the Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation class did an 8km practice hike in the Dandenong Ranges National Park in preparation for their upcoming hike at Falls Creek on 3 May.

Here are some student reflections of the experience:

We set out on this adventure to obtain navigation skills and to apply the minimal impact principles when hiking through the bush. This practice hike gave us some insight to what our Falls Creek hike could be like. The teacher is the real highlight — Mr Beard is an outstanding teacher with tons of enthusiasm that makes the journey all worthwhile.
— Andre Parlas (Year 10 Blue)

We went on this hike to prepare and practice for our upcoming long distance hike in May, and we also improved our direction skills. It was a bit chilly in the morning but eventually the weather became perfect for the hike. The ground and trees were pretty damp from previous rainfall and we could hear lots of birds around us in the trees. We walked on a road as well as narrow, windy tracks, up a semi-steep hill and at one point we had to walk down a very steep hill — it was pretty tough not to tumble down.
— Domi Kaczmarek (Year 10 Silver)

The team arrived at the park and parked the bus and all got together in a group discussing maps, how to use a compass, staying safe and protecting the environment. It started off pretty easy and relaxed and then it got harder and harder. We went on several different paths and several different tracks and all worked as a class to follow the map. Every few kilometres the group all met together and stopped to listen to our five senses to see what we could see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
— April Stewart (Year 10 Gold)

The task gave us great skills for our upcoming hiking camp in May, including navigation, knowledge and some practical aspects to get us prepared. I enjoyed the experience. I felt I could enjoy the peace and quiet and really appreciate the nature of the area.
— Samara Brauman (Year 10 Gold)

For the past two weeks MLMC has been hosting a group of 16 girls, three boys and two teachers from our Japanese sister school, Horyuji International High School. The two schools have strengthened and developed their partnership for more than 24 years, with students from each school regularly visiting each other and staying with host families. These shared experiences are a great opportunity for students to learn about each other's culture, practice their conversational skills and build friendships.

Across an action packed program the Horyuji students have had the chance to learn about Australian life, including AFL and boomerang throwing and to go on tours to Phillip Island, Puffing Billy, Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne’s CBD. Other activities at MLMC have included our visitors shadowing their MLMC host brother or sister, lessons in photography, woodwork, cooking lemon myrtle damper and pavlova, and farm activities. Yesterday all the students, teachers and host families gathered for sayonara party to thank our guests and wish them a safe trip home.

In September, the next exciting phase of this program begins with a group of MLMC students embarking on a study tour to Japan!

On Monday, the Year 11 students were involved in a Retreat experience that consisted of music, prayer, expressive thought, drama and rap. It was a very entertaining and reflective day, giving students the opportunity to think about their own relationships and faith journeys.

Here are some student reflections from the Retreat:

Year 11 retreat was a really rewarding experience. It gave us the chance to learn more about faith. There were creative representations of religion and we were able to explore the different aspects of the Catholic religion. Many of these were presented in a creative way including a drama about creation.
— Lexie Cilia (Year 11 Blue)

Year 11 Retreat was awesome as the whole day was filled with fun, music, dancing, acting, reflection and games. One of my favourite moments had to be Josh Angrisano telling us his life story, how he had to find himself within his faith and how music and rapping help him get through. We were also asked about the Catholic Plenary Council, about what we are called to be and what we are called to do as well as how the Catholic church can become better.
— Bella Green (Year 11 Jade)

Our Year 7 Food Studies students are currently working on sustainability. During this unit they have planted new herb gardens in wine barrels, which sit out the front of the Catherine and William Callaghan (Technology) Building, which they will water, weed and feed during classtime. The students will then utilise the produce in class, for cooking and garnishing their products.

The aim of this initiative is to build their knowledge of Food Miles, with students learning where our food comes from — it also provides them with a choice of fresh herbs to use in cooking. Last year students used dried herbs in their dishes. We thought it would be a great opportunity to incorporate some hands-on learning while learning sustainable practices at the same time.

(1) College Achievements

EISM swimming
Well done to all swimmers who represented MLMC at the EISM Division 2 swimming carnival on Tuesday 12 March and to all who qualified for the upcoming Champions Carnival. The Under 14 girls picked up the age group pennant and MLMC won the Most Improved trophy. Thank you to our swimming team captains, Matt Phillips and Keilani Trewavis, for their leadership this year and their contribution over their time at the College. Best wishes to the 30-odd swimmers who qualified for the EISM Champions Carnival, which will be held on Monday 25 March at MSAC.

Golf
Congratulations to Harry Baxter (Year 8 White) (pictured) and Cameron Varone (Year 7 Silver) who competed at Waverley Golf Course on Monday 18 March in the Victorian Independent Schools Golf Tournament. We are waiting on an announcement of qualifiers for the state finals. Well done, boys!

Triathlon
Twelve MLMC students competed in the Victorian Schools Triathlon Championships held at Elwood Beach earlier this month. For many it was their first triathlon. All students completed the Junior or Senior courses successfully and learnt a lot of new skills on the day, such as open-water swimming and transitioning between disciplines. Congratulations to these students: Alice Rolando, Luke Phillips, Daniel Ryan, Max Benson, Henry Burchmore, Josh Handasyde, Charlotte Lorbek, Millie Barker, Lachlan Nichols, Domi Kaczmarek, Louisa Inglese and Ella McNair.

(2) Individual Achievements

Weetbix Triathlon
Well done to Louisa Inglese (Year 8 Orange) (pictured) who competed in the Weetbix Triathlon on the weekend after the schools’ event and smashed the sprint-style course.

Cricket
Congratulations to the following students who played in premiership-winning teams in their respective local cricket associations in the last couple of weeks:
Healesville Under 14s: Jack Drummond, Harry Baxter, Cody Anderson, Cameron Nyko, Josh Handasyde, Josh Johnson and Henry Burchmore
Wonga Park Under 12s: Christian Phillips and Cooper Smith (pictured).

Karate
Congratulations to Stephen Cameron (Year 8 Red) (pictured) who recently competed in the Victorian state karate titles, winning the individual and team kata sections, making him state champion. He also picked up a silver medal in the kumite fighting section. We wish him all the best as he prepares for the upcoming Australian Schools Championships in Sydney!

Dancing
Well done to Sophie Vos (Year 7 Gold) who has been selected in the Australian dance team which is competing at the Commonwealth Cup Dance Championship in South Africa in the coming months. Best wishes for the Championships, Sophie.

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

(3) EISM Year 9 Grand Finals

Congratulations to the following teams who have qualified for Year 9 Grand Finals on Thursday 28 March:

• Boys Basketball A vs Luther (at Mullum Mullum Stadium)
• Boys Ultimate Frisbee vs Donvale (at Aquinas)
• Girls Basketball A vs Aquinas (at Mullum Mullum Stadium)
• Girls Basketball B vs Aquinas (at Mullum Mullum Stadium)
• Girls Indoor Cricket vs Tintern (at Croydon Indoor Sports Centre)
• Girls Tennis A vs Mount Scopus (at Jubilee Park)
• Girls Tennis B vs Aquinas (at Jubilee Park)
• Girls Touch Football vs Luther (at Aquinas)

This is a HUGE number of teams to qualify for finals. Well done to all students involved and their coaches!

(4) House Athletics

The MLMC House Athletics Carnival will be held next Friday (29 March) at the Quarry Road Sporting Complex. It is a full school event — all day. More details to come via Parent Portal.

Athletics training
When: Starts Wednesday 27th Marcy. Regular session are on Monday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm) and Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am).
Where: Quarry Road
Why: to improve your skills and fitness levels in athletic disciplines - ALL abilities welcome. Commendations and house points up for grabs!
Cost: FREE
*Breakfast provided on Wednesdays back at school
Please see/email Miss Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details.

(5) EISM Reminders

With the Summer seasons of Year 8, 9 and Senior EISM Sport all well 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
• 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) and mouthguards must be worn for hockey. NO CORRECT UNIFORM, NO GAME.
• 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.

(6) EISM Results

Year 8 Results (12 Mar) - BYE

Senior Results (13 Mar)

Year 9 Results (14 Mar)

Year 8 Results (19 March)

Senior Results (20 March)

Year 9 Results (21 Mar) - BYE (camp)

Two MLMC Year 9 students have recently earned the Australian Scout Medallion, an award that recognises the top achievers in their Scouts age group (11-14 years). Stella Atkinson (Year 9 Green) and Ella McNair (Year 9 Red) are both with the 1st Healesville Scout Troop. Scouts is the third section of five within the Scouts Australia program. The other sections are Joeys (5-7 years), Cubs (8-10 years), Venturers (15-17 years) and Rovers (18-26 years). Each has a peak award. The award for their age group, the Australian Scout Medallion, is the sum of the Adventurer Badge and Adventurer Cord — a series of youth-run patrol activities, a youth-led overnight hike and formal leadership training.

“In all these levels you learn different ways to camp and hike or do knots and as you move up levels the activities get harder,” Ella explained. “For example, in Adventurer level you have to plan a hike that is two nights and at least 30km long. After you do this you have to get a leader to do paperwork and they send it off to Scouts Australia and they choose you for the Medallion if they think you deserve it.” As members work their way through the higher age groups on the Scouting pathway, the activities and badges become more challenging, requiring a new level of self-sufficiency and greater risk management.

“I have made friends who live in New South Wales and Queensland and also others from other countries, like the UK,” Ella said. “Anyone who is into being outdoors and having a good time should join Scouts. It also helps build communication skills.”

Mr Brendan Watson OAM, the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria said “only a small percentage reach this level”. “These are the top achievers among Scouting’s 47 million members globally.”

Stella began Scouts two years ago, to “get involved in amazing activities and things you can’t do at school, like making fires or building sparse forts”. She said she loves learning new things at each session, including team skills. “Being a Scout develops a sense of achievement and self-worth.” Ella began Scouts six years ago. “I fell in love with everything that Scouts is about,” she said.

Ella said earning the Medallion proves to her that if she tries hard “I can work for the best and get it”. Stella said she knew the Medallion was a special award “given to the high achievers and people who wanted to stand out to everyone else”. “I started to aim for the award about a term before I received it. I didn't have any achievement Cords, which meant I had to work three times as hard.”

Both girls have applied to be part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award program run by the College, which will enhance the skills they have learnt through Scouts, with both also aiming for the next Scouts award.

Instrumental Music
The MLMC Music Department is now taking enrolments for Term 2 private and group Instrumental Music lessons in brass, cello, drums, guitar, piano, violin, voice and woodwind. 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 or email the Instrumental Music Secretary Mrs Sharon Flint on sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au for further information. Enrolments are officially open now. Be quick!

Choir and A Cappella
All singers are being called on to join the College Choir or an A Cappella Ensemble. Both provide a wonderful opportunity to help our students develop one of their most precious gifts — the singing voice.

The Choir will 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. We hope your child will be part of this Choir experience with us. Choir rehearsals are held every Wednesday after school, from 3.30pm to 5.00pm, in the Music Department SLR1.1 with Ms Caroline Dickason.

The A Cappella Ensembles rehearse each week and have fun learning various songs. Rehearsals get students into a music-filled environment and research has shown that singing relieves stress. It's a calming, yet energising break. The Junior A Capella Ensemble is open to any Year 7 or Year 8 student. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday at lunchtime in the CEH Foyer (bring your lunch). Enrolment in the Senior A Capella Ensemble is by audition and is open to Years 9-12. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at lunchtime in the CEH Foyer (bring your lunch).

For further information about the Choir or A Cappella Ensembles, please email Ms Caroline Dickason at cdickason@mlmc.vic.edu.au or Mrs Sharon Flint at sflint@mlmc.vic.edu.au