Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community

Welcome to the first newsletter for Term 2 at the end of what has been a very busy opening fortnight. Pleasingly our first day for the term saw the College’s student leaders organise and run a whole College Assembly. In addressing the students at that assembly, I had three things on which I wished to focus:

• the recent Easter season, the Paschal Mystery, the death and resurrection of Jesus remembering that the resurrection was not a resuscitation
• our theme of 'Compassion Through Us'
• role Models for success.

With time being short, I decided a discussion of heroes was a good focus. Please find below a shortened and abridged version of what I said:

Jesus is a hero and a role model. In fact by any measure Jesus would have to be a hero to us. In the period just celebrated Easter, we remember his suffering, his passion, his death by crucifixion and his resurrection. But in this, Jesus was a hero. He knew that pain was to come; he knew his fate. He was scared yet he knew what had to be done and he did it. He overcame his fears and gave his life for others. He is a clear example of a hero, but there are many others around you who could be heroes. Not because they are perfect. Far from it. They have faults and fears, but they overcome these to achieve and grow their talent. Throughout the coming weeks I hope you will see examples of our alumni who may be considered heroes. They are people who have a talent and they have developed that talent to benefit others. They do what they love to do, but by doing it they give back to community in some way. They develop God-given gifts and use them within our society.

People like:

• Anna Baird (Class of 1995) who created specialist footwear and then built a company to manufacture them
• Kyle Adnam (Class of 2011) NBL Championship player and member of the Australian Boomers
• Adam Grinyer (Class of 2001) Pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force
• Michelle Dunn (Class of 2005) Obstetrician
• Eloise Deen (Class of 2007) Veterinarian
• Ben McNamara (Class of 2004) Adventure Photographer and Filmmaker
• Casey Wright (Class of 2012) Olympic Athlete
• John Kehoe (Class of 2000) Journalist with the Australian Financial Review
• James Merlino (Class of 1990) Deputy Premier of Victoria
• Heidi Joosten (Class of 2003) Invictus Games gold medal winner
• Lucas Russell (Class of 2004) Forrester and District Manager
• Emerson Woods (Class of 2018) AFLW player

Now, you might ask, how are they heroes? How? They became or are still becoming the best version of themselves. They are developing their talents. And then using those talents to serve or help others through a whole range of avenues. They are everyday heroes. And you, too, can be an everyday hero.

The everyday hero is within every single human and is expressed by simple, ordinary actions. Heroes do simple acts, of kindness, courage, and love. Heroes become the best versions of themselves that they can be. Heroes live their passions. Heroes are positive and life giving. Heroes celebrate the success of themselves and all others. If you aspire to be the very best version of yourself and then give back in compassion and love, then you, too, will aspire to be a hero.

Around our College you will find stories of young alumni who have been successful in a particular endeavour. Our hope is that such examples will help inspire our current students to want to succeed — to be the best versions of themselves and then to use their talents to serve others.

ANZAC Day

The first week of Term also the College commemorate ANZAC Day which, of course, is a public holiday on 25 April. The College ANZAC service was led by Mr John Ryan, our Humanities Faculty Leader, Humanities Prefect Patrick Keating and other student leaders. The service was well presented and consisted of a remembrance over the College PA system, while homeroom teachers displayed a previously prepared PowerPoint in homerooms. It was a short and concise service, but one that allowed a prayerful remembrance of all those who have fallen or suffered in time of battle, war or conflict. Thank you to Mr Ryan and Patrick for their efforts.

The College was also well presented by our College Choir, led by Ms Caroline Dickason, at a very well-attended dawn service in Lilydale. The College was further represented with the attendance of Mr John Rodgers and Mrs Janet Barr as well as our College Captains and Vice Captains, who laid wreaths on our behalf. You can read more about the College's contribution to Anzac Day HERE. Lest We Forget.

College Play

Tonight will see the one and only performance of the College Play for 2019, which is a change from previous years. Although, originally we did plan and calendar three performances. Remembering that the play is and has always been an outcome and a production of the Year 12 Theatre Studies class, changes to the study design and workload of that class necessitated a change in approach to the College Play. In previous years, students in the class have overseen the whole production and included students from Years 7 to 12, making it a whole-College event, but now it is a much smaller production essentially produced and performed by that class.

The 2019 Theatre Studies class have selected Tom Wright's adaptation of Joan Lindsey's classic Australian Gothic thriller Picnic at Hanging Rock. They have spent nearly 10 weeks in classes producing and rehearsing this show for part of their Unit 3 assessment. Over the last several years, the first outcome for Unit 3 VCE Theatre Studies was a student-produced performance on a selected play script. Students were to learn about the production process (including planning, development and presentation) with two theatrical stagecraft areas. With the new 2019-2023 VCAA Study Design, while the purpose and nature of the task is essentially the same, the size and scale of the task has been reduced significantly with both the amount of work (both practical and documentation) and time required to undertake the task. The number of selectable stagecraft areas students may choose have also been reduced — now including direction, acting, set design, costume, makeup, sound, lighting and props.

The play will still be an excellent production and tickets are available for those who would like to see it — which I encourage. Break a leg.

Mother’s Day

As our prayer in this newsletter reflects, Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May) fast approaches. It is important that we teach our children to give thanks and recognise all those who give so much for them. It is also important that all mothers and female caregivers come to understand how much they are appreciated and loved. Perhaps Mother’s Day is time to remind ourselves to focus on just that. To remind us to tell our mothers, whether they are still with us nor not, that we love them.

A happy and joyful Mother’s Day to all.

Mother...
You filled my days with rainbow lights,
Fairytales and sweet dream nights,
A kiss to wipe away my tears,
Gingerbread to ease my fears.
You gave the gift of life to me
And then in love, you set me free.
I thank you for your tender care,
For deep warm hugs and being there.
I hope that when you think of me
A part of you
You’ll always see.
— Anon

Personal Pars

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Danny Janse, uncle to Riley Spicer (Year 9), who passed away suddenly in the last fortnight. May Danny rest in peace.

God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal

Welcome back for Term 2

After a lovely Easter break, it does not take long for the rhythm of the College to once again pick up the pace of where we left off. Already students have been involved in an array of activities and have celebrated the start of the term with a student-led full school assembly. Congratulations to all of the students involved, but particular mention to our College band on how professional they sounded. A real highlight.

House Cup update

Another highlight at the start of Term 2 was the atmosphere around the announcement of who is leading the House Cup Challenge. To win the House Cup, students engage in a year-long battle for points through the Athletics and Swimming carnivals, receiving day-to-day Commendations through the College Colours affirmation process and house-based lunchtime activities. Through getting involved and having a bit of fun at lunchtimes, students earn points for their house to help win the cup.

The House Cup positions (as at the start of Term 2):
In 6th place is Ryan House
In 5th place is Frayne House
In 4th place is Terry Dunn House
In 3rd place, only 43 points off the top, is Maguire House
In 2nd place, trailing by only 23 points, is O’Neill House
With Carr slightly out in front in 1st place. House Captain Matthew Phillips is pictured with the House Cup.

Plenty can happen between now and the end of Term 3, when the winners for the year are decided, so encourage your child to get involved in as much as they can. Points will soon be awarded to those who compete in a lunchtime downball competition.

Debutante Balls

Thank you also to the staff who have given up so much of their time this year to ensure our Year 11 Debutante Balls were as successful as they were. Many hours of supervision in preparation and the time spent on the two nights were well worth it, as our students demonstrated their skills and enabled our community to again come together in celebration of our young people. You can read more about the event HERE.

Change to winter uniform

A reminder that we are now in full winter uniform. Year 12 students are reminded that their Year 12 jacket can only be worn at school. The blazer remains the outer garment for all students. With colder weather approaching, it is always tempting to wear extra layers to school. Please be mindful, hoodies and the like must not be worn under the blazer. If cold, please wear the College jumper.

Recall on some blazers

Three years ago, the material used to make the College blazer was changed. By and large, the presentation of the blazer has remained high, with the quality of the material standing up to the rigours of daily wear and tear. However, it has been noted recently that some blazers have been pilling and wearing inconsistently. Recent talks with the suppliers have concluded that a batch of material used may have been imperfect and prone to pilling. It has been agreed that any blazer that is excessively pilling or showing signs of inconsistent wear should be returned to the Bob Stewart Uniform Shop at the College for a replacement — at no cost to parents.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have anything you would like to chat about.

Ninety-two couples took part in this year's Debutante Balls which were held on 26 and 27 April at Melbourne Town Hall, with 44 couples taking to the floor on the Friday night and 48 on the Saturday. The students had been learning their dances with Sassi Dance studio since the start of the year and they were wonderful on both nights. Each couple was presented to Principal Phil Morison and his wife Jenny, accompanied by a short biography about themselves.

There was plenty of dancing on both nights, with students invited to ask a special person to dance with them after the formalities were finished and this was a special moment. The students also continued the tradition of adding a bit of fun to their formal outfits by wearing colourful socks, which they were happy to show off as they went through their final preparations. There were many highlights, but perhaps the most significant were the moments when the students supported each other and when they danced with their 'special person' (including mums, dads, grandparents, carers, aunts or uncles) — all of which celebrates a lot of what makes MLMC special.

Well done and thank you to everyone involved for the massive amount of work and effort that went into making both nights so successful and the experience such a meaningful night for the students and their families, particularly Mrs Emily Cerra (Registrar — Community Engagement), Mr Neal Haining (Year 11 Level Leader) and Mrs Tamara Rundle (Year 11 Assistant Level Leader). Thank you to all of the staff who supported, encouraged and laughed with students, took photos, corralled, sewed up, located missing gloves and danced with the students. Thank you also to those who supervised dance rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the event and we thank Laura Nation and Deleane Leach from the Parents and Friends’ Association who were on the organising committee.

Here are some student reflections from the event:

Since Year 7 the countdown for the Debutante Ball had begun and it was finally here. It was an early start to the day for most of us but with the excitement building, being tired was the least of our worries. Putting on the white dress made it all real — an event our friends had been talking about for the last four years, and today was the day. The energy when we arrived was amazing. Seeing the Saturday group coming together made us feel like one big family. Most couples were nervous but the support from everyone around us was something we will never forget. When we finally got presented, we all felt so proud of the young people we are becoming and standing up on stage in front of our families was a perfect way to display this. We couldn’t wait to show everyone our dances and just how much time and effort we had put into learning and perfecting them. Deb was the most amazing night and to experience it with such a great group of people made it all the more special. — Maddy George (Year 11 Orange)

What an experience! The day consisted of laughs, smiles and tears — from waking at 7am for the makeup and hair appointments that were scheduled five months ago to mum taking that one extra photo. Practice involved standing in a line for what felt like forever and then getting on stage and realising how nervous and scared we really were. We all tried our best not to mess up, with thoughts of Kathy, our dance instructor, in the back of our heads. I can remember when it was time for the deb to actually start just how excited everyone was. We did our dances and then the real dance party began. The support from the teachers was amazing and the amount of effort and commitment that was put into the deb for us was truly the highlight. We especially send a big thank you to Mrs Cerra. Deb was truly one of the best nights ever and will be the highlight of my schooling life. Thank you to all who were involved. — Kirra Smark (Year 11 Green)

Deb — the day we had all been looking forward to since Year 7 (or even earlier)! It was such an amazing experience, having fun getting my nails, hair, makeup and tan done. It was so great to see everyone dressed up and having a great time with our wonderful families watching us in the audience. It was an amazing day, hanging out with my friends in the limo — especially when your dresses take up the whole limo. One of my favourite parts of the night was the dances where you could showcase all you have learnt. Overall, it was a fabulous night full of lots of photos and fun. I am really thankful, it is really worthwhile. — Molly Bollaart (Year 11 Bronze)

“So now faith, hope, and love abide,… but the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13

Prayers for Mothers

O Loving Lord,
You have created mothers in love and blessed them with children.
As they work tirelessly to support their families may they be showered with your blessings.
Give mothers strength to exercise compassion as they live each day under your care.

We thank you, O Lord, for the gift of Motherhood.
May those blessed with children be granted the gifts of courage, perseverance and good health.
May they face each new day with faith and hope in your abiding love.
May all families find in the strength of your love
The priceless gift of peace
And so bear witness to your glory.

As Mary was the model of prayer, of love, and of obedience to the will of God, by your grace make mothers
holy and rich with your gifts.

May all mothers enjoy good health and spiritual wellbeing to enable them to care for their families.

(Source: adapted from a prayer by Bishop Kevin Manning, Parramatta Diocese).

(1) EISM Division 1 Athletics Carnival

On Thursday 2 May, the MLMC athletics team travelled to Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park to compete in the annual EISM Athletics Carnival. After taking out Division 2 last year and receiving promotion back to Division 1, MLMC went into this year's Carnival to prove that we're here to stay. MLMC finished in fifth place, only 50 points behind third place. Congratulations to all the amazing athletes that represented MLMC on the day — we are extremely proud of you all and thank you for your contribution to the College. Special mention to Cheyenne Moore (Year 9 Silver), who broke the Under 15 girls’ shot put record, with a distance of 11.91 metres.
— Sienna Clark and Jackson Flint (Sports Prefects)

(2) Athletics training

Only two more sessions of athletics training will be held — on Monday 6 May (3.30-4.30pm) and Wednesday 8 May (7.00-8.00am). Sessions are held at Quarry Road for students to improve their skills and fitness levels in athletic disciplines. All abilities welcome. Commendations and house points are up for grabs. It’s free, and breakfast will be provided on Wednesday at school. Please see/email Ms Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details.

The EISM Athletics Champions Carnival will be held on Monday 13 May, 12.00pm-6.00pm, at Lakeside Stadium. Qualifiers for this event will be notified via email shortly.

(3) EISM Grand Finals

Well done to all of our athletes who competed in Senior EISM summer grand finals in the past two weeks. The girls’ Basketball B team (pictured) won their Grand Final 28-10 against Aquinas to clinch the premiership, while the girls’ ultimate frisbee team (pictured) lost narrowly.

Senior Results (24 April) — Semi Final

Senior Results (1 May) — Grand Finals

(4) EISM Reminders

With the winter seasons of Year 8, 9 and Senior EISM Sport all about to begin, 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). MLMC is in Eastern Division (E).

(5) Tintern Interschool Horse Trials

Last weekend the MLMC equestrian team competed at the Tintern Grammar Eventing Championships at Wandin Park. The team involved over 20 riders, their horses and of course, the parents that make this event possible. The event went over two days and saw several MLMC students place individually as well as taking out the Team Spirit award — a huge achievement as there were over 70 schools competing. Well done to all riders (some of whom are pictured in the gallery below).

(6) Student Achievements

Equestrian

Congratulations to Charlotte Mansley (Year 9 Bronze) who recently attended the Q19 Quarter Horse Nationals Championships at Tamworth, NSW. Charlotte (pictured above) had a great show winning two national titles in Youth Hunter Under Saddle and Youth Hack. She had many other wins and placings at the Pre Show, American show and the versatility show. From these great results she has been selected to represent Australia at the upcoming Trans Tasman Team Challenge Championships to be held in Taupo, New Zealand, in September.

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

A big thank you to the College Captains, Vice Captains and members of the College Choir for their participation in the ANZAC Day dawn service at Lilydale cenotaph last week. Your presence was appreciated by all as the tradition of honouring our ANZAC servicemen and women continues to grow.

Our College Choir had their greatest turnout yet, with the 18 Choir members drawn from our regular choir as well as the College's A Cappella Ensembles, and sang under the direction of Ms Caroline Dickason. The students had to be at the cenotaph at 5.15am in full uniform and sing the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand as well as the recessional. Four of the group wore microphones as well. The singers each earned double commendations for their contributions. The College Choir takes part in the Anzac Day service each year out of respect for the community and to give service.

College Captains Grace Clinton and Matthew Gamble and Vice Captains Darcy Hamilton and Ethan Preston laid a wreath to honour our Australian servicemen and women.

The previous day, some of our Year 12 students and Humanities Faculty Leader John Ryan acknowledged the Anzac spirit and the deeds of our Diggers with an oral presentation to the College about what happened at Gallipoli 114 years ago. As a community, we give thanks, we pray and we remember.

During the Lenten season, money was raised for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion with the theme for 2019 being ‘Give Lent 100%’. Project Compassion aims to raise money for those living in disadvantaged communities tackling issues surrounding health care, education or nutrition.

A number of College fundraisers were held, including the St Patrick's Day bake sale and casual clothes day. As well as these fundraising events, each homeroom was given a donations box to help contribute to the cause. All up, the total amount raised for Project Compassion was $3164. Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this!

Bishop Greg O’Kelly, former chairman of Caritas Australia, said this year’s theme was based around hope and giving Lent 100% in the name of hope. “Hope is one of the three pillars of Christian virtue. The other two being faith and charity. It is a powerful force for good and often helps to transform lives. Hope helps us to face life’s challenges and sustains us as we work alongside the most marginalised and vulnerable communities to achieve better lives. Pope Francis has said that: ‘Jesus has given us a light that shines in the darkness; defend it, protect it. This unique light is the greatest richness entrusted to your life.’ This light, is the light of hope. Based on God’s love for all, hope enables us to rise above our fears and helps those in great need to shape a better future for their communities.”

You can find further information about Project Compassion HERE

Catholic Care's theme for Family Week 2019 is ‘Building Connections in the Spirit of Hope’.

We are at our best when we are connected to others and to the world around us. Genuine hope is built on vulnerability and love, rather than self-defence and indifference; on a joy that seeks new opportunities, rather than a fear that constantly sees new threats; on a strong community base rather than individualism; on building bridges not walls.

This year, Family Week runs from 15-21 May in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The College will be raising awareness through Religious Education classes, Ministry Lounge activities and the daily bulletin. As families you can also get involved. For further information about Family Week 2019 please read the attached flyer.

Special people in the lives of our Year 7 students are warmly invited to join us to celebrate Special Person's Day on Tuesday 7 May 2019.

Guests will arrive at Centennial Hall at 8.45am for a 9.00am start. The event will include a Welcome Liturgy and address from the Principal, Mr Phil Morison, followed by morning tea and a school tour before concluding at 10.30am.

Please RSVP by Sunday 5 May (with the number of guests for catering purposes) via the Parent Portal, Events Tab, Special Person's Day event.

We look forward to welcoming these special people to MLMC.

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.

Learning about what it was like to be living in ancient Greece, Egypt or Rome or experiencing warfare in medieval times was taken up a few notches when organisation History Up Close returned to the College for incursions with Year 7 and Year 8 students over the past two weeks.

On Wednesday 24 April, our Year 7s spent the day getting a hands-on experience of the ancient world, taking the opportunity to touch and feel the what they had been learning about in class about ancient civilisations and also ask questions of the history experts. They also explored ways of fighting that were the difference between life and death on the battlefield

What students have learnt throughout their Year 7 History course will be demonstrated to them via discussions and activities designed to consolidate their learning.

A week later, the Year 8s got to dress as the elite of medieval England, dress as knights or be soldiers holding up a shield wall to repel an attack as part of their learning on medieval history.

Students got out of their seats to wear a variety of armour and helmets and were given the opportunity to go into battle with different weapons of war. Some students formed a shield wall to defend against their classmates who are deadly archers (armed with tennis balls), similar to what medieval knights and soldiers would have done to protect their lands.

Invitation to all parents and students in Grades 4, 5 and 6

Please join us at our twilight open house event for a unique taste of what MLMC has to offer your child. Here’s your chance to explore the College, meet the teachers and students and engage in a range of fun-filled interactive activities.

Thursday 9 May, from 5.00pm to 8.30pm, at MLMC, 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale.

To ensure everyone has a great experience, the event will be divided into two sessions. All you need to do is register and choose either Session A (from 5.00pm to 6.30pm) OR Session B (6.30pm to 8.00pm). For further information and for bookings please visit our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to the College.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College offers our College community the opportunity to purchase an Entertainment book and access fantastic discounts, with the added bonus of raising funds to enhance student facilities at the College.

This year, the Entertainment book has seen the addition of new offers which can be found in Lilydale and the surrounding areas, including The Lilydale General and Innocent Bystander winery. There have also been a number of new retail offers added to the book. For a closer look at what the Entertainment book can offer, visit the online flipbook HERE

Your entertainment membership is also now accompanied by excellent accommodation and travel discounts. For more information on such offers, visit the following link traveller.entertainmentbook.com.au

If you would like to support the College, while having a range of exciting offers at your fingertips, you can purchase your Entertainment book HERE. The membership runs through until April 2020.

We thank you for your support of our students.