Mercy Messenger Term 1 Week 10 1 April 2021

Today, prior to the Cross Country event winners being announced, all students and staff attended our Easter liturgy. May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I pray that this year’s Easter will bring you new faith, new hope and new goals – “May the joy of the Risen Christ be yours”.

I invite you all to make time in your very hectic lives to take the opportunity to attend one the many Masses that are being offered throughout our local parish churches during Holy Week, the Easter Vigil on Saturday night or the Easter Sunday Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. It is a time of renewal and awakening for all. I would also like to wish our community a safe and happy holiday.

I remind parents/guardians and students, that the first day of Term 2 is Monday 19 April.

Diocesan Principals’  Conference
Last week, I took part in the Diocesan Leadership Conference which was held in the Kevin Castles Centre in Rockhampton.  The conference was excellent, with speakers and workshops about:  Student Centered Leadership, Trauma Informed Communication, Disability Standards and Sharpening the purpose of Catholic Education.

A highlight of the conference was attending the Mass of Chrism, which was celebrated by Bishop Michael, together with priests, religious, parishioners and students representing our diocese. Sharing and meeting as a community enables us to reflect on our purpose and commitment to Catholic Education.

Cross Country
Today, Thursday 1 April, we held our Inter-House Cross Country. Congratulations to all students for your participation in this event. I would like to thank Mr Michael Comerford, Sports Coordinator and Mercy staff for all their efforts in organising and assisting with this event. 

Mercy College Open Night and Enrolment Processes for 2022
Enrolment applications for Year 7 2022 at Mercy College are now open and can be accessed through the College website under the Enrolment tab - https://www.mercymackay.qld.ed... 

On Tuesday 27 April, we will be holding our Mercy College Open Night from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. This night is open to any students and family members who are interested in attending our College. At our Open Night, there will be an information session at 5:30pm, Department displays and classrooms will be open for viewing. The Mercy Cultural Department will be showcasing their talents and performing on the night. In addition, we will also have information and displays on the extra-curricular activities at the College. It is a very informative night and I strongly recommend attending.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in enrolling in the College next year, please share this information and encourage them to come along.

Term 1 Interim Report Cards
Please see the Deputy Principal’s article for details. 

Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors 74th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod
A reminder that entries for the Mackay Eisteddfod are now open for both August and October events, and can be completed online.  Go to the website at https://mackayeisteddfod.com.a... for the full schedule (under resources).  Link to Website to Enter https://comps-online.com.au/Co...

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Mackay Eisteddfod on eisteddfod.mackay@bigpond.com or call during office hours (Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00am to 12:30pm. Entries close Wednesday 5 May (no late entries).

Please read the Schedule on our Web Page as there have been some changes in artforms due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Own Choice Dates
All Own Choice material must be submitted at the Mackay Eisteddfod Office 39 Gordon Street Mackay.   
During Own Choice Week –            
• Saturday          August 7           9:00am – 5:00pm
• Sunday             August 8          9:00am – 2:00pm

Forms needed for own choice can be downloaded from the Mackay Eisteddfod website. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Mackay Eisteddfod on eisteddfod.mackay@bigpond.com or call during office hours 4953 0747 (Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00am to 12:30pm).

Mrs Janelle Agius

Congratulations to our Year 7 student, Mackenzie Neilsen, she has recently competed for Capricornia in the State Swimming Championships. Mackenzie was awarded State Champion and won gold in the 200m butterfly, silver in the 400m individual medley and bronze in the 100m butterfly.  Well done Mackenzie.

Year 7 and 9 students have completed practice tests in preparation for formal NAPLAN testing. This was an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. It is not an assessment of student ability and there will be no reporting of student results.

Parents and guardians of students in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page - https://naplanonline.qld.edu.au/getting-ready/parent-information.

NAPLAN Online Testing

Term 2, Week 4 - Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 of May, all Year 7 & 9 students will be participating in NAPLAN testing. This is National testing in both Literacy and Numeracy.

The assessments will be held immediately after Homeroom, in designated exam rooms on these three days. Students must be at school prior to the commencement of the test, as there is very strict protocol regarding its administration. 

Opportunities for absent students to complete the test will be made available to them in line with NAPLAN protocols.

If there are any questions or concerns from parents/guardians, please contact the college 4969 4199.

Mr Adam Skoczylas

Term 1 Interim Reports

Interim Reports, detailing the current progress of students, will be available tomorrow through Parent Lounge from 12:00pm (Thursday 31 March). 
 
The Term 1 Interim Report is provided mid-way through the semester as a guide to parents/guardians and students. Please note that formal assessment for these subjects may not have occurred at the time of printing of these reports. The report is an indicator of a student’s current level of academic performance and, depending upon work habits and application to the subject, students may exit at the end of the Semester with a grade that is different to their current achievement. Clarification of details or concerns is best discussed with your child’s class teacher. 

Student Led Conferencing. 
Parents/Guardians will be able to make interview times for Student Led Conferencing with their student's teacher.  The student is required to be present at the Conference with the teacher. 

Conferencing Date and Time: Thursday 22 April (Week 1) - 3:30 - 7:30pm

Access to make a booking will be available from 3:00pm Thursday 1 April until Wednesday 20 April 10:00am. Each interview will last for 7 minutes, with 3 minutes allocated for the change-over. Interviews will take place in classrooms throughout the College and not the Hall. 

Interviews can be made through the Parent Lounge by clicking on the parent/teacher booking button. Parents/Guardians have been issued with a Parent Lounge username and password, however, if you have a problem with logging on please contact the College Office 4969 4199. 

Mr Adam Skoczylas

As we enter this Easter Season we may ask just how was God’s love revealed in Jesus?  It may seem like an obvious answer but nevertheless we can remind ourselves: firstly, he came and lived among us being fully human in the flesh. He spent time with us and loved in a human family.  He grew up in a Jewish community, and prayed in the local synagogue.  When he went on the road teaching he spent time with people, enjoying their company and accepting invitations to dinners.  He listened to people’s sorrows, offered advice and occasionally healed the sick and the mentally unwell.  He intensely challenged both the disciples and religious leaders when they needed it, however, he showed the sweetest compassion to the weak and outcaste. When arrested, Jesus treated his captors with respect.  In the face of lies and vicious criticism, he remained silent, when abused he gave forgiveness.  In essence Jesus showed love in many different ways, often in the most ordinary of circumstances.

And so do we!  You, who are reading this reflection, are a passionate person who provides love.  Don’t worry, you do have your shortcomings but before these can be faced, you need to affirm and embrace the many ways in which you love those around you.  When do you simply spend time, enjoying the company of those you love?  When do you share a meal with them?  Be with them when they are sick?  Be there for their sports events or music lessons?  How often do you remain calm and patient when it would be so easy to get annoyed?  Yes, these and many other ‘small things’ are the fibres of our lives and into them we can weave the passion of love.  

Over these coming days, when we think of the love shown by Jesus, reflect on the love we give (and receive) and recognise that in our lives, God wants to reveal the depths of his love.

Almighty God, as we know the great love of Jesus in these holy days, may I realise the holiness of the love I offer to my family, friends and community.  Supported by your great love, may I love more deeply. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Mrs Jeanette Refalo 

After 12 years of dedicated service Mrs Rachel Coppin, Principal’s Secretary, leaves Mercy College this week to take up her new role as College Secretary at Catherine McAuley College, Mackay. Congratulations Rachel on your new appointment, we will miss you. For her own part, Rachel expressed deep gratitude to everyone she has worked with over the years. 

The Year 7 Neon Glow Party social was a huge success with over 170 students attending, lots of fun was had by all, playing games and dancing throughout the night

Mrs Dianna Bailey 

Social Committee Coordinator

Cross Country 

The 2021 Interhouse Cross Country was held today, with students making their way along the Bluewater Trail, starting at the Botanical Gardens and finishing at the Bluewater Lagoon.

Congratulations to Midas who were the overall winners with 448 points. See below for the full list of results:

1st - Midas - 448
2nd - Badila - 395
3rd - Argos - 386
4th - Oraya - 376
5th - Triton - 317
6th - Pindar - 313

Congratulations to the following students who have taken out the Age Champion awards:

Year 7 Boys - Lucas Boshoff
Year 7 Girls - Jayda Earl
Year 8 Boys - Kaden Willersdorf
Year 8 Girls - Sophie Hodder
Year 9 Boys - William Radke
Year 9 Girls - Keely Pitt
Year 10 Boys - Bradley Manera
Year 10 Girls - Olivia Price

The Interact Committee ran their annual Easter Egg Appeal over Weeks 7,8 and 9 of this Term. On March 26 the kindly donated eggs were delivered, by both Mercy and St Patrick's College students.  The Easter Goodies were delivered to community and emergency services as a expression of thanks this Easter Season. Overwhelming support by the Mercy College Community made the initiative an outstanding success, thank you to all who made a donation.

Mwansa Nawal

Year 7 Geography

Students in Year 7 Geography classes have been learning about Water in the World. They have recently learnt about Water Scarcity and how many places in the world do not have access to clean safe drinking water. World Vision (2021) states that globally, 780 billion people lack access to basic drinking water, which is more than 1 of every 10 people on the planet. Women and girls around the world spend approximately 200 million hours hauling water every day, and the average woman in rural Africa walks six kilometres every day to haul 18 kilograms of water (World Vision, 2021).

Year 7s undertook a Water Walk Challenge where they carried weights and buckets of water weighing approximately 10 kilograms. They completed as many laps around the oval as they could in a 10 minute period. They then reflected on the activity by answering  a questionnaire.

These are some of the comments from participating students:

The walk around the oven was hot, tiring and took our breath away quickly. The water walk was a lot harder than expected. I didn’t expect it to be so heavy and get breathless that quickly. They also have to be careful of deadly animals, sore feet, people stealing your water and sharp things in the ground while barefoot. Macey B

We did 6 laps and ran/walked around 2.4 kilometers. I have always felt horrible about the people doing it but it changed my perspective a bit more. I only had to do this for 10 minutes but people in other countries have to do this three times a day and I feel sore from that. Lydia B

The water walk was very hard and it made me think about how long, how hot and how
excruciatingly painful it would be. Cael L

The water walk was a little bit harder than I expected and I thought it was going to be hard but not this hard. Maddie N

It was much harder than I expected because it was very hot outside and I didn’t expect it to be so hard and so long. If I were on a real water walk I may suffer dehydration, sore feet and back pain. Lilah N

It would be very hard as our team was struggling to carry 8 kilograms. Also the 20 kilogram weight that they carry would be even harder because of the higher temperatures. It would be harder in Africa because you would have no shoes and snakes or other harmful animals could be around to hurt you. Anthony S

This activity really opened my eyes about water scarcity and how hard it is for people to get such an essential item. I think we really take being able to just walk over to a tap or go to the shop or get cold running water and ice out of your fridge. I think more people should try this, it is a really great thing to spread awareness. Bella S

People who are in water scarcity regions have to do this and struggle with this because of hazards they face in their environment. People could be injured because of this activity that they have to do to just to survive. This activity also made me feel empathy for them because of what they have to go through. Lanz G

Our water walk was relatively easy compared to what people have to do in Africa. The water walk was harder than I expected because of the lack of space to hold the weight. Mateo F

It made me think how lucky we are to just walk over and turn on the tap and drink clean water. Poppy G

I thought the water would be carried by animals not children and women. Amos G

I know for sure what type of struggle people have to face just for water and still don’t get clean water. Sukhmandeep K

I can see why people that experience water scarcity are suffering because they spend most of their day collecting water for survival and not other necessities like education. Rexjan M

Yes it definitely did change my perspective on other people around the world who have to walk three miles to collect water just to survive. I am very lucky to live in a country where all we can do to get water is turn on a tap and we will instantly get clean, fresh water. I am very grateful to have a lot of water in my life which will help me to survive. Myah R

We completed 7 laps around the oval, so around 2.8 kilometres. The walk was painful and very tiring. I feel bad for the kids who have to walk around 13 kilometres a day just to get water. Madeline S

Ms Cecelia McLoughlin

During the course of this Term our Year 9 Geography students have been learning about Biomes and Food Security. They recently visited Freckle Farm and the Sarina Sugar Shed to learn about sustainable farming practices and how some of our local products are produced. Deb McLucus from Freckle Farm, gave a fantastic talk on the positive farming practices used at their local Farm. We enjoyed learning about the sugar and alcohol making processes at the Sarina Sugar Shed, however, our favourite part of the tour was definitely sampling the fairy floss, ginger beer, sauces and chutneys.

The Year 9's have also been learning about alternative protein sources that are more environmentally friendly to produce than traditional meats. The students were given an opportunity to sample a selection of some of these protein foods such as Saltbush and Rosemary Mealworms and Cricket Corn Chips, no one was keen to swap their steak permanently!

Ms Cecelia McLoughlin

Service Learning - Our Year 8 and 9 students are doing a fabulous job visiting St Mary’s students on a Wednesday morning. A further 15 Mercy students joined in last week; they spent time listening to the Year 2 students read and helping the Year 1 students build some wonderful Lego structures. Students are always welcome to come as many times as they would like. If a student misses their rostered day they are most welcome to join us on any Wednesday they are free.

Ms Cecelia McLoughlin

This term Mercy College had two senior and one junior futsal teams playing in a local interschool mixed futsal competition. All teams played extremely well, with two of the teams making the semi-finals last week. Our senior team started their game strongly, however, could not hold out a determined Mackay State High School side. The junior team also put in a spirited effort but unfortunately suffered a close loss to Northern Beaches State High School. Mercy College is extremely proud of the performances of all the College's teams this Term. The following players displayed promising skills and excellent sportsmanship during every game:

Year 9/10 Mercy 1: Hunter Searle, Luke Dowden, Toby Hackney, Tehya Morrow, Paige Bobbermein. Alexis Donohue, Anna Zhang.
Year 9/10 Mercy 2: Brendan McHutchon, Joshua Williamson, Sophie Mattsson, Megan Bauman, Laura Bauman, Flynn Cureton
Year 7/8 Mercy 1: Jack Kirwan, Ella Walz, Ned Pidgeon, Mia Ludwick, Lily Axiak, Charles Christensen, Louis Cauchi

Well done to all.

Mr Glen Cureton

INGREDIENTS

2 x 180g blocks white chocolate, chopped
2 x 395g cans sweetened condensed milk
130g packet honey and sea salt roasted peanuts
1/2 x 280g packet marshmallow noodles, cut into 2cm lengths
350g block milk chocolate, chopped

METHOD

1. Grease an 18cm x 28cm slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edges of pan.
2. Place white chocolate and half the condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Add peanuts and marshmallow. Stir to combine. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Smooth surface. Refrigerate.

For full recipe click on the following link

https://www.taste.com.au/recip...