Our Yr 10 Student Leaders shared a day learning about what makes a good leader and all that their role requires. We were very fortunate to have our Mayor Greg Williamson as our keynote speaker who challenged our students to get involved in our wider community as well.
I was discussing with my class recently the idea of Jesus as a leadership role model. A common barrier to embracing Jesus as a leadership role model is scepticism about the relevance of his teaching to specific twenty-first century leadership situations. In many ways, we are in the same kind of situation as Peter was when Jesus asked him to take some highly unusual and unorthodox steps as he conducted his fishing business. (Luke 5:1-11)
What do you think was going through Peter’s mind when he replied, “Master, we have been fishing all night and we haven’t caught a thing”? It sounds as if Peter might have been thinking something along these lines: I’ve listened to Jesus address the crowds and speak with great power and wisdom. I really respect his knowledge of God’s Word and his skill as a teacher. But now he has asked me to do something that goes totally against my own knowledge and instincts about how to run my fishing business. Jesus doesn’t know fishing; I know fish and fishing. That’s my business, and what Jesus asks is not practical. Besides, doing what he says will probably be a waste of time and energy – and my workers are going to wonder if I have lost my mind!
When I was offered my first teaching job, I asked an old teacher friend for advice. She said, “I have one piece of advice that will carry you through your entire tenure in education: Don’t spend the majority of your time in the staff room!” I wouldn’t understand that until I actually began teaching. She also told me to think positive thoughts instead of focusing on the negative communication I would hear.
In education, it almost seems natural to complain because everything is constantly changing. However, our thoughts always should reflect what we can do to move with the change and work for good.
During my first year as a teacher, I worked with a teacher who said she would never make the changes that were being demanded of us. She did not return the following year! Well, that eye-opening experience taught me to have a positive attitude and do my best whatever was required or requested. As educators, it is our job to do all we can to meet the expectations not only of our students and parents but also of our leadership team. Rather than getting “hung up” on a request, spend your energy on how you can make the change work in a positive way for you and your students.
We are at that time of the semester when the assignments are beginning to mount up. This can be a new experience for our Year 7’s and not always a pleasant time for our older students.
Assignments in these middle years are an assessment tool used to see how students can apply their knowledge in a more extended format than what exams provide. Students are often stepped through the task and provided time for completion in class, however all will need some time attributed to them at home, which increases as students move through the years. Here are some pointers for successful assignment completion for younger secondary students:
Sometimes assignments may take the place of regular homework, and on other occasions it may be in addition. Typically it is expected that Year 7 students will do one hour of homework a week per subject on average. Some subjects are not “homework heavy”, while others are. When averaged out, a total of 5-7 hours of homework per week would be a reasonable expectation. This will increase year to year until the end of Year 10, when a child’s chosen senior pathway will dictate the amount of homework/study to be completed. For a student wishing to achieve a high ATAR score, up to 3 hours per night would be required. It is vital that our youngest students develop good study habits so they will be well equipped to cope with the pressures of senior studies in time to come.
Homework will normally be set by the class teacher using Google Classroom or the Student Diary. We would encourage all students to physically write down their homework in their diary, and to write assignment due dates in an assessment planner. The transfer from cognition to physical action does help embed what needs to be done in a child’s thinking - when we write something down we have more chance of remembering it - technology isn’t always the answer! By encouraging these good habits, we help set our children up for long term success.
This week an email was sent home regarding Extension Application processes. We have an established process to create equity in that all students have a relatively equal time to complete work. In these current circumstances where COVID-related absences are frequent, it is important that students are able to keep as up to date with school work as possible, while at the same time, teachers allowing students who have been unwell a fair amount of time to catch up. Communication with teachers and House Coordinators will ensure we take the best approach in supporting your child.
The Mercy College Brekky Van is back on the streets and has had a successful first couple of shifts with both students from St Patrick’s College and Mercy College lending their time to cook breakfast for those struggling in our community. Students in Year 10 are invited to attend a Brekky Van shift on either a Wednesday or Friday morning from 6.15am with Year 12 students from St Patrick’s College.
“The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action.” – Mother Teresa
Hello everyone, my name is Darcie O’Grady and I’m the new College Counsellor. I’m a social worker and have been predominantly working in the mental health space before coming on board as counsellor for Mercy College. I’ve been enjoying my time here so far, especially getting to know all the amazing students! I will be working predominantly with Year 7 and 9 students in my role. If you feel that a student would benefit from seeing a counsellor, you can call the office and refer through them or email myself or Mercy’s other counsellor Dee Trannore.
donnetta_trannore@rok.catholic.edu.au
darcie_ogrady@rok.catholic.edu.au
In week 6, myself (Year 8 and 10 Student Counsellor) and Darcie O’Grady (Year 7and 9 Student Counsellor) addressed the Year 7 cohort to discuss the difference between stress and anxiety and go through some strategies to manage their stress. There are a great deal of changes that occur when students move from primary to secondary school, and life does become more challenging. Educating students on how to manage the stress of life now is going to assist them in managing their own mental health more effectively as they get older.
During this presentation, we outlined the symptoms of stress and anxiety and their similarities, such as poor sleep, irritability, frequent illness, feeling overwhelmed and difficulty concentrating, to name a few. We also discussed why we have these physiological symptoms when we are stressed and anxious. When something triggers our anxiety or stress, our amygdala in our brain senses danger, releasing stress hormones throughout our body, causing these responses. These hormones force our attention to the “threat”. We went over what might be a trigger for them. There were lots of great examples, one in particular being assessment, especially oral presentations.
We also outlined the benefits of stress. A moderate amount of stress can strengthen our memory and attention span, making us more productive. It can also motivate us to succeed, build resilience, and boost our immune system.
The main difference we discussed between anxiety and stress is that stress is short term, and once the trigger has passed, we should return to a normal state. Anxiety however is a response to our thoughts. Once the fear or trigger has passed, a person with anxiety will then begin to worry about something else.
There are a number of strategies that you can put in place to assist in managing your stress. During this presentation, we focused on the following five:
As adults we are regularly placed in stressful situations and it is important that our young people learn how to manage now, while they have the guidance of their parents and teachers.
If you would like any further information on how to assist your student in managing their stress, or you have any other concerns, feel free to email myself (donnetta_trannore@rok.catholic.edu.au ) or Darcie O’Grady (darcie_ogrady@rok.catholic.edu.au) and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.
Please find attached the upcoming Gig Guide for Term 1 and 2.
Letters and notes in regards to the later performances will be provided closer to the date as more details regarding meeting times and locations are ironed out.
Thank you to all students who performed as part of the College Choir for the Leadership and St Patrick's Day mass. It was great to see such a large turn out to celebrate our school community.
Week 10 Thursday, will be the first of many lunchtime concerts at Mercy College. Outside of the library at Glennon Gardens, Mr McConnell, Mr Kettle and Ms Rossetto will be performing and taking requests if you would like to have sing along.
Just a reminder that the cultural agreement and payment was due two weeks ago, so if you have not handed that in please do so to the Finance Office as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support in our Cultural program
Student’s of the World are happy to announce that their student exchange programs are back up and running. Mercy College and St Patrick’s College will be hosting students from Europe in term 3 for 6 to 12 weeks in duration. These students are aged between 14 and 18 years old. They are seeking an experience to develop independence, self-confidence and maturity, develop new friendships, improve English skills and develop an understanding of another culture. If you would like to host a student, please contact Students of the World to express your interest on 08 8379 5726.
Alternatively, if you are interested in your son or daughter participating in a student exchange program, Students of the World offer affordable exchanges to a variety of countries. Please contact them to express your interest in participating in an exchange abroad.
Year 8 students have been learning how to introduce themselves, their family, and their pets.
Students have been able to practice this newly learned language by participating in small group video link ups with students in Japan. They have also written letters about themselves entirely in Japanese script. These have been sent to our sister school in Tokushima as well as to a school in Kanagawa. All students are eagerly awaiting their replies.
Work Experience Term 1 2022
Scripture tells us that work can be fulfilling and is honourable, no matter the occupation. “Honest toil, done in a joyful spirit is like a prayer to God”, (Zavada, 2020). Psalm 128:2 says “You will eat the fruit of your labour; blessings and prosperity will be yours”.
During Week 7 of Term One 130 Year 10 students completed compulsory Work Experience as part of the Work Education course. While some businesses were unable to support us this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and other hardships, KP Placements Agency was able to find work placements for all students, many of whom had pre-arranged their own Work Experience. For some students, this was the first time that they had been in the workplace. Some of the occupations that students tried this term include, carpentry, electrician, beautician, hair-dresser, veterinarian, teacher, child-care worker, aged care health worker, and many more. Some students will be completing an optional second work placement during the first week of the Easter holidays. Congratulations to our Year 10 students who completed Work Experience.
Earn and Learn
Luke 2:40 “The child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.”
School Based Apprenticeships allow students to start their apprenticeship, while still finishing their schooling. Students who start a School Based Apprenticeship start to earn a salary for the hours worked. Two students were offered School Based Apprenticeships at the start of the year. Tomas Fenech is completing a Certificate III in Carpentry with Lauder Homes and Renovations. Jayce Hermann has started a Certificate 3 in Engineering - Fabrication Trade with Melco Engineering. We wish Tomas and Jayce every success with their School Based Apprenticeship.
Students had fun over at a photography workshop. It was an entry-level session tailored for students that have never picked up a camera let alone a DSLR and wanted to learn the basics by using some manual settings for creativity. There were also existing members facilitating the new members during the session.
In addition during one of our meetings students had a crack at using the green screen for the first time. Green screening is shooting with a green screen involves filming a person or adding visual effects in front of a solid colour. Then, by digitally removing or “keying out” that colour, you can drop that scene onto the background of your choice.
Imagine winning 10kgs of Cadbury chocolate! Well, your dream could become a reality if you purchase a ticket in the Vinnies Giant Chocolate Raffle this term. Almost every day from now until the last day of school, the Vinnies Committee will be out and about selling tickets in the 10kg Cadbury chocolate raffle. This is another fundraiser for Caritas’ Project Compassion Appeal. If you would like to buy a ticket, please look out for the friendly Vinnies Committee walking around the school at First Break. The lucky winner will be announced on the last day of term.
You can also buy a $1 chocolate from one of the fundraising chocolate box sellers (however, please note that these chocolates can’t be sold until Recess each school day). From now on, only Year 9 and 10 students will be able to sell these chocolate boxes. Thank you to all who have given up their time to sell these chocolate boxes.
Also, don’t forget you can also support Project Compassion by bringing in money to put in your Homeroom’s Project Compassion box. You might also want to do a homeroom fundraiser.
Thank you for your support of this worthwhile project during this Lenten season.
Could you please support this great cause by dropping of a Chocolate Bunny and/or Chocolate Eggs to Front Reception. These donation will be given to Francis of Assisi Home, Men's and Women's Shelter and St Vincent de Paul.
Our Year 7 students have been keen gardeners so far this Term, getting our market garden up and running. They have pulled out weeds, planted seeds, mulched, and harvested some beans and lemons. The produce that is harvested will be used in the school or donated to St Vincent de Paul Hostel. Students have been placed on a roster, however, are welcome to attend as many times as they would like. The Market Garden is open every Tuesday morning from 8am.
As you are aware, there are several issues impacting our world at the moment and we all want to help the best way we can. If you would like to do more, here are some places where you can donate.
Floods in South East Queensland
The floods in South East Queensland has taken a serious toll on local communities. St Vincent de Paul is working on the ground to help and support those impacted by the disaster. They have launched an appeal for donations through their Flood Appeal 2022 – Always There.
Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine is ongoing and Caritas Australia is working closely with Caritas Ukraine to provide much-needed support in the form of food security, water, sanitation and hygiene, and emergency shelter. Caritas Ukraine is also working to provide transportation and accommodation to displaced families, as well as setting up Child Friendly Spaces for children to heal from trauma.
To offer your assistance with a donations please click HERE.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is currently facing its first COVID-19 outbreak during this pandemic, with nearly 6,000 cases recorded and the hospital system on the brink of collapse. The Pacific Island nation had remained COVID-free throughout 2020 and 2021, but the virus is now spreading rapidly through a largely unvaccinated population. There are only 59 beds in the national isolation centre in Honiara, and many healthcare workers have already been infected by COVID-19.
To help Caritas assist the people of the Solomon Islands, please donate at the Pacific Emergency Appeal.
The Breast Care Cushion project has been an endorsed service project in all ZONTA districts in Australia since 2001 and thousands of women (and men) have benefited from receiving a cushion - by early 2013, over 50,000 cushions had been made and delivered across Australia!
The ZONTA Breast Care Cushion aids recovery by allowing the woman/man to sit, sleep and rest comfortably, as well as by preventing hurt from bumps while walking around and any discomfort from wearing seat belts. Mackay ZONTA club undertake to keep our hospitals supplied with the Breast Care Cushions and the staff ensure that each person undergoing breast surgery receives a cushion to take home.
While some clubs make the cushions from beginning to end using the work of club members, many clubs are assisted by club supporters and a variety people in their local community. Students from both St Patrick’s College and Mercy College are coming together on Sunday 20 March to lend a hand to stuff, stitch and pack breast cushions for women/men who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Mackay. This event will take place at St Patrick’s College from 10am – 12pm.
Orange Sky has put the call out for donations of any plastic bags, ranging from bread bags / fruit and vegetable bags from the supermarket to large garbage bags to recycle and make into plarn (plastic yarn) so they can then be crocheted into sleeping mats for the homeless. Between 500-700 bread bags are needed for one mat, or 100 large garbage bags. Students can donate their bags to the College Office and if you would like to help make the mats, please email Kelsey_Wallace@rok.catholic.edu.au.
Date Claimer: Inter-house Cross Country will be held the last day of school, Thursday 31 March 2022.
~ Mercy College Open Night 2022 ~
Enrolments for Year 7, 2023 are now open.
Visit www.mercymackay@qld.edu.au and complete our online enrolment application today!
Students looking to join Mercy College in Year 8-10, 2023 are most welcome to attend.
Congratulations to Emma Galea in Year 8 who took part in the World’s Greatest Shave today.
Losing her long locks for the Leukaemia Foundation fundraiser, Emma has raised over $1,200 to help families beat blood cancer.
Well done Emma!
I am still seeking volunteers. If you are able to assist us this year, we would love to hear from you. Volunteer hours are from 9am until 2.30pm. Our busiest times are in the morning and serving the lunch break. Even if you can only come for a short time - it would be very much appreciated. Please remember all volunteers need to provide their COVID vaccination certificate.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact Margaret Floyd on 4969 4199 or email margaret_floyd@rok.catholic.edu.au.
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