Mercy Messenger - Term 4 - Week 4 - 29 October

All Saints and All Souls

The Feast of ‘All Saints’ will be celebrated on Monday. On the Feast of ‘All Saints’ we think of many ordinary good people who walked with God in their daily lives, and who have now passed. All Souls Day, to be celebrated next Tuesday, remembers all our departed and in particular those who may still need our prayers. It is good for all of us to remember family members and friends who have passed away and to pray for them on these days.

Sports Awards Presentation

On Assembly last week, we presented certificates and awards to many sporting teams and students who participated in various competitions or events throughout the year, representing Mercy College. Thank you once again Mr Comerford and all those who have supported or who have been involved with managing and coaching our sporting teams this year.  

Cultural Showcase and Awards Evening

On Wednesday 20 October, both Mercy College and St Patrick’s College’s Cultural Departments combined to celebrate the cultural achievements of both Colleges at a Combined Presentation Evening. It was a great celebration of the cultural life of both Colleges. Congratulations to all award winners, students and parents/guardians for the efforts throughout the year in our Cultural Department. A special mention and congratulations to Mrs Cassandra Gillespie and all staff, volunteers and students for a great evening.

Welcome to new Staff

Last week we welcomed our new Principal’s Secretary, Mrs Ruth van Lint to Mercy College. Ruth joins us after many years at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Welcome to Mercy Mrs van Lint!

Dance and Cheer Group

Congratulations to the students in the Combined Mercy/St Patrick's Dance and Cheer Team who attended Brisbane last week to compete in the Cheerbrandz competition.  I am very pleased to announce that out of our eight entries, six of these placed in the top three.

Thanks to Mrs Cassie Gillespie and Mrs Nat Porter for organising.

Mrs Janelle Agius

In order to prepare our Year 10 students for the QCAA Senior Curriculum and subsequent external exams at the end of Year 12, we will be conducting a dedicated Exam Block for Year 10 students only. This will commence Monday 15 November (Week 7) and run through until Tuesday 23 November (Week 8). During this time, Year 10 students will be required at school for their exams only. They have received the exam block Timetable and Procedures; a copy of the Timetable is included with this Newsletter. While students are not at school completing their exams, they are expected to be at home studying. If a student has two exams in one day, they will be allowed to stay at school and be supervised in the Library while studying. Student absences from exams will only be accepted as a result of communication from parents/guardians explaining the legitimate reason, such as illness. We appreciate your support, as this experience will benefit our students as they commence their senior schooling.

Students are required to be at the College 30 minutes prior to the commencement of their exam and wear full formal school uniform, except for the final exam of Religion on Tuesday 23 November, when they are asked to wear their sports uniform as they will require their formal uniform for Speech Night. 

Mr Adam Skoczylas

It is a great pleasure to have been asked to be AP Mission for both Mercy and St Patrick’s College.  I have been AP Mission at St Patrick’s College since the start of the year and prior to this I was AP Mission at Marist College, Emerald.

I am originally from Liverpool in the UK and I came across this quote attributed to John Lennon recently: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

There is some debate as to whether or not John Lennon actually said this but it is very profound and the sort of thing one could have imagined him to say.  Nevertheless, happiness is the key to life.  It doesn’t matter how much you have in the bank, what you spend, earn, drive or wear.  It all means nothing if you are not happy within yourself.  Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own.

While the world will teach us that happiness is found 'within', Jesus tells us plainly that happiness is found in serving others.  We may not always have fuzzy feelings when serving others, but authentic happiness is not found in passing feelings.

True happiness leaves us with a peace that endures through every trial.  It calms our fears and fulfils our deepest longings.

If we want to achieve the happiness that our heart desires, we must follow Jesus’ words and focus on others rather than ourselves.

Let us be happy people – people of compassion, hope and justice in our world of today.

Mr Joe Kelly

In week two this Term, the staff and students of Mercy College celebrated Wellbeing Week.  Throughout the week, as a school community, we took part in a number of activities to promote looking after our own and others' mental health.

Looking after your mental health is important, not only during times of stress and crisis, but consistently throughout our day.  By participating in self-care activities regularly, we can reduce our stress, regulate our emotions, increase our happiness and self-esteem and improve our energy.  By learning how to cope with stress and practice self-care at an early age, we build our resilience so we are able to face stressful situations, or times of crisis with confidence and positivity and bounce back quickly.

The five areas we focused on during Wellbeing Week included our physical, spiritual, emotional, energetic and mental needs.  Throughout the week during lunch times and Homerooms, the students and staff participated in different activities that met some of these needs.  There were games and mindfulness activities offered during lunch times and Homerooms, as well as healthy snacks and gratitude activities. 

If you would like any more information regarding self-care for your child, please contact me through email (donnetta_trannore@mercymackay.qld.edu.au) or contact the Office. 

Mrs Dee Trannore

On Wednesday our hard-working Year 9 Business and Economics team - Earth Scents, competed in the Future Anything 2021 National Semi-finals with their live business pitch. High school entrepreneurs from across Australia jumped online to pitch their ideas and bend the future, one youth-led idea at a time. The students were given the challenge to create an innovative, sustainable and scalable business that makes the world a better place. Jake Rickards, Bellanca Hawkins and Victoria Silman worked together for an entire semester to ideate their social enterprise, prototype their product and pitch their business idea to a panel of judges. Earth Scents’ goal is to make a positive impact on climate change by selling safe, eco-friendly, beeswax candles all around the globe. Their candles are safe and healthy and feature a unique wooden wick from sustainable sources. They are scented with natural essential oils, and our jars are made of recycled glass bottles from local businesses. The label features a scannable QR code that takes the buyer to a website where they can choose which not-for-profit charity their money goes towards. The product is innovative and unique to their competitors' candles on the market. Furthermore Jake, Bellanca and Victoria from Earth Scents are the only young people running a social enterprise in Mackay.

After successfully winning their school-based pitch showcase last Term with guest judges from Extraction Artisan Coffee flying up from Logan for the event, the Earth Scents team rallied to improve their product further and compete in the semi-finals via Zoom online against four other nation wide teams. Unfortunately, Victoria was unable to attend on the day due to illness, however, Jake and Bellanca represented the team with professionalism beyond their years. They spoke with excitement and enthusiasm and wowed the judges with their unique product and passion for climate change. Overall, Earth Scents were awarded the Runners Up for their Semi Final!

We could not be more proud of their fantastic efforts and innovation. Congratulations Earth Scents - we cannot wait to see what you achieve next with your unique candles and passion for making our world a better place. 

Miss Alex Burrie

Eisteddfod News

As the second part of the Mackay Eisteddfod comes to a close we would like to take the time to congratulate the students who competed. Special congratulations to the following Mercy College and St Patrick's College students who were awarded major awards:

Mercy Students:

• Mackenzie Wotherspoon – The Glen Ruhl Memorial Trophy Dance
• Sophie Reilly – The Lucy Bishop Award Dance
• Chelsey Butler - Intermediate Modern Aggregate Dance

St Patrick's Students:

• Jayde Readman – Macrossan and Amiet Bursary Dance 
• Shontae’ Minniecon – Norma Suttlewood OAM Bursary Dance
• Kennedy Foley – Angela Crompton Memorial Trophy Drama, The Mackay Discount Drug Stor Bursary Drama
• Regan Walker – NYFA Australia Arts Award Drama, Macrossan and Amiet Bursary Drama, Mr and Mrs K Anderson Aggregate Dance, Snr Modern Aggregate Dance, Snr Tap Aggregate Dance Snr Ballet Aggregate Dance, The Tapatak oz/Capezio Tap Excellence Award Dance, Most Outstanding Performer Dance

Cultural Awards Evening

What a fantastic night of entertainment. From stage band, dance and drama not one part of the performing arts was left out in this showcase event. Thank you to all the staff and students for making the night an amazing one.  Congratulations to all of our Award winners especially the Cultural Excellence Awardees: Matilda Ralph and Joshua Williamson.

Cheerbrandz: Mercy and St Pats Hit the floor!

After a cancelled trip earlier in the year due to COVID 19, the combined College Cheer Team finally got their chance to compete competitively in the Cheerbrandz competition in Brisbane. With four impressive routines in their repertoire, our group of 26 young ladies were set to leave it all on the floor. Friday began with rehearsals at the accommodation as the girls prepared for an evening with a full performance schedule. Competing in Hip hop, Contemporary and Lyrical against the State’s best, the girls showcased Mrs Natalie Porter's choreography to a very high standard. Saturday was time to focus on lifts and hitting practiced jumps as we competed in the Level 2 High School Cheer section against four other teams. This was, to date, one of our hardest competitions with our young ladies performing admirably during the four group routines; the routines consisted of two duo and two solo performances. The girls' performance, work ethic and attitude during the trip is truly a credit to both them and the Colleges. Thank you to Natalie Porter for helping me support this trip and our amazing team this year.

What’s coming up in cultural…

With the year's end just around the corner and Christmas getting closer, on Friday 29 October our Instrumental students will be performing at the annual Rotary Christmas Fair. The fair this year is at a new venue and will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds. With our talented students performing, it is guaranteed to be a wonderful night of entertainment, so bring the family and come along to kick start the Christmas festive season early. You never know you may even win a Christmas ham on the Wheel!

Miss Cassandra Gillespie

In education circles, many believe that STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is a more holistic approach than STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) because collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, imagination, communication and empathy is what a properly implemented Arts curriculum can offer students today. 

One component of The Arts is obviously Art, and last Term the Library held a competition whereby students could enter any sort of two-dimensional art work - charcoal, paint, drawings (pencil/print), photography, digital print, et cetera - to be hung in the Library for one year. Further to this, first place received $300 and second place $100 worth of art supplies, kindly donated by Mr Bradley Short from Milton Picture Framers. 

The worthy winners are Ishka Shepherd and Nishka Patel, but congratulations must also go to Charli Bliss, Maddison Pearce and Catherine Villion for their entries. It was just so pleasing to see the care, variety and expertise that went into the works and I hope to get many more over the years. All artwork is currently being displayed in the Library.

Mr Stephen Crocker

The Mercy College Sports Awards were held last Wednesday 20 October. The ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge some of the outstanding sporting achievements from our students during 2021 and recognise the efforts of our staff who have given up many hours of their own time to facilitate our Sporting Program. Mercy had over 500 students represent the College across 51 teams this year, numbers which we hope to see grow into the future.

Congratulations to our major award winners:

• Caleb Woodland Memorial Award for Dedication and Courage in Rugby League - Xavier Kerrisk
• Sportswoman of the Year - Isabella Sammut
• Sportsman of the Year - Kayne Smith

Mr Michael Comerford

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships give students the opportunity to earn as they learn. Students receive training in the workplace from a training organisation in their chosen Certificate course while continuing their studies. Several Mercy College students have commenced School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships this year in various vocations such as butcher, locksmith and hairdresser. Employers need to provide 7.5 hours per week of paid employment and students are encouraged to attend work on Wednesdays. Students need to be 15 years of age and have the support of an employer, their parents and the school in order to commence a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. 

For more information on Apprenticeships in Queensland go to:

https://desbt.qld.gov.au/train...

There are a number of staff who can also help you with your inquiries: Mrs Vikki McGrath, Ms Susan McKay and Mrs Cherie Hess.

Mrs Cherie Hess

It’s been great to see so many Homerooms bringing in food supplies for our annual Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal. I hear that an Oraya Homeroom is already on track for at least 6 hampers, and their goal is to fill more than 10! 

There will be a prize for the Homeroom with the most number of Christmas hampers (a Homeroom party), but wait - there’s more! The SRC has kindly donated a large trophy that will be used each year from now on. This trophy will be presented to the ‘most generous Homeroom’, or the Homeroom with the most number of Christmas hampers. As reigning champions, the winning Homeroom will also receive a ‘gold plated’ laundry basket for their use next year. 

All members of the Mercy Community are most welcome to donate via the relevant Homeroom. For your information, the following is the list of items required for each hamper:

• 2 x Tinned ham
• 2 x Tinned vegetables
• 1x Cordial
• 1 x 500g Assorted biscuits
• 1 x Large packet of lollies
• 1 x Large packet nuts
• 2 x Large tinned fruit
• 3 x Jelly crystals
• 1 x Christmas pudding
• 1 x Christmas cake
• Assorted Christmas decorations/bon bons
• 1 x Fruit mince pies
• 1 x Long life milk
• 1 x Long life custard
• 1 x Soft drink

All donations of food items are greatly appreciated and are required to be in at the College by Tuesday 23 November so they are able to be distributed to local families in need this Christmas. Thank you for your generous support of Vinnies!

Mrs Louise Mullaney

Our regular Teachers V Students Chess competition was held during the last week and a half.  With close to twenty competitors, and knock-out games completed, the Final was played on Thursday 28 October between Mr Lincoln De Thomasis and Jake Rickards. The final was a tightly fought game with Mr De Thomasis ending the match as the 'victor'. Well done to all the teachers and students who participated. We look forward to next year when hopefully the students can get one up on the teachers. 

Tutoring Days

• Maths:  Monday Room D04 - 3:00-4:00pm
• English:  Monday Room Library - 3:00-4:00pm
• Science: Tuesday Room S04 3:00-4:00pm

Year 8

Cob Loaf

INGREDIENTS

• 2 bread rolls
• 125g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 2 rasher of bacon chopped
• 1 eshallots
• 150ml sour cream
• ½ cup of grated cheese
• salt and pepper
• spray oil

METHOD

1. Pre-heat oven 160°C.
2. Cut the top of the loaf off and pick bread from the centre in chunks. 
3. On a baking tray, place loaf in the centre and small pieces of bread around the loaf. Lightly spray with oil.
4. Place in the oven for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Chop bacon and eshallots 
6. Add bacon and eshallots in a microwave safe bowl . Cook on High for 2 minutes
7. Add Philly cream cheese, sour cream and cheese. Cook on High for 2 minutes.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Pour into the centre of the loaf and use the smaller pieces of bread to dip into the cheesy mixture.

Year 9

Toad in the hole and Milk Shake

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 4 thick beef sausages 
• 6 tablespoons plain flour 
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• 1 egg 
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 150ml milk 
• oil spray
• 2 teaspoons rosemary leaves

• 500ml cold milk
• 2 tablespoons flavoured syrup
• 2 scoops of ice cream

METHOD

Toad in the hole

1. Heat oil in frying pan and cook sausages. Place cooked sausages in a baking dish.
2. Sift flour and salt into a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Whisk eggs, Worcestershire sauce, milk and rosemary together in a jug. Add to flour mixture, mix until batter is smooth. 
3. Pour batter over sausages and bake for 20 to 25mins or until puffed and golden.

Milkshake

1. Blend all ingredients together in a milkshake maker/ blender. Served in a chilled glass.

Year 10

Chocolate Tart with Cream

INGREDIENTS

Short Crust Pastry

• 2 cups plain flour
• 150g unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup cold water

Filling

• 400g milk Chocolate
• 250ml pouring cream
• 50g unsalted butter [chopped]

Topping

• whipped cream
• strawberries

METHOD

1. Sift flour into a bowl then process flour and butter in a food processor until mixture resembles bread crumbs. 
2. Add iced water and process until mixture comes together. Form into a ball and shape into a disc. 
3. Roll out disc until 3mm thick. Line tart pan with pastry and trim excess then place on a large oven tray. Prick the pastry base with a fork. 
4. Refrigerate tart shell for 10 minutes.
5. Line tart shell with baking paper and fill with rice. Bake for 15 minutes remove paper and bake for a further 10 minutes till dry and golden.
6. To make Ganache: Chop chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Place cream and butter into a small saucepan and bring almost to a boil.
7. Pour hot mixture over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Spoon ganache into tart shells and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. 
8. Meanwhile using an electric mixer, whip cream to soft peaks. Top tart with strawberries, serve slices with whipped cream.