Adam Voigt, former Principal and Education journalist, contributed an article to a recent edition of Education Review. He was addressing the current concerns in schools nationwide about plummeting support for teachers when a parent is advised that the school has concerns about behaviour and or achievement/effort.

Adam would contend over the last 30 years that the real change in the Education Sector was not technology, curriculum or the teacher's role. His contention is far simpler: 

“Thirty years ago you got into trouble twice if you got into trouble at school, once at school and then again upon getting home. That's it. This says everything about the relational predicament we find ourselves in now.”

In reflecting on my own experience of schooling in the 60s and 70s, that's exactly how my folks reacted. If I was in trouble at school, I was in mega trouble at home. Maybe as my mother had 7 children she didn't have time to bother, but the ‘old man’ was not full of laughs if any of us brought embarrassment to the family. I settled down pretty quickly.

If in general, parent attitudes to supporting the school has changed, to what does the author attribute this downward trajectory?  

“This is an entirely media-driven phenomena. For approximately three decades, current affairs and news programs have been increasingly beaming stories of conflict between parents and schools into our lounge rooms. Conflicts and arguments bring eyeballs, and eyeballs equals ratings. It's that simple.”

Of course, all complaints are not trivial and schools need to always be receptive to improvement, but media influences over time have encouraged a belligerent approach and a superficial lack of understanding of Education as a profession. When you encounter a cross between “Tiger Mum” and “Karen” you know the welfare of the child and support for school action will not necessarily be an outcome.

So how do we improve trust of schools and teachers, given media sources are not going to stop an 'entertainment' driven agenda of exaggerating minor issues? 

The author suggests the following:

• communicate on a number of platforms the reality of a caring group of trained professionals who can take a dispassionate view of your child's development

• classroom pedagogy, differentiation, management, feedback and assessment are complex processes. Trust of teachers and School Improvement processes should be the default option

• school leadership needs to support and protect staff going about their job in a professional manner. The infrequent parent engaging in a social media rant or unacceptable phone conversation needs to be reminded of standards in respect, irrespective of the situation 

Our school lockdown due to Covid in Term 2 of this year reminded many parents why they send their children to school. The support for Mercy College by parents was outstanding, and indeed vexatious incidents involving parent complaints are minimal. When a child going through the normal process of 'kicking the traces' encounters a solid team approach by both school and parent, the development issues fade into the past.

Mr Jim Ford 

Acknowledgement: Education Review ‘What to do about disrespect and aggression against teachers’ by Adam Voigt 15/10/2020

I’d like to share Fr. Don’s homily from last weekend's mass with the Gospel from St. Matthew 22:34-40. When Jesus was asked “Which is the greatest commandment of the law?” he had quite a lot to choose from. For in the Old Testament there was the Ten Commandments, then another 613 laws in the Old Testament, and another 63 areas for law in the so-called Rabbinic literature which gave 1000s of legal opinions about all sorts of things. 

So, the question put to Jesus was of course a trick question: from 1000s of laws which one would he choose? Jesus responds with two: love God and love your neighbour: it's a well-known saying.

The word love is used a lot in society, often to describe a feeling, but if we look back over the 2000 years of our faith Tradition we find that the true Christian understanding of love is that love is a virtue that is lived out in our daily lives. In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul talked about love as an attitude of mind and heart that results in good actions. Thomas Aquinas equates love with charity, saying that all the virtues, if they are truly within us, have to be lived out. He says the closest description we have of love is found in the virtue of charity; love is expressed or embodied in what we say and do, and not what we feel. Charity which springs from within shows forth our love and then frees the human soul to go forth and empowered to live with the mind and heart of Christ.

Pope Francis recently visited the town of Assisi, north of Rome to announce his new encyclical, which he called “Fratelli Tutti” – in English that translates to “brothers and sisters all.” It is written with the COVID pandemic in mind. He asks the question,  "Has the pandemic changed us or changed our world?" Speaking from a worldwide perspective, the Pope asks some helpful questions. 

He asked, has it made people more selfish or more giving?  Some people have closed in on themselves. In some cases, people have just dismissed the pandemic and do not worry about it; some of us are tired of hearing about it. Other people have been caught up in fear of COVID and so they have become isolated or disempowered by it. Others have found new ways to go out to people and share their faith and love of God by simply remembering who and what is important in life and allowing, what he calls “a new paradigm to take shape in their lives”. Whatever change it has brought, he talks about humanity being on a new threshold –as new opportunities unfold before us. It is a time to step back and reevaluate and return to the truth that love of God and love of neighbour are what matters and gives us a truly a life-giving path of life (n125).

He argues that the pandemic has brought into focus two parts of human culture that we need to be on guard against:  a sense of isolationism and a throwaway culture: he says that among other things, abortion, euthanasia, neglect of the elderly, neglect of the environment and slavery are all included as part of this throwaway culture; to neglect that could end up being worse than the pandemic (nos. 18-22).

The world before us now is as complicated as the Jewish law that Jesus had to choose from: but Jesus chose what was most important and Pope Francis, in his new letter, invites us to do the same – love of God and love of our neighbor, made even more important by the pandemic…..In Christo, Fr. Don.

Mrs Jeanette Refalo

Congratulations to the following Homeroom Door Winners for 2020!

ARG-6
BAD-4
MID-2
ORA-6
PIN-3
TRI-4

The Homeroom Door competition highlights the importance of Habit 6 – Synergise… Working together we can create great things!

Winners announced via video presentation by Julianne Gilbert.

Mrs Sandie Gracie

The students in RE738 World Faiths, created an Interfaith Banquet for staff at the College to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the dietary requirements of different world faiths. 

Coming together to share food is an important ritual in all traditions and is a way of unifying diverse groups of people

Mrs Carmen Bennett

The Vinnies Christmas Appeal is all about bringing joy and festivity to families and individuals who may be in need of some extra support this Christmas. 2020 has been a year like no other, with more people than ever before needing support to bring joy back into this festive season.

The Vinnies Committee is again asking for donations of the following items that will be made into hampers in Homerooms. These hampers will then be donated to St Vincent de Paul and distributed to families in our local community. 

Thank you for your support.

Ms Kristy Mitchell

Epic Readers Award for the year were presented by Mr Scott McSherry:

Epic Readers Award

Xavier Grogan (77 books)
Victoria Searle (42 books)
Both will receive $100 QBD vouchers

Avid Readers Award

Gabrielle Ipson (29 books)
Alyssa Cauchi (28 books)
Anna Zhang (27 books)
Jamison Mifsud (26 books)
All will receive $50 QBD voucher

Encouragement Award

Damon Insch for reading 24 books 

Congratulations to all our recipients and thank you to all students for your participation and presence in the Library.

Ray Bradbury, a famous author, wrote a book call Fahrenheit 451, and is quoted as saying; “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture.  Just get people to stop reading them”.....

Mrs Liz Fatnowna

Mercy Chess returned full of energy and ready to make our mark on the local competition. Unfortunately COVID-19 had other plans and we had to make significant changes to the way in which we played chess at the inter-school competition. With no face to face chess permitted, our students participated in the first ever online competition. Despite these challenges, our teams performed well and finished on the podium again.

Unfortunately we were only able to participate in the one competition this year, and were unable to attend the Term 3 competition due to COVID restrictions. Hopefully in 2021, we can return to normal and continue to showcase our skills in the local region. To finish the year, the annual Staff vs Students competition was held in our school Library. The competition was a great success, with over 50 competitors involved over the two week event. Best wishes to all our members in the coming year and we look forward to seeing you back in 2021.

Mr Douglas Bettington

In 2020 the Mercy Runners saw significant growth in both numbers and performance. All runners improved drastically and as a group, it was our best year to date. In a year so heavily impacted by COVID, we relished the opportunity to create some normality and build healthy exercise routines.

As we look towards 2021, we are eager to implement a few changes and are excited for the year ahead. We are hoping to implement a Strava based group, where we can compare runs and give kudos when our members hit Personal Bests (PB’s). In addition, we are hoping to extend the group and include St Patrick’s students.

All the teachers involved are very proud of the commitment shown by our students and commend them for their efforts early in the morning. Particular thanks must be given to the Year 10 students who helped build the energetic and fun atmosphere within the group. Best wishes and we look forward to returning bigger and better.

Mr Douglas Bettington

This year saw some outstanding netball performed by our two amazing netball teams.  During the September school holidays, we were fortunate enough to take 20 girls away to Brisbane to compete in the Vicki Wilson Championships in both the senior Year 10-12 and junior Year 7-9.  It was a very different environment at the competition this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, including no spectators, however the girls didn’t let it phase them.  Both of our teams played extremely well coming away with some wins and losses in the rounds on the first two days against some of the top teams in the state.

Our senior girls were successful in the rounds and made the finals on day three, to be in the top 16 of the state.  Their quarter final was played against Matthew Flinders who ranked second in the state. Both teams played exceptionally well over the weekend and deserve a huge congratulations on their effort.  Despite the lack of netball this year, the girls really showed up to play, displaying great sportsmanship and determination. 

We had a wonderful weekend away with the girls, both on and off the court (even got a photo with Vicki Wilson herself).  A huge thank you to the teaching staff for the organisation and undertaking of the trip. Opportunities such as attending these championships can never happen without the support of the staff and College, thank you so much.  Hopefully we can look forward to participating in this wonderful carnival again in the future.

Mrs Dianna Bailey - Coach

For their assessment this year, the Year 10 students were required to construct a coffee table. They were encouraged to individualize their work by making some modifications to the original design. One of our students, Kansys Blucher has spent a lot of time making an inlay top which when varnished will look very effective and be one of a kind. 

Mr Michael Denman

Year 7 students have been learning about forces in Science. Tug-a-War is a great way to see balanced and unbalanced forces in action.

“In tug-a-war, the more force (people) that is one side, the more unbalanced the forces are and the more the rope moves. The side that wins has more net force than the other side.”

Kaitlyn Reid - Year 7 Science Student

Because of COVID-19 requirements, Justice@Mercy unfortunately had to postpone a lot of our annual events. However, things are starting to look up in Term 4! We have been nothing short of booked and busy; from helping the staff at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre plant native species, to shopping for our annual seafarers Christmas initiative in partnership with Stella Maris. Next week (Week 5), it is in our Planner to do a beach cleanup with the Environmental Committee! It has been almost a year since we did a beach cleanup, so we are looking forward to the afternoon and spending time with our peers and teachers doing something good for the environment. My Year 10 members and I will miss this committee dearly, but I am looking forward to hearing about the great things the younger members will bring to Justice@Mercy next year. We are beginning to ease back into our routine as a vibrant service community and are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon! Feel free to join Justice@Mercy every Wednesday afternoon at 3:15pm, we have so much to offer! 

 Achazia Aquillo - Justice@Mercy

Do you have footy boots (or any sport shoes) that no longer fit or are no longer used? Mercy College Indigenous Committee and Justice@Mercy are working together to provide an opportunity for students and staff to donate football boots that are either new or no longer needed.  They can be dropped off into a box either outside Student Reception or the House Coordinators’ office. 

The boots will assist both youth and adults in the remote community of Lockhart River in owning a pair of football boots, which will contribute to their health and well-being.  Please bring your boots in and ‘Boot it Up’ to help others. 

Mrs Melissa Russell

1. What is another name for the mānuka plant? Is it a) tea tree, b) banksia, c) grevilia, or d) red gum?
2. Which of the following was not a species of early human? Is it a) Homo floresiensis, b) Homo neanderthalensis, c) Homo homini lupus, or d) Homo heidelbergensis?
3. What kind of scientists would be most interested in humus? Would it be a) soil scientists, b) medical doctors, c) astronomers, or d) metallurgists?
4. What type of star is the most common in our galaxy? Is it a) red giants, b) red dwarfs, c) Sun-like G-class stars, or d) blue hypergiants?
5. How much does one litre of granite rock weigh? Is it a) 0.5 kilograms, b) 0.9 kilograms, c) 1.2 kilograms, or d) 2.7 kilograms?

Answers:

1. Tea tree
2. Homo homini lupus
3. Soil Scientists
4. Red dwarfs
5. 2.7Kg

Word: Sanguine - cheerfully optimistic or confident

Sentence: A sanguine attitude to the upcoming exams may lower stress levels and lead to better results.

Quote: The only conquests that are permanent and leave no regrets are our conquest over ourselves

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE 

Year 8

Cob Loaf

INGREDIENTS

2 bread rolls
125g Philadelphia cream cheese
2 rasher of bacon
1 eshallots
150ml sour cream
1/3 cup of grated cheese
salt and pepper
spray oil

METHOD

1. Pre-heat oven 160°C.
2. Cut off the top of the loaf 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 on a red chopping board.
6. In a microwave safe bowl, add bacon and eshallots. 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

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

METHOD

1.  Heat oil in frying pan and cook sausages. Place cooked sausages in foil pans.
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 25 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Year 10

Chocolate Tarts with Cream 

INGREDIENTS

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 pans with pastry and trim excess then place on a large oven tray. Prick the pastry base with a fork. Refrigerate tart shells for 10mins.
4.  Line tart shells with baking paper and fill with rice. Bake for 15mins remove paper and bake for a further 10mins till dry and golden.
5.  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.
6.  Pour hot mixture over the chocolate and stir till smooth. Spoon ganache into tart shells and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. 
7.  Meanwhile using an electric mixer, whip cream to soft peaks. Top tarts with a spoonful of cream and strawberries to serve.

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