Mercy Messenger - Term 4 - Week 6 - 12 November 2021

Year 10 

I wish all the best to our Year 10’s as they commence their exam block on Monday. 

Following the exams, there are many upcoming events where I look forward to seeing our Year 10’s; Speech Night on Tuesday 23 November, Semi Formal on Wednesday 24 November, Orientation Day on Thursday 25 November and the Year 10 Graduation Mass Friday 26 November. 

Special Award

Congratulations to Teresa Dreghorn who was recently awarded the Magpie of the Year Award at the club’s Annual Awards ceremony.  As a founding member of the Magpies netball club, Teresa was acknowledged for her contribution to the growth of the club within the Mackay community and over two decades of volunteering. As a valued member of our Mercy College staff, we also recognise Teresa’s hard work and involvement in the preparation for the 2022 Confro & QISSN Carnivals.

P&F Thank You

At our final P&F Meeting held on Wednesday 13 October, funding was approved for the purchase of new equipment in our Food Technology Kitchen. We would like to acknowledge and thank the P&F for providing $5,000 towards a new blast chiller and $4,700 to purchase a new refrigerator.

Combined Colleges P&F and Board End of Year Function

It was wonderful to join with both the Mercy College and St Patrick’s College P&F and Board members this week for our end-of-year celebration. A tropical themed barefoot bowls night was enjoyed by all our hard working members. We thank them all for giving their time and talent to our colleges throughout the year. I look forward to 2022 as we combine our P&F/Board to plan for our Year 7 -12 College.

Departing Staff

Today we farewell Narelle Nash and Alexia Bartholomew who have both been long-term staff members of Mercy College. We thank them both for the dedication and care they have given to our school and wish them both all the best in their new roles at Catherine McAuley College.

2022 Mackay Eisteddfod

The Mackay Eisteddfod Association Incorporated would like to let the schools know the tentative dates for the 2022 Eisteddfod. These dates will be confirmed early next year:

10 – 21 August 2022 - Instrumental, Pianoforte, Choral & Vocal, Highland and Irish

1 – 16 October 2022 - Dance, Speech & Drama.

Mrs Janelle Agius

Readings at Mass, Sunday 14 November 2021 – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Dan 12:1-3 When that time comes your own people will be spared

Psalm: 15:5, 8-11 Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope

Second Reading: Heb 10:11-14, 18 By a single offering he has achieved the eternal perfection of those who are sanctified

Gospel: Mk 13:24-32 He shall gather his elect from the four winds

Readings at Mass, Sunday 21 November 2021 – Feast of Christ the King

First Reading: Dan 7:13-14 His sovereignty is eternal

Psalm: 92:1-2, 5 The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty

Second Reading: Apoc 1:5-8 The ruler of the kings of the earth...made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God

Gospel: Jn 18:33-37 You say that I am king

An old Chinese story tells of a farmer whose only horse runs away. “How terrible!” say his neighbours. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

The next day his horse returns, bringing along three wild horses. “How wonderful!” say his neighbours. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

The following day his son tries to tame one of the wild horses, but he falls off and breaks his leg. “How terrible!” say his neighbours. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

The next day some soldiers come along to force young men of the village to join them in war. Because the lad has a broken leg, he is left behind. “How fortunate!” say the neighbours. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

The soldiers, still one man short, take the young man’s cousin instead. “How dreadful!” says the farmer’s neighbours. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

That night a landslide covers the house in which the cousin would have been sleeping if he had not been taken by the soldiers. “How fortunate!” say the friends. “Maybe!” says the farmer.

And so the story could go on! One of life’s great lessons is this: we are never sure just how things are going to turn out. As our Year 10 students are coming towards the end of their time at Mercy, it is an important lesson to remember. If their attitude is always positive - determined to make the best of all situations that come their way  - then our Graduating class of 2021 will always live a good life. May God bless all our Year 10 students as they move on from Mercy College. 

Mr Joe Kelly

Some of our male teachers have been donning Flashback Friday gear in support of Movember. Just love those walking socks with shorts!

Mr Brett Comerford

We have regular Cross Stitch sessions during lunch break at the College: below is a couple of the completed Christmas projects.

Mrs Kate Formosa

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.

The ‘Mercy in Action’ Encouragement award is awarded to students who have been identified as living out the Mercy Values: Compassion, Hope and Justice to uphold the dignity of all people, with a particular focus for the poor and vulnerable. Congratulations to our Year 9 Awardee, William Radke who was absent at the Mercy Day Presentations last term and was presented with his award earlier this term.

WHERE THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU! Join the team at St Patrick's College and Mercy College, Mackay, in a rewarding teaching position, commencing January 2022.

Visit our website and apply today! www.rok.catholic.edu.au

Methods students created a piece of artwork using the online graphing program DESMOS. There was a lot of talented submissions. These are a sample of the quality work.

Miss Nicole Martin

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

As we are nearing the end of the year, I want to send a huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered in the Tuckshop this year. Without your help it would be difficult to prepare and deliver the food to the students.  Your assistance also helps to keep the prices down.

Invitations for our Tuckshop volunteers' luncheon have been posted. If you did not receive one and have volunteered this year, please phone the school.

Now is the time to offer your assistance for 2022. Please consider volunteering.  Our busiest periods are from 9:00am till 12 Noon. If you cannot stay all day, please consider helping us during these hours.

Looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces in 2022.

Mrs Margaret Floyd 

Year 10

Classic Berry & Cream Sponge Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup caster sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract               
• 1/4 cup plain flour 
• 1/2 cup self-raising flour 
• 1/4 cup cornflour 
• 1 tablespoon boiling water 
• Icing sugar mixture, for dusting 

Strawberry & Cream Filling 

• ½ punnet strawberries, hulled, sliced 
• 125ml thickened cream, whipped 
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar 
• 2 tablespoons strawberry Jam

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease two 6cm deep, 20cm (base) round cake pans. Line bases with baking paper. 
2. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 8 to 10 minutes or until thick and creamy, and sugar has dissolved. 
3. Sift flours together 3 times. Using a spatula, fold flour into egg mixture. Fold in boiling water. Divide mixture between prepared pans. Bake for 10 minutes or until sponges spring back when lightly touched. Line 2 wire racks with baking paper. Stand sponges in pans for 2 minutes. Turn, top-side up, onto wire racks to cool.

 FILLING

4. Whip cream and icing sugar together until firm peaks form. Do not overbeat

ASSEMBLE

5. Place 1 sponge on a plate. Top with jam, strawberries and cream. Top with remaining sponge. Dust with extra icing sugar. Serve.

Year 9

Cinnamon Scrolls

INGREDIENTS

Pastry

• 3 cup plain flour
• 1½ cup warm water 
• 4 teaspoons instant dry yeast 
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1½ teaspoon salt 
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ egg (egg wash)

Filling

• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
•  ½ cup sugar

Icing

• ½ cup icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon warm water

METHOD

1. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre, then pour in oil and water.
2.  Mix with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
3. Turn onto a lightly floured bench and knead for 5 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic and shiny.
4. Roll out the dough into a 30cm x 20cm rectangle.
5. Combine melted butter, cinnamon and sugar, and spread over rectangle leaving a 2cm border.
6. Starting from a long side, roll up the dough and cut into 12 slices. Place on the prepared tray, cut side up and sides touching, allowing a little room for spreading.
7. Brush with beaten egg then bake for 25-30 minutes or until scrolls are golden.
8. Mix icing sugar and water together and drizzle over the scrolls to serve 

Year 8

Cup Cakes

INGREDIENTS

Icing

• 1 tablespoon tap water
• 1 cup icing sugar
• sprinkles
• food colouring

Cake

• ½ cup butter softened
• 1 cup caster sugar
•  2 large eggs 
• 1½ cups self-raising flour 
• ¾ cup milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• cupcake paper cases (medium size)

EQUIPMENT

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 190°c. Line tray with paper cases.
2. Place butter in a microwave safe jug and soften for 15-20 seconds in a microwave. 
3. Sift flour in a medium sized bowl and stir in sugar. 
4. Beat egg, milk and vanilla together in small bowl. 
5. Add melted butter and egg mixture to sifted flour and beat for 2 minutes with a wooden spoon to make a well combined light batter mix.
6. Spoon between 12 cup cake paper cases.
7. Bake for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Take out of tray and place on cooling rack to cool.

Icing:

1. Sift icing sugar into a small bowl.
2. Add a drop of vanilla and a couple of drops of colouring into bowl.
3. Add water. Using with a knife stir until a smooth consistency
4. Ice cooled cupcakes. Decorate with sprinkles.