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Dear Parents and Carers, Term 1, Issue 4 13th March—24th March 2017

In this Issue:

Page

1. Principal’s Message

2. Mercy Girls Inspire

3. Message from the Assistant

Principal

4. Message from the REC Co-

ordinator

7. Message from the Director of

Student Wellbeing

8. Student News

10. Duke of Edinburgh Award

12. Parent News

Upcoming Events:

TERM 1

Week 9

27th—31st March Year 12

Examinations

27th March 9.00am—3.00pm

Yr10 & Yr11 Textiles Incursion

28th—30th March 5.30pm-

11.00pm St Pius/Mercy Produc-

tion Sarto Centre

31st March 5.00pm—8.00pm

Year 8 Dance

Week 10

3rd—4th April Year 12

Examinations

3rd April 9.45am—10.45am

Easter Liturgy

7th April LAST DAY OF CLASSES

TERM 1

CLASSES RESUME TERM 2

WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL

The terrible news that confronted us from

London on Tuesday when a car ploughed into

pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, reminds

us all about how precious life is and how one

act of hate can so easily destroy the lives of

many. Not only those who were killed or in-

jured but those mums and dads and families

as well as friends who are now traumatised by

their loss.

I offer this prayer for peace adapted from Rabbi Harold Kushner’s

prayer for the world written in 2003.

Let the rain come and wash away

the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds

held and nurtured over generations.

Let the rain wash away the memory

of the hurt, the neglect.

Then let the sun come out and

fill the sky with rainbows.

Let the warmth of the sun heal us

wherever we are broken.

Let it burn away the fog so that

we can see each other clearly.

So that we can see beyond labels,

beyond accents, gender or skin colour.

Amen.

ENROLMENT AT MERCY COLLEGE:

As you would be well aware Mercy’s reputation in the community

has grown from strength to strength, which has the flow on effect

of increased enrolments. We have a long waitlist for 2018 and are

now finalising our 2019 enrolments.

I let you know this in case you are looking at enrolling another

daughter here because it is not an automatic enrolment for sib-

lings. If you have a daughter in Years 4 or 5 it would be prudent to

put her application in asap.

If your daughter is in Year 5 the last date for you to get in her en-

rolment is the end of Term 1, in two weeks time.

Best wishes

Principal

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ENROLMENTS 2019

All applications for Year 7, 2019 have

now been processed. Our concern is

that there maybe some siblings of

our students who have not yet ap-

plied.

It is essential that these are received

by the end of Term 1, 2017 other-

wise placement can not be guaran-

teed.

Mercy Girls Inspire

GREAT NEWS FROM ESTHER

Esther from last year’s Year 12 has begun her University course in Engineering and now she’s won a scholar-

ship

I've completed 2 weeks at UNSW doing the BE/ME Electrical Engineering, and absolutely love it ! I also just

received a $10,000 p/a , 4 year "Women in Engineering " scholarship & internship with Infigen Energy .

While some aspects of the degree are challenging, all the basics you (Mrs Lau) taught in errors and significant

figures in Year 11 have definitely made physics a lot easier, and everything you taught me Miss Agapiou real-

ly has prepared me for Uni Maths, and I’m enjoying the subject!

Thanks for everything!

Thank you again,

Esther

I just wanted to let you know I am very impressed with the behaviour and appearance of the Mercy girls

that catch the 136 Manly to Chatswood bus.

A lot of school children catch this bus route. I work in Chatswood and I've seen some appalling behaviour

from some school children - swearing, not standing for older people or women with prams, screaming loud-

ly but never bad behaviour from a Mercy girl.

This morning I saw a group of Mercy girls stand up for an adult male passenger, and they spoke so nicely

and positively to each other, and spoke of marks they were hoping to achieve in certain subjects, dance

classes and Justin Bieber, lol, it was refreshing to hear.

Yesterday I sat in front of 2 Mercy girls practicing their French & Japanese and they spoke of up coming ex-

cursions with excitement.

As someone who catches this bus often, it's really lovely that the school is teaching the girls manners, deco-

rum and proper behaviour and language in life and in public.

I went to a Catholic girls school in the late 90s and I now really see the value of choosing a reputable school

for a child's education.

Thanks

Monique

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Message from the Assistant Principal

Year 7 Parent/Student Study Skills Night

This week Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net)

ran a study skills evening with Year 7 parents and students. The evening helped families put systems

in place to help students work towards achieving their personal best in an efficient and effective way.

Students examined their home study environment, the way they organise and manage their resources,

how to work effectively at home and deal with distractions, how to manage the workload in high school,

and the steps to studying in high school: making study notes, learning the notes by testing yourself

and doing as much practise as possible.

Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main ar-

eas identified where changes need to be made. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the fol-

lowing website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/.

HEALTH ISSUE:

We have had a report that nits/head lice are present in the hair of some students within the College.

We ask you to please check your daughter’s hair for nits/lice tonight using the methods recommended

in information from NSW Health (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/environment/headlice/

treatment.asp) a copy of which is attached.

If you find any eggs or lice please commence treatment as recommended.

Further information on head lice is available on the NSW Health website (details above) or through the

Department’s website at http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/studenthealth/conditions/

headlice/index.php.

I appreciate your assistance in this regard.

Ms E Kayrooz

Assistant Principal

Join Mrs Tailor and Mrs Oliver every Thursday at 1:30pm (weather permitting) for a social and fun walk

departing from the school gates!

Open to all students from Years 7 to 12. Girls bring their lunch and walk around the local streets for ap-

proximately 20 minutes, usually ending at Beauchamp Oval. Girls can wear sports shoes, but this isn’t

a requirement. Parent permission slips (valid for the year) are available from student reception and

there is no cost for this wonderful activity .

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Message from the Religious Education Co-ordinator

Respect, Understanding and Acceptance Program - 15 March 2017

On the15th of March, Mrs Lahiri’s Year 9 RE class attended a Respect, Understanding and Acceptance

(RUA) program at the Jewish Museum, Darlinghurst. We were able to meet with students from other

schools of different religious backgrounds, including the Emanuel School, Auburn Girls High School, Rose

Bay Secondary College, Mater Maria and St Andrew's Cathedral School. The objective of the day was to

allow students to express their faith in a respectful environment and challenge racial stereotypes.

In the morning, we engaged in an activity where we discussed hobbies and interests with a small group,

consisting of students from the different schools. After this,

representatives from each school presented information

about their school learning environment and how they incor-

porated religion into their schools. These activities allowed us

to understand and respect the differences in our beliefs, as

well as find ways in which they relate.

We then watched a video concerning the issue of Racism in

Australian society. The clip enlightened us as to the negative

effects of racism in a wider community. One of the most im-

portant parts of the RUA program was the discussion about

not being a bystander, appreciating diversity and battling rac-

ism. As students we were challenged to consider why people

are racist and to find ways to combat racism in modern socie-

ty.

Before leaving, we were spoken to by Vic Alhadeff, CEO of the Jewish Board of Deputies. Mr. Alhadeff

spoke about racism, and how students as future leaders can work towards contributing to a respectful

and accepting society in order to live harmoniously in multi-cultural Australia.

Catherine H

Year 9 Student

Sister Jacinta Dolan Visits Mercy College

On Monday 13 March Sister Jacinta Dolan from the

Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy visited Mercy

College with Caitlin Pfaffin the Mercy 5 Coordinator

to give a presentation to Year 7 on the Charism of

the Sisters foundress Catherine McAuley.

Sister Jacinta worked as an Art Teacher and lived in

the old Convent in the Coolock Building for 17 years.

During her visit Sister Jacinta was able to solve the

mystery of naming the sisters in an old photo we

have hanging in the office. One of the sisters in the

photo was Sister Jacinta herself.

We were blessed to have Sister Jacinta visit our Col-

lege some 30 years since she last taught here at the

College. She was especially happy to visit our Col-

lege Chapel where she used to pray and was also

able to locate her old room which has now been

converted into a Textiles classroom.

Ms Gabie Stojanovski

Religious Education Co-ordinator

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Message from the Religious Education Co-ordinator

Tuesday 21 March Mass in Mercy Chapel - Year 12 Prayer and Blessing

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)

This week we had a special prayer and blessing for Year 12 as they prepare for their Half Yearly Exams

and Year 12 Retreat. It was great to see members of our College community including parents join with

Year 12 in this celebration of the Eucharist.

Year 12 Blessing:

Heavenly Father; Bless our Year 12 students as they prepare to sit for their exams: may your Spirit in-

spire them with confidence and calmness

Bless their families who continue to nurture and support them

Bless Year 12 as they also prepare for their Year 12 Retreat

May you; Creator God; inspire them with your grace to reflect and pray so they return renewed and

refreshed to continue this journey together.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen

We will continue to keep Year 12 in our prayers as they prepare for their Year 12 Half Yearly Exams.

Ms Stojanovski

Religious Education Co-ordinator

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Message from the Religious Education Co-ordinator

SUPPORT PROJECT COMPASSION

This year during the season of Lent we are called to ‘Love Our

Neighbour’ and share our wealth by raising money for Project

Compassion. The money that we raise as a school community

is used to provide practical assistance to our neighbouring

countries such as Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Philippines. It

helps them to establish centres for education, develop sus-

tainable farming methods and teaches employability skills

such as sewing so that individuals can continue to earn an income and support their communities.

Caritas relies on our generous donations to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity

of people living in these impoverished countries. There are THREE ways that you can contribute to

Project Compassion:

1.You can donate your spare change into the Project Compassion box during Tutor Group

2.You can support your House Project Compassion Fundraising activities that are happening over the

next couple of weeks by bringing in cakes or lolly bags or items for the Easter hamper.

3.You can participate in ALL of the fundraising activities that are being organised by each House

group.

Project Compassion House Fundraising Activities

The following fundraisers have been organised by the Year 11 House Captains and Leaders for Project

Compassion during Lent.

Week 9 - Coolock Junior and Senior Movies in the Flex

Tuesday 28 March - Mercy House Cake Stall

Friday 31 March - Stormanston Easter Photo Booth and Lolly Bag Stall

Monday 3 April - McAuley – Easter Raffle and Easter Egg Hunt

Tuesday 4 April - All Houses – Coin Trail Competition for Extra House Spirit Point

If each student donates just $10 to project compassion, that is, just $2 a week during this season of

Lent, then we as a College community can reach our target of $6000.

I encourage you all to support Project Compassion and be the change that you want to see in the

world.

Caitlin, Caolyn and Ella

selling movie tickets for

Coolock Project Compassion

Fundraising.

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Message from the Director of Student Wellbeing

As We Approach the End of the Term As the end of the Term draws closer you may find your teenage daughter feeling more tired and appearing a little more irritable. Please be assured this is natural. Your daughter must still be respectful and adhere to the family

rules. Keep in mind your daughter started 2017 full of excitement and wonderful new goals. She has worked hard in trying to please her teachers, completing all homework and assignments, while also trying to fit in co-curricular ac-tivities, so it is no wonder she may be feeling a little tired. If she is a little irritable, be able to read her body lan-guage, listen to her, pick your battles, but if she starts talking about friendship breakdown, try to put it down to the fact it is the end of the term and her level of tolerance is not strong when she is tired as it is at the beginning of a new term.

Raising independent teenagers: Tips from the Australian Parenting website http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/independence_teenagers.html This article reinforces suggestions I have written about in the past newsletters.

1. Show your daughter lots of love and support

Your love and support are essential for your daughter’s self-esteem. Young people who feel good about themselves

often have more confidence to discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives.

2. Your daughter might not always want physical affection from you. But you can show your love and

support by:

- Take a genuine interest in your daughter’s interests, hobbies and friends

- making time to listen when your daughter needs to talk

- giving your daughter space and privacy

- regularly saying, ‘I love you”

3. Respect your daughter’s feelings and opinions

Try to tune into your daughter’s feelings. It might help to remember that your daughter could be confused and up-

set by the physical, social and emotional changes of adolescence – but you’re still your daughter’s main source of

emotional guidance and stability during this time.

Taking your daughter’s opinions seriously gives an important boost to her self-esteem. But be prepared for the fact

that her views might differ from yours. You can use this situation as a chance to talk about how people often have

different perspectives.

Talking about your own opinions and feelings calmly can also help to keep the lines of communication open, and

model positive ways of relating to others.

4.Establish clear and fair family rules

Stating clear family rules about behaviour, communication and socialising will help your daughter understand where

the limits are and what you expect. Rules will also help you be consistent in how you treat your daughter. Once the

rules are in place, apply them consistently.

As children get older, they can make more of a contribution to the rules and the consequences for breaking them.

Involving your daughter in developing rules helps her to understand and take on the principles behind them. Every

family has different rules. You can talk with your daughter about this and explain that her friends might have differ-

ent rules, or a different number of rules.

If you set the limits too strictly, your daughter might not have enough room to grow and try new experiences. This

period is a learning curve for both of you. Be prepared for some trial and error.

5. Treat your daughter in a way that’s appropriate for her stage

Younger teenagers might think they’re ready to make their own decisions, but they often haven’t developed the de-

cision-making skills they’ll need to handle significant responsibility without your help. It can be a good idea to ex-

plain to your daughter why younger and older children are given different amounts and types of responsibilities .

Mrs G McDermott

Director of Student Wellbeing

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Student news

BOY OVERBOARD Boy Overboard will be staged in the Sarto Centre from Tuesday 28th – Thursday 30th March at

7.00pm. Tickets are NOW on sale. Please go to: https://www.trybooking.com/241016

Seating is limited and tickets will NOT be sold at the door. PAPA (The St Pius Performing Arts Parents Association) will be hosting a light supper at intermission.

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Student News

Year 12 PDHPE—Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Last week, Year 12 PDHPE students visited the Sydney Ming Yi Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre

in the Lemon Grove Shopping Centre here in Chatswood. During their lesson, students were enlightened

about the various options available to people who wish to experience acupuncture, cupping, moxibus-

tion, Gua Sha-Scrape Therapy and herbal remedies.

Our ladies were fortunate to witness an acupuncture demonstration and some ear seeding to help with

menstrual pain. Students all received herbal sachets that can be added to a foot bath which assists in

the relief of stress or muscle pain which is timely given the approaching examinations. Additionally,

students welcomed the healthy tea sample, informative handout and also the takeaway gift samples

that can be stored in their locker to enhance their immune systems.

The professionalism and hospitality demonstrated by the staff at Ming Yi Tang, in particular Alice Yang,

was greatly appreciated.

Mr Mark Cuttler

PDHPE Co-ordinator

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Silver Duke of Edinburgh

On the 8—10tth March, the Silver Duke of Edinburgh girls completed their first hike of the year to Bun-

danoon, accompanied by Ms Dorey and Mr Robinson. We all met at Central Station at 6:45am, ready to

embark on our two-hour train journey. It was a smooth and scenic trip with gorgeous views and an array

of animal covered farms spread out between the city and beautiful Bundanoon. We bonded as a group

during our train ride and worked together to plan and complete the required mapping work for this ad-

venture.

Upon our arrival, we got to walk through and explore the beautiful landscape and atmosphere of Bun-

danoon, a quaint country town south of Sydney. Once we arrived at the Bundanoon Youth Hostel, which

was to be our home for the next two days, we were given free time to unpack, explore our accommoda-

tion and embrace the hostels facilities including ping pong and a rock-climbing wall. After settling in to

the hostel we got ready for our 5-6 hour hike through the Morton National Park near Bundanoon.

At the beginning of the hike we walked past a farm and were allowed to stop to pat the horses, sheep,

donkeys and alpacas. The track that we completed on day one was very steep, both down and up. The

highlight, in reaching the very bottom of the Coal Mine track, was our ability to explore the beautiful wa-

terfalls. They were stunning! We all enjoyed this experience and have some great photos. Many of us

either fell in or got incredibly saturated. During this trek, we learnt more about the history of Bun-

danoon’s nature including various signs showing the history and biography about the plants as well as an

old coal mine. That afternoon we visited Bundanoon’s history shed where an historian spoke to us about

the amazing history that has happened in that town. It was a long, yet rewarding day and we cooked

muesli bars and protein balls from scratch to give us energy during our hike the next day. We also en-

joyed a home cooked dinner of chicken burgers and home made fries, cooked exclusively by the girls on

this trip. We all enjoyed coming together over a meal to reflect on our days accomplishments. After

dinner we sorted through our rubbish and learnt about how to minimise our impact on the environment

by refusing, reducing, reusing and recycling. We had a mini trivia game where we learnt some fascinat-

ing facts, especially about some Mercy staff. We were relieved to get into bed and enjoy a well earned

sleep.

The following morning, we all woke up bright and early to help cook and eat a good serve of pancakes.

After breakfast we headed off straightaway to embark on our full day hike. We walked along a beautiful,

long and muddy track, which was isolated from society allowing us to experience the freedom to be

amongst nature. We were able to stop at lookouts for breaks allowing us to appreciate the amazing

plants, animals and land formations around us - including non nocturnal wombats and lots of leech-

es. We were also fortunate enough to visit another two majestic waterfalls half way through this

track. Some of us used the clean fresh water to cool us down. After a 5-6 hour hike we explored the

Bundanoon church and graveyard where we experienced a taste of how family and community life was

lived in the 1800s.

Once we got back to the hostel everyone was relieved that they had completed the hiking section of the

expedition. It was challenging and tiring yet quite exhilarating. Some relaxed inside but others took ad-

vantage of the better weather and took turns trying to cross the ‘trapeze line’ strung up in the grounds,

played some volleyball and ping pong or scaled the overhanging climbed wall. We all enjoyed a well

earned dinner that evening, followed by a group singalong, where people took turns playing Mr Robert-

son’s guitar.

The next morning we woke up super early to clean the hostel and prepare to leave for the two-hour train

ride. Once we arrived back at Central Station everyone said their goodbyes and went their separate

ways.

Overall the Duke of Edinburgh was an exhilarating and challenging experience that I would highly rec-

ommend to anybody considering doing. It allowed us to bond with people, create a connection between

nature and learn about history.

Maddie M

Duke of Edinburgh

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Duke of Edinburgh

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Parent News

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Parent News

News from the P & F President

Thank you to those parents who have forwarded contact details by paper or email.

I am happy to collect more by email. The first draft of the Year 7 list has been sent, the others will fol-

low.

Details for Year Group List

If you are interested in managing the list for your daughter/s year group or helping organise some so-

cial gatherings for the year group please let me know.

2017 Annual Cocktail Party

A wonderful night was held at the Kirribilli Club last week. Year 7 parents came along in large numbers

which was lovely to see.

Please feel free to call me at any time if you have any questions or would like to provide ideas or feed-

back.

With best wishes,

Phillipa Sobb

President P & F

perrysobb@gmail.com

0411 429 629

Student’s First Name

Student’s Surname

Student Year in 2017

Father’s Name

Father’s Phone

Father’s Email

Mother’s Name

Mother’s Phone

Mother’s Email