Semester 1 Week 8 – Friday 22 March 2019

Mercy Messenger

Contents Blast from the past ......................................................... 2 Deputy Principal .............................................................. 3 Quiz Questions ................................................................ 4 Enrolment Information for Yr7 2020 .............................. 4 Assistant Principal Curriculum ........................................ 5 New Faces at Mercy! ...................................................... 6 After School Tutoring ...................................................... 6 Justice@Mercy ................................................................ 7 Sports Department ......................................................... 8 News from PINDAR ......................................................... 9 The Arts Department .................................................... 10 Student Jackets ............................................................. 12 Quiz Answers ................................................................ 12 How to Detect Scoliosis ................................................ 13 From the Home Economics Department ...................... 15 Tuckshop ....................................................................... 17 A Chorus Line ................................................................ 18 Community News .......................................................... 19

Be Inspired….

“The world will not be destroyed by

those who do evil but by those who

watch them without doing

anything”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN

WORD ON THE

STREET….

Word

Diffidence - the quality or state of

lacking confidence in one’s ability, worth or fitness; timidity Sentence

“The evidently diffident performer was having difficulty controlling their nerves.”

Source: Dictionary App

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday: (Sunday Liturgy)

6.00pm St Mary’s Church 6.00pm St Francis Xavier Church 5.15pm St John’s Church, Walkerston 6.30pm Holy Rosary Church, Marian Sunday:

7.00am St Patrick’s Church 7.00am St Therese’s Church, Alligator Creek 9.00am St Francis Xavier Church 9.00am St Michael’s Church 9.30am Francis of Assisi Chapel 6.00pm St Patrick’s Church {only Sunday night Mass in Mackay}

** ** ** ** ** ** The Southern Cluster and Pioneer Valley Parishes website www.mackaycatholics.net features all of the churches with Mass times, a host of other information including news and events happening in our communities, information and items about what our Church teaches.

Pindar students’ Project Compassion challenge. Read page 9 for the full article.

March Tues 26 March .............................. MIDAS House Mass

April Wed 3 Apr ............................................. Board Meeting Wed 3 Apr ....................................... Arts in the Garden Fri 5 Apr .................................................. Cross Country ............................................................... End of Term 1 Mon 8 – Sun 21 Apr .................... Japanese School Trip Tues 23 Apr .......................................... TERM 2 BEGINS Wed 24 Apr ........... ANZAC Commemorative Assembly Thurs 25 Apr ................................................ ANZAC Day Tues 30 Apr ...........Parent/Student/Teacher Conferencing

May Mon 6 May .................................................. Labour Day Tues 7 May ................. Year 7 2020 Enrolment Evening Wed 8 May .................................. P&F / Board Meeting Mon 13 – Fri 17 May ............ Year 10 Work Experience

every 2nd Wednesday of the Month P&F – 6.00pm

Board – 7.00pm

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Principal

Girl Brain / Boy Brain? Even in the decades of brain research preceding the non-invasive imaging technologies, researchers were seemingly obsessed with

finding morphological differences, to in part explain different behaviours and predispositions. The 19th century interest in phrenology was a convenient way of explaining weird shaped skulls but was pretty much completely bogus. Like Astrology, it was just a bit of fun, harking back to pre-scientific days. I’m a lumpy headed Piscean which could explain a lot of my failings but in no way excuses them. The value of current research into gender differences in brain function is that it may well remove the stereotypical categorisation of boys and girls which could be limiting careers, interests and unrealised potential. The following is a few examples of stereotypes as quoted by Science writer Gina Rippon in a NewScientist cover story titled “Do women and men have different brains?” – Men are good at map-reading: women can’t park cars. Men are better at fixing stuff - but only one thing at a time. Women in contrast can multi-task and do empathy and intuition better, too - Just don’t ask them to think logically in a crisis. The question remains, are these the manifestation of different brains along with the obvious physical differences, or simply the outcome of experiences from birth to adolescence? Anyone who works for even a short time in a coeducational environment will realise how simplistic the ‘binary’ divisions of male/female capacities are. Theories about the differences of male/ female brains such as better connectivity in the female brain due to a bigger corpus callosum joining the hemispheres and on average bigger male brains conferring greater capacity, have all largely been dismissed. (Bigger bodies have bigger brains). Once again, work in a school for a while and you’ll appreciate the diminutive form is no disadvantage in the intellectual stakes. Historically, scientists have recognised the infant brain as highly plastic and adaptable. Barring injury or misadventure, it was believed that “you generally end up with the brain you were born with, only bigger and better connected. We now know that is not the case. Our brains are very much a product of the lives we have lived, the experiences we have had, and our education, occupations, sports and hobbies.” A variety of current publications such as Norman Doidge’s “The Brain that changes itself,” an International best seller, attest to the discovery of neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to adapt even in old age. This adaptability of the brain to persistent inputs from a stimulating environment, poses the question as to what are the consequences of these experiences potentially being very different for many males and females. When this variable is seriously considered, many apparent differences are ameliorated, for example psychologists Nora Newcombe and Melissa Terlecki of Temple University in Pennsylvania investigating spatial thinking and navigational abilities, showed that “playing computer and video games is a better predictor of spatial skills than biological sex. Women with equal levels of experience had equally

good spatial skills.” Unsurprisingly if any particular group is more likely to engage in a particular activity, this more than anything, will influence their ability. Negative stereotypes conversely have the opposite effect artificially limiting abilities. Labelled the “Stereotype threat” it has a powerful impact on engagement with consequent underperformance and little neurological adaptation. This phenomenon can be highly evident in some boys when it comes to Languages and English. Avoid doing something long enough and you get ‘bad’ at it. The current state of play would suggest male and female brains are far more similar that they are different. A meta study in 2015 comprising data from 12 million people, found that “overall the differences between men and women on a wide range of characteristics such as impulsivity, cooperativeness and emotionality, were vanishingly small.”

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Morphological studies of brain structures, looking for typical male or female brain characteristics, are similarity inconclusive. Analysis of psychological variables, in contradiction to commonly held perceptions, gave a similar indication of highly overlapping brains for men and women. The issue for educationalists is the probability of folklore limiting the possibilities for children. While recognising fundamental physical differences between boys and girls, and the impact this certainly has on thinking, health challenges and dispositions, the science would indicate that the concept of a female brain and male brain is outdated and inaccurate. We all tend to categorise as an economy to thinking, but in the age of differentiation in education it is possibly more important to recognise every person’s brain as unique and adaptable. The concept of “Growth Mindset” is starting to make a big impact in education and assisting students to maximise their abilities through positive subject experiences that value diverse ways of thinking. Less prescription and more recognition of the individual’s conceptual development. The last word belongs to the author of the article; “Where does all this leave us? We find ourselves talking about average differences between men and women that, in general reflect a tiny difference between two closely overlapping sets of data. Not only that, but the variability and range within each supposedly homogenous set is usually far greater than the differences between the sexes.” Reference Source Acknowledgement: NewScientist Magazine No3219 Australia 2/3/19

Mr Jim Ford | Principal

Blast from the past It is always great to hear from past students and learn of their achievements and ongoing service. Julie Hulcombe (nee Dreghorn) born in Mackay 25 February 1959, went to school at St Joseph’s Primary school, then to (OLMC) Our Lady of Mercy College (now known as Mercy College) until she completed Grade 12. She then went on to University at St Lucia, Brisbane.

What followed in succession was a science degree at UQ, Dietician study at Sydney University and an appointment to Nambour Hospital. To progress in her profession, Julie continued to study in management and became head dietician at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

A meritorious career includes 4 years as President of the Australian Dietician Association and now Director of Allied Health for QLD. Julie will be honoured in the annual Australia Day Awards for her public service in the area of allied health reform and access to high quality care in Queensland. The Governor-General will award her with the medal in May.

Photos supplied by Julie Hulcombe (nee Greghorn): in her graduating year at OLMC. Photo setting is now right of the steps to the main administration building on Penn Street.

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Deputy Principal

Subject Preferences - Semester 2 2019 Students will receive their subject preference information for Semester 2 via their Mercy College email

account next week. To assist our Year 7 and 8 students on how to make selections and to submit them online, they will be going through the details in their HPE classes. Students in Years 7 & 8 are only required to select a HPE unit. Students in Year 9 will be asked to select 3 electives and 1 reserve (all Year 9 students will be doing a careers unit in Semester 2). Students in Year 10 have 8 preferences to make, as well as a reserve. They will be required to add preferences to their College diary on page 31 and parents/guardians are asked to sign this page next to their preferences, to indicate they have seen and know what unit preferences have been selected by their child. I would encourage parents/guardians and students to make subject choices by referring to the Subject Areas and Handbook section of the College internet site, which can be found here:

http://www.mercymackay.qld.edu.au/academic_handbook.php They will need to choose carefully and are asked to submit a reserve choice (Year 9 & 10 students only). The reserve choice also needs to be a unit that the student is willing to do. Opportunities for them to change subjects once the timetable is set are limited, therefore it is strongly advised to submit unit choices they are certain about. If you have any questions relating to a particular subject, then I would advise speaking to the Head of the Department for that subject. All unit selections need to be made by Friday 3 May (second week of Term 2).

Reporting Reports, detailing the current progress of students, will be available through Parent Lounge on Friday 5 April from 12.00pm. The Term 1 report is provided mid-way through the semester as a guide to parents and students. Please note that formal assessment for these subjects may not have occurred at the time of printing of these reports. Please be aware these are indicators of a student’s current level of academic performance and depending upon work habits and application to the subject, students may exit the following term with a grade which is different to their current achievement. Clarification of details or concerns is best discussed with your child’s class teacher.

Student/Parent/Teacher Conferencing Parents will be able to make interview times for Student/Parent Conferencing with their child’s teacher. Please note: the student is required to be present at the Conference with the teacher.

Tuesday 30 April (week 2) 3:30 - 7:30pm Access to make a booking will be available from Friday 29 March 4.00pm to Friday 26 April 4.00pm. Each interview will last 6 minutes, with a minute allocated for change over. Interviews are made through Parent Lounge by clicking on the parent/teacher booking button. Parents have been issued with a Parent Lounge username and password, however, if you have a problem with logging on, please contact the College Office.

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NAPLAN - Online Testing Practice Test Year 7 and 9 students will be participating in a national practice test prior to the formal NAPLAN testing. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. It is not an assessment of student ability and there will be no reporting of student results. Year 7 students will be sitting the practice on Friday 29 March and Year 9 students will be sitting the practice on either Friday 29 March or Tuesday 2 April (test will be held in their study lesson) Students will be using their own individual iPad and will require a set of headphones for the testing. Parents and caregivers of students in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page - (https://naplanonline.qld.edu.au/getting-ready/parent-information). For any further information or queries please contact Mr Adam Skoczylas - Deputy Principal

Mr Adam Skoczylas, Deputy Principal

Quiz Questions

Enrolment Information for Yr7 2020

1. What is the pollinator of the rare Canberra spider orchid? Is it a) a wasp, b) a bee, c) an ant, or d) a possum?

2. The tallest tree in the world is an endangered redwood named Hyperion. How tall is this tree to the nearest

metre? Is it a) 11 metres, b) 66 metres, c) 97 metres, or d) 116 metres?

3. Which of these Australian animals is not considered endangered? Is it a) northern quoll, b) Lord Howe

Island stick insect, c) northern corroboree frog, or d) eastern grey kangaroo?

4. In 2018, which mammal species genuinely improved from endangered to non-endangered on the IUCN Red

List? Is it a) white rhinoceros, b) fin whale, c) Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, or d) koala?

5. Which of these animals is most closely related to the now extinct thylacines? Is it a) numbats, b) cats, c)

tigers, or d) Tasmanian devils?

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Assistant Principal Curriculum

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. To be able to best support your child in this area of keeping on track with assignments, we provide an Assessment Calendar that is accessible by students and parents alike on the Mercy website. Simply go to the “Students” tab, Assessment Calendar will be the top option in the drop down box and follow the prompts from there. You can list your child’s assessment by either subject or due date. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going “old school” and printing this out and sticking on the fridge! 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:

Understand the task - take clear notes in class and know what you have to do.

Plan ahead - don’t leave your assignment to the last minute, it will never be your best work!

Budget your time - allow time for the fun stuff as well as study, there is room for it all!

Avoid distractions - find a quiet place and put your phone away, only use your iPad when necessary.

Avoid studying on your bed - too comfy! You need to work at a desk or table so you feel like you are

working, the brain recognises this and responds accordingly.

Keep moving forward - if you are stuck, move on and see your teacher the next day.

Take breaks - you have to keep your saw sharpened, so take a spell and re-energise.

Get organised - make sure you bring everything home you need and take it back to school the next

day.

Submit drafts and get feedback from your teacher - most important! It’s hard to nail it the first time

so find out what you need to improve on.

Mr Scott McSherry, Assistant Principal Curriculum

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New Faces at Mercy!

We will introduce new staff at Mercy over the next few newsletters.

All staff play an important part in your student’s educational experience at Mercy. Quite often it’s easy to forget they are real people who contribute much more to the classroom than the theory they’ve practiced whilst completing their

degrees or other study. Learn a little more about our creative educators and support staff…

Miss Claudine Newitt – Teacher (Science & Mathematics)

Q: What are some interesting things about you, which people may not know?

A. I’m from Perth and have lived on the West coast my whole life. So I decided to

move to Mackay to explore the East coast, in particular the Great Barrier Reef. I’m excited

to do a live aboard dive trip out on the reef during the holidays, as it has been on the top of

my bucket list for many years. I am passionate about conserving the natural wonders of our

world and one of my life goals is to observe as many wild animals in their natural habitat as

possible!

Q. Why do you love what you are doing?

A. Another life goal of mine is to contribute back to this world in a meaningful way. Teaching allows me to help

students pursue their passions and guide them to become compassionate and inquisitive people. I love that I learn

something new every day, whether that be from the people I work with or the students I teach. Overall it is a diverse,

challenging and a very rewarding profession.

Mrs Rochelle Callinan – Teacher Assistant

Q: What are some interesting things about you, which people may not know? A. I grew up in Victoria where my Mum, sister and I regularly trained in Tae Kwon Do and we all received our black belts. My family moved to Queensland when I was 17 and I completed Year 12 here in Mackay. I have had 14 different jobs, sometimes working 2-3 at a time while studying at CQU completing my Early Childhood degree. I love being active and enjoy netball, CrossFit and running the most. Q. Why do you love what you are doing? A. One of the things I love most about teaching is witnessing student achievement

when they accomplish their goals. It’s a very rewarding profession and I really enjoy being part of the Mercy school community.

After School Tutoring

Math: Mondays 3.00 - 4.00pm in Room D04

Science: Mondays 3.15 - 4.00pm in Room S02

English: Wednesdays 3.00 – 4.00pm in the Library

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Justice@Mercy Last Wednesday at Justice@Mercy, we had a special guest, Kate Finch from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. She discussed major threats to the reef and ways we can all help. The major threats to the reef are marine debris (rubbish), climate change, impacts from coastal development and water quality. Something she said that personally surprised me, was that allowing grass clippings to wash down storm water drains adds unnatural nutrients to the water, allowing the Crown of Thorns Starfish to over populate. It is important to watch what goes down our storm water drains, as pollutants such as car wash, fertiliser, garden waste and obviously rubbish pose a massive threat to our precious reef. We can all play a part in protecting this beautiful gift of creation.

Ryan Boland, Yr 10 Student

International Women’s Day Luncheon The International Women’s Day Luncheon was a great experience. I loved listening to the amazing guest speaker and learning ways to better myself and my brain. I also enjoyed listening to women share their stories in relation to the ‘Me Too’ Movement, and the event was empowering and inspirational. - Emma McFarlane Year 10 The International Women’s Day luncheon was a fantastic experience and a great motivation for anyone to make a difference. The day was full of fun and was engaging for everyone that attended. - Charlotte Refalo Year 10

The International Women’s day lunch was a worthwhile and educational experience which helped me understand the function of my brain and how I can improve my attitude and health. The guest speaker was Dr Helene Popovic who gave a humorous and factual presentation about neuroscience. The food was yummy and I would definitely attend it next year. - Danielle Robke Year 10

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Sports Department

Cross Country The Mercy College Inter-House Cross Country Carnival will take place on the last day of Term 1, Friday 5 April. Following the Easter Liturgy, students will be bussed to the start of the Cross Country course at the Botanical Gardens. They will then make their way along the Bluewater Trail and finish at the Bluewater Lagoon; they are able to run competitively or complete the course at a more leisurely pace. As this is an inter-house event, all are encouraged to wear their House Shirt and sports uniform shorts. Upon completion of the course, students will make their way to the Bluewater Lagoon where the Mercy community will spend the remainder of the day. They will be able to swim at the Lagoon and must follow the same dress guidelines for swimming as their HPE classes; they will not be allowed to swim in their House Shirt or any School Uniform. Students are not to bring any books or their iPad on the day. A BBQ will be available for them to purchase from and the Canteen facilities will also be available. They will return to the College in time for a 3:00pm pickup. If a student needs to leave the Lagoon early they must have a signed note from a parent/guardian, which has been seen by the relevant House Coordinator prior to the day, stating the time and who will be collecting the student. The collecting adults must be present at the Lagoon for students to be able to leave. More information will be distributed to students over the coming weeks in preparation for the carnival.

Mr Michael Comerford – Sports Coordinator

Netball

season

has

begun!

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News from PINDAR

Pindar Gives 100% for Lent During House Assembly in Week 7, Pindar students completed a ‘different’ type of activity to raise money for Project Compassion. They were asked to bring in their spare change and participate in a challenge of spelling out their Homeroom name purely in coins. Each Pindar Homeroom went above and beyond to spell out their entire name. Some Homerooms even managed to make 2 – 3 layers of coins. This challenge raised $240 for Project Compassion, which was a fantastic effort by the Panthers.

Ms Jasmin Pace, Pindar House Coordinator

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The Arts Department

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Student Jackets

Quiz Answers

1. a. The Canberra spider orchid is pollinated by a wasp. The species of wasp is still undescribed and doesn’t

yet have a name.

2. d. Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world stands at 115.9 metres.

3. d. The eastern grey kangaroo is the only animal listed that is not considered endangered.

4. b. Just one mammal species, the fin whale, improved from endangered to non-endangered in 2018.

5. a. Genetic analysis has revealed that numbats are close relatives of thylacines.

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How to Detect Scoliosis

Scoliosis (spinal curvature) is an

important health problem for

adolescent girls. Twenty-five girls

per thousand are at risk of

developing a significant curve and

three girls per thousand require

active treatment (spinal brace

surgery). In the early stages the

condition is most often

asymptomatic so screening in the

age range of 10 to 12 years is a

sound preventative measure.

When school screening for scoliosis

was abandoned some years ago

we introduced the National Self-

Detection Program for Scoliosis as

a practical alternative. The policy

on the matter is fully explained on

the website.

The Scoliosis Australia website also

contains comprehensive credible

information about the symptoms

and treatment of scoliosis. Their

forum is a useful resource and

offers a strong support base for

adolescent patients with scoliosis

and their parents. Healthcare

professionals and other interested

parties can discuss the Program in

the forum.

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From the Home Economics Department

Week 7 Recipes

Year 7’s

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets & Potato Wedges 1 egg 2 Tbsp of milk ½ tsp seasoning ½ cup cornflake bread crumbs 1½ chicken breasts 3 medium potatoes 1 Tbsp oil Olive oil spray Salt

Wash and scrub potatoes and pat dry Cut each potato in half lengthways, cut into wedges and place potato

wedges in dish. Brush wedges with oil. Cook wedges in oven for 25 minutes. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Whisk milk & eggs in a bowl. Dip the chicken pieces into the milk and egg. Roll pieces around in breadcrumbs and place pieces on tray, spray with olive oil. Place in oven for 15mins or until golden brown. Serve chicken nuggets with potato wedges

Year 9’s

Bacon and Vegetable Slice 1 medium zucchini 1/3 cup self-raising flour 1 carrot 2 tsp oil ½ onion, finely chopped 1 egg 2 slices bacon, diced ½ cup grated cheese ½ tsp pepper ½ tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spray baking dish with cooking oil spray. Grate carrot and unpeeled zucchini coarsely. Finely chop onion and dice bacon. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a well-greased baking dish. Bake in a moderate oven for 30mins.

Year 10’s

Crepes with Caramelised Bananas & Butterscotch Sauce 1 cup plain flour Filling: 2 cups milk 3 bananas thickly sliced diagonally 3 eggs 50g butter Olive oil cooking spray 1/3 cup soft brown sugar Whipped cream to serve ½ cup thickened cream

Crepes Sift flour into a bowl. Whisk milk and eggs together in a jug then add milk mixture to

flour. Whisk until well combined. Spray a medium, non-stick frying pan with oil. Heat over medium

heat. Pour 2 ½ tablespoons batter into pan. Swirl to cover base.

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Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until light golden. Turnover and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.

Filling Melt unsalted butter and brown sugar in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add bananas, peeled and thickly sliced diagonally. Cook, turning once for 5 minutes or until golden and caramelised. Transfer to a plate. Add ½ cup (125ml) thickened cream to the frying pan and stir until well combined. Bring to the boil and boil for 2 minutes or until thickened slightly. Fill the crepes with the bananas and roll up. Drizzle with the caramel sauce and serve with whipped cream.

Week 8 Recipes

Year 7’s

Chocolate Cup Cakes 2 cups SR Flour Glacé Icing: I Tbsp Cocoa ½ cup icing 1 cup soft butter 1 Tbsp warm water 1 cup caster sugar 4 Tbsp cocoa 2 tsp vanilla essence ¾ cup milk 2 eggs 12 cupcake paper cases

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line cupcake tin with paper cases.

Sift flour together with the cocoa. Add sugar, butter, vanilla essence, eggs and milk. Beat well. Spoon mixture into prepared patty tin. Bake for approximately 15-20mins or until skewer comes out clean when inserted in the middle. Cool and decorate as desired.

Year 9’s

Bacon Fettuccine 200g fettuccine 4 cups hot tap water 1 tbsp. butter 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 4 shortcut bacon, chopped 150ml low fat cream 2 tbsps. Parmesan cheese 2 tsps. Finely chopped parsley ½ tsp pepper ½ tsp salt

Bring water to boil in a large saucepan. Add fettuccine and cook for 12mins.

Place butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Cook on HIGH for 15 sec.

Add chopped onion, garlic and bacon. Cook on HIGH for 4 mins. Drain fettuccine. In a microwave safe bowl add cream, ½ tablespoon of parmesan cheese, parsley, drained fettuccine and

seasonings and mix well. Cook on HIGH for 3mins. Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

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Year 10’s

Chicken Enchiladas Small chicken breast 220g passata ½ onion diced 65ml water 125ml sour cream ½ tsp chilli powder ½ cup grated cheese ¼ green capsicum ½ tsp dried parsley ½ tsp crushed garlic ¼ tsp oregano 4 mini tortillas ¼ tsp pepper 190g enchilada sauce ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup grated cheese

Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease an ovenproof dish. Heat 1 tsp of oil in fry pan, cook chicken until juices run clear. Cube the chicken and return it to the pan. Add onion, sour cream, cheese, parsley, oregano and pepper. Heat until cheese melts. Stir in passata, water, chilli powder, green capsicum and garlic. Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in foil tray. Cover with enchilada sauce and top with

remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 mins.

Tuckshop

Fortnightly Volunteer Roster

Week 1 Group Monday 25 March Belinda Blackburn, Nicole Cumming, Lauren Henaway Tuesday 26 March Dianna Wills, Fiona Jones Wednesday 27 March Karen Gilbert, Rob Ely, Judy Orr Thursday 28 March Cherrie Hughes Friday 29 March Liz Falzon, Lucia Atta, Lisa Sorbello

Week 2 Group Monday 1 April Colleen Best, Dianna Said, Samantha Vella Tuesday 2 April Kylie John, Sarah Colleton, Lisa Hackney Wednesday 3 April Heidi Dries, Lisa Nolan, Rania Heke Thursday 4 April Jenny Crawley, Suzanne Martin, Denis Franks Friday 5 April Cross Country

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A Chorus Line

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Community News

Mater Hospital Mackay opens

New Emergency Care Centre

(Phone Number 49655444) The new Mater Mackay Emergency Care Centre will be open 365 days of the year between the hours of 8am and 10pm. No appointment, referral or Private Health Insurance is required to attend the Mater Mackay Emergency Care Centre. Consultation fees start at $120 depending on complexity. Everyone is welcome and most importantly, people attending can be assured that wait times will be minimal. Patients will experience the very best of compassionate clinical care delivered by experienced and highly trained emergency specialists and nursing staff. Attendance at the Emergency Care Centre will provide a direct pathway to the Mater Mackay and to Mackay’s leading Specialists. As a Catholic Healthcare Ministry, the Mater Mackay hopes its new Emergency Care Centre will be of benefit to the Catholic Education communities of Mackay and surrounds.

Sister Cities Mackay Children’s Day free activities at Artspace Mackay on Saturday 27 April from 10am – 12pm.’Mother’s Day cards, Origami, Japanese craft activities, Traditional Japanese dress up. Mackay Regional Council and Matsuura City Council organise annual group exchange visits for students and biannual tours for adults. To find out more visit our Facebook page- Sister Cities Mackay or contact sistercitiesmackay@gmail.com

Student Exchange Australia

New Zealand Free live online information session for Mercy College students and scholarships available in 2019. Please note, this is our final LIVE Online information session before the Scholarship and Early Bird Discount deadline which is 31 March. Student Exchange Australia New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that is registered with all state and territory Departments of Education around Australia and with the Ministry of Education in NZ. We are hosting a special FREE Live Online Sessions for students and their families on Wednesday, 27 March at 5.30pm (AEST) / 7.30pm (NZT). Register now - Visit www.studentexchange.org.nz or call 0800 440 079 for more information.