Mercedes College Newsletter

Key Dates Principal’s Report Monday 9 April House Performing Arts Festival, 6pm Perth Concert Hall

Thursday 12 April Year7 Reflection Day

Friday 13 April END OF TERM 1

Saturday 14 April NIDA Tour departs until 21 April

Monday 2 April Easter Monday (Public Holiday)

Monday 30 April Home Study Day Triangular Meetings 12pm - 8pm

Tuesday 1 May Term 2 commences

Sunday 6 May P & F Fete

Thursday 10 May Mother’s Day Breakfast 7am

Friday 11 May College Photography

The Easter break has been a time to participate in key liturgical events at our parishes as well as giving everyone a much needed time to relax with family and friends. It is also a time when we are aware of the plight of the homeless. Our senior students had a focus on the homeless during their recent Poverty Immersion. This experience encourages them to reflect on our materialism and the way we can support others. Street Soccer at Wellington Square is one way we continue to help those in need. Students are currently reflecting on their Poverty Immersion experience and considering other ways they can raise awareness about homelessness.

Student safety continues to be a focus at the College. A lockdown rehearsal was conducted prior to Easter to ensure that students and staff are aware of the procedure. No warning was given and feedback was collated to ensure that the process is well known to all involved. Staff also had an anaphylaxis refresher at this week's Staff Forum. These refreshers are conducted twice a year.

This week staff underwent some training to assist in the development of our Aboriginal Education Plan. We were fortunate to have Kylie Agale from CEWA to run this professional development session.

The final rehearsals for the House Performing Arts Festival continue this week. It is a highlight of the College calendar. I look forward to seeing many of you at the performance next week. The students have worked very hard and I am sure we are in for a treat.

As this is the last newsletter for the term I wish everyone all the best for the upcoming holiday. I hope it is a time of peace and renewal.

Insight from Catherine McAuley:

We have ever confided largely in Divine Providence and shall continue to do so.

Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

Nine Year 11 students recently took part in the Poverty Immersion experience.

Mrs Kerrie Fraser, Principal

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All staff and volunteers are expected to:

respect the moral values and teachings of the Catholic Church and ensure that their public conduct is consistent with that respect

support the aims , philosophy and Mercy ethos of the school by their conduct and interactions with the school

respect and comply with all Federal, State and local laws

conduct themselves in a manner that will not discredit the school or Mercy Education

act ethically and with integrity at all times

If your daughter is feeling unwell, please keep her at home. It is not pleasant for your daughter to be unwell at school and also unfair to

spread the germs to others. Thank you for your support in this area.

Friday 27 July to Sunday 29 July The Regal Theatre

Tickets now available from

www.ticketek.com.au

Tickets are $35 each or 3 for $100. Access code for Mercedes College families

booking tickets is “onenormalnight”.

Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

Students must be in full Winter Uniform from Day 1 of Term 2. The new Winter Uniform is now available to purchase from the College

Wear Shop.

CWS Opening times

Term 1 Monday 9 and Wednesday 11 April 8am - 2pm

Term 2 Monday 30 April: 11.30am - 1.30pm

Monday: 10.30am - 1.30pm, Wednesday: 8am - 2pm

Please note formal Individual and Homeroom photography will take place on Friday 11 May (Week 2, Term 2).

Follow the Mercedes College Twitter page @MC1846

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Pastoral Care News

Year 7/8 Community Year 7 - Mrs Corinne Kastanis The Year 7 students met their Trinity College peers at their first social event on Wednesday 28 March for a fun, team building Mini-Olympics themed social. In mixed teams they got to compete together in activities such as tug-of-war, egg and spoon race, sack race, tunnel-ball, evolutions, ninja, rob the nest, build the tallest tower etc. Each station was directed by a Year 10 or 12 House Leader and some Trinity College leaders also assisted. Their effort and enthusiasm were appreciated greatly. There were many individual awards that were presented at the end which were for those who showed great leadership skills and team work with their peers. Congratulations to all students who participated and represented their College with pride. Thank you to all the staff who helped with stations and the running of the social and to the parents who volunteered with assisting with afternoon tea.

Led by Year 10 House Leaders three Year 7 Homerooms (7.1, 7.5 and 7.6) supported the College swimming team that competed in the ACC ‘A division’ on Wednesday 21 March. This opportunity allows the girls to continue to build College spirit and pride of being a Mercedes College student. The cheering may be what helped get the Junior team to win the Junior Girls shield by 1 point! Congratulations girls.

We have had a few in House competitions happening between the Homerooms. The Homerooms which brings in the most Coles vouchers and raised the most for Caritas will earn House Points. These friendly competitions are not only between the girls, but between the competitive Homeroom teachers too.

Caritas fundraisers have been, from the well liked cake stalls to a sausage sizzle (which was so popular that many girls missed out). It shows how compassionate the students and parents of the Year 7 cohort are. Thank you fro your contribution by making (or buying) something, or if you have donated with some spare coins.

Please ensure all girls have had success with the NAPLAN practice recently taken place. Any queries should go to Mr Andrew McClintock.

Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

Year 8 - Mrs Sarika Ottenhof It has been a busy few weeks for students and as the term starts winding down, I would like to commend the girls on how well they have managed the increased workload and expectations of Year 8. Most girls would have found that they’ve had many assessments recently and there will still be more to come next week. It is important that the girls are reminded to stay on track with their study plans, and try as hard as possible to minimize distractions whilst they are studying.

On the most part, Year 8 students are upholding their commitment to the College uniform policy; however, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all of the girls to ensure that they are wearing the correct socks, appropriate jewellery and remembering to wear their hats around the College. It is disappointing to see some girls falling into bad habits when it comes to wearing the uniform correctly and I hope that the new term will be a chance for the girls to return with a renewed attitude.

The first Year 8 Mercedes and Trinity social for the year was held on our College Oval on Thursday 22 March. The afternoon consisted of a variety of carnival type events such as the cup stack attack, smartie straws, Nerf gun target game and limbo. Both the girls and boys had lots of fun working together to score as many points as possible, with the winning group coming first by only 3 points. Students are now eagerly awaiting the next social which will be held at Trinity College in Term 3.

I would like to congratulate Amelia McDonald (8.5) who recently competed at the 2018 Australian Junior Athletics Championships. The competition was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. Amelia competed in the Women’s Pole Vault Under 15 and came first. We are very proud of Amelia’s accomplishments and commend her on the level of dedication she has shown to her sport.

I wish all of our Year 8 families a restful break over the holidays and look forward to seeing the girls refreshed and re-energized at the beginning of next term.

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Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

Year 9/10 Community Year 9 - Mrs Lara Vlahov It was lovely to see the Year 9 students return on Wednesday after the Easter Break, refreshed and ready to attack the last eight days for this term. It will be a busy time with several subject assessments, the House Performing Arts Festival on Monday night and other activities finishing up.

Last week the girls should have received their individual letters that stated the venue they have been allocated to for their Ballroom Dancing lessons. Lessons begin on Thursday 3 May and continue for seven weeks culminating with the Ballroom Dancing Social on Tuesday 19 June. Can I ask that over the holidays you check your daughter ’s winter uniform still fits and let down any hems to ensure it is the correct length. It is compulsory for the students to wear their full winter uniform to each Ballroom dancing lesson.

On Friday 13 April Interim Reports will be available for you to view on SEQTA. Please take the time to sit down with your daughter and have a conversation about her report. I have been pleased with the academic progress of many students and can see that they have been applying themselves both in the classroom and at home. It is important that your daughter is developing sound study habits this year to set the foundations for future years when the workload and expectations will increase.

I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday break and I look forward to seeing the girls return on Tuesday 1 May.

Curriculum News

Academic News - Mrs Liana Strutt, Deputy Principal OLNA Testing Results Round 1 For students who have completed Round 1 of OLNA testing, please be advised results for this testing will be available to the school from Monday 7 May. Parents will be notified in writing the outcome of this testing.

Interim Reports These will be available on SEQTA from 3.30pm Friday 13 April. These offer an indication of your daughter’s progress in Term 1 and will inform discussion you may have with teachers should you option for an interview at the Triangular Meetings to be held on Monday 30 April. Grades will not feature on this report, but an indication of Academic Progress and personal attributes in the areas of organisation, classroom behaviour and effort/application will be recorded.

Triangular Meetings These will be held on Monday 30 April from 12.00pm to 8.00pm. Details of venue and PTO bookings will be sent home to parents via email next week.

Year 11 2019 Course Information Evening - Wednesday 16 May / 6pm / Coady Sports Centre This evening, for Year 10 parents and students, will outline the process for course selection of upper school courses in 2019. Course booklets and instructions for selection will be distributed at this meeting. A booking link will be distributed closer to the date.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) All Australian governments have agreed to implement a new annual national data collection on school students with disability. This data collection does not apply just to students with an identified disability, but for all students in the College community that receive learning adjustments. This data collection will occur in every school every year.

Why introduce a Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on school students with disability? All Australian governments agree that every child in an Australian school, regardless of his or her circumstances, has the right to a high quality and inclusive education that meets her needs.

Better information about school students with disability will assist teachers, principals and education authorities to support their participation in schooling on the same basis as students without disability. For further information, please click HERE for the letter and details on how to OPT OUT of the collection process.

Information Technology – Mr Des Loh, HOLA Australian Curriculum subject - Digital Technologies This year sees the introduction of compulsory information technology in Year 7 and 8 across all Western Australian schools. The subject is Digital Technologies. The Western Australian Curriculum will include this Australian Curriculum subject which

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Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

Faith and Mission

During the Lenten season, Homerooms were busy raising money for Caritas’ Project Compassion with various fundraising activities; including the popular bake sale, zooper dooper sale, guess the jelly beans in the jar and even a sausage sizzle. The funds raised will support those in need to provide them with a “Just Future”. Well done to 7.3 on raising the most money during the period, by running a bake sale in their Homeroom. The College as a whole raised $4900.35.

General News

Interschool Debating - Mrs Amanda La Pegna Round 2 of the Interschool Debates took place last week, again, with some very close results. Mrs Giusella Chiellini ’s Year 8 Novices (Imogen Lazenby, Flone Puyat, Caitlin Ryan) were narrowly defeated by MLC; Mr Frank Doria’s Year 8 Novices (Emily Scanlan, Sophia Lopez, Lucy Power) defeated Perth Modern; Mrs Debbie-Jo Marando’s Year 9/10 Junior team (Erica

Mercy Service Program - Mrs Leanne Davis As part of the activities in the Mercy Service Program for Year 7, students are to write an article for Sorelle about an activity they have participated in.

On Wednesday 7 March, the 7.2 Homeroom raised money for Caritas by running a bake sale. We made about $350 dollars overall and put it in our Project Compassion box. Mrs Foley then signed our Mercy Service Journals and then we all had at least one activity done. Everyone one in our Homeroom brought at least one thing in to sell and most of it was all gone by the end of recess and lunch. All sweets were $1 each and everyone enjoyed it. This activity was a fun choice and all the people running it had fun. I have completed one activity from each day and I am very keen to complete more. Helping others is one of our Mercy Values: Service and you can certainly enjoy yourself while helping others. - Mia Gurbiel (7.2)

has been adopted and adapted to suit Western Australian needs.

All areas of the curriculum will need to contribute to a students’ ICT capability. However, on its own this would not be systematic or comprehensive. Therefore, the Digital Technologies subject takes responsibility for ensuring our students develop a systematic and comprehensive capability, making use of the contributions of other areas and going beyond the minimum requirements of the stipulated ICT General Capability. We can liken this relationship to what Mathematics is to numeracy and English is to literacy.

Hence, there is an increased rigour in this syllabus. The aim is to build digital literacy and fluency with students. Students must have the capacity to be able to engage in the technologies that they use. In raising expectations, we are supporting students to achieve at a higher standard.

Digital Technologies is also offered as an elective course in Year 9 and 10. Students who wish to pursue information technology in Year 11 and 12 as ATAR subjects should choose Applied Information Technology.

For any queries please email dloh@mercedes.wa.edu.au

Mercedes College Newsletter

Notices

Pregnancy Assistance - Community Night and Outdoor movie / Friday 6 April / St Columba’s Primary School, South Perth / $10 per person. For more information, please click HERE.

Year of Youth - Bishops Catechesis / Sunday 8 April 2.30pm - 4.30pm / Redemptorist Monastery. Free event for young adults presented by Bishop Don Sproxton, How to share you faith and keep your friends. To register or for more information, please click HERE.

Parents and Friends’ Association

Thank Yous Year 8 Social Afternoon - Sally & Mike Partridge, Simone Steenberg, Kristy Wigele & Arlene Soares for assisting with the afternoon tea for all the students and staff.

Year 7 Social Afternoon - Christina Gagliardi, Anna Chemello, Maria Bullo and Caterina Rechichi for assisting with the afternoon tea.

Cole for Sports Vouchers Thank you to all the families who have sent in their Coles for Sports Vouchers. Please keep sending them in Friday 6 April.

Major Fete Raffle (drawn on Sunday 6 May) Thank you to all families who have returned the raffle butts and money; if you would like an additional Raffle book please email jstacey@mercedes.wa.edu.au. Families who haven’t please try and sell your raffle book or at least a few tickets from your book. Sold books, raffle butts and money have to returned by Wednesday 2 May. Payment options available are CASH, CHEQUE (made out to Mercedes College P & F), Bank Transfer to the P & F Bank Account (CBA, BSB: 066 009, ACC #: 00900811) or Trybooking link https://www.trybooking.com/367131

Entertainment Books 2018/2019 With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to order your new 2018/19 Entertainment Book. You can choose from have a choice of the traditional book (with Gold Card) or the new Entertainment Digital Membership Book! Those who order and pay prior to the Book Launch scheduled for the first week in May, will receive over $150 worth of Bonus Offers which you can use straight away. Cost per book is $70. To order either option visit: www.entbook.com.au/831l19. Great savings to be made and $14 from each book goes towards the College P & F fundraising, helping to pay for the College Buses.

Mother’s Day Breakfast Thursday 10 May / 7am - 8.20am / College Hall / $18 per person Dads of Mercedes (DOM) invite all mums and daughters for breakfast to celebrate Mother’s Day. Prepared by the dads and served to you by your daughter, it’s guaranteed to be a great way to start the day. Booking options are: Option 1 - 1 mum & 1 daughter = 2 tickets purchased together Option 2 - Book single tickets (Mums with 2 daughters and need to get an extra ticket for a daughter) Option 3 - Table of 6 (3 mums & 3 daughters or 2 mums and 4 daughters or 2 mums and 4 daughters

All tables are based on 6 per table! Click HERE to book. Tickets/tables are limited, bookings close 5pm, Tuesday 8 May.

Vol. 45 Number 5 / Week 10 Term One / 5 April 2018

The Creative Edge Challenge - Ms Callie Steven We all know how important creativity and teamwork are in our increasingly mechanised world. The Creative Edge Challenge tests these important skills and, with very little preparation time required, it is perfect for busy Upper School students.

On Saturday 24 March, Curtin University held the third Creative Edge Challenge. The College was proudly represented by Sarah Patman, Brianna Bitt, Leanne Pham, Teehani Ralph, Chloe Keeffe and Jacqui Keeffe. They completed three 20 minute challenges based on science and engineering as well as social sciences. This particular team are very familiar with each other through many years of working together in Opti-Minds. The students should all be congratulated for their dedication, as well as excellent problem solving skills. Pictured right is the team’s entry for the creative photo competition.

Galloway, Georgia Gillibrand, Abigael McAllister) were defeated by Carmel; and Mrs Kathleen O’Toole and Mrs Bernadette Dell’s Year 11/12 Senior team had a bye for this round. Good luck to all teams for Round 3, which will take place next term.