Semester 1 Week 4 – Friday 21 2020

Mercy Messenger

Contents Principal .......................................................................... 1

Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 2

Science Department ...................................................... 7

Sports Department ......................................................... 8

Technology Department ............................................... 10

Finance Department ..................................................... 10

Mercy College Counselling ............................................ 11

St Vinnies Committee ................................................... 11

Justice@Mercy .............................................................. 12

Tuckshop ....................................................................... 14

IT Department ............................................................... 14

Home Economics Department ...................................... 15

Community News ......................................................... 18

Mon 24 February ................ Inter-House Aquatics Carnival Tues 25 February ........................................ Pupil Free Day Wed 26 February ……………. Ash Wednesday prayer ritual Fri 28 February ……………………………. Year 7 Immunisations

Wed 4 March ..................................... Year 10 Biology Trip Wed 4 March ....................................... Triton House Mass Mon 9 – Fri 13 …….……….Year 10 Work Experience week Wed 11 March ........................... P & F and Board meeting Thu 12 March ................... Year 7 Meet the Teachers BBQ

Opening Mass – Mr Ford presenting a senior tie to Dillon Bulgarelli

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“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – HENRY DAVID THOREAU

WORD ON THE STREET…

Word Zephyr – a gentle, mild breeze Sentence For the yacht becalmed in the bay not even a zephyr of air disturbed the sails.

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, Sarina 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.

Puzzle Answer: Last week’s 9 minute egg puzzle – At t=0m start both timers.

At t=4m the 4 minute timer expires. Turn it over to start it again.

At t=7m the 7 minute timer expires. Turn it over to start it again.

At t=8m the 4 minute timer expires again, and the 7 minute timer has been running for 1 minute. Turn the 7 minute timer over.

At t=9m the 7 minute timer expires, and the egg is ready.

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Principal

Growing Anxiety

We all need to be a little bit anxious. To anticipate future consequences and adapt our behaviours is a quality of our intelligent brain. In another guise we call it positive stress, the motivation to keep us going when every impulse is to relax. However, to ruminate constantly on future possibilities such that a person is always acting to avoid imaginary fears is a distressing state and apparently one that is very much on the rise, particularly amongst school-aged children.

Coping with uncertainty. Apparently this is an essential human attribute and we vary in our ability to tolerate the anxiety it causes. All of us are subject to suggestion and speculation about how future events will turn out. This causes stress and avoidance behaviours such as studying for an upcoming test; a positive consequence or paralysing exam nerves; an obviously negative avoidance behaviour. What is a spectrum of responses to every day experiences can generate diligence and productivity, on the other hand results in anxious behaviours that are extremely debilitating.

Developing ways to cope with this ‘state of unknowing’ has significant implications for young and old as we navigate life’s choices, medical advice, personal issues and professional challenges. For example, we all experience at some stage in our lives the standard medical tests that result in the call from the surgery asking us to “pop back on Monday” to discuss the results. Not much of a week-end in between. Fertile imaginations run riot and will cause unnecessary distress unless coping behaviours, such as distracting oneself or brainstorming the positives are in place.

“We all differ in our ability to cope with not knowing how things will turn out. Scientists call this trait ‘intolerance of uncertainty’. Where we sit on a spectrum of intolerance affects how we experience everyday situations, from waiting for a bus to waiting for news of a loved one in hospital. It means that in life’s ambiguous scenarios, two people with the same information can react in two completely different ways.”

Safety behaviours such as calling a loved one every half hour to check if they arrived safely at camp can indeed be counterproductive, but many people would recognise this response by a parent to an unknowing situation. It can be quite a difficult discipline to restrict our own actions in that circumstance. It’s a normal aspect of anxiety that we all learn to live with, but why has this ‘intolerance of uncertainty’ and the resultant behaviours become more prevalent in adolescents and young people now?

Over the past two decades, our intolerance of uncertainty has increased significantly, according to Nicholas Carleton at the University of Regina in Canada, and his colleagues. Their recent analysis of 52 studies of students showed that intolerance went up by about a fifth between 1994 and 2014.

The team believes cell phones and internet access, which both grew rapidly over the same period, might be to blame - increasing safety behaviours by offering us immediate access to emergency services, loved ones and information that isn’t always helpful. “Cell phones nourish our safety behaviours.”

It’s hardly surprising that we have more anxious kids at school. They are swamped with both information and exaggeration via the internet. Mobile phones that put them in instant contact with a parent even for minor setbacks and upsets lower resilience and independence. At Mercy, students are to leave their phone in their bag or locker throughout the day. The above information is at least in part the reason. The other problem of kids being swamped with scary and distorted media, leading to anxiety and pessimism about the future, is an issue bigger than any one school. We strive to make Mercy a positive and hopeful place where kids can look forward to a bright and productive future. The media, however, are seldom interested in good news stories.

Mr Jim Ford, Principal

Source acknowledgement - Quotes from: New Scientist Magazine 19/10/2019 feature cover story - Coping with Uncertainty ‘The agony of waiting’ by Helen Thomson.

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Assistant Principal Mission

I was recently invited by my brother to take a Catholic Quiz online. The quiz initially stated that ‘Only 1 in 50 Catholics Can Ace This Religious Test. Can you?’ So it’s a check up on our knowledge of the beliefs of our Catholic faith tradition. Lent commences this coming Wednesday and that too is an invitation to do a ‘check’. We are traditionally invited to focus our attention on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. So how could we check these areas of our lives? How is my relationship with God going? As with, all relationships there is always room for improvement. Do I give God a chance to guide me in daily events? Do I take time to ‘be’ in God’s presence? Do I consider the ‘bigger picture’ of my life? Fasting: What do I need to do to improve my life? Where have I allowed self-indulgence to undermine the person that God wants me to be? What disciplines do I need to grow as a loving person?

Almsgiving: This is compassion is action. How do I show practical love to the people with whom I live? How do I show compassion within my community? What is my social life like? Do I only mix with like-minded people or do I mix with people who might challenge me? I did well on the Catholic knowledge check. How well will I do on the Lenten check? I don’t know, but these days of Lent will be an opportunity to allow God to transform me and my life.

Almighty and ever loving God, You give us your spirit. Lead me to enter into the Spirit of Lent and use these days to grow in love of You, my family and community and myself. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

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The Brekky Van update

It has arrived!

Our Generous Sponsors

Mrs Jeanette Refalo

Assistant Principal, Mission

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MERCY COLLEGE MACKAY

A Catholic Co-educational Secondary College Specialising in the Middle Years

We invite enthusiastic educators with relevant tertiary qualifications who enjoy providing a relevant and holistic

education, and most importantly, who are prepared to support the religious ethos of our College, for the following two full-time continuing positions –

Teacher of Mathematics / Science / PE (to commence Term 2 – 20 April 2020)

Teacher of English / Media (to commence Semester 2 – 13 July 2020) **Please indicate in your application which of these two positions you wish to be considered for** We offer generous incentives including -

Competitive salary structure for Teaching staff

Access to additional Employer Superannuation Contributions of up to 12.75%

Access to salary packaging options to maximize employee benefits and salaries

39 weeks of term time for a school year

Access to relevant and interesting professional learning opportunities

Access to a free Employee Assistant Program (24 hour counselling service)

Access to corporate health schemes with either Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance Please forward a covering letter with your CV including 3 referees to – Email - principal@mercymackay.qld.edu.au

For further details please visit our website www.mercymackay.qld.edu.au Applications close 3pm Monday 2 March 2020 Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer. Our schools exist not to be different, but to make a difference.

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Science Department

Welcome back to another exciting semester of learning through experimentation and investigation.

What are we up to?

Year 7 Chemistry - Substances, Mixtures and Separating techniques Year 8 Biology - Cells and Human Body Systems Year 9 Chemistry - Atomic Structure and Chemical reactions Year 10 Investigating Science - Forensic Science Year 10 Chemistry - Atomic Structure and Chemical reactions Year 10 Physics - Speed, Acceleration and Forces Year 10 Biology - Ecosystems

Tutoring is available each Monday in Room SO2 3:00 – 3:45pm

National Science Competition

During Term 2 all Year 7 and 10 students and nominated Year 8 and 9 students will sit the assessment for the National Science Competition. Last year we received some excellent results, confirming that our students are learning and excelling in their Science Education on a national level. All participants will receive a certificate and a report of their results. Year 8 and 9 students are asked to contact their science teacher for a nomination form, which needs to be returned with payment to the Bursar by the specified date. All Year 10 and 7 students will be nominated by the School and enrolment fees covered by the College. The data generated by the test allows for some detailed reflection of the Science program at the College and will be used to identify any strengths and weaknesses of the courses offered. The data as a whole will not be shared publicly, only students who receive a Credit or higher will be acknowledged on Assembly and via the College newsletter.

Where are we off to this Term (1)

Wednesday 4 March Year 10 Biology: Wetlands Walkabout - Scientific investigation of an environment Monday 23 March Year 10 Investigating Science - Forensic Science Workshop

Ms Tania Attard Head of Department, Science

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Sports Department

2020 Mercy College Aquatics Carnival

The 2020 Mercy College Aquatics Carnival will be held next Monday 24 February. It is an annual event where all students are required to attend and be involved in representing their House. All students have a number of opportunities to participate in a range of both participation and competitive events at the Carnival. The Carnival runs from 2:00pm until approximately 9:00pm. Due to the late finish, there will be no school for students on Tuesday February 25. Throughout the carnival, students are asked to remain in their House areas when not participating in an event. Parents/Guardians are welcome to attend to support their child/children, but are asked to remain in the designated parent area. Students will need to be collected by their parents at the conclusion of the carnival (approximately 9:00 pm) and will not be allowed to leave the venue without a parent/guardian present. See below for the Student Expectations for the Aquatics Carnival:

⮚ Students can wear their House shirt on the day of the Carnival.

⮚ No brief swimming costumes.

⮚ All students are requested to leave their IPad at home on the day of the Carnival (February 24).

⮚ Canteen facilities will be available. The P&F will also be providing a BBQ where students can purchase food.

⮚ No crepe paper, coloured zinc, glitter, coloured hair spray or hair fudge.

⮚ Don’t bring any valuables to the Carnival, e.g. phones, large amounts of money, etc.

⮚ If a student is unable to swim on the night a note must be given to their House Coordinator.

⮚ Students who are unable to attend the Carnival must attend school for a normal school day on the day of the

Carnival and must have a letter explaining their absence from the Carnival, which needs to be submitted to their

House Coordinator.

⮚ Students must remain with their House when not competing in an event. Parents/Guardians are not to be in

student areas.

⮚ As parent/guardian seating will be extremely limited, it is recommended you bring a chair.

⮚ If a student needs to leave prior to the Carnival’s conclusion, a signed note must be presented to the relevant

House Coordinator. The student must be collected from the front gate and signed out by the parent/guardian.

This letter needs to be submitted prior to the day of the Carnival.

Mr Michael Comerford Sports Coordinator

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Opening Mass

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Technology Department

Talent in Technology

One of the beautiful pieces of wood work produced by our Technology students (chest created by Year 10 student, Kaylee Harberger)

Mr Michael Denman

Head of Department,Technology

Finance Department

Fee statements for 2020 were issued on Friday 14 February 2020. If you did not receive your statement, please contact the Finance Office immediately. We encourage families to contact the Finance Office if assistance is required in setting up regular payment plans. Payments can be made by either Cash, Cheque, BPay, Credit Card, Direct Debit or Internet Banking Transfer.

If you have not already done so, please complete and forward your 2020 Account & Discount Information Form to the Finance Office, to allow us to calculate any family discounts due. This form is to be completed by all parents/guardians yearly and is a requirement for College audit purposes.

If you have any concerns with the payment of your account, please contact the Finance Manager to discuss your situation. We have a number of concessions and payment options that we can put in place to assist you. All conversations will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Mr David McKie Finance Manager

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Mercy College Counselling

What's mindfulness? Mindfulness involves training our attention and attitude Being mindful means awareness of your own moment-to-moment internal and external experiences, with gentleness and acceptance and without judgment. It’s a state of being that encourages us to slow down, focus on the present, accept things as they are and act with discernment. When we do this, we’re less distracted by thoughts of the future and the past.

Mindfulness is very simple It’s a practical way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells, or anything that you might not normally notice. The moment we re-engage attention with the present moment, we switch off default mode. It gets us back on task, helps the body to relax and helps us to respond to the moment.

Mindfulness takes practice Mindfulness is about learning to make a conscious and discerning choice where our attention lies, rather than allowing it to be dominated by concerns which take us away from experiencing the present moment. It allows us to stay open, curious and flexible about the moment that we’re in.

Ms Lynn Wirtz, Counsellor

St Vinnies Committee

Project Compassion Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia, and is part of one of the largest aid and development networks in the world working in over 200 countries and territories. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Each year, Project Compassion runs during the six weeks of the Church season of Lent. The theme for 2020 is ‘Go Further Together’. Pope Francis said, “In our families we learn to recognise the dignity of all”. This year we ask you, the students and families of Mercy College to join us in building a more just and fair world: a world in balance, at peace and free of poverty. For some inspiring stories on how Project Compassion can help to make a difference, visit www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion There will be a number of fund raising events happening around the College over the upcoming six weeks and Students are asked to make donations to Project Compassion as a Lenten act of compassion.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things, with great love.”

Saint Theresa of Calcutta Ms Kirsty Mitchell Coordinator

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Justice@Mercy

Justice@Mercy Clothes Sorting Fourteen Justice@Mercy students helped the Apostolic Church sort donated clothing, to be recycled and sent overseas to the Philippines. Students had the huge task of sorting bags and bags of donated clothing into ladies, men, boys, girls and baby winter and summer clothing as well as sorting work clothes that needed to be repaired, washed or thrown out. After one and a half hours of sorting many bags, larger bags were packed and ready to distribute their new homes in the Philippines. Thank you Mrs Refalo for driving the Mercy Bus and helping us as well as Ms Pace, Mrs Clancy, Mrs Wirtz for joining in and helping us sort the clothing also! Your kindness is appreciated.

The Mercy Way - Year 7 Market Garden Year 7 students from TRI-1 and TRI-2 Homerooms began learning about what service they will be doing in the Mercy College gardens on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:15 - 8:30am. A reminder of which Homerooms are helping in the garden will be on Morning Notices and on Facebook each week. Students are to bring a spare shirt to wear in the garden. They will also learn about safety in the garden and how to care for the gardens around our school. We are looking for grandparents that are interested in going on a roster to help in the garden on a Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:15 – 8:30 am, please contact Mrs Patroni. (helen_patroni@mercymackay.qld.edu.au)

The Mercy Way - Year 8 Buddy Reading

Year 8 students from ARG-3 to ARG-6 visited St Mary’s Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 classrooms on Wednesday mornings from 8:15 - 8:30am to help with reading and spelling. A reminder of which Homerooms are rostered on for reading at St Mary’s will be on Morning Notices and on Facebook each week.

The Mercy Way – Year 9 Aged Care Visits Year 9 students are visiting two aged care facilities this Semester during their religion lesson - St Francis of Assisi Home and Homefield’s Blue Care Aged-Care Home. Both residents and students look forward to these visits as the students participate in a variety of activities and games with the residents.

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Cambodian Service Learning Immersion This year Mercy College Mackay is organising an Immersion to Cambodia. Students who attend this trip will be participating in an exciting and rewarding Service Learning opportunity. During the trip our group will spend time at Tbeng. This is an amazing opportunity and will provide them with a meaningful experience. Culturally, this tour will be an invaluable student experience. Budding young geographers will stare in awe at the majestic splendour of Angkor Wat, form opinions regarding the sustainability of tourism in Siem Reap and be amazed at the bustling functionality of Phnom Penh. Historically, students will get to visit, first hand, places such as the infamous ‘Killing Fields’, Tuol Sleng Prison, the Royal Palace and much more. The cost of the 11-day tour will be approximately $3370. This price includes all flights, internal travel costs, accommodation, all meals, a national escort throughout the country, all transfers, sightseeing and associated entry fees. Cambodian visa application fees are also included in this price. The Parent Information Night was held at the College on Tuesday 11 February. During this presentation the details regarding the itinerary of the trip and all other pertinent information was outlined. Here is the link for the online brochure on our Cambodian Immersion. This will give you a good overview of the immersion experience. https://issuu.com/vietnamschooltours.com/docs/mercy_college_mackay_booklet If your child is interested in attending this immersion experience, or you have any inquiries regarding other aspects of the forthcoming immersion, please contact Mrs Patroni on 49 694 199 or email helen_patroni@mercymackay.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Helen Patroni Justice@Mercy Coordinator

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Tuckshop

Fortnightly Volunteer Roster

Group 1 Monday 24 February Jill Sands, Carmel Deguara Tuesday 25 February Fiona Jones, Suzanne Martin Wednesday 26 February Narelle Amos, Catrina Simpson Thursday 27 February Michelle Bath, Maree Sturdy Friday 28 February Michelle King, Tara Sleep, Kellie Horne

Group 2 Monday 2 March Elizabeth Kennedy, Jeanette Camilleri, Mel Holdsworth Tuesday 3 March Rania Heke, Amanda Zammit Wednesday 4 March Debbie Chimes, Melissa Poole Thursday 5 March Kelly Collis, Tania Higgs, Bini Varghese Friday 6 March Michelle Martin, Elizabeth Meende, Kirsty Hoani

Mrs Margaret Floyd Coordinator

IT Department

Teacher Email Addresses Parents may communicate with teachers through any one of the following ways:

1. Student diary

2. Phone: 4969 4199

3. Email

To get the correct email address for a teacher, visit the Staffing page on the Mercy College Mackay website. All the teachers’ names are linked to their email address.

Mr Shawn Day

IT Manager

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Home Economics Department

Mango Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

1 large chicken fillet cubed ¾ cup chicken stock ½ onion chopped 90ml coconut cream 1 teaspoon crushed garlic ½ teaspoon cornflour ¼ teaspoon coriander powder ¼ cup water ¼ teaspoon cumin powder 1 tablespoon peanut oil ¼ teaspoon crushed ginger ½ mango ¼ cup tomato paste 2 sprigs of parsley Salt 1 cup rice

METHOD: 1. Wash rice and place in rice cooker to cook. 2. Cube the chicken, chop the onion and cube the mango. 3. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Fry the chicken until brown, set aside. 4. Sauté the onion, ginger and garlic until transparent. 5. Stir in all the spices and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. 6. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken stock, coconut cream and mango. 7. Blend the cornflour and water to create a paste. Stir into the coconut sauce. 8. Blend, the sauce until smooth then add the chicken. 9. Simmer for 10 minutes.

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Curried Sausage Rolls

INGREDIENTS: 2 sheets puff pastry ¼ cup breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons milk 200g sausage mince 1 teaspoon curry powder ½ egg ¼ small onion ¼ carrot

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven 200oC. Grease OR Line oven tray with baking paper. 2. In a small bowl soak breadcrumbs in milk and set aside. 3. Peel and grate the carrot and onion. 4. Combine sausage mince with breadcrumbs, carrot, onion, curry powder and mix well. 5. Cut each pastry into two, spoon a quarter of the mince mixture down the centre of each piece of pastry. Brush

edge with beaten egg. 6. Roll pastry into a log enclosing mince. Cut into three or four even sized pieces. 7. Place rolls on a baking tray with seam side down bake. Glaze rolls with beaten egg then bake in a moderately hot

oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cup SR flour ½ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup chocolate chips ⅓ cup caster sugar ½ cup brown sugar 125g butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2. Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. Whisk egg and vanilla in a small jug then add to butter mixture. Stir in the flour mixture. 4. Sift SR flour and cocoa into a bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. 5. Add to butter mixture and mix until well combined. 6. Add chocolate chips and mix well. 7. Roll a tablespoonful of mixture into balls and place onto baking tray. 8. Leave space between cookies to allow for expansion. 9. Flatten balls with a floured fork. 10. Bake cookies in the oven for 15 minutes. 11. Allow to cool on tray before moving.

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Community News