Term 1 Week 6, 6 March 2015
Mercy
Messenger
Contents
Principal .......................................................................... 1
BOARD............................................................................. 3
MEMBERS ....................................................................... 3
Parents & Friends............................................................ 4
Association ...................................................................... 4
Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 5
Called to Compassion ................................................. 5
Assistant Principal Students............................................ 6
The Australian Child Wellbeing Project ...................... 6
Sports Department ......................................................... 7
Date Reminders
March
Mon 9-Fri 13 March…………...……….Yr10 Work Experience
Wed 11 March.......................…...P&F and Board Meeting
Fri 13 March……………….…………..……….Yr 8 Immunisations
Wed 18 March……………………………….…………Harmony Day
Mon 23 & Tues 24 March……………………..…….Yr7 Retreats
Wed 25 & Thurs 26 March………..…….Yr 8/9 &10 Retreats
April
Thurs 2 April………………..…………Interhouse Cross Country
Thurs 2 April…………………….……………..…Last day of Term 1
Fri 3 April…………………………………………………....Good Friday
Mon 20 April…………………………….…….Term 2 Commences
Wed 22 April……………….……………….. Yr 10 Immunisations
Interhouse Swimming Carnival ................................... 7
Health & Physical Education ELP ................................ 9
Art Department............................................................. 11
Food For Life ................................................................. 11
Inter-school Chess Competition ................................... 12
Cook’s Corner................................................................ 13
Tuckshop ....................................................................... 14
Helpful Hints & How To ................................................ 14
Weekend Mass Times
Southern Cluster Parishes
St Mary’s
St Francis Xavier
St Patrick’s
St Therese’s
St Michael’s
Saturday 6.00pm
Saturday 6.00pm/Sunday 9.00am
Sunday 7.00am/ Sunday 6.00pm
Sunday 7.00am
Sunday 9.00am
Let’s Connect ................................................................ 15
Tia & Jack - EP Launch ................................................... 15
A Lenten Retreat ........................................................... 16
Music Ministry
Mackay Army Cadet News ............................................ 17
Community Notices ...................................................... 19
Students are invited to lead the music ministry at St
Mary’s Church, 6.00pm every second Saturday of
the month.
Please come along and sing on
Saturday 7 March and 21 March
For more information please
email Carmen Bennett
[email protected]
Be inspired….
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through
to achieve that beauty."
Maya Angelou
Word on the Street ……
Adhockery –
noun. Reliance on temporary solutions rather than on consistent long-term plans.
Sentence: The Student Council members agreed that adhockery was not the prescription for
organising a good school social.
Source: Dictionary App
Principal
small
changes can make a
BIG
difference
‘The 7 Habits of highly effective teenagers’
Why teenagers? Because this next half decade can set the patterns for life.
Where do we start? Year 7’s at Mercy College Mackay. We will train our students in an
age approporiate fashion to take responsibility for their own success in life.
So what are the habits of highly Ineffective people/teenagers???
Habit 1: ‘React’ (blame all problems on your parents, teachers etc – be a victim)
Habit 2: ‘Begin with no end in mind’ (don’t have a plan, avoid goals, just live for today)
Habit 3: ‘Put first things last’ (waste time, don’t turn up, avoid homework)
Habit 4: ‘Think Win-Lose’ (win every argument, if you cant win don’t do it)
Habit 5: ‘Seek first to talk, then pretend to listen’ (only your opinion is worth listening to)
Habit 6: ‘Don’t cooperate’ (only your ideas, compete rather than cooperate, don’t share)
Habit 7: ‘Wear yourself out’ (eat junk food, late nights, go
hard)
Now there are not too many parents who want their offspring
to ruin their lives. Naturally, they want their children to have
the best chance to succeed and leave a legacy.
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In Year 7 Careers at the College, we will
progressively instruct the students in the
world’s leading Personal Development
Program first published by author Stephen
Covey 25 years ago.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
Habit 1: ‘Be proactive’ (take responsibility for your life)
Habit 2: ‘Begin with the end in mind’ (set goals, reflect and plan)
Habit 3: ‘Put first things first’ (do important things, prioritise)
Habit 4: ‘Think Win-Win’ (abundance mentality, problem solve)
Habit 5: ‘Seek first to understand’ (listen sincerely)
Habit 6: ‘Synergise’ (work together to achieve more)
Habit 7: ‘Sharpen the saw’ (personal renewal and health)
The habits have stood the test
of time. We think it important
that our students appreciate
that success and effectiveness
in life are not due to luck. The
personal qualities and skills
highlighted in ‘The 7 Habits’ is
an important foundation for
personal leadership qualities.
References: Cover, Sean. “The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective Teens” 2004, Simon & Schuster – Covey,
S. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People –
Signature Edition 2014, FranklinCovey
Back to home
2
Tony Stevens
Board Chair
BOARD
Julie Brook
Board Secretary
Sister Marie Duffy
Board Spiritual Leader
MEMBERS
Paul Krause
Board Member
-
Policy Guidance
Financial Planning
Strategic Direction
Spiritual Development
Professional Development
of Interest
Jim Ford
Principal
Bree Sinn
Regional Indigenous
Liaison Officer
Peter Scott
Leadership Team
Representative
Susan McKay
Staff Representative
3 members to be inducted onto the Board following a discernment process at next week’s meeting.
Two new
We will introduce them in a future newsletter.
Janice Quadrio
P&F President
Ross Di Francesco
P&F Vice-President
Andrea McCarthy
P&F Secretary
Parents & Friends
Association
 Input
Trephoan Lewis
P&F Treasurer /
Bike-a-thon Committee




Rita Mactaggart
P&F Bike-a-thon
Committee

into
routine
functioning of the College
Support
for
Curriculum
programs
Discussions and debate on
issues relevant to parents
Support for school functions
and key
Input
into
long-term
development
Fundraising and support for
parents
Barb Carroll
P&F Bike-a-thon
Committee
Sharon McKie
P&F Bike-a-thon Chair
Sara Sugars
P&F / Bike-a-thon
Committee
Chris Sorbello
Staff Representative
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Kathy McPherson
P&F Correspondence
Secretary
Assistant Principal Mission
Called to Compassion
‘To be known by the name Mercy is to publicly commit to become ever more compassionate’
We endeavour to understand the love and compassion of
Jesus, the need of all humanity to understand the
steadfast love of Jesus, does not however, cancel out the
anger that God must feel when He sees this unjust world
filled with people who do know better and fail to act with
compassion.
As we enter the Third Week of Lent, I would like to share
an excerpt from ‘Called to Compassion’ by Breege O'Neill
rsm (Mercy International Association)
Image: 'Compassion' by Mary Southard, CSJ www.MarySouthardArt.Org
Licence: Non- Commercial Usage. Used with permission. Congregation of St.
Joseph
of LaGrange retains the rights, specifically including the ownership of
.
original art/words and copyright
In Manila, some weeks ago, a profound encounter was witnessed by thousands of people. Pope Francis was
being welcomed by a young girl Glyzelle Palomar, when she broke down, and through her tears she asked the
question: “Why do children suffer?”
Pope Francis did not respond with a theological lecture on the mystery of evil. Instead, visibly moved, he
reached out and hugged Glyzelle, affirmed her tears, and then diverging from his prepared speech he responded
from the heart saying…
"Only when we are able to weep about the things that you have lived, can we understand something and answer
something.….. today's world needs to weep," he said. "The marginalized weep, those left aside weep, the scorned
weep ... but those of us who lead a life more or less without needs, don't know how to weep….. certain realities of
life are only seen with eyes cleansed by tears”.
In Jesus, we see God’s compassion. ‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate’ (Luke 6:36). Venerable
Catherine McAuley knew God as the Compassionate One who loved her and provided for her. Through the
events of her life, God gradually shaped Catherine into a woman overflowing with compassion. Catherine knew
from her lived experience that what the poor hold more precious than gold is ‘the kind word, the gentle
compassionate look and the patient hearing of sorrows’. Her ability to express God’s Mercy and Compassion as
a soothing balm to the wounds of the poor, homeless, hungry, sick and dying, and her service to the unprotected
and the uneducated became the founding charism of the Sisters of Mercy. To be known by the name Mercy is
to publicly commit to become ever more compassionate. Compassion is one of the most beautiful presents we
bring to the world and true compassion is born from suffering. When we have felt deep pain we are able to be
touched by the suffering of others.
Jesus our saviour, we recognize our own weakness, and we know that only through Your Mercy can
we be merciful. In time of trial, in the midst of our daily work, whenever we feel doubt or confusion,
enlighten and strengthen us so that we may do Your Holy will. May our deeds of mercy express Your
Mercy to a suffering world. We make this prayer with gratitude for Your unfailing goodness to us.
Amen.
Mrs Jeanette Refalo, Assistant Principal Mission
Back to home
5
Assistant Principal Students
The Australian Child Wellbeing Project – ACWP
In Term 3 last year all Year 8 students
participated in a survey conducted by the
Australian Child Wellbeing Project. This online
survey took place nationwide in 180 schools
with over 5,400 students participating. The
ACWP surveyed students about aspects of their
lives that are viewed important for their
wellbeing.
I have included two graphs from the report and
their explanations. The first column is the
National Year 8 results and the second column is
Mercy College Mackay’s Year 8 results. Further
information
can
be
obtained
from
www.australianchildwellbeing.com.au
Mr Chris Sorbello, Assistant Principal Students
6
Sports Department
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
Last Wednesday, the Interhouse Swimming Carnival divided Mercy into Six fiercely competitive teams:
Argos
Midas
Pindar
Badila
Oraya
Triton
For a few years now, we’ve been holding the swimming carnival after school to keep our students out of
the hot midday sun. It’s a huge success supported by not only our committed staff members, but our
parents who join the P&F crew to cook up a barbeque for all to enjoy.
Thank you to the parents who took time out this week to assist and cheer on!
On the ‘business’ side of the swimming carnival, let’s take a look at the scores:
CHEERSQUAD COMPETITION
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place
5th place
6th place
99 points
98 points
94.5 points
91 points
86.5 points
81.5 points
PINDAR
ARGOS
BADILA
ORAYA
TRITON
MIDAS
RUBBER DUCKY
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place
5th place
6th place
15 points
14 points
14 points
11 points
4 points
2 points
TRITON
ORAYA
MIDAS
ARGOS
BADILA
PINDAR
OVERALL
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place
5th place
6th place
973 points
940 points
889 points
831 points
798 points
797 points
MIDAS
ORAYA
BADILA
PINDAR
TRITON
ARGOS
Congratulations to all the students involved, as the participation numbers were fantastic this year. Also
a special congratulations to the students who were named 2015 ‘Swimming Age Champions’:
U12 Girls Age Champion - Abbey Thompson
U12 Boys Age Champion - William Bella
U13 Girls Age Champion - Tiffany Osborne
U13 Boys Age Champion - Adam Smit
U14 Girls Age Champion - Emma Manzelmann
U14 Boys Age Champions - Benjamin Luhrman
U15/Open Girls Age Champion - Kahtia Gooch
U15/Open Boys Age Champion - Connor Roduner
Well done and thank you to all those involved in making the event so successful.
Miss Deanna Turner, Sports Coordinator
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8
Health & Physical Education ELP 2015
On Friday 27 February, 26 students from our Catholic
Primary Feeder Schools took part in an Extended Learning
Program for HPE, under the directions of Mr Mattsson and
myself. They enthusiastically participated in a theory lesson
focussing on anatomy, fitness and nutrition, culminating in
a Kahoot Quiz covering the content.
Students were also tested in the various fitness
components in the Gym and Hall, which related directly to
their theory lesson. They also took part in a number of
mixed games including War Ball, Road Runner and Futsal,
focussing on participation, team work and game sense.
The day was a great success with all students being terrific
ambassadors for their primary schools. They learnt a lot of
new content, giving them a clearer idea of what is coming
their way when they commence high school next year.
Back to home
Mr Matthew Paul, HOD HPE
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Thoughts & comments from
students who attended the
HPE ELP on Friday 27 March.
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Art Department
Art Camp
April 24-26 2015
at
QUANDONG CREEK RAINFOREST LODGE, EUNGELLA
Art camp is on again with 30 places available for this three day rainforest experience, being held
from the 24 -26 April. The cost is approximately $230.00, however, the price may vary depending
on the final number of students attending. Quandong Creek Rainforest Lodge is hidden deep in
the Eungella Range surrounded by mountains and forest. Students share bunkhouse
accommodation, eat sensational food and participate in sketching, painting, printmaking and
photography. They also go bush walking and swim in a private rock pool.
Interested students can pick up a letter from Student Reception or the Art room. Places are
available for any students, even if they have not studied art yet.
Mrs Dolores LaSpina, HOD Arts
Food For Life
Mercy College Mackay is once again raising money for Caritas Australia.
As announced on assembly this week, students can wear House shirts instead of formal or
sports uniform on Wednesdays for the rest of term, however they MUST bring in a gold coin
donation, otherwise it becomes an incorrect uniform.
Please encourage your student to contribute, by raising an awareness of the cause.
“I invite you to make space in your heart….respecting the God-given rights of everyone to
have access to adequate food.”
Pope Francis
Ms Angela Petrow, Vinnie’s Committee Coordinator
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Inter-school Chess Competition
Mackay/Whitsundays Inter-school Chess Competition
Term 1 Monday 23 February
New Year … New Chess Team … New Venue (Mercy College)
Inter-school Chess; the ultimate strategy game is on again for a new year. Mercy’s award winning team of champion
players have now moved on to senior school, so it’s time for renewal. What a result, with the first round of competition
for ‘New Mercy’ resulting in 3rd place overall in the Secondary division. Two more rounds to go in 2015 with Mercy planning
to improve by two positions. We’re not pawns in someone else’s game!
Mercy Chess Club is on every Wednesday in our Library at lunchtime.
New players are always welcome. See you there!
Mr Jim Ford and Mrs Louise Mullaney, Mercy Chess Coordinators
Back to home
12
Cook’s Corner
Barbecue
Chicken
Tortillas
Ingredients
2 tomatoes
½ red onion
½ green capsicum
1/4 cup coriander leaves
¼ Masterfoods BBQ rib sauce
olive oil
½ avocado
sour cream
1 lime
salt & pepper to taste
4 small chicken breasts
4 tortillas
Method

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


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Dice tomatoes and red onion.
Deseed capsicum then thinly slice.
Finely chop the coriander leaves.
Juice the lime and combine all together in a bowl with salt and pepper and mix
well, then set aside.
Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt & pepper.
Cook chicken in a preheated fry pan for 4 minutes each side. Brush with BBQ rib
sauce and cook for a further 2 minutes or until cooked through.
Slice the chicken.
Warm tortillas.
Thinly slice the avocado.
On a serving plate, fill the tortilla with chicken, avocado and sour cream. Top
with salsa and a sprinkling of coriander leaves.
Tuckshop
Please come along and help out in the Tuckshop.
All recipients will receive a $25 exemption from the
P & F levy for this term.
Monday 9 March
Tuesday 10 March
Wednesday 11 March
Thursday 12 March
Friday 13 March
Rhonda Muller, Katie Baker, Theresa Bolic, Jodie Philp
Stacey Brazil, Michelle Brazil, Caroline O’Neill, Michelle Miranda
Mark Fitzmaurice, Robyn Moschino, Selina Bowgett, Judy Orr
Amanda Uren, Jenny Crawley, Samantha Vella, Lyndall Doolan
Rebecca Sharp, Nicole Sanders, Lisa Clifford, Jacque MacDonald
Monday 16 March
Jodie Thompson, Judith Muonde, Lila Clarke, Keli McCowan,
Nadya Bagaskaia
Fiona Bragg, Annamaria Cappello, Patricia Anderson, Andrea Finn
Andrea Westwood, Lina Martin, Teresa Williamson, Megan Graham
Lynette McCall, Deb Weston, Rita Mactaggart, Louise Taylor
Natasha Weiss, Cathy Galea, Louise Saward, Liz Falzon
Tuesday 17 March
Wednesday 18 March
Thursday 19 March
Friday 20 March
Helpful Hints & How To
 To restore finished wood furniture, steep two tea bags in
hot water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then dampen a clean
soft cloth with tea and wipe over wood furniture. It will
bring out the woods natural colour and shine.
 To keep weeds from returning to the cracks of your patio, deck, or drivewaykeep salt in the cracks.
 To clean gold and silver jewellery (not pearls) mix together one
part ammonia to two parts warm water and a dash of shampoo in
a screw-top jar. Add jewellery, gently shake and leave for 30
minutes. Rinse jewellery in clear water and leave to dry on a clean
cloth. They will look like new!
Back to home
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Let’s Connect
Tia & Jack - EP Launch
15
A Lenten Retreat
Back to home
16
Mackay Army Cadet News
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Community Notices
Brothers Netball Club
Mackay are looking for (4) 14 or 15 year olds to complete
a new team to be entered in the Saturday fixtures of
Mackay Netball.
Any level of playing experience WELCOME! If you have
never played netball before, and wish to learn and join a
team, please contact Melissa on 0408 737 696 or email:
[email protected]
or
via
Facebook at brothersnetballmackay
RSPCA
Million Paws Walk 2015 will be on Sunday 17 May at the
Gooseponds (pool end) Malcomson Street, North
Mackay.
Register and fundraise now at
millionpawswalk.com.au for your chance to win an
overseas holiday.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
A weekend away for married couples in peaceful,
picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions
of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule,
to invest in your most precious asset - your Marriage!
This is a unique opportunity to recharge your
relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in
love all over again!
Weekend date: 15 – 17 May 2015
Venue: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston QLD
(on Brisbane’s bayside)
For bookings/details contact: Maria and David Murphy,
ph (07) 3342 1456, [email protected]
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
Sydney Apostolic Congress
1st DVD from a Series of 8 DVD presentations from the
Sydney Apostolic Congress on Mercy from the
Conference held in October of 2012, followed by
devotion to the Divine Mercy, at the Adult Faith Centre,
Macalister St Every Thursday from the 5th of February,
onwards at 4 pm to 6 pm, Series to end on the 26th of
March.
RSVP: Leenore Reddy 0434929742 or
https://www.facebook.com/mackaydeanery/events
Foster Carer….could you be one?
Churches of Christ Care Pathways support their carers
with training, advice and access to local resources to
enable them to provide the best home environment for
the children and young people in their care. Ph:
49535097 carepathwaysqld.com.au
Sarina Saints Football Club
For
Registration
details
please
go
to
www.myfootballclub.com.au. Training days are
Thursdays with games starting on Saturday 7 March.
Enquiries : David Sanewski 49438114.
Finch Hatton Health & Harmony day
Sunday 8 March, 10am to 4pm at Ulysses Garden Café
723 Gorge Road, Finch Hatton Gorge
Over
30
stallholders
and
exhibits,
hourly
demonstrations, healers, natural, organic and hand
made products and much more. Free entry cash only
purchases. More info: www.facebook.com Finch Hatton
Health and Harmony Day
Back to home
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PH: 07 4969 4199 FAX: 07 4969 4189
Penn Street, Mackay Q 4740
PO Box 5646 Mackay MC Q 4741
CREATIVE STUDENTS – CATHOLIC VALUES
Mercy embraces Compassion, Hope & Justice
Web: www.mercymackay.qld.edu.au
Twitter: @MercyCollegeMky