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Term 1 Week 8 – Friday 20 March 2015
Contents
Principal .......................................................................... 1
Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 3
Retreats Days .............................................................. 4
Homeroom Mass ........................................................ 4
World Day of Prayer ................................................... 5
Service to Others ........................................................ 5
Assistant Principal Students............................................ 6
Assistant Principal Administration .................................. 7
Year 9 & 10 Unit Preferences Semester 2 ...................... 7
Year 7 & 8 HPE selections Semester 2 ............................ 7
Reporting and Parent/Teacher Night ............................. 7
Interact Committee ........................................................ 8
English Department ........................................................ 8
IT Department................................................................. 9
What is the Cloud and Where is it? ............................ 9
Indigenous Department ................................................ 10
Harmony Week ............................................................. 11
Work Placement ........................................................... 12
Term 1 2015 .................................................................. 12
Careers & VET ............................................................... 12
What are the Benefits of Work Placement? ................. 13
College Musical ............................................................. 15
Technology Department ............................................... 16
Environmental Committee ........................................... 17
Sports News .................................................................. 17
Cook’s Corner................................................................ 18
Tuckshop ....................................................................... 19
Quick tips & Helpful Hints ............................................. 19
Please pay attention! .................................................... 20
A Lenten Retreat ........................................................... 21
Community Notices ...................................................... 22
Date Reminders
March
Mon 23 & Tues 24 March……………………..…….Yr7 Retreats
Wed 25 & Thurs 26 March………..…….Yr 8/9 &10 Retreats
Fri 27 March………………………………………….Year 7&8 Social
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
Thurs 23 April…………….…................ Parent/Teacher/Night
Thurs 30 April………………….…………………….College Musical
May
Fri 1 & Sat 2 May………….……………………….College Musical
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
Music Ministry
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 21 March and 4 April
Front Cover: Work Placement student Lisa
Manzelmann – working at Rocket Lodge Racing Stables
For more information please
email Carmen Bennett
[email protected]
…
“It’s more important to focus on what’s to blame, rather than who is to blame”
-
Ben Dattner
Word on the Street ……
Collywobbles – noun. A feeling of fear, apprehension or nervousness.
Sentence: Any student getting up to speak on assembly, usually has a distinct case of the collywobbles.
Source: Dictionary App
Principal
A Real Friend - R U OK?
With some worrying indications on the state of youth mental health in the Mackay area of late, some current
statistics from America puts things in perspective, and gives impetus to skilling students to help them cope with
modern pressures. In the March 16 edition of Time Magazine, an article on personal health by journalist Mandy
Oaklander quotes the following statistic; "19%; the portion of U.S adults who had a mental illness in the past
year, according to latest Government data."
Of course there is a spectrum of disorders that vary in how debilitating they are to the individual and their
relationships. Being a bit upset, a bit down or feeling 'out of sorts' in response to disappointment, disagreement
or worries is a normal part of life and in the main the mind, has coping mechanisms to bring a person back to
equilibrium after a period of adjustment. Mental illness is of course a more protracted condition that does not
right itself. The person requires support and possibly intervention. While this is usually temporary, the real
danger is when major issues remain undetected and personal support is not offered despite the best of
intentions.
What would be truly helpful to people of all ages, is an attitude of support for friends/acquaintances and the
skills to offer this support without being pushy or patronising. This starts with recognition of warning signs in
the people you know and understanding how you may respond so as to be seen as a genuine support. In the
United States there is a new National campaign on mental health titled 'Change Direction'. Founded by clinical
psychologist Dr Barbara Van Dahlen it seeks to raise public consciousness and skill them in noticing the signs of
potential issues. Dr Van Dahlen offers a concise summary of behaviours that may signal the need for some help
–
"5 Signs a Friend Might Need Help"
Both adults and adolescents being aware of the following may do much to improve first-line of support and
minimise the medicalising of a very human condition -
He/She doesn't seem like their usual-self lately:
If you sense something different about the way your friend is acting – maybe they are not
smiling much these days, for instance – trust your instincts and reach out. ‘Use common
observations to share with somebody’ – try saying, “I see these things. I care about you.
Can I help?”
He/She is unusually moody or edgy:
Irritability and red-hot temper can be signs something else is amiss
– ‘It may take more than one time to follow up if you’re talking to
someone who is agitated – but if a friend responds with anger, that
could mean you’re onto something.’
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He/She is acting a bit more withdrawn:
If a social butterfly seems remote or starts spending lots of time alone, that’s worth
addressing head-on. Behaviour that might be normal in an introvert may mean something
more serious – pulling away from social support – in a person who’s typically more
outgoing.
He/She is less put together than usual:
Substance abuse and ditching personal hygiene can be signs
someone is in trouble. Instead of downplaying your friend’s selfdestructive behaviours, treat them as a cue to care – they signal
when compassion really matters most.
He/She seems overwhelmed by life:
No one is ‘bright and bubbly’ all the time. But if your once optimistic friend can’t find
anything to be hopeful about, he may be having thoughts of worthlessness, grief or even
suicide. ‘We want people to get comfortable reaching out, checking in and being more
open, so that more people are getting the help that they need.’
The next generation of young people do most certainly need a less stigmatised attitude to the reality of mental
illness and the real benefit of the personal support amongst friendship groups. While there is a range of
disorders needing specialised intervention, the majority of us fit into the category of ‘People who need People’.
Acknowledgement: Time Magazine March 16 2015 ‘Changing Your Mind’ by Mandy Oaklander
Mr Jim Ford, Principal
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Assistant Principal Mission
Misunderstood Sacrament
Unfortunately the Sacrament of Penance, regularly
referred to as Reconciliation, is quite often
misunderstood. This sacrament is all about healing,
forgiveness, and reconciliation/restoration, not
simply about telling the priest our sins. The nucleus
is not our sins, but is God’s mercy! It is about healing
our relationship with God, and the Church (others).
By healing our relationship with God, Reconciliation
keeps our connection with God strong.
When we do something wrong, we often become
ashamed and embarrassed. We can find it hard to
face God and are reluctant to partake in this
Sacrament. Overcoming this reluctance is the initial
step toward interior healing. It also helps to think,
that even the Pope has to have the courage to
confess his failings and weaknesses to God, through
another priest.
Jesus made an interesting remark to Peter when
predicting Peter’s denial. He said, “But I have prayed
for you that your own faith may not fail; and you,
when once you have turned back, strengthen your
brothers.” (Luke 22:32). In other words, Jesus
recognised that Peter’s guilt might have been so
overwhelming that he had begun to think he could
not be forgiven and his faith might fail.
The question isn’t whether God will forgive our
failings and weaknesses, but, whether we have the
courage to face ourselves honestly, so we can ask for
the forgiveness that God is always ready to give.
We mustn’t let our faith fail – during these final
weeks of Lent, let us turn back to Jesus.
Healing God, you know me and love me, thank You for the many blessings You bestow on
me on my journey. I know that You are always journeying with me. When the road is rough,
You support me, when the turns are sharp, You give me courage, and when I lose my way
You gently guide me back to You.
Amen
Back to home
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Retreats Days
The Retreats for Years 7 – 9 are being held next week: Monday 23 – Thursday 26 May, with Year 10 experiencing
‘Reflection Days’. These Retreats are an integral part of Catholic school life, aiming to be inclusive, purposeful, and
meaningful, and take into account the developmental needs and experiences of students.
In the context of Mercy College, the
term Retreat means a time away
from normal school activities and
classes, where students have the
opportunity to reflect on their
relationship with self, others and
God.
The Retreats are organised around
session
presentations,
group
activities, and group discussions.
The focus of the Retreats is based on the Mercy values: Compassion, Hope and Justice through:
 building respectful relationships with one another
 developing enhanced communication skills
 understanding the importance of reaching out in friendship and compassion
 recognising the importance of taking responsibility for actions & making values-based choices in relationships
Homeroom Mass
Commencing Week 2 of Term 2, Homeroom Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s
Catholic Church, Juliet Street from 8.30am to approximately 9.05am. The
College Chaplin, Father John Fitz-Herbert will preside this great
opportunity for the College and wider community to come together in
prayer during this Eucharistic celebration.
Each Homeroom, in conjunction with two additional Homerooms from the one
House, will assist in organising two Masses throughout the school year. Parents
are invited and are most welcome to attend their student’s Homeroom Mass.
Mrs Jeanette Refalo, Assistant Principal Mission
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World Day of Prayer
World Day of Prayer
Last Friday four Mercy College students accompanied Mrs Refalo
to the World Day of Prayer morning service. This year’s service
was held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church and was prepared
by the people of the Bahamas. Each of the Island was represented
in a small prayer, with a response about the issues they face within
their communities.
The students who attended were able to learn about the Bahamas
through the prayers and information shared through the
celebration. Michael Gibbs, Elizabeth Anderson, Holly Van Wyk
Smith and Jessica Gunning joined in the service with the theme of
‘Do You Know What I Have Done to You?’ This theme explored
Jesus' teaching and how it related back to each of the islands. The
rich history of the Bahamas was evident through the entire
celebration and it was an occasion that marked a bright future for
the people of this area. This occasion was a wonderful experience
and was enjoyed by all who attended.
Miss Jessica Gunning, Year 10 Student Leader
Service to Others
Homeroom Visits
As part of our service to others, two Mercy College Homerooms visit either, the St Francis of
Assisi Aged Care or a St Mary's Primary Prep class. Oraya 2 was the first Homeroom to visit
the Preps.
On return to school, the students in our Homeroom shared how they really enjoyed being
able to help the young students with their activities, talking with them about their interests
and getting to know them more. It was really evident how kind, caring and respectful these
young ones were. It was great to see our Homeroom come together as a group. This visit
was fun and a great way of doing something for others.
Miss Anna McLeod, Homeroom Captain – Oraya 2 Back to home
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Assistant Principal Students
Reminder:
Procedures for advising of
Student absence
(This information can also be found in the Student Planner)
For short-term absences
This is the preferred method – ‘notify school on the day’
Parent/guardians must either phone the student absentee line 4969 4188 or Email:
[email protected] (briefly) state student’s full name, Homeroom, reason and expected
duration of absence and the name of the person giving the message.
OR
A signed, written note of explanation from parent/guardian may be given to the Homeroom Teacher by the
student on the day of return to school - (only if it is not possible to phone or email on the day of absence)
Late to school
On arrival to school, students must Log in through iLog at Student Reception and a late slip will be printed. On
arrival to class students must show the slip to the teacher.
Leaving school during the day for appointments etc
Students must have a written note from their parent/guardian to give to the House Coordinator in the morning.
The note will be signed and must be presented to staff at Student Reception when leaving. They then log out
through iLog. A slip will be printed, which should put into their planner. If the student returns to school the same
day, they must log back in to school at Student Reception before returning to class, then show the class teacher
the return slip.
Students will not be permitted to leave until a parent/caregiver reports at the office to collect them.
All other requests for leave i.e. term time holidays, extended leave due to illness or other A detailed letter from the parent/guardian, addressed to ‘The Principal’ must be given to the College Office staff
or Email: [email protected] and an email reply will be sent to parent/guardian by the Principal. It
is most appreciated if notice for this type of leave is given well in advance, where possible.

We do not encourage students to take family holidays during term time. It is not ideal for students to be trying to
complete school work whilst on a holiday. Students need to be in class as much as possible to complete class work
and assessment well, and generally be fully informed and up to date. However, we understand that it is
unavoidable in some instances.
 For this type of leave students must be responsible for speaking with all of their teachers, well in advance, with
regards to class work and assessment for the period they are absent.
Mr Chris Sorbello, Assistant Principal Students
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Assistant Principal Administration
Year 9 & 10 Unit Preferences - Semester 2
Students will receive their Unit Preference Information for Semester 2 via their Mercy College email account by
Monday next week. A guide to help with unit preferences is available at the web link below.
Students will receive two emails:
1. Contains the student’s Unit Preference Information sheet
2. Contains the student’s log on details to submit preferences
I would encourage both parents and students to make subject choices by referring to the Subject Areas and
Handbook section on the College internet site, which can be found here:
http://www.mercymackay.qld.edu.au/academic_handbook.php
Students will need to choose carefully and are asked to submit a ‘reserve choice’. The
‘reserve choice’ also needs to be a unit that they are 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 that they are certain about.
All unit selections need to be made by Monday 30 March. Students are asked to return the signed slip,
generated at the last stage of submitting unit preferences online, to their Homeroom teacher.
Year 7 & 8 HPE selections Semester 2
Students will have a choice about which HPE unit they would like to take during Semester 2. A letter will be sent
home in the near future, so they can make their choice, with the return section to be given to their current HPE
teacher.
Reporting and Parent/Teacher Night
Reports, detailing the current progress of students, will be available through Parent Lounge on Thursday 2 April
from 12.00pm. On this report a teacher may have indicated that they recommend an interview at the Parent
Teacher night, however, while a teacher may have indicated that an interview is not needed, parents are most
welcome to book an interview for general feedback on progress.
Parent Teacher night will be held on Thursday 23 April, the first week of Term 2 in the College Hall from 3.30
- 7.30pm. Access to make a booking will be available from Thursday 2 April 1.00pm to Monday 20 April 9.00am.
Each interview will last for 5 minutes, and it’s preferred that the student is present at the interview.
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. A Short video can be viewed in Parent Lounge on ‘How to make a parent
teacher booking’.
Mr Adam Skoczylas, Assistant Principal Administration
Back to home
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Interact Committee
Mercy Interact Club
It has been a busy start to the year for the Mercy Interact Club.
Our committee this year, is under the leadership of Jessica Gunning
(President), Naomi Gallaway (Vice President), Tristan Niemi (Treasurer)
and Alice Climpson (Secretary). We also welcomed many new members
and it is great to have such enthusiastic students involved in our service
club.
We started the year with an invitation from West Mackay Rotary for an
evening of lawn bowls. This was a great opportunity for Interact members
to meet the West Mackay Rotarians and find out a little about their club.
Our annual Easter Appeal is now underway and we
are looking forward to being able to distribute these
to the residents of our local nursing homes,
leading up to Easter.
Planning is also underway for our next major
event, which is participation in the Mackay Relay
for Life on May 16.
Mr Brendan Gunning, Interact Coordinator
English Department
Are you a budding Writer or Social Activist?
Well you are invited to a celebration!
One of the most important documents of all time, the is about to
celebrate its 800th anniversary. On the 15 June 1215, King John of
England signed this document which curbed the power of the
monarchy, and safeguarded the rights of citizens.
To celebrate such a momentous anniversary, a creative essay competition is being held for students to create
their own Magna Carta for the 21st century.
If you are interested please see Mrs Russell-Pace as soon as possible, as entries must be submitted and received
by 5 May 2015.
Mrs Anne-Maree Russell-Pace, HOD English
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IT Department
What is the Cloud and Where is
it?
The Cloud is an IT buzzword that has been thrown around over the past
decade with the promise to simplify your IT needs.
The Cloud is actually nothing more that storage space that is available to
the user over the Internet. This storage space is usually on a series of servers that reside at the company who is hosting
it. For example, if you backup your iPad to iCloud, then your backup files are being stored in Apple’s storage servers.
Picture of Apple’s iCloud storage servers
Is the Cloud Safe?
This is a difficult question to answer and it all depends on what you consider safe. Cloud access for your account is
protected by a password. If you keep that password safe, and change it regularly, your data should stay safe.
Like any information that is on the Internet, bad people may still try to steal it. However it is probably more likely that
your iPad or laptop will be stolen, than your Cloud account being broken into.
You are already using the Cloud
Everyone is already using the Cloud whether they realise it or not, here are some examples:
 if you can check your emails on your computer and phone – these are cloud synchronized
 social media accounts like Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter is a Cloud based service
 automatic iCloud backups from your iPad or iPhone
Some popular Cloud Services
Mr Tyson Elford, IT Manager
Back to home
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Indigenous Department
National ‘Close the Gap’ Day
19 March 2015
Most Australians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies of any
country in the world — but this is not true for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.
Indigenous Australians can expect to live 10 – 17 years less than other Australians. Babies born to Aboriginal
mothers die at more than twice the rate of other Australian babies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
The mortality rates for Indigenous Australians is on par with some of the world’s most impoverished
nations.
On 19 March each year, National ‘Close the Gap Day’ is highlighted to bring awareness to all Australians of
the health, education and employment issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The cause of the life expectancy gap is deeply embedded in a number of social determinants. Indigenous
Australians face a number of basic disadvantages in comparison to non-Indigenous Australians. Chronic
disease and disability are amongst the most significant factors affecting Indigenous Australians. These
factors are caused by poor living conditions, a lack of safe and supportive communities, restricted education
and training opportunities, and lower economic participation, all which contribute to lowering life
expectancy.
Historical events including land dispossession, The Stolen Generation and stolen wages have all played a
part in Indigenous life expectancy. The perpetual cycle of dependence and poverty and the psychological
trauma and grief of separation, has had significant consequences for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous
Australians and their families.
Following Prime Minister Rudd’s 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations, the government made a pledge
to lead a national effort to close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians. The ‘Close the Gap’ Prime Minister’s report 2015 states that -‘Despite good intention and
considerable investment by successive governments, the disparity in outcomes remains.
The ‘Close the Gap’ Coalition is a grouping of Indigenous and non-Indigenous health and community
organisations. Together with nearly 200,000 Australians they are putting pressure on government to take
real, measurable action to achieve Indigenous health equality by 2030. Change will take a generation. We
need sustained action from Federal and State Governments. Take action now and show your support by
going online at https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/ and signing the
petition to keep pressure on our Government.
”Statistics of shortened life expectancy are our mothers and fathers, uncles and aunties who live
diminished lives. We die silently under these statistics”
Professor Mick Dodson, 2009 Australian of the Year and Aboriginal activist and lawyer
Reference: https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/
Ms Bree Sinn, Regional Indigenous Education Liaison Officer
Back to home
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Harmony Week
Back to home
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Careers & VET
Work Placement
Term 1 2015
Over 150 Mercy College
students have recently
completed their one
week work placement
block,
some
even
travelling as far as
Sydney, Brisbane and
the Gold Coast!
A tremendous amount
of positive feedback has
already been received
including a number of
businesses
offering
students employment
and/or further training
in the form of school
based traineeships and
apprenticeships.
Well done to everyone
involved and particular
thanks goes to the staff
who
visited
the
students throughout
the week.
Thank you also to the
businesses who have
supported the work
placement program by
hosting a large number
of our students.
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What are the
Benefits of Work
Placement?
Whether you realise it
or not, each year
thousands of students
graduate from High
School. In doing so they
have
demonstrated
that they can complete
set tasks, research and
write
assignments,
work individually or as
part of a group.
Why
would
an
employer notice you?
That’s where work
placement comes in.
In order to stand out,
you need to show that
you are ‘work ready’
and ‘employable’ – that
you have the skills and
attitude
that
an
employer is looking for
(not just academic),
and skills that you can
apply to the job you
want. If you gain some
experience in the
industry or even with
the company you wish
to be hired with you are
already a step ahead of
those that have not.
The experience you
receive and the skills
you develop during
your work placement
will increase your
chances of obtaining
the job you want.
ACHIEVE
YOUR
GOALS!
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Ms Susan McKay, HOD Careers & VET
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College Musical
Miss Cassie Gillespie, Cultural Leader
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Technology Department
Mr Michael Denman, HOD Technology
Back to home
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Environmental Committee
Teens Tackling Climate Change!
Four students from the College recently
attended the Environment and Leadership
Summit at Mackay’s CQ University. The
‘Start the Switch’ summit consisted of
exciting games, activities, speeches,
masterclasses, a flash mob and projectplanning.
Students from all over the Mackay region
gathered and shared ideas to obtain more
knowledge about climate change, other
dangers to the environment and how to tackle these large problems at school and in their
community. Speakers included; Gemma Plesman, member of the AYCC (Australian Youth
Climate Coalition); Kim Williams, coach of the Mackay Cutters Rugby League football club;
2014 National NAIDOC Youth of the Year, Amelia Telford, who is also the co-ordinator of
the SEED Indigenous Youth Climate Network; and Shani Telford, a member of the globallyknown Greenpeace organisation.
Both students and teachers received plentiful
education about the environment and heaps of
motivation
from
speakers,
guests
and
facilitators. Students brought back their ideas
and knowledge to school to prepare for a big
launch before this year’s Earth Hour day
(Saturday 28 March).
Please come along for assembly on Wednesday
25 March, to see the Environmental
Committee’s first project launch for this year, and make sure to take part in the global event
of ‘Earth Hour’ to support and protect the future of the only home we have, Earth!
Kuga Krishnadeva, Year 10 Student
Sports News
Ky Hamilton
was successful in qualifying at Tamworth this month to make it into the
Australian Team to ride Jnr Bulls at the National High School Rodeo Association World Finals
in Des Moines, Iowa.
He will travel to the corn belt of America in June to compete with the rest of the Australian
team against visiting states from the US.
Before heading to the States for these finals he will enquire about nominating to ride Jnr Bulls
at the Calgary Stampede which runs from July 3-12.
We wish him every success.
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Cook’s Corner
Pikelets
Ingredients
1 cup self raising flour
2 tbsp sugar
¾ cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp butter
pinch of salt
Method
 Sift flour and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in sugar.
 Whisk milk and egg together, then add to dry ingredients, whisking until
smooth.
 Heat a non-stick frypan over medium heat and brush with a little melted
butter. Drop level tablespoonsful of the mixture into the pan and cook for
half a minute or until bubbles appear on the surface.
 Turnover and cook the other side for 1 minute until golden.
 Allow to cook and serve with butter and jam or anything that takes your
fancy.
Back to home
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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 23 March
Tuesday 24 March
Wednesday 25 March
Thursday 26 March
Friday 27 March
Tammy Wanstall, Sharon Price, Colleen Best, Katie Bake
Ellen O’Neill, Katie May, Mary Brownsey, Pam Pattemore
Maree Gibbs, Megan Clifford, Alison Lawton, Kelly Davis
Amanda Uren, Maria Bennett, Julie Kay, Ngairie Bella
Belinda Downes, Lisa Hackney, Joy de Froberville, Tanya Doyle
Monday 30 March
Tuesday 31 March
Wednesday 1 April
Thursday 2 April
Marilou Dixon, Shirley Butler, Sanja Sant, Lila Clark, Nadya Bagaskaia
Deanne Bartolo, Karen Bezzina, Mary Borg, Robyn Moschino
Andrea Westwood, Allyson Davis, Mickaila Dobbie, Judy Sehl
Jade Johnson, Kerry Gallaway, Marianne Sandergeld,
Amanda Tomerini,
Wayne Amos, Katrina Dunbar, Kirsty Hoani, Daniella Donnell
Friday 3 April
Quick tips & Helpful Hints
 A little olive oil and enough sugar to make a paste makes
a nice facial scrub. Gently massage onto face, avoiding eye
area, then rinse with warm water. This can also be used
on hands.
 To keep an indoor plant healthy for a couple of weeks
while you’re on holiday, water it well, then enclose the
entire plant in a large, clear plastic bag and tie it securely
at the top. When you come home, untie the bag and let
the plant re-adjust to room air for a day before
completely removing the plastic covering.
 When packing for children’s school camp and holidays,
pack full sets of clothing in plastic shopping bags marked
with the days of the week. This will keep the clean clothes
separated from the dirty ones and also give children
something to bring their dirty washing home in.
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Please pay attention!
Read this
Some parents may recall our special guest speaker at our annual speech night 2013,
Susan Pearse –
Founder, Author & Speaker
from Mind Gardener.
Susan and her co-founder Martina Sheehan have
launched their latest book ‘One Moment Please’.
Part of the book’s inspiration was the Mercy
speech night. The book starts with a story from
the night. Susan still continues to be contacted by
parents and staff so she thought they may be
interested.
The book can also be purchased at QBD
(bookstores).
See link below in regards to the workshop
http://mindgardener.com/one-moment-please/
Also they have just announced another workshop off the back off this book and are bringing it to Mackay on 7 May.
Mercy parents who would like to attend the workshop can receive a $40 discount, just enter the code “launch” to receive this
when registering.
See link below in regards to the workshop
http://mindgardener.com/the-services/the-art-of-paying-attention-workshops/
Back to home
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A Lenten Retreat
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Community Notices
Become a Volunteer Host Family!
World Education Program (WEP) is inviting you to
experience another culture in your own home by
becoming a volunteer host family to an international
student arriving in July 2015. Our students from Canada,
Denmark, Ecuador, Italy, Belgium, the USA, and France
are looking forward to experiencing life in Australia,
making new friends and becoming a member of an
Australian family soon.
Music Academy for Teens
MusoAcademy is an immersive program that lets 13-17
year olds learn on the fast track. Fun and motivating.
MusoAcademy will run from 6-11 July 2015 at Studio 53,
Mackay, QLD.
Hosting Is Fun! Find Out more!
iDRIVE
iDRIVE is a young driver training program that
Whitsunday Sporting Car Club established in early 2014.
Getting to know your student before he or she arrives
brings fun and joy to everyone involved. To help you
make this important decision, contact WEP today to
receive a full information pack for your family.
Sylvia Kelly Manager – Inbound Exchange Programs
Phone: 1300 884 733 Email: [email protected]
Online: http://www.wep.org.au
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!
Applications Open: Monday 16 March and close on
Friday 24 April. Info: www.kadencegroup.com.au or
phone 0437 062 926.
The concept of iDRIVE is to introduce new juniors into
the fun and exciting world of motorsport in a supportive
and safe club environment. Participants, aged 12-17, can
develop their driving skills to a level where they can
confidently have car control skills before they venture
onto public roads.
This event is held at CQ University, Mackay (CQ Unibehind Refectory) on Saturday 28 March at 9.00am.
Information sessions- 5:30 -6:30 Thursday 19 March and
9.00-10.00am Saturday 21 March. Further information
email [email protected]
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
Kiah Park Horse Riding
Horse Riding Camps for ages 6 years – teens, all riding
abilities are welcome.
7 Day riding camps available every school holidays.
Easter Camps 4-11 April and 11 – 18 April. Further
information 07 54866166 or www.kiahpark.com.au
The Pyjama Foundation
The Pyjama Foundation are holding a 10-14Km walk.
Register now to help children in foster care have a better
future, Sunday 29 March, Illuka Park, Pioneer River
Mackay from 7.00 am. More Information:
www.thepyjamafoundation.com
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
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