Semester 1 Week 16 – Friday 25 May 2018

Mercy Messenger

Mon 28 May – Fri 1 June ................... Work Experience

Tues 5 June .................................... ARGOS House Mass Thurs 7 June ............................ 7pm Glen Gerreyn Talk Thurs 7 & Fri 8 June ......................................... Retreats Sat 16 – Thurs 21 June ............................. Cultural Tour Thurs 21 June .................................. Mackay Show Day Fri 22 June ............................................. Pupil Free Day Fri 22 – Thurs 28 June ............... Humanities Study Tour Fri 29 June ........................................ Athletics Carnival .................................................................... End Term 2

Mon 16 July ............................................ Term 3 Begins Fri 20 July .......... Whitsunday Voices Literature Festival Mon 23 July ............................................ NAIDOC Mass Tues 24 July .................................. BADILA House Mass

Contents Have Your Say on Cyberbullying ..................................... 2

Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 3

Assistant Principal Students ............................................ 4

Mother’s Day Youth Mass............................................... 4

Quiz Questions ................................................................ 4

Bikeathon Photos ............................................................ 5

House Day Photos ........................................................... 7

English Department ........................................................ 9

After School Tutoring ...................................................... 9

Cultural Department ..................................................... 10

Sports Department ....................................................... 11

Auslan Club ................................................................... 11

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

Position Vacant ............................................................. 13

13 Reasons Why ............................................................ 14

Glen Gerreyn ................................................................. 15

Spread fun not Flu! ....................................................... 16

St Pat’s Enrolment Process ........................................... 17

Tuckshop ....................................................................... 17

“WIN A NEW CAR”! ....................................................... 18

South’s Sharks ............................................................... 19

Second Hand Uniform Shop .......................................... 20

Quiz Answers ................................................................ 20

Community News .......................................................... 20

…

“Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything”.

- THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM

WORD ON THE STREET…

Word

Machiavellian – characterised by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency or dishonesty.

Sentence The candidate was shamelessly Machiavellian in their tactics to ensure they win the popular vote.

Source: Dictionary App

Weekend Mass Times Saturday: (Sunday Liturgy)

6.00pm St Mary’s Church 6.00pm St Francis Xavier Church Sunday:

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

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Principal

Want a Future??? ;

Get a Good Education!

The statement that headlines my column this week would amount to stating the obvious, but I’m not sure how widely appreciated the statistical data is that makes it all the more true in our current context. The latest census starkly illustrates that job creation in this country is polarising to both ends of the income/skills spectrum. Surprise, surprise that post-school training and qualifications are the vital attribute. The Australian Bureau of Statistics have grouped and classified all 1300 occupations in Australia into five broad bands, based on the level of skills required. Refer to the table below for examples of occupations, number of jobs, growth in jobs of that level and median income.

The hollowing-out of middle Australia jobs Change in occupations by skill level 2011-2016

Skill

Level

Examples of

jobs for each

skill level

Jobs in

2016

Share

in

2016

Growth

2011-16

Share of

Growth

2011-16

Average

hours per

week

Median

pay

1

Doctor,

Engineer,

Midwife

1,490,000 18% 290,000 46% 45.2 $ 89,200

2

Police Officer,

Dental

Hygienist, Chef

1,140,000 14% 80,000 13% 45.0 $ 66,200

3

Electrician,

Butcher,

Mechanic

1,360,000 17% 10,000 1% 44.3 $ 58,800

4 Truck Driver,

Waiter, Barista 2,520,000 31% 130,000 21% 43.5 $ 55,200

5

Sales Assistant,

Cleaner, Café

Worker

1,720,000 21% 110,000 18% 42.6 $ 46,000

Relevant

total* 8,220,000 100% 620,000 100% 44.4 $ 65,500

*only counting jobs with an assigned skill level on ANZSCO 6 digit level in 2011 and 2016 Source: ABS Census 2011 and 2016

“In the five years to the 2016 census the number of Australians in the workforce (as measured by the census) increased by 620,000 in net terms. About 46% of job growth (290,000 jobs) during this period was in the highest category.” The level 1 jobs, loosely labelled as knowledge workers is where disproportionate growth in jobs has occurred. To reinforce the appropriateness of the table’s headline, it is worth pointing out that level 1&2 jobs accounted for 59% of the growth, while level 4&5 accounted for 39% of the growth, leaving a minuscule 1% for the level 3 occupations. On a broad country-wide basis this is what is meant by ‘hollowing out’.

pg. 2

So how do these findings apply to Mackay and Mercy College students in particular? Firstly, it’s important for students to understand that there should be no inherent condescension toward jobs at any level in the table. All of us have probably spent a number of years as waiters, bar staff, cleaners, check-out operators and so on as we have made our way through tertiary training of various types. It is still an important experience for young people to learn the value of money, be personally motivated toward self-improvement and career progression (you don’t start at the top). We all depend on people in level 4 and 5 roles who put in, on average, working hours not greatly astern of level 1 roles but are remunerated at half the rate. Secondly the Mackay situation may not be completely congruent with the rest of the nation. Technical trades are big here and the opportunities for young people are welcome and should be utilised. Anecdotally the nation is doing an inadequate job in getting young people into the Technical trade sector and young people suitably trained go on to start small businesses and often progress to advanced qualifications of the level 1 variety. Tertiary training does not simply mean ’University’. That the majority of our students pursue a post-high-school qualification is the important emphasis; not the outdated mentality that University is superior to TAFE and other competent providers. I’ll finish with a quote from Bernard Salt, Demographer and Journalist for The Australian - “Reassuringly families who instil a good work ethic will continue to thrive”.

Mr Jim Ford | Principal

Have Your Say on Cyberbullying

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Assistant Principal Mission

Why House Day? A newcomer to our College may ask… “What is the significance of House Day?” Why take time away

from normal classes, when there is so much to cover in each and every subject? It’s about unity, building relationships and ultimately fostering an attitude about being there for one another, serving one another. When you think about unity you may consider the unity displayed and articulated at a wedding, having been exposed to the major wedding of the decade with the recent Royal Wedding which I, along with some 2 million people, viewed last weekend. The unity that was spoken of during the ceremony of the now Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is the kind of unity of the heart and mind. As the focus for House Day involves building unity, it’s unity of the heart and mind and the ways that this unity is nurtured through events, which were experienced on House Day. Being an important event of the College we commenced with Mass, followed by student led activities at the various venues. As was proclaimed during the House Mass, St Paul’s letter to the Colossians (3:12-17) shares what is needed for us to live with new attitudes, to put on ‘the mind of Christ’ to be in unity with others. Paul affirms the importance to avoid negative attitudes rather to cultivate and nurture positive attitudes, of unity and life giving.

God of abundance, You created us to live and love. May we strive to be people who support one another and strive to be of service to our neighbour. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Mrs Jeanette Refalo, Assistant Principal Mission

Diocese of Rockhampton - Youth Pilgrimage

Celebrate Youth - The life You’re Living

18-20 May On Friday 18 May, 13 students boarded a coach and drove to Rockhampton to participate in a Youth Pilgrimage with students from throughout the Rockhampton Diocese. Students from Bundaberg to Mackay gathered to help celebrate the ‘Year of the Youth’ and to further explore their faith. This is the first time we have been invited on this camp, as it is usually restricted to Year 11 & 12 students only. Our students participated in numerous activities over the weekend. On the Friday night, they enjoyed in a concert which led by Jesse Manibusan, a Catholic musician from California. The concert involved other musicians, mimes and comedians, and was great fun for all involved. On the Saturday, they participated in storytelling, social justice sessions, lots of games and of course: more music! They also took part in a mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral and even assisted by volunteering to take on some extra roles during the service. On the Sunday, our tired students packed up and travelled back home. We would like to congratulate our students on their behaviour and attitude over the weekend. Not only was their behaviour outstanding, but they represented the school spectacularly and we are so very proud of them - well done!

Miss Rebecca Cooper, Teacher

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Assistant Principal Students

P&F Bikeathon Wow, what a glorious day for a ride or walk. A huge thank you must go to all the parents who rode or walked the course, helped out at checkpoints, intersections or catering back at the Hall. It was great to see 440 students turn up to participate. We were just short of our record last year of 465, which we endeavour to break the following year. Thank you also to our Police volunteers for their time and resources and ensuring everyone’s safety on the day. Now it is time to bring in all the money promised by the students. Once all money has been brought in, prizes for fundraising will be drawn. Thanks once again to one and all!

Mr Chris Sorbello, Assistant Principal Students

Mother’s Day Youth Mass

Quiz Questions

Quiz Questions 1. What is a pademelon? Is it a) an edible plant, related to rockmelons, b) a small wallaby, or c) a fungus that

attacks rice plants?

2. Aluminium is less dense than water, so it always floats on water. True or false?

3. At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit the same? Is it a) 0 degrees, b) -40 degrees, c) 32 degrees, or

d) never?

4. What element is the Sun mostly made of? Is it a) hydrogen, b) helium, c) neon, or d) iron?

5. In which month is Earth closest to the Sun? Is it a) January, b) March, c) July, or d) October?

Mother’s Day was celebrated at the monthly Youth Mass at St Mary’s Church. All welcome to our next Youth Mass on Saturday 9 June.

pg. 5

Bikeathon Photos

pg. 6

pg. 7

House Day Photos

pg. 8

pg. 9

English Department

Engaging with English Term 2 has been an exciting one for the English Department. We have been busy with the start of the 2018

Debating season, entrants in the Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition, NAPLAN and working on the second assessment task for the semester. We have two teams in this year’s Interschool Debating Competition, and both are in the Year 7 & 8 section. Mercy Blossoms and Mercy Masterminds have both had a good start to their competition this season. The competition will continue for the remainder of this term, with the debates held each Tuesday evening at our school. There are two sessions each Tuesday at 5:30pm when the Year 7 & 8 teams test their research and arguments against the competition, and the Year 9 & 10 teams commence at 6:30 pm. This year’s competition includes students from Mackay State High School, Mackay North State High School, Holy Spirit College, Whitsunday Anglican School, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School and Mercy College. You are welcome to join us each Tuesday to hear the students of Mackay deliver their research and perspective as they try to convince you to support their side of the argument. This year Mercy College had three students enter the Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition. Alice Pattimore was part of a tightly contested Senior section and while unplaced spoke with clarity and enthusiasm. Noah Taylor and Jacinta Franettovitch competed in the Junior section of the competition and both did very well. Noah’s efforts earned him third place, while Jacinta excelled and was awarded first place. This weekend, Jacinta will travel to Rockhampton to represent Mackay in the Regional finals. We wish Jacinta all the best and know that she will speak with confidence and eloquence as she represents Mackay and Mercy College. Well, NAPLAN has come and gone for another year and our students were well-prepared by their teachers. Each of the classes had opportunities to practice both of the possible genres that could have been presented at the time of testing. This year, yet again, a persuasive text was the required response. While we strive to have our students prepared for the Writing, Language Conventions and the Reading tests, we hope they didn’t stress too much over what is, a snapshot in time of their knowledge and understanding. In recent weeks, the Assessment tasks for all Year levels were distributed to students and their teachers spent time ensuring that the task was clearly explained to their classes. Please ask your child to explain their task to you and its due date, which should be recorded on the task sheet and in their student diary. They will have class time to work on their tasks, to ask questions and to conference with their teacher to ensure they have the best possible opportunity to achieve success. Nevertheless, students are expected to work on their assignment in their own time. Homework is limited to tasks that will assist their knowledge and understanding of the assignment and working on this task. Could I ask that you encourage and support your child, as they endeavour to achieve a good result on their assignment response. My hope is that all students will work to the best of their ability and achieve a good result for their efforts. God bless

Mrs Anne-Marie Russell-Pace, HOD English

After School Tutoring

Math: Mondays 3.00 - 4.00pm in Room D04

Science: Tuesdays 3.00 – 4.00pm in Room S02

English: Wednesdays 3.00 – 4.00pm in the Library

pg. 10

Cultural Department

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Sports Department

Queensland School Sport Selections

Rugby League Congratulations to Ethan Cocco and Paul Bryan who were recently selected in the Under 15 Queensland White Schoolboys Rugby League team after representing Capricornia at the Under 15 State Championships held in Townsville. The team will compete at the Under 15 National Championships which will be held in Mackay during the first week of the upcoming school holidays.

AFL Congratulations to Indiana Brough, Emily Bella, Caleb Gray and William Bella who were selected in their respective Girls and Boys Under 15 Queensland Country Merit AFL Teams following the State Championships recently held in Cairns. Miss Jasmin Pace will be giving a full wrap of the AFL season so far at Mercy in the next Newsletter.

Mr Michael Comerford, Sports Coordinator

Auslan Club This week the Auslan Club had the opportunity to watch the ‘National Simultaneous Storytime’ event.

The National Simultaneous Storytime 2018 is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. This year’s book, Hickory Dickory Dash is written by Tony Wilson and the College Auslan Club had the benefit of viewing this National reading in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

Mercy College Auslan Club Some of our Auslan Club students, front right seated in the front L-R Mrs Jenny Magnussen (community

representative), Mrs Rhonda Glen (EI), Mr Brett Comerford (Auslan Club Coordinator).

Mr Brett Comerford, Auslan Club Coordinator

pg. 12

Justice@Mercy

Partners with Apostolic Church A couple of times each year the Apostolic Church of Mackay collects and sorts clothing to be sent to the Philippines. It would usually take volunteers several days to sort through the piles of clothing, so Justice@Mercy offered to lend a hand. 15 students provided assistance to the Church on Wednesday 9 May, taking just one hour to work through the mountain of clothes. They sorted through the donated clothing, putting aside stained or inappropriate clothing, and bagged up the remainder by gender and season. The Church was extremely grateful for our assistance and students said that they felt great, knowing that the clothing was going overseas, providing a little bit of hope for those in need.

Justice@Mercy visits CASA On Wednesday of Week 5, Justice@Mercy visited the homely place of CASA (Community Accommodation and Support Agency). CASA has been helping the Mackay community by providing basic amenities such as accommodation, food, toiletries, financial aid and advice, and sometimes legal advice to those in need, since 1984. Over the course of 34 years, CASA has helped hundreds of thousands of people find their new start in life.

One of the College’s Justice@Mercy projects has been to create dignity bags for CASA’s current and future clients, to contribute to making their road to recovery a little easier. Our dignity bags are sewn from donated material and stuffed with travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion bottles, and other toiletry items that staff have acquired and donated in their travels. These dignity bags are vital to help with hygiene and wellbeing, and also provides a little something nice with a little bit of hope to those experiencing homelessness or financial difficulties.

During our visit, we handed over 65 dignity bags to CASA for distribution to their clients in coming months. Their staff shared with us some of the astounding statistics of the people that they help, as well as some of their stories. They taught us that there is more to being homeless than just being without a place to live. They also shared an insight into the emotional journey for both clients and staff, and how they experience this together. The visit was very eye-opening for us and we all went home that afternoon feeling much more aware, grateful for our circumstances and proud that we could do something to bring hope to those experiencing difficulties in their life.

Thank you CASA for taking the time to share with us.

Achazia Aquillo, Year 7 Student

pg. 13

Position Vacant

pg. 14

13 Reasons Why

Dear Parents/Guardians: We would like to make you aware that Netflix is releasing a series containing sensitive and mature topics. 13 Reasons Why (Season 2) was released on Friday 18 May. It is likely to be a discussion topic in broader society and may be accessible to your child. We have prepared the information below so that you are able to respond or act preventatively to support your child. The Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, was a topic of much discussion amongst the school community following its release in March 2017. The series tells the story of a senior student, Hannah, who suicides and leaves behind thirteen cassette tapes detailing the reasons why she ended her life. The final episode depicts her method of suicide, which researchers have cautioned may increase the potential risk to vulnerable people. Despite the controversy, Netflix has announced the release of the second season of the series. The content of Season 2 is currently unknown; however, there has been speculation that it could include a school shooting, an attempted suicide, a lawsuit against the school and a rape trial. The second season is expected to be graphic and confronting. Young people may be at risk if exploring these themes unchecked, unsupervised and unsupported. Headspace and Netflix have collaborated ahead of the release of 13 Reasons Why (Season 2) to create safe and informative resources for young people, parents and schools. They have produced a discussion guide available via the link: http://13reasonswhy.info/wpcontent/uploads/2018/03/13- Reasons-Why-Season-1-Discussion-Guide-compressed.pdf There is also a designated webpage where the resources will be located, a set of videos from the cast addressing issues depicted in the show, and detailed help seeking information for young people. This information will be accessible via the link: https://13reasonswhy.info/ The 13 Reasons Why series is rated MA15+ in Australia; however, many younger students have viewed the first season. If your child has not yet seen the series, you have two main options: 1. Restrict their access on Netflix through parental controls (https://help.netflix.com/en/node/264 ) 2. Supervise their exposure and debrief them on the content. Be aware that the Season of 13 Reasons Why was a widespread topic of conversation and students may have accessed the series in private, which places them at an increased risk. Parents are encouraged to have conversations about the content of 13 Reasons Why with your child if it is discovered that they have viewed the original series. It is important to be aware of common warning signs and how to respond. The following links offer useful information: Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au/ Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Our College Counsellor (Ms Susan McKay), is also available to offer support and guidance for any youth mental health concerns.

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Glen Gerreyn

pg. 16

Spread fun not Flu!

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St Pat’s Enrolment Process

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE

ENROLMENT PROCESS TIMELINE FOR ENROLMENT INTO YEAR 11, 2019

31 May Introduction to Senior Schooling will commence at 6:30pm

in St Patrick’s Hall. Canapés will be served from 6:00pm. All

prospective Year 11 students, accompanied by at least one

parent, are strongly advised to attend. Enrolment forms and

information will be distributed at this meeting.

26 July Subject Selection Evening from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm in St Patrick’s

Hall. Attend at a time to suit your family.

30 July Due date for Enrolment and Subject Selection forms to be returned

to St Patrick’s College.

6 August Notification of enrolment interview date posted in week beginning 6

August.

13 August Formal enrolment and subject advisory interviews with a member of

the College Leadership Team will begin during the week of 13

August.

End term 3 Notification of acceptance.

29 November Orientation Day.

Please contact the College for more information

St Patrick’s College Phone: 4944 7200

Email: enquiries@stpats.qld.edu.au Fax: 4944 7299

Tuckshop

Fortnightly Volunteer Roster

Group 3 Monday 28 May Karen Gilbert, Jill Sands Tuesday 29 May Allyson Davis Wednesday 30 May Rob Ely, Judy Orr Thursday 31 May Jenny Crawley, Claire Goldsworthy, Denis Franks Friday 1 June Marnie Walsh, Deirdre Comerford

Group 4 Monday 4 June Colleen Best, Andrea Westwood, Dianna Said Tuesday 5 June Lynette Jordan, Kylie John Wednesday 6 June Karen Gilbert, Lisa Nolan Thursday 7 June Treena Huddleston, Cherrie Hughes, Melissa Ziekenheiner Friday 8 June Ellena Williamson, Nicole Sanders, Julie Bryan

Tuckshop

helpers needed

☺☺☺

please call the Office

49694199

pg. 18

“WIN A NEW CAR”!

Would you like the opportunity to win a brand new car?

Thank you to the generosity of North Jacklin Motors for their donation, someone in the Mackay district has the chance to win

a brand new Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sport Auto. Further details on ticket availability will be provided in the

Newletters after the Bikeathon.

pg. 19

South’s Sharks

pg. 20

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Quiz Answers

Community News

Mackay Leisure Centre Come Try Squash!

Beginner’s squash camp - Never played? That’s alright! Give it a go this June 8 – 10 at our fun filled squash clinics. We cater for all levels of juniors and adults / beginners to Advanced. It’s a perfect opportunity for you to get active and involved - and bad weather is no excuse! Squash is the perfect indoor sport to keep you and your kids fit and healthy. WHEN: 3-day camp 8-10 June WHERE: Mackay Leisure Centre To register your interest or for more information please contact Susan Palmer on 0423 200 348

Quiz Answers 1. B) Pademelons are like small wallabies and can be found in New Guinea, Tasmania and the east coast of

mainland Australia. 2. False. Aluminium is denser than water, so it will typically sink unless it’s hollowed out. There are times

aluminium will float on water, such as an empty aluminium can. In this case, it’s actually the air inside the can that’s making it float!

3. b) At -40 degrees Celsius, it’s also -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit degrees are spaced closer together than Celsius, so water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.

4. The Sun is about 70% hydrogen, 28% helium and 2% other elements. 5. a) January is the month when Earth is closest to the Sun.

Second Hand Uniform Shop Tuesday Morning – by appointment only

Wednesday Morning – 8.00 – 9.00am

If you need to visit the uniform shop at a different time, please feel free to give me a call so we can work out a suitable time. Cassie Deas 4969 4177 or email cassandra_deas@mercymackay.qld.edu.au