Mercy Messenger - Semester 1 Week 11 - Friday 26 April 2019 - Mercy College Mackay
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Semester 1 Week 11 – Friday 26 April 2019 Mercy Messenger
Contents
Principal .......................................................................... 1
Performance Review ...................................................... 2
Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 3
7 Habits of Highly Effective People ................................. 4 Tues 30 Apr .................................. ORAYA House Mass
New Faces at Mercy! ...................................................... 4 ........................ Parent/Student/Teacher Conferencing
Arts in the Garden Photos .............................................. 5
Mercy Interact Easter Appeal ......................................... 6
Mon 6 May ..................................................Labour Day
St Pats Enrolment Process .............................................. 7
Tues 7 May ................. Year 7 2020 Enrolment Evening
Quiz Questions ................................................................ 7 Wed 8 May .................................. P&F / Board Meeting
Mercy’s Maintenance Projects ....................................... 8 Mon 13 – Fri 17 May ............ Year 10 Work Experience
Tues 14 – Fri 24 May ............... NAPLAN Online Testing
ANZAC Assembly Photos................................................. 9
Tues 21 May ................................. PINDAR House Mass
From the Home Economics Department ...................... 10 Thurs 23 May ......... Year 7 2020 Enrolment Interviews
Tuckshop ....................................................................... 11 Tues 28 May ................................................. House Day
Thurs 30 May ................. Yr 7 Biology Trip to Wetlands
After School Tutoring .................................................... 11 Fri 31 May .................................... Yr 10 Immunisations
Quiz Answers ................................................................ 11
Community News.......................................................... 12
Weekend Mass Times every 2nd Wednesday of the Month
P&F – 6.00pm
Board – 7.00pm
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
9.00am
St Therese’s Church, Alligator Creek
St Francis Xavier Church
…
9.00am St Michael’s Church “He that is good
9.30am Francis of Assisi Chapel
6.00pm St Patrick’s Church with the hammer
{only Sunday night Mass in Mackay}
tends to think
** ** ** ** ** **
The Southern Cluster and Pioneer Valley Parishes website everything is a nail.”
www.mackaycatholics.net features all of the churches with
Mass times, a host of other information including news and ABRAHAM MASLOW
events happening in our communities, information and
items about what our Church teaches.
WORD ON THE STREET…
Word
Myopic – unable or unwilling to act prudently; short-sighted.
Sentence
To only mix with like-minded individuals is to develop a myopic perspective of the complexities of society.
Source: Dictionary App
Principal
Living with Contradiction
Extra-curricular school trips a couple of decades
ago, were really hard work when it came to after-
hours supervision. Particularly with older students,
keeping them occupied and minimising the
possibility of “PDA’s” (public displays of affection)
was an exhausting job. Staff were always worn out
but the kids had a fine time. Then came mobile
phones, and providing students could access them
after hours, a new pacifier descended on the
masses.
A man who possibly seeded one of the greatest
tragedies to befall mankind; Karl Marx, famously
remarked over a century ago that “Religion was the opium of the people”. His perspective was that it subdued
people and made them more accepting of their earthly reality. In other words, kept them passive. A modern day
Karl may be shocked at the effectiveness of the technological equivalent of chemical or spiritual pacifiers. Masses
of young people staring at small screens is a relatively new phenomenon, but a contradictory challenge for
teachers appreciating the quiet zombie like fixation yet anxious to get young people to interact.
This however, is not another scare story about technology. Kids are pretty much immune to them, and like most
other things in this marvellous world, communication technologies have real benefits if intelligently managed.
Research over a longer term regarding benefits and detriments, is now giving direction to advisories. Don’t
however expect an easy ride in your quest for enlightenment. You will have to deal with what might, at first glance,
appear to be contradictory findings. The following two headlines appeared in reputable journals around the same
time.
NewScientist (12 January 2019) by Max Davie - “Try a light touch - Alleged dangers of screen time have been
exaggerated. Here are some guidelines to using devices positively.”
Time Magazine (1 April 2019) by Jean M. Twenge - “Put that phone away - now! Is it bad for my teen to spend so
much time on electronic devices? Recent research is uncertain or says there is no connection with mental health.
DON’T BELIEVE THEM.”
Confused? Don’t be. In actual fact both articles are converging on the same common sense ground. Regulated use, a
bit along the lines of a modicum of food is good for you, a surfeit of the same is definitely not health promoting.
The article dramatised by the statement “Put the phone away” was written by Jean Twenge, Professor of
Psychology at San Diego State University and author of iGen. The opening paragraph is what any Year 7 English
student would explain as a “Sizzling Start”.
“In fact four large studies of teens from the US and the UK all show the same thing: happiness and mental health are
highest at a half hour to two hours of extracurricular digital media use per day; well-being then steadily decreases,
with those that spend the most time online being the worst off. Twice as many heavy users of electronic devices are
unhappy, depressed or distressed as light users.”
Professor Twenge goes on to explain the statistical emphasis that can lead to different interpretations on the same
research. The point was usefully made however, if you wait for absolute proof from research then we would
probably still have cigarette advertising. The basic fact remains that rates of depression for teens between ages 14
to 17 have skyrocketed in the last decade. The biggest cultural impact in that time was smartphone use.
The NewScientist article authored by Paediatrician Max Davie makes mention that much recent research indicates
a negative association between screen time and mental health. The statistical analysis waters, however, are very
muddy and he also identifies the fact that reasonable and regulated exposure to technology actually is a positive
influence on mental health. Most importantly he recommends that families must address the situation and not
leave things to chance and potentially unhealthy indulgence.
1
Bans and mandates are a waste of time. Dr Davie recommends posing the following questions to the whole family
1. Is your family’s screen time under control?
2. Does screen use interfere with what your family want to do?
3. Does screen use interfere with sleep?
4. Are you able to control snacking during screen time?
“If families can consider these questions and be satisfied with the answers, they can feel reassured that they are doing
the best that they can with this tricky and ever-evolving issue.”
Professor Twenge arrives in similar territory; just a bit more specific –
“The good news is the solutions are fairly straightforward. These are the rules I follow for myself and my three kids.”
1. No phones or tablets in bedrooms at night
2. No devices within an hour of bedtime
3. Limit leisure time on devices to less than 2 hours (excluding homework)
The modern world demands technological fluency. The ancient world demands human contact. The
sensible center demands parents actually parent. You might not be popular but you’ll certainly be
respected.
References: Davie, M. “Try a light touch” NewScientist April 1 2019
Twenge, J.M “Put that phone away - now” Time Magazine April 1 2019
Mr Jim Ford | Principal
Performance Review – Mr Jim Ford | Principal
There is an impending opportunity to have your say.
To keep our College healthy and attentive to parent opinion, it’s important that a good number of parents get an
opportunity to be a part of the survey and have input into evaluating the effectiveness of senior leadership within our
school. In this case, we are talking about the Principal, Mr Jim Ford. We’d love you to take the time to give feedback.
Details below;
Dear Members of the Mercy College School Community,
All employees of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton who hold a leadership position undertake a
Performance Review in the fourth year of their contract. In 2019, Mr Jim Ford will undertake a Performance Review of
his role as Principal of Mercy College Mackay, with the aim of commending his leadership capabilities and providing
direction for his ongoing growth and development as a leader.
An important component of the performance review process involves an online survey conducted by Ardjuna Corporate
Services. Feedback is vitally important as part of the reflection process for leaders undertaking a Performance Review.
Survey responses made by individuals are provided to the leader of the Performance Review Panel in order to enable
follow up to individual responses, if required.
Staff members and a random sample of parents have been identified to participate in the online survey and will receive
email contact directly from Ardjuna on Monday 6 May 2019. All participants have until Friday 17 May 2019 (2 weeks) to
complete the survey.
If you would like to ensure you receive the survey, please contact me at the following email address
michael_mccusker@rok.catholic.edu.au by Wednesday 1 May 2019.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Best wishes,
Mr Michael McCusker | Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region)
2
Assistant Principal Mission
Experiences of the Risen Lord are not preserved for extraordinarily Holy people. Any one of us can be
invited into a deep personal encounter when we don’t expect it in unlikely places, with effects that may overwhelm us.
The Risen Christ is always there, waiting to enter our everyday lives with the transforming power of the resurrection.
As we reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel (Second Sunday of Easter -John 20:19-31) I can’t help but relate Thomas’
deficiency in belief of the Risen Christ to that of investigative reporter Michael Willesee who recently passed away. I can
hear you say….”How do the two relate?”
Being a pilgrim of World Youth Day, Sydney in 2008, I remember meeting well-known Michael Willesee who shared his
investigation involving his search of mystics and stigmatics (a person bearing the wounds of Christ’s Crucifixion)? He
actually stated that he went in search of proving that it wasn’t true. Everyone from the true believer to the cynic wanted
to see if the hands really bled, or the wounds really wept. Upon completion of his report Mr Willesee said “I believed
that what I was seeing was true”.
We continue to be intrigued by signs of Jesus’ wounds. However, we don't need
to go to a stigmatic to see Christian battle wounds. We all have our own wounds;
we carry within us the death of the Lord. We also recognise, for many of us, it is
when we are wounded most intensely by life, that our doubts in the presence of
God are greatest.
The Easter story shows that we shouldn’t be ashamed of this, or pretend it
doesn't happen. John’s Gospel reminds us that it is into this mess that Christ
comes with words of peace, with empathy for our sake and with the mission to forgive as we are forgiven.
When welcomed, God takes that part of ourselves we dislike, forgives it, heals it and uses it most powerfully to show
that the pattern of the life, death and resurrection of Christ continues in all believers who bear his name and carry his
wounds.
Rather than remembering Thomas for his doubt, we ought to remember
him as the one who makes the extraordinary proclamation of faith, “My
Lord and my God!” It is Thomas who concedes that Jesus is not just the
Messiah but God. Christ took Thomas’ doubts, his fears and his disbelief
and through the wounds of healing and peace, transformed them into a
rock solid Christian witness that has sustained generations of us who
struggle with life and faith. And to a lesser degree this may be what
Willesee also encountered “Believing what he was seeing was true”,
rediscovering his faith in the most unlikely of places, after ceasing to
practice his Catholic faith many decades before.
During this Easter Season we are provided the same opportunity to identity and learn that what is rejected within us, or
among us, is that which God wants to use as the cornerstone, ‘the work of the Lord.’
https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/willesee-says-revealing-god-is-his-greatest-work/
https://reasontobelieve.com.au/stigmata/
Loving Jesus, everyone is special in your sight. May we have faith in what we do not see and receive your Spirit into
our lives. To live lives filled with your Easter joy. We make this prayer through our Risen Lord Jesus. Amen
As I take long service leave I would like to introduce Mrs Adrianne Mifsud who will be Acting AP Mission for
Term 2.
Mrs Jeanette Refalo, Assistant Principal Mission
3
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
2 Day Workshop 8-9 April 2019
All 18 participants would agree that the best kind of training is one that is immediately applicable to your
work situation and relevant to your private life. 7 Habits training is exceptional in speaking both to the person
and their professional skill-set. It was very good to see so many staff keen access this training during their
holiday time.
Thanks to Mr Chris Sorbello, Assistant Principal Students, for organising what has become an annual
opportunity at Mercy. If you are interested in participating in this professional development in the future,
please contact the College.
Mr Jim Ford | Principal
New Faces at Mercy!
All staff play an important part in your student’s educational experience at Mercy. Quite often it’s easy to forget they
are real people who contribute much more to the classroom than the theory they’ve practiced whilst completing their
degrees or other study. Learn a little more about our creative educators and support staff…
Mrs Aliceon Ramsay | Teacher Assistant
Q: What are some interesting things about you, which people may not know?
A I love sailing and have even participated in some yacht races. I have especially enjoyed
the many days spent cruising the Whitsunday Islands.
Q. Why do you love what you are doing?
A. I love my job. Assisting students to realise their full potential as they grow and reach their
goals, is very rewarding.
4
Arts in the Garden Photos 5
Mercy Interact Easter Appeal
It was a great pleasure for our Mercy
Interact members to deliver Easter eggs in
the final week of Term 1, as part of our
annual Easter Appeal.
We delivered eggs to St Francis of Assisi
Nursing Home, Mackay Women’s Centre,
Kaylan House and also to the Oscare Men’s
Shelter.
Everyone was really appreciative of this kind gesture and it was also very
rewarding for the 20 students involved.
Thank you to all the students and families who got behind and supported this
great cause through their kind donations of Easter eggs.
Danielle Robke, Interact President
6
St Pats Enrolment Process
ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE
ENROLMENT PROCESS TIMELINE FOR ENROLMENT INTO
YEAR 11, 2020
Thurs 6 June 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.
Thurs 25 July Subject Selection Evening from 3:30pm – 6:30pm in St Patrick’s Hall.
Attend at a time to suit your family.
Wed 31 July Due date for Enrolment and Subject Selection forms to be returned to St
Patrick’s College.
Mon 5 August Notification of enrolment interview date posted in week beginning 5
August.
Mon 12 August Formal enrolment and subject advisory interviews with a member of the
College Leadership Team will begin during the week of 12 August.
End term 3 Notification of acceptance.
Thurs 28
Orientation Day.
November
Please contact the College for more information
St Patrick’s College Phone: 4994 8700
Email: enquiries@stpats.qld.edu.au
Quiz Questions
1. What is the name for two stars that orbit so close that they touch each other? It is a) a
dumbbell system, b) a contact binary, c) a stellar friendship, or d) a solar bridge?
2. What is CSIRO researching to control the invasive wandering trad weed? Is it a) a leaf
smut fungus, b) a beetle called the silly borer, c) a glass mosaic virus, or d) a rodent
called the capybara?
3. Which of these is not a rock? Is it a) tuff, b) basalt, c) granite, or d) bakelite?
4. True or false? Bluebottles aren’t true jellyfish: each individual is a colony of
cooperating animals.
5. In which month is Earth closest to the Sun? Is it a) January, b) March, c) July, or d)
September?
7
Mercy’s Maintenance Projects
During the recent holiday break, a number of maintenance projects were
completed at Mercy College, including the internal painting of the classrooms
on the ground floor of D block, high pressure cleaning of the roofs on the
Science and Manual Arts buildings and the installation of additional bird
deterrent devices to the pavilion.
8ANZAC Assembly Photos 9
From the Home Economics Department
ANZAC Biscuits
¾ cup rolled oats ¼ cup coconut
½ cup plain flour ¼ cup raw sugar
50g butter ¼ cup honey
1 tsp water ½ tsp Bi-carb of Soda
Lightly spray baking trays.
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In a microwave safe jug, melt honey, butter, bi-carb and water.
Mix with dry ingredients.
Roll into small balls and press lightly with a fork.
Bake at 180°C for approx. 15mins.
10Tuckshop
Please Note: Margaret Floyd will be away until Wednesday 15 May. All enquiries or changes in roster
please contact the Tuckshop on 4969 4155.
Fortnightly Volunteer Roster
Group 2
Monday 29 April Colleen Best, Dianna Said, Samantha Vella
Tuesday 30 April Kylie John, Sarah Colleton, Lisa Hackney
Wednesday 1 May Heidi Dries, Lisa Nolan, Rania Heke
Thursday 2 May Jenny Crawley, Suzanne Martin, Denis Franks
Friday 3 May Marnie Walsh, Kylie Gupwell, Loren Vanzella
Group 3
Monday 6 May Michelle Goodman, Nikita Kinnane, Jade O’Connor
Tuesday 7 May Catrina Simpson, Ally Grech
Wednesday 8 May Maree Sturdy, Michelle Bath
Thursday 9 May Shirley Sorensen, Rose Brownsey
Friday 10 May Julie Bryan, Kirsty Hoani
After
Math: School Tutoring
Mondays 3.00 - 4.00pm in Room D04
Science: Mondays 3.15 - 4.00pm in Room S02
English: Wednesdays 3.00 – 4.00pm in the Library
Quiz Answers
1. b- Scientists have detected many contact binary systems because the stars block each other in the sky regularly,
making them appear to darken and brighten repeatedly.
2. a- CSIRO has been testing a leaf smut fungus to ensure it will only affect the target weed and not native plants.
3. d- Bakelite was the first synthetic plastic ever made and was patented in 1909.
4. True. A bluebottle is made up of lots of individuals of the same species, but they take different forms and have
different jobs. Some have tentacles, some can eat, some help with swimming and so on.
5. a - The Earth’s orbit is not quite circular and it gets closest to the Sun in early January at about 147 million
kilometres away. Throughout the year it averages about 150 million kilometres from the Sun.
11Community News Emergency Services Day has been postponed due to the wet weather… but it’s not all bad news….we have re-scheduled for Sunday 9 June. Mackay Rowing Club (MRC) Open Day on Saturday 11 May, 7.00 – 10.00am. Free sausage sizzle, on water sessions, check out club facilities, Ergo Challenge. Enquiries: Therese Russell, ph: 0438 598806 Digital Cocaine A Journey toward iBalance. Tuesday 30 April, 6.00pm at Mackay State High School Auditorium. RSVP: admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au Topics Include- Digital addiction, social media management, video game addiction, cyber bullying. 12
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