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Information Booklet

Learning to Care, Caring to Learn

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WELCOME This booklet contains important information for parents who are considering enrolling their child at Mercy Regional College in 2020. We would ask that you read through all the information contained in this booklet to familiarise yourself with College expectations.

Ms. Sharon Gillett Principal

COLLEGE CONTACT DETAILS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - McAULEY CAMPUS Street Address: Henderson Street Camperdown Vic 3260 Postal Address: PO Box 152 Camperdown Vic 3260 Phone: 5593 2011 Email: office@mercy.vic.edu.au O’KEEFFE CAMPUS Street Address: McKinnons Bridge Road, Noorat Vic 3265 Phone: 5592 5353 Email: office@mercy.vic.edu.au COLLEGE OFFICE HOURS 8:30am - 4:30pm [at each Campus] SENIOR STAFF & ROLES Principal: Ms. Sharon Gillett Assistant Principal – School Operations: Mrs. Berni Sinnott Assistant Principal – Staff & Students: Mrs. Claire Wrigley College Chaplain: Fr. Neville Stanislaus & Fr. Gerry Prunty Head of O’Keeffe Campus (Junior School): Mr. Ben Brisbane Head of Middle School: Mr. Darren Cheeseman Head of Senior School: Mrs. Lesa Thornton Head of Teaching & Learning – Junior School: Mrs. Chamon Vogels Head of Teaching & Learning – Middle School: Miss Jacqui Hester Head of Teaching & Learning – Senior School: Ms. Danae Fraser Business Manager: Mrs. Jude Murfitt Executive Assistant / Enrolments: Mrs. Nicole Darcy Property Manager: Mr. Danny Gordon Board Chairperson: Mrs. Rachael Johnstone HCSN School Support Person: Mrs. Leah Buckle

LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES IN 2019 The dates listed below are of upcoming events that will take place during 2019 and they are applicable to students seeking enrolment at Mercy Regional College in Year 7 in 2020. DATE TIME Year 7 – 2020 Parent/Student Information Session Mon. 11th Nov. 7pm

Orientation Day for (Year 7, 2020) at O’Keeffe Campus Tues. 10th Dec. All Day

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UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS School uniform is compulsory, and students are expected to maintain high standards of personal grooming and neatness, and to take pride in their College uniform. All students are expected to wear full school uniform while at school. Any student not wearing full uniform is to bring a note from his / her parents, written in the Student Diary and to be given to the Home Room Teacher, explaining the reason for being out of uniform and the expected length of time the student will be out of uniform. Students are advised to mark their name on all items of uniform and personal property brought to school. Sports uniform must be worn during P.E. class. Students who are unable to wear the correct sports uniform must bring a note from their parents. All uniform items listed below are available from the College Uniform Shop. SENIOR UNIFORM Students in Years 11 & 12 must wear full College uniform. However, they wear a distinctive navy coloured Senior jumper instead of the Maroon one worn by students in Years 7 – 10.

Girls uniform Boys Uniform

Summer Uniform

College hat College jumper School dress (hem just above knee) Or Navy school shorts White short-sleeved monogrammed shirt Mid-ankle socks - white Black polished lace-up hard -leather school shoes

College hat College jumper White short-sleeved monogrammed shirt Grey school shorts Mid-ankle socks - black Black polished lace-up hard-leather school shoes

Winter Uniform

College jumper White short/long sleeved monogrammed shirt School kilt (knee length) -Black tights OR Navy pants –Black socks Black polished lace-up hard-leather school shoes.

College jumper White short/long sleeved monogrammed shirt Long grey trousers (black socks) Black polished lace-up hard-leather school shoes. Sports Uniform

College logo polo shirt College logo shorts College rugby top White/black sport socks College logo navy tracksuit pants Sturdy sports runners

College logo polo shirt College logo shorts College rugby top White/black sport socks College logo navy tracksuit pants Sturdy sports runners

Accessories College backpack College jacket College Hat Navy, white or maroon hair ties College scarf

During cooler months students are permitted to wear only the College Spray Jacket (as an over garment for protection from the weather). During Terms 1 and 4 students are to wear a College hat during recess and lunchtime. A full description of Mercy Regional College Uniform Policy can be accessed on school website.

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O’Keeffe students are permitted to wear their correct PE uniform to school for the day, only on the day they have PE prac class.

Students are offered the choice of a trans-seasonal uniform, ie the uniform can be worn in accordance with the weather. However, students must wear either the full summer or full winter uniform, not a combination of both.

GROOMING Students are expected to maintain a high standard of personal grooming and neatness and to take pride in their College Uniform. Jewellery - Girls / Boys: Must be discreet and can include any of the following;

• Two pairs of earrings are permitted per ear (studs / plain earrings). If nose is pierced a clear, only a plastic retainer or stud less than 2mm is acceptable.

• No visible tattoos

Hair: must be clean and tidy:

• Collar length hair must be fully tied back. Partially tied up hair is not permitted

• No extremes in hair styles (e.g. dreadlocks or spiked hair, extreme hair shaving) or colours.

• Navy, white or maroon ribbons/hair ties.

• Facial Hair: Boys must be clean shaven at all times.

• Make-up: no visible make-up or nail polish. Upon a breach of the uniform guidelines, a warning by the homeroom teacher will be given first. A second breach results in a level one tracking incident recorded on SIMON.

UNIFORM SHOP INFORMATION The Mercy Regional College uniform shop is located inside the main Administration building at the McAuley Campus, Camperdown. Parents are to register at Reception on arrival. The shop is open each school week on Monday between the hours of 12.00pm to 4.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 8.00am and 12.00pm. All uniform items purchased must be paid for on the day, with the methods of payment being as follows: ▪ Cash ▪ Eftpos If you have any questions regarding uniform, contact the uniform shop on 03 7020 2625 or email uniform@mercy.vic.edu.au

Secondhand Books/Uniform Parents can purchase second-hand text books or uniform through two avenues: - Mercy Regional College Buy/Sell/Swap 2nd Hand Books and Uniform is a Facebook page that has

been set-up by the parents of the College. - Sustainable School Shop can help parents buy or sell items through their website

www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

BUS INFORMATION The College runs their own buses to and from the following towns to each campus.

Camperdown to Noorat Cobden to Noorat

Terang to Noorat Lismore/Derrinallum to Noorat

Mortlake to Noorat/Camperdown Terang to Camperdown

Lismore to Camperdown Cobden to Camperdown

If your child lives in an area further out from these townships, they may need to catch a state-run school bus before they catch a Mercy bus, therefore, you will need to complete a PTVic (Public Transport Victoria) bus form on their behalf. This form can be obtained from the College office by request.

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COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS 1. Students are to contribute to a welcoming, caring and supportive environment by showing consideration

for each other and ensuring that their words and actions cause no harm or offence to others.

2. Students are expected to attend all classes and, if sick or absent, make contact with the College to communicate this. When at school, students are expected to be on time and be properly prepared for class.

3. Students are to contribute to a conducive and effective learning environment in the classroom by following instructions and obeying classroom rules.

4. Students are expected to strive for personal excellence in all areas of College life. All College staff will do their utmost to foster a learning environment that enables students to pursue and achieve excellence.

5. Students are to contribute to a safe, orderly environment by moving and acting in a way that is not disruptive or unsafe to themselves or others. The school strictly enforces a ‘Hands Off’ Policy between students, in recognition that every student has the right to feel safe at all times within the College.

6. Students are to contribute to a secure, clean and pleasant environment by acting in ways which look after their own, other people’s and College property. Students are to contribute positively to the health and hygiene of the school surrounds and wider community in a manner that is consistent with the importance of preserving and maintaining the natural environment.

7. Students are to take pride in their College by wearing the uniform correctly and acting in a way that reflects well on themselves, their families and the school.

PASTORAL CARE

‘Pastoral Care permeates the total climate of relationships within the Catholic School. It has the individual as its focus and reflects the support, encouragement and the tender care shown and experienced in gospel-based communities’. (Pastoral Care in Catholic Schools, CEOM). Mercy Regional College provides an environment that integrates the Gospel values of love, faith, honesty, integrity, service and justice with daily living and learning. It provides a structure where teachers and other professionals are responsible for the emotional and spiritual well-being of individual students and where strong relationships are established between teachers and students and their families. Furthermore, the caring philosophy is reflected in all structures and roles of the school such as careers, wellbeing team, learning enhancement and an extensive horizontal pastoral care structure that incorporates Heads of School (Wellbeing and Learning and Teaching) and the student’s Homeroom teacher. Home Room Teachers Each student is assigned to a homeroom within his or her year level. The Home Room teacher is the first point of contact regarding any concerns about a student and should normally be seen before the Head of School or Assistant Principal is contacted. The Home Room Teacher undertakes a role, which is primarily a pastoral one where they endeavour to maximize opportunities for the development of students in the home room. The pastoral care system is overseen by the Head of School who liaises closely with home room and other teachers to ensure that all students feel supported in all aspects of College life. Student Wellbeing Student Wellbeing has as its primary function the support of students within the school. The program is administered by the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and is constantly being reviewed and updated to best meet the needs of students and their families. The Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and other members of the wellbeing team are available to students for confidential and personal support when required, and act as a resource for parents, providing information and facilitating contact with community and Government agencies. An extensive list of agencies is available to which students may be referred. All new students are interviewed upon arrival and are made aware of the support facilities available. Contact is made with all new families by the Hampden Catholic Schools Network (HCSN) Transition Coordinator in the first term to ensure that families feel welcome.

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FAITH DEVELOPMENT & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As a Catholic school, Mercy Regional College is committed to education of the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, psychologically, socially and physically. The faith development of all in the school community is a core goal with the life and message of Jesus Christ as the exemplar model of life. Every effort is made to bring the needs of our world and personal lives to a focus with prayer leading to action. In this way we live out the call of the Founder of the Mercy Sisters, Catherine McAuley, to see God in all things and to support each other to follow God’s call. Opportunities for the expression of faith are provided through Eucharist and various other liturgies to celebrate special feasts and occasions. The centrality of the Eucharist is recognized with whole school masses celebrated every term and classes and/or year level attending parish mass at Camperdown or Terang. Students are also encouraged to reflect upon their faith and spirituality through prayer, retreats and reflection days. A range of Professional Development opportunities is provided for staff to both deepen their personal spiritual development and to enhance their work in the Religious Education classroom. Please note that all year seven students are presented with a bible (the Catholic Youth Bible). It is hoped that this bible will become part of the student’s journey throughout their time at Mercy Regional College and later into their adult life.

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CURRICULUM

The curriculum at Mercy Regional College is guided by the Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA) in conjunction with the Australian Curriculum. In addition to this, Mercy highlights the area of Religious Education, which is central to the ethos of the school. Religious Education The College aims to provide the opportunity for all students to recognize and understand their own faith journey. The Religious Education curriculum is based upon the Awakening Religious Education Curriculum, Prep to Year 12, which is mandated for use throughout the Diocese, by the Bishop of Ballarat. The resource of the “Awakenings” Religious Education Curriculum is to support and enliven learning and teaching in Religious Education throughout the Diocese of Ballarat. In keeping with the spirit of Awakenings, the Catholic dimension of the school permeates all areas of the curriculum. Classes at each year level follow a common syllabus and the teachers, through team meetings, use a collaborative teaching and learning model. English English is an essential part of the program of studies from Year 7-12 as the school recognises the importance of coherent and accurate expression in the articulation of ideas. The English courses from Year 7-10 provide a basis for the development of language and literature. The school offers a reading program from Year 7-10, in conjunction with the College Learning Resource Centre. The development of oral communication is also a significant part of the English Curriculum and this is supported by the School’s participation in Public Speaking and Debating competitions. The craft of writing is nurtured within the English Curriculum. At VCE level, students are offered the opportunity of studying English or Literature from units 1-4. Mathematics The Mathematics curriculum enables each student to acquire and develop the skills and concepts necessary for everyday life in a changing society. From Year 7-12, proficiency in basic facts and written algorithms is a priority. Emphasis is also placed on the development of problem solving techniques appropriate to the students’ level of mathematics. According to their level of achievement at the end of Year 10, students are able to access the following VCE studies: ▪ Foundation Mathematics Units 1 & 2 ▪ General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 ▪ Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4 ▪ Mathematical Methods Units 1 to 4 ▪ Specialist Mathematics Units 1 to 4

Science All students from Year 7-12 have the opportunity to interpret the world through an introduction to scientific concepts, themes and methods of scientific enquiry. Students at all levels are encouraged to improve their powers of observation and to predict and analyze outcomes. Practical experiments provide the basis of many investigative activities and as a result, students also develop their report writing skills. The use of learning technologies is incorporated into the science curriculum at all year levels. At VCE, students are able to access the studies of Agriculture/ Horticulture, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry and Biology units 1-4.

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Humanities The subjects found under the Humanities banner, include Geography, History and Commerce and are central to the development of an understanding of both contemporary and traditional cultures. Through these studies, students from Year 7 & 8 are encouraged to develop an ability to critique world history, the environment and our society including the world of commerce. At Year 9, all students study History and participate in a personal development program, which encompasses the areas of career pathways and financial literacy. At VCE level, students can access a wide variety of studies: History, Accounting, Legal Studies and Business Management. Health and Physical Education Health and Physical Education is a compulsory study in Years 7 to 10 and aims to promote an understanding of factors that develop, maintain and optimize the physical, social and emotional components of health for individuals, families and communities. Through involvement in physical activity, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the concepts of movement and fitness, including the physiological, biological and socio-cultural dimension. This is further enhanced with elective options at Year 9 of Football and at Year 10 of Athletic Peak Performance. VCE units 1-4 is offered in Health and Human Development, Physical Education and Outdoor Education. Technology All students from Year 7-12 have access to computers, utilizing learning technologies as appropriate in key learning areas. Additionally, to this, 2016 began the introduction of a MacBook Program. All students at Mercy Regional College will use a MacBook. Payment options are available through the school for this. The Information Technology program is integrated across all studies from Year 7-10. Information Technology This is an integrated subject at Year 7 & 8 and becomes part of the elective program in Year 9 & 10. Elective units offered include – Computer Studies (Year 9) and Advanced Computer Studies (Year 10). Materials Technology This subject is studied at Year 7 & 8 and offered as an elective subject in Year 9 & Year 10. Textiles is currently offered as an elective for students wishing to fine their skills in Years 9 & 10. Units 1-4 Product Design & Technology are available to students at VCE level. The Product Design & Technology production pieces of our students, take pride of place in the annual exhibition of students work on Mercy Arts Night. Food Technology Home Economics is compulsory study for Year 7 & 8, and as an elective in Year 9 & 10 which provides students with the opportunity of understanding diet, nutrition and lifestyle. At Year 10 level, Cert II Hospitality is offered in our newly developed commercial kitchen. VCE Food Technology is also offered. The Arts There is a rich tradition in the Creative Arts at MRC that offers challenging opportunities for students to develop their aesthetic sensitivity and to express their imagination in performance, visual arts activities and research. Music Students at Year 7 & 8 participate in a semester based unit of Music. This subject is currently offered as an elective for students in Years 9 & 10. An instrumental music program is available from Year 7-12 and allows all students to explore their special interests and develop their talents. Individual tuition is offered in Piano, Guitar, all Strings, Brass, Wind and Percussion instruments. There is also a wide range of musical co-curricular activities available to students through school choirs.

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Media, Art & Graphic Design Students study the semester based units of Art and Graphic Design at Year 7 & 8. Both subjects become part of our elective program at Year 9 & 10. VCE Media, Studio Art and Visual Communication & Design are offered. Students elect to work in an area of their choice and complete a folio that demonstrates the development of a mature and individualistic manner of artistic expression. Drama & Dance Drama is one of the most accessible art forms. Participation in this area is important to language development and allows the exploration of ideas, characters, plots, problems and issues. ▪ In Year 7 & 8 the course is varied and challenging. Students look at Drama from the perspective of

developing specific audience responses. ▪ In middle school, students can undertake Drama as elective study.

Languages As one of the eight core domains of the Australian curriculum, languages other than English (LOTE) is an essential part of a holistic education. French is studied at Years 7 & 8 as a compulsory subject and offered at Year 9 & 10 as an elective. French is also offered as a VCE study.

YEAR 7 & 8 CURRICULUM Year 7 is a foundation year for students’ secondary study. All students will undertake the same units over two semesters in all of the Key Learning Areas; this will ensure that at the end of Year 8 they will be able to make a well informed choice regarding their elective options for Year 9.

The Year 7 Curriculum aims to: ▪ Provide quality education that offers a comprehensive curriculum which meets the abilities and needs

of individual students. ▪ Be balanced in providing effective learning experiences for both girls and boys. ▪ Follow on from previously learnt practices in each subject area as the year progresses.

The following information is based on a timetable structure of six periods per day of 50-minutes duration:

Subjects:

CORE OTHER

RE Health & Physical Education

Pastoral Care Humanities: (History/Geography)

English The Arts: (Music / Drama / Art / Graphic Design)

Mathematics

Technology: (Information Technology / Woodwork, Food Studies and Textiles)

Science LOTE: (French)

SO YOUR CHILD IS COMING TO MERCY

The College has produced a booklet titled, "So Your Child is coming to Mercy". This booklet has been designed to assist parents and families of incoming Year 7 students with the many details of the first weeks at Mercy Regional College and has been compiled by staff and parents.

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YEAR 9 CURRICULUM

Core Subjects: Religious Education, Pastoral Care, English, Mathematics, Science, Health & PE, History / Geography, Personal Development. Electives Offered:

Graphic Design Drama Art

Textiles Music Food Technology

Agricultural Studies Woodwork Media & Digital Imaging

Computer Applications Electronics Football

Art Journaling French Creative Writing

YEAR 10 CURRICULUM

Core Subjects: Religious Education, Pastoral Care, English, Mathematics, Science, History / Geography, Health & PE. VCE/VET Options:

Business Management 1 & 2 Outdoor Education Units 1 & 2 Certificate II Hospitality

Psychology Units 1 & 2 Cert II Building & Construction History Units 1 & 2

Year 10 Electives Offered:

Advanced Computer Applications Agricultural Studies Textiles

Media Food Technology Woodwork

Commerce Art Music

French Drama Graphic Design

Art Photography Athletic Peak Performance Geography

Literature Short Stories/Journalism

Pathways: What are the aims of Middle School Pathways? The Middle School Pathways (MS Pathways) aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to make informed choices about pathways to work and further education. The principles underpinning the MS Pathways are:

▪ new accredited pathways for secondary students ▪ tailoring a program to suit students’ interests ▪ personal development ▪ development of work related and industry specific skills

These principles are within the context of applied learning. In the MIDDLE SCHOOL PATHWAYS these principles are shown through:

▪ The development of knowledge and employability skills that help prepare students for work and for participation in a broader society – family, community and life-long learning

▪ The development of knowledge and skills that assists students to make informed vocational choices and facilitate pathways to further learning and employment.

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VCE CURRICULUM

School based Religious Education Agricultural & Horticultural Studies Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Accounting Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Biology Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Business Management Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Chemistry Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Legal Studies Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Physics Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

History Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Physical Education Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Psychology Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Product Design & Technology Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Outdoor Education Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Health & Human Development Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

English Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Food Studies Units 3 & 4

Foundation English Units 1 & 2 Studio Arts Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Foundation Mathematics Units 1 & 2 Literature Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 Media Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4 French Units 3 & 4

Mathematical Methods Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 Specialist Mathematics Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

VET ▪ Cert II Building & Construction ▪ Certificate II Hospitality ▪ Certificate II Furniture

VCAL • Foundation English ▪ Personal Development ▪ Numeracy ▪ Work Related Skills

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TUITION FEES & LEVIES Below is an outline of the College tuition fees for 2019 as decided by the College Board of Management. These fees may increase marginally in 2020.

TUITION FEES YEAR 7 & 8 $1,863 per student per year YEAR 9 & 10 $1,968 per student per year YEAR 11 & 12 $2,110 per student per year

LEVIES Student Levy

▪ Year 7 $605 per year ▪ Year 8 – 12 $721 per year

Resource Levy Cost of management of MacBook Program.

▪ Year 7 $460 per year ▪ Year 8 – 12 Ranges from $400 - $600 per year

Building/Capital Levy ▪ $440.00 per family per year.

Other Charges ▪ Year 7 Camp $290 ▪ Year 8 Camp $80 ▪ Year 9 Camp $240 ▪ Year 10 Camp $150 ▪ Year 11 Camp $150 ▪ Year 12 Camp $290

▪ Student Diary $20 (for Years 7-9 only) ▪ College Year Book $30 per family ▪ Outdoor Education $800 (Year 10) $300 (Year 12)

DISCOUNTS Third Child A discount of $500.00 will be given off the Tuition Fee for any family who have three children attending the College in the current year.

Fourth Child If you have four children attending Mercy in the current year, a discount equivalent to the amount of the Year 7 Tuition fee will be applied to your account.

ENROLMENT APPLICATION FEE The enrolment process requires a payment of an Enrolment Application Fee of $100 when submitting your child’s enrolment form. The enrolment application will not proceed without this fee being paid. ▪ This fee will be credited to your School Fee account after the enrolment process is completed. ▪ In the event that a place is not able to be offered to your child, the fee will be refunded. ▪ However, in the event that you later change your mind and decide not to proceed after receiving the

‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ letter, then this fee will be non-refundable.

SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT PLANS - COMPULSORY Upfront – Pay by 31st March a 5% disc. is applied to the Tuition Fee, Student Levy & Building/Capital Levy. Direct Debit – weekly, fortnightly or monthly

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE The State government has introduced the Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF). This is to assist eligible families to cover the cost of school camps and excursions. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards these expenses. The annual amount for a secondary student is $225. If eligible, please contact our office to obtain an application form.

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