Across Campus

McAULEY RESOURCE CENTRE

Library Lovers' Day

It's a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in an idea we are following, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about or get help from someone about something we want to know. These are all the reasons (and more) to celebrate the valuable roles libraries play in our lives and to re-engage with our libraries and 'show the love'.

Chocolate hearts and bookmarks were given out at the front gate to commence our “Library Lovers’ Day”.  The MRC was beautifully decorated by Ms Salvo with hearts and red coloured romance books.  Two postboxes were set up for the girls to send their favourite love quotes, favourite books or reasons why they love the Library.  Prizes were randomly awarded for participants.  

RAGE Book Club: Yrs 7–9 

Time Monday lunchtime.  Venue Fiction Library

We had our first gathering of book club for the year on Monday. We spent some time getting to know each other and what we like to read and which book character we would most like to have home for dinner.

Long term member Amelia Grbac spoke to the group about the books we have read, the author talks and some of the activities we do when we meet. The group liked the idea of the opportunity to go to a bookshop and select books for the library. We hope to organize this for the end of term. RAGE book club meets Monday lunchtime in the Fiction Library and we welcome all students from Yrs 7–9.

Senior Book Club: Yrs 10–12

Launched: Friday 18 February – please let us know if you want to join. 

Happy Reading to all!

Ms Anne Chowne & Ms Cathy Bennett

Co-learning Leaders

JUSTICE GROUP

Young Mercy Links [YML] Victoria is a group of young people, set up and supported by ISMAPNG in 2005, who wish to continue to be connected in Mercy.  YML maintain an involvement in community service and are involved in justice and advocacy in areas such as sustainability, women and poverty, and people seeking asylum. Our members typically age from 18-26. YML is an inclusive group but has generally been made up of students from Mercy schools. YML offers passionate young people a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded people.  Connect here

STUDENT  COUNSELLOR

Beginnings can be tricky

As we know the starting of the school year is peppered with a myriad of emotions, and excitement is often underpinned with anxiousness. These feelings are to be expected and need to be considered as normal for anyone who is returning to school, changing school, beginning secondary schooling or in the process of commencing the final year.

With the return to school, there are emotional, social and educational challenges. There are concerns about peers and friendships, homework, new subject and general concerns about coping with all that is new. Adjustment difficulties are to be expected. 

As your daughter starts to negotiate the terrain of her school life parents can support the process in a number of ways. Gently establish routines that take into account homework, mealtime, leisure time, the necessary preparations for the next day and bedtime. (Negotiating these with older adolescents.)

Encourage conversation about school with an attitude of interest. Invariably your daughter will make mention of positive and negative elements. Allow her space to express her concerns and then gently remind her that adjusting to new situations takes time for most people. It sometimes helps to talk about your own school experiences as a way to normalize things. 

And thirdly, if it becomes apparent that your daughter is struggling with any aspect of her school life, be proactive by putting in place support structures and strategies or seek the appropriate help. Early intervention is sometimes necessary. 

Year level Well-being leaders, mentor teachers and subject teachers are easily contactable and will readily assist, as will I as the Student Counsellor. 

If you have a concern or just need a sounding board please feel free to contact me. I am available to have a conversation with you anytime throughout the week. You may phone, email or make an appointment. 

Ms Giovina Costantini 

Student Counsellor 

ARCHIVE

An $8 Bargin

This beautifully preserved school hat was recently rescued from a Salvation Army store in Mitcham. A member of the public kindly rang the school to let us know it was there and, before the end of the day, it was on hold for me to collect. 

The felt hats were first introduced to the Academy uniform in the 1930s, and remained a fixture until 1974 when hats and gloves were no longer required to be worn.  If anyone has any historic uniform that they no longer need, we would love to have it in the Archives.

Olivia Parkinson, Archivist

olivia.parkinson@academy.vic.edu.au

CALCULATORS

Would you, or anyone you know, have a calculator which is no longer needed?  We have some students unable to afford the cost of the Casio Graphic CAS Class Pad calculator. If your old calculator is beginning to gather dust and of no further use to you or your family and friends, would you please consider offering it to the Academy? We would ensure our students most in need receive your calculator.

With thanks sincerely to all who have recently provided pre-loved textbooks and uniform items. All donations are very gratefully received.- annemarie.allan@academy.vic.edu.au

Ms Anne Marie Allan

Student Reception