Semester 2 Week 16 – Friday 15 November 2019

Mercy Messenger

Mr Crocker with the Library Christmas tree.

Contents Principal .......................................................................... 3

Assistant Principal Mission ............................................. 4

Library Department ........................................................ 5

Quiz Questions ................................................................ 5

The Leader in Me ............................................................ 6

Cultural Department ....................................................... 7

Quiz Answers .................................................................. 7

Justice@Mercy ................................................................ 8

After School Tutoring ...................................................... 8

Melbourne Cup Photos ................................................... 9

Yearbook Order Form ................................................... 10

What’s Cooking?? ......................................................... 11

Tuckshop ....................................................................... 14

Community News .......................................................... 14

Mon 18 – Wed 27 Nov ....................... Yr 10 Exam Block Tues 26 Nov ............................................. Speech Night Wed 27 Nov ..................................... Yr 10 Semi Formal Thurs 28 Nov ........................................ Orientation Day Fri 29 Nov ........................................... Graduation Mass ................................................ Last Day Yr 10 Students Sat 30 Nov ........... 6pm Youth Mass | St Mary’s Church

Mon 2 – Thurs 5 Dec .................. Yr 9 Leadership Camp Fri 6 Dec ............................................ LAST DAY TERM 4

Mon 13 Jan .................................. College Office Opens Tues 28 Jan ....... First Day Yr 7 & new 8, 9, 10 students Wed 29 Jan ............................. All Students Commence

꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳ ꙳

Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month P&F – 6:00pm

Board – 7:00pm

…

True heroism is remarkably sober; very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

- ARTHUR ASHER

WORD ON THE STREET…

Word

Remembrance - A retained mental

impression, memory. The act of remembering. Sentence

In much of the western world, “Remembrance Day” on the 11 November commemorates the end of the First World War.

Source: Dictionary App

Weekend Mass Times

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 St Therese’s Church, Alligator Creek 9:00am St Francis Xavier Church 9:00am St Michael’s Church 9:30am Francis of Assisi Chapel 6:00pm St Patrick’s Church {only Sunday night Mass in Mackay}

** ** ** ** ** ** The Southern Cluster and Pioneer Valley Parishes website www.mackaycatholics.net features all of the churches with Mass times, a host of other information including news and events happening in our communities, information and items about what our Church teaches.

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Principal

Screens are a constant presence. Not long ago there was the one television screen in the living room. Although much critiqued, this was far more manageable than the variety of devices available in any home today. The amount of screen time the average teenager experiences in a day would truly shock you, but then again the adults are possibly right up there with them, with little alternative, due to work demands. Given large amounts of screen time is essentially unavoidable, what is the latest in health research and in particular, do we need to be concerned about adolescent and younger children? Are there physical effects that parents should be concerned with? As could be expected, most of the alarmist predictions have little data to support the claims. This includes changes to neck muscles and dramatic increases in short-sightedness. The one aspect that indeed is an increasing concern appears to be the effect of late night screen time on sleep. The effect of blue light from screens on the normal sleep cycle and circadian rhythms is becoming more apparent. The intermittent stimulation of notifications and scrolling leads to insufficient or disrupted sleep and this is very much linked to significant health problems (including depression). The solid piece of practical advice to parents in relation to reducing physical impact of screen time is to ensure no access to screens of any type for an hour before bed time. Mental health effects are also a legitimate concern, particularly as the design of any effective game or social media software is to get the user to obsessively keep coming back. “Tristan Harris, a former Google designer and co-founder of the centre for humane technology, argued the internet has created a culture of mass narcissism.” This relatively recent phenomenon of a hyper-social world for maturing adolescents is now a factor in research, indicating sharply deteriorating mental health statistics. A degree of caution, however, must be exercised as there are multiple stressors that impact on youth mental health. The impact on mental health is also a factor in the concerns about the ubiquitous mobile phone and the near obsessive use by adolescents and adults alike. The question remains, however, is this simply overblown alarmism or a genuine risk factor? The word ‘addiction’ pertains to compulsive and ever increasing use that is destructive on other aspects of one’s life. Unfortunately, this does describe use of phones over the last several years, as social media software algorithms designed to know you better than you know yourself, ensure you keep coming back. An example of this is endless YouTube grazing that is guaranteed to finish nowhere near the topic you started on. Of course it’s not all bad, but the distraction and time wasted may be a significant limitation on what kids could achieve. The technology must be managed! So if the possibility of avoiding some screen time is farcical, just how much are youngsters getting and what is the reality of how hazardous this may be? Surprisingly the research in this area is inconclusive and contradictory. Certainly, “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages parents from allowing children under the age of two to have any interactions with screens and recommends no more than an hour a day for 2 to 5 year olds. The concerns here are more about inactivity and obesity than the actual risks of screen time. This consideration is an enduring factor for adolescents and adults alike. The major concern being that eight hours or more per day of screen time appeals to the lifestyle diseases of inactivity. Once again this is where the technology must be managed as the human body is renewed through use. Screen time is a must but so is a balanced lifestyle. So what is the most sensible advice currently going in regard to managing the moderate hazard of excessive screen time for both kids and adults? “Rather than impose arbitrary constraints, we should take a look at our use of screens and ask how they fit with the activities and lifestyles we want as individuals and families.” This obviously changes depending on the age of the child, but that same active consideration of what is reasonable is inescapable if you don’t want your devices and screen time to own you. There is not much evidence of the direct hazards of screen time, but there is significant evidence of addictive behaviours and consequent mental health issues. It’s what you call a ‘mixed blessing’. Acknowledgement – New Scientist 28/9/19 #3249 The Truth About Screen Time by Douglas Heaven.

Mr Jim Ford | Principal

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Assistant Principal Mission All are special, loved and lovable. It’s been ordered While growing up I lived directly opposite my primary school. How convenient I hear you say! Yes, it was handy. However, living in the biggest and newest house in the street and being one of only two students of Maltese descent resulted in considerable racist comments and name calling from other students. The name that hurt the most was ‘Rich Wog B….’ (I would not put the last word on paper). I remember

wishing that I didn’t live in this house that so obviously oozed wealth. The behaviour that these students displayed may have had a lot to do with a lack of self-esteem - building oneself up by putting others down. I have always cherished my mum’s advice and guidance but trying to help by saying ‘sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt’ definitely didn’t provide the comfort needed. Learning to cope with the name calling and racism was a challenge that I had to overcome. This has greatly contributed towards the lense through which I view situations of injustice. Everyone is special, has a story and is made in the image of God. When I meet and listen to people confronted with hardship, whether it be those who experience loneliness, bullying or rejection, no person should suffer or feel rejection for simply being who they are, or the situation they may find themselves in. It is through this lense that eighteen months ago I thought we needed to try and make a difference to these people in our local area… and so the idea of the Brekky Van was born. The Brekky Van initiative, partnering with Orange Sky Laundry, aims to make a positive impact in our community by providing a nourishing breakfast for those who are struggling. The Brekky Van, once operating the three early morning services, will be a source of hope and sustenance for people in need.

Hope is the greatest Gift you can Give

It has taken longer than first anticipated with a great deal of energy and patience but I can now announce that the van has been ordered. We are forever grateful to our donors for their generous financial support and for not giving up on our goal to support our young people to provide a helping hand to those who are struggling.

Many thanks must go to the dedicated staff of Mercy who have planned for the introduction of the Brekky Van service, and to those who have already volunteered to accompany our Year 10 students in providing the service. You are truly role models for our young adults. Thank you for your great generosity:

Mrs Jeanette Refalo | Assistant Principal Mission

SENIOR CLUB OF MOCKTAIL 2019

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Library Department

FLASH! AAAAHHHH! HE SAVED EVERYONE OF US!

The above title may be an intertextual reference to that classic movie

‘Flash Gordon’ with the superb soundtrack by Queen, but there is a story going around (although its veracity has been debated) that once upon a time, Ernest Hemingway was sitting in a restaurant and made a bet that he could write a story in only 6 words. And from this a new genre was created – Flash Fiction. Two of the Year 10 classes, as part of their short story unit, delved into writing their own Flash Fiction (but in under 10 words). Below is a sample:

They call him the hammer Early in the morning the flames stole my house I was born but I never lived Four people enter a room … none left Dogs have always been my favourite pet … until now Being a cop delivering news never gets easier. “I’m sorry – “ Amelia, 42 looking for love again As the wind blows the whispers grow louder Your words were like fire, I couldn’t help but burn One phone … two cars … eight lives … ALL NO LONGER PRESENT Fulfilled dreams. A warm meal or a bus ride home? Cold wind blew as he floated further away from me

Meanwhile, despite the Library staff busily retrieving loans and re-stacking shelves before the end of the year, we still had time to hand out some surprise gifts to random students who always make good use of the facilities or whom simply lead by example. The large Christmas tree was certainly a memorable sight and took pride of place upon entry. Additionally, many parents may not be aware that the Library is open from 8:00am – 4:00pm each day except Friday, when we are open until 3:00pm. Therefore, if your child needs to stay at school for whatever reason until 4:00pm, then you can be rest assured that the Library can cater to their needs. They could make use of the various facilities on offer, or prepare for their exams and assignments, in a safe and secure environment. There is always something to do in the Library!

Mr Stephen Crocker | Librarian

Quiz Questions

Quiz Questions

1. At the summit of Mount Everest, what temperature does water boil? Is it a) 43 degrees, b) 71 degrees, c) 100 degrees, or d) 125 degrees

2. What type of rock metamorphoses into marble? Is it a) granite, b) sandstone, c) schist, or d) limestone? 3. What is the name of Saturn’s largest moon? Is it a) Titan, b) Enceladus, c) Ganymede, or d) Triton? 4. When water starts to freeze, what symmetry do the crystals typically show? Are the crystals a) square, b)

hexagonal, c) octagonal, or d) spiral? 5. Scientists just measured a new fastest ant: the Saharan silver ant. How fast can it run? Is it a) 85 millimetres

per second, b) 855 millimetres per second, c) 8.5 metres per second, or d) 85 kilometres per hour?

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The Leader in Me

Student Binders

“For the 3 years that we have been doing the Leader In Me binders I have enjoyed writing all my thoughts, dreams and achievements. I think introducing the binders to Mercy was a great idea as it’s something we can look over and think about our time at Mercy. For the younger grades it shows them what leadership is and how to show leadership.”

Leandra Jean – Year 10

“These journals provide the year 10s with a memory book detailing every fantastic experience they’ve had at Mercy. It is also a tool that helps develop the Mercy values and leadership.”

Noah Taylor – Year 10

Nora Ephron

“Throughout my time at Mercy I have enjoyed the Leader in Me time during Homeroom on Thursdays. The opportunity to look back at previous goals and things I’ve done is such a great thing. It is something I can look back on and it is a memory that I can cherish and share with my fellow peers. I would 100% recommend this activity to any other student and encourage the participation of it.”

Immogen Martin – Year 10

“Your education is a

dress rehearsal for a life

that is yours to lead.”

Mrs Sandra Gracie | Teacher

STU

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NT B

IND

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Cultural Department

Pizza, Softdrink and Friends! On Monday 11 November the Cultural Department had their annual Christmas Dinner and Farewell for Year 10 students. It was the perfect opportunity to give students their Gold, Silver and Bronze Cultural

Awards and celebrate the successful year we have had as a department! Any students that were unable to attend will be requested to collect their Cultural Award from Miss Rossetto or Mrs Camilleri on the Student Notices next week.

A reminder that all Instrumental Music lessons finish at the end of Week 8, due to Camp and 7/8 Activities week. Students are expected to attend their lessons, or provide 24 hours’ notice of absence to their tutor. Year 10 students are excused from this due to exam block and will finish their lessons at the end of this week.

Miss Molly Rossetto | Cultural Leader

Quiz Answers

Quiz Answers

1. b) Due to the low air pressure, water boils at around 71 degrees at the summit of Mount Everest, which is 8848 metres above sea level.

2. d) Heat and pressure deep underground turns limestone into marble. 3. a) Saturn’s largest moon, and the second largest moon in our solar system, is Titan. 4. b) Water crystals, including snowflakes, are often hexagonal. 5. b) The Saharan silver ant, with the scientific name Cataglyphis bombycine, can run at 855 millimetres per

second. That’s about three kilometres per hour!

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Justice@Mercy

What has Justice@Mercy been

up to this term? Wrapping books for students Justice@Mercy students covered books with brown paper and glued inspirational quotes onto the front, then covered them with contact. They will be given to organisations who help families in our community and to students for the start of the school year.

Toiletry bags Justice@Mercy students have made and packaged many toiletries bags this year. This term we packed over 50 toiletry bags that members of the community and Mercy students made. These bags were then given to CASA. Thank you to Mercy staff who continually donate their toiletries from motels they have stayed in. We always have a huge variety of items to pack into these bags.

Stella Maris Justice@Mercy students visited Stella Maris on Wednesday 6 December to pack and wrap shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for seafarers. This was our second visit this year to help spread Christmas cheer. We have packaged many boxes of goodies that will be distributed to seafarers working on the boats and are far away from family and friends, who will now be able to celebrate Christmas and receive a gift knowing that someone is thinking of them. Justice@Mercy also made Christmas cards that were also packaged into these shoebox presents.

Farewell Year 10 students and break up Wednesday 13 November was our last day for Justice@Mercy. We have had a huge year and upon reflection, we have been involved in many activities. Some of the activities we have done this term include having Guest Speakers Jessica Hacket, Kate Finch from Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, Peter Cahill from Stella Maris and Sister Denise for Refugee Week. We visited Homefields, made toiletry bags, potted plants at Mackay Natural Environmental Centre, catered for and ran a ‘Moms and Hons’ High Tea, cooked and delivered kindness cookies, cleaned up Harbour beach, covered books, made Christmas cards, sorted clothes and shopped for items for Stella Maris. We marked the end of the year with Justice@Mercy students saying a sad goodbye to our Year 10 Committee Chairs and Committee members by presenting them with a card and having a pizza party. We wish our Year 10 students all the best in their future years at school and we will miss them.

Mrs Helen Patroni | Justice@Mercy Coordinator

After School Tutoring

Math: Mondays 3:00 – 4:00pm in Room D04 and Science: Mondays 3:15 – 4:00pm in Room D05

English: Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:00pm in the Library Languages: Wednesday 3:15pm – 4:00pm - NO1 & N02

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Melbourne Cup Photos

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Yearbook Order Form

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What’s Cooking?? Year 8

Cup Cakes Icing: ½ cup butter softened (125g) 1 cup icing sugar 1 cup caster sugar 1 tbsp tap water 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence 1½ cups self-raising flour food colouring (if using) ¾ cup milk (187.5ml) Sprinkles Cupcake paper cases (medium size) Cupcakes:

o Preheat oven to 190oc. Line tray with paper cases. o Place butter in a microwave safe jug and heat for 15-20 seconds in a

microwave. o Sift flour in a medium sized bowl and stir in sugar. o Beat egg, milk and vanilla together in small bowl. o Add melted butter and egg mixture to sifted flour and beat for 2minutes

with a wooden spoon to make a well combined light batter mix. o Spoon between 12 cup cake paper cases. o Bake for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Take out of tray and place on cooling rack to cool.

Icing:

o Sift icing sugar into a small bowl. o Add a drop of vanilla and a couple of drops of colouring (if using) into bowl. o Add water. Using a knife, stir until a smooth consistency o Ice cooled cupcakes. Decorate with sprinkles.

Cob Loaf 1 bread roll per person 125g cream cheese 2 rashers of bacon 1 eshallots 150ml sour cream ⅓ cup of grated cheese Salt & Pepper Spray oil

o Pre-heat oven 160°C. o Cut the top off the loaf and pull the bread from the centre in

chunks. o On a baking tray, place loaf in the centre and the small pieces of

bread around the loaf. Lightly spray with oil. o Place in the oven for approximately 10minutes. o Chop bacon and eshallots and place in a microwave safe bowl.

Cook on High for 2 minutes o Add Philly cream cheese, sour cream and cheese. Cook on High

for 2 minutes. o Add salt and pepper to taste. o Pour into the centre of the loaf and use the smaller pieces of bread to dip into the cheesy mixture.

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Year 9

Baked Frittata 2 small potatoes 2 eggs 2tsp cooking oil 2 tbsps. Reduced fat evaporated Milk 2 bacon rashers 2 tbsps. Grated parmesan cheese ½ small brown onion ¼ tsp seasoning ½ tsp crushed garlic 2 tbsps tomato puree

o Half fill a small to medium saucepan with cold water. Bring to boil. o Scrub skin of potatoes, cut unpeeled potato into 1.5 cm cubes. o Cook potatoes in the boiling water over medium heat till tender. Drain well

and place into oven proof dish. o Peel and dice onion. Remove rind and fat off bacon. Cut into strips 2-3cm long o Heat oil in a frying pan and add onion and bacon. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes

stirring occasionally till soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. o Add bacon mixture to potatoes and stir till well combined. o Whisk eggs evaporated milk and tomato puree together in a small bowl. Stir in the parmesan cheese and

seasoning. o Pour the egg mixture into oven proof dish and bake at 190oC for 20 minutes or until egg is set.

Cinnamon Scrolls

Ingredients: Filling 3 cups plain flour 2 tbsps butter melted 1½ tsp salt 1½ tbsps ground cinnamon ¼ cup sugar ½ cup sugar 1 tsp instant dry yeast Icing 1 Tbsp oil ½ icing sugar 1½ cup warm water 1 tbsp warm water

o Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. o Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre then pour

in oil and water. o Mix with a wooden spoon until well mixed. o Turn onto a lightly floured bench and knead for 5 minutes until dough is

smooth, elastic and shiny. o Roll out the dough into a 30cm x 20cm rectangle. o Spread melted butter, cinnamon & sugar over rectangle leaving a 2cm border. o Starting from a long side, roll up the dough and cut into 12 slices. Place on the prepared tray, cut side up and

sides touching, allowing a little room for spreading. o Brush with beaten egg then bake for 25-30 minutes or until scrolls are golden. o Drizzle with icing to serve.

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Year 10

Apple Tarte Tatin 1 sheet puff pastry 50g unsalted butter Oil Spray 4 green apples, peeled, cored and quartered ½ cup caster sugar 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, partially thawed 2 tbsps cold water Double cream to serve Pastry:

o Preheat oven to 220˚C. Line baking tray with paper. o Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 6 squares. o Cook in hot oven until golden, allow to cool.

Apples:

o Grease a 6cm-deep, 20cm (base) round cake pan. Line base with baking paper. o Add sugar and 2 tablespoons cold water to medium saucepan. Cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar has

dissolved and caramelised. Add butter. o Add apple, reduce heat to low then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. o Arrange apple in prepared pan. Spoon over sugar mixture. o Place pastry over apple, tucking in at edge. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Stand in pan 5

minutes. Turn out onto a plate. Serve with cream.

Mini Lemon Cheesecakes 250g plain chocolate biscuit crumbs Praline for decoration 100g butter, melted ½ cup caster sugar 500g cream cheese, softened 2 tbsps cold water ¾ cup caster sugar 3 tsp gelatin dissolved in ¼ cup boiling water 1 cup thickened cream, whipped ¼ cup fresh lemon juice Rind from 1 lemon Muffin Papers

o Combine the biscuit crumbs and butter. Press into the base of a greased and lined muffin tray. Chill. o Beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in gelatine mixture then add the

whipped cream, lemon juice and lemon rind. Beat till smooth. o Pour mixture into prepared muffin tray and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. o Place cheesecake on serving plates and top with praline. Serve immediately.

Praline:

o Line a baking tray with baking paper. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat and cook stirring for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil without stirring for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Pour onto baking tray and cool. Break praline into shards and serve

Makes 24

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Tuckshop

Fortnightly Volunteer Roster Monday 18 November Michelle Goodman, Nikita Kinnane, Jade O’Connor Tuesday 19 November Catrina Simpson, Ally Grech Wednesday 20 November Maree Sturdy, Michelle Bath Thursday 21 November Shirley Sorenson, Rose Brownsey Friday 22 November Julie Bryan, Kirsty Hoani

Monday 25 November Jill Sands, Chantel Kelly Tuesday 26 November Rania Heke, Kirsty Mooney, Michelle Muller Wednesday 27 November Denis Franks, Laura Lucas, Elizabeth Kennedy Thursday 28 November Amanda Tomerini, Carmel Deguara Friday 29 November Nicola Bamford

Community News

Relationships Australia Relationships Australia have counselling programs in place for supporting young people whose parents may have separated, conflict or change in their family situation. Visit www.raq.org.au or Ph: 1300 364 277 for more information.

QLD Transport

Reminder notice to Parents/Guardians… QLD Transport Bus Travel Assistance applications forms for students commencing Year 7 in 2020 are due to be returned to our office by 6 December 2019. This is to enable eligible students to travel on MTC School Bus Services in 2020. If any Parents or Guardians have any enquiries, please contact the office on 4957 3330.

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