MLMC Prospectus

Be your best.

Give your best.

MOUNT LILYDALE MERCY COLLEGE A Catholic co-educational college established in 1896.

We want MLMC graduates to live their best lives, to reach out to others and have the ambition to make the world a better place.

Welcome

to our Faith-Based Community

I warmly welcome you to Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) is a Catholic co-educational secondary College with a proud history of shaping and enriching young lives in a nurturing environment for more than 120 years.

When the Sisters of Mercy arrived at Rourke’s Hill in 1896 and founded the College, they initiated a place of learning, a place of hope and a place where our core values of compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, courage and service became central to all that we do.

Meeting the complex needs of today’s students — who will be graduating, living and working in the 2020s and beyond — is both a privilege and a challenge. It is what drives us and I feel honoured to lead Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

Our task is to develop the innate talents in every child who enters the College and to ensure our students leave us with the resilience and confidence to fulfil their potential. We want MLMC graduates to live their best lives, to reach out to others and have the ambition to make the world a better place.

From its beginnings, MLMC has embodied a distinct Mercy spirit which deepens respect for each person’s uniqueness, dignity and worth. This spirit lies at the heart of the College’s identity, as well as our day-to-day interactions. Your child will be immersed in a culture that highlights Catholic values in everything we do, building a morality and framework to make decisions for life.

MLMC takes pride in being innovative in every aspect of education — from flexible curricula to the latest learning technologies and spaces. We strive to equip your child with all the skills they will need to achieve their academic and career goals, whichever path they choose. The stories of our thriving young alumni (see page 19) are a testament to this and inspire our current students to aim high both personally and academically.

When you choose a school, you are also choosing a community.

This Prospectus will provide you with an insight into the students, parents, staff and alumni that give our College life and make it unique.

We look forward to welcoming your child into our community where they will gain the skills, courage and confidence to be their best and give their best, throughout their lives. It is important for every child to be surrounded by examples of success so that they, too, can say “I came from Mount Lilydale Mercy College and I, too, can succeed and I, too, can serve”.

BE YOUR BEST. GIVE YOUR BEST. In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, God bless

Philip Morison, Principal

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The structure of our curriculum will open exciting academic pathways for your child — which are limited only by imagination and ambition.

Learning and

Teaching for the Future We believe that every student can experience success at learning and develop the confidence to thrive at school. At MLMC we take pride in innovating every aspect of education — from flexible curricula to the latest learning technologies and spaces. Through this strong learning culture we can offer your child creative, flexible and meaningful opportunities to learn better.

Through the College’s Vision for Learning we have the framework and the tools to gain a fundamental understanding of our students’ attributes and individual needs. It gives us the ability to make informed decisions that are based on data and adjust programs to improve learning outcomes.

by imagination and ambition. With options across VCE, VCAL and VET, students can choose a pathway that suits their talents and builds the foundations of a successful career. We also offer a Learning Enhancement and Acceleration Program (LEAP) and an extensive Learning Support Program to meet the needs of all our students.

With this approach we are able to prepare young people for the future — for workplaces that will be constantly evolving and where they will at times encounter an overwhelming amount of information. Workers of the future will need to problem-solve, collaborate and search for information efficiently and effectively. They will need the skills to gather details from many sources, pick out valuable information from noise and think strategically, with an open mind.

The teaching body at MLMC is comprised of a highlyskilled and talented team of educators. These dedicated individuals, with a sensitivity to different learning styles, encourage and guide students to explore the many opportunities that are available to them.

Further details about our curriculum across McAuley Campus (Years 7 to 9) and Barak Campus (Years 10 to 12) can be found on our website mlmc.vic.edu.au

To give our students the skills they need, we foster a culture of learning that encourages: • independence, confidence and self-motivation • belief in an ability to succeed at learning • empathy and compassion, embracing diversity • global awareness • creativity and critical thinking • problem-solving and collaborative skills.

The structure of our curriculum will open exciting academic pathways for your child — which are limited only

92%

100%

82%

90%

92%

Students who studied VCE

Students who passed / completed VCE

Students who applied for a tertiary course

Students who received a Dec/Jan offer

Students who received their first, second or third offer

The information above relates to the 2019 cohort and has been sourced from the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) and MLMC records.

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The diversity of study options allows students to learn and grow in a direction that matches their strengths and passions.

VCE

VCAL

VET

A Curriculum with a Pathway for Every Child To prepare our students for life after school we need to help them find an educational pathway that has just the right fit. Some children are naturally more academically inclined, while others gravitate to hands-on learning and some enjoy a combination of both. At MLMC, we offer a pathway for every child.

Most of our students choose to study VCE. But with VCAL and VET options available at the College all students have the ability to incorporate hands-on units into their subject mix. The diversity of study options allows students to learn and grow in a direction that matches their strengths and passions.

VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

Learning and teaching within the VCE is divided into studies, which are undertaken in units. At MLMC, VCE students can choose from over 40 subjects ranging from Maths, Chemistry, Economics and History to Technology, Philosophy, Music and Design.

VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) VCAL is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. It provides practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognised secondary qualification, opening pathways for students interested in going on to TAFE, doing an apprenticeship, or entering the workplace after Year 12.

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VET (Vocational Education Training) VCE and VCAL students have the opportunity to choose VET subjects during Years 10, 11 and 12 — these subjects contribute to the ATAR. VET complements the more theoretical nature of a VCE course by providing more hands-on practical learning. MLMC is an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) and offers the following VET courses on–site: • Building and Construction • Music Industry (Performance) • Kitchen Operations (Hospitality) • Screen and Media • Sport and Recreation.

Futher details about our VCE, VCAL and VET subjects can be found on the College website mlmc.vic.edu.au College Tours and Enrolments For further information about the curriculum, tours, fees or enrolments please visit the website mlmc.vic.edu.au or contact the Registrar by phone 9735 4022 or email registrar@mlmc.vic.edu.au

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The simplest and most practical lesson I know … is to resolve to be good today and better tomorrow.

Catherine McAuley

Our Catholic Faith and Mission At MLMC your child will be educated in faith and mission and we focus on developing their Catholic Gospel teachings. Across the College we have integrated a range of initiatives into our daily routine to strengthen each student’s relationship with God, as well as nourish a spirituality to carry them through life. By providing each child with knowledge and the opportunity to explore faith, we generate a strong sense of Catholic identity.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1894, the College has thrived in the spirit of their foundress Catherine McAuley. Our values — compassion, justice, respect, courage, service and hospitality — greatly enrich our learning environment. We seek to equip students with good Christian values to complement those learnt at home, and guide them as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

Our Catholic ethos permeates all aspects of the College’s learning experiences. In addition to a Religious Education program across all year levels, we offer: • daily prayer and Mass every Friday at 8am in the College chapel • access to the College chapel every day during school hours • class, year level and whole of College Liturgies and celebrations of the Eucharist

Striving for Social Justice Our Mercy values challenge each of us to use our God-given talents for the greater good. We work towards a world that safeguards the dignity of each individual.

Within the College’s culture of educational endeavour and individual empowerment, your child will absorb a strong sense of social justice. Every week the College presents opportunities to expand the students’ awareness of human rights and equality — locally, nationally and globally.

We engage with projects at a range of organisations, including Mercy Works, Caritas Christi, St Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Mission, Cancer Council, Leukaemia Foundation, Yellow Ribbon Program and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, to name a few. Each of these interactions lets our students experience how they can impact the lives of others with initiative, commitment and compassion.

• retreats and days of reflection for all year levels • links with our local parishes and regular involvement of Priests in College activities • peer ministry program of activities through Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) • Ministry Lounge — an informal café space for students to come together and learn more about faith and social justice.

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Pastoral Care

to Support the Whole Person We know that for a child to become a balanced young adult we need to develop the whole person and that greater wellbeing contributes significantly to better learning outcomes. It is through our Pastoral Care program that we promote the physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing of our students. Only in this way can we cultivate young men and women with the resilience, independence and confidence to fulfil their potential.

A child’s success is a shared responsibility and we work closely with students and their families and we embrace all families. Embedded in every facet of College life, including educational activities, Pastoral Care builds relationships and creates a sense of community so that your child feels safe knowing that they belong.

Pastoral Care for Everyone Everywhere Homeroom teachers are the key contacts for the program. A strong pastoral relationship between a homeroom teacher and a child creates a solid link to families. Our House system gives students a sense of belonging to a bigger group, through which they participate in various activities, including sports carnivals and Mercy Day celebrations.

We promote the physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing of our students.

The College offers a range of support services for students and families: • Pastoral Care programs for each homeroom (one period each week) • Learning Enhancement and Acceleration Program (LEAP) and a Learning Support team

A Smooth Transition to Year 7 An extensive transition program supports our Year 7 students as they start at MLMC. It was developed to facilitate the smoothest possible change from primary to secondary school. We want your child to feel connected to their homeroom group, and safe within the College. Not only does the Year 7 program provide a broad-based curriculum, it builds the strong student-student and student-teacher relationships needed for an effective learning environment.

Making Future Leaders To foster personal growth and empowerment at all year levels we encourage students to get involved in College activities and build their leadership skills. Opportunities range from Peer Support and social justice projects to more formal positions, such as Class Captain, Prefect or the SRC (Student Representative Council). For those students who volunteer, they will leave the College with strong leadership qualities which can set the trajectory of a career and life.

• counsellors and psychologists (referral services offered) • first–aid facility staffed by qualified nurses • home visits by Sr Mary White rsm • parent information sessions with guest speakers on student wellbeing.

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A balanced approach to life at school enhances a child’s overall sense of wellbeing and belonging.

A Co-curricular Program that Enriches School Life Life at the College is as varied and fulfilling as any child could hope for, with opportunities across all year levels and open to all students. From their first day at MLMC we encourage students to make the most of their time at school by getting involved.

Through the College’s co-curricular program, students are able to pursue their passions, gain new interests, build their confidence and develop interpersonal, collaborative and leadership skills. There is a huge range of activities to choose from including the Young Farmers club, Art Academy, EISM sports, debating team, writer’s circle, College Musical, chess club, sustainability group and youth ministry activities, to name a few.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in a College tour or pilgrimage. Each year a group of Year 10 students embark on an unforgettable journey to Central Australia and the Top End. While language students in their senior years can travel to Italy and Japan on a cultural exchange program with our two sister schools, students can also travel overseas or interstate as part of the Young Mercy Leadership Program, the Australasia Mercy Secondary Schools Association Conference (AMSSA) and World Youth Day (WYD).

We want our students to take more than academic skills with them when they leave and it is through our co-curricular program that they can gain so much more.

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Involvement in co-curricular activities also teaches a child how to juggle study, work, hobbies, friends and family. A balanced approach to life at school enhances a child’s overall sense of wellbeing and belonging and we often hear from past students how these shared activities have given rise to wonderful, lifelong friendships.

Our 2017 College Dux Madeline Cimo said it best in her Top Achievers speech to students. “Get involved in the community, the parades and celebrations, be a part of the Play and Musical, sign up for EISM sport and in any groups that interest you. They are all another opportunity for you to expand your friendships and become more triumphant in any areas you are gifted in. They also just make the year so much easier, because you have things to look forward to and times to put aside your stress and just enjoy yourself.”

For a full list of co-curricular activities, please visit the College website mlmc.vic.edu.au/learning

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When you choose MLMC, you join a warm and welcoming community of students, parents, staff and alumni.

A Community that Creates an Enduring Sense of Belonging Hospitality and community have laid at the heart of College life since its founding in 1896 by the Sisters of Mercy. Over the decades, our values and daily habits, the stories and the milestones have come to define our culture. When you choose MLMC, you join a warm and welcoming community of students, parents, staff and alumni who will support your child through their school years and beyond.

Volunteer Opportunities for Parents The Parents and Friends’ Association (P&F) is the volunteer hub of the College. The aim of the P&F is to enrich the educational experiences of our current students, and to serve the College community. Parents can choose from a wide range of volunteer opportunities, such as taking part in the Organisational Skills Program for our Year 7s and 8s, helping out at the busy Second-Hand Uniform Shop or supporting College events with everything from cooking sausages to traffic control.

Our Thriving Alumni Community

throughout the year, including the Business Breakfast, the Alumni Gala, and the 20-year and 30-year reunions.

It also runs programs such as the Mercy Honour Roll, the Old Collegians’ Scholarship and the Business Registry.

Join Us Providing educational and personal opportunities for our current and future students is the goal that unites all members of our community. If you would like to get involved and help in whichever way you can, please visit the website mlmc.vic.edu.au/community to explore the range of opportunities that are available. Everyone is welcome.

Students and staff, past and present, connect with the College, and each other, through the Old Collegians’ Association. Among the thousands of MLMC graduates, the opportunity to reconnect and make new connections is everywhere. The Association runs a number of events

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The Mercy Learning Centre which opened in 2019 is our latest development, built to meet the needs of our senior students.

A Progressive College for Today and Tomorrow At MLMC, we place great importance on our physical environment. We believe it has a direct impact on a child’s capacity to succeed in learning. The College has two campuses — McAuley Campus for Years 7 to 9 and Barak Campus for Years 10 to 12.

The Mercy Learning Centre which opened in 2019 is our latest development. Built to meet the needs of our senior students, it brings together the library, lounges and seminar areas into a single community gathering place. The Mercy Learning Centre supports the sharing of student ideas outside the classroom and reflects our shift towards collaborative technology.

Year 7 students have their own dedicated space in the Mansfield Learning Centre where we cater for all aspects of transitioning to secondary school. Other specialist buildings include our Science facility with eight fully–equipped labs and the Technology facility for Food, Textiles and Wood/Metal. We also have a vineyard and farm with resident sheep, goats and chickens for our Agriculture and Horticulture students.

Sporting facilities include seven multipurpose basketball courts (four outside and three inside) and two multipurpose football fields. The Quarry Road facility is 100 metres from the College and has a football field, soccer pitch and athletics facilities — it is used by students and alumni.

Well known for its unique location atop Rourke’s Hill, the College has magnificent views over Lilydale and the Yarra Valley. Our Lady of Mercy Chapel is a place of prayer and reflection and a welcoming sight as people arrive at the College. MLMC also boasts beautifully maintained gardens and green spaces for students to run around and enjoy each and every day.

The College community gathers in the Doyle Centre, a multipurpose sports venue that seats 2000 people, and in Centennial Hall, which is our dedicated performance space seating 660 people — it is also home to our thriving Music department.

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Be your best.

Give your best.

Ben McNamara Class of 2004 Ben is an adventure photographer and filmmaker and all-round creative man who has managed to combine travelling the world and shooting photos as a living.

After school he studied Design at the Australian Academy of Design and did a Masters degree in Film at RMIT before working at a creative studio for four years.

Based in Melbourne he has worked for clients and causes all over the world ranging from Red Bull to World Vision.

Ben’s philosophy is to create work that is epic but honest.

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Our Inspiring

Young Alumni At MLMC we believe everyone can experience success at learning. Our thriving young alumni are testament to this, and their stories inspire our current students to aim high, both personally and academically. Below are just a handful of those stories. To stay up to date with all our latest student and alumni stories please subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter at mlmc.vic.edu.au

Anna Baird Class of 1995

Kyle Adnam Class of 2011

Eloise Deen Class of 2007

Anna is the owner and director of Bared Footwear, a Melbourne-based fashion footwear business she began in 2008 when, after seven years working as a podiatrist, she saw a gap in the market for shoes she could recommend and be happy to wear. She began with a small store in 2008 and now employs over 40 people.

Being named in the Australian Boomers squad has been a highlight of a very successful few years for professional basketballer Kyle Adnam. He joined NBL club Adelaide a week after graduating from MLMC, won a NBL championship with Melbourne United in 2018 and later that year joined Australian basketball legends Andrew Gaze and Andrew Bogut at the Sydney Kings.

Eloise knew from the age of five, when she watched her pet guinea pig being treated, that she wanted to be a veterinarian and to advocate for animals’ health and wellbeing.

She graduated from Melbourne University with Honours in 2012 and says “seeing the relief and joy when you fix someone’s beloved pet is so worthwhile”.

Michelle Dunn Class of 2005

James Merlino Class of 1990

Heidi Joosten Class of 2003

Michelle acknowledges that she was a bit of a science nerd at school and fascinated by biology and the human body. While studying Biomedical Science at Monash University she realised that she loved patient interaction and helping people. Michelle now works as an obstetrician helping women at some of the most exciting and vulnerable times in their lives.

James was first elected to state Parliament as the MLA for Monbulk in 2002, having studied Political Science with Honours at Melbourne University and serving as a Yarra Ranges councillor for five years.

James has held various Ministerial positions, including Education Minister, and since 2014 he has been Deputy Premier and Deputy Leader of the Labor Party.

After leaving MLMC Heidi joined the Australian Defence Force where she worked as a fitness leader.

Injuries from a vehicle accident during a military exercise led her to represent Australia at the Invictus Games in 2018, winning four track and field gold medals. Heidi is studying a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology, aiming for a career in rehabilitation for veterans.

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Be your best.

Give your best.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College is committed to bringing out the best in your child.

As a leading Catholic College in Melbourne’s outer east, we’re devoted to finding and nurturing the talent in every student.

Our progressive, faith-based education across VCE, VCAL and VET is designed to inspire students to wholeheartedly engage with the world — to go out and make it a better place.

MOUNT LILYDALE MERCY COLLEGE A Catholic co-educational college established in 1896.

mlmc.vic.edu.au

120 Anderson Street, Lilydale VIC 3140 | Phone: 9735 4022 | A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd.