Merici Magazine Issue #5

M E R I C I

M A G A Z I N E

6

NEW MOVIES COMING OUT IN 2023

EXCLUSIVE IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOOL COUNSELLORS

Editor-in-Chief: Ishita Gupta

Editor: Olivia Mankowski, Lucy Mankowski

Let’s have a picnic

At the end of the world

As Time dissolves into the seas.

Once etched on the walls

That held up the sky, Now crumbles away in the breeze.

The last seconds lit

By the Sun and the Moon

Are shielded from harm by the stars.

As trees bend and break, We’ll take one last moment For the world that used to be ours.

We’ll lay out the blanket

And set down the basket

As ashes drift gentle as snow,

While the last living God

Takes flight from the ruins

In the form of a singular crow.

If you bring the champagne, I can bring stardust, and we’ll feast on bubbles and light.

Let’s have a picnic

At the end of the world, As it all falls apart tonight.

Movies coming out in 2023

This thriller is set in a postApocalyptic world in which is There is a war between humans and AI

this horror movie based on the video game of Five nights at Freddy's, is about a recently fired man taking a job at a haunted pizza joint

The third movie in this hilarious trilogy follows the Family after the death of their father and their trip to his home to town to reconnect with their roots

two unpopular besties decide to start a 'fight club' to gain popularity. Unexpectedly, The most popular students start beating each other up in the name of self-defense!

Poppy discovers that Branch and his brothers were once part of her favorite boy band. When one of his siblings gets kidnapped, Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers

Wonka is an upcoming musical fantasy film Focusing on a young Willy Wonka and how he came to meet the Oompa-Loompas on one of his earliest adventures.

School Counsellors

anin-depthinterviewwithmerici’scounsellors

What is the 365 booking system?

For access to the 365 Booking system, you must follow the referral process A student, parent/carer, or teacher can refer to school counselling through the referral link. Once they receive the referral, they will triage the referral amongst others, and reach out to the student directly to book an appointment, the student will be sent a link to the 365 booking page and will be able to pick a time and date that suits them. For more information about the referral process, students can refer to the flyers around the school detailing what counselling is, how to speak with a school counsellor and who they are.

Hannahs’ Background

She has Bachelor in Psychology from The Queensland University of Technology (QUT), a Master of Social Work from the University of Queensland (UQ) (She says it reminded her of Hogwarts!), and is currently completing her Master’s in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She has worked in a variety of diverse roles throughout her career, with some of her favourite jobs being an outreach youth worker in lowsocioeconomic regions of Brisbane supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, a social worker in one of the biggest homeless shelters in Brisbane, a sexual assault counsellor within a feminist organisation and working as part of the Acute Mental Health team in the Emergency Department of a very busy Queensland Hospital

Why did you decide to become a school counsellor?

Hannah: “Working in the Acute Mental Health team was intense & very exhausting – after a few years I began to feel burnt out”. She decided to move to Canberra to be closer to family, and applied for the job as school counsellor at Merici to work more predictable hours while helping her family settle as well as having the ability to work with young people in a different setting. The ability to work with kids, build relationships over time, and help them through their day can make a big difference.

Chelsea: “Once I had my daughter, I had to review what was important to me, My previous job was demanding, high intensity, crisis driven and required a full commitment that I could no longer give. As a Social Worker, my skills I developed are important to who I am and how I manage other roles, I wanted to get my hands dirty again and be able to work alongside children and young people, teachers and other staff in a role where I could support students.”

What advice do you have for students who often feel overwhelmed and overly stressed?

“High School and senior studies can be stressful, over the duration of your school years there will be increased pressure, demands and stress. Not all stress is bad, healthy amounts of stress can motivate us to perform. Stress is an integral part of everyday life. This time presents opportunities for you to observe how you respond to stress and develop skills to cope and manage. It’s important to check in with yourself regularly and see how you are managing. That way you know whether you can say ‘yes’ to that thing your friends have invited you to or whether you need to say ‘no’ and spend some down time at home and replenishing your batteries. We both love a good list, staying organised and being accountable. Experiment with different things and see what works for you :)”

She is a qualified Social Worker, with 10+ years experience in Foster Care, Child Protection and Therapeutic intervention Her previous positions include managing therapeutic teams in preservation and child welfare – in particular, children and young people on long term orders, interim orders, preservation, guardianship, adoption and restoration She is also a qualified facilitator of Circles of Security-Parenting, and has additional qualifications in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Developmental Trauma. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work at The Australian Catholic University (ACU) which she said, “seemed like the only fit for me, given my high school at the time was in partnership with the ACU and offered the degree I was interested in. At the time I wanted to attend university, the Social Work degree did not have an ATAR entry level, to be eligible for the course I had to have 2 years prior experience in community services or similar roles, or alternatively, 2 years of further education in the specified sectors. Because of this, I went on to complete a certificate IV in Community Service Work, Diploma of Community Service Work, and Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management prior to enrolling into my Social Work Degree at ACU”.

Pros and Cons of the Job? Cons

Pros

“We love interacting with the girls and getting to know them on a one to one level, as well as seeing them interact and grow throughout the school year. We get to be involved in events throughout the school year and ensure the girls are supported during high times of stress, such as assessment and exam times, and look at how we can ensure the girls are better supported and equipped. We often want to bring content, workshops and guest speakers to the school around topics we see as reoccurring themes, but often do struggle trying to work within the restrictions of the timetable, assessment calendar and classes.”

“There aren’t enough hours in the day! We are constantly competing against the school timetable, our legal obligations as counsellors, documenting our interactions, following up with parents/carers, students and teachers. We often find we are pulled into situations that are unpredictable and we can’t plan for and often requires us to manage and work off one another to make sure we can respond to any concern or situation within an appropriate timeframe.”

If a student at Merici wanted to be a school counsellor, what advice would you give them?

“Go for it! It is a very rewarding job Have a think about how you are going to achieve your goal and where in Australia you would like to work. In some states of Australia, you need to have a degree in education and social work/psychology – so this might require a bit of thought and research so that you can plan your university studies pathway. But don’t stress if you don’t have it all sorted by the time you finish high school – finding the right career is a bit of a roller coaster sometimes and it always helps to have an open mind to new experiences and opportunities.”

What do you like best about Merici? Why did you choose to be a counsellor at Merici?

“One of the things that really stood out for both of us about Merici is how inclusive and diverse the school community is. Merici’s values and mission statement fit in with our own values, with their dedication to create an environment where every student can grow spiritually and intellectually into the best versions of themselves We often talk about how different our own high school experience was, and how we would have loved to have an opportunity to go to a school like Merici!”

Contact

If you feel you or someone you know would benefit from accessing school counselling, please speak to your House Coordinator or email us on: counsellors@merici.act.edu.au.

SEPHORA SPRING ESSENTIALS

Puffy-hay-fever-eyes? Cool them down with this Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye & Face Ball With a unique metal ball to soothe inflammation and a fresh green tea scent, this will be your Spring lifesaver from Sephora

Price: $32AUD

Take a fresh floral and fruity spritz to match the blooming plants around you; this Sunsets In Capri Eau De Parfum from Glasshouse Fragrances is the perfect fit for a small purse to carry everywhere!

Price: $30AUD

In the warm spring sun, heavy makeup feels sweaty and gross Instead, opt for something like the Benefit Benetint Cheek and Lip tint, a sheer watery tint to give you a naturally serene, flushed face.

Price: $38AUD

A sweet-scented lip oil with a perfectly shaped applicator to get your lips glossed in one swipe; this Fenty Skin Cherry Treat Conditioning and Strengthening Lip Oil will both heal and glaze your lips all Spring long.

Price: $36AUD

BY: MAHREEN MAHMUD

Ledgend

By Marie Lu

June, a prodigy, and Day, a criminal, suddenly cross paths when June’s brother is murdered and Day is the prime suspect. Day, fighting for his family’s survival, and June, wanting to avenge his brother’s death, are caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse. A game that their country will go to sinister lengths to keep secret...

By Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains After the 2nd, only those who were lucky to escape, and after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive

After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and Cassie’s brother is missing. She will have to watch out for ‘Them’ - they only look human, but are much more malicious. Can Cassie and her brother survive the 5th wave?

4 Must-Have Vitamins to include in your diet

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports your immune system, vision, reproductive health, and growth It has many forms, such as retinol, retinoid acid, etc You can get vitamin A from animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, or from plant products such as fruits and vegetables

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for your immune system, tissue repair, collagen formation, and antioxidant protection. It is found in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, and cabbage

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and maintain bone health. It also supports your immune system, muscles, and nerves You can get vitamin D from sunlight exposure, some foods such as egg yolks, mushrooms yoghurts, etc However, most people tend to intake supplements

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in your body It protects your cells from damage caused by harmful substances and supports your immune system, eye health, and skin health. Vitam E can be obtained from foods that contain fats and oils, such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, etc

Must See Movies On

At first, Bryce wants nothing to do with his neighbour Juli, who is outspoken about her attraction to him. But, just as Bryce starts to look at Juli differently, she decides she wants nothing to do with him.

Release date: 6 August 2010 (USA)

Director: Rob Reiner

Rated: PG

Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Release date: 10 December 2021 (USA)

Director: Adam McKay

Rated: M

Batman works together with his ward, Robin, and the police commissioner's daughter, Barbara, to foil Joker's plans of taking over Gotham City.

Release date: 30 March 2017 (Australia)

Director: Chris McKay

Rated: PG

Meme page

Meme page

Spring is coming

As winter's grip loosens and the days gradually lengthen, a sense of excitement fills the air – spring is on its way! The transition from winter to spring is a magical time of renewal and transformation. Trees that were once bare begin to sprout leaves, transforming the landscape into a vibrant and colourful masterpiece. Flowers of every shade start to bloom, painting gardens with their beauty and filling the air with sweet fragrances. It's as if the world is coming to life after a long nap. With the arrival of spring, we can finally bid farewell to the chilly weather and embrace the outdoors once again. It's the perfect time for picnics in the park, leisurely walks, and engaging in various sports and activities.

By Prajna gupta

good news for earth

your go-to guide to learn all about the amazing sustainable developments that are happening in the world

A new diet for cows

Feedingcowsdaffodilsas partoftheirdailydietcanaid intheirdigestion,canreduce theirmethaneemissionsand overallfeedingcostsfor cattle.Thisnewdiscovery couldreducemethane emissionsbyuptoa30%.

‘extinct’ earless dragon spotted

Thevictorianearlessdragon hasmadeacomebackfrom habitatlossandinvasive species,andhasappeared againsince1969.Nowasmall populationresidesinasecret locationawayformpredators.

ocean clean up

Lastweek,The OceanCleanup organizationthat hasbeentackling theGreatPacific GarbagePatch deployedtheir ‘System03'forthe firsttime—nearly threetimeslarger thantheprevious technologyand capableof cleaningthearea ofafootballfield everyfive seconds!

coral evolution

Datacollectedoverthelast40yearshasshownthatcoralsare moreadaptabletowarmingoceansthanpreviouslythought In fact,they’vealreadyadapted potentiallyatarateof018°Fper decade,andresearcherssaythatestablishedmodelsforcoral bleachingeventsshouldbeupdatedtopresumeanenhanced capacityforthesestunningunderwaterecosystemstosustain themselvesoverthedecades

CAVOODLES

Known for their cuddly and bubbly behaviour as well as affection and playfulness , cavoodles are the perfect family dog. As many of you may know, our own school dogs, Milo and Roxie, are both cavoodles. It is scientifically proven that simply being around a cavoodle can help reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and over-all wellbeing, making then the perfect therapy dog.

DesignerDoggos!

Cavoodles have always been insta-worthy, designer pooches. However, as of the 2020 lockdowns, the price of these dogs increased from the pre-COVID price of $2,000 to the lockdown price of up to $7,000. Many dog owners were lucky to get them before the pandemic.

As a certified cavoodle owner, I can talk from experience about how loving and adorable these dogs are. Whenever you are happy, sad, angry, jealous, disgusted - you name it, cavoodles will be there! Hence, it is evident that cavoodles are the best dog for anyone who loves a cute, caring, and most importantly, a cheeky dog!

What to watch if you like...

ROMANCE

‘The Parent Trap‘ is a classic for this genre Identical twins Hallie and Annie are separated after their parents' divorce Years later, they discover each other at a summer camp and decide to switch places in an effort to reunite their parents

COMEDY

Want to binge some comedic brilliance?

REALITY

If you ’ re a bit arty, 'Blown Away' is a glassmaking competition that’ll leave you in awe at the magic possible using glass and a million degree heat! If action’s more your thing, you can’t go past a group of strangers stranded together on an island left to outwit, outplay, and outlast each other for the title of sole ‘Survivor’

MYSTERY

'Murder Mystery’ is a comedic mystery about a detective and his much smarter wife getting framed for the death of an elderly billionaire

Then check out 8 seasons of side-splitting ‘Brooklyn 99' A team of goofball detectives work together to fight crime and have a ball along the way.

THRILLER

'SPLIT' will have you on the edge of your seat watching a kidnapper with a dissociative identity disorder. Will the kidnapped teenagers escape under the watch of any of Kevin’s 23 alter egos??

ACTION

For action fans with a pulse, ‘Red Notice’ stars Ryan Reynolds. Need I say more? A police officer races against time to catch a sophisticated jewel thief But also… Ryan Reynolds.