Merici Magazine Issue #6

MERICI

M A G A Z I N E

8 TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE ERAS TOUR INTRODUCING MERICI’S 2024

SCHOOL CAPTAINS Editor-in-Chief: Ishita Gupta Editor: Olivia Mankowski, Lucy Mankowski

contents Introducing Merici’s 2024 School Captains - Sofia White and Lily Nutt Tips for the Eras Tour - Freya Smith Gilmore Girls Trivia Quiz Olivia Mankowski Treat Yourself! - Evelyn Bewley Wishlist Ideas - Mahreen Mahmud Cruelty-Free Products Sophie Smith Good News For the Earth Lucy Mankowski Deep Sea Mining - Lucy Mankowski Book Recommendations Olivia Mankowski March Horoscopes - Linden O’Bryne 21st century home - Zoe Crick

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2024 Merici Captains Q&A (Sofia) Why did you want to be the school captain?

I love it here at Merici - I wanted to be school captain since it is my way of giving back to the school community that has given me so much. At the beginning of the process I thought it would be a great opportunity to practice life skills like interviewing and public speaking. I also wanted to make the most of my final year here, and being school captain is an incredible opportunity to connect with students, do good things for the school and make your mark.

Future Aspirations?

Honestly have no clue! I might take a gap year after school and just work and get money. If my year 12 results are good enough I would like to go to USYD, do a double degree maybe? But I literally don't know. If all else fails I'd happily become a flight attendant.

If you could only do one thing for the rest of your life, what would you?

Fly around the world travelling first class. I love flying on planes and going to airports and flying first class sounds like so much fun. And I would also be able to visit different countries!

What change do you hope to bring to the school?

I just want to implement as many ideas from students as I can - I've gotten heaps of ideas so far and I'm really open to hearing more. I want to make it easier for students to be able to communicate these ideas and suggestions as well. I'd also love to work on making Merici more inclusive for each and every person.

Fav movie and why?

I love the matrix! The aesthetic is so cool, I love sci-fi and the plot is so interesting. I would never get tired of watching that movie over and over again. And I also love Alvin and the chipmunks: chipwrecked - jeanette's SOS solo was culturally significant.

Funny memories at Merici?

I have way too many, but some notable memories include: Falling down the Brescia stairs in the first term of year 7- everyone laughed at me and my shins were completely purple and bruised Getting temporarily knocked out by a soccer ball in year 8 pe Making a Mike Wasowski shrine in my friends locker

A message to the Merici girls: Make the most of everything that Merici has to offer get involved as much as you can and sign up to everything (especially if you are in the younger year groups). Be nice to everyone. And make sure you choose subjects you like and you are good at (I did not do this and now I am suffering because of it ).

👍 😭

2024 Merici Captains Q&A (Lily) Why did you want to be the school captain?

Merici is a school which has given me countless opportunities over the years and has shaped my character in forms of personal and academic growth. It is a highly valued place of countless opportunities which I wanted to build on and facilitate as a school captain. Another reason I wanted to be a school captain is the opportunity to guide and support my fellow students through the coming year. Merici has a wonderful community of women which are very supportive leaders and in this role I get this opportunity. With effective communication and understanding of responsibility, I am eager to inspire positive change and create a sense of unity and pride with my Merici sisters.

What change do you hope to bring to the school?

In the spirit of ‘Hope’ our theme for next year creating positive change is important. A change I hope to bring to Merici is adding to the representation of voice at the school. I’m committed to providing a voice for those who may feel unheard, creating a more inclusive space in terms of creating more clubs of diverse interests, ensuring everyone feels their interests are being considered. Another change I is emphasising student mental health. School can be a very stressful space especially in assessment time and I believe it is important to help my fellow sisters understand the steps they can take to manage this better. Sofia and I have many more plans to come next year!

Fav Taylor Swift Album?

This was such a hard question because I love all Taylor albums but I go through different phases when I listen to one or the other more. At the moment I love 1989 Taylor’s version because of its recent release. I love ‘clean’ and ‘wonderland’. This album is quite sentimental to me as it is the one I grew up listening to on every road trip as a child which makes it one of my favourites.

Future Aspirations?

One future aspiration of mine is to become a lawyer. I enjoy my legal studies subject at school and for a while I have had an interest in law studies. I have always been interested in watching true crime documentaries and tv programs about all things law which really inspires me to drive for this aspiration. In the future I would also love to travel the world. So far I have only travelled overseas once (to the US in 2019) and I had a great time! I am studying Italian at the moment and are travelling there on the Merici 2024 study tour and in the future I want to travel to more places like this. I want to become immersed in the culture of other countries and expand my current worldview.

If you could only do one thing for the rest of your life, what would you?

I would spend most of my time travelling and experiencing what the world has to offer. I want to visit all the places that I aspire to.

Funny memories at Merici?

There has been too many funny memories at Merici but I’ll list my top 3: 1) In year 7 in my first week I tripped UP the Penola flex stairs in front of an entire year 12 media class of about 20 people.

2) When some other girls and I got Ms. Laird to participate in the lip sync battle with us 3) In year 10 hospitality I had to cut up 20 red chillies and I was trying to prepare the dish in time and I forgot to wear gloves while cutting them. My hands were stingy after and my teacher nicknamed me “chilli hands” for the rest of the term.

A message to the Merici girls: As a captain I want to be there for you in 2024 and are so excited to be given the opportunity to help lead you. I wanted to thankyou for voting for me and trusting me to help guide your legacy for next year! Sofia and I are always open to suggestions about what you all would like to see next year and our emails are always open. We hope to do you all proud and we know that 2024 will be a memorable year for all as the 65th anniversary of Merici College. Bring on 2024!!!

ITS ME, HI, my name is Freya and I’m here to help you to make sure your Eras Tour Experience is ENCHANTING so you can dance in your BEST DRESS FEARLESS. So ARE YOU READY FOR IT? Because here are my top tips and tricks for the eras tour!

Treatyourself!

Self-care edition Glow Recipe Glow Recipe is a Korean inspired skincare company who can be best described as ‘fruity-fun’. Although known for their viral watermelon PHA + BHA toner, they have products such as avocado eye masks, banana soufflé cream and plum serum! Their products can be found on their own and external website, and stores such as MECCA. Prices generally range from $15-$300+

Rare Beauty Created by the infamous Selena Gomez, this makeup brand is perfect for all! Although it can be pricey, critics have concluded that it is worth its price! Many of its products have gone viral, including the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick. However, it is not only limited to that, as it includes all face, lip and eye makeup essentials. Their products can be found on their website, and stores such as Sephora. Prices generally range from $20-$300+

Frank Body According to their website, Frank Body is a “high performance body and skincare that delivers immediate results”. This Aussie brand’s viral products that have been adored by millions worldwide include its Glycolic Body Scrub and Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum. This brand specialises in body and face scrubs, serums, cleansers and creams. Their products can be found on their website, and stores such as Mecca. Prices generally range from $10-$100+

WISHLIST IDEAS NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT? HERE’S SOME SUGGESTIONS TO ADD ONTO YOUR LIST!

Diffusers

Hair Clips

Bubble Bath Bottles

Dusk, Temple &

Emi Jay, Revolve,

Casa Belle, Santa

Webster, Devanti

FWRD, SportsGirl

Maria, Margot Elena

(Myer), Big W

ModeSens

(Lollia), Allkinds

Nail Polish

Books

Fluffy Robe

Perfume

Essie, OPI, Beetles

Target, Big W,

Adairs, The Oodie,

Chemist Warehouse,

Gel Polish, Sally

Dymocks, Kmart,

Hommey, Chille,

Priceline Pharmacy,

Hansen, Sienna

Bookface

Kip&Co, Best&Less

Sephora, Mecca

Candles Anko, Glasshouse Fragrances, Dusk, Yankee Candle

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Australia Taking Responsibility

A Charitable Donation

Australia has reached an agreement with the Pacific Island of Tuvalu to allow residents to resettle in Australia as their island is sinking due to climate change.

Canada has committed to investing $1 billion to protect 30% of British Columbian Lands and Waters by 2030 by working alside First Nations People.

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EU to reduce methane emissions The European Union has reached a deal to reduce methane emissions as part of their support for the global methane pledge which aims to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

What happened to whales not woodside?

Adios to shortflights?

Spain has joined France in introducing a ban on domestic flights under 2.5 hours long between cities that are connected with public transit, mainly trains, in order to encourage more sustainable travel and reduce carbon emissions.

Mentioned in our last issue, Whales and Woodside has been successful in pausing planned seismic blasting off Western Australia, which they say could deafen and ultimately kill endangered migratory whales. The Federal Court invalidated approval given to oil and gas company Woodside Energy to start underwater blasting to locate large gas reserves in the Scarborough gas field. Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper had sought an injunction to stop the blasting because she said she and other traditional custodians of Murujuga, also called the Burrup Peninsula, had not been properly consulted. On Thursday, she was “elated” by the ruling. She said, “No one is more relevant to consult about the threat posed by Woodside’s Burrup Hub than Traditional Custodians of Murujuga with cultural, spiritual and family connections to our sacred ngurra (home),”.

WHAT ARE CRUELTY FREE PRODUCTS? BY: SOPHIE SMITH The term “cruelty- free” refers to a product which does not test on animals. Manufacturers use animals to test product safety and skin reactions.

However, while good for human safety, many of these tests put the animal at risk of illness, injury, or worse. This is most common on rabbits, mice, rat, guinea pigs, cats, and beagles. Animals that undergo these procedures usually live in terrible conditions. Cruelty-free testing is a crucial distinction for conscious consumers who seek to make informed decisions about the products they use.

Luckily, many brands are taking action on this, and converting to more humane ways of testing the products found on our shelves. Now you can find a wide variety of products without putting your money towards animal cruelty. If you are not sure if something is cruelty free before buying it, all it takes is a simple Google search to find out. Popular crueltyfree brands include Lush, The Body Shop, Garnier, Glossier, E.L.F, Frank Body and Drunk Elephant.

T H E

T H R E A T S

C A U S E D

B Y

Deep sea mining The deep sea is a treasure of biodiversity and home

Due to the irreversible damage it can cause, the

to untold wonders and possibilities. However,

government must use their power to stop this

mining companies are attempting to plunder the

destructive industry, ensuring that valuable

sea floor for profit.

ecosystems and endangered species aren’t put further at risk. As a member of the International

Scientists warn that Deep Sea Mining risks causing

Seabed Authority, the organisation responsible

severe and potentially irreversible damage to the

for regulating ocean mining companies and

deep ocean and to the marine life that calls it

preserving

home. The good news is we can stop this before it’s

government has a vital role to play. It is

too late, but we don’t have much time. The

imperative for them to show leadership and join

government must take a stand against this in order

others in calling for a moratorium to stop deep

for us to make progress.

sea mining.

The Metals Company, is pushing to mine the seafloor in the Pacific Ocean as early as 2024! Deep sea mining would have devastating impacts to oceans, marine flora and fauna, and those living in coastal areas. For them, it poses serious threats to their livelihoods and spiritual connection to the ocean by impacting fish populations and sacred ecosystems.

the

deep

sea,

the

Australian

This Spells Love

By Kate Robb

The Seven Year Slip

BY ASHLEY POSTEN

Stay busy, work hard, find someone decent to love, that's Clementines moto. When her aunt offers her a place to stay in the city, she can't refuse.

And then she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen saying its seven years in the past...

A young woman tries to heal her heartbreak by casting a spell to erase her ex from her past, but she wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s lost more than she wished for in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut.

March Horoscope Aries You may find yourself overwhelmed and without motivation ; however, you must show resilience to overcome obstacles coming your way.

Taurus Though you may not feel confident at times, don’t let anxious feelings run amok.

Trust that good things are coming your way.

Gemini

Cancer

This month will bring clarity and serenity, as you will finally learn how to project your opinions.

You will be given a chance to re-initiate your life and get it in check, defining your boundaries and finding a balance.

Leo This month you may find that others will be jealous of your accomplishments, so surround yourself with positive-minded people.

Virgo Regrets may disturb your inner peace in March, challenging you to hold yourself accountable without being harsh. Be kind to yourself as you process your feelings.

March Horoscope Libra

Scorpio

This month is a lucky one for you. You may find yourself being more social and surrounded by more people, but don’t let it get to your head!

You will suddenly begin to feel more zen and comfortable, this month will be like a breath of fresh air for you.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Focus on tending to your needs so you can be more available to others and the causes you truly care about.

This month, embrace the beauty of solitude.

Sometimes, the greatest gift is the space to reflect.

Aquarius

Pisces

You will need to come back into contact with your passion and things you truly care about this month.

This is your time to be brave and be seen. Have the audacity to express yourself and share your thoughts in a more public way.

21st Century Women We are the twenty-first-century women, With ambitions as high as our hopes.

Whose mothers and grandmothers fought the fights We will win in our lifetimes.

We are the capable generation, Our problems to solve and truths to share.

With dreams of yesterday and minds of tomorrow And prayers from the hearts of today.

We are the fearless ones, Who cry out with reason and empathy For those we never meet nor see, Calling for change and respite.

We are the fortunate creatures, Who love without permission or apology.

Eyes illuminated by the promise of the good life, And thus, we strive to claim it.

21st Century Women We are the condemnatory children.

We seek not attention but understanding, Possessing the ability to see the immoral And discern their courage from cowardice.

We are the righteous beings, Our battles have earned your attention.

Our youth is not our weakness.

Nor our naivety, our reckoning.

We are the Furies of the modern age; Defenders of an auspicious future.

For everything our forebears could not be We will be twice as such.

We are the twenty-first century women.

We will topple empires and build our own in their place.

Hear our cries! Attend our voice!

Watch as we change the world.