Coolock News

Mercy Young Leaders Conference

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in an immersion to Ireland with Year 11 students Will Edwards and Zachary McCarty. The focus for the immersion was the Mercy International Young Leaders Conference at the House of Mercy in Dublin. The conference was attended by students, staff and Sisters of Mercy from around the world.

It was an amazing experience and, most importantly for me, it highlighted a number of things around Catherine’s legacy and how we live our lives.

The story of Catherine McAuley, as the foundress of the Mercy Sisters is as relevant as it has ever been. Her work with the marginalised, the oppressed and the sick was without equal. What gave Catherine strength was her commitment to her God and faith in His divine providence for her. The legacy of this work is, of course, the Sisters of Mercy and the many missions that they have created throughout the world.

I had the pleasure of listening to the stories of three Sisters during a conference workshop and their lives were a litany of selflessness and devotion to others. This devotion and dedication are things we could aspire to in our lives.

The final takeaway that resonated with me was the wonderful young people that I met and spent time with. If we ever doubt that our world is in safe hands … we should not. I was inspired by the commitment, passion and leadership demonstrated by all.

Subject Selection

Thanks to all students, families and staff for working through the Subject Selection process. This is an important part of our pathways and transition process for our students.

Australian Mathematics Competition

The Australian Mathematics Competition is an opportunity for all students to test their mathematical knowledge. Forty-eight students from Years 7 – 9 completed the competition. Congratulations to all these students for challenging themselves. Results will be available later in the year.

Respecting the Learning

Recently, the Year Level Learning Leaders (YLLL) invited students to discuss what respectful learning looks like in our classrooms. The culmination of these discussions is the ‘Respect the Learning’ statements that will be displayed and referred to in every classroom and teaching space. This document was created by students for students and focuses on eight key statements:

• I have arrived on time.
• I have arrived with all the equipment I need to learn.
• I am constantly striving to thrive and serve.
• I am in control of my own choices
• I have used my time effectively
• I have pushed myself to be the best I can be.
• I have given the teacher the best opportunity to teach.
• I have given my peers the best opportunity to learn.

Download the ‘Respect the Learning Poster’ below.

Sport Representatives

This week, there are a number of sporting teams representing the College at regional level. We wish all our teams the best in their endeavours.

Mr Len Watson, Acting Deputy Principal – Coolock