Mercy News

The Mercy College Rugby League program had a very successful night on Wednesday, taking out the Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 MDSSRL Grand Finals.

The Mercy College Year 7/8 team took out the Barry Blanchfield Shield with a commanding 54 – 0 victory over Mackay State High School. Mercy were in control for the entire match, dominating field position and demonstrating a high level of skills resulting in some entertaining tries being scored. The boys were dominant in defence and were rarely threatened by the Mackay High attack.

The Mercy College Year 9/10 team played out a physical encounter with Mackay State High School, eventually taking out the Booka Primrose Shield with a hard-earned 18 – 10 victory. Mercy were first on the scoreboard early in the game, however, Mackay High bounced back to go into the sheds at halftime with a deserved 10 – 6 lead. After some inspirational words from Coach Matthew Paul, the Mercy boys put in an improved performance in the second half to win the game.

This week is Refugee week. On Wednesday 19 June, Sr Denise Hinton visited Justice@Mercy students to talk about refugees and how she has worked over many years not only supporting refugees here in Mackay but in other areas as well. The students learnt about the many challenges faced by refugees both in their homelands and here in Australia.

Mrs Patroni is doing the Act for Peace Ration Challenge this week. This challenge is where you are given the same week’s rations as a Syrian refugee. Money raised towards taking on the Act for Peace Ration Challenge will help support Syrian refugees living in camps in Jordan, having fled eight years of conflict and violence in their own country.

Year 10

'My two days with Glen were fantastic; he taught me so much during his seminar. The advice that he gave was most relevant to young people today and some aspects could easily be implemented into our lives. Glen’s touching life story and the incredible information he gave us has changed my view on a lot of things. I am so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and I highly recommend this retreat to the upcoming Year 10's.' Tayla (Yr 10)

Year 9

From a parent of a Year 9 student:
My son loved Retreat and got so much out of the 2 days. Thanks for providing an experience that allows reflection, safe expression of emotion, plus growth, laughter and joy amongst their peers. It was great hearing all about it at the end of each day!

Year 8

I have learnt that you are enough no matter what, even if you think bad of yourself. I also learnt that meeting new people can be life-changing, sometimes it can be a bad change and sometimes it can be good. We have been learning about who inspires us. We also played games such as jockey, immortal and many more. Coming to retreat has changed me a lot; I have met new people and learnt new things. Jayla (Year 8)

On the Wednesday 5 June, a cold and very windy afternoon, Mr Denman drove the bus with 16 Justice@Mercy students to Mackay Harbour Beach for a clean-up. Students spent an hour cleaning up rubbish from the beautiful Harbour Beach. Rubbish included cigarette butts, fishing line, lots of paper and a variety of plastics including straws, bottles and pieces of plastic from various packaging and containers. Justice@Mercy intends to revisit the Harbour next term to do some cleaning up in the parks and beach area.