Dr Collen Spence wins innovative teacher award

Congratulations to Dr Colleen Spence who is one of eight recipients of the Australian 2008 Microsoft Innovative Teacher Award. The award acknowledges exceptional visionary teachers who have introduced innovative technologies in imaginative ways into the curriculum to support students and improve learning outcomes. The award decision was based on Dr Spence’s classroom practice, use of technology to enhance learning, and use of technology in her professional life, including sharing with colleagues. The award includes attendance at two professional conferences in Melbourne and in Kuala Lumpur. Dr Spence is Coordinator of Powerful Learning & Laptop Program at Merici College.

Merici is hosting Senior Crime Prevention debating tournament.

Following a successful Australian style debating season Merici's debaters are straight back to work with the Junior and Senior Crime Prevention tournaments. The Crime Prevention debating tournament is sponsored by the Australian Federal Police and deals solely with issues around law and justice. This year, Merici is hosting the tournament in our brand new Information Centre. Debates kick off with the first round on Wednesday 27 August. The topic will be the contentious: 'That Blackmail should be legal'. Aishu, Hannah and Anita (pictured left) were runners up in last years Crime Prevention debating season

Welcome to the MERICI CANON

The ‘canon’ of literary works refers to a body of selected works that have endured time in our culture. These texts are valued for not only their artistic merit but also the messages that they convey. The English Department at Merici College is in the business of creating experiences where students can experience texts that resonate in the collective consciousness of our community. We want students to be exposed to both canonical and popular texts. In essence, we want to encourage our students to read regularly and widely. The Merici Canon is a list of recommended texts for each year group. The texts are not limited to novels. The list also included films, poems and plays. This list will grow over time. Please contact the coordinator of English if you have some suggestions.

Mr Feodoroff
kristofer.feodoroff@merici.cg.catholic.edu.au.

Merici's Community Bush Dance a great success

Two cowgirls ready to line dance (photos)

World Youth Day

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Marist - Merici Fashion Parade

Last night was the culmination of many months of hard work. The Fashion Parade organised by the social justice committee raised over a thousand dollars for the National Brain Injury Foundation. The evening was a tremendous success in every way and the enthusiasm of all involved was infectious.

Ella Masri and more images

Congratulations to Sophie Phelan

STUDENT TAKES ON KOKODA CHALLENGE

 Congratulations to Yr 11 student Sophie Phelan who next week will be competing in one of the toughest endurance events in Australia – the Kokoda Challenge on the Gold Coast.  The Challenge is a 97km trek over rugged bushland that must be completed in 39 hours. That’s like doing 2 marathons non-stop – over steep hills and without sleep! 

 Mal Meninga did the Challenge last year and said it was the toughest mental challenge he had ever endured.  Sophie is one of 5 Canberra students participating as part of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.  

 You can track Sophie’s progress over the weekend of 19-20th July through the website: www.kokodachallenge.com  You can also make a donation via the website to help support Sophie’s team – “Kokoda Kids – Canberra”.

Congratulations to Aishu Balaji

Congratulations to Aishu Balaji for her selection to represent the ACT in the United Nations Youth Association of Australia National Conference in the July school holidays. The conference is to take place in Hobart and we wish her all the very best for the conference. For further information on UNYA and how you can become involved please visit the following website and follow the links to the ACT Division of UNYA. http://www.unya.asn.au/

Jacqueline Yates Represents the ACT at the National Constitutional Convention

Congratulations to Jacqueline Yates (Year 12) on being selected to represent the Australian Capital Territory at the National Constitutional Convention 2008.

The Australian Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations conducts the civics and citizenship education programme. As part of the Programme, the Department funds the National Schools Constitutional Convention to encourage young Australians to learn about the Australian Constitution and how it underpins our democracy. Students are selected from their performance at the State and Territory Constitutional Conventions in the preceding year. Jacqueline participated in the ACT Constitutional Convention held in Term 4, 2007.

Douse Debaters Continue their Strong Start.

After 3 rounds in the Douse Competition the Merici 2 Senior Debating team is undefeated along with only 5 other teams in the competition. We wish them luck for their 4th round debate on May 8.
Our other teams in the Douse, Murray and Ford competitions are also competing strongly and improving their skills as we move into the final rounds.

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Year 7 Camp in Pictures

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The St Thomas More's Forum Papers 2005-2007.

PRESS RELEASE

The main objective of the St Thomas More's Forum was to provide an avenue for prominent speakers from public life who would be prepared to address issues of topical concern and debate from a Catholic and Christian platform. The Forum was committed to promoting thought, stimulating discussion and debate. After twenty Forums and thirty-one speakers, it was decided to compile a book, hence the release of The St Thomas More's Forum Papers 2005-2007 with a foreword by Hon Murray Gleeson, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. [more]

Archimede Fusillo visits Merici

On 2 April 2008 the well known author, Archie Fusillo, came to Merici College to speak to our girls. Archie told us all about his life, and about the powerful influence his Nona and father had on the 9 books he has written. Archie captivated year 8 girls who were moved and entertained by his reflections. He also conducted writing workshops for those would be authors in our community, explaining how to keep the reader begging for more. Everyone found this to be a rewarding and valuable experience.

Awards Ceremony

Today Merici acknowledged the success of semester two 2007 students at an Academic Awards ceremony held in the gymnasium. Our guest speaker was Kelly Ashcroft, a graduate of Merici College in 2004. Kelly gave an inspirational speech that made mention of Merici’s mission statement: "Merici challenges you to love life, have hope, be faithful and build futures more wondrous than you dare to dream". She acknowledged that she was able to say that she had achieved all these things and that she did it by balancing a happy fun filled life with working hard, being organised and fulfilling goals. She also said ‘that you are not your UAI’ which many year 12 students found comforting. Although hot, the ceremony was a great success and our musical group, who have only been together for five weeks, impressed us all with their confident performances.

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Announcing Merici's New Sporting Awards

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To view the latest update on the Merici College Sports Awards Points Table click on this link [more  >>]

Our swimming Carnival in Pictures

Jessica Weber Year 9 Writes Outstanding Essay

Each year the Embassy of Japan holds an Essay Contest. Nationally, there were 1448 entries and 630 entries in the Junior A Division. Jessica Weber's essay was one of the top five in this division and rated as 'outstanding'. Jessica received her award in a ceremony at the Japanese Embassy.

Our Theme for 2008
TRUTH AND LOVE IN ACTION

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Opening Mass, WYD, Cross and Icon

The WYD Cross and Icon played a pivotal role in our Opening Mass. Click on link to view photos of Merici's journey with the Papal Cross and Icon.

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Quilts Win Awards at Canberra Show

Proud as Punch

Congratulations to the students who entered quilts into the Canberra show this year.

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Year 9 Retreat Day

RSA Course

Merici College and Restaurant and Catering NSW, invite all Year 12 Hospitality students and other interested students in Year 12 to attend a ” NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol” course on Wednesday 3rd September from 9am to 4.30pm.

permission slip

ANU enrichment course

The ANU Secondary College is presenting an information evening for parents/carers, high school and college principals (or their representative) and prospective students for 2009 (current Year 10s).

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St Thomas More's Forum

“Sense and Sensibility:
The Key to Catholic and Islamic Co-existence in the Future.”

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