COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

VOL 36 Number 17 Week 4 Term 4 5 November 2009

Mercedes College

Newsletter Aspire Excel Lead

EST. 1846 Mercedes College is owned and operated by The Sisters of Mercy Perth (Amalgamated) Inc MERCY

Tel: (08) 9323 1323 Fax: (08) 9323 1333 Website: www.mercedes.wa.edu.au Email: admin@mercedes.wa.edu.au

What a wonderful celebration on Presentation Night? It is so important to take time to honour the young women of our College, their achievements, their commitment to excellence and their passion when doing the things they love. Sincere thanks to the invited guests, staff, students, parents and friends of Mercedes who attended the night and to the staff and students who worked tirelessly during the day last Saturday to ensure that the evening ran smoothly. In particular I would like to thank Mrs Kathleen Cocks who coordinated the evening and ensured that the talents of our girls were well showcased. Again I congratulate all the award winners, in particular, the winners of the Mercedes Medals. The Mercedes Medal is the highest accolade a student can receive and acknowledges her outstanding contribution to the College. I would also like to wish Charlotte Pittman, our Head Girl for 2010, and Kate Marie FitzSimons, our Deputy Head Girl, and all the 2010 Prefects, all the very best for the next 12 months. The student leadership of the College is in good hands. At Presentation Night, Mrs Bernadette Dell was awarded the Board Medal. Mrs Dell had an overwhelming number of votes from both students and staff, indicative of the great respect and high esteem in which she is held.

On Friday 23 October the Mercedes Select Choir sang at St George’s Cathedral, joining the Spirit of the Streets Choir and the Perth Male Voice Choir. The evening was very moving and our girls certainly did themselves and the College proud. The praise for the girls on the radio the following Monday was testimony to the enthusiastic public response to their performance. Well done girls. It was a privilege to be there and enjoy another night of beautiful singing.

Some of our Year 10 girls excelled in the recent FAME awards, short film category. Natalie Perera, Sarah Ryan and Michaela Wolpers achieved second place while Carla Torre, Shannen Krupa and Brittany Taylor not only took out first place but also won the People’s Choice Awards. Congratulations to all the girls and to Ms Nilar Nyunt for her support and encouragement of them. In addition, Renee Ardon and Matilda Cunningham, both Year 12s, are finalists in the Central TAFE’s Media Review Awards in the documentary-non-fiction section. As always, these recognitions only come after a lot of hard work. Well done girls and thank you to Mrs Kathleen Cocks for her support of you. Two of our Year 10 girls have been selected to participate in the ECU Sponsor Super Tennis Clinic on Monday 4 January at the State Tennis Centre. Ellen Smith and Claudia Antoniazzi have also received a ticket to attend Session 3 of Hyundai Hopman Cup XXII. Well done girls and thank you to Greg Scannell from Snap Printing for nominating the girls.

Well, now that the big celebrations for Term 4 are over, the girls need to re-focus on their studies in the lead up to the final examinations and tests. Parents and guardians, the best help you can give your daughter is by being encouraging, providing healthy refreshments and keeping the house quiet and peaceful. Your daughter needs to be organized by having a revision timetable. It’s always tempting to leave the difficult subjects until the last minute. It is also important not to interrupt your daughter’s revision if it is going well, even for a family outing. Even teenagers have to accept that sometimes they must miss out. Please remember that if your daughter is worried about exams she may tend to be grumpy. Remind her about stress-reduction techniques like exercise and calm breathing and make sure that she is eating nutritious meals and drinking enough water. Reassure her that you value her efforts more than perfect results.

It was disappointing to have over 60 girls picked up for uniform infringements during a spot check last Friday morning as the girls arrived for school. The checks and detentions will continue to reinforce the College expectations regarding uniform and personal grooming. Parents, please do not phone up or email to make excuses for your daughter. The rules apply whether a student is travelling by car or using public transport. The girls make their choices and they need to realize that with choices also goes the responsibility to do the right thing. Continual reminders regarding uniforms have been given to the girls and anything other than full correct uniform is unacceptable. Again, however, I would like to sincerely thank the girls who do do the right thing and the parents who support us in reinforcing the College rules. Most of the girls look beautiful as they travel to and from school and we often receive comments from members of the public about the girls’ behaviour and dress.

Gospel Challenge 8 November - Thirty-second week of Ordinary Time. Mark 12:38-44, records the sacrifice of a poor widow. 15 November - Thirty-third week of Ordinary Time. Mark 13:24-32 looks at the end of time.

Prayer You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, He will always protect you. Feasts to celebrate: 9 November: Dedication of St John Lateran, 10 November: St Leo the Great, 11 November: St Martin of Tours, 12 November: St Josaphat, 17 November: St Elizabeth of Hungary.

Sheena Barber, Principal

Insight from Catherine McAuley

When we are truly holy, our days are consumed, gently, noiselessly in God’s service.

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

PASTORAL CARE NEWS

YEAR 7 NEWS - Mrs Rita McNamee

What a privilege it was to see so many Year Seven students receive awards on Presentation Evening. Congratulations to you all. I would also like to thank all of you for bringing the girls to the rehearsal on Saturday morning and for presenting them so well for the evening. They looked very neat and tidy!

The Year 7 retreat took place on Wednesday at Scarborough and the girls really enjoyed spending this day together.

My congratulation to the following girls who were elected by their peers as Homeroom Heroes: Georgia McGovern 7.1 Gemma Pengilley 7.2 Stephanie Martin 7.3

YEAR 9 NEWS - Mrs Sherrin Adams

YEAR 10 NEWS - Mrs Leanne Davis

Congratulations to all the award winners in Year 8, especially those who also received Academic Excellence on Presentation Night. It was a wonderful night with our Year 7 and 8 girls singing so beautifully. They had practised for a long time and were a real credit to the College. Well done girls!

As the year slowly draws to a close it is important that girls maintain their enthusiasm and work hard to achieve their best results. Homework and study for tests must remain on their agenda for the next few weeks.

Next week the girls will be receiving a letter about the excursion to the Zoo. It would be appreciated if these could be returned to Homeroom teachers promptly. Parents, please remind your daughters that going on this excursion is a privilege, and that poor behaviour or attitude will result in them not being allowed to attend.

Congratulations to Georgia Wilson 8.1 on her outstanding third place in the recent Triathlon event.

YEAR 8 NEWS - Mrs Margaret Ancliffe

Superhero Sister nominations close this Thursday, with successful applicants attending a training session prior to the end of term. This initiative, designed to promote the Caring Behaviour Policy, should help the Years 7 and 8 students of 2010 to have happy experiences at Mercedes free from bullying and uncaring actions. Many thanks to the 2009 Superhero Sisters who spoke to the Year 9 classes this week.

With the girls’ first high school exams fast approaching, our Pastoral Care lessons will soon focus on study skills and time management.

We are starting to collect items for hampers for the ‘families’ that will benefit from the St Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal. Your support of this is much appreciated.

Lastly, well done to all the Year 9s who were involved in any aspect of Presentation Night – I was very proud of you.

It was lovely to see so many parents and students at the Presentation Evening on Saturday. My congratulations once again to all our award winners.

This week in Homerooms we have commenced our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal and each of the girls will be asked to contribute something special towards the appeal. The gifts will be presented as part of the Offertory Procession at our end of year Mass.

Preparations are continuing for our Dragon Boat Racing day on 20 November and the girls are busy organising their team songs and mascots. Parents are welcome to come for part of the day, the most exciting part usually being early afternoon when the finals are held.

You can expect your daughter to be very busy with homework over the next few weeks as subjects are finalised and assessments are held. Week seven is an assessment free week and the end of year exams will take place in week 8.

Congratulations to the Year 11 students whose achievements were celebrated on Presentation evening. It was pleasing to see the girls participate enthusiastically in such a wide range of activities.

The exam timetable has now been distributed and the last day of scheduled classes for the Year 11 students is Thursday 12 November. The girls will then be on study leave and need only to attend for their specific exams. The exam period concludes on Thursday 26 November and all Year 11 students return for their last day on Tuesday 1 December to receive feedback on their exam performance. Information pertaining to the Year 12 booklist will also be distributed.

A letter outlining these arrangements has been sent home to parents this week. We hope this period of study leave will enhance the girls’ exam performance and we wish them success.

YEAR 11 NEWS - Mrs Marianne Morphett

For your diary: Mon 9 Nov Year 11 Assessment Free Week Tue 10 Nov P & F Meeting Wed 11 Nov 8.4 Mass Catherine McAuley Memorial Day Thu 12 Nov Year 11 Final Mass Mon 16 Nov Year 11 exams begin Junior Music Exams (Mon-Fri) Wed 18 Nov 8.5 Mass Fri 20 Nov Year 10 Dragon Boat Racing Day

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

GENERAL COLLEGE NEWS

MUSIC NEWS

Media Students’ Success!! The Mercedes Media students have enjoyed success in recent Media competitions. Last week the RAC Fame competition winners were announced. Five out of the ten films selected as finalists were produced by the Mercedes Year 10 Media students. Congratulations to Shannen Krupa, Brittany Taylor and Carla Torre who won the film section of the competition, and also the People’s Choice Award with their film Everything Can Be Over in a Heartbeat. Congratulations to Natalie Perera, Sarah Ryan and Michaela Wolpers who came second in the film section with their film Don’t Overcrowd in Cars. Congratulations to our other finalists: Joanna Creighton, Georgia Cowan and Laura Pensini, Kea Mason and Jessica Raschilla, Rebecca Joseph, Taylor McGuire and Tasha Ouschan. Well done to all of you! Year 12 Media students Renee Ardon and Matilda Cunningham were recent finalists in the Central TAFE Media Review Awards for their TEE documentary Marginalised. Congratulations! Media students continue to be working very hard in all their classes, producing work of a very high standard! Keep up the great work girls!

Nilar Nyunt and Kathleen Cocks

Congratulations and Thank you Well done to all the girls who performed in the Orchestra, Select Choir, Senior Percussion Ensemble and Year 7/8 Massed Choir on Presentation Evening. All the performances were exceptional and I know how hard the girls worked to prepare for the night. Thank you also to Miss Kaylie Melville, Mr Paul Waterhouse and Ms Michelle deRozario who helped rehearse the ensembles.

Congratulations also to the Select Choir who performed at St George’s Cathedral with the Spirit of the Streets Choir and the Perth Male Voice Choir a few weeks ago. It was a wonderful night and we have had many emails from the general public to congratulate the girls and received rave reviews on the radio – I am very proud of all of you.

Black Performance Dresses All girls who have a black performance dress must return it to the Music Department this year – whether you have finished school or are returning next year. We are going to do a stock take and alter the long sleeved dresses. Please return them to the Music Department or to Student Services in a plastic bag with your name marked on it. Thank you.

Mrs Claire Gamlin, Music Coordinator

History Competitions Niamh Dell (10-5) has won first place in the WA division of the National History Challenge for Year 9 and 10 students. Students were required to research and present information on a topic that addressed the theme “Triumph over Adversity”. Niamh conducted original research into the struggle to achieve educational opportunities for children with Cerebral Palsy. Her essay has also drawn accolades from the Centre for Cerebral Palsy and will be published on their website.

Rebecca Lawrence (9-4) was highly commended in the National Trust’s “Valuing our Heritage” narrative and photographic competition. Rebecca photographed the memorial for veterans of the Vietnam War, in which her grandfather served. She wrote a moving account of the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by these men and women. Her work was praised by the adjudicators for the high quality of photographic work as well as the writing.

History Department

MEDIA NEWS

PRESENTATION EVENING DVDS Copies of the ICUMC film club students’ film Mercedes College Presentation Video 2009 are now available from the Media Department at a cost of $20. This film was screened at Presentation Evening and is a great record of all the events that occurred throughout the College in 2009. Students can come to the Media room before school or after school to get their copy.

PRESENTATION EVENING THANK YOU Congratulations to all our prize winners and performers at Presentation Evening last weekend. You were all amazing and the evening was a huge success due to the generosity of all of you in rehearsing during the day and attending in the evening. Thank you to all the students, parents, and College community members who attended Presentation Evening. We hope you enjoyed the show! Special thanks to all the College staff who attended rehearsals, organised performers and sat with students in the audience. Presentation Evening was a great indication of fantastic school spirit, teamwork and very talented students. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Kathleen Cocks, Head of the Arts Learning Area

Drama Showcase The Year 10 Stage 1 Course of Study classes will be hosting a showcase of their work on Thursday 19 November at 6.00pm in the PAC. They will be performing a selection of work from their Performance and Production assessment tasks. Entrance is by gold coin donation.

Lisa McBride, Drama Coordinator

Library Closed The Library will be closed after school next Wednesday 11 November due to important staff meetings.

June Daniel, Head of Library

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

GENERAL COLLEGE NEWS

SPORTS CENTRE

Speech and Drama Examinations In the recent Trinity Guildhall Speech and Drama examinations excellent results were achieved by all the girls passing with high merits or better. The following ladies gained Honours:

Niamh Dell Year 10 92 Rebecca Watson Year 12 87 Kate Marie FitzSimons Year 11 87 Gabrielle Slack-Smith Year 9 87 Kathryn Doyle Year 10 86 Margaret McCormack Year 11 85 Georgia Volk Year 9 85 Congratulations to all the girls and we wish the Years 7 and 8 ladies all the best for their exams in Week six.

Speech Award Jacinta Cowan was awarded an A+ for her AMEB Drama & Performance exam held last term. Well done Jacinta.

Gina Ritchie, Speech

SUPER EIGHTS CRICKET YEAR 9 2009

On Tuesday 27 October the following girls represented the College in the Super Eights Cricket Competition conducted by the Western Australian Cricket Association: Kimberlee Baldry, Madison Cogan, Jessica Earnest, Carly Higgins, Rebecca Lawrence, Alannah Leishman, Ciara Murphy, Dianne Ngo, Claudia Nguyen, Julia Tana, Lillian Thomas and Ella Tobin . The games are a modified format with eight a side with each team batting for 16 overs. In the first game against Perth Modern 2, the girls batted first and scored 121 runs. The girls bowled very well to restrict Perth Modern 2 to 80 runs. Bowling first in game two the girls were able to limit Newman College 2 to 110 runs. The team then batted very well to pass the target set by Newman College with little trouble, scoring 145 off the allocated 16 overs. In the third game, after being sent into bat first by Perth Modern 1, they set them a target of 182. The tight bowling and fielding restricted Perth Modern 1 to 88 runs. Congratulations to all the members of the team who were undefeated in the competition.

Greg Smith, Phys Ed Department

SPEECH NEWS

Shell Novice Swim Meet Come down to Challenge Stadium on Saturday 5 December at 12.00pm and participate in a fun swim meet with other novice swimmers from around the metro area. If you are between 6 years and 14 years of age, just fill in the entry form from www.wa.swimming.org.au before 23 November and come to enjoy a great afternoon of racing fun. You will receive a swim cap, certificate and official race times. If your school enters the most competitors they will receive $300 and a visit from a former or current Olympic swimmer at a school assembly. For more information contact the Junior Liaison Coordinator, Paulette on 0438 908 264.

Year 7 Reflection Day The Reflection Day was an opportunity for students to explore their own spirituality and deepen their faith. The theme for the day was MERCY—GOD’S LOVING KINDNESS. It focused on our own giftedness and our relationship with God and others. The day included a variety of faith-based activities which support the RE program such as prayer and meditation, art and drama. Even though it was a beautiful but warm day, the staff and students enjoyed reflective and prayerful experiences. Our thanks to the facilitator Sandra Dillon from Spiritiva who is an experienced teacher and has worked extensively with Catholic schools in Western Australia leading retreats.

Marg Ryan, Student Mission Leader

Triathlon On Wednesday 4 November we had 61 students attend the School Sport WA Triathlon which was held at Champion Lakes. Georgia Wilson was the first Mercedes athlete to compete for the day in the junior individual event. She had to swim 300m, cycle 10km and run 2km. With the whole team cheering her on in her first triathlon, she finished an amazing third. Congratulations Georgia.

Mercedes College had 20 teams entered into the team event. Each team consisted of three team members with each participant competing in one leg of the race. One person swam 300m, one cycled 15km and the third member ran 3km. By the time the teams’ event came around the temperature had hit around 34 degrees and the girls definitely worked hard to finish. Congratulations to all girls who competed, especially Leah O’Connell, Tori Sumner and Kate Fitzsimons who came second in the Year 11 team event, and Alana Robertson, Jessica Hay and Ella Catanach who came third in the Year 11 team event.

Meagan Dastlik

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

College Wear Shop Reminder: If you wish to make an appointment to purchase your daughter’s uniform for 2010 (Years 7 and 8 only) please phone the College Wear Shop on Wednesday between 10.00am and 2.00pm or leave a message. Please note there are only four Wednesdays left to contact the College Wear Shop before the end of term.

Helpers are urgently needed for the College Wear Shop on Tuesday 24 November 2009 from 4.00pm—6.00pm If you are able to assist please phone Shirley 9323 1388 on Wednesday between 10.00am and 2.00pm or email sbucolo@mercedes.wa.edu.au. Your help is very much appreciated.

Shirley Bucolo, College Wear Shop Manageress

Christian Service Learning Congratulations to the girls who have completed their service hours for this year and who have committed to doing extra hours. It has been inspiring to see some of the activities that students have completed during the year. Unfortunately, there are a number of students who have not submitted their CSL diaries and/or not completed the minimum requirement of service hours for the year. All students are reminded that all outstanding CSL diaries must be handed in to Student Services by Thursday 12 November. Please remember to complete all journal entries and the final reflection. The minimum hours of service must be completed and signed by the supervisor. All entries must be legible and include all information regarding the name and phone number of the supervisor. If students fail to hand in their books by this date a letter will be sent home to parents requesting that service be completed in the first week of the holidays from Monday 7 December at the College.

Marg Ryan, Student Mission Leader

MIND MATTERS

WORD OF THE WEEK

RAMBUNCTIOUS: difficult to control or handle; wildly boisterous WORD CHALLENGE: The challenge is to make as many words as you can from the word “rambunctious”.

F M E S I S

I N M

Find the prefix or suffix in the word and make some other words as well as words from 9 letters and also the nine letter word hidden in the grid. Enter before next Tuesday and bring your entries to the library.

Mercy Works Visitor Sister Cathy Solano visited the College on Tuesday 27 October to present a talk on her Community Development role for Mercy Works. She described her experiences in the Sudan, PNG, Timor Leste, Pakistan and within Australia. It was an inspirational presentation which described the many issues facing developing countries.

Margaret Ryan, Student Mission Leader

SPRING IN THE VALLEYSPRING IN THE VALLEY

Sunday 8 November 2009Sunday 8 November 2009 Parents, friends and staff take the plunge and join in the fun as we head down the Chittering

Valley wine trail in the College buses! Remember to RSVP as the buses fill up

quickly!

The Chittering valley wine trail (18+ event) When: Sunday 8 November Depart: Mercedes College 9.00am on the school buses Return: Arrive at Mercedes College approx 6.00pm Cost: $35 (3 course lunch) payable on the day $2-$5 tasting charge at some wineries. ($5 contribution to cover the skipper’s lunch & nougat tasting) RSVP: Jackie Stacey, Mercedes College Ph: 9323 1373 or 0438 135 538 email: jstacey@mercedes.wa.edu.au

Mon 9 Nov Diane DiBartolomeo, Leanne Spiers Tue 10 Nov Basilia Sabatino, Jackie Seman Wed 11 Nov Lida Ostle, Jane Rova Thu 12 Nov Zandra Ryan, Helen Smart Fri 13 Nov Claire Dougherty, Dianne Hopkinson Mon 16 Nov Elizabeth Price Tue 17 Nov Stephanie Hames, Tina Russo Wed 18 Nov Emma Williams Thur 19 Nov Elizabeth Grierson Fri 20 Nov Marie Allen, Elena Ciancotti

Kathy Smith, Canteen Manageress

CANTEEN ROSTER

Mercy Soup Run Sincere thanks to the 2009 Year 12 students for their generous donation and also to all students and staff who participated in the Frog Jog. The money you raised has enabled us to serve between 60-70 men, women and children each week. We not only serve bread and soup, but long life milk, tea, cheese, baked beans and an occasional treat. May God bless you all - we could not manage without you.

Sisters Mollie and Wendy

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

St Mary’s CBC Reunion 30 Year Reunion-Class of 1979 . Come along and celebrate our 30 year reunion at : The Brisbane Hotel, 292 Beaufort Street If you were in Year 10 (1977), 11 (1978) or 12 (1979) of our Year group please come along, we'd love to see you. Saturday 28 November from 7.00pm There will be a small charge of $10.00 for food. Please pass on to everyone you know from our year! For further information please contact: Deb and Paul Cooper at dcooper@estrat.com.au or Grazia grazia.stewart@gmail.com , mobile 0407436198

Would you like to get involved in a group that is informal, social, fun and can provide you with a new or rekindled spirit of creative adventure? Get involved in a FUNdraising group that contributes creatively and financially to YOUR College. Meet other parents, have a coffee!

Our Aim: To create craft items for sale at the 2011 Mercedes College Fete (1 May 2011)

Can you or would you like to learn how to……. • Cut fabric/paper with straight edges • Pin • Clip corners and round edges / turn things out the right way / iron neatly • Thread cord or ribbon / Embroider by Hand or Machine • Sew by hand, machine, overlocker. • Come up with good ideas / make coffee, cakes / chat / socialise • Do patchwork / appliqué / stuff things • Draw or paint eg folk art, paint garden pots / make jewellery or do beading Come and be creative with us in the Mercedes College Sewing Room. We will meet weekly at 7pm from the beginning of Term One 2010. (Co-ordinators: Karina McConachie ph: 9361 7559 email: arinamac@live.com, Zandra Ryan 9271 8489 email: zanr@westnet.com.au)

CRAFT SLIP Return to Mrs Stacey at the College or email Zan, Karina or jstacey@mercedes.wa.edu.au. If this interests you, fill out this form and come along to our first ‘Meet and Greet’ in the Mercedes College Staff room on Monday 16 Nov at 7.00pm. Bring your ideas to share over light refreshments. Name: _______________________________________ Contact Phone No: _________________ Daughter’s name: ________________________________________ Year: _____ Email: ___________________________________________________________ Preferred night for craft (circle) Monday or Tuesday

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

FANTASTIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Parents and Friends’ Federation of WA Inc., the independent voice of parents with children in Catholic schools, is seeking three enthusiastic, motivated, parent-focussed people to fill the office positions of:

Executive Officer (full time) Admin and Finance Officer (0.8FTE) Affiliates Liaison Officer (0.4FTE) If you are interested please visit www.pff.wa.edu.au for details. Applications close 12 November 2009.

Embrace the Grace Youth Conference 2009 What is love? Is it possible to live a fulfilling life? Why were we created male and female? Who do I want to be and where does Jesus fit into the picture? Through engaging speakers, music, drama, prayer and fun we take a look at how we can take the challenge and dare to love. Brochures available at Reception. Contact the Respect Life Office 9375 2029 or RespectLife@perthcatholic.org.au. Brochures available from Reception at Mercedes College.

Sacrament of Reconciliation On Thursday 19 November from Period 1 until lunch time, the students in Years 7 - 10 will be offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. We have invited a number of priests to provide this wonderful opportunity for the College community, before the season of Advent.

Marg Ryan, Student Mission Leader

COMPASSION * EXCELLENCE * JUSTICE * INTEGRITY * SERVICE

It’s National Psychology Week from the 8th to the 14th of November. The Psychology Department will be organizing a display in the library including some interesting books available for loan from the library, some tip sheets, and a daily competition to win one of five Psychology Week prize packs. Think well, Be well – Tips from the Psychology Week Website:

Think well. Be well is about feeling good, having a healthy self esteem, positive family, social and work relationships, being fit and healthy and having a balanced lifestyle.

In our daily life we come across a range of events and interactions that can challenge us and lead us to feel hassled, irritable or even angry or distressed. Here are some strategies for dealing with the pressures of such daily demands: Include some physical exercise in your life! People who are more physically active, generally feel more positive and are able to better manage daily pressures and release stress. Learn how to relax! Learn a relaxation technique such as progressive muscle relaxation or join a yoga or meditation class. Get organized and prioritise demands! Prioritise and plan your day to ensure that you are not overwhelmed by demands and feeling under pressure. You will find you are better equipped to deal with daily demands if you have more control over your schedule. Learn to delegate! Delegate tasks and don't be afraid to ask your family and social network for assistance when daily demands are getting out of control. Practice saying "no". If your daily demands are getting out of control, learn to hold back and accept that you are not able to do everything. Keep things in perspective! Think through daily problems that arise from demands and whether there is a way to resolve these. If you can deal with the problem it will provide a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of being in control of your life. If the problem cannot be resolved, it may help to speak to someone about it or to think about whether it is worth feeling stressed about it given that you cannot change it. Have a positive attitude! Maintaining a positive attitude will help you to feel happier and more able to cope with daily demands. In addition, other people are more likely to interact with you in a positive way and to be more helpful and co-operative. Positive Eating! Learn to enjoy nutritious foods. A healthy diet helps to manage weight and contributes to a positive mind set. Work in a low-stress environment! Reducing noise in your immediate environment and ensuring that you have a comfortable personal space to work in can help to reduce stress associated with daily demands. For more information on National Psychology Week and some useful tip sheets on a range of issues such as parenting, anger, and healthy ageing, visit the website: www.psycholgyweek.com.au