Senior Stories

A Well Connected Cohort

By Michael Francis Email this article

Last week our Year 10 students engaged positively in their Retreat for 2016. In visiting the students as they took a break for lunch or discussed together the values they hold dear, it was clear to me that this cohort of young men and women are well connected to each other.

Their maturity in exploring some quite detailed moral questions and the certainty with which they affirmed their relationships with family and friends was outstanding. Significant skills in leading retreat experiences were shared by all staff involved; yet in particular I would like to acknowledge Ms Jennifer Trijo and Mrs Helen Ayliffe for creating the supportive atmosphere on the Retreats which they led.

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Employees of the Month?

Continuing on what is a busy term for Year 10s they have been working on developing their skills in workplace environments through the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) subject, which commences their studies of the SACE. This culminates in the Mock Interviews which were held on Tuesday 8 November and enables students to undergo the process of preparing for and completing a job interview.

Students gain a great deal of insight into the experience of having to think on their feet, be ready for any scenario and also portray a confident and capable personality through these interviews. Mr Bill Deegan and the PLP teachers have done a wonderful job in exposing students to some of these skills and a big thank you goes to all those in our community who donated time to the College as Mock Interviewers.

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Cambodia Service Trip

As mentioned in the last issue of the Mercy Vine, a number of fundraising opportunities may be available to you if you would like to support the 2016 Cambodia Service Trip.

An evening at the Beachhouse Glenelg offers a 2 hour lockdown to Mercedes College students, family and friends only (closed to the general public) and offers a 'supervisor ticket' to parents wishing go with your child(ren).

Beachhouse
Wednesday 23 November
5.30 - 7.30pm
$24.00
$10 supervisor ticket (includes a tea or coffee)

Tickets available from Strathspey Reception or McAuley Office.

Senior students go on rides with students who want someone to go on rides with them.

Bounce
Richmond Rd, Marleston
1 hour lockdown
Monday 28 November
$20pp (includes socks) for unlimited use of facilities
7.00 - 8.00pm

College staff will be present to assist in the supervision of thos attending.

Please click here to view details and RSVP form, alternatively please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in attending either event.

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End of Year Examinations

Whilst our Year 12 students have commenced their final examinations, the exam experience is just around the corner for the rest of the Senior School.

Both Year 10 and 11 students will undertake exams in the week beginning Monday 28 November and these will all be held at the College. The aim here is for Year 11 students to finish their semester of study strongly in their subjects, ensuring that they are well prepared to tackle the demands of Year 12 in 2017.

For Year 10 students, the examination week is designed to help give them some practice at exam preparation and to experience the process of sitting examinations in full. This is planned to help students in getting ready for their studies in both the SACE and the IB in the following years.

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Transition Plans

Following on from examinations, all Senior students will have the opportunity to experience some transition programmes to aid in preparing for 2017. These programmes can help students begin planning for the year ahead and get some greater clarity around subjects that they are to complete.

These transition experiences may also help students to connect with key staff in the year level ahead, so they are a valuable opportunity to help 2017 begin on a positive note.

All Senior students will be expected to be engaged in school based activities, transition lessons, or preparation until the close of the school year on Friday 9 December, 2016.

I will look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks.

Michael Francis
Head of Senior School