Junior Journeys

Year 5 IBPYP Graduation Ceremony

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Our Year 5 students were congratulated on graduating from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) at a formal ceremony on Wednesday 30 November, 2016. With recollections from students of their years in the Junior School, a parent speech reflecting on the changes over the years, and a fabulous photo slideshow of the students, it was a fitting celebration of an end in the Junior School. The students were also welcomed to the Middle School and the IB Middle Years Programme by Mr Jarrad McCabe and Mr Ashley Coats.

I would like to especially thank Mrs Carol Thomas for sharing her insights relating to change and opportunity as her fourth child finishes in the Junior School. In addition, thank you to Liam Frew and Lucy Thompson who were outstanding comperes, and to Matthew Frost and Claire Warburton who shared their recollections and highlights of their Junior School experience on behalf of their cohort.

We have loved the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of students and to witness their learning and development over the years. Change is an important part of life. We believe the students are well prepared for their transition into the Middle School and encourage them to embrace the many opportunities that will be provided.

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Junior School End of Year Mass

It was a joyous occasion as we gathered for our final mass for the year. Our theme, A Manger for Baby Jesus and for One Another, provided a focus for us as we expressed our gratitude for the countless blessings we have received this year, and asking God to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas time.

Father James Valladares celebrated mass and engaged us in reflecting upon important messages to aspire to. I would like to express my gratitude to Sister Duyen for preparing a beautiful mass and to Mrs Rebecca Pfitzner and Mrs Loretta Bowshall for preparing our students as part of the Music programme.

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ICAS Achievement

I would like to congratulate Toby Lloyd who achieved the highest score in Spelling in the Year 4 ICAS Spelling Assessment in the SA/NT region. Toby was presented with a special medal and certificate by a representative from ICAS and Mr Peter Daw last week. Toby will also be acknowledged at our final assembly.

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Semester Two Leaders

I would like to acknowledge the Semester Two Student Representative Council (SRC) Leaders for their role and responsibility in supporting improvements in the Junior School and for their problem solving abilities in ensuring safe and respectful solutions to issues and challenges.

While we have looked at a number of small projects, a decision on the purchase and placement of a friendship bench has been made. We are hoping that it will be ready for the start of the 2017 school year, dependent on manufacturing aspects.

Students will be acknowledged for their enthusiasm and efforts at our final assembly.

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Hour of Code @ Mercedes

The Hour of Code is the largest learning event in history when over 100 million students in 180 countries participate in an hour of code during Computer Science Education Week. The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science in January 2013, designed to demystify ‘code’, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.

It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with one-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

All classes were encouraged to participate in Hour of Code activities during lesson time during Computer Science Week (Monday 5 December – Friday 9 December). Children were also invited to participate in lunchtime activities throughout the week. We invite you to visit the website to try the activities at home with your child.

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Crows Cup

On Thursday 1 December, 15 girls from Years 5-7 participated in the inaugural Crows Cup held at West Lakes and run by the female Crows team. Our girls participated with terrific sportsmanship and passion. They won 4 out of 5 games and were placed second on the day. Congratulations to our Mercedes Girls.

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Junior School Softball B2

Early in November our Junior School girls and boys participated in a softball lightning carnival at West Beach. All students participated with superb sportsmanship and were hitting and fielding at their best. They remained undefeated throughout the carnival and won the trophy for Mercedes College.

Congratulations to our B2 Softball team.

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Final Farewell

On behalf of the community I would like to acknowledge the following staff for their work with us, and in particular for their dedication to our children.

• Mrs Janine Crookes who will be returning to Canberra with her family
• Mrs Lisa Brookes who is retiring from her role in the Student Mentoring Programme
• Mrs Erin Hodges, although we hope to see Erin back in a TRT capacity next year

As many of you would be aware, Mrs Mavis Waddington has decided to retire from her classroom role; however, we look forward to her return in Term 2 for Drama lessons with Year 2 and 4 students in preparation for the Junior School Production.

I would also like to wish Mrs Melissa Buske a well-deserved, relaxing and wonderful Long Service Leave in Term 1. We look forward to Melissa’s return in Term 2.

To students and families who are leaving the Junior School, thank you for your support and contributions. We have enjoyed the opportunity to work in partnership with you. I am sure the Middle School will appreciate the many gifts and talents you have to offer. For families setting off to new pastures, I hope you take many fond memories of the Mercedes College community and I wish you well.

I feel blessed to work with such a committed, professional and enthusiastic staff and thank them for their support of our Junior School children and families. Our children are provided with so many opportunities in a broad range of areas, and while this makes life busy, we wouldn’t have it any other way!

On behalf of the Junior School staff, I hope you have a joyous and holy Christmas, and a happy and safe holiday with your wonderful children.

Julie Hann
Assistant Principal
Head of Junior School