Middle Moments

Preparation for 2017

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The past few weeks have seen the Middle School move into preparation for 2017. Some changes have been made in the role of Year Level Coordinators for next year, and I would like to welcome Mr Daniel Jones (Year 7 Coordinator) and Ms Holly Potter (Year 9 Coordinator) to their new positions in the Middle School. 

Mrs Caty Jarvis (Year 8 Coordinator) returns to a Year Level Coordinator role after previously coordinating at Year 7, and Mr Jason De Luca continues in his role as Year 6 Coordinator.

Noticeably absent from the Year Level Coordinator roles in 2017 are Mr Stuart Wuttke (Year 7 Coordinator) and Ms Verity Dray (Year 8 Coordinator), who are moving on after two years in their positions. Mr Wuttke will be focussing on his role as Physical Education and Health Coordinator at the College, and I thank him for his sincere, calm and committed approach to working with our Year 7 students and families. 

We sadly farewell Ms Dray from Mercedes College at the end of 2016, and wish her well as she embarks on a new and exciting move from Adelaide. Ms Dray’s vibrant, passionate and incredible work ethic will be missed by the many students she has connected with in her time at the College, and I would like to acknowledge and thank her for her incredible leadership and support of Year 8 students and staff over the last two years in particular.

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Year 7 Maker Day

As one of their final curriculum components for 2016, Year 7 students participated in a Maker Day on Wednesday 30 November, 2016. The concept of the day – providing an opportunity for the students to pursue their own area of inquiry – was initiated in 2013 by our Library Coordinator, Mrs Anne-Marie Flaherty. Her drive, along with the enthusiastic attitude of the students, has seen the day become a huge success.

During Maker Day, students worked collaboratively to explore any avenue of inquiry that interests them. Thank you to Mr Stuart Wuttke (Year 7 Coordinator) and Mrs Anne-Marie Flaherty and the entire Library staff for their assistance throughout the day. Congratulations to the students for their fantastic attitude and effort towards their creations. 

Student Reflection
On Maker Day, there were many different opportunities for the students to make something of their choice. Baking was very popular within the year level, but many students also spent time making go-karts and arts and crafts in the Library. A few students found their creativity in computer skills and Minecraft in the ignITe room.

Many excellent cakes, cupcakes and brownies were made during the day, with a variety of colours and flavours. A few students made trick-shot videos and videos of the school to display to the year level. It was enjoyable for the year level to participate in and observe these videos.

Maker Day provided many social and fun opportunities for the students. It was an excellent opportunity to spark students’ imaginations and to create something that is reflective of our individual personalities.

At the end of the day, every student presented their product. This provided the year level with the opportunity to see what others had created and to reflect on what they had made. The Year 7 students were so grateful to have had this wonderful day to create anything their minds could imagine.

Maker Day was an excellent experience provided by our Year 7 teachers; it helped us expand our minds, think outside the square and enjoy making something with our friends. This day will be a memory that many Year 7 students will cherish.

Emilia Saijkov and Scarlett Evans
7SW

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Year 5 Graduation

I was privileged to attend the recent Year 5 Graduation on Wednesday 30 November, 2016. During the Graduation Ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak briefly with a number of students, with each displaying a strong desire and excitement around transitioning into the Middle School in 2017.

On behalf of all the Middle School staff and students, I would like to congratulate the Year 5 students on their graduation from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, and we look forward to supporting them and working alongside them in the Middle School next year.

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Information for Parents

During Term 4, members of College leadership have been exploring some guidelines to communicate to families and students with respect to the hosting of parties. Although these guidelines remain in draft form, we invite you to read the document here. 

These guidelines have been drafted through careful discussion around how we would consider parties to be held in a safe and responsible manner, caring for the needs of all in the College community. Links are also highlighted to other external bodies that may have some suggestions on how to engage in the planning of positive social occasions for school-aged children, and these are well worth a visit.

If you have any feedback on these draft guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College. 

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College Uniform

All students are expected to show pride in themselves and their school by meeting requirements relating to uniform and grooming. Such self-respect is the first step towards mutual respect, one of our Mercy Keys and core values. 

With the academic year coming to a close, student adherence to our Uniform Policy has been inconsistent. It is timely to ask parents and students to ensure that when the 2017 academic year begins, all students have the required uniform and are wearing it neatly, correctly and with pride at all times. I appreciate parental support in this matter.

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End of Year

During the week, Middle School students have been involved in various end of year celebrations. On Monday, the Year 6s took advantage of the summer weather at the Burnside Pool, while on Wednesday the Year 7s participated in some beach activities and had a picnic at Somerton Park. Year 9 students also visited the beach on Wednesday, where they undertook a range of Aquatics activities at the Port Noarlunga Aquatics Centre. 

On Thursday, Year 8 students saw a movie at Mitcham Cinemas and gathered for lunch at Mitcham Reserve. These enjoyable activities help mark the end of another successful academic year for staff and students in the Middle School.

I would like to thank the parents of the College for their support this year, as well as the students for their enthusiastic and successful involvement in the academic, spiritual, sporting and artistic pursuits in which they have been involved. 

Thank you also to the committed and passionate staff members who have tirelessly supported their students during 2016.

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Advent

In the Catholic Church, Advent is the liturgical season that precedes and prepares for Christmas. It is a season of opportunity – of hope, of quiet reflection, and of joyful expectation. This time last year I became a father, and Christmas certainly held extra significance for me and my family. A year later, I now look forward to taking time out this Christmas to truly be mindful of the love that is present in my life.

On behalf of the Middle School, I would like to wish you all a safe, happy and meaningful Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you all again at the beginning of the new school year.

Jarrad McCabe
Head of Middle School - Pastoral