Sport in 2017

Sport has concluded for another year at Mercedes College and already I have students asking about sport in 2017 which, I am very excited about! Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support this year. It has been such a pleasure working with the students, staff and parents of the College. I am looking forward to 2017.

A reminder that online nominations were due in two weeks ago. If you did not compete this, please email me as soon as possible so I can start looking at how many teams I am nominating. A reminder that I can nominate your daughter in a grade suitable for her level and experience, therefore I encourage her participation.

You can find the results for the season here as well as on team app.

The premiership tables for Term 4 can be found here.

Touch Football

Congratulations to the Open Green Touch team! Consisting of  Year 8 and 9 students, the girls went through the season undefeated in a very competitive competition. Well done!

Water Polo

In water polo, our girls continue to play with enthusiasm and determination. In Term 1 we fielded three teams, one Senior and two Junior, and in Term 4 we fielded two teams. 

In Term 4 our Senior team played in the Year 11-12 B Red Grade competition, achieving excellent results, and winning most matches. This was particularly commendable as the team consisted mostly of players in Years 9 and 10. Having such a young team bodes well for the future, and we hope that these promising players will continue with water polo in 2017.

We were very grateful to Isabelle Thomas (Year 12) who participated in every match that she could despite the pressures of final exams. Her input over the years as a team member and as a Captain has been exceptional, and she has truly exemplified the quality of loyalty.

Our Junior team played in the Year 9-10A/B Grade competition, and, whilst the girls were not always successful in winning their matches, their skills are developing steadily. 

Our thanks go to Mr Murray Head and Ms Frances O’Connor for all their support over the year, and to our coaches Adi Scott (Term 1), Georgia Kranz and Mark Theron (Terms 1 and 4).

Christine Stevens
Water Polo Coordinator 

Individual Sporting Achievements

Please continue to let me know of individual and team sporting achievements, the College community would love to know.

Important Dates

Year 6-12 Swimming Carnival
Friday 10 February

Keep an eye on Managebac and team app for more key dates for 2017.

Jessica Fanto
Girls' Sport Coordinator 

Old Scholars Return to Mercedes College

The SA Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Road Safety Peter Malinauskas (Class of 1998) returned to Mercedes on Friday  2 December and addressed the Year 11 students at the conclusion of their Road Safety Awareness Programme run by the Metro Fire Service.

Peter was glowing in his praise of Mercedes College and attributed much of  his career success to the education he received at Mercedes.

Peter was welcomed back to the College by the 2017 College Captains Niamh Leahy, Elsa Conlon and Patrick Cooper.

Nelson Hedditch (Class of 2007)

Nelson Hedditch returned to Mercedes on Wednesday 30 November and conducted a Masterclass in Hip Hop Poetry and the Spoken Word with Mr Ashley Coats’ Year 8 English class.

Nelson is a talented feature artist who established an excellent rapport with the students and inspired them to create their own poetry in the short space of one lesson.

1950s and 60s Old Scholars’ Christmas Lunch

On Monday 5 December old scholars from the 1950s and 60s celebrated a Christmas Lunch at Scuzzi Café in North Adelaide. This group of approximately 20 old scholars meet regularly throughout the year and there is always much reminiscing about Mercedes in the early days when it was a Boarding School.

MOSA Facebook Page

This week we reached the milestone of 2,000 “likes” on our Old Scholar Facebook page. As a result of our very interactive Facebook page we have been able to locate the contact details of many of our scholars whose addresses were previously unknown.

Anne Morse
MOSA Executive Officer

Celebration of Instrumental Recitals

Weeks 6 to 8 saw a celebration of instrumental recitals in the music department. I would like to congratulate the following instrumental tutors for hosting entertaining recitals for their students: Emma Woolcock (violin); Emma Rowe (voice/piano); Robin Pratt (guitar); and Levi Butler (piano). Across the last weeks of Term 4, we celebrated the diversity of talent among the Mercedes College student body and finished 2016 on a literal high note!

Instrumental Staff Updates

This time of year is often one of reflection and new beginnings. I am saddened, yet excited for two of our instrumental tutors who will not be continuing in 2017. Emma Rowe has taught piano and voice privately for two years, and Daniel Brasher has taught modern guitar privately for a year. They have each chosen not to continue teaching at our College next year so as to prioritise family life.

I thank them for their dedication to our students and I wish them all the best in their personal and professional endeavours. Our music department is richer for their contributions.

Replacement voice and guitar teachers will commence in Term 1, 2017. If your child is currently a student of Emma Rowe or Daniel Brasher, you will be contacted in January by a new teacher.

Instrumental Music Programme and Music Ensembles

Every student at Mercedes College is invited to take part in private instrumental tuition or join a music ensemble. Such commitment leads to performances in our exciting calendar of events including: Autumn Concert; Winter Concert; Converge Music Showcase; Catholic Schools Music Festival; R to 12 Art Exhibition; and numerous instrumental recitals.

Currently over 200 students are enrolled in private instrumental lessons and many more are welcome! If you are learning an instrument outside of the College, you are also welcome to join a music ensemble and take part in weekly rehearsals.

Mercedes College has numerous music ensembles on offer directed by accomplished music teachers. Please fill out an instrumental nomination form to express interest for 2017.

If your child studied an instrument in Semester Two, you will receive an instrumental report along with their school report.

I sincerely thank all of the music students, music staff, instrumental tutors, and parents who have contributed to the music life of our College. All of you have helped to make 2016 a vibrant and unforgettable year.

There are some exciting new music offerings to look out for next year including the continuation of the Year 3 Strings Programme and the introduction of the Year 6 Band Immersion Programme. Rumour has it, selected music ensemble members may also be taking a road trip to Mount Gambier in May for Generations in Jazz. Stay tuned! In the meantime, have a safe and happy holiday with your families.

Jennifer Trijo
Coordinator of Music and Performance R to 12

A Positive Year

This final newsletter article is a chance to reflect on the year we have had in the Student Mentoring Programme. I believe it has been such a positive year guiding, supporting and caring for the wellbeing of our students and their mentors. We were supported so capably by our Year 12 and Year 5 Student Mentoring Leaders and we thank them for their loyalty and support.

Each week, I felt blessed with the vast amount of mentors and students who came into our lives. We shared so many laughs, along with the highs and lows of life together. But, sadly, we now bid farewell to those students and their families who have completed their schooling and been in the programme throughout their school life, along with their mentors who have been by their side.

To those people, I thank you enormously for the love and friendship you have given to our programme. There are not enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation for all you have done throughout these years at Mercedes College. Relationships are the key to mentoring, and when these relationships take flight, the rest becomes easy.

It is also an incredibly sad time for me personally as I farewell my friend and colleague Mrs Lisa Brookes, who has been by my side as the Assistant Coordinator for the past 5 years. Lisa has been a part of our school community for 13 years in both a voluntary mentoring role and working one-to-one as an Education Support Officer in Inclusive Education with countless students.

Lisa is a truly special woman, who has been caring, patient, supportive and most importantly, has proven to have the kindest heart. She has always placed the students and their wellbeing as a priority in her role and her calming, gentle presence in our mentoring environment will be incredibly missed.

I know I am speaking on behalf of everyone in our programme when I say this. I thank Lisa for her incredible friendship, belief and dedication to the philosophy of mentoring. It is impossible to coordinate a programme the size of ours without having unwavering support and positive advocacy behind you, encouraging and reaffirming the decisions needing to be made.

Our programme has evolved over these past five years and together we feel proud we have continued the legacy that Mrs Penny Penhall OAM established in our school 33 years ago, continuing to focus on the needs and wellbeing of our students through the mentoring programme.

Mentors truly ‘make a difference.’ Thank you Lisa. You will be greatly missed at Mercedes College, and trust me, you have personally made such a difference in the lives of our students.

I would finally like to take this opportunity to thank the Mercedes College staff for your support and belief in our programme. It makes a difference when you have great support, strength and love behind you.

I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas with your family and friends and look forward to another wonderful year in 2017.

Cathy Cronin
Student Mentoring Programme (SMP) Management Team

Chinese Cultural Sharing

The Mercedes Language Centre (MLC) students put their English language skills to the test this week by inviting Mr Fernando Farrugia’s Year 6 class to share in some Chinese cultural activities. These included Chinese Calligraphy, Origami and Paper Cutting, String games and a Chinese Tea Ceremony.

The Year 6 students were able to choose two activities and were taught the skills by a team of 2-3 MLC students who had spent the previous week learning and practising their instructions in English. It was a remarkable achievement for all the students, some of whom had only arrived from China two weeks ago.

The students’ immediate interaction and engagement in the activities was fantastic, and there was a great reluctance by the Year 6s to leave at the end of the sessions. It was a highly successful programme and one we are keen to repeat in the future with perhaps a reciprocal sharing of some Australian culture.

Some comments from the students:

“I really enjoyed calligraphy because I got to learn to write things in Chinese. I understood their English and they did a good job at teaching me the steps on how to do it.” Lara Fox

“The students taught us String Art and games really well and I learnt how to play really fast. I want to play the game a lot more now.” Patrick Case

“I enjoyed eating the sweet dumplings because they were really good! It was also fun making them because I got to learn a unique recipe to make at home.” Genina Juanta

“Today I experienced a wonderful time with the Chinese students and I was lucky enough to learn about origami and paper cutting. I had a lot of fun creating different sculptures.” Ben Goldsworthy

“I did the Chinese Tea Ceremony. It was really interesting to learn about the origin of tea and where each tea is popular. The communication with the Chinese students was very good and they were really funny and nice.” Ella Walters

Cleland National Park

I went to Cleland National Park yesterday with my classmates and teachers. We travelled in a small bus. When we arrived, we got some food for the animals. We went to see the kangaroos, touched their faces and fed them. They were very cute. Then we saw some echidnas and wombats.

After that, we went to have some food for lunch. After lunch, we went to see some koalas, tortoises, birds, bandicoots and so on. We touched the koalas and took photos with them. We saw the feeder introduce and feed the dingoes and it was interesting.

In the end, we had visited the whole park and we were ready to go back to school… but the bus was late, we waited a long time. I would like to go again, because it is a nice park.

Janet Bartold 
International Student Programme Teacher

College Leadership

A Future of Untold Possibilities

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,
On Friday 25 November we held the Graduation Ball for our 2016 Year 12 students and their families. It is always a wonderful occasion as, freed from the pressures of the year, these fine young women and men blossom in their finery when they go from school children to confident young adults excitedly preparing for a future of untold possibilities.

This evening is not laboured by many speeches as only the College Captains and the MOSA President formally speak. The College Captains for 2016: Jacob Rigoni (12EM ), Emma von Bardeleben (12SM ), Henry Baker (12SM) and Amelia Edwards (12SM ) all spoke from the heart and once again proved themselves to be people of the highest calibre.

College Council

The work of our College Council this year has been challenged by the loss of a number of long standing members at the end of 2015. However, continuity issues aside, the current members are very committed and have done all possible to continue to provide strong governance and I sincerely thank them all.

I would like to thank Tim Prowse for his involvement on Council for the past two years. Tim has brought considerable experience and a variety of skills to work on Council and although he will not be continuing in 2017, I am hopeful that he will continue to make a contribution through working on at least one of our Standing Committees.

I am delighted to welcome Alf Ianniello who, with Louise Mathwin, was successful in the recent Council elections. Alf has been a very successful businessman over many years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Council and I am looking forward to working with him over the coming years.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

This College could not do all it does without the support of our many volunteers. Members of this very generous community volunteer to help in many ways including: on College Council, Parents & Friends, Old Scholar's and Mercureans (past parents) committees, as part of the Student Mentoring Programme, Inclusive Education Programme, Sporting Programme and Performing Arts Programme. Volunteers also help in the Library, on the Mimili Trek as well as other trips and excursions and as hosts of morning teas and class parties, in the Second-Hand Uniform Shop and in many other ways. 

On behalf of all members of our College community I sincerely thank you all for your commitment and the passion that you bring, it is greatly appreciated. 

Farewells and Welcomes

At the end of the year we are farewelling a number of our staff. As a College we recognise the professional expertise, talent and contribution that each of these people have made to our community. I farewell Mrs Liz Bondar, Mr Ken Woof and Mr John Pfitzner who are retiring at the end of the year.

Liz Bondar
Liz has been a teacher at Mercedes for 26 years and has been an inspirational teacher throughout that time. She has taught in a variety of areas but has specialised in English, the faculty that she coordinated with great skill over many years. Liz’s presence as a teacher will be greatly missed but it will be her personal presence that will leave the biggest gap at the College. 

Ken Woof
Ken joined the College in 2009 and has taught Physics and Science throughout his time with us. Ken has been a dedicated Science teacher throughout his career and has always had the interests of his students as his focus.

John Pfitzner
John has been a member of the ground staff since 1994 and has been largely responsible for keeping the gardens looking so beautiful. John has taken tender loving care of the gardens and has taken great pride in their appearance. John was a fine footballer in his early days and remains a keen observer of the game. I will miss his Monday morning critique of the weekend games. 

Mavis Waddington
Mavis Waddington is retiring from classroom teaching but will continue in her role as Coordinator of the Year 2/4 production, which is a regular highlight of the College calendar. Although Mavis will be experiencing a change in pace she remains a key member of our staff.

I also farewell Ms Verity Dray, who is moving to a school in country SA, Mrs Stephanie Ray who is moving with her family to Queensland, Mrs Janine Crookes who is moving with her family to Canberra, Mrs Catherine Quinn who is taking up a new challenge in another school and Miss Melanie Harrison, Mrs Erin Hodges and Lisa Brookes who are leaving us to take on new challenges.

Mrs Sarah Brougham, Maternity Leave and Mrs Andrea Bishop, Special Leave will be away for 2017 and Mrs Jill Leahy (Semester One) and Mrs Melissa Buske (Term 1) are taking some well-earned Long Service Leave.   

We welcome the following staff who will be joining us in 2017:

• Ms Jade Lauer, comes to us from DECD and will teach Biology/General Science.
• Ms Jennifer Chan, an old scholar of the College, will teach Science and Biology/Chemistry.
• Ms Stephanie Bordignon, comes from St Marks in Pt Pirie, and will teach English, Humanities and RE.
• Ms Tanya Bahnisch, returns to the College and will work in our Middle School.
• Mr Lachlan Jones, an old scholar of the College, will work in our Middle School.
• Mr Andrew Khabbaz, an old scholar of the College who has already taken up a number of short term contracts at the College will teach in the Junior School.
• Ms Sarah Rance, from Muirden College, will teach Business and Enterprise.
• Ms Laura Bartholomew, from Pembroke School, will teach Mathematics.

We also welcome back, Ms Jodie Papadopoulos and Ms Teresa Pepicelli who return to us after periods of Maternity Leave.  

Christmas is Coming

The end of the year is coming far too rapidly! There is still much for all of us to do at work before we can take a well-earned break. There are end of year functions to attend, gifts to be purchased and Christmas Day dinners to be organised.

During this busy time it is often easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time for us to gather with our families to give thanks for the life of Jesus. After all it is the message that Jesus left with us that guides our lives and challenges us to be the best people that we can be.

So in all the busyness of the weeks ahead my challenge will be to find some time to reflect upon what Christmas really means and I suspect many of you will feel the same.

A Christmas Prayer
Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel's song, for an infant's cry in a lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Amen

This is our last Mercy Vine for 2016 and I extend my thanks to you all for allowing us to have the privilege of working with you in the education of your children. May you experience every blessing at Christmas and have a joyous New Year.

I look forward to working with you all again in 2017. 

Yours sincerely

Peter Daw
Principal

Junior Journeys

Year 5 IBPYP Graduation Ceremony

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Middle Moments

Preparation for 2017

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

Senior Stories

Transition Days for 2017

It has been the Senior School’s turn over the past week to engage in the transition of students into their year levels for 2017. The current Year 10 students experienced a morning of information about Year 11 and all that it holds last week, culminating in a challenging and memorable presentation on Road Safety Awareness from the Metropolitan Fire Service.

This presentation, also attended by old scholar and Minister for Road Safety Police and Emergency Services Mr Peter Malinauskas MLC (1998), delivered clear messages about being aware of your surroundings and of minimising unwanted distractions while driving. These ideas certainly struck a chord with all present and left the students with some manageable strategies to assist those around them be safer road users – so you might hear some tips from your children over summer! 

Our current Year 9s were welcomed into the Senior School on Monday afternoon, having the opportunity to spend some time in their new Tutor Groups for 2017. I put to the students that perhaps this transition from Year 9 into Year 10 is the most significant transition, as it coincides with a move into the Senior School. This can sometimes take a while to adjust to and the students were presented with a number of ideas to consider prior to beginning their Year 10 studies – ranging from the increase in responsibility upon them as learners through experiences such as the Personal Project, to the onset of career choices, decision making and the opportunity to be involved in the Senior School Social in the middle of the year!

Not to be outdone, the current Year 11 students have engaged in transition by sampling some of their subjects in a shortened timetable. Not only were subject details explored, but the chance to meet new staff and make final subject choice decisions were possible and therefore the 2017 year can begin in earnest when the time is right.

Further to this, the Year 11 students have begun to transform the Senior Study space to claim it as their own in one of Mercedes College’s most anticipated transition experiences. No doubt the 2017 version of the Senior Study space will be another wonderful example of student collaboration and ingenuity.

Points to Consider in Preparation for 2017

As the students have been involved in transition activities, they have been made aware of their responsibilities as members of our Senior School community. This encompasses being dedicated and committed learners in a curriculum sense, but it also involves being aware of our expectations in terms of how Senior students interact with each other, their parents and College staff.

I invite all students to take some time prior to returning to school in 2017 to consider how they intend to meet these expectations and to successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead. This may include how they intend to reach their academic potential, how they intend to meet uniform expectations, and also how they can build lasting, positive relationships with those close to them.

Information for Parents

Over the course of the latter part of this year, members of the College leadership team have been exploring some guidelines to communicate to families and students with respect to the hosting of parties. These guidelines remain in draft form, yet I would invite you to have a read of these. They have been drafted through careful discussion about 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 planning positive social occasions for school aged children and these are well worth a visit also. If you have any feedback on these guidelines then please contact me via email over the break. It is my intention to clearly refer to these guidelines when we return to school in 2017, asking students and parents to consider these when planning parties and functions in the new year.

Finally…

2016 has been a year of great growth and challenge for me taking on the role of Head of Senior School. I have been blessed to undergo this challenge in such a wonderfully nurturing environment at this College. Thank you for your support and care over the year, and I sincerely wish you all a safe and holy Christmas and a regenerating holiday period. Until we meet again in 2017, may grace and blessings be in your path.

Michael Francis
Head of Senior School

Director of Mission

So it is Christmas…….

At times, one gets the impression that we have become rather blasé about the event. Another Christmas party to attend, limited budgets yet eagerly anticipated gifts, a Christmas Day lunch ravished by family and friends, carols softly playing in the background. Is there something missing here? A closer attention to the words of Christmas Carols can realign us to the ‘reason for the season, Jesus’. 

The relatively recent carol Mary Did You Know? takes us back to over two thousand years ago when a baby was born who was claimed to be the Incarnate God, a God who loves us so intensely that, through Mary, took on human form.

The lyrics from the song, ‘when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God’ bring a refreshing realisation of what the Incarnation really implies. Jesus is Emanuel, God with Us. Let us reflect on this for a moment and, if we truly believe, may we allow Jesus to be reborn in our hearts as we celebrate this Christmas season.

As another academic year ends, it is with gratitude that we look back at the many expressions of outreach shown by the College community. The Mercy Week activities of last term allowed for significant donations to be made to Mercy Works Australasia, Catherine House, Adelaide Day Centre for Homeless Men, Saint Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, CARITAS and Catholic Missions to the tune of around $12,000. Added to this, the recent call of support for the Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appeal has seen an overwhelming response of food items that will bring cheer to many needy families on Christmas Day.

On Monday, a group of 12 Year 11 students will make their way to Cambodia having raised over $13,000 to cover the cost of building materials on what has become an annual working pilgrimage to a country still recovering from the devastation left by the Pol Pot regime. The group will be hosted by Mercy Sister, Denise Coghlan, at the Jesuit Refugee Centre.

The trip is not a ‘poverty tour’ but a ‘roll up your sleeves’ and help venture; genuine mercy in action. We pray for God’s blessings upon Isabella Sandery, Bonnie Doyle, Elsa Conlon, Kate Henderson, Jasmine Poole, Annie Paterson, Niamh Leahy, Amber Lloyde, Issac Penglis, Sam Evangelou, Kade Lange and John Dunstan along with staff Ms Jessica Fanto, Mr Michael Francis, Ms Ilinca Bocse and Mr Bill Deegan. 

In the words of St Francis of Assisi ‘It is in giving that we receive’ and we believe that the pilgrims will return to Adelaide having received many blessings and much joy, the true joy experienced at Christmas.

Wishing you all a happy and holy Christmas Season and safe holidaying.

God Bless.

Pat Terminello KHS
Director of Mission

Good Sports

Training Tops

We encourage all students to purchase one of the Mercedes College singlets, shirts or long sleeve tops to be worn for training in either summer or winter.

Prices are below:

Singlet - $34
Short Sleeve - $46
Long Sleeve - $52

Please click here to view the College Shop Holiday hours.

Jessica Fanto and Daneil Caire
8-12 Sport Coordinators 

Wellbeing

The Mixed Blessings of Christmas Time

After an action packed Term 4, we now find ourselves planning for Christmas only a matter of days away. As always the close of the 2016 school year gives us pause to reflect on and celebrate individual and collective progress, success, and achievement across a diverse array of academic, extra and co-curricular events and experiences. It is also appropriate that we reflect on the challenges, sadness and losses that have been experienced along the way this year.

Christmas is a festive and joyous time with celebrations shared with family and friends, however, this can also be an emotionally challenging time. This year, many families in the Mercedes College community have experienced serious illness, family separation, or the death of someone close and so Christmas time can bring with it many mixed emotions from happiness to be with people we hold dear, yet sadness that loved ones no longer with us will be absent from those celebrations. The range of bitter sweet emotions at this time can make it difficult to know just what to feel, how to cope and where to turn.

The religious celebrations of Christmas time can help to reinforce a sense of community and connectedness, particularly for those who may be feeling alone and isolated. Connecting with our spiritual lives can also be a source of great emotional comfort.

This is the time of year when those who are struggling or grieving may need extra support, care and understanding, and need the support of family and friends.  Additional support may also be required and a range of telephone counselling support services are available including Lifeline (131 114), Kids Help Line (1800 551 800), and Crisis Care (131 611). There are also some very useful websites that can offer advice and strategies including:

Headspace
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue youth page
Reachout

In addition counselling services such as Centacare Catholic Family Services at Wakefield Street Adelaide (8210 8200) are able to be contacted for personal support, with the office closed from 1:00pm on 23 December, 2016 and reopening at 9:00am on 3 January, 2017.

As yet another busy and full school year draws to a close I would like to extend my very best wishes to all members of the Mercedes College community for a happy and peace filled Christmas time and a safe and relaxing start to the New Year. I look forward to renewing our contact in 2017.

Christmas blessings.

Anne Way     
R-12 College Psychologist

Events

Back to the Future

The Mercedes Parents and Friends and Old Scholars' Association are pleased to present Cinema in the Rose Garden. Click 'read more' to secure your spot on the grass.

Come and enjoy the movie 'Back to the Future' as well as a fundraising BBQ, Wine Bar, icecream and popcorn.

Saturday 11 February, 2017
7:00pm - 10:30pm
The Rose Garden, Mercedes College 

Secure your spot on the grass.

The event is presented by the Mercedes College Parents and Friends Association (MP&FA) and the Mercedes College Old Scholars' Association (MOSA).

Volunteers

We need your help to make the night run smoothly, so please sign up and help make this night a success!

Sonya Birdseye 
Community Liasion Ofiicer