Junior Journeys

Warm Welcome

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It is always so exciting to start a new year. The children have returned with such enthusiasm and energy, and many have noticeably grown. Fifty three new students have joined us and it has been wonderful to see how well they have settled, being nurtured and cared for by both staff and students.

International mindedness through the Mercy Key of Mutual Respect is the focus for the College this year. Through our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, we will be specifically focussing on the Learner Profile and our class Essential Agreements to strengthen our children’s knowledge and understanding of international mindedness and being a global citizen, respecting others and their environment.

It is always a joy to witness so many students greet and interact with their peers and teachers in such respectful ways, something that Mercedes College is well recognised for. Whilst we work on values, manners and have high expectations of our students, I commend you as parents for the way you teach your child/children these important skills, enabling success both now and into the future.

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New and Returning Staff

I would like to welcome Mr Jack Carter (Physical Education for Term 1) and Willow Wudke (Education Support Officer) who are new to the Junior School. We welcome back Mr Andrew Khabbaz (4KB), Mrs Teresa Pepicelli (2BP) and Ms Niamh O’Brien (Psychologist) who have returned to the Junior School.

Each staff member brings a passion for teaching, learning and wellbeing, possessing a range of individual skills, interests and talents that will be shared not only with students, but with staff. They are welcome assets to our highly professional and passionate Junior School team, and I look forward to the many successes that will be achieved throughout the year as they work closely with our students.

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Congratulations

The community was so excited to discover that Emma McInerney married Andrew Grant over the school break. Staff and children enjoyed a mock wedding ceremony at our first assembly in recognition of this special occasion.

Congratulations Mrs Grant!

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New Students

A number of new students have joined the Mercedes College community. On behalf of the College, I wish these students every success with all aspects of their learning and development. We also welcome their families to the College, we hope you are beginning to feel more ‘at home’ and we look forward to working in partnership with you.

It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces and hear the enthusiastic comments from the children and parents.

Year 5

• Jackson May
• Darryl Lee
• Felix Fenton
• Julius Franchi

Year 4

• Tess Gallagher
• Jack Rivers
• Ivy Carr
• Sienna Hentschke
• Christian Smith
• Raphael Mondol
• Chase Stronach

Year 3

1. Bailey Aistrope
2. Molly Kuchel
3. Rowan Batra
4. Lachlan Mills
5. Grace Smith
6. Hugh Mahney
7. Madeleine Scott

Year 2

• Isabella May
• Abigail Scott
• Cailin Mills
• Ruby Beesley
• Luca Carr
• Rebecca Lanzilli
• Elizabeth Woods
• Sophie Coppin
• Mikhail Sidhwani

Year 1

• Mikhail Sidhwani

RBC

• Lily Bickle
• Massimo Tropeano
• Aidan Baynes
• Tate Aistrope
• Eliza Dann
• Winston Schunke
• Sienna Marciano
• Ranbir Grewal
• Victoria Huckel
• Annabelle Brooke-Smith
• Priya Batra
• Gabrielle Lefevre
• Thomas Woods

RLC

• Tyler Procter
• Atticus Kitto
• Kian Bilsborow
• Hayden Nguyen
• Sebastian Ascott
• Mia Pivato
• Nicholas Oleksyn
• Isaiah Gilbert
• Eadie Taylor
• James Fogarty
• Jonah Zandona
• Scarlett Brooke-Smith
• Gabrielle Mondol

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Junior School Inaugural Mass

The Junior School Inaugural Mass is an important celebration at the start of the school year and will take place on Friday 24 February at 10:00am in the Junior School Hall.

The blessing and presentation of our leadership badges to our newly elected Junior School Student Representative Council Leaders, Music and Student Mentor Programme Leaders will also take place. Parents of elected students will be notified prior to the Mass so that work commitments can be rearranged should they wish to attend.

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Parent Information Evening

On behalf of Class Teachers, I thank you for the excellent attendance at our recent Parent Information Night. The positive feedback from many of you was greatly appreciated and we look forward to working in partnership with you during the course of the year.

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Year 2-5 Swimming Lessons

We are hoping for perfect weather for our Years 2-5 swimming lessons which take place from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 February at the Unley Pool. Please ensure that you have carefully checked the information sent home to ensure your child is well prepared. For legal reasons, students without signed permission slips will be unable to attend.

Thank you very much to the parents who have volunteered to support the required adult/student ratios by travelling on the buses. We greatly appreciate any support with dressing your own children once the swimming lesson has concluded.

Thank you to Mrs Tracey Cramond and Mr Jack Carter for the planning and organisation of the week.

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Uniforms / Hats / Hair

The students have looked very smart in their uniforms and we thank you for supporting our uniform policy. Please note that in cooler weather students must wear their blazer, not their jumper, as an outside garment.

Our Sun Protection Policy requires students to wear their College hat during recess and lunch times, along with all PE or outside activities. Should a student not have a hat, they will be directed under the Marquee during play times, or under a shaded area during PE/outside activities. The College Shop has a range of College hats for purchase should additional hats be required. 

Hair needs to be tied up if longer than shoulder level, and only College coloured ribbons may be worn. These can also be bought at the College Shop. Clips and hair ties need to be unobtrusive (hair colour, brown or Mercedes green).

We look forward to your continued support with uniform expectations throughout the year.

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Friday Bulletin

Please check the Friday Bulletin each week for up-to-date information. Diary dates are included below however; additional dates may be added throughout the term. Notification of these will be via the Friday Bulletin.

The Junior School staff and I are looking forward to a wonderful term ahead.

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Dates to Remember

Please make sure you mark the following dates in your diary.

Julie Hann
Assistant Principal
Head of Junior School