Middle Moments

Year of International Mindedness

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Welcome to the start of the 2017 academic year. In particular, I would like to welcome all Middle School students and families joining our community this year, and I trust their association with the College will be an enjoyable and rewarding one.

As we begin a new year together – the Year of International Mindedness through Mutual Respect – I pray the opportunities throughout the year enable our students to live with intent and relate to one another in a manner that remains faithful to our Mercy Keys.

I would like to introduce a number of new staff members who commence positions in the Middle School this year. Tanya Bahnisch (Year 7), Laura Bartholomew (Year 8), Lachlan Jones (Year 8), Stephanie Bordignon (Year 9) and Suzanne Zhao (Year 9) have taken up roles as Middle School Home Group teachers. New staff members Jade Lauer (Science) and Jennifer Chan (Science) will also teach some Middle School classes.

I wish these new staff members well in their association with Mercedes College and hope their time here is personally and professionally rewarding.

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Middle School Coordinators and Home Group Teachers for 2017

In the Middle School, students are supported through a Pastoral Care structure that includes Home Group teachers and Year Level Coordinators. Home Group teachers are a significant adult presence in the school life of our Middle School students and are the first point of contact for parents.

Year Level Coordinators work closely with Home Group teachers, students, parents and the Head of Middle School – Pastoral to further develop the level of pastoral care and personal responsibility in the Middle School.

Below is a summary of the Middle School Year Level Coordinators and Home Group teachers for 2017.

Year 6

• Coordinator – Jason De Luca
• 6CO  Colleen O’Connell
• 6FF  Fernando Farrugia
• 6JD  Jason De Luca

Year 7

• Coordinator – Daniel Jones
• 7TB  Tanya Bahnisch
• 7LH  Logan Hill
• 7SW  Stuart Wuttke
• 7DJ  Daniel Jones

Year 8

• Coordinator – Caty Jarvis
• 8LB  Laura Bartholomew
• 8IB  Ilinca Bocse
• 8CF  Daniel Caire/Jessica Fanto
• 8LJ  Lachlan Jones
• 8DR  Dennis Russell

Year 9

• Coordinator – Holly Potter
• 9SB  Stephanie Bordignon
• 9GB  Georgina Burgess
• 9JR  James Reichstein
• 9DV  Damian Vahlis
• 9SZ  Suzanne Zhao

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Student Transition and Progress

The first few days of the academic year can be exciting for students, given there are new classmates and teachers to meet. The start of the year is a significant transition period for all students, and they will each cope differently with the challenges this period brings. In fact, many students may be more frightened of the possibility of failure than they are thrilled by the possibility of success!

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact the Home Group teachers and/or Year Level Coordinators to discuss how your child is settling in over the first few weeks.

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Swimming Carnival

It was wonderful to see so many Middle School students involved in the events at our Swimming Carnival on Friday 10 February, with many parents also in attendance. Swimming can provide us with a wide range of “I can do this” experiences that can lead to personal growth and development. Even the simple thought, “I can swim” can have a huge effect on an adolescent’s self-image.

I would like to thank Mr Bill Gaynor for his coordination of the event, along with Mr Matt Smith and Mrs Sue Guerin for their work in ensuring the event ran smoothly. I also acknowledge our Physical Education staff and Sport Coordinators for their significant input into the carnival, along with the other staff involved in carrying out duties on the day.

We now look forward to the Year 8-12 Athletics Carnival (Friday 10 March, SA Athletics Stadium) and the Year 4-7 Athletics Carnival (Wednesday 12 April, Mercedes College). I encourage parents to come along to these events and cheer from the sidelines!

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Inaugural Mass

Our 2017 Inaugural Mass was celebrated on Thursday 16 February,2017. This occasion allowed staff and students to celebrate the start of the new academic year and congratulate students who have taken on senior leadership roles within the College.

During the Mass, the badges of student leaders were blessed, including those of our Middle School Leaders (Elizabeth Chisholm, Isobel Dyson, Henry Baker and John George). Each of these leaders brings their own unique gifts and talents to their leadership role, and we wish them well in their leadership of the Middle School student body throughout the year.

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Middle School Parent Information Evening

On Monday 13 February, many Middle School parents gathered at the College to meet Year Level Coordinators and Home Group teachers and discuss Middle School expectations, policies and procedures. This information evening is one way the College actively seeks collaboration with families to enhance student learning and wellbeing, and there will be other similar opportunities throughout the year. Parents are always encouraged to make contact with the College regularly to discuss student learning and wellbeing.

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Student Absences

I would like to remind Middle School parents that student absences need to be phoned through to McAuley Office on 8372 3241. A note explaining the absence should also be written in the student’s personal planner on the day the student returns to school.

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Drop Off and Pick Up

Thank you to students and parents for the smooth start to the year in the drop off and pick up zones. The College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment and the following drop off and pick up arrangements are in place to ensure safety for students and efficiency for parents. 

Middle School (Years 6 – 9) students being transported to and from school by car should be dropped off and picked up just outside the College gates on Delamere Avenue or on Rectory Walk (east of the tennis courts, with entry off Fullarton Road). 

Middle School students with siblings in Years R-5 can use the Kiss and Drop zone for drop off and pick up.

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Middle School Dates to Remember

• Friday 10 March Year 8-12 Athletics Carnival (SA Athletics Stadium)
• Friday 17 March Year 6 and 8 Family BBQ (Junior School Hall, 6:00pm – 8:00pm)
• Friday 12 May Year 6-9 Mix and Mingle (7:30pm – 10:30pm)

If you need to contact me at any time, please do so.

Jarrad McCabe
Head of Middle School - Pastoral