The Hedge
Week 1, Term 4 | Thursday 17 October 2024 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Mercy Day Mass

On the last day of Term 3, we celebrated our annual Mercy Day Mass, which was held for the first time in our new Yitpi Centre. It was wonderful to have the whole community – students, staff, family and special guests – gather together to enjoy this long held Mercedes College tradition.

The service was led by Vicar General Father Dean Marin, Concelebrant Father John Shanahan, and Deacon Andrew Kirkbride, with contributions by students from Reception through to our College Captains. A highlight was listening to the stunning voices from our choirs with singers from the junior, middle and senior schools, accompanied by our Stage Band.

At the end of Mass, we celebrated two special members of the College community with the presentation of our 2024 Mercy Award, and John Fanning Justice Award.

Celebrating the Mercy Spirit

One of the ways we celebrate our Mercy values is through the recognition on those who go above and beyond in their every day.

Each year at our Mercy Day Mass, we acknowledge two recipients with our Mercy and Justice Awards. The Mercy Award is presented to a staff member, Old Scholar or past staff member.

This year, the Mercy Award was presented to Sister Margaret Adams, a Sister of Mercy, former Mercedes College teacher, and Foundation Student, having joined the College at its inception in 1954.

Sr Margaret has lived a life of service and sacrifice centred on education and supporting women and Aboriginal communities, and we celebrated her contributions at the conclusion of our Mercy Day Mass. Special thanks to Sr Pat, who accepted the award on Sr Margaret’s behalf on the day.

The John Fanning Justice Award is presented in honour of a past staff member of the College – Mr John Fanning.

The Award goes to a student who has demonstrated our Mercy Key of Justice, encapsulating acknowledgement, mutual respect, and kindness.

This year the award was bestowed upon Year 12 student Thomas, who was recognised as someone who is kind, welcoming, and always respectful; a passionate young man who bought the Senior School cohort together this year in the Push-Up Challenge, to support youth mental health.

Well deserved Thomas!

Farewelling the Class of 2024

Today, we officially farewell our Year 12 cohort, as they complete their final on-Campus activities ahead of tomorrow’s Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony.

Students from across the Campus came out this morning, to show their appreciation and support for our most senior students in a \ Guard of Honour.

Our Year 12s were all smiles as they did a lap of the Campus, before heading off to their final College Liturgy, Assembly. The afternoon will be spent in the Rose Garden, to enjoy some sunshine, food, fun and some water play!

We all wish them well for their final exams and for their lives as they move… beyond the hedge.

Hats on!

With the heat of summer already making an appearance this week, we remind families that all students are required to wear hats when they are outside, for recess, lunch and PE lessons.

This Term, we have made our College bucket hats mandatory for all Junior School students, as these hats provide the maximum sun protection for our youngest faces.

These hats are available from the College Shop for $17. We will have an 8-week transition period from baseball caps to the bucket caps, and from Term 1, 2025, the bucket hat will be mandatory in Terms 1 and 4 for all Junior School Students (R – Yr 5).

Students in the Middle and Senior schools are also encouraged to wear our bucket hats – as we live in one of the highest UV rating States in the country, so adequate sun protection for faces and necks is very important.

Soccer Stars Awarded

Congratulations to Alex (Year 11, McAuley) and Harry (Year 12, Dalton) for being recognised by the Sports Association for Adelaide Schools (SAAS) with awards for their individual efforts in Soccer this year, making up part of the Adelaide Soccer team of the year!

Both Alex and Harry are outstanding representatives for Mercedes College on and off the the Soccer pitch, and we look forward to another brilliant season from Alex in his final year with us in 2025.

World Comes to Campus

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming more than 25 Study Adelaide Education Agents to Mercedes College, to share information about our International Student Programme (ISP).

The agents, went on a treasure hunt tour of our facilities, and really enjoyed the warm welcome and sense of community that Mercedes College is known for. Several of our international students were hosts alongside our ISP Team.

These ambassadors will return to their home countries and share their insights and learnings with local families who are considering an international school for their children who are looking to study abroad.

Cam even made a special cameo appearance to welcome the group to our Campus!

Mastering the Fairway

This week, our Year 4 students got in the swing of things at Drummond Golf driving range!

Part of their Physical Education lessons, students have been exploring correct grip and techniques to support effective striking and had a ball putting competition to put their skills to the test. Apparently most golf games are won on the putting green!

We might see some keen golfers from this group in the future!

Coming up...

  • Friday 18 October | Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony
  • Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October | Viva All Schools Track and Field
  • Wednesday 23 to Thursday 24 October | Year 4 AFL MAX Leadership Camp
  • Monday 28 October | Parent Engagement Group (PEG) Meeting (agenda to come)
  • Wednesday 30 October | Year 5 PYP Exhibition
  • Thursday 31 October | Year 3-6 SACPSSA
  • Friday 1 November | All Saints Day
  • Saturday 2 November | All Souls Day
  • Monday 4 to Friday 8 November | Year 6 Canberra Trip
  • Friday 8 November | Junior School JAM Band visit | SACE Art, Design and Performing Arts Exhibition Opening