The Hedge
Week 2, Term 4 | Thursday 24 October 2024 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Farewell to the Class of 2024

The Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony last Friday was a wonderful celebration of our Year 12 students. Friends, family, and staff gathered together in the Yitpi Centre to honour our new graduates and our MOSA President, Nick Pipinias presented each student with a MOSA keyring, as they officially became Mercedes College Old Scholars.

This milestone doesn’t just mark a farewell to years of schooling but represents new adventures beyond the College hedge. The Class of 2024 is ready to take on the world – we wish them well!

Camel Carnival

The day before their Graduation Ceremony, the Class of 2024 enjoyed a Parade of Honour around our Campus, when just over 1,000 students from Reception to Year 11 came out of their classrooms to cheer on their Year 12s. This was followed by a Senior School Assembly, before staff and students all enjoyed some well-earned fun and laughs in the Rose Garden, during the Camel Carnival.

There was Sumo wrestling, golf, giant games and of course the infamous slip and slide down the grass slopes. These activities are as much a part of College life for Year 12s, as lessons, sports days and exams!

All in all, it was a perfect blend of laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories, celebrating the end of an era in true Mercedes style!

OSHC Bin Monsters

Throughout Term 3 and the October school holidays, OSHC students combined their imagination and commitment to environmental sustainability, to create their very own Mr and Mrs bin monsters.

Each bin was designed to be easily identifiable, using distinct colours, patterns, and facial features in an effort to improve their positive impact on the environment.

Stay tuned to see what our students officially name their bin monsters!

Yr 4 AFL Max Leadership Camp

This week, our Year 4 students had an unforgettable experience at their Leadership camp at AFL Max!

From tackling obstacle courses to testing their footy skills, they embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork.

It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they participated in group activities, learned new skills, and supported each other throughout the day, whilst learning communication, teamwork and confidence skills!

World Educator Day

Tomorrow is World Educator Day… a chance to stop and thank educators everywhere. A big shout out to all our Mercedes College teachers and support staff who work with our students every day to guide and teach them to be independent, creative thinkers and to help them become leaders, for life!

PEG Meeting and Drinks

On Monday 28 October at 5.30pm, we will hold our last PEG meeting for 2024. The meeting is a chance for members of our community to come along and be updated on happenings around the College, upcoming events, updates.

Everyone is welcome to attend a PEG meeting. We hold one PEG per Term, at different times, to allow as many people to come along, as everyone has different and busy schedules.

Principal Andrew Balkwill be at this final meeting to wrap up 2024 and talk briefly about 2025.

As this PEG is our last meeting for the year, we'll host some cheese and wine after the meeting to say cheers!

We'd love to see you there. Let us know if you can come along - RSVP here.

Brownhill Creek Scavenger Hunt

Last Thursday, the Year 2 students went on a natural resources scavenger hunt in Brownhill Creek as part of their Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry. It was a great way for students to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of the Earth's natural resources.

Science Student Shines

We are thrilled to announce that Year 7 student Kirra has achieved an extraordinary second place in the prestigious Oliphant Science Awards.

Kirra’s Science Inquiry, titled "Exploring the Effectiveness of Honey as a Natural Antiseptic," stood out among 2,611 entries across the State.

We congratulate Kirra on this fantastic accomplishment and look forward to seeing how she continues to explore and contribute to the world of science.

We are excited to announce that next year’s Oliphant Science Awards will be open to students from all year levels across the College.

We encourage everyone to consider taking part in this fantastic opportunity to showcase their scientific talents and creativity.

Cross Country Ekiden Relay

And just like that, the 2024 Cross-Country season has come to a close.

Last week, our Cross Country Camels competed in the Ekiden relay races ranging from 1km to 5.4km through Bonython Park.

Cross country running has been a part of Mercedes College life for generations, and it was wonderful to see so many runners going around the course with their fellow teammates, providing support and encouragement along the way.

Christmas Joy...

It's nearly that time of the year again... When thoughts turn to Christmas!

We'd love you all to join us for our annual Christmas Picnic, being held in the Rose Garden on Sunday 10 November, 2pm - 4pm.

There will be Joy Boxes for sale, free face painting and gelato, kids Christmas crafts and a visit from Father Christmas!

Bring your own food and drinks and enjoy some festive cheer in the garden!

Please let us know if you and your family are coming along - RSVP here.

Keep an eye out for your Joy Box on Monday next week. They will be coming home with the youngest child in each family.

Simply read the guide, fill up the box and return it to our No. 1 Christmas Fan, Jenny, at Strathspey House reception by Wednesday 6 November.

They will be on sale at our Christmas Picnic!!

Melbourne Bound...

We extend our congratulations to Nathan Bassett, Director, Co-Curricular Sport, who has been offered an assistant Coach role in Melbourne.

His last day with the College will be tomorrow.

We'd like to thank Nathan for his input to our Co-Curricular Sport programme this year, which we know will go from strength to strength. 

We have been in discussions with some high quality candidates, and hope to announce our new Director, Co-Curricular Sport soon.

We wish Nathan all the best in his new role across the border.

Reporting Absences

A friendly reminder that all absentees must be reported via SEQTA Engage through the Absence portal.

Please do not report absences via text.

Council Parking Enforcement

This week, Mitcham Council let us know that their traffic inspectors will be out and about reinforcing parking restrictions around schools in the local area.

So please, check street parking signs when you drop off and pick up, and if you are attending an event, remember that there is a 2 hour parking limit in Rectory Walk, near the Gate 3 entrance.

Coming up...

  • Monday 28 October | 5.30pm – 6.30pm - Parent Engagement Group (PEG) Meeting Agenda
  • Monday 28 October to 1 November | Stage 1 Outdoor Education Camp
  • Monday 28 October to 30 October | Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp – Surfing (Group 1)
  • 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 November to 6 November | Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp – Surfing (Group 2)
  • 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
  • Sunday 10 November | Christmas Picnic, 2pm – 4pm