The Hedge
Week 4, Term 4 | Thursday 7 November 2024 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Sleigh Bells are Ringing...

Don’t miss the chance to see Santa this Sunday at our annual Christmas Picnic in the Rose Garden! It’s going to be a glorious 27 degrees, so come on down and relax and enjoy catching up with friends and family.

Bring along a picnic rug, your favourite food and drink and we’ll do the rest. We will have free face painting, children’s craft activities and delicious gelati… and of course a visit from the man in the big red suit.

You still have time to deliver your Joy Box. Simply fill up the box with items nominated on the instructions and return it to Jenny (resident Christmas Angel) at Strathspey House by Friday 8 November.

We will be selling our Joy Boxes for $25 (card payment only) at the event… the perfect time to pick up a few early Christmas gifts.

If you are coming along – please register here so we know our numbers!

 

Getting our JAM On!

We recently had the pleasure of hosting JAM Band, an energetic group of passionate musicians who brought an engaging and interactive music experience to our Junior and Middle School students.

Their show was packed with fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for students (and staff) to get involved. By interacting with the performance, students not only got up and had some fun, but also built their confidence and self-esteem — core values that help them thrive in and out of the classroom.

JAM Band’s performance promotes active participation and encourages creative expression. This visit also fosters a love for music and the different way music can be shared.

Debater of the Year

Congratulations to Hardy (Year 9, Dalton) and Gina (Year 11, Fitzpatrick) for being awarded Debater of the Year in the Year 9 and Senior divisions. 

Hardy and Gina were presented their awards by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and Debating SA Patron, at a special ceremony at Government House on Thursday 31 October.

What an amazing achievement by Hardy and Gina, as there were more than 150 debaters in both divisions. It’s great to see the passion for debating is alive and well at the College.

Congratulations both, on such a great achievement!

Capital Adventures

Our Year 6’s are having a great time in Canberra this week, visiting key landmarks – Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and Questacon, to name a few!

This trip is designed to enhance students understanding of our Nation’s heritage through hands-on learning about history, politics, leadership and science. They have a packed schedule, and are not only learning more about how our Country is run, but also learning important life skills, such as independence, organisational skills and travelling with friends.

Surfs Up

The Year 10 Outdoor Education Surfing Camp along the Fleurieu Peninsula offered students a unique opportunity to learn surfing while gaining important knowledge on water safety and the local coastal environment.

Throughout the camp, students were taught the surfing fundamentals at Moana and Middleton beaches, including paddling, wave-catching, and board control. There was also a strong focus on water safety, including being able to recognise ocean conditions, identify rip currents and practice safe surf entry and exit techniques.

By the end of the camp, students not only enjoyed riding the waves but also developed a deeper appreciation for the environment, along with the skills needed to interact with it safely and respectfully.

Top that off with cooking an Indigenous inspired meal on the camp fire, and team games, for a brilliant Year 10 experience!

SACE Art, Design, and Media Exhibition

The creative journeys of our Year 12 students will be on display in the Coolock Atrium, Boardroom and Gleeson Theatre from Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 November, and you’re invited to wander through the spaces to view their work.

The SACE Art, Design and Media Exhibition features a diverse range of student work across multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, graphic design, and film.

Each piece reflects our students’ ability to explore and express thought-provoking and meaningful concepts, developed through the Stage 2 SACE curriculum.

Don’t miss it!

In the Field

Last Term, our Year 10’s went out to a range of companies and did work experience to get some insights into areas they were interested in. This week, we met with some of our students to see what they got up to.

Beatrix (McAuley), Annika (McAuley) and Hunter (Barry) had three very different work experiences. Rubbing shoulders with some of South Australia’s Supreme Court Judges, getting some hands-on experience at one of our leading hospitals, and being on a photo shoot with a major retailer for an advertising campaign.

It was a great opportunity for our students to spend valuable time working alongside industry professionals – many of whom were Old Scholars, who are always keen to have College students in their workplace.

Bus Detour

With the Adelaide 500 Motorsport event set to start this weekend, there are several traffic detours in and around inner Adelaide. Our 636 school bus will be affected, and detours have been put in place, so students will still be dropped off and picked up safely. Please check the details here

The 636 School Bus detours will be in place from 8 to 18 November 2024 inclusive.

Tis the Season to Give

As we reflect on our 70th Anniversary year and the Mercy values that guide us, we are once again reminded of the importance of giving to others and showing compassion in our community.

For many years, we have supported the Parish of St Paul (The Monastery) with their Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appeal, which provides much-needed assistance to families in need during the festive season.

We are grateful for your ongoing support of this great cause. If you wish to donate, we ask students bring their item to their homeroom or deliver them to the Carmel Bourke Library Mercy Christmas Spirit space, from Monday 11 November.

The Monastery have recommended the following items:
·      Jam
·       Vegemite
·       Instant Coffee/Coffee Bags
·       Tea Bags
·       Rice
·       Noodles
·       Pasta
·       Pasta Sauce
·       Cereal (small packets)
·       Tuna
·       Personal hygiene (lotion, body wash, etc.)

St Paul of The Cross Monastery

Today, our Year 5 students visited St Paul of The Cross Monastery, as part of their Unit of Inquiry 'How we Organise Ourselves: Communities can be developed through different belief systems.'

The students began the day by participating in the weekly Mass. Father Justin then led a session on the symbols of the Catholic Church and why these are important to Christianity. 

Students then went on a walk through the Sacred Gardens and Memorial Gardens, with a particular highlight of the outdoor Labyrinth. 

Coming Up:

  • Friday 8 November | SACE Art, Design and Performing Arts Exhibition Opening
  • Sunday 10 November | Christmas Picnic, 2pm – 4pm
  • Monday 11 November | Remembrance Day
  • Friday 15 November | Junior School Sports Fun Day
  • Thursday 21 November | Reception Students ‘Tour around Paris’
  • Thursday 21 November | 70th Year Highlights Concert Performance
  • Wednesday 27 November | Year 5 Graduation
  • Friday 29 November | Class of 2024 Graduation Ball
  • Sunday 1 December | Advent Begins
  • Friday 6 December | Last Day of School