6-12 Girls' Winter Sport Presentation Evening

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The Years 6-12 Girls' Winter Sport Presentation Evening will take place on Thursday 29 August in Gleeson Hall. Doors open at 5:45pm with the presentations beginning at 6:15pm.

Please see attached for an invitation. RSVPs were asked to be returned by today, but we will extend the date to this Wednesday 21 August. All female sportswomen who have represented Mercedes in winter sport are invited to attend.

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Intercollegiate v St Ignatius' College

Please see the full 2019 Intercollegiate Programme for all event dates and times.

Come out and support your peers who are hoping to win the overall shield after being defeated last year.

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Open Girls Knockout Football

The Open Girls Football Grand Final rematch had arrived and the bus trip down to Noarlunga was full of nervous anticipation for the start of the match. The Open team has had to deal with adversity all season with the loss of several key personnel and the Grand Final was no exception, with the high-flying Zoe Prowse and courageous Captain Aless Raschella both unable to play. This however, meant opportunities for the ‘pups’ of the squad to get more exposure to senior football with several Year 8 and 9 girls playing important roles on the day.

With an eight goal loss to Tatachilla in last year's Grand Final, the girls knew they were up against a quality team. The Tatachilla girls flew out of the blocks and kicked the opening two goals and it looked like it was going to be a similar outcome to last years grand final, but to the girls credit they showed great resilience and stemmed the bleeding by getting on top in the physicality stakes.

At quarter time, the Tatachilla girls were up by two goals; however, they knew they were in for a contest with the Mercedes girls bringing their trademark physical approach to every contest. As the game played out it was clear to see why the two teams had made the Grand Final with terrific skill, courage and team first football on display. Our theme for the day was to prioritise the small things and it was great to see the girls take on board this message. On several occasions throughout the game the girls picked each other up off the ground and executed some amazing one percenters that inspired their teammates. The most pleasing aspect of the girls' ‘team first’ approach was how comfortable they made the younger girls feel throughout the day with their constructive voice and positive comments.    

The Mercedes girls did everything they could to peg the scoreboard back but in the end it was the more experienced Tatachilla team that got the chocolates, winning by four goals and in doing so became back to back State Knockout Champions. Coming in as the second-best senior girls school football team in the state is no mean feat and I couldn’t have been prouder of my girls.

Zoe Venning was clearly our best player with her ability to ‘gut run’ and get to contest after contest and create several forward assaults through her improved kicking. Margot Hall and Callie Hopwood showed both tremendous leadership on the day and were clean and skilful with their disposal. Amelie Finnimore, Maddie Sharp, Simi Dhaliwal and Maddy Box were all ‘hard as nails’ and rarely got beaten in one on one contests. Isobel Dyson kicked two superb goals to lead the goal kicking tally on the day and Georgia Box finished with a classy goal herself.  

Special mentions go to Mr Daniel Caire, Ms Jessica Fanto and Maya Rigter who have all been fantastic support on the sidelines for both myself and the girls. They take time out of their days to offer guidance and coaching to these girls and it is very much appreciated. 

The future is certainly bright for girls football at Mercedes College with a number of younger students getting invaluable opportunities and exposure to senior football and I’m extremely excited about what next year’s girls football journey has in store for us. We now look forward to Intercol, where the girls will be playing for a shield for the second year running. I’m sure the girls would love to see your support at St Ignatius' College on Friday 30 August.  

Go Camels!

Logan Hill
Open Girls Football Coach

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Open Girls Knockout Soccer

In perfect playing conditions, our knock out team opened against Seymour College with a near perfect possession game, passing to the feet of teammates and maintaining control of the game for the full fifty minutes. Alana Spirou bagged a hat trick and Captain Georgia Box slotted one midway through the first half. The game against Seymour was a real team effort, with everyone contributing.

Marryatville High School then beat Seymour 6-0 to set up the decider of the day: Mercedes v Marryatville. This decider was a real arm wrestle, both defences were desperate and not giving an inch. Our forwards continued to pepper the goals but their keeper was agile and intent on a clean sheet. Down the other end, our substitute keeper Ellen Roffe, was equally determined and made some courageous saves to keep us in the game.

In overtime play a strategic substitution was made to bring Madii Hampson on as goalkeeper to face the penalty shoot out that was now inevitable. Our first penalty missed the mark, however, Madii made an amazing save to stop their shot that was bang on target. Unfortunately we went on to only get one penalty in the net to Marryatville’s three. It is a cruel way to lose, penalties is often about luck rather than skill. The girls learned some valuable lessons that will hopefully translate to our performance at Intercol.

Game 1: Mercedes 4 def Seymour 0 (HT 2-0)

Scorers:
Alana Spirou 7',32', 43'
Georgia Box 13'

Game 2: Marryatville HS def Seymour

Game 3: Mercedes 0 drew Marryatville HS 0 (HT 0-0), Marryatville HS won 3-1 on penalty kicks.

Ashley Coats
Soccer Coordinator

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Wednesday Soccer

We began the match with most of the play in our attacking half but the conditions made it hard to score until a beautifully timed and well-placed cross from Hayley Needs on the right-wing saw Ashley McConnell-Daish bury it into the back of the net. One-nil up at halftime, we all huddled under one umbrella as the rain fell even heavier than before.

Happy, shocked, amazed and freezing, we set about a plan to counter the atrocious conditions - in the second half we would do the opposite to what we would in dry conditions - kick it long and down the centre of the pitch and have our faster, attacking players run onto the ball. With the ball like a bar of soap, using the wings to bring it up meant the ball went out a lot. Meanwhile Scotch were making a concerted come back with Madii Hampson making some (captain) courageous saves in trying conditions.

Our backline refused to capitulate with Emily Bull and Sascha Spoor stalwarts in the centre and ably assisted by our recent European imports Franka Poenitz and Georgina (somebody get the girl some shin guards) Zaborowski. The arm wrestle went back our way as Gemma Doyle forced her way through Scotch's defence to score our second goal.

Our third and most controversial goal for the season came from a strike from Hayley Needs and a cheeky right foot from Aspen Wagner right on the goal line to the see the ball safely into the net. Sinead Leahy, our only striker in the 4/4/1 configuration, decided enough was enough and went on a 3 goal rampage. It would have been 4, but she went with her left foot right in front and narrowly missed. Keep trying the left Sinead, it will happen. When the final whistle blew, we had done the seemingly impossible and were now turning our attention to getting dry and warm.

Best on Ground: Madii Hampson, Emily Bull, Sascha Spoor, Franka Poenitz, Georgina Zaborowski, Gemma Doyle, Hayley Needs, Ashley McConnell-Daish, Aspen Wagner, Sinead Leahy.

Goal Scorers: Goal 1 - Ashley McConnell-Daish, Goal 2 - Gemma Doyle, Goal 3 - Aspen Wagner with an enormous assist from Hayley Needs, Goal 4 - Sinead Leahy, Goal 5 - Sinead Leahy, Goal 6 - Sinead Leahy

Well done girls on a courageous and gritty win.

Ashley Coats
Girls Soccer Coordinator

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Tennis Anyone?

The summer season is fast approaching and we would like to give students a chance to come and try tennis. We are offering some sessions where you can come and have a hit and receive some coaching if you would like. This is open to all students whether you have played the game or not.

From next week we will be offering three sessions to come and have a go. Monday and Friday at lunch time and afterschool on Wednesdays. Ms Jessica Fanto and myself will be out on the courts and we especially encourage any female students who are unsure of what they would like to play in summer to attend, as well as anyone looking to have a go at a new sport. Please bring your own racquet if you have one, but if not the school can supply you with one for the session. 

We look forward to seeing you on the courts next week. 

Matt Smith
Tennis Coordinator

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BOUNCE Fundraiser

As you may be aware, 12 of our Year 11 students and four Senior School staff will be visiting Cambodia in December of 2019 to undertake some service work under the guidance of Sr Denise Coghlan at the Jesuit Refugee Service in Siem Reap.

This trip has taken place in the five previous years and has enabled a real and substantial opportunity for students of Mercedes College to engage in service outreach.

As part of the trip, fundraising takes place to help finance the projects undertaken by students and to support the work of the Jesuit Centre. One of the major fundraisers is an opportunity for you and your children to be involved in.

The College has organised a fundraising event at Bounce. This one hour event will be in Week 9 on Monday 16 September 2019. Students are able to bounce at Bounce from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. All activities offered by the venue will be available.

The cost for a participant in this activity is $20 per person for unlimited use of the facilities. Socks are also included in the price. Parents are welcome to attend. There is a viewing area, however if you would like to participate in the activities, please indicate this on the return slip.

College staff will be present to assist in the supervision of those attending in addition to the staff of Bounce.

Please return the consent form (please attach the form) with the appropriate money to your Home Group teacher by Monday 26 August.  Ensure it is in an envelope clearly named. You will receive conformation of your booking shortly after the money is received.

As part of the contribution to the service work of Mercedes College students and their desire to engage positively in Mercy outreach activities, I encourage you all to support this enjoyable event on the calendar.

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Summer Sport

A reminder that if your daughter played a Term 1 summer sport, she is expected to continue the commitment in Term 4. I understand that circumstances can sometimes change, and therefore if your daughter can no longer commit to their sport please let me know.

Alternatively, if your daughter did not play a Term 1 sport but would like to, please let me know or contact me for further information. Most sports are played between 8:30am and 11:00am on Saturday mornings with the exception of water polo, which is played on a Thursday afternoon after school.

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Winter Sport

Please ensure your daughter has the correct uniform for Winter Sport. You are reminded that your daughter must wear the College Netball shorts under their dress. All the sizes have been re-stocked. Year 10-12 students have the option of purchasing the new dress, but it is not compulsory.

Sport information is distributed via the College website, Managebac and TeamApp. See information on how to setup TeamApp. If you already have TeamApp, ensure that you have edited your ‘access groups’ so you can get the relevant information for winter sport.

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Star Profile - Isabel DeRosa

Well done to Isabel DeRosa (Year 9), who is now the Year 8/9 state champion in table tennis! 

Upcoming Events 

Event	Venue	Date
Intercol Cross Country	Waite	Week 5 – Wednesday 21/8
Play off Round	Various	Week 5 – Saturday 24/8
Open Knockout Netball - Finals	Priceline Stadium	Week 6 - Tuesday
Intercol Open A Soccer	MARS Complex	Week 6 – Wednesday
Intercol Open Girls Football	St Ignatius'	Week 6 - Friday

Results 

See how the girls performed in Weeks 2 and 3. 

Jessica Fanto
7-12 Girls' Sports Coordinator
jfanto@mercedes.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 Career Mentoring

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Last Friday, 33 old scholars returned to Mercedes to offer career advice to Year 11 students in 20 different careers.

Students had the opportunity to hear from old scholars currently undergoing tertiary study along with experienced old scholars already qualified and working in their chosen field. This initiative continues to be very successful providing students with valuable career information.

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Brisbane Reunion

On Sunday 4 August MOSA held their first reunion in Brisbane for old scholars living in Queensland. Old scholars had a great time catching up at the Breakfast Creek Hotel and reminiscing about their days at Mercedes. We have previously held reunions in Melbourne and Sydney and now plan to add Brisbane to our interstate reunion programme.

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Class of 2009 10 Year Reunion

Tomorrow 65 old scholars will celebrate their 10 Year Reunion with a school tour by Mr Bill Deegan followed by an evening at Plant 4 at Bowden (owned by old scholar Jono Kaitatzis, Class of 2007).

Anne Morse
MOSA Executive Officer

Annual Grants

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On an annual basis the MP&FA set a fundraising target and develop a programme of events to support the raising of the agreed funds.

A portion of the annual targeted funds is available to the College’s areas of learning via submission. These submissions need to address certain criteria: reasons for the request, numbers of students benefiting, and long term use.

Last year, we approved the KloudSac seating in the Library and a request from the Music Department for equipment to support the introduction of a drum corp. At the most recent MP&FA meeting, we awarded 2019 funding to both the Drama and Sports Departments. $2000 is going towards participation in the pilot programme 'The Suitcase Series' in collaboration with The State Theatre Company. Sport are purchasing two 3x3 marquees with the Mercedes College logo.

Thank you to all the staff who wrote to us. It was an absolute pleasure to not only support these requests but to see how passionate you all are about your specific learning areas and your students.

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Bogan Bingo

Last Saturday night the MP&FA hosted Bogin Bingo in Gleeson Hall and we were particularly warm and comfortable in our flannies and tracksuit pants.

It was such a great night and absolutely hilarious! We had a great turn-out and the community really stepped up with costumes, themed catering and Olympic standard power-walking!

We would like to thank Belinda Sugars from Mortgage Choice Parkside for sponsoring round one. Thank you to the Mills family for donating vouchers for Farley's Shoes in Blackwood. Thank you to Catherine Hicks for collecting vouchers from local businesses: The Cremorne Hotel, The Hyde Park Tavern, The TA Hotel, Bruce's Meat and Wallis Cinema at Mitcham.

A huge thank you to the MP&FA members and volunteers who gave up their Saturday to set-up and decorate, and to the parents and staff who stayed around afterwards to help pack up. A special thank you to Alex Davies, our treasurer, who not only helped set up during the day, but also ran the bar all evening. We were all very pleased when Alex won first prize in the raffle, which was a trip to Melbourne!

After costs the event raised $4300. Thank you to everyone who attended!

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The Second Hand Uniform Shop

Over the last few years the MP&FA has been incredibly grateful to Anthea Henningson and Julie Nixon for their hard work and superb management of the Second Hand Uniform Shop. As they have now stepped down, Kate Wood has taken on this role. Thank you Kate.

The Second Hand Uniform Shop has had a change of hours and is now open during school terms on:

Monday              2.30pm – 4.00pm
Wednesday        8.00am – 9.00am

It is no longer open on Friday mornings.

College Leadership

Catherine McAuley Statue

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Dear parents, caregivers, staff and, students of the Mercedes College community,
Earlier this week we unveiled and blessed our new Catherine McAuley statue.

Catherine stands proudly at the bottom of our Library Courtyard Terraces and looks across the school towards Strathspey and the Rose Garden.

Catherine’s statue is a wonderful addition to our College grounds, providing a constant and tangible reminder of Catherine, the person - her strength of character, her unbending perseverance, her welcome and commitment to the marginalised, the depths of her Mercy and her faith in God. Catherine’s statue is also a reminder of her values and educational philosophy. The Mercy ethos remains strong within our College Community and is brought to life as we live out the Mercy Keys of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Loyalty, Compassion and Justice in our everyday relationships with those we encounter.

On behalf of the College community, I would like to thank the sculptors from Hullabaloo Studio for the wonder of her creation and acknowledge everyone involved in bringing this statue of Catherine into our school, especially our generous benefactors, the Ianniello and Lanzilli families and past staff member, Dr Michael Fitzgerald. Thanks also to our past Principal, Mr Peter Daw, for commissioning Catherine’s statue.

Below is what I said to the student and staff gathering at the blessing of Catherine’s statue on Tuesday morning.

Catherine McAuley was a woman of great strength, determination and perseverance. Catherine heard the cries of the oppressed in her society, she had a deep understanding of the dignity of all humans, and she was called to action for and with the marginalised. Through her actions, she inspired others to follow in her footsteps. Our community continues Catherine’s work – ours are eyes through which she sees and the hands through which she works.

From today on, Catherine will stand here in the centre of our College. Her silent presence in the midst of our community will be a constant reminder for us:

• To listen: and find the strength to hear the Cry of the Poor, the Cry of the Earth, the Cry of Mercy, the Cry of the Faithful and the Cry of our Church
• To speak: to find the courage to speak out of the silence ourselves and to seek opportunities to help those with no voice to speak their silence
• To act: with Justice, Compassion, Integrity, Loyalty, Responsibility and Mutual Respect, and with a hospitality that recognises the dignity of all and our stewardship of our shared home.

Thank you to the Sisters of Mercy who attended the blessing. 

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Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association Conference

Last week I was very fortunate to attend the Australian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Conference held at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College in Sydney. The Conference, entitled “Speaking the Silence”, challenged those attending to hear the cry of the poor and afflicted in our communities. Many, particularly those at the margins of our society, suffer in silence and their plight often remains ‘unheard’ due to the ignorance and/or indifference of those who could and should speak up and take action.

At the conference attendees were challenged to hear the silent cry, to take up Catherine’s challenge, to walk with those in need and to engage with how our Mercy Schools, through the development of faith, education and positive relationships, can help transform our society and inspire a commitment to justice for all.
The keynote addresses were truly inspirational.

• Sr Angela Reed (MIA Global Action Coordinator, United Nations) spoke about her work and advocacy in the area of Human Trafficking and introduced us to Mely Lenario a Filipino trafficking Survivor Advocate. Mely’s was a story of true courage, persistence and determination.
• Mrs Mary McAleese (Former President of Ireland) who traced her success in law, journalism and politics back to her Mercy beginnings. She demonstrated a tremendous passion and advocacy for faith and bringing a voice to the marginalised in the Church and the world
• Mr Phil Glendenning (Director of the Edmund Rice Centre) who spoke passionately of his work in human rights, reconciliation and on raising awareness of the impact of climate change on the marginalised. Phil received the Order of Australia Award for significant service to the community as an advocate for human rights and education in 2017. 

All of these speakers highlighted the importance of recognising when to be silent, when to listen to the silence and when to speak out of the silence to challenge the injustices of our world.

The conference aimed at inspiring new thinking, but it was also an opportunity to reflect upon the wonderful works that our Mercy Schools and Colleges throughout Australasia already engage in. These works allow us, as Mercedes community members, to open our hearts in the spirit of Mercy, to further the vision of Catherine McAuley and to live out our experience of Jesus.

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Academic and Co-Curricular Events

We know that Mercedes is a very busy place and the last few weeks have been no exception.

From an academic perspective, our Junior School Learning Conferences, Middle and Senior School Learning Reviews and Year 10 SACE/IB Parent Information Evening were terrific opportunities for timely communication between parents and staff regarding student progress and future pathways.

Our students have been busy on the co-curricular front too. Congratulations to the students and staff involved in our recent Media Festival Week, and to all of the students engaged in knockout sport across boys and girls soccer, girls football and girls basketball. We continue to achieve outstanding results based firmly on the commitment and efforts of our students and staff.

This week has been Catholic School Open Week. We opened our school on Wednesday through one of our regular Orientation Walks, hosting 35 families. These walks continue to be a valuable means of promoting and showcasing our College to prospective new students and parents.

You may also have seen a wonderful write up on our Junior School Entrepreneurial Education project in the South Australian Catholic Schools lift out in The Advertiser on Saturday 3 August. This lift out promoted some of the exciting initiatives taking place in Catholic Schools in South Australia. It was fitting that our young Junior School entrepreneurs were highlighted, in a story entitled ‘Waste not, want not’, for the outstanding work they are doing to turn the Junior School organic waste into a valuable commodity for the local community.

There are many other activities coming up including our Intercollegiate games against St Ignatius' College and our Converge Music Concert. Please keep an eye out for details of these and other upcoming events via our College calendar and website.

Paul Wadsworth
Interim Principal

Junior Journeys

Numerical Acumen

By Kellie Osborn

Over 650 people gathered in the Prince Alfred College Red Centre on Tuesday 6 August 2019 to attend the Numerical Acumen Night. 

This celebrates the dedication of thousands of students across the state during Term 1 and 2 in the Numerical Acumen Challenges. The Potts-Baker Institute, Prince Alfred College challenges all students at all year levels to master mental calculation strategies. Challenges are long-term, offered over a number of months, because it takes time to master mental calculation strategies.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards on the night. You should be very proud of your achievements and hard work. We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish.

Casio Achievement Awards

Charlotte Kroeger - Dedication
Isabella Martiensen - Improvement
Christopher Keeping - Performance
Charles Greaves - Dedication
Connor Lam - Performance
Jared Cenko - Improvement
William Catinari - Dedication
Adam Pivato - Performance
Mikhail Sidhwani - Improvement
Marion Dietrich - Dedication
Deklan Murphy - Performance
Alana Kay - Improvement
Stephanie Burns - Dedication
Sam Doan - Performance
Gilbert Pronk - Improvement
Ortensia Primavera - Dedication
Avalon Schunke - Dedication
Orestes Corolis - Dedication

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Junior School Bin Audit

On Friday 9 August 2019, Junior School students and staff had the opportunity to work with NRM Education Officer, Jeremy Gramp, to conduct a bin audit within the Junior School. This was a practical hands on exercise, which allowed students and staff to look at landfill (general waste), recycling, compost and other bin use.

A bin audit is an evaluation of the waste that the Junior School produces. It allows us to find out two things: how much waste our Junior School produces and what type of waste is produced. The information can give us an idea of where to begin our waste minimisation efforts. For example, what type of recycling to implement or what type of waste to reduce. The information gathered from a bin audit can also be a valuable way of measuring improvement.

This was an exciting out of the classroom experience, as students learnt firsthand what this process involved. Following the audit, a report is provided with results and recommendations for actions to improve resource management. We look forward to viewing and analysing the data and results that are produced.

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Reception Junior School Assembly

On Friday of Week 3, the Junior School gathered together to celebrate and acknowledge our new leaders for Semester 2 and the work of our Reception classes. The Reception classes educated, entertained and wowed the audience with their video of their recent work in the Junior School kitchen garden. They also shared their beautifully presented and environmentally thoughtful Earth Book.

Finally, they excited and encouraged us with their energetic and inspirational performance about ‘reducing, reusing and recycling’, which provided positive and supportive messages for all. It has been wonderful to see the way that our Reception classes have taken the lead in sharing the importance of caring for our local environment and planet. Our Year 1 students in being last week’s winner of the Golden Bin Award are also successfully putting this into action in the yard.

Our assembly also offered a group of our Year 5 students the opportunity to launch a first for the Junior School, a student run and developed newspaper. The Mercy Scoop is a newspaper created by students for students. It will include news from the Junior School inspired by students' interests, passions and ideas. At our assembly, our Year 5 news team shared information about the first edition and encouraged our budding writers to submit ideas and articles. This is an exciting development in promoting student voice and I congratulate the student newspaper development team on their creativity and initiative.

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Junior School Leadership in Semester 2

There is always great interest, enthusiasm and activity when it comes to leadership in our Junior School. Junior School leadership provides opportunities for students to demonstrate and develop their talents, skills and passions.

Junior School Leadership:

• Create opportunities for student ownership in whole Junior School decision making.
• Provides students with practical opportunities to care for and encourage other students.
• Allows students to learn new skills in the service of others.
• It gives student leaders a chance to feel connected with others through working together.

In the Junior School, we recognise that students can be leaders across many different areas, and that leadership skills learnt in the Junior School can lay the foundations for future leadership opportunities.

It is our aim to promote and develop leadership skills in all students. These opportunities range from classroom responsibilities and personal confidence development, to leadership that is in roles that are more formal. We have a well-developed buddy programme, allowing older students the opportunity to form relationships with, and act as role models to, younger students.

Students in Year 5 have additional opportunities to develop their leadership skills. The leadership roles that are available include School House Captains (PE Leaders), Music Leaders and Student Mentoring Programme Leaders.

At our Junior School Assembly in Week 3, our Junior School Leaders were officially welcomed and acknowledged in a presentation ceremony attended by their parents, family and peers. Student badges were blessed by Father Bob and were presented to students by our College Captains.

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Student Representative Council Semester 2

Each semester, students are chosen from each Junior School class by their peers to represent their classes. Congratulations to the following group of students who were selected by their peers to be elected to the Junior School Student Representative Council for Semester 2:

5HC 
Patrick Harvey
Annabelle Phillips

5MM 
Lachlan Murphy
Tayla Simpkin Thompson

4AK 
Chloe Toogood
John Manos

4SW 
Lucas Grigg
Saskia Toogood

3NB 
Finn Grund 
Marion Dietrich

3MB 
Isobel Fitzgerald
Ethan Bailey

2IB 
Ivania Wang
Winston Schunke

2NC 
Sienna Tropeano
Asher Hogarth

1LD 
Maya Nazzari
Walker Whittaker

1BD 
Isabelle Nguyen
Jack Schreurs

RAS 
Alyssa Bickle

RLC 
Elijah Bronicki

RAD 
Lucy Filsell

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Junior School Music Leaders

Our Junior School Music Leaders assist our Junior School Music Department and encourage, support and promote music opportunities and events for other students. Congratulations to the Junior School Music Leaders for Semester 2:
                
5HC 
Stephanie Burns

5HC 
Beatrix Hannon

5HC
Grace Morton

5MM
Eleanor Mathwin

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Junior School PE Leaders

Our Junior School PE Leaders (House Captains) play a significant role in encouraging their peers to get active and involved whilst promoting the benefits of Junior School sport and related events. Each of these students has been selected to be the leaders of our Mercedes College House teams of McAuley, Dalton, Fitzpatrick and Barry. Congratulations to our Junior School PE Leaders for Semester 2:

McAuley
Rowan Batra  

Dalton
Isabelle Hicks  

Fitzpatrick
Rocco Schirripa  

Barry
Eleanor Wood  

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Junior School Student Mentoring Programme (SMP) Leaders

Our Student Mentoring Programme is a student-centred programme that provides an individual welcome and support to many students across our school. Our SMP Leaders have been selected to promote this important programme within our Junior School. Congratulations to our Junior School SMP Leaders for Semester 2
                 
5MM 
Sadie Goldsworthy 
Amalia Schreurs

5HC 
Milana Russo 
Chanel Cocca

Congratulations to all our Junior School Leaders in Semester 2. We all look forward to working closely with you in the second half of the school year. A big thank you to our Semester 1 leaders for the way that they have represented their class with passion, important ideas and a genuine care for the needs of students in their classes. These students received a certificate from Miss Osborn for their services to student leadership in Semester 1 and gathered for a final celebration on Friday of Week 3.

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Parent Reading Workshop

Last term, our Resource Based Learning Coordinators, Mrs Debbie Lauder and Mrs Lara Ebbs, along with our Key Literacy Teacher, Mrs Tori Beers presented a parent-reading workshop in the Carmel Bourke Library. We were conscious that due to the morning timing of this session that many parents would not have been able to attend. To provide this opportunity, this session will be repeated on Tuesday 20 August from 6:00 - 7:00pm. The focus of the workshop is on raising children who love to read. The focus for the workshop is on:
• Reading identity and attitude
• Strategies to empower young readers to develop a love of reading through exploring a wide range of texts
• Selection tools to find a ‘good fit’ book and to decide what to read next.

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Jimmy Dodd - Artists in Residence

This term, Junior School students have the unique experience of working with our talented artist in residence, Jimmy Dodd. Jimmy has exhibited widely across Australia in artist run, publicly funded and commercial spaces.  His work traverses the boundaries between visual street culture, alternative use of urban space and existing gallery conventions.  Some of his recent significant projects have included collaborations with the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide City Council and the Splendour in the Grass Festival.

Jimmy is also a teacher at Adelaide Central School of Art, amongst other roles. It is a pleasure to have him working with our students this term. A big thank you to Mr Ryan Stor for your support in organising this opportunity.

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Author Visit from Gerard Michael Bauer

On Friday 9 August 2019, author Gerard Michael Bauer visited us. He is the author of Don’t Call Me Ishmael! amongst a number of other notable titles. Students enjoyed and learnt so much from his visit. It was a great privilege to to meet him in person and share in his day-to-day work. He shared the process of writing, how he pieces together different ideas and experiences to create characters and events that engage the reader.

His novels are well known for their humour and Michael did not disappoint in his delivery, as his stories of success and misfortune were both funny and relatable. Just as his books put the reader in the shoes of the characters, those in the room had a similar experience as Michael recounted his own stories.

Michael Gerard Bauer is a former English teacher and this enhanced his presentation, as he was able to communicate the academic art of writing through discussing the enjoyment of the written word. Hearing writing advice from the author of books that many of our students adore was powerful. It is always a joy to see learning experiences outside of the classroom and guest speakers are no exception. We all left the room not only enthused for reading but also writing.

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Junior School French Poetry Competition

On Thursday 15 August 2019 our Junior School students entered the French Poetry Competition run by the South Australian French Teachers’ Association. To enter the competition students are asked to recite a French poem with expression and correct pronunciation. This in an exciting morning for students who look forward to having this opportunity to utilise and develop their French language knowledge and skills and to share this with others.

Kellie Osborn 
Head of Junior School 

Middle Moments

CASE Space School

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From Wednesday 3 July to Thursday 18 July, six Middle School students took part in the CASE Junior Space School Expedition in the United States. 

They visited the Kennedy Space Academy in Orlando and the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. In this hands-on adventure, the students learnt about the development of space-related technology and were led through several simulated missions where they worked together to overcome challenges and adversities. The students also had a personalised presentation from NASA Astronaut, Nicole Stott. The expedition aims to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as foster interest in STEM related subjects.

I would like to acknowledge Dr Nicholas Head for his outstanding planning and preparation of this activity and Ms Jennifer Chan for her leadership and guidance of our students during the expedition. 

Further information on the CASE Junior Space School can be found at http://www.actura.com.au/case-junior-space-school/

Below is a student reflection on the experience.

Student Reflection

CASE Space School was the most valuable, most interesting thing I have ever done. I learned so much about not only space, but the value and importance of teamwork, learning and always believing in myself. One of the most important things to me on the whole trip was learning about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens – how to be the best version of myself and the best ways to get there. It motivated me to try to be the best I can in my everyday life.

Another thing I learned that was very important to me, is to never give up. I heard Nicole Stott talk about how she is proof that you can get somewhere no matter the circumstances, and how you just need to keep trying. She went from being an everyday student to an astronaut and that was very inspiring. I learned a lot about space too, and experienced so much of what it be like to be an astronaut, which taught me some useful life skills. Finally, I made some amazing friends along the way that I hope I will stay in touch with over the years.

Stella Tisato
Year 9 

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Blessing of Catherine McAuley Statue

On Tuesday 13 August, Middle School students and staff joined with the rest of our College community for the Blessing of our Catherine McAuley Statue. 

The statue reminds us of Catherine’s hospitality.  Catherine saw in every stranger at her door in Baggot Street, in everyone who was different from herself, in every person, the hidden presence of Christ. 

The statue reminds us – as we Value Diversity in the Year of Integrity – of Catherine’s human empathy for strangers and for those out of their own cultural homes and it is a fitting reminder of our Mercy Keys which form an integral way of life for all members of our Mercedes community.

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Year 8 Camp and Bronze e-Lifesaving

Year 8 students have started receiving information about their upcoming camp and are no doubt eagerly anticipating this exciting opportunity. Students will be attending the Murraylands Aquatics Centre at Murray Bridge (during Week 7) and will be involved in activities such as sailing, kayaking, water skiing and knee boarding.

To help prepare students for this aquatics experience, in Physical Education lessons they have begun completing online modules as a part of Bronze e-Lifesaving, an interactive learning tool that challenges young people on issues such as risk-taking behaviour and peer influences when recreating in and around water. Further information about this learning tool can be found at http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/schools/in-the-classroom/e-learning

Jarrad McCabe
Head of Middle School

Senior Stories

A Strong Beginning to Term 3 & Planning for 2020

By Bill Deegan

After the term began with a bang with Trial Examinations for our Year 12 students, they have settled into the pace of Term 3 well.

This term is the final push to complete their major assessment pieces and consolidate understanding before tackling final examinations and graduation in term 4.

To assist the students in their transition to life beyond school, three seminars have been held in recent weeks with our cohort. Firstly, Paul Dillon, a nationally recognised expert in drug and alcohol education spoke once again with our students and provided them with timely and clear advice on the impacts that drugs and alcohol can have on young lives and futures beyond school. His website has many wonderful resources and tools to discuss with your children and I highly recommend visiting this site. 

Secondly, over the past few years, senior students have been working with Elevate Education on a range of topics including time management, study habits and exam technique. The final session of this has occurred this week and is focused on examination techniques and planning for the ‘finish line’. Again, there are many resources to support this program and I recommend you visit Elevate Education.

Finally, our resident Careers and Subject Advisor, Mr Bill Deegan, has continued his support of the cohort through exploring the detail of tertiary entrance possibilities. As the Universities and training organisations adjust and modify their requirements, Mr Deegan works through these details carefully and shares with the students his expertise and wisdom to assist them in making their decisions and choices about course selection and tertiary applications. If there are any follow up questions on this from either you or your children then please contact Mr Bill Deegan or myself so we can assist you.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Michael Francis
Year 12 Coordinator

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Year 11 and Year 10

On Thursday of this week, we devoted a full day to interviewing applicants for the 2020 College Captain positions.  It is a long day and an important process. Each year, we are so impressed by the calibre of the young people we have here at Mercedes College.

The students who submit a written application are invited to attend an interview with a panel of no less than nine people, consisting of the Interim Principal, Assistant Principal Administration and Student Leadership, the Head of Senior School, the Year 11 Coordinator,  the Year 12 Coordinator and the 2019 College Captains. While the panel members strive to create a friendly and open atmosphere to help the students to relax, it is a daunting and challenging experience for a 16-year-old candidate!

If a student is successful in the interview stage, they are invited to address an assembly of Year 6 to Year 11 students who then cast their vote. Of course, there can only be four College Captains, but in my view, every student who offers to be involved in whatever capacity they are able, has a generosity of spirit that is appreciated, admired, and highly respected throughout our community. There are a number of leadership roles available and I encourage all students to consider the ways in which they can be part of ensuring that we maintain the special atmosphere we have established over many years at Mercedes College.

At the end of the process, I am always in awe of the skills and honesty of the applicants and every year, I walk away thinking that our future is in very good hands. This year was no exception, every candidate deserves high praise for their genuine sense of commitment and willingness to serve the College community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

I would also like to thank the current College Captains, Margot Hall, Callie Hopwood, Jordan Abfalter and Luke Furlan, who have made an exceptional contribution this year. Their insights and questions as members of the panel revealed their maturity and integrity, as well as the value they place upon their role as leaders. They have been committed, humble, efficient and selfless.

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Parents Planning for 2020 

In addition to appointing our leaders for next year, our planning for 2020 is well under way and it was good to see Year 10 parents and caregivers last week, and Year 11 parents and caregivers this week, attend the information nights we conducted. There were many good questions and a great sense of support for the students as they consider their future. The choices made by students must be well-considered and well-informed, and the advice and guidance from trusted family members is invaluable. 

I would like to reassure all students and parents/caregivers about the process of subject selection. While our deadlines are important to enable us to ascertain numbers, staffing and timetabling needs, the conversations, counselling and opportunities for change continue throughout the remainder of the year. There is no limit to the number of questions students and parents/caregivers can ask and we will do our very best to ensure the best outcome for all students as they move towards 2020.

Finally, I would like to encourage all students in the Senior School, but especially the Year 12 students, to access the information talks available to them at the University Open Weekend. Flinders University is open on Friday 16 August and Saturday 17 August, while the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia are open on Sunday 18  August. All students in Year 12 have a copy of the SATAC Guide 2020 and Open Day brochures, as well as extensive university materials, and must plan the day to ensure they attend the sessions of importance to them.

I have devised and presented a comprehensive powerpoint to the Year 12 students about the courses at each of the universities in Adelaide, which is available on ManageBac for all Senior School students and their parents/caregivers to refer to. 

Bill Deegan
Head of Senior School 

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Cambodia Service Trip – Fundraising Update!

In late Term 2, our whole Mercedes College community worked together to raise funds for the 2019 Cambodia Service Trip.

In an incredible effort, the final total raised was $1164.10. Thank you to all who supported this activity. To put this in context, this can provide approximately 10 wheelchairs for Cambodian children, 100 pencil cases to assist students develop literacy skills, 35 bicycles that can be used by a family to access education and employment or 50% of the cost of a home for a family.

Further activities to occur this year are an opportunity to attend Bounce (aimed at Middle School students) on 16 September, a raffle with a variety of wonderful prizes and the annual Beachouse visit in November (aimed at Junior School students).

Of course, if you are wanting to make a donation to this Service Trip, then please do not hesitate to contact me at the College and I will assist you. Thank you to those families who have already donated so generously.

On behalf of the 2019 participants and the beneficiaries of this trip to Cambodia, we hope to see you at our future fundraising activities.

Michael Francis
2019 Cambodia Service Trip Coordinator

Director of Mission

Retreat, Reflection Day & Vinnies Appeal

By

It has been a very busy start to Term 3 in terms of matters relating to our College mission and identity.

The Year 11 Retreat and Year 9 Reflection Day were all successful due to the tireless efforts and energy of the facilitators, staff and old scholars who assisted. In September, Mercedes College and St Aloysius College will join forces for the Vinnies sleep out (more details to follow). On Tuesday, Deacon Andrew blessed our beautiful Catherine McAuley statue.

One definite celebration is that late last term the College collected, through your generous donations, 1400 plus non-perishable items for the Vinnies Winter Appeal, another incredible effort. Vinnies collected the items last week and expressed their gratitude to our community.

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Conference of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association

Recently, our Interim Principal Mr Paul Wadsworth and I attended the 15th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) in Sydney. At the conference we were challenged to consider the theme of Speaking the Silence, a complex theme that challenged us on many levels and offered provocations such as: How can we be champions of the dignity for every human being? How can we speak with authentic voices, break the silence, search for truth and embrace those who are marginalised, those who are in need?

The mystery of Christ is a raw, real image, one that, as Pope Francis suggests, requires us as Christians to go out and be amongst the people to work collaboratively in communities. For me, this is not a secularised image, but a liberating Catholic-filled welcoming image.

Catherine McAuley encourages us to “be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Many of the Mercy Sisters, and keynote speakers at the conference, named the need for people who can to use their capacity to empower others. The reality is, we must spread the message that we are all, regardless of our personal story, valued, unconditionally loved and, deserving of a seat at God’s table.

From this conference, and because I am relatively new to this community, this semester, I will be exploring in detail:
• How the call of Mercy and our Mercy Identity is spoken and lived at Mercedes College
• What Gospel values we celebrate at Mercedes College
• How we are the loving church we are born to be
• “We can never say it is enough” (Catherine McAuley) and we must all continue to speak the silence and be authentic voices

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I close by giving the last word to a few groups of Year 11 students who wrote the prayers below for the Mass on one of the retreats…rather inspiring.

Compassionate God,
We would like to give thanks to all those who care, who use that compassion to better everyone’s lives, no matter the circumstances.  Let us all remember that compassion is active care without bounds.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

Dear Lord,
Help us to play our role within our community and provide comfort to those who need it.  Let us be grateful for what we have and where we are. Show us how to embrace change, with grace in our lives.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

Lord,
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to come together and engage in this Retreat.  We pray we can strengthen our relationships and enjoy our time away from the pressures of school.  Thank you God for keeping us safe throughout this Retreat.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer

Deborah Lubatti
Director of Mission

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Year 9 Reflection Day

Early in Term 3 the Year 9 students were invited to engage with staff, peers and God on their reflection day. The focus of the day was on respectful relationships and the true meaning of love.

Here are some insights from some of the Year 9 students:

Year 9 Reflection Day was an informative and freeing experience for all of us. I enjoyed talking to and hearing other perspectives on love, relationships and mutual respect as everyone offered something unique and different. I think we could all benefit from learning even more about this topic in the future.

The reflection day was a chance for the year nine cohort to take a step back from our busy year nine lives and have a chance to reflect. The main focus was relationships and the different types of love. It was interesting to learn how limiting the English language is in the different ways that we express our love, with only the one word at our disposal.

I really enjoyed being able to discuss topics that are relevant to us as young adolescents. I also liked how interactive the day was and the open forum for communication of everyone's perspectives.

Year 9 Students 

I shall leave you with a blessing prayer, which contains some deep insights about relationships, By John O’Donohue from Benedictus: A Book of Blessings:

May you have the grace and wisdom to act kindly, learning to distinguish between what is personal and what is not.
May you be hospitable to criticism.
May you never put yourself at the centre of things. May you act not from arrogance but out of service.
May you work on yourself, building up and refining the ways of your mind.
May you learn to cultivate the art of presence in order to engage with those who meet you.
When someone fails or disappoints you, may the graciousness with which you engage be their stairway to renewal and refinement.
May you treasure the gifts of the mind Through reading and creative thinking so that you continue as a servant of the frontier where the new will draw its enrichment from the old, and may you never become a functionary.
May you have good friends to mirror your blind spots.
May you know the wisdom of deep listening, the healing of wholesome words, the encouragement of the appreciative gaze, the decorum of held dignity, the springtime edge of the bleak question.
May you have a mind that loves frontiers so that you can evoke the bright fields that lie beyond the view of the regular eye.
Amen

Fernando Farrugia
Religious Education Coordinator Years 6-10

Wellbeing

P.E.A.C.E. Pack

By

Students in Year 4 and Year 6 have recently completed their participation in a research project conducted by Flinders University into the “P.E.A.C.E. Pack – An intervention program for reducing bullying in our schools.”

P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym for Preparation, Education, Action, Coping and Evaluation and is a program that is now in its fourth edition, having been widely implemented and evaluated across early childhood settings to secondary schools.

The project outline included:
• Professional learning day for key staff
• Online pre and post lesson questionnaires for students
• Implementation of 8 lessons in participating classes:
o Lesson 1: Pre-test and establishing groups
o Lesson 2: Bullying definition and emotions
o Lesson 3: Exclusion and relationships
o Lesson 4: Verbal bullying and resilience
o Lesson 5: Cyber-bullying and self concept
o Lesson 6: Physical bullying and conflict management
o Lesson 7: Anti-bullying policy and classroom climate
o Lesson 8: Bullying and well-being questionnaire post-test

The researchers are now conducting feedback interviews and student focus groups in some schools. Although our school is not involved in these interviews, we will still be provided with ongoing monitoring by the research team along with a summary of the data analysis.

If your child is in Year 4 or Year 6, you may be interested in asking them about their involvement in this project and the lesson content. Once we have the results of the data analysis, we will update you on any relevant findings, particularly as they relate to our unique school environment.

Niamh O’Brien
College Psychologist R-5

Events

Join us for Father's Day Coffee Morning

By Mercedes College

We invite you to the Reception to Year 12 Father’s Day Coffee Morning.

Thursday 29 August 2019
7:45am – 9.00am
Mercedes Café

Join us at 7:45am for a coffee or tea in the Mercedes Cafe to celebrate Father's Day. 

Mercedes Keep Cup

To promote environmental sustainability, for Father’s Day we are offering the Mercedes College Keep Cup just $15 – save $5!

Events

Code Camp in the School Holidays

By Mercedes College

Code Camp is coming back to Mercedes College these school holidays, ready to help your child get ahead of the digital curve!

We will be hosting Spark and 3D World Builders on 9 to 11 October.

Bookings start on Wednesday 14 August - enrol now and get $20 off with the Early Bird Discount (code: EARLYBIRD if you enrol before Sunday 18 August) here: www.codecamp.com.au/mercedes

From the Health Administrator

Year 8 Immunisations

By Benita Heritage

A reminder the last session of the Year 8 Immunisations is on Tuesday 28 August.

Students can wear their PE uniforms on this day for ease of administration of the Immunisations. 

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Staying Healthy in Winter

We are now in the final official last month of winter; however, I expect there will still be some nasty flus and winter illnesses circulating amongst our College community. I encourage you to look at some tips on how to stay healthy in winter. Maintaining good foods in your diet, participating in exercise and taking other measures can help reduce health risks associated with the winter season.  

Please contact me if there has been a change in your child’s health conditions or if there are any health concerns or new conditions we should know about. We take a proactive approach in supporting our student’s health and wellbeing while at school and work together with families so this can be achieved. Please contact me via email at bheritage@mercedes.catholic.edu.au

Benita Heritage
Health Administrator (RN)