Senior Stories

A Strong Beginning to Term 3 & Planning for 2020

By Bill Deegan Email this article

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