Mercedes College holds itself to a high standard in all aspects of what we do. Our work, how we treat each other, our connections with students and families. A key part of this philosophy is our commitment to being part of the global CIS network, which holds the College to an international standard of excellence across teaching, leadership, governance and wellbeing.
The CIS accreditation means we are held to the highest educational standards, achieved through an external audit process which ensures our teaching stays connected to global standards of excellence.
Our culture, governance, leadership, financial practices, commitment to internationalism, human relations, student wellbeing programmes, co-curricular activities, staff professional support and policies, as well as risk control practices are analysed and compared to internationally recognised standards.
Accreditation is reviewed every five years. Mercedes College achieved its most recent accreditation in 2024.
As such, Mercedes College is expected to:
Being a CIS Member complements the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme evaluation process and accreditation.
This curriculum is recognised by schools and universities globally, for providing graduates with strong academic, social and emotional skills.
When your child studies the IB, they go beyond lesson learning, to become curious, knowledgeable and compassionate with a drive to succeed anywhere in the world.
In order to be an IB world school, Mercedes College must be authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. This authorisation confirms that our school offers the IB with commitment to its international standards, practices, rules and regulations.
Every five years, in line with our CIS evaluation, Mercedes College undertakes a rigorous self-assessment as part of the IB’s ongoing evaluation process.
Our staff are also required to meet ongoing professional development requirements that ensure the best possible understanding of IB programmes and their implementation.
Mercedes College is part of Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and is governed by CESA. Mercedes also has a College Council which works with our Leadership Team in an advisory capacity on day-day matters and to support the College with our strategic direction, governance, financial, faith and education practices.
The Council is accountable for managing the strategic direction of the College and ensuring responsible management of resources.
Membership comprises:
Appointments are for three years with the right to re-election or re-appointment.
Sam is an experienced executive and accomplished leader with over 20 years domestic and international experience in Adelaide and the UK. He has studied in South Australia and Europe and in 2023, he joined The Committee for Adelaide in 2023 as its Chief Executive Officer.
Sam became Chair in late 2025 and brings business management, commercial, legal and governance experience to the College Council and its Committees. Sam’s daughter is currently in Year 7
With more than 35 years in Catholic Education SA as a teacher, including two years at Mercedes College, Sue has a comprehensive knowledge, understanding and experience of schools.
As Assistant Director People, Leadership and Culture with the Catholic Education Office, Sue works collaboratively and strategically driving improvement, innovation and change across more than 100 South Australian Catholic schools. Here her focus is on leading system strategy to enhance a culture of professional growth.
Toby has a significant track record in tertiary education and research leadership, and has a professional interest in educational and pastoral transition from secondary to tertiary education.
Toby works at Adelaide University and provides valuable input into processes and systems designed to help Senior students to make positive and rewarding career choices when they graduate. Toby has had four children attend from Mercedes, and currently has a daughter in Year 10.
Pip is a Mercedes Old Scholar (1996-2006) and completed a Double Law and International Studies degree after she graduated. She is a Principal at a leading development and planning law firm.
Pip has strong skills in management, compliance, and governance which she brings to her role on Council. She is committed to working to ensure the College remains a place of excellence, inclusivity, and faith. She has four children: the older two attend Mercedes.
Michael is a Mercedes Old Scholar (1986-1998), and joined the Council in 2024, at an exciting time when the College celebrated 70 years and the new Yitpi Centre was opened. His extended family has also attended Mercedes College over the years.
Michael runs his own business – Global Axis Import Solutions – and shares a strong background in Business Management and Finance with the Council. Michael has two daughters at Mercedes College in Year 4 and Year 6.
Joseph is an Old Scholar (1995 to 1999) and has two children in the Middle School. He is an experienced commercial lawyer, currently working within the Crown Solicitor’s Office as the Executive Solicitor for the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
He has extensive experience advising on major infrastructure projects and complex commercial transactions, with expertise in governance, risk management, and long‑term planning.
Joseph also coaches and referees Junior sport at Mercedes and at club level.
Professor Christopher Kee is Chair of Academic Senate at Flinders University, a member of the Flinders University Council and Professor of Law and the Dean (Education) in the College of Business, Government and Law.
He has legal expertise in the fields of dispute resolution and international arbitration and brings corporate and academic governance expertise to the Council. Chris has 3 children. A son in Year 8, and two younger children yet to start at the College.
Kristen is passionate about the Mercedes College community and its future direction. Her diverse background has a strength in governance, business development, strategy and human resources management complements the skills and backgrounds of other Council and Committee Members.
An Old Scholar, Kristen is also a proud Mercedes mum, with a recent Mercedes College graduate in the family, and another son in Year 8, and enjoys watching her children experience the quality and care that comes with a Mercedes College education.
David is an experienced Chief Financial Officer and business manager who brings strong financial, commercial and governance expertise to the Council. He has served on the College’s Finance, Risk and Infrastructure Committee since 2021.
With a son in the Senior School and another who recently graduated, David is committed to contributing to the College’s long term success and sustainability. David is a Fellow of CPA Australia and holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide.
Appointed in 2020, Andrew is a distinguished educator and leader within Catholic education. During his career, he has been Principal of Thomas More College, Sacred Heart College Middle School, and served as a Principal Consultant within the Catholic Education Office, mentoring other education leaders.
Committed to our values, ethos and Mercy Keys, Andrew is an active advocate for schools partnering and working with families to set every student up for success.
Supporting the work of the Council are three Standing Committees, who have specific areas of focus.
Sam Dighton (Chair)
Andrew Balkwill
Alice Calnan
David Lawlor
Barry Roberts
Mat Hannan
George Hormazabal
Michael Callisto
Andrew Balkwill (Co-chair)
Luisa Dickson (Co-chair)
Jennie Bell
Paul Harris
Suria Ward
Joseph Maniscalco
Gillian Phillips
Narelle Sandercock (Chair)
Sylvia Habel
Andrew Balkwill
Helen Ayliffe
Adrian Chiarolli
Pip Metljak
Toby Hughes
