A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College…
Last weekend, a group of our music students represented Mercedes College at the annual Generations in Jazz Festival.
They travelled to Mount Gambier for the largest jazz music education event in the country, to compete in live performances, take part in workshops with jazz professionals and enjoy concerts by leading jazz musicians.
It was a busy weekend for our ensemble leaders Alex Gillespie (Stage Band), Chloe Dowd (Senior Choir) and Charlotte Newhouse (Jazz Combo), who were delighted with the performances of all our students, as well the Mercy values and spirit they displayed on and off the stage.
We are proud to celebrate Top 10 placements for both our Stage Band and Senior Choir, as well as the elevation of our Jazz Combo to Division One for the first time.
A special congratulations also goes to Arts Leader Eleanor (Year 12, Barry) and Matthew (Year 11, Dalton) for being selected as the Baritone Saxophone and Lead Trumpet respectively in the Division 4 “Super Band” – a huge honour!
Photos: Woody Media
Yesterday we held a whole-of-College Mass, led by Father John Shanahan, acknowledging the Easter season and ANZAC Day. We also commemorated the Foundation Day of the Sisters of Mercy, and Mary ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend – where we will celebrate all Mercedes Mums.
We also welcomed Year 5 learners and staff from St Thomas Primary, another Mercy school, who engaged with our Year 5 classes and shared in our celebration.
This week, our Year 7 students had the privilege of hearing from Australian author and filmmaker, Tristan Bancks.
Tristan spoke to students about his creative process, using his favourite playlists and time spent outdoors to inspire his storylines, which often touch on friendship, family and survival.
Tristan then read an excerpt of his new novel, Raised by Wolves, which saw students hanging off every word.
What a great experience to meet the author and hear his thoughts and experiences, which brings a whole other layer to reading the book.
We always love it when authors spend time on Campus to inspire our students.
Last week, our Year 12 students went to Wellington and Victor Harbor for their final College Retreat.
Students often cite Year 12 Retreat as a highlight of their final year at Mercedes. It marks a moment in time, before they graduate, that gives a chance to connect, reflect and strengthen the bonds between our students as they move through their final year of school.
In amongst the self-reflection were moments of pure joy, including the ever-popular Op Shop Formal.
Go well, Class of 2026 – here’s to your final year!
Our Year 10 students set off for their three-day Camp last week with great enthusiasm, participating in surfing in Robe, fishing on the Fleurieu Peninsula, or being challenged at an Adventure Camp on Hindmarsh Island with kayaking, hiking, abseiling, mountain biking and more.
Giving our students the choice of location for this Camp experience allows them to further develop the self-reliant camping skills developed during Middle School, and helps build connections with peers and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.
Now entering Senior School, this Camp gave students the chance to spread their wings, try new things and explore more independence. All great life lessons!
Netball is one of the most popular sports at Mercedes College, with teams made up of students in Year 2 right through to Year 12. Our sports staff and specialist coaches work with students at each age and stage of their sporting development to build a strong pathway for our Primary teams. In the Secondary competition, we have 16 teams and more than 160 girls hitting the courts this winter!
This year, we are delighted to welcome two Year 10 students to the Open A team – which is a brilliant achievement. They had a great start to the season defeating Sacred Heart (49-14) on Saturday.
Congratulations especially to Poppy (Year 12, Fitzpatrick House Leader), Erin (Year 10, Dalton), Abi (Year 11, Dalton), and Sophie (Year 11, Dalton) on their first Open A appearances. We look forward to welcoming Asha (Year 10, McAuley), who is set to make her debut this weekend.
Here’s to a fantastic Netball season for all our teams!
This week, our Year 6 students took to our Science Labs to do some work with ‘Science for Real’, who helped them explore the intricate world of electricity and circuitry. This is always an interesting area, as you often can’t ‘see’ the electricity working.
However, this hair-raising lesson was the opposite. Students’ faces lit up, as did their LED lights, and their hair stood on end!
Using a variety of materials, they tested conductivity, built circuits to power LEDs and propellors and discovered different types of circuitries that generate electricity. The mood in the room was electrifying!
Term 2 marks the beginning of the Chess season, with both our Primary and Secondary teams participating in their first round of competition last week. Known as the ‘King’s Game’, as the objective is to capture the ‘King’ piece, this centuries old game was often used for diplomatic networking and training strategic thought processes.
Our two Primary teams and three Secondary teams have been practising since last Term and were ‘match fit’ and ready to compete!
We came away with 17 wins, a couple of draws and a handful of losses. All in all, a great start to 2026 Chess.
Next week, we are holding two MYP Learning Reviews for Year 6 to Year 10 families in our Yitpi Centre. Held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, these are great opportunities for parents and students to spend time with Home Group and Specialist Teachers to discuss how the year is going so far.
Students in Years 6 to 10 will be dismissed early at 1.15pm on Monday.
This ‘check-in’ is a follow on from the Interim Reports sent to all families last Term and is a good way to develop new strategies for extension or to keep things on track for the rest of the year.
Our College Coffee Cart will be in full swing – so you can enjoy a coffee in between sessions!
There is still time make online bookings with teachers you need to see:
Monday 11 May, 2.00pm – 7.00pm (Online bookings close at 9am – Friday 8 May)
Wednesday 13 May, 4.00pm – 7.00pm (Online bookings close at 9am – Tuesday 12 May)
More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.
