A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College…
Over the past few weeks, a group of Year 5 students have been taking part in a hands-on political simulation game that explores our global community’s actions through the lens of economic, social and environmental challenges, as well as the imminent threat of war. Called the World Peace Game, this activity forms part of our Extension programme and Mercedes is one of only a handful of schools in South Australia to offer this as part of its curriculum.
Working in “nation” teams, as well as taking on roles within the United Nations, global financial institutions and even arms dealers, our students have been systematically addressing the impact of sharing information, identifying bias and seeing the benefits of effective collaboration and refined communication.
Next week is their last opportunity to meet the final goals of the game – to reach global prosperity with the least amount of military intervention. We shall wait and see the fate of the world – but are sure it’s in safe hands.
Our music students kicked off Term 2 with an exciting weekend away in Mt Gambier for this year’s Generations in Jazz Festival.
As part of the national competition, two of our talented musicians were named in their Division’s “Superband” – congratulations Eleanor (Year 12, Barry) for the Baritone Saxophone and Matthew (Year 11, Dalton) for Trumpet 1.
Festivals like Generations in Jazz give all students a wonderful opportunity to play, learn and live Jazz for three days. Having two of our students achieve this honour is an acknowledgement of their hard work and love of playing music!
Bravo!
This week is Reconciliation Week and our College community gathered under the trees in the Junior School area for morning prayer to acknowledge National Sorry Day, and discuss the theme of being ‘All In’.
Our Social Justice Leaders placed a new tree in the garden bed to symbolise peace, which was surrounded by six shrubs native to the area, to echo our six Mercy Keys and the deep unbroken connection the First Nations peoples have with the Land.
It was a moment of connection for our College community to reflect on the importance on our commitment to keep the conversation about Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island people as part of our everyday life on Campus.
As part of our Year 9 RISE Programme, students spent four days on a self-managed bushwalking camp through the Flinders Ranges.
This experience built on the leadership and communication skills they have been discussing and practising on Campus, and gave real-life examples of time management, organisation, food preparation, navigating the terrain, and remaining connected and clear in their planning and communication.
These Camp experiences add so much to our College life, and form some of the enduring memories for students, especially for this cohort, who will be entering Senior School next year.
At the end of Term 1, it was McAuley House celebrating success in the athletic arena of our annual House competition – this Term is all about the Arts.
After the success of our first ‘Sing Your House Out’ competition in 2025, our House Leaders are looking forward to raising the bar for our performances this year.
Yesterday our four Houses met for their first rehearsal. Staff and students have until Week 10 to practise for the honour of taking the House Shield for Term 2.
Below are the songs each House will be performing:
Barry – Life is a Highway
Dalton – I’m still Standing
Fitzpatrick – It’s my Life
McAuley – I Want it That Way
We strongly encourage all students (and parents) to sing their song – in the car to and from school, in the shower, over the dinner table, on the way to sport training… it’s all about connecting through the power of music – so ‘Sing your House Out!’
We enjoy sharing the moments of personal success that our students achieve, and this week we have three sporting accomplishments to spotlight!
Last month, Isaac (Year 10, Barry) added to his Judo medal collection, achieving silver and bronze at the 2026 Melbourne International Judo Open, as well as a silver at the 2026 Oceania Judo Championships.
Mercedes College First XVIII player Charlie (Year 11, Dalton) has been outstanding on field with the Sturt Football Club and has secured a well-deserved selection in the SANFL U16 Boys Football Squad.
Finally, we congratulate Alexander (Year 10, McAuley), who recently represented the State at Charter Level Baseball in New South Wales, gaining invaluable experience on a national stage.
Congratulations to all our students who take their learnings and passions beyond our College gates – what a wonderful experience!
This week, our Year 2 students welcomed Mercedes mum and Old Scholar, Alyce Velcu (Class of 2006) to learn more about her job as a lawyer.
Alyce showed the parallels between being a lawyer and our Mercy Keys through showing compassion, seeking justice and acting with integrity.
Students loved this presentation and asked lots of questions about helping people, problem solving and standing up for others.
We love welcoming Old Scholars and families to the College to share their insights and experiences with our students – it’s a wonderful connection and gives our students a different perspective.
Thanks for dropping by Alyce!
Yesterday, Mercedes College hosted fellow Mercy schools St Aloysius’ College and St Francis de Sales College for the second session of this year’s Australasia Mercy Secondary School Association virtual Student Conference.
Connecting with more than 25 schools across Australia and New Zealand, our College led this week’s session, focusing on how young people can continue the legacy of Catherine McAuley by living Mercy in their everyday lives.
Participants also heard from Old Scholar and past Mercy Award Recipient, Catherine Edwards (Class of 2015, McAuley), about her humanitarianism advocacy and experiences living Mercy around the world.
It was an inspirational day of discussion and reflection that our students can share with their peers when they return to the classroom.
Our Open Girls’ Football Team is having a great season this year, including an outstanding victory last week against St Michael’s College (3.5.23 to 0.0.0) – our first win against this opponent since 2019!
This week, they represented Mercedes College in the South Australian Knockout competition, opening with a convincing six-goal win over Gleeson College to progress to the next round against Seymour.
We didn’t come away with the win – but are excited about such a positive start and look forward to a great season!
Our 2026 MOSA Night of Reunions will bring together Old Scholars from the cohorts of 2021 (5-years), 2016 (10-years), 2006 (20-years), 1996 (30-years), 1986 (40-years) and 1976 (50-years) for a big night of reminiscing, reconnecting, and forming new memories.
Mercedes College will take over Adelaide Oval, spilling into multiple spaces with a view of the hallowed turf.
Tickets are on sale now!
Saturday 24 October 2026
7.00pm to 10.00pm
Adelaide Oval
$55 pp (+BF)
Tickets include a two-hour food and beverage package, followed by a cash bar.
If you fall into one of this year’s reunion cohorts (or know someone who does) there are two things you should do right away:
1) Jump in and secure your tickets
2) Update your contact details so you don’t miss any further notices
It will be a night not to be missed!
Over the weekend, we marked Pentecost Sunday, a day about the fire of the Holy Spirit and courage, love and energy for our faith.
On Campus, this was acknowledged by the sharing of red apples – symbolising both the red of Pentecost and the Fruits of the Spirit.
A big thank you to our Year 12 students for helping to distribute our apples, which were a delicious and healthy treat for everyone!
Last week, three of our Year 12 students were invited to attend the inaugural Young People and the Law panel discussion, hosted by the Law Society of South Australia.
Questions from the audience were presented to a panel of lawyers, each representing different areas of the profession, with a focus on the rights young people have within our legal system.
Our students asked insightful questions and brought back valuable learnings to share with other legal studies students.
More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.
