A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College…
Early this week, our Year 5 students brushed the clouds away as they explored Adelaide Zoo.
Guided by a conservation specialist, students learned about animal adaptations and how different species use structural, behavioural, and physiological adjustments for survival in specific habitats.
At a session in the Zoo Learning Centre, students met some special animal guests, and had a hands-on experience with a variety of biological artifacts.
It was a fantastic day out for our animal adventurers.
Each year our Year 12 cohort is paired up with students from our Junior School, and the Class of 2026 officially met their buddies last week.
Our youngest students were visibly excited to meet the ‘big kids’, who joined them in decorating a heraldic shield with their choice of a Mercy Key. Then it was time to head outside and enjoy the play spaces together.
This great Mercedes College tradition is another layer of connection between students, and throughout the year, it’s wonderful to see our buddies chatting during lunch time or catching up at House activities.
We are excited to welcome our Mercedes College Mothers back to Carrick Hill’s Pavilion for the 2026 Mother’s Day Lunch. Please book early – as places are limited – and we always sell out!
Friday 8 May 11.30am – 2.30pm
$140 per person (+BF)
Enjoy a superb three hour 3-course lunch with beverages, overlooking Adelaide.
We will have the ever-popular Mother’s Day raffle – if you’d like to donate to the raffle, please email Jennie Bell in our Marketing Team.
We are looking forward to celebrating our Mercedes mums in May!
Recently, 20 of our Year 5/6 Soccer players had a great opportunity to take part in a half-time exhibition match at the Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix match at Coopers Stadium.
Students were very excited to play on a professional soccer pitch at an international game. They proudly demonstrated their growing ball skills, attracting great cheers from the crowd when they scored a goal.
This was a unique and memorable opportunity organised by our Co-curricular Sport Team – one that will stay with our budding soccer stars for years to come.
Last week, our Year 12 Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning students welcomed three guests to their class to talk about human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Longstanding friend of the College, Sr Meredith Evans RSM, was joined by Gaby and Bella from Young Mercy Links SA to discuss the vital work being done to address this situation.
They learned about the work that Australian Catholics Against the Trafficking of Humans, Young Mercy Links SA, and global organisation Talitha Kum are doing to reduce trafficking statistics, and importantly, helping to restore dignity to survivors.
Our students were concerned to learn about the global statistics but also motivated and inspired by the important work being done in relation to this ongoing global issue.
We have been delighted to welcome our Student Mentors to the College for the 2026 school year, including more than 70 Year 12 students who will carry out this role each week.
As part of their preparations, Year 12 and Community Mentors have been taking part in training to help them understand strategies and tips for engaging with student Mentees. This includes forming positive relationships, responding to challenges and supporting our students to achieve their wellbeing goals.
There is still time to join the Student Mentoring Programme (SMP) as a Community Mentor – if you’d like to be involved in this rewarding experience, enter your expression of interest here.
Our Performing Arts students have been very active over the past week. They have had the chance to view thought-provoking, performances at the Adelaide Festival, as well as sharing their talents through impromptu open mic sessions on our Campus.
SACE Drama and IB Diploma Theatre students had the opportunity to watch Emmanuelle Mattana’s play, Trophy Boys, at the newly refurbished Festival Centre. In addition to experiencing this work, which challenges concepts of enabling, creating, and disempowering young people of accountability, students were able to participate in a Q&A with Emmanuelle and the play’s actors to get an insight into their intentions and decisions around the final piece.
Dance students, from Year 9 through to Year 12, watched the Stephanie Lake dance piece, The Chronicles, and for many of our students, this was their first experience seeing a professional contemporary dance performance. The Chronicles was an ideal choice for demonstrating this dance style, with examples of ensemble work, intimate partner work, lifts, and interpretation.
Wonderful and creative opportunities for all our Performing Arts students to experience.
Today, our College community is celebrating Harmony Week! The morning kicked off with our two Social Justice Leaders, Claudia and Beatrix and our statue of Catherine McAuley, suitably adorned for the day!
It was lovely to look across the Campus and see so many students (and staff!) wearing touches of orange to support the day.
Harmony Week celebrates inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians and reflects the diversity of our community and the sense of connection we all share.
Our Netball programme continues to grow in popularity, and we are seeking a few more coaches for our Year 7 to Year 9 students this Winter season.
Coaches receive support and guidance from Director of Netball, Cassie Lange, and our experienced senior Netball Coaches.
This role receives honorarium and the commitment involves 3-4 hours per week: one mid-week training session and a Saturday morning game.
Click here for more details, and get in touch with Girls’ Sport Coordinator Deb Hocking if you are interested in participating.
A reminder to come along to our 2026 AGM, next Monday 23 March in our Gleeson Theatre from 6.30pm.
You will hear from our College Council Chair and current parent, Sam Dighton, as well as from our Principal Andrew Balkwill, who will share some celebrations from 2025, and also plans for 2026 and beyond.
After the AGM, everyone is welcome to stay for light refreshments and the chance to chat with Council members and our Senior Leadership Team.
Please register here – we’d love to see you there.
Year 11 students and their families (along with current Year 12 students who registered interest last year) are invited to a Cambodia Service Learning information session on Monday 23 March, 5.30pm – 6.30pm, in our Mercy Lecture Theatre.
In 2026 the College is partnering with RAW Impact, an organisation which has been working alongside with schools since 2013, to facilitate and coordinate visits to Cambodian communities.
At this session, we will share details about the 2026 trip and families will get the chance to meet a representative from RAW impact to hear what needs to happen next for Year 11 students to apply to be part of this life changing experience.
Following this presentation, families are invited to remain at the College for the 2026 College AGM which will take place in the Gleeson Theatre between 6:30pm and 8:00pm.
Please let us know if you will be attending, so we can arrange seating.
Our Primary (Year 2-6) Basketball Teams are seeking a handful of players to make up some final teams.
With only 1-3 spaces needed across our mixed teams, if your child has been considering trying basketball, this would be the perfect opportunity!
Get in touch with our Primary Co-curricular Sport Coordinator Bek Jury for more information.
More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.
