The Hedge

Week 3, Term 2 | Thursday 16 May 2024 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Athletes to take on the Nation

Last week, Mercedes College had four athletics teams venture to Salisbury for the annual ASA Golden North Championships where they competed to qualify for the Schools’ Nationals Competition in December.

Congratulations to everyone who took part – but we give special mentions to the “double point” nominees Maggie (Year 8, Fitzpatrick) in 800m Junior Girls, Hayley (Year 9, Dalton) in 100m Intermediate Girls, Charlie (Year 9, Dalton) in Long Jump Junior Boys, and Max (Year 9, Barry) in Shot Put Intermediate Boys.

Both Boys’ teams finished in fifth place, while our two Girls’ teams both qualified for the Nationals, coming first (Junior) and second (Intermediate) – brilliant effort girls!

Chalk Expressions for the College

Yesterday, as part of our Catholic Education Week celebrations, Junior School students spent time under our marquee armed with giant coloured chalk to add their interpretations of what they love about learning, playing, and growing at Mercedes College.

Amongst countless expressions of love and friendship, were many a Mercy Key, as well as the red door of Mercy, a giant Fleur de Lis, and even self-portraits. It was clear by the end of the day that our Junior School students love being part of the Mercedes College community.

Learning is Electric!

This week, our Year 6 students investigated electrical circuitry, experimenting with conductive and insulating materials, discovering how modern electric lighting is wired together, and learning how to reverse the rotation of a motor-powered propeller.

Reflecting on Service

This week, our SACE Stage 2 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning students have been learning the history of our Student Mentoring Programme and the value of service.

With a focus on community, justice, and diversity, students studied the origins of the Programme (the Learning Assistance Programme, brainchild of the late Mrs Penny Penhall OAM) and unpacked the value of the one-to-one relationships created by it, its wellbeing benefits for both students and Mentors, and the connections made between current students, old scholars, and the wider Mercedes College community.

We look forward to seeing how they flourish through their participation of this important College Programme.

Mother’s Day Lunch

Last Friday, 140 Mercedes Mums enjoyed our sold-out Mother’s Day Lunch at Carrick Hill. It was a wonderful afternoon full of animated conversations and regular bursts of laughter as our mums spent time in each other’s company – overlooking the beautiful grounds.

Hosted by our Deputy Principal, Narelle Sandercock, a great day was had by all, and we are already planning the 2025 event, as its popularity continues to go from strength to strength.

Thank you to everyone who came along – it was a brilliant way to celebrate our Mercedes College mums!

Our next major College event is the Emerald Ball... Saturday 1 June, and we look forward to seeing you all there!

Waking at the River

How's this for a beautiful start to the day?

Our Year 12 Outdoor Education students are currently kayaking the Murray River near Renmark and have sent through this stunning picture of the sunrise from their campsite. Students, with their teacher's support, planned their own experiences and itinerary, and are enjoying the paddling, camping, and early starts...

Legally Blonde Jr Special Guest

The cast of our upcoming musical, Legally Blonde Jr, were incredibly lucky last week to participate in a day-long workshop with Brendan Yates, Associate Choreographer of Hamilton, the Musical (international and Australian tour).

Brendan worked with students in small groups and broader ensembles, teaching them expressive movement and dance that will help them to bring their over-the-top Legally Blonde characters to life. What a fantastic opportunity for our students to spend time with such an experienced and skilled choreographer!

Finding Purpose

Last week, our Year 7 students turned to STEM to guide their futures, with the help of Her TechPath.

Students were introduced to the Japanese term, Ikigai, blending “iki” meaning “to live”, and “gai” meaning “reason” – “a reason to live”.

They explored their strengths, passions, ambitions, and opportunities to help guide them towards living a life filled with purpose and joy – what could be a better goal than that!

Golden Boy

Recently Year 3 student, Xavier (McAuley), was crowned State Champion for the U9 400m with a new Hills Athletics record time of 1:09.90!

Won at the recent State Individual Championships, Xavier also won Silver in the 70m (10.86) and 100m (15.27), and found more success at the State Challenge, winning Gold in the 800m with a time of 2:50.06. Outstanding effort and achievements Xavier!

We look forward to watching your future success on the track!

Empowered to make Informed Choices

This week, Senior School students welcomed Paul Dillon, nationally and internationally recognised educator on young people, drugs, alcohol, and parties. Paul followed this session with an evening presentation to parents co-hosted with Catholic School Parents SA.

Paul’s key message is recognising young people want to have fun and enjoy their teen years, but that it is also important that these are safe years. His engaging delivery will help students make informed choices for themselves and their friends.

Coming up...

Friday 17 May | Year 8 Walking with Kaurna incursion
Sunday 19 May | Pentecost
Monday 20 May | Open College Council Meeting, attend in person or online
Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 May | Year 9 Camp
Tuesday 21 to Tuesday 28 May | Laudato Si Week
Wednesday 22 May | Year 3 - Year 12 Cross Country | Year 10 Vaccinations
Friday 24 May | Whole-of-College Reconciliation Assembly
Sunday 26 May | National Sorry Day
Monday 27 to Friday 31 May | National Reconciliation Week
Friday 31 May | Year 12 Halfway Day
Saturday 1 June | Emerald Ball