Out of this world…
Year 10 students are invited to apply for the 2024 South Australian Space School (SASS) camp taking place from 17 to 20 April.
Successful applicants will complete a Mission to Mars, tour space facilities, and meet scientists and engineers working on real space projects here in South Australia.
A fantastic opportunity for students with an interest in a future career in science, engineering, physics, or astronomy, like Xavier (Year 12), pictured at the control desk last year – more information and the application process is online, applications close Friday 15 March 2024.
Congratulations to our 2023 Laureates
Last week, we welcomed back more than 30 members of the Class of 2023 and, with their families and our current Year 12s, celebrated their academic achievements.
Our Laureates all achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, were awarded an academic Merit, or both. We also celebrated our College and SACE Dux, Amelia Owen-Turner, and IB Dux, Daniel Cramond. Congratulations to you all!
In a recent article in the Southern Cross, Amelia stressed the importance of maintaining friendships during Year 12, and Daniel encouraged the Class of 2024 to learn “for the sake of learning” and not for the tests.
We also heard from Old Scholar and 2023 Mercy Award recipient, Catherine Edwards, about the variety of opportunities she’s had since her time at Mercedes College, and 2024 SA Senior Australian of the Year, Sister Meredith Evans, who gave her advice to our graduates and seniors to enjoy this transformative period of their lives.
Our 2024 College Council
We would like to say farewell and thank you to Alf Ianniello, who has served as our College Council Chair since 2021. Alf has guided the College through a time of great change, renewal, and improvement over the past three years. Thank you, Alf, for your commitment to our community, and all the best to you and your family beyond the hedge!
We also congratulate Danielle Finnimore on her appointment as the new Council Chair. Danielle has been actively involved in our community, and has served on the Council for three years. With a robust professional career in executive positions, and a passion for education and creating an exceptional community of learning, we look forward to Danielle’s leadership.
We also welcome three new members to our College Council this year. Congratulations to Pip Metljak, Toby Hughes, and Michael Callisto on your appointments. Toby has a great history with our school, with five children graduating from the College, and both Pip and Michael are former students, with children currently attending in the Junior School.
Thank you for nominating for these leadership positions and volunteering your time to contribute to our College community.
Safety First
In Week 8, our Junior School students will splash, laugh, and race in their 2024 Swimming Carnival, but this week has been all about safety in the water, at the Unley Swimming Pool.
Students learnt age and stage appropriate skills from their instructors, practising floating techniques, putting their faces in the water, trying new swim strokes, and more. It was the perfect weather for a dip in the pool, and help build confidence in the water for our youngest swimmers!
Sharing Global Learning
Over the weekend, four Year 11 students participated in a virtual Personal Project Fair with Tokyo Gakugei International University Secondary School, Japan.
Gina, Lauren, Lotta and Emily presented the Personal Project they each completed last year, explaining their product and processes, answered questions from the Japanese students, as well as hearing from speakers at the Tokyo school.
This was a wonderful example of connections our students can make through our status as an IB world school. Well done, girls!
Read a summary of the Fair on the TGIUSS website, or check out the 2023 Personal Projects of Gina, Lauren, Lotta, or Emily.
Cricket Record Topples
Our cricket community witnessed a record-breaking performance last weekend, with Amitej, Year 11, scoring a whopping 119 not out off of 81 balls in the Mercedes College First XI victory over Immanuel College. In his bowling duties he also took 2 wickets for only 2 runs, topping off a fantastic day.
This performance surpassed the previous First XI record set by Jedd Ward in 2023 and Jedd was the first to congratulate Amitej as he was applauded off the oval.
Congratulations Ami!
New Formal for Celebratory Year
As part of our celebrations for our 70th anniversary, we are holding a Formal for our Year 11 and Year 12 students at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday 23 March.
We are looking forward to sharing this special event with our students who are coming to the end of their study here at Mercedes College – Year 11 and 12s, if you’d like a ticket – they are available now! Buy your tickets to the Formal here.
Project Compassion
During this season of Lent, we collect donations for Project Compassion, the annual fundraiser for Caritas Australia.
Each classroom has a donation collection box, so if you would like to contribute to this cause, students can drop off donations during Home Group or in their Junior School classroom.
Caritas Australia run programs that support vulnerable people in Australia and around the world.
Preparation: the key to success
Today and tomorrow, our Year 7 students will be honing their skills on mountain bikes and learning to pitch tents (an important life skill!), all in preparation for their upcoming Camp at the Woodhouse Activity Centre in Week 8.
Our students will share new experiences, including the Challenge Hill obstacle course, while strengthening their bonds with each other and their teachers, and building their confidence in the great outdoors!
Vertical Reality
For our Year 10 Outdoor Education students, the only way was up, when they visited Vertical Reality Climbing last week.
Testing their strength, patience, and observation skills, students also demonstrated teamwork and reliability as they helped each other negotiate vertical climbing walls.
