Senior Stories

2018 Transition Opportunities

By Michael Francis Email this article

As discussed in the recent issues of the Mercy Vine, the students moving into new year levels in the Senior School have had some opportunities to get a taste of what lies ahead in 2018.

Our new Year 10s have had the chance to learn a little about the structure of the Senior School and how this differs from their previous experiences. A theme of ‘stepping up’ has been explored and we will be asking the 2018 Year 10s to grow and develop again in the new year. As they have shown through their time in the Middle School, this cohort is adaptable and will thrive on the new challenges ahead.

The 2018 Year 11s were able to experience a whole day of transition as this is the year that commences the IB Diploma or SACE studies in earnest. The additional opportunities for transition have been helpful in ensuring students understand the choices they have made and what they may need to prepare to be ready for Year 11. They have been well prepared by Mr James Burdon who takes on the role of Year 11 Coordinator in 2018.

Students entering Year 12 next year have had the most extensive transition that Mercedes College has seen, with students engaging in a whole week of lessons readying them for the upcoming academic year. As a result, students should feel certain of their subject choices, have an idea of their path through Year 12 and be aware of schedules and timelines for their assessment in the year ahead.

I would like to thank all students and staff involved in these transition programmes as they have enabled us all to be prepared for 2018.

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Cambodia Service Trip

On Sunday 10 December, the 16 students and staff involved in the 2017 trip will depart from Adelaide to visit Siem Reap, Stung Treng and Phnom Penh for a period of service and cultural immersion. Over the course of the year, calls for fundraising to support the work of Sr Denise Coghlan and her team has been generously responded to. At the time of writing, the Mercedes College community will be contributing in excess of USD$9,500 (approximately AUD$12,600) to the work of Sr Denise as she and her team build homes and amenities for victims of land mines and also support the education of young Cambodian students in remote areas.

On behalf of those attending this year’s trip, I sincerely thank you all for your generous support. Keep your eyes out for an early edition of the Mercy Vine in 2018 for a report of the activities of the volunteers.

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Graduating Students – Stepping Out!

A final congratulation to the Graduating Class of 2017 as they celebrated their achievements with their families and staff at the Graduation Ball on Friday 24 November 2017. Students were certainly relieved and happy that the year of hard work was behind them and the pride in their efforts was evident in both students and families.

It is absolutely a ‘Mercedes’ event, with students, staff and families interacting so positively and with a great sense of community. Well done to the students and we wish them every success in their futures – not long to wait for results now!

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Signing off for 2017…

A sincere sense of gratitude is extended to you all for the support of Senior School students and staff throughout the year. It can be a long and winding road, but at this time of the year, with students transitioning into their next year level with excitement and enthusiasm, and the graduating students leaving with a sense of accomplishment and purpose, I think that the year has been a successful adventure.

May you all experience joy and peace in the coming weeks and be able to share wonderful times with your very special families.

Michael Francis 
Head of Senior School