Don't forget to vote tomorrow (21 May 2022) in the Federal Election.
Education is an important topic at every election. As we head towards the Federal Election on 21 May, Catholics are being asked to consider how their vote will benefit the whole community. It is essential that everybody who cares about Catholic schools understands the key issues.
A number of resources are available on the Catholic Education SA website.
Support future generations
Peek behind the hedge and walk in the footsteps of Olympic medalists, world-class musicians, actors, and even the Premier of South Australia with this unique event, part of South Australia's History Festival.
During your two hour guided tour, learn the history of the College, including the historic Strathspey House built in 1899, and discover insights into our surrounding landmarks.
A comfortable 2.5km walk, this event is strictly limited to 50 guests, so book your spot today!
Excitement in the science labs for some of our Junior School students.
Some of our Year 3 students were delighted to experience the Senior School "big labs" as part of their inquiry into heat energy.
Emperor Penguins in the Antarctic are known to huddle together for warmth, and students huddled in their groups to test this theory. Skills put into practise included prediction, measurement, analysis, and the collection and recording of data that now supports their knowledge of the Emperor Penguins' actions.
An opportunity for children aged 7 to 12 years to participate in a project about anxiety.
Griffith University Queensland, with NHMRC funding and Catholic Education SA ethics approval, is conducting an online Australian Childhood Anxiety Treatment Study with 7 to 12 year old children. The project will examine two treatment conditions and determine if they are as effective as each other in alleviating children's axiety disorders.
Anxiety is defined as feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear, usually brought on by certain triggers or events, and/or the expectation that something is too frightening or difficult to cope with. This reaction can be helpful when dealing with new challenges and novel situations, however if anxiety occurs too often, or too strongly, it can lead to children being unable to cope in many situations.
Parents interested in their child participating in this study are asked to forward their consent, or request further information, to Project Coordinators, Dr Rachel Sluis or Katherine Ryan: cadrp@griffith.edu.au or (07) 3735 3351.
Coming together at community events.
It is hard to believe that we already find ourselves at the beginning of another Term.
As a school community we were fortunate to be able to enjoy three wonderful school events last Term with the Middle and Senior School BBQs taking place on consecutive Friday nights in March, and the Junior School Afternoon Tea on the last day of term. The Mercedes Parents and Friends Association (MPFA) proudly supported the College with these events and we are very thankful to our wonderful volunteers that helped to make them successful. The weather was beautiful and families enjoyed coming together and connecting in a relaxed atmosphere. It was terrific to see so many lovely faces and we hope that families who are new to the College feel welcomed and enjoyed experiencing our wonderful community spirit.
A quick reminder about the MPFA's Second Hand Uniform Shop. As always, we encourage you to consider the Second-Hand Uniform Shop for your uniform needs, as all profits go directly back to funding projects that support Mercedes College students. The change in season is a fabulous time to donate, or sell on consignment, items that your child may have outgrown or no longer suit your family’s requirements.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help in the Second Hand Uniform Shop. Your time, as little or as much time as you are able to provide, would be appreciated, and tasks can range from sorting donated uniform items to helping families in store. It is a fun environment to work in and a great way to meet other families. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at mpfa@mercedes.catholic.edu.au.
Christine Kenny and Jo Cowain
MPFA Co-chairs
Year 10 student accepted into the Centre for Australian Space Education.
In October, Mercedes College Year 10 student Xavier Wright will be joining the annual South Australian Space School camp to further his interest in space science.
Students who are lucky enough to be selected will participate in a range of space-related activities geared towards space science, engineering, physics and astronomy, and graduates will have opportunities to undertake work experience with Flinders and Adelaide University, DST Group, and the RAAF. Some past graduates have even won scholarships to attend international space camps in USA and Europe.
We wish you a successful experience, Xavier, that is simply out of this world!
Some great things for everyone.
Unlocking potential - The Music Advantage
Mercedes College, in partnership with St Joseph's School, Kingswood, is excited to host the widely-acclaimed music educator and researcher Dr Anita Collins at a parent information night on Wednesday 25 May.
Exploring the benefits that regular, targeted music learning has on the brain development of young people, Dr Collins will be sharing her wealth of knowledge with our College community at this special event. Tickets are free; click here to register your attendance.
For further information, please contact Mrs Lauren Vilanova via SEQTA direct message.
How music help us learn
Researchers are learning more and more about how our brain works every year - with a growing number of findings giving insight into how music learning engages with our brain's networks in positive and beneficial ways. Whilst learning an instrument doesn't automatically grant you higher marks in tests, or turn you into a ‘super-speller’, current evidence suggests that music education is important for fostering strong connections between the different networks in our brains. This in turn enables our brains to work smarter (yet not necessarily faster).
Ensemble in focus: Festival Choir
Our Festival Choir comprises students in Year 5 and 6. Learning a range of repertoire and some choreography, this group of enthusiastic students is working hard every Thursday after school to prepare for the Catholic Schools Music Festival. Held in the last week of Term 3, the Catholic Schools Music Festival is a four-night celebration of music, involving primary and secondary schools across our state. Our Festival Choir (pictured) will be joining other students from catholic primary schools, creating a 350+ strong choir on one of these four nights.
Being part of the Festival Choir introduces students to part-singing and basic score reading skills, encourages mutual respect and responsibility, and develops open-mindedness as they learn a range of songs from different styles and time periods.
At our most recent College Tour, families interested in joining our community were fortunate enough to be serenaded by Raff Raschella and Maisie Aitken as they finalised their conversations with staff and students in the St Joseph's Courtyard. Thank you Raff and Maisie for adding a touch of music to this valuable event.
Lauren Vilanova
Key Teacher Music R-12
CEA Music Coordinator R-12
Old Scholars reflect and help future generations
Class of 2002 20 Year Reunion | Saturday 14 May 2022
Last Saturday night Old Scholars from the class of 2002 (pictured) celebrated their 20 year reunion at Plant 3 Bowden. Plant 3 Bowden is owned by Old Scholar Jono Kaitatzis (class of 2007) and he was, as expected, a great host for our event.
Attendees enjoyed catching up and sharing stories of their exploits since leaving Mercedes College. It was also wonderful to see that many of the cohort have retained their connection to the College through career mentoring, Old Scholar sporting clubs, and representation on the MOSA Committee. A playlist of favourite songs from 2002, including their Year 12 song Wonderwall was a hit, and the night concluded with a hearty and loud rendition of the Mercedes College song.
MOSA Career Mentoring | Friday 20 May 2022
Today we had 38 Old Scholars return to the College to take part in our MOSA Career Mentoring Program for Year 12 students. Students were offered 22 careers to learn about across two sessions, where they could hear from an Old Scholar currently studying the career at tertiary level alongside an Old Scholar working in their chosen field. The careers were incredibly varied and included (amongst others) business, science, architecture, arts, criminology, marketing and medicine.
We are very appreciative of our Old Scholars who are willing to donate their time to support this very worthwhile initiative.
MOSA Scholarship
We are very excited to be advertising this month for the second MOSA Scholarship for a new student to commence at Mercedes College in Year 10 in 2023. Our inaugural recipient will graduate at the end of 2022 and has flourished in every aspect of his education within our community.
The scholarship is awarded to a student who would not normally have the opportunity to experience a Mercedes College education, and it has been life-changing for our current recipient.
In further news, Old Scholar Vesace Pessios (class of 2021) has successfully secured the University of Adelaide Principals Scholarship 2022 to further her educational goals. Congratulations Vesace!
Anne Morse
MOSA Executive Officer
Media stars in the making
A little confession: we were under the impression that some of our children were perhaps a little shy. We have changed our minds!
Our Term 2 theme is media and, as usual, it was all hands on deck to paint our beautiful big window - and it looks fabulous.
To add more colour and atmosphere we constructed our very own OSHC TV and radio set: we now have a news desk with room for two presenters. Next to the desk is a massive speaker, topped with a super 1960s turntable, and microphones fashioned from craft items - they look incredibly authentic if we do say so ourselves.
When the reins were handed over to the children we discovered an enthusiastic group of students writing articles on sport, weather, and...snacks this week. We even had a terrific advertisement for umbrellas, which turned out to be very timely. Along the way we have been creating short imovies and will share these on our TV for everyone to watch.
Of course to balance all the excitement and high energy of a newsroom, we love nothing more than to engage the children in some mindfulness activities, including meditations.
Ahh...just breathe, be here now.
Please stay tuned for our next update from the OSHC news desk. While we learn about the weather and advertising, we will never be bored!
Debbie Gosh
OSHC Coordinator
A rewarding experience for them, and you. Welcome an international student into your home and reap the benefits.
Homestay host families provide a caring and supportive environment where each student is accepted as another member of the family.
Hosts provide:
Our International Student Welfare and Accommodation Coordinator, Robyn, works closely with students and their host families from the very beginning and is only a phone call away.
To find out more or express your interest to become a homestay host family, please contact Robyn on rhalliday@mercedes.catholic.edu.au or 8372 3200, or download this guide (PDF).
Mercedes College senior gets a seat at the table in new Student Rep Council
Year 11 student Sannawar Sandhu has been selected to represent SA high school students on the inaugural South Australian Student Representative Council.
This new program is an initiative of Mercedes College Old Scholar Helen Connolly (class of 1979), Commissioner for Children and Young People, and will address reported frustrations from young people who want more opportunities to contribute and participate in decision making for their communities.
Sanna will play an important role in the creation and development of this new program, working alongside other students to create a space where young people in SA can demonstrate their capacity for participation and active citizenship.
Congratulations, Sanna, on your appointment to this exciting role.
International students experience a South Australian staycation.
During the Easter long weekend a number of homestay host families took advantage of the break to share other parts of the state with their students.
Year 11 international student Samantha was lucky enough to holiday on the Eyre Peninsula, where she was able to harvest and shuck her own oysters for dinner!
If you are interested in becoming a homestay host family to provide a caring and supportive environment for an international student, you can contact Robyn, our International Student Welfare and Accommodation Coordinator on 8372 3200 or rhalliday@mercedes.catholic.edu.au.
Term 2 has a great energy about it, with NAPLAN testing complete, families engaged in learning progress reviews, and students involved in activities beyond the classroom.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 concluded last week with fantastic participation rates across the cohorts. While NAPLAN has its challenges, participation helps us support and track learning over the years on a number of levels. Every student in Year 3 and Year 5 completed the Writing and Reading tasks, and we had solid 90+ per cent participation rates across Numeracy, and Conventions of Language in all years.
Year 6 – Year 12 Learning Reviews
Our Year 6 to Year 12 Learning Reviews this month facilitated three-way conversations between our class and specialist teachers, students and their parents/caregivers. The value of these sessions, and the opportunity for open discussion about academic and personal progress, cannot be overstated.
These conversations can also identify pathways to the learning enrichment options across the College. By providing an array of experiences, as well as support for students with specific needs or requiring individual attention, we develop the potential of each student.
Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation
Complementing these engagements, is our five-yearly audit by the Council of International Schools (CIS). This provides rigour and independent assessment of how we’re delivering the Australian curriculum through the IB framework for student benefit. In short, it’s your assurance that we are delivering to a high standard.
Mercedes College was the first school in Australia to become an Associate Member, with the CIS Accreditation process driving our continuous improvement further, ensuring we continue demonstrating delivery of a high quality international education.
The wide-ranging assessment covers our governance, leadership and financial practices, as well as student wellbeing programs, co-curricular activities, staff professional support, and risk control practices, and synchronises with the IB Program whole-school evaluation and accreditation process.
Co-curricular activities
Through these processes, we are reminded of the many opportunities available for students of all ages at Mercedes College. Co-curricular activities from the performing arts and music, to sport, clubs and societies, help students develop new skills and build confidence while developing the ability to work as part of a team and independently. There’s something for everyone – so chat with your children about their interests and encourage them to join in.
So many of our students are getting outside and enjoying coming together in their Winter Sport teams and heading off on camps for adventure. Our Year 10 Outdoor Education Camps provided great opportunities for students to pursue their interests by selecting from a range of activities – surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking or hiking – during the day and then camping at night.
Student wellbeing
By venturing beyond the classroom, student wellbeing is nurtured. Open space and time spent outdoors is so good for physical and mental health. It improves sleep, reduces stress, increases happiness and reduces negative emotions. Importantly, it also promotes positive social interactions, and we see the benefit of this for our student groups time and again.
Providing valuable life lessons
True to our approach of developing well rounded people, our sports programme enables to students to acquire new skills, grow their capability, compete, and test themselves as well as gain valuable life lessons.
A grass-roots approach, our Sport Directors’ support coaches by fostering a culture of maximum participation, engagement, enjoyment and success and providing opportunities for students to be their best.
I am delighted by our recent appointment of Jodie Hamilton-Melhuish as our new Director of Netball and Nathan Bassett as Director for Football.
Jodie’s an Educational Support Officer with our Learning Enrichment Team with more than 20 years of coaching experience, including State League Reserves Netball Coach for Cheerio, Cougars and Matrics and State U19 Netball Assistant Coach.
She holds a Level 2 Intermediate Coach qualification (NSA) and as our Director will positively influence players’ holistic development, providing great opportunities for students with a passion for the game.
A veteran of 210 AFL games for the Crows, Nathan’s been head coach at Norwood Football Club, assistant coach at Essendon and now Port Adelaide as well run private coaching clinics/ He’s excited about positioning our program to enhance the talent within each individual player and coach.
As Director of Netball and Football, Jodie and Nathan will drive student engagement and progression by mentoring and developing our coaches – many of whom are old scholars and parents, many with their own impressive experiences to draw upon. They’ll also work with our Sport Coordinators to develop, document, and implement coaching frameworks and programmes.
They are welcome additions to our team with our Directors of Cricket and Tennis.
Arts and Sports precinct
Artistic and sporting pursuits have also been firmly on my agenda, with the assessment of submissions for our new precinct building partner. It is our expectation that we’ll have a contract in place before the end of financial year.
I look forward to construction of our new Arts and Sports precinct getting underway, and there’s no doubt the investment in state of the art facilities marks a really exciting time in the College’s history.
Through our Annual Giving Program in June, you’ll have the opportunity to invest in the future learning experiences of students for decades to come by making tax free donations to the Mercedes College Building Fund and furthering the aspirations of our founding Mercy Sisters.
Andrew Balkwill
Principal
Connections, engagement, and real world experiences to amplify learning.
One of our main objectives is striving for all members in our community to feel a sense of belonging. This is an ongoing process, and one we take pride in undertaking. Instilling a sense of belonging, and fostering an ongoing feeling of hope and personal value, directly influences how we feel about ourselves and others, how we interact with others, and how we engage and interact with the environment. Research reveals that achieving a sense of belonging to a school environment is an established protective factor for children, favourably influencing adolescent health, education, and social wellbeing.
Belonging is something that we focus on each day in the Junior School. Our students regularly show ways in which they accept each other and enable others to flourish. This term as one of our focus areas, Student Leaders in the Junior School will be considering the many ways we already foster belonging and connectedness, and ways we can further develop this within our Junior School.
There are some wonderful examples of how this occurs daily in the classroom and the yard. Over the next two weeks, there will be opportunities for our Reception and Year 5 buddies to connect for some fitness, and our Year 12 buddies to engage with our Receptions, Year 1 and Year 2 students in the lunchtime Junior School Craft Club. We want to shine a light on these as well as promote some new opportunities for students.
Connecting with your child’s classroom learning through Seesaw
Through Seesaw in the Junior School, families can see student learning and be engaged with the activities of our learning environment. Seesaw posts, samples of student learning and assessment are an integral part of our communication and reporting processes.
We live in exciting and challenging times. Our united goal, both as parents and educators, is to best prepare our children for their future. We know that our young students will need collaboration skills, creativity, and the ability to solve problems and deconstruct and construct information, based on growing understanding of how the brain works and how the world works.
So much of life is also dependent on emotional intelligence, and it is paramount that we pay attention to our children’s development of resilience and grit. Recently, whilst leading a College Tour, I paused to have a conversation with students during NAPLAN week. I was impressed by how our Year 3 and Year 5 students managed the challenge, testing conditions and assessments. Their encouraging words towards each other, the calm and measured manner with which they approached these days and the focus and determination they demonstrated were a credit to them.
Recently, we have had some Senior School students completing community service in our Junior School. Each of these students approached this opportunity with great enthusiasm and a genuine interest in being supportive and of service. In speaking to these students, it is clear that they ae making the most of this learning experience and looking for the opportunities when life doesn’t go as planned. Conversations with, and observations of them, provide a reminder of the fact that we develop students who are not only academically successful, but also creative, resilient, strong, and grounded.
We believe in growing our students to be successful in all areas of life. I encourage you to spend time with your children in considering the PYP Learner Profile attributes. These are powerful and life-building components of learning at Mercedes College.
We are a Junior School that believes strongly in the constructivist theories of learning. We believe that children learn best through experience and reflection on experience. We want you to sense the excitement and know the learning that your child is engaged in. We are developing learners, not for the world which we were educated for, but for the changing world in which they are and will be living.
Year 4 Service Learning at Brownhill Creek
This year our Year 4 classes are visting the local Mitcham area inlcuding Brownhill Creek, Mitcham Reserve, and Carrick Hill fortnightly. This experience is giving them opportunities to develop and enhance their learning experiences from within the classroom. The activities give students an opportunity to apply their learning in a setting that adds meaning and purpose to the curriculum outcomes developed in the classroom through their Units of Inquiry. Each week the activities they undertake shift focus. Examples include planting trees, pulling weeds, cleaning litter, and making environmental observations. Thank you to our wonderful Year 4 parent volunteers who joined classes for their first walk last Wednesday. We look forward to hearing more about our students’ experience of this in the coming months.
Kellie Osborn
Head of Junior School
Middle School duo take to the podium in inter-school competition.
I trust that our Middle School students are rested and ready for Term 2.
Attendance
Whilst we experienced absences in Term 1 with close contacts requirements, we're looking forward to greater stability this Term mindful that:
Winter Uniform
A reminder was sent out to families late last term around the changeover from summer to winter uniform and it has been pleasing to witness Middle School students maintaining high standards in uniform presentation. Please note the winter uniform must be worn with the blazer to and from school (regardless of the mode of transport).
Learning Reviews
Our Years 6 to 11 Learning Reviews and phone conversations have provided a great opportunity for our families to share highlights, progress, and workings for the future. I am confident that there has been great discussions around personal progress, with the opportunity for families to work in collaboration with staff to ensure positive outcomes for students. I hope the process has been useful in identifying areas of strengths and future goals for the remainder to the year.
Year 9 Camp
The Year 9 cohort continue to be busy preparing for their upcoming bushwalking trek in the Flinders Rangers. They have had a few practice walks and are starting to understand the need to be prepared for their upcoming adventure in Week 4. This camp is a great opportunity for them to step outside of their comfort zone and show resilience and perseverance, as well as forming close bonds with their peers and teachers.
We wish them all the best on their journey and I hope they return with a fresh outlook on their individual capabilities.
NAPLAN Testing
Online NAPLAN Testing took place for Year 7 and 9 students this week. Thank you to the students for their participation and effort during this process.
They were tested on fundamental literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. As a College we encourage our students to do their best and that is exactly what they did. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing the results later this year. Thanks also to our Year 7 and 9 Home Group teachers - job well done.
A hard fought win in mountain biking competition
Middle School students Jensen Marold and Ethan Bailey (pictured) represented Mercedes College at the annual SAPSASA Mountain Bike Championship (teams event) early this month.
Competing against 80 teams of Year 5 and Year 6 students in a two hour race, Jensen and Ethan alternated laps, taking the lead from the very first circuit.
A downpour of rain and windy conditions couldn't slow them down, and the duo raced to first place on the podium, as well as getting the fastest lap of the day.
Congratulations Jensen and Ethan on a great display of determination, skill and teamwork.
Ben Dray
Head of Middle School
Plenty of successes with our senior students.
Student Leadership Acheivements
Sannawar Sandhu (11OH) has been leading her peers in a variety of ways, not least in leading the launch of the Pixii project to work toward preventing period panic among young women by making period products available for students to use in emergency situations (see Sanna's article further down this issue). Sannawar has pioneered this project and collaborated with staff, peers, and Pixii to see this project launched for Term 2. In addition to this, Sannawar has been selected as part of the South Australian SRC, working with the Commissioner for Children and Young People, to advocate on youth issues in this forum.
Thank you Sannawar for your commitment and enthusiasm for leadership.
Learning Reviews
Thank you to our parents and students involved in Learning Reviews. The partnership in reviewing progress and planning for future success is critical to achieving the outcomes desired by our young people. If any questions have arised from these discussions please don't hesitate to make contact with subject or home group teachers as needed.
Entrepreneurship opportunities
The 2022 MC8 Entrepreneurship Programme is underwaywith a number of Year 6 and 7 students involved. For students who would like to join, register your interest before it's too late.
If you're a business owner/operator and have an interest in sharing your expertise through this program, your involvement will help our young entrepreneurs identify problems, ideate solutions, create prototypes, and market their ideas.
To become one of our MC8 Motiv8ors, or for more information, please contact Mr Michael Francis or Mrs Sarah Marinelli for more details.
Year 10 camps
Congratulations to all students in Year 10 for their efforts in Week 1 Camps where some wonderful stories of challenge and resilience were shared. Many thanks to everyone involved in preparing for and conducting these great experiences with our students.
Reflections and insights.
Journeying with Jesus
At the end of Term 1 we celebrated Easter, a significant time in the Liturgical Calendar and the most important event in the Christian story. This year, as part of our Easter Journey, the Junior School students Journeyed with Jesus by celebrating his passion and the events of Holy Week. On the last day of Term 1, the Junior School gathered as a community under the Marquee to share and reflect upon this important event. Students were reverent and compassionate as they walked with Jesus through the eyes of their peers. The Holy Week Remembrance Liturgy was an invitation to prayer and reflection on our faith story – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Students re-enacted the events (pictured), sang songs, and joined in prayer. May the risen Christ continue to ignite our hearts with love and mercy.
Sacramental news
The Sacrament Program is well underway, and students have been preparing for their Confirmation. The Sacrament Program begins with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, followed by Confirmation, and concluding with Holy Communion. Children need to be at least seven years of age to enrol and registration details for Reconciliation will be sent out later in August/September.
We would like to wish the following students all the very best as they celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday 20 May, through the Emmaus Parish. We pray for these students and their families as they continue their spiritual journey through the First Sacraments.
Elessia, Matteo, Amelia, Lincoln, Elijah, Isabella, Olivia, Isobel
Curriculum news
This Term Year 4 students will explore the amazing efforts of missionaries and charities. They will focus on Mercy Works and the instrumental influence Catherine McAuley had in setting up shelters and helping the less fortunate. Students will explore ways to take action to help others in need.
Knowledge strand: Church for the world
Sub-strand: The Saints are models of Christian discipleship
Enduring Understanding: As migrants and missionaries came to Australia, the church was established with communities, schools and charities
"We must strive to do ordinary things, extraordinary well"
Catherine McAuley
Our students have adjusted to celebrating liturgies in a variety of ways while responding to changing density regulations. I am so blessed to belong to a community where respect and reverence are understood and practised. Students read recorded reflections and Year 11 students role-played The Stations of the Cross for our online liturgy.
Where appropriate we have hosted online liturgies, yet we are now able to have our first whole year level Mass in Gleeson Hall this Term (with our Year 10 Cohort) adhering to social distancing.
Fr John Shanahan challenged the students to be their best and have resilience and strength, and related this challenge to our faith, reflecting on scripture:
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31
I look forward to more opportunities for communal Masses and liturgies as we move forward together.
Blessings
Therese Wilson
Director of Mission
An update on the change in sports seasons and keeping in touch.
It was a tight competition, but our blue team Fitzpatrick has taken out the win at the Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival in March. The final standings were Fitzpatrick (1,227 points), Barry (1,086 points), McAuley (1,051 points), then Dalton (1,040 points). Congratulations also to our individual champions:
YEAR 3
Boy's Champion: Oliver Bailey (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Eddie Xiao (Fitzpatrick)
Girl's Champions (tied): Macie Ashmead (Barry), Cloe Hage (Dalton), and Jasmine Hughes (Dalton)
No runner up
YEAR 4
Boy's Champion: Samuel Alcorn (Fitzpatrick)
Runners Up (tied): Lincoln Ciplys (Fitzpatrick), and Louis Martins (Fitzpatrick)
Girl's Champion: Holly Wotton (Barry)
Runner Up: Lelia Ying (Fitzpatrick)
YEAR 5
Boy's Champion: William Stone (Barry)
Runner Up: Lachlan Burfield (Barry)
Girl's Champion: Ellie Digney (Dalton)
Runner Up: Emma Queale (Fitzpatrick)
YEAR 6
Boy's Champion: Charles Greaves (McAuley)
Runners Up (tied): Charlies Coligan (Fitzpatrick), and Bennett Dickson (Fitzpatrick)
Girl's Champion: Maggie Robinson (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Talia Cenko (Fitzpatrick)
In the Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival it was Dalton who took out the top spot (2,393), followed by Barry (2,365), Fitzpatrick (2,134), and McAuley (1,951). Congratulations also to our individual champions:
YEAR 7
Male Champion: Jared Cenko (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Nicholas Hosford (Fizpatrick)
Female Champion: Saskia Kellaway (Dalton)
Runner Up: Edie Davies (Barry)
YEAR 8
Male Champion: Sebastian Nichols (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Oliver Dixon (McAuley)
Female Champions (tied): Stevie Sinel (Fitzpatrick), and Abbey Haskard (Barry)
No runner up
YEAR 9
Male Champion: Christian Whitwell (McAuley)
Runner Up: Jon-Luc Catinari (Dalton)
Female Champion: Charlotte Kroeger (Dalton)
Runner Up: Summer Hudswell (Fitzpatrick)
YEAR 10
Male Champion: Louis Kellaway (Dalton)
Runner Up: Sam van der Linden (McAuley)
Female Champion: Sara Elleway (Dalton)
Runner Up: Elsie Burvill (Barry)
YEAR 11
Male Champion: Noah Chlanda (Dalton)
Runner Up: Eamon Sibly (Barry)
Female Champion: Layla Kinnane (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Charlotte Gibbons (McAuley)
YEAR 12
Male Champion: Hayden Howard (Fitzpatrick)
Runner Up: Lachlan Mowbray (Dalton)
Female Champion: Georgina Harvey (Dalton)
Runner Up: Sophie Kennedy (Fitzpatrick)
We now look forwards, with the beginning of our winter sports programs in full swing. Whilst the new sports precinct development has required some modifications to some programming, we are delighted that we're able to offer more trainings than we initially thought would be possible. Basketball, netball and football competitions have commenced, along with cross country and Auskick, with the soccer competition and R-2 tennis development to begin in week four of this term.
Our major point of sports communications to families is via the Stack Team app, also accesible via laptop or desktop computer to enable famillies to print fixtures and maps as needed. This is where you will receive direct notifications to your mobile alerting you to any change to training or matches, and when fixtures have been updated.
If your child becomes unavailable for a training session or match within 48 hours of that event, we request that you notify coaches directly. In instances of advance notice of unavailability, please also notify me (Jeff Wray) in case replacements need to be sought, or rosters adjusted.
On Monday 10 May our College had nine students compete at the SAPSASA Swimming Championships, representing our district: City South. Also, special mention goes to Jensen Marold and Ethan Bailey who, in week one of the term, competed in the SAPSASA Mountain Bike Championships (team event) and took out first place. Congratulations to all our SAPSASA competitors.
Families of students in the Primary Cross Country Team will by now have received information about our new initiative RunUpAus.
RunUpAus is a team challenge created to encourage further training outside of scheduled sessions, and will track distances run by team members throughout Terms 2 and 3. The aim will be for the team to notch up approximately 3,000km, the distance from Adelaide to Darwin.
People interested in the team's progress will find our virtual position on the map in the Junior School Gym.
Jeff Wray
Primary Sports Coordinator
It's not just football keeping our boys fighting fit over the season.
Winter Sport commences
It was great to get the winter sport season underway last weekend, as many teams across many different sports battled it out in their first competitive match of the season. This year we have over twenty weekly competition teams for our boys across soccer, football, hockey, basketball and table tennis, as well as many other competitors in chess, badminton and cross country.
It was great to see so many boys playing in their matches over the weekend and I was able to witness many pleasing results. Remember: being a good team member means showing up to training each week, and ensuring you are well prepared for your matches. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing many more teams in action over the coming weeks and months!
Athletics Star Profiles – Old Scholar, Darcy Miller + Max Swift
Old Scholar (class of 2021) and current Mercedes College Athletics coach Darcy Miller has been selected in the Australian team for the World U20 Athletics Championships in Cali, Columbia, in August. He’s been selected for discus, which follows his gold in U20 Men’s Discus at the Australian Track and Field Championships for the second year running. He also came fourth in the Open Men’s Discus at the same event. Having only just turned 18, Darcy will be one of the younger competitors at the World U20s, but he’s incredibly honoured (and very excited!) to be selected.
Old Scholar, Olivia Sandery (class of 2020) also made the team, meaning that 50% of the four South Australians are Mercedes College Old Scholars - a great achievement for our community!
Both Darcy and Olivia have also been selected in the Australian team for the upcoming Oceania Championships to be held in Mackay in June.
Meanwhile, current Year 7 student, Max Swift, was selected for the SA state team for National Little Athletics Championships held in Melbourne over the recent school holidays. A massive congratulations to Max on this fine achievement!
We wish all of these competitors the utmost success and are very proud of them!
Team App
Team App is an exciting application that you can download on your smart phone to access the most recent news, events, fixtures and results for Mercedes College Boys Sport. All information is kept confidential to relevant access groups organised by the Sport Coordinators. Please choose ‘Mercedes College Boys Sport’ and choose the access groups that relate to your son.
Josh Archer
Secondary Boys Sport Coordinator
Summer sports have wrapped up and winter sports are in full swing.
Commencement of Winter Sport
It was so nice to see many happy faces on the court or field over the weekend for Round 1 of Netball, AFLW, Hockey, Cross Country, Table Tennis, and Wellbeing. Well done to all of our girls who were involved and who displayed the Mercy Keys whilst engaging in their sporting games. Best wishes for the upcoming rounds and I look forward to getting out and watching as many teams as I possibly can throughout the season.
Tamae Ninos
Secondary Girls Sport Coordinator
Open A Girls Netball Report
Our Open A team came together to defeat St Michael’s 2 by six goals. After Open A team selection this combination of Year 11 and 12 girls have been training since the beginning of Term 2, forming great connections and developing their skills in a short amount of time. Saturday’s game suggests an exciting season ahead.
Jessie Grenvold
Open A Coach
Middle A Girls Football Report
Our Mercedes College Girls A team defeated Sacred Heart College by 67 points (67-0) in our first game of the 2022 winter season. Our team was supportive and encouraging towards each other, whilst also putting in good shepherds and accurate kicks. We shared the ball around our forward line and handballed well through to some of the midfielders, won all centre clearances, and had our defenders pushing up when the ball was in our forward line. This approach put our defenders on the outside whenever the ball came out of our forward 50 and greatly contributed to our success. It was a perfect start to the season, and we're hoping to get many more wins. Go Camels!
Zara Downes
Year 8 student
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Hayley Fuss (Year 7) who competed in the Little Athletics Championships in Melbourne during the holidays. Hayley came 10th in the 200m, 13th in the 100m, 5th in the 4 x 100m and received Gold in the Medley Relay. Well done Hayley!
If your daughter, or another girl you know in the Mercedes College community, has achieved highly in her chosen sport or activity, please contact me on tninos@mercedes.catholic.edu.au or 83723516. Include as much detail as possible and a photo if you can. The Mercedes College community would love to hear about it!
Tamae Ninos
Secondary Girls Sport Coordinator
Communication and Uniform
To ensure you are up to date with your daughter’s sport, please refer to Stack Team App (Mercedes College Girls’ Sport) and join the ‘Access Groups’ of the sports your daughter is playing. All teams, fixtures, training details, and any last-minute information are published on Stack Team App only in the relevant Access Group. Please encourage your daughter to download this app on their phone and ensure notifications are on.
Winter sport team members require the correct uniform. Soccer and Football tops will be discussed with the girls at the first training, as we must avoid clashes in numbers. For Netball, the Netball dress and bike shorts must be purchased from the College shop. You are reminded that your daughter must wear the College Netball shorts under their dress. These were made and ordered specifically to suit the dress and the dress will not be sold without the shorts. The shorts have a specific silicon lining that prevent them from riding up when playing and the colour matches the dress. Mercedes College socks must also be worn with the Netball uniform.
Attendance at training and games
Please be reminded that student attendance is compulsory at all trainings and games. Morning trainings begin at 7:15am.
The students already know that what I value most about girls sport is effective communication. It is imperative that coaches are made aware if players are in isolation or otherwise unable to make trainings or games. I appreciate your support in getting your daughter in the habit of messaging their coach if they are going to be late or unable to make a training or game prior to the relevant activity. This assists me greatly as I will not have to follow up on their whereabouts.
Contact numbers for your coaches are on Team App under the ‘Training/Coach Information’ tab.
When informing the College of any absences, please let the staff member know to pas this absence on to me so I know she will not be at training. If the absenteeism is on a Friday, please le me know if she will not be attending the weekend's game.
First Aid
Please ensure your daughter provides her coach with clearly labelled personal medication (including puffers and epi-pens), if relevant, before training and games. This will ensure that medication is immediately on hand if required.
A buzz is in the air with all things arts at the beginning of Term 2
A wonderful buzz is in the air with preparations for a variety of Arts’ experiences this term.
Term 2
The Arts Faculty thank the Mercedes College Community for their continued interest and support of The Arts.
Yours in Arts
Dr Loretta Bowshall-Freeman
Learning Area Leader Arts R-12
Craft Club
Further to our curated arts program, Junior and Middle School students have the opportunity to join Craft Club with Mrs Zieleniecki. Recently the Junior School cohort has been dabbling in textiles, creating plush toys and toy clothing, as well as experimenting with Tomboy knitting.
Junior School Craft Club
Mondays fortnightly on even-numbered weeks
Lunch time
JS Art Room, MB101
Middle School Craft Club
Mondays fortnightly on odd-numbered weeks
After school until 4:15pm
Art Room, D206
All materials are supplied, or bring along your own special project, and let your imagination guide you!
A changed landscape
As we look towards post-pandemic life, we can see a significant shift in the way our children use technology. Previously, parents had clear rules about daily screen use, but COVID-19 forced us to reconsider this. Suddenly our children needed to use screens to communicate with family and friends, complete schoolwork, as well as play games and watch videos.
When considering your child’s screen time, it is important to remember that not all screen time is equal. Experts differentiate between active screen time, involving discussion with others and critical thinking, and passive screen time, in which people consume content without interacting with it. Rather than setting time limits for daily screen use, we recommend a balanced approach, ensuring that our children experience life on and off screens.
We can set our children up for success with their screen time by using several strategies:
We encourage you to continue to monitor the screen time of your whole family, which will enable you to reap its benefits whilst also being aware of its limitations. The latest School TV module entitled Managing Screen Time contains many more useful ideas and considerations.
Andrea Fairlie
College Psychologist R-12
Students seek out partnership to support each other.
As of Term 2, 2022, Mercedes College is partnering with Pixii to introduce freely available period products in the girl's toilets. These period products are intended to be used in the case of an emergency when a student might have forgotten, or not known that they needed a period product that day.
We’ve partnered with Australian owned and run social enterprise Pixii, as giving back and doing things sustainably are important values to us and this aligns with Pixii's vision. Pixii donates 50% of profits to educating girls around the world, and their eco-friendly period products are made from 100% organic cotton and hygienically wrapped in either recyclable paper or a biodegradable bio-film. Pixii also ensures that the entire supply chain from farm to bathroom is carbon negative.
Huge thanks to the Middle School Leaders, College Captains, and students for working hard on this initiative. This is a student-led and student-run project, so we hope that all students will respect the initiative and allow our female students to access the products when needed.
Period products are available now in the McAuley bathrooms and changerooms.
For any questions or comments on this initiative please contact Preventing #PeriodPanic Project Leader, Sanna Sandhu (11 OH).
Sanna Sandhu
A student perspective of a recent fishing camp on the Yorke Peninsula
Our Year 10 students participated in challenging camp activities including surfing, sailing, and kayaking. One of the options was fishing, where students had a great time, as evidenced by this student account:
Year 10 fishing camp was such an amazing trip, where we made so many special memories - like our first catch! Although it came with many challenges, together we were able to create an unforgettable experience.
Our camp started with a never-ending bus drive to Yorke Peninsula, however blasting a bit of T Swift Love Story made it all worthwhile. We spent the first day fishing off Adrossan Jetty, then headed back to camp to hang out at the beach and watch the stars. After almost being blown away in our tents, we work the next morning ready for an exciting day of fishing.
After breakfast atop the sand dunes, and some disappointing news that out charter boat had been cancelled due to the weather, we grabbed our rods and decided to make the most of our second day. We travelled to Dhilba Guuranda (Innes National Park), with the majority of the group catching their first fish at the Stenhouse Bay Jetty. We then decided to check out the Ethel shipwreck.
Finally, we headed down to Browns Beach where we hit the jackpot and caught over 20 Australian salmon! A late night of s’mores around the campfire and bus rides to the long drop was the perfect ending to an exhilarating day.
The final day was spent squidding at Moonta Bay before beginning the journey back home, Love Story on aux and fish fillets in hand.
A huge thankyou to Mr Munn, Mr Khabbaz, Mr Jones and Mr Reiger who made this camp possible. Forever grateful for this experience.
