College Leadership

Learning experiences

By Andrew Balkwill Email this article

It’s been 11 big weeks of learning at Mercedes College, and we’re now a quarter of the way around the 2023 academic track, with students set to enjoy a two week break ahead of Term 2.

Across our beautiful campus, hundreds of new students have joined Mercedes College this Term, with terrific learning taking place in our classrooms, laboratories, drama and recital spaces, art and design rooms, as well as in the garden during play breaks, plus camps, retreats, and carnivals.

Educators, leaders and specialists from across our school also attended the International Baccalaureate Global Conference, featuring inspirational speakers, peer-to-peer breakout sessions, more than 95 sessions on teaching practice, as well as Mercedes College students’ work and acclaimed performances - pictured is Year 11 student, Claire Davies.

Conferences drive change, and it was fantastic to be reminded of how our delivery of the IB ensures we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves, state and country. This is powerful for us all as learners, teachers, and our community. As we plan future learning focussed firmly on ‘the experience of learning’ and moving to a ‘facilitator of learning’ approach, we set about ‘teaching for tomorrow’.

Being future focussed is part of the college’s DNA, with true to our founders spirit, seeking to improve educational outcomes and working with you to develop the leaders of tomorrow. The keys gifted to us teach respect, support, care and kindness. They champion holistic education and inspire us to be better than we were yesterday. As custodians of their good work, it is our responsibility to adapt and grow.

Progress is highly visible with the structure of our $25 million Arts and Sports precinct taking shape: retaining walls installed, further excavation of our Community Plaza space ahead of pouring foundations and installing steel work for our Sports Centre - pictured are pre cast panels being installed this week. Like you, I am looking forward to seeing students rehearse, train and excel in these spaces following the official opening early next year.

A key part of my role, and important aspect of leading the college, is ensuring we are recruiting and retaining the best people for our team, investing strategically, and making informed decisions in the long-term interests of the college. In short, being best in class, living our values and practicing good governance.

This year we have welcomed new members to our College Council and further to an external review commissioned by the Council in 2022, we have streamlined our standing committee structure. Together with our Chair, Alf Ianniello, I explained this at our Open Council Meeting, along with where and how we are investing for tomorrow, successfully delivering the Australian curriculum through the IB framework, and developing critical and creative thinkers.

Across our Junior School, families have had the opportunity to meet with teachers and talk through their child’s learning progress and experience of school, with Year 6 to Year 11 Learning Reviews scheduled for May. Year 12 families have also had their reviews this Term, with support readily available to students from across the college to help them succeed.

The number of families opting in to share their contact details with their Year Level Representatives is also terrific, with thanks owed to everyone who has volunteered for these roles. It was such a pleasure to meet with you recently in Strathspey Parlour, and I am excited about the positive energy this group brings to our community.

All the best for the Autumn break, and we look forward to welcoming our fabulous students back to school on Tuesday 2 May 2023, proudly wearing their winter uniforms.

Andrew Balkwill
Principal