Term 2 Issue No. 2, July 5
College Leadership
Hey Chat GPT...
By Andrew Balkwill
...please finish this building.
The day may come when AI can build a structure as impressive as our exciting new Arts and Sports Precinct – but it’s not here yet!
Still, the modern world is evolving at a breathtaking pace. So too is the dynamic field of education and it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our changing world. The jobs of the future will require us to look ahead and adapt to technological advancements as well as embrace them. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such advancement that holds tremendous potential for revolutionising learning and providing new tools and resources.
Educational systems around the world – including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and SACE Board here in South Australia – have recognised the value of consistent practice and success criteria across subjects. AI can support students in achieving their goals by providing personalised tips and guidance. When teachers embrace AI tools and incorporate them into their teaching practices, students benefit from their expertise.
So, what’s the big deal with AI?
In the educational world, the arguments for and against the use of AI essentially come back to a single theme – the importance, purpose and value of learning. How do our students learn? How do they grow/develop? And how can they demonstrate or validate their learning?
The College has two important statements or policies in this space.
- Digital Citizenship is essential in the AI era, as students need to navigate the digital landscape ethically and responsibly. Digital citizenship is the effective, safe, responsible and ethical use of technology and the internet, including social media, email, and all forms of online communication in our personal, academic and professional lives. It is important students are aware of biases in AI systems, and even more important they think critically, and creatively to stay ahead of and apart from AI software. Helping them understand ways of learning, and their gifts, empowers them to shape AI tools and technologies for the benefit of society.
- Maintaining Academic Integrity is crucial when using AI tools. While the IB acknowledges AI developments, it also emphasises adherence to integrity guidelines. Educators need to educate students on responsible AI use, promote critical analysis, and ensure ethical implementation. Here is a guide to AI in relation to SACE, IB MYP and IB DP.
The IB's emphasis on ongoing learning and skills development positions it well in the AI era. By integrating AI, additional resources, personalised support, and skill development opportunities are provided, which serve to enhance the learning experience.
The fact remains that learning something new, or refining a skill, takes time, practice and effort. Some students may need assistance in understanding this more than others. Submitting someone else’s work (including ChatGPT) is more than plagiarism. It denies students the opportunity to learn the skills that will help them become citizens and leaders of the future. Skills like critical and creative thinking, as well as learning self-regulation and the modulation of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, are key in the pursuit of long term goals.
A key difference between AI and humans is that we possess the ability to think about our thinking. In the ‘Mercedes way’, our teachers are rethinking the design of learning tasks and shaping the learning experience to focus on the learning process rather than just assignment outcomes. Incorporating check points, witnessing work, and understanding each student's capabilities provide authentic evidence of learning. By addressing concerns and ensuring user-friendly experiences, educators can alleviate fears of cheating or overreliance on AI. Educating students on responsible AI use and emphasising their active involvement in the learning process fosters a positive learning environment. Although early days, AI tools are being seen as partners, encouraging critical thinking and creativity, rather than shortcuts.
And for those of you who read this hoping for news on our building project...I have some. Despite heavy rains we’re currently on track to be in our new facility in February 2024!
Junior Journeys
Celebrating your child's Semester 1 success
By Kellie Osborn
Learning through our students' journey.
Reflecting on how much our Junior School family has achieved in Term 2 fills me with great joy. This Term has been peppered with many exciting and memorable learning experiences, all adding to the richness and depth of the learning for your children. We celebrate this learning progress in the form of your child’s Semester 1 Report. Please take the time to sit with your child, after you have read the report, and share their success with them. They have worked hard this Semester, so praising the effort and persistence they put into their learning is a valuable part of their learning journey, and one they have control over.
Learning is all about growth and improving one’s personal best. The language we use to describe learning is impactful. It can shape a learner’s attitude and motivation, and can influence their participation and engagement with their learning. Reviewing your child’s report through the lens of their own focus, ability to do their best, and next steps for learning will help foster a positive lifelong learning journey.
This week our Year 1 students journeyed through the Carrick Hill Story Book Trail, a culmination of stories shared and the creation of their own narratives. What a lovely analogy for the learning that occurs throughout the Junior School, where children both explore and create their learning opportunities. Goals, self-discipline, hard work, ambition, perseverance, persistence, consistency and resilience are key, but the journey itself is intrinsicly significant.
Not a day goes by in which our students don’t learn about themselves, others and the world they are living in. As educators we are extremely privileged to work with our insightful, amazing, energetic, caring, knowledgeable, curious, interested and innately inquisitive students. They teach us all so much and part of the learning journey in the Junior School is to know and appreciate that we are all learning together, we are all on a journey and at our own pace, in our own time and taking our own route we shall ultimately reach not just one but a variety of destinations.
We look forward to seeing each of our Junior School students take their next steps in their learning next Semester, and supporting them in doing this. We wish each of our students and their families a fun, safe, restful and enjoyable break.
Kellie Osborn
Head of Junior School
Middle Moments
Inspiring young leaders
By Ben Dray
Including a VIP visit and the culmination of amazing programs.
An Excellent Visit
This Term, a group of our Middle and Senior School students had the opporutnity to spend time with the Governor of SA, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, learning about her leadership journey and generously answering their questions.
"Her Excellency shared some of her significant life lessons taken from over her life. She spoke to us about her experiences leading up to her being appointed as Governor and how those experiences helped her to become a great leader."
"It was fascinating to hear about her journey and how leadership has impacted both her personal life and her career and we are sure lots of us took home many things to implement into our own way of leading. Some valuable things we learnt included teamwork and the importance of that when leading, listening to others’ ideas and opinions, trusting everyone including yourself, persistence, respect, the importance of enjoying what you do, and that it is never too late to learn."
"The Governor mentioned how she was not a ‘natural leader’ when she was younger, but she had a willingness to be open to new challenges and to get the absolute best out of herself, which helped her progress throughout her career. This ability to be a lifelong learner, and always have the desire to become better at what she did was what helped Her Excellency get to the position she is in today."
"It was a fascinating experience hearing what she had to say, and we all learnt a lot."
Middle School Leaders, Annabelle Phillips, Ava Barton, Sam Doan, and Thomas Stirling.
Break Free
The Year 9 Break Free Programs saw many students taking up the opportunity to participate, exploring explore and challenge gender stereotypes, expectations, and misconceptions.
The girls engaged in discussions about body image, self-esteem and the effects of the media, while the boys deconstructed some of the contradictory expectations placed on young men and using conversation to empower them moving forward.
Both programs culminated with a camp in Week 9, where groups solidified their bonds, and finalised the work they have been doing together.
Thank you to everyone invovled in delivering these programs, that run outside of school hours, and those who helped with camps including Damian Vahlis, Bell Hartley, Lachlan Jones, Daniel Caire, Logan Hill, Nathan Holdinghausen, Tamae Ninos, Lane Trenorden, and Rebecca Sharpe.
Feeback about these programs continues to be overwhelmingly positive and there is no doubt that each of these gender specific 'safe spaces' offers students a valuable, worthwhile and relevant experience.
"Break Free was a memorable camp; from turning on each other in paintball to coming together on the beach for a soccer tournament. It was a maturing experience that formed new friendships and helped evolve certain skills. It was a great camp and I highly recommend this to any girl wanting to get out of their comfort zone.
Tilly Petty
"Being Boys had so many great things to experience. Our weekly sessions would start with talking, laughing, connecting and communicating in a shared safe space and we grew as young men and valued the time together. It was refreshing to be able to have a chat with my peers about how I was feeling, and life in general, as it took some weight of my shoulders helped immensely. I recommend it highly."
ames Bafile
.
Semester 1 Report
As another Semester draws to a close, students eagerly await the winter break and look forward to a well-deserved rest much-needed leisure time. The Semester 1 Report serves as a comprehensive summary of your child's progress so far this year, encapsulating their achievements, areas of improvement, and overall growth.
End-of-Semester Reports highlight the achievements and milestones reached by students. They serve as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Celebrating these achievements boosts a child's self-esteem and encourages them to continue striving for success. For both children and families, receiving positive feedback and recognition for accomplishments is highly motivating.
This Report also provides a basis for setting new goals and objectives for the upcoming academic Term. With a clear understanding of a child's progress, families can work together to establish realistic and attainable targets. These goals serve as a roadmap for continuous improvement and create a sense of purpose and direction in a child's academic endeavors.
I hope during this Term break families enjoy spending extra time together, and I look forward to seeing you again at the beginning of Term 3, re-energised and ready to progress with learning in the second half of the year.
Ben Dray
Head of Middle School
Senior Stories
Diverse experiences
By Michael Francis
Stepping outside of the classroom.
Educational experiences at Mercedes College are diverse. These past few weeks have certainly proven this for our Year 11 students, who have engaged in a variety of activities through Work Experience, and Creativity, Activity and Service opportunities as part of their SACE or IB Diploma studies. Taking a week to explore possible career options and connecting with the broader community enables students to engage with learning beyond the classroom and return with renewed purpose and drive.
A special congratulations to Madison Telford, Sara Elleway, Violet Salvemini and Thomas Hartley on their contributions to their work placements – feedback from your supervisors was outstanding!
And Year 11 learning will continue outside of the classroom during the Term break, with the 2023 Snow Trip taking in the Victorian Snow fields sure to be fun. Wishing everyone a safe, exciting and snow-filled experience.
Further 'whole of student' education of our young people took place at the Year 12 Religious Education Seminar Day, connected to the Growth and Personal Skills program.
This Seminar Day provides dedicated time for our students to reflect on the importance of the value of human dignity in relationships, recognising positive, respectful relationships and exploring the issue of consent. These discussions build on the experience of the Year 12 Retreat in early May, and enables a positive opportunity to connect on these issues that are important both behind and beyond the Hedge.
Year 11 students will engage in their overnight Retreat in August, while Year 10 studnets will be share their Reflection Day in Term 4.
As shared recently in The Hedge, there will be some adjustments in Senior School staffing in Semester 2 to accommodate leave.
- From Term 3, the Year 12 Year Level Leader will be James Burdon, covering Holly Potter as she takes parenting leave. We wish Holly and her family every success.
- As James Burdon takes on this new position, Bill Deegan will fulfill the role of Year 11 Year Level Leader.
- I will be taking Long Service Leave from the beginning of Term 4, with Matthew Andrigo, currently Year 7 Year Level Leader, taking on the role of Head of Senior School for Term 4.
These adjustments will remain in place for the 2023 year, with 2024 appointments to be confirmed later this year.
As our neighbourhood continues to be shared by families, students, and residents, please be mindful of appropriate parking and road use in our surrounding streets.
Please cross at designated pedestrian crossings. Families and students driving vehicles are reminded to do so at the posted speed limits, and please respect our neighbours by parking in accordance with the regulations that are sign posted, so that together we can foster positive connections with our local community.
Thank you for your support.
As we take a break from learning, I’d like to ask for your support to ensure your children return in Term 3 with uniforms that meet College expectations. This might involve updating items after those inevitable growth spurts, or replacing or repairing items that are damaged, and considering any changes to hairstyles or piercings. We look forward to starting Term 3 with our uniform expectations successfully met by all.
Thank you for your support this Term – much has been achieved and we are excited about the Semester ahead. Stay warm, healthy and safe through the break.
Michael Francis
Head of Senior School
Director of Mission
Witnessing the Mercy spirit
By Catholic, Identity and Mission Team
Reflection, service, spirituality and action.
Reflection
To close National Reconciliation Week 2023, we gathered as a community for prayer and reflection on the week's theme: to be a voice for generations.
Together our students, faculty, and families were encouraged to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways where we live, work, and socialise, and show our solidarity to First Nations peoples every week.
Our Year 12 students attended their Seminar Day mid-Term, holding valuable discussions about wellbeing, consent, and embracing the Mercy spirit beyond their schooling.
Similarly, the Year 8 Reflection Day offered activities that explored teamwork, the Mercy Key of Mutual Respect, and what it means to attend a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition. These days away from campus are a great opportunity for students to step back from their classroom studies and check in with their emotional, spiritual, and social progression as a group.
As a College we also acknowledged the Sisters of Mercy Foundation Day. Wednesday 3 May marked the arrival of 24 Mercy Sisters to South Australia in 1880 at the invitation of Bishop Reynolds. As we prepare to celebrate 70 years in 2024, we acknowledge these women and their trailblazing of the Mercy story and tradition, as well as their commitment to growing and continuing the Mercy story today. We are grateful for their ongoing, important, and inclusive work that enables the voice of all to be heard.
Service
Year 11 SACE students studying Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning (SRM) recently completed a week of community service, which helped them connect with the wider community, and expand their compassionate view of the world. We also commend Year 12 SRM students for recently volunteering at fundraisers supporting the rebuilding of schools in Ukraine. Ruby, Caitlyn and Emma spent time serving refreshments at a Mavka Film Fundraiser, whilst Harry, Lily, Maniah and Michael helped with their quiz night. These are wonderful example of student-led service and Mercy values in action. Congratulations!
Also, a shout out to Grace from Grace's handmade cards, who recently worked meticulously on personalised candles for Mercedes College. All of Grace's work is handmade, with a portion of profits donated to charities to support others in need.
.
Spirituality
Class Masses and Liturgies are an integral part of College life, and these are celebrated in our beautiful Ursula Frayne Chapel in Strathspey with Father Pastor.
Families are welcome to join these events and are notified of their child's class Mass or Liturgy via SEQTA Direqt Message from Sister Duyen.
These moments are also a wonderful opportunity for us to foster connection between peers, from our youngest students to our most senior. As an R-12 College we are fortunate to connect and celebrate with our peers. This term the Year 12 Spiritualties, Religion and Meaning students have worked with Mrs Pepicelli, planning and celebrating child centred liturgies with our Reception students in the Chapel, fostering friendships based on mutual respect and compassion.
Our congratulations to the following students who recently received their Sacrament.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
St Paul of the Cross
Alina Placanica
Aria Callisto
Zyla Lewington
Nicole Tsouvalas
Ana Ripa | Sacrament of Confirmation
Emmaus Parish
Leo Swift
Zoe Aywald
Lachlan Everett |
We wish you and your families the very best as you continue your spiritual journey, or prepare for your First Holy Communion later this year.
Action
Our Year 2 students used Mother's Day as an opportunity to actively celebrate Mary, the mother of Mercy, and all mother figures in our lives. This use of creativity helped our young students learn and share the story of Mary, as well as understand her role in the context of motherhood.
With winter temperatures arriving in Adelaide, our community came together in generosity to donate non-perishable foods and warming blankets and sleeping bags for the Vinnies Winter Appeal, and there were beanies a-plenty for Beanie Day, with gold coin donations raising more than $1,300 to this annual cause that assists South Australians experiencing hardship.
.
Catholic Identity and Mission Team
Deb Lubatti, Therese Wilson, Helen Ayliffe, Teresa Pepicelli, and Sister Duyen Nguyen
Good Sports
Mid-season break
By Tamae Ninos and Josh Archer
Great successes so far as we take a brief pause.
The mid-year point marks a season break for all winter sports. There have been many highlights across Term 2 and we are looking forward to many more when the season resumes.
Thank you to everyone involved in our Girls and Boys Sport Program for their hard work and commitment with their respective teams. With many impressive coaches and staff dedicating time and effort to their teams each week, it has been great to see the rewards of excellent performances by their teams this Term.
For all results and Most Valuble Players (MVPs) visit the Stack Team App and read the ‘News’ section.
Cheering on our coach!
Our Open A1 and A2 netballers recently surprised their coach, Jessie Grenvold (Class of 2020), by supporting her Premier League game with Contax, cheering her on to a 20 point victory.
Starting with a team bonding dinner, the players came away from the game with plenty of ideas and inspiration after seeing these state-level performances.
Jessie was completely grateful for the support of her Mercedes College family (main picture).
Intercol 2023
Preparations for our Intercollegiate competition against Saint Ignatius' College are underway.
For the uninitiated, Intercollegiate (Intercol) is an annual competition held at the end of the winter sports program, with shields up for grabs in a variety of curriculum extension activities for a week during Term 3.
St Ignatius' College is the host this year, and we will share fixtures and other details once confirmed next Term.
Like you, we're looking forward to a great competition.
Thinking Pink!
Towards the end of June, our club teams embraced the School Sport Pink Round, raising breast cancer awareness and discussions about breast screening by adding a touch of pink to their uniforms. Well done to all of our teams for participating in this important initiative!
.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Maggie Robinson (Year 7) and Charlie Gribble (Year 8) who were selected to represent School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia 13 to 19 years Cross Country Championship, to be held in Canberra this August.
 | Tiana Kennedy (Year 10) has been selected to represent South Australia at the National Calisthenics Championships to be held in Queensland this month.
Tiana placed in the top 4 for her age group at the recent State Finals.
Well done Tiana and good luck! |
.
Congratulations William Mathwin (Year 11), who is travelling to Europe this July and August to join a Dutch Cycling Team for the European summer. A great continuation of his cycling success after representing the SASI team in National Competitions last year.
Tamae Ninos and Josh Archer
Girls and Boys Secondary Sports Coordinators
ARTStanding
Transferable skills for life
By Lauren Vilanova
Courage, talent and determination in performing arts.
Warming Winter Concert
Our annual Winter Concert featured 120 students performing a range of instruments with some outstanding vocals. Before a full house of family and friends, our students were nervous, yet they shone on stage, demonstrating the success that can be found by working diligently towards your goals with grit and determination.
It can take many hours to ready a piece of music for performance, so sticking with it - especially when it gets hard or the end feels unreachable - is extremely important. Being a member of a band or choir gives our students a supportive and understanding environment where they can challenge themselves, persevere, and take risks.
Congratulations to all our students who performed so wonderfully on this special night.
.
Immersed in Strings
Our Year 3 students featured at our Winter Concert, having used Semester 1 to learn a string instrument as part of their weekly classroom music lessons. Tutored by Caroline Schilling, students had the choice of learning violin, viola, or cello.
Learning and playing an instrument in a group setting targets the development of prosocial skills, such as helping each other set up, impulse control by waiting to play, and auditory and visual working memory by copying the tutor's demonstration.
Mastering these instruments takes a lot of patience, practice and focus, and we're delighted that a number of these students are continuing with small group tuition next Semester. We look forward to seeing their progress and growth.
.
Senior Dance Showcase
Our Year 10 to Year 12 dance students came together to perform a diverse range of solo and ensemble devised pieces for family and friends. Thought-provoking and introspective, these talented students explored personal themes using space, pyshical motifs, and carefully selected soundtracks.
We enjoy seeing how our dance program is growing and look forward to seeing further refinement of technique through classes and personal exploration.
Instrumental Concert
In addition to our College ensembles and bands, a large number of students learn an instrument through private tuition, with the opportunity to perform for their family and peers. With research showing strong links between learning an instrument and an increase in language acquisition and memory skills, vital skills for school productivity and achievement, we are fortunate to have a number of expert instrumental tutors for our students.
Finding the right instrument and sticking with it when things are challenging is vital to achieving significant and positive changes to brain function - and it's never too late to begin!
.
Drama Showcase
Opening the final week of Term, our talented drama students held their first ever Drama Showcase, highlighting the creativity, collaboration and commitment shown by our students. From monologues to to large ensemble numbers, the audience was reminded of how important theatre is as an accessible vehicle to experience the full spectrum of emotion, and unpack challenging societal themes.
Realism, Commedia del'Arte, Musicals and Australian Theatre were just some of the different genres that students have been engaged with this Semester, and they demonstrated their talents before consecutive audiences of supportive family and friends.
.
Lauren Vilanova
Performing Arts Leader
Surprising STEM
Experiments and electricity
By Mercedes College
Plus an opportunity to win big in Maths!
Investigating Humpty Dumpty
Our youngest students are not excluded from the curiosities of science and engineering, recently investigating the movement of 3D shapes to determine why Humpty Dumpty fell off that wall.
Using ramps and hypothesising about which shapes would roll, slide or stack, or how size and shape affect movement, our Reception students tested their theories and recorded their results with checklists, photographs, diagrams, and videos. They then applied engineering skills to design and create a stable structure to prevent a round object from falling off a flat surface.
This series of inquiries and activities challenged our students to think critically, ask questions, and work collaboratively and creatively.
Let there be light!
As part of their science studies, our Year 6 classes were visited by Science for Real, whose facilitators guided them through the Science behind electrical circuits and conductivity. Students eagerly embarked on a hands-on journey building their own circuits with wires, bulbs, batteries and motors, gaining insight into what type of circuit was best suited to specific purposes, and the improvements in circuitry that makes our electricity more efficient today.
Highlights of the day included exploration of multi-coloured diodes, as well as learning about the effects of static electricity, and discovering what direct or reflective light would power their solar panelled motors.
.
Maths competition coming to Mercedes College
In early August we will host the Australian Mathematics Trust's annual Australian Mathematics Competition, the nation's longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students. Significant prizes are awarded to the top-performing students, as well as certificates of achievement for other high performers.
If your child is a Year 3 to Year 12 student and would like to participate in this competition, contact Pamela Alexopoulos via SEQTA Direqt Message for further information.
Digital, Science and Mathematics Teams
Mercedes College
Parles-tu francais?
Vive La France!
By Madame Belinda Roberts
Youpi! C’est la Journée Française
A highlight of the year, our Junior School students recently celebrated the much-anticipated Journée Française (French Day)!
To begin, each class showcased their French language learning through performances for peers and parents. C’était super! And 1 parent won the Chaise Chanceuse (lucky seat prize), which was a beautiful handmade beret from parent Lily Kaczmarczyk. Lily sells her lovely berets at the Gilles Street Markets.
The students loved eating their pains au chocolat at recess time. Miam! Then each Year level embraced a different activity with French themes: Reception students built French monuments out of recyclable materials, Year 1 students made beautiful smelling Parfum, and the Year 2 classes all had a turn wearing the Maillot jaune (yellow jersey) as they participated in a Tour de France on their scooters, Allez! Allez!
Year 3 students made meringues with our enthusiastic parent, Monsieur Grégory Lefevre, and more delicious creations were made in Year 4, where students demonstrated their architectural skills by building monuments ... out of biscuits and icing!
Lastly, our Year 5 students designed French fashion for famous historical figures and paraded to the class. C’était très chic!
C’était une journée fantastique! (It was a fantastic day!)
Belinda Roberts
Junior School French Teacher
Enriching Experiences
Mentoring impact
By Stephen Heuzenroeder
More than 100 students mentored!
With more than 100 students matched with a mentor, we are delighted to see the development of positive and trusting relationships as well as:
- improved peer relationships
- ever better communication skills
- participants feeling less isolated
- reduced risky behaviour
- positive social and emotional development
- increasing resilience
- overall wellbeing improvements
- growing confidence and self-esteem.
To become a mentor simply contact me via SEQTA Direct Message.
Stephen Heuzenroeder
Student Mentoring Program Coordinator
Wellbeing
Phone-free space
By Andrea Fernandez
Managing separation from phones during school.
From the start of Term 3, students at public schools in South Australia will not have access to their mobile phones during the school day.
At Mercedes College, our students are required to keep their mobile phone in their locker throughout the school day, unless it is required for an educational purpose (such as filming for an assignment).
We understand that some students find this requirement highly challenging, yet we also know that there are many educational and wellbeing benefits for young people when school is a phone-free place.
Here are some thoughts from our students about mobile phones at school:
- "Phones are a distraction, and they can be used for inappropriate things."
- "I keep my phone in my locker. If I had it on me, I would worry that a notification would go off in class, and that would be embarrassing."
- "You can still call your parents at the end of the school day if you need."
- "I don’t need it, so I don’t bring it with me."
- "Whenever you’re allowed to use your phone, it’s easy to use it for things you’re not supposed to be doing, like SnapChat."
The latest School TV Special Report, Mobile Phone Separation Anxiety, provides families with useful tips to support your child in managing time away from their phone.
Thank you for encouraging your child to minimise distractions during school hours, mindful you can contact them via the Strathspey or McAuley Office.
Andrea Fernandez
College Psychologist R-12
Out of School Hours Care
Adventure awaits...
By Debbie Goss
...Vacation Care adventures await!
Our Term 2 Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program was packed with engaging and fun-filled activities, from stimulating challenges to creative projects. From LEGO building to inspire our young architects, to a rocket challenge for our budding scientists and engineers, we also gave students creative outlets with origami and sculpture. Children also continued to delight in sensory play, and got plenty of fresh air outside (weather permitting!).
In giving our OSHC family a voice, we invited them to suggest themes for Term 3 programming, and they delivered with gusto - stay tuned!
In the meantime, we invite all families to join our Vacation Care activities these school holidays. Explore the full program online then complete your booking form to lock in your child's favourites.
Parking during school holidays: With exciting works happening during the break next to the OSHC building, the upper-most car park off of Delamere Avenue will be fenced off. Vacation Care families should use the gate next to the STEP garden to access the campus.
We look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new participants to our upcoming Vacation Care, where laughter, learning, and unforgettable adventures await!
Debbie Goss
OSHC Coordinator
Old Scholars
Success beyond the hedge
By Community Engagement Team
Achievements in journalism, arts, education and sports.
A huge congratulations to Matt Davis (Class of 1998) for winning the Humanitarian Storytelling Award at this year's Walkleys. Together with Peter O'Donoghue, Foreign Correspondent with the ABC. This award recognises their Myanmar's Forgotten War story.
.
Members of the Class of 2022 are invited to a Bastille Day Brunch on Friday 14 July, to catch up on each other's news, and collect the 2022 Yearbook. Click here to let us know how many French pastries you'd like!
If you've got a milestone or achievement to share with the community, let us know about it via this quick online submission!
College News
Shop to look sharp
By Mercedes College
College Shop and Second Hand Uniform Shop.
You can get all your uniform needs met ahead of Term 3, by stopping by during the holidays -
The College Shop
McAuley
Friday 21 July
9am to 3pm
Bookings required
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Strathspey
Friday 21 July
10am to 12pm
Finance News
Winter fees due
By Mercedes College
Winter curriculum extension activites charges are on your June Family Fee Statement.
Access your statement via SEQTA Engage's ‘Finance’ tab.
In the mobile app, you can view your most recent statement. For full functionality, including retrieving past statements and receipts, use the web browser at engage.mercedes.catholic.edu.au.
If you have paid all of your annual fees, or have an instalment plan in place, additional charges will not be included in your existing fee calculation.
These additional charges need to be paid in full within 30 days from the date of monthly statement account.
You can pay via the QKR App, BPAY or call the college to pay via credit card over the phone.
Please contact the Finance team if you have any questions or to disucss payments via accountqueries@mercedes.catholic.edu.au or SEQTA Engage Finance Office
Finance team
Events
Neighbourhood Watch
By Mercedes College
Senior Drama Company production announcement.
Our Year 11 and Year 12 Drama students, together with the Mercedes Drama Company, are excited to present the team behind their 2023 production of Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz.
| Neighbourhood Watch, set in 2008, explores the nuances of suburban Australian life.
The story follows Catherine, a failing actor caught in the hamster wheel of suburbia, awaiting a dramatic change to reignite her spark. This change comes as she meets her 80-year-old Hungarian neighbour Ana, who is battling with the tragedies of her past and future.
As Catherine transcends into Ana's story, it becomes clear that although we live within arm's reach of our neighbours, their stores remain unknown until one is willing to find their way inside. |
Cast and Crew
Esme Kitching / Chloe Dowd | Catherine
Grace McGowan / Sophie Rice | Ana
Benjamin Hughes | Ken
Angelle Miles | Katrina
Isabella Hannon | Chemist, Police Officer
Hayley Rungie | Lighting and Tech |
Support our talented performers and stagehands by attending Neighbourhood Watch this August. Tickets are available now!
Events
Senior School House Party
By Community Engagement Team
Friday 28 July, 7pm - 11pm
Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to the inaugural Senior School House Party!
Friday 28 July 2023
7pm to 11pm (no pass outs)
Woodville Town Hall (ample parking at rear)
$35 | includes entry, entertainment, dinner and drinks
RSVP by 11am Monday 24 July 2023
***
Join your Senior School peers for a night of street food, dessert bar and dancing!
Dress in yellow, red, green or blue and bring this ‘House Party’ to life - get creative!
RSVPs are essential for catering purposes, please order your ticket by 11am of Monday 24 July (Week 1,Term 3).
Click here to book your place!
***
This is an unlicensed event for Mercedes College students only, and we appreciate you – and your families – respecting this ahead of arrival, and at the venue. Anyone who is impaired or intoxicated will be denied entry.
Access is by pre-booked ticket only, with no pass outs.
.png)
Community
Adelaide Metro Update
By Guest Author
Changes to school bus routes.
From Monday 24 July 2023 (Week 1, Term 3), there will be some changes to dedicated school bus route services.
The updated timetables, including estimates for stops in between timepoints, will be available from the Adelaide Metro website from Sunday 16 July 2023.
Community
Parent Engagement Group
By Andrew Balkwill
Our way forward.
Recently I met with families to talk about how we are engaging with our community, and announced that we are going to pilot a Parent Engagement Group (PEG) through to late 2024.
Our PEG is open to all our families, with your ideas and opinions welcome, so that we can hear the many perspectives and make informed decisions.
Meeting at least once per Term, this group will talk about issues that support and enhance the educational experience of students at Mercedes College, and their families. With a structured agenda circulated to everyone ahead of scheduled dates and times, these meetings will be chaired by the College, with key issues raised captured, likewise actions.
We will be trialling the PEG structure for 18 months, with this group in place of the Mercedes Parents and Friends Association (MPFA). I would like to personally thank everyone who has played a part and contributed, as well as reassure you that all funds raised to date will be used to support our strategic priorities centred on student benefit, as previously agreed.
At Mercedes College we are fortunate to have a valued group of volunteers, actively supporting what we do in and beyond the classroom, so growing how we engage, and making it as easy as possible to be involved is what this is about.
By engaging with the PEG, we can deliver initiatives and events that families are eager to participate in, grow friendships and our welcoming sense of community, as well as raise funds to keep improving student facilities and equipment.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this discussion, including Trish Jarvis from Catholic School Parents South Australia, and those who have long volunteered and supported Mercedes College, your contribution is valued.
Next Semester, we will hold our inaugural PEG meeting, gaining your insights for the benefit of students enrolled now, and in the years to come.
If you have any questions, please contact our Communications and Engagement Team.
Andrew Balkwill
Principal
