Senior Stories

Diverse experiences

By Michael Francis Email this article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Michael Francis
Head of Senior School