The Hedge

Week 2, Term 4 | Thursday 23 October 2025 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Year 12 Farewell

On Friday last week, we celebrated our Class of 2025 with family, friends, students and staff, at their Graduation Ceremony.

It was a wonderful way to acknowledge this year's Graduates, beginning with a wonderful performance of Billy Joel's 'Vienna', by Summer (Fitzpatrick) and Theo (Dalton).

After collecting their graduation certificates, students received a gift from MOSA President and Old Scholar, Nick Pipinias (1995, McAuley), as he officially welcomed them to the Mercedes College Old Scholars' Association.

We presented our six Mercy Keys - the highest Award at Mercedes College - as well as our Principal's Mercy Award, and Special Awards for outstanding Leadership, and excellence in Sport and the Arts.

The Ceremony ended with our 155 Year 12s singing 'Don't Dream it's Over' by Crowded House, as a sea of green streamers fell down from above.

Congratulations to you all!

PYP Exhibition Opening Night

Each year, we have a Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition to celebrate our students' learning during their time in our Junior School. The PYP is the early years programme in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and provides an important foundation for our students as they transition into Middle School.

The theme for their Exhibition is 'Sharing the Planet' and students have explored issues on a personal, local, national and international level - truly making them global thinkers and learners.

We look forward to welcoming all Year 5 families to the Opening, being held in the Junior School Hall on Wednesday 29 October. Other students will have the opportunity to view the exhibition the following day.

Year 5 families can book for one of two sessions - starting at 5.45pm or 7.00pm.

Please book your preferred session time here .

Sliding into Final Exams

Last Thursday, after the Year 12 Family Breakfast and Guard of Honour, our students enjoyed some pizza, ice-cream and 'water play' to celebrate their final day on Campus.

Curated by the students, the 'Camel Carnival' as it is fondly called, was a great way for Year 12s and their Home Group teachers to relax and share some laughter before the serious business of studying, final assessments and exams start in the next few weeks.

We wish them all the best for their studies - and look forward to catching up at their Graduation Ball on Friday 28 November at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Basketball Team makes Top Eight

Last Term, Mercedes hosted Round 2 of the Year 9/10 Knockout Basketball competition.

Two wins from three games landed us a spot in the Quarter Final game, which we hosted on Tuesday this week.

Our boys showed tremendous grit and skill, controlling the game for nearly 75% of the contest with disciplined defence and excellent teamwork.

Whilst we didn't come away with the ultimate win, reaching the Division 1 Quarter Final places Mercedes College in the Top 8 schools in the State.

This is an incredible achievement that reflects the strength of our basketball programme and the evolving skills of our students.

Bravo to all!

Joy Boxes are back... as is the Joy!

Our ever popular Joy Boxes are back again this year - and we'd love you to be involved!

In the coming days, all students from Reception to Year 7 will come home with a Joy Box pack.

Families are invited to fill the box with some gift items (to the value of $25), wrap it up with the ribbon and cello provided and drop it back to our No. 1 Christmas Fan, Jenny at Strathspey House Reception!

Joy Boxes can be filled with anything for anyone! Toys, craft, books, sports items, games, beauty care... anything that can be wrapped up and put under a tree!

Joy Boxes will be sold at our Christmas Picnic, on Sunday 16 November, 2pm - 4pm, RSVP now! we'd love to see you there!

If families of older students would like to help spread the joy, please collect a Joy Box pack at Strathspey House or McAuley Reception...

The more the merrier!

The Business H-Edge Lunch

We all know how popular our Mother's Day Lunch is, and so we are holding our first lunch for Dads! Our Mercedes Dads, Old Scholars and staff are invited to lunch at Adelaide Oval on Friday 14 November.

Hosted by our Principal, Andrew Balkwill, guests will enjoy lunch with a view of the Oval. Current dad and College Council Member, Sam Dighton will be our MC, and will also be moderator for a Speaker Panel, featuring:

Peter Malinauskas MP
Old Scholar, Premier of South Australia

Dr Dan Pronk
Current parent, SAS Ex-Special Ops Doctor, Bestselling Author

Julian Burton OAM
Current Parent, Co-Founder of the Burton Foundation, Bali Bombing Survivor

In addition to ticket sales, we have a limited number of Table Sponsorships available - both of which can be secured via our ticket link below.

Click here for the full details and to book your tickets today.

Special Chance to Join an Ensemble

Is your child passionate about music, but unsure of where to start?

This term, six students will be offered complimentary instrumental lessons, including instrument hire, for flute, clarinet, or saxophone, with the aim of becoming a future member of a Mercedes College band or ensemble.

This opportunity is open to students in Year 5 and above who have a little musical experience, can read basic music, and are committed to joining either our Stage Band or Concert Band.

In addition to performing at College events throughout the year, Mercedes College joins hundreds of schools at the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier each May. This experience is open to students from Year 8 who are a part of a College band or choir.

Learning the flute, clarinet, or saxophone this Term, will set up a pathway for your child to qualify to attend this wonderful Festival - so now is the perfect time to begin!

Host an International Student

Our International Student Programme (ISP) has students from 13 different countries attending the College, in Years 10, 11 and 12. A key part of their experience is the time they spend with their Homestay Host Families.

As we head towards the end of this year, we are looking for some Homestay Families for 2026, who would be happy to host an International student in their home.

This is a wonderful way to get to know students from another culture, and also share the many amazing experiences on offer in South Australia.

If you have a spare bedroom in your home, preferably no more than 30 minutes from the College, and can provide full board, we'd love to hear from you.

Our International students can stay with current families, or grandparents who are happy to share their home. We can share all the details, and what's involved, so please drop an email to homestay@mercedes.catholic.edu.au and we'll be in touch!

Hitting the Right Notes

Our Year 4 students had a special visit yesterday, from Australian Opera singer Siobhan Stagg.

Siobhan, who lives in Berlin, is in Adelaide to perform the role of Juliette, in the French opera 'Romeo et Juliette' and stopped by to speak with our students, as well as visit her niece Lucy, who is in Reception .

Siobhan graciously spoke about her life as an Opera singer, and how learning different languages has helped with her career (she speaks, French, German, Italian and English).

Our Year 4s had lots of questions, including whether Siobhan had met any famous people, and were very impressed to learn that she had performed for King Charles (before joining him for dinner), as well as Queen Mary of Denmark.

What a fantastic experience for our budding Year 4 students who are learning French
(as well as a few aspiring singers!)

Before and After School Care

A few weeks ago we introduced you to our new Director of our OSHC Programme, Kosti, who is enjoying getting to know our families and students at the College. Kosti is currently working on our Vacation Care Programme, which will run from 8 - 19 December 2025 and start again from 5 - 27 January 2026.

In addition to our holiday activities, OSHC is available before and after school every day:
7.20am - 8.20am and
3.30pm - 6.00pm
As well as on Pupil Free Days and days of early dismissal.

Kosti has drawn up a delicious menu for breakfast and after school snacks, as well as new activities and a homework club, to ensure that students are learning, playing and making new connections.

If you ever need to drop your child off early or do a later pick up - consider OSHC as a trusted, engaging and supportive environment that helps build independence, resilience and new friendships.

Find out more about making casual or regular bookings on our website, or email oshc@mercedes.catholic.edu.au.

Second Hand Uniform Shop Donations

Our wonderful volunteers who run our second hand uniform shop need your help!

If you have any Summer uniform items, they would love to receive them to stock up the shop and be ready for the start of 2026.

All donations need to be clean and in a good condition for re-sale. They can be dropped into Strathspey House Reception at any time.

If you are cleaning out your wardrobe and have any wooden hangers you don't need, they would love some of those as well...

Coming up...

Tuesday 28 October | Year 7 Vaccinations
Wednesday 29 October | PYP Exhibition
Thursday 30 October | Playgroup
Friday 31 October | Community Prayer
Monday 3 to Friday 7 November | Year 6 Canberra Trip
Wednesday 5 to Wednesday 12 November | SACE Art Show
Tuesday 11 November | Term 4 PEG Meeting
Sunday 16 November | Christmas Picnic

Save the Date: 2026 Student Orientation Day | Friday 28 November

More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.