The Hedge

Week 6, Term 2 | Thursday 5 June 2025 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

Halfway There

The Class of 2025 reached a special milestone on Friday, marking the halfway point of their final year at Mercedes College.

To celebrate, the cohort dressed in the theme of ‘What you wanted to be when you grew up’, resulting in sports stars, medics, construction workers, archaeologists, judges, nurses and ballerinas! The cohort shared a breakfast in the morning sun, and it was clear this is a very connected and cohesive group.

With examinations and assessments on the horizon, it was a great way for them to relax together before getting back to their studies.

Coming Together

This week our College community came together to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week with community prayer.

Gathering on the terraces Tuesday morning, our Junior School Captains and Social Justice Leaders led the proceedings with enthusiasm, formally closing National Reconciliation Week with hope for a compassionate future.

#Bridging Now to Next

As part of their acknowledgement of National Reconciliation Week, Junior School students participated in the painting of stones in the theme of hope and recognition of National Sorry Day. They also contributed to a winding Rainbow Serpent in coloured chalk, under the supervision of Student Wellbeing Officer, Kiah Wyman.

Across all of our classrooms, students also created ‘hands of hope’, to signify their commitment to reconciliation, now and into the future.

It’s Fashion, Darling…

Our Year 3s had fun this week throwing a Parisian fashion show.

Strutting their stuff down the runway, models took turns to show off their look, and then explain to the audience what they were wearing using their knowledge of the French language.

South Australian Sport Stars

Congratulations to Ellie (Year 10, Barry) on being selected to represent the State in the upcoming 16 years and under Basketball Championships. Ellie will travel to Moreton Bay in Queensland next month to compete.

In further sporting success, Year 6 students Josh (Fitzpatrick), Ryan (McAuley), and Lincoln (McAuley), under the coaching prowess of teacher and Old Scholar Andrew Khabbaz (Class of 2009, Barry) and Old Scholar Lachie Fox (Class of 2023, Dalton), competed admirably in the recent Year 5/6 SAPSASA Football Carnival in West Beach (pictured).

After being promoted to Division 1, their City South team finished in fourth position in tough weather conditions. Congratulations!

Facing Consequences

Last week, our Year 12 Legal Studies students dove into the consequence of criminal action.

Although decommissioned in 1988, the Adelaide Gaol gave students insight into prosecution and prison life, complete with hands on time considering prison artefacts, cells, and visiting arrangements.

Students then linked their learning to current day proceedings with a visit to the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Reflecting on Hope

Last week, our Year 7 cohort came together at The Corner Church for their Reflection Day.

This important day of the year gives students an opportunity to step away from their usual studies and dedicate time to connection and spiritual reflection, which enhances their holistic learning.

This year, students welcomed guest presenters from a range of backgrounds and vocations, who shared stories of hope, inspiration, and courage, demonstrating Mercy in action.

Practice Makes Perfect

Students in the STEP programme have had a recent focus on developing essential practical life skills. From honing basic food preparation and handling skills to learning the art of hand sewing, they’ve been gaining hands-on experience that will serve them well regardless of their future pathways.

A particularly exciting challenge saw some of our Year 10 students face their fears head-on as they navigated the Corra Lynn cave system. The excursion tested their resilience and courage, leaving them with a newfound sense of accomplishment.

Let There Be Light!

On Tuesday, our Year 5 students let their learning shine bright with the team from Science for Real.

Undertaking a variety of hands-on experiments, students studied the effect of concave and convex lenses, ultraviolet light, solar panels, and more.

It was great to have these passionate science educators help grow the curiosity of our students.

What a Wonderful World

Today is World Environment Day - a day to reflect on how we can all be more aware of, and care for our environment.

In recognition of this important reminder, our Year 12s visited their Junior School buddies to help them conduct an environmental scavenger hunt.

Working in pairs or small groups, students sought different things found in nature and shared their knowledge of how to best look after it.

Of course, during their hunt, our younger students also helped our seniors find their playful streak again!

Anti-Bullying Consultation

An Anti-Bullying Rapid Review is being conducted, with expert co-chairs reporting on information from the review, to Education Ministers across Australia. The aim is to develop a consistent national standard for responding to bullying and its underlying causes in schools.

Written submissions are invited from students, families, and teachers about their experiences and awareness of bullying and support services available to address this.

Submissions will close at midnight on Friday 20 June 2025.

Click here for more information and to contribute to this review.

Showing Personal Style

As part of their visual arts studies, our Year 2 and Year 11 students welcomed local artist Simone Tippett last week to share her knowledge of screen printing.

Year 2 students created unique t-shirts with colourful emblems, whilst in Year 11, students experimented with adding multiple colours to a design for a tote bag.

In both workshops, students were delighted as their designs were revealed. It was a colourful and engaging way to learn about this artform, and having an artist of Simone's expertise and skill was a great asset for our students.

Coming up...

Friday 6 June | Year 12 Seminar (Day 2)
Monday 9 June | King's Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 10 June | College Volunteer Morning Tea
Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 June | College Musical, Grease
Thursday 12 June | Playgroup
Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 June | Year 10 Outdoor Education Bushwalking Camp
Tuesday 17 June | Catholic Schools Music Festival Assessment
Thursday 19 June | Playgroup | Waverley Netball Carnival information session
Friday 20 June | Year 11 Adelaide University Presentation
Monday 23 to Friday 27 June | Year 11 Semester 1 Exams
Monday 23 June | Open Council Meeting
Tuesday 24 June | Year 3 Cultural Day
Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 June | Break Free and Being You Camps
Thursday 26 June | Playgroup
Friday 27 June | Junior School French Day

Save the Date: 2026 Students - Orientation Day | Friday 28 November

More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.