The Hedge

Week 7, Term 4 | Thursday 27 November 2025 A weekly snippet of what’s happening ‘behind the hedge’ at Mercedes College...

A Mercedes Christmas Picnic

The wild and unpredictable weather may have delayed our Christmas Picnic by a week, but it was blue skies and sunshine on the weekend when Santa dropped by.

We were delighted to have our Vivace and Petite Voix choirs singing Christmas carols, which added to the wonderful atmosphere!

As always, our Joy Boxes were a great hit, with purchasers either enjoying their contents on the spot, or keeping them to put under their Christmas tree.

Thanks again to our generous families for filling our Joy Boxes so generously. The few that were not sold will be donated to Catherine House, to make Christmas gifts for children staying in emergency accommodation these holidays.

Thank you to everyone for coming along to make our last community event of the year such a success!

All the best for a safe, relaxing and enjoyable festive break.

Stepping into Middle School

Last week, our Year 5 cohort celebrated their completion of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and their time in our Junior School at their Graduation Ceremony.

Students reflected on their first six years of schooling and the highlights throughout that time, including camps, projects, excursions, great teachers, and even spontenous dance parties.

It was wonderful to celebrate with families and to farewell our Year 5 sudents.

We wish them well, as they head in to Middle School next year, but are pleased to know they will not be too far away, as they will move into their classrooms, just behind the Junior School.

Community Connections

During Caritas Day earlier this year, Karen Da Sousa from Caritas Australia, invited Mercedes College student and entrepreneur, Maya (Year 7, Dalton, pictured far right) to showcase her enterprise, 'M&M Jewellery', at the Emmaus Parish Christmas Markets.

Last Sunday, Maya did just that, partnering with Caritas Australia to promote her boutique business.

On the day, Maya caught up with fellow supporter, Emily and Karen, for a quick photo in between serving customers!

RISE Programme Gets Tick of Approval

This year, Mercedes College introduced a new programme specifically designed for our Year 9 students, called RISE.

RISE had a focus on building life skills like effective communication and collaboration, connection with community, gratitude, respect, and self-compassion.

Yesterday morning, our Year 9 students and their parents celebrated the conclusion of the RISE Programme by reflecting on the experience, and how it had impacted them this year.

Highlights shared by students included learning how to use their voices in challenging situations, how to become more organised, be more tolerant and appreciate everyone's differences and encourage others to do the same.

It was also wonderful to get a Year 9 parent's perspective on RISE. David Chadwick spoke about the positive impact the programme has had on his daughter and how the benefits of a Mercedes education start with the strong partnership between families and the College.

Community connections, be it fundraising effectively for charity, or launching a pen pal initiative with Mitcham Primary School, were also highly valued as ways to remain grounded and grateful.

Our first cohort to complete RISE has done an amazing job, and were commended for embracing the year with a great attitude and good sense of humour - both essential life skills!

Go well Year 9s, as you step up into the Senior School in 2026.

Exchange Experiences

Two Year 10 French students, Chloe (McAuley) and Olivia (Barry), recently flew to France as part of a student exchange programme with Collège Stanislas, one of Paris's most historic Catholic schools.

The girls will spend one month immersed in the Parisian lifestyle, even revelling in the recent snowfall, before welcoming their host sisters Colombe and Héloïse back to Mercedes College next year for their month long exchange.

We know this will be a life-changing experience for them both and wish them all the best on their French adventures.

If your child is interested in participating in a future mutual exchange programme with Collège Stanislas, please contact Claire Charenton, Learning Area Leader - Languages.

Let's Have Some Fun!

This week our Reception to Year 6 students donned their House colours and had the best Sports Fun Day experiences around the Ovals and Rose Garden.

With 16 different stations to visit, including a sack race, dress up relay, and tug-o-war, as well as athletics like sprints and long jump, our students gave their all, and always with a big smile.

The bake sale was an instant hit - thank you to all the families who donated goods - and we think that no matter the result of the points on the day, everyone was a winner.

Orientation Day Reminders

Tomorrow, Friday 28 November, is Orientation Day.

A reminder that this is a casual day, with enclosed shoes and a hat still required.

Students should arrive from 8.15am ready for Home Group to start at 8.35am.

Students need to head to the following locations, to meet up with their teachers and also to welcome all the new students who will be joining us for their first full day on Campus.

Meeting locations:

Students entering Reception in 2026 | Reception classrooms
Students entering Year 1 to Year 5 in 2026 | Rose Garden
Students entering Year 6 in 2026 | Back Road classrooms
Students entering Year 7 in 2026 | Library Plaza
Students entering Year 8 in 2026 | McAuley Courtyard
Students entering Year 9 in 2026 | Main Oval
Students entering Year 10 in 2026 | GA305 (Senior Study)
Students entering Year 11 in 2026 | Gleeson Theatre
Students entering Year 12 in 2026 l Have a Pupil Free Day

The College Cafe will be available for student use as usual.

Lunch will be provided for students entering Year 10 and Year 11 in 2026.

It would be wonderful if some parents or Year Level Reps could drop by the College Cafe after 8.40am and enjoy a Barista Coffee, to help welcome our new parents.

We'd love to see you there!

Rhapsody in Motion

Last Friday night, our Middle and Senior Performing Arts students came together for a cabaret-style showcase of dance, drama, and music.

Gleeson Theatre was transformed into a 'supper club' as students shared the skills they have been learning all year, in their final official performance for 2025.

Over 100 students danced, acted, played and sang their way through the evening.

We look forward to again exploring the depth of Performing Arts talent in Mercedes College in 2026!

Year Level Representatives and Staying Connected

Our Year Level Representatives (YLRs) have done a wonderful job of keeping families up-to-date throughout the year. This is such an important role for current and new families, and we appreciate the effort and time taken to keep everyone connected.

Whether it be reminders about Sports Days, sharing information about excursions or inviting the Year Level for a casual coffee catch up or a family event on the weekend - it all adds to the strong community that Meredes is known for.

Our Year 9 Reps have organised Parent Drinks for Year 9 families - to celebrate a big year - and they would love to see you there...

Year 9 Parent Drinks
Saturday 6 December 2025
The Edinburgh Hotel
3.00pm onwards
$15 to cover nibbles

If you would like to be a Year Level Representative in 2026, please get in touch with Jennie Bell, Director Marketing, Communications and Engagement.

We'd love to sign you up and start 2026 with a strong YLR group.

Christmas Mass | Community Invitation

On the last day of Term 4, we will be holding our Christmas Mass, and you are invited!

Held at 11am on Friday 5 December, in our Yitpi Centre, it will be a lovely way to wrap up 2025 - and join our choirs in singing some Christmas carols.

If you'd like to come along, please RSVP to assist us with seating arrangements.

A reminder that all students will have an early dismissal of 12.30pm on this day.

Coming up...

Friday 28 November | Orientation Day | Class of 2025 Graduation Ball
Monday 1 December to Thursday 4 December | MYP Personal Project Exhibition, Gleeson Theatre
Thursday 4 December | Playgroup (last for 2025) | Year 10 and Year 11 End of Year Ceremony
Friday 5 December | Middle School Award Presentation | College Christmas Mass | Last day Term 4, early dismissal 12.30pm

More upcoming activities can be found on the College Calendar.