The Hedge

Week 8, Term 4 | Thursday 4 December 2025 Enjoy all the happenings and snippets from the last Hedge for 2025...

Principal's Message

Hello Mercedes College Community

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to extend my gratitude to our students, parents, families and staff. Together, we have achieved so much - academic excellence, personal growth, and the successful implementation of key strategic initiatives that strengthen our vision for the future. Your commitment and collaboration has made Mercedes College a place where every individual can flourish.

This season reminds us of a message of hope, peace, and love that continues to inspire our mission. May we carry these values into the new year, fostering a community grounded in faith and compassion.

On behalf of the College, I wish you and your families a joyful Christmas and a safe, restful holiday. May the coming year bring continued blessings and opportunities for growth.

Best wishes

Andrew Balkwill
Principal

Congratulations Captains

As Term 4 draws to a close, we say thank you to our Junior, Middle and College Captains for their leadership this year.

We are delighted to announce and congratulate our 2026 Captains - we look forward to you leading our students next year.

Junior School Captains

Congratulations Max (Fitzpatrick), Emily (McAuley), Zara (McAuley), and Sebastian (McAuley).

Middle School Captains

Congratulations Aidan (Dalton), Eadie (McAuley), Sabeer (Dalton), and Charlotte (Fitzpatrick).

College Captains

Congratulations Annabelle (Fitzpatrick), Elliot (Barry), Patrick (Dalton), and Ava (Dalton).

Congratulations all!

And That's a Wrap!

Last week, our Class of 2025 and their families marked the completion of 13 years of schooling at their Graduation Ball.

It was a memorable night of glitter and glam, where our graduates could celebrate all that they have achieved, and all that is to come.

We wish them the very best for their futures, and look forward to welcoming them back to our Campus as Old Scholars.

Compassionate Hearts

Our Year 4 students put their creativity to work recently, participating in a workshop combining sustainability and global awareness.

Led by Mercedes College community member, Carol, students learned about repurposing everyday items to prevent excess waste from harming our planet.

Using surplus Mercedes College uniforms, students stitched and decorated green heart ornaments that perfectly reflected this year's Mercy Key of Compassion.

Personal Success at the AIS

A big congratulations to Xavier (Year 4, McAuley) for achieving not one, but two personal best times at the SA Schools National Track and Field Championships, held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Xavier will be one to watch in the 100m and 800m at our Year 3-5 Athletics Carnival in Term 1, after a summer of more running!

Celebrating the Biggest SMP Year Yet

Across the 2025 academic year, we had a fantastic 130 Mentors and 145 students taking part in the Student Mentoring Programme.

In a celebration of their year together, students and Mentors gathered for a Liturgy reflecting on the positive and meaningful connections built together.

At the Mentor morning tea, we acknowledged Old Scholars Jonathon Christopher, Toby Plate, and Jake Tipper, who each received five-year service awards for their commitment to this outstanding programme.

If you would like to join the Student Mentoring Programme in 2026, or would like more information, please contact Stephen Heuzenroeder.

Young Leadership

Our youngest Captains were recently invited to Parliament House for a private tour.

Led by Hon. Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Energy and Mining, and Treasurer for Labor, our 2025 and 2026 Junior School Captains saw the House of Assembly and Legislative Council, and learned about how the big decisions are made in South Australia.

This was an insightful and inspiring experience for our students, made possible by one of our great Mercedes Dads - thank you Tony!

Delivering Mercy

As part of their Reflection Day, Year 10 students packaged up more than 60 gift hampers filled with helpful items for mothers and new babies, as an act of Mercy outreach.

This week, Year 10 representatives delivered the hampers to Louise Place, where they will be donated to young mothers in need, just in time for Christmas.

The staff at Louise Place were so appreciative of the generous and thoughtful donations, which we know will make a real and significant impact for young families.

January Shopping Opportunities

With summer, sun and surf, our students invariably grow a few inches - so please check their uniforms before the start of the 2026 year.

Below are the opening hours for our Uniform and 2nd Hand Uniform Shops:

Uniform Shop | Book your appointment here

Monday 12 January to Friday 23 January 2026 | 9.00am - 3.00pm (excl. weekends)
Monday 26 January 2026 | Closed
Tuesday 27 January 2026 | 8.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesday 28 January 2026 (first day Term 1) | Closed

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Monday 12 January 2026 | 10.00am - 1.00pm
Monday 19 January 2026 | 10.00am - 1.00pm

And please remember to drop any outgrown uniform items that are in a good condition for re-sale!

Items can be left with Jenny at Strathspey Reception during regular weekday hours.

Cricket Success...

Two of our Year 6 students recently competed in the SAPSASA Cricket tournament, playing in tightly fought matches that fuelled their love of Australia's favourite summer sport.

The last match of the day was particularly exciting for them, as their team won by a single run off the last ball. The best way to end a cricket match!

Congratulations Ryan and Lincoln (both McAuley), we hope to see you both on the pitch for Mercedes in Term 1!

Term 1 Sport

The portal for Term 1 Co-curricular Sport nominations will close tomorrow. The great news is that many teams have reached their capacity - so thank you to all families for your nominations.

If students are still interested in nominating for a summer sport, please contact Director of Co-curricular Sport, Brodie Atkinson, to discuss available opportunities.

Stack Team App

A reminder that team lists, training and competition information for all co-curricular sport is shared via the Stack Team App.

So please download the App and have it on your phones, to receive the most up-to-date information about all of our sports teams.

Please note: students entering Year 7 next year, will need to upgrade from 'Primary Sport' to either 'Boys' or Girls' Secondary Sport teams.

Looking forward to a great year in sports in 2026!

Christmas Mass

A reminder that tomorrow our community will come together and celebrate our Christmas Mass.

If you would like to join us please RSVP here.

There will be an early student dismissal at 12.30pm.