Mercedes College Fleur de Lis / MOSA Matters Newsletter Issue 2 2021

FLEUR DE LIS Message from the Principal

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Chair College Council

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Director of Mission

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Graduation Assembly

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Arts and Student Highlights

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Intercollegiate

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New Arts and Sporting Precinct

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International Student Programme

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Development

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Parents and Friends Association

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Mercureans

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Fleur De Lis Issue 2 2021

From the Principal 2020 and 2021 will remain in our memories for years to come, but how will we remember them? Some people may look back on this period as a time of restrictions, challenges, cancellations and hardships. I will remember the past two years for the innovations, commitment to learning new skills, adaptability, resilience and support we have given one another, as we focussed on celebrating the simple things that are important to us.

Class of 2021 Year 12 is designed to challenge our students to flourish and reach their full potential at the end of their schooling journey. However, the Class of 2021 experienced disruptions not only this year, but in Year 11 as well. They faced several lockdowns, and modifications and postponements to many of the milestone events throughout their final two years at school.

They demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, with both good humour and positivity, and have developed a level of resiliency beyond their years that will serve them well in life. They have all managed to flourish amidst the challenges faced on a local, national and international level. In farewelling and congratulating the Class of 2021, I would like to acknowledge the crucial role their teachers, parents, caregivers, family members and friends have played in supporting them through this period.

I was honoured to congratulate each of our 161 graduates from the Class of 2021 during our Graduation Assembly at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 22 October 2021. We were off-site for the second year to allow as

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many family and friends as possible to share this special moment with our students.

Following their examinations, we returned to the Convention Centre for our Graduation Ball. This was a special evening for our students to celebrate with their families and each other. With a DJ on deck, we asked the students to be involved this year to vote for their preferred menu and suggest some songs to play – remembering to include some for their parents too. After dancing was banned in South Australia for most of the year, it was a welcome surprise to be able to include our traditional student-parent dance.

I would also like to welcome our 2022 College Captains, Amelie Finnimore, Abigail Ranford, Jack Braddy and Eric Penna, and wish them the very best in this role for next year.

Building the Mercedes of Tomorrow We have much to celebrate as we reach the end of the 2021 academic year, with the formation of our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025, which links into our Master Plan and 10-year Financial Plan. This gives us a clear line of sight as we re-invest in our facilities and embark upon a decade that will be transformative for Mercedes College.

As you may have seen, earlier this year we announced a new development that will transform the southern side of our College to create a future-focussed Arts and Sports Precinct. We are now well into the development phase of this project with plans to commence building by May 2022.

The new Arts and Sports Precinct will offer students functional spaces to meet the needs of body, mind and spirit.

The design is inspired by the College’s beautiful surroundings and the grounds’ botanical nature, connecting our heritage with the future through contemporary style, offering spaces for learning, connection, community, performing arts and sport. For more information and artists’ impressions of this development, please see page 12 of this issue of the Fleur de Lis.

Mercedes College is in an exciting position as we prepare for the 2022 school year. This year, we have completed a thorough review of the entire College and the future is bright.

Just as we challenge our students to reach their full potential and support them to flourish, when I commenced as Principal in 2020, I thought it important to ensure the same high standards are applied to the leadership, staff and operations of the College.

Our staff were brave enough to hold up a mirror and open themselves up to a full review. Through this commitment to improve, we are able to refocus and embrace new opportunities to ensure we evolve our learning and wellbeing experiences to meet the constantly changing needs of students in the 21st century.

Mercy Award Each year at our Mercy Day Mass, we acknowledge an adult connected to our Mercedes College community who, through their actions and commitment, has demonstrated a special dedication to our Mercy Key values. I was delighted to announce old scholar Emma Tippett (Class of 1998) as the recipient of the 2021 Mercy Award.

Dr Emma Tippett is an experienced and highly respected infectious diseases doctor. She has dedicated her career to helping the vulnerable and sick. She initially focused on HIV, but following her graduation as a doctor, she has widened her expertise. She has spent time in countries such as Malawi and Papua New Guinea, where she spent significant time on a small island trying to cure it of tuberculosis.

Now, as a senior infectious disease doctor in Melbourne, she has been on the COVID frontline. In doing so, Emma has lived the Mercy Keys as she continues to dedicate her expertise to improve the COVID situation in Melbourne and Australia. In 2021, she is a very deserving recipient of the Mercy Award.

John Fanning Justice Award This year on Mercy Day, we announced our inaugural winner of the John Fanning Justice Award, alongside two highly deserving nominees from our student body. John was a member of our community for over 30 years and epitomised the Mercy Keys. This new award is open to students from Years 6-12 and aims to celebrate the student who best represents John’s legacy.

The Fanning family was delighted to attend to recognise the three nominees for the inaugural year of this award: Annabel Hage (Year 8), Xavier Damiani (Year 12) and Seamus Flaherty (Year 12).

All three students should be proud of their commitment to living the Mercy Keys, and know that it has been recognised and appreciated by those around them. It is with great pleasure that I confirm the John Fanning Award recipient for 2021 is Seamus Flaherty.

Thank You As this is our final Fleur de Lis for the year, I take this opportunity to thank our entire community for the contributions they have made to Mercedes College in 2021. After the disruptions of last year, I am so grateful that we have been able to experience and celebrate more together this year. We are blessed to have such a supportive community of parents, caregivers, staff, and old scholars who enable our students to flourish in their academic, extracurricular and personal pursuits.

I wish you all a Merry and Holy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Andrew Balkwill Principal

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Chair College Council There is much to celebrate in 2021. It has been a year where the College has moved from managing an ever-changing world to establishing a strong strategic roadmap for the College’s future. The Mercy Keys have guided the College Council, the Principal and the staff through this evolutionary period.

The role of the Council this year has been to increase its governance mandate and test the key assumptions of the Strategic Plan and the 10-Year Financial Plan to ensure that the College remains strong and sustainable into the future. This has been achieved in-line with the spirit of the Mercy Key focus Year of Justice, where all decisions have been considerate of our Mercy ethos and have been communicated positively and fairly.

The new Arts and Sports Precinct is an extremely positive project for the College community. It will ensure that our co-curricular activities will be well supported into the future, while maintaining our position as a world-class educator through the Reception – Year 12 IB programmes. This investment also demonstrates the strong support from Catholic Education South Australia and the belief it has in the College.

Graduation As I write this, I have just attended the Class of 2021 Graduation Assembly.

It was a special day for our family, as our son Jack graduated, but it was also a celebration for 161 students and their families. Graduation is the final step for Year 12 students and their families from an academic perspective, but also the entry to the next chapter of their lives as they embark upon flourishing as adults, under the solid foundation of the Mercy Key values.

The passion and commitment from the College leadership and teaching staff was clearly demonstrated at the assembly by the bond it holds with the cohort. However, more importantly, this is the culmination of many years of hard work by the students, which has been strongly supported by their teachers and families. The final product is outstanding and the greater community is better for it, as these well-rounded and globally-educated Mercedes College old scholars enter the world.

College Leadership The past two years have been very challenging as we have navigated and reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our entire College community has worked tirelessly to maintain a strong level of consistency and connection.

The leadership, determination and focus of our Principal, Andrew Balkwill, has been at the centre of this operative. I am pleased to announce that following his initial two years, College Council and Catholic Education have renewed Andrew’s contract for a further five years. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Andrew as we further our strategic goals.

As the College Chair, I would like to thank my fellow College Council members, the College leadership and the greater College community for their continued drive and commitment to ensuring Mercedes College maintains its world-class educational standing and exceptional pastoral care, underpinned by our Mercy ethos.

Alf Ianniello Mercedes College Council Chair 4

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From the Director of Mission What a year 2021 has been - a year when we called on the students to ‘Stand Up for Justice’. Our students have such an acute awareness of justice and so all our events, liturgies and Masses that focussed on this theme were authentically embraced.

Rituals are important for us as a community. Celebrating the Mercy Charism in many forms is fully embraced by all Mercedes students and it is always life giving.

Our morning liturgies in the Ursula Frayne Chapel have been beautiful ways to start a Friday, led by Deacon Andrew Kirkbride and assisted by Mrs Teresa Pepicelli and our wonderful Mercy Sister Duyen Nguyen.

We also celebrate a year level Mass at least once a term, most often in our Mercy Lecture Theatre and Chapel, overlooking the Adelaide Plains, while Junior School classes use the Chapel in Strathspey. We have formed a wonderful connection with our local Emmaus Parish Priest Fr John Shanahan, who as a part-time lecturer at Flinders University always provides insightful homilies and great explanations of scripture and relating it to our world today. Our Year 12 Religion Studies students also embraced the challenge for the first time to organise Masses for their year level and make them relevant and special for their peers, with support from our Religious Education Coordinator Mrs Helen Ayliffe.

Highlights this year were Caritas Day, and our Vinnies Winter Appeal. The phenomenal generosity of our community is amazing, and these appeals provide an opportunity for students to live the Mercy Keys for those less fortunate in South Australia.

Mercy Week was a wonderful week of celebration. Students participated in the Mercy Fun Run, were buskers and sold soft drinks and lollies. The wonderful work of the STEP students, who recycled cans and bottles, also raised money for Mercy Works. It has been a joyous week of celebrating our community, culminating in our whole school Mercy Day Mass.

Mercy Day Mass was a wonderful celebration of our amazing Mercy community.

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan led our community, assisted by Fr John Shanahan and Deacon Andrew. We held the Mass on school grounds, in the Library Courtyard and Terraces. It was such a wonderful celebration. Mrs Alessandra Miles was the perfect host, and the sea of green was a spectacular sight. The presence of our Mercy Sisters was especially important, as they were not able to attend last year due to COVID. With them able to attend this year, we celebrated 141 years of the Mercy Sisters in South Australia.

After Mass, we held a ceremony to present the inaugural John Fanning Justice Award to a student and announced old scholar Dr Emma Tippett as our Mercy Award winner, as noted in the Principal’s article on page 3. Emma was not able to attend as she was in Melbourne working as an infectious disease doctor, but it was inspiring to hear from her in a video message and nice to have her parents accept the award on her behalf.

Our Year 11 and 12 Retreats were wonderful experiences for all students to be together and spend time nourishing their spirits and souls in a fun and caring environment. The comment from many Year 12 students at their Graduation Assembly this year was that the retreats were a highlight of their schooling.

Blessings to all in our wonderful community.

Therese Wilson Director of Mission 5

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Graduation Assembly

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From The 2021 College Captains

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Thirteen years ago, the main thing on my mind would have been ensuring I was on Father Christmas’ Nice list! Fast-forward those 13 years, and we are now graduating school, and we have not made this transition on our own. If it were not for the people around us, none of us would be the people we are today.

Life is more about the impact we have on others rather than the marks we got on a test. This is what Mercedes College means to me. We are part of a community rather than just a College. Mercedes College has a culture where everyone is valued, loved and cherished - a culture where teachers can talk to us about our weekends, give us advice for the future and keep us smiling. We are stronger together; to win sport you need to play as a team and school is no different. To do the best we can, we need to work together. So as we go forward in life, let us always remember the hand offered to us when we needed it most and offer the same to others.

Seamus Flaherty To me, graduation means three things. It is a celebration, a time to commemorate everything we have achieved, and a farewell as we say goodbye and thank the people who helped us along the way. It is also a beginning, as we look forward and set new goals, dream new dreams, spread our wings and see the extraordinary world that lies beyond school routines.

There is no other cohort I would rather have by my side throughout this journey.

You lot are truly an incredible bunch of people and I am so grateful to have had you through my schooling life. As a year level, we have been there for each other through highs and lows: the sleepless nights, the laughs, the stress and the tears.

While at times things may have been challenging, it is fair to say that we have had some awesome times together. With your talents and compassionate hearts, I know you will all make an incredible impact in this world.

Elise Varley “Time flies by when you’re having fun.” Einstein, of all people, said this and while I am sure his idea of fun was very different to ours, the saying still holds true. This year has passed in a blur, and despite frantically getting assignments done and the lockdown, 2021 was undoubtedly one of the greatest years of our lives.

Throughout all of this, there has been one source of continual support and love: our families. Personally, my family has been the only constant through a childhood of many moves. Over six different schools and four countries, the sacrifices my parents have made for me have all been in the hopes of giving me a life full of opportunity. To Amma and Appa, I hope to have made you proud and my biggest wish is for you to know that you are my role models. I hope you all appreciate the people who have been in your corner through the highs and the lows, because they will always be there for you.

Thina Maniraj Today marks the day where 161 individually gifted and unique students close a chapter to welcome a new one – a day where we will say goodbye to the comfortable routine of school. A day dreaded by some and welcomed with open arms by others. I am finding it quite hard to say goodbye to Mercedes College, as it has been such a major part of all our lives.

For most of us, the first day of Reception was exciting and scary at the same time, but soon enough we never wanted to leave. From Junior School discos, fun runs and fighting over the ‘Star of the Day’, to the Year 8 Musical, countless carnivals and the many nights spent together in tents, to be honest, I would go back and do it all again. I really could not have asked for a better group of kind, compassionate and respectful individuals to spend my last year of school with, and I am immensely proud to have been one of your College Captains this year.

Vesace Pessios 7

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Arts and Student Highlights Year 5 PYP Exhibition

Mercedes Drama Company

Converge

Early in Term 4, we had a special celebration for the Year 5 Primary Years Programme Exhibition. After many weeks of hard work, in which the students researched an amazing array of topics ranging from endangered animals to food waste and homelessness, the Year 5 classes launched the PYP Exhibition in the Junior School Hall.

In its inaugural year, the Mercedes Drama Company presented a production of The Railway Children to start Term 4. The story depicts one of family, imagination, and bravery, told through the eyes of three siblings Bobbie, Phillis and Peter as they recollect their adventures during a significant crossroads in their life.

Our annual music showcase, Converge, returned to the Top of the Ark this year on Thursday 11 November 2021. With more than 90 students performing from Year 2 to Year 12, it was a fantastic evening of musicianship and performance to a delighted audience.

This learning experience and event was the culmination of the Primary Years Programme. Students worked individually and in groups to research a topic of their choice, reach conclusions, find solutions, take action and then present their findings.

Congratulations to our Year 5 students and a special thank you to their parents and teachers who have nurtured, encouraged and supported them through this learning journey. The quality of the work was exceptional and all of our students should be proud of what they have achieved.

Kellie Osborn Head of Junior School

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This extra-curricular extension programme, new in 2021, is for Years 6-12 students interested in drama. It has been a wonderful, challenging and humbling experiment. As passionate theatre makers, we aspired to provide the students at Mercedes College with an opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and give them a platform to showcase their talents that might otherwise go unnoticed outside of the Drama classroom.

Sandy Lee and Natalie Goodair Drama Company Directors

After being held at the College last year, it was exciting for our students to perform together at an external venue to a live audience. The night was a real celebration of music at the College and all of the hard work our students have put in throughout the year.

Lauren Vilanova Music Co-curricular Coordinator R – 12

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Break Free Camp

Being Boys Camp

Throughout Term 3, a group of 20 Year 9 girls attended Break Free sessions every Thursday after school, to grow closer together and learn about the issues that girls face today.

The Being Boys Camp was a great way to wrap up a well-run and enjoyable course, which allowed Year 9 Boys to meet throughout the term and discuss issues relevant to young men today.

Topics we explored included body image, the way social media affects young women, and the expectations on girls our age and how we can break those standards and be comfortable in our own body. After the 8-week course, we went to Aldinga, where we stayed for two nights and participated in a range of different activities. We thank Mrs Hartlett for organising the camp and all teachers involved for guiding us through a very informative experience designed especially for girls our age.

The camp was based around team-building activities that helped us communicate and allowed everyone in the group to have a say, listen, consult and demonstrate their leadership skills. Speaking around the campfire each evening felt safe and it was a positive experience. The experience of Being Boys was a great way for us to learn about manhood and was a great credit to our teachers who ran the weekly groups.

Elka Briggs

Sam van der Linden

Year 9

Year 9

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Intercollegiate It was wonderful to see so many students, staff and parents out at Intercol events from Wednesday 18 August through to Saturday 21 August 2021. Our students competed with a competitive spirit, whilst maintaining the highest respect for fair play and displaying graciousness whether in victory or defeat.

The 17th Annual Intercollegiate Carnival against St Ignatius’ College was conducted with secondary school teams including basketball, chess, cross country, debating, football, hockey, netball, soccer, and table tennis.

Congratulations to Saint Ignatius’ College who won this year 13-8. We started the Saturday 7-3 down, but by mid-morning the score was 8-7 and the excitement was electric. Even though we lost, the atmosphere was buzzing and it was a great competition between the two schools.

There were many inspirational moments. However, I would like to highlight the camaraderie witnessed at the Senior Girls Cross Country team event.

Rather than see Mercedes forfeit because of low availability, three students put their hand up to contest the Cross Country Shield even though it had been some time since they had participated in the sport. Well done to Mackenna Kelly, Elise Varley and Tamika Deans who, in true Mercy spirit, volunteered to run so that Zoe Kroeger and Layla Kinnane could still compete in this event.

That is not the end of the story! Amelie Nichols, who went out to watch the event to cheer them on, decided to support the team by jumping in at the halfway point in her full Winter Uniform to run with and encourage the team across the finish line. This was a true example of the Mercy spirit that runs deep at Mercedes College.

Some other highlights included a dominant performance in the Senior Boys Cross Country, a thrilling Middle School Football victory, a tight win in the Open C Basketball and Open Table Tennis played set-for-set for most of the night. Our Second XVIII Football team finished off their season with another dominant performance, while our First XI Soccer team played one of their best games for the season, even though they were unable to get over the line.

The Year 8A Netball team was eager to participate in their first ever Intercol game. The girls were able to draw on their tough finals experience in the weeks prior to deliver a 31-24 win. The Open A Netball game was a true display of Mercedes spirit, with scores level with less than a minute to play.

The girls fought together as a team, demonstrating their determination to never give up! With unstoppable defensive pressure, the girls pressured the St Ignatius’ shooters and held the ball in our possession for a one-goal win.

After 17 competitions, the overall tally currently sits at Mercedes 11 to Saint Ignatius’ 5 and 1 draw. Thanks to all staff involved and everyone who coached and came out to support. This competition is truly a unique Intercol, the spirit of which is a credit to both College communities.

Jeff Wray Intercol Coordinator

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New Arts and Sports Precinct We are excited to share the conceptual plans for our new Arts and Sports Precinct, which were submitted to the City of Mitcham Council in September.

Centred on three main design principles – body, mind and spirit – the new precinct will comprise a performing arts space, a high performance sports centre, communal outdoor spaces and external netball and tennis courts. It will create a sustainable, contemporary, innovative and flexible learning space for students to flourish.

When we announced this project, we revealed that Gleeson Hall will continue to be an important facility for the College. Its function will change with an interior refurbishment, and the new gymnasium to be built beside, with the two to be connected with learning spaces that foster community interactions. Gleeson Hall is historically significant to many of our old scholars and their families, as it was built due to the incredible support of our community.

In 1984, plans for a new hall were developed alongside fundraising campaigns run by the parent body to finance the project. Over the next 35 years, Gleeson Hall has served many purposes, and we are delighted that it will be updated to continue to serve our students into the future.

This development will be an exciting new chapter for Mercedes College, presenting superior learning outcomes for students both now and into the future.

Support the Project If you are interested in supporting this new development and would like to discuss the opportunities available please contact Kim Delaney, Director of Marketing and Development, on 8372 3200 or via kdelaney@mercedes.catholic.edu.au.

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International Student Programme We wish our wonderful Class of 2021 International Student Programme (ISP) students the very best with their future tertiary studies. It has been a challenge for them not having seen their families for such a long time due to closed international borders, and they have all done amazingly well.

All eight students in this cohort have been tremendous with their resilience and spirit. Some students are electing to remain in Australia for further studies, while others are excited to return home to Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand or China.

Due to COVID, it has been a rollercoaster ride for International Student Programme enrolments over the last two years. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for new students wanting to come to study at Mercedes College from 2022 onwards. Mercedes College has also had the opportunity to put forward proposals to Austrade in Japan and Thailand regarding group enrolments for 2022 and 2023.

During 2021, we have had 26 international students study at the College either online or face-to-face.

A majority have been in the classroom, having arrived in Adelaide prior to the COVID pandemic and making the brave choice to continue their studies and living with their wonderful Homestay family.

StudyTravel Award

2022 School Year

Mercedes College is honoured to have been nominated for the StudyTravel Secondary Schools Award, Australia and NZ, for 2021/22. We were delighted to win for 2020/21, being the first Australian school to have done so.

Looking towards 2022, the mood is one of optimism and excitement, as more students join the International Student Programme. We look forward to welcoming our new Korean students in Term 1 and hopefully more students from all around the world when borders open for international students.

ISP Fashion Design Our Online ISP students have followed their normal curriculum as if they were in the classroom, and I would like to share an outstanding example from Year 10 student Samantha Chan who studied from Hong Kong this year.

Leeanne Moriarty Coordinator, International Marketing and Enrolments

With support from her Middle Years Programme Design teacher Ms Zieleniecki, Samantha elected to focus on fashion design for her unit of work.

She analysed global fashion trends, markets and branding and used an app called ‘Pret-a-template’ to design her creations for her ‘Look Book’ for next season inspired by ocean life and conservation.

Become a Homestay Family Are you interested in providing homestay accommodation for international students aged 14 to 18 in 2022 ?

Homestay is a rewarding experience for both families and students. Families are generously remunerated.

Get in touch with Robyn Halliday P 8372 3200 E rhalliday@mercedes.catholic.edu.au Many Homestays are past parents, old scholars, or their family or friends.

Feel free to suggest this to anyone you know who may be interested.

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Development Thank You to our Philanthropic Community “Our charity is to be cordial. Now cordial signifies something that renews, invigorates and warms. Such should be the effect of our love for each other”. – Catherine McAuley Catherine McAuley would certainly be very proud of the wonderful philanthropic support that we have received in 2021!

I am so delighted to welcome many new members of the Mercedes College community into our philanthropic community in 2021. Our fundraising opportunities this year have been varied and very well supported. Our transformational fundraising programmes have included the John Fanning Justice Award, Leveraging the Outdoors – Year 12 Café Refurbishment, Student Mentoring Programme, MOSA Scholarship, College Building Fund, the Catherine McAuley Statue and the Mercedes College Bequest programme. Thank you to all who have supported these initiatives, we are so grateful.

Bradley Abraham Marc Agzarian and Christine Kenny Catherine Alcock Mary-Anne Andermahr Maria Archibald Sam and Evette Arnold Andrew Balkwill Jane Barrett Andrew and Deanne Bateman Michelle Beneke Dean Bennett Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik Anny Bishop Tamara Bjordal Catherine Bowdern-Wilson and Dean Wilson Steve Bowley Igor Bubel Kath and Ross Butler Michael and Aspa Callisto Sue Carboon Robert Cardone Jane Carey Helen Case Adriana Ceravolo Adrian Chiarolli Kathy Conquergood Miriam Coffey Ilana Culshaw Paul and Delinda Cuthbert Megan and David Dann Lesley Davies Peter Daw Marc De Maaijer Kim Delaney Elsa D’Ercoli John and Marie Doyle Rachel Doyle Amanda Dyson Amy Edgley

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Kirsty Edgley Melissa Edgley Rosemary Edgley Elizabeth Faggotter Ann Fanning Simon and Lena Fenwick Estee Fiebiger Michael Fitzgerald Carmel Floreani Helen Ford Sophie Ford Michael Forrest Michael Francis Feng Fu and Duoduo Li Bill Gaynor Olympia Gerovasilis Stan and Lily Gerovasilis William Gloster Janette Gogler Debbie Goss Margaret Green Debora Grossi Cynthia Guo Jane Hall Kerrie Hamilton Ann and Grant Harris Alisha Hart Laura Hayward Suzanne Hemming Sonya Henderson April Hill Margaret Hobbs Irena Hollis Toby Hughes Alf and Maria Ianniello Matthew and Trish Ielasi Melanie Jackson Terry Jeffries Sean and Danielle Jermy Gaylene Karger

As an old scholar (Class of 1987), returning to Mercedes College in the capacity of part-time Development Manager, working with a fantastic and dedicated Development team, has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. It has allowed me to give something back to the school that I will always hold close to my heart. As my time back at the College comes to an end, I wish nothing more than to see our philanthropic community continue to grow in 2022.

Thank you for having me back!

Sue Carboon Development Manager Thank you to the following individuals and families for your generosity and support in 2021. We also would like to take this opportunity to thank those donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Peter Kenmore Ann and Mike Kinnane Hannah Kirchner Carmel Kitch Andrew and Lucy Kuchel Joanna Lambert Paul Lanzilli and Noreen Lucero Joy Leaver Tania Lewis Rose Luppino Janis Marsh Rachael Martin Stephen Martiensen and Laire Lind Chris and Denise McCabe Jarrad McCabe Lou McLennan Alessandra and Adrian Miles Anne Morse MP&FA Anne-Marie Naughton Heather Neily Liz Nelligan Robyn Newman Mary Nicholson Matthew and Hayley Norman Josephine O’Connell Liz Olman Peggy Ooi and Peter Featherston Michael and Melissa Paech Carmela Pannunzio Jodie Papadopoulos and Jason Sutton Penny Payne Diana Pemberton Dino and Luisa Penna Janette Peters Julianne Pierce Jacqui Pike Kathy Pittman Cherie Prosser

Bec and Jeremy Quartermaine Helen Raftery Jerome Randabel Jan Richardson Carmel Rigden Josh Roach Matthew Robinson Lisa and Hamish Robson Gavin Rodger Elisabeth Romeo Marie Ryan Joanna Sajkov Andrew and Skye Schunke Noni Shannon Dami Sheldon Veronica Steer Anita Stelmach and Ben Ziesing Melanie Strangio Jane and Peter Swift Jacqui Talotta Felix Tan Pat Terminello Cristal Tsouvalas Paul von der Borch and Deb Lubatti Paul Wadsworth Di Walker Steve Wasilewski Anne Way Pauline and Graeme Webster Hartley Wheeler Phil White Jess Whitford Terry and Jill Worthington Year 12 Class of 2021 Cornelius Yeo David Zhuang Paul and Giovina Zybert And to all donors who wish to remain anonymous.

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MP&FA

Mercureans

The Mercedes Parents and Friends Association is delighted to be able to make a donation towards the Year 12 Café Refurbishment, following the interior refurbishment last year.

I would like to welcome all parents of the recently graduated Class of 2021 to the Mercureans, our group of past parents. As you are now a parent of an old scholar, we would love you to join us at one of our events.

This donation matches the total of the very kind gifts from the College’s Annual Giving Appeal and will provide all future Year 12s with a vibrant and revitalised outdoor space. We are very thankful to all parents who supported our fundraising efforts and have allowed us to help in the refurbishment of this area. We look forward to seeing the space well used by our children, both young and old as they move through Year 12 over the coming years.

Community Events When we commenced the 2021 school year, we had high hopes of being able to continue with our aims of friend and fundraising through large scale events. At that stage, the Delta variant was unheard of and we commenced the planning for our Casino Royale Cocktail Party with great enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, given the restrictions in place at the time, we had to make the very difficult decision not to go ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the Cocktail Party. Their efforts will not go to waste, as we have been lucky enough to be able to reschedule for Term 3 2022.

Focusing on connectedness, we were pleased to host our first whole College event for some time, a Christmas Picnic on Sunday 7 November. It was a nice way to bring our families together towards the end of the school year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mercedes community for their support of the MP&FA throughout this year. I would also like to thank the MP&FA Committee members who so generously give their time to support our wonderful College community. On behalf of the MP&FA, I wish you all a safe and happy end to the school year and a very blessed Christmas. We look forward to bringing you some wonderful events in 2022.

Jo Cowain MP&FA Chairperson

This year our first Mercurean event was something a little different. On 26 March 2021, we moved our Mercureans drinks to the Sunken Garden. It was an evening full of fun and laughter with everyone sharing wonderful memories of their children’s time at the school.

The generosity of those attending, both by donating prizes and purchasing tickets, allowed us to conduct a raffle, proceeds of which will go to our Annual Mercurean Award presented to a Year 11 student each year.

In 2021, this award was won by Sophia Perez.

The Mercureans is a fantastic way for past parents to continue to enjoy the Mercedes community spirit and keep their connection with the friends they made at the College. I encourage all past parents to attend our functions.

Chris McMahon Mercureans Chairperson

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

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Old Scholar receives the 2021 Mercy Award One of the ways that we show our commitment to being people of Mercy is to present a member of our community with the Mercy Award. Our Mercy Award recipients are people who have in their life and work been great examples of mercy in action.

The winner of the Mercy Award for 2021 is – Dr Emma Tippett Emma began her schooling at Mercedes in 1987 in Year 1 and graduated in 1998 in Year 12. She was an SRC leader and epitomised all the Mercy Keys during her schooling. Emma went on to become an experienced and highly respected infectious diseases doctor dedicating her career to helping the vulnerable and sick. She initially focused on HIV (in which she obtained a PhD) but following her graduation as a doctor she has widened her expertise. She has spent time working in Indigenous health and treating tuberculosis in developing countries in the Pacific and Africa.

From the beginning of the COVID pandemic Emma has been at the frontline caring for those ill with COVID, rolling out a vaccination programme and assisting with the formulation of a plan to manage the disease going forward. There could not be a better recipient in these crazy times than a female doctor dedicating herself to rid society of this virus.

As Emma is currently living in Melbourne and was unable to accept the award in person her parents attended the Mercy Day Mass on 24 September and accepted the award on Emma’s behalf.

‘Like’ Mercedes Old Scholars on Instagram Search mercedescollegeos

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Anne Morse MOSA Executive Officer 540 Fullarton Road, Springfield South Australia 5062 T +61 8 8202 9429 F +61 8 8379 9540

MOSA MATTERS

‘Like’ Mercedes Old Scholars on MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021 Facebook Search Mercedes College Old Scholars Adelaide

amorse@mercedes.catholic.edu.au www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au

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From The President

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Inaugural MOSA Scholarship

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The Strathspey Society

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2021 MOSA Committee

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MOSA AGM

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Emma working in Papua New Guinea

Congratulations

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Emma in her Year 12 Class Photo

In Memorium

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Emma at the Class of 1998 20 Year Reunion in 2018

From The Archives

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Reunions

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MOSA Sport

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MOSA Week

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MOSA Bursary

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MOSA Career Mentoring

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Engagements

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Weddings

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Births

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with fellow old scholars Sarah Burgemeister and Abby Burdon nee Coleman

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Josh Fanning with inaugural John Fanning Award

recipient Seamus Flaherty at Mercy Day 2021

ISSUE 2 2021

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

From the President As this year draws to an end, we reflect upon another period of uncertainty and change. However, it is inspiring to see our old scholars still achieving so much in so many areas. If you look at the MOSA facebook and Instagram pages at any time, you will see acclaimed actors, Olympians, politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs and so many other examples of the ways in which our old scholars have had an amazing impact on their communities, their industries or the world. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than by this year’s recipient of the College Mercy Award, Dr Emma Tippett. Emma is a highly respected infectious diseases doctor, who has been on the COVID frontline in Victoria from the very start of the pandemic, and whose work and dedication strongly reflect the College values such as compassion and responsibility.

The MOSA Scholarship was one of three initiatives offered in the College’s Annual Giving Programme. We are so grateful to the old scholars and other members of our community who have generously donated towards the MOSA Scholarship, either as part of the Annual Giving, at reunions or on other occasions. As you may be aware, the inaugural MOSA Scholarship was awarded in 2020, and provides the opportunity for an external student to attend senior school at the College.

MOSA is very appreciative of the support received from our Old Scholar and College community for the inaugural MOSA Scholarship awarded last year to a student in Year 10 for three years of senior schooling.

In 2022 we will be advertising for our second scholarship for a student to commence at Mercedes in Year 10 in 2023. One of the key aims of this scholarship is to enable students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a Mercedes education.

We need your help to ensure MOSA can continue to provide scholarships and make a difference to the lives of future Mercedes College students.

Make a one off donation Make a pledge for a set amount over a number of years Make a monthly credit card payment Bank Transfer Payments: BSB: 085 005 Acc No: 585194444 Reference details as MOSA and full name

Our old scholar sporting clubs continue to attract “new” old scholars and excel in their respective competitions. The Old Collegians Soccer Club won the Championship in the Division 2 Mens competition of the Collegiate League, and the Netball Club were runners up in their division of the SA United Church Competition. It was also an amazing achievement to see the Unley Mercedes Jets field a Senior Womens team for the first time ever.

Cheques payable to: Mercedes Old Scholars’ Association

For more MOSA announcements and events, as well as the adventures of many old scholars and the ‘Flashback Friday’ posts, you can follow us through our Facebook page and Instagram account and look for us soon on LinkedIn.

Online donations to the MOSA Scholarship are open all year at:

In order to continue its work for the benefit for old scholars, MOSA relies upon the dedication of our tireless Executive Officer, Anne Morse, and the voluntary committee members who generously give up time and effort during their busy lives to continue the work of MOSA. My great thanks go to committee members Ellen Watson (Vice-President), Phil White (Treasurer), Justin Busse, Rob Cardone, Elsa Conlon, Alisha Hart, Ryan Hood, Brianna Watson and Adriana Weling.

For more information please contact Anne Morse: amorse@mercedes.catholic.edu.au

Jessica Whitford nee Basso (1998)

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Inaugural MOSA Scholarship

Phone payments welcome: (08) 8372 3200 Donate online

trybooking.com/au/donate/mosa

MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

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The Strathspey Society

2021 MOSA Committee

Each one of us has a personal story, a unique connection to this wonderful Mercedes community. For some, a sense of appreciation and a strong belief in the power of education is providing the impetus to give something back to Mercedes College.

The following committee members were elected at the MOSA Annual General meeting on Monday 15 March 2021:

At a recent old scholar gathering for students from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, one of our founding Strathspey Society members, Lou McLennan (1972-1976), shared her personal story on what prompted her to arrange a bequest to Mercedes College in her Will.

Treasurer: Phil White (2007)

“My time at Mercedes has had a life-long impact upon me.

My education provided me with a strong belief that education is the way out of poverty. This has prompted me to arrange a bequest in my Will. The terms of the McLennan Scholarship will enable a student, who would not normally have the opportunity to attend Mercedes, to be provided with an education from Year 8 to 12. The recipient of this Scholarship does not have to have any special skills or attributes – just a willingness to do his or her best.”

Ryan Hood (2002)

The Strathspey Society specifically honours and recognises those old scholars, past staff and friends of Mercedes who have included a philanthropic gift to the College as part of their Will. We are indebted to our founding Strathspey Society members, Past Principal, Catherine Alcock (1998-2004), and old scholar, Lou McLennan, who have taken on the role of Bequest Ambassadors.

We invite you, after putting your family first, to consider leaving a bequest to Mercedes College. A gift of this kind will represent the lasting effect the Mercedes community left on your own life, and play a pivotal role in securing the future of the College.

If you would like further information on the ways you may consider leaving a gift to Mercedes College in your Will, please don’t hesitate to contact Anne Morse, Development Officer Old Scholars, on 8372 3200 or amorse@mercedes.catholic.edu.au. Please be assured that any discussions will be treated with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.

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Cathy Tilley and Lou McLennan at the MOSA 1950s, 60s and

70s lunch

President: Jess Whitford nee Basso (1998) Vice President: Ellen Watson (2014)

Committee Members: Justin Busse (1988)

Rob Cardone (2003) Alisha Hart nee Rogowski (2005) Adriana Weling nee Ceravolo (2008) Brianna Watson (2017) Elsa Conlon (2017) 2

L-R Back: Ryan Hood, Phil White, Ellen Watson, Anne Morse, Justin Busse L-R Front: Rob Cardone, Adriana Weling, Alisha Hart, Jessica Whitford, Brianna Watson, Elsa Conlon

Annual General Meeting The MOSA Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 14 March 2022 at 7.00pm in The Staffroom at Mercedes College.

All old scholars are invited to attend.

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Congratulations

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MOSA congratulates the following old scholars who have excelled in a wide variety of fields during 2021.

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Anna Bardsley-Jones (2007)

Anna is the recipient of the 2021 Adelaide Advertising and Design Club (AADC) President’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the local creative communications industry and the AADC. 2

Ansuya Nathan (1995)

Ansuya is one of six screenwriting creatives from across Australia to have been selected as inaugural participants in the Emerging Writers’ Incubator, an initiative from SBS in partnership with Screen Australia and state and territory agencies including the SAFC. Ansuya is a world renowned writer and actress who produced an outstanding performance in the recent thought-provoking play Hibernation at the Playhouse Theatre.

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Emily Abbott (2014)

Emily won a gold medal in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the 2021 Oceanic Championships with the Australian Senior Group and represented Australia at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year. She was part of the first rhythmic gymnastics group to represent Australia at the Olympics.

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Isobel Hume (2013)

Isobel won The Sally and Andrew Smith Prize at the University of Adelaide School of Agriculture Food and Wine 2021 Post Graduate Symposium.

Isobel is currently studying a PhD and her project is centered around urban sustainability through urban farming.

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Dr Heather Neilly nee Springbett

(2001) Heather is a post doctorate researcher with the Australian Landscape Trust and is the winner of the 2021 Wiley Next Generation Ecologist Award.

Heather will present a plenary on her research at the Ecological Society of Australia Annual Conference in November.

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Jordan Steffens (2007)

Strong man Jordan Steffens is the Guiness World Records record holder of the month for September. He pulled the heaviest locomotive in the world weighing 203.9 tons at Mount Barker earlier this year.

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Kate Croser (1995) and

Kate Butler (1995) Kate Croser and Kate Butler were producers of the TV series First Day which received a prestigious International Kids Emmy Award in October. The four part ABC drama, filmed in Adelaide in 2019, took out the best live action series category.

Kate Croser is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the SA Film Corporation and Kate Butler is the Production and Development Executive Producer at KOJO Studios Adelaide.

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Kelli Underwood (1994)

Kelli has received the high accolade of Lifetime Membership of the Australian Football Media Association for her 20 years of outstanding achievements in the football media.

A quote from journalist Gerard Whately: “Kelli is a global pioneer in the coverage of sports and we are lucky to have her passion, ability and courage within our footy industry.”

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Mark Saturno (1990)

Mark is a talented actor who has starred in and won awards in many theatre productions.

This year he was a standout in Hibernation alongside fellow old scholar Ansuya Nathan and followed up starring in Glengarry Glen Ross at the Bakehouse Theatre where he was equally brilliant.

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Matt Hagias (2006)

Matt is the co-writer of Footy Banners: A Complete Run-Through Matt’s book hit the shelves earlier this year and is a wonderful collection of historical images, stories and unforgettable moments that pay homage to one of football’s longest-lasting rituals – the team banner.

Matt is currently the Head of Sports Communications at the Foxtel Group in Sydney.

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Olivia Sandery (2020)

At the recent Awards ceremony for Athletics SA Olivia won the individual award for U20 Athlete of the Year for Road, Cross County and Walks. She also won the SARWC Perpetual Trophy for Most Outstanding Race Walker.

Olivia is now the State record holder in U20 10,000m Walk by winning a national gold medal at the Australasian Track and Field Championships.

MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

In Memoriam We are saddened by the passing of the following old scholars and staff and we extend our sincere sympathy to their family and friends.

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Sr Christine Keain RSM

Sr Christine Keain RSM (Marguerita) passed away peacefully on 20 March 2021 aged 87 years.

Sr Christine was a much loved Sister of Mercy for nearly 70 years and she was in charge of the boarders at Mercedes between 1964 and 1973.

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Jan McClure nee Cranwell (1956)

1/1/1938 – 14/5/2021 Jan was a Foundation student at Mercedes in 1954.

She was a much loved member of the 1950s and 60s old scholars’ lunch group and regularly attended MOSA events despite ill health in her later life. Her close friend Marji Collison recalled their special bond spanning over 70 years.

“I am reminded of our time at Mercedes and friendships cemented for life and how much we enjoyed our Mercedes lunches along with other meetings for coffee etc. I feel privileged to have had your exceptional friendship over many decades, a gift that I will treasure forever. Jan, your stoic application in all facets of life has been inspirational.

God love, bless and keep you in his care.”

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Pauline Phillips nee Mason –

27/12/1944 - 30/12/2020 Pauline attended Mercedes as a student and boarder from 1958 to 1960. She enjoyed keeping in contact with friends from that time, and went to a number of school reunions over the years.

Pauline was an infinitely kind, chatty and intelligent lady who enriched the lives of her friends, family and community. She had great faithfulness to God and a great love and devotion to the Church. As Sacristan for St. Josephs in Penola she meticulously ironed purifiers and finger towels, cleaned altar cloths and kept candles at the correct height – a job she learnt at boarding school. While she will be missed, she continues to serve as a reminder of commitment, faithfulness and love.

Georgina Gilbert nee Gilchrist (1975) 28/3/57 – 1/5/21 Georgina attended Mercedes from 1963-1974.

As a Reception student in 1963 she was the youngest boarder in the history of the College.

Georgina worked at the Julia Farr Centre as an enrolled nurse before moving to Alice Springs.

She battled ill health for many years but was always very positive and courageous.

She is survived by her husband Greg, son John, daughter Sally and their families.

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Nancy Brady nee Douglas-Irving OAM

(1986) 26/9/1969 – 1/8/2021 Nancy’s bravery in the face of adversity placed her at the forefront of the development of organ-transplant technology in Australia. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age three, had complete kidney failure at 18 and survived kidney/pancreas transplant failures, cardiac arrest and many other debilitating setbacks. But Nancy never gave up and was determined to live life to the fullest.

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She built her life around world travel, co-founding a charity in 1998 for people on dialysis called Dialysis Escape Line Australia. She took dialysis groups on tours and cruises and she helped to establish the conducting of a broad range of transplant operations in SA. In 2005 Nancy received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her community service.

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Sophie Putland (2005)

Sophie died on 4 September, 2021 aged 33 years.

She graduated from Mercedes College in 2005 and on leaving school Sophie achieved her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Roseworthy. Sophie was the first intake of Vet Science students at Adelaide University’s brand new vet school. Sophie started working in VET practices in South Australia but found her speciality in Animal Emergency. She loved solving complex problems and medicines and was highly regarded in this area. In 2019, Sophie moved to an Animal Emergency clinic in Melbourne but more recently had set up her own small business undertaking locum work. Sophie touched so many with her compassion, her insight, her wisdom, her exceptional intelligence and skills and incredible work ethic. A gofundme (Sophie Putland Legacy) site to support the well being of vet staff has been setup in memory of Sophie.

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Jacqueline Dignan nee Coverdale (1957) Loretta Hanna nee Coghlan (1963) Evelyn Lee nee Yen (1986) Kelly Quinlan (1988) Alexander Shakib (2020) 5

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

From the Archives Excerpts from a photo album from old scholars Deidre Pyle nee Mahony (1962) and Denise Backhouse nee Mahony (1962)

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In 2010 MOSA held a week of old scholar activities culminating in Community Day on 2 May. Old scholars Deidre Pyle and Denise Backhouse travelled to Adelaide from Western Australia to take part in the activities and to meet up with old scholars from the 1950s and 60s.

On their return they searched for old school photos and sent us a trip down memory lane.

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Below are some of their photos from the late 1950s and early 1960s along with photos from Community Day and MOSA Week in 2010.

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Denise Backhouse, MOSA President

Caroline Schaeffer nee Whyte (1963) and Deidre Pyle at Community Day in 2010

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Ruth Shea nee McEntee (1959) at

Mercedes during MOSA Week in 2010

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The MOSA tent at Community Day with MOSA Committee members Dan Moloney (2005) and Joseph Scales (2007)

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Students model old uniforms at the

MOSA Assembly in 2010

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1959 Second Year Class

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1960 Intermediate Class

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College Chaplain Fr Mulvihill

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1961 Sports Day

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1961 Sports Day

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1960 Ballet

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1960 Basketball teams

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1961 Boarders

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1958 Dalton House

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1961 Legionnaires

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1961 Picnic

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Princess Chrysantheum play

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1958 Lady Lourdes Choir

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Class of 1980

Class of 2001

40 Year Reunion | Saturday 10 April 2021 (rescheduled from 2020)

Class of 2001 20 Year Reunion | 20 March 2021

Leading up to our 40th School reunion I remember feeling a little anxious and nervous. 40 years since leaving my schoolmates and during that time apart we have all lived a lifetime of differing careers and opportunities. Who will attend, what will the night be like?

On arriving at the venue, Sparkke on Whitmore, the excitement and trepidation increased. But on entering the premises, the apprehension washed away. Immediately there were one, two, three friends recognised from long ago. All speaking at once, we ascended the stairs eager to see more familiar faces. Oh what a joy, how exciting, so many of us were there. We didn’t stop talking and laughing all night.

We were amused at photos from our school annuals and recollected events and memories from long ago. We asked of each other’s families, sharing in moments of grief at the passing of those we knew.

It was an event we did not want to end, and carried on into the wee hours of the next morning.

This was the MOSA 40 Year School Reunion, Class of 1980.

Brigitte Jolliffe 1

L-R: Class of 1980

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L-R: Mary-Anne Andermahr, Brigitte Jolliffe nee Roach,

Sue Rieger nee Burville L-R: David Coorey, Scott Dawson, Adrian Scott

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The Mercedes College Class of 2001 were excited to celebrate their 20 Year Reunion on Saturday 20 March 2021 with a tour of the college followed by a cocktail function at The Seven Stars Hotel. A great turn-out of 50 people attended and most could not believe how many had not changed a bit since Year 12!

The school tour evoked many fond memories and comments of “How lucky we were to go to school here and how much we did not appreciate it at the time!” All were delighted to catch up with teachers Bill Gaynor, Alessandra Miles, Liz Bondar, Maria Wong, Josh Roach, John Gibson and Tony O’Doherty, and we thank them for making the effort to attend.

Special mention should go to those who travelled from interstate: Kim Webster (Harrison) and Paula Crafar (Howe) from Melbourne, Jessica Stuart (Goss) and Michelle Morrison (Trewartha) from Sydney, Lee Corey from Darwin and Pip Hutchinson (Mason) from Cairns.

Also huge thanks to Anne Morse – organiser extraordinaire, MOSA President Jess Whitford (Basso) for helping host at Strathspey and Dan Fullerton (The Seven Stars Hotel) for providing a great venue.

We are all looking forward to the 25 Year celebration!

Anna Threadgold nee Haymes and Bree Alexander nee Coombe 4

Class of 2001

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L-R: Di Routley, Dan Fullerton, Chris Zotti, Jet O’Rourke

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L-R: Josie Lombardi, Danielle Laundy nee Ayliffe, Bree Alexander

nee Coombe, Jodi Grunert nee Morena, Lee Corey

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L-R: Louise Persico Sellers, Paula Crafar nee Howe, Anna

Threadgold nee Haymes, Hannah Puyenbroek nee Bowley, Heather Neilly nee Springbett, Felicity Davies nee Watson

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Class of 2011 Class of 2016 Class of 2020 Class of 2011 10 Year Reunion | 1 May 2021

Class of 2016 5 Year Reunion | 7 August 2021

Class of 2020 1 Year Reunion | 8 September 2021

On 1 May old scholars from The Class of 2011 celebrated their 10 Year Reunion with drinks and a school tour followed by cocktail food at The Parkside Hotel.

On 7 August old scholars from The Class of 2016 celebrated their 5 Year Reunion at The Parkside Hotel. It was the second attempt at holding their reunion with the first one cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

On 8 September old scholars from The Class of 2020 returned to Mercedes for their first reunion. Old scholars gathered in the Sunken Garden and were welcomed by Principal Mr Andrew Balkwill. MOSA Executive Officer Anne Morse invited the graduates to be part of the Mercedes Old Scholars’ Association and continue their connection with the College.

Old scholars were invited to be part of the MOSA Career Mentoring Programme, attend Retreats, Excursions and Camps and take on coaching roles with College sporting teams.

Old scholars gathered in The Parlour in Strathspey and MOSA President Jess Whitford welcomed everyone and shared MOSA news with the old scholars. Old scholars enjoyed a tour of the school before adjourning to The Parkside Hotel.

We were delighted to welcome interstate old scholars Nick Marshall from Sydney and Charne Hamman, Jack Patterson and Courtney Miller from Melbourne.

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Class of 2011

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L-R: Nick Marshall, Courtney Miller, Josh

Cameron, Alec Barwa-Bosco, Lachlan McRae, Blaine Gillan

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L-R: Bernadette Klavins, Josh Weber,

Jenna McDonald, Charne Hamman, Jessica Bajger, Sarah Donovan

A large number attended despite some apologies from interstate old scholars due to COVID. Old scholars were in great spirits and enjoyed catching up with their fellow graduates.

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L-R: Ollie Briffa, Olivia Jaud, Alex Diamond, Charlotte Ryan, Gaby Brien, Sophie Smith, Amelia Day

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L-R: Brad McCarthy, Harry Roffe, Henry Wood, Mick Davey, Oli Patterson

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L-R: Charlotte Smith, Hannah Edwards, Oscar Munn, Jonathon Mbibi, Nicole Chwaja, Mitch McEntee, Lachie Smith, Izak Coombe, Jimmy Cameron

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L-R: Aimee van Diermen, Meg Fletcher

Old scholars received their 2020 Yearbooks, Graduation Ball photos and the link to their Year 12 DVD with highlights of their final year of school.

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Class of 2020

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L-R: Aspen Wagner, Henry Baker, Amelie

Seychell, Olivia Sandery

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L-R: Luke Warburton, Matt Robertson,

Mr Paul Wadsworth, Lascelle Watkins

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L-R: Joseph Brayley, Libby Chisholm,

Jess Blight, Hannah Ziesing, Ruby Ward, Helen Pavloudis

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Football

Cricket

Scott Thompson and Aless Raschella will be coaching next season.

The Mercedes Old Collegians’ Cricket team is thrilled to have recruited recently graduated Luke Warburton and past player Joc O’Connell for the season. The team opened the rain interrupted start to the season with a 130 run victory over Kilburn. Old scholars Angus Kelly (3/10) and Joc O’Connell (33, 1/10) were standout performers.

These are very exciting appointments with Scott having played 269 games for the Adelaide Crows and 308 AFL games in total. He is a 2 time Malcolm Blight Medallist. Scott has moved into the Senior Coach role after last season assisting, with great effect, the young mid-field playing group.

It is also fantastic to see Aless, a Mercedes old scholar, appointed the Women’s Coach. She figured prominently in the inaugural season of women’s footy at the Unley Mercedes Jets.

The team finished the season with 3 wins and a draw and were very competitive in most other games. The players shall obviously benefit from that first season and, with an expected influx of new players, a bright future awaits women’s footy at the Unley Mercedes Jets.

It is also particularly exciting to know that next season all teams shall have the benefit of excellent amenities with the re-development of the Kingswood Clubrooms having now been completed.

There is now also great viewing from an expanded 5 metre balcony - all old scholars and their families are encouraged to watch games and/or attend functions in a wonderful environment.

Mercedes Old Scholars were again prominent at the Annual Awards Night. Riley Faehrmann (2017), Oliver Cheesman (2018) and Andy Khabbaz (2009), incidentally all mid-fielders under the influence of Scott Thompson, were the stand-out players last season. Riley just pipped Ollie for the Best & Fairest trophy & Andy received the Most Consistent player award. Alistair Salt (2017) also had a top year and received an award for Most Improved player. In other grades Nick Cousins (2017), Conor Leahy (2020) & Tate Steele (2020) also had their excellent efforts rewarded.

The Women’s Awards saw Caitlin Cardone (2008) finish Runner-up Best & Fairest. Aless Raschella (2019) was the very popular recipient of the inaugural Women’s Culture & Influence Award.

After a couple of challenging years, the 2022 season promises to be a successful one, both on and off the field of play. The Mercedes graduating class of 2021, and indeed all old scholars, are warmly invited to get involved with the Unley Mercedes Jets.

MOSA Representative on Unley Mercedes Jets Committee 1

Conor Leahy (2020), Tate Steele (2020) and Andrew Khabbaz (2009)

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Riley Faehrmann (2017) and Oliver Cheesman (2018)

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Caitlin Cardone (2008) and Aless Raschella (2019)

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Unley Mercedes Jets Inaugural Women’s Team

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Paul O’Callaghan (2009) 5

David Petch

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We are fortunate to be playing another season at Waite Oval and are thankful for the school’s and in particular Anne Morse’s continued support. The team this year will include a strong mix of old scholars, Mercedes teachers and friends of the community but we are always keen to have new players join. If anyone in the Mercedes community is interested in playing cricket for the Mercedes Old Collegians’ Camels Cricket team, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Paul O’Callaghan (M: 0448 668 891) if you are interested in more information.

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Old scholars and staff playing in the team include: Logan Hill (Staff), Tim McEvoy (2003), Ryan O’Callaghan (2004), Angus Kelly (2007), Joc O’Connell (2007), Paul O’Callaghan (2009), Matt Crocker (2009), Ross Pickering (2011), Luke Heaslip (2013), Luke Warburton (2020).

MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Soccer

Netball

After a disappointing 2020 season, MOCSC mens teams enjoyed much more success in 2021, as our A grade took out the division 2A championship and won the team’s first silverware in over 10 years. Meanwhile, our B and C grades finished 2nd and 3rd respectively to round out a great season across the board.

We had one team represent MOSA Netball in the SAUCNA Open Women’s Netball division in Winter 2021. Our ladies played consistently well all season finishing second after the completion of the minor round and unfortunately being defeated by just two goals in the B1 grand final. The girls should be proud of their improvement over the season, their commitment to the club and each other.

Our community welcomed many new members to both our playing and coaching staff this season, with Paul Keogh in particular making a big impact in his first year coaching the B grade team alongside Andy Kay. Matt Smith took charge of the A grade for the first time and Marten Roex returned to coach the C grade.

The Women’s team (The Martinis) ended their first season in Division 4 with their heads held high beating every team in the competition at least once and finishing in fifth position. The team’s positive culture and attitude is the envy of opposition teams and the team looks forward to what the future has in store. A huge thank you to coach Alisdair Rodgers who has been instrumental in the development of the positive culture of the team.

We would like to thank our 2021 club sponsors; The Gilbert Street Hotel, Nairne Veterinary Clinic, Bondar Wines, and most importantly MOSA. Without their support, the success of our club would not have been possible in 2021.

The club now looks towards 2022, as all of our teams move up to a higher division and build upon the foundations put in place this season.

Find ‘Mercedes Old Collegians Soccer Club’ on Facebook to stay updated or even better, sign up to play!

Ben Yeates (2014) and Sarah Reynolds (2014)

For the summer season we have entered three MOSA Netball teams into the competition which is a new record for MOSA Netball! We look forward to another strong season with teams now in A3, A5 and B2 divisions. MOSA Netball is a friendly and welcoming netball club where you can maintain both your fitness and connection to the Mercedes College community. All new players and umpires are always welcome. Please email mosanetball@gmail.com if you are interested in joining.

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B1 Winter Runners Up L-R Back: Tara Licciardi (2013), Hayley Taeuber (2009), Portia De Savi (2016), Tiffany Jansons (2012), Sarah Crocker (2013), Elysha Reardon (2009) L-R Front: Alexandra Blunden ((2013), Meghan Wise, Laura Hayward nee Taormina (2002), Lidia Gray nee Taormina (2007)

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A5 Summer Team L-R: Eila Moffat, Ashleigh Day, Hayley Taeuber (2009), Amber Lloyde (2017), Amelia Carter (2015), Alice Gain (2018), Tayla Lloyde (2017), Niamh Leah (2017)

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A3 Summer Team L-R Back: Milly Atkinson, Carly Payne (Coach), Sonia Dahdah, Mhairi Madigan, Clementine Luke, Shauna Gallant L-R Front: Olivia Marschall, Maddi Antony (2017), Kate Brockhurst

Go Green.

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MOCSC A’s

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Womens Soccer

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MOCSC Supers

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

MOSA Week A Celebration of the Mercedes Old Scholars’ Community MOSA Liturgy and Lunch

On Wednesday 6 October old scholars from the 1950s, 60s and 70s attended a Liturgy of the Word in the Mercy Lecture Theatre with Deacon Andrew Kirkbride as the celebrant. The theme was the Mercy Key of Justice and old scholars Bea Conley, Cathy Lamshed, Lou McLennan and Cathy Tilley read the Responsorial Psalm, the First Reading and the Prayers of Intercession.

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Old scholars gathered for lunch after the Liturgy in the Staffroom and enjoyed a slide show of photos from the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Many of the old scholars in attendance meet bi-monthly for lunch and Jan Richardson invited everyone to their Christmas Lunch on Monday 6 December at 12pm at Piccoli Piatti, 21-23 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide.

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MOSA Playdate and School Tour

On Monday 18 October old scholars and prospective parents enjoyed a school tour with Head of the Junior School Kellie Osborn while their children were entertained with balloon twisting and craft actvities.

After the tour parents and children enjoyed morning tea and coffee in the Peppertree Playground.

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A big thank you to Nicole from Nifty Entertainers and our four Middle School Leaders who ensured the children were entertained and well looked after.

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Toyah Swanson nee Fiebiger (2000) and son Darcy

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Marc De Maaijer (1994), son Luca and Sera Crilley nee

Perre (1994) with son Isaac

3

Middle School leaders Quisha Branajaya, Coco Taylor and Benji

Hughes at the MOSA Playdate

4

Nathan Weber (2008), Ivy Weber and daughter Leah

4

MOSA Bursary Congratulations to Jacob Mackenzie who has been awarded the annual MOSA Bursary.

The MOSA Bursary is awarded to a graduating Year 12 student who has overcome personal challenges to reach his/her greatest potential while at Mercedes.

Jacob has been involved in the Arts and Sporting endeavours through his time at the College and has made selfless contributions to his peers, his College and most importantly his family while completing his studies.

He is a very worthy recipient of the award.

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Career Mentoring Once again a large number of old scholars ensured the MOSA Career Mentoring Programme was a big success with students receiving career information from recent graduates and others already qualified and working in their chosen fields.

Comments from two mentors below: “Just wanted to say thank you for having me on Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students and discussing trade careers.

Students presented with unbelievable interpersonal skills and attitude to match and it was an absolute pleasure to meet them.”

Dan Naylor (2001) - Trades “I just wanted to say a big thank you for reaching out and asking me to be a part of the Career Mentoring Programme this year. It was a wonderful experience! I loved getting to chat to the students and help them in their decision making.”

Engagements 1

Andrea Fairlie (2007) was engaged to Ginil Fernandez on 15 May 2021.

2

Ashwin

Nathan (2005) was engaged to Geri Raven on 14 August 2021.

3

en Keam (2009) was engaged to Sarah Joy Kelleher on B 17 October 2020.

4

rancesca Trott (2007) was engaged to Ben Chehade on F 5 March 2021.

5

J ames Licciardi (2014) was engaged to Riley Johns on 4 May 2021.

6

J ana Andriopoulous (2010) was engaged to Harrison Hughes (2010) on 30 May 2021.

7

L uke Crocker (2011) was engaged to Sarah Swan on 31 May 2021.

8

Sarah Williams (2012) was engaged to Will Batty (2007) on 16 June 2021.

9

Tara Licciardi (2013) was engaged to George Heliotis on 28 May 2021.

Tayla Lloyd (2017) – Speech Pathology 1

Year 11 Mentoring - Nutrition students with mentors

Kacie Dickinson (2003) and Jasmine Poole (2017)

2

Year 12 Mentors

3

Year 12 Mentoring - Business and Entrepreneurship students with

mentors Brianna Watson (2017) and Davie Fogarty (2012)

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

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MOSA Matters Issue 2 2021

Weddings and Births Weddings 10

11

12

1

Alex Canale (2003) married Sarah Calvert on 4 June 2021 at the Coppersea Distillery in upstate New York. The Canale family held a virtual wedding at their home at Craigburn Farm attended by 14 guests including Emily Canale (2012), Michael Buckingham (2003), Kacie Dickinson (2003), Tom Delaney (2003). James Canale (2006) and Matt Basso (2003) also attended virtually from Melbourne.

2

Dominic Parker (2008) married Jessica Dawson on 13 March 2021 at Mount Lofty House. Dominic’s brother Aaron Parker (2004) was a member of the bridal party.

3

Jamie Craig (2006) married Clare Hodgson (2006) on 10 April 2021 at Treasury 1860.

4

Jennifer Quirk (2010) married Brodie Curtis on 9 April 2021 at St Patrick’s Church, Adelaide. Old scholars in the bridal party included Tim Quirk (2013) and Ben Quirk (2015).

5

J ono Kaitatzis (2007) married Kayla de Groot at his parents’ residence at Aldgate.

Old scholars in the bridal party included Chris Kaitatzis (2006), Tom Rodger (2007), Tim Burford (2007), Lucas Vaccarella (2007) and Will Batty (2007).

6

J osh Fanning (2001) married Laura Danvers on 6 March 2021 on the beach at The Pines, Yorke Peninsula

7

L auren Petch (2007) married Adam Leaney on 10 April at St Paul’s, The Monastery at Glen Osmond. Old scholars in the bridal party included Liz Glamuzina (2007) and Jessica Furfari (2007).

8

L ucy Mitchell (2006) married Nick Kris on 8 May 2021 at St Paul’s, The Monastery at Glen Osmond. Old scholars in the bridal party included Adriana Talotta (2006) and Laura Cooper (2006). The wedding cars were supplied by Stuart Mitchell and Henry Mitchell (2004).

9

P eter Buckingham (2004) married Nicolle Hancock on 17 April 2021 at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Old scholars in the bridal party included Pat Iwanyshyn (2004) and Ben Turner (2004).

13

Births 14

10

A naelle Smith nee Lemasson (2008) and Russell Smith welcomed Rupert Gaspard James Smith on 3 September 2021.

11

H annah Davis (2002) and Angus Blowes welcomed Archie William Blowes on 24 February 2021 in Randwick, New South Wales.

12

J ack Booker (2012) and Nissa Booker welcomed Lorcan William Booker on 30 December 2020.

13

K aterina Raptis nee Paraskevopoulos (2007) and Alexander Raptis (2007) welcomed Victoria Patricia Raptis on 26 March 2012.

14

M iranda Spencer nee Proferes (2005) and Simon Spencer welcomed Freddie Nic holas Spencer on 30 May 2021.

15

O livia Cullen nee Urbaniec (2001) and Daniel Cullen welcomed Phoebe Olive Cullen in March 2021 – a sister for Owen.

16

S arah Longden nee De Gennaro (2010) and Matt Longden welcomed Dustin Matthew Longden on 11 October 2020.

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Compassion Loyalty Justice Integrity Responsibility Mutual Respect

540 Fullarton Road, Springfield, SA 5062 T +61 8 8372 3200 F +61 8 8379 9540 mercedes@mercedes.catholic.edu.au mercedes.catholic.edu.au

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