Celebrating Students

Celebrating Community

MPFA

2022 was another year impacted by COVID and, although the beginning was marked by home-schooling for some and a staggered start, it is satisfying to know that we finished the year having hosted some of our community’s favourite events.

Once again, the Mercedes College Parents and Friends Association (MPFA) was able to support the Middle School Welcome BBQ, a well-attended and popular event, followed by the inaugural Senior School Welcome BBQ. Blessed with perfect weather for both events, we are proud to be able to support these wonderful functions for our community. This year, for the first time, the MPFA was invited to help cater at Intercol, a Mercedes sporting calendar highlight. Focusing on the netball and football events that draw large crowds, we aimed to enhance the spirit of Intercol and raise some funds. We loved being a part of this wonderful series of events and look forward to being involved again. The second half of the year saw us once again bringing the Disco and the Sports Fun Day lunch and bake stall to the Junior School. Our volunteers especially love these two events and enjoy watching the children have fun. Unfortunately bad weather led to the cancellation of our Christmas Picnic, yet we were so lucky that he sun finally shone the following Thursday and Santa was able to visit, with children and families enjoying some fun and festivity in Santa’s Secret Garden after school. As always, the MPFA is incredibly grateful to our members and volunteers who give their time and energy to help bring these events to our community. We are also grateful for the donations and support we receive from our lovely College families. Whether it be through attending an event, donating items for a bake stall, or choosing to purchase your uniforms from our Second-Hand Uniform Shop, without your support we would not be able to raise the funds that support the College, or grow the incredible connections within our community. We are very proud to have been able to donate to school projects including: • $30,000 donation to the revitalised Year 12 space • $1,000 to the Junior School Sports Department • $50,000 towards the new Junior School playground We would like to thank the MPFA committee members and volunteers, the Mercedes College staff, Mrs Anne Morse from MOSA, and the members of FOTA for their support and encouragement. We wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to your continued support in 2023.

Hike for History

A new feature on the College calendar, this May we welcomed guests ‘beyond the hedge’ to explore the background of Mercedes College as part of South Australia’s History Festival. Walking in the footsteps of Olympic medallists, world-class musicians, actors, and even the Premier of South Australia, attendees got an introduction to the historic Strathspey House built in 1899, the founding of the College in 1954, a first-hand account of boarder antics in the 1950s and 60s, and insight into the surrounding landmarks. A popular morning of insights, keep your eye on the calendar for the 2023 event.

Mercureans

Our Mercurean community has paused functions over the last couple of years while we negotiated COVID, but we’re looking forward to returning with a 2023 Cocktail Party early in the new year – stay tuned!

In the meantime, we are proud to announce that the 2022 Mercurean Award was presented this month to Matthew Dachs in recognition of his scholastic efforts. His tenacity and determination has not dulled his positivity, and we congratulate Matthew on being a generous contributor to the College community. The best of luck for your final year of studies in 2023. The Mercureans is a fantastic way for past parents to remain part of this great community and stay connected to Mercedes College friends. I encourage all past parents to join us for future functions, please contact the College if you wish to be placed on our mailing list.