From the Principal

learning is lifelong and something that never ends From the Principal

The tree that bends in the wind, survives, and then thrives. With this in mind, we have continued to adapt to circumstances and make the best of each situation: a welcome and rewarding constant in a world of change, this year, and for the Class of 2022, all three years with our Senior School.

From the start of the academic year, adaptability has been the order of the day. Together we have overcome the challenges of a normalising pandemic, enabling students to pursue their learning, friendships and growth, which they do with a welcome sense of optimism and enthusiasm.

Their nimbleness and ability to adapt, are lifelong lessons that will serve them well in the years ahead, as it does our teaching and specialist staff who have been with them all the way this year.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022

At our Year 12 Graduation Ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre in October, I reminded students and their families alike, that for the open minded, learning is lifelong and one that never ends. It was also a wonderful time to reflect and acknowledge achievements, celebrate accomplishments, and herald the next chapter in these young lives. It was an honour to personally congratulate each of our graduates and celebrate their milestone with family and friends at their Graduation Ball in November – marking the end of one chapter and the opening of another. Graduations are joyous, with the many and varied talents of our clever and likeable young people showcased. Everyone can be proud of what our graduates achieve, appreciating that while all growth is rarely easy or comfortable – instead a challenge with reward. For our teachers guiding young people in their learning, personal development, and growth, is a privilege. Mercedes College teachers are special – experts in their field, with a rare level of care lived by actions. Just one example, is the many hours teachers invested during the school holidays to guide our Year 12 students through their learning and preparation for assessments and examinations.

Mercedes College has a rich and valued culture centred on quality relationships. This can make saying goodbye hard yet holding good people back from what’s next for them, is out of step with our responsibility of providing a place where everyone can flourish and find their best.

As 2022 draws to a close, we farewell some much-loved faces at Mercedes College, yet in wishing them well, we also open the door for others to enter, to flourish and shine. In particular I thank Paul Wadsworth for his leadership, integrity and compassion over many years of service as our Deputy Principal. In many ways an unsung hero of the College going about his

Their nimbleness and ability to adapt are lifelong lessons that will serve them well in the years ahead.

days with humility and service. Paul has lived the vision of our Mercy founders and is respected by many. Bill Gaynor and Anne Morse remembered by many of our old scholars both retire after a combined 75 years of service and having a profound impact on the lives of many, many students. All irreplaceable, yet as is the way with Mercedes College, their departure provides opportunity for others to step forward and continue their legacy. To our 2022 College Captains Eric Penna, Abigail Ranford, Amelie Finnimore and Jack Braddy, you’ve served as wonderful ambassadors, with character, fun and true to the Mercy spirit of the College. Welcome also to Chloe Tarasenko, Isabella Barton, Lachlan Fox and Eamon Sibly who take on the mantle for 2023. As another school year comes to a close, I’d like to acknowledge the many wonderful events, achievements and milestones we have observed and experienced since January.

Teaching, learning and creating memories

In late Term 3 our long-awaited and 25th trek to Mimili in the APY Lands got underway providing adventure for all, ahead of Term 4 which is rich in highlights as a year of teaching, learning and growing culminate. In just a few short weeks we have enjoyed a series of memorable moments and events at the College. From our Year 12 Graduation events plus our Year 5 IB Primary Years Programme graduate exhibition showcasing deep inquiry based-learning, Footsteps Dance practice and performances, to our Year 3’s exploring the Woodhouse Activity Centre and Year 10’s geocaching. Throw in a Brass concert, Piano in the Parlour, SACE Art and Design exhibition, a ‘Week without Walls’ for our Middle School learners, a moving Remembrance Day service plus Senior School final assessments and exams and 2023 transition visits, family information sessions, and our superb Year 8 Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, plus summer sport and sports fun days – there’s been much to participate in, celebrate and enjoy.

High performance

Our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 provides a clear sense of direction, defined ambition and alignment of effort that is underpinned by our Master Plan and 10-year Financial Plan. Implementing this sees us improving our facilities, investing in technology and future capability, and building on the excellence synonymous with Mercedes College.

Despite a wet winter, our $25 million investment in a new high performance Arts and Sports Precinct is taking form. This project remains on track to be completed in late 2023, and officially opened in early 2024 – a fitting milestone to mark 70 years of students flourishing at Mercedes College.

When finished, these spaces will be where our students refine their performance skills, train and compete – inside and out – plus celebrate achievements and welcome people to our community. Thank you for your financial donations that together bring our vision to life. To donate, simply visit mercedes.catholic.edu.au/support knowing that every dollar is appreciated and is invested for student benefit. Everyone’s contribution at Mercedes College is appreciated, and we are blessed to have a team of enthusiastic volunteers – parents, grandparents, old scholars and College friends – actively participating in our community by regularly doing something for others. Thank you.

Achieving together

In the three years I have been with Mercedes College, I am proud of what we have achieved together as a community, both in the here and now learning, as well as planning and investing to ensure young people can long enjoy and benefit from the vision of our founders. Providing a high quality education, and positive wellbeing experience to meet changing needs of young people, requires the collective effort of many. Thank you to everyone who helps us do that: our families, volunteers, old scholars, and partner organisations as well as our fantastic staff and the leadership team. Your continued support and commitment to participate, improve and embrace a ‘best better’ approach is very much appreciated. Being part of the Mercedes College community is a blessing, and I wish you all a Holy and Merry Christmas, and every happiness for the New Year.

Andrew Balkwill Principal